03-11-2007, 03:47 AM
This was written as a kindof interlude to the last story I posted.. I would like to thank Angry_kittens for giving me the... experience.. needed to make the sex scene better..
If you are under 18, or will be offended by adult situations, please leave now.
Kenzuma Tenadra, a strange young man of sixteen years, walked through the nearly hallways of what had become his home. He had lived here for six years, the old man who had brought him here had passed on only one year ago, and his granddaughter still lived there, but she didn't understand him at all, and kept trying to get closer to him. He shivered slightly. "I don't know why she makes me so uncomfortable.. maybe its just that she knows me.. but can't really see me.. No.. that can't be it... when she is just being friendly I am fine around her... I guess.. I just don't like her the way she wants me to.." "It is so lonely.. even with her here... but.. I think I'd rather be lonely than have the kind of attention I used to get..." as he said that, he closed his eyes, remembering what it had been like growing up on the street.
He had been ten years old when his mother died. Forced out of his home by the brutal landlord just moments after her death because of what he was. He thought of himself as a normal boy at the time, but he was anything but normal. At that time, he was only a little over three feet tall, and covered in a silky coat of thick golden fur. His hair was an even deeper gold color, while his eyes shone like sparkling saphires with a light all their own. The strangest thing about him wasn't his appearance however, it was the odd things that happened around him, that he unknowingly made happen. Often he would dream, and occasionally, his dreams would influence those around him, causing them to wake up irritable after a nightmare, or pleased after a happy dream.
Other times, he would bump into someone, and he would feel what they were feeling. Sometimes going from a moment of happiness, to a moment of pure uncontrollable rage, or depression. He couldn't block these feelings out, but they only seemed to happen when he touched someone. The strangest thing for him however, was when he would touch someone who had been hurt, or was sick. He found that not only did he feel what they felt for just a moment, but when he took his hand away, they were completely recovered, even from things said to have no cure, or injuries too severe to heal properly.
After being forced out of his home, Kenzuma walked through the streets, his short, and slightly pathetic stature caused some of those who saw him to take pity on this strange boy, and give him small things, a couple coins, maybe some food. Nothing too big, but he accepted these gifts happily. Other than the short time he had known his mother, this was the closest thing to love he had ever known.
One day, he happened upon an older man lieing in the street, several younger men were walking away from him, carrying various clubbing instruments, and laughing about something. Kenzuma ran up to the old man, and without hesitation, grabbed a hold of him to try to get him out of the street at least, having forgotten about his abilities at that moment. Pain lanced through his body in too many places for him to even think of identifying them all, he fell to his knees, his hands on his head as the old man sat up. He didn't stop to thank the young boy who had saved him, instead, he got to his feet, and ran away from the gang that had attacked him.
One of the young men turned around and saw the old man running. He smacked the largest of the group on the shoulder, and pointed over at the old man. The gang leader shook his head, laughing as he pointed to the young boy kneeling at the side of the road. They walked over to him, still laughing as they surrounded him.
Kenzuma felt the cold touch of a metal pipe on the back of his neck as he stared blankly at the large man in front of him. "Wutchu do that fo' little punk?" the man said angrily as Kenzuma rose to his feet. "He.. he was hurt.. and.." "No shit he wuz hurt dumbass! We hurt 'im." one of the others said, slapping his bat into the palm of his hand. The leader bent down, looking Kenzuma in the eye. "You've made a lot of trouble for yourself today little one. My friends here... Don't like when their victims get up and run away you see. You've got a few choices.. They can beat it out of you... they can take payment in another way... Of course.. knowing them, they will probably do both if you chose the first.. so I'd go with the second if I were to take my chances with them... Or.. You can come with me.. What I do will hurt you. but I will also protect you. Give you something besides wandering the streets.. A purpose.." Kenzuma had looked into that man's eyes, and nodded slowly at him.
Kenzuma had forced himself to forget the initiation that night, but what he could remember of it was enough to convince him that it was better that he couldn't remember. He spent the next two and a half years trading from gang to gang as each one of his groups either quit, or was taken down. Each time, the new gang saw a use for him, and kept him alive instead of getting rid of him like they did with the rest.
He never raised a hand in against another person, for he knew that he would only feel the pain they did when he hit them. Instead, he concentrated on keeping his gang healthy so they would have no reason to turn him out, or take payment in other ways for their protection.
After his last gang broke up, he was sick of the constant fighting and decided to do something about it. He ran from the area before a new gang could move in, and kept running until he found one of the homeless shelters. His sensitive nose caught the sickening stench of unwashed bodies long before he reached the door, but he didn't let it stop him. He walked into the building, and moved toward the first clean person he saw, hoping that she would be one of those that worked there.
