Psymon relaxed back on his pillows. The league had come to Garibaldi
once again. It was fitting, in a way, since this is where it began. He had
confessed his feelings here and things had never been the same since. He
sighed softly, petting the cat curled up beside him. Zoe walked in and sat
on the bed.
"How're you feeling, big guy?" she asked. Psymon shrugged.
"Better. How long till I can go boarding again?" he grumbled, looking out the window.
"The doctors say you should be able to participate in the next event, but you can't compete here," Zoe answered. "Sorry."
"It's alright, as long as I can compete again sometime," Psymon replied, pulling Zoe into a hug. He wrapped his arms around her, resting them on her belly. "So, got some names picked out for Junior here?"
"Junior? What makes you think it's a boy?" Zoe laughed. Psymon kissed her gently. The two just settled back, enjoying each others company.
"So, what the story on this new boarder, eh?" Psymon asked.
"I don't know, I really haven't talked with him much. He sorta creeps me out," Zoe answered. She got up at the knocking on the winnebago door. "I'll get it."
"Good, you do that," Psymon said, rolling onto his side. He pulled Mackerel over, play wrestling with the cat.
"Don't play too rough with him, Psy," Zoe called back to the bedroom, opening the door. She turned and saw Brodi standing there. "Hey, Brodi."
"Hello, little mother," he answered, smiling, "how's the baby today?"
"Which one?" Zoe replied, letting Brodi in.
"Psymon still itching to get back on the snow, hm?" Brodi asked.
"Oh, yeah," Zoe answered. They both looked up at the meowing from the bedroom. "If he hurt that cat, I swear I'm going to break his legs...again." She bustled back to the bedroom, with Brodi following. Psymon looked up at her, the cat curled up against him, batting at his hands playfully.
"Now what?" he asked. Zoe just shook her head and sat on the bed. Brodi plunked down behind her. Psymon smiled at him. "Hey, Zen master."
"Hello, grasshopper," Brodie replied. He patted Psymon's leg. "All healed up now?"
"Yeah, but the docs still want me to keep off the snow a bit longer," Psymon answered.
"Well, it was quite a tumble you took there," the older man said. Psymon laughed. Zoe smiled and leaned against Brodi, who just put an arm around her. She sort of got what Psymon had been talking about back at the hospital about family. Brodi was like a big brother to both of them.
"So, Brodi, have you though about being a godfather?" she asked him, looking up at him.
"Do I have to talk like Marlon Brando?" he asked back.
"Only if you make us an offer we can't refuse," Psymon laughed.
"Yeah, hey, I'm honored to be the godfather," Brodi replied, hugging Zoe. "Can I teach him the ways of Zen?"
"Brodi, with him inheriting our tempers, he's going to need to learn how to walk a path of peace," Psymon answered.
"Hey, no jumping the gun there, big guy," Zoe said. "We still don't know if it's yours."
"Yeah, I always forget that," Psymon replied softly, rubbing his hand over Zoe's belly. "But, until we find out for sure, can we just pretend it's mine?"
"Absolutely," Zoe laughed, then yelped as she was pulled into a hug. Brodi got up, shaking his head.
"Alright, you two, it's time for big brother to take off," he chuckled. Zoe and Psymon waved to him as he left.
Brodi stepped outside, shutting the door to the winnebago behind him, ignoring the laughing come from inside. He just smiled, happy that everything was working out for once. He walked across the camp to the bus he shared with Eddie and hopped on in, heading back to his room. He plunked down on his futon and assumed the lotus position. He closed his eyes to meditate, but was started by the sound of someone shifting their weight on his zabuton across the room. He opened his eyes and saw Raven sitting there, smoking a cigarette and watching him.
"How did you get in here?" Brodi asked, shifting to sit on his knees.
"Eddie let me in," the young man said in a rich English accent, smiling that predetory smile of his. Brodi never really felt comfortable around the boy.
"What do you want?" the older man asked. Raven lounged back on the cushions.
