Fan Fiction ❯ Drawn to the Flame ❯ über dem Abstand ( Chapter 6 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
Chapter Six
The sound of fists hitting hands echoed through the dojo, accompanied by feet landing on the hardwood floor and canvas mat. Sheens of sweat dotted the kunoichi's brow as her arm moved to counter that of the German Girl. Determination darkened Hitomi's eyes as she moved to strike out again and again. Each time Ayane deflected the moves but she had to admit the elder girls final strike had stung her palm.
“And I still have three days to work on that,” Hitomi's voice held pride as she lowered her fist.
“You'd better hope I'm having a slow day.” Ayane felt a smirk form as she brought her foot around in an attempt to sweep Hitomi's from under her, a move she dodged just in time.
“I guess I had better hope you can have two slow days in a week,” Hitomi delivered the statement as she spun bringing her fist to strike against Ayanes palm.
“It's too bad we don't have more time left, I'd go full speed.” All the Japanese girl did was smile. Hitomi had been much better, about hiding the true meaning of some of her statements, when they had first begun to up their training. Now, with the tournament looming, she had become more transparent.
“Good to know that last move wasn't the best you were capable of,” Hitomi's statement sent a flash of aggravation through Ayane. The thought of Hitomi's reaction if she had fought her at full capacity was an amusing one.
“Just as it's good to know that--”
“You two never quit do you?” Ayane turned to the sound of Hayate's voice. He was dressed causally in a pair of faded blue jeans and a black T-shirt. Upon closer inspection, she could make out faint writing on the shirt spelling `Hard Core.' His distance over the past few days had concerned Ayane. Despite how he seemed now she couldn't help feeling it.
“You would think there was a tournament soon or something,” Hitomi flashed a smile with her words. “Actually we were just about to end today's session. I'm helping with intermediates again.”
“I'm sure he appreciates it with the tournament being so close,” Hayate replied.
“It's not a big deal and it's extra training in its own way,” The German girls smile continued.
Ayane hoped the wave of annoyance she felt wasn't obvious. Hitomi had told her, she considered helping her father to be another form of training. However, she also knew that right now, the elder girl considered it to be anything but `no problem.'
“Speaking of your Father, I need to talk with him before the classes begin,” He explained.
“He's in his office right now,” Hitomi answered
“I will have to see you two later,” He said.
The kunoichi returned the smile he gave her. They remained silent until he exited from view.
“The classes will be starting soon and I really need to get out of these clothes--” Ayane could feel the sweat cooling uncomfortably beneath her garments as she spoke.
“It's fine, I was wondering if it would be all right with you if we met for an early session tomorrow,” The tone of the elder girls voice belied her smile.
“ I don't see why not ” Ayane knew her expression mirrored her less than thrilled tone.
“Good then in the morning around nine?”
Ayane only nodded.
“See you then.” Hitomi turned as she spoke sprinting toward a few of the younger students who had gathered on the opposite side of the dojo.
The kunoichi moved past several of the students that were just making their way in. Things could be sorted out later. All she wanted was to shower and change as quickly as possible.
-----
The metal door of the locker gave a short sound as Ayane opened it. She removed a dark purple gym bag, and as she reached for her jacket of the same color, she caught sight of herself in the mirror. The outfit she had chosen was causal. Black sweat pants with a few small white stars below the waistband. A matching thin-strapped tank top as accompaniment. She had returned to the Mighty Vinyl to purchase the shoes she wore, black with a white stripe and small heel. They appeared to be a hybrid between dress and tennis.
She took a final look before shutting the locker door. A hooded jacket was pulled on before slinging the gym bag over her shoulder. Exiting the room she made her way down the hall until she came to the entrance to the dojo. Hitomi was in front of the group instructing the class in a series of movements. The German girls face was a mask of determination even going through exercise motions.
One thing she had to admit, even if the girl's thinly veiled comments annoyed her, Hitomi didn't quit easily. Proving herself to her father meant everything to Hitomi. Ayane believed that at least in a small part Hitomi wanted to prove it to herself as well.