The woman smiled at him as he walked up. "Well hi there.. Don't get too many like you in here.. where are your parents little one?" Kenzuma lowered his eyes to the floor. "Mom's gone... and I never met Dad..." She bent down and took him into her arms. "I'm sorry.. I didn't want to upset you.. Do you have any other family?" Kenzuma shook his head, holding his tears in check as he had taught himself to do. He realized early on that crying was looked at as a weakness by the other gang members.
"This really isnt the best place for you little friend.. why don't you come with me. There is a better place nearby. I'll take you there myself after my shift." Kenzuma looked up at her as she stood up again. "... Thank you...but.. what is going to happen to me...?" She smiled at him again, somehow he didn't seem to be affecting her like he did anyone else he touched. "Well, they will probably put you into school after finding out how much you know.. maybe get you into a home.. not too many people will take a kid in off of the street.. but they might find something." She held onto his hand gently, moving toward the back of the building. "You will be safe back here.. I'd stay with you, but old man Renolds came in a bit ago with a broken leg, and I have to try to get the hospital to fix him up." Kenzuma's ears perked up at that. "I can help with that.. Please. Let me see him. I can help him.. and you won't have to bother the hospital.. They probably wouldn't see him anyway unless you have insurrance for him." She smiled at him. "I guess it couldn't hurt.. You can cheer him up at least. No one here ever really takes the time to talk to him when he shows up."
Kenzuma followed her over to the other side of the building. He could tell that the older man was in a lot of pain before he even got close to him. "Mr. Renolds.. This young man has offered to keep you company while I see what I can do with the hospital.." Mr. Renolds laughed when he heard her add in a whisper. "Stuck up bastards.." Some of his pain was forgotten in that moment as the incredible calm of the boy standing there seemed to wash over him. "Well come over here boy. Sit down for awhile. I ain't gonna bite you."
The woman smiled. "I'll be back in a few minutes.. have to wait for that useless receptionist to call back." She walked away quickly, and Kenzuma hopped up on the stool next to the older man. Mr. Renolds looked at him. "So, what's your name boy. Or are you one of those that never got one..?" Kenzuma shook his head. "Its Kenzuma... If you want.. you can just call me Ken.." Mr. Renolds smiled. "Alright Ken.. what brings you into this smelly place?" Kenzuma looked down at the ground. "I.. I had to run away.. before the new gang moved in..." Mr. Renolds frowned at him. "You don't look to be a violent lad.. So they must have had another use for you if you thought they would try to snatch you up." Kenzuma nodded slowly. "I could make the pain go away... The other gang members.. they would get hurt.. and then I would help them.. I hated it because I knew they would go out and get hurt again.. and hurt others.. but I had to do it.. or they would do.. other things.."
Mr. Renolds reached out, gently placing his hand on the boy's shoulder. "I know what you have been through there.. but what could you do to make the pain go away?" Kenzuma looked up at him and smiled. "This..." as he spoke, pain shot up his leg, then stopped suddenly. Mr. Renolds looked down at his leg which was now perfectly straight, and felt as if it hadn't been broken at all. "Holy shit! How did you do that!?" he exclaimed, taking his hand away from Kenzuma's shoulder to feel his leg.
Kenzuma closed his eyes. "That is what I did for the others... That is why they wanted me..." He shook his head. "It hurts to do it.. but not doing it hurts more.." Mr. Renolds ruffled his hair. "You are a little miracle.. Why don't we go tell that sweet girl that I don't need those stuck up assholes at the hospital afterall.. then.. maybe you could come help someone else..." Kenzuma hopped down from the stool. "Who is it?" he asked quietly. The older man stood up. "My granddaughter is very sick.. I've been trying to get the money together for an opperation for her.. but work is scarce.. and I don't think I'll manage it in time.."
Kenzuma nodded. "I'd be glad to help.. is she close by?" Mr. Renolds closed his eyes and turned away so Kenzuma wouldn't see him crying. "Close enough to walk... Can you really help her?" Kenzuma smiled up at him. "I won't know until I try... but I haven't failed yet..." "You are an angel little one... I don't know how to thank you.. Unless.. Would you like to stay with us? It ain't much, but its warm.. and there is plenty of food.. Nothing fancy, but its home." "Sara won't be able to resist that innocence of his... I just hope I know what I am doing here.." Kenzuma's eyes brightened at that, his excitement kept him from noting the worry in the older man's voice when he had made the offer. "Is that really okay..? I could live with you?"
"I don't see why not.. I just have to report that you are with me just in case some family shows up later lookin for you." Mr. Renolds said, the smile returning to his face as they walked toward the back of the building. The young woman came running out of the back room. "What the hell are you doing up?!" she cried as she saw Mr. Renolds. He laughed. "This young lad fixed my leg.. Not really sure how it worked, but it did. I offered to let him stay with me. That way you don't have to take the time to help him find a place on top of everything else you have to do." Kenzuma looked up at her, smiling as she bent down. "You really did help him.. You didn't mean that you would keep him company at all did you?" Kenzuma blushed. "Well.. I kinda did both.." She ruffled his hair playfully. "Don't ever lose that charm little one.. It may come in handy some day." She then stood up, and turned to Mr. Renolds. "So what now. Back to work I suppose?" He shook his head. "Going home... I think Sara will want to meet this one sooner rather than later.."
