Quiet [Akira <3]

[Toru Edenbrooke]

(popping the library's cherry with pretty boys! ;D)

As long as Toru had been here, you would think that he'd be used to the rambunctious, loud, annoying, bratty students running around the campus. And if you did think that, you'd be wrong, because he still isn't. He had started out in the student lounge, only to quickly grow weary of the shouting and laughing and general stupidity of a pair of boys playing with fire. I sure hope that fire extinguishers are located within an arms reach of anyone at any given time in this school, what with the untrained pyromaniacs running around. (And I'll hope for it even more when Vincent arrives, but then again no place could ever adequately prepare itself for his level of... dumbassery.) So gathering up his supplies, Toru retreated to the peace and quiet of the library. It was there that he chose his favorite lonely table located in the back corner, and spread out his drawing tools.

Lifting his pencil, Toru started back in on his drawing of the fox he had seen dart across the grounds earlier during class. Don't get me wrong, he's an amazing student and he's never given less than his best effort at anything, but all our minds have the tendency to wander. Some (like mine) just do it more often than others. Having diligently paid attention through most of class, Toru took the last few minutes to start drawing. And, shock horror, it actually wasn't Akira he was drawing! Considering that 'Kira is his muse, it's truly rare for him to draw something other than him.

Earlier he had told Akira to meet him in the student lounge after he was done with class, but the two of them knew each other so well that there's hardly a doubt in Toru's head that Akira would find him here in the library. It was where of the two of them usually ended up, after all, when not up in either of their dorms. In fact, even as he was sketching, he kept looking up hoping to catch a glance of his favorite person in the entire world. (Smush, smush, smushity smush. Damn Toru, smitten much?) Unfortunately for him, Maddie is in class and there is no Akira for him! Not right now, that is.

[Akira Faulkner]

There was no getting used to the insanity that goes around Hammel’s walls. Between the older students mastering their powers, and using them to annoy and aggravate, or the new ones that set their powers off at the drop of a hat, it wasn’t exactly a quiet school. Three years wasn’t going to get you any more used to that. Sorry, Toru. Even for Akira, two years had gone by, and he wasn’t used to the insanity, either. In fact, he had a habit of hiding away, when it got too much. And it didn’t take much to send the shy student scampering away. He’d hide away somewhere quiet, usually with Moxie, and talk to her until things quieted down. (If you’re referring to Sammy there, I’ll have you know he’s a little stupid in the head. A bit too stupid to master his power. Completely. He needs to walk around with a fire extinguisher on his back.) Anyway.

Akira’s class let out a little late, and for a moment, he had an awful feeling Toru had simply up and left the lounge, and that was that. It was at that point in time Moxie poked her head out of her master’s hoodie pocket. “What is it?” He shook his head and poked her back inside. “Nothing, Moxie. Toru’s not here.” The ferret pushed back against him, stubborn, as usual. “He wouldn’t leave you. Check the library?” ... Okay, why hadn’t he thought of that? “Yeah... thanks, Mox.” He pushed her back into the pouch in his hoodie and pulled his backpack further up his shoulder. He’d had a good day, mostly. His training session had gone well. Then again, when he was allowed to practice with a familiar animal, like Moxie, it always went well. All he had was a bit of history homework, and... math. Which he planned to put off for as long as possible.

The path to the library was familiar. Even Moxie knew it. She had her head out of the pouch again, watching where they were going. Akira didn’t bother to push her back in. Most of the students knew he brought her almost everywhere. After classes, it was the lounge that tended to be busy, not the library. So Akira was relieved that it was much quieter as he slipped through the doors. On auto-pilot now, he headed straight back to his and Toru’s usual table. And he got an idea. He slowed, slipping past a shelf of books, and positioned himself behind Toru. He waited just a moment, before he couldn’t stand it anymore. He crept forward and threw his arms around his best friend’s eyes. (He could only ever do this when Toru was sitting down. But dammit, it was fun.) “Guess who!” ... Remind me why we revived these two?

