Weiss Kreuz Fan Fiction ❯ Mend my Heart ❯ Welcome Home ( Chapter 16 )

"Welcome, Ken!" The blonde duo exclaimed as Ken and Ran stepped through the door. The brunette smiled broadly at the pair from the doorway. He was ecstatic to be out of the hospital and he had to wonder about his new situation.

When Omi proposed this arrangement he readily agreed for a number of reasons. One; he wanted out of that hospital. Two; he refused to go to a clinic and was angry with Kase for even suggesting such a thing. And lastly, because he always welcomed new experiences. The J-league had offered him the ability to learn and grow via the mix of players and the travel that accompanied any sports team.

In addition to that, Ran's words still echoed in his mind. Everything that happened to him before the 'accident' was in the past, a time that left residual feelings and memories both good and bad. But now, as of the moment he woke up, the slate was wiped clean and he had the opportunity to start over. At first, he didn't want to start over, he wanted his life back to what he had before. However Kase's brief but tumultuous visit that first day proved that he could never go back. It hurt, knowing that, more than he could ever say but the three men in the room had shown him it wasn't the end of the world.

Over the past few days each had visited often staying for a while as they chatted about everything and nothing. Omi had brought fresh flowers since he noticed the old ones had practically wilted away already. He got to learn about the youngest of the group who worked in the little flowershop below his new room. And even found out that they had a lot in common. The most prevalent of which was the fact that Omi didn't know his parents either. His 'Uncle' had found him and subsequently become his guardian, so in essence Omi was an orphan too. They were also the closest in age, Ken at 17 and Omi at 16.

The gap between the playboy and Ken seemed virtually non-existent due to the older man’s lax and casual attitude. In many ways, Ken thought the man was a bit immature, but he didn't mind. It made it easy to be around him. He didn't feel threatened or intimidated by the older boy even though Yoji took great satisfaction in goading people on. Yes, most of their conversations consisted of playful arguments and Ken rather enjoyed it.

It's no wonder that of all of them, Ken was more comfortable and at ease with the redheaded man behind him. He had even come to value the sturdy presence the pale man exuded. He needed that strength more than anything else and was forever thankful for the gift Ran was. Secretly, he still considered him that Angel from his dreams but feared calling him that aloud. Not because he feared Ran's reaction per se but because of the feelings that stirred within him when he thought of the man as such. Feelings he understood a little more because of his relationship with Kase.  Kase, he sighed mentally.

Kase, on the other hand, was not what he was expecting at all when he woke up. He expected to be welcomed home with open arms and it almost seemed as if that was what would happen. But the illusion shattered pretty quickly, leaving a broken and embittered boy behind. He knew that they were having difficulties recently but that never hindered their relationship before. Now he questioned it and it left him feeling incredibly hollow.

His pushed his wayward thoughts to the back of his mind though because he refused to give into them. He had new friends at the moment. Ones that didn't care about his previous fame. But most importantly, ones who knew nothing more of his past than the sparse interviews he had. And for that he was ever thankful. He doubted they would be so kind if they knew the whole truth.

As it were, he had a new life to start and he intended to do it wholeheartedly. So he put on the biggest smile he could muster as he stepped into his new home to greet his new friends. "Thank you."

Ran, ever his caretaker, shut the door behind them to guard against the chill and pointed out a chair a few steps away indicating he should get into it. "You best sit down."

"I'm fine." He muttered over his shoulder without losing his smile.

Stepping up behind the brunette, he said more pointedly, "If you were fine, we wouldn't have had to stop twice on the way up."

"Yes, mom," he teased even while following the order.  Of course, he would never admit aloud how much it bothered him to had to take those breaks.  He had been confident when he started but when they reached the first landing on the outside stairwell, he was breathing heavier than he wanted and could feel the dull ache in his still mending knee.  Halfway up the second set he had to stop again due to the throbbing of his leg.  Ran was patient with him yet he could tell that Ken’s stubbornness wore on him.  His thoughts were disrupted once more by the perpetually cheerful voice of Omi.

"I'm so happy you decided to stay here, Ken-kun. I hope you like the apartment I picked out for you."

"It's fine, Omittchi. To be honest I've never had my own place before, so anything would do."

"Well, this is a nice setup. Each flat is independent of the others but there is a larger kitchen and living room on the level of the shop and a basement as well. But you won't need to go down there at all." Yoji commented.

"Thanks for allowing me to stay. I really appreciate it. I hate hospitals."

"Have you told Kase yet?" Ran voiced the question on all their minds.

Ken’s face fell a bit. His 'best friend' had only stopped by once during the past four days to tell him he set up a room at some treatment center on the outskirts of town. Also to let Ken know that he had packed up his stuff and had most of it in storage right now, giving the details on location and such and that he could have someone send it to the center. Ken declined before Kase could even finish getting the question out saying he would take care of it himself. Some more heated words were exchanged before Kase left in a huff. Ken didn't bother to tell the man that he had made other arrangements. And he wanted to keep it that way for as long as he could. "No. I want him to stew for a few days. If he couldn't be there when I was released it won't matter where I end up as long as I'm out of his hair."

