Breaking Down the Walls

Name: Kimiko Masaki Class: 3- Height:5'4 Disability: Mute Bio: Kimiko has always been a bit of a trouble child. She didn't interact well with others, first off, and always excelled in classes, making the other children resent her and make fun of her. She built up a wall around her emotions because of all of this, being cold to everyone, except a select few. She has been known to be nice to those that brave the cold shoulder, mean glares, and bad attitude to get to know the real her. Then there was her disability, which made it even harder for people to get close to her. She couldn't talk to people, and most didn't know sign language, so she resorted to technology, carrying around a pad and paper at all times. Although, she has been know to also carry her laptop in her bag from time to time as well. She came to Yamaku on her own free will, claiming she was sick of the inferior students and classes, but really she's just looking for a place to belong. She is very cold, and stand offish, unable to get along with people right away. She may seem like she doesn't want to talk, or be your friend, but that is just her own defense mechanism so she doesn't get hurt. In reality, once past the large wall she has placed around her emotions, she is very caring and loving, even to a fault.

[slumberinghealer]

Frenzy

[slumberinghealer]

Scraping wood. A small breath. Ryou hung on each of these minute sounds, the only stimulus his panicked mind could pick up under Kimiko’s orders. What did she want? More importantly - when did she want it? How would she want it?

His thoughts followed Kimiko’s every perceived move. He felt her warmth, the smile on her face etched into his mind. Her hands took his, guiding them to her lap, her right unusually clenched. Ryou scrunched his eyes. His experience with the cinema told him that something romantic would follow this, but all that came was an odd pressure on his hand and cheek. His eyes fluttered open for but a moment to see Kimiko’s face a mere heart-racing millimetre from his. They slammed shut until another, larger weight found its way into his hands.

Kimiko’s notepad. “Take this,” it began, as Ryou tried to juggle reading her words and examining the gift. A necklace, leather strap and silver charm, dangled between its fingers. It wore years of use, shimmering slightly less than brand new jewellery would.

"A-ah, I can’t accept this!" Ryou said, voice hitching in his throat, "It’s er, really personal and I’ve known you for, like… less than a day. This is something you give to a super close friend, or… um… Why are you giving this to me?"

[kimiko-misaki]

Kimiko's finger found it's way to the boy's lips, placing it gently upon them to silence him for a moment. She shook her head a bit, her hair swaying with the motion, that same soft smile still on her face. She picked up her pen and began writing again. "I have my reasons, which someday you may find out. However, for now, just accept the gift and think what you will. I am sure they are along the same lines anyways." She slid off the desk then and winked at him, a sly smirk on her face. She stood just in front of him now, her posture straight, her eyes locked with his. She was curious what his next move would be now. She thought about how this could be some sort of challenge, smiling in the back of her mind at the thought of winning. What she just thought hit her then and she realized how horrible that was. Her smirk faded and she looked down towards the ground, slowly walking to her bed before sitting on it, her fists clenched. Even when she was happy she couldn't shake the grasp of her parents. Her thoughts were still not her own and she hated it. She hated how they controlled her, even when they weren't anywhere near her. Her fists began to shake as she clenched her fists tighter.

Kimiko tried to hold everything back. She tried to keep it all in. She tried using what they had taught her to do. She looked up at Ryou, tears forming before she closed her eyes, taking deep breaths to try and calm herself. She didn't want this night to end like this. Not in front of Ryou.

This was how exactly how it all began to fall apart the last time...

[slumberinghealer]

Frenzy

[kimiko-misaki]

Kimiko cocked her head a bit, wondering why the boy wrote instead of speaking. Was he perhaps so flustered that he didn’t know what to do and just wrote as a response? Was he too tongue tied? Kimiko huffed a bit, looking curiously down at him before taking the page again. “Why did you write? You have the opportunity to speak, and your voice is lovely. Don’t hold back speaking if you feel as though it makes me feel bad. I enjoy hearing others talk. So please, do continue to speak.” She shifted the page so he could see it, smiling again. She perked up a bit, taking the page back quickly before he had the time to read it fully. “I’m very glad you’re staying though!” Sliding the notebook back into his view she propped herself up on the desk, sitting there, smiling, swinging her legs a bit, the setting sun setting a golden shimmer around her form. She couldn’t stop smiling around this boy. She felt like she used to, before the belittling from her parents formed her into the stuck up woman that her father wanted. Her heart was fluttering a bit, a feeling she hadn’t felt since before she came to this school.

The boy spoke one word again. A single stutter more than anything. Kimiko didn’t know how to take it. Did he perhaps want to leave? Maybe, but that seemed unlikely. She was trying to be herself and be as friendly as she could be for the boy. What could she do to set the boy at ease? She took the notebook once again, flipping the page to begin writing at the top. After she was done writing she flipped the page back, hiding what she just wrote for a moment, her heart racing.

The sentence was short, only saying “Close your eyes.” in her usual, elegant hand writing.

[slumberinghealer]

If he’d wanted to speak, Kimiko’s writing had put a stop to that. His eyes flitted between the page and the author, cheeks flushing. “W-well-” he stammered, “I, um, thank but I thought it might be nice if we, ah, talked using the same… thing…”

She’d torn the page away again to scribble another elegantly flummoxing compliment on the page. His sleep-deprived mind did its best to keep up, forming bumbling answers to the poetry on the page. Something rough glutted his voice, causing it to trip and break in ways he hadn’t experienced since before high school. “You’re… welcome…?”

