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Kyo takes a deep breath of the chilled night air. The moon’s light shines on him brightly, though it’s not quite full. He continues towards the twenty-four hour convenience store, an uncomfortable feeling pooling in his gut.
Maybe I should have taken Ren’s offer… I really don’t want to be out here alone.
Kyo looks around at the empty street. Crime is rare near the college, but not completely unheard of. He pulls out his phone to call Maria, the one person he knows won’t tease him for calling. As soon as he taps the green call button, hands grab him and drag him into an alleyway. He tries to yell and a hand wraps around his mouth, silencing him. Kyo whips his elbow back and bends forward, trying to get the person off of him. “MARIA!”
A hand grabs him by the hair and the back of his jacket, swinging him around and slamming him into the wall. Pain surges through him as his face meets brick, then again as he’s shoved onto the concrete ground. He rolls over onto his hands and knees, trying to jump to his feet. His attacker kicks the back of his knees and Kyo drops back to the ground. He turns on his side to look at them, a menacing figure looming over him.
They’re so big! There’s no way I can fight him off.
“I don’t have much cash.” Kyo informs as he grabs his face, trying to make the pain settle. “You’re more than welcome to take it though if it gets you to fuck off.”
“Oh you Iluna pricks are so pompous.” The man chuckles. “So high on your pedestal with all your fancy powers. Must be nice, moon boy.”
Moon boy? How does he know who I am?
An even worse feeling stirs up in Kyo’s stomach, suddenly feeling helpless. He feels threatened, just knowing he has to get away. Kyo jumps to his feet and makes a break for the road. He doesn’t make it far. The man laughs and grabs his wrist, yanking him back effortlessly. He laughs and grips Kyo’s hair again, slamming his head into the bricks again. Once, twice, and a third, final hit. Kyo drops to the ground and the man kicks him in the stomach.
Just endure it… He’ll get tired… Right?
Kyo wishes he accepted Ren’s proposal to come, wishes he didn’t want to go to the store at all. When the kicks stop, Kyo cracks open his eyes, looking up at the moon. He internally begs them for help. The man leans over him, blocking the moon's light. “They won’t be able to save you. But their healing may be more of a curse than a blessing.” Before Kyo can ask what he means, a fist knocks him out. Darkness, complete and total.
***
Kyo wakes up with his body screaming in pain, though not as much as he probably should be. He’s laying on something hard and he opens his eyes to a dark room. Shakily, he sits up, cradling his throbbing head. He feels something crusted on his face, which he assumes is blood. He rises to his feet and wobbles, catching himself with the wall. He uses it to walk to the only door into the room. It’s locked.
Of course. At least the moon healed me some before I was brought here… Now I just need to find out where I am…
The room is small, about the size of a walk-in closet. There’s a toilet, but no sink. The walls are bare and the only thing lighting the room is a small sunroof. He’d guess it’s sunset. He tries the door one last time before giving up, leaning against the wall and sliding down it to sit. He tries to conjure up moon spirits, but only blue sparks come of it. His magic is depleted significantly from being healed.
This looks like a prison cell. At the very least I should’ve been reported missing by now. Have I really been down a whole day?
Kyo sits and waits, teetering on the edge of consciousness. His body screams at him to sleep more, but he knows it would be best not to. He hears metal click and he looks up at the door. The man stands at the entrance, staring down at Kyo. Smugness is written across his face. Kyo wants to beat the shit out of him. “Good, the dog knows how to sit and stay.”
A dog? That’s new.
“Dog!? If I were you, I’d take a better look in the mirror before calling someone like me a dog.” Kyo snaps. The man chuckles.
“You’re going to be a whole lotta fun to break.” The man steps forward, revealing a belt in his hand. Kyo puts his arms up to defend himself, but they ultimately do nothing. The man easily maneuvers the belt around Kyo’s neck and tightens it. Kyo can feel it squeeze, but not enough to cut off his breathing. “Let’s go for a walk.”
