Mind Games

In the ensuing days later, Youji took a dominant part in helping Schuldich recover from his wounds. Really, Youji was never far from the red-head's elbow. Everywhere Schuldich was, Youji wasn't far and vice-versa. Almost like magnets they were and so far, Aya was the only one who approved of this. The other boys were uncomfortable firstly because they were still wary of Schuldich and secondly, because Youji was taking an unholy affinity to the man. It would probably have been okay had it been anyone else, but it was Youji! Youji, the man with two dates in one day, the man who manipulated every heart of every woman he met; with the exception of Manx and Birman. It was almost as if the natural order of things had completely changed with the revelation of Manx's death. And Omi and Ken supposed that it had.

But shockingly, Schuldich didn't seem to mind at all. In fact, he seemed to revel in the fact that there were so many people around him, most especially Youji. He expressed joy in the company of his greatest adversaries.

Eventually, the two youngest members of Weiss decided to confer upon the subject. Late one Tuesday night, they met in Omi's room and after several proposals, picked one.

"I think one of us should take care of Schuldich for a while," offered Omi. "That way, Youji will have no choice but to work at the shop and be surrounded by girls. You know what kind of affect they have on him. Meanwhile, Schuldich will be under our care and Youji will forget him for at least a couple of hours." Omi threw up his hands into the air. "I mean, that much attention going to one guy from Youji is almost sacrilegious! You'd almost think he's..." Ken laughed heartily, glad for the joke. Everyone knew that all the girls that came to the store after school thought that also.

"It seems like a simple enough plan," Ken contributed, "it should work." Omi's grin faded and he glared dangerously.

"What do you mean 'it seems like a simple enough plan'?" he questioned with narrowed eyes. "Are you saying that my plans are stupid, Hidaka?"

From there, everything went downhill.

--------------------

It had almost turned into a fight, of all things. Omi and Ken often wondered afterwards why, but could find no answer. Youji had been in a fairly good mood that day and when approached with the idea of leaving Schuldich, became quickly incensed.

"No; he's my responsibility."

"But Youji," pleaded Omi, "I think you need a break! You haven't been acting like yourself lately..."

"No, alright!"

"Youji!" Ken said sharply. "You're taking this too far! Aya might not care as long as the job is done, but we do! Schuldich is doing something to you, Youji! You're starting to care too much..."

"I already told you! I'm not leaving him! Nothing either of you say will change that, so don't even bother!"

After that, Youji had gone back into the shop to rejoin with Schuldich, slamming the supply room door violently. Omi and Ken stood there for a moment, suddenly embarrassed at the short but intense conversation.

"Come on, kid, we'd better get back to work."

They never mentioned the incident again.

--------------------

"Saa, Youji-chan, why do you always sleep on the couch?" Schuldich questioned with sparkling eyes. Youji shrugged and collected his blanket. "But isn't it cold there? I know it's cold here." Schuldich's sense of humour had recovered faster than his body.

"Schuldich..." Youji frowned, uncertain and confused. "...I ...I don't want to hurt you." It truly was an honest statement. Youji turned away from Schuldich, not wanting to see his reaction. There was an awkward pause for a moment.

"Of course you won't! Come, come, there's room." Schuldich lifted the blanket and grinned as if he didn't hear the catch in Youji's last sentence. Youji turned to face him.

He used to... I don't want that anymore... Youji...

Sighing, Youji put down his blankets and crawled into the bed compliantly. Smugly, Schuldich wrapped his long arms around him and slipped a hand beneath the t-shirt to curl fingers around his abdomen. Lips carefully pressed themselves onto Youji's neck before the entire body settled down.

"See? This isn't so bad, even though it's a fairly tight fit... Mm, you're so warm." Youji made an indiscernible sound in his throat as a reply.

"Saa, Youji, say something!"

Youji stared at the ceiling, his eyes moistening and his view splintering.

"...Tell me more... about..."

"Youji," Schuldich said, suddenly sounding tired.

"Please... just... tell me more... about... about what happened... to you." Schuldich's hold tightened.

"For a kiss," he said softly.

"For a kiss," Youji agreed.

--------------------

Aya felt uneasy. Something was brewing with Youji and Schuldich and he hated to have to break that connection in fear of losing their hold on the redhead. But then, he also wanted to, very badly in fact, for the two were becoming closer and closer every day. Youji had to keep a subjective look upon things.

Aya paused his chain of thought for a moment. Aya Fujimiya had to keep a subjective look upon things.

Shaking his head, Aya concluded that he couldn't waste this significant gamble. He would not do anything for now.

Aya continued his sweeping.