Pure Magic

Chapter 26 – Watchful Eyes

Ever since the moment he woke up, Fai had the unshakable feeling that he was being watched. Perhaps it was because he felt betrayed by Kurogane last night. He'd finally told the truth about himself and, instead of being happy about it, Kurogane had immediately wanted to know about something else, another lie. A lie that Fai wasn't at all ready to reveal and, since he didn't give a straight answer, the other man had immediately grown angry. He wasn't ready, nor was he even expecting such an attack from Kurogane, so the emotional blow he suffered was worse than if he'd received a knife through the heart. Maybe that was the reason he felt the burning sensation of eyes whenever his back was turned. Maybe it was because he still felt just as vulnerable as he had last night. That had to be it.

Every time he would pass a window, he felt a pair of eyes follow him, but when he looked to see who was there, he was left to gaze at the world outside, staring out at the leaves billowing in the wind, and birds gliding through the cloudless skies. Shivers flowed up his spine and he decided to go into the kitchen and make some breakfast for himself and the two sleepy-heads, Kurogane and Sakura. It was ten in the morning and the two of them were still out like rocks, snuggled up in the warm blankets and burrowing their heads into the fluff of their pillows. Fai, on the other hand, had been up since five in the morning. He'd woken up with a start after hearing something scuffle around the room he was sharing with Kurogane. At first, he wondered if the younger man had a pet he was keeping secret, a cat or a small dog maybe, but no. He'd searched the room, keeping a silent as possible to not wake the black haired man, clicking his tongue to the roof of his mouth, but nothing came out. There was no animal, no rodent, no nothing. For a brief moment, Fai honestly thought that the house was full of spirits; ghosts, but it was just a passing thought.

He searched the wooden cupboards that hung on the wall, looking for any decent materials he could use to make a wonderful breakfast. He'd been hoping to concoct a lovely set of golden pancakes or a batch of square waffles, but apparently Kurogane wasn't much of a cook. Instead, all Fai found were dozens of canned soups, twenty instant noodle packages, six empty pickle jars, four cereal boxes, an unopened bag of coconut flakes way past its expiration date, and bags upon bags of potato chips. Oh, and did he mention there was six empty pickle jars? With a sigh, he decided to just have a plain old bowl of cereal. He closed his eyes as he reached his hand in, feeling the tops of the boxes, before he grabbed and pulled. What cereal box would grace him this morning? He opened his eyes to have a visual of his picking. With a frown, he realized that he couldn't read the Kanji that scrolled across the cover of the box, but the picture informed him that it was whole-wheat squares. Healthy.

Just as he pulled a shiny, white bowl from the cupboards above, the hairs on the back of his neck stood erect. Something had moved behind him. Biting his bottom lip nervously, he swerved his head to look back. Nothing. He was just being paranoid. No one else was in the house. The only living things inhabiting the home were himself, Sakura, Kurogane, and perhaps a few bugs and bacteria. Nothing more. With those thoughts in mind, he resumed his attention forward, pouring the whole-wheat cereal into the white, ceramic bowl, before dropping the box down on the counter top. He didn't bother closing up the top.

Walking across the room, he opened up the white fridge and allowed his eyes to glance around in search for a carton of milk. He was shocked to find the fridge void of the white, cow juice. The only drinks residing in the cold environment were beer cans in the dozens, all huddled together at the front for easy access, a clear container of orange juice with a membrane of mold floating on its surface, three unopened water bottles shoved away at the back, a single can of vegetable juice, and a half-drunk bottle of a strawberry sports drink, good for replenishing those electrolytes. How the heck was he supposed to have cereal if there was no milk? Did Kurogane just eat it plain? Knowing him, he probably did. So, with a sigh, Fai grabbed his bowl and settled himself at the small, wood table in the kitchen.

Cradling his chin in his left palm, he poked at the square wheats that slept within the confines of the bowl, watching a few topple once his finger made contact. He picked one up, pinning it between his thumb and forefinger, examining it like it was the most unusual thing he'd seen in his life, before he popped it into his mouth with a crunch. His reaction was delayed, but more than necessary for the situation. He spat the chewed bit back into the bowl, wiping his chin of the remains with a snarl of disgust. That had to be the most disgusting thing he'd ever had the displeasure of putting in his mouth, and he'd put a lot of things he probably shouldn't have into his mouth throughout the years. When he was eleven, he'd eaten a live, hairy caterpillar because the neighborhood boys dared him to, he'd slurped a worm when he was thirteen, which wasn't at all pleasant with it wriggling all the way down into his stomach, and even drank backwash when he was fifteen because someone said they'd give him twenty dollars for doing it, he had yet to receive any money. But this...this just cut the cake. It was horrible; gritty and gross, just like cardboard, and he'd tasted that before as well. He didn't know who in their right mind would take pleasure in eating such a monstrosity, it was a disgrace to food, but obviously Kurogane must've enjoyed eating it since it had been in his cupboards.

