Year One | Age 9-10 Continued

Fai had seen that smile once before, but he ignored it. If he got scared now he wouldn't be able to summon up the courage to tell Ashura the news. "Père, I'm-I'm a wizard." He stuttered, looking up at his father with uneasiness. When he didn't get a reaction, Fai, with trembling fingers, took out his letter and handed it to his father, whom looked over it carefully.

"So your a wizard huh?"

Shifting his eyes toward Kurogane's parents Ashura raised an eyebrow. "You can't tell me you seriously believe this?"

Kurogane's mother nodded, "I do believe this. My husband is a wizard and I'm a witch." Knowing Ashura would most likely need proof, Kurogane's mother took out her wand and wrote "Takashi"-her husband's name-in the air.

Staring with wide eyes as the stick in the young woman's hand began to draw character's in the air, Ashura backed up slightly. "So your telling me... your magical?" Disbelief was evident in the man's voice as he tried to grasp what they were saying. "And your telling me also that my son is a wizard as well?" Shaking his head lightly the neatly dressed man sighed.

"So I guess I can't deny this seeing how you've... shown me that you can write letters in the air with a stick." Trying to ease the tension in his shoulders, Ashura nodded. "Well then... Fai we need to go home. It seems both you and I have a lot to talk about tonight." Looking to Takashi and his wife Ashura smiled faintly.

"I hope you wouldn't mind my son and I coming back tomorrow to talk to you about this... situation a bit more tomorrow?"

As Ashura and Kurogane's parents finished their conversation, Fai frowned and leaned closer to Kurogane, whispering to him, "That smile...It seemed cold." Casting his eyes downward and clutching his Mokona plushy, the blond mumbled, "Do you think he's mad?"

Shrugging his shoulders Kurogane whispered back. "If anything happens... my window will be unlocked." He didn't know where the words had come from but Kurogane had meant every one of them. Watching Ashura closely he noticed, as the older man glanced back at them, his eyes turning rather cold as he saw the boys standing so close to one another.

"Well then, Fai lets go." Bowing politely toward Takashi and his wife, Ashura grasped Fai's wrist and lead him out the door.

The blue-eyed boy looked back at Kurogane and called out, "A demain*, Kurogane!" Fai would've waved goodbye, but one wrist was in Ashura's hand and his other hand held his plushy, so he settled for smiling warmly back at him instead. Wondering to himself if Fai's smile seemed a bit uneasy Kurogane waved good bye, his red eyes fixed upon Fai's blue.

Leading the young blond outside, Ashura quickly let go of Fai's hand as the door behind them shut. "A wizard..." A cold tone seemed to embed itself within Ashura's voice as he crossed the street to their home. Not bothering to look back the older man hastened to open the door of their home and stepped inside.

That tone and his cold smile...Yes, Fai had witnessed those before. But they hadn't been directed towards him, rather one of Ashura's employees while Fai had visited his father's work. The poor man had done something to anger Ashura and, while not being directly harsh and wearing a cold smile on his face, had fired the man despite begging for a second chance-and adding he had a sick wife at home. It had scared Fai back then and, now that he was in a similar situation, he was equally or even more afraid than he had been back then. "P-Père?"

Turning his eyes to look at Fai, Ashura frowned. "What?" Moving to sit down at the kitchen table the older man collapsed into the chair with a heavy sigh. "A wizard..." he repeated for what felt like the tenth time. "And I thought I'd hidden you well enough." Running his slim hand through the black tresses of his hair Ashura closed his eyes. "What to do..."

Fai, still uneasy about the situation, heard Ashura's mutter and couldn't stop himself from inquiring, despite his fear. "'Hidden?' What do you mean by 'hidden'?" Pausing for a second, he thought about the meaning of Ashura's words. Realization dawned on the young wizard as he murmured, "You knew I was a wizard...You knew...And you didn't tell me! Why? Père why didn't you tell me this?" The fear in his voice was gone now, driven out and replaced by confusion and a little bit of anger.

Slowly turning his gaze toward his son Ashura coolly responded. "You dare to talk to me in that tone?" A wicked smile was fastened upon the man's lips as he watched Fai's expression change from fear to even anger. "Being a... wizard" he spate the word out. "-isn't something to be proud of. What do you think normal people will think of you?" Turning away from him Ashura gazed out the window toward the Suwa home. "I also don't want you to see that boy anymore, he's a bad influence on you. You will not be going to this school either. Rather instead I'll be sending you to one of the most prestigious boarding schools in the country."

