RP log - Kevin, Ohtori.
Date: current
Rating: PG/PG-13 for some swearing and slight allusions to violence.
Summary: Ohtori is one of the few persons who can get the best out of Kevin, and this log is a proof.
Ohtori yawned and looked at his slumbering boyfriend before stretching and deciding to go find himself some lunch. He'd probably just go to the convenience store for a bentou lunch he decided as he leaned over to kiss Shishido's cheek. Rising slowly from his bed and pushing the tangled white and orange comforters over, he stood and slowly padded across the room to take a quick shower and dress before brushing his teeth and trying to tame his messy hair before sighing and deciding it was good enough.
Heading out the door, he grabbed his wallet and buried it in his pocket before heading down the halls; distractedly untangling his silver chained cross necklace from the thin rope of his wishbone necklace Shishido had given him. It was lasting a long time but sometimes you had to wait for wishes to come true.
These last weeks were quite crap for Kevin's sort-of adoptive family. Oshitari was just back from his own trip to Hell in even worse shape than Wakato, the medlab and other buildings from the manor were blown up in a Hollywood-esque way, the psychics of the place were still recovering from The February Blacklash, and he himself could barely cope with the sort-of negative energy that was bottled up in his surroundings. He needed an outlet, and he needed it *now*.
As he got out of his room and used a little bit of his powers to warm up the slightly cold air (he was kinda proud of the control over that side of his powers), he saw a tall guy getting out of another room. Bingo. With a smile on his lips, Kevin sent a little bit of warm air towards Ohtori to announce his presence, since he wasn't sure if the other guy's ears were healed now...
He'd been distracted enough to not notice anything but this one annoying knot where the rope had wrapped around his chain and tied itself. He didn't want to break the rope, and he was not taking off his cross. Blinking as the cool air surrounding him suddenly heated up, he stopped just short of hitting a wall and quickly glanced around, mentally scanning a catalog of which mutants in the Brotherhood could do that before deciding whether to stop and be friendly or run away.
Finally landing his eyes on the blonde boy, Kevin, he grinned and waved cheerfully. Kevin was a very nice person, in his opinion and warranted stopping to greet. Walking over to him, Ohtori smiled warmly. " 'lo."
"Hi there, Ohtori," the younger boy said when he got closer to his friend. He seemed to be doing okay, and that was great in his PoV. Choutarou Ohtori aka Bolt was one person who took more crap in the last days (was involved in the murder of that Ryuhana headlady, had his ears injured later...), so to Kevin it was a great relief to see Ohtori okay. He may be childish and self-centered, but if someone managed to make his/her way to his little black heart, he'd stick by him/her no matter what.
Suddenly reminded of Ohtori's ear problem, he got closer and mouthed his words again, very slowly. "Hi there, Ohtori. Doing better than the last days?"
Blinking at the words, he frowned and reached in his pocket to grab his notepad. Somehow he knew he would need it soon. Smiling when he looked back up and faced Kevin, he was relieved the other boy was speaking slowly. He could probably follow him a bit better this way. Mouthing the words back to himself, he nodded. "Yeah." His tone was definitely a little off, but he'd figured that if he spoke in what he thought felt like a near whisper, most could understand. "You?" The Bentou could wait.
"Definitely," the blond told him. "But you see... I need to get out from here, what with this gloom surrounding all of us. And if you want, you could come with me. "
Just in case, he grabbed the notepad from Ohtori's hand (his own notepad was "buried" in his backpack and he knew he'd lose time searching for it), pulled a pen out of his pocket and wrote the same sentence (in hiragana, that is; he was horrible with kanji), adding another on in the end. "No problem if you want to use papers to communicate. I need to practice my written Japanese, which sucks. "
Looking at the notepad as Kevin wrote in it, he smiled slightly and waited. He knew Kevin was not from around here, so it was no problem at all. Accepting the small notebook back, he read over it slowly before grinning. He scribbled in the notebook, Lunch? My treat. In messy English. They may as well hang out together, he was hungry and wanted off of the school grounds, so he treat his friend to a meal.
Instead of writing a reply, Kevin looked at the other and mouthed an "Okay!", followed by a bright smile. He didn't mind this odd communication method, nor the fact that Ohtori seriously needed some English classes; seeing Ohtori smile was, in itself, great.
Warming up the air some more to show that he was thrilled to go out too, he took the notepad again and wrote, first in Japanese and then in English: "No problem. Where should we go, though? Your choice, I don't mind."
