Title: Lahat Ng Matatamis Na Bagay

Chapter: 1

Author: Crystalline

Notes: First and foremost, my disclaimer. I do not own the Weiss Kreuz characters. Please do not sue me. I am only borrowing them for my little sick purpose of writing a fanfic. Second of all, I have bastardized the whole idea and concept behind Weiss Kreuz. I deleted some characters and some of the characteristics of those that I used. I am deeply sorry. Third of all, please forgive me for my lack of artistic-slash-poetic influence. This is my first Weiss Kreuz fic and yes, I need you guys to help me improve it. By the way, translations are at the bottom. I'm not sure how to rate and/or describe it but I think this is what people call AU. I'm gearing towards an angst-fic but that remains to be known. I really don't like lovey-dovey and cheesy fics (how do you call those anyway?) so I'll try my best not to head that way.

On Reading: (1)I used Ran instead of Aya all through out the fic. I know we're all used to calling him Aya but please, try it out for a change. Then again, if you feel like Aya's a whole lot better, then tell me then I might consider changing it. (2) I'm not so keen when it comes to places and dates so I'll leave it out of the story. I don't know much about other countries like Japan or Germany so I did not use either one of them. I didn't see it fit to use my own country because it will be irrelevant. (3) I want to keep Omi out of this fic. Sorry Mamoru fans… I don't like the little bugger that much besides, I can't find a role for him to play—yet. We'll see as the fic progresses. (4) I'll be introducing new characters into the fic. I made up a lot of names most of which does not sound Japanese nor German. Like I told you, I'm not so keen on place. (5) I have yet to learn how to write sensual scenes that's why on the first chapter, I did not focus much on the pairing. It's more of an introduction. You will notice that I'm a bit heavy on the details because I want the readers to get acquainted with the environment with which the characters move in, as well as their personalities. I do not know if I have achieved it but I tried really hard. Like most writers, I cannot avoid grammar and typographical errors that's why right now, I am asking you to bear with me and my writing style (or lack thereof). (6)Since this is the revised version of Chapter 1, you will notice a number of differences. Some dialogues and ideas were changed. Not to worry though, it's still on the same track but I would encourage you to read it all over again. Here are the new guides to reading:

(Italicized) Thoughts/Internal Monologue/Reading

"Italicized" Dialogue

oOooOooOo Start/End of Scene

Rating: I have no idea how to rate it, yet… but I think it would be PG-13 to R.

Lahat Ng Matatamis Na Bagay

Kabanata I: Maskubado

(Revised Version)

Ran Fujimiya tried to concentrate while reading Sun Tzu's The Art of War. His book review was due tomorrow and his professor in Industrial Psychology would not be pleased if he missed yet another deadline. The book was composed of thirteen, very short chapters but for some weird reason, Ran cannot finish the damn thing. He bought the book a week ago but up to now, he is still stuck in chapter two. He sighed heavily and let the book slip from his hands. It landed with a soft thud on the hardwood table—he was obviously not in the mood to read. He sunk lower into his seat, stretching his aching legs as far as they can go. He laid his head back into the chair and closed his eyes; his long arms dangling at his sides. He looked at the ceiling, trying to find something interesting but none entered his view. Of course. What would you get from looking at the ceiling? Silly redhead. Nonetheless, the university library was a work of art. The deep mahogany theme was carried all throughout the structure. Art works were scattered all over the place—reproductions of Van Gogh, Picasso, and Rembrandt; to name a few, were hung on every vacant wall. Reading areas were composed of lush carpets with different designs and the cushions of the couches were made of forest green velvet. The lights were dim at some areas and brighter at others, especially the study areas. Each desk had its own lamp, electrical outlet, and LAN port; transforming them into individual workstations for anyone who uses it.