Knowing there’s no way out of the situation, Kyo moves to stand. He’s jerked back onto the ground harshly. “Hey! I’m cooperating!”
“Dog’s don’t walk on two legs.” The man states as if it was obvious why Kyo was shoved down.
“You got me fucked up if you think I’m going to crawl for you.”
“Then don’t.” The man turns and starts walking, still holding the end of the belt. Kyo is forcibly turned around, being dragged backwards on the hard floor. He grabs the belt and pulls, trying to loosen the bit around his neck and desperately trying to turn and gain footing. He can’t, the man walks too fast. Eventually the man stops at a door, allowing Kyo to finally relieve himself of the choking sensation. It doesn’t last long as the man lifts his arm up, forcing Kyo to his feet, then throwing him onto the floor inside the room. Kyo takes a quick glance around the room, noting the odd equipment.
This looks like some torture chamber.
Kyo hears the door slam shut and turns towards the noise. “Now, I’m going to tell you how this is going to work. This room is the training room. This is where we’re going to turn your entitled Iluna attitude into something fitting, well a dog, okay?”
“You’re a freak!”
“SHUT YOUR FUCKING MOUTH!” The man screams, startling Kyo into silence. “Let your master speak without back-talk.”
Master? What kind of fucked up fantasy does this man have?
“All these mystics and I got to grab a mouthy one. At least you’ll have a bigger impact when you’re broken.” The man mumbles. Kyo reaches up and pulls the belt off his neck, holding it in his hand tightly. “Give me that.” The man reaches out for it and Kyo swings it, trying to keep one defense. The man catches it, yanks it from Kyo’s hand and swings it. It snaps against Kyo like a whip, bruising the arm he lifted to protect his face. “You’ll learn to listen to me.”
“What do you even want?” Kyo asks. He hurts, wanting nothing more than to be back at Iluna playing video games with his friends. Or being “dragged” into a cuddle pile. Or, hell, even doing schoolwork.
“I want that Iluna institution to be knocked down a peg.” The man explains. “They think they’re all just so high and mighty. That they protect their precious students so well.” He laughs again. “Well, me and you are going to show them how bad they are at their job.”
They’ll find me quickly… Right? I mean, they have to.
“I’m not easy to break. Maybe you should find someone who is.”
“Silly, silly dog. That’s what’s going to make this so fun.” The man steps towards the wall of tools. “Now, what trick are we going to teach you first?”
***
Kyo refused to listen, too prideful to give up. All it earned him was beatings and lashings, then being dragged back to the small room the same way he left it. As much as it hurts to breathe, Kyo’s glad he didn’t give the man the satisfaction of listening.
I’m so tired… and hungry… and thirsty.
Suddenly, Kyo feels a cold warmth caress his face, opening his eyes to see the moon showing itself in the corner of the sunroof. He rolls over so the light showers down on him more, the pain beginning to subside slightly. He bathes in its light for hours, moving with the moon to stay in its sight the entire time. He lets himself fall asleep as soon as the moon disappears from the window.
They’ll find me soon.
***
Ice cold water is dumped on Kyo, harshly waking him. The cold makes him breathless, but he recovers fairly quickly, used to it from the past week. It’s around the end of his second week there. “You could wake me up normally!” Kyo snaps, fed up from his treatment. The man swings the bucket, hitting Kyo on the head. He does his best to hold back his yelp, looking back up to see another dent in the bucket. It’s his second time being hit with it. He turns away and licks some of the water off his chin, doing anything to quench even a fraction of his thirst.
I’m so shaky. I need food, bad.
“It doesn’t matter how the master wakes up his dog. The dog just has to listen.”
Back to that master and dog bullshit.
Kyo refuses to answer, most of his quips only leading to punishments. He’s tired of being hit. “Room.” The man commands. Kyo wobbles to his feet, determined to walk. The man shoves him back to his knees.
Worth a shot.
