Chapter 4 Discovery Train
Usagi got his things together and slowly headed to the door, glancing back at Leo to make extra sure that he was okay even while he seemed carefree. He hovered at the door for a moment debating weather or not to ask for the tenth time if Leo would really be okay. "Leo will call if he needs me." He thought to himself as he let out a sigh, heading out the door and back down the sidewalk to his job. Past the bodega and its mystery animal that used the new papers like a bed, past the run down diner that Usagi went to his first night in town and nearly got himself killed.. Past the alley where he saved that weird old lady who gave him his amulet and started this whole mess.
When he entered The Run of the Mill he felt his chest tighten, the thought of Leo getting triggered again or somehow getting hurt was making it hard to think straight, but he couldn't let that get in the way of his work! He'd have time to panic, and gay panic, later. "Usagi!" Called a voice from the doorway, it was Hueso! "Where've you been mi amigo? I sent a text to your phone to make sure you were coming in today, but received no answer."
"Oh? S-Sorry, I must've missed it, I've been a little.." Usagi trailed off, he didn't know how to tell his boss that he'd been helping a ghost boy get through his trauma for the past few days without sounding insane. Although, he was a skeleton so maybe it wouldn't sound all that crazy? "You know Usagi.. You can tell me if you are going through something, I may not look it but I have much experience." Hueso suddenly had a grin on his face, something like that meant he was up to no good. "Boyfriend things maybe?" He asked with a smug look. Usagi's eyes widened a little, he'd never told Hueso he was gay, though in retrospect there probably were signs- Like accidentally spilling water on a guy he'd been staring at a little too long. "N-No, not boyfriend things, I don't even have one of those hahah, you know I work too much to have a relationship." Usagi said, trying to play it cool.
He carried out his shift like normal, no calls from or texts from Leo, he wasn't sure how to feel about it. He went from checking his phone, glancing to the clock, and making sure the amulet was on right, just in-case back to back. With a little less than an hour left to his shift he heard a ding from his phone. It was Leo! He scrambled to his phone to open the message and make sure he was okay.
His heart felt like it was about to explode till he opened the message and let out the longest sigh he'd ever let out. Thank god it was just a dinner request...
'Yeah, I can bring some home after work.'
'Awesomesauce, u da best sagi'
He knew he told Leo that phone calls are for emergencies, and texts are for regular stuff but he'd been anticipating coming home to something bad all night, so even though Leo's text did give him a minor heart attack, he was grateful to hear from him at all. "Who's Leo~?" A voice called from behind his shoulder, causing Usagi to jump in surprise and just narrowly avoid hitting his head on the ceiling. Once he landed he spun around coming face to face with one of his co-workers, a secretary bird named Ikari, she just smiled and gave a little wave. " You can't just be snooping over my shoulder like that!" Usagi whined. "Why not? You do it all the time with me and my girlfriend!" She retorted back. And to be fair Usagi did snoop from time to time.. But that was totally different! ..Somehow... "Okay, okay you've got me there.. You know better than to sneak up on me though!" Usagi said defensively, still pouting but in a more playful way than upset. "Yeah, it's just fun seeing you nearly hit the ceiling. But anyway, back to my question, who's Leo?" she asked "Wait! Don't tell me, he's your new boyfriend~?"
"What? No! He is not my boyfriend! Why does everyone think I'm dating someone..?"
"Sure looks like your boyfriend~" said, skimming over his texts, disregarding his 'don't invade my privacy' face. "Hey!" He took his phone back, and sighed "Well he's not-"
"Then who is he? You never talk to anyone or leave your apartment aside from coming to work, and no Leo's work here" Ikari asked, still not convinced. He rolled his eyes thinking to himself, 'He's a ghost in my apartment that I accidentally summoned and sure I think he's cute but he's also dead and like, really traumatized.' Yeah right, like he'd actually be able to say anything close to that. "He's... My roommate." Usagi muttered, and technically, it wasn't a lie. "Since when do you have a roommate?" Ikari asked, more confused than if he'd just had a boyfriend. "It's... It's a recent change, almost a week. It's not really something that would've come up casually." Usagi said with a shrug. "So... Are we gonna meet this mystery man soon?" She asked, giving him a smirk, apparently she was still unconvinced that there was some sort of romantic involvement.. "He's uh.. Not good with People? Maybe if he sticks around I'll add him to our group chat but I don't know.." It wasn't that he didn't like people, but I mean, he says he's from 100 years ago, the gap in social interaction is probably way different and he'd come off really weird if the whole ghost thing didn't freak her out first..