"So, is the child Psymon's?" the boy asked, exhaling smoke.
"You don't mince words, do you?" Brodi asked back.
"Never saw reason to beat around the bush," Raven answered.
"You have a stake in this child's paternity?" Brodi asked, raising a questioning eyebrow.
"No, but it does intrigue me. Nothing else seems to be going on around here," the young man said. "Sad that in a community of snowboarders, the most interesting thing to discuss is the possibility of the father of Zoe's baby."
"Well, it's been slow around here," Brodi answered. "What about you, though? How are you liking the league?"
"It's not what I expected, to be honest, mate," Raven replied. "It is interesting, though. I got to ask you something. That Kaori, how old is she?"
"Why? You interested?" Brodi asked, frowning. Raven looked at him from behind those dark glasses, raising an eyebrow pierced with a silver ring.
"Whoa, I'm not gonna bag on your woman, pal," the boy answered. "Didn't know she was taken. She's a bit young for you, eh?"
"She's a friend, but from what I've seen, her and Mac are close," Brodi answered, disliking the young man even more.
"Psh, Mac's a push over. That girl needs a real man," Raven said, nodding to himself. He looked at Brodi over his glasses, the blueness of them appearing almost colorless in the light. "She is cute, though."
"I suppose. Raven, how old are you? You don't look more than eighteen," Brodi remarked. Raven smirked.
"I've been in the league, what, two months," he said, "and none of you have bothered to get to know me? Why is that?"
"Well, quite frankly, friend, you creep people out," Brodi answered.
"Mm, I like it that way, mate," Raven said, licking his lips, letting his tongue flick against the silver ring in the center of his lower lip.
"You're definately and odd one, Rae," Brodi chuckled.
"Thank you, Zen master," Raven replied, getting up. Brodi was about to ask the boy about that, but he was already heading out the door. Brodi just shook his head. Raven remind him of someone, someone very close, but he couldn't put his finger on it.
Raven walked along the outer ring of the encampment, smoking a cigarette. He paused under the cover of trees and watch Kaori where she sat outside the bus she shared with Elise. He growled softly, smiling his predatory smile for no one. He was about to walk over to her when he saw Mac approach her. Raven crouched down in the shadows, frowning. He dared not make a move in Mac's presence, no matter how much he wanted Kaori. He'd never figured there'd be any distractions during his mission here, but Kaori was beautiful. He'd read biographies of all the boarders, even seen their pictures, but nothing prepared him for meeting them face to face. He'd seen pictures of Kaori before, archive footage of past competitions. Up close, she was something else. The smell of her, the soft touch of her skin, it was almost too much for him. He should've gone with the enhancements that would dull his senses, but no, he'd had to go with a full enhancement. Now he was longing, or maybe lusting was the correct term, after the girl. She intrigued him in more than just on a physical level. He shifted his weight, remaining in a crouch, watching Kaori laugh at whatever joke Mac was telling her. Raven wanted to be the one she laughed with, the one she looked at with those eyes. He wanted to pounce on Mac at that moment, tear the kid apart, but then, that would give it all away, wouldn't? He smiled to himself again and slinked off to the bus he shared with Luther and JP.
Psymon yawned, rolling over and putting an arm around Zoe. He's spooned up against her, stroking her belly. He felt Zoe stirring against him and sighed. He rather liked their moments of cuddle time, although he'd never admit it...or call it that in public. He nuzzled Zoe's shoulder, trailing kisses along it. Zoe put her arm back around his neck. Psymon moved against her, enjoying the feel of her skin against his. Finally, she turned over and put her arms around him, snuggling as close as her rounded tummy would allow. Psymon sighed contentedly. He opened his eyes to see Mackerel looking him straight in the eye.
"Ah!" Psymon yelped, sitting up. "Cat...right in my face."
"Oh, Psy, he likes you," Zoe laughed, petting the cat. Psymon just grumlbled and laid back down on his stomach. Mackerel hopped up on his back and got comfy. "See? He thinks your just a big ol' teddy bear."