"Y-You can't do that!" Fai stuttered, indignantly. "That's not fair. Kurogane's my friend and you have no right to take away what little happiness I actually have."

Snapping his eyes toward Fai the older man growled. "What reason do you have to be unhappy? You want for nothing in this house!"

Fai instantly recoiled, he had said the wrong thing and surely would suffer at the wrath at his father. I-I have to get away. Looking up at Ashura and trying to mask his fear with anger, Fai growled, "I'm going to my room."

Smirking at his son Ashura nodded. "That's right Fai run away from your problems." Pausing for a second he added. "And don't let me catch you sneaking out of this house... you know there will be hell to pay."

Ignoring Ashura's threat, he slammed the door to his room and collapsed onto his bed. Tears welled up in his eyes but he wiped them away, refusing to cry. It's just not fair. Why should he choose whom I can see and where I go to school? He longed to go back downstairs and fight with his father about it until he won, but the image of his cruel eyes raised through his mind and sent shivers down his spine. No, he couldn't go back.

Waking early the next morning Ashura readied himself for work. Not wanting to admit that he was worried if Fai had listened to him last night or not the older man quietly made his way to the blonde's room to check up on him. Finding Fai fast asleep Ashura sighed. "Thank goodness..." Turning away as he shut the door Ashura quickly locked the front door behind him as he got into his car to leave.

Fai woke up to the sound of an engine starting. Sitting up, he looked out his window to watch as Ashure drove away towards his work in a nearby city. He sighed with relief, grateful that he wouldn't have to face his father at that time. I wonder if Kuro-puu really left his window open. He smirked as an idea formed in his mind. Unlocking his window, he took his blanket and tied it to his bed post and knotted the bottom of it so it formed a rope. The only reason he was sneaking out of his room in the first place was to spite his father, so why not be flashy about it and go old school?

Fai, taking his blanket, opened his window and dropped the rest of the blanket out the window. Climbing out if it, he slid the rest of the way down and hit the ground quite nicely. A 10 out of 10 landing if I do say so myself. Looking around, he quickly and quietly ran across the street. Once he neared Kurogane's house, he slowed down to a walk. It was still only 6 in the morning, so he had to be quiet in order to avoid waking them up.

The blond snuck quietly around towards the back, where he knew Kurogane's window was. As he neared it, he noticed it was indeed open. Chuckling, he climbed through it and landed lightly next to Kurogane's bed. I wonder if Kuro would get angry at me if I snuck into his bed? Well, there was only one way to find out. Quickly, he climbed into the bed and laid on his side. They laid there, back to back. Slowly, Fai's eyes slowly closed and soon he fell asleep.

Feeling a sudden new warmth after a rather cold night, Kurogane muttered quietly in his sleep and rolled over. His eyes flickering for a moment the young boy draped his arm across Fai's waist and pulled the smaller boy closer. His mutterings slowly passing, Kurogane's cheek fell across Fai's golden tresses. His breathing stirring the strands as they tickled his nose the black haired young man jerked awake.

Red eyes opened to take in the sight of Fai curled snugly up against him as Kurogane's hand rested easily upon the other's hip. A bright blush crept over the taller boy's cheeks as he tried to slowly back away only to have Fai follow the warmth of his body.

What the hell? Puzzled as to why the blond was in his bed, Kurogane recounted the events last night, remembering he'd told the other that his window would be open for him if he needed it. Knowing Fai, the blond must have snuck into his bed late last night. Figuring that his friend needed the contact, Kurogane quietly muffled his bewilderment of Fai being so close and just let the contact sooth him back into sleep. Tugging the blond even closer as a chilly wind swept through the window and so that he could have at least some of the pillow that the blond was hogging; Kurogane shut his eyes. Best get some more sleep at least...

It was around 8 in the morning when Kurogane's mother walked in on them. Looking at them, she fought with herself over whether she should wake them up or let them sleep for a few more hours. But their so cute laying there...I don't know if it'll be right breaking them up. Soon, though, she came to the conclusion that she'd let them sleep and tell her husband about how cute they were laying like that. Quietly backing out of the room, she closed the door and walked towards her and her husband's room. "Takeshi, I just saw the cutest thing."

