LOVERS IN A DANGEROUS TIME

by mew-tsubaki

Note: This is my first Kamikaze Kaito Jeanne fanfic, so no throttling me. I have yet to see the anime or the end of the manga, so I don't know how it ends, and if it's like the ending, then I sincerely apologize to Jeanne's author, Arina Tanemura-sensei. That reminds me: these characters belong to their creator and are not mine; it's the story line that's mine, okay? By the way, this is also a MaronChiaki, MiyakoMinazuki, & FinAccess fanfic. Also, Shikaido Hijiri still has his demon powers, but he's on the good side now (Maron's team). When you're done reading, please submit a review! I can't count how many times I've asked that of my readers, but the constructive criticism helps. Also, send me your ideas and I'll try to write them up as best I can. If you email me your idea, I'll give you credit and dedicate the fanfic to you, as well. Anyway, please enjoy!

Chapter Two: I'll Be (Edwin McCain)

Maron moron! Miyako thought to herself. Hours ago Maron had told her that Chiaki just wanted to cool down their relationship for no reason at all (or at all least one that Maron would never tell her). I would've killed just to be with Chiaki like that, Miyako thought. But I stepped aside to let her be the center of Chiaki's attention. Of course, she probably always was… Miyako half-heartedly smiled to herself when she heard a familiar voice.

"Todaiji-san!" Minazuki came running over to Miyako. "Is Maron inside? How is she doing?"

"Figures. All males care about how Maron's doing or what Maron thinks of them, never Miyako," Miyako nastily voiced. She opened one eye and found, to her surprise, that Minazuki was smiling at her again. Now crimson, she quickly asked, "W-what's that grin for!"

"Well, I was trying to decide if whether or not to laugh at you!"

"What was that?" Miyako asked in the scariest tone of voice she had ever used before.

"EEP!" came from Minazuki. "I-it's just that…I thought you just kinda looked funny when you were flustered…"

Miyako sighed and sat down on the edge of the wall outside the apartment building. "Whatever…" Miyako ignored Minazuki's comment as the day's trouble came rushing back, her face displaying her worries.

"Todaiji-san," Minazuki began, "is everything all right? You didn't have a fight with Maron or anything, did you?"

The purple-haired girl thought for a brief moment and then decided to answer him. "It just feels like, now that Maron has Chiaki, she won't tell me anything anymore. I don't want to know her deepest, darkest secrets, but I want to know what's going on in that head of hers, you know?" Miyako half-heartedly smiled at Minazuki. "Come on. Laugh. It's funny, really. I've just been pushed aside by the person I care the most about."

"I won't laugh. It's not funny," Minazuki said in a stern voice, looking directly at Miyako as he said it.

Miyako's smile faded and she gritted her teeth. "Why won't you laugh!" She practically screamed it at him. "Laugh! Laugh at me, goddammit! Everyone else does! Everyone else feels the need to make me feel this way!" Miyako threw a clenched fist at his chest, pounding her fists against him, repeating over and over again, "Laugh! Laugh!"

Minazuki caught one of her fists and grabbed her other wrist. "I won't laugh. You shouldn't be feeling this way, no matter what anyone says. You are who you are. You choose the people who make a difference in your life, and those are the people you listen to. You're strong and while it's good to cry once in a while, tears will never get you anywhere. I came over here to see how you were doing, not Maron. I've noticed that any time, recently, when the two of you talk, you guys usually end up on the outs. You need someone to talk to and I'm willing to listen. Those other people who make you feel this badly inside," Minazuki pause to pull Miyako's slumped form up so she was looking him in the eye, "they don't know what it's like to be you, but at the same time, when you show tears, it's just like giving into them. When you show that sadness that you have, it's almost like you've stopped being you for the moment. You're strong, and there are people who admire that, so you should keep on being strong so you keep on being you."

The strands in your eyes

The color of them wonderful

Stop me and steal my breath

And emeralds from mountains

Frost holds the sky

Never revealing their depths

When Minazuki had finished, Miyako was gazing at him, awestruck. She didn't believe that he could say anything so, so…straightforward-like. He was the one who was shy; he was the one hiding behind others and crying all the time. Yet, here he was, telling her to stay strong when he couldn't do it himself. She laughed to herself a little on the inside at the irony of the situation and looked back at Minazuki.

