Demons in the Doorway, Monsters Down the Hall
By: Ghost of the Dawn
Chapter Ten: The Coming of Age
It was still quite early in the morning as dusk was touching the city skylines with its morning rays. Robyn got up tiredly and stumbled downstairs to the kitchen still wearing her pajamas. She was too sleepy to notice the stillness of the house. Usually everyone else was up before she was, making breakfast and preparing for the day. But she was too drowsy to notice the irregularity. Still drunk with sleep, Robyn covered a large yawn and scratched at her messy hair as she lumbered into the kitchen and flipped on the light.
"SURPRISE!!" The room was suddenly filled with people all yelling at her.
"AHHH!"
Robyn was so startled she screamed and stumbled backwards out of the room. There was the sound of several thuds before Mrs. Mouri, Cye, and the rest of the guys went to investigate. They found Robyn slouched at the bottom of the stair case rubbing her head and dealing with the coughing fit brought on by her surprise.
"Hmm..not the reaction we expected," Kento quipped. "Um...happy birthday?"
Robyn just moaned and Cye crouched down next to her.
"Are you okay?
"Hit my head," Robyn choked. Cye gingerly reached out and touched the spot on her head she was favoring. "Ouch! Don't touch that!"
"Aww...we're sorry Robyn," Rowen apologized while Kento offered her a hand. "We didn't mean to scare you. We just wanted to throw you a birthday surprise."
"Well, I was surprised," Robyn grumbled as she let Kento pull her to her feet. "You guys just better have cake, that's all I have to say."
"Ask and ye shall receive," Ryo said as he and Sage held up a beautifully decorated chocolate cake.
"Mmm...cake," Robyn reached hungrily for her prize.
"Not so fast, you," Mrs. Mouri grabbed her arm. "There will be no cake until you get up stairs and get dressed."
Robyn reached in vain for her birthday cake. "Cake..." she whimpered.
"Up!" Mrs. Mouri ordered, pointing to the stairs.
Beaten, Robyn trudged reluctantly up to her room.
"Hey Robyn," Kento called after her. "By the way, nice panties."
The rest of the guys laughed while Robyn pulled down the edges of her night gown and sniffed indignantly before continuing to parade upstairs. Five minutes later, the guys were all happily chowing down on chocolate cake when Robyn came down dressed and ready for the day.
"Kay! I'm ready for cake!" she called excitedly. But her face quickly dropped when she saw the empty plate the cake used to be on. "Aww..did you guys eat all my cake?"
The boys looked guiltily at their empty plates. Cye had made the cake and it was so delicious they had gotten carried away. Robyn gave a discouraged sigh and drooped her shoulders.
"Relax Robyn," Ryo grinned. "I figured these guys would go at it so I saved you something." He revealed a large piece of cake which had been hidden away. Robyn instantly perked up at the site of it.
"Oh thank you! Thank you Ryo! You're my hero from now until forever!"
She quickly snatched the plate from the raven haired youth, but not before placing a quick peck on his lips. Ryo stood there dumbfounded for a moment, his cheeks turning red, and looking like he was still holding the plate in his hands. Robyn moved off to enjoy her prize, unaware of the reaction. She purposefully sat herself next to Rowen, the one Ronin she hadn't seen since they went star gazing that night before Rowen's operation. Robyn had been to school for about a week now. Going to Robyn's place was the first time Rowen had been out of the house since then.
"So, how's the brain child?" Robyn asked as she placed a forkful of moist cake into her mouth.
Rowen grinned at the new nick name he knew was going to stick with him for a while. Oh well. At least she wasn't calling him "stick boy" any more.
"Not too bad," Rowen replied. "Still a little stiff though. Hey Robyn, you want to see my scar?"
Robyn laughed and then started coughing as she wasn't quite completely well from her sickness. "Is that you're new pickup line Rowen?"
Rowen laughed. "Heh yeah. Hey baby, wanna see my scar?" Rowen asked again in a more suave voice.
Robyn nodded with a big grin. "Okay, let's see it."
Rowen returned the grin with one of his own. "You'll have to get up to see it because I can't turn my neck."
Robyn breathed out loudly through her nose, shaking her head as she got up. Even at this stage in the game Rowen still liked to play her for the chump.
"Nice scar," she finally said as she looked at the back of his head. Rowen's close cut hair had been shaved completely away. The large, fat scar running vertically up his neck would probably remain for the rest of his life.
