A Clash of Realities [Rin]

I often feel like a butterfly with broken wings

After some seconds of pure silence, the door open just a little bit - enough for Ryuu to see the shadowyface of a grown man, but not for him to be able to see the inside of the house. An hostile greeting led by an hostile voice. It didn't feel like Ryuu was entering the home of a classmate: it felt that he was entering a prison... and that a very angry guard did not want him to see any prisoners.

It appeared like the man was about to say that Rin wasn't home but then, coming from far, he recognized the fragile voice of the now 1-A Class President.

"Give me a moment, Ryuu-kun, be right there!"

That was... odd, to say the least. More so because of the sound the already fragile door made by what Ryuu assumed to be the man's hand applying way more pressure than what he should to the door knob; especially odd when, with some force, the same man closed the door on Ryuu's face as he talked and went away. The fifteen year old even took a step back out of pure reflex, afraid that the door would really hit his face.

Even if she's grounded, that's a weird way to react..., he thought.

It  was a possibility. Ryuu still didn't know Rin that well, nor did he knew her father. She could've done or say something to get grounded. Ryuu's parents never did this to him... also because hey never had a reason, but it wasn't an uncommon thing in the country. However, the man's attitude seemed strange - a strangeness that was confirmed by what Ryuusei heard next.

Is he unlocking... Don't tell me?!

Was he letting her daughter out? Had he punished her by locking her in her own room?! No matter what she could've done, that seemed way to harsh in Ryuu's mind. It was during these few moments during which the brown-haired kid tried to figure out what was going on that the front door opened once more.

Yo R-, he stopped himself in the exact moment that he took a look at the girl.

Her eyes were red, the same redness that comes when you just finished crying. Her clothes... they were in a bad state, a little dirty and with some holes. By the state of the house outside, she would be clearly be cold wearing only that. Not only that, it allowed Ryuu to see how skinny the girl really was. Her smile had a sadness that he had only seen previously on himself. But still, despite all those red alarms, there was another thing that made Ryuu's blood boiling, something that 99.9% of the times never happened.

The poor clothes Rin was wearing exposed much more skin than when she wore the official Yuuei uniform. And that on that exposed skin he was able to see it: marks, bruises... Some were clearly due to the recent training exercise, but others... Others were there for a long time and some were there too fresh. The one that caught his attention was the one on Rin's forearm - a bruise freshly red and only now starting to become purple with the shpe of a grown man's hand... And Ryuu had only seen one adult inside: the one he assumed to be Rinkusu's father.

Ryuusei was furious, like he hadn't been for a long time. Seeing a female body like that, such fragility and weakness hidden in a warm and comforting smile. He could remember. That hall and all the blood on it. All the cuts on his sister's body. Her seemingly lifeless eyes. Her saying that everything was going to be okay.

This, however, was all in his mind. He clinched his fist with force before entering and, in his typical voice, replied while making a small bow.

Thank you for having me, Rin-san.

Yes, he had to be normal. The father telling that she wasn't home; the way he acted at the door; the sounds; Rin's body. It all pointed to one obvious scenario, one that Ryuu had to fake being oblivious to... at least while the man could be hearing or watching.

Inside the house was a shop. No - the memory of a shop. Dust, unsold items... It told a very clear story. Ryuu kept following his classmate, not saying anything about. He remained the same when entering her room. Empty, but, unlike the rest of the house, flawlessly cleaned. It was as if it was where Rin spent all er tim and, lacking any other stuff to do, cleaning was all she could do.

No, don't think about it, he thought. Thinking about it made him angry, and he couldn't allow to show such emotion.

He sat on the ground, like it was something completly normal. He could sense that her dad was guarding the door, basically invinting him to leave, but, like he had done with everything, he pretended to be oblivious to it.

Yeah, moving can be tough. But don't worry about it, I have the papers right here - he placed the forms on the floor - I'll sign them first, then you do it, he said as he took out the pencil case out of his backpack.

There were two pieces of paper, each one with a wall of text that, at the end, required the signature of both students. With a pen, he signed both papers on his designated area.

Here, you sign it now, he said after finishing, handing her the pen and turning both papers to Rin's side but, at the same time, never letting go of them.