And tell me

That we belong together

Dress it out with the trappings of love

I'll be captivated

I'll hang from your lips

Instead of the gallows of heartache that hang from above

"You stay strong and I'll see you tomorrow at school. Besides, the strong part of you, the whole you, was who I fell in love with." Minazuki smiled and ran off and it took a minute before either of them had realized what he had just said.

And I'll be your crying shoulder

I'll be a love suicide

And I'll be better when I'm older

I'll be the greatest fan of your life

OH MY GOD! I didn't really say that last night, right? Please tell me I didn't say that last night! God, I didn't want to tell her like that so casually! Minazuki was absorbed in his thoughts as he was pacing back and forth in the hallway, nearly crying because of his little nonchalant confession last night.

"Minazuki-kun?"

Minazuki nearly jumped. "T-Todaiji-san! I didn't see you there. Um, nice morning, isn't it?"

"It's cloudy. It looks like it's going to rain."

"Uh, right. Terrible weather, it is. The worst I've seen in a while. You sleep okay?'

"Eh," Miyako replied, "okay. My mind was lingering on one thing, though…"

"Look," Minazuki said, "I'm sorry for what I said last night. That just came out and I didn't really mean it, so…"

There was an odd pause. Miyako's eyes stayed on the floor for the moment. "So it was a joke?" she finally asked.

"Maybe…" Minazuki chuckled nervously. "Well, I've gotta go now. I'll see you in class later." With that, Minazuki turned and left.

"A joke?" Miyako said, repeating herself. Turning angrily on her heel, she gritted her teeth and headed to her homeroom. Just when I thought I could trust him, my high hopes come crushing down. Even those hopes…

"Sensei, may I be excused for the rest of the day?"

Ms. P looked bewildered. "But it's only second period…"

"I'm sorry, Ms. P, but I really don't fell well at all."

The teacher thought for a brief moment. "I suppose… I'll collect your assignments and give them to Kusakabe-san at the end of the day for you. Are you sure you don't want to stay for the rest of the day? The rest of the period?"

"Sensei…"

"Well, all right. I just hope you feel better tomorrow. Tomorrow's the meet, you know. Anyway, do feel better."

"Yes, sensei."

Hijiri approached Ms. P after she was done talking with the student. "She not feeling well?" he asked.

Ms. P frowned. "I'm afraid not. And tomorrow's the meet, as well. Kusakabe is good, but I don't want her to carry the competition like last time."

"Maybe she'll be feeling better tomorrow," Hijiri offered.

"I hope you're right." Ms. P bit her lower lip as she and Hijiri went back to their classes. Please be well by tomorrow, Miyako…

"Good morning, Maron-san!" Minazuki happily said as the brunette appeared from the elevator with Chiaki. "Chiaki-kun…"

"Well, good morning to you, as well, Minazuki-kun," Chiaki said, that mischievous smile painted on his face once again.

Minazuki turned to Maron. "So, are you and Todaiji-san ready to wipe out the competition today?"

Maron faintly smiled. "Actually, Miyako's sick. She can't compete today."

"Todaiji-san's sick? That's odd she seemed fine yesterday."

"I know, but sometimes these things just come out of nowhere. Why don't the three of us come back after the competition and hang out with her? It'll probably cheer her up."

"Or at least to the point of being sarcastic again," Chiaki interjected.

Minazuki halfheartedly grinned like Maron had done. "Uh, yeah…"

"And, for Kusakabe Maron, the score is 9.99, making it a close call for the final school. Next is Fujishima High's own Hayate Wakaba…"

"I can't believe Miyako-san isn't here to see this," Chiaki commented to Minazuki as they walked back to their seats from the vending machine. "She would freak if she saw Maron's score, but that's her own way of being happy, I guess."

"But something doesn't seem right. I mean, Todaiji-san was fine yesterday when I talked to…" Minazuki froze and dropped his open soda. When I talked to her yesterday! he thought. Of course! I just told her that it fell out of my mouth! I took it back, but she must've interpreted it the wrong way. Minazuki bit his lower lip and mentally kicked himself. Fuck! It's my fault she's 'sick'! Minazuki turned on his heel and dashed down the hallway.

"Minazuki-kun!" Chiaki hollered. "Where are you going! The competition's almost over!"

"Tell Maron 'good job' from me, okay!" Minazuki rounded a corner and was gone.

"What the hell…?" Chiaki muttered to himself. "Where could he be going at ten o'clock at night?"