Ohtori smiled and nodded happily. Now he didn't have to have lunch alone! And he loved the idea of bonding with a human space heater, especially since it appeared to be a bit overcast outside today, he thought about Ann for a moment before shaking his head and deciding this was just the normal weather.
Looking at the notes, he fixed a few lines on it, and reread the English making notes of what each meant. Writing back in both languages, he shrugged and passed over the book.
I'm not picky. Decide what you are craving and we can go from there.
Maybe we should just go outside and see what are the options avaliable. Can't exactly think of anything now, so we'll see then. That was the reply that Kevin wrote in the pad, again in both English and Japanese.
Making the temperature descend very gradually and slowly (didn't want to cause Ohtori physical problem after prologued exposure to it) and trying to restrain the warmer area to the air that surrounded both of them only (no way he'd let humans discover he had these powers), Kevin led the way as both friends walked away of... what was left of the BH manor. The day was bright, though kinda cold still; spring would come soon, and deep inside Kevin hoped it'd bring better luck to them.
Ohtori happily walked along after putting the notepad in his pocket, he had a good idea on what Kevin might like, he'd been craving a hamburger lately but stayed away from the food so he could try and stay in good health for training. Not that he was doing much. He decided to follow the other boy anyway and just see what they foun
Trying not to lose sight of his companion, Kevin walked happily and quickly down the streets. Some people turned to look at both boys and whisper, but the didn't downright do anything against them; from what he could catch, they were more puzzled with their uncommon looks (Ohtori being so tall and having silvery hair, Kevin having shiny blond hair and light blue eyes) than anything else. Suited him fine, though he still kept his eyes open in any case... specially after he *did* spot some locals with the dumbass "no mutants" signs.
Finally, he saw a fast food place without any of those signs. He turned to Ohtori and mouthed "Is this one okay?" at him.
They probably just looked like a few punk kids looking for trouble, rather than mutants. When walking with Kaidoh and Shishido, he was always worried that they'd be caught. But with Kevin and himself, it was easy. Stopping to frown when he saw his favourite old hangouts had anti-mutant propaganda pasted all over it, he sighed. So much for video games today. He'd just have to work harder, and try to fix things without falling back on violence.
Glancing at the shorter boy when he stopped again, he canted his head at the restaurant and studied it quickly. No posters about the evils of mutants. "Yeah." He wandered over and opened the door, following Kevin inside.
Kevin took a careful peek inside. The place wasn't exactly crowded, so it wouldn't be difficult to find a comfy spot for both of them (he wondered if this was because of the lack of signs), and the prices were okay too. Yeah, this would be more than enough for both him and Ohtori.
There was an empty table next to a window. Perfect! He lead the other guy there, and when he sat down he took the pad and wrote: "I'll go and buy our meals. What would you like?"
Looking at the menu board quickly, he licked his lips, it all sounded pretty good. Hsis stomach growled, hopefully not too loudly as he settled into the booth. Adjusting to the fake plastic lining, he eyed the menu board for a few moments before smiling and quietly mumbling in shaky English, "the first one is good." He still wanted to pay, so he wrote Kevin a note saying that he would pay if Kevin could order for them.
"Whatever you want, then. You're the boss today, Ohtori," and the blond boy went to the counter with the money, still disimulately looking at his friend. Since he had taken so much crap lately, he'd better make sure no one bothered him.
The people at the counter looked at them yet again a little weirdly but Kevin ignored them too, supposing that they also were surprised by their looks. A menu 1 for Ohtori, one of those new yogurt ice-creams with fruits for him... more than enough by now. Adn few minutes later, Kevin was back to the booth with a tray and their meals, placing it on the table.
"Here you go!"
Ohtori watched Kevin for a few moment, still finding it strange that everything was mute to him. Staring at a conversation and a few screaming kids, he shook his head. Maybe being deaf had it's advantages if the now red faced kid screaming and waving a toy nearby was any indication. Smiling slightly, he dug into his pocket and gave the boy a piece of hard candy.
Just then, Kevin returned and Ohtori couldn't help but grin. He'd been really hungry, accepting his meal, he eagerly dug in after shortly thanking Kevin. It was so much better than a bentou!
Heh, in a sense, Ohtori reminded him a little of Billy Cassidy. While his tennis teammates did treat him pretty well compared to other kids at the boarding school, he wasn't the most pleasant kid to have around, so this always was a problem. But Billy always went out of his way to be as kind as he could to Kevin, taking him out from time to time, being a sort-of older brother to him, occasionally interceding between Kevin and others if he had problems. Kevin didn't always respond positively, but after all the months spent away, he did come to miss the guy, and that was the reason why he was more thna happy to keep some sort of e-mail contact with him still.