They left the homeless shelter, and traveled across town to an old building that looked like it was abandoned. "Most folks think its haunted.. and won't live here, so we have it all to ourselves. It is much nicer on the inside.." Mr. Renolds said with a smile. "I fixed it up for me and Sara.. She can get around without tripping.. and I can lock the place up when I leave so I know she will be safe." Kenzuma smiled back at him, not understanding what he meant, but eager to see the inside of this place.
"Grandpa.. is that you?" a weak sounding voice said from a room to one side of the hallway as he closed the door. "Its me Sara... I bought a friend to visit you." Mr. Renolds said as he hung his coat on one of the hooks along the wall. Kenzuma's eyes were wide with surprise. He had never been in anything that looked this nice before.
"Well bring him in here then.." Sara said quietly. "Maybe this one will be nice enough to sit and talk to me.." she thought, remembering the last "friend" he had brought for her with an anger that hadn't faded at all during the last year. "I know he means well.. and he didn't know that would happen... but really.. he needs to think about things.. I can't do much to take care of myself in a situation like that."
Kenzuma followed Mr. Renolds into the room, smiling shyly as he stood in front of the bed. The girl in it staring out, but not seeing anything. She had been blind since the day she was born, and though her mother did her best to care for her, she died of an infection before Sara's third birthday. The only family she had known was her grandfather. She was thirteen now, and more than a little stubborn about things.
"Go closer lad.. let her know who you are in her own way.." Mr. Renolds said quietly, gently pushing him toward her. Sara smiled. "he is shy.. and his steps are uneasy.. must be young.. Or at least clumsy.." she thought as he came within arms reach of her. "Hello.." he said, trying not to stare at her. "Go ahead and look.. Its not like I could have anyhting you haven't seen before." She said teasingly as she reached down, gently touching his face with her fingers. "You feel.. kindof like this puppy one of our neighbors used to have... I can tell that you must be quite handsome.. but definately not fully grown yet.." Kenzuma blinked. "You can tell all of that.. just by touching..?" she smiled. "I have to.. Its the only way I can tell what you look like.. You sound nice.." Kenzuma smiled at her, her happiness washing over him. "She may be sick.. but she isn't letting it get her down... I'll do everything I can for her.."
Sara's hands moved up to the top of his head, gently rubbing his ears. "Thats kinda cute... A fuzzy little fox of a man.. what's your name?" Kenzuma glanced over at her waterglass, seeing his reflection in it, and for the first time, fully realizing that he was different. "She likes how I look.. without seeing it.. how would she feel if she actually did see me though.." "I'm Kenzuma.. but you can just call me Ken.. its easier.." He felt her surprise as she took her hands away from his head, and gasped. "What's wrong?" Mr. Renolds asked, clearly worried about her.
"I.. I saw him... Not for very long... but I could actually see him.." She said, tears streaming from her eyes. Kenzuma stepped back from her. "I.. I'm sorry.. I didn't mean to.." he stammered, thinking that he had hurt her somehow. Sara reached down and caught his hand before he could step out of reach. "No, its alright.. really.. " Though she was still crying, there was a smile on her face. "I don't know how.. but now I know that I was not wrong about you... thank you..."
Kenzuma grasped her hand gently, and closed his eyes to concentrate. He didn't know what was wrong with her, but he was determined to do something about it if he could. He stood rigid in front of her, every nerve on fire, sending waves of agony through his body as he focused on helping her.
A faint music seemed to fill the room when Kenzuma took hold of Sara's hand. Mr. Renolds watched carefully, knowing how much this must be hurting him, but eager to see the result. "If he can truly help her.. then having him here will be a small price to pay.." he thought.
Kenzuma opened his eyes as he took his hand away from Sara's. She had fallen asleep in the middle of his work, but already there was more color in her cheeks, and her breath came easier. He stumbled back, catching himself on the wall, and trying to re-focus on the room. "She needs to rest now... but when she wakes up.. she shouldn't be sick anymore.." Mr. Renolds ran foreward and caught him before he could fall. He carried him out of the room, and set him on the bed in one of the others. "I don't know what all he did there.. but I owe him far more than I could ever hope to repay.." he thought as he closed the door quietly.