Again the note disappeared, as if Kimiko had resolved to unstick his throat by sheer force of her literacy. There were certainly worse ways to manage it, he mused…

Her last sentence appeared for but a moment, a flash of black on white that Ryou only just registered before it vanished towards her chest. “Close your eyes,” she wrote, simply.

"Cuh-close my…" the lump thickened quickly, blocking whatever garbled protest Ryou could manage. Kimiko watched him, carefully, expectantly. There was little else he could do. Her body obstructed a chance at a coherent answer, a chance to properly explain himself. Ryou stood, straight-backed, stiff, and closed his eyes to the room, hoping to sort through his head whilst Kimiko did whatever she’d planned.

[kimiko-misaki]

Kimiko watched the younger boy slowly stand, nervous, straight backed and stiff. She frowned a bit, not liking that he was so... Scared. She opened a drawer from her desk, taking out a small pendant she no longer wore. It was nothing special, just a worn leather cord with a worn silver star hanging from it. She smiled, memories flooding back to her. She wore this every day at the last school. It was her good luck charm, and got her through a lot of days. Whenever she felt like she couldn't take anymore she would rub at the star and close her eyes. Somehow, it always caused her to feel better. Someone close to her had given it to her, maybe that was why. However, it was time for someone else to have it. Someone else needed it's magical aura, and she was willing to part with it to help this boy. It looked like he needed something like this.

Kimiko still sat on the desk and reached down to grab the boys hands with her own, bringing them to her lap and holding them gently, holding the necklace in her right hand between their hands. She leaned over and kissed his cheek gently before smiling and letting go of his hands. She wished she could talk to him now more so than ever, in this moment especially. Now would be the perfect time to talk and tell him to open his eyes. Tell him what the necklace was all about. Just tell him that it would all be okay. She took the pen and flipped to a brand new page and wrote the words "Take this. It got me through some rough times, and now it'll help you through even the roughest of days." She positioned the notebook so he could just look down and read it then simply waited until he was comfortable enough to open his eyes.

[slumberinghealer]

Frenzy

[slumberinghealer]

"Ah, so there- oh, okay um-" Kimiko seized his hand and pulled him towards the desk. He stumbled along.

 “Are you hungry?”

"N-no, not really…" Ryou began, only to have the paper whipped away from his sight for a fresh addition. He scanned it, lips and brow creasing in unison. The way she danced around him, and the page… He wasn’t sure what to make of it. Or how quick she was to read his mind. Was he truly nervous, or…?

He reached across to grab a pen, differently coloured to Kimiko’s, and began to write on the line underneath her’s, settling in a half-lean at her side on the chair. “It’s alright. I can stay for a bit if you want.”

He left it there, his inexperience bleeding onto the sharp, angled letters. He punctuated the sentence with an “Um,” hoping that the one used to this would take the lead.

[kimiko-misaki]

Kimiko cocked her head a bit, wondering why the boy wrote instead of speaking. Was he perhaps so flustered that he didn't know what to do and just wrote as a response? Was he too tongue tied? Kimiko huffed a bit, looking curiously down at him before taking the page again. "Why did you write? You have the opportunity to speak, and your voice is lovely. Don't hold back speaking if you feel as though it makes me feel bad. I enjoy hearing others talk. So please, do continue to speak." She shifted the page so he could see it, smiling again. She perked up a bit, taking the page back quickly before he had the time to read it fully. "I'm very glad you're staying though!" Sliding the notebook back into his view she propped herself up on the desk, sitting there, smiling, swinging her legs a bit, the setting sun setting a golden shimmer around her form. She couldn't stop smiling around this boy. She felt like she used to, before the belittling from her parents formed her into the stuck up woman that her father wanted. Her heart was fluttering a bit, a feeling she hadn't felt since before she came to this school.

The boy spoke one word again. A single stutter more than anything. Kimiko didn't know how to take it. Did he perhaps want to leave? Maybe, but that seemed unlikely. She was trying to be herself and be as friendly as she could be for the boy. What could she do to set the boy at ease? She took the notebook once again, flipping the page to begin writing at the top. After she was done writing she flipped the page back, hiding what she just wrote for a moment, her heart racing.

The sentence was short, only saying "Close your eyes." in her usual, elegant hand writing.

[slumberinghealer]

Frenzy

[slumberinghealer]

Ryou tried his best to focus entirely on the paper. “Sure,” he began, his throat crying out for a drink. He cleared his throat, “Lead the sway-way. Lead the way. Um.”

Perhaps talking wasn’t the best idea. He followed quickly behind Kimiko, eyes on her back, and the long hair bobbing back and forth with each step…

His eyes snapped back to reality when the click of the lock sounded out across the empty hall. Ryou blinked away the daze. Where did this come from? What was going on here? He looked across to Kimiko, who wore an inviting smile into a room so immaculate it put his functional chaos to shame. An itch formed on his neck, one the shopping bags prevented him from scratching. “Ah, sure,” he said, ushering himself inside and dropping the bags quickly to ease the habit. “Where… where-“

He looked Kimiko over. The swaying hips, the bouncing hair… he’d seen this all somewhere before, on a screen more silver than pixels. He coughed. “Where would you like this stuff? The shopping. I-I mean, if we’re in your room do you have a mini-fridge or…”

[kimiko-misaki]

Kimiko let out another silent giggle, tucking her hair behind her ear on her right side. Another perfect smile to the boy, strutting towards him to bend over and pick up his groceries. She thought about how much easier this would be if she could talk. No, this wasn't the time for those thoughts. She slowly stood back up and walked over to her closet, opening it to reveal the mini fridge inside, her clothes neatly organized above it. She debating on bending over again, but decided against it, crouching down to set the bags down instead. It wouldn't be nice to tease this poor boy too badly. She suddenly had a realization. Ryou was probably hungry, and this was the perfect time to teach him how to cook. She stood back up, walking over to the boy, a smile on her face. She took his hand and guided him towards her desk, taking a notebook from on it and a pen from a cup full of writing utensils to write "Are you hungry?" She leaned on her desk slightly, waiting for the boy to respond.

