Of Cups and Wands
Chapter 7
*******
"Rook? Did you just say 'Rook', Aya-kun, as in Crashers?" Omi's voice had shifted
a good octave and a half up the register, causing the two older men in the kitchen
to wince in pain. "What are you doing here? You're not supposed to even know
about this place, let alone be here. Crashers has been ordered to back off of
this mission, can't you guys follow orders?" Omi was beside himself in anger
and worry. This was getting out of hand. It was bad enough letting Knight participate
in the assignment, it was either do that or have the man interfere with their
plans, but by no means should there be another agent from that team standing
in their kitchen, dripping water on the floor. This was ridiculous. If one more
Crasher showed up at their door he was posting the address of /their/ safehouse
up in a swingers' chatroom. With an open invitation to stop by the place anytime.
Let Bishop deal with that.
Masato ignored the question for a moment, looking about the seemingly normal
kitchen. It didn't look like a place a bunch of murderers would live in, especially
ones as young as Weiß. He'd heard so many things about the team, through
rumor and Shirasaki, that a nice bright room filled with the scent of tea and
a soccer ball on one of the counters seemed a bit incongruous. "I'm here to
help Yuushi out."
Rubbing his temples, Aya swallowed a sigh as he sat back in his chair. Things
were not going very well, ever since Tamema Masato had arrived on their doorstep,
dripping wet. Omi had started at the codename, blue eyes narrowing in suspicion,
but he had stepped aside to let the tall man in anyways. Now he was glaring
at the man as he handed him a towel to dry off with. The youth didn't appear
too happy with that vague explanation. Another thing that was odd; Rook usually
was much more at ease than he was right now. His old teammate seemed a bit tense.
"Masato Tamema, aka Rook, meet Omi Tsukiyono, or Bombay." Dark violet eyes also
studied the agent. Taking in Rook's scruffy appearance, the perpetual five o'clock
shadow, the shoulder length mussed hair and disheveled clothes, Aya was hard
pressed to find anything different about the Crasher. Maybe the creases around
those light brown eyes were a bit deeper, but that was about it.
Masato accepted a seat at the table, eyes still busy roaming over the kitchen.
He paused to flash a crooked smile at Omi, who was seeing to some refreshment
for their guest. The youth was muttering under his breath as he set a cup of
tea in front of the scruffy man, shooting him a slightly dirty look as he did
so. Omi quickly snatched up the mostly empty box of pastries that was sitting
near his textbooks and set it aside on the counter. Aya reflected that his roommate
must really be upset to not offer any of the treats to Tamema, the boy usually
was much more courteous than this. Deciding to ease some of the tension in the
room, he spoke up, breaking the anxious silence. "What is it that you are here
to help Knight with?"
Hazel eyes stopped looking around the room and focused on the redhead. Masato
had resisted the urge to stare at his old friend from the moment he'd stepped
into the house. Ran looked so different, yet at the same time almost completely
the same. That improbably mop of hair had been cut, except for the eartails,
and fell more towards his face than in the past. Perhaps being surrounded by
all the crimson strands was what made the violet eyes appear darker than he'd
remembered them being. The man was still exceedingly pale, and from the little
he could see, what with Ran being seated at a table and covered in a huge towel,
he was as thin as he'd been the few weeks before his departure from Crashers,
when something had clearly been wearing on him. Everything came together to
form a heartbreakingly beautiful young man, but there was a hard edge to him
now, a nonverbal warning to look but never touch. Shaking his head to rid it
of the fanciful images, Masato focused on the question posed to him.
"He's been trying to get the scoop on certain gangsters, talking to some of
the group's contacts. Well, these guys feel a bit more comfortable dealing with
me and not him, so once word of this got back to us I decided to lend a hand.
And a good thing that I did. Something is going down, a Tadatoshi Nakajima,
who answers to a Yuzo Soma, heads this particular branch that you are looking
into. It seems that both of these guys have made a bunch of enemies that are
just itching to take them down. So they are an awful touchy subject for a lot
of people, and one of extreme interest as well. Bishop and Queen decided that
you guys could use my help on this one."
That set off the fuse on Omi's temper. "Bishop and Queen are /not/ responsible
for Weiß!" It was a miracle that no glass was shattering in the irate
youth's presence. "This is our mission! We may have agreed to let Honjyou help
out, but we never said we'd take in the whole team. Your leaders have no say
in what we do, and your actions could get all of us in a lot of trouble. What
are you people thinking?" Omi was ready to take his darts to some agents. Did
he butt his nose in another team's business? No. So what the hell were these
guys thinking, to just send him another agent like this? Someone was going to
get their credit accounts seriously hacked when this mission was over, that
was for sure. They were most likely doing this because it was Weiß. Omi
knew the reputation his team had in Kritiker. He'd snooped in enough files to
have found out that many of the agents and teams looked down on the group because
of their young age median and lack of previous experience. And the fact that
they had been a pet project of sorts of the late Persia, his uncle. There was
an odd double standard to the team, they were killers yet were sheltered from
many of the nasty developments that plagued the organization. He knew that there
were many disreputable jobs that Weiß had been spared. Well, most of the
team anyways. All that led to a certain lack of respect for him and his friends.
Which was painfully evident in the way Crashers' leaders were running roughshod
over the team.
Rook just confirmed his thoughts. "That some snot-nosed brats can use a hand
in finding and making a guy responsible for the deaths of a bunch of friends
and trusted colleagues pay." Tamema did not take being yelled at by a boy half
his age very well. Even if he had a point. /Especially/ when he'd just made
a very good point. Crashers knew they were imposing on Weiß and risking
the wrath of Kritiker falling on both groups with their blatant disregard for
orders, but a dear friend had been killed. It was also a bit of an insult to
see such an important mission go to a team of men young enough to still be in
college, or in Tsukiyono's place middle school. "Don't worry, you'll still get
your kicks by getting to carve up the bastard, I'm just here to make sure you
actually get your hands on the guy."
"Why you.."
"Rook, Bombay, shut up." An artic cold voice nipped the rapidly developing fight
in the bud. The two agents turned to regard Aya with wide eyes as he slowly
pushed back the chair and stood up. "Bombay, he has the contacts that we need
to successfully complete the mission. That is the most important thing right
now." Turning furious eyes on his former teammate, the redhead leaned forward
on the table, body tense with anger. "You have no right to talk to him like
that, Rook. This is not your team or your mission. I can't believe Bishop is
interfering this much to begin with, I'd never have suspected him of going behind
Kritiker's back to this extent. There should be no judgment calls being made
by you or him. You have no real idea what it is we do, or what we've put into
finding Morimoto's murderer. The information that you can supply us with will
be well received, but you are nothing more than a go-between right now. That's
it. Your presence here is to inform us of what we need to know, and to help
with any arrangements the mission requires. That means you listen to us. Am
I being perfectly clear?"
Swallowing his anger, the scruffy Crasher nodded his head. Omi wasn't too happy
with any solution that didn't end with the man being tossed out of the house,
but knew that Aya had correctly summed up the situation. The pale man just stayed
where he was, glancing back and forth between Tamema and him, obviously waiting
for someone to make a remark. Omi wasn't stupid enough to say anything, and
it seemed that Tamema wasn't either. Too bad, it would have been fun to watch
Aya rip into the man. "Fine. Knight won't return for a couple of hours, Rook.
It might be best if you came back in the morning."
The older man looked a bit rueful as he toyed with his mug. "Thing is I took
some 'vacation' time to help Yuushi out. I was hoping to crash with him til
the job was over. This was the only address I had to contact him at, figured
I'd catch up to him here." Their phones were off-limits, just in case Kritiker
were monitoring the calls. No reason for two off-duty agents to be using company
equipment like that.
The two assassins exchanged an unhappy look. "Please tell me this isn't happening,"
Omi whimpered. Now he had to deal with two Crashers sleeping here? Catching
Masato's puzzled expression, Aya elaborated. "We've been letting Honjyou stay
here, on the couch."
"Got room for one more then?" Rook paused as the young blond whacked his head
on a pile of books. Where they really school books? Would their employers actually
let an assassin attend class, or were they for some undercover mission? "I'd
really appreciate it, Ran."
The redhead rubbed his temples again for a moment, causing the towel about his
shoulders to fall down. Masato ran his eyes over the slim form, noting that
the man was indeed as thin as he'd been the last time he'd laid eyes on him,
maybe even more so. Hazel eyes caught the bruised marks on the pale neck and
collarbones, a couple even looked rather fresh. The orbs narrowed in anger,
Masato's thoughts churning over what must have happened during the past few
days. Seething inside, he missed what Aya was saying to him. "What was that?"
Frowning slightly, Aya tried to make sense at why Rook was suddenly upset with
him. The normally calm man was glaring at him, and his voice was rough with
anger. "I said it's not Ran anymore, it's Aya. Try to remember that. And the
decision is up to Tsukiyono."
"Huh?" Ran was going by a girl's name now? Whatever. He turned to look at the
upset youth, raising an eyebrow.
"Oh, I don't see why not. We're dead if they find Honjyou here, might as well
make sure if we're going to get in trouble we do it right." Blue eyes fixed
on hazel, no trace of amusement to be found in their depths. "Just as long as
you understand that Aya and I are in charge. And that you will have no part
whatsoever in the final mission. Crashers is a non-lethal group, vacation or
not you will abide by the same rules that govern your teammates. You and Honjyou
can fight over who gets the couch and who sleeps on the floor. Contrary to what
your team thinks, this is not a bed and breakfast."
Masato nodded his head in agreement. Over by the counter Aya shivered a little
as he hugged the towel tight against him once more. Omi caught the action and
suggested that the redhead go upstairs and finish drying off, the last thing
Weiß needed was him coming down with a cold. Bobbing his head in agreement,
the pale man quietly exited the room. Sighing to himself, Omi hopped to the
stove and put another pot of water on. Maybe he should brew some coffee as well,
something told him it was going to be a long night. Sitting back down at the
table, he reached out and smacked away the hand that was riffling through his
schoolwork and dragged the books and papers to the other side of the table.
Here he was, a highly trained assassin, reduced to babysitting.
*******
Tadatoshi Nakajima surveyed the crowd of people inside S?d?. The mob was on
the light side for a Thursday night, many people had been scared away by the
murder last night. Even some of the regulars, who should be used to such things.
But word on the street was that the Kusari Yakuza was under fire, with the other
gangs eager to see them go down. If only they knew the truth.