And now, Ohtori looked just like Billy during their outings. Almost perfectly happy, and that made him feel good. Better than in a long time, and that made the blond wonder how had this Mutant Powers Kick-In changed him. He still felt weird, still was angry at lots of people and still had mixed feelings about both of his families (the one here and the other in Philadelphia), but it wasn't the same anger anymore, and damn him if he knew all the reasons why.
He ate his ice-cream in silence and observed Ohtori as he ate his own meal, smiling.
Ohtori was clueless as to why Kevin was smiling, but he liked it. The blonde looked much more alive when he smiled. It was strange how the students that most would consider standoffish were better friends to him than most. Maybe it really did pay to be friendly to people. Taking another bite of his hamburger, he watched Kevin enjoying his ice cream. There was something nice about a pleasant meal with a good friend. It was almost like being a normal kid again, and not having to worry about humans, other mutants, and possible wars.
Kevin wasn't naturally nice, and he knew it. He would've normally ignored Ohtori, if he ever met him before his mutant powers manifested. So, it was kinda funny to see him now playing a sort of role similar to Billy, going out of his way to see him happy. Heh, life was odd, and even more for a mutant.
When he was done with the ice-cream, he scribbled a small note to Ohtori in the pad: "The weight you've been carrying is now off your shoulders, isn't it? Because, yeah, you *did* look like crap after what happened. When I asked you if you were doing better, it wasn't just to get the info out of you, ya see...".
Looking at the note, still chewing the last bite of his meal, he nodded. Grabbing the pen, he started scribbling away.
Yeah, I'm okay. I mean, I still feel horrible about what I was involved in with killing Ryuzaki-sensei, but I've come to realize that it wasn't exactly me doing it. My friends, they forgave me for the most part, they know. So it's not like I feel that I am doing this alone. And I looked pretty bad after the accident because apparently standing in the way of a tornado is a dumb idea. He drew a little smiley face with the tongue out at the end of the note.
He could understand it, to a point. Hell, Kevin was no angel himself: he injured his old childhood friend when he lost control of his powers, sorta fought with half the Bro'Ho through journals, spammed some people like crazy, was involved in the Halloween mayhem somewhat directly and was the cause of the Ichiban Sushi mess. But at least he was pretty conscient of the anger and pain that gave him the boost, while Ohtori was mostly a sweet guy who, in Kevin's opinion, was still too kind for the Brotherhood. And after what Blackguard made him do to that old woman...
I see, he wrote. Well, while you should've known better than messing with 'him' of all people, can't exactly say I h8 j00. You're one of the BH persons who has been the kindest to me, which that led me to accept your invitation, Ohtori. And yes, I told you once that I'd stick with you no matter what... and I still mean it.
He finished the note with another tongue-sticky smiley and a small paw print, like every single note that Kevin's mother used to write to him.
Ohtori read it. Then blinked and turned the paper on it's side and frowned. Then stared harder at it.
"I h8 j00?" I don't get it.
Him? Oh- you must mean Blackguard. He rescued me from a testing lab. They beat me and some other stuff, and he saved me.
I just don't see a reason to be mean to anyone, and you are welcome to go hang out with me any time you want. And it means a lot to have another good friend. I plan to do the same. He smiled and handed it back, complete with a winking smiley face with his hairstyle on it.
The reply coming from the American was this one:
That's an American slang phrase meaning 'I hate you'. Since I don't hate you, indeed, let's just leave it there. I didn't know what was your relationship with 'him' like, but whatever - if he helped you when you needed it, I can see why you'd feel in debt. But look at what happened later...
Pheh, that sounds kinda of ironic, considering that you're a member of the Brotherhood. But I suppose that I can't make you change your mind, not even by blowing you up or something. Thanks for the hang-out offer; considering that I'm not exactly the sweetest person, I suppose I'll have to try hard not to blow it.
Another winking smiley was replacing the final point, and Kevin gave it back to Ohtori with a wink. Geez, the other was getting under his skin.
Reading the note, he grinned slightly and started writing quickly.
I see. Americans have some interesting things to say, at least my Dad says that. I'm glad you don't hate me though. I know- I don't know what I think anymore. I mean, he's all about mutants being gods, and humans needing to either die or learn their place. I just want them to stop attacking us and locking us out of homes, jobs and schools.
Nope, but I'd appreciate not being blown up. As it's already happened a few times too many. You're very nice, I think you are just being hard on yourself. Drawing up a regular smiley in shades, he passed the note back.
