[Playing With Fire] chapter 2
I'm so happy people like Playing With Fire! Thank you very much!
On to the chapter!
WARNING: Cussing and Violence
Previous Chapter
Chapter Two
It was now my third day here at the hospital; I was able to move around, so I'm hoping I could leave today. I was definitely being more freindly than I normally am so that maybe I can convince the Doctor all the more to release me. It looked like it was working. I'm glad. I hate hospitals.
"You're in high spirits today," the Doctor said as he finished his check up.
He aided in moving my arms and legs, "Yeah I'm feeling really good. Besides I've had great help here."
He smirked, "I get it, you want to leave. After a few more tests, if they turn out ok, I'll let you go." He smiled as I couldn't hide my happiness.
The day was long, as I went through several x-ray's and physical tests to see if my body was going to be alright. I had faith though, my body has had worse. If I could handle years of abuse, I could handle this.
That man's voice scratched away at my mind, all the random things he used to scream at me, "You don't speak unless you're spoken too!" "You think it's funny I lost my job?!" "Your mother is a bitch!" His drunk laughter. His hard slaps and punches... My mother's blood on the floor...
My body felt ten times heavier as I sat back down on my bed, done with the last test of the day. I wanted those memories out of my head. I needed a distraction. I looked up curiously. How was it that they knew who I was? I hadn't thought about it till now.
"How did you know my name?"
The nurse smiled, "The police found your backpack with your I.D. inside. In fact your backpack is right over here."
"I completely forgot about my backpack..." I grabbed it from her, thankfully everything was still in there. My change of clothes, wallet, and keys.
The Doctor came in, "Well it's a bit early to say, but I believe you'll be alright. I'm prescribing you some pain killers though. Make sure to use them only when you need them, ok?"
"Thank you so much Doctor."
Just when I thought I was free, the police came into my room. I guess I should have seen it coming, they hadn't come before to ask me about the whole thing. I was really annoyed, more time delayed from getting my answers.
"Ichinose, Ai...27..." The white-haired detective scratched his chin, "You worked there for three years yes?"
"Yeah that's right."
He slowly mulled over his questions, "Did you ever notice the men in your bank before?"
"No..." I answered plainly.
He stuck his hand out for the younger detective to hand him a folder, "Your father is Ichinose, Kagerou yes?"
That's it he was getting on my nerves, "What does that man have anything to do with this?!"
"Calm down calm down," he scratched his chin, "The men who took you hostage were actually escapee's. Did you know this?"
I sighed loudly, "Of course I didn't." I crossed my arms and tapped my foot impatiently.
"Then it'll be news for you to hear that they all had contact with your father."
I was getting confussed, what did this detective want from me? "Yes it's news to me."
The detective walked around to look out the window. I sighed as I looked up to see the younger detective staring at me. I stared back at him waiting for him to say something, but he ended up just looking away.
"Will you just get to the point already! I want to leave!" I finally let it out.
"You weren't by any chance in contact with your father or the men who robbed the bank?"
"You're accusing me of working with those creeps?!"
"We have to look at all the options...You were the only survivor..."
I clenched both my fists, so much so that I started shaking.
"That man... He killed my mother! I've never once considered him my father, and not once have I spoken a single word to him! How dare you accuse me of being involved!"
The younger detective cleared his throat, "I'll ask you to please lower your voice."
I glared at him, lowering my voice, "Oh! Does it bother you knowing that he killed my mother?" It was almost like I was teasing him with my tragic story.
"On that day, I got back home as usual. But this time instead of the door being locked, it was cracked open. I stepped in to see blood splattered at the doorway. I've seen blood before, but not that much. I ran inside to see him... that piece of trash... tearing my mother's clothes away! Raping her right in front of me! She wasn't even conscious because he had punched her so hard on the back of the head!" I didn't realise I was standing up now putting both detective's on edge.
I cried out, "He violated her! I tried to stop him... I ran to him, pushing him off of her. He got so angry... All I could do was grab the empty beer bottle on the floor to defend myself! He came at me! Punched me twice in my stomach, I fell to the ground... He got on top of me...!" I really couldn't finish the rest.