Robyn took another bite of cake and started doing her usual little jig.
Must be her Happy Cake Dance Rowen thought with amusement. Robyn was now making up words to a little tune that went with her dance.
"Ryo's great," Robyn sang as she boogied in place with her plate. "He gives me chocolate cake."
"Hey, I'm the one who made it," Cye said indignantly.
"Of course," Robyn grinned. "Thank you Cye," she cooed sweetly as she kissed his cheek. A light shade of pink rose up in his cheeks and all the guys grinned as they watched him.
"So what do you want for your birthday Robyn?" Kento then asked.
Robyn paused and thought about it a bit, then she whispered something in Kento's ear. Grinning, Kento nodded and moved to Ryo, whispering something in his ear as well. The rest were looking on curiously as Ryo and Kento suddenly turned to Sage and grinned evilly. Before the young blonde could even react, Kento and Ryo had his arms pinned tight so Sage couldn't escape.
Sage looked up with wide eyes as Robyn slowly sauntered up to him with a predatory gleam in her eyes.
"I've been wanting to do this for a long time," she purred as she reached out to him.
Sage tried to pull back as Robyn slipped her fingers through his hair. She brought her face closer and Ryo and Kento refused to let go. Robyn smirked--and then promptly messed up Sage's hair.
The guys all laughed at the startled blonde as he was released again, his once perfect hair now in disarray.
"Yes, that felt good," Robyn beamed. "Happy birthday to me!"
She thrust her fists in the air as if she had just kicked the winning field goal. Sage was not amused as he tromped off to the bathroom to fix his hair before they left for school.
"So are you ready for this weekend?" Rowen asked Robyn.
"Yeah, it's going to be fun," Robyn replied with a smile. "Are you coming with us Rowen?"
"After all the arguing I've gone through with my mom, I had better be," Rowen said. "I won't be at school today. I have to rest all day if I go. Kento's going to pick me up on the way afterwards. But then I also promised to take it easy while we're there." Rowen made a face.
"Cool," Robyn grinned. "At least you get to come. It wouldn't be a real birthday party without you."
"Yeah, Rowen the party animal," Kento snickered. "The party doesn't start until Rowen's there."
Rowen gave Kento a shove. Kento growled in frustration.
"Yeah, just keep smiling Rowen, I'd sock you one if I wasn't afraid your brain would fall out of your skull."
Rowen just grinned.
"Okay guys," Sage announced as he came out of the bathroom, straightening his collar. "Now that everyone's had their fun," he shot that statement to Robyn who in turn tried to look innocent. "Let's get going before we're late. We still have to take Rowen home remember."
"Yeah, yeah," Kento grumbled. "It's bad enough that we had to go wake him up, now I gotta cart him back home again while we're stuck at school."
Cye raised an eyebrow at Rowen's satisfied expression. "You're just loving this, aren't you?" he asked in his usual English accent.
"Every second," Rowen confirmed.
"Come on guys," Ryo urged. "We can't be late for school or I'm going to get three more hours of detention."
"I'd like to know of a day when you weren't late to class Ryo," Sage informed him as he started out the door.
Robyn and Cye grabbed not only their book bags, but their packed travel bags as well. Robyn had packed substantially more stuff than Cye did--to his mother's request. Heavy sweaters, coats, and thick socks were all she was going to be wearing this weekend.
"Now Robyn," Mrs. Mouri counciled before she could leave. "I want you to take care of yourself. Take your medicine and dress warm. And don't stay outside too much if you can help it and be sure to get some rest."
"Yes mom," Robyn said in a tolerant tone. She had taken to calling Cye's mother "mom" for a while now.
"And Cye, make sure she does."
"Yes mom," Cye repeated.
"Okay, you kids all have fun this weekend now," Cye's mother waved to the teens as they drove away.
They reached the school roughly ten minutes later, decidedly less one passenger. The first bell sounded just as they were stepping out of Kento's jeep. Everyone was hastily going their separate ways when Cye elbowed Ryo suggestively in the side.
"What?" Ryo wanted to know.
Cye cleared his throat. "Remember what you were supposed to do?" he prodded.
Ryo's blue eyes suddenly lit up. "Oh yeah!"
He hurriedly dug for a certain object in his backpack and then started running.
"Here Robyn," Ryo said quickly as he thrust the object at her.
Robyn took the slightly matted rose questioningly.