On that day however, one particular occupant was far from making it a workstation. Ran closed his eyes, ignoring the pain that his current body position was causing him. He was too tired and too bored to continue reading. "The hell with this book," He muttered. He lifted his arms and folded them at back of his head, trying to ease the pain on his neck by cushioning it. He only had four hours worth of sleep and he's now feeling the effects of late night studying. He was starting to drift off to sleep when boisterous laughter erupted from the other side of the shelves. Ran opened his eyes—a scowl suddenly forming across his face. (This is a fucking library. Those idiots should know better.) He sat back up, just in time for the noise to settle down a bit—Ran could still hear murmurs and soft laughter coming from the same direction. (At least it's a bit more tolerable.)

Ran picked up the book in front of him. The said book had spent more time being dropped and stuffed into a bag than read. (Here we go…) He started reading again.

(Thus, though we have heard of stupid haste in was, cleverness has never been seen associated with long delays. In all history, there is no instance of a country having benefited from prolonged warfare. Only…)

"And the next thing you know, Ken was running out of the room, down the hallway and out into the lawn in his boxers!"

Another round of laughter rang out the third floor of the library. And this time, it had no sign of stopping.

(Only one who knows the disastrous… Sweet jeezuz… where's the librarian when you need her…)

"Ken was shouting his head off… 'FIRE! FIRE! FIRE!'" More laughter.

(…the disastrous effects of a long war can rea…)

"Shut up Youji! Has it occurred to you that we are in a lib…"

"I know, I know. But the incident was just too fucking funny!" Laughter. Laughter. Laughter.

(…war can realize… realize the supreme imp…)

"Shut up you stupid fuck!"

That was the last straw. Ran slammed the book down, stood up, and kicked the chair backwards. Some people need to be taught how to respect other people—and how to keep their pie holes shut in the library. Ran stomped across the room to where the reading area was. He passed a couple of shelves and book bins. The noise was getting louder and louder and he knew he was closer to its source. He passed two more shelves and stepped out into a reading area.

"If you've got nothing better to do in this place, GET OUT!" Ran's steely glare was aimed at a group of students sitting on the sofas; two of which he recognized. The infamous he-bitch of Price-Wadsworth University, Youji Kuhdo, and his bestfriend-slash-sidekick, Ken Hidaka. The laughter and the talking stopped as Ran stepped closer to the group. Stupid smiles still plastered on their faces. "Have some respect for the people who are trying to study you idiots."

The group of friends looked at each other and chuckled; irritating Ran even more.

"What's so funny?" Ran asked.

"Take it easy Fujimiya. We're just having some fun," said Youji. He was drying the tears that have collected at the corner of his eyes after laughing so hard. "You know… sharing stories about love life, sex life… the two things you don't have." The others bursted into another round of laughter after hearing the snide remark against the red head.

Ran's eyes narrowed, not liking the joke. He said, in a not so gentle way, "Have fun somewhere else Kuhdo. You and your friends don't belong here."

"Who the hell do you think you are, Fujimiya?" Ken tried to get up but Youji's hand was already there to stop him.

"It's not worth it," said Youji, as he tried to calm down his friend. He gave Ken a friendly slap on the back and stood up. "I'll take care of this." He walked towards Ran. "I think you and I need to talk."

"We can talk here, Kuhdo."

"No. Not here…"

"Here is just fine."

"I don't think you understand me," said Youji, unable to mask his irritation. He grabbed Ran's right arm and started to drag him off towards the shelves.

"Don't you fucking touch…," Ran said as he tried to wrench his arm from the grip of taller man.

Youji tightened his grip and pulled Ran closer to him. He lowered his voice and whispered, "Why don't you stop being an ass and just follow me?" The last words were further emphasized by a tug. Feeling no more resistance from Ran, Youji led him toward the bookshelves. After making sure they were out of earshot, Youji pulled Ran in the middle of the bookshelves. A scene that is atypical when Youji and Ran were involved. The were always involved in a verbal battle that have no resolution. There were even times wherein they were on the verge of beating the living hell out of each other. Youji never understood why the redhead was so angry with him whilst everyone else in the university seems to like him. Youji never had any problems dealing with other people—he was famous for being friendly to everyone, especially toward the ladies. But Ran was far from being his friend. This was the time to know why. Youji took a deep breath and faced Ran.