Kenzuma sighed, the memory of that night still as vivid as ever. He hadn't been able to do anything about her vision, but other than that, she was easily the healthiest person in the city. "If only she would go out and find someone else... Its not that I don't like her.. its just that I don't... feel that way toward her.. but she doesn't get that..." he thought as he moved out onto the balcony he had helped put in on the top floor of the building. "Why do I have to be so cold... Why do I have to be so alone..." He whispered into the cool night air. He was still short compared to most men his age, just a little above five feet tall, but the years had improved his looks to something that bordered on unapproachable.
Shendo had been flying around this night, and heard the younger man's voice. He flew down and landed on the balcony. "You don't have to be alone.." he said quietly as he sat down on the rail, his long silver hair flowing around him in a way he knew was quite striking in this light. His voice sounded quite warm and friendly rather than the icy chill that he used for intimidation.
"Who.. what are you..?" Kenzuma asked, staring at this strange man who had flown up to him so casually. "God.. he is.. beautiful..." he thought, he knew that his head would be just above this man's waist if he were standing, but sitting the way he was, Kenzuma was able to look him comfortably in the eye.
"My name is Shendo... as for what I am.. I am whatever you need me to be.. Don't be afraid.. I wouldn't dream of hurting you.. I am here.. because you and I are alike in many ways... Both alone.. both misunderstood.. I can help you... I will understand you... help to make the pain of your past more distant.. make it take its proper place in the past... If you will let me.." Shendo said, the purr in his voice bordering on hypnotic rahter than simply seductive as he gazed into the smaller man's eyes.
"How could you possibly understand me... I'm... I'm too different.." Kenzuma protested, though he didn't make any move to get away. Shendo smiled at him. "You are not the only one who is different... I know that you long for someone to hold you without fear.. I long to hold someone who does not secretly fear me... I can see in your eyes.. that you are not at all afraid of me.. and, I am not afraid of you..."
Kenzuma broke his gaze away from Shendo's strange eyes in order to allow it to travel over the rest of him. "I've never seen anything like this... its like he is reading my mind.. but somehow, I know he isn't.. I can't believe this... He is asking for what he knows he could take.. and.. I actually want to give it to him.." Kenzuma blushed, and turned away slightly to try to hide his reaction from Shendo.
"Why do you turn away...?" Shendo asked as he moved off of the railing, coming to rest on one knee in front of Kenzuma, catching his eyes again with his own. "You are beautiful.. what is your name...?" he whispered, grasping one of Kenzuma's hands in his own.
Shendo's warm breath washed over Kenzuma, exciting him further as he tried to force his mind to work. When their hands touched, Kenzuma could feel nothing but warmth coming from this strange man. "Its.. Kenzuma.. but you can just..." Shendo pressed a finger to his lips, and leaned in close, whispering into his ear. "Kenzuma... such a lovely name... Why would you want to be called anything else..?"
Kenzuma blushed, but didn't pull away from Shendo as the larger man leaned in close to him. "Its easier..." he said quietly, not wanting to let Sara hear them. "The easy way is not always the best... nor is it always right..." Shendo brought his mouth down closer to Kenzuma's neck, allowing his breath to blow across the sensitive skin as he spoke again. "You are not cold at all Kenzuma.... You mistake being cold, with being uninterested in what she wants to give you..."
It was all Kenzuma could do to keep himself from melting into the larger man's arms as he spoke so softly to him. "How can he be so right... and why does this feel so different than the others... why do I want this so badly..." He shivered slightly as the breeze picked up. "What do you want from me..?" he asked, breathing in Shendo's sweet, musky scent.
Shendo smiled. "I want nothing that you do not want to give... and I want to give in return... Nothing more..." he whispered. He felt different with this one than any of the others he had ever been with, but he couldn't figure out why. "Its like being with Alita... but not at all like her... This is more than just the hunger... What could it be.." He could feel Kenzuma's desire as much as his own as he forced himself to be patient.
"We couldn't do it here... Sara would definately hear that..." Kenzuma thought as he ran one hand through Shendo's hair. "We have to go somewhere else... I don't want to wake Sara up..." "If we havent already.." Shendo pulled his head back, and gazed into Kenzuma's eyes. "If it is your wish.. I know somewhere that we will not be disturbed.." "Alita is out right now.. and if we fall asleep she can use the spare bed... I can take him back to our place.. and have him back here, hopefully before this 'Sara' wakes up... What is she to him I wonder... or he to her..."
Kenzuma's reply, while not verbal, was a definate yes as he pulled Shendo in close, locking his pointed muzzle against Shendo's lips. Shendo shivered slightly. "Shy, but commanding... willing to take charge.. I'm glad I came here tonight.." he thought as he scooped Kenzuma up in his arms, holding him against his chest as he took off into the night sky. "Its a good thing he is light... I wouldn't be able to make it there if he wasnt.."
Kenzuma felt a chill of excitement travel through his body as Shendo picked him up with his powerful arms. He could feel the controlled power beneath his rippling muscles as he took off. The wind rushing through his hair only added to his excitement as he held on to the larger man, allowing himself to be carried off to the other place that he had been talking about.
