Author's Note: Eheheheehe! It's funny! I was kind of just planning this as I go, but I've been so excited and having so much fun, that I now have it all planned out! That's right, I know how it's going to end! :D Ideas just keep popping into my head! I can't stop them! I should let you guys know… I've just recently moved back home to Texas from Minnesota, and I've never been so happy. I think my creativity was stunted while I was there. I just was not happy… I was like a caged bird… but here, I feel free again. :) So happy to be home… Anyways, I have a good feeling I'll be finishing this fic. :) So no worries, you guys! :D Hope you guys enjoy it!
P.S. On a side note, DarthHawk32 and Raven the Ravenous have started a manga podcast. You guys should check it out. Here's the link: ( h ) ( t ) ( t ) ( p ) ( : ) ( / ) ( / ) manga ( cubed ) ( period ) ( podo ) ( matic ) ( period ) com. Just switch out the ( period ) for periods, remove the parentheses and remove the spaces, and all should be good.
Faceless Mask
Chapter 4
As Red exited the limo, he gazed up at the building and frowned. He was so glad Sanji took care of everything and all the talking. He really was not very good with people. However, he still did not like being around them. He could do without that. However, Sanji needed him, and so there he was.
Taking a deep breath, he turned to Sanji heading around with all the guards behind him, protecting him. He then moved into the midst of them and headed inside with Sanji, waiting as the guards opened the door for them. Both headed inside and to the elevator. As they exited onto the correct floor, he remained behind Sanji as he headed into the conference room, looking as if he owned the place. He began speaking immediately as he greeted them and shook their hands. Most did not even pay Red any mind, and only a few shook his hand with a greeting. He preferred it that way.
As the meeting progressed, he nearly fell asleep, but would come to attention when Sanji asked of him. He handed him folder after folder, and then was in charge of the slide show being reviewed by the members of the meeting. The meeting was a success, of course. Sanji was very good with words and could always reach the hearts of those he spoke to. It was another reason everything over the years had gone so well. Sanji always believed he did nothing and was not at all worthy of the praise he received, but Red begged to differ.
He was just as responsible for the success…
Sanji shook hands with every member there as they all left with a reserved smile on his face. He watched as they all walked away and then turned to Red. "Another success. I'm glad. Everything is going as smoothly as you said it would."
"Of course it is," Red said as he packed everything up and headed over to him. "So… shopping next?"
"Yup, shopping next. Come on, let's get out of here," Sanji said, wrapping an arm around the red headed young man and heading to the elevators with him," and then lunch."
"Lunch sounds good. I'm starving!"
"We just had breakfast not too long ago…"
"That was two hours ago!"
Sanji gave a grunt and shook his head. "You're unbelievable sometimes."
"Two hours is a long time!"
"Yeah, yeah…"
As they arrived at the store, Red pursed his lips with a huff. "I don't like shopping."
"You don't like anything," Sanji said and stepped out of the limo to head inside.
"That's not true! There are things I like!"
"It's rare," Sanji muttered as he stepped inside after the guards held the door open for the both of them.
"Ah, Mr. Zeff! So good of you and Mr. Red to visit us today! Thank you for calling ahead to make an appointment! You said you were in need of a couple of custom fit tuxedos and suits. Shall we start the measuring?" a very nervous gentleman greeted them, sweat already beginning to form over his brow.
"Yes, please," Sanji said with a nod and stepped up onto a platform, where he was directed and already two people stepped up to begin measuring him. He ignored all of the eyes, which were directed at them; other important men, but nowhere near as famous.
Red grumbled under his breath, but did the same thing, except he stood to face the large window. He wanted something to do at least. He just gazed at the many people walking outside. He then gave another huff as they began to measure him as well. After a while, he then gazed at all the other important men of society, who just so happened to be there. Something told him, they just wanted to get close to Sanji and perhaps get a chance to speak to him. They just wanted in on the money and fame. Having their names attached to his was enough to become even more successful businessmen. His eyes narrowed slightly, but then his eyes shifted back to the window.
However, hearing the screeching tires, his brows began to furrow. "Sanji," he whispered, feeling his heart begin to pound.
"What is it?" Sanji asked and looked over to him. He then turned, seeing a car screech to a halt outside of the building and instantly frowned.
"Sanji, get down!" Red yelled, turning instantly and tackling Sanji to the ground. Other people within the store began to scream, some in fear, others in pain. Red held tight to Sanji, but he could hear Sanji yelling in his ear. Next thing he knew, Sanji had rolled Red under him, as if he instead, meant to protect him.
"No, Sanji!" Red yelled, but Sanji held tight to him. He could barely hear his own voice over the noise. "You can't die!"
"And neither can you! You're far more important than I am!" Sanji yelled in order to be heard. He could hear his guards firing back at the men firing into the store. "Shit!"
Red ground his teeth, listening to all the noise and chaos. He could hear a voice yelling outside. They were words, instead of just screaming.
"No, don't! Don't kill him!"
He sucked in his breath, feeling his heart seizing, though it was already pounding. It began pounding even harder. He could hear it in his ears, and it was beginning to drown out all other sounds. Suddenly, his eyes rolled back into the back of his head, and his body began convulsing.
"Fuck! Fuck!" Sanji yelled as he looked down into Red's face. "Damn it, not now!" He held the young man down as his body seized, and then he grabbed his tie and stuck it into his mouth. The gunfire had ceased outside, and he listened as the vehicle retreated. "Just hold on, Red!" He then looked about at everyone running about like chickens with their heads cut off, and then the tears began to blur his vision.
"Someone call for fucking ambulances!"
To Be Continued…
Author's Note: Le whoa… I know. Intense, right? Lawl! I am having waaaay too much fun with this! :D This song is really, really, really inspiring me, and I am LOVING IT! WHOO! Feels so good! Anyways, stay tuned for the next chapter, ya'll! ;)