The man pulls out the belt and puts it on Kyo’s neck. He opens the door and Kyo rushes to crawl forward, tired of the feeling of his breathing being blocked. He avoids looking up at the man, but hears the smirk in his voice as he speaks. “So, old dogs can be taught new tricks.”
This is fucking humiliating.
Once they reach the room, Kyo stares at the floor. He feels warm with embarrassment. “Good boy. How about we try something new today.” The man takes the belt off and snaps his fingers, gesturing for Kyo to stand. He does, relieving the pressure on his bruised knees. He’s on edge, waiting to be hit. That’s all that comes from being in this room. “Clean the floor.”
The only reason this floor is dirty is from my blood… Did I really bleed this much?
Kyo looks around the room for something to clean with, only finding a bucket of lukewarm water. There’s no mop or cloth. “What should I use to clean it?”
“You have a shirt, don’t you? Or that nice hoodie of yours? You pick.”
“I am not using my clothes.” Kyo states. The man gives him a condescending look.
“We can always go back to training.” He warns. Kyo looks down at his clothes. They’re dirty and tattered, covered in blood stains. Kyo takes off his jacket and shirt, replacing his jacket quickly. He huffs and dunks his shirt in the water, getting back on his knees and scrubbing the floor. He feels sick watching the stained white shirt turn a muddy reddish-brown. He swishes it in the water, then continues with the cleaning. The black and pink picture on the shirt catches his eye.
Maria got me this shirt…
An emotion surges through Kyo, one he can only describe as homesickness. His hand trembles as he realises how long it’s been. How with each day that passes, there’s less of a chance of him being found. He stops moving, finally letting the severity of his situation sink in. One he’s denied since being brought here. One he’s denied despite the beatings and lashings and torture.
I’m going to die here…
“DOG!” The man screams, a belt smacking him across the face. Kyo sits up and grabs his face in shock, unable to hide it from the man. “What? Get back to cleaning!”
“I-I-” Another hit spurs Kyo into action, jumping to his feet and making a break for the door. It’s a move he’s tried before. He’s never made it. This time is no different. The man grabs him by the hood, a few seams popping.
“Running again. And I thought today we could skip over this and take it easy.”
“Please. Just let me go.”
“And begging… Good dogs don’t beg. Though I guess that should be expected from a stupid mutt.”
No…
“Guess we’ll just have to try something else then.” The man says, dragging Kyo over to the table. He grabs something and dangles it in front of Kyo’s face. Kyo didn’t think he could have lost any more hope.
No… please…
The man holds a shock collar. Kyo flips around in his arms, trying to escape. The man beats him. Punching, kicking and slamming Kyo onto the floor. Kyo yells and screams, begging for the man to stop. He just wants it to stop. Eventually Kyo goes quiet, laying on the floor and taking it. He doesn’t even react when the man stops knocking him around and fastens the collar around his neck. No reaction until an intense sensation rattles him back into lucidness.
Kyo screams. The only thought in his head is how much he hurts. How much he just wants to wake up from this nightmare. When the shocking ends, Kyo is dragged back to the room. His room? He’s limp the entire trip, barely hanging on to consciousness. He’s tossed carelessly into the room, the door slamming shut loudly. Kyo uses the last of his strength to pull himself under the sunroof where he knows the moon’s light will be. He rolls over to look at his friend… finding nothing.
Where..?
Kyo stares at the stars for a long while, waiting for the moon’s gentleness to come and bring him a sense of false security. And waits longer, his hope dwindling. Tonight…
Tonight is a new moon… I’m actually alone… I have no one…
No help. No healing. No hope. Just Kyo and the dimly twinkling stars.
***
Over the next month and a half, Kyo is forced to clean, cook, and obey. Any mistakes are met with beatings and electrocutions. He’s been given new clothes as “rewards” for cooperating. His only baths are in ice cold water. His food and water is limited, only served in bowls on the floor. He’s exhausted and weak, almost unwilling to get up anymore. The only thing keeping him going are the vivid dreams of his friends. Of Iluna. Dreams that have recently turned into illusionary daydreams.