"What's up your ass Fujimiya? Why is it that whenever we meet, we never fail to irritate each other? Why do you hate me and my friends so much?"

The redhead raised his eyebrow—as if mocking the blond for not knowing the answers to his questions. He said, "You should be able to answer those questions."

"Sorry, but I don't."

Ran shrugged and said, "You're just one of those people who gets to my nerves without even trying."

Youji raised one eyebrow and gave Ran a puzzled look, "Huh?"

"Everything about you is appalling to me. Whenever I—let me talk first and then you can go on with your mindless ramblings," Ran said as he glared the blonde into swallowing the words that were about to go out of his mouth. "As I was saying, whenever I see you, I start seething. For whatever reason, I don't know. It's like my anti-bodies are working over time whenever you're within my safety perimeter. You have the "four S"—sleezy, stupid, slutty, and oh, sex-driven."

Youji's expression was a mix of surprise, hurt, anger, and of several other emotions that Ran found it hard to pin down which one to use. Ran couldn't be more right. Youji had so many different thoughts and emotions running inside him at that moment. How dare Fujimiya say things like that to a person he barely even knows. Sure, he gets pissed off at the redhead but that's because he would start acting so bitchy towards him most of the time but never had he assumed such things towards Ran. He even found there bickering, from time to time, very amusing. It takes his mind off the mundane life he is living. Rich and sophisticated, Youji Kuhdo was born to be in the limelight. People, money, attention, and some things that he can live without flock towards him like ants to sugar. It was too easy for him; way too easy that life, as he knows it, is just another word that is equated with boredom. Then in comes Ran Fujimiya with his anti-Youji sentiments. He never knew why they fought and why they always end up crossing each other's path but Youji has, for some weird reason, come to need this. Encounters with the redhead were far from pleasant but he considered them challenges. They never resolved anything since each fight always ended up as draw. Youji considered Ran as his only competition because he is the only one who's either brave enough or stupid enough to become that person. For this little preoccupation in his life, Youji was somewhat grateful.

That doesn't mean though, that he will start taking shit from the guy. He wanted nothing else in the world at the moment than to wipe away the triumphant look on Ran's face. His hands clenched and unclenched at his sides, his green eyes looked straight into the other's amethyst pair. Then, a smile formed across his face. He shoved his hands into the front pockets of his jeans. "Well Fujimiya, congratulations. You're the first person to ever say things like that to me without getting your face slammed into something hard," said Youji.

"Ch'..."

"What? That's it? No witty remark? None of your signature glares?"

There was a genuine, confused look that formed on Ran's face. He didn't have a clue as to why Youji suddenly became very amused at the situation at hand. He could've sworn that the other man was on verge of beating the living hell out of him just a minute ago. How he hated his happy-go-lucky attitude. He was half expecting to be thrown across the floor or shoved against the bookshelves after saying those things towards the man but not this.

"Confused little man?" asked Youji as he looked down at Ran.

"You wish."

"Tsk. Tsk. Tsk. You know Ran, I brought you here because I thought we can patch things up. I want us to be friends. I mean, where else can I find a smart-ass like you? You are the only one who came close to a challenge to me. I can't just let you go or I'll be bored to death."

"Your condescending ways never fail to surprise me. Just when I thought your head couldn't get any bigger, you'll do and say something that would change my opinion."

"What can I say? I've perfected ego-tripping since I was a kid."

"No shit…"

As much as Youji liked to stay and argue with the redhead, he was finding it all of a sudden boring. Well, not boring as in 'Ran-is-a-boring-person-to-be-with" rather, it is boring in the 'I've-got-other-things-to-do-at-the-moment' boring.Youji suddenly realized that they were again locked in a staring match that would call on the expertise of a general surgeon to properly separate them if neither disengages.

