Rebel

Hatori felt he had been a little harsh with Hina. Not like everything he had said hadn’t been true, but he knew she was struggling. He just didn’t understand it. If she put away those drawings, if she would stop drinking and sneaking out, if she could just behave herself, there wouldn’t be an issue. He had done it. Hell, even Shigure and Ayame managed to graduate and he didn’t think they looked at another person except for each other for all senior year.

And having Kyo tutor her? It was a recipe for disaster. Those two were liable to knock each other out.

He mused over the situation while he went over the patient files on his desk. A small stomach bug was making its way around the compound. Momiji had it, Hiro had just gotten over it and Kisa had just gotten it today. Not to mention the handful of other kids pining to play with them so they could get out of school as well.

He got home late after a slurry of house visits. He expected Hina to be out – she was rarely home at night and he was learning to pick his battles. He was surprised to see her shoes still at the door.

“Hina?” He called out into the house but no answer.

He made his way through the house and up to her room. Her door was shut, so eh knocked on it. No answer again.

He turned the knob and pushed open the door, surprised to see her slumped over at her desk. He Chemistry book was open under her head, a thin line of drool connecting her open mouth to the pages, and index cards next to her head. The pen she had been using to right was still open in her hand, and the felt tip had bled a huge pink mark in the card.

For a moment he was proud of her. She was trying, and he knew that. He just didn’t know why it was so hard for her.

He made his way over to her, careful not to step on any of the clothes around her floor. Her room was a mess, which didn’t surprise him – clothes on the floor, an unmade bed, her desk covered in drawings give for the small space her book and note cards took up.

He took her pen from her hand and put its cap back on. Then, he pulled her desk chair back and scooped her up. She made a noise of disapproval but didn’t open her eyes, so he put her in her bed and pulled the blankets over her, turning out the light.

He left her to sleep and went downstairs to call Shigure. The two made plans to meet at a bar, and Hatori was surprised at how calm he felt after all day of brooding over the situation.

Hatori chose the bar. Of course, he chose the bar, last time Shigure chose they ended up at a nudie bar with girls barely older than Hina and Hatori had nearly vomited.

The two took up a table in the back, near the door, and ordered two beers.

“What’s the matter?” Shigure asked, right off the bat. He could tell that something was still bothering his friend.

“Hina is getting tutored. By Kyo.” Hatori said, swirling the drink in his hand. “And I know she is stufying and that this is good because she really needs to get her grades up, but I don’t think the two of them should be spending time together.”

Shigure, unaware that the Hina and Kyo had made their peace, waved his hand at the other man. “They won’t be a problem. I think they made it through one study session without Kyo throwing a tantrum, and by the end he had stormed out and wouldn’t talk to either one of us.”

“That’s what I’m worried about.” Hatori mused, sipping his drink. “Hina has a lot of things on her plate already. The last thing she needs is to get in her feelings about whether Kyo wants to be her friend. Not to mention that’s opening up a whole can of worms with Kagura.”

“I think you over think it. Not to mention, Hina could take Kagura in a heartbeat.”

“I don’t know about that. She puts on a feisty front, but I know it’s all an act.” He sat his beer in a high top tale, pushing his hand through his short hair. “I’m assuming some of this is your doing?”

“You think just because its my house, I have a hand in all that goes on?” Shigure asked. Hatori gave him a look. “Well, I suggested Yuki – seeing as how he’s the only one who actually seems to understand Chemistry.”

“See, now that would be good for her.” Hatori said. “Someone levelheaded. That’s what she needs.”

Shigure couldn’t help but laugh. “Right. Because you’re doing a bang-up job of controlling her.”

The doctor couldn’t help but be offended. “It’s not my fault she has to act like everything is a ploy against her. It’s a high school class, not rocket science. How damn hard can it be?”

“You know I nearly failed Chemistry, too? Hell, if I hadn’t been so cute I might of. It’s not easy for everyone. Some of us aren’t gifted in science.” Shigure said, before chugging his own beer. He made it look effortless – like he didn’t even swallow just poured.

“With any luck, she’ll end up with an alcohol problem at thirty, writing smut,” Hatori said, and Shigure rolled his eyes.

“At least she’ll be happy.” He mused, sliding from his chair.

“What’s that?” The sarcasm was evident.

“Oh, hush. You want another beer?” Shigure asked, picking up his own empty bottle. Hatori shook his head, he should be getting home soon anyway – He still had work in the morning, unlike some people.