Pretending that Ren plays his guitar for Kyo in the silence of his room. That Aster’s huddled up beside him looking at the stars and moon. Maria stands next to him while he cooks, monitoring to make sure he actually seasons the dish. Aia helping him clean. Scarle “herself” cooks and makes Kyo eat whatever concoction she made that day. Vivid daydreams that he often found himself muttering to. The man ignores it for the most part, as long as Kyo doesn't step out of line.
Today, Kyo feels ill. Much worse than he usually feels, but he knows better than to comment on it. It’s not until dinner that he feels it hit him full force. ‘Are you okay Kyo?’ Aia asks.
“I feel… not good…” Kyo mutters under his breath.
‘Maybe you should sit?’ Aster suggests. Kyo can almost feel Scarle’s manicured hand run through his hair if he pretends hard enough.
“Almost done…” He reassures them… himself. He finishes the man's food and scoops it onto a plate. The man sits at the table on his phone, waiting. Kyo lifts the plate with one hand, quickly grabbing it with the other when he feels his strength leave him. He takes cautious steps towards the man, getting more and more unsteady the closer he gets. He doesn’t make it, collapsing to the floor ungracefully. The plate shatters and the food hits the floor. The man’s reaction is immediate.
“STUPID FUCKING DOG!” The man shouts furiously.
“I’m sorry… I don’t feel good…” Kyo tries to explain. It goes ignored. It’s then that Kyo receives the worst beating since being kidnapped. Being thrown into the broken glass, hit with the hot pan he used to cook. Kicked hard enough to break bones, ribs. He only recedes further into himself, doing his best to pretend he can’t feel the pain. That he’s at Iluna surrounded by his friends. Pretending that he’s home and warm and cared for.
“...And I better not find even one little shard left.” The man threatens when he decides Kyo’s had enough. Kyo barely processes the words that he hears, or the ones that come out of his mouth next.
“...yes master…” Kyo trembles out, barely able to lift himself up to clean. The man makes a noise of disbelief.
“I’ll be damned… Maybe you aren’t a lost cause.”
***
“Speak.” Master orders. Kyo remains silent. “That’s an order, not a trick. Speak.”
“Yes sir..?”
“Good boy.” Master reaches out and pats Kyo’s head. Kyo doesn’t know how much longer it’s been. Time passes by without meaning, outwardly obeying commands while pretending his internal fantasy is reality. A plate is set on the floor for Kyo, no silverware. He eats with his hands on the floor. Truly nothing more than a lowly dog. “When you’re done eating, go to your room.” The man commands, leaving the house. Kyo doesn’t even try the door, knowing from previous attempts that he won’t get far.
Kyo listens flawlessly, crawling to his room. His only haven. Where the quiet makes it easier to imagine his friends around him. To ignore the despair he feels when he wakes up from the warm dreams. A long time passes before he hears loud sounds echo through his cold prison, ones that sound much different from normal. He thinks it’s his mind playing tricks on him. When he hears a familiar name ring out, he just knows it’s another daydream he’ll be viciously awoken from. “Kyo? Kyo Kaneko?”
It’s not real… Just be quiet…
Kyo stays silent. Knowing better than to yell back. “Here…” He mutters, playing along. He hears footsteps approach and he sits up, getting on his knees and placing his hands on the floor. Sitting nicely for when Master opens the door. Punishments are always lighter this way. The door knob turns and it opens slowly at first, then swings open with haste.
“Kyo Kaneko?” The voice asks. Kyo is stunned.
They’ve never been this vivid before… I guess I’m sleeping?
Fearfully, Kyo still refuses to move. He hears the voice call out and more footsteps come. Kyo closes his eyes and ignores it. “Hey, you’re safe now. We’re here to help you. Is it okay if I touch you?” Someone asks.
Why are they asking?
“Non-responsive… Hey, I’m just going to wrap this blanket around you and we’re going to get you out of here. Okay?”
Out?
