Inconspicuously, Ikuto wrapped one arm around Hikari and slowly drifted off to sleep, feeling Hikari's warmth the entire time. He didn't dream, he didn't scream, he just had a peaceful sleep.
However, he was woken up several hours later by the doctor. Apparently, his X-rays came back, and it was all good news. The raven only had a concussion and slightly fractured wrist, although he had stitches galore -- somehow, he was able to move in a certain way as to sustain only minimal damage. However, the doctor claimed that if the neko hadn't done anything, Ikuto would be dead because of blood loss. As the doctor left, he said that Ikuto could go home after he got a brace for his wrist, which would be in the next few hours. Thank god....

Hikari lay there, barely waking when dotor came in to give the news, by the time the man was gone he was at least partly awake. Crawling out of the bed and stretching he looked to the clock. it was getting towards the early morning hours and his bones still ached with sleep. the trudge through the know had put a rasp in his lungs and the wind had tabgled his hair.

Glad of the obortunity to go home, where no one could tell him to leve Ikuto alone, he was more than ready for the walk back. Smiling drowsily at Ikuto he handed the boy his cloths and coat. "guess w're not going to the pack today then." he teased slightly and gave a sniff, his sinusses a bit clogged.

Chuckling, Ikuto replied, "I think the main reason we're not going is because you're sick, silly." Then, he tried to get up, wincing and groaned loudly at his chest and back throbbed. It was probably all because of laying in that bed for too long and having too many bruises. But, eventually, he stood up and grabbed his clothing from the neko, taking that stupid hospital gown off and quickly slipping into his clothes, not caring if Hikari saw him half naked. "Let's go, hm?" he asked, putting his new brace on and zipping his coat up. Before anything, he went up to Hikari and threw a coat onto him, too, zipping it up all the way and fluffing the hood up so it was covering the bottom part of his face. "Don't want you to get an even worse cold," he chuckled.

Hikari grunted at the comment denying he was sick at all. he'd lived in the cold most of his life she he didnt see how one little walk in the snow managed to make him ill. Big blue eye peered out from the depths of the hood. "oh come on....its not hat bad." he complained moving to pull the hood down.

He coudlnt wait to be hojme and away from the sterile whitness of this place. The many eyes here always seemed to be watching and judging, a feeling he didnt like. "want me to carry you home? i can" he offered knowing red eyes was still hurting.

"Oh shush," Ikuto said, rolling his eyes. "You're all sniffly and stuff. You got a cold, deal with it." He laughed lightly and then cocked his head to the side. "You don't have to carry me," the raven replied, blushing slightly. It felt weird thinking about the neko carrying him again. "I can walk myself," he grunted, feeling sharp pains shoot up his leg. However, he'd rather walk than have to rely on Hikari any more -- he'd done enough for him already.
Again, Ikuto pulled the hood up and put his hands on top of the neko's head, leaning in so their faces were inches apart. "Wear the hood," he threatened playfully.

"alright, if your rely so insistant." he teased actualy thinking giving Ikuto a piggy back ride all the way home would have been fun. Hikari merely stared at red red eyes, his soft ears pushed down by the sides of his head, and gave only a little sniffle in reply.

red eyes could be quite convincing when he wanted to be, even if it was just a joke. From the time they left till they got home the sandy haired boy made no attempt to pull the hood off. Instead he found himself scrunching up inside the coat as much as he could for warmth. Going slow and often asking if Ikuto was sure he didnt want a lift a little walk soon turned into a very long journy.

Every other second, Hikari asked the raven if he needed to be carried or something. And every other second, Ikuto would grunt in reply and refuse.
That was until he slipped on ice and fell flat on his back, groaning as he tried to get up. Now, he wrist was aching and the bruises that covered his body were throbbing -- more pain than he could manage at the moment. Leaning against the side of a building, bent over and out of breath, Ikuto asked, "Hey, are you still offering a ride?" in a playful, yet disgruntled, tone.

looking over at his freind a bit concerned he walked over to Ikuto and bent down, back turned. "of course i am." he said in warm sweet tones turning his face to smile at Ikuto. it upset him that red eyes had to get hurt to take the offer but the prospect of such fun made him smile all the same.

Up beyond the horizon the black and desolate sky grey pale and purple in the face of early morning snow drifts. The musted collor cast a small amount of grey light upon the wells of the city buildings. The pale glow of street lamps still lit the wa but soon theyd turn out in the face of sun rise. Never before ha'd the neko welcomed the daw so much. Perhaps the light of day would cast off this nightmare that had come to pass, Ikuto would be alright, and Hikari wouldnt have met the brute that had done the deed to him and cuase hikari to lose control.