She would see. Yes, she would definetly notice. On Ryuusei's area: that wasn't his name nor his signature. It was something else.

On the first page: "I'm not leaving you."
On the second one: "It will be fine!"

It was the best way Ryuu found to let Rin know that he figured it out; that he wanted to help. But, at the same time, not having her father find anything weird about the situation. He sat on the ground, his back against the door in a natural way but, in reality, it was in order for her father to see what he had written. Even if the man found it suspicious, Ryuu kept hold of the papers: that way he could turn them around and put them on his bag - manhandling his daughter could be easy, but having the courage or doing to the light-brown eyed boy was different.

He smiled at the girl. The first honest smile she would be seeing from him. A smile that said "I'm here. I'll help you". He was hoping that Rin took the hint to write something on her area instead of the required signature. A reuest, an indication. Anything. In the meanwhile, to keep things natural and prolong his stay as much as he could...

The homeroom teacher also suggested that we should get to know each other better and go over more things, so I was thinking that it could be a good idea for us to have dinner together. It could be at my house too. Is today good for you? Or even tomorrow after classes?

Confronting her father would only mean more consequences to Rin herself. Only the fact that Ryuusei appeared without warning would probably mean something bad. So Ryuu put his brain to work and tried his best.

Would his best be enough?

Notes: That last post broke my heart.
Words: 1,251.

I often feel like a butterfly with broken wings

Was... Was this the right thing to do?

It didn't seem like what he had wrote down had made Rin feel safer than she was before the boy's arrival. In fact, it seemed like it made her worse.

Am I reading too much into it?, he questioned himself while looking at her.

Her head bent forward, he was unable to fully see her eyes or facial expressions. But he could feel it. Pain, regret, a sudden realization of one's own actions... In some way, Ryuu was looking into a mirror. That long and thin raven-black hair substituted for a shorter brown one; her deep and mesmerizing blue eyes now in a more golden color; her thin and frail body giving place to a younger, more masculine one; blood and flesh of another person instead of pieces of papers. Yes, it was different but, in the fifteen year old point of view, it was the same - at least for a few seconds. Hesitation. Struggle. How could one so young move on from such troublesome situations?

I-I still can't help anyone, he thought to himself, feeling like his actions had been worthless.

Rinkusu Kurama was, however, much different than Ryuusei Igarashi, if so only by one aspect: she had courage. That voice that seemed shaky to herself was, for Ryuu's hears, a voice that could move mountains; the voice of determination, of a choice; of something he could never dream to achieve.

"I-I'd love to, tomorrow too!.. m-my schedule is free.."

After that, the little moment of silence that came was a cold one. If it was a book, the author would write that, from behind Ryuu's back, a soul fell on the ground. But the giant growing in front of Ryuusei's eyes wanted to go even further. Getting out of the cave wasn't enough for this titan seeking freedom - she needed more and that was the moment to go all-in, even if afraid.

"...Then, y-you could help me fill out t-the blanket f-for moving into the dorms. I r-really t-think it could be f-fun... L-living at Yuuei, I m-mean."

At that moment, he was sure of it: She's the coolest person I've ever met, He thought that he had no influnce in that outcome and that his notes had been useless. How stupid could he be? It was just his pathetic attempt of helping someone who didn't need such thing. Yeah, he was sure of it. He was doomed to try and fail or to not try at all, forever the Susanoo that stole the Sun from the world. But he didn't mind it. At that moment, he felt genuine happiness. Rin was able to stand for herself, to force change in a much worse situation than Ryuu's one. He was weak and she was strong. But he was indeed deeply moved by the girl's strength.

Rin face wasn't one of a victor, but no warrior smiles at the end of a long fought battle. Celebrations were for a latter time, when all is well digested. The man was still her father and that was still her home: such bonds aren't untied that easily and Ryuu understood that, so he would not question it. Instead, he just nodded at Rin, following her outside after getting his stuff back inside his schoolback. He entered without speaking a word to the girl's father and he left the same way.

They were both now outside. It was a little cold, since it was already night. Ryuu's home was still a good 15 minute walk from there, and that was if they walked fast. He didn't want to say that much to Rin. On his head, he hadn't done nothing inside so what could he possibily say now? Still in silence, he pulled out his phone and sent a message. If Rin looked, she could see what he wrote - he wasn't particularly hiding is phone afterall.