I still wonder why on Earth mutants are really *that* hated. I was born and raised in a country that claims to be The Place of Liberty, yet still has lots of bigots and discriminators and pretty much lives in fear, so I suppose that being a witness and later a victim of such discrimination made me jaded. Still, I wouldn't mind to see both sides at least trying to get along, but it doesn't seem it'll ever happen. so, we mutant will have to defend ourselves in all the ways possible, and I'm not exactly the type who'd just let stupid humans bitchslap me or my friends.
You're yourself, and I don't feel like changing you. And I'm not too hard on myself... I've never been exactly an easy person to be with, not even as a young child. I suppose it's in my genes and my raising.
That was the content of the note Kevin gave to Ohtori as a reply, along with a smiley with a cross pendant.
People supposedly fear what they don't understand. And there's the possibility it's evolution, and people don't always like change. Or maybe it's because some of us are dangerous. Prime example being someone like me. I killed someone on accident at a baseball game because I didn't know I was a mutant.
I hate to admit it, but we do need to fight them somehow. He finished with a small cartoon face of Kevin making a peace sign with its fingers.
What's left for a guy who almost blew up a tennis court in the first time his powers came out, and later killed a bunch of punks who wanted to mug him in the streets of a foreign country? Yeah, that's what happened in my case. And I can understand what you mean about change and evolution, though I don't fully agree... Maybe I'm the type who does crave for different stuff and welcomes changes.
One thing is to wish for peace, another is to face reality. Peace is almost impossible to get now, much as some may dream about it.
The smiley that finished the note had long dark hair and angel wings. Because yeah, when Kevin heard Ohtori scream and cry in shock for what he did to the headlady, he could also hear Shishido talking to him, so...
About the same as someone who killed his coach and hero, hurt another player and blinded a ref. It's not right that things like this happens, but at least I think I've become a better person in some ways, and in others... He stopped and bit his lower lip, thinking quickly.
I don't know. Sometimes it's nice to at least think that we aren't just fighting for no reason. I guess maybe peace might be nearly impossible, but it isn't entirely a lost cause.
His eyes softened slightly at the smiley. "Thanks."
While he wasn't the most sensitive guy in the world, Kevin did notice that this was taking far too much from Ohtori. And this confirmed his impression... the guy was far too sensitive for his own good. If he continued like that, possibly he'd be bitchslapped by Life again and again and again.
"You're welcome," he mouthed, winking. Then, he slowly got up from the chair. "We should leave, though. If he's around, he'll be missing you."
He didn't mention it directly, but he was also getting sick of people looking at him curiously for his uncommon looks. He hoped it was paranoia, because it wasn't pretty to remember the attack on him and Taka; he unconsciously placed his hand on the side of his arm, aboce the cloth-covered scar that had become a daily memento of that more than sucky day.
Smiling, he grabbed the trays and went to throw out their trash, waiting by the door for Kevin. He didn't really understand what the other had said, but assumed by the look on his face and the handful of words he caught, that Kevin was ready to leave and that he should go look for Shishido.
Reaching over gently to touch where Kevin was touching his arm and lead him out with a gentle smile. He had noticed the people looking at them strangely, but hadn't wanted to say anything or upset Kevin, who seemed a bit too stressed for his own good.
Kevin looked at his older friend and smiled tiredly. Hell, being softer to others still took out a lot of him. He was far too used to being a fierce, competitive, hard-to-pin-down fighter, who put his softer emotions behind to toughen up and not be defeated ever.
As they walked back home, he was mostly silent, still trying to come up with a 100% exact reason for his recent behavior. *That* day, the smallest spark sent him flying and leaping fiercely in Taka's defense; now, in this outing with Ohtori, Kevin had managed to hold back and not even yell at the Japanese people who looked at the gaijin as if he was a Martian. Strange... he thought, walking by Ohtori's side.
Ohtori smiled happily and enjoyed the peaceful afternoon with the blonde teen. He was sure Kevin had enjoyed it as well, and even gave him a small hug when they reached the school and thanked him again before vanishing toward his room, and more importantly into his bed, beside his boyfriend again.
*Now* Kevin was looking at Ohtori's retreating back as if *he* was the Martian. He hugged him? And he didn't scowl or use his powers on the air... didn't even tense or flinch?
"That guy, the things he does to me...," he murmured in English, slowly going towards his room, still without a satisfactory answer to his doubt. Aside of Billy Cassidy, his mother and Miss Nanako, no one ever had that calming effect on him. But hey... this was by far the better day he had in a long time, and maybe such things didn't need an explanation, for once.