It had been his idea to go after Kritiker. Yuzo had wanted revenge on the organization
ever since his cousin's death, and had been very easy to talk into the plan.
It had been too good an opportunity to pass by, finding out that they had a
Kritiker agent's boyfriend in debt to them past any hope of paying off. He had
Ueno make a deal with the woman, her boyfriend's life and some cash for a list
of agents. Everything was to have gone smoothly, killing off the people over
a weekend, striking a blow to the organization, giving Yuzo a sense of revenge
and the gang a solid reputation among the one or two people who would know who
had been behind the hits. But one of the men was caught while fleeing the scene
and made to talk, the blame being laid at his partner's feet.
So they now had the powerful syndicate after them, and the other yakuza unimpressed
at what they saw as a botched attempt. His men were under fire, and with the
death of Yuzo's cousin a year ago little hope of any support. If they managed
to fend off the other gangs and Kritiker long enough, there was a chance they
might survive. It wasn't the best odds, but still possible. Nakajima was a man
who loved playing the odds, he'd gathered a bunch of criminals together and
made something of them, his only failure had been reaching too far too soon.
Jidokai's death had given him an opening with Yuzo, the man had needed backup
when his cousin had been killed and the organization he'd worked for taken out.
It had been a profitable association, but he'd made many enemies in an attempt
to gather as much power as possible. He gained control of most of the gambling,
prostitution and drugs in a ten-block radius, taking over the territory of a
few different gangs. He'd been the golden child, everything falling into his
grasp so easily. Until he tried to take a bite out of Kritiker. They were supposed
to have been crippled due to internal conflict, who would expect them of striking
back so quickly?
Ueno's death proved otherwise. No other yakuza gangs were claiming responsibility
for that hit. None of them could have pulled it off, not like that. In a bathroom
in a crowded club, somehow sneaking a gun in and torturing the man without there
being a single witness. Only Kritiker had the skill to do that. Somehow one
of their agents had infiltrated the club. Not a happy thought.
"Yoshioka, any sign of Fujimura yet?" The stocky man had been promoted into
his friend's position.
"No, sir. I've men watching the front doors, he hasn't been anywhere near the
club tonight."
"So let me make sure I understand this. A man who made a very impressive amount
of money playing pool, drawn in a lot of business, has been allowed to just
disappear?" He'd heard about the pool shark, word of mouth had spread pretty
quickly. Fujimura could not be allowed to get away, it would be just another
black mark against his people, that they hadn't even been able to hold onto
one man.
"I'm sorry, sir. We tried to follow him home one night, but he slipped out.
Ueno had men at all the exits last night, but in the confusion he managed to
get away again."
"Huh. And you have no way of finding out where he lives? No information on the
man whatsoever?" There was a dangerous undertone in the boss's voice.
Hoshino Yoshioka shifted about, uneasy with the scrutiny. As bad as things were
right now, failure could mean his death. "No sir. He was very careful not to
mention anything about himself. Didn't even gave us his real name, from the
looks of it." The older gangster glared at him, clearly displeased. "But he
had a friend down here last night, an American. He tended to stand out in the
crowd a bit. I have the men looking into finding the gaijin right now. Once
we track him down we'll have Fujimura." One of the yakuza had even sworn he'd
seen the longhaired man before, and was racking his brains to figure out where.
It would just be a matter of time.
"Very well then. I want him back here by the end of the weekend." Glancing around
the club, he noticed a few of the people hanging out by the pool tables. "I
see Kitayama is back again, and with a friend. I want you to have a talk to
him later, we will need some more information about our little problem, and
if his girlfriend wants him to remain alive she'll cooperate." The purple haired
man nodded his head in understanding. "Anyone else of interest here tonight?"
"A couple. Uemura is here, but I think to see Fujimura in action. So are a few
other people." And not real happy to find the man missing. He didn't blame the
redhead for making a break for it after the way Goro had been chasing him, but
it wouldn't prevent him from dragging the man back and teaching him his proper
place. He was property of Kusari now, and was causing them to lose face. "Akiba's
here to talk business with you. Oh, and the fellow that Kisaragi was all over
last night is back."
"Which one?"
"Tall blond."
Nakajima narrowed his eyes as he looked at the man. Obviously a half- breed,
what with that coloring. The lanky man was dressed in skintight jeans of some
dark color that were very low on the hips. A cropped top of a blue material
shot through with sparks of gold clung to his upper body, leaving nothing to
imagination. No wonder Kisaragi had made a fool of herself, he was an attractive
man. But not worth the price she was going to pay this evening. Checking his
watch, the yakuza mentally corrected himself. She was most likely already dead.
Yuzo had been convinced of the need to rid himself of a potential embarrassment
and weak spot after hearing about the lady's escapades last night. If one of
their enemies had gotten their hands on her in that condition.. As it was, they
had to be thankful the konketsu hadn't tried anything. It was the only reason
he was alive right now. He didn't need the man hanging at the club anymore,
possibly asking where the woman was. "I want him taken care of as well, make
it clear to him that he is unwelcome here anymore." As if sensing what was in
store for him, the blond let himself be dragged out on the dance floor by some
tart in a mini-skirt.
"Yes sir."
Once more glancing though the crowd, the cold man's thoughts returned to his
current predicament and what would have to be done to make sure he managed to
survive. He hated being attacked from the shadows. It made him tense, and his
men were picking up on the emotion. He also hated that feeling. However much
blood and violence it took, Nakajima would make sure he was left standing at
the end of everything.
*******
Yuushi was miserable. Here he was sitting at a table with a man who in all probability
wouldn't live past the next few days. Not if Aya and his friends had their way.
And he couldn't do a thing about it. It grated at his sense of what was right,
this enforced silence. He had to use every once of self-control to keep himself
from shouting at the drunk to get his girlfriend and run as far from Tokyo as
they possibly could. An image of Koge's face helped.
"The selfish bastard. Can't believe he didn't show up. Just needed a little
more money, that was all." Kitayama was rambling on about Aya, very upset that
the pale man hadn't returned to play tonight. Judging by how tense everyone
in the club was, Yuushi was glad he'd decided to do surveillance this evening.
It was clear that the yakuza were on the lookout for him, every redheaded man
was given a quick once-over, and he'd heard a couple of questions asked about
the swordsman's whereabouts. So far no one knew a thing.
"I don't think he wanted to take the chance that someone else shared Ueno's
tastes," the Crasher responded dryly. Kitayama just continued to bitch, causing
him to shut the man out. The yakuza did not appear very happy tonight. They
seemed very suspicious of everyone, and no one walked around by himself. There
were also a lot more of them on the premises tonight. While in the bathroom
he'd overheard that most of the gang was here, making sure that there was no
more trouble in the club. Yuushi estimated that there was about forty of them.
One had to figure that Soma had to have some with him for security, anywhere
from a couple to a dozen. So say fifty men in all. And Weiß was planning
on killing all of them. Had even talked about it in a calm tone of voice that
was usually reserved for discussing sports or some movie.
Glancing down at his watch, Yuushi noticed that he'd only been here a little
over an hour. Great, several more to go. He was ready to punch his drinking
companion just to get the man to shut up. Kitayama didn't care about a damn
thing beside him, his girlfriend, and money. That's it, he told himself, remember
that he's partially responsible for the death of a dozen people. Still want
to warn him? Shaking his head, he caught a glimpse of one of Ueno's buddies
walking over to their table, followed by three huge men. This didn't look good.
"Kitayama, I want to have a bit of a discussion with you." Before either of
the seated men could respond, on of the thugs grabbed ahold of the gambler's
arm and yanked him upright, dragging him off to a corner. Yuushi forced himself
to remain seated, so far all it looked like all the yakuza was doing to the
man was talking. After a few minutes, Kitayama started yelling and shaking his
head, repeating the word 'impossible'. The stocky gangster, Yoshioda, grabbed
him by the shirt and shook him. When the drunk kept refusing, Yoshioda punched
him viciously in the ribs.
Yuushi jumped up from his chair without even thinking. He shoved the yakuza
away, but before he could yank his companion off of the floor, he found himself
being swung around by on of the thugs and punched on the jaw. His hands reached
for his belt, which usually was his weapon, but he hadn't been able to wear
it in the club. The blond managed to strike back with his fists, landing several
good blows, before the other two men joined in. Realizing he was outnumbered,
he sank to the ground and curled up, taking a kick in the side before the gangsters
backed off.
Above him Yoshioka resumed talking. "You'll do it, Kitayama. Talk to your girl,
tell her she has no choice. You're both in it way too deep, what do you think
her bosses would do if they found out about the list? Now pick up your friend
and get out of here. Don't come back without the information, and if you're
thinking of skipping town, /don't'/. You won't like what happens when we track
you down."
The Crasher let himself be picked up by the drunk and half carried out the door.
On the way he saw Kudoh staring back at him, actually a bit worried. Yuushi
nodded his head slightly to let the man know he was fine. Once outside he shook
off Kitayama's arm and rested back against the wall. "So, what was that all
about?"
"Listen buddy, thanks for the help back there, but that was a damn stupid thing
to do. You better go home, and not think of coming back for a few days. You're
lucky they didn't beat on you some more."
"What about you?" The gambler mumbled he was fine as Yuushi spat out some blood
from a cut in his mouth.
Kitayama just laughed. "Oh I'm fucking fine, you don't go killing the goose
that laid the golden egg. They'll leave me alone for a day or two, give me some
time to get together what they want. Damn, this is going to break my Reiko's
heart." For a moment the man looked sorrowful, then just shook himself. "Well,
no sense in worrying about anyone else, we all gotta do what we gotta do. Or
something along those lines." Knight shivered at the man's callous attitude.
If he guessed correctly, Reiko was going to have to provide another list of
agents and contacts. More people would be killed. And the drunk bastard in front
of him didn't give a damn. "Hey, what do you say to a quick cup of coffee? My
treat, the least I can do since you got beat up for me. I know this great café
down the block. Maybe they'll have some ice for your jaw." Not wanting to say
anything, not sure if he could, Yuushi let himself be lead away. Maybe he would
hate himself at a later time, but he didn't feel sorry for the man anymore.
*******
Grateful that one thing was going right so far tonight, Yohji pulled his Seven
in by Omi's bike. Its presence meant that Aya was home, and not out in the rain
trailing after Soma. All he wanted right now was someone to fuss over him, and
to curl up in bed with said person. Three guesses who was the prime candidate.