"Okay, well... I'll be checking in on you about this Leo person~ If its a bust I can always take you to the club where I met my girlfriend!"
He ended the conversation there, saying he needed to get back to work. His shift continued with relative ease, there was some big shot guest he was supposed to wait on so all the regular customers cleared out early. On his way to the table Usagi took a breath and put on his best customer service face. He went out with their usual drink order and set everything down with a smile, "Evening miss, I'll have the pleasure of serving you tonight. Anything you need just say the word." He bowed his head, making sure not to look right into her eyes. "Oh~? Anything I desire hm~ Well lets see then.." She watched as Usagi bowed, the slight shine of a chain dangling from his neck and the blue glow from its gemstone. Her eyes went wide but quickly calmed herself, "Though I suppose your kind offer is only limited to your malabisym menu"
"My what now- Oh-! Yes, yes anything on the menu or anything we have in the kitchen that can be prepared for you."
"Hmm, well now that I've gotten a good look I have to say, not much interests me. However, I am intrigued by that neadellisk necklace you've got on, I simply must know where you acquired it~" Usagi froze, glancing down at his chest where the amulet was tucked under his uniform then lowly lifted his gaze to the woman at the table. "It.. was a gift." He hesitated but pulled the amulet out from under his shirt to show her, "Sorry, but I have no idea where it really came from. Or how to get into contact with the one who gave it to me."
"I see.. I supposed a gift so... Meaningful, would be impossible to part with? Even for, oh I don't know... $10,000? Just a random silly number"
"But of course, it's clearly cased in gold. And I've got eyes for all that glitters~"
"I.. Well..." He thought about Leo, about his promise to help. Money sounded great and all but he honestly wasn't that down on cash, still the wad of purple bills was hard to ignore. "I'm sorry, i-it's a generous offer, but I couldn't." She locked eyes with him for a moment, then waved her hand, "Oh don't you worry your fuzzy little head deary, but hey! On an ubiquitously unrelated note, how would you like to come work for me?"
"I like your confidence, your conviction, your... Sylvilagus style. And I want it for myself, all that glitters remember~ Hueso holds you in high regards, that makes you the perfect candidate. It includes a pay raise and more days off, I rarely makes deals in person so you're really very lucky to get such an offer. The work isn't even hard really, you just have to run errands for me from time to time, gather information and whatnot."
"More time off..? Well... I-I'd have to talk to Hueso about it, It wouldn't feel right just up and quitting on him."
"Oh but of course! Hueso! Skele-deary! Come holly-hither at once!" Hueso's head peaked out from the doors to the kitchen, poorly hiding his nerves as he walked to the table, "Y-Yes, miss Big Mama? Everything is to your liking so far?"
"Oh it most certainly is~ So much so that I've decided to take this remarkable rabbit here back with me! No to-go box required~" Hueso had a look on his face hearing that, it went though about a hundred different stages of confusion, anxiety and maybe even some kind of grief, but it was too subtle for Usagi to read clearly. "Usagi is- I just mean- A-Are you sure you want him to-"
"Up-bup-bup- No talks backsies now, I've made my selection and it is mutual so just give me a price and I'll sign the check, you know how it goes." Hueso looked back as Usagi, "You really want to work for her? No tricks, no.. Deals?" Usagi gave a small nod, "I'm not sure, it 's all really sudden and I don't want you to lose her business, but the offer didn't sound half bad so.. maybe I could try it out? A-And I'll visit, you've been good to me, and I won't ever forget that. I mean you're fully staffed and you clear out the restaurant for her, willing to lose money to make her happy, so she's gotta be someone worth that kind of respect right?" Hueso sighed, and nodded back, "Si.. Alright, big mama, you may take Usagi, for a test run.. Under one condition! Just... No nexus.." Big Mama smiled and pulled out a contract from her purse, "Why.. I wouldn't dream of it~" Hueso sighed and signed, giving the form a once over before sliding it to Usagi. "It looks like, your hers till the end of the month. At the end of the week you decide what you want to do. I know it's sudden but.."