Kyo startles when a hand reaches out to him, shielding his face. The hand pauses and a voice reassures him that he’s safe. Something warm is gently pulled around him and he’s lifted up. He refuses to move his hands from his face.
Why does this feel so real?
He feels his body sway as he’s moved through the house. It isn’t until a gust of air brushes through his hair, that he finally peeks through his fingers. The brightness burns his eyes, making him blink rapidly. It’s like all of his senses hit at once. The bright flashing lights, the amount of unfamiliar people surrounding him, the gentleness…
Please… I don’t want to wake up this time…
***
Kyo is bounced from one place to the next. Pictures being taken, his collar painfully removed, baths and trying to get him to eat. They settle on liquids until they can finish testing. As for now…
“Kyo?” A shaky voice calls out. One he almost isn’t sure he can handle hearing.
“...Scarle…” He barely whispers, so quiet only he can hear it. He looks up at the most vivid illusion yet.
“Hey little brother.” Scarle says quietly, sucking in breath as if trying not to cry.
Why is she sad? I don’t want her to be sad…
She reaches out a hand and Kyo instinctively flinches. Scarle’s hand flies to her mouth, covering it and sounding out quiet apologies. “They’re only letting one person visit at the moment. They were…” Scarle stops every few words to take a deep breath. “Ren was going to come… but I… just… had to see you…” She finally bursts out crying. Kyo feels sick to his stomach. She hesitantly reaches her hand out again, grabbing Kyo’s hand when he doesn’t recoil.
It feels so real… Could it be..?
Kyo squeezes Scarle’s hand very lightly. She leans forward and gives him a careful hug, kissing him on the head. “When Maria heard you yell for her like that… We thought you were dead… I’m so glad you’re not dead…”
She’s so warm…
Kyo can feel himself relax. For the first time since the dream started, he allows himself to be comforted.
***
Everyday another one of his friends comes to visit. Each one seems just as real as the last. Just as upset. He wishes he could imagine them happier. All the people he doesn’t recognize ask him questions and try to get him to do things. They offer him food and have him walk around. They leave the curtains open at night, allowing the moon’s blessing to heal him quicker. No matter how much he flinches and ignores the orders to talk, nobody hits him.
It’s been so long since Master has hit me… Where is he?
“Good afternoon Kyo.” A nurse says to him as she walks into the room. He doesn’t react, not until a tray is sat in front of him. “The doctor wants you to try solid food and your friends told me you like butter noodles.” She sets it up nicely and looks up at the door when it opens.
“Sorry, am I interrupting something important?” Ren asks gently, half in the room.
“Just trying to get him to eat. It’s okay.” The nurse gestures for Ren to come close. Ren does, standing next to Kyo, but still in his sight. “We’re trying butter noodles like you all suggested… Reminds me of my son. He likes plain food.”
“We always tell him his taste buds suck.” Ren jokes lightly. “He agrees with us.”
“Well, plain is best right now… Though he still won’t eat.” The nurse observes. Kyo stares blankly at the plate, his fingers twitching every so often. Ren stares at Kyo, reaching for his hand gently. When Kyo doesn’t pull away, Ren guides his hand to the fork. He jerks when his hand touches the plastic and Ren lets him flinch away. Kyo’s eyes have moved from the plate to the fork. He rests his hand next to it, but doesn’t touch it.
“Aren’t you hungry, Kyo? Eat up.”
Eat? Is that an order? He tried to get me to use the fork… but I don’t eat at tables… I guess it isn't a table...
Kyo moves his pointer finger to tap the fork, closing his eyes and bracing for impact. When nothing happens, he tests his luck further and grabs the fork. Still, nothing happens.
It must be an order…
Kyo takes a small amount of noodles, raising it to his mouth. It’s flavorful, compared to what Master usually feeds him at least. A hand pets Kyo’s head as he eats. Kyo lets them, caring for nothing but the food in front of him. He’s not even halfway done with the food when his stomach is full, shocking him into the realisation. He drops his fork on the tray.