Let's just hope Maron won the competition for me, Miyako thought to herself as she closed her book. Miyako looked outside her window. Maybe it wasn't an honest thing to do, but that really hurt. I think I should be prepared to call off Monday and Tuesday, maybe… Just then, Miyako could've sworn she had caught a glimpse of Minazuki as he entered the apartment structure. Wh-what is he doing here! Miyako thought, completely flustered. Quickly, she turned off the light and threw the covers over her head, hoping that her mother would get the signal that she was not to be disturbed. It was then that she heard the footsteps and the panting at the apartment's front door.

Minazuki stopped at the door to the Todaijis' apartment and caught his breath. I just hope Todaiji-san's willing to talk to me! Or at least listen! Minazuki knocked impatiently on the door and waited for someone to answer. As he expected, Miyako's mother answered the door.

"Ah, Minazuki-kun!" Miyako's mother exclaimed. "What are you doing here at this hour?"

"Todaiji-san's home, right?" Minazuki asked, some unexpected shortness in his tone of voice. "I need to see her. Now."

"Minazuki-kun, it is very late and I-"

"Todaiji-sama, now," Minazuki insisted. He was surprised at himself for being so forthright, but he didn't want to leave Miyako hurt.

Miyako's mother sighed. "Come in, Minazuki-kun. I'll see if Miyako's awake."

Minazuki followed Miyako's mother into the living room and sat down impatiently on the couch in the middle of the room. Miyako, I promise to never hurt you again! I just wish I hadn't already caused you this much hurt!

And rain falls angry on a tin roof

As we lie awake in my bed

And you're my survival, you're my living proof

My love is alive, not dead

"Isn't it a little late for the class rep to be awake and out?" Miyako's voice rang out. Minazuki turned to where her voice had come from. The purple-haired girl was leaning against the wall's corner for support, but her look was confident, full of independence. "Well, would you like something?"

Minazuki felt his anger rising. Not towards her, but towards himself. She's playing nice, he thought. She's probably trying to avoid what I'm really here to talk to her about.

And tell me

That we belong together

Dress it out with the trappings of love

I'll be captivated

I'll hang from your lips

Instead of the gallows of heartache that hang from above

"I can make the two of you some goodies, if you want," Miyako's mother suggested even though she was obviously tired.

"We're fine, Mother. This will be quick, so you can go back to bed."

"But-"

"I'll show Minazuki-kun out when we're done, Mother. Good night." Miyako's voice was stern, maybe even harsh, but her mother ignored it and disappeared into her room, leaving Miyako and Minazuki alone. Miyako turned to Minazuki once more. "So? What do you want to say so badly?"

The male bit his lower lip. He disliked, no, hated, this casual tone of hers. He stood and looked her straight in the eye. "I'm sorry."

And I'll be your crying shoulder

I'll be a love suicide

And I'll be better when I'm older

I'll be the greatest fan of your life

"'Sorry'? Oh, god, don't start that again. If you think-" Miyako was cut off when Minazuki walked right up to her and slammed his fight in the wall against which she was leaning. "Hey! Minazuki-kun…" She had to admit, that scared her a little, but it did make her shut up so he could talk.

And I dropped out

I burned up

I fought my way back from the dead

Tuned out, turned on

Remembering the things that you…you said

"I'm not going to start that again. But that's only because what came out was the wrong thing, Todaiji-san." His look was so intense; Miyako could feel her heart jump into her throat! "Todaiji-san, I worry about you more than I would say stands for friendship, and I've got to thinking about those feelings for a while now, probably months. When what I said slipped out the other night, I unintentionally hurt you, but it hurt both of us. First of all, I didn't mean to say something like that so nonchalantly; second, you misunderstood what I said when I apologized for it; and third, now I have come to realize how much I hurt you when the wrong words fell out of my mouth, and I'm hurt that you're hurt." Minazuki had to stop to catch his breath, but his looked softened considerably, so much, so, that he faintly smiled at her. "That doesn't make much sense, does it?"

And I'll be your crying shoulder

I'll be a love suicide

And I'll be better when I'm older

I'll be the greatest fan of your…

Miyako closed her eyes and let her sarcastic streak return at the late hour (which was around eleven, now). "Probably because you're stupid."

The smile Minazuki-kun was wearing stuck even though he was practically crying in his mind because she was being mean to him again. Well, at least she's okay enough to be sarcastic, he thought.