Hearing the door shut, Kurogane's red eyes snapped open. Turning to look at his clock the young boy began to freak as he saw the time. "Fai get up already! Hahaue is gunna see us!" Scrambling out of bed the young boy ran to his closet. "Gotta get dressed... where to hide you.." Dragging his bed cloths off of his body, not in the least bit shy in front of Fai in his haste, Kurogane slipped into a pair of jeans and a black shirt.

"Um, Fai go out the window and come around to the front. Give me about five minutes!" Dashing out of the room Kurogane hastened to the kitchen where he knew his mother would have breakfast ready. Finding his mother not in the room Kurogane's ears perked as he heard his mother's voice.

"Yes, Fai-kun was cuddling with Kuro-chan in his bed!" She giggled. Blushing bright red the young boy collapsed into a chair. No... she saw us! Looking up from the floor, Kurogane almost yelped as he saw Fai hadn't done as he'd asked.

Ignoring Kurogane's instructions, Fai waited for a few seconds before walking into the kitchen and exclaiming "Bonjour everyone!" He put a goofy smile on his face as he saw Kurogane's face. "Hey Kuro-chiot, do you know what we're having for breakfast?"

"Covers been blown huh son?" Walking into the kitchen hand in hand with his wife, Takashi smirked at his son teasingly. "Didn't know that you and Fai-kun were so close for him to so casually crawl into your bed." Sending a glare at the blond Kurogane huffed. "Its his fault for falling asleep, he should have waken me up." Not daring to say that he had fallen asleep as well Kurogane blushed lightly as Takashi roughed his hair up.

"Well I'm sure that Fai-kun needed your warmth son, finding out your a wizard isn't something that happens every day now is it?" Sitting at the head of the table Takashi smiled up at his wife. "So I'm assuming we are going shopping for two today?"

"Of course. So how about it Fai-kun, is it alright if we buy you supplies?" Lady Suwa smiled at Fai and waited patiently for his answer.

"You really don't have to. Père had given me some money last night before I went to sleep. See." Fai reached into his pocket and feigned mock surprise as his hand turned up empty. Putting a smile on his face once more, Fai said, "Oh...It seems like I must of forgot it in my room...Maybe I could go over and grab it?"

"No, no there's no need." Kurogane's mother insisted. "Just have Ashura pay us back instead."

Fai almost frowned, realizing that it might be a problem if Kurogane's parents ever came over his house to ask his father for the money he owed them. But he kept his composure and answered, "Are you sure?"

"Of course." Lady Suwa nodded and Fai flashed her a bigger smile. "Well, if you insist I guess I have no choice." Scoffing at his friend Kurogane stood up to walk toward Fai. Lifting his hand the red eyed boy flicked the other between the eyes. "Really don't be so difficult. Hahaue will win in the long run... she can be pretty scary." Shooting a look to his mother who simply gazed at her son with a loving smile Kurogane sighed in relief. "So shall we go?"

Takashi nodded at his son's question. "Yes, because its Fai's first time we'll use the Flu Netweork." Smirking at his wife the older man continued. "We'll have the snuggle buddies travel together so that Fai-kun doesn't get lost." Blushing bright red at his father's teasing Kurogane scoffed. "Fine, I'll make sure the baka doesn't get lost."

Moving into the living room where the fire place was the four of them gathered around the hearth. Picking up a small vase of powder from a near by shelf, Takashi held it out to Kurogane who grabbed a small pinch. Reaching out for Fai's hand, Kurogane stood before the small flames. "Don't let go alright?" He warned.

Pulling Fai close to him as he had when they were asleep Kurogane threw the powder into the fire. As the flames glowed green he pulled the blond into the fire before shouting, "Diagon Alley."

Fai clung onto Kurogane tightly and closed his eyes. It seemed, to Fai, as if everything was tight against him. But soon the pressure around him and Kurogane vanished as they landed in the hearth of a tavern. "Kuro, where are we?" Fai kept holding onto Kurogane, he wasn't letting go until Kurogane's parents arrived at least.

Smirking at his friend Kurogane stepped out of the hearth, pulling the blond along with him. "The Leaky Cauldron." Walking toward the bar the young man pulled out a small bronze coin. "Two butter beers please." The bar keep nodded and after collecting the money quickly set to work readying their order.

"This is how we'll get into Diagon Alley," pointing toward the rear of the pub Kurogane grinned as his parents came into view. "Here's yer' order." Sliding the two cups of Butter Beer toward the young boys the bar keep wandered off. Picking up his drink carefully as it was near over flowing, Kurogane took a quick sip. "Try it." He smirked at Fai.