"Why don't we just leave it at that, Fujimiya?"

"For the first time in his life, Youji Kuhdo is actually speechless."

Youji laughed at the remark, "Not by the hairs of my chiny-chin-chin." Big smile. "Anyways, I know it pains you so much to be void of my presence but alas, I have to go. I'll see you soon." Youji winked and turned to leave.

"I'll be looking forward to it," said Ran as he stared at the blonde's back. All he got though was a simple wave from the man and then he disappeared into the sea of bookshelves. Ran found himself standing alone in silence. For some weird reason, he had a sinking feeling when he watched his so-called greatest rival walk away. He hate to admit it but he has grown accustomed to their bickering that he thought of it as a daily or weekly requirement depending on how much they see each other. Heaving a big sigh of relief or of boredom—whichever applies best—he went back to his desk, picked up his book…

…and shoved it inside his bag.

oOooOooOo

"So, how did it go?" asked Ken as he and Youji walked away from the library. They parted ways with their friends—Allen, Jeffrey, and Lu—before Ken decided to ask again. All of them were awaiting his arrival when the 'wicked witch of the west' came and started scolding for making too much noise in the library. Apparently, some students heard them and started complaining. They were on the verge of going crazy when Jeffrey saw Youji waving, half-hidden behind a bookshelf. He stuck out his thumb and waved it, signaling them that it was time to go. All four of them stood up, apologized to the non-too-pleased librarian and started to walk away. Youji rejoined the group as they half walked and half ran down the stairs and out the library's main door. The other three forgot to ask Youji what happened after succumbing to the monotonous reproach of the librarian. They headed for the cafeteria to grab a light snack before going to class. Youji and Ken, on the other hand, decided to head for class even if they were thirty minutes too early.

"He called me a sleezy, stupid, and sex-driven slut."

"Eh?"

"We didn't really fight or you would've heard it. Which somehow disappointed me but to summarize our little talk back there, he said that I have the 'four S'," said Youji as he made imaginary quotation marks in the air. "The meaning of which I have given you already."

"And… you didn't do anything?"

"Well, I wanted to but something stopped me."

"Eh?"

Ken held his arm in front of Youji to prevent him from walking any further and stepped in front. He leaned forward, squinted his eyes, and started examining Youji's face. An eyebrow went up. "You. Are. Not. My. Friend."

"Uhh… Ken?"

The shorter man tilted his head and raised his eyebrow. "You look even dumber at a close distance." He gave a little chuckle and placed both his hands on his hips. "I mean… c'mon… you must've done something else or argued about more important things like what brand of curling iron is better. Why did you let him do it anyway?"

"Why did I let him do 'what'?"

"Why did you let him have a go at you just like that? I mean, after calling you a sexy, little slut?"

"Err, actually it's 'sleezy, stupid, sex-driven and slutty', but thanks for the complement."

"…"

"Haha. Peace out my friend. To be honest, I don't know. I just felt like walking away."

"Eh?"

"Look. I was surprised at my own reaction as you are—I can't explain it. I know that I am up to something… I just can't say what though."

Ken shook his head and said, "Oh really. And I assume you're going to take psychotherapy after this? 'Doc… help me. I've been acting a little weird lately…'"

"Funny. Very funny. Look, I just have this gut feeling that I'm going to get back at him just… not at that moment or anytime soon."

"That's it, I'm taking you to the counseling office. You are definitely not the Youji I know. Which of your hidden personalities am I talking to right now? Mr. Chicken Shit?"

"Mr. Goodlooking," said Youji—not to be outdone in his own game. "By the way, remind me to stop by the vending machines. I need a drink."

With that, he turned his best friend around, placed his hands on his shoulders and pushed him towards the LA (Liberal Arts) building.