Kimiko was genuinely enjoying her time with the boy, although she wondered if the boy was having as much fun as she was. She took the piece of paper again, writing towards the bottom "You don't have to be nervous, you know. You can also leave, if you so wish. I understand." She shifted the piece of paper so Ryou could read it, smiling again. She felt like she liked the boy, which was very odd. The only other person she had liked was... It clicked. Who this boy reminded her of. She understood everything now, and it set her mind to ease. She now knew why she liked the boy.

[slumberinghealer]

Frenzy

[slumberinghealer]

Ryou came to the top of the hill, his lungs drawing sharp, cool air in frequent pants. He set the bags down to rub the sweat building on his neck, contemplating just how unfit his phobia of sports had left him. Perhaps this trek would do him some good; at the very least, it would help him work off the caffeine pushing his mind forever onwards.

The bags dropped once more to the concrete, and Ryou along with them - he squatted outside the gate, dropping his blazer and revelling in the breeze. Kimiko, as always, seemed unfazed. Her smile remained forever warm. Their conversation resumed on her notepad. “Do you need help carrying anything to your room? I wouldn’t mind spending more time with you. I enjoy being around you.”

Warmth spread in Ryou’s face, battling the air. He decided very suddenly that trying to find the individual dots of drying ink announcing Kimiko’s intentions to be a worthwhile endeavour. It seemed so unrealistically blatant. He finally turned the pad back to her and mirrored her grin. “Why don’t we sort yours out first? I can handle mine at some other point.”

[kimiko-misaki]

Kimiko looked away, a ghost of a giggle showing before her hair fell just enough to hide her face, and perhaps a tinge of a blush. This hadn't happened since she had been in school with the other girls. Since... She pushed her mind away from that subject. One of the many her family shunned her. One of the reasons she was sent here as well.. She focused back on the male, her smile fading slightly. She wrote on the notepad "Shall we head to my room then and sort things out there?" Showing him the notepad she swayed her hips a bit, putting on a well practiced cute act for the male. Admittedly, she was bending his will to do whatever she wanted but, it wasn't for a bad reason. She just wanted to be with this boy because he made her feel... Well... Free. Was that so bad? She decided it wasn't and picked up her bags, not giving time for the boy to answer fully, turning to head towards the girls dorm.

Kimiko lead the two up to the building, her hips swaying just enough, a walk that had practiced to perfection and then engraved in to her. It didn't bother her so much. Of all the things to happen, this wasn't so bad. She kept leading the male through the hallways until she got to her door, setting the bags down to unlock the door and open it before picking the bags back up and heading inside.

The room was rather plain, but everything was in perfect condition and perfect order. Her comforter was a sky blue, pillow covers to match, with a single stuffed animal on it. An old teddy bear, who had seen better days. On her side table was a picture frame, face down, as if Kimiko didn't ever want to look at it. Her desk? Also in perfect order. Papers were stacked neatly, flush with the edge of the desk, or perfectly aligned with something else on the desk. The only thing that seemed out of place was the bear. It was the only possession that wasn't in the best condition it could be in. Kimiko removed her shoes, sliding them just to the right of the door frame, and set the bags by her desk, smiling back at Ryou, waiting for him to come in.

[slumberinghealer]

Frenzy

[kimiko-misaki]

Kimiko shifted all of the bags to her left hand, patting Ryou gently on the shoulder, giving him a practiced, gorgeous smile. One that was supposed to set him at east. One to show him it was okay, and to not worry. She raised her hand, holding up the last three digits to show him the number three. Then, after holding the digits up for a moment, pointed at him, mouthing the word “You?” to him. She hoped he understood. It was quite complicated for her to communicate with people, and the current situation only made things more difficult and aggravating. She wanted to really speak with the boy, and wished she could to make things easier. She felt at ease around him. Perhaps it was how easily he swayed to her will? No, that couldn’t be it, especially since she felt relaxed. Perhaps the male didn’t remind her of her brother after all. Perhaps he reminded her of someone else. She scavenged her mind for who it could be, but came up empty handed for the moment. She decided to leave the thought and come back to it later.

Kimiko lead the two towards the hill, ending up at the bottom shortly. She looked over at the male as he spoke again. His head dropped, staring at the ground. He apologized. Kimiko furrowed her brow, then did something completely out of character. She set down the bags and hugged the male tightly, her arms wrapping around the male’s shoulders. She held him for a moment, as if to say that it was okay, and to not worry. She slowly released her hold on the male, a small smile upon her face as she took a few of the male’s bags, picking up her own as well, and beginning to walk up the hill. 