To: Mom.
Message: I'm taking a friend home. Can you make dinner for her too? Something delicious, I think she would appreaciate that right now. Will be home in around 20 minutes. Thanks.

After pressing send, the phone went back on his trousers pocket. He looked at her. With those clothes, she was sure to be cold soon. And those marks...

It's getting a little cold - he looked up at the sky, both hands in his pockets. Carefree, to the point of almost desinterest, but at the same time much more emotion on his apathetic face and voice. A slight smile. A small brightness on his eyes. The stars were shining. - It is a beautiful night though.

He kept looking for some seconds. He was being honest - it had been a long time since he saw so many stars in the sky on that zone. A sign of hope, maybe. He then lowered his face, looking directly into the girl's eyes. His voice with the same mixed feelings as before, but clearly softer, yet not in a forced way.

You have a jacket on that bag? As you know we still have to walk for a little bit... Maybe I should really get that bike, don't you think?, he smiled softly, maybe for the first time in years. The girl, of course wouldn't know that.

He couldn't help himself. And he sure knew he couldn't help others. All he could do was give support. And, at that moment, he felt that no more words were needed for that.

Notes: Had a blast writing this one. Hope you enjoy it!
Words: 915.

I often feel like a butterfly with broken wings

Let's go then, Rin-san - he said right after the girl got her School jacket on - I'll help you carry some of those things.

Trying to smile gently, which was something the boy wasn't used to, he leaned down in order to grab the girl's sleeping bag, allowing Rin to only have to carry her own backpack, which had some of the things she had taken inside of it. With the sleeping bag being held by his right hand, Ryuu adjusted the left strap of his own backpack with his left hand, grabbing it and not letting go. At Rin's notice, the honey eyed boy would just nod his head in agreeance and start walking in the direction of his house.

At that time, the streets were empty. The darkness and coldness of the night had everyone in the confort of their homes, eating, reading or doing any other activity. On those empty streets, one could've thought the the only light would come from the lamp posts scattered along the way. However, the stars were shining, the moon was full and the sky was clear: even in the darkness, there was a natural source of light that gave everything a blueish tone. Ryuusei Igarashi had walked those streets for his entire life, but there was something special about that particular moment.

They had been walking for around ten minutes and still had more ten to go until reaching the Igarashi household. Not a word had been spoken since they left Rin's small home. It was a conforting silece however, a quietness that Ryuu didn't want to break. Rinkusu had took the first big step towards change and was just realizing the implications of it. She had to think, she had to wonder. They would talk when she wanted, there was no point in interrupting the first taste of freedom - even if Rin was finding such taste bittersweet. With all that in mind, Ryuu just kept on slowly walking ahead of the 1-A Class President, occasionally taking a peek behind to make sure the girl was still there.

"Thank you..."

He barely heard it, but in a fragile voice Rin had really said those words. But... what did she mean? Ryuusei hadn't done nothing, at least that was what he thought.

Why should she be thankful to me?, he questioned to himself.

Rin hadn't talked directly to him, stopped herself or made Ryuu stop, so the boy kept on slowly walking. However,, he would respond clearly in a way that Rin would, without a doubt, hear what he had to say.

I just gave you support at best, the rest was all you. That took a lot of courage and that's something I can't give, it's something that you have in you. You did the right thing... - after that, he stopped walking. Body facing forward, he just turned his head a little backwards in order to look at the girl and the girl to look at him. He was smiling - And as Vice-President, my job is to always have the President's back, so don't worry: I'll be there everytime you need anything, whatever that thing might be, his voice had some kind of warmth in it. Even if it was almost none, the contrast to Ryuu's normal tone was apparent - he really was trying to show his emotions.

After thee exchange of words, both 1-A students would keep on walking. Eventually, they would reach the front door of Ryuu's home... or mansion. At the gate, Ryuu would press the door bell.He didn't say it to Rin, but the truth was he forgot the keys at home that day. While waiting for someone to open the gate, he asked Rin a simple question.

Are you hungry?