I sat back down, suddenly feeling like my legs would shatter if I didn't, "Next thing I know a couple of policemen were rushing inside, saving me and my mother from him. Of course though she died later that day in the hospital..." I glared at the old detecive, "So no, I haven't had contact with him...He deserves to rot in prison."
The white-haired detective relaxed once more, just as my Doctor came into the room, "Are you all finished here?"
The detective, to my great annoyance, scratched his chin again, "Yes we're all finished. Thank you for your time Ichinose-san, if we have any more questions we'll be seeing you."
After close to 80 hours, I was finally able to leave the hospital. Thank God. Hospitals smelled terrible and creeped me out, an impression I got when my Mother died.
After all was said and done, I left with 2 stitches on my left arm, and several bandages over ribs and my body. The most annoying thing was the big bandage just barely covering the corner of my right eye. As soon as I was far enough away from the hospital, I slowly took it off and covered the bruise with my hair.
I looked down at my watch, if I run I'll be able to make the train to see Gum. Who knows if they're even still there at The Eight, but I didn't have any other way of knowing. I didn't have any of their phone numbers; I completely broke contact.
I managed to make the train, but I regretted the running I just did. God that was a stupid idea. My body was in a bit of a shock from the sudden exercise, but being able to sit helped. All I had to do was just rest until the train arrived in half an hour. I lay my head back on the window, and closed my eyes. The slow movement of the train was making me sleepy, or maybe it was the pills. Either way I didn't want to sleep. I needed a plan.
'Hi guys! Nice to see you again!' I stuck my tongue out in disgust. 'Why were you there Gum? Answer me!' Yeah, no, confrontation wasn't going to work. No matter what I thought, it wasn't good. Looks like I was going to wing it.
The trained stopped and I finally noticed it was dark outside. How late was it? My watch told me just past 9. That meant the club just opened for the night. I shrugged, maybe it could provide for some privacy in a crowd of drunk losers. Eiter way, I wasn't going back home without answers.
Just 15 minutes later I turned the corner that led me to The Eight. The lights were bright, and there were people hanging out in front of the small building. As I got closer the bass of the music got louder. This brought back too many memories; my heart was starting to remember all the feelings I used to have for this place and the men running it. But I couldn't turn back now.
I pushed past several people, they all looked at me of course as I was just only wearing ripped jeans and a t- shirt, not to mention my bandages. I stood out badly, but I didn't care. I opened the door and it was packed like it always was, people crowded all the way in front of the door. Again I wiggle my way around them, turned the corner, and got the full view of the busy Eight.
Toppo was at the DJ booth getting really into the music, Johnny and Jacky were just like I remembered them, behind the bar making drinks and laughing in their own little world. Ace was all up in this guy's face, and Arsenal, Mac, and Gum were no where to be seen. I have to admit a small part of me was happy that Gum wasn't here. I wasn't ready just yet.
I walked through the crowd, happy that things seemed to be the same. I stopped just a few feet from the bar, frozen in my thoughts. What have they been doing these past 3 years? What were they doing all this time? Did they miss me? Did he... miss me? I didn't want to admit it, but my heart missed him.
"Screw this." I couldn't go through with it.
A hand landed on my shoulder. I grabbed to twist it, but I turned around in time to see Johnny. It looked he saw a ghost. I might as well be one. I let go of his hand and stepped back from nervousness.
"Ai-chan... Is it really you?"
"Hi Johnny."
He took me by surprise as he reached over to hug me tightly. After Gum, he was the second closest guy I've ever gotten too. He really looked after me like I was his little sister. And I did truely see him like a brother. So it felt good to be in contact with him again. But I was too hurt, so I winced from the pain of being in contact. Thankfully he didn't hear me since the music was so loud.
Though he did notice my bandaged arm, but I just shook my head to avoid explaining what happened. I didn't want him to worry. He let me go, grabbed my hand, and led me back to the bar to see Jacky. He had the same reaction like Johnny.