Rating: PG/PG-13 for some swearing and slight allusions to violence.
Summary: Ohtori is one of the few persons who can get the best out of Kevin, and this log is a proof.
Ohtori yawned and looked at his slumbering boyfriend before stretching and deciding to go find himself some lunch. He'd probably just go to the convenience store for a bentou lunch he decided as he leaned over to kiss Shishido's cheek. Rising slowly from his bed and pushing the tangled white and orange comforters over, he stood and slowly padded across the room to take a quick shower and dress before brushing his teeth and trying to tame his messy hair before sighing and deciding it was good enough.
Heading out the door, he grabbed his wallet and buried it in his pocket before heading down the halls; distractedly untangling his silver chained cross necklace from the thin rope of his wishbone necklace Shishido had given him. It was lasting a long time but sometimes you had to wait for wishes to come true.
These last weeks were quite crap for Kevin's sort-of adoptive family. Oshitari was just back from his own trip to Hell in even worse shape than Wakato, the medlab and other buildings from the manor were blown up in a Hollywood-esque way, the psychics of the place were still recovering from The February Blacklash, and he himself could barely cope with the sort-of negative energy that was bottled up in his surroundings. He needed an outlet, and he needed it *now*.
As he got out of his room and used a little bit of his powers to warm up the slightly cold air (he was kinda proud of the control over that side of his powers), he saw a tall guy getting out of another room. Bingo. With a smile on his lips, Kevin sent a little bit of warm air towards Ohtori to announce his presence, since he wasn't sure if the other guy's ears were healed now...
He'd been distracted enough to not notice anything but this one annoying knot where the rope had wrapped around his chain and tied itself. He didn't want to break the rope, and he was not taking off his cross. Blinking as the cool air surrounding him suddenly heated up, he stopped just short of hitting a wall and quickly glanced around, mentally scanning a catalog of which mutants in the Brotherhood could do that before deciding whether to stop and be friendly or run away.
Finally landing his eyes on the blonde boy, Kevin, he grinned and waved cheerfully. Kevin was a very nice person, in his opinion and warranted stopping to greet. Walking over to him, Ohtori smiled warmly. " 'lo."
"Hi there, Ohtori," the younger boy said when he got closer to his friend. He seemed to be doing okay, and that was great in his PoV. Choutarou Ohtori aka Bolt was one person who took more crap in the last days (was involved in the murder of that Ryuhana headlady, had his ears injured later...), so to Kevin it was a great relief to see Ohtori okay. He may be childish and self-centered, but if someone managed to make his/her way to his little black heart, he'd stick by him/her no matter what.
Suddenly reminded of Ohtori's ear problem, he got closer and mouthed his words again, very slowly. "Hi there, Ohtori. Doing better than the last days?"
Blinking at the words, he frowned and reached in his pocket to grab his notepad. Somehow he knew he would need it soon. Smiling when he looked back up and faced Kevin, he was relieved the other boy was speaking slowly. He could probably follow him a bit better this way. Mouthing the words back to himself, he nodded. "Yeah." His tone was definitely a little off, but he'd figured that if he spoke in what he thought felt like a near whisper, most could understand. "You?" The Bentou could wait.
"Definitely," the blond told him. "But you see... I need to get out from here, what with this gloom surrounding all of us. And if you want, you could come with me. "
Just in case, he grabbed the notepad from Ohtori's hand (his own notepad was "buried" in his backpack and he knew he'd lose time searching for it), pulled a pen out of his pocket and wrote the same sentence (in hiragana, that is; he was horrible with kanji), adding another on in the end. "No problem if you want to use papers to communicate. I need to practice my written Japanese, which sucks. "
Looking at the notepad as Kevin wrote in it, he smiled slightly and waited. He knew Kevin was not from around here, so it was no problem at all. Accepting the small notebook back, he read over it slowly before grinning. He scribbled in the notebook, Lunch? My treat. In messy English. They may as well hang out together, he was hungry and wanted off of the school grounds, so he treat his friend to a meal.
Instead of writing a reply, Kevin looked at the other and mouthed an "Okay!", followed by a bright smile. He didn't mind this odd communication method, nor the fact that Ohtori seriously needed some English classes; seeing Ohtori smile was, in itself, great.
Warming up the air some more to show that he was thrilled to go out too, he took the notepad again and wrote, first in Japanese and then in English: "No problem. Where should we go, though? Your choice, I don't mind."