Dabbing at his split lip, he winced in pain that the action provoked, getting
out of the car and making his way to the kitchen. It had been a short, eventful
night. He'd checked out the club, filled with anxious gangsters and a bunch
of oblivious idiots looking for a thrill, hanging out in a place where a gruesome
crime had just been committed. Yohji didn't envy Ken with having to put up with
that crowd.
He'd just kept an eye on the yakuza, getting a headcount. And a good look at
what appeared to be the guy in charge. A heavyset man in his late thirties,
hair prematurely grey and slicked back, brown eyes flat, like the eyes of a
corpse. That had to be Nakajima. Things had to be pretty bad to have him crawl
out of whatever hole he'd been hiding in. However, the playboy hadn't managed
to get too close to the man, after a couple of trips on the dance floor he'd
been intercepted while on his way to the bar and 'asked' to leave the club.
The request had consisted of him being grabbed and punched first in the face
then the stomach as he was told that he wasn't welcome on the premises anymore.
Guess they were still really upset about last night. Jeez, what would have happened
if he'd reciprocated Miho's groping or kisses? It didn't pay to think about
it.
Yohji had let himself be half dragged out of the club, oddly enough no more
than ten minutes after Honjyou had been summarily kicked out as well. Not a
good night for the good guys, that's for sure. The yakuza obviously didn't suspect
that they worked for Kritiker, or they'd be dead, but it was still odd him being
tossed out like that. Honjyou, that was easy to figure out, he'd all but started
a fight by defending his louse of an informant, but Yohji had been on relatively
good behavior this evening. Then again, there had been a lot of people beaten
up and dragged out of the club that night. Oh well, he'd puzzle it out later,
right now he just wanted to get a little sympathy from his lover, maybe see
it the man was up to a bit of fun.
Throwing open the door, he loudly announced his presence. "Yo kitten, your valiant
knight is home from doing fierce battle. Wanna come here and tend to his wounds?"
Gazing around the room, he found Omi staring at him and some stranger sitting
in his place at the table. The man looked oddly familiar. "Who the hell are
you," he asked, cutting across the chibi's exclamation at his presence.
"Yotan, what happened to you? Did you get into a fight at the club?" Omi fussed
over his friend until a golden hand grasped his chin and forced his head in
Rook's direction. "Hey kiddo, who the hell is sitting at the table?"
"Uh, Yohji, meet Masato Tamema. Tamema, Kudoh. He's from Crashers, here to give
Honjyou some information."
"What?" Omi jerked back from the voice shouting in his ear. "We got another
one of them here now? I thought the deal was we let Honjyou play, they left
us alone." The damn team was like a bunch of cockroaches, when you found one
others were sure to be nearby. Yohji had enough trouble dealing with his lover's
health and odd reactions and the fact that Mastermind was back on the scene
to deal with this right now.
Masato snorted over the rim of his coffee cup. "Sorry, 'valiant knight', but
we didn't know you'd be fishing in some pretty deep waters for the person responsible
for the murders. Yuushi's in over his head trying to help you guys out." Now
this was very upsetting, a grown man fooling around with a boy. The kid kept
fussing over the blond, dashing about to get him some ice, towels, and aspirin.
"If you don't mind me asking, what the hell happened to you?" The lanky blond's
lip was split and swollen, one of the green eyes bruised and his very interesting
outfit ripped in a couple of places. Masato couldn't believe the man had actually
gone out dressed like that. He most get a lot of propositions, looking like
a prostitute. And Tsukiyono found that attractive? Gesturing to Kudoh's appearance,
Rook inquired over who had won the fight.
Trying to shoo Omi away, Yohji sat on the counter and regarded the stranger
coldly. "Hey, we never asked for the man's help in the first place. As for what
happened tonight, things got a little tense down at a club. Don't know how much
you've been filled in on the mission, but the yakuza we're after had one of
their own murdered yesterday. They're jumping at shadows, suspicious of everybody.
I just got a friendly little warning to stay away from the premises from now
on. Your buddy didn't have the best night from the looks of it either, he got
tossed out as well. I'm surprised he's not home right now."
"How bad a shape was he in," Masato barked out, worry plain on his face.
So this was Rook. Yohji recognized him now from a photo in Aya's collection.
This was the guy he'd replaced for a couple of months. Wow, what a shock that
must have been for the team. An uptight redhead taking over for a laid back
bum. "Relax, he walked out under his own power. Most likely he's making sure
someone else got home safely. Pain in the ass or not, I wouldn't have left him
there if he'd really been hurting." He'd never hear the end of it if he did.
Catching movement out of the corner of his eye, Yohji turned around to spy his
lover leaning against the hallway door. The man was wearing that damn orange
sweater again, and what looked like a pair of his sweatpants. This theory was
proved correct when the man hiked up the pants some more as he crossed the room.
"Hey there, wondered where you were at. Want to compare bruises?" Yohji felt
some of the tension he'd harbored all night fade away at the sight of the pale
man, home safe and sound. Aya did look a little stressed though, his eyes were
shadowed and lips pressed tight together.
The redhead had been upstairs taking his medication. He'd rested on his bed
for a few minutes, waiting for it to kick in and attempting to pull himself
together. "Hn." Grateful that Yohji was finally home, Aya walked over to him
and gently pried the hand holding the icepack away from the handsome face to
check out the damage. "Did I hear you say that they kicked you out of the club?"
Yohji's lip was in worse shape than his had been, but the blond's skin didn't
bruise as easily as his. "You'll live." It was so nice to be near the man's
warmth; unconsciously he shifted closer to the playboy. Aya heaved a sigh of
relief to find that his feelings for the older man remained unchanged. Whatever
Schuldig had done to him hadn't affected them.
Yohji toyed with an eartail as he snorted. "Oh, nice show of compassion there,
love. I might be suffering internal injuries for all you might know. Could croak
at any minute, wouldn't that make you feel bad. 'You'll live' indeed."
"Hmph." Aya stood up on his toes and pressed his lips gently to Yohji's swollen
ones. As he'd predicted, the blond gathered him close, forgetting all about
the other two men in the room as the kiss was deepened. A couple of minutes
later he pulled back, earning a groan from Yohji. "Bit frisky for a dying man.
Like I said, you'll live."
Green eyes sparkling in lust and amusement, Yohji's face split as much into
a grin as it could. "Tease." He pulled the smaller man to him, resting his chin
on the mop of red hair as he looked about the kitchen. Omi was clearly trying
hard not to laugh, while the Crasher, Tamema, was staring at the couple in an
astounded manner. Not again he thought, this better not be another bastard carrying
a torch for the redhead. His patience for dealing with the idiots was through.
Gears were whirling about in Masato's head, trying to make sense of what was
going on. At first he'd thought that maybe something was going on between Kudoh
and the kid, just from hearing the greeting and witnessing Tsukiyono mother-hen'ing
over the man. So he was expectedly taken back at seeing the man kiss someone
else. But for that person to be Ran, it was one hell of a shock. After all,
this was a person who'd remained oblivious to several months of concentrated
effort on Yuushi's part to get into his pants, when they weren't trying to kill
each other. Masato had though that Ran hadn't swung that way. Or any other to
be quite honest. Did that mean the hickeys were from Kudoh? Where did that leave
Yuushi? Coming out of his thoughts, he found the blond glaring at him for some
strange reason. What, did the man expect him to be disgusted at the display
or something? Ran, no Aya, must remember to call him Aya now, gazed back at
him evenly, waiting for a remark. Who was he to disappoint a friend, even one
who'd disappeared out of the blue one day. "So if he's the valiant knight, does
that make you the kitten?" He was dying to know, after all.
Dark violet eyes flashed as the swordsman spun around to face his lover, growling
out the blond's name threateningly. Yohji was swift on the defense. "Hey, how
was I to know he was here? I didn't see the 'Crasher's Welcome' sign on the
door." Omi was laughing out loud in earnest, watching as Yohji quickly wrapped
his arms and legs about Aya, desperate to prevent being punched again that night.
Masato himself was grinning at the lovers' quarrel. The four men went still
though, at the sound of the back door being opened. Yuushi walked in, looking
depressed and clutching an arm around his sore ribs. He stopped once across
the threshold, taking in first Yohji and Aya, then Masato sitting at the table.
Gold eyes first widened in surprise, then narrowed. "What the hell are you doing
here?"
Masato's face fell as an air of wounded feeling surrounded him. "I'm getting
tired of hearing that question. It gives the impression that no one is happy
to see me." Yuushi flushed at the comment and sat down in the chair, letting
out a puff of breath as his body protested. "How was your run-in with the yakuza?"
Flashing a quick look over at Yohji, Knight leaned back in the chair before
answering. "They were bothering the leak's boyfriend tonight. I think they're
pressing him to give them more names of people working for the organization.
I stepped in to keep them from getting too rough and to give the guy a chance
to escape. They're panicking, that's for sure." He was silent for a moment as
he tried to figure out the reason for his friend's presence. "You here because
of the contacts?"
"Yeah. Sorry, Yuushi, but they prefer to deal with me right now. Things are
real shaky in the underworld, it has something to do with the mess you're involved
in." Resting his arms on the table, Masato leaned his chin on a hand. "Dammit,
I could use a smoke right now. It was raining too hard before, or I'd have stopped
at the store." Yohji, after cautiously relaxing his hold a little and not getting
immediately whapped, fished in his coat pocket and tossed a cigarette pack at
the brunet after snagging one for himself. Aya seemed content to just remain
pressed close to his side, not even complaining over the cigarette smoke. Masato
flashed Yohji a grateful smile as he lit a stick, grunting happily as he expelled
some smoke. "It appears a power struggle has been touched off. I can get you
all the information you need on Soma's men, should have it by tomorrow night.
Can probably even score some cooperation with another organization or two. A
lot of people want to see Nakajima, that's who in charge of your yakuza, go
down. Feel he's reached too far too fast. For some reason these guys have decided
to move now. I don't think they even know why. But it's the perfect time to
take the men down without touching off a war."
Stifling a yawn, Omi debated more coffee or not. "I think we have to sit down
tomorrow night and make some serious plans. We'll need to know everything about
this Nakajima and his men, their exact numbers and whereabouts, and come up
with a way of getting them all together. Maybe in the club, since we need to
take that place down as well. I've tracked down most of Soma's business accounts,
a little more searching tonight and I'll have them all. I'll turn the list over
to you in the morning, Honjyou, and you can start setting up the process of
wiping them out. Would you mind if I sit in on that for a little bit?" Yuushi
shook his head, earning a grin from the youth. Omi was looking forward to that,
his expertise was in sniffing out the money, usually he just turned the list
over to Kritiker after using the trail to track down various targets. This was
the first time of him participating in something like this. He always had been
eager to learn new things. "Cool. Well, I guess I have my night all planned
out. Aya-kun, would you mind getting some extra blankets and a futon for one
of our guests to sleep on?" The quiet man reluctantly stepped away from Yohji
and nodded his head.