"So what do you need?"
Johnny smacked him on the arm, "Hey."
Jacky just shrugged him off, "I know you wouldn't have come back here unless you needed something."
"I missed you too Jacky," I said with the same harsh tone as he had.
He shook his head, "C'mon, I'll take you to see Mac."
He led me around to the back and up a set of stairs that led to the office, Mac's office. Jacky knocked not waiting for a response and led me in. I look to see Mac working on some documents. He looked a lot older than I expected him to. I guess he's been stressed.
"Look who showed up," Jacky said loudly. I glared at him, but I didn't expect to see a worried look on his face.
Mac looked up and as usual, kept his cool, "Ai-chan...So you're back?" He put his pen down and stretched, "Jacky, do you mind giving us some privacy?" Jacky and Mac exchanged concerned looks as Jacky left. They were always able to hold conversations with just their eyes.
My nervousness shot up, but I tried playing it cool, "So! Looks like you've continued to make a good living!"
He stood up, walked around his desk, only to sit on top of it with he legs stretched out, "I see you haven't changed a bit Ai-chan." There it was, that same smirk I remembered. "So, what can I help you with?"
I licked my lips, trying to figure out where to start, "Well, I don't know if you heard, but there was a robbery at the First National Bank, where I work."
"So I'm guessing that's where you got that nasty bruise on your head, and the bandages?"
"Of course I didn't go down without a fight!" But I quickly started got back to the topic, "So to get to the point, just as I thought I was going to die, I was saved."
"Lucky you."
I whispered, "Gum saved me..."
Mac crossed his arms, "That's not..."
"It was him Mac!" I closed the distance between us and got in his face, "I wouldn't forget what he looked like!"
And just moments later, I was able to see him again after 3 years.
Next Chapter
-------
w00t~ another chapter! You got to learn about the day her mother died, sad right? :( it made me sad writing it. BUT we also go to see the guys in this chapter! YAY~ And now things just got a little more intereseting, ne~?
Look forward to Ai's and Gum's reunion in the next chapter! Bye Bye
On to the chapter!
WARNING: Cussing and Violence
Previous Chapter
Chapter Two
It was now my third day here at the hospital; I was able to move around, so I'm hoping I could leave today. I was definitely being more freindly than I normally am so that maybe I can convince the Doctor all the more to release me. It looked like it was working. I'm glad. I hate hospitals.
"You're in high spirits today," the Doctor said as he finished his check up.
He aided in moving my arms and legs, "Yeah I'm feeling really good. Besides I've had great help here."
He smirked, "I get it, you want to leave. After a few more tests, if they turn out ok, I'll let you go." He smiled as I couldn't hide my happiness.
The day was long, as I went through several x-ray's and physical tests to see if my body was going to be alright. I had faith though, my body has had worse. If I could handle years of abuse, I could handle this.
That man's voice scratched away at my mind, all the random things he used to scream at me, "You don't speak unless you're spoken too!" "You think it's funny I lost my job?!" "Your mother is a bitch!" His drunk laughter. His hard slaps and punches... My mother's blood on the floor...
My body felt ten times heavier as I sat back down on my bed, done with the last test of the day. I wanted those memories out of my head. I needed a distraction. I looked up curiously. How was it that they knew who I was? I hadn't thought about it till now.
"How did you know my name?"
The nurse smiled, "The police found your backpack with your I.D. inside. In fact your backpack is right over here."
"I completely forgot about my backpack..." I grabbed it from her, thankfully everything was still in there. My change of clothes, wallet, and keys.
The Doctor came in, "Well it's a bit early to say, but I believe you'll be alright. I'm prescribing you some pain killers though. Make sure to use them only when you need them, ok?"
"Thank you so much Doctor."
Just when I thought I was free, the police came into my room. I guess I should have seen it coming, they hadn't come before to ask me about the whole thing. I was really annoyed, more time delayed from getting my answers.
"Ichinose, Ai...27..." The white-haired detective scratched his chin, "You worked there for three years yes?"