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[Toru Edenbrooke]

We revived them because they are the cutest couple known to man. You know this, I know this, now it is our job to make sure that the rest of the world comes to know this as well. And I think we're starting off on the right foot to achieve this goal, considering that Akira is perhaps the cutest boy on the face of this Earth.

Toru was only slightly startled as his eyesight was cut off, but he knew those hands and that touch and that voice well enough to hardly stutter when he answered. "Akira." He smiled, setting down his drawing pad and pencil, then reaches up to curl his fingers gently around Akira's wrists and pulled them away from his eyes, turning in his chair to face the boy. "Glad you've finally made it." He laughed gently and wrapped his arms around 'Kira's waist in a friendly hug, happy as ever to see him. His year at Hammel had hardly been worth the effort when he didn't have that smiling face there beside him. And god damn, Toru, if you don't get out of my head with your fluffy self, I'm going to end up with cavities. You're making me nauseous.

He grabbed a chair and slid it over for Akira, he gestured for the boy to sit down. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you to meet me here instead." Considering how often the two of them ended up in the library, Toru should have known enough to say as much, but everyone knew that the chairs in the lounge were much more comfortable. If only it wasn't infested with total idiots... (And yet there's still no Vincent! I think I'm just trying to mention him in every post so I don't forget to make him. And because he is the coolest ever. He made me say that.)

"How was class?" He asked, genuinely interested, and reaching over to run his fingers over Moxie's head that was peeking out of Akira's pocket. Toru liked that little ferret. It was almost like she would protect Akira when he wasn't around, even though the size difference is intense. Moxie is the size of Toru's middle finger, but she'd fuck you up if you start messing around with her Akira. Or at least, that's what Toru liked to think. Perhaps he should just get 'Kira a guard dog.

[Akira Faulkner]

True. I know of no cuter pair. They’re made of fluff and sprinkles. And cupcakes, and puppies, and sugar, and... posts are not a good idea to write when you’re a little loopy from vodka coolers. But hey, it’s not going to stop me! If Akira’s the cutest boy on the face of the Earth, Toru is the sweetest.

Akira grinned as he shielded Toru’s vision. With the older boy’s height, this was the only time he could sneak attack him. They’d always been incredibly touchy feeling with one another, ever since they were children. Akira never thought twice about latching onto Toru and hugging him, or jumping on his back. It was just normal for them. He laughed as Toru pulled his wrists down. “I’m sorry, Toru. Class ran late.” He snuggled eagerly into the hug, his arms coming up to wind around his friend’s neck. You know, if you’re getting tooth decay two posts in, we’re in real trouble, Rae.

The younger boy smiled and sat down, dropping his backpack onto the floor. This was always the best part of his day, after class, where he could more or less hang with Toru until it was time for bed. “It’s okay. I figured you’d be here...” Moxie looked up, her ears pricked. “Who thought he would be here?” Akira smirked slightly, touching the tip of his finger to her nose. “Well, Moxie did.” He had to give the little animal credit, or else she’d be cranky. While the lounge was nicer, yes, the library was mostly idiot-free. And Akira liked idiot-free spaces. (Vincent has no place in fluffy threads. None whatsoever.)

At Toru’s question, Akira shrugged. He pulled Moxie out of his pocket for Toru, and put her on the table. She immediately scuttled over to him and shoved herself against his hand. “Pet me!” Of course, the command would be lost on Toru. “She wants attention,” he said quickly, knowing she’d fuss if he didn’t tell Toru what was on her ferret mind. Then he addressed his question. “It was good. We did really good in training, but the teacher said I have to start using unfamiliar animals. Because Moxie does whatever I want her to. And the other classes were good. I only have a little bit of homework. What about you? What did you do?” He liked hearing about Toru’s day, because in his mind, Toru’s ability was more interesting than his own. And he liked Toru’s voice. It was comforting. Familiar. And I’m choking on fluffballs, here.

[Toru Edenbrooke]

Thanks for that, because I want cupcakes now.... and a vodka cooler.