Yuushi reached out a hand to stop him, causing Aya to shy away. Everyone in
the room noticed this and stared at the redhead. "Wait a second, uh Aya. Would
you mind checking out my ribs for me? I don't think they're broken, but I don't
want to take any chances." He got another nod for an answer. Yuushi then turned
to look at his teammate. He knew Masato well enough to guess what the man's
intentions were. "/You/ get the floor tonight, there's no way I'm sleeping on
it in my condition." Aya and him left the room as the scruffy man came back
with a retort. "Ah, you're such a wimp, Knight. We need to toughen you up. You're
making Crashers look bad here."
As soon as the men were out of hearing, Yohji turned a questioning look on Omi.
The youth shook his head, clearly just as puzzled. "I don't have a clue, Yotan.
He'd been on edge ever since he came back from tailing Soma." Yohji took a drag
on his cigarette as he wondered what might have affected his lover so. Unfortunately
he came up with an answer rather quickly. He stayed seated on the counter as
Omi gathered up his schoolbooks and wished him a good night.
When it was just him and Tamema in the room, he crossed his arms and regarded
the other man solemnly. Masato returned the gaze as he leaned back in his chair.
"You look like you have something you want to say. Go ahead, be my guest."
Yohji cut to the chase. "Do you have an ulterior motive besides the mission
to be here, just like your buddy Honjyou? Because if you do I am kicking your
ass out right now."
"Huh?" It took the Crasher a minute to figure out what Kudoh meant. "Like Honjyou?
You mean am I after Fujimiya?" Yohji grunted out an affirmation. "Possessive
bastard, aren't you? Well you'll be happy to know that it never was redheads
that I have a thing for, especially cold, rude ones. He's just a friend as far
as I'm concerned." Masato watched as the other man's posture relaxed. "Yuushi's
been giving you some problems in that regard, hasn't he? I can just imagine
how he must have taken the news that Aya was involved with someone. I know I
sure as hell was shocked to see you guys together."
There was an odd note in Tamema's voice that had Yohji replaying the man's words
in his head. The way he dismissed being attracted to redheads, and the trace
of satisfaction in wondering how Honjyou had reacted to the news. "Wouldn't
happen to have a thing for blonds now, would you?" Bingo. Hazel eyes narrowed
at him, plainly displeased at being found out so easily. He decided to crack
a joke, to put the man more at ease. "I could care less myself, just keep your
hands off of Omi. You'll have a really pissed off jock after your head if you
try anything." Although maybe that would force Hidaka to buy a clue and admit
his feelings. Yohji pondered the situation for a moment, but decided that dear
Kenken was a bit too touchy over the subject for him to try and set something
up with Tamema. The man's voice broke through his thoughts.
"And what about you? You that happy with Fujimiya, or do I stand a chance in
hell?"
Oh, here was a Crasher he might actually get along with. Batting his eyes, the
playboy answered back in the same teasing tone that Masato had asked the question
in. "I don't know, you just might clean up real nice." Rook laughed at the comment
as he stubbed out his cigarette. "Sorry to dash your hopes, but I think I'll
stick with Aya. He's much more prettier than you. Have to admit it's nice not
having to fend off yet another ardent suitor." Yohji's face darkened as he thought
about the ones already after the kitten. Jaw tightening, he waved aside the
cigarette pack to the other man tried to return to him as he jumped down from
the counter. "Nah, keep them. I have another pack upstairs, this should help
get you through the night, it looks as if the rain's not going to stop any time
soon. There will be a brunet stomping in around three 'clock or so, if not earlier.
He's one of ours. And if you hear any yelling in the next couple of minutes,
pay it no heed. Just Aya and I discussing a few things. General rule of thumb
in this house is to not get involved unless one of us screams for help, you'll
live much longer that way." Smiling at Masato's incredulous look, Yohji headed
upstairs, intent on finding out just what exactly had happened to his lover
tonight.
*******
Leaving the bathroom and opening the door to his room, Yohji felt his heart
seize in his chest. Aya was sitting in the window, legs dangling down the outside
of the building. Rain was pouring down on him, sliding into the room on either
side of his body and puddling on the floor. Unsure of what the hell was going
on, he sprung into action, dashing across the room to grab the slim figure around
the waist and yanking Aya back into the room. Both of them went down, Yohji
twisting around to take the brunt of the fall. His lover moved about in a dazed
manner on his chest, a trembling hand lifting to push the soaked bangs covering
purple eyes back to glare at him. "What the hell are you doing?"
"What am I doing?" Yohji's voice echoed loudly throughout the room. "You're
the one who looked as if you were about to take a diver out of the window. What
the fuck has gotten into you, Aya? What happened tonight? Was it Schuldig?"
Aya just shivered in his wet clothes and closed his eyes, hiding his face on
the blond's chest. Cursing under his breath, Yohji stroked through the redhead's
hair as the rain continued to fall into the room. When Aya showed no signs of
answering him, he grasped the man about the shoulders and shook him a bit. "Come
on, we need to close that window before the whole room is flooded, and get the
both of us into dry clothes."
Aya just opened his eyes as he stood up, reaching for the window as he did so.
He started to close it, but paused halfway, eyes staring out into the rain,
mind clearly far away. Yohji stretched out an arm from behind the man and slammed
the window shut with a loud slam. Aya jumped at the sound and his presence,
sliding away until he reached the dresser. His boyfriend stared after him, getting
more worried by the minute. "Something's wrong, love. What is it?"
Searching for something dry to wear to bed, Aya didn't look up from the open
drawer. "I don't know. It has to do with the rain, I'm certain about that much."
A rainy day that changed his life forever, heartache and despair and a searing
passion, that was all he could make out. A binding promise, loss and hope offered
to him. It teased at his memories, sitting in the window with the rain beating
down on him he'd felt so close to figuring out what it was. He /knew/ it had
something to do with the way he'd reacted to the telepath tonight, maybe if
he could decipher it out he'd be able to fight the bastard. Trust Yohji to come
in and think he was about to kill himself. He'd never die like that, jumping
out a window. Grabbing ahold of his sweater he yanked it over his head, taking
a moment to drape it over the hamper to dry. Once again long arms reached out
for him, causing him to jerk back in an attempt to escape. Yohji was too quick
for him, though. Cursing a bit, he glared at the older man who dragged him close
and shoved his chin up. "Get your damn hands off of me, Kudoh."
"Shut up." Yohji hauled the smaller man over to the mirror, ignoring his protests.
Standing before it he tilted Aya's face to the side and pointed to the love
bites darkening on the man's skin. He knew that he hadn't marked Aya earlier
today, he hadn't even kissed his kitten's neck. Plus these looked only a few
hours old, he must have been on his way to the club when they had been made.
"Where did you get these? I know they aren't from me, they're way too new. Someone
did this to you at some point this evening. I want to know who." He was pretty
sure he already knew who they were from, he was waiting to see if the redhead
would tell him. Staring into the mirror, he met a pair of shadowed purple eyes.
"Please Aya."
"Schuldig." Just the one word, barely whispered.
"Shit." Releasing Aya's face, Yohji wrapped the quiet man in an embrace. "Why
didn't you say something? You didn't even tell Omi, did you? What did The Bastard
do to you?" Pale arms encircled his neck, holding on tight.
"I can't let Omi know, or Ken. You said Manx was here wanting to ask me questions
about Mastermind. That means Kritiker suspects. I won't let them back into my
head, Yohji. No more psych sessions, no more tests. I'd rather face Schuldig
every night on my own. They won't stop with their prying. They'd find out about
us, about the... about what happened a couple of months ago." Aya suddenly shifted
back, eyes flashing in anger. "No more. I won't put up with it ever again. You
have no idea what it was like. Bad doesn't begin to describe it. So I didn't
say anything earlier. And you can't breathe a word of this to the others."
Aya dropped his head to his chest before he continued. "As for the rest, I don't
know what Schuldig wanted. Other than to make me upset and confused. I never
know what to expect from him anymore. He surprised me while I was watching Soma,
somehow got inside of my head so I couldn't fight back. He kissed me and told
me he'd killed Ueno for hurting me." He was editing out certain details, there
was no way he'd tell Yohji all of it. It would set the blond off in a rage.
Kudoh could be every bit as possessive as the German. "The usual threats, warning
people away from me. Told me that Soma would go back to the townhouse, that
he'd made sure of it. And I was to go home. I don't know if he was hoping I'd
lose the target or.." It was frightening to consider that Schuldig might have
actually been helping him.
"Were you going to tell me?"
Yohji's voice had been very soft, but there had been a hint of steel in it.
He already knew the answer. "Most likely not. I suspected that you'd make a
big deal out of it, maybe do something stupid. That just might be what he wants."
Jerking a hand through his hair, Yohji counted to ten. In Japanese and English.
And wished he knew a couple other languages. "The Bastard is back to his old
tricks and you weren't going to say a word. Last time he nearly killed me, don't
you think I deserve some sort of warning? What the hell is it between the two
of you? You shut me out whenever he shows up. I'm not happy, Aya. I'm flat out
pissed. When are you going to learn that what affects you affects me?" The swordsman
was frowning at him but wisely kept his mouth shut.
"He's involved in the mission, that makes him Weiß's business. We have
to tell the others, warn them that Schuldig might be messing with their heads-
"
"No!" Aya twisted about in Yohji's arms, livid and frantic. "I said tell nobody."
"Damnit Aya, Ken and Omi need to know! Probably Honjyou and his pal as well.
I know they'll promise not to tell anyone if you ask them to. They've kept our
secret, haven't they?" It was like trying to hold onto a wildcat. Yohji was
only thankful that Aya was too upset to logically go about his dismemberment.
As it was he got a couple more bruises and a few scratches as well.
"It's my life you're about to fuck up, Kudoh. I'll take my chances." There was
no way he was seeing the doctors again. Sometimes he swore they did more damage
than Schuldig. He'd never felt like killing himself after talking to the telepath.
Shoving Yohji aside, he made for the door. And was tackled a few meters short
of it. Aya felt Yohji settling on top of him, blood dripping onto his back from
the man's split lip that had been broken open in the struggle. It was suddenly
too much. The copper tang of blood mixing with sweat. Yohji pinning him down.