[slumberinghealer]

Ryou took the gestures as a godsent relief. “A third year? That explains how you’re so used to things like uh, things like me.”

She deftly turned the question on him, no doubt used to conversing with those ill-equipped for or unskilled at signing. “I’m new. First year - parents shipped me here because of… well, y’know why most people study at Yamaku.”

He quickly realised that Kimiko had usurped his lead, expertly guiding them towards the base of the hill that marked the approximate half way point between town and Yamaku. He pursed his lips. Sure, she was the eldest of them, but each expertly crafted assurance served only to cement his uselessness. He strived to keep step, but that just tired his legs and sooner than he liked, he’d slowed to a crawl as the path’s incline began.

Setting the weighty bags down did little to assuage his frustration. He pinched his brow. “Kimiko, I-“

By the time he registered the touch, Ryou caught the light scent of Kimiko’s shampoo. His muscles tensed, then melted all at once into the stranger’s embrace. How could he remain so terse with a companion so eagerly and easily soothing him? She breathed his frustrations in with an easy smile, and Ryou found his focus on soft arms and the gentle breeze slipping downhill.

She broke away and claimed yet more of the bags. The smile on Ryou’s face stopped his complaint dead - he hurried to catch up, his burden lighter and a thank you on his mind for when she could next answer him.

[kimiko-misaki]

Kimiko felt... Different. Not bad different, definitely not bad different. This was a good kind of different. It was something she hadn't felt in a long time. She vaguely remembered having this feeling a long time ago, when she was very young, and tried to recall what it was. She slowly began to realize it was happiness. The smile on her face widened a bit as the realization came to her. This boy had given her happiness, even if only for a moment and only a sliver of it. It was still there. She came back to reality and something hit her. She had slowed her paces to match Ryou's and was closer than normal. Her gaze slowly made it's way to the boy, and she gave him a smile. Not the smile from before, but a real smile. One she hadn't used in years.

The two finally made it to the top gates, walking side by side. Kimiko hadn't tried to communicate with the boy. She hadn't felt the need to. She felt like she could just be with him, not exchanging any words and be okay for once. He gave her an island to relax in the middle of a stressful ocean of order and strict rules. She slowly turned to face the boy, the smile still on her face, and began sorting through who's bags were who's. She grinned a bit, setting her bags down to retrieve her notepad and pen. "Do you need help carrying anything to your room? I wouldn't mind spending more time with you. I enjoy being around you." She showed him the notepad, holding it carefully in front of him. She had let her guard down completely by now. She was slowly returning to who she was. However, that could change with any passing moment. She would try to keep this going as long as she could, though. She liked this.

[slumberinghealer]

Frenzy

[slumberinghealer]

Ryou found himself staggering to the door, bags in hand. Not because they were heavy; rather, the sheer tempest of determination that was Kimiko whisked him through the motions of protesting her payment, trying to force yen into her hands and suggesting that he carry all the bags. She countered like a practised veteran, her smile composed, understanding - humouring him. If it wasn’t so draining, he’d be annoyed. Instead he shuffled to the door with a resigned smile so frayed at the edges that it would be hard-pressed to even recognise it as one.

She handled him like a pro - batting his every attempt at autonomy away. Impressed was the best way to describe his vision of her. “So, uh, you sure you don’t want me to carry some more of those? Wait-” he took stock of the situation - importantly, her distinct lack of ability to reply, “Stupid question. Let’s go.”

He edged his way past her and pressed forward, gripping to the best mental map his brain could scrawl. So long as they made it to the hill he wouldn’t have to fake knowledge of the area. He had no idea if Kimiko was following; her faint footsteps were the best indication, and they were easily lost amongst the chatter and crowd the small village offered. He checked back frequently, then fell back to her side when his neck muscles threatened to snap.

"Uh…" He began, fumbling. How to entertain someone who couldn’t respond? His usual avenues of interest in her person or hobbies fell flat on their face. "Um. So you’re… a second year? Third? You look very…"

A lump glutted in his throat, crushing further attempts at speech. He hung his head. “Sorry - I’m not quite used to- to Yamaku yet, y’know?”

[kimiko-misaki]

Kimiko shifted all of the bags to her left hand, patting Ryou gently on the shoulder, giving him a practiced, gorgeous smile. One that was supposed to set him at east. One to show him it was okay, and to not worry. She raised her hand, holding up the last three digits to show him the number three. Then, after holding the digits up for a moment, pointed at him, mouthing the word "You?" to him. She hoped he understood. It was quite complicated for her to communicate with people, and the current situation only made things more difficult and aggravating. She wanted to really speak with the boy, and wished she could to make things easier. She felt at ease around him. Perhaps it was how easily he swayed to her will? No, that couldn't be it, especially since she felt relaxed. Perhaps the male didn't remind her of her brother after all. Perhaps he reminded her of someone else. She scavenged her mind for who it could be, but came up empty handed for the moment. She decided to leave the thought and come back to it later.

Kimiko lead the two towards the hill, ending up at the bottom shortly. She looked over at the male as he spoke again. His head dropped, staring at the ground. He apologized. Kimiko furrowed her brow, then did something completely out of character. She set down the bags and hugged the male tightly, her arms wrapping around the male's shoulders. She held him for a moment, as if to say that it was okay, and to not worry. She slowly released her hold on the male, a small smile upon her face as she took a few of the male's bags, picking up her own as well, and beginning to walk up the hill. 