"Happy birthday!" Ryo called as he dashed to class.
Robyn blinked in confusion, wondering what possessed him to give her a gift like this. She soon got her answer. As it turned out, someone--most likely Cye--had set it up so Robyn was getting roses from various guys all day long. By the time the last bell had sounded, Robyn had a nice collection of sixteen roses. She received a seventeenth one when they all went to pick up Rowen before heading to their weekend retreat.
It had been planned for almost a week now. The entire gang was going to stay the weekend at Mia's place to celebrate Robyn's birthday and also to just relax. Mia was waiting on the porch as the jeep pulled up. She was talking with a younger boy Robyn had never seen before. As the gang all got out, the little boy with the large round eyes and black hair walked up to her and handed her the last rose--making it eighteen in all.
"Here, happy birthday," the little boy muttered.
Robyn smiled as she took the flower. "And who's this little guy?" she asked.
"This is Yulie, a friend of ours," Cye explained.
"And the cutest guy to give me a flower all day," Robyn said as she kissed the little boy's cheek.
Yulie quickly pulled back in disgust. "Yuck!" he exclaimed as he rubbed his cheek on his sleeve. "You guys didn't say she was going to kiss me!"
Kento put a heavy hand on the little boy's shoulder. "If only we all could be so lucky," he said wistfully.
A few of the guys chuckled. Robyn tried to laugh but it only caused her to break into another fit of raspy coughs so she gave that up and went about unloading her things instead.
"Here Robyn, let me take that for you," Sage offered politely.
Robyn looked a bit surprised but then handed her large travel bag to the tall blonde.
"What about me?" Rowen wondered. "I still shouldn't be lifting heavy things."
Sage took one look at Rowen's bag and smirked. "You'll live," he said as he continued into the house.
"HEY!"
"Sorry Rowen," Robyn grinned. "Birthdays still beat brain surgery any day of the week."
Rowen grumbled to himself as he continued up to the house. Mia started out by showing Robyn her room--the boys already taking the rooms they usually had when visiting. Kento and Cye always shared a room, as well as Sage and Rowen. Ryo slept alone, or with White Blaze if the large cat preferred to sleep indoors. As everyone started to unpack, Mia began dinner for which Yulie was staying until his parents came to pick him up.
Cye was the first one down and, of course, went right in to help Mia. Kento followed soon after but didn't make it for very long before Cye chased him out for tasting the main course. The delicious smells from the kitchen probably brought Sage and Rowen down about fifteen minutes after. But by the time the table was set and everyone was ready to eat they were still a few people short.
Yulie was outside playing with a newly arrived White Blaze when Kento called him in; demanding he hurry up so they could eat. Cye went up the stairs to fetch the other two. He checked in Ryo's room first, but it was empty. A quick glance into Robyn's room discovered them both. Robyn was sitting at the head of the bed, leaning against the wall and propping her math book on her pulled up knees. Ryo was sprawled out perpendicular at the foot of the bed with his long legs spilling out over the edge. He was on his back, staring at the ceiling and tossing a baseball in the air while idly talking about what ever came to his mind. Robyn would every once in a while answer with an "Mmm hmm" as she did her makeup work from all the sick days she had taken.
Cye cleared his throat as he stepped in. "Dinner's ready," he announced.
Ryo looked up and saw Cye standing there. "Alright!" he said as he jumped to his feet. "I'm starved."
Robyn seemed just as enthusiastic as she tossed her book aside and they both started for the door. Rowen and Sage were lounging in the living room when they came down. Kento and Yulie were already in the kitchen, banging their utensils on the table enthusiastically.
"Great, everyone's here now," Mia said. "Let's go eat before Kento and Yulie destroy my kitchen out of protest."
Everyone grinned and started for the kitchen. But Robyn paused in her tracks when she noticed a picture frame posted on the mantle.
"What's this?" she wondered as she picked it up. It was a picture of Mia and Yulie standing outside her house with the guys. Only, they weren't wearing normal clothes. The five young men were dressed in some kind of colorful armor as they held their helmets in their hands and smiled at the camera. "Nice Halloween costumes!"
Ryo casually glanced at what Robyn was holding and about had a spaz attack.
"ACK! WHERE'D YOU GET THAT!??" Ryo panicked as he lunged for the picture.
Robyn easily side-stepped out of his reach, causing Ryo to fall on his face. "Why, what's the matter with it? I think you guys look cool in those things. Where'd you get them?"