Fai looked down at the mug. He smirked, it did look good. Glancing at Kurogane, the blond raised the mug to his lips and took a sip. A flavor that could only be described as sweet and creamy hit his tongue and, as he put the mug down, he couldn't help but let a content smile grace his face. Turning towards Kurogane, Fai exclaimed, "It's so rich and creamy and sweet!"

Rolling his eyes at his friends antics Kurogane smirked. "Its supposed to be. Now hurry up and lets finish these so that we can get our shopping over and done with." Tipping his glass up, the young wizard quickly downed the rest of his drink before placing it back on the counter. Behind him his father chuckled as Kurogane whipped away a mustache of cream. "Kuro's gunna be a drinker when he gets older!" A muffled gasp of pain came from Takashi as Kurogane's mother pressed her elbow into his ribs. "No he will not, isn't that right Kuro-chan?"

Fai nodded and quickly drank half of his butterbeer, which was all he could manage. Standing up quickly, Fai grabbed Kuro's arm and pulled him out of his chair. "Come on Kuro-rin! You're the one who was rushing me! Stop being a slow-poke and let's get moving."

Allowing himself to be pulled along by Fai, the red eyed young boy eagerly followed behind his friend. Kurogane might act like he was uninterested but he was just as eager as his friend to see the Alley. Following behind them Takashi quickly tapped his wand in the required order upon a old brick wall in the rear of the pub. "Ready Fai-kun?"

Smiling down at the blond, Takashi placed his hands on each of the boys shoulders to give them a light push as the wall opened up. "Welcome to Diagon Alley."

Fai could only stare in wonderment as the wall opened to reveal a crowded and narrow street. Wizards and Witches everywhere walked leisurely throughout the street as owls flew over their masters while they walked down the streets. A box flew out of one shop, hitting a Witch on the head whom cursed loudly in the direction it had come from. And, at the end of the street, was a huge building. There seemed to be a sign on it, but Fai was too far away to be able to read it. All Fai could do was say, "Wow," which didn't do his wonderment much justice.

Quietly laughing at his friend as Fai walked around staring at everything, Kurogane grabbed Fai's hand in his eagerness. "Come on, I want to go get our wands first!" Tugging the blond after him, Kurogane rushed into a messy shop. The sign over head read Ollivander's Wand Shop.

Standing at the back of the shop a thin old man turned to smile at them. "Well then, I would suppose your both here for your first wand?" The old man's tone of voice was welcoming, so Fai had no problem with answering, "Yes!" Turning towards Kurogane, Fai inquired excitedly, "Can I get mine first?" Raising his brow in amusement Kurogane stepped back with a wave of his hand. "By all means Mr. Wizard."

Looking the young lad over, Ollivander quietly retreated down a row of wands. "Eager and some what excitable, perhaps this wand will do for you." Holding a small box in his hand the old man gently pulled out a light brown wand. "Crafted out of Aspen with a Unicorn Hair core, lets see how this fits you." Handing the wand over to the young blond Ollivander stepped back to judge his choice.

Fai took the wand gingerly. Looking at Ollivander he asked, "Do I wave it?" Ollivander nodded, and Fai waved it. Boxes containing wands flew out of the shelves and a vase broke to Fai's left. The young blue-eyed wizard dropped the wand in surprised and subsequently blushed when the boxes were done flying everywhere.

Ollivander ducked as a box almost hit him square in the head. "No, that doesn't seem to be the right one." Grabbing a box that was on the floor, he took out a light brown, nearly white, wand that seemed light in his hands. "This one might do the trick." He handed Fai the wand, whom took it hesitantly as if it would cause more boxes to go flying. But the wand seemed to fit right into his hand and only a small spark flew out of it.

"Yes, we seem to have found your wand. May I see that for a second?" Ollivander took the wand from Fai and inspected it closely. "Beautifully crafted out of Willow with the core as Dragon Heartstring. Seems to be 9 inches." He handed the wand back to Fai, whom took it eagerly.

"So this is my wand now?" Fai asked, excited that he finally found his wand. Ollivander nodded, which seemed to prompt Fai to inquire about something else. "Why didn't the other one work?"