[saitoishiguro]

A chance meeting (Kimiko and Saito)

[saitoishiguro]

Still fuming, Saito decided he needed space. “Then I will see you this weekend, Kimiko.” he said, trying not to let his anger come through his words, mostly succeeding, as he turned around to go. “And if that picture frame you so studiously avoided bothers you so much, you probably shouldn’t have it on your desk,” he finished, making to leave the room.

[kimiko-misaki]

There was an almost audible snap as Kimiko's fury roared in to being. She sprang forth, spinning Saito around and slamming her wheelchair against the far wall, quickly following up with her leaning down face to face, a hand gripping his shoulder tightly. Her grip on the notepad she had been using had only tightened, and at this point she slapped down the notepad on to the boys lap. She quickly began scribbling out words to him. "Do not tell me what to do ever again, especially when you have no idea what you are talking about or what sort of boundaries you are crossing. Do you understand me? I most certainly mean what I say here. I do not care what your pathetic excuse is, I will not accept it. Now leave my room." After giving the male ample time to read the notepad she removed it, releasing her tight grip on the male's shoulder, then backing up and pointing at the door. Her rage was brimming over the top, yet she was holding herself back from unleashing her full fury on this boy. She did not feel bad for snapping, but she would not apologize. However, she did not expect an apology from this male either. It also didn't change anything, she would still show up like she said she would during their determined time. It was up to the male on whether or not it would be a good experience, or one he would come to dread. 

[slumberinghealer]

Frenzy

[slumberinghealer]

They continued in silence for a while, Ryou mirroring Kimiko’s movements, picking from the same rows, making the same sweeping movements into his basket. He felt like a teen following a pop idol’s dance routine, except with spices and herbs as opposed to twirls and flourishes. Together they gathered all the ingredients for dishes Ryou probably couldn’t even name, let alone visualize in his head. How would all these powders and green bits coalesce into something edible? What kind of food alchemist would even try?

He decided against speaking up. Judging from her focus, it seemed that the exercise of picking foodstuffs was a particularly enjoyable one for his new mentor. Further, the distraction of stopping to write into a notepad would be too frustrating to bear, or so he pictured it. A huff, a slump of the shoulders, the agonising wait for her to rummage for her notepad and pen… Not the best way to make a friend.

Kimiko turned to him, her hands ablaze with complicated gestures that he recognised as sign language a little too late. No matter - she translated the baffling gestures into comprehensible writing.

"Is there anything-" more writing interrupted his reading, "We can get bacon…" Ryou looked up to see the playful glint of Kimiko’s eye, the cheeky curl of her lip. He looked to his now considerably fuller basket, and the way it dragged his hand towards the floor. He shook his head. "I think I can resist it. Though, I would ask that you show me how to use all this… er, stuff? that I’ve bought with your list. Otherwise I really will have to succumb to bacon."

[kimiko-misaki]

Kimko let out a silent giggle, her hand covering her mouth once again. It was an odd sight to see, one she could imagine looked quite out of place. She nodded after the boy was down speaking, taking a moment to write down a few things. "Of course I can show, I planned on it anyway to be quite honest. Also, this grocery list shall be on me. I can cover both of ours with ease." She took the basket from the boy, a soft smile on her face. It was faint, but still there nonetheless. She turned quickly and began walking away, her hips swaying from side to side with each step. It was a practiced walk, perfected over the years to turn heads. One that was forced to be practiced. She didn't notice anymore, it was natural by now. 

Kimiko approached the cashier and began swiftly unloading both baskets for the cashier to ring up. He eyes bouncing between the baskets and the spot where the cashier was picking them up to ring each item. As the price came up she quickly produced enough yen, not giving the male a chance to protest, or even produce his own yen, and began to grab bags. She made it quite clear this was how it was going to be and, shooting a playful smile off to the male, began walking away, leaving a few bags for the male to carry as well. There were more bags left sitting there than she was carrying, on purpose of course, and she stood at the door waiting to see how the boy would react. 

[alphonsewruble]

Goin' Through the Motions (Open)

[alphonsewruble]

Alphonse held her as long as she wanted, letting her wet his shirt as he was just glad she was getting it all out. It didn’t bother him that they had just met, to him that meant they could have the chance to form a stronger bond. He at least hoped they’d talk after this, slightly rubbing her back to comfort her. Being American at heart Alphonse saw this as normal, letting her get it all out of her system.

The notebook was slid to him and he quickly read what it said. His heart dropped like a stone, looking to her as she curled up into a ball. He moved over to her and slightly hugged her once more, wanting her to rid herself of the toxins. “It’s alright, at least here you can get away from your parents.” Alphonse had to be careful, without is prosthetic he wasn’t too stable to be kneeling, making sure he didn’t fall on the girl as he hugged her. “You wan to know something? I don’t know who I am either.”

[kimiko-misaki]

Kimiko let the boy hug her as she reached for her notepad. She wanted to give in and collapse, but she also wanted to talk to the boy. Her hands shook as she began writing again. “There is no escape from them.. I am afraid everyday of their judgment, and their cruelty.. I let them shape who I was, what I said, how I acted… Even how I thought…” Her hand was shaking too hard, she had to take a break. She wiped at the tears rolling down her cheeks, sniffling a bit before writing again. She was unloading everything on to this poor male, but she just couldn’t stop. “Do you know why I am here? Because of them and the way they treated me. They dishoned my and I attempted to hang myself… Because I was so stupid and thought it would end the pain.. All that ended up happening was more pain.. My best friend killed himself after saving me, thinking it was his fault, my vocal cords were damaged beyond repair, and my parents…” She let out another sob, gripping the pen so hard she snapped it. Anger flooded back in to her and she threw the snapped pen, not caring what was to happen of it anymore. She looked down at he hand afterwards, staring at the black ink on her hands. She closed her hand slowly, not caring if it got over her fingers. Tears kept rolling down her face, and she let her head drop against her knees once more, her arms gripping at the knees as well. She wanted to tell the boy more but… She could not now. 