Ohtori smiled and nodded happily. Now he didn't have to have lunch alone! And he loved the idea of bonding with a human space heater, especially since it appeared to be a bit overcast outside today, he thought about Ann for a moment before shaking his head and deciding this was just the normal weather.
Looking at the notes, he fixed a few lines on it, and reread the English making notes of what each meant. Writing back in both languages, he shrugged and passed over the book.
I'm not picky. Decide what you are craving and we can go from there.
Maybe we should just go outside and see what are the options avaliable. Can't exactly think of anything now, so we'll see then. That was the reply that Kevin wrote in the pad, again in both English and Japanese.
Making the temperature descend very gradually and slowly (didn't want to cause Ohtori physical problem after prologued exposure to it) and trying to restrain the warmer area to the air that surrounded both of them only (no way he'd let humans discover he had these powers), Kevin led the way as both friends walked away of... what was left of the BH manor. The day was bright, though kinda cold still; spring would come soon, and deep inside Kevin hoped it'd bring better luck to them.
Ohtori happily walked along after putting the notepad in his pocket, he had a good idea on what Kevin might like, he'd been craving a hamburger lately but stayed away from the food so he could try and stay in good health for training. Not that he was doing much. He decided to follow the other boy anyway and just see what they foun
Trying not to lose sight of his companion, Kevin walked happily and quickly down the streets. Some people turned to look at both boys and whisper, but the didn't downright do anything against them; from what he could catch, they were more puzzled with their uncommon looks (Ohtori being so tall and having silvery hair, Kevin having shiny blond hair and light blue eyes) than anything else. Suited him fine, though he still kept his eyes open in any case... specially after he *did* spot some locals with the dumbass "no mutants" signs.
Finally, he saw a fast food place without any of those signs. He turned to Ohtori and mouthed "Is this one okay?" at him.
They probably just looked like a few punk kids looking for trouble, rather than mutants. When walking with Kaidoh and Shishido, he was always worried that they'd be caught. But with Kevin and himself, it was easy. Stopping to frown when he saw his favourite old hangouts had anti-mutant propaganda pasted all over it, he sighed. So much for video games today. He'd just have to work harder, and try to fix things without falling back on violence.
Glancing at the shorter boy when he stopped again, he canted his head at the restaurant and studied it quickly. No posters about the evils of mutants. "Yeah." He wandered over and opened the door, following Kevin inside.
Kevin took a careful peek inside. The place wasn't exactly crowded, so it wouldn't be difficult to find a comfy spot for both of them (he wondered if this was because of the lack of signs), and the prices were okay too. Yeah, this would be more than enough for both him and Ohtori.
There was an empty table next to a window. Perfect! He lead the other guy there, and when he sat down he took the pad and wrote: "I'll go and buy our meals. What would you like?"
Looking at the menu board quickly, he licked his lips, it all sounded pretty good. Hsis stomach growled, hopefully not too loudly as he settled into the booth. Adjusting to the fake plastic lining, he eyed the menu board for a few moments before smiling and quietly mumbling in shaky English, "the first one is good." He still wanted to pay, so he wrote Kevin a note saying that he would pay if Kevin could order for them.
"Whatever you want, then. You're the boss today, Ohtori," and the blond boy went to the counter with the money, still disimulately looking at his friend. Since he had taken so much crap lately, he'd better make sure no one bothered him.
The people at the counter looked at them yet again a little weirdly but Kevin ignored them too, supposing that they also were surprised by their looks. A menu 1 for Ohtori, one of those new yogurt ice-creams with fruits for him... more than enough by now. Adn few minutes later, Kevin was back to the booth with a tray and their meals, placing it on the table.
"Here you go!"
Ohtori watched Kevin for a few moment, still finding it strange that everything was mute to him. Staring at a conversation and a few screaming kids, he shook his head. Maybe being deaf had it's advantages if the now red faced kid screaming and waving a toy nearby was any indication. Smiling slightly, he dug into his pocket and gave the boy a piece of hard candy.
Just then, Kevin returned and Ohtori couldn't help but grin. He'd been really hungry, accepting his meal, he eagerly dug in after shortly thanking Kevin. It was so much better than a bentou!
Heh, in a sense, Ohtori reminded him a little of Billy Cassidy. While his tennis teammates did treat him pretty well compared to other kids at the boarding school, he wasn't the most pleasant kid to have around, so this always was a problem. But Billy always went out of his way to be as kind as he could to Kevin, taking him out from time to time, being a sort-of older brother to him, occasionally interceding between Kevin and others if he had problems. Kevin didn't always respond positively, but after all the months spent away, he did come to miss the guy, and that was the reason why he was more thna happy to keep some sort of e-mail contact with him still.