"Yay," the Canadian murmured. He moved a bit, looking at Zoe. "Isn't it about time you ran over to Elise's for the morning gossip?"
"Yeah, big guy, but don't I even get a good morning kiss?" she asked. Psymon leaned up, careful not to disturb the snoozing cat on his back, and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. She ruffled his dreadlock tufts and got out of bed, then got dressed and headed to the front door. Psymon stretched, then got comfortable again, not minding the cat at all.
Zoe opened the door, chuckling about how much Mackerel had taken to Psymon, and ran smack into Raven. She backed up and looked at him, his hand still raised as if he had been about to knock. He let his hand drop and looked up at her, eyes hidden by his sunglasses.
"I didn't mean to startle you," he said softly in that beautiful english accent that managed to be both well-cultured and common at the same time. He smiled at her in that bone-chilling predatory way what always made her skin crawl.
"If you want Psy, he's asleep," she said quickly, pulling the door to and locking it. Raven stepped back, letting her down the steps.
"Actually, I thought I might talk to you," the young man said, "about your boarding techniques."
"Well, that takes care of the heebies, but I still got the jeebies," Zoe muttered, then looked at the kid. "Sure, but can you do something for me?"
"Anything," Raven answered, flashing that predatory grin at her again. It remeinded her of a shark, no, a wolf was more life it.
"Take off your sunglasses," Zoe said softly. "I don't like when I can't see people's eyes."
"Fair enough, mate," the boy said, removing his sunglasses. It occured to Zoe that she'd never seen Raven's eyes before. He looked up at her with pale blue eyes, eyes the color of winter frost, and she couldn't help but stare. Raven looked down, away from her. "They bother you, don't they?"
"No, I've just never seen anyone have that color eyes before. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to stare. You have really nice eyes, you shouldn't hide them," Zoe replied, patting him on the shoulder.
"They're rather sensitive to light, I'm afraid," Raven answered, wincing a bit at the reflected light from the snow around them. "Plus, they tend to freak people out."
"How about we go to the lodge for some breakfast? I'm starving and I know the little one must be famished," Zoe said softly, rubbing her hand over her swollen belly. Raven looked down at her stomach.
"Um, may I?" he asked softly, reaching a hand out. Zoe just smiled and placed his hand on her tummy. He closed his eyes, then jerked his hand back from her a bit, but Zoe held on to it and placed it back down gently on her belly. Raven opened his eyes and looked at her. "Is that him?"
"Yes, and we don't know the sex of the baby yet," Zoe answered, then was surprised as the young man knealt down and pressed his ear to her stomach. She just smiled and stroked his hair. She always felt uneasy around the boy, as much as any of them did, but right now it was different. It was almost like he was an old friend or family. Like he was actually one of them. Raven stood up and looked at her.
"Sounds like that one'll come out with it's own snowboard," he laughed. Zoe just smiled at him. He walked with her to the lounge, then settled down to have breakfast with her in the dining hall. They'd talked a bit on the way over about her snowbaording skills. "I guess you kind of have to give it up for awhile, eh?"
"Yeah," Zoe answereed softly, rubbing her belly. "I don't mind much, 'cause I know in a few months, I'll be back on the snow and kicking Psymon's ass around as usual."
"I'm sure he'll enjoy that," Raven replied, smiling. Zoe noted that it didn't seem as disturbing now. The boy poked his food, not really hungry anymore. "I think you and Psy are going to make great parents."
"Well, thank you," Zoe said. She didn't know why she felt like she should know the boy, or why she was warming up to him so quickly. Unfortunately, he had to go and ruin it.
"So, when will you finally know who the father is?" he asked, looking up through his long reddish-brown bangs. Zoe just frowned.
"I'm not sure I really want to know," she answered. "But, I already had the testing done while Psymon was in the hospital. He doesn't know it yet, and I haven't looked at the results. I gave the envelope to Brodi for safe keeping for when I get the courage to finally know the truth."
"You're hoping it's Psy's, eh?" Raven asked softly.