"Yeah that's right."
He slowly mulled over his questions, "Did you ever notice the men in your bank before?"
"No..." I answered plainly.
He stuck his hand out for the younger detective to hand him a folder, "Your father is Ichinose, Kagerou yes?"
That's it he was getting on my nerves, "What does that man have anything to do with this?!"
"Calm down calm down," he scratched his chin, "The men who took you hostage were actually escapee's. Did you know this?"
I sighed loudly, "Of course I didn't." I crossed my arms and tapped my foot impatiently.
"Then it'll be news for you to hear that they all had contact with your father."
I was getting confussed, what did this detective want from me? "Yes it's news to me."
The detective walked around to look out the window. I sighed as I looked up to see the younger detective staring at me. I stared back at him waiting for him to say something, but he ended up just looking away.
"Will you just get to the point already! I want to leave!" I finally let it out.
"You weren't by any chance in contact with your father or the men who robbed the bank?"
"You're accusing me of working with those creeps?!"
"We have to look at all the options...You were the only survivor..."
I clenched both my fists, so much so that I started shaking.
"That man... He killed my mother! I've never once considered him my father, and not once have I spoken a single word to him! How dare you accuse me of being involved!"
The younger detective cleared his throat, "I'll ask you to please lower your voice."
I glared at him, lowering my voice, "Oh! Does it bother you knowing that he killed my mother?" It was almost like I was teasing him with my tragic story.
"On that day, I got back home as usual. But this time instead of the door being locked, it was cracked open. I stepped in to see blood splattered at the doorway. I've seen blood before, but not that much. I ran inside to see him... that piece of trash... tearing my mother's clothes away! Raping her right in front of me! She wasn't even conscious because he had punched her so hard on the back of the head!" I didn't realise I was standing up now putting both detective's on edge.
I cried out, "He violated her! I tried to stop him... I ran to him, pushing him off of her. He got so angry... All I could do was grab the empty beer bottle on the floor to defend myself! He came at me! Punched me twice in my stomach, I fell to the ground... He got on top of me...!" I really couldn't finish the rest.
I sat back down, suddenly feeling like my legs would shatter if I didn't, "Next thing I know a couple of policemen were rushing inside, saving me and my mother from him. Of course though she died later that day in the hospital..." I glared at the old detecive, "So no, I haven't had contact with him...He deserves to rot in prison."
The white-haired detective relaxed once more, just as my Doctor came into the room, "Are you all finished here?"
The detective, to my great annoyance, scratched his chin again, "Yes we're all finished. Thank you for your time Ichinose-san, if we have any more questions we'll be seeing you."
After close to 80 hours, I was finally able to leave the hospital. Thank God. Hospitals smelled terrible and creeped me out, an impression I got when my Mother died.
After all was said and done, I left with 2 stitches on my left arm, and several bandages over ribs and my body. The most annoying thing was the big bandage just barely covering the corner of my right eye. As soon as I was far enough away from the hospital, I slowly took it off and covered the bruise with my hair.
I looked down at my watch, if I run I'll be able to make the train to see Gum. Who knows if they're even still there at The Eight, but I didn't have any other way of knowing. I didn't have any of their phone numbers; I completely broke contact.
I managed to make the train, but I regretted the running I just did. God that was a stupid idea. My body was in a bit of a shock from the sudden exercise, but being able to sit helped. All I had to do was just rest until the train arrived in half an hour. I lay my head back on the window, and closed my eyes. The slow movement of the train was making me sleepy, or maybe it was the pills. Either way I didn't want to sleep. I needed a plan.
'Hi guys! Nice to see you again!' I stuck my tongue out in disgust. 'Why were you there Gum? Answer me!' Yeah, no, confrontation wasn't going to work. No matter what I thought, it wasn't good. Looks like I was going to wing it.
The trained stopped and I finally noticed it was dark outside. How late was it? My watch told me just past 9. That meant the club just opened for the night. I shrugged, maybe it could provide for some privacy in a crowd of drunk losers. Eiter way, I wasn't going back home without answers.