This is real… I’m not there anymore…
Kyo looks up at Ren, staring directly into his eyes. The picture is sharp and clear, unlike the blurred visions he’s used to. Ren’s hand is stiff on Kyo’s head, waiting for Kyo’s next move. “...Ren..?”
“Kyo?” Ren whispers back. Tears spring up in Kyo’s eyes and begin to flow like a fountain. Ren’s hand moves towards Kyo’s face, causing the boy to jerk back. Ren pauses immediately. Kyo reaches out, but doesn’t touch, scared to seek the warmth he so desperately craves. Almost as if Ren reads his mind, he continues reaching out, wiping Kyo’s tears away. Kyo leans towards him, wanting more. Ren hugs him, which he returns. The first time he hugged anyone back.
He is real. He’s not disappearing.
“Ren…” Kyo sobs. He hears the door open and shut, glancing to see that the nurse has left. Ren sits next to him, pulling him closer. Kyo closes his eyes again, hiding his face against Ren.
“I got you. We’re here for you.” Ren assures him. Kyo wants to believe him… and maybe he’s starting to.
***
Kyo improves significantly the next few days, leading to the hospital discussing discharging him. When the time comes, Aia is there helping him pack. It’s the first time he’s been allowed to walk without supervision and though he’s shaky, he manages quite well. “Oh, I brought you your phone. The police returned it to us when they heard you were being released.” Aia says, holding it out to him. She waits patiently for Kyo to take it.
“Thanks…” Kyo responds quietly. There’s a dent in his case, but no cracks on the screen. He catches a glimpse of his reflection and pauses. He opens his camera and flips it to the front facing view. He sits on the bed, legs suddenly too weak to hold him.
“Kyo?” Aia calls, looking up from the bag of clothes she brought him. She sets it down and gently approaches until she sees what shocked him.
“I…” Kyo starts, reaching up and moving a few strands of hair. His mirrored image follows each move exactly. He studies himself. His hair is longer, his black roots have grown out and his bright dye has faded to an artificial blondish hue, some of the color still sticking. His eyes are droopy and his face is slim, so unlike the softness it reflected before. “I didn’t… I…”
“We can dye it for you.” Aia reassures. “If that’s what you want, I mean.”
“I knew it had faded… but it looks so different… I look so different…”
“You were gone a long time…” Aia starts softly, sitting next to Kyo and slowly wrapping an arm around him. She turns his phone screen off. “But we’re going to be here to help you be around normalcy again. That’s why we fought so hard for you to come back to our dorms.”
Fought?
“Why would you have to fight..?”
“Um…” Aia starts. Kyo can see her debating with herself for a moment before taking a deep breath. “They wanted to put you in a clinic to monitor your mental state…”
“I want to go home. I don’t want to go anywhere else. I don’t want to stay in a hospital. I-”
“Kyo.” Aia interjects. Kyo snaps to silence immediately. “Sorry… The institute knew you wouldn’t want to stay somewhere else. A bunch of the teachers put in a word for you. That’s why you’re coming home with us.”
Home..? I’m going home.
“I’m ready to go home.” Kyo states. “And I think I’d like some help dying my hair, please.”
“Of course. We’ll do it as soon as you want us to.”
“Tonight, after we get home. Maybe?” Kyo suggests hesitantly.
“I’m sure we can do that. Do you want it cut too? It’s a bit longer than usual.”
“Yeah, I’d like that. Thank you…”
“It’s no problem Kyo.”
***
He had a warm welcome home. They kept the energy low enough not to overwhelm him, but Kyo could tell they were holding back. He almost wanted to comment about it, to make jokes he used to make freely before. He couldn’t bring himself to, the memories of being knocked around and beaten for speaking at all were too fresh in his mind. Even two weeks later he can’t. It’s also during this time that he realises how much he’s actually changed.
Kyo can’t eat when everyone else is, having to wait until everyone else has finished before he’ll even take a bite. And never at the table. He can’t even bring himself to sit down on a chair. During movie time every night, something Scarle suggested, he sits in front of the couch on the floor. Everyone’s tried to get him to sit with them, but Ren and Maria have moved to sit with him instead, bringing pillows and blankets to make it more comfortable.