As the sun began to rise, the beams of light warmed the air, making it that much easier to breath. The atmosphere got lighter -- dark deeds were lifted. Everything felt a lot better, as if things would return to normal soon.
Of course, Ikuto knew that there was no such luxury. He was determined to face the bastard that made Hikari lose control. If he had to, he'd knock some sense into the man.

When Hikari told him that the offer was still up, Ikuto put one hand on the neko's shoulder and said, "Thank you... Hikari..." and grinned brightly. I don't think any of my old friends would have done this....

Hikari only let red eyes down once they stood at the door of their own residence. Happy of the light of day he breathed it in, the air crisp and clean as bird's sang. The warmth of the apartment vastly outstood anything theyd endured during the night, even the hospital room was cold in comparison. Taking his coat off the neko's hands stung and his nose refused to allow him breath. Sniffling Hikari smiled to Ikuto. "i supose its too late to go to bed huh." he teased looking out the window, pale rays of fresh sun streaming through.

This day felt promising, perhaps they good go to the park, or if nothing else just see a movie. Though his cheeks pinkened and his ears stung the sandy haired boy was pleased. Hikari had seen moving pictures on the TV but had never been able to watch them and hear them long enough to know what it meant.

Chuckling, Ikuto plopped down on the couch without taking his coat off. His muscles hurt too much to make any extra effort. Although the sun had seemed to ease his suffering, the pain was a little much to take at the moment. "Would you maybe agree to watching a movie instead, Hikari?" he suggested. The raven felt terrible that he wouldn't get to take the neko out today. Perhaps when the weather got warmer, he would take Hikari to the amusement park and just spend the whole day there.
Pointing at the cabinet near the TV, Ikuto said, "There's should be a basket of movies there. Just choose one you'd like."

The neko peered curiously to where Ikuto pointed. In his oppinion as long as he got to be near red eyes anything was alright with him. his back was sore and he was a mess so going to the park realy could wait though he would deny that fact. Riffeling through he pulled out several not knowing what he liked or even what they where at all. After a time of frowing at them he closed his eyes, mixed them up and blindly chose one.

Smiling at it in satisfation he held it up for Ikuto not knowing what came next.

The room was pleasently lit and warm with sun, the very air smelling sweet. Despite the tramma of last night everything seemed like it was going to be alright. this rather odd pair had been through alot, trading fates and tradig favors in saving eich other's lives serving to only deepen their freshly birthed bond.

((you look freakn cute!))

Ikuto laughed as he watched the neko rummage through the movies, obviously not knowing which to choose. He turned the TV on and set it to Input 1 -- the one for the DVD player. With another button, he opened the disk drive "Alright, so, take the CD out of the case and put it right in that thing that popped out of the DVD player. Then lightly push the thing in." Sighing, Ikuto stretched his tight muscles out, ignoring the searing pain that spread from the stitches in his shoulder.

At that moment, Ikuto took a moment to observe the neko for a few seconds -- his bright fur, now matted, and those shining eyes of him. He was... cute. Adorable. And the best friend that Ikuto ever made. I must have been blessed.... Ikuto wanted to badly to reach out and wrap his arms around Hikari. It was... an odd feeling to say the least.

((Thanks! I decided to change it up ^^ I'm glad you like it!))

Hikari watched what Ikuto did carefully in case he decided he liked watching movies and wanted to do it by himself. "alright,-" he siad brightly smiling to Ikuto and standing up "lets go lay on the couch, you look like you still hurt." he said offering a hand. With every fiber of his being he cherrished red eyes, but another and much less definable feeling seemed to bubble up inside him. He couldn't tell what it was but its warmth filled him with more happiness than he'd ever felt before.

Chuckling, Ikuto took Hikari's hand and let the neko lead him to the couch. The moment their hands me, Ikuto felt a rush of electricity run through his body -- it was the most astounding feeling, and he didn't want it to end just yet. He sat down and leaned against the back of the couch, moaning in pain. "Damn it," he hissed, rubbing his shoulder. He didn't let go of Hikari's hand yet, though. The feeling was too precious to let go now, and the raven's cheeks blushed a light pink at the same time.

Taking a seat next to him Hikari looked to Ikuto concerned wishing he could make it better. However something else cuaght his eye, was that a...blush? the sudden realization theyd been holding hands. tinges of pink rose in his cheeks though he tried his best not to allow it. All at once he wanted to pul his hand away for embarresment of himself but also not wanting to let go. It was so wonderful, so right.