Ran was both happy and yet annoyed at the brunette’s childish antics.  He was unreasonably delighted to know that Ken had snubbed his college enough as to not tell him where he was going.  But on the other hand, he did realize that some of Kase’s anger was due to the feelings he had for Ken.  And knowing that made him uncertain as to whether or not Ken’s decision was fair to the other man.  He knew for a fact that he would want to know where Ken was if their roles were reversed.  As gently as he could he mentioned, "He'll probably be pretty angry when he finds you missing."

"I don't care.”  Ken dismissed heatedly then took a deep breath before saying, “Anyway, I don't want to talk about it right now. Can't we just enjoy ourselves?"

"No problem.” Yoji immediately took the cue that the topic was dead and switched to a new one, “We were able to get your stuff out of storage for you. It's over there in the corner. Did you want any help with unpacking?"

Briefly he scanned the room to locate said boxes and then promptly ignored them.  "Not right now. What I would really like at the moment is something to eat. If I had to have one more meal in the hospital I would have gone berserk!"

"That can be arranged." Omi, having slipped away a few minutes before, came out of the tiny kitchenette holding a tray full of food. Cheers went up and the group dug in stuffing themselves with the various items. They chatted lightly, the others tiptoeing over topics that may set Ken off without being so obvious about doing it.  Over the past few days they learned that specific topics could bring about a panic attack most obvious of which was the accident. And there was one bad incident during a therapy session as well that they are still trying to determine the cause of. For the moment they decided to avoid what triggers they could.

When all the food was devoured, Yoji excused himself to meet up with a client. Omi gave the pair a quick tour which was very quick considering there were only two main rooms. "I've also stocked the refrigerator and cupboards. Let me know if there's anything else you need."

"I will." Ken smiled.

"Well, I really must go. I can't leave all the work to Momoe. If you feel well enough to venture down tomorrow, I'll introduce you. She's here during the days while the shop is open and will help you if you need anything."

"Thanks again, Omi-kun."

"No problem." Then he left.

Ran glanced over the brunette and noted a weariness in the sea mist gaze that seemed to have steadily grown over the past few hours during lunch.  Alone now, he felt safe voicing his concern aloud.  "I think you should get some sleep."

"I've been sleeping too much.”  Ken immediately countered, a hint of annoyance lacing his tone.  “I can't get my stamina up if I give into every tired impulse."

"But you'll only set yourself back if you over exert yourself."

Frowning, Ken answered sharply, "It's alright. I think I know what my limitations are."

Ran huffed lightly but said nothing more on the matter. "So what do you want to do now?"  He asked in hopes of diffusing the brunette’s irritation.  It seemed to have worked.

Ken sighed loudly.  “I don’t know.  Before, my days consisted of practice, practice, practice.  But now all I seem to do is sleep, sleep, sleep.”  He fell into the chair he had sat in when he first arrived and rubbed his face with his hands.

“Which you will do until you are better.” Ran commented from his position by the door.

“I know but it just seems like it’s taking forever.”  He leaned forward resting his elbows on his knees and looked sheepishly up at the redhead.  A flicker of an embarrassed curve of the lips held a hint of apology in it.  “I had no idea just walking up a flight of steps could tired me out so fast.”

It was Ran’s turn to sigh.  In his deep timbre he tried not to sound too reproachful, “You can’t expect instant recovery after what you went through.  You’ve made a lot of progress, just be happy with that.  You’ll be running around before you know it.”

Ken nodded, accepting the comment at face value while drifting on his own thoughts.  Then as Ran watched, Ken’s eyes narrowed and darkened, his hand clenched tightly over his injured knee.  In a harsh whisper meant more for himself than for Ran’s benefit he said, “I know I will.  I’ll show them they can’t take me out of the game so easily.”

Ran didn’t like the change that befell the younger man.  It reminded him too much of himself when he thought of revenge.  And that realization left him more worried about their current situation than he cared to admit.  Seeing this as an opportunity to figure out what he got himself into, he began, “You said that once before.  Who are they?”

Ken tensed momentarily before dropping his gaze to the floor.  He looked as if he had just unwittingly tattled on someone he had vowed to keep secret.  And he seemed to desperately avoid questioning amethyst eyes.  After a moment’s pause he answered, “Nobody.”

Ran scowled.  He knew Ken was lying.  And more than that, he knew Ken knew that he knew it was a lie.  That didn’t make it any easier.  In fact it seemed to infuriate him.  In a deadly calm tone, he said, “Don’t lie to me.  You seemed to know who called me too.  Are they the same people?”

“Look, I just don’t want to talk about it right now.”  The goalie hopped out of his chair turned his back to Ran, one hand up pleading silently for him to stop pushing.

But the determined redhead would not be put off so easily.  He stalked up behind Ken, demanding, “If you know something that could help point us in the right direction you need to tell us.”