If you are under 18, or will be offended by adult situations, please leave now.
Kenzuma Tenadra, a strange young man of sixteen years, walked through the nearly hallways of what had become his home. He had lived here for six years, the old man who had brought him here had passed on only one year ago, and his granddaughter still lived there, but she didn't understand him at all, and kept trying to get closer to him. He shivered slightly. "I don't know why she makes me so uncomfortable.. maybe its just that she knows me.. but can't really see me.. No.. that can't be it... when she is just being friendly I am fine around her... I guess.. I just don't like her the way she wants me to.." "It is so lonely.. even with her here... but.. I think I'd rather be lonely than have the kind of attention I used to get..." as he said that, he closed his eyes, remembering what it had been like growing up on the street.
He had been ten years old when his mother died. Forced out of his home by the brutal landlord just moments after her death because of what he was. He thought of himself as a normal boy at the time, but he was anything but normal. At that time, he was only a little over three feet tall, and covered in a silky coat of thick golden fur. His hair was an even deeper gold color, while his eyes shone like sparkling saphires with a light all their own. The strangest thing about him wasn't his appearance however, it was the odd things that happened around him, that he unknowingly made happen. Often he would dream, and occasionally, his dreams would influence those around him, causing them to wake up irritable after a nightmare, or pleased after a happy dream.
Other times, he would bump into someone, and he would feel what they were feeling. Sometimes going from a moment of happiness, to a moment of pure uncontrollable rage, or depression. He couldn't block these feelings out, but they only seemed to happen when he touched someone. The strangest thing for him however, was when he would touch someone who had been hurt, or was sick. He found that not only did he feel what they felt for just a moment, but when he took his hand away, they were completely recovered, even from things said to have no cure, or injuries too severe to heal properly.
After being forced out of his home, Kenzuma walked through the streets, his short, and slightly pathetic stature caused some of those who saw him to take pity on this strange boy, and give him small things, a couple coins, maybe some food. Nothing too big, but he accepted these gifts happily. Other than the short time he had known his mother, this was the closest thing to love he had ever known.
One day, he happened upon an older man lieing in the street, several younger men were walking away from him, carrying various clubbing instruments, and laughing about something. Kenzuma ran up to the old man, and without hesitation, grabbed a hold of him to try to get him out of the street at least, having forgotten about his abilities at that moment. Pain lanced through his body in too many places for him to even think of identifying them all, he fell to his knees, his hands on his head as the old man sat up. He didn't stop to thank the young boy who had saved him, instead, he got to his feet, and ran away from the gang that had attacked him.
One of the young men turned around and saw the old man running. He smacked the largest of the group on the shoulder, and pointed over at the old man. The gang leader shook his head, laughing as he pointed to the young boy kneeling at the side of the road. They walked over to him, still laughing as they surrounded him.
Kenzuma felt the cold touch of a metal pipe on the back of his neck as he stared blankly at the large man in front of him. "Wutchu do that fo' little punk?" the man said angrily as Kenzuma rose to his feet. "He.. he was hurt.. and.." "No shit he wuz hurt dumbass! We hurt 'im." one of the others said, slapping his bat into the palm of his hand. The leader bent down, looking Kenzuma in the eye. "You've made a lot of trouble for yourself today little one. My friends here... Don't like when their victims get up and run away you see. You've got a few choices.. They can beat it out of you... they can take payment in another way... Of course.. knowing them, they will probably do both if you chose the first.. so I'd go with the second if I were to take my chances with them... Or.. You can come with me.. What I do will hurt you. but I will also protect you. Give you something besides wandering the streets.. A purpose.." Kenzuma had looked into that man's eyes, and nodded slowly at him.
Kenzuma had forced himself to forget the initiation that night, but what he could remember of it was enough to convince him that it was better that he couldn't remember. He spent the next two and a half years trading from gang to gang as each one of his groups either quit, or was taken down. Each time, the new gang saw a use for him, and kept him alive instead of getting rid of him like they did with the rest.
He never raised a hand in against another person, for he knew that he would only feel the pain they did when he hit them. Instead, he concentrated on keeping his gang healthy so they would have no reason to turn him out, or take payment in other ways for their protection.
After his last gang broke up, he was sick of the constant fighting and decided to do something about it. He ran from the area before a new gang could move in, and kept running until he found one of the homeless shelters. His sensitive nose caught the sickening stench of unwashed bodies long before he reached the door, but he didn't let it stop him. He walked into the building, and moved toward the first clean person he saw, hoping that she would be one of those that worked there.