"Of course, I do. I love Psymon," Zoe replied.
"You know," the boy said softly, getting up. "I hope it's Psymon's, too." He gathered his plate and walked off. Zoe just watched him slink away, that was the appropriate description of his movements. She wondered what had made him the way he was. Afterall, every one of them had a story.
Outside, Raven stood in the shadows of the lodge and watched Kaori reading a book on the bench. He walked towards her and sat down. The Japanese girl looked up at him, eyes wide. Raven took off his sunglasses, wincing at the brightness of light reflecting on white, and looked at her.
"Um..hi," he said softly.
"Konnichi wa," Kaori answered. Raven suddenly realized he had nothing to talk to her about, no conversation starter. Thankfully, Kaori had a nice way to start the conversation. "You have really pretty eyes. You should not hide them so much."
"Arigato," Raven replied quietly. Kaori's eyes lit up.
"You speak Japanese?" she asked.
"Only very little," Raven replied. "I really only know two languages, English and Yanky English."
Kaori laughed, making Raven smile. He quickly looked down when he realized his smile made her uneasy. He looked up at her through his bangs. She was so pretty, sitting there smiling at him. He knew he had to remember his objective, but he could stray just a bit, couldn't he? He took her hand in his, then looked down at her book...Slughterhouse Five.
"You're reading Kurt Vonnegut?" he asked. Kaori just nodded.
"It's for my studies," she answered.
"You're still in high school?" Raven asked, kind of enjoying the fact that she wasn't pulling away from him.
"No, I take college studies," Kaori replied. "I want to be in cartoon business like my father."
"Super-keen," Raven said. "I should probably look into letting the league get college study courses, too."
"I could help you with them," Kaori offered, being rewarded with another predatory smile. Raven couldn't help but grin as the oppurtunity to get to know this girl kept presenting itself. He looked away when he knew she was becoming too uneasy. He sighed softly, then was taken by suprise as she touched his cheek, gently turning his face back to her. "Why do you do that? Why do you look away?"
"It doesn't take genius to figure out you're scared of me," Raven said softly.
"I'm sorry, Karasu," Kaori replied. Rave raised his pierced brow.
"Karasu, eh?" Raven asked, he looked up, trying to remember what that meant.
"Ashikarazu," Kaori said, "Karasu mean 'raven.' I didn't think you would mind."
"Mm, I like it," Raven replied, dropping his voice down to little more than a purr. Kaori just laughed, moving closer to him. Raven looked up at her, admiring the way the sunlight glinted in her eyes. He couldn't resist the moment and began to lean closer to her, both of them closing their eyes. Just before his lips met hers, he felt the familiar itch in his shoulder. He frowned, leaning forward again, trying to ignore it, but this time it was more insistant. He sat back, looking at Kaori. Her eyes were still closed, her face still tilted up expectantly for a kiss. He sighed, making Kaori open her eyes. "I'm sorry, I just can't right now, bird."
"Raven?" Kaori asked. He smiled at her, still making her cringe, then caressed her cheek.
"We'll talk again," Raven said softly. He got up and walked off to his bus. Once there, he headed straight for his room and shut the door, locking it. He sat down on his bed and pulled his shirt off, touching the itchy place in his shoulder. "Raven."
"Took you long enough," the small reciever implanted in his ear said. "How's the mission going?"
"So far, so good," Raven answered quietly. "I don't think any of them suspect a thing."
"Good," the voice replied in his ear. "Just remember, you're here for a reason. Don't let yourself get distracted by youy feelings for these people. You don't belong with them."
"I know, sir," Raven said softly. He heard a click in his ear and knew the conversation was over. He sighed and laid back on his bed. He lay his arm over his eyes, thinking about Kaori. She was cute, but she was also a danger to him. He couldn't screw this mission up. The Shakaku wouldn't have another chance at this. He groaned softly and rolled onto his side, curling up in a ball. This was suppose to be an easy mission, very cut and dry, but now there were are sorts of problems gumming up the works. His hestitation to carry out his mission because he was getting to know these people and his feelings for Kaori were not helping matters. Why couldn't his first mission be a simple one?