"Hey! Let me go. I can walk you know. And my sense of direction is not THAT bad," said Ken. When the hands refused to budge, he stopped without a word. Youji bumped into him. Ken smiled. (Gotcha!)He raised his right foot and sent it hurtling towards Youji's foot.

"Ken wha…aaahhhhh!"

Ken started running—he stepped on Youji's new Chuck Taylors. He's dead meat when Youji catches him.

"Come back here you little cuss!"

Ken ran faster because he knew that was the sign that Youji had begun his hunt. He was heading towards a small garden, one of the hundreds that were scattered all over the school grounds. Students study, eat, and hang out in these gardens—but there were some that were off limits. These contained medicinal herbs, rare plants, and ponds; bio, bio-med, and zoology students mostly use these. There were several of these 'special' gardens; all surrounded by a low, white, iron fence.

It's the exact garden that Ken was heading for. He made a sharp turn to avoid it but his momentum sent him skidding sidewards, tripping over the fence, and falling into the pond. He caused a big splash and students near the site of the accident started walking towards him. Ken sat near the edge of the pond with green muck all over his face. He started to hear students calling out to him. He was supposed to tell them that everything's okay when a hand came out of nowhere, grabbed him by the collar, and pulled him out of the pond. He tottered a bit when he landed because his feet got caught on the fence again. He regained his balance, patted away the green stuff covering his head and face, and looked at the person who pulled him. He was half-expecting to see Youji since he's the only guy strong enough to do that. However, he was greeted by a very angry, green-haired guy who looked like he was J-rocker. The white overcoat he was wearing was wet and smeared with dirt and pond scum; his green eyes were burning with irritation, and his nails were digging into the Ken's skin. He didn't notice that the green-haired man was already holding his arm and had no idea how it got there but he did not like the way he was looking at him.

"Hey man. Hands off!"

"…"

"Didn't you hear me. Broccoli-head? I said HANDS OFF! " Ken was sharp enough to notice the hint of foreign accent. (Must be German…) The man looked down at him, his green eyes burning holes into his head.

"Hand offs? Sure. What do you say if I break your arm off you little fuck?"

"Get away from me," Ken said as he tried to wrench away from the man's tight grip.

"You ruined my coat you idiot."

"I didn't mean it, sorry. Now let go! You're hurting my arm!"

"Sorry is not going to cut it. I'll break your arm then we'll call it even."

Ken saw the glint from the man's eyes and he was not comforted. Whoever the guy was, he was certain that he will do exactly what he told him. The man suddenly twisted his arm behind his back and kicked him behind his right knee. Ken fell on his knees as the man pulled his right arm, making him succumb more. He bent his body to try and alleviate the pain on his shoulder joint but this gave the man an opportunity to place one foot on his back.

"Idiots like you don't belong here," said the man as he pulled Ken's arm.

"Quit it! It fucking hurts!"

"Someone ought to teach you how to act properly…"

The green-haired man was about to pull some more when knuckles connected with his left jaw. The force sent him tumbling sidewards causing him to let go of Ken's arm. He landed on all fours, seething with anger. Blood dripped from his lips to the maroon-colored bricks covering the school grounds. He spat out the blood that had accumulated in his mouth and wiped his lips. He stood up in order to face the person. The sight that greeted him made him think twice though. In front of him stood a familiar looking man. Tall, blonde, and model-like but can kick ass if pushed. He was wearing a white shirt with a red stripe running across it, a pair of dark jeans made of soft denim, and a pair of the newest Chuck Taylors in the market. He had an expensive looking watch around his left wrist—exactly the one he saw from the Cartier catalogue just the other week. Around his neck was a white gold chain. The blonde looked at him angrily and warily. The stranger just stared at the blonde while he digs into his memory bank. He has seen that person before—he just can't pinpoint who he was and where he met him. And as if on cue, an image he saw several months before came into mind. The stranger smiled. (Bingo.)