He stood up from his seat, more than prepared to toss out his breakfast when a grunt came from behind.

He screamed.

"Would you shut up? Do you want to wake the girl up?" Kurogane growled, sharply, crossing his arms.

Fai spun around after jumping six feet into the air. He was surprised he hadn't killed himself on the ceiling...it was a shame he didn't, "Kuro-pu, you scared me!"

"I noticed. What's got you so jumpy this morning?"

"Oh nothing!" He grinned.

"Like I'll believe that smile."

He sighed, "Look, it's nothing. I just got a weird feeling of being watched."

Fai watched as the man looked out the window next to the table before turning towards him again, "There's no one there."

"I didn't say there was. I just said I had a feeling."

"You're just paranoid."

"Perhaps." Fai said, turning back towards the trashcan.

"You're going to eat breakfast, whether you want to or not." The man said, before adding, "You're too thin."

"I know. I'll eat."

"Then why are you about to throw that away?" Kurogane asked, suspicious.

Looking down at the food, his nose crinkled, "It's disgusting."

"So?"

"So, I'm throwing it away."

"Good morning." A soft voice mumbled, officially stopping the words Kurogane was about to spit out in response.

The two spun around to see Sakura stumble into the kitchen, oblivious of the small disagreement she interrupted. Her pink, flannel PJ's, hung loosely on her figure, slightly crumpled from a night of tossing about, pants dragging across the floor, collecting any and all bits with each step she took. She looked up at the two men, rubbing her eyes of sleep, yawning slightly when she tried to offer a smile. Fai thought she looked adorable and he had a feeling of pride swell up in his gut. The type of pride a parent would get, just seeing their daughter...just knowing that she's okay and alive. Breathing. Perhaps the feeling came from the knowledge that Tomoyo had breast cancer and was currently staying at the hospital awaiting surgery. He wasn't sure, but ever since he'd gone to visit her with Kurogane, he'd started to have a greater appreciation for the people around him. Understanding that, in just a split second, he could lose them. Forever.

"Good morning, Princess!" Fai chirped, snapping out of his thoughts, "What do you want to eat? Anything I can make?"

She smiled, "Actually, I don't know what I feel like eating this morning...if it's alright with Kurogane, then I'll just have a look around?"

"Do as you want." Kurogane told her, not taking his eyes away from the blond, who was trying hard not to fidget under the harsh, crimson stare.

"Thank you!" Sakura bowed, before turning to Fai, "I'll just make my own breakfast this morning. You can make it tomorrow, if you want to."

"Alright, then." He smiled and resumed his march to the trashcan.

He was intercepted when Kurogane walked in front of him, blocking his path with a huff. He could no longer see his target, trashcan hidden behind the mans bulk. He'd been so close too. So close, in yet, so very far, he mused with a bitter smile.

"You're going to eat that."

"I don't want to!" He whined, holding the bowl away from him as though it was poisonous.

"Eat it." Kurogane pushed the bowl back into the blonds chest.

"It tastes like cardboard."

"And you'd know?" A dark brow raised in question.

"Ye—no!"

"Just eat it."

"You eat it!" Fai shoved the bowl towards black haired man.

"I'm having something else." He shoved back.

"What? Potato chips and pickles?"

"Instant noodles."

"Just eat it, Kuro-kins, you can have noodles tomorrow!" He held the food up to the mans nose.

With a growl, Kurogane shoved the bowl back towards Fai, "Either you're going to eat that, or I'm going to pour it down your shirt. Pick one."

"Eat it or wear it?"

"Which would you rather?" He asked, threateningly.

"...fine, I'll eat it." Fai said, giving up with a pout, "But if I get sick, it'll be your fault."

"Whatever."

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Hours later, Fai was beginning to wonder if he had lost his mind, or maybe the disgusting whole-wheat cereal was affecting his mind, it 'had' given him an upset stomach afterward, but then again that may have been caused via self-fulfilling prophecy. Whatever the reason, he still felt eyes lingering on his figure. Eyes that were never there when he turned to look. Every so often he'd hear something scuttle across the floor, see a shadow of something disappear around a corridor, and even heard footfalls trailing behind him; following. His earlier thoughts of the house being haunted had come back a few more times, but each time, he rationalized with himself. There was no such things as ghosts. Everything he was seeing and hearing had to be nothing more than a result of an overactive imagination.

