Disclaimer: Disclaimed.

Warnings: General spoilers about Kazune.

A/N: Where I have no idea where I'm going, run around a little, type whatever comes to mind, and then give up and leave it as it is. That was how this particular piece was born. Now be amazed. Or not.

Locked in a Cage
13
(Promise Blender)

Voices he did not recognise, but felt like he should have, haunted him. There was something too familiar about them, although he could not place it. Sometimes there were snatches of people, and places, he could not say he was sure he'd been a part of, but they felt too close (and personal) so he chose not to question it.

There were times when he saw faces – one clearer than the rest – and it unnerved him more often than not. It might have been due to her close proximity (despite the fact that she wasn't really there), although he would snap out of it at the last minute; he told himself it meant nothing. Nothing.

Well, he was a child in denial.

(even if he hadn't been, it was still surreal; too much for anyone to have to deal with it on their own. But he was afraid - not to mention his pride - to ask for anyone's help)

When he looked back, he could only wonder about many things: what had brought him to existence, how much his life actually meant (he wasn't exactly natural, after all), how reality was a cruel force to contend with…

Everything. But then, there was still hope in the world; in friends and family, and, after everything else, himself.

Although promises weren't meant to be broken (especially the one between Kazuto and Suzuka), there were times when he wondered. Questioned. Sometimes wanted out, yes, but he wasn't weak.

He wasn't.

But he also knew he loved her, despite everything they had to go through. There were just times when he could only wonder if it was him or 'him'. Not that anyone actually knew the difference.