"How're you feeling, big guy?" she asked. Psymon shrugged.
"Better. How long till I can go boarding again?" he grumbled, looking out the window.
"The doctors say you should be able to participate in the next event, but you can't compete here," Zoe answered. "Sorry."
"It's alright, as long as I can compete again sometime," Psymon replied, pulling Zoe into a hug. He wrapped his arms around her, resting them on her belly. "So, got some names picked out for Junior here?"
"Junior? What makes you think it's a boy?" Zoe laughed. Psymon kissed her gently. The two just settled back, enjoying each others company.
"So, what the story on this new boarder, eh?" Psymon asked.
"I don't know, I really haven't talked with him much. He sorta creeps me out," Zoe answered. She got up at the knocking on the winnebago door. "I'll get it."
"Good, you do that," Psymon said, rolling onto his side. He pulled Mackerel over, play wrestling with the cat.
"Don't play too rough with him, Psy," Zoe called back to the bedroom, opening the door. She turned and saw Brodi standing there. "Hey, Brodi."
"Hello, little mother," he answered, smiling, "how's the baby today?"
"Which one?" Zoe replied, letting Brodi in.
"Psymon still itching to get back on the snow, hm?" Brodi asked.
"Oh, yeah," Zoe answered. They both looked up at the meowing from the bedroom. "If he hurt that cat, I swear I'm going to break his legs...again." She bustled back to the bedroom, with Brodi following. Psymon looked up at her, the cat curled up against him, batting at his hands playfully.
"Now what?" he asked. Zoe just shook her head and sat on the bed. Brodi plunked down behind her. Psymon smiled at him. "Hey, Zen master."
"Hello, grasshopper," Brodie replied. He patted Psymon's leg. "All healed up now?"
"Yeah, but the docs still want me to keep off the snow a bit longer," Psymon answered.
"Well, it was quite a tumble you took there," the older man said. Psymon laughed. Zoe smiled and leaned against Brodi, who just put an arm around her. She sort of got what Psymon had been talking about back at the hospital about family. Brodi was like a big brother to both of them.
"So, Brodi, have you though about being a godfather?" she asked him, looking up at him.
"Do I have to talk like Marlon Brando?" he asked back.
"Only if you make us an offer we can't refuse," Psymon laughed.
"Yeah, hey, I'm honored to be the godfather," Brodi replied, hugging Zoe. "Can I teach him the ways of Zen?"
"Brodi, with him inheriting our tempers, he's going to need to learn how to walk a path of peace," Psymon answered.
"Hey, no jumping the gun there, big guy," Zoe said. "We still don't know if it's yours."
"Yeah, I always forget that," Psymon replied softly, rubbing his hand over Zoe's belly. "But, until we find out for sure, can we just pretend it's mine?"
"Absolutely," Zoe laughed, then yelped as she was pulled into a hug. Brodi got up, shaking his head.
"Alright, you two, it's time for big brother to take off," he chuckled. Zoe and Psymon waved to him as he left.
Brodi stepped outside, shutting the door to the winnebago behind him, ignoring the laughing come from inside. He just smiled, happy that everything was working out for once. He walked across the camp to the bus he shared with Eddie and hopped on in, heading back to his room. He plunked down on his futon and assumed the lotus position. He closed his eyes to meditate, but was started by the sound of someone shifting their weight on his zabuton across the room. He opened his eyes and saw Raven sitting there, smoking a cigarette and watching him.
"How did you get in here?" Brodi asked, shifting to sit on his knees.
"Eddie let me in," the young man said in a rich English accent, smiling that predetory smile of his. Brodi never really felt comfortable around the boy.
"What do you want?" the older man asked. Raven lounged back on the cushions.
"So, is the child Psymon's?" the boy asked, exhaling smoke.
"You don't mince words, do you?" Brodi asked back.
"Never saw reason to beat around the bush," Raven answered.