He was currently hiding away in the living room, sitting on the green, leather couch with a black, wool blanket wrapped around his shoulders. It wasn't cold, but he felt a thousand times safer with the material wrapped around him. It felt like armor. A very strong, impenetrable armor, even though it was barely a few centimeters thick and had visible, half inch holes between the stitching. He clutched tighter at the material, pulling it closer around himself when he heard the creaks and cracks of the house settling.

Through the silence, he heard the yipping of a dog from somewhere in the neighborhood.

"Fai?"

His head spun around, eyes darting to meet the voice, "Sakura?"

Sakura walked forward, PJ's replaced with a simple pair of blue jeans accompanied by a pink, short-sleeve shirt, and with a small smile, she took a seat on the couch beside him. Fai glanced over at her, watching as a soft blush took form upon her cheeks before his eyes looked down at the fidgeting hands in her lap.

"Anything you need?" He asked, curious.

"Well, no. Not really. I was just wondering if...it wouldn't be too much trouble for me to go out?" She looked up at him.

"You mean with friends?"

Her head bobbed up and down in reply, emerald eyes gleaming.

"I don't see why not. You're free to do as you like, Sakura, so long as you are safe and let me know where you'll be."

"Really?"

"Really."

To his surprise, she threw her arms out and hugged him around the shoulders, burrowing her head into the dip where his neck met his shoulder, nuzzling him affectionately. The action reminded him of a cat.

"Thank you!" She pulled away with a happy squeak.

"So. Who will you be going out with?" Fai asked, noticing a small pink, cherry blossom purse sitting at her feet.

"Well...there's Chun Hyang and...a boy...I don't know his name yet."

"Oh, a boy, eh?"

Sakura blushed, "Yes...he's really nice."

"You mean, you've met him before and you didn't ask his name?"

"Well, no...I didn't think I would see him again."

Fai grinned knowingly, "Is he cute?"

"Fai!" She blushed cherry red, "That's...I mean...he's...well—yes..."

"Thought so."

Sakura stood up from the couch, snatching the handles of her purse, before taking a few steps towards the exit, obviously too flustered to deal with anything more. She spun around for a quick moment when she reached the door, bowing gracefully, "I'll see you later, then?"

"Be sure to have him over for dinner sometime!" He called out, cheekily.

"I don't think Kurogane would like that..."

"Kuro-pon won't mind. Besides, I've got to tell you whether or not I approve."

"Approve of what?" She tilted her head in confusion.

"If he's good enough to be your boyfriend, of course!" He chirped, not at all oblivious to her discomfort.

She spouted a quick good-bye just as her face turned a whole new shade of red, spinning around to head for the escape. Out the front door, she ran.

Fai chuckled at her antics, watching as the door shut behind her, catching onto her purse for a brief moment before she pulled it free. It took him a moment to realize that he'd forgotten to ask her where she'd be going and what time she'd be home. He cursed himself for being so forgetful and vowed to never let his mind slip away from important questions again.

The vow was forgotten the moment he heard a sneeze from the kitchen.

"Oi."

Fai jumped up from the couch, landing gracefully onto his feet, "Yes?"

Kurogane walked from the kitchen to the living room, rubbing his nose briefly and stopping five feet away from the other man, "I'm heading out."

"And you need my permission?"

"No." He growled, "I'm letting you know, so you don't have a heart attack after you realize you're home alone."

"Aw, Kuro-pu's such a softy." He smiled, "So, where are you going? Can I come?"

"I'm visiting Tomoyo." Kurogane murmured, turning to look towards the door, eyes softening, "I'd rather go alone."

"I understand." Fai said, sincerely.

He truly did understand. Tomoyo was Kurogane's childhood friend who's been through everything with him. She knows him from the inside out, knows his dreams, weaknesses, fears, disappointments, and, possibly even, his deepest, darkest secrets. He probably wanted to share his feelings with her, without the bother or burden of toning things down because someone else decided to join him during the visit. Fai understood that completely. But...even with his understanding, it was still a knife through the heart to hear that he wasn't welcome.

"When will you be back?" He asked, trying to catch those averted red eyes.

"Late."

Well, that's real specific, Fai thought as he forced a smile, "Well, I'll have dinner ready when you return."

Without so much as a good-bye, Kurogane was out the door and walking.

With a soft, exasperated sigh, Fai threw himself back onto the couch, covering himself with the wool blanket once more. Once comfortable, he began to stare off into space, listening to every irrational fear that screamed through his mind. He'll leave you, someones in the house, you'll never measure up, there's someone else here, he won't care if you leave, you're not alone, he won't care if you die, etc...

His thoughts silenced when something creaked upstairs.

