43 Petals; With the Stars

[asakura_flower]

... Don't leave.

Please.

Not you.

Comments

*action*

[badluckbabe]

[Predictably, Hana's support group seek him out the moment each of them learn about Hoshi's departure. Ryu, Jinx, Sandy, Tiffany and Yu are all looking for him.]

*action*

[asakura_flower]

[Well, he's not looking for them. He's far too busy trapping himself in the space between Hoshis old bed and the wall. It's a very tight squeeze and not all together comfortable but he soon finds comfort in the stability of the wall against his back and the scent of the covers pressed to his face.]

Re: *action*

[badluckbabe]

[Jinx finds him first and soon the rest of them file into the room. Jinx moves onto the bed and sits on the edge]

How you holding up kiddo?

*action*

[asakura_flower]

[Closes his eyes in a vein attempt to shut out everything, trying to trap himself within this moment where it feels his aunt could just walk in from work at any moment, complaining about how tired she was after a long day.]

Re: *action*

[badluckbabe]

[At least they're willing to afford him that silence for now, but you can't stay back there forever Hana]

*action*

[asakura_flower]

[I can try. Soft breathing is all you'll get from him right now, with the occasional choked sob.]

Re: *action*

[badluckbabe]

[Eventually Tiffany gets up to go make dinner and Yu apologizes but she has to go look for her dad. Jinx gets her to promise to take Lily with her though so she won't go getting into trouble...hopefully. Sandy, Ryu and Jinx remain]

*action*

[asakura_flower]

[Sensing movement, his eyes flutter open briefly to spy them leave. He makes a small noise of pain after them as they leave him, the sense of abandonment gnawing at his stomach, glancing about the room with pain filled eyes before withdrawing into himself again.]

Re: *action*

[pompadourpower]

Come here.

[Without more warning then that, and surely without any trouble given his size. Ryu reaches down and scoops Hana out of his little hiding place setting him in his lap]

You're getting to be a big boy Hana.

*action*

[asakura_flower]

[He doesn't feel older. He doesn't even look it when he turns his head upwards, eyes locking with Ryus. The same eyes a much younger Hana had met him with years ago, when his parents had set off, leaving their confused infant of the arms of his surrogate mother, gazing up at a younger Ryu with saddened eyes, unable to understand why his parents where no longer there.]

Re: *action*

[pompadourpower]

[Smiles warmly]

When I look at you I can see them you know? Your parents. They're a part of you. Just like Hoshi is now.

*action*

[asakura_flower]

[A lump builds in his throat and he chokes on another sob, eyes filling with tears before looking down, thick bangs covering face.]

Re: *action*

[pompadourpower]

[Pets him, palming the top of his head with one of his massive hands]

It's OK to cry, but you're growing up now Hanaboy, and part of growing up is dealing with situations like this like a man.

*action*

[asakura_flower]

[Stiffens.]

Re: *action*

[pompadourpower]

She's not gone you know. None of them are.

[Hand on his back now, firm but gentle]

*action*

[asakura_flower]

Yes, they are.