Usagi pulled Hueso into a hug, "You know me Hueso, I'll be back at the end of the month. We'll play nice for now, and find a way to turn her down at the end of this whole thing." Hueso gave him a pat on the back, "I'm glad you are thinking with your head mi amigo, I will see you soon then. Keep me updated as well alright?" Usagi nodded and signed the contract, watching the ink soak into the page, glow bright yellow, then turn into a flame that engulfed the whole thing till nothing was left. "Woahh... Cool...." Usagi was excused from work from then on, so he took some left overs from the kitchen home with him. On his way he saw a lot of extra stalls lining the streets, maybe some kind of festival he hadn't heard about? You could practically see the light-bulb above his head as he stopped in his tracks, glancing over to a stall lined with movie cases and paper slips. He went over and starting sifting though each title for anything Leo might like. "Are you looking for something my friend?" The vendor asked him, looking Usagi over. He was a tall bat yokai covered in clearly fake gold chains.. Probably not the most trustworthy guy to buy from, not that he had many options. "Oh- Uh.. Not really I was just.. Do you have any Lo Jutsu movies?"
"Lou.. Jitsu?" The vendor repeated, confused more than anything. "Yeah, I was.. I'm trying to find some retro movies for my... Grandpa?" The vendor ducked his head under his stall table and pulled out a box that was probably half dust. "I have this." The vendor replied, placing an old-looking dvd down on the table. The picture showed off a young Japanese man in a bright outfit wrestling with some men behind him looking menacing. "Wait for real?? I'll take it! How much?" Usagi said with a wide smile as he took the case into his hands, he couldn't wait to show Leo!
Once he got home he made a b-line to his room to get back into more comfortable clothes. Leo was sitting on the couch while Spot sat in his lap, trying to eat the string Leo dangled above his head. "I'm home" Usagi chuckled at the sight, glad to see them getting along. Leo smiled at him as Spot yipped, jumping off the couch at the smell of food. "I brought pizza, as requested" Leo's grin widened as he stood up and helped take box out of Usagi's hands. "And.. I also brought you something special." Usagi said as he held his plastic bag up like it was a prize winning fish. Leo paused, looking at the bag then back to Yuichi. "A gift?" Leo asked, his gaze focusing back on the bag as curiosity got to him. Usagi took the movie from the bag and proudly held it up. Leo's eyes went wide.
"Holy shit- Holy fucking shit you found one??" Leo said excitedly as he bounced excitedly. "Thank you, Usagi! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" He said as he leaned in and hugged Usagi, only for a second before coming to his senses and pulling back. "You seem really excited, is this a good one..?" Usagi asked, looking over the dvd picture again. "One of the best!" Leo said happily before he carefully placed it down on the table, then he cleared his throat and straightened up. "Anyways, I uh.. I was thinking," Leo said, his pointer fingers tapping together, "You mentioned the park? I-If you're still up for going? You came home kinda early so I don't know if you're tired or anything.." Usagi's expression softened, even after everything Leo was trying to be considerate, it was cute. "I'd love that actually, I can tell you about what happened at work on the way, you are not gonna believe this heheh.."
"Oh? Something good I hope?" He took the phone Usagi gave him, he didn't really need, or have, anything else to take so he was all set. Usagi nodded and held the door for Leo on their way outside, "Yeah, but I'll wait to spill it till were a bit closer to the park. So.. Did you sleep any while I was gone?"
"Maybe? I lost track of time for a bit, I don't remember having any dreams so if I did sleep it was only for like an hour." Leo said back, "And you were okay? No.. Panic attacks?" Usagi said that last part a little softer, concern in his voice as he eyes traced Leos features. "I was fine, Usagi," Leo said with a dismissive wave of his hand. "I can handle myself y'know? That was.. It was just a one time thing- Probably from the shock of being brought back from the dead or something" Usagi pressed his lips into a thin line, not fully convinced. Leo seemed to be okay, as far as he could tell but it still weighed on Usagi. Having no other choice, Usagi decided to drop it for the time being. Leo was excited for this trip, Usagi wasn't going to hassle him about it, for now at least..