By now, Cye had also seen the picture she had. "It's nothing! Give it back!" Cye cried as he groped for the picture. But Robyn once again moved out of his grasp.
"Gol you guys, it's just a picture. What's the big deal?"
Just then, a hand came out of nowhere and snatched the picture away from her. It was Rowen. He was far more calm than the other two as he looked at the picture.
"It was only some dumb party we went to," Rowen said casually. "We were just being silly."
Robyn grinned. "They're cool! I'd love to see those costumes sometime."
"No!" screamed Cye. "You can't! That is, we...uh..."
"They're not...I mean...." Ryo helped him stumble.
"They were rentals," Rowen recovered with ease. "What? You think we made those on our own?"
When she was gone, Rowen breathed a sigh of relief. It was a good thing he was a quick thinker. Having two guys who's kanjis were trust and virtue made them lousy for coming up with stories. Rowen sauntered into the kitchen looking none too satisfied as he shoved the picture in Mia's face.
"Take care of this, will you?" he whispered through his teeth.
Mia took a look at the picture and gasped at her blatant mistake. She quickly went to dispose of it and any other evidence she could think of while everyone sat down for dinner.
The meal was--as usual--delicious. And it was followed by another birthday cake in which everyone sang to Robyn this time. But there were no candles. Robyn still didn't even have the lung capacity to make it up the stairs without going into a coughing fit. No one wanted her to blow on their food. And Robyn fully understood.
Afterwards, the majority of the group went outside to play some made up game with a large blow up ball Mia happened to have. Rowen and Robyn stayed inside due to their respective medical conditions. It was starting to get dark when Yulie's parents came to pick him up. Those remaining outside continued to play while Rowen and Robyn could hear Yulie and his parents drive off.
The two invalids were situated quite comfortably on the same couch. It was built to fit about three people and Rowen was stretched along the length of it with a warm blanket over his body and a school book in his hands. Robyn sat normally at the opposite end of the couch. She too was also holding a school book. But she also had Rowen's slippered feet resting in her lap; and she was becoming very aware of Rowen's habit of hitting his feet together while he was reading.
"Geeze Rowen, hold still or sit normal," she finally said in an exasperated tone.
"Sorry," Rowen grinned, not showing a hint of remorse.
Robyn tried to go back to reading and Rowen watched intently for the right moment to make his feet bounce into her book.
"Rowen!" Robyn cried--or at least tried to. Her still sore throat made her voice sound raspy and it almost disappeared altogether as she hit the last syllable.
Rowen chuckled at the way his name sounded. But he couldn't laugh too hard or his head would start to hurt again. Robyn gave him a sarcastic smirk.
"So where did you get these stupid slippers anyway?" Robyn asked as she pinched at his toes. "They look all gay and femmy on you."
"Hey, they're my dad's," Rowen defended. "And for your information they're very warm and comfortable."
"Yeah, well kick my book again and they'll be flying across the room."
Rowen kicked her book again. It was very strange how surprised he looked when Robyn made good on her threat and tried to pull his slippers off his feet.
"Hey!" Rowen protested as he tried to pull back, making his feet stiff so it would be harder to pull off his slippers.
"I told you," Robyn growled as she wrestled away one slipper.
Rowen grabbed her arm before she could chuck it across the room. The air was filled with growls and protests and the sounds of struggling until there was a heavy thump as both of them fell off the couch.
The other four Ronins plus Mia came in laughing and talking, their cheeks all flushed from running around in the cool air. They all paused and went silent at the sight that met them. The couch cushions had been dragged off the couch and books and blankets were tossed helter skelter about the room--not to mention Rowen's slippers. In the middle lay Rowen and Robyn tangled up in each other; the latter coughing up a storm while the former clutched his head and whined for some aspirin.
Cye took one look and proceed past them into the kitchen without a second glance.
"I don't even want to know," he stated as he went. The rest of them followed his example.
***********
Robyn tossed in bed for the umpteenth time and sighed wearily. It was so hard to get to sleep! The medication she was on made her restless all the time, not to mention the coughing and having to sleep in a strange bed just made it worse. She had a feeling she was not going to be catching much sleep on this weekend getaway.
Sounds of creaking in the hallway caused her to sit up. Her breath caught in her throat as heavy footsteps brought a dark shadow to pass by her doorway.
"Who's out there?" she asked the hall.