"It is complicated, but to put it simply; the wand chooses the wizard." Ollivander answered. Having answered the blonde's question the old man turned to the tanned young man who stood by his parents. "Ah, I know exactly what sort of wand that will suit you Mr. Suwa." Letting his gaze move to Takashi, Ollivander smiled. "Proud and loyal just like your father. A warrior of great strength but also of compassion. A wand of Cedar will work well with you, however what sort of core?"

As he continued to mutter to himself the old man wandered to the back before coming out with two boxes. "First lets try a Unicorn hair." Handing a medium sized wand to the young boy Ollivander prompted him to give it a wave. Unsure of the wand in his hands Kurogane gave the wand a light wave. Just like before with Fai's first try, boxes flew off of shelves. Shaking his head Ollivander took back the wand and handed Kurogane the second one. "Dragon Heart String it is then."

As soon as the wand was in his hands Kurogane knew it was the right wand. A feeling of power swept through the young lad as he held the wand in his hand, a small crooked grin upon his lips. "Ah, just as I thought." Smiling at the young boy Ollivander nodded before he clapped his hands. "So two wands is it? If you'll come this way." He beckoned to the adults as Kurogane turned to Fai.

"That was pretty cool," the young wizard murmured as he continued to look at his new wand. The color of its natural wood, the cedar wand was around 12.5 inch; longer then even Kurogane's fathers.

"Are we allowed to use magic at home?" Fai inquired, looking at his wand in wonderment. "Or, do we have too as homework?" Fai held up his wand, it felt light in his hand. He wondered what his father would do if he ever found out he disobeyed him and went with Kurogane to get his supplies.

Shaking his head Kurogane answered the blonde's question. "No, under-aged wizards aren't allowed to use magic at home. At school we can and as much as we want... as long as we don't do anything stupid." Casting a warning look at his friend Kurogane began to warn him. "If we get expelled they'll break our wands and we won't be able to use magic ever again."

Fai smiled, "Kuro, are you suggesting I'd use magic to pull a prank on you?" He giggled, thinking of many ways he could tease Kurogane by using magic. "I'd never do that Kuro-chiot!"

Looking at his friend Kurogane scoffed. "Tch, I know you Fai. You'd use anything to tease me just like Chichiue."

Kurogane's mother and father walked out of the shop. Fai noticed them, smirked at Kurogane and ran to Lady Suwa, exclaiming, "Mère, Kuro-rin's being mean! He said I'd tease him by using magic at Hogwart's!"Eyes going wide Kurogane chased after Fai. "Oi, don't go whining to my Hahaue when you don't get your way!"

Watching the two boys Takashi smiled. "That's right Fai, you should be sure to tease him while he's gone for me. Oh and be sure to tell us everything he does."

"Okay!" Fai exclaimed, then turning his head towards Kurogane he stuck out his tongue. His eyes gleaming, he inquired, "Where do we go next?" Looking to his wife Takashi shrugged. "I guess we can go get them fitted for robes then sit down for lunch. The fittings normally take a while at best."

Leaning back in his chair Kurogane moaned about an overly full stomach. Resting his growing hand on top of his belly the young red-eyed boy grinned happily. "Chichiue can we go check out the pet story next?" Having been in the tailor's shop for at least two hours both boys were happy to have escaped with their new school cloths.

Turning to his wife Takashi shrugged. "I guess to hurry up the trip your Hahaue and I could go gather your books while you two pick out a pet."

"I think that is a wonderful idea." Kurogane's mother, Shinasuki, agreed. "The pet shop should be up the street. Don't leave the shop until we come and get you two."

Fai stood up quickly. "We won't," He promised, a goofy smile on his face. "Come on Kuro!" He grabbed his best friend's arm and towed him in the direction Shinasuki had Fai's promise to stay at the shop until his parents had joined back up with them, Kurogane gently pulled his arm free of Fai's hand. "I'm not a dog Fai, don't try to lead me around so much." He huffed.

"Aw, but Kuro-puppy, you're so fun to lead around." Fai moaned, faking disappointment. Huffing at his friends expression, Kurogane shrugged it off. Feeling his expression twitch with annoyance at Fai's recent nickname Kurogane picked up his pace to walk beside the blond. "Yeah, yeah. How about I get you a collar and walk you around like a dog."

"Only if you could catch me!" Fai teased, taking off in a run towards the shop. "Oi don't run off like that, baka!" Kurogane shouted as he took off after Fai. Unable to contain the smirk that was lifting his lips Kurogane shouted after Fai again as the blond easily put more distance between the two. "Wait up you moron, we're going to get separated!"