Soon enough they turned the corner and found the park. Leo looked around his eyes pausing on every yokai that passed them, waiting to see if any met his eyes. "Have you and your family have been to the Hidden City before this?"
"Once or twice, we didn't come out here until our other dad stopped trying to recruit us for his army against humanity really. After he chilled out we came to visit a few times. I've been here on a trip with my family, and twice with my Tío. Me and my brothers also went to Tío's pizza parlor a lot, but we mostly kept to ourselves.. Ninja code or whatever" Usagi nodded along, trying to make sense of his family tree. "What was your other dad like?"
"Well, I don't consider him my dad, but my brother Mikey did, and I guess technically he did create us with the help of my actual dads dna, and we technically wouldn't be here without him, but like, he never paid child support or did anything dad like, so I don't think he counts," Leo said with a shrug, "You are quite the wonder, Leonardo Hamato," Yuichi said, chuckling. "Your life was so interesting, you've had so many adventures in such little time."
"Yeah? It wasn't as cool as it sounds to be honest. Shit was tough man, fighting Barry and The Shredder, I thought we were going to die honestly.. Then when the invasion happened.. I actually did die..." Leo took a deep breath. His hands started to shake a little when he remembered the face of Kraang Prime. It wasn't very noticeable and it was obvious Leo was trying to hide it. But Usagi saw. He rested his arm around Leo's shoulder trying to comfort him in a not so obvious way. Leo looked over, figuring that Yuichi was just an affectionate guy and leaned slightly into him. "You did good Leo, you kept your family safe," He said reassuringly. Leo looked at him with a soft smile. "Yeah, they're safe, that's all that matters," Leo said, Straightening up again and then clearing his throat as they walked into the park.
There were a bunch of people sitting out on blankets looking up at some kind of light show that was meant to mimic stars. Since no one had paid any attention to Leo this far they figured it would be fine if they sat semi close to the other people. Usagi pulled out the blanket he had Leo pack and spread it out on the ground. Leo sat next to Usagi once it was set, placing the pizza box in between them, the two of them got comfortable and settled into their places. "So.. I've told you a bit about my life, can I ask about yours?" Usagi's ears perked up though he didn't move, "Oh.. Me? I'm not really.. Interesting"
"I'd love to hear more about your home life though.. If you don't mind. I mean, it's not exactly like I can tell anyone what you tell me, but you don't have to though if you don't want to!"
"It's not that-" Yuichi said rubbing the back of his neck, "Im just not sure where should I start." Leo thought for a moment, leaning a little closer, "Well what did you do on your farm?" Leo asked "I know you have animals, but did you grow food? Was it a family thing or did you hire people to work there?"
"Oh, well.. We did all sorts of things, I was actually uh.. Sick, growing up, so I wasn't allowed to do much work, but there were gardens for food, and lots of people my aunt employed to work there. When I was able I helped in the garden closest to my room, and would sneak out to the property line that way.."
"Sick hm? Well I'm glad you're better now.. So did you guys sell a lot of food?"
"Yes and no, most of the food was just for the workers and family, everything left over was donated. My aunt might be crazy and uptight but she has a good heart. Hana, when she's older, will probably be the one to inherit the.. Farm. She loves it there."
"Right, I forgot you have a younger sister, you guys were adopted by your aunt right?"
"Yeah, it's a long story though.."
"Well I mean.. we've got all night if you're okay talking about it"
"Well, where I'm from there used to be a lot of crime. My parents were part of the Miyamoto clan, their job was to protect the people. And they did.. Till their last breath they fought to keep us all safe. I was too little to remember anything really, Hana was maybe two or three, I was only eight. They left one night when the warning bells rang, alerting the people that there was trouble being caused, it was starting to snow and the air smelled like burning wood all around us. I kept trying to leave and find them, thinking I could help if I was there.. But guards held me back, and I was too weak to get out of their hold. I used so much energy I actually ended up passing out- And when I woke up the snow had stopped, but my parents never came home..." Leo just watched Yuichis expressions as he listened, seeing that distant look in his eyes. Leo knew that look all too well. Yuichi perked up after a moment of quiet, "My aunt took us in after that, we stayed with her a lot anyway so it wasn't too bad, I was usually at her house for the doctor visits, and so there'd be someone to keep an eye on me when our parents were off fighting. And we'd been there ever since.." Leo hesitated but put his hand on Yuichis shoulder, "I'm really glad you told me about, I'm sorry you had to go through that. You parents sound so cool, like the coolest ninjas probably ever-" Yuichi rested a hand over Leos, chuckling a little at his attempt to comfort him. "They were more like samurai, but thank you Leo."