[alphonsewruble]

Alphonse read the note she was writing, holding her closer and squeezing her. Her story made his eyes tear up, his arms tight around her as he rubbed her back. the pen snapping caused him to look to it, seeing the ink and the broken pieces go everywhere. His quickly took out another pen from his pocket, laying it on her notebook. He wanted her to finish anything she needed to say, hoping it would help with the pain.

Alphonse tried to be comforting, rubbing her back and shoulder. He rested her head on his chest, trying to keep her close. His heartbeat was steady, thumping in his chest as he rested his head on hers. Coming from a close family Alphonse could never imagine what Kimiko must be feeling, just trying his best to comfort her. “Hey Kimiko, it’s nothing like your story but I could tell you mine. My reason is pretty obvious…but no one knows the story besides me. I used to play hockey, it was my passion. well, during my last game a fight broke out, and like the player I am I jumped right in. I ended up with my leg get sliced to pieces by the blades. I ended up in the hospital for a year, learning how to walk again and such. And just last week I…I fucked up again. I ended up opening my leg again and got my prosthetic taken away.”

[kimiko-misaki]

Kimiko looked at the boy, her eyes puffy, tears still streaming down her cheeks, staining her usual pale, smooth complexion. She looked down at the pen now laying on her notebook and thought about it for a moment. Dare I say more? Perhaps he knows too much... Perhaps he could help though.. She hesitantly reached for the pen, her hand closing half way there, hesitantly drawing her hand back to her chest. She stared down at the ground, her hair covering her face. She reached for the pen again, swiftly writing out an apology to the boy. "I am sorry for your incident. While I can not relate, I still think I can understand how that would be particularly difficult for a person to get through. I will attempt to be here as much as I can be though." She hesitated for a moment, her hand hovering above the page, the pen dotting lower on the page a few moments before she wrote again. "I know i can be rather difficult quite a bit, and be a bitch rather often, however that is just my own defense mechanism. As I have already told you much today.. I figure I may as well tell you this also. Do not take it personally, it is who my parents have made me." She didn't look at the male, didn't even cast a glance in his direction. She laid the pen back down on the notebook, letting it sit there, before looking down at the ink on her hand again. Stained, much like her own person. 

[saitoishiguro]

A chance meeting (Kimiko and Saito)

[saitoishiguro]

"Fine then, since you insist, How does next weekend work?" Saito said, acquiescing, but still holding his anger. I’ll have to take care of that later. Why did I get so angry? I guess her attitude of handling me like I’m less than her just pissed me off. “I do have one request though. Could you please treat me like an equal, instead of someone you look down on?” Saito held his face expressionless, in case she looked back at him as he said this. This isn’t just going to be on her terms.

[kimiko-misaki]

Saito finally agreed and Kimiko took a few more moments to clean her desk, still leaving the frame where it was, before turning back to face him. She leaned on the desk, folding her arms over her chest, staring at him for a moment before nodding and walking back over to retrieve the notepad. "I will treat you like an equal when you hold yourself as an equal. I am merely treating you like you are acting. As soon as you stop feeling sorry for yourself and begin to hold yourself with a bit more confidence and authority I shall treat you better. Until then, I shall continue treating you the same way." She showed him the notepad this time, no longer tossing it to him for him to read. She may anger him more with what she said, but that was a risk she was willing to take. He needed to hear what she had to say, and how she truly felt about him. She would try to help him as best as possible, but there were some things he just needed to do on his own. 

[alphonsewruble]

Goin' Through the Motions (Open)

[alphonsewruble]

Alphonse held her as long as she wanted, letting her wet his shirt as he was just glad she was getting it all out. It didn’t bother him that they had just met, to him that meant they could have the chance to form a stronger bond. He at least hoped they’d talk after this, slightly rubbing her back to comfort her. Being American at heart Alphonse saw this as normal, letting her get it all out of her system.

The notebook was slid to him and he quickly read what it said. His heart dropped like a stone, looking to her as she curled up into a ball. He moved over to her and slightly hugged her once more, wanting her to rid herself of the toxins. “It’s alright, at least here you can get away from your parents.” Alphonse had to be careful, without is prosthetic he wasn’t too stable to be kneeling, making sure he didn’t fall on the girl as he hugged her. “You wan to know something? I don’t know who I am either.”