Closing his eyes, Fai burrowed himself deeper into the blanket.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Turning on the silver, calcium-stained faucet, he washed the potato under the lukewarm water. He gazed out the window in front of him, letting the warm water that flowed across his hands comfort him. His blue eyes flew up to find the perfectly round, crystallized, feather moon that hung ever-present in the sky, ominous and beautiful. Despite the sun's disappearance from the sky, Kurogane and Sakura had still not returned home. He was starting to grow worried. He knew Kurogane would be gone for a long time since he was paying Tomoyo a visit at the hospital, but this long? It had been well over six hours now.

The clock struck 10:00pm and there was a soft ding that replayed a few more times before a blanket of silence lay across the room. Fai found it to be unbearable, so he tapped his foot against the ground, creating a harsh rhythm of sound to accompany the chorus of running water.

Sakura should have been back hours ago. Did she get lost? Should he go look for her? What if she's hurt! Maybe she just lost track of time, having too much fun with her friends. Maybe that was it. Nothing to worry about.

His eyes traveled back towards the clock.

10:01pm.

Fai pulled his hands from the water, dropping the now-clean potato onto the plastic chopping board he'd just purchased a few hours ago, before turning off the water, wiping his hands dry on a random paper towel laying on the counter. Since Kurogane had no ingredients to cook with, Fai had taken it upon himself to walk the four miles to the nearest market. While there, he purchased three brown potatoes, a single vegetable peeler, a plastic chopping board, one large onion, a dozen eggs, flour, sugar, and a random bunch of other things, which he still hadn't taken out of the plastic bag that had found refuge against the corner wall of the kitchen. With his hands now dry, he grasped the peeler and the freshly-clean, wet potato, walking over the the trashcan to remove the skin.

The wind howled outside, causing tree limbs to scratch against the house, twigs thumping wildly against the glass window, and forcing the house to creak with stress. The sounds were eerie, discomforting, especially since he could still feel the eyes. Throughout the entire day, he suffered with the fear of someone spying on him, watching his every move. The only times he ever felt he had privacy and security, was the few times he needed to use the bathroom, and even then, it felt like someone was waiting just behind the door. He even thought he saw a shadow walk by just as he was about to unlock the bathroom door, this made him hide away for an extra five minutes before he convinced himself it was nothing. Surely it was just his imagination, a sporting occurrence of irrational fears gone wild. Nothing more. No one was there. A random onslaught of paranoia, that's it, just as Kurogane had said earlier.

With half the potato cleaned of skin, Fai brushed the back of his hand against his forehead, trying to stop the itch he couldn't, at the moment, scratch. He wondered how much longer it would be until the others returned. Kurogane would probably stay until visiting hours ended, but even then, the man would probably push his limits and stay longer. He seemed to be really concerned about Tomoyo, more so than he made himself out to be. Behind that strong face was nothing more than a scared little boy, or at least that's what Fai pictured whenever he saw a flash of emotion behind those orbs of fire.

Sakura, on the other hand, she should be home a lot sooner than Kurogane, in fact, she should have already been home by now. Unless, however, she was planning to spend a night at that other girls house. Chun Hyang, was it? If that's what she was planning, he really wished she would give him a call. He was getting so worried about her. Pursing his lips tightly together, he took the peeler and sliced an oval piece of skin away from the potato, watching as it missed the trashcan, falling to the tatami mat below. It's dead, he mused with bitter concern.

He yelped when there was a sharp bang behind him, dropping the half-skinned potato onto the floor, peeler still held tight in his right hand, he spun around. His eyes darted around the expanse of the room, traveling everywhere, even to the places where human life could not possibly be found, like the ceiling and the electrical socket embedded in the wall. A sigh escaped his parted lips and he exploded into a bout of hysterical laughter, which, due to the circumstances, halted a few seconds later. The kitchen was empty, but the bag he'd placed on the floor against the corner wall was now sitting perfectly still upon the wooden table. Sparing a glance at the potato on the floor, he walked slowly up to the table, eyes never once leaving the bag. He had a sudden irrational thought of the bag suddenly coming to life and attacking him and, despite the impossibility of that happening, the idea still gave him chills and caused his heart to palpitate painfully.

Upon reaching the table, his left arm shot out to grasp the handles of the bag that stuck up into the air, but before his fingers touched the plastic, he froze, eyes growing wide and, for a moment, he thought he felt his heart stop.

Someone was standing at the entrance of the kitchen. He couldn't see the person, for his eyes hadn't left the bag, but he could feel the strong, overpowering, and dangerous presence.

...it wasn't Kurogane. Nor was it Sakura.

The hairs on his neck rose. He could smell blood.

A deep-voiced chuckle escaped the unwelcome visitor and Fai felt his heart constrict upon itself.

"Hello, Yuui."

I hope you enjoyed Chapter 26!

R&R Please!!