"Well, I saved the world one time, so I think I have the authority to say if someones the greatest?"
"Uh huh, suuuure, when did you save the world?"
"The Kraang Invasion, duh. I literally died saving the world and all, remember?"
"The Kraang? I've never heard of them?"
"It should have been in History books by now.. I mean New York was devastated! Buildings crumbling, people being infected and taken over, aliens from another dimension were let loose on the town! Unless there was some big government cover up maybe?"
"The Hidden City is unaffected by most things in the Upper City, I'm sure it's in the Upper City's history books though if you wanna check some day?"
"No way it wasn't effected, that shit was so crazy, you guys had to have noticed something when it happened right? It was like the whole world was falling apart!"
"Well, a year ago we had some really bad earthquakes? Our farm was almost destroyed, but that was just last year, you've been dead much longer than that haven't you?"
"Well, I-I don't actually know how long I've been dead, I just.. Y'know, assumed it's been a long time.."
"You don't know? Okay well.. There's gotta be a way to figure it out... "
"Yeah, I would like to figure out how long I've been gone.."
"We'll figure it out Leo, we've got time."
"Yeah, I really miss my home, I wish I could go back and visit.. Its probably all rubble by now"
"Well, we could probably visit, I should have more free time coming up and as long as it hasn't changed to much you can give me directions right?"
"Really? You'd do that for me?? Dude, you're seriously the best like, ever-" Yuichi turned to hide the red spreading across his face at the compliment, taking his hand back as well, "S-Sure, you know I'll do whatever I can to help you find closure."
"Thanks Usagi.." After a bit longer, sharing pizza and talking about who knows what, Usagi remembered he had something important to share, "Oh! I almost forgot!" Leo perked up, setting his half-eaten slice down to listen more intently, "Yeah?"
"One of the customers that comes in from time to time, she's like crazy rich and said she liked my amulet, and my attitude, then she kind of bought me?"
"Not like- Not like anything bad! She just made a deal with Mr. Hueso that if I liked working for her better I could stay, and if I didn't I'd go back to working for him like I had been. And she like, bought my service so that he would have the money to hire someone else while I'm gone."
"Ohhh okay I thought tha- Wait- Did you just.. Did you say Hueso? Like.. Senor Hueso? At Run Of The Mill Pizzeria?" Yuichi looked confused but nodded, "Yeah..? Didn't I tell you before? Did you know him or something?"
"Uh yeah!! Me and my brothers ate there like all the time! We had our own booth reserved and everything! He was like family to me! He's still alive??"
"Well.. Skeletons do live for hundreds of years... So yeah, I suppose it's possible he'd still be around, we should go say hi sometime, I'm sure he'd love to see you!"
"Yes!! He'd know what happened to my brothers! A-And if he's still alive who knows who else is.. Like Draxx or Mayhem or.. Eugh, even Todd-" Yuichi laughed at the names, unsure who they were, but Leos reactions to them were pretty funny. "That's a good idea, I feel like texting him about it might be weird, just showing him that you're here with me would be more convincing.." Leo nodded, "I can't wait.. Any other cool stuff happen at work? Yknow, before he sold you-" Yuichi laughed, trying to think, "Well.. I did serve some turtle yokai a few days ago, and I think one of them was trying to flirt with me? He was nice and all don't get me wrong! I haven't even really made any friends since I moved no way I'd be thinking about dating- I guess I have my co-workers, and you.. That'd be pretty hard to explain to anyone I bring home heheh.."
"Woah.. Damn Usagi, you've only been here a year and you're already getting romantic offers, good for you dude. Was he cute? Are guys even your type?"
"They are... I don't really think about gender as a factor when I meet someone though, and I mean, he wasn't ugly? I just don't know how to really respond when people flirt with me, and I like getting to know someone as a friend first, it makes more sense that way."