As Moxie was placed on the table, Toru lifted his hand and began stroking his index finger over his head and along her back. He knew that she had been a hand-me-down from Seta and he was actually rather thankful for that. There was no telling what Akira's retarded brother would have done to the poor thing. In my head I'm picturing slingshots and strapping her to rocket power skateboards, I'm not entirely sure what Toru would picture, but I'm thinking it's more along the line of ritualistic sacrifice. He can get a little over-dramatic sometimes... in his head I mean, because he certainly doesn't act on those thoughts. "There's a boy in the dorm across the hall from ours who has a rat. I saw it the other day." Toru suggested, reaching over to brush some of Akira's hair away from his face.

"It was fine. Training went well, but I broke a few pencils and ripped the doorknob off the English classroom." It upset him when these things happened. Granted, they started happening less and less, and he could even go a day or two without completely annihilating something, but when it did happen it made him a little bit frustrated that he couldn't control his strength as well as he'd like to. There was always a fear lurking in the back of his mind that he might one day accidentally hurt Akira and he knew he couldn't live with himself if he did. It was made him so cautious when he touched the boy and so gentle when he hugged him. (Vincent wants me to inform you that he resents that remark and he can be fluffy too when he damn well pleases.)

Grabbing his drawing pad, he slid it across the table to show to Akira, knowing the boy liked looking at his art before it was finished. "Or you could go after the fox I saw on the grounds." He laughed quietly, still idly petting Moxie though his attention was almost completely focused on Akira. "Good luck catching him though. So, what homework do you have? Do you need any help?" Ah Toru, there's never a moment gone by when you're not looking out for or worrying about Akira, is there? It's sweet, yes, but I'm not going to have any teeth left by the end of this thread.

[Akira Faulkner]

Cupcakes and vodka coolers go well together. ... Just saying.

Moxie leaned into Toru’s touch. Apart from Akira, he was her favourite person. He was right, she was fiercely protective of her master, but Toru had always been a part of his life. She knew that. Akira had told her as much. (She knew a lot about their relationship. He told her absolutely everything. Even things... he’d never tell Toru.) Yes, we’re all glad Moxie changed hands, because at ten, Seta wasn’t as screwed up. He was just lazy. At eighteen, however, things were different. And the poor ferret probably would have been experimented with. Many times. Even she’s happy she belongs to Akira, now. Seta worried her. A lot. Akira looked up, curious. A rat? Well, maybe that would work. “Maybe...” Using other people’s pets was weird, for him. He wouldn’t want anyone talking to Moxie. They could force her into spilling his secrets. And that would not bode well.

Okay, despite the fact that it made Toru upset, Akira had to smile. Sorry, but the image of Toru ripping a doorknob off is too funny for words. He leaned over, his head on his friend’s shoulder. “Aww. I’m sorry.” He’s sorry it’s so funny. NO. He’s not that mean. Really. In fact, he felt bad for Toru, because he knew he was frustrated with himself. What was worse, Akira knew he was overly gentle with him sometimes. He missed being able to hug him full force, and get hugged back. But he wasn’t scared of Toru. He could never be afraid of him. (... I needs proof.)

As Toru slid the pad in front of him, Akira grabbed at it, smiling. Fox. He liked foxes. His sister had a little Shiba Inu, which was as close to a fox-like thing as he’d ever been. Even if he sat on the grounds and tried to talk to one, they were notoriously shy. (Yes, he’s tried this.) “Foxes are too shy. I’d never get one to come close.” If he could, it would be so that Toru could draw it. No other real reason. He was in a good mood, before Toru asked about homework. That made him look down at the table. Moxie looked over, scampering from under Toru’s hand back to her master, where she ran up his arm and burrowed in the hood of his hoodie, her cheek pressed against his neck. “Um. A little bit of History. And... math.” He hated math. He’d always hated math. And Toru had been more or less his tutor for years when it came to that subject. “Can we not do homework right now? Please?” Just give him a few more minutes of Love on Toru time. Then homework. Rae, hit up the denture clinic.

[Toru Edenbrooke]

Toru's arm almost instinctively wrapped around Akira's waist when his head hit his shoulder, resting his own cheek against the top of Akira's head. He enjoyed being close with his friend like this, liked being able to fold him in his arms, even though there was the constant fear that his muscles would react in a negative fashion. For many years, Toru had feeling for Akira that ran deeper than friendship, but the boy had always been so skittish and flighty that Toru had kept them to himself. Losing 'Kira because of his feelings was not something Toru wanted to happen. So instead he just settled for their slightly-more-than-casual affections.

