Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ Everybody Knows ❯ Obvious ( One-Shot )

Alarm clock buzzing 7a.m. another day of school. Topple out of bed through shower. The same blue uniform, same tiptoe down the hall. Almost to and out the door. Too slow bound by routine, he's slammed against the wall. Drunken hands fondle youthful flesh as smoke laced words molest. "Baby brother you almost escaped, but it doesn't matter. You'd only come back. We both know you'' never leave." So arrogant if true, her father's daughter. The play begins again, but he didn't scream. No one listens anyway. Eventually she'll stop, though the pain never goes away.

Staggering out of apartment cool, moist wind strokes fevered brow. Of course it rains, though it needn't be a sign. Shame bowed head accepts the pounding rain, helping to dispel the scent, the stain. It isn't enough. Black eye seems to cry, lips dusky red from use. His back burns from hidden bruises even more than strips from nails and- the wind won't stop blowing.

He makes it to school twenty minutes late. No one bats an eye, this is not unusual. There's no reason to rush, he has no expectations to fill. That wasn't the promise he made. Occasional drips accompany dreary steps down echoing hallway. Brief interest at his arrival quickly turns to boredom. "Have you finally decided to join us Mister Kuwabara?" Tone so brisk and business-like, a tired line. The class titters on cue, but no one's fooled. Everyone knows the background events. Familiarity insures no need for reply. Sitting between old friends his silence is understood. There are no rumors only truth buried beneath taunting. No one likes the truth homelier than Kazuma's face. He unperturbed, burrs ceasing to hurt long ago.

Bell sounds end to homeroom. Ignoring everyone he runs into Uremeshi always playing at stupid evil. He isn't given the time to speak. "Uremeshi go fuck yourself or go to class I don't care. I just don't have the patience to deal with you today." Kazuma doesn't pause continues walking past next class. There is no point to it. Misunderstanding and treatment as refuge. He doesn't need it. Sitting on the roof it's cease to rain. Only a cool mist remaining. Jacket off leaning back on sprawled hand he smiles as fitful breeze toys with his hair. Peace is illusion the bell rings signally P.E.- a pointless exercise. Mindless games played for uncertain benefit. Shirts versus skins- Kazuma a skin. It can't be hidden- the marks, but why protect a public secret? The bruises, scratches obvious signs of use. Plain to sight, but no one's looking `cause no one cares. The trait of this world everyone acting blind. Shower like a mirror showing every scar proof of social neglect.

Bells ring slow prolonging the pressure for him to conform to his role. Sitting alone surrounded by others. His situation like a boundary clearer than the ghosts dancing everywhere. Why can't they understand? He doesn't want the part he's been given to play. It's obvious he isn't happy, obvious he needs help. Nobody cares, why should they? It's the easy way out pretending nothing's wrong. If enough pretend who's to say anything different? It isn't worth the effort to try. So he sits silent. Staring out the window remembering words that should never have been said.

Last bell giving freedom quickly taken away. Lurks Shizuru's car brazen red unmistakable. There is no protest, no goodbyes it's happen before. Briskly he walks over not trying to stall. Hidden behind the curtain of his hair he doesn't even shudder. Her hand creeps so, so deeply between his thighs ever possessive. It must be taken no one is going to play hero. Home is without sanctuary he doesn't want to leave the car. Where can he go she won't follow? And what of a promise made? Stairs present aid to hesitant feet, but time gives only an illusion of safety. Darkness behind an open door creates dilemma. Lead by resolute despair he steps inside, to be slammed against a wall. Iron hands pin as heavy body absorbs his contours. "Why not give in? Why do you run when you'll never leave?"

In distant time he made a promise, he can't keep. The burden seeks to break him. Too much heat can break a sword. "Promise me you'll protect her? She is a good person deep inside and she needs your love. Promise me you'll never leave her, promise with all your heart you'll stay?" He's only five his long sweet face distressed. Eyes bewildered behind a film of tears he yanks his long braid. Even so young he knows this is foolish. But this woman owns his heart, he says yes. They both know he doesn't lie, she is his mother.

He never meant to lie. "I'm sorry mother." She, his sister starts like burned. What does he mean, what's going on? Strong arms wrap around small waist. The heat betweens them is not passion, it's so much deeper. Happiness eludes them as ghosts of the past consume them. Promises never meant, to be chains. Still they weaken, ready to break. Shizuru tries to pull away, but circumstances aren't forgiving. He rested his head against her shoulder, whispered. "You promised me, but you lied. But that's okay I've broken my promise too, except I'll never leave you." Heat surrounded them, forging bond unbreakable.

Raining again, it needn't seem a sign. Heaven weeps no tears. Only a few come to the funeral the rest too ashamed. Their shame the silver white coffin, draped in tear crowned flowers. No blame lays upon it, blame being contagious touching everyone. Short service a sop for the living. The dead have no ears to hear. Together, there is no alternative. They lay together fused by mistaken duty. No mourner speaks, all words would be fraudulent. Their parts are plain, having done gravestone. "Here lay a brother and sister who loved each other in life and death. May their spirits find the rest that eluded them in life." Kuwabara Shizuru 1980-2004 and Kuwabara Kazuma 1987-2004.

Heads bowed for final prayer. Amen and everyone leaves letting time take her dues. In time all their excuses will be the truth. Only the dead remember. A woman sits beside the gray stone. Where have her children gone? Auburn lockes make fitful frame of bitter sorrow. Her tears cannot disguise bewildered anger. All her best intentions gone awry. "You promised…on that day seventeen years ago you promised us." In her heart this woman holds a picture. Little girl rocking baby at her mother's feet. She sings him nonsense making promises of little value. "…And in my heart I promise to take care of you. I'll be the best sister ever! You and mom will never have to worry. And one day daddy will stop drinking and love us again. Then we'll go away from here and all it's ghosts to a big house with a dog and cat. Ya know? Like a fairy tale- happily ever after. But if that never happens I always protect you, because I love you. Okay? I promise baby brother, I promise."