Today though, Maria had invited him to a tea party. Though tea has never been one of his favorite drinks, he accepts. When he walks into Maria’s room, everything’s set up and ready. “Hey, Mariring!” Kyo rings out, causing Maria to giggle.
“Hi, Kyo. Come in.” Maria calls. Kyo walks forward and stares at the chairs surrounding the circular table. He sets his hand on the back of one. “Want to sit?”
Should I?
“Yeah…” Kyo answers hesitantly as he pulls the chair out. He slowly sits, his body going stiff as soon as he’s fully seated. He takes a few deep breaths.
“Here.” Maria pours him a cup of tea and slides the sugar and milk toward him. He makes his tea and waits for Maria to finish her first cup before sipping his. His anxiety has been steadily rising the entire time he’s been sitting. He’s about halfway through his cup when he stands up suddenly.
“Do you want to move to the pillows? It’ll only take a second to set up.” Maria suggests.
“Please.” Kyo says as steadily as he can. She moves a few pillows that had already been placed on the floor and puts Sir Ventrilo on one. She gestures for Kyo to sit and he does, his body immediately relaxing when he does so. “Thank you.”
“No need to thank me. We just have to take small steps.” Maria says positively. Kyo gives her a small smile, which she reflects full force. “And we’ll be here for every one of them. We’re here for you.” Maria assures, reaching out and grabbing his hand. Kyo holds her hand back and she gives him a firm squeeze.
I’ll get better… for them…
***
Two months have passed since Kyo’s return to the dorms. Kyo’s been free almost as long as he had been gone. He’s better, almost back to his old self. Acting human and beginning to make his famous quips again. When he has his moments, someone’s always there to support him when he needs it. Tonight, everyone’s eating dinner and joking with each other. A calm, yet lively dinner.
Kyo stands and moves to put his plate in the sink, happening the same moment Ren stands. Ren’s elbow bumps Kyo’s plate, knocking it from his hands. A loud shatter rings out and Kyo’s heart nearly jumps from his chest. “Oh shit, sorry Kyo.” Ren says. Kyo barely hears it over the yelling.
‘STUPID FUCKING DOG!’
“Sorry!” Kyo yelps, dropping to his knees. He grabs the broken pieces, not even reacting when the sharp edges dig into his hands and make him bleed.
Every little bit and piece!
“Kyo! Be careful!” Ren worries, reaching to stop Kyo. Kyo flinches back, covering his face and grabbing his neck. “Hey, it’s okay. Accidents happen.”
“I didn’t mean to Ma-”
“Kyo, shh… It’s just me.” Aster gently starts, crouching down far enough Kyo won’t feel trapped. “Can I see your hands please?”
“I’m sorry… it won’t happen again…”
“You’re not in trouble.” Aster says calmly, reaching out and setting his hand on Kyo’s shin. “You’re with us, at Iluna, and you’re safe. No one’s going to hurt you. Just breathe and everything will be okay… Can I come closer?”
“...Aster?” Kyo asks after a moment, peeking up at him. His face is red and puffy, some blood from his hands smeared across it. Aster moves closer slowly, giving Kyo enough time to protest if he’s not ready. He doesn’t, and Aster takes his hands, looking at the blood and small shards stuck in them.
“Aster.” Aia calls gently, extending a med kit out to him. He takes it and grabs out a pair of tweezers.
“Thanks Aia. Kyo I’m going to try and get the glass out, okay?”
“Kay…” Kyo says with a small voice. He sounds calmer, maybe a bit out of it. Aster gently picks out the glass, making sure he gets all of it. Kyo doesn’t make a sound, other than getting his harsh breathing.
“All done.” Aster says, patting the bandages he wrapped around Kyo’s hands. He reaches up and wipes the dried blood off Kyo’s face, nodding in satisfaction. “Does your neck hurt?” Aster asks, gesturing toward the red scars.