[kimiko-misaki]

Kimiko let the boy hug her as she reached for her notepad. She wanted to give in and collapse, but she also wanted to talk to the boy. Her hands shook as she began writing again. "There is no escape from them.. I am afraid everyday of their judgment, and their cruelty.. I let them shape who I was, what I said, how I acted... Even how I thought..." Her hand was shaking too hard, she had to take a break. She wiped at the tears rolling down her cheeks, sniffling a bit before writing again. She was unloading everything on to this poor male, but she just couldn't stop. "Do you know why I am here? Because of them and the way they treated me. They dishoned my and I attempted to hang myself... Because I was so stupid and thought it would end the pain.. All that ended up happening was more pain.. My best friend killed himself after saving me, thinking it was his fault, my vocal cords were damaged beyond repair, and my parents..." She let out another sob, gripping the pen so hard she snapped it. Anger flooded back in to her and she threw the snapped pen, not caring what was to happen of it anymore. She looked down at he hand afterwards, staring at the black ink on her hands. She closed her hand slowly, not caring if it got over her fingers. Tears kept rolling down her face, and she let her head drop against her knees once more, her arms gripping at the knees as well. She wanted to tell the boy more but... She could not now. 

[slumberinghealer]

Frenzy

[slumberinghealer]

Ryou stowed his list away with a nod, accepting Kimiko’s duplicate with a smile of thanks. Being swept away into this whirlwind of shopping and culinary lectures pushed his mood up - the thought of an onslaught of bacon sandwiches and take-away food twisted his stomach uncomfortably. At least now he’d have the motivation to prevent his body’s inevitable explosion into rolls of fat, and new skills could never hurt.

Kimiko laughed gently but the sound was absent, like a damaged video, or a memory Ryou couldn’t remember correctly. It seemed so strange. He stepped aside and allowed her to take up the mantle of both mentor and guide through the store. “You don’t need to apologize for laughing,” he chirped as they began, “There’s nothing wrong with being happy, is there?”

[kimiko-misaki]

Kimiko thought for a moment, her brow furrowing as she stood there. "I do not believe there really is anything wrong with being happy, I suppose."  She wrote back to the boy before walking slowly down the aisle. She enjoyed going shopping, it let her relax oddly enough. She did't have to worry about school, or people, she could just find what she needed, check out, and leave with no problems. She knew here grocery list by heart and began to make her way around the store picking up the things she needed such as bread, white rice, noodles, different fruits, and different spices, as well as her own special treat. Strawberry jam. It wasn't special jam, just regular old strawberry jam, but as she found it she held it for a bit, a brief smile on her face before she put it in the basket. She was never allowed to have sweet tasting anything in her household, but whenever she went to her grandmother's house, there was always strawberry jam there that she could sneak. It was foolish, but it was an inexpensive item she adored, so she allowed herself to get it. After her pause with the jam she went to get both milk and orange juice, as well as some tea.

Kimiko then turned to Ryou and nodded, signing quickly [ This is it. Is there anything else you would like? ] out of habit before shaking her head, mentally chastising herself, and writing out the same thing. She was sure the male wouldn't attempt to, but she wrote out "If you would like, we can get bacon. I know how much boy's adore it.". She smirked softly towards the male, a soft touch of playfulness in her. 

[kimiko-misaki]

Hall mates (Misha and Kimiko)

[kimiko-misaki]

Kimiko gave the girl a very confused look, her hands moving to her hips, an eyebrow raised. Finally a sigh escaped and she signed out [ Shicchan? May I ask who this Shicchan person is? Or would that be crossing a boundary? ]. Kimiko then went wide eyed and glared at the girl, her hands slashing out [ Hey! What do you mean “just you”? ] She glared at Misha for a little bit longer before finally sitting down in a chair near her. [ I suppose I can allow that one to be forgotten. However, you really should not let yourself oversleep. You should follow a strict sleep schedule so you can maintain yourself at as high of a performance rate as possible. ] She nodded, a slight smile on her face, assuring herself of this slight victory. What the victory was over, she had no idea, but she was sure she won. 

Misha had gotten up in the brief moment Kimiko had slipped in to thought and had asked a question. Kimiko stood as well, flattening her skirt and adjusting her hair before following after the female. She waited until Misha was once again looking at her to sign back [ Probably some fruit of some sort followed by bread and milk. ] 

[pinkdrillsmikado]

Misha stared at Kimiko with awe. “Wow. I might as well call you Shicchan ‘cause you’re acting so much like her~.” She let out a resound sigh and started signing again. [ Shicchan’s… well… She’s my best friend~. And she’s a bit of a big deal in school, with her being the Student Council President and everything~. But she’s been busy these past couple of days, and… Well~… Even though we work together, I barely ever get to talk with her personally~. She’s all work and no play, and I miss her~. ] Misha frowned loudly. [ Sorry, I must be dumping a lot of unnecessary things on you, aren’t I~? ] She waved her hand in front of her face. [ Let’s just forget that all of that happened, shall we~? ]

She stopped to wonder about how Kimiko’s breakfast would taste. “Hmm… That actually doesn’t sound pretty bad,” she thought out loud. [ I’ll have the same~! ] Misha confirmed with a broad smile.

[kimiko-misaki]

Kimiko stopped dead in her tracks, a slight frown upon her face. [ I would prefer not being called "Shicchan" until I at least meet her. Until then, perhaps could you continue to call me my own name? Or a nickname that is close to my name? That would be splendid. ] She forced a smile, but as Misha began talking her smile diminished. As Misha apologized, she shook her head. [ There is no need to apologize. If you would like to talk about it more, I am here to listen. ] She also held out her arms after signing the last words. Misha spoke again about getting food, but she did not budge, waiting to see if the girl wanted a hug or to talk about it. It was odd behavior for her, but she found herself acting more and more strange the longer she stayed at this school. 