The green-haired man didn't show any signs of movement or intention to do so—Youji took the opportunity to check on his friend. He placed his arm under his friend's left arm and the other, on his waist so as to assist the latter as he stood up. The blonde patted the shorter man's back and looked back at the stranger.

"Who the hell are you?"

The stranger did not answer Youji instead, he continued on staring at him. The smirk on his face did nothing to lighten Youji's mood.

"Hey, I'm talking to you," said Youji with the intention of walking up to the green haired man and beating the living hell out of him.

"Hah. It makes sense why you two are friends. Neither of you have any manners."

"Cut that accent-shit off."

"I'm not making it up…"

The green-haired man suddenly realized that there's a crowd that had gathered around them. They were cheering them on—or at least one of them. He caught the blonde's name from the chant—he smiled even more and tucked in some loose strands of hair behind his ear. (Bingo? Bullseye is more like it.)

"I'm not making it up, Kuhdo."

The other man blinked in surprise as he mentioned his name.

"It seems that you have a lot of fans."

"What's it to you?"

"I've got myself a new form of entertainment. I was starting to get bored the minute I stepped into this school."

"What?"

"Nothing. Anyways, tell your little friend to watch where he's going next time. He might not be so lucky again."

"Is that supposed to scare the shit out of me?"

"No. That was meant for your friend," said the stranger. He took a step backward. "I'll be seeing you around."

i

"Youji, discipline officers are coming this way. We gotta go!" Ken said, tugging at his friend's shirt. "C'mon!"

"But he's getting away Ke…"

"Next time, Youji. We'll get him next time. Now get your ass moving!"

Ken started walking towards the LA building again. He turned around and signaled Youji to come along with him. Youji looked disdainfully at his friend and realized that he was right. From the corner of his eye, he could see the trademark dark-khaki polo shirts and black pants that the DO's wore. They were heading his way. He had to get out of there before he gets himself into trouble He trusted the crowd enough not to tell on him. Situations like this happened often enough for the student population to know what to do. He took one last look at the stranger. He too was looking at him with great interest. He did a mock-salute and turned around. The stranger fumbled with the buttons of his soiled coat, took it off, and slung it over his right shoulder. Youji heard Ken call him again. It was time to go.

oOooOooOo

Youji and Ken entered room LA417, gaining them unwanted attention from their professor and the rest of the class. It's hard not to notice the two since the classroom was not your average, everyday classroom. The room was patterned to a Roman theater. Rows of soft, dark-green, padded seats rose several feet away from the professor's dark, Mahogany platform. Bright lights were open, lighting every nook and cranny. The room was fitted with state of the art audio-visual instruments and modern fixtures. The seats, for example, have built-in pullout tables so that the students will be able to write properly. The high walls were padded with thin, blue cushions. The floor was covered with soft, dark-blue carpet that prevented footfalls from making too much noise. It was a temperature-controlled environment that prevented excessive heat or cold to emanate through out the classroom. Everything inside this room was nothing short of expensive and high-tech.

The sight of the so-called 'Smart Classroom' in Price-Wadsworth University was indeed something to behold. There's several of its kind, built into every building in the university. It could hold up to one hundred students and still have enough seats to accommodate three or four more student blocks of the same amount. For this time though, Mr. Reeves's class only occupied the lower portion of the classroom. He liked keeping his class intact to make his lecture more effective.

"Welcome to Industrial Psychology class, boys. As usual, the both of you are late. I'm warning you… it's the second week of classes and you've already used up 3.5 units off the allotted time for absences and lates," said Mr. Reeves as he looked at his two students. "And if you don't mind me asking, where the hell have you been this time?"