Schuldig playing his games. He started to hyperventilate.
Yohji could only stare at his panicked lover for a minute before it clicked.
Rolling off of the man, he quickly scooped him up and set him on the bed. Shit.
Aya had seemed to have pretty much recovered from the rape; he'd even let him
make love to him from behind the other night. But the pale man had been upset
ever since he'd heard that Schuldig was back. Kneeling on the floor, he patted
a white face, trying not to crowd him. "Aya love, I'm so sorry. It's all right,
no one is going to hurt you. I'm not going to hurt you." He kept repeating it.
Gradually Aya stopped panting, the dark violet eyes focusing on Yohji a few
heartbeats before closing. "Are you okay now? I'm sorry, love."
The redhead just rolled over onto his back, an arm thrown over his eyes. "Yohji,
this has got to stop. He has us tearing at each other every time he comes around.
I can't. I don't want to keep going through this." It got to be too overwhelming.
"This is why I didn't tell you."
Cautiously, observing Aya's reaction the whole while, Yohji crawled up on the
bed and laid beside his boyfriend. Aya turned over to face him, holding onto
him fiercely. He stroked a hand through the man's hair, smoothing out the tangles.
"Okay, you do have a point. I don't take the news very well." A bit of an understatement.
It shook him up so badly to see the smaller man reduced to a panicked state
like that, and to know he was mostly responsible for it. When would he learn
not to try and force his opinion down the kitten's throat like that, it just
led to one hell of a fight. "But I'm right as well. We have to tell the others.
They're going to guess anyways, it's obvious that something is bothering you.
If we don't say anything they probably will mention it to someone, and it's
clear you don't want that. Trust them." He paused for a second, then in a quiet
voice added "trust me."
That earned him a punch in the stomach. What the hell was it with people hitting
him today? Aya sat up and glared down at him. "Do you think I'd be here, in
this room, if I didn't trust you? Baka." His tone of voice clearly conveyed
that he was dealing with a moron. Yohji was about to take umbrage at it when
he thought a little more. No sense starting off another fight, and the last
few minutes hadn't been his proudest. Aya continued, seizing the opportunity
to get a few words in. "What I don't trust is what you'll do if I tell you certain
things. Like Schuldig. You tend to act without thinking a lot."
"Oh, and you never have? Does the word 'Takatori' have any special meaning for
you?" Yohji barely managed to block that hit. "Okay, that was a low blow. I
understand what you're trying to say. If The Bastard walked into the Koneko,
I'd remove his head from his shoulders without any thought. He's one of my blind
spots." Along with anyone else who threatened the redhead. "But I promise you,
word won't get back to Kritiker. Trust me on this. I won't let them get their
claws in you." That statement earned him a 'hn' and a dubious look, but at least
Aya wasn't protesting anymore. Yohji slowly pulled him back down to the bed
and slid an arm around the slender man's waist. "We have to tell them."
Aya tensed for a moment before resting his head against Yohji's shoulder. "...
If anyone reports back to Kritiker about this, I get to gut them. Promise me
that."
"Hell, I'll even hold them down for you." Gods the man could be absolutely bloodthirsty.
He didn't doubt for one moment that Aya would carry through with the threat.
"Have I ever told you how happy I am that you love me?"
"Hn." Yohji took to nibbling on a pale ear, the only bit of flesh he could find.
After a moment Aya lifted his head and stared deep into the older man's eyes.
"I do. So much it scares me sometimes."
"I know, kitten. I feel the same. Why do you think I panic everytime I find
out The Bastard's taken to messing with you again? I really am sorry about earlier."
Cupping the smaller man's face between his hands, Yohji bent down until his
lips brushed against Aya's. "Forgive me?"
Aya let his actions speak for him, pressing close to the man as he kissed back.
Baka. When wasn't Yohji forgiven? It was disgusting how easily he always gave
in to a pouty look, green eyes filled with sorrow. It might frighten him, and
at times confuse and irritate him, but he knew that his feelings for the blond
were genuine. So he let the blond's hands wander all over his body, working
the sweatpants done his hips as a hungry mouth moved over his neck, determined
to leave marks of its own. Sex for Yohji was an act of possession, of ownership.
By letting the man make love to him Aya was confirming that he still belonged
to Kudoh. Not wanting to dispute that fact, he yanked the man's head up to kiss
those lush lips again, letting passion wash away the last of his panic and anger.
No one was going to take this away from them, not Schuldig or Kritiker or anyone
else.
It got very hard to think of anything after that, what with Yohji kissing him
breathless as one hand stretched him and another pumped his erection, making
him squirm on the bed. Aya frantically tore at the blond's clothes, needing
to feel that hot skin pressed against his. Yanking off the top got his lungs
a brief respite before the kiss was resumed, until he unzippered Yohji's pants
and stroked him back in return.
Groaning at the sensation, the older man rolled onto his back, pulling Aya on
top of him. The redhead took advantage of the opportunity, shifting about on
Yohji's lap as he snatched the abandoned tube of lubricant and coated his lover's
engorged shaft with the slippery oil. He felt his hips lifted as the playboy
urged him forward, positioning him above the erection and slowly easing him
down upon it. Taking the organ deep inside of him, Aya moaned out Yohji's name,
and heard his own gasped as well. Tossing back his head, he concentrated on
riding the lanky form beneath him, meeting each thrust and taking his lover
in deeper and deeper. He mewled at the warm hand that stroked him in time with
the thrusts, and cried out when the other one urged his hips forward, shifting
him about until sparks burst inside him, more pleasure that was rapidly becoming
too much. He became frantic, rising up to fall back down faster and faster,
breath choked in his throat until he felt the coil of heat and tension inside
him snap, sending him over the edge. Strong hands held him upright as Yohji
kept thrusting into him, until a minute later when his name was shouted out
and his body flooded with the man's seed.
Collapsing forward, Aya rested on the blond's chest, sated and limp as a shaky
hand brushed back his bangs. Lying on top of his boyfriend, the quiet man couldn't
help but think that this was real, maybe the most real thing in his life. No
confusion, no pain, no anger or uncertainty. Just Yohji still inside of him
and holding him tight. He knew it couldn't last, nothing good in his life ever
did, but he'd enjoy it as much as he could. Resting his chin on the older man's
chest, he once again took to looking deep into a pair of green eyes. "Kudoh."
"Mmm?" An eartail was brushed along his cheek, tickled his nose for a moment
until he almost considered smiling. But the sound of rain falling touched something
buried inside of him, a fear that could cripple him if it ever came to be.
"Promise me you won't ever leave."
Yohji was shocked by the question, wondering where the hell it had come from.
Damn but the kitten had a strange mind. "Never. I promise. Not even if you want
me gone one day. I hate to break it to you love, but you're stuck with me forever."
Aya regarded his boyfriend solemnly for a moment, then shifted off of the man
to look for something to clean them up with. Reaching for the damp sweatpants,
he stopped when he saw out the window, lightning streaking the sky and water
spiraling down. He stayed like that until Yohji dragged him back down on the
bed, golden brow creased in concern.
*******
Downstairs in the living room Masato fluffed his pillow as a loud thud echoed
from upstairs. Yuushi and him both stared at the ceiling, trying to figure what
was going on up there. Another minute or two later they heard Kudoh and Fujimiya
start to shout, and the younger Crasher immediately struggled to get off of
the couch, cursing out his sore ribs and Kudoh. A strong hand gripped his arm
and yanked him back down onto the couch. "Stay out of it, it's none of our business."
"Damn it Masato, that's a friend of ours up there. What if he needs some help?"
"We talking about the same redhead here? Aya can take care of himself. You should
know that by now, you worked alongside him long enough." Masato kept his grip
on the blond's arm, not about to let him go upstairs.
Yuushi sighed as he sat on the couch. "Not you too. His name is Ran. And who
knows what that Kudoh could be up to. He's a killer."
"So is Aya now. And I'll call the man whatever he asks me too. He's not Rook
anymore, you need to get that through your thick head. Please Yuushi, let him
go." Masato said that last part in a quiet voice, willing his friend to move
on. Yuushi looked down at him, a frown on his handsome face.
"How can you say that?"
"Very easily. He has someone in his life now. You had your chance, and it didn't
work out." More loud yelling could be heard, and it was followed by another
sound of bodies hitting the floor. Masato refused to get worried. If there really
was a problem, Tsukiyono would be breaking up the fight. Yuushi just kept staring
at the ceiling, body tight as if he'd leap off the couch the second he was free.
"Relax. I haven't known the man for very long, but I don't think Kudoh will
hurt Fujimiya. Hell, it sounds like something the two of you would get into.
Or for all we know it's what they consider foreplay." The younger man evidently
didn't like the thought of his obsession engaging in sex with someone else.
He swore and tried to yank his arm free.
"Yuushi, I'm serious. It's over, let it go. He looks happy with this guy, don't
do anything to mess that up. Aya would hate you for it. Just wish him well and
remain his friend. It would never work out between the two of you anyway, he's
'a killer' now also. I know you too well, you'd never be able to love someone
who murders people in cold blood every night. I don't think you even loved him
in the first place."
That got a hiss of pain from his young friend. "He said that to me earlier,
pretty much the exact same thing. How can all of you know what I feel?"
Masato pursed his lips for a second, craving another cigarette. Anything to
calm his nerves as he tried to make his young friend face the truth. Yuushi
could be so damn stubborn, especially once he set his sights on something. "Because
if you really did love him you'd never have let him go. You'd have moved heaven
and earth to track him down when he vanished. Instead you pouted and went on
with your life. You didn't even try to see him when Shirasaki let us know he
was back with Kritiker. He was just this unattainable ideal for you, a fair
lover locked up in some tower while you vanquished dragons in his name. That's
infatuation, not love." He was trying to go about this as painlessly as possible,
but it tore at Rook's heart to have Yuushi so stubbornly refuse to see what
was in front of his face. "What the two of them have, it's the real thing. You
realize it as soon as you see them together. And I think you know that, and
it gets to you. That some stranger managed to bag the guy you've wanted all
this time. I know that it must hurt, but it doesn't make what you are doing
right. You need to let him go and focus on the mission. Think of Morimoto, at
the very least. That's the real reason you're here, not to try and straighten
out your love life." Crashers had grown concerned when they'd heard about Fujimiya's
presence, all of them knew about the torch Knight still carried for the man.