"You have a stake in this child's paternity?" Brodi asked, raising a questioning eyebrow.
"No, but it does intrigue me. Nothing else seems to be going on around here," the young man said. "Sad that in a community of snowboarders, the most interesting thing to discuss is the possibility of the father of Zoe's baby."
"Well, it's been slow around here," Brodi answered. "What about you, though? How are you liking the league?"
"It's not what I expected, to be honest, mate," Raven replied. "It is interesting, though. I got to ask you something. That Kaori, how old is she?"
"Why? You interested?" Brodi asked, frowning. Raven looked at him from behind those dark glasses, raising an eyebrow pierced with a silver ring.
"Whoa, I'm not gonna bag on your woman, pal," the boy answered. "Didn't know she was taken. She's a bit young for you, eh?"
"She's a friend, but from what I've seen, her and Mac are close," Brodi answered, disliking the young man even more.
"Psh, Mac's a push over. That girl needs a real man," Raven said, nodding to himself. He looked at Brodi over his glasses, the blueness of them appearing almost colorless in the light. "She is cute, though."
"I suppose. Raven, how old are you? You don't look more than eighteen," Brodi remarked. Raven smirked.
"I've been in the league, what, two months," he said, "and none of you have bothered to get to know me? Why is that?"
"Well, quite frankly, friend, you creep people out," Brodi answered.
"Mm, I like it that way, mate," Raven said, licking his lips, letting his tongue flick against the silver ring in the center of his lower lip.
"You're definately and odd one, Rae," Brodi chuckled.
"Thank you, Zen master," Raven replied, getting up. Brodi was about to ask the boy about that, but he was already heading out the door. Brodi just shook his head. Raven remind him of someone, someone very close, but he couldn't put his finger on it.
Raven walked along the outer ring of the encampment, smoking a cigarette. He paused under the cover of trees and watch Kaori where she sat outside the bus she shared with Elise. He growled softly, smiling his predatory smile for no one. He was about to walk over to her when he saw Mac approach her. Raven crouched down in the shadows, frowning. He dared not make a move in Mac's presence, no matter how much he wanted Kaori. He'd never figured there'd be any distractions during his mission here, but Kaori was beautiful. He'd read biographies of all the boarders, even seen their pictures, but nothing prepared him for meeting them face to face. He'd seen pictures of Kaori before, archive footage of past competitions. Up close, she was something else. The smell of her, the soft touch of her skin, it was almost too much for him. He should've gone with the enhancements that would dull his senses, but no, he'd had to go with a full enhancement. Now he was longing, or maybe lusting was the correct term, after the girl. She intrigued him in more than just on a physical level. He shifted his weight, remaining in a crouch, watching Kaori laugh at whatever joke Mac was telling her. Raven wanted to be the one she laughed with, the one she looked at with those eyes. He wanted to pounce on Mac at that moment, tear the kid apart, but then, that would give it all away, wouldn't? He smiled to himself again and slinked off to the bus he shared with Luther and JP.
Psymon yawned, rolling over and putting an arm around Zoe. He's spooned up against her, stroking her belly. He felt Zoe stirring against him and sighed. He rather liked their moments of cuddle time, although he'd never admit it...or call it that in public. He nuzzled Zoe's shoulder, trailing kisses along it. Zoe put her arm back around his neck. Psymon moved against her, enjoying the feel of her skin against his. Finally, she turned over and put her arms around him, snuggling as close as her rounded tummy would allow. Psymon sighed contentedly. He opened his eyes to see Mackerel looking him straight in the eye.
"Ah!" Psymon yelped, sitting up. "Cat...right in my face."
"Oh, Psy, he likes you," Zoe laughed, petting the cat. Psymon just grumlbled and laid back down on his stomach. Mackerel hopped up on his back and got comfy. "See? He thinks your just a big ol' teddy bear."
"Yay," the Canadian murmured. He moved a bit, looking at Zoe. "Isn't it about time you ran over to Elise's for the morning gossip?"