The figure stopped and then stepped back to her door.
"Just me," Kento said in a hushed voice. "I'm sorry if I woke you."
"What are you doing up?" Robyn asked just as quietly.
"Cye's snoring is keeping me awake. I think he's got a cold or something."
Robyn nodded. "Yeah, he picked up one a few days ago. Poor kid."
"You should talk." Kento smiled wanly in the darkness. "So anyway, I'm just going to sack out on the couch so I can get some sleep."
"You can sleep with me if you want," Robyn offered. "The bed's big enough."
Kento blinked in surprise at the proposition. "Uh Robyn, I really don't think--I mean, you and me....it's not--"
"Oh grow up," Robyn cut him off curtly as she rolled over in bed. "I'm not suggesting anything. I just thought you would prefer a bed to that bumpy old couch. But you certainly don't have to take it if you don't want to."
Robyn closed her eyes and tried to ignore the sudden silence as she attempted to fall asleep. It wasn't long until the bed springs squeaked and she felt something heavier settle in the bed beside her. Kento had a blanket of his own and vouched for sleeping on top of the covers Robyn was using. The young red head didn't care either way as she rolled onto her back and stared at the ceiling. Kento was looking at the ceiling as well with his arms folded behind his head.
Neither of the bed's occupants closed their eyes as one of them broke the silence.
"Robyn?" Kento asked.
"Hmm?"
"Do you mind if I ask you something personal?"
"I don't care."
"What--what were your parents like?"
"My parents? Why do you ask?"
Kento shifted under his blanket. "I just want to know. As a friend, I want to understand where you're coming from."
"You sure you want to know?" Robyn asked dubiously.
"Yeah."
Robyn took a moment to roll over on her side and she propped herself up on her elbow so she could look at Kento's face in the dark.
"Well, I don't remember my mom too much. She died about two years before I moved to America. But I know that she...she wasn't well. She was always paranoid about everything--like the world was out to get her. If she ever cared about me she never showed it. She was just mean to me all the time. She would trip me or hit me or yell at me. It was when she was nice to me that I worried. It usually meant she wanted something from me or she was trying to trick me. I--"
Robyn paused as Kento sat up in bed. "Is this bothering you? I can stop if you'd like."
"No," Kento said quietly. "Keep going."
Robyn sat up as well and leaned against the headboard. "Well as I was saying, I didn't ever tell anyone how my mom was. It's hard to imagine, but that was the only life I had known and I just figured that all kids' moms were like that. Until I met Cye's family that is. He made me realize that there was something wrong at my house. But I still couldn't do anything about it.
"It's hard to recall a lot of my childhood. It's like I made myself forget all that happened. But I do remember clearly the day my mom killed herself, because I was the one who found her dead with her head in the toilet with a bunch of pills scattered around her."
Robyn paused again, watching Kento in the darkness. His body was tense. She couldn't see it as much as she could feel it. The tension in the air was thickening and Robyn waited for a sign for what she should do next.
"What did you do?" Kento finally asked.
Robyn breathed in. "I went over to Cye's house and I played until my dad got home and called an ambulance to our house. He was never the same after mom died. He was a very quiet man before--always keeping to himself. To this day I still wonder where he was all the times my mother treated me like she did. But after she was gone, something inside him just snapped. Within days it seemed he had lost everything--his job, his life, his sanity. He devoted his time to drinking and getting angry at me.
"He blamed me for my mother's death you know. With all the times she said she hated me and how easily she said she could kill me--nearly did a few times. He often told me it was my fault everything happened the way it did and that I had destroyed my family. I believed him then. I wanted to take my mother's place so bad so they could live together and I couldn't mess up anyone else's life. But then there was Cye. He told me I was wrong. That it wasn't my fault. That I deserved better. I don't know where I'd be if it wasn't for him."
The two sat in silence for a long time after that. In the dark neither one moved or even breathed loudly. The faint sound of Cye's snoring from the other room could be heard.
"Thank you," Kento finally said. "Thanks for telling me. I needed to know. I wanted to understand how Cye feels and now I do."
"Anytime," Robyn replied.
"Robyn?"
"Yes."
"Can I give you a hug?"
Robyn chuckled. "I'm okay Kento. It's been so long ago, talking about it doesn't bother me any more."
"No. I meant that I need one."