No words came to lips leaving hi silent and staring in mixed horror and wonder.

was this....love?

Ikuto looked at Hikari's mixed expressions, his own face turning pale at the realization of his emotions.
No way. Just.. what...I...eh!?
Thinking that he made a mistake by continuing to hold Hikari's hand, the raven gently slipped his fingers away and laid his hands in his lap. "I'm... I'm sorry... Hikari..." He looked to the side, avoiding eye contact with the neko.

the moment thier hands parted it was as if the warmth was stollen from his very lips. Desperate to have it back, not wanting it to end like this in shame, Hikari leaned in gently tilting Ikuto's chin toward him and lightly brushing one's lips gently upon the other's the neko kissed him.

((sorry its only two lines. if you wish to continue along this path please take it to emial also ill soon be getting a quick shower. ))

((ahaha X'D ... *realizes what's happening* .... Let's take this to email ^^" Here's mine: [email protected] -- I'll post the bit that's still PG-13 rated here, but in response to this post, please use my email instead ^^))

Captured in pure shock, Ikuto's eyes widened and he tried to wriggle away from the sudden onslaught brought upon his lips. It was so warm, though, and a few seconds later, the raven ended up gently nudging back against Hikari's lips. He was relishing the warm, fuzzy glow that seemed to grow in his chest -- at one point, he even felt as if he were about to explode rainbows. Shortly after that, he pull away from the kiss and blinked a few times, a dreamy, glazed look in his eyes. "H-Hikari..."

emailed you, be sure to check your spam ^^

(Timeskip!! :D)

Ikuto's eyes narrowed as he washed the neko's head, the rest of his mangled hair now clean and silky again. "You know, I wouldn't take this long if you took a shower every other day," he huffed, taking the shower head to rinse the boy's head. Handing the neko some soap, he said, "Please. Use it to wash up," and stuck out his tongue. Meanwhile, he showered himself -- washing his hair, getting himself all cleaned up, and before he knew it, he was done and out of the shower with a towel wrapped around his waist. "See, it's not too bad right? At least you're clean now." Ikuto smiled at Hikari, chuckling as he exited the bathroom.

"fine, ill make an effort to be.......cleaner." looking to the ar of soap with a raised brow he shrugged and smiled, as long as it made Ikuto happy he'd do it. soon after red eyes had left Hikari too was done, dried and dressed. things made no sense to him right now and so the neko frowned. his freind suffered Hikari's fate only due to the neko's own hate.....not long after a quick enough recovery certian feelings arose.

......of course this lead to their recent escapades in the living room.

sighing the last bit of frost trialed from his eyes leaving only soft and brilliant blue in its place. Smiling now he only knew one thing, Hikari loved Ikuto and he wold do everything in his power to protect him.

going off to find red eyes he wondered what theyd do next.

Ikuto had walked into his room, grabbing some fresh clothes and putting them on. It was freezing outside, so he took a nice warm sweater and some jeans, picking a few out for Hikari to choose from. If anything, they could probably go back to work already -- the raven only had some major bruises and cuts, but it was nothing he couldn't handle. Seeing the neko looking for him, he called out, "I'm here! I've got some clothes laid out for you! I think we can go back to work today -- I really want to try something new today." Ikuto seemed really happy, which was legitimately odd since he just got hit by a car... but, well, it was Ikuto. He was a bit too headstrong.

An ear twitched and moved itself to face the sound of Ikuto's voice leading the neko to him. Dressed in a grungy old shirt that was only as clean as it would ever get and thin pants that looked to have once been jeans the neko puzzled at the thought of different cloths. his had always worked well enough so Hikari didnt see the point in changing. Having to remind himself he was no longer an ally cat in a den living off scraps he considered his choice carefully. Hikari didnt want to ruin red eyes' stuff but he also didnt want to insult him so the neko resolved to accept but be careful.

"thanks" he smiled "but i realy dont think you should be going in so soon." knowing Ikuto wouldnt like that answer Hikari waited for his argument with a soft pleasent smile and glimmering blue eyes.

Ikuto pouted slightly and narrowed his eyes. "I'm only baking. It's not like I'm running around like you trying to pass out plates and take orders." The raven laughed lightly, fixing his shirt a little. He picked up a comb and started to fix his short, dark hair. Handing Hikari a different one, he motion for him to try and tidy himself up a little. "Come on, I really want to go to work. I have a new muffin to try! Plus, you seem to like working there." Ikuto grinned at the neko, giving him a goofy grin.