I wasn’t actually shocked, but it almost felt like I was.
“No…” Kyo decides. “Thanks…” He looks around the room, finding it empty except for him and Aster. The shattered plate is cleaned up. “Um…”
“Do you want some fresh air?” Aster asks. “It’s almost a full moon, so it’s not that dark, but it might be a bit cold.”
“Where outside?” Kyo asks, a bit interested.
“Just the garden. Still on school grounds.”
“Yeah… I’d like that.” Kyo says, taking a deep breath and standing. Aster helps him, steadying him when he shakes. Aster runs off to grab a blanket and leads him out the door, down the hall and stairs. They walk to the main campus and down the path to the garden. Aster spreads the blanket out and lays back on in. Kyo sits beside him.
The wind feels nice… but it is kinda cold.
Kyo shivers and zips his jacket the rest of the way up. He hugs his knees and stares up at the moon. “Sorry about that.”
“Please don’t be sorry Kyo… I know you’d help any of us if we needed it.” Aster says, brushing off Kyo’s worries. Kyo hears Aster move around and feels a tug on his sleeve. “Cuddles?” Kyo sighs and rolls his eyes, pretending to be disinterested. He lays down and moves against Aster. Aster hums happily and wraps his coat around both of them. It’s super warm.
“Thanks…” Kyo whispers.
“No thanks needed, but you’re welcome.” Aster whispers back. They lay there for a long time, gazing at the stars. A few meteors fly by and Kyo morbidly wonders how Aster feels when he sees them. His thoughts are interrupted by Aster’s soft question. “Are you making a wish?”
“Wouldn’t it be wrong for me to? I mean…” Kyo starts. Aster giggles.
“I don’t think too hard about it. Don’t humans make wishes all the time when they see them?”
“Well, usually, but I don’t really believe in all that.”
“You should make a wish anyway… Perhaps the star might just hear you.”
“Would they really?” Kyo asks and looks at Aster. Aster shrugs.
“I’m not sure… Truthfully, I don’t remember a lot. I just hope that even when you’re all long gone, I remember you all as vividly as I can feel and see you now… I thought you were going to be gone so much quicker than everyone else… I haven’t made enough memories with you yet.” Aster confesses. His hug around Kyo tightens. Aster’s voice drops dangerously. “I will kill that man for what he did.”
Sometimes I forget his violent tendencies aren’t always a joke… Though I don’t think anyone would stop him this time… They’d probably join him.
“My wish is that your dream comes true.” Kyo says, snapping Aster back to reality.
“Huh?”
“I wish that all of us are going to be together for a long time. That we’ll make unforgettable memories together. That even when we’re apart, we’ll be safe and able to find each other.” Kyo clarifies. “I wish that even when things change, we’ll still have each other.”
“You’re being awfully sweet right now.” Aster whispers with a smile.
“You better not say a word to anyone.” Kyo threatens half-heartedly.
“Oh, I wouldn’t dare. It’s my turn with soft Kyo… They’ll get their chance.” Aster laughs breathily. “We’ve been out here a while, should we head back?”
“Um…” Kyo starts, honestly not wanting to move out from under Aster’s warm jacket. Aster’s high temperature had been lulling him to sleep.
“We can cuddle in my room.” Aster suggests. Kyo thinks about the soft bed, one he’s fallen asleep on before during their many game nights.
“Just this once.” Kyo says, as if he was the one doing Aster a favor. Aster giggles, but keeps his comments to himself. He sits up and moves out from under his jacket, allowing Kyo to keep the trapped warmth.
“Brr. It’s a bit chilly. Get up so we can go.” Aster hurries. Kyo sits up and moves to give Aster his coat. “Nyo, keep it. You have to warm me up when we get back!”
You’re literally a star…
Kyo lets himself get rushed back to the dorms, making their way to Aster’s room. He doesn’t remember most of the trip, half asleep walking there. He feels Aster tuck him in and lay beside him.
I’m safe… home…