Fai slowed down to a walk and let Kurogane catch up with him. "You're so slow Kuro-puu." The young wizard teased, a twinkle in his eye. "Tch, your to stupid." Brushing the blue eyed wizard's tease aside Kurogane looked up at the shop's sign. "Well lets go in already, I want to see the owls."

Gently pushing Fai forward Kurogane stepped into the shop and stopped to let his eyes adjust as the door shut behind him. Smelling purely of animals the scent was almost a tad bit revolting to the young boy as he made his way toward the owls. "Chichiue said I should get one of the bigger sized birds so that he can send me packages..." Muttering to himself the young man wandered down the isles until he stopped at the cage of a Australian Masked Owl.

Fai looked at the bird thoughtfully and smirked, saying, "It looks like just like you Kuro-beau!"

"Ah, an Aussy Owl?" An elder woman walked toward them, a light limp in her step as she walked. "This is a good choice of bird if you plan on sending heavier letters." Reaching upward the woman carefully brought down the cage, the golden owl inside hooting in minor alarm.

"I assume this is the bird of your choice?" Kurogane nodded as he turned to Fai. "What do you plan to get?"

"I'm going to get a kitten!" Fai exclaimed. "I wonder where..." He trailed off as he noticed a small white kitten come up to his feet. It meowed and Fai smiled. "You're cute." He picked up the kitten and cradled it in his arms, the kitten's back towards the floor. "What pretty blue eyes you have." Fai murmured. As he scratched it's belly, he noticed something; a scar over it's heart. His smile slowly melted off of his face. "What happened to you? Did your previous owner hurt you?" Fai muttered, his voice full of sadness. Looking towards Kurogane, he said, "I think I'm going to get him." He showed Kurogane the kitten, being careful not to touch the scar over it's heart.

His red eyes darted between the white kitten and his friend. The smile that had previously graced Fai's lips was now gone, something Kurogane always hated. "I think he fits you." Kurogane said softly.

Fai looked at the kitten again, thinking of what to call him. "I think I'm going to call you Tsuki," Fai said, bringing the kitten closer to him. Nodding at his friend's choice Kurogane turned to the door to see his parents walk in.

"Finished choosing?" Takashi asked the two boys.

"Yes." Fai smiled. "Kuro-rin got a big owl! And I got this kitten. His name is Tsuki!" Looking towards Kurogane, the young wizard said, "Kuro hasn't picked out a name for his owl yet." Shifting his weight, Kurogane turned to his owl. "How about Tawny?"

"I like it!" Fai declared, grinning. "It fits her!"

Shinasuki giggled, amused at the scene before her. "Alright, Chichiue and I will go and pay for them. Why don't you two go outside and wait?"

"Can I bring Tsuki with me?" Fai inquired, holding the kitten protectively.

"Of course. And Kuro-chan can bring Tawny with him as well." Shinasuki stated, smiling warmly. "Now why don't you two go outside?"

"Okay! Come on Kuro-puu!" Fai raced out the door, the kitten still in his arms. Taking the bird cage in hand Kurogane was stopped by the shop owner as she handed him a thick glove and a tether. "Use these." Nodding to the woman Kurogane quickly slipped the glove on before asking the owl to step up on his hand. Clipping the tether on the owl's left foot, the young boy carefully brought the bird out before setting the cage down at the door. Thanking the woman as he walked out the door, Kurogane joined his friend.

"Hey Kuro...Do you think I could sleep over your house tonight?" Fai inquired, looking at his friend.

Turning to his friend quickly Kurogane gave Fai a sharp look. "I don't see why Chichiue would mind... are you sure everything is ok with Ashura?"

"I'm sure. I just want to spend some time with Kuro, that's all." Fai placed a fake smile on his face. Scoffing at his friend, the red eyed boy shrugged. "Like you haven't spent all day with me today." He gently teased. Running a finger down his new owl's tawny chest Kurogane nodded. "Fine, it should be fun anyway. Hahaue always loves when you come over."

"Yay! I get to sleep over Kuro-rin's house tonight!" He excitedly exclaimed, making the witches and wizards close to them turn to look at the two young boys in confusion. Sending a pointed look in Fai's direction, Kurogane barked at him to keep his voice down. "Geez do you want them to think we're gay!"