When he got home, Hina was still asleep and he decided that he needed some sleep as well. As he began to drift off he was still worried about her – and the decisions she was making. He knew he couldn’t save her from herself.

Hatori’s alarm woke him from his slumber what only felt like moments later. He was planning on catching up with Hina when she woke up – to tell her that he was proud that she was trying. Maybe Shigure was right, maybe there was nothing to fear with those two hanging out. After all, Kyo was fixated on Tohru and the two of them would be bumping heads before they knew it. It would never work.

When he got downstairs, he was surprised to see that she was already gone. He wasn’t sure if she had left the night before, or early that morning. That was, until he found a note on the already brewing coffee pot.

‘Left early to study before school. – Hina’.

He couldn’t help but crack a smile – maybe she was trying.

At school, Hina was camped out in the library. At a back table, with her chemistry textbook and notes. She had gotten there an hour before classes, and was the only one there, or so she thought. But it wasn’t long before she heard stirring in the shelves and was surprised to see who emerged from between them.

“Hina-kun?” Yuki said, surprised that anyone else was here that early. “What are you doing here so early?”

Hina looked up from her textbook. “Trying not to fail chemistry. What are you doing here so early?’

Yuki lifted up his bag, which was straining at the clasps. “As I am sure you have noticed around school, the fall festival is coming up. I have been locked out for two days so there is more paperwork than I have time to do at hall or on lunch.”

Hina motioned to the seat diagonally across the table from her. “I can imagine.”

Yuki sat down his bag and pulled out a chair. “it’s gonna be really fantastic this year. Have you signed up for a booth yet?” He asked, sitting down in the chair, adjusting his tie as he settled in. “I know Ms. Honda is working one of the food stands. I think everything has been filling up nicely.”

Hina shrugged. “Its not really my thing.”

“Oh, I’m sure we could find something that suits your talents. Maybe, face painting?” He suggested. “I know you’re really good at art. It would be fantastic.”

Hina mused on it for a moment, looking back at her notebook. “Uh, I’ll think about it.” She said, after a long moment. “Like I said, it’s not really my thing.”

Yuki gave her an understanding half smile before flicking open his briefcase and getting down to business. He had a lot to get done, after all. Hina went back to her notes, still determined to really put the pedal to the metal.

When the bell for first class finally rang, her hand was cramping. A sshe shuffled her notebooks back into her bookbag, Yuki did the same with the papers in his suitcase. “Let me know if you want to be apart of the festival. I’m sure we could find something else for you, even if it isn’t face painting,” He said, getting up out of his chair. Hina did the same, and the two pushed their seats in.

“Uh, yeah, I’ll let you know.” She said, as she rounded the table towards the door. Yuki, however, had stepped at the same time and had awkwardly blocked her way. He gave a chuckle.

“Sorry, Hina. You first.” He said, stepping back. She took the lead, making her way through the bookshelves as he followed close behind.

“What are you doing at the festival, Yuki?” She asked as they reached the library doors.

“I’m just a director, I have to be able to deal with any issues that arise, you know.” He said, as he took the step out the door and down the hall, to the right. He was careful to keep his close to the wall to avoid bumping into anyone.

“That sounds stupid stressful.” Hina said honestly. “Too much responsibility.” She followed his lead since her classes were the same way.

“Well, I don’t know about that. I have an awesome team, with great members in my cabinet and I know we can pull it off.” He said as the two fell in step together.

“I’m sure it’ll be fun.” She said, stopping at her classroom door. “I’ll let you know.”

“See you around, Hina-kun,” Yuki said with a nod as he continued on his way. Hina made her way to her way into the classroom, surprised to see Kyo already leaning against her desk.

“Hey.” She said, as she made her way to her seat, putting her bag on the desk. Kyo, who had seen the interaction in front of the classroom door, was scowling.

“I was gonna – I mean, I meant to...” Kyo started, but then stopped himself. “You know what, if you would rather be tutored by that damn Yuki, then go ahead!” He exclaimed; his face suddenly flushed. How could he have been so stupid, he thought. To think Hina wanted to spend time with him, over Yuki, especially when it was studying.

“Kyo, I don’t --,” she started, surprised by his sudden exclamation, even if it was run of the mill to everyone else.

He had already started out of the classroom. “Save it. I don’t care.”

Hina sank down in her seat as Kyo left – what the hell was his deal? She felt like she was getting whiplash with him all the time. Her professor entered the room just moments later, not really giving her time to stew. She’d have to deal with it at lunch, she figured.