Chasing Ghosts (under construction)

chapter Nineteen

AN/ slowly but surely, I've begun to re-pick up this story. thank you all so much for the support during my absence. comments are more than appreciated, as every writer knows. apologies in advance for any spelling or grammar mistakes, I edit each chapter after I write them, but some slip through the cracks.

Kit followed Ty out of the training room a little while later. Kit felt sore all over from his fight with Ty; he was a pathetic excuse for a Shadowhunter, although he couldn't deny how good a fighter Ty was. If he had to get his ass kicked by anyone, he'd rather it be Ty. Judging by the bustle of Blackthorns in the kitchen and dining room, Kit safely assumed it was lunchtime. Right on queue, Kit felt the sickly need for sugar-loaded pancakes. He took hold of Ty's arm, stopping him from walking right through to the stairwell. Ty turned around; he was slightly red from training, exertion written in the slight droop of his mouth.

"I'm hungry," Kit stated. Ty cocked an eyebrow as if to say 'what's that got to do with me?'. Kit dropped his hand back down to his side, realising he was being ridiculous. Kit still felt entirely dependent on Ty when they were around his family. Despite what they may say to him now, Kit still felt a little out of place around the tight-knit group.

"I'm sorry. I'll let you go, you look like you need a shower," Kit said. Ty nodded and continued walking, leaving Kit standing in the middle of the kitchen.

"Kit!" Dru's unmistakeable voice called out. She was sitting in her chair at the table, an empty plate in front of her. Kit walked over and pulled up the chair next to her. She had a violent looking comic in front of her. It surprised Kit that she wanted to read stuff like that when she was practically living it on a daily basis.

"Did you and Ty have fun?" She asked, a seemingly innocent look on her face.

"I think he had more fun than me," Kit admitted.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

Kit met Dru's eyes. She so desperately wanted to be part of the group, but she knew that it was still too soon to try and integrate herself without having Ty think she was trying to replace Livvy. Kit wanted to include her in his affairs more; he knew what it was like to feel out of place among friends and family. Kit heaved a sigh.

"I don't think I'm cut out for all this fighting stuff. I'm no good at this, and really, the only use I have is my faerie powers. But I don't even know how to control them," Kit said. It felt good to talk about this to someone other than Ty. Dru nodded, immersed in Kit's problems.

Kit lowered his voice slightly, so Julian (who was cooking lunch with Helen) wouldn't overhear.

"I almost hurt him. He had me pinned down and my magic exploded out of me. I couldn't stop it. It's a constant worry I have that I'm going to hurt him or any of you because I'm unable to get a grip on myself." Kit clenched and unclenched his fists. Dru didn't say anything for a moment, and Kit wondered if he had frightened her by his lack of control. Julien came over and plonked two grilled slices of cheese on Dru's plate. Dru gave one to Kit, who thanked her silently.

Kit stood up from his chair, holding the grilled cheese, ready to bolt for his bedroom. Before he could turn, Dru grabbed his sleeve.

"I'm not afraid of you," she said. "Neither is Ty or any of us. We know you won't hurt us. You just need some time to harness it. Worrying about hurting people is only going to slow the process, and make it more likely that you will hurt someone," She smiled at him, and for the first time today, Kit felt a feeling of certainty settle within him. He patted her on the shoulder and made his way up to his and Ty's room