And now, Ohtori looked just like Billy during their outings. Almost perfectly happy, and that made him feel good. Better than in a long time, and that made the blond wonder how had this Mutant Powers Kick-In changed him. He still felt weird, still was angry at lots of people and still had mixed feelings about both of his families (the one here and the other in Philadelphia), but it wasn't the same anger anymore, and damn him if he knew all the reasons why.
He ate his ice-cream in silence and observed Ohtori as he ate his own meal, smiling.
Ohtori was clueless as to why Kevin was smiling, but he liked it. The blonde looked much more alive when he smiled. It was strange how the students that most would consider standoffish were better friends to him than most. Maybe it really did pay to be friendly to people. Taking another bite of his hamburger, he watched Kevin enjoying his ice cream. There was something nice about a pleasant meal with a good friend. It was almost like being a normal kid again, and not having to worry about humans, other mutants, and possible wars.
Kevin wasn't naturally nice, and he knew it. He would've normally ignored Ohtori, if he ever met him before his mutant powers manifested. So, it was kinda funny to see him now playing a sort of role similar to Billy, going out of his way to see him happy. Heh, life was odd, and even more for a mutant.
When he was done with the ice-cream, he scribbled a small note to Ohtori in the pad: "The weight you've been carrying is now off your shoulders, isn't it? Because, yeah, you *did* look like crap after what happened. When I asked you if you were doing better, it wasn't just to get the info out of you, ya see...".
Looking at the note, still chewing the last bite of his meal, he nodded. Grabbing the pen, he started scribbling away.
Yeah, I'm okay. I mean, I still feel horrible about what I was involved in with killing Ryuzaki-sensei, but I've come to realize that it wasn't exactly me doing it. My friends, they forgave me for the most part, they know. So it's not like I feel that I am doing this alone. And I looked pretty bad after the accident because apparently standing in the way of a tornado is a dumb idea. He drew a little smiley face with the tongue out at the end of the note.
He could understand it, to a point. Hell, Kevin was no angel himself: he injured his old childhood friend when he lost control of his powers, sorta fought with half the Bro'Ho through journals, spammed some people like crazy, was involved in the Halloween mayhem somewhat directly and was the cause of the Ichiban Sushi mess. But at least he was pretty conscient of the anger and pain that gave him the boost, while Ohtori was mostly a sweet guy who, in Kevin's opinion, was still too kind for the Brotherhood. And after what Blackguard made him do to that old woman...
I see, he wrote. Well, while you should've known better than messing with 'him' of all people, can't exactly say I h8 j00. You're one of the BH persons who has been the kindest to me, which that led me to accept your invitation, Ohtori. And yes, I told you once that I'd stick with you no matter what... and I still mean it.
He finished the note with another tongue-sticky smiley and a small paw print, like every single note that Kevin's mother used to write to him.
Ohtori read it. Then blinked and turned the paper on it's side and frowned. Then stared harder at it.
"I h8 j00?" I don't get it.
Him? Oh- you must mean Blackguard. He rescued me from a testing lab. They beat me and some other stuff, and he saved me.
I just don't see a reason to be mean to anyone, and you are welcome to go hang out with me any time you want. And it means a lot to have another good friend. I plan to do the same. He smiled and handed it back, complete with a winking smiley face with his hairstyle on it.
The reply coming from the American was this one:
That's an American slang phrase meaning 'I hate you'. Since I don't hate you, indeed, let's just leave it there. I didn't know what was your relationship with 'him' like, but whatever - if he helped you when you needed it, I can see why you'd feel in debt. But look at what happened later...
Pheh, that sounds kinda of ironic, considering that you're a member of the Brotherhood. But I suppose that I can't make you change your mind, not even by blowing you up or something. Thanks for the hang-out offer; considering that I'm not exactly the sweetest person, I suppose I'll have to try hard not to blow it.
Another winking smiley was replacing the final point, and Kevin gave it back to Ohtori with a wink. Geez, the other was getting under his skin.
Reading the note, he grinned slightly and started writing quickly.
I see. Americans have some interesting things to say, at least my Dad says that. I'm glad you don't hate me though. I know- I don't know what I think anymore. I mean, he's all about mutants being gods, and humans needing to either die or learn their place. I just want them to stop attacking us and locking us out of homes, jobs and schools.
Nope, but I'd appreciate not being blown up. As it's already happened a few times too many. You're very nice, I think you are just being hard on yourself. Drawing up a regular smiley in shades, he passed the note back.
