Disclaimer Tsubasa (c) CLAMP


I Love Mondays !

2 - Hollow Veins

"Drugs," Fai muttered, tossing the tiny bag across the desk so it slid slowly next to Kurogane's notebook.

Kurogane contemplated the powdered substance in through the thin plastic and raised an eyebrow. "Then they're complete idiots." he said darkly, "Are you going to call the police, or what?"

"Hmm," Fai said thoughtfully, sliding down to the floor, the edge of his white lab coat settling on the classroom carpet, "I suppose I should,"

Kurogane raised an eyebrow as the man slid out of view behind his desk, "Of course you should. You're their teacher. You need to teach them a lesson,"

"Yeah," Fai agreed, "But you know, sometimes it's not their fault, sometimes they give in to peer pressure and-"

"They're idiots for that too then." Kurogane said bluntly, his gaze moving to the few wisps of blond hair he could see brushing against the desk surface, "Nobody has the power to make you do anything, if you give in to others, it's a sign that you're completely weak,"

Fai whistled quietly, "Harsh words from Kuro-sensei,"

"Harsh," Kurogane repeated, "But completely true,"

Fai spun on his spot on the floor to face the desk, kneeling up so that Kurogane could see his face.

"You never did anything stupid as a kid, Kuro-wan?" Fai asked in playful disbelief.

"No," Kurogane said, directing his attention once again on his notebook, "Unlike some, I had sense,"

"You mean, you never beat up some of the younger kids?" Fai asked.

"No!" Kurogane snapped, "What the hell? I wasn't some sort of bully or delinquent."

"Really?" Fai raised his eyebrows, "Your face judges otherwise!"

"Then you're a terrible judge," Kurogane muttered angrily.

"Oh, Kuro-sensei!" Fai lulled, poking Kurogane's writing hand, "I'm only teasing, I know perfectly well that Kuro-tan was a respectable student,"

Kurogane snorted, "I bet you were a handful,"

Fai shrugged, "Everyone makes mistakes, Kuro-chan. Especially as children."

"So what did you do then?" Kurogane asked with a snort.

"Nothing out of the ordinary," Fai said, his smile disconcerted, "Skipped classes a few times, I'd sometimes argue with teachers,"

Fai turned around again and Kurogane glanced at the tiny bag that lay next to his arm.

"I tried drugs once, you know," Fai said quietly, "One night, after a rough day. Some people I knew were taking some, insisting it made you happy, they assured me that I'd feel better and get such a rush that I'd forget all my problems."

Kurogane stared at the back of Fai's head, unsure of what to say.

"Only," Fai hesitated, "I felt nothing. I felt such a hollow emptiness rush through me. It was so cold and sickening that I felt like I was going to pass out. I could hear everybody laughing around me, having a good time, but all I could think of was that feeling of utter defeat and emptiness."

"Was that the only time-?" Kurogane asked.

"The first and last," Fai smiled, his voice regaining all cheerfulness. "I'd never put myself through that again. Like I said, people make mistakes. Especially when you're young,"

"Unless you know better," Kurogane said, refusing to meet Fai's eyes, "You shouldn't be so willing to do something that so easily jeopardizes your life. There are more honorable ways to die than by something you take out of weakness,"

Fai flinched, "Weakness," he repeated hollowly, "Do you think I'm a weak person?"

Kurogane rolled his eyes, "Whatever, you were a stupid kid,"

"That's right," Fai smiled, standing up straight, "Now I choose alcohol!"

"Yes," Kurogane said darkly, "I know that far too well,"

Fai laughed, "And I know you enjoy alcohol too, Kuro-rinta,"

"At least I can hold it," Kurogane smirked.

"I can hold my alcohol!" Fai said.

"Whatever you say," Kurogane closed the notebook firmly.

"I can!" Fai insisted with a child-like charm.

"So, alcohol," Kurogane said leaning over the table, "Does alcohol give you that little rush you were talking about before,"

Fai tilted his head, "Alcohol makes you feel fuzzy and invincible," he contemplated, "But it doesn't make me feel wonderfully happy and warm,"

Kurogane nodded, leaning in further so their noses were almost touching.

"What are you-?" Fai uttered, his warm breath touching Kurogane's cheek.

"How about this?" Kurogane smirked, kissing Fai fervently on the lips, their hands meeting messily across the table.

Fai smiled as they broke apart, a creeping blush appearing on his face, "Definitely," he replied, tapping Kurogane fondly on the forehead.

Kurogane stood up and tucked his notebook in the drawer, then he reached out to Fai, pulling him up to his height and as close as he could fill the space between them.

"Love's like a drug, right?"