And I'll be your crying shoulder

I'll be a love suicide

And I'll be better when I'm older

I'll be the greatest fan of your life

"So, you're telling me that what you said that night was true? That you have feelings for me?"

The green-haired teen blushed slightly. "Well, to put it…yes," he finally answered. He felt something then, confidence, and stood straight as he looked her in the eyes and said, "Todaiji Miyako-san, I have feelings for you, feelings of more than friendship, and I hope that, in time, you will come to accept these feelings." His shoulders hung back a little now. "But returning them is completely your choice to make." He searched her eyes, but she turned away (which hurt him a little) and motioned him to the front door.

The greatest fan of your life

"Please go," she barely managed in a tone that was quieter than a whisper.

Now Minazuki frowned as he headed for the door. As he was half-way over the threshold, he said to her, without turning to look back, "I guess you don't have to answer me if you don't want to. Just know that these feelings will probably always exist, and not for Kusakabe-san, but for the girl that should get attention, the one that caught my attention a long time back." And with that, Minazuki left the Todaiji residence (and a confused Miyako slumped in a heap on the floor near the wall).

The greatest fan of your life…

It had been almost two full weeks without Miyako at school, and Minazuki's gloomy aura was catching on to Maron as well. "Minazuki-kun," Maron mumbled, "…goddammit! You gave me your gloomy!" she whined at him.

"Why are you whining, Kusakabe-san?" Minazuki's face was buried in his desk as he sulked and Maron was imitating him at her desk.

"Why not? My relationship's not going how it's supposed to… Why are you whining?"

"Because mine isn't, either."

"Oh." Maron let his words sink in for a minute before her head shot up. "Wait! Your relationship!"

"Crap…"

Maron winked at him. "Miyako hasn't given you an answer yet, has she?"

Now Minazuki's head shot up. "H-how did you know!"

"It's been written all over your face since months ago, Minazuki-kun. I'm glad you plucked up the courage to tell her, though." Maron sighed and spaced out.

"Kusakabe-san, what happened between you and Nagoya-kun?"

Maron's expression went blank; it was like she had just been completely frozen.

"Kusakabe-san?"

"Minazuki-kun, I really don't feel like talking about it, so I'd appreciate it if you didn't bring it up again." Maron stood to leave for the bathroom, but the end-of-the-day bell rang and she picked her bag up, as well. "I'll catch you later, Minazuki-kun."

"Uh, yeah…"

Maron was just opening the door to leave when she bumped into Chiaki. "Oh, sorry," she said to him. "I've gotta go. Bye, Nagoya-kun." And she left.

Minazuki's jaw dropped and fell on the floor. SHE CALLED HIM 'NAGOYA-KUN'! At this point, Minazuki felt like he was losing his grip on sanity.

"Care for a ride home, Kusakabe-san?"

"Not from you, Shikaido-san!" Maron hmphed.

"Aw, come on. I told you to call me Hijiri. Besides, I won't bite. Much," he replied, the same old smirk of his painted on his face.

The brunette stopped walking and turned to him to let him have it. "Haven't you learned yet! You and I will never be together, you letch! You're my teacher, I'm the student; anything clicking yet!"

"So you're just concerned about you being a student and me being a teacher? Wow, I didn't know you were into the forbidden, Maron."

"I'm not! You are! And don't call me by my first name!"

"I bet if it hadn't been for the age difference, your father would've arranged a marriage between us back when I was still in France, actually."

Maron's voice was icy-cold this time. "Don't you ever use my parents like that."

Hijiri pretended not to listen as he parked alongside the road and got out to walk with Maron. "Look, I hadn't told you this, but Takumi almost did arrange a marriage between us, Maron. The only reason he didn't wasn't because of our age difference though. He's waiting to arrange one once you graduate that way it won't cause any problems. As soon as you graduate, we're getting married."

Maron's response: she pretty much fainted. What wasn't good about this scene, though, was that, not only had Chiaki seen it, but he had also heard Hijiri call Maron by her first name (luckily, he hadn't stayed to overhear the arranged marriage part).

mew-tsubaki here! I can't believe I finished the second chapter! Woo-hoo! Anyway, please review the story for me. I'll try get to your replies when I can, so don't get angry with me because I haven't commented. By the way, check out my other fanfics, as well, and don't forget to review, too! I desperately want reviews, though… ;; 3 mew-tsubaki loves you all! P.S. –how'd you like my Hijiri/Maron twist? I can't believe I wrote that in, either…