I still wonder why on Earth mutants are really *that* hated. I was born and raised in a country that claims to be The Place of Liberty, yet still has lots of bigots and discriminators and pretty much lives in fear, so I suppose that being a witness and later a victim of such discrimination made me jaded. Still, I wouldn't mind to see both sides at least trying to get along, but it doesn't seem it'll ever happen. so, we mutant will have to defend ourselves in all the ways possible, and I'm not exactly the type who'd just let stupid humans bitchslap me or my friends.
You're yourself, and I don't feel like changing you. And I'm not too hard on myself... I've never been exactly an easy person to be with, not even as a young child. I suppose it's in my genes and my raising.
That was the content of the note Kevin gave to Ohtori as a reply, along with a smiley with a cross pendant.
People supposedly fear what they don't understand. And there's the possibility it's evolution, and people don't always like change. Or maybe it's because some of us are dangerous. Prime example being someone like me. I killed someone on accident at a baseball game because I didn't know I was a mutant.
I hate to admit it, but we do need to fight them somehow. He finished with a small cartoon face of Kevin making a peace sign with its fingers.
What's left for a guy who almost blew up a tennis court in the first time his powers came out, and later killed a bunch of punks who wanted to mug him in the streets of a foreign country? Yeah, that's what happened in my case. And I can understand what you mean about change and evolution, though I don't fully agree... Maybe I'm the type who does crave for different stuff and welcomes changes.
One thing is to wish for peace, another is to face reality. Peace is almost impossible to get now, much as some may dream about it.
The smiley that finished the note had long dark hair and angel wings. Because yeah, when Kevin heard Ohtori scream and cry in shock for what he did to the headlady, he could also hear Shishido talking to him, so...
About the same as someone who killed his coach and hero, hurt another player and blinded a ref. It's not right that things like this happens, but at least I think I've become a better person in some ways, and in others... He stopped and bit his lower lip, thinking quickly.
I don't know. Sometimes it's nice to at least think that we aren't just fighting for no reason. I guess maybe peace might be nearly impossible, but it isn't entirely a lost cause.
His eyes softened slightly at the smiley. "Thanks."
While he wasn't the most sensitive guy in the world, Kevin did notice that this was taking far too much from Ohtori. And this confirmed his impression... the guy was far too sensitive for his own good. If he continued like that, possibly he'd be bitchslapped by Life again and again and again.
"You're welcome," he mouthed, winking. Then, he slowly got up from the chair. "We should leave, though. If he's around, he'll be missing you."
He didn't mention it directly, but he was also getting sick of people looking at him curiously for his uncommon looks. He hoped it was paranoia, because it wasn't pretty to remember the attack on him and Taka; he unconsciously placed his hand on the side of his arm, aboce the cloth-covered scar that had become a daily memento of that more than sucky day.
Smiling, he grabbed the trays and went to throw out their trash, waiting by the door for Kevin. He didn't really understand what the other had said, but assumed by the look on his face and the handful of words he caught, that Kevin was ready to leave and that he should go look for Shishido.
Reaching over gently to touch where Kevin was touching his arm and lead him out with a gentle smile. He had noticed the people looking at them strangely, but hadn't wanted to say anything or upset Kevin, who seemed a bit too stressed for his own good.
Kevin looked at his older friend and smiled tiredly. Hell, being softer to others still took out a lot of him. He was far too used to being a fierce, competitive, hard-to-pin-down fighter, who put his softer emotions behind to toughen up and not be defeated ever.
As they walked back home, he was mostly silent, still trying to come up with a 100% exact reason for his recent behavior. *That* day, the smallest spark sent him flying and leaping fiercely in Taka's defense; now, in this outing with Ohtori, Kevin had managed to hold back and not even yell at the Japanese people who looked at the gaijin as if he was a Martian. Strange... he thought, walking by Ohtori's side.
Ohtori smiled happily and enjoyed the peaceful afternoon with the blonde teen. He was sure Kevin had enjoyed it as well, and even gave him a small hug when they reached the school and thanked him again before vanishing toward his room, and more importantly into his bed, beside his boyfriend again.
*Now* Kevin was looking at Ohtori's retreating back as if *he* was the Martian. He hugged him? And he didn't scowl or use his powers on the air... didn't even tense or flinch?
"That guy, the things he does to me...," he murmured in English, slowly going towards his room, still without a satisfactory answer to his doubt. Aside of Billy Cassidy, his mother and Miss Nanako, no one ever had that calming effect on him. But hey... this was by far the better day he had in a long time, and maybe such things didn't need an explanation, for once.