"Yeah, big guy, but don't I even get a good morning kiss?" she asked. Psymon leaned up, careful not to disturb the snoozing cat on his back, and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. She ruffled his dreadlock tufts and got out of bed, then got dressed and headed to the front door. Psymon stretched, then got comfortable again, not minding the cat at all.
Zoe opened the door, chuckling about how much Mackerel had taken to Psymon, and ran smack into Raven. She backed up and looked at him, his hand still raised as if he had been about to knock. He let his hand drop and looked up at her, eyes hidden by his sunglasses.
"I didn't mean to startle you," he said softly in that beautiful english accent that managed to be both well-cultured and common at the same time. He smiled at her in that bone-chilling predatory way what always made her skin crawl.
"If you want Psy, he's asleep," she said quickly, pulling the door to and locking it. Raven stepped back, letting her down the steps.
"Actually, I thought I might talk to you," the young man said, "about your boarding techniques."
"Well, that takes care of the heebies, but I still got the jeebies," Zoe muttered, then looked at the kid. "Sure, but can you do something for me?"
"Anything," Raven answered, flashing that predatory grin at her again. It remeinded her of a shark, no, a wolf was more life it.
"Take off your sunglasses," Zoe said softly. "I don't like when I can't see people's eyes."
"Fair enough, mate," the boy said, removing his sunglasses. It occured to Zoe that she'd never seen Raven's eyes before. He looked up at her with pale blue eyes, eyes the color of winter frost, and she couldn't help but stare. Raven looked down, away from her. "They bother you, don't they?"
"No, I've just never seen anyone have that color eyes before. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to stare. You have really nice eyes, you shouldn't hide them," Zoe replied, patting him on the shoulder.
"They're rather sensitive to light, I'm afraid," Raven answered, wincing a bit at the reflected light from the snow around them. "Plus, they tend to freak people out."
"How about we go to the lodge for some breakfast? I'm starving and I know the little one must be famished," Zoe said softly, rubbing her hand over her swollen belly. Raven looked down at her stomach.
"Um, may I?" he asked softly, reaching a hand out. Zoe just smiled and placed his hand on her tummy. He closed his eyes, then jerked his hand back from her a bit, but Zoe held on to it and placed it back down gently on her belly. Raven opened his eyes and looked at her. "Is that him?"
"Yes, and we don't know the sex of the baby yet," Zoe answered, then was surprised as the young man knealt down and pressed his ear to her stomach. She just smiled and stroked his hair. She always felt uneasy around the boy, as much as any of them did, but right now it was different. It was almost like he was an old friend or family. Like he was actually one of them. Raven stood up and looked at her.
"Sounds like that one'll come out with it's own snowboard," he laughed. Zoe just smiled at him. He walked with her to the lounge, then settled down to have breakfast with her in the dining hall. They'd talked a bit on the way over about her snowbaording skills. "I guess you kind of have to give it up for awhile, eh?"
"Yeah," Zoe answereed softly, rubbing her belly. "I don't mind much, 'cause I know in a few months, I'll be back on the snow and kicking Psymon's ass around as usual."
"I'm sure he'll enjoy that," Raven replied, smiling. Zoe noted that it didn't seem as disturbing now. The boy poked his food, not really hungry anymore. "I think you and Psy are going to make great parents."
"Well, thank you," Zoe said. She didn't know why she felt like she should know the boy, or why she was warming up to him so quickly. Unfortunately, he had to go and ruin it.
"So, when will you finally know who the father is?" he asked, looking up through his long reddish-brown bangs. Zoe just frowned.
"I'm not sure I really want to know," she answered. "But, I already had the testing done while Psymon was in the hospital. He doesn't know it yet, and I haven't looked at the results. I gave the envelope to Brodi for safe keeping for when I get the courage to finally know the truth."
"You're hoping it's Psy's, eh?" Raven asked softly.
"Of course, I do. I love Psymon," Zoe replied.