[saitoishiguro]

A chance meeting (Kimiko and Saito)

[saitoishiguro]

Saito’s anger chilled immediately as he read her words. “You told me to come. You didn’t have to invite me in. I could have been just fine, wallowing in my sea of self pity as you put it, on my own in my room.” Saito’s spine, newly found, surprised him. Since when have I ever told ANYONE no? I don’t think I’ve done that. Ever.

[kimiko-misaki]

Kimiko stared down at the boy, a flare of anger igniting. She took her notepad and began furiously writing. "Okay, I tried to be calm you welp. I am done now. I was attempting to extend a friendly hand for you as you seemed like you needed it, but that no longer is there. I was not pitying you, despite what you believe. Now, one last time you childish pup, what day. And if you reject this you can roll your sorry ass back to your own room. I am done trying to be nice to someone who is thinking only of themself when clearly another human is attempting to extend a friendly hand. Something bad happened to you, I understand, but now you must pull yourself together and stand back up. Laying on the ground feeling sorry for yourself is no way to live life. Do you understand me? Despite how angry I am, I am attempting to help. I would not want to see potential go to waste.." She tossed it again on to his lap, a little more force behind the toss this time, turning away to begin organizing the few things on her desk, ignoring the face down picture frame. Whatever they boy chose, she did not care. She had made her point and she was going to make it obvious she could not be swayed. 

[alphonsewruble]

Goin' Through the Motions (Open)

[alphonsewruble]

Alphonse jumped a bit as she slammed her fists down on the table, not expecting the outburst. He saw the tears rolling down her cheeks as he felt something just break in him, memories flooding into his mind. When she threw her notebook and fell to the ground he didn’t waste anytime. He got on his knees and crawled over to her, touching her lightly on the shoulder. The hand on her shoulder turned into a light hug, Alphonse wasn’t sure what her reaction would be, he guessed the worst would probably getting hit.

Alphonse looked to the girl, his hand slightly gripping at her shoulder, trying to comfort her. As he held her he seemed to feel her pain, his own eyes starting to tear up slightly as he held back. “L-let it all out. Y-you’ll feel better.” His voice croaked, trying to sound comforting while the image of his old friend was clear as day in his mind.

[kimiko-misaki]

Kimiko did something she had never done before. Something that she thought was wrong to do. She latched on to the male, hugging him tightly, crying in to his shoulder. She felt weak, and she hated herself right now. If her parents could see her right now.. She let out another sob at the thought, gripping the boy's shirt tightly. She had screwed up so much in her life, and today she had tried to avoid screwing up again. She took the day off, avoiding as much as she could, but no matter how hard she tried she couldn't escape her fate. The tears streamed down her face, leaving dark spots on the boy's shirt. She had barely known this male for ten minutes, yet here she was trying to find comfort in his arms. This was not lady like. This was not something she should do. This was disgraceful. This was wrong. So many things ran through her head, but she thought one thing last. Why is this wrong? Who am I?... 

Kimiko pushed herself away from the male gently, her shaky hands searching for her notepad. She finally found it, producing a pen as well to begin attempting to write. He elegant hand writing long gone she wrote as best as she could. "I don't know who I am anymore... I don't even know why I'm being so open with you.. It's just spilling out... I can't take it anymore.. I can't take the hold my parents have on me anymore..." She pushed the notebook weakly over to Alphonse, bringing her knees up to her chest again, tears slowly falling down her face. She was no longer sobbing, but she also was not any better. As much as she hated it, they might be up here for a while. 

[alphonsewruble]

Goin' Through the Motions (Open)

[alphonsewruble]

Alphonse read the note,nodding as he moved closer to her, not getting too close though, keeping about two feet between them. He gave his next words careful thought, he hadn’t really thought about why he wanted her company but he just did. Maybe it was because he was lonely and needed some company, maybe it was because she reminded him of someone he once knew, maybe even another reason he couldn’t name. Whatever the reason Alphosne just gave a slight smile, looking up tothe sky as he answered. “Well, if I’m going to be honest…..I think it’s because you remind me of an old friend. Someone whom, I was very close to. My best friend really.”

The bird had flew away when Kimiko clenched her fists, flying away from the roof altogether. Alphonse then noticed how Kimiko looked, her hands clenched as he was about to ask if she was okay, biting his tongue. Just as he was about to let it go an image of his best friend flashed in his mind, she was crying. It was the day they first met, she had been crying on a bench about some kids bullying her. Alphonse felt a twinge of pain in his heart as he asked, “Hey Kimiko. Are you okay?”

[kimiko-misaki]

"Hey Kimiko. Are you okay?" 

The answer was obvious. No. No she was not. She wanted to scream at the top of her lungs. She wanted to break down and confess to the boy everything that was wrong. But she couldn't. Her fists clenched tight and she slammed them on to the table, her hair falling to cover her face as she began to silently sob, tremors sent through her body with each sob. She had been stupid and weak and there wasn't a day that went by where she didn't regret that day. She slammed her fists on the table again, tears falling from her face. If she hadn't been stupid she would be able to talk just fine. She wouldn't be here, she wouldn't be in this situation, and she might have friends still. 

Her parents might still love her. 

She stood, unable to sit anymore, grabbing the closest thing to her, which was her notebook. She threw it at the fencing surrounding the roof as hard as she could, collapsing in to a ball after doing so. She gripped at her knees, her face buried in her knees, her hair falling to cover her face completely. There she sat, huddled up, sobbing silently to herself.