The harassed state of the two was suspicious and funny at the same time that's why one student was not able to stop himself from saying, "Snooping around at the girl's dormitory again!" He said it loud enough for the whole room to hear—earning a round of laughter and snickers from his blockmates. Youji could've sworn that he saw the vein on Ken's head pop out. The two of them were wrongly accused of snooping around the girl's dormitory the previous term. The girl population did not take it too kindly and stayed away from them. Both men did not get any dates for several weeks.

"Yes well, whatever it is that you two have been up to, I'd rather not know anymore. Go to your seats and I'll resume the lecture," said Mr. Reeves. "And Mr. Hidaka, I would really appreciate it if you would come to class fresh, clean, and dry."

This time around, Youji knew the vein on Ken's head blew.

oOooOooOo

"I'm going to kill that foreign bastard," said Ken, half way through Ind. Psych. class. He's been picking out grime from his hair for the last thirty minutes and his head still feels alive from all the bacteria and small animals living in the pond. "I'm soooooo going to kill him…"

"Speaking of the devil," said Youji. Ken turned to his friend and saw him looking up front. He looked up and immediately wished that he didn't. Up front and center stood the green-haired guy who kicked his ass a while ago. The stupid smirk was still on his face. He was looking around the room, scanning the faces of the people and then stopped, annoyingly so, at his' and Youji's place. Maybe it was his eyes but he swore, the smirk on the stranger's face grew wider. "That egotistical shit-head. Don't tell me he's going to be our classmate…," Ken said exasperatedly. He will not last a whole term with that guy in his class.

His worst fear was realized when Mr. Reeves announced something to class after discussing something with the discipline officer who escorted the guy to the room.

"Class, it seems that we're going to have a new student in our class. His name is…," Mr. Reeves faltered as he tried to read the stranger's name from a piece of paper. "Sku… Skul… dick?"

Everyone sniggered at the mispronounced name. The affected party's face contorted at the mistake and said, "It's pronounced as Shool-ditch."

"Oh. Well. I beg your pardon. Schuldich. Welcome to Industrial Psychology. Please take a sit on the last row."

"My pleasure, professor."

Youji and Ken couldn't believe their ears. They both looked at the unoccupied seat next to Ken and then at each other. If there's anything worse than having the stranger as their classmate was to have him as their seatmate as well. (Holy shit!)The look in their eyes was more than enough to express their thoughts. They're going to have an interesting term courtesy of their newfound friend. They heard a chair being dragged and they noticed that the so-called Schuldich has reached his seat and was currently looking down at them. He then pulled out his chair, sat down, and totally ignored them. It was only then that they noticed that the so-called Schuldich was devoid of his white overcoat. He was wearing a plain, white shirt and light khaki pants whilst his feet were in white snickers. Youji snorted and decided that the man was not worth his time and looked away. Ken, on the other hand, looked on as Schuldich pulled his long, green-colored hair into a low ponytail. He then realized that Schuldich was just like Youji. A person born into sophistication. Simply put, the guy looked expensive. Ken no longer wanted to touch him for fear of soiling Schuldich with his unworthy being. He felt like a street beggar sitting in between the two. Ken sighed heavily as he sank lower down his seat. From the corner of his eye, he saw Schuldich shift in his seat as he tried to get something from his pocket. The next thing he knew, Schuldich's was waving a very small atomizer in front of him. He focused his eyes on the bottle and read the brand—it was in French and like most things that came from Paris, it sounded and looked expensive.

"What the hell is that?" Ken asked even though he already knew what it was.

"Perfume. You're starting to smell."

"I don't need it. Take it away."

"Ken, take the good man's perfume and put some on yourself. He's right," said Youji who immediately pulled his lips shut.

Ken sniffed at himself and realized that they were both right. Yet he seethed internally as he felt betrayed by his bestfriend. Surely, Youji could've lasted a few more minutes with his smell. He begrudgingly took the bottle and sprayed some on himself, when he was about to give it back, Schuldich and Youji said in unison, "More." And so poor Ken did as he was told—he felt like his teeth are about to break under the strain of his bite. After spraying, he placed the bottle none-too-gently on Schuldich's waiting hand.