"Alright, we can put it off until later." He reassured Akira, having such a weakness for that little pleading voice that he couldn't have demanded they do it now even if he tried. "So what did you have in mind for another animal you could practice with?" He asked, curiously. He was sure that someone would be kind enough to let Akira talk to their pet, but the boy didn't seem too keen on that idea. I suppose Akira could always run outside and try to talk to the squirrels, but I'm not sure how much of a help that would be. Squirrels are spazzes. (And Vincent says you couldn't handle the proof. I have no idea what he means by this, but I'm rightly terrified.)

It is now that I realize that Leona Lewis' "Fly Here Now" is not good music for writing Toru. Especially with lyrics such as "I need your body next to mine." Yeah, I definitely don't get Toru vibes out of that song.

"Oh, I wanted to ask you if you wanted to come over for dinner? My roommates aren't going to be around." Toru smiled down at Akira, reluctantly pulling his arm from around his waist. Toru was quite skilled when it came to cooking (or at least that's what Akira had always told him) and he liked the idea of being able to make dinner for his best friend. Of course, I'm screaming DATE DATE DATE DATE in my head, but if Toru knew that he would bludgeon me with 2x4s. Not literally, but he would certainly consider it.

[Akira Faulkner]

Toru and Akira’s relationship had always been... a little odd. They’d always been close. And their parents had never questioned it. Toru was responsible, and Akira’s parents had never thought twice about leaving their son in his capable hands. (Akira would beg and plead to have Toru watch him, instead of Seta.) Because it was how they’d grown up, Akira never questioned the affection the two of them shared. All he knew was that if he had a bad day, one hug from Toru could make things so much better. When it came to feelings, the older he got, the more confused Akira got. He saw other “couples”, being touchy feely. And he honestly didn’t know what his feelings were. He loved Toru, yes. But as his best friend? A brother? Something... else? He just didn’t know.

“Really?” He hadn’t actually expected Toru to agree so readily to that. But it sure as heck made him smile. The question made him frown, though. “I don’t know... my teacher said he has a kitten at home. And that I could practice on him... but I don’t like talking to other people’s animals. It’s weird.” He really, really didn’t like the idea of anyone talking to Moxie. They could force her to tell them... things. Things he didn’t want anyone to know. That wasn’t a nice idea. For Toru’s information, Akira does talk to the animals on the grounds. Squirrels are not his favourite. They’re always in a hurry, and chatter his ear off when they realize the quiet boy can understand them. Plus, they beg for food. Shamelessly.

... Leona Lewis is undoubtedly better than listening to bullets fly by, but hey, that’s just me.

Dinner? Oh, Akira was intrigued by this idea. He loved it when Toru cooked. Though Akira could function in a kitchen, nothing he made turned out half as well as what Toru managed to create. He grinned and let go of his friend. (I only just now realized they’ve cuddled this whole post.) “Sure. What are you making?” Not that it mattered. Akira wasn’t overly picky. And time alone with Toru, without his roommates around, would make for a happy animal controller. A date was the furthest thing from his mind right now. All he was thinking about was time with his best friend. ... And Moxie. She’d be upset if Akira left her in his dorm. Though spending time with Toru without her looking over his shoulder might be nice. Then he might be able to start sorting out his feelings.

[Toru Edenbrooke]

If Seta was my older brother, I'd beg and plead for anybody else to watch me. Toru readily agress with me, as we both know that Seta is basically his mortal enemy. He couldn't even begin to count the number of times that Akira's brother had said or done something so downright mean to his baby brother that Toru had wanted nothing more than to strangle him. Luckily for... uhmm... well probably Toru, he had managed to keep his hands to himself and prevented himself from ending up in jail. I don't think Toru would do very good in prison. Especially not with an ass like that. (I'm preparing for your slap.)