The woman smiled at him as he walked up. "Well hi there.. Don't get too many like you in here.. where are your parents little one?" Kenzuma lowered his eyes to the floor. "Mom's gone... and I never met Dad..." She bent down and took him into her arms. "I'm sorry.. I didn't want to upset you.. Do you have any other family?" Kenzuma shook his head, holding his tears in check as he had taught himself to do. He realized early on that crying was looked at as a weakness by the other gang members.
"This really isnt the best place for you little friend.. why don't you come with me. There is a better place nearby. I'll take you there myself after my shift." Kenzuma looked up at her as she stood up again. "... Thank you...but.. what is going to happen to me...?" She smiled at him again, somehow he didn't seem to be affecting her like he did anyone else he touched. "Well, they will probably put you into school after finding out how much you know.. maybe get you into a home.. not too many people will take a kid in off of the street.. but they might find something." She held onto his hand gently, moving toward the back of the building. "You will be safe back here.. I'd stay with you, but old man Renolds came in a bit ago with a broken leg, and I have to try to get the hospital to fix him up." Kenzuma's ears perked up at that. "I can help with that.. Please. Let me see him. I can help him.. and you won't have to bother the hospital.. They probably wouldn't see him anyway unless you have insurrance for him." She smiled at him. "I guess it couldn't hurt.. You can cheer him up at least. No one here ever really takes the time to talk to him when he shows up."
Kenzuma followed her over to the other side of the building. He could tell that the older man was in a lot of pain before he even got close to him. "Mr. Renolds.. This young man has offered to keep you company while I see what I can do with the hospital.." Mr. Renolds laughed when he heard her add in a whisper. "Stuck up bastards.." Some of his pain was forgotten in that moment as the incredible calm of the boy standing there seemed to wash over him. "Well come over here boy. Sit down for awhile. I ain't gonna bite you."
The woman smiled. "I'll be back in a few minutes.. have to wait for that useless receptionist to call back." She walked away quickly, and Kenzuma hopped up on the stool next to the older man. Mr. Renolds looked at him. "So, what's your name boy. Or are you one of those that never got one..?" Kenzuma shook his head. "Its Kenzuma... If you want.. you can just call me Ken.." Mr. Renolds smiled. "Alright Ken.. what brings you into this smelly place?" Kenzuma looked down at the ground. "I.. I had to run away.. before the new gang moved in..." Mr. Renolds frowned at him. "You don't look to be a violent lad.. So they must have had another use for you if you thought they would try to snatch you up." Kenzuma nodded slowly. "I could make the pain go away... The other gang members.. they would get hurt.. and then I would help them.. I hated it because I knew they would go out and get hurt again.. and hurt others.. but I had to do it.. or they would do.. other things.."
Mr. Renolds reached out, gently placing his hand on the boy's shoulder. "I know what you have been through there.. but what could you do to make the pain go away?" Kenzuma looked up at him and smiled. "This..." as he spoke, pain shot up his leg, then stopped suddenly. Mr. Renolds looked down at his leg which was now perfectly straight, and felt as if it hadn't been broken at all. "Holy shit! How did you do that!?" he exclaimed, taking his hand away from Kenzuma's shoulder to feel his leg.
Kenzuma closed his eyes. "That is what I did for the others... That is why they wanted me..." He shook his head. "It hurts to do it.. but not doing it hurts more.." Mr. Renolds ruffled his hair. "You are a little miracle.. Why don't we go tell that sweet girl that I don't need those stuck up assholes at the hospital afterall.. then.. maybe you could come help someone else..." Kenzuma hopped down from the stool. "Who is it?" he asked quietly. The older man stood up. "My granddaughter is very sick.. I've been trying to get the money together for an opperation for her.. but work is scarce.. and I don't think I'll manage it in time.."
Kenzuma nodded. "I'd be glad to help.. is she close by?" Mr. Renolds closed his eyes and turned away so Kenzuma wouldn't see him crying. "Close enough to walk... Can you really help her?" Kenzuma smiled up at him. "I won't know until I try... but I haven't failed yet..." "You are an angel little one... I don't know how to thank you.. Unless.. Would you like to stay with us? It ain't much, but its warm.. and there is plenty of food.. Nothing fancy, but its home." "Sara won't be able to resist that innocence of his... I just hope I know what I am doing here.." Kenzuma's eyes brightened at that, his excitement kept him from noting the worry in the older man's voice when he had made the offer. "Is that really okay..? I could live with you?"
"I don't see why not.. I just have to report that you are with me just in case some family shows up later lookin for you." Mr. Renolds said, the smile returning to his face as they walked toward the back of the building. The young woman came running out of the back room. "What the hell are you doing up?!" she cried as she saw Mr. Renolds. He laughed. "This young lad fixed my leg.. Not really sure how it worked, but it did. I offered to let him stay with me. That way you don't have to take the time to help him find a place on top of everything else you have to do." Kenzuma looked up at her, smiling as she bent down. "You really did help him.. You didn't mean that you would keep him company at all did you?" Kenzuma blushed. "Well.. I kinda did both.." She ruffled his hair playfully. "Don't ever lose that charm little one.. It may come in handy some day." She then stood up, and turned to Mr. Renolds. "So what now. Back to work I suppose?" He shook his head. "Going home... I think Sara will want to meet this one sooner rather than later.."