"Now, don't we smell a whole lot better…," said Schuldich as he replaced his perfume in his pocket. Youji tried to hold back a laugh or two, but a muffled version of it came out nonetheless. He cleared his throat to cover up the slip but it was too late. The brown-haired man heard it.

"Screw the both of you…"

oOooOooOo

Ran sat on a bench underneath a big tree. There were a lot of sitting areas all over the campus but Ran liked this specific spot because of the shade and privacy that the tree provides—what with the bushes planted around it. Ran liked it most when it was spring but the beauty of the famous gardens of Price-Wadsworth University did not fade even during fall. It was the start of autumn and the air was getting chillier but it was still tolerable. He wore a loose, black, turtleneck sweater; and a pair of dark blue jeans. He tapped his boot-clad foot impatiently. He gave up reading his book for the nth time that day. Now, he was waiting for someone. He was called to the Dean's office after his Philosophy class that afternoon and was told that he will be guiding and helping a new student get acquainted in and around the university. The new guy received instructions to meet up with Ran after the Dean called him up on his cellphone.

"Be nice to him, Fujimiya," said the Dean as he was about to close the door. He nodded and went to this spot. However, the redhead's patience is wearing thin as the said person is already twenty minutes late. He checked his cellphone and saw that it was nearly 5 o'clock. He needed to get home and finish his book report as early as possible. Ran's mood was definitely being put to a test.

"Sorry to keep you waiting," said Schuldich as he approached Ran. He came from behind the tree and slowly peeked at the person who was supposed to keep him company for the next two months or so. He saw fiery red, layered hair that was as nearly shoulder length. He could see something that was reminiscent of eartails but now, it was part of the rest of the person's hair. As he neared him, he slowly saw the profile of the person. The first word that came into mind was (Beautiful...). What greeted him was a pair of amethyst-colored, cat-like eyes that showed annoyance at his lateness.

"Good afternoon. I'm Ran Fujimiya," said Ran as he stood up to meet the person. He was irritated of course but he did not forget his manners. He extended his hand to the person.

Schuldich looked at the hand that was offered to him. Creamy white skin. A prelude to its softness. He took it into his own and shook it. "Just call me Schuldich."

"Schuldich. Okay. Umm… I don't want to be rude or anything but I can't stay that long anymore. I have a paper to finish," said Ran as he nudged his head towards his book. "Book report for Industrial Psychology."

Schuldich looked at the book. He smirked and looked back the Ran's pretty face. "I see. Is your professor Mr. Reeves as well?"

"Yes, he is."

"I didn't see you in class a while ago."

"I got the MWF schedule at 8:10 to 9:10 in the morning."

"I see. I supposed TTH classes are longer than MWF's, huh? Why didn't they give me that schedule… Damn…"

"Uhh… yeah. They are. Anyways, I would be more than glad to help you but I guess I'll have to talk to you tomorrow about it."

"Fine. I'll meet you after classes then. What about lunch?"

"I can't. I still have class at that time. Three o'clock would be better."

"See you then."

Ran then gave Schuldich a curt nod and bent down to pick up his book and bag. He threaded his arm and head through the lengthy strap and rested it on one shoulder while his bag hung on the other side. He turned to give Schuldich another nod and started walking away. The sun was still up and was giving out enough light for him to read, so he opened the book and started reading again.

"Watch where you're going," Schuldich called from behind. All he got as answer from the redhead was a small wave.

"My, oh my. Aren't we going to have an interesting life here." He smiled as he looked at the fading form of Ran. "I'm going to have me some fun with these kittens… and I am going to enjoy every minute of it."

To be continued…

Tagalog-to-English Translations:

Lahat Ng Matatamis Na Bagay means "All Sweet Things"

Kabanata means "Chapter"

Maskubado refers to "Mascuvado Sugar"