It is actually rather sad how weak Toru is to Akira. He might have been able to pick the boy up and bench press him (that's actually a rather funny image), but when the younger boy wanted something, Toru would bend over backwards to do it for him. A part of that was based on how much he loved to see 'Kira smile, but most of it really was the fact that Toru absolutely adored him. Thankfully, I don't think Akira realizes just how much he has Toru wrapped around his finger. Well, either that or he does know, but is too sweet to take advantage of it.

"I was thinking along the lines of chicken alfredo, but I'm open for requests." Toru responded, reaching out to ruffle Akira's hair fondly. It was always a bit messy anyways, and he liked that look on his best friend, so he was just helping the process along. Pulling back, Toru folded his drawing pad closed and slipped his pencils back into his bag. 'Kira was here, which meant he wasn't going to get much done on drawing a fox. Nope, he would rather dedicate all his attention to the younger boy. (And cuddle him more!) So cuddle he did, moving his chair a little closer to Akira's, giving Moxie's head a little pet, before curling his arm around his shoulders. I'd say GET A ROOM but... they're just so cute!!

[Akira Faulkner]

I think Seta and Toru have been enemies since they’ve more or less been in diapers. They have nothing in common, and, when Seta’s the world’s biggest bastard to the world’s cutest boy (in Toru’s opinion, anyway), it’s easy to see why they don’t see eye to eye. ... Not that they could anyway. Toru’s what, sixty feet tall now? Anyway. Seta makes it his life’s mission to a) torment his baby brother, and b) piss off Toru. Before Toru and Akira had been shipped away, it had been easier to accomplish. Now, he relied on the fact that, if he was mean, Akira would tattle to Toru. And he did. A lot. (Yes, Toru would fail in jail. RHYME. And stop thinking about his ass. It belongs to Akira, not you.)

Akira never had a clue that Toru was so perfectly wrapped around his finger. He didn’t know that you could take advantage, either. Despite what Seta says. Seta’s pretty sure if Akira asked Toru to go to China because he wanted real Chinese food (what is he, pregnant? Kana and Kaza flashbacks, NO), Toru would do it. Why Kira would want that, I have no idea. ANYWAY. The point of this paragraph was that Akira had no idea that Toru would do anything for him. Sure, he knew if he asked in the right way, or pulled the right face, that he’d probably get his way. But wrapped around his finger? No idea.

The younger boy perked at the idea of chicken alfredo. It was one of his favourites. Especially if Toru was responsible for it. If he had a tail, it would be wagging. “Yeah! We haven’t had that in foreeeever.” Note how he says “we.” Apparently this isn’t a rarity. Which makes it that much cuter. Akira only liked going to Toru’s dorm when it was void of his roommates. Which makes me think date, but Kira disagrees. He grinned as Toru mussed his hair, not minding (it was always messy anyway) one bit. He watched with vague curiousity as Toru packed his things away, but then he was back, and Akira leaned into him. Toru was always comforting. And warm. Which reminded him... he curled his face into Toru’s shoulder, half hiding. “I heard from Seta today...” That was never a good sign. Normally, Akira might think twice about telling Toru about the vulgarity and general stupidity that left Seta’s mouth. But he’d always told Toru everything (well, almost everything). He curled a little closer. “He told me his college friends would like me as much as his high school friends did...” He winced a little. Seta had often brought his rambunctious, vulgar friends over. And let them hit on, and generally harass his baby brother. Another reason why he’d never protested Hammel.

[Toru Edenbrooke]

If I were you, Maddie, I wouldn't mention Kaza and Kana to Akira. If he knew that he was destined to grow up, marry Toru, then have two of the world's most misbehaved kids, he would probaly run off screaming. Even Toru would be a bit traumatized about the children (we already know how he takes their... uh... relationship) although he would probably grin a lot at the whole 'marriage' bit. Still, there's one thing in this world that fills Toru with more anger than their future sons' behavior... and that's Seta.

Toru cringed immediately at the mention of Akira's older brother, then scowled furiously at the next words out of his best friend's mouth. Toru wrapped both his arms tightly around Akira to comfort him and dropped a little kiss to the top of his head. "Remind me that when we go home that I need to hit Seta as hard as I possibly can." Okay, so Toru wouldn't actually hit Seta. He was a pacifist, afterall, but sometimes just the thought of punching a hole through Seta's face was enough to calm him down when he was angry. It was beyond him how Seta could be so mean to his little brother, but he may have been a little biased on the issue. Hurting Akira was an offense punishable by death in Toru's books.