They left the homeless shelter, and traveled across town to an old building that looked like it was abandoned. "Most folks think its haunted.. and won't live here, so we have it all to ourselves. It is much nicer on the inside.." Mr. Renolds said with a smile. "I fixed it up for me and Sara.. She can get around without tripping.. and I can lock the place up when I leave so I know she will be safe." Kenzuma smiled back at him, not understanding what he meant, but eager to see the inside of this place.
"Grandpa.. is that you?" a weak sounding voice said from a room to one side of the hallway as he closed the door. "Its me Sara... I bought a friend to visit you." Mr. Renolds said as he hung his coat on one of the hooks along the wall. Kenzuma's eyes were wide with surprise. He had never been in anything that looked this nice before.
"Well bring him in here then.." Sara said quietly. "Maybe this one will be nice enough to sit and talk to me.." she thought, remembering the last "friend" he had brought for her with an anger that hadn't faded at all during the last year. "I know he means well.. and he didn't know that would happen... but really.. he needs to think about things.. I can't do much to take care of myself in a situation like that."
Kenzuma followed Mr. Renolds into the room, smiling shyly as he stood in front of the bed. The girl in it staring out, but not seeing anything. She had been blind since the day she was born, and though her mother did her best to care for her, she died of an infection before Sara's third birthday. The only family she had known was her grandfather. She was thirteen now, and more than a little stubborn about things.
"Go closer lad.. let her know who you are in her own way.." Mr. Renolds said quietly, gently pushing him toward her. Sara smiled. "he is shy.. and his steps are uneasy.. must be young.. Or at least clumsy.." she thought as he came within arms reach of her. "Hello.." he said, trying not to stare at her. "Go ahead and look.. Its not like I could have anyhting you haven't seen before." She said teasingly as she reached down, gently touching his face with her fingers. "You feel.. kindof like this puppy one of our neighbors used to have... I can tell that you must be quite handsome.. but definately not fully grown yet.." Kenzuma blinked. "You can tell all of that.. just by touching..?" she smiled. "I have to.. Its the only way I can tell what you look like.. You sound nice.." Kenzuma smiled at her, her happiness washing over him. "She may be sick.. but she isn't letting it get her down... I'll do everything I can for her.."
Sara's hands moved up to the top of his head, gently rubbing his ears. "Thats kinda cute... A fuzzy little fox of a man.. what's your name?" Kenzuma glanced over at her waterglass, seeing his reflection in it, and for the first time, fully realizing that he was different. "She likes how I look.. without seeing it.. how would she feel if she actually did see me though.." "I'm Kenzuma.. but you can just call me Ken.. its easier.." He felt her surprise as she took her hands away from his head, and gasped. "What's wrong?" Mr. Renolds asked, clearly worried about her.
"I.. I saw him... Not for very long... but I could actually see him.." She said, tears streaming from her eyes. Kenzuma stepped back from her. "I.. I'm sorry.. I didn't mean to.." he stammered, thinking that he had hurt her somehow. Sara reached down and caught his hand before he could step out of reach. "No, its alright.. really.. " Though she was still crying, there was a smile on her face. "I don't know how.. but now I know that I was not wrong about you... thank you..."
Kenzuma grasped her hand gently, and closed his eyes to concentrate. He didn't know what was wrong with her, but he was determined to do something about it if he could. He stood rigid in front of her, every nerve on fire, sending waves of agony through his body as he focused on helping her.
A faint music seemed to fill the room when Kenzuma took hold of Sara's hand. Mr. Renolds watched carefully, knowing how much this must be hurting him, but eager to see the result. "If he can truly help her.. then having him here will be a small price to pay.." he thought.
Kenzuma opened his eyes as he took his hand away from Sara's. She had fallen asleep in the middle of his work, but already there was more color in her cheeks, and her breath came easier. He stumbled back, catching himself on the wall, and trying to re-focus on the room. "She needs to rest now... but when she wakes up.. she shouldn't be sick anymore.." Mr. Renolds ran foreward and caught him before he could fall. He carried him out of the room, and set him on the bed in one of the others. "I don't know what all he did there.. but I owe him far more than I could ever hope to repay.." he thought as he closed the door quietly.
Kenzuma sighed, the memory of that night still as vivid as ever. He hadn't been able to do anything about her vision, but other than that, she was easily the healthiest person in the city. "If only she would go out and find someone else... Its not that I don't like her.. its just that I don't... feel that way toward her.. but she doesn't get that..." he thought as he moved out onto the balcony he had helped put in on the top floor of the building. "Why do I have to be so cold... Why do I have to be so alone..." He whispered into the cool night air. He was still short compared to most men his age, just a little above five feet tall, but the years had improved his looks to something that bordered on unapproachable.