Robyn smiled in the dark and leaned into him. She wrapped her arms around his mid section while Kento embraced her shoulders. He tucked her head under his chin and held her tightly. Robyn didn't understand all the emotions she was getting from him as he hugged her but she embraced him just as tight. They stayed there for about a minute before Robyn pulled away and patted his cheek.
"Now go to sleep," she ordered softly as she settled back down under her covers.
Kento did the same but another certain question wandered out of his mouth.
"Are you going to marry Cye someday?"
Robyn snorted in the darkness. "Why do ask that?"
"You love him, don't you?"
"Well yeah, I love him. But not like that. What business is it of yours anyway? Are you jealous?"
"NO!" Kento immediately interjected. "I just thought it would be obvious you guys will end up together."
Robyn was quiet for a moment. "I don't know. You'd think with all the trouble I've caused him and the grey hairs he's going to get from me already that he wouldn't want to have me around for the rest of his life. But still..." Robyn's voice got quieter as her mind wandered off. "Sometimes I wonder what it would be like, you know, to be married to him. Or to be married to anyone for that matter. Call me immature, but the thought still wierds me out. I'm definitely not ready for something like that anytime soon. How about you Kento? Kento?"
"Zzzzzzz....."
Robyn looked over to see the muscular young man was fast asleep.
"It's nice to know I'm so interesting," Robyn mumbled. But then she smiled and rolled over in bed.
The night ticked on as Robyn's thoughts meandered a bit more. It was hard to tell how much time had gone by before she started feeling drowsy and Robyn was slowly being lulled to sleep by the soft rhythmic breathing of the body next to her. She closed her eyes as he felt herself drift away. But then something heavy suddenly fell on top of her and she was jolted wide awake. Robyn looked around to see Kento had rolled over in his sleep. His thick arm was now draped over her as he snoozed lightly in her ear.
Robyn smiled to herself at the sleeping form. It was obvious she would get no rest if she stayed here. She slowly retracted herself from the bed and grabbed herself a blanket. Padding slowly out in the hall she momentarily entertained the idea of going back to bunk with Cye. But Kento's story had not been exaggerated when he said he couldn't sleep with Cye's snoring. She could hear him sawing logs clear out in the hall. Going in to stay with anyone else in the house was definately out of the question so Robyn sighed and trudged downstairs to crash on the couch.
********
Sage was the first one downstairs that morning. Quite unlike his usual morning self, Sage hadn't even bothered to get dressed yet. Though usually one to get completely ready for the day before setting foot out of his room, he decided he would let that habit slide this once. His warm flannels covered him from wrist to ankle so he was modest enough--especially compared to Rowen and Kento who had been known to tromp around in just their boxers at time to time.
The tall blonde covered a yawn and rubbed at his tired eyes. He needed more sleep but there was no way he was going to get it now. By this time it went with out saying that Sage didn't sleep much at nights. And with the added bonus of sharing a bed with Rowen--the wildest sleeper Sage had ever known--Sage had gotten even less sleep than usual. He wandered into the kitchen, not even noticing the lumpy thing under the blanket that was snoozing on the couch.
Sage jumped back a bit when his bare feet touched the freezing kitchen floor. He was surprised to find the place empty. Cye was usually up making breakfast by now. But then he remembered that Cye was a little sick himself. He probably needed the extra sleep. So Sage set about making himself some toast and Cye came down dressed a few minutes later and started on breakfast.
Mia was next to come down when breakfast was ready. The young brunette was dressed and primped as she was much aware of the many male guests she was housing for the weekend.
"Good morning Mia," Cye chirped. "You look lovely this morning."
"Thank you Cye," Mia replied as she helped herself to some of the pancakes Cye had made and then sat down at the table next to Sage.
Sage didn't even move as he spaced out over his cup of hot chocolate. Cye finally got around to dishing himself out some breakfast of his own and joining them at the table. He looked at Sage with the same expression Mia had.
"If you pardon my saying so Sage," the British boy said. "You look like you got in a fight with a bunch of Dynasty soldiers and lost."
"Feel like it, too," Sage mumbled.
"Sage, are you sure you're feeling okay?" Mia asked, worried. "Maybe you should go back to bed and try to get some more sleep."
Her efforts were rewarded with a weak smile from Sage. "I'm fine Mia, just give me a second to wake up."
Mia, not convinced, was about to push the matter when Ryo walked in wearing dark sweat pants and a button up shirt that was left open exposing his bare chest.
"Hey, anyone know who's sacking out on the couch?" The bearer of Wildfire asked.