Ken shook his head no. “That’s not it at all.”  A hand came up to message his temples.  “It’s just.  I have an idea.  But it’s something I’ve got to take care of myself.  Please,” he turned troubled sea-change eyes up to beg for Ran’s understanding, “just drop it for now.  I’ll tell you everything when it’s time.  I’m already endangering your lives enough as it is.”

How could one defend against such soulful eyes?  Ran sighed - anger quickly draining away, closed his eyes and shook his head in exasperation.  “How can we help protect you if you won’t tell us what we need to know?”

“I told you I’ll deal with it.  I just don’t think I could handle the thought of you getting hurt because of me.”  His mind continued down the dark path.  He could see the bloodied bodies of Ran, Omi and Yoji sprawled out in front of him and it left him weak in the knees.  His heart began to speed up.  No, not another one!  His breathing became shallow instantly as he feared the onslaught of another panic attack.  He had been so happy having gone for so long with out, almost a whole day and he could feel that peace shattering. 

The soccer player had no time to prepare as the worry over having another brought the symptoms on that much faster.  Suddenly his world was spinning out of control and he crashed to his knees.  His stomach convulsed violently.  The next thing he knew he was retching into a small pail.  Ran must have sensed what was coming for him to have quickly placed it before the brunette.  The sturdy figure behind him rubbed small circles across his back.  When he thought he could expel no more, Ken still continued to gag and choke.  But Ran’s deep voice soon trickled into his mind, the sound originating just past his ear, coaxing him to calm. 

Closing his eyes, he concentrated on that soothing baritone, allowing it to lead him back to a point where he could breathe again.  Softly, he muttered a weak, “Thanks.”

“It’s all right, Ken.”  Ran expected the brunette to argue but was surprised when all he received was a nod.  They sat there for another minute before the younger boy shakily got to his feet.

“I think I will take a nap.”

“That’s probably a good idea.” Ran frowned at Ken’s sallow expression.

Glancing around, Ken commented absently, “I should probably clean this mess up first.”

“Don’t worry about it.  I’ll take care of it.  Just go rest.”

“You shouldn’t have to pick up after me.  We aren’t in the hospital anymore.  I need to take care of myself.”

“I said not to worry about it, I’ll take care of it.  Besides, this coddling won’t last too much longer.  Before you know it, I’ll be standing over you to make sure everything’s picked up.  Then you’ll be wishing for these days again.”  Ken had to smile at the redhead’s meager attempts at humour.  And for some reason he had the strong suspicion Ran wasn’t entirely joking.  The mental image of Ran standing over him in a nun’s habit methodically tapping a ruler in his hands made him chuckle out loud.  The epitome of the stern women who watched over the children in the orphanage he started out in.

Weariness settled into his tired figure, both mental and physical.  Old memories brought up old pains.  And his current state left him feeling no better.  At last he sighed deeply, nodded again and then headed for the small bedroom.  Just inside the doorframe, he paused looking over his shoulder with a sad grin, “Thanks Ran.”  You’re so kind to me, Angel.  His mind continued.  And what have I given you in return? Nothing but half truths and the high probability of a shorter lifespan.  I hope one day you can forgive me. 

“Welcome, Ken.” Ran answered.  Then Ken headed into the room, crashing on the bed but leaving the door wide open.  Ran wondered if Ken always kept his bedroom door open when he slept or was it something else now.  Silently, he resolved to wait out Ken’s nap here not wishing to leave the brunette so soon after an attack.  So he bent down to start the tedious task of cleaning up.  

- v – v – v – v – v – v -

REVIEW!  REVIEW!  Please, I beg you, REVIEW!  Was that subtle enough?  I love reviews, I can’t get enough of them.  So please don’t neglect that special little button in the bottom left corner!  THANK YOU!

Ken:  Yeah!  We’re back!

S-k: For the moment anyway.

Omi: Don’t say that, you know where you’re going for the next few chaps at least.

S-k: Thanks, Omittchi, but I was really hoping to get more Ken Angst in. –sigh-

Ken: What? (shocked)  How can you say that? 

S-k: Easy.  Remember what most of my lovely readers said a few chaps back.  We all LOVE seeing you in pain.  Be it emotional or physical, it doesn’t matter.

Ken: but… but… but…

Youji:  You can’t argue with fact Kenken.  You can read just as easily as I can.  The majority vote says KenAngst is high on the list of enjoyment factors in this fandom. 

Ran:  I suggest you sit back and enjoy the reprieve you are currently experiencing.  Because I have a feeling it won’t last for too much longer. 

S-k: How right you are, Aya.  Not that it will be next chap, or even the chap after that.  But I assure you when it comes it will probably come fast and hard.  Hmm, on second thought, that may not be the best terminology considering your relationship with Aya.

Ken squeaks and blushes.

Ran scowls and flushes.

Youji laughs hysterically.

Omi shakes his head smiling.

S-k: Oops, this is still the PG/T version, isn’t it?  I guess that means it’s time for me to shut up, ne?  Well then, until next time, peeps!  Ja ne! . :D   (review!)