I was just so angry and - well, you know what happens when I get angry.' And Matt kept asking about you, checking to see I'd heard from you yet, and it hurt always having to tell him no.' I was upset that you didn't trust me or want my help. She didn't move her face out of his chest, but he felt her grip on him tighten.

Katie was probably the last one, honestly.

Keith couldn't even remember the last time he'd hugged someone. They stood there for what seemed like hours, though it was mere moments. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders to hold her close, offering a little half smile to the top of her head. ' Keith.' she uttered with a faint almost reverent voice, rushing towards him and pulling him into a tight hug. Their eyes met, and instead of the scorn and vicious anger he'd anticipated, they were soft and glistening with growing tears. He watched it open in slow motion, knowing he probably looked like a scared rabbit about to bolt. Just as he was contemplating making a run for it, he heard a familiar voice coming closer from a nearby closed door. He awkwardly walked towards the unmanned front desk and just stood there waiting, no sign of a bell or any way to call for help. Keith pulled the hood from his head and ruffled his hair a bit, suddenly feeling way too underdressed with the ancient hoodie that he'd stolen from Takashi years ago and his ripped jeans that were less a product of fashion and more him not caring enough to buy new ones. This place looked more like a high-class resort inside. With cages and crying animals, workers giving you the stinkeye and demanding a donation to even look at the animals. Keith had always figured a shelter would look more like.well, an animal shelter. The hybrids themselves all looked happy and well cared for, playing games or watching TV. The decor was light and cheery, with hybrids and families openly meeting in a floor to ceiling windowed playroom. Once inside, he paused to take in the atmosphere with a bit of surprise. He squared his shoulders and willed his feet to move, wanting to get the inevitable over with. He knew when he managed to grow enough balls to walk inside he'd meet with the face he'd pictured a million times the past couple years - Eyes bright was anger and hurt, hissing at him like an angry kitten. She had once held the title of Keith's best friend (rather loosely, he'd never said it but he'd never stopped her when she claimed it) and more than likely had felt betrayed when Keith just took off without a word. Katie Holt was a spitfire on a good day and terrifying on the bad ones. That alone makes him nervous enough, but he knew what was causing his feet to act like they were glued to the pavement was the particular person he had to interact with. It had been a long time since he'd left his apartment for the sole reason of interacting with other people. It was nearly closing time when Keith finally stood outside of the hybrid shelter, fidgeting with his hood so it covered as much of his face as possible.

Lost in the echo