Fun is a Two Letter Word

I pushed Ray off of me, hiding my blush.

"My job is to protect you…"

Those words burned deep within my soul. Never, not even when I was young, did that word ever come out anyone else's mouth. To the people who bore me, I was a nuisance…and at times an errand boy for their addictions or a punching bad for their inefficiencies. My parents didn't care when I was hurt or injured or malnourished, protecting there child was the last thing on their mind. So instead, I learned how to protect myself and that was the only way I could get by in life. No, it was the only way I could survive. So, to hear those words come out of Ray's mouth stunned me, and I didn't know how to react.

I walked past him, not looking him in the eye as my heart began to beat faster. Is he really kissing me to play games? I thought, as I picked up the canvases and headed over toward my bed to dig out my easel from underneath it.

Or…did he actually care about me?

I shook my head, feeling even more idiotic. We had only known each other for a few days. He was born into the yakuza lifestyle. He was only being nice to me to get what he wanted. Nothing more.

"Did you get the text?" I heard him ask behind me.

"Yes."

"Good."

I heard his footsteps, as he stood within ears reach as I put the largest canvas on the easel and looked it over.

"Mind if I stick around to see you paint?"

I scoffed, brushing him aside as I collected my paint and brushes off of my desk. "As a wise man once said, you're not from my world."

I turned to confront him, looking into his golden eyes. "An artist needs time to themselves to create a masterpiece. So, if you don't mind…"

Ray smirked at that, lighting another cigarette. I couldn't tell by his mesmerizing gaze if he was annoyed or intrigued, but after he put the tobacco to his lips, he held onto my eyes for a moment longer. Then he shook his head, laughing, and turned towards the door.

"Well, I hope that masterpiece of yours is ready within two days."

What?! I watched him leave as the shock formed on my face. Two days?! I slid down to the floor, near my kitchen counter. I laid my head back, closing my eyes.

I normally wouldn't think this was a problem. Drawing was easy for me, but with Ray around I lost sight of the trauma that lay inside my bones. Instead, it was replaced with confusion and longing. I didn't quite understand it, nor could I put a name to my feelings, but Ray had a way of making me wish for a different life. One where we could meet during normal circumstances.

———————

I ended up putting on some rock and heavy metal to get me in the mood for drawing. Staring at the ceiling wasn't angsty enough to produce any legitimate inspiration. However, the beats of the drums and the bass of the guitars reverberating through my chest, reminded me of the swirling misery I had escaped. The people who treated me like trash because of where I grew up, my father's slaps, my mother's yells, the laughter of the police who thought I was making it all up, and lastly…I drew my abandonment at school. Don't get me wrong, school was school. No one really bothered me, but I wasn't loved either. The teasing began due to my unkempt and overused clothes when I was young. But back then, there was a boy who at least made me smile if all away. The red-haired boy with the sea green eyes who made me smile…made me calm…made me happy.

I sighed when I looked up at the clouds, holding my paintings in my hands. I hadn't thought about him in years. I honestly wasn't sure what brought him back into my head now of all times. I just remember how much he loved my paintings.

Our elementary school shared facilities with the middle school next door. It was around that time that I heard about the new seventh grade transfer student. His name was Ryou, if I recall. He looked like he came from a hard life, but he had money. Or at least I could tell that from the nice car he was dropped off in and the buff guys who would pick him up from school. I never really interacted with him because we were in different grades and he seemed quite popular, which I was not. However, I also noticed, even amongst all of the glam, he loved more than anything to be in peace and quiet.

That's how I met him. In the library. I was hiding from my own existence and spent my recess drawing. He happened to be there and shocked me enough when he came over. I didn't expect anyone to be in the library and most of all, not him. However, what grasped my will to continue art were his words.

"One day, your art will change the world."

I was so shaken by it, hell even mesmerized by his kindness. The way he smiled, and his nature was very calming and encouraging. After that, I waited for him every day at recess. We would talk about my art and spend time together and the closer we got, the more I felt my heart pound. I've always considered myself straight, but early on I felt something for him. Something that made me want to continue living…want to continue seeing his face. And that was enough for me…that was until the middle of my fifth-grade year when he disappeared: and with it my desire to become someone worth his praise.

I brushed my hair out of my eyes, shaking my head and smiling. I wondered what he would think of me now…if I ever saw him again.

——————-

What was even weirder was going back to the Tacoma organization. This time, the bus boys hurriedly opened the door for me and the lady at the front desk quickly bowed, asked me if I wanted some water, and got some random stranger to push the elevator button for me to go up to the 25th floor. The only difference was my appearance. I didn't change much about my outfit…let's face it, I liked being comfortable. However, as the doors shut, I felt powerful. I've never gotten that type of respect in my entire life: and it felt good.

As the doors opened and I headed toward the serpent door, I heard shouting from within Yahiko's chamber. I stood before the door and exhaled to relieve my nerves. Pressing the doorbell once more, I heard the room quiet and a who's there emanate from within.

When the door opened, and to my surprise, I was met with the devil himself: Kizuna. He sneered down towards me, cackling as he opened the door.

"You didn't tell me you ordered dessert."