Shendo had been flying around this night, and heard the younger man's voice. He flew down and landed on the balcony. "You don't have to be alone.." he said quietly as he sat down on the rail, his long silver hair flowing around him in a way he knew was quite striking in this light. His voice sounded quite warm and friendly rather than the icy chill that he used for intimidation.
"Who.. what are you..?" Kenzuma asked, staring at this strange man who had flown up to him so casually. "God.. he is.. beautiful..." he thought, he knew that his head would be just above this man's waist if he were standing, but sitting the way he was, Kenzuma was able to look him comfortably in the eye.
"My name is Shendo... as for what I am.. I am whatever you need me to be.. Don't be afraid.. I wouldn't dream of hurting you.. I am here.. because you and I are alike in many ways... Both alone.. both misunderstood.. I can help you... I will understand you... help to make the pain of your past more distant.. make it take its proper place in the past... If you will let me.." Shendo said, the purr in his voice bordering on hypnotic rahter than simply seductive as he gazed into the smaller man's eyes.
"How could you possibly understand me... I'm... I'm too different.." Kenzuma protested, though he didn't make any move to get away. Shendo smiled at him. "You are not the only one who is different... I know that you long for someone to hold you without fear.. I long to hold someone who does not secretly fear me... I can see in your eyes.. that you are not at all afraid of me.. and, I am not afraid of you..."
Kenzuma broke his gaze away from Shendo's strange eyes in order to allow it to travel over the rest of him. "I've never seen anything like this... its like he is reading my mind.. but somehow, I know he isn't.. I can't believe this... He is asking for what he knows he could take.. and.. I actually want to give it to him.." Kenzuma blushed, and turned away slightly to try to hide his reaction from Shendo.
"Why do you turn away...?" Shendo asked as he moved off of the railing, coming to rest on one knee in front of Kenzuma, catching his eyes again with his own. "You are beautiful.. what is your name...?" he whispered, grasping one of Kenzuma's hands in his own.
Shendo's warm breath washed over Kenzuma, exciting him further as he tried to force his mind to work. When their hands touched, Kenzuma could feel nothing but warmth coming from this strange man. "Its.. Kenzuma.. but you can just..." Shendo pressed a finger to his lips, and leaned in close, whispering into his ear. "Kenzuma... such a lovely name... Why would you want to be called anything else..?"
Kenzuma blushed, but didn't pull away from Shendo as the larger man leaned in close to him. "Its easier..." he said quietly, not wanting to let Sara hear them. "The easy way is not always the best... nor is it always right..." Shendo brought his mouth down closer to Kenzuma's neck, allowing his breath to blow across the sensitive skin as he spoke again. "You are not cold at all Kenzuma.... You mistake being cold, with being uninterested in what she wants to give you..."
It was all Kenzuma could do to keep himself from melting into the larger man's arms as he spoke so softly to him. "How can he be so right... and why does this feel so different than the others... why do I want this so badly..." He shivered slightly as the breeze picked up. "What do you want from me..?" he asked, breathing in Shendo's sweet, musky scent.
Shendo smiled. "I want nothing that you do not want to give... and I want to give in return... Nothing more..." he whispered. He felt different with this one than any of the others he had ever been with, but he couldn't figure out why. "Its like being with Alita... but not at all like her... This is more than just the hunger... What could it be.." He could feel Kenzuma's desire as much as his own as he forced himself to be patient.
"We couldn't do it here... Sara would definately hear that..." Kenzuma thought as he ran one hand through Shendo's hair. "We have to go somewhere else... I don't want to wake Sara up..." "If we havent already.." Shendo pulled his head back, and gazed into Kenzuma's eyes. "If it is your wish.. I know somewhere that we will not be disturbed.." "Alita is out right now.. and if we fall asleep she can use the spare bed... I can take him back to our place.. and have him back here, hopefully before this 'Sara' wakes up... What is she to him I wonder... or he to her..."
Kenzuma's reply, while not verbal, was a definate yes as he pulled Shendo in close, locking his pointed muzzle against Shendo's lips. Shendo shivered slightly. "Shy, but commanding... willing to take charge.. I'm glad I came here tonight.." he thought as he scooped Kenzuma up in his arms, holding him against his chest as he took off into the night sky. "Its a good thing he is light... I wouldn't be able to make it there if he wasnt.."
Kenzuma felt a chill of excitement travel through his body as Shendo picked him up with his powerful arms. He could feel the controlled power beneath his rippling muscles as he took off. The wind rushing through his hair only added to his excitement as he held on to the larger man, allowing himself to be carried off to the other place that he had been talking about.