“I'm sure they wouldn't mind if you wanted to join them,” Hayates voice took her off guard. Didn't he say he had some place to go?
“I was just noticing how much progress they made,” Ayane said with a smile.
It was a true statement, even if those weren't her true thoughts at the moment. It was impressive how far some of the younger students had come. Even if it wasn't anywhere near what the clans standards would have been.
“We have some truly dedicated students here,” Hayate spoke his words with a measure of pride. “I was heading out myself, maybe you wouldn't mind coming along. I think you've worked up enough of an appetite to join me.”
She knew he meant the Thannos. This would be the third time they had dined there since their night at the Magic. The restaurant was a comfortable one. It was the perfect blend between fancy and casual. Maybe she could get him to talk about some of what seemed to be weighing on his mind. Ayane smiled in reply, turning to follow him, not looking back once.
---
“Hitomi finally got her father to concede to her wishes, if she wins the tournament she will be able to study abroad.” Ayane hoped her surprise wasn't as evident as it felt. Since they had been training together the German girl had spoken of her desire to make her father see this issue her way. The Hajin-Mon couldn't help but wonder why Hitomi had kept silent. “If her father hadn't told me himself I would have never believed it,” he concluded.
Though she would be more than willing to see the German girl gone, there was no way the elder girl could beat her--and she couldn't throw the match. She forced a smile as she made her reply, “She's wanted this for so long, it's almost enough for me to wish against myself that she win.”
A short laugh had accompanied the karate instructor's smile at the word almost. “The two of you have worked so hard. It will be something to see how it all pays off.” Ayane dipped the thick wedge of potato in the tangy sweet sauce. Maybe that's why Hitomi's father had consented…he didn't believe she would win anyway.
“You must have plans of your own for after the tournament.” Hayate's eyes met hers with expectation. She had hoped this question wouldn't be addressed yet.
“I plan on continuing my studies for at least another month before I ask for a report on my progress. Then I can make a more informed decision.” She hesitated wanting to add something more personal. If Hayate wasn't addressing it there must be a reason…
His hand wrapped around the glass in front of him, tilting it slightly he watched the path of the fluids surface. Ayane shifted in the discomfort of the growing silence. Something else was on his mind. She looked away a moment her violet eyes focusing on the silver frame of a nearby window. She had promised herself if the opportunity arose she would address his recent distance. Even so she could feel the wings of anticipation fluttering in her abdomen as she returned her attention to the table.
“You seem distant I was wondering if something…” her sentence trailed, her gaze holding to his. She hadn't wanted to come right out and ask…
“There are just some things that I need to work out--alone.” Hayate's determined tone left no room for debate in his meaning.
The kunoichi's gaze turned down focusing on her hand at the sting in his words. This wasn't the clan he couldn't just dismiss people when he chose. Hayate's hand covered hers as she struggled over how to reply. The Hajin-mon lifted her gaze as she spoke. “I don't understand— are you in some sort of trouble?“
“I'm not in trouble though it's a good bet that there will be some at some point.” He raised the glass to his lips taking a sip before replacing it on the napkin. His matter of fact tone was only serving to grind at her more. “I'm sorry Ayane. It's something I can't involve you in.” His fingers brushed over the top of her hand gently before he removed it. They remained silent a moment before he spoke. “ I promised Hitomi's father I would help him with some last minute dealings for the tournament tonight. If we leave now I could at least walk you home.” He offered a smile with his words.
Ayane only nodded as she rose pulling on her hooded jacket. It was obvious to her he wanted the subject dropped and she would oblige- at least for now. “ I'm going to wait outside.” Her fingers moved, zipping her coat as she spoke. He nodded as she made her way to the exit.
Once outside in the cool air, she turned, looking back at the Thannos. Inside of the restaurant people continued with their conversations at the small tables. So many of them were as free from cares, as those they had shared the dance floor with at the Magic. As Hayate made his way to escort her home; she couldn't help but think of his tone just a few moments ago and hope that he would allow her to know more in time.