"Don't worry about him, Akira. He's just a waste of your time. Just think about dinner together tonight?" Toru hated seeing Akira upset, especially when it was something Seta-related, but he had always been very good at soothing 'Kira. He ran his hand down the boy's back and held him to his chest. "I'll even make the cheesy garlic bread you like." He offered with a smile, putting a little space between himself and Akira and meeing his eyes. He smiled reassuringly, then tickled under 'Kira's chin. If Akira was anymore perceptive, he would totally be onto Toru's huge crush.

[Akira Faulkner]

Oh no. Those two are just bad all around. Much as the growing up and marrying Toru bit pleases Akira, even at this young age, (actually, it makes him blush like a little girl), if he knew the horrors of children, he might just run away. New rule – no mention of the dynamic duo. Ever. Because this right here is centered around fluff and sweetness... and obliviousness, apparently. Why am I suddenly thinking it’s harder now that they’re friends? ... And that’s a hell of a lot of anger, right there. Hulk smash, anyone?

At the cringe, Akira knew he’d hit a nerve. Oh hell, mention Seta’s name and you hit a nerve with Toru. For being close to the same age, it was remarkable how much they disliked each other. Well, Toru disliked. Seta took great pleasure in doing whatever he could to get under his skin. Even with the knowledge that, really, if Toru felt like it, could kick his ass to... oh, let’s say France. Mexico’s getting boring. The comforting hug made Akira feel better, but the kiss, however friendly, made him blush. It always made him blush when Toru did that. “... You wouldn’t really, would you Toru?” Akira pulled back, looking... not sad, but close. Yes, despite the teasing and tormenting and general jack-assery that went on with his brother... Akira loves the bastard. Scary, huh?

Forgetting about Seta, that was a little difficult. But switching trains of thought? That, Akira could do. He snuggled a little closer to Toru, trying to relax. “’Kay. Can we watch a movie tonight, too? I’ll help with dishes and stuff...” Akira’s safer in the kitchen than, say, Vincent. He won’t break dishes while washing. And he’s not likely to light anything on fire if Toru needs a hand cooking. When Toru pulled back, Akira met his gaze and grinned at the offer. “Really? Will you teach me how to do it?” What, so you can make it at home for your big brother to steal? No way. But at the tickle, Akira giggled, and Moxie poked her head out of his hood to watch. Sorry Rae, Akira’s preciously oblivious to the crush going on. This is a looong road.

[Toru Edenbrooke]

"You know I wouldn't really hurt him, Akira." Toru answered with a laugh. "Sometimes he just deserves it." And he was completely right. There are occasions when I want to punch Seta, but I'm not so sure that's a stretch because I don't go a day without wanting to strangle one of my characters for being a muse hog or otherwise. Toru slid his fingers into Akira's hair and smiled down at him. "If you've got any movies in mind, make sure you bring them!" He replied, eventually pulling back from Akira and sliding his chair out. Grabbing his bag, he slung it over his shoulder, then offered his hand out to Akira.

Ever since they were children, they'd walked together hand-in-hand and though occasionally it earned them odd looks, it was so much a habit that Toru couldn't stop it. It didn't seem that Akira minded too much either, as he never pulled his hand away when he went to hold it. Honestly, from all outward appearances the two of them looked like a couple and Toru was vaguely aware of the rumors that spread around that they were together. He'd heard a few of them, but hadn't bothered to correct them. For one, he had no idea who it was spreading the rumors and two, well, he admitted to himself that he kinda liked it that way. At least no one would go after Akira if they thought he was with Toru. It worked for him.

