HI!

it has been a while. I know. and I know this ain't much of a start. well, I was going to make this a one shot, but there is too little plot and too much of relationship development for that. and I have no further knowledge of gymnastics so do forgive me all the errors are due to come. that's all I wanted to say for now, here is the start.

Same Difference

Kurogane was just leaving from the shower lockers when he heard loud voices coming from the hall. Normally he wouldn't have cared about it, but he wasn't in a hurry this time. He had earned a free evening from work at his parents restaurant, since he had test season coming up. He didn't need much cramming so he had taken a leisure shower after his kendo lesson.

So he decided to check that everything was under control. He had heard a rumor that some bullies had targeted the freshmen and beat them along with other stuff. And he was not going to idly stand by if that was happening in his gym. No matter that he didn't own it the least.

He opened the door to the gymnastic hall and peered out. If there was just some other extra curriculum activity going on he didn't want to disturb it.

He recognized the bearded man as the gymnastics teacher. His eyes narrowed. There as something about the man that always gave him the creeps. He was sure that in another situation, they would be archenemies. He had never told this to anyone, because he couldn't explain the feeling and he knew Yuko would ridicule him.

The man in dark clothes with odd symbols in them was yelling at a slender guy standing in front of him. It was something about not trying hard enough and being unable to listen and follow instructions. He snorted in loath. His kendo coach would never reproach anyone like that. He would calmly tell what went wrong and how to fix it. What he saw here was nothing like proper coaching.

The man shook his head and threw his hands in the air in frustration and stomped away. He was about to leave too when the slender guy turned around.

First his jaw dropped and then his temper flared. The blond guy had a bright red mark on his cheek, exactly what would come when slapped. He stepped through the door.

"Did that bastard hurt you?" he growled when he was closer to the blond. Pair of wide blue eyes stared at him. A hand with long fingers brushed the cheek self-consciously.

"No" the blond said, blue eyes looking just past him "I wasn't concentrating enough. Accidents happen" the blond continued, met his gaze and smiled brightly. He frowned seeing it. It was a mask, trying to block people from coming close. He should know, he used his scowl the same way.

"You weren't focused in avoiding the blow?" he asked sarcastically, crossing his arms over his chest. The blond tilted his head, trying his best to look innocent.

"What do you mean by that?" the blond laughed and waved a hand dismissively "You are funny."

"No I am not. And you are being an idiot" he growled. The blond went serious looking and put a finger against his lower lip, head still tilted.

"That's rather rude. Just because you have issues in trusting what you are told, you also have no reason to intrude my privacy"

they stared each others a while. Then he snorted

"the only reason I am here is because you "coach"'s voice came all the way to the lockers."

"Oh" the blond said, all expression momentarily drained from the face. But then the smile was back

"He can be loud at times. I should pay more attention during lessons"

"You can goof off all you want and it doesn't give him right to hit you"

there was a twitch in the blue eye and the blond rubbed it, hiding his face in the process behind a curtain of blond hair. Irritated he grabbed the hand and pulled it away.

"Talk to me" he commanded. The blond head lifted but it was turned to the side "Damn it" he cursed and tossed the hand away, making the blond gasp in surprise. Seeing the shock in the blue eyes he felt his cheek burn up.

"Sorry" he mumbled, clearing his throat. The blond kept staring at him, mouth slightly ajar and body tense. He sighed and run a hand through his hair. "I didn't mean to yell too" he managed to say. The blond smiled softly and relaxed a bit

"It's okay. As you can see, I am the type people yell at."

he shook his head

"No, you are not. You are just stubborn" he said. Pot calling the kettle black he thought to himself. "But now, could you tell me, did he hit you?" he asked the one last time and looked sternly into the blue orbs. He couldn't read anything in them at the moment, the smile was keeping everything else hidden. "And stop smiling" he ordered.

The blond chuckled

"Many people have complimented me on my smile"

"Tsk" he answered "I'm not like many people"

the blond nodded

"I can see that" the smile turned more honest "Not many people care that much. You are kind"

his jaw dropped at that. He had been called many things but not kind. he shook his head

"You are crazy" he answered just as honestly. The blond sighed

"That I hear a lot"

he rolled his eyes

"you know I didn't mean it" he said. The blond lifted a fine eyebrow

"I do? And how do I know that?"

he was at a loss of words. He waved his hand meekly

"Because I say so" he finally said. The blond gave him a victorious grin

"And you should believe me when I say that I got this because of my own clumsiness"

"I am not saying I don't believe you. What I want to know is did he do that to you?"

"And would you have believed it if I had said no?" the blond inquired. He shrugged

"Maybe. But not anymore"

the blond shrugged

"Then there is nothing more I can say. You have made up your mind."

with that, the blond walked past him towards the showers. He grabbed the thin hand while the blond was passing him.

"I won't let him do it again" he said completely serious. The blond didn't look back at him, body tense.

"I don't know what you are talking about" the blond said and pulled himself free. He didn't try to stop the blond again. He just watched after the slender guy.

When the door was closed, he sighed and rubbed his temple. He wasn't sure why it was so important to him. He always hated to see someone bullying others just because they had power or position over them. And he as sure as hell hated the stupid man with ridiculous clothes and that overly maintained beard. Why would waste so much time trimming a beard?

He shook his head, lifted his head up and rolled his shoulders. He had already said he would stop the man. It was too late to back out, so he should just do his best to keep his wove.

But first he would go home, do his homework, and tomorrow he would try to find out who in the hell the blond was. And as much as he hated it, he bet he would have to ask Yuko about him. And while he was at it, he should dig up as much as he could about the bastard too. Maybe he had some past markings and he could get the man fired. That way he would not hit anyone again. At least while getting paid.

Plan ready he briskly walked out and headed home. He was smirking on the way. It had been a long time since he had had something interesting to do. He had missed a challenge. And now that he had one, it made him feel energized. Feeling he had almost forgotten. It didn't matter that the blond was covering and lying and fake. That was beside the point. He would get rid of the bastard, that was what he wanted and that was why he was doing all this.

so, what did you think? you like? should I continue this or drop it and write something else about them? do tell!
I always love getting reviews, no matter what's in them. no pressures ;)
later! don't worry, I won't give up on Kurofai, I love them too much for that! (more like I have too many ideas for them and don't know which one to write.. this one wasn't my favorite, but it was the most eager to come out... :P )
bye!