Notes: --
Words: 629.

I often feel like a butterfly with broken wings

He was about to reply to her comment about her not being presentable. What could she mean by that?! Despite her clothing not being in the best of states, she would never going to be judged for that. Maybe the sight of the large property in which Ryuusei lived was scaring the girl - a clash of realities.

However, when Rinkusu replied to Ryuu's previous question by saying that she was hungry, the young boy thought it best to not reply to the other part of the conversation. The day had been a rough one for the new 1-A Class President and, at least for the next hours, Ryuu would try his best to mak her forget her problems. He was sad, but he could try to make others happy.

Well, then let's go ahead and s-

Before he could finish the sentence, the gates opened and a mountain of a man stood before both kids, screaming. The loudness and softness of his voice made for an interesting contrast.

I AM HERE! - he yelled, just before shifting his eyes to Ryuu and Rin - AND YOU ARE ALSO HERE!

The man, who easily stood at more that 2,00m tall and had a well defined muscular and heavy body, was wearing a silver bathrobe above his striped silk pajama. On his feet he had simple slippers. His long hair, the same color as Ryuu's, tied into a ponytail, his honey coloured eyes and facial signatures - he was Ryuusei's father. However, despite the visible physical similarity, their personalities couldn't be more different.

You could've just opened the gate from the inside...

How could I my boy?! We have a guest, she must be properly greeted! - he looked into Rin before continuing, his voice turning more soft than loud as he continued - Welcome to our home my beautiful young lady, I'm glad that Ry-Ry finally has friend! I'm Igarashi Minato. What might your name be?

Notes: --
Words: 326.

I often feel like a butterfly with broken wings

Minato hadn't noticed a thing. Or he probably did and chose not to mention it at all or show any physical or verbal response to it - Ryuusei's father was a loud and always happy man but, at the same time, the most perceptive and intelligent person that the youngest Igarashi knew. His mother always said that Ryuu got his intelligence from his father... at times it was very hard to believe such thing, but others even Ryuu himself got shocked with Minato's words and action.

But what was there to notice? For a brief moment, when Minato was arriving, Rin made a very specific reaction. Crossed arms, low head: a defensive stance, that of a damaged flower that was ready to be hurt once again. Even when her brain aknowledged that Ryuu's father wasn't a threat, her body didn't believe such thing. Almost shaking, stuttering words almost to the point of them becoming uncomprehendible. What could Ryuu do? The best thing would be to remain calm himself, hopefully giving Rin confidence and a feeling of safety. That's when he talked. A simple comment about how his father could've just opened the gate from inside the house... well, mansion.

It seemed to work. Glancing at Minato, Ryuu could even see a smile. A smile that said "Good job!". Minato had this thing of encouraging Ryuu anytime he did something good or hero like. Sometimes it annoyed the soon to be sixteen year old. Other times - like now - it also made him smile. As Rin told the head of the househould that it was a pleasure to meet him and made a bow to him. Minato, with his happy and friendly voice, was quick to respond.

The pleasure is all mine! It's not everyday that such a beautiful young lady comes to visit! And please! - he was quick to straighten his body posture, giving two thumbs up to Rin - No need for formalities, just call me Minato!!, if Rin looked up for a little bit, he could see the brightest smile that Minato had.

During RIn initial nervous state, she didn't remeber to give her name to Minato. Ryuusei noted that and was quick to think of something that, not in a obvious way, would help his father.

Dad, it's great that you came outside just to meet us, but me and Rin are really hungry.

Of course you are, I bet your mother has the food almost ready, which means..... - it was like Minato had seen a ghost and was lost for words.

... that you should probably go inside and have the table ready before she notices that you haven't done it already.

SEE YOU INSIDE KIDS!

And, just like that, Minato ran inside almost faster than the speed at which he had gone outside. It was incredible seeing how fast Minato was despite being so tall and heavy. Ryuu scratched the back of his head, turning it a bit to the side in order to talk to Rin.

He's very different from me, but I swear that he is, in fact, my father... Let's go inside, okay?, he tried to give a conforting smile at the end.