The first convenient excuse to send another member to Weiß that they came
across has been acted upon. Masato had insisted on being the person, Yuushi
usually listened to him, and he had reasons of his own.
"Do you have any idea what it is like, to want something for so long and then
suddenly to have it in your grasp again, and then to be told it will never be
yours?" Yuushi's voice was so sad, his friend's heart ached to hear it. "I know
that he doesn't love or want me, but.. it's just so damn hard to let go."
Releasing his hold on the younger man, Yuushi ran his hand up a muscled arm
and massaged a tense shoulder for a moment. "I perfectly understand what you
are going through, Knight. I really do."
*******
Aya was sitting in a hotel room. He didn't know why, just that he was waiting
for someone, and that the suite was very familiar. For example, he knew about
the comfortable couch in the one room, and that the sheets here in the bedroom
smelled faintly of lavender. It didn't make any sense, he'd never stayed in
a place like this before. Puzzled, he just sat there on the bed, staring out
a window that overlooked downtown Tokyo. A grey veil of rain obscured the skyscrapers.
The redhead gradually became aware of an arm circling his waist, it seemed so
natural for it to be there that he had no way of telling how long he'd been
held. Twisting around, he felt a tumult of emotions awaken at the sight of Schuldig
lying beside him, a tender look on the foreigner's face. <Imagine finding
you here, little tuberose.>
His body froze, assailed by conflicting desires. To either kill the man or run
as far away as he could. Aya felt himself be lowered down on the bed as he tried
to fight the paralysis, only managing to do so as Schuldig settled on top of
him. He got one blow in, snapping back the telepath's head, before the man's
unnatural speed and strength pinned him down. "Damnit leave me the hell alone."
Blinking away the pain from the punch, Schuldig leaned over the struggling assassin.
"Behave, or I'll freeze you still. You know I can do it in here, do you really
want to be completely helpless right now?" He had to repeat the demand a couple
more times, trying to get through to the panicked Japanese man. Violet eyes
stared up at him as the slim body finally lay still beneath him. The emotions
swirling about inside those orbs was so delicious to see. Before it had always
been hate shining back at him, now there was confusion as well, and a hint of
fear and longing. "There, that's much better now, isn't it? I think mein Knuddelhäschen
deserves a present for being so reasonable." Carefully using his talent to fill
the pale man's senses with pleasure, Schuldig bent his face down to kiss the
panting lips. It was easier to stir desire in the Katalisator here, in this
familiar dreamscape. Aya's mind wasn't fighting him so much, having accepted
the situation before. There shouldn't be that much of a backlash this time,
but he still had to be restrained in his actions. His tuberose's mind was nowhere
near finished healing, most likely it was a very bad idea to be here at the
moment but he hadn't been able to resist, not after what had happened earlier
that night. That little taste hadn't been nearly enough.
Ah, Abyssinian was kissing him back. The dream was working, and his Kätzchen's
talent was seeking his out, desperate for an outlet of sorts after being bottled
up for years. Another thing to be aware of in the future, he could get so deep
in the pale man's mind that there would be no severing the connection, ever.
It wouldn't be a good thing to hand an enemy such an advantage like that, or
the great Mastermind might just find himself open to manipulation.
Breaking off the kiss, the German moved his mouth down a slender throat, hungering
to hear the other man gasp and moan. However, it had the opposite effect. Aya
came back to himself at the touch, Yohji's voice echoing in his head. He thrust
up from the bed suddenly, knocking Schuldig off of him and backed up until he
hit the wall. "Stay away from me, or I'll kill you."
Growling in frustration, Schuldig sat up and glared at the trembling assassin.
Savagely putting his talent to use, he scoured through the last few hours of
Aya's memories, causing the man to moan in pain. <So I see. Guess Balinese
is a little brighter than I gave him credit for. To be able to figure things
out so quickly. The Schwanzlutscher.> Damn the man- whore for noticing the
marks, and for the effect he had on Abyssinian. 'He is so dead once Bradley
doesn't need him anymore.'
"/No/." That one word, so cold and final, made the telepath stare at Aya in
astonishment. "You hurt Kudoh and I will not rest until you are dead. Do. You.
Understand. Me?" Schuldig was at a loss of words. How the hell had the man picked
up that thought, he hadn't been projecting it. And how dare the Kätzchen
dictate demands to him like that? /He/ was the one in charge here, if anyone
was brought to heel it was Abyssinian. He couldn't have the Weiß start
to get all uppity.
Shifting forward, closer to his heart, the German scowled at the smaller redhead.
"I don't see how you can stop me. I warned you about what would happen to anyone
you let get close, you were the one who dug the Penner's grave by letting him
fuck you in the first place." The emotions emanating from Abyssinian were more
hate and anger now than anything else. Schuldig was going for panic, he wanted
to use Balinese's life as a leash about the Katalisator. <Another death you'll
be responsible for. How many will that be now? Tens? No, more like hundreds,
you passed the triple digit mark some time ago. Your sweet lover will just be
one more drop in the bucket.>
"I will destroy you if anything happens to him." Oh dear, the man was quite
quite serious. Fuck. Schuldig hadn't been able to counteract the feelings his
tuberose harbored for the other man enough yet to go about threatening the blond.
It was possible he never would. It was painfully clear from the other's thoughts
that all the things he'd worked so hard for would come crashing down the moment
he killed or harmed Balinese. It took a moment for him to squash the jealous
rage burning through every fiber in his body. Taking deep breaths, he regarded
Aya darkly until he was once more in control enough to summon up a smirk.
"And just how do you plan on stopping me? Or any of Schwarz for that matter?
He's a walking dead man, all of your friends are. Unless..." Aya just sat there,
pressed against the wall, never taking those gorgeous eyes off of him. <Come
now, isn't a curious little kitty like yourself eager to know how you can keep
the trollop alive and well?>
Aya just shook his head. "I know better than to make deals with the devil. They
always turn out badly. You harm him at all and I will not rest until you are
finally dead. Even if I have to kill myself in the attempt." Too fast to see,
the swordsman found Schuldig on top of him again, forcing him back painfully
against the wall.
"I will not allow that to happen." The thought of Abyssinian dead and forever
gone from his mind filled the telepath with dread. "You've been trying to kill
me for two years, you don't have any chance in hell of succeeding." Not while
his talent was kept dormant, and now Schuldig controlled that. "So now we do
a little bargaining. You want your precious Balinese to live, and I want you."
Savoring the rise of panic in the pale man, Schuldig took a moment to nuzzle
at an adorned ear. There was just so far he could push right now, and he dare
not risk the hate becoming ascendant again. "From now on, no more fighting me
in these dreams. Keep me happy, and I'll let the Schwanzlutscher live. Such
a small price to pay for a loved one, isn't it?"
The mouth moved down a pale neck, making Aya shiver at the feel of it. Mind
racing, he tried so hard to think of the proposed deal. Nothing that Schuldig
asked of him would be harmless, experience and instinct told him that. But Yohji's
life was on the line here, he knew that as a fact. Whatever reason the German
had to let his lover live for now, he was certain it wouldn't last forever.
There would come the time that Schuldig would be gunning for Kudoh's blood,
and he knew that the playboy didn't stand a chance. That was why he tried to
keep his interactions with the bastard a secret, so Yohji didn't go storming
off for vengeance and get himself killed. What harm would submitting in dreams
do? Recalling his strange reactions to Schuldig this night, he was afraid of
the answer. But there was no choice, not really. He'd endangered Yohji by not
keeping him at arm's length, by craving the affection and feeling of safety
and warmth the man lavished on him, he was responsible for keeping harm away
from him. "Only while in the dreams." Schuldig's sudden grin sent chills down
his spine, someone was too happy for things to be good.
<Of course. I look forward to our fights in the real world too much.>
It was so wonderful to force a concession out of the stubborn man. <As long
as you don't fight the dreams, I will make sure that Balinese comes to no serious
harm at my or any of Schwarz's hands. That doesn't mean he won't be safe from
a little rough handling now and then, we are enemies after all.>
"Nothing serious or permanent, Schuldig. Or I will do everything in my power
to destroy you. You better keep this promise." This was insane, trusting the
telepath like this. But he had no choice. It would shatter him too much to know
that Yohji was hurt or killed because of him. The foreigner once again kissed
him, this time he didn't try to resist the action. Focusing so much on not breaking
his promise, Aya didn't notice his hands sliding into Schuldig's hair, entwining
in the long strands. The kiss went on for several minutes, until the older man
sat back on his heels. There was a flash of something soft in the pale green
eyes for a moment, then they hardened to a peridot shade.
Grasping Aya's hands and pulling them from his hair, Schuldig regarded the quiet
man for a moment. Abyssinian was indeed keeping his part of the bargain. It
filled him with a sense of euphoria, knowing he'd advanced a little farther
in winning the Katalisator over. But a lesson had to be taught. Two to be exact.
And he needed to shake up the man, break apart the anger and hurt at being forced
to surrender and replace it with confusion. Abyssinian was going to be his,
it was time to make sure he knew who exactly was in control here. "I'll keep
it. Have I ever broken a promise to you?" The smaller man shook his head, he
knew to much past regret that Schuldig always followed through with his threats
and promises. Now to reinforce that, and to work off the anger filling him.
At the thought of having to let that Penner Balinese keep touching what was
his, a stubborn little fool who refused to give in completely. "Correct. Now
to keep one I made you a couple of months ago. I told you the choice would be
yours, pleasure or pain. You chose pain." Unleashing his power, Schuldig watched
as Aya writhed in agony, mouth open in a silent scream.
*******
Yohji woke up, feeling his lover shift in his arms. The smaller man let out
a moan as he thrashed about for a few seconds before lying still. Wiping sleep
from his eyes, Yohji lifted his upper body and rested on a bent elbow to better
observe his kitten. The man's face was flushed, a scowl creasing his brows.
It didn't look like the one time when he'd awoken in pain due to skipping his
medication. Instead it was as if he was caught in a bad dream. Realization finally
dawning, the blond started swearing, wondering what the hell he should do. Would
it harm Aya to be woken from a dream where some German bastard was tormenting
him? He'd done it the one time before, and the pale man had almost killed him
for it. Unsure of what was the best course of action, he sat there watching,
wondering if he should go get Omi or not.