All Fai could do was look at him and smile. Soon Takashi and Shinasuki stepped out of the shop. "So I hear Fai-kun is coming over," Kurogane's mother mused, looking down at the two boys, clearly amused. Behind her Takashi laced his fingers within her own. "Is he now? Well that will make for an exciting night."

Huffing at both his parents Kurogane began to pick up their shopping bags. "Well then lets get home already." Watching as his mother went to grab a bag of books the young boy hastened over to pick them up before her. "Hahaue doesn't need to carry anything," he directed a gruff look to Fai as his father chuckled. "I've booked us two rooms at the Leaky Cauldron, Fai do you need to contact your father before you board the train tomorrow?"

Fai stopped smiling for a second, thinking. "Yes...I think I should." Even though I don't' want to, it's better to tell père now instead of later. Watching as Fai's face seemed to fall for the briefest of seconds Takashi gripped the boy's shoulder warmly. "Why don't you have Kuro-tan join you as you call him. Once your done we'll get your trunks ready for tomorrow."

"Okay." Fai nodded, smiling. "It would be easier to explain why I'm not coming home tonight with Kuro-chiot with me!"Gripping all the bags he could carry, Kurogane bumped Fai with his shoulder again. "Alright already. Lets get back to the tavern." Keeping a watchful eye on his mother to make sure she didn't pick up anything heavy, Kurogane began to lead the way back to the Leaky Cauldron.

Fai picked up the phone, nervous to call his father. "He'll be angry that I snuck out..." He whispered, grabbing for Kurogane's hand. Turning to him, Fai said resolutely, "Don't leave me."

Shocked by Fai's sudden tone of voice, Kurogane gripped the blonde's hand tightly as he nodded. Unable to speak all he could offer was his presence. Keeping his red eyes trained on Fai as the phone rang Kurogane wanted to cross his fingers that Ashura was in a good mood. At least we're in London, he thought. He can't do anything while we're here...

The phone stopped ringing and as Kurogane listened into the phone call the young boy could hear the cold words that Ashura directed at Fai. "Where in the hell are you?" Hesitantly Fai said, "Père, I'm...I'm in London right now at the Leaky Cauldron."

Concentrating on hearing what Fai's father said next, Kurogane wanted nothing more then to yank the phone out of Fai's hand.

"I told you that you couldn't go to that bloody school!"

"But Père it's not fair that I can't choose where I go to school! It's my life and it's my choice. I'm a wizard and you can't change that about me!" Tears started spilling out of Fai's eyes. "I don't care if you don't want me to be a wizard or that you don't want me to see Kurogane."

Body jerking in anger over Fai's words, Kurogane lifted his hand to grab at the phone. " I...I want to go with him to Hogwarts..." Fai trailed off, sobs racking his body as the young wizard struggled to think of something to say. Body shaking in anger the red eyed boy's hand wrapped itself around the phone only to have his Hahaue pull it from his hands.

Turning around in surprise Kurogane opened his mouth to say something before the older woman placed a finger on his lips with a smile. "Kurogane why don't you take Fai to your room? Ashura and I will settle this." Nodding to his mother the young boy gripped the blonde's hand more tightly and pulled him toward the stairs.

"Come on Fai, lets go pack our trunks." He said heatedly as the recent conversation ran though his mind. Fai nodded, wanting something to distract himself. The two young wizards soon came to Kurogane's room, where, instead of packing his trunk, Fai collapsed onto the bed. "Père...Père, he..." He couldn't think of any words to describe what had happened between him and his father.

Sitting on the bed beside Fai, the dark haired teen sighed. "Don't worry about it." Kurogane said, watching Fai's face fill with pain before his eyes spilled over once more. With a hesitating hand the young boy gently covered Fai's eyes as he cried. "Chichiue and Hahaue are here," he said thickly. "And I'm here too... so .. don't cry Fai."

Fai nodded and clung to Kurogane. Maybe...Maybe mère and Kuro's père can convince my père to accept me...

Gripping Fai's hand Kurogane dragged him down to the floor beside two trunks. "Lets get this done." He said with a strained voice. "Hahaue will be mad if its not neat." Casting a worried look toward Fai, Kurogane racked his brain for anything to take Fai's mind off of his father.


Authors Notes:

Demain: means til tomorrow.

Hahaue- Kurogane's Mother

Chichiue- Kurogane's Father

Pere- Fai's Father

Mere- Fai sometimes calls Kurogane's Mother.

French Nick Names that Fai uses.

Jolie- pretty

beau- beautiful

chiot- puppy)