Expecting Rin to follow him,  he startd to walk inside, a path that he had done a million times. When they arrived at the entrace, Ryuu began taking off his shoes before walking inside - something he didn't feel the need to warn Rin about, since it was probably the most common thing in a japanese household.

The house was enormous and, for a first time visitor, it could feel like a maze. Ryuu was obviously navigating through it easily, but if Rin didn't follow she could get lost at some point. However, despite being rich people house, there was quite a simplicity in it: one felt innerent peacefullness in each division, each hall and each decoration piece.

Arriving at the kitchen, Hiroko was still cooking. It smelled wonderfully. Even at her age, her beauty was notorious, leaving one only to imagine what she could've looked like when she was younger. Her blonde hair was tied up, leaving her face exposed. She had soft lips, a tiny nose and deep blue eyes. She seemed foreign and that was half right: her father was japanese, but her mother was european.

Hi mom, Ryuusei said, calling for Hiroko's attention.

Oh Ry, you're here already!

Hiroko stopped cooking and walked towards both Ryuu and Rin. She gave one kiss to each cheek of her son and proceeded to do the same to Rin, like it was the most normal thing in the world.

My name is Hiroko, it's really nice to meet you sweetheart - her voice was really soft and, overall, happy... one could only wonder from where Ryuu had gotten his cold tone - I'm running a little late with the dinner, I'm so sorry, both of you must be starving!

It was only by having Rin besides him that Ryuusei started to notice how much of a mother Hiroko really was.

My dear, If you want I prepared some things for you to have a shower, but if you don't feel confortable with that don't worry! My little Ry can show you the house instead while I finish things here, so do as you want okay? - she smiled at Rin and then focused her attention to her son, using her hands to make him smile - And you put a smile on your face, aren't you happy that your friend's here??

Yes, I am mom... - by his voice it was obvious that he was accostumed to this kind of teasing from Hiroko.

After the interaction, Hiroko would go back to finish dinner. If Rin accepted the offer to have a shower, Ryuu would walk her to the bathroom. If not, he would show her the entire house.

Notes: Ryuu's parents are goofballs.
Words: 983.

I often feel like a butterfly with broken wings

Even to Ryuu's surprise, Rinkusu had accepted Hiroko's offer for her to take a shower. He knew that his mother offer came from a good place, but it could seem weird for Rin. Ryuu never texted his mother like he had done previously, not even to talk about bringing someone over and in such short notice. Hiroko definetly knew that it was something serious from that. And, after seeing Rin's thin body and messy clothes, aswell as the bags she and Ryuu were carrying, Hiroko got a confirmation of her previous thoughts. She wanted Rin to feel good and relaxed, not like she didn't belong.

Well, just follow me, he said, starting to walk in the direction of the main bathroom.

Being essentially a mansion, the Igarashi household had many bathrooms: essentialy, each bedroom - inclunding the two guest ones - had its own private bathroom. However, on the upper floor where all the bedrooms were located, there was also a common bathroom with a shower. It was there that Ryuu was heading, assuming that it was the bathroom that his mother was refering too.

The upper floor was mostly decorated as the rest of the house. However, it had two main differences: the first was what was hanging on the walls. Instead of the traditional japanese paintings, swords and armors, the walls had many family pictures: some photos of the entire family together, others of Yaso and Ryuu together and others with only Ryuusei or his sister.. The other difference was that this upperside was partly open on its interior - just like a balcony - allowing one to look at the inner garden that was at the center of the mansion.

Not that far from the stairs they reached the bathroom. Opening the door, Ryuu could confirm that it was, in fact, the right one. Cleaned towels and clothes carefully placed for Rin to dress. Looking at them, Ryuu could instantly see that they were Yaso's clothes: white slippers, light yellow pajama pants and a plain white long sleeve pajama shirt.

My sister is a little bit taller than you, but they should still fit, I hope that's okay. I'll be downstairs helping, take as much time as you want!

Saying goodbye, Ryuu left and went downstairs. When Rin finished her shower and arrived downstairs, she could easily follow the scent of the food into the surprisingly small and confy dining room. There, at the table, Minato, Hiroko and Ryuusei would already be sitting. Rin's place would be in front of Ryuu and, at the table, home made Oyakodon for everyone.

Notes: ---
Words: 433.