Just 15 minutes later I turned the corner that led me to The Eight. The lights were bright, and there were people hanging out in front of the small building. As I got closer the bass of the music got louder. This brought back too many memories; my heart was starting to remember all the feelings I used to have for this place and the men running it. But I couldn't turn back now.
I pushed past several people, they all looked at me of course as I was just only wearing ripped jeans and a t- shirt, not to mention my bandages. I stood out badly, but I didn't care. I opened the door and it was packed like it always was, people crowded all the way in front of the door. Again I wiggle my way around them, turned the corner, and got the full view of the busy Eight.
Toppo was at the DJ booth getting really into the music, Johnny and Jacky were just like I remembered them, behind the bar making drinks and laughing in their own little world. Ace was all up in this guy's face, and Arsenal, Mac, and Gum were no where to be seen. I have to admit a small part of me was happy that Gum wasn't here. I wasn't ready just yet.
I walked through the crowd, happy that things seemed to be the same. I stopped just a few feet from the bar, frozen in my thoughts. What have they been doing these past 3 years? What were they doing all this time? Did they miss me? Did he... miss me? I didn't want to admit it, but my heart missed him.
"Screw this." I couldn't go through with it.
A hand landed on my shoulder. I grabbed to twist it, but I turned around in time to see Johnny. It looked he saw a ghost. I might as well be one. I let go of his hand and stepped back from nervousness.
"Ai-chan... Is it really you?"
"Hi Johnny."
He took me by surprise as he reached over to hug me tightly. After Gum, he was the second closest guy I've ever gotten too. He really looked after me like I was his little sister. And I did truely see him like a brother. So it felt good to be in contact with him again. But I was too hurt, so I winced from the pain of being in contact. Thankfully he didn't hear me since the music was so loud.
Though he did notice my bandaged arm, but I just shook my head to avoid explaining what happened. I didn't want him to worry. He let me go, grabbed my hand, and led me back to the bar to see Jacky. He had the same reaction like Johnny.
"So what do you need?"
Johnny smacked him on the arm, "Hey."
Jacky just shrugged him off, "I know you wouldn't have come back here unless you needed something."
"I missed you too Jacky," I said with the same harsh tone as he had.
He shook his head, "C'mon, I'll take you to see Mac."
He led me around to the back and up a set of stairs that led to the office, Mac's office. Jacky knocked not waiting for a response and led me in. I look to see Mac working on some documents. He looked a lot older than I expected him to. I guess he's been stressed.
"Look who showed up," Jacky said loudly. I glared at him, but I didn't expect to see a worried look on his face.
Mac looked up and as usual, kept his cool, "Ai-chan...So you're back?" He put his pen down and stretched, "Jacky, do you mind giving us some privacy?" Jacky and Mac exchanged concerned looks as Jacky left. They were always able to hold conversations with just their eyes.
My nervousness shot up, but I tried playing it cool, "So! Looks like you've continued to make a good living!"
He stood up, walked around his desk, only to sit on top of it with he legs stretched out, "I see you haven't changed a bit Ai-chan." There it was, that same smirk I remembered. "So, what can I help you with?"
I licked my lips, trying to figure out where to start, "Well, I don't know if you heard, but there was a robbery at the First National Bank, where I work."
"So I'm guessing that's where you got that nasty bruise on your head, and the bandages?"
"Of course I didn't go down without a fight!" But I quickly started got back to the topic, "So to get to the point, just as I thought I was going to die, I was saved."
"Lucky you."
I whispered, "Gum saved me..."
Mac crossed his arms, "That's not..."
"It was him Mac!" I closed the distance between us and got in his face, "I wouldn't forget what he looked like!"
And just moments later, I was able to see him again after 3 years.
Next Chapter
-------
w00t~ another chapter! You got to learn about the day her mother died, sad right? :( it made me sad writing it. BUT we also go to see the guys in this chapter! YAY~ And now things just got a little more intereseting, ne~?
Look forward to Ai's and Gum's reunion in the next chapter! Bye Bye