Suddenly Aya started thrashing again, back arching off of the bed. Whatever
the hell Mastermind was doing to the redhead, it sure as hell wasn't good. Blood
started to trickle down a pale chin, teeth sinking deep into the bottom lip
as Aya tossed back and forth in agony. Not seeing how waking up the man could
be any worse than what was happening now, Yohji started shaking his lover, calling
out his name over and over. Snapping the man back and forth, he started to panic
as nothing changed. Just as he opened his mouth to scream for his teammates,
purple eyes flickered open, the stiff body going suddenly limp in the older
man's grasp. Yohji clutched Aya tight, trying to soothe the trembling swordsman.
Aya let out a hitched sob as he buried his head in the blond's shoulder, nerves
still tingling with fire. It had felt as his blood had been replaced with acid,
a burning agony that consumed him. Slowly the pain faded, Yohji's touch chasing
it away. Gentle hands stroked down his back, kisses were pressed against the
top of his head. Lifting up his face, one of the hands brushed back his bangs
and wiped at the blood on his chin. "Gods Aya, I thought you were dying or something.
What the hell did The Bastard do to you?"
It took him a couple of tries to get his voice to work. "He. was keeping a promise."
Aya had forgotten all about it, the fateful words shouted back to him as Schwarz
fled Tayago's corporate headquarters. Figures Schuldig would remember. And the
man would use it to prove just how determined he was to keep his word. The pain
was worth it though, if it meant that Yohji was safe.
"What, to see if he could make you break any bones as you convulsed in agony?"
Yohji stretched out an arm to turn the light switch on, eager to see how much
damage Aya had done to his lip. "Doesn't look too bad." He took in the clammy
skin and dilated pupils. The man appeared to be going into shock. "Damnit. Stay
here, love." He quickly got off the bed and snatched his sweatshirt off the
couch. Returning to the trembling man Yohji yanked it over his head. Had to
keep the kitten warm. "He always pull things like this? I thought you said he
mainly liked taunting you and making threats."
It was getting harder to focus on the blond and what he was saying. "Once or
twice. There were threats this time too. But he promised. My head hurts." Aya
let Yohji shift him about while he reached for the pills. They were pressed
into his palm, and a bottle of water held to his lips. He swallowed the medication,
washing the taste of blood out of his mouth. Yohji lowered the two of them back
down on the bed after he turned out the light. Aya fought against unconsciousness,
terrified that he would find Schuldig waiting for him, but lost the battle.
Stroking a hand through his lover's hair, Yohji curled around the smaller man,
tucking the blankets tightly about him in an effort to keep him warm. There
was no way in hell he was about to fall asleep again, not if it meant that Aya
would be suffering while he was unaware. Gazing at the clock on a nightstand,
he saw that it would have several hours before anyone would even be thinking
of getting out of bed. He'd give them another hour or two, then call a war council
together. Thoughts drifting back to The Bastard and some of the more enjoyable
ways he could go about killing the man, Yohji found him self wondering what
it was that he'd promised Aya this time.
*******
Omi and Ken were at an amusement park. The brunet had thought that his boyfriend
would enjoy a day riding roller coasters and playing games, seeing who could
win the most stuffed animals. They were on a ride at the moment, being tossed
about on the sharp turns. Not that Omi minded. Ken had an arm tight about him,
keeping him close. But still the couple was tossed about, and for some reason
the ride's sound system was blaring out his name. "Omi, come on kiddo, wake
up. Omi." Since when did Yohji work at an amusement park? Suddenly it was very
hard to breath.
Gasping in an attempt to fill his lungs with oxygen, the youth woke up. And
found Yohji leaning over him, hand clasped over his nose and mouth. As soon
as his eyes opened the playboy removed his hand. "About damn time, sunshine."
"Yohji! Are you trying to kill me?" Omi sputtered out.
"Nah, who'd do the cleaning around here then? Get out of bed chibi, I'm calling
an impromptu meeting. Go wake Ken up while I wake the guests from hell." The
lanky man was dressed in jeans and a denim shirt worn over a cropped tank top.
Oddly enough he had his cell phone in the shirt pocket, and had the earphone
attachment on, as if listening to something.
"Yohji, what are you doing up at," oh please tell him this was a joke "six am?
You only went to bed a few hours ago. /I/ just went to bed a couple of hours
ago."
"I'm calling a meeting. You need to be there for it, so does Ken."
Omi punched his pillow in frustration. "Can't it wait til later? Like noon maybe?"
This was a weird reversal, the playboy being up and ready while he pleaded for
a few more hours sleep. He turned his big eyes on the man, counting on being
told to go back to bed.
The older blond wasn't affected in the slightest. "No. Get up now or I dump
a pitcher of water on your ass."
"Yohji, is everything okay?" He couldn't recall the last time the big eyes failed
to work on his friend, and the man was unaccountably tense.
"No chibi. That's why I'm waking everyone up. Would you please just get out
of bed and drag Ken downstairs?"
"Okay." Things had to be bad for Yohji to be so serious at this time in the
morning. His teammate mumbled some thanks before swiftly leaving the room. Tossing
off the sheets and standing up, Omi took a minute to change into a pair of shorts
and a t-shirt. He stopped at the bathroom, then ventured into Ken's room. Navigating
his way around all the boxes still stacked on the floor, he sat down on the
bed and stared at the brunet's profile for a minute. What he wouldn't give to
have the man dreaming about him right now. He started shaking his crush. "Ken-kun,
wake up." It took several tries, and just when he was about to try Yohji's tactic
on the athlete brown eyes slit open to glare at him.
"Go 'way. Don't got the morning shift t'day."
"Wake up. There's an emergency of some sort. Yohji wants us downstairs. Please
Ken, get out of bed."
"Emergency?" Ken sighed as he rubbed at his eyes, exhausted from a night working
hard at the club. The stress alone had worn him out, serving drinks to a bunch
of gangsters who were on edge. He sat up. "Wait, you said Yohji?" Looking at
the clock, he cursed under his breath as Omi nodded. If Kudoh was up at this
hour, then something was most definitely wrong. He snagged a jersey and walked
out of the room, the youth at his heels. Half running down the steps, Ken entered
the kitchen to find Yohji making a batch of coffee and Honjyou and Tamema sitting
at the table, looking ready to fall asleep at any minute. Only one person was
missing. "Well, we're here. Once Aya shows up will you please tell us just what
disaster is lurking about this early in the morning?"
"Grab a seat guys, coffee will be ready in a minute." Despite the shadows under
the green eyes Yohji looked wide awake. "Aya won't be joining us for this."
"What the hell? Hey Kudoh, I don't care if you're screwing the guy or not, but
if you think I got out of bed while the ice cube gets to sleep in, you've got
another thing coming." Ken got up from his chair to go wake the redhead up before
returning back to his bed. If Aya's presence wasn't needed, neither was his.
He got about a foot from the table before he was jerked back down in the chair.
Yohji glared at him, keeping his weight on the brunet's shoulders to make sure
he stayed seated.
"Stay here. This isn't a joke, Hidaka. I'm perfectly serious. Leave the man
alone and just listen to me. Things are about to get real ugly here. Obviously
we weren't paying enough attention yesterday for that to sink in." Yohji's tone
was grave, and contained a spark of anger. He was still berating himself, wondering
why the hell he'd thought Schuldig would stick to just the club. Taking in the
other men's perplexed expressions, he elaborated. "It's official, The Bastard
is back."
Honjyou and Tamema exchanged confused looks while Ken started cursing and Omi
just stared into his empty coffee mug. Breaking off the string of profanity,
the soccer fanatic spoke up. "I thought Manx sent an email saying the ballistic
tests proved the bullet that killed Ueno didn't come from one of his guns?"
Yohji snorted as he lit a cigarette. "Man probably got a new one. Or did something
to screw up the results. This /is/ Mastermind we're talking about here."
"Excuse me," Masato interrupted, "but is 'The Bastard' and this Mastermind one
and the same? And if so, who the hell is he?"
"Have you ever heard of the team Schwarz?" Both Crashers shook their heads,
still half asleep and trying to figure things out. Yohji continued on. "They're
a team of killers we've run across a couple of times. Reiji Takatori had used
them for muscle and any dirty jobs he wanted taken care of. The team is comprised
of four paranormals, and Mastermind is a telepath who just loves fucking with
our heads. Aya's in particular."
Yuushi pushed his chair back from the table as he glared at the lanky assassin.
"Wait a sec. You woke us up this early to play a joke on us? Paranormals? Telepaths?
There are no such things."
Taking a step away from the counter he'd been leaning against, Yohji was prevented
from walking over and punching Honjyou by Omi and Ken. "Listen you ignorant
prick, I'm telling the truth. It wasn't a figment of my imagination that fucked
around with my boyfriend last evening, or had him damn near screaming in agony
from a fucking /dream/ an hour or two ago. He's real, and since you assholes
just had to interfere with Weiß's affairs, chances are good he'll be messing
with your heads. That's why I bothered to include you in on this meeting."
Omi blinked at the older blond. "You said... last night? Aya ran into him last
night? And didn't tell me when he came home? Why not, and what's with this dream?"
The playboy drifted back to the counter and sat on it, yanking his hands through
his hair and tucking it behind his ears. A quick glare at Knight prevented the
man from saying anything else as his partner hauled him back to the table. "Yeah,
well the man didn't exactly elaborate, but he ran into Schuldig last night.
That's The Bastard's name," he glared at Masato, who had opened his mouth. "If
you don't know any German, it means 'Guilty', and boy is he ever a guilty bastard.
Anyways, he caught up with Aya while he was tailing Soma and played some mind
games with him. Shook him up pretty bad. Somehow he's tied up with Soma, get
this he supposedly was even trying to help us out. Or Aya anyways. Then he paid
a little dream visit to the man, gods you should have seen what The Bastard
had done to Aya. I've never seen anyone in that much pain before. He's tucked
up in bed, all shocky from the incident." Yohji pressed the earphone closer
to his head, checking his lover's breathing. So far no sounds of moans or any
other indicators of pain and agitation. He'd left the pale man's phone on right
next to his head, not wanting to leave his lover unattended.
The others were just sitting there, taking in what he'd told them. "As for why
the idiot didn't say anything when he came home, you guys don't know this but
Manx was right, he has a bit of a history with Schuldig. It goes back to his
family being killed." Masato started at this comment, but settled back in his
chair. "It seems that Schuldig loves to visit Aya in dreams, torment him a bit
and try to leave as big a mess behind as he can. Kritiker knows about this,
and had him seeing doctors each time it occurred." Ken let out a snort as Yuushi
choked on his coffee, both knew how much the redhead hated physicians of any
sort. "All they apparently did is mess around with him so more." Omi forced
himself to remain still and not nod his head in agreement. He knew what the
doctors had been up too, and didn't blame Aya for not wanting his employers
to know about the recent dreams. It was just crushing that the man trusted him
and Ken so little. "So he didn't want anyone to know, in case word got back
to them. Which it better not, or you won't have to worry about what he'll do
when he gets his hands on you. There will be nothing left for Aya by the time
I'm finished." Yohji glared about the room, deathly serious.