"Ohh okay yeah, that does make sense, I'm pretty partial to guys myself- Er.. Was?"
"Yeah? Did you ever have a boyfriend?" Leo shook his head, finishing his half eaten slice, "Nah.. Ninjas don't get normal lives, it was always fun to think about though... I always imagined I'd save someone from a bad guy and he'd tell me how cool I was and we'd just hit it off.. Or something like the plot of a shitty Hallmark movie where some ripped big tech CEO would teach me the true meaning of Christmas"
"Its a human TV channel known for cheesy romance movies that make no sense, but lots of people loved em anyway. We should watch one sometime!"
"Heheh, sure, one of these days we can spend the day showing each other media we like, I'm really interested in that Lou Jitsu movie if I'm being honest.." Leo perked up, "Well in that case we should head back, it's getting late anyway right?" Yuichi just chuckled and got up, he had nothing better planned so might as well let Leo decide where the night goes. "Yeah, do you know the way back or should I lead?" Leo glanced around, checking to see what direction they came from, "I think I got it, this way right?" Yuichi nodded and followed close behind as they headed out of the park, couples were heading out too, most dodged Usagi, said "excuse me" or something, but not Leo, no one even looked his way. He even went up to the guy selling food on the corner, "Hey man do you know what time it is?" But nothing, the guy didn't even look at him.. So maybe he was invisible after all? Usagi stopped, "Leo we just ate don't tell me you're hungry again?" The man looked at him confused, "My names Matroah, and I don't even know you- Who's Leo?" He glanced between the two, the dots finally connecting. "Oh-! Sorry sir, I uh.. I'm on the phone..? I-I'll be going now-" He quickly walked away with Leo beside him, "Okay.. So other people can't see you... This makes things a lot harder.."
"No kidding.. How am I gonna talk to Hueso now?"
"..Well... hm.. I could call my aunt? She knows a lot about ghosts and mystic stuff? Or maybe Hueso will believe me without seeing you? I could like, tell him what you say?"
"How late is he open? I know I was excited to watch the movie a minute ago but Im kinda bummed about being invisible now.." Yuichi took out his phone and decided it'd be a lot easier to just call him. "Why don't I ask, that way we won't have to wait?" He dialed and waited for a moment before someone picked up, "Run Of The Mill Pizza, Ikari speaking how can I help you?"
"Yeah- Long story, I need to talk to Hueso, it's mega urgent and can't wait, its like, life or death"
"Oh.. Uh- He went home for the night hun, but he opens, so he'll be here real early if you can wait?"
"What? Nooooooo, okay.. Okay I guess we can wait- I should text him and let him know the situation.."
"Is something wrong? You aren't like being ransomed are you?"
"Heh- No, no nothing like that. I just.. Ran into an old friend of his who's trying to talk to him and I said I'd help. Okay.. Thanks Ikari"
"No problem sweetheart, you have a good night now okay? Tell that boyfriend of yours I said hi~"
"He's not my-! Aaand she hung up.. Okay well, I can text his cellphone and hope he answers.." Leo laughed a little, "Who was that?"
"That's Ikari, a co-worker, she's probably the closest thing I have to a friend here.. She saw me texting you earlier and things you're my secret boyfriend- I don't know why, I told her you were just my roommate, but she wouldn't listen. A-Anyway, let's get home, I'm sure Spot's missing us by now." He started walking beside Leo, taking out his phone and texting Hueso.
'Hey Senor, I have something really important to talk to you about, it's really hard to explain but do you think I could stop by before you open tomorrow morning? I have someone I think you should talk to'
It only took a few minutes for him to respond.
'Someone I should talk to? Is this about the new job? I know I was a bit.. Caught of guard but you have nothing to worry about from her'
'No no, it's totally unrelated to that. How do I explain this without sounding crazy.. Do you believe in ghosts? Cause its about ghosts-'
'Did you perhaps hit your head on the way home Usagi?'
Leo glanced over Yuichis shoulder, watching as their conversation when no where, "Here let me send him something, I've got a way with words, that Magic Touch if you will~" Yuichi raised his eyebrow but shrugged and handed him the phone, "Knock yourself out"
'Im being haunted by the ghost of a turtle who says he knows you, and said he "won't be able to pass on till he talks to the bone man" so.. I think you guys might know each other'
'... If this is a joke it's not very funny Usagi.'