Toru looked over at Akira as he started to lead him out of the library. "It takes a while to make. If you come over now I'll show you how to start it, it needs to sit a couple hours though." Toru was more than happy to teach Akira how to make his favorite garlic bread. Most of Toru's recipes were passed down to him by his mother, it was the food that both of them had grown up on. He was mostly used to living at Hammel now, as he'd been here for three years now, but occasionally he was prone to bouts of homesickness and whipping up some of his favorite dishes from his childhood often settled that uneasy feeling. That or cuddling Akira and forgetting everything else in the world.

[Akira Faulkner]

“I know...” Deep down, yes, Akira knew that Toru wouldn’t hurt a fly, let alone his brother. Even if he did deserve it. He shrugged and burrowed deeper into Toru’s hold. “I know. But he’s still mean.” Really mean, if we’re honest about it. Oh, I routinely want to strangle Seta for something stupid he’s gone and done, but he just laughs his off. Invincible bastard. Back to fluff. Akira smiled at Toru’s touch, nodding his head. “Okay. Um... I have... uh... my mom sent me Up. I haven’t watched it yet. But I heard it’s really good.” Yes, world, let it be known. Akira happens to like Pixar movies. Like... a lot. Toru probably knows this. He was probably made to watch Toy Story a lot as a child. The poor sap.

Akira picked up his own bag, and pulled Moxie from his neck and put her back in his pocket. She didn’t protest. He’d probably drop her off at his own dorm, because it was just about naptime for her, anyway. He was happy to slide his hand into Toru’s. It was a habit they’d picked up in childhood, mostly because his parents had taught him to hold either Seta or Midori’s hand around roads. So when Toru had befriended him, it had been natural. And they’d simply grown up like that. At fifteen, it was a well formed habit, and he wasn’t about to stop. Unlike Toru, he didn’t know about the rumors. He spent more time talking to animals than the other students, so he couldn’t be bothered by what he didn’t know. If he did, he’d be blushing an awful lot right now.

Akira followed Toru automatically out of the library, listening to his voice. “Does it?” Every time Toru made it, Akira only ever saw the aftermath. He never got to see the process. “Okay. If I drop off Moxie, I can pick up the movie at the same time, then come over?” Moxie didn’t even stir at her name. Definitely naptime for the ferret. Akira secretly loved it when Toru cooked, because, though he’d never tell his mother, he liked what he made better. Of course, he didn’t force anything gross on ‘Kira, and paid attention to what he disliked. He couldn’t count how many times his mother had made something his siblings liked, but he didn’t, only to claim to “forget” he didn’t like it. He squeezed Toru’s hand, looking up happily. Homework was forgotten, and he got to have dinner and a movie with Toru. Life was good.

[Toru Edenbrooke]

Toru loved Toy Story just as much as Akira did. It was probably Seta they annoyed with their constant watching of it as children. And I still love Pixar movies so don't say it like it's a bad thing! Toru is definitely a sap though, especially when it comes to his Akira. I don't think he could say no to him if you paid him to. "Okay, I'll walk you to your dorm." Because like Toru is going to miss any chance to spend time with the younger boy, even if it's just a quick walk to his dormroom. "Then when you're ready, just come on over. I'll start getting things ready and make sure everyone's gone." Toru laughed, knowing that Akira was practically terrified of his roommates.

Toru lives with Jesse... this is more than enough reason to be terrified. Thankfully Toru has gotten quite used to Jesse's behavior to stay on his good side. Mainly it involved just staying out of his way. It worked quite well, actually. Back to Akira, though, Toru led him up the stairs to the floor that their dorms were on and walked alongside him. "Oh, I forgot entirely about your homework. It's not due tomorrow is it?" Of course, being the scholarly one, he couldn't go without 'Kira doing his work. He'd have felt awful if he kept his best friend from getting good grades. Sorry Akira, you're not getting off the hook that easily.

Stopping in front of Akira's door, he gave the boy's hand a very gentle squeeze before releasing it. It was moments like this when Toru was exceptionally grateful for the training he received at Hammel. A couple of years ago, he wouldn't have even tried something like that for fear of accidently hurting someone, but he was slowly getting better at controlling himself. It was usually when he wasn't paying attention to himself that he would break things. Although I'm sure if he got mad enough, he could probably punch through walls. And that is the image I will leave you with - Toru releasing a manly shout then blasting a hole through the wall.