"You know," the boy said softly, getting up. "I hope it's Psymon's, too." He gathered his plate and walked off. Zoe just watched him slink away, that was the appropriate description of his movements. She wondered what had made him the way he was. Afterall, every one of them had a story.
Outside, Raven stood in the shadows of the lodge and watched Kaori reading a book on the bench. He walked towards her and sat down. The Japanese girl looked up at him, eyes wide. Raven took off his sunglasses, wincing at the brightness of light reflecting on white, and looked at her.
"Um..hi," he said softly.
"Konnichi wa," Kaori answered. Raven suddenly realized he had nothing to talk to her about, no conversation starter. Thankfully, Kaori had a nice way to start the conversation. "You have really pretty eyes. You should not hide them so much."
"Arigato," Raven replied quietly. Kaori's eyes lit up.
"You speak Japanese?" she asked.
"Only very little," Raven replied. "I really only know two languages, English and Yanky English."
Kaori laughed, making Raven smile. He quickly looked down when he realized his smile made her uneasy. He looked up at her through his bangs. She was so pretty, sitting there smiling at him. He knew he had to remember his objective, but he could stray just a bit, couldn't he? He took her hand in his, then looked down at her book...Slughterhouse Five.
"You're reading Kurt Vonnegut?" he asked. Kaori just nodded.
"It's for my studies," she answered.
"You're still in high school?" Raven asked, kind of enjoying the fact that she wasn't pulling away from him.
"No, I take college studies," Kaori replied. "I want to be in cartoon business like my father."
"Super-keen," Raven said. "I should probably look into letting the league get college study courses, too."
"I could help you with them," Kaori offered, being rewarded with another predatory smile. Raven couldn't help but grin as the oppurtunity to get to know this girl kept presenting itself. He looked away when he knew she was becoming too uneasy. He sighed softly, then was taken by suprise as she touched his cheek, gently turning his face back to her. "Why do you do that? Why do you look away?"
"It doesn't take genius to figure out you're scared of me," Raven said softly.
"I'm sorry, Karasu," Kaori replied. Rave raised his pierced brow.
"Karasu, eh?" Raven asked, he looked up, trying to remember what that meant.
"Ashikarazu," Kaori said, "Karasu mean 'raven.' I didn't think you would mind."
"Mm, I like it," Raven replied, dropping his voice down to little more than a purr. Kaori just laughed, moving closer to him. Raven looked up at her, admiring the way the sunlight glinted in her eyes. He couldn't resist the moment and began to lean closer to her, both of them closing their eyes. Just before his lips met hers, he felt the familiar itch in his shoulder. He frowned, leaning forward again, trying to ignore it, but this time it was more insistant. He sat back, looking at Kaori. Her eyes were still closed, her face still tilted up expectantly for a kiss. He sighed, making Kaori open her eyes. "I'm sorry, I just can't right now, bird."
"Raven?" Kaori asked. He smiled at her, still making her cringe, then caressed her cheek.
"We'll talk again," Raven said softly. He got up and walked off to his bus. Once there, he headed straight for his room and shut the door, locking it. He sat down on his bed and pulled his shirt off, touching the itchy place in his shoulder. "Raven."
"Took you long enough," the small reciever implanted in his ear said. "How's the mission going?"
"So far, so good," Raven answered quietly. "I don't think any of them suspect a thing."
"Good," the voice replied in his ear. "Just remember, you're here for a reason. Don't let yourself get distracted by youy feelings for these people. You don't belong with them."
"I know, sir," Raven said softly. He heard a click in his ear and knew the conversation was over. He sighed and laid back on his bed. He lay his arm over his eyes, thinking about Kaori. She was cute, but she was also a danger to him. He couldn't screw this mission up. The Shakaku wouldn't have another chance at this. He groaned softly and rolled onto his side, curling up in a ball. This was suppose to be an easy mission, very cut and dry, but now there were are sorts of problems gumming up the works. His hestitation to carry out his mission because he was getting to know these people and his feelings for Kaori were not helping matters. Why couldn't his first mission be a simple one?