'Swear its not, he's kinda tall, red and yellow stripes, ninja that says he used to have swords. That ring any bells?'
'Did this fantasma give you a name?"
'Yeah, said it was Leo. He was looking for his brothers too but I don't know anything about that so I figured if you knew him you might also know what happened?'
'This is.. Not possible. I will leave the employee entrance open, come in the morning and we will talk. This ghost, he follows you?'
'As far as I know, but no one else can see him for some reason. And I can't see any other ghosts its just him.'
'This.. Is a new thing with you yes? He has not been around this whole time?'
'Just this past week, it's why I've been acting all weird'
'I see. Well.. If he was with the spirits I can only assume he knows about Astilla's.. Passing. No matter, we'll sort this all out tomorrow, does anyone else know about this?'
Leo paused in the hallway to the apartment, eyes starting to water, "Astilla.. T-That.. That's the word for Splinter.." Yuichi paused as he opened the door, "Splinter? Sorry I'm a bit lost- What did you say to Hueso?" Leo handed him the phone and slipped past him going right to Usagis bedroom, something upset him apparently. He read through the messages and responded to his last one.
'Keep it that way por favor. I will see you tomorrow then.'
'Got it, see you tomorrow.'
So this Splinter.. That was someone related to him right? Think! He had brothers, and sisters, and his... Shit that was one of his dads wasn't it? No wonder he looked so upset. "Leo..?" Usagi slowly walked into the room, Leo hadn't even bothered to turn the light off. "Hey.. I- Are you.. Well okay, I take that but I know you aren't like, okay, okay- But.." He inched closer, seeing Leo curled up on his bed, hugging the stuffie Usagi had given him. It was clear he was trying to control his breathing and stop anymore tears from falling but it wasn't working very well. Yuichi slowly sat down, giving Leo lots of time to back away or ask him for space. When he didn't Yuichi scooted closer, "Hey.. I'm... I'm sorry you had to find out this way. A-About your dad I mean, I can hardly imagine how you're feeling right now.." Leo was quiet for a long moment, "It's not just that.." He muttered, fighting himself to look up at Yuichi, "I didn't.. I never felt his spirit. For me it was just, darkness.. Like I was in a coma. I remember hearing my ancestor, she whispered something to me, I can't remember what.. But I heard her as I was bleeding out. I remember that part so clearly, but then there was nothing.. And I was pulled into your room. If dad was with the Hamato clan ghosts and I wasn't- What does that mean? A-Am I not.. Am I ever gonna see him again? Are me and my brothers gonna get to be with the ancestors? Or do we just go to that dark, cold, void when I accept that I'm dead for good..? I have so many questions and no one to help me, I feel so fucking useless- All I've been doing since I got here is eating your food and crying.."
Yuichi reached his hand out, hesitating at first but gently patting his shoulder, "You can't beat yourself up too much Leo.. If the roles were reversed I can't say I'd be doing much different, you're allowed to have time to grieve yourself, and all the things you've lost. Everyone else got time to come to terms with the situation, no one cold expect you to just move on or be fine after a few days. You're allowed to be upset, or cry, or eat my food heheh.." He didn't have much to offer and didn't want to share anything about his own losses and accidentally overshadow Leo's pain. "Why don't we watch the movie in here? You can tell me all the cool details I'll probably miss, and I can make some popcorn, I'm sure Spot wouldn't mind being your cuddle buddy if you gave him some treats?" Leo let out a dry chuckle, "Yknow.. Before my dad was mutated he was Lou Jitsu"
"He- Wait really? He was some famous actor? That's so cool.. Would watching his movies be a bad idea then if you need time to process everything?" Leo shook his head, slowly sitting up, "I think.. I think I'll be okay, it still hurts.. a lot.. But seeing him kick ass on screen always got me pumped up. Thanks Usagi.. I know I've been a lot to deal with but I'm really glad I met you. You've never made me feel bad about being so.. Emotional" Yuichi smiled a little, getting up to go get the movie.
"I'm glad I met you too Leo, I don't think I'll ever forget you, even when you pass on for real.."
Masterpost
Chapter 5 - one day