The three looked up and blinked. None of them noticed anyone sleeping on the couch when they had come in.
"It must be Kento," Cye concluded. "He wasn't in the room when I woke up. I wonder why he moved out there."
Ryo choked back a chuckle before saying "You were snoring last night Cye."
"I was?" the rusty haired youth wondered.
Everyone nodded. Cye sniffed and scratched at his nose. Kento sauntered into the room soon after.
"Anyone know why Robyn's crashed on the couch?" he wondered as he came in.
"That's Robyn out there?" Ryo asked. He got up to lean against the doorway and gaze into the other room.
As if just to answer that particular question, Robyn lumbered in with the blanket over her head like a hood. To put it nicely, she looked like the living dead as she staggered forward in almost a zombie-like state. She didn't seem to notice anyone as she passed Ryo and then plopped heavily in the nearest chair and stared straight ahead with bloodshot eyes.
"Woa, and I thought Sage looked bad this morning," Kento commented.
Sage shot him a dirty look over his cooling mug while Robyn didn't even seem to notice. Cye got up to fetch Robyn a plate of breakfast. It took her over a minute to notice it after Cye had set it under her nose. Robyn finally looked down at her plate. Her delayed reaction was a sickly, almost pained look on her face before she got up and headed back for the living room with her blanket.
She bumped slightly into Ryo on the way out and the dark haired youth grabbed her shoulders so she was facing him. She looked up at him, causing her make shift hood to fall off her head.
"Not feeling too good this morning?" he asked softly.
Robyn shook her head. She moved forward with the intent of merely leaning her forehead against his shoulder. But Ryo surprised her by pressing her against him so her whole body could rest wearily against his. Robyn was too tired to protest and allowed him to hold her. Robyn closed her eyes as she felt his bare skin against her cheek. He was always so warm. Not warm as in when Kento would try to give her a hug when he was all hot and sweaty. But a gentle, soothing warmth that seemed to continually radiate from his body.
Robyn half opened her eyes to see that everyone was looking at them. But the face her gaze settled on was Mia's. She could see jealousy clearly in her eyes. Robyn idly wondered what for as she pulled away from Ryo and went back to curl up on the couch.
After that, everyone went back to eating their breakfast. By the time they were all finished, the table was cleaned up, and what remained of the food was cold, Rowen was up. He was found wearing just his boxers and a sweater and squatting beside the small body curled up on the couch.
"Are you going to be okay?" he asked Robyn sincerely.
"Yeah," Robyn's voice was hardly a whisper. "I just didn't get very much sleep last night."
"Well you don't sound too good either," Rowen patted her shoulder. "Try to get some sleep. If you need anything don't hesitate to ask any of us, alright?"
Robyn nodded and sighed as she closed her eyes. She could still feel Rowen's hand on her arm before he got up to head to the kitchen.
"Wait a minute," Mia suddenly announced. "If Kento didn't sleep in his room and Robyn slept on the couch, then Kento, where did you sleep?"
Kento suddenly looked like his hand was caught in the proverbial cookie jar as all the guys glared at him.
"Kento, you better not have done what I think you did," Cye said in a warning voice.
"Now hold on guys," Kento floundered. "I can explain. It's not my fault--really!"
"Then you better start talking before I can get my frying pan," Cye threatened as he ran for the kitchen.
"Mommy! I'm out of here!" Kento cried as he hastened out the closest door.
"Get him guys! Don't let him escape!" Cye led the charge as the rest of them chased after the bearer of Hardrock.
Mia just sighed as she watched them go. She had never seen Cye so protective of anything before. And Robyn was just a friend. She would hate to see him when he had daughters of his own. Mia also took the time to compare this time to the trip they took at the cabin Kento's family owned. Things were sure different then. This girl Robyn wasn't nearly as close. Back then most of the guys wouldn't have been caught dead in the boxers and T-shirts they had worn to bed with Robyn around. This morning Cye had been the only one who had bothered to get dressed. They were all getting to be as casual around Robyn as they had ever been around her.
And now they all hovered over the sick young girl like a pack of mother hens. Even Sage, whom a few months before had told her himself he didn't like Robyn, showed his concern for her in his own way. When did she become such a part of their lives? Mia hated to admit it, but she was jealous. SHE was the prominent female of the group. SHE was the one they always came to for guidance and wisdom. SHE was the one who had helped risk her life in defeating the evil Dynasty master. This new Robyn girl had done none of these things. What made her so special that caught the attention of all five of them when she walked in the room? She wasn't even that pretty.