Ken was shaking his head. "Gods, the man's had the prick in his head for what,
three years now? No wonder he's such a cold, grouchy bastard. Think I'd have
snapped after the first year." He had a bit of new understanding for his distant
teammate. "Don't worry, Kritiker won't hear about it from us." He jerked his
chin at Omi, who nodded his head in agreement.
"Nor us, if he really feels this strongly about it. Okay, let me see if I've
got this straight." Masato leaned on the table, a cigarette dangling from the
corner of his mouth. "Telepaths exist. I'm not disputing that fact, I've seen
enough unexplainable things in my life to accept that, even if Hotspur over
here doesn't." Yuushi just grunted at the comment. "One in particular gets off
on haunting Aya. That explains a lot, now that I think about it. Now he's back,
and is somehow involved with this mission. I take it he's screwed things up
for you before?"
"You could say that." Omi twirled a spoon in his coffee mug, not wanting to
look up and meet anyone's eyes. Especially a certain green pair. He'd known
everything all along, and should have suspected something last night. Here he
was helping Mastermind, who just kept hurting Aya and Yohji. "There was a mission
a couple of months ago. It... wasn't good." That got Knight's attention, he
must have remembered the brief comment from yesterday. "He got inside the team's
heads, made people do things they never would. Almost everyone took quite a
beating that time. He nearly killed Yohji as it was."
"This Mastermind, he's the one responsible for the way Fujimiya has been acting,
isn't he," Yuushi asked. Three heads nodded in agreement. "Okay. I'm not completely
buying this whole mind reading thing, but I have to admit something got to the
man. If you say it's this guy, I'll keep an eye out for him."
Yohji let out a humorless bark of laughter. "You'll never see him coming. No
one does. And any doubts you have will be gone the moment he makes you do something
you'd never have even thought of doing in a million years. Or takes your innermost
secrets and taunts you with them. You have to be on guard, every second, to
make sure he doesn't sink his claws into you."
"He'll do it too," Ken added grimly. "Mastermind is a pro at taking any little
thing and twisting it until it's an obsession. He knows your weaknesses. And
he gets off on other people's pain." It still didn't look as if the elegant
blond was convinced, at least Rook seemed to be listening.
Omi pushed his mug aside and gave everyone but Yohji an authoritative look.
"So here is what we have to do. If Mastermind is involved, it's a safe bet that
Schwarz is as well. We need to finish things off as soon as possible, not give
them anytime to mess around with us. Knight and I will get to work on the accounts,
have everything set up so all we have to do is enter a command and down his
resources will come. Rook, get out there and get us the information we need.
Soma and his yakuza friends must be taken care of by tomorrow night. We'll split
the team into two groups if we have to, one dealing with the club and the other
the townhouse. See if your contacts can help make sure the people are at those
two places at the right time. Balinese, you'll be down in the shop, taking care
of things there before keeping an eye on Abyssinian. We need to make sure Schuldig
isn't trying to twist him into doing something. There will be another meeting
tonight, so Siberian get a couple more hours of sleep before delivering the
orders. Any questions?" Everyone mumbled an affirmation before going about their
respective assignments. Yohji commented that he was going to check on his boyfriend
before starting the orders, and dashed up the steps. Rubbing the back of his
neck, Omi tried very hard to concentrate on the matter at hand, pulling this
mission off successfully, and not on the thought that he was locked into an
agreement that meant his friend's betrayal.
*******
Schuldig entered the kitchen, whistling as he strolled over to the coffee maker.
On his way he tossled Nagi's hair, who was sitting at the table playing with
his Gameboy. Smirking at the irritated glare he received for the indignity,
the telepath rested his arms on the chair's back and leaned over the youth.
"Have any interesting dreams lately, Hosenscheißer? Need do to some laundry?"
He chuckled at the dark thoughts sent his was as Nagi stormed off. Sensing another
teammate up and about, he poured himself a cup of coffee as he settled in the
abandoned seat.
"Guten Morgen, mein Führer." He raised his mug in a salute to Crawford,
who refused to let the name get to him. Stuck up prig probably secretly liked
it.
Crawford refilled his mug and leaned against the fridge as he gave his subordinate
a stern look. "You've been awful busy lately. I wasn't aware that Schwarz had
declared war on the Yakuza."
Hiding another smirk behind his mug, Schuldig reveled in knowing he pulled something
off without poor Bradley-poo seeing it beforehand. The little tuberose's talent
was shielding him from the precog's power. Must be driving the anal-attentive
prick up a wall to find out about it /after/ the fact. "Not all of them, just
one branch in particular. Didn't think you would mind, oh omniscient one, since
it will just lead to chaos and in fighting as everyone jockeys for power. Isn't
that why we're here? You telling me you haven't already worked out the perfect
spin on this yet?"
Refusing to frown in annoyance, Crawford nodded his head the slightest bit.
"I have a few plans set in motion that will ensure we benefit from your little
display of jealousy. Don't try to deny it, I know the real reason you killed
the man. Only the fact that Schwarz will reap from the act kept me from stopping
you." It was a flat out lie, and somehow the American suspected Mastermind knew
this. He was still trying to figure out why he hadn't received a vision about
the event. "You're toying with Abyssinian again, aren't you?" The satisfied
smile on the other man's face told him his assumption was correct. "I've warned
you before, he's not the most stable person around. We need him /and/ Balinese
alive and in their right minds if we want to break away from Esset. Is there
going to be a repeat of the last time we crossed paths with Weiß?"
The telepath just smiled at his leader until the man actually shifted in impatience.
"You worry too much, Bradley-kins. I promise to be a good little boy. Won't
even lay a finger or anything else on the blond slut. As for Abyssinian, you
have no reason for concern there. I'm keeping a very close eye on him and his
mind." The Kätzchen was still sleeping, the dream and its corresponding
shock and agony had taken its toll on the man. Once more he sent some energy
and warmth, a phantom caress and a good morning as sein Herz drifted awake.
Poor Abyssinian, constantly thrown off balance. The state of confusion helped
his mental tamperings to take effect, and would ensure the man would feel relief
and gratitude when their next tryst failed to produce pain. Every little thing
he did in regards to the man led to one conclusion, Fujimiya being completely
his. "Well, I'm off to take care of a few things. Any requests that need my
expertise and panache to take care of?"
Crawford outlined several matters he wanted Schuldig to handle, wary of the
perverse man's enthusiasm. Someone was about to be manipulated or killed, that
was a given. Most likely both.
*******
Blushing at the gushing thanks the happy recipient of a bouquet heaped on him,
Ken hurried back to the van, intent on finishing the deliveries as quick as
possible. He wanted to go home, maybe find a little time to see his kids before
spending the night discussing the best way to kill a bunch of gangsters and
then serving said people drinks. It wasn't going to be a very enjoyable evening.
Not wanting to wait for the elevator, since he was just on the third floor,
he decided to take the steps. The brunet made it down most of one flight of
stairs until he found his way blocked by a very familiar foreigner. Before he
could do anything he found his body frozen, tumbling down to the landing, curling
up at the longhaired man's feet. Distantly he heard a voice through the pain.
"Ah, just die kleine Puppe I wanted to see."
*******
Grrr, you know I so love Schu, and am glad that everyone finds his motivations
a bit clearer now, but that boy has thrown a major wrench in the works. This
chapter is a result of that, had to mess around with the plot outline some,
headaches all around. Hopefully it still makes some sense. Should be just a
few chapters left, but they'll probably take some time since they seem to be
getting so incredibly long.
Yet again mucho thanks to all of the wonderful people who sent me reviews. Get
such a kick out of reading them, they make my day. (hint hint)
So sorry, there are no direct translations of the Crashers Drama Cd's out on
the net anywhere as far as I can tell or uncover, I understand there is some
at Aya no Wei( Corner, a great website by the by, I got most of my info from
there and the fantastic Jacque Koh, (thank you so very very much, lady!). If
anyone does know of any, please drop me a line, I'd greatly appreciate it
As for the tarot request, I do have most of the characters matched up to specific
cards (feel like I'm channeling CLAMP here, jeez not even I am that mean to
my boys like they are). Cassandra will be referring to them by the cards and
some mythological figures as well. Might have caught the one or two times she's
done it already. Keep in mind the interpretations are my own, there are so many
ways to translate the images, but here is some of what I have:
Aya - Death. Card of endings and rebirth, transformation and loss. Sign of sweeping
changes, which he initiates with his power. Card really symbolizes change, and
not death like most people assume, but I like both images for him.
Schuldig - hmm, he's a tough one, but I'm going with The Magician. Creative
power of the intellect, wisdom, communication, information. Link between the
conscious and unconscious. Seems to me that sums up a telepath pretty good.
Plus it usually represents someone who's confident, manipulative, a trickster.
The Moon could probably work for him as well, meaning illusion, deception, fluctuation.
Yohji - Knight of Cups. First off, it correlates with the element water, and
he's a Pisces. Represents a romantic, sensitive, seductive and charming person
who is ready to fight for an ideal or sentiment important to him. Symbol for
emotions, the past, relationships.
Yuushi - Knight of Wands. Spirit of adventure, chivalry, enthusiasm. A handsome,
imposing, daring and volatile person. And a warning of sorts to acting without
thinking of consequences first.
Omi - Page of Swords. Ah, the chibi. A young person, alert, quickminded, versatile
and a good choice for settling disputes. Has an adaptable mind, strongwilled
and well-informed, but can be cold, ruthless and deceitful when needed.
Ken - he's a tough one. Going with The Chariot. Card of conflict, internal struggle,
being pulled in opposite directions, base instincts versus better nature. Shows
a need for balance and focus to stay on the right path. Symbolizing his struggle
with being an assassin, and his 'little' mental problem that develops in Kyoto.
Crawford - The Fool, reversed. He's the anti-thesis to this card. Instead of
being a free spirit, a wild card that trusts his life to leaps of faith and
takes risks, he has to have everything meticulously planned out. He depends
on his visions for the future, instead of being willing to experience the unknown.
Hee, guess you gotta keep reading to figure out who gets Aya, it'll be a while,
that's for sure.