The brunette woman paused when she realized how petty she had let her thoughts become. She really wasn't in any place to make assumptions. She hardly even knew this girl; she was in no place to judge. Mia silently promised herself that she would make a special effort to get to know this girl before making further judgement. The sounds of the guys getting into a brawl outside was heard faintly as Mia went into the kitchen to finish cleaning up.
Robyn went back to sleep for another two hours or so. Life simply continued on around her as she slumbered. The faint sound of conversation reached her ears when she finally returned from the land of slumber. Robyn didn't open her eyes at first as she listened to the voices. Nothing they said made much sense to her as she was still half asleep. But the voices were calm and quiet and caused Robyn no need to rouse herself too quickly.
The second thing Robyn noticed was that her sleeping position felt a little off for some reason. The silky couch pillow she had fallen asleep on wasn't there any more. Instead, the material her head was resting on was a bit more rough with a vaguely familiar texture. Whatever was beneath the material felt quite hard and firm. Robyn cracked an eye open and felt around to feel what this thing was she had been using as a pillow. She was quite surprised when the voice closest to her cried out in similar surprise and the thing she was resting on jumped.
"What the heck?" Robyn mumbled in a hoarse voice.
She pulled herself up on her hands and knees and looked down at what appeared to be someone's lap.
"Hey careful, I'm ticklish there," Ryo grinned, touching his knee where Robyn had grabbed him.
Robyn bewilderedly looked him in the face, still confused at what was going on.
"Sorry," Ryo grinned sheepishly. "There wasn't any other room and I didn't think you'd mind."
Robyn sat back on the couch and looked around. Rowen was stretched out on the long couch with his arm draped over his eyes. On the other small couch sat Mia and Sage, both sipping at tiny cups filled with warm tea. It finally got through to Robyn that Ryo had merely moved her while she was sleeping, placing her head on his lap while he sat down. Robyn rubbed her eyes and yawned.
"So were you having a dream?" Ryo asked. "You were mumbling something in your sleep."
"Yeah...." Robyn mumbled as she scratched her head. "..Wildfire...."
Upon hearing that, Mia just about dropped her teacup while Sage choked on the tea he was drinking. Ryo just looked at her, shocked.
"What did you say??" Sage demanded.
"Huh?" Robyn looked up, unaware of the chaos she had just caused. "Oh, I had a dream about this....wild brush fire....it was kind of weird."
Everyone settled only slightly after that.
"Well, I'm going to get a shower and dressed now I think," Robyn said between a yawn.
She got up, toting the blanket with her.
"Hey Robyn," Rowen suddenly said. His mouth was the only thing that moved and it was hard to tell how long he had been listening or if he had just woken up himself.
"How about sleeping with me in my bed this time tonight," he grinned and moved his arm slightly so he could see her.
"Rowen Hashiba, you're so incorrigible," Robyn berated. "Forget it."
"How about if I just join you for the shower then?" Rowen continued with that same expression Robyn didn't like.
"Follow me upstairs and I'll give you my own personal lobotomy through that cut in the back of your head," Robyn threatened as she started for the stairs.
Where was Cye when she needed him to put Rowen in his place? He and Kento probably killed each other earlier that morning. Too bad.
Robyn dragged herself up the stairs and into the bathroom. After locking the door she gazed at the mirror and instantly felt pity for the scraggly, sickly looking girl gazing back at her. Her thoughts wandered off to Mia and how beautiful she was and how she always looked her best even in the early morning hours. Why couldn't Robyn be like that? Why couldn't she be graceful, feminine, and attractive? And why--why doesn't Rowen flirt with Mia and just leave her alone? Must be that medication. It must cloud his judgement, Robyn thought as she hopped into the shower.
Robyn welcomed the steaming hot water as it poured down her face and warmed her body. She leaned against the cool shower wall and closed her eyes. Perhaps Cye's mother was right. Perhaps she wasn't well enough to go on a trip like this. But now that she was here, Robyn was not going to let her have the satisfaction. She was going to stay the whole time and tough it out. And roughly an hour later, Robyn finally pulled herself away from the shower.
Covered by a warm robe, Robyn went back to her room to dress. She had on jeans and a thick green sweater and she was drying her hair when Mia walked by her open doorway.