Ch.1: Starlight
Smoke curled out the window, hitting the freezing air and condensing into a thin
line of gray, snaking its way up to the dark skies, a homage to whatever gods lived up
there. He watched it flicker in and out, in and out, make loops, curlicues, squiggly lines,
and wondered for a moment what street it reminded him of. Ah, he said to himself, it
reminded him of the winding road near the suburbs of Tokyo. What was it called? Oh yes, it
was called Sorata or something like that...
The place where Ken was posted tonight, he thought with a hint of worry. He
lazily lifted the cigarette to his mouth again, and breathed in softly, waited a few
seconds, then rushed the smoke out of his mouth and sending it straight outside. The window
was open, and the armchair he was sitting in was cold, but he didn't notice. He was just
wrapped up in his thoughts, and nothing could actually disturb him right then. The eyes
shifted to the window again, to the people below, and his heart gave an all-too-familiar
twinge at the sight of a young couple, laughing into the clear air, their voices not going
past the clouds of breath that floated in front of them. As he watched, the girl laid her
head on the boy's shoulder, and there was more talk that he couldn't decipher. He turned
painfully away from the sight, aware that his heart had just let out a little more of its
pain again. His eyes swam as he looked down at the arm of the comfy chair beneath him.
Green, he thought. Green brocade. Absentmindedly he ran his fingers over the rich
fabric.
He took another drag on the cigarette, taking his time, and blew it out the window
again. His roommate would kill him if he found cigarette ash or traces of anything
cigarette or smoking around the house, except for cigarette butts in the dish in the living
room, but other than that, he was picky about it. Almost as picky as Omi in that aspect,
he thought with a smile. Almost like Omi.
Where was Ken?, he wondered. It was funny how thoughts could sometimes just run
around in circles and finally end up back at the beginning. And there he was again, at the
beginning of his thoughts again, just where he started before. It was uncanny, but
gradually his thoughts slipped back into the past, the past when they were still together,
the 4 of them, in WeiB. They had disbanded, their own lives occupied by themselves and
their shattered dreams of normality, trying to piece together their lives with their bare
hands, and that was something that every one of them had to do alone. There was nothing
they could do to help each other in this aspect. Still, the past lingered, and they met
often, despite their own inner struggles not to see each other again. They had their own
dreams to pursue, and they did what they could, and that was the end of that. No ifie-ness,
no "can I stay with you and be your roommate?" things, they were going their separate ways.
It hurt them all, but they had to do it. It was for the best. No one should
suspect.
Down his mental list of names of the past, the first one that surfaced was always
the youngest one. Omi, of course, even before Nagi, who was an enemy-become-ally, but they
weren't fighting anymore. Their little treaty had been passed onto Schwartz, and all of
them accepted the terms, albeit reluctantly and warily. Omi had gone to a nice private
school for the rest of his high school and college years, making everyone puzzled about his
decision. His only reply was "I want to check it out, and their education level is much
higher, so I want to see if it really is". It was an English school in the middle of Tokyo,
which didn't really make sense to him, but he took the facts without complaint, and let his
mind wander over the facts again. He would never know why Omi chose an obedience school,
some school that was on the other side of town called "St. Joseph's Boys' Institute of
Obedience". He posted an occasional letter or e-mail in that direction, and though he
sometimes didn't get answers, he was confident that Omi got it, just didn't have time. But
just for the heck of it and to relieve boredom once in a while, he always called after a
week or so. The sandy-haired youth was always busy it seemed, and the phone calls were
always short and hurried, but he could tell in his voice that he was exhausted but happy,
and he had the reassurance that at least one of them had gotten something out of their
lives, and was exactly where he wanted to be.
Ken, needless to say, was back in the J-League. The court had unearthed (from Mr.
Guess Who) evidence that Ken was not the guilty one, and another trial was taken into
consideration. The court ruled in his favor, and Ken was graciously accepted back into the
J-League. All jury had frowned when the facts stated that Kase was dead, presumably caught
in his own web of games and drug dealing. Ken, as well as every other WeiB member, knew
that was not true, but for the sake of Ken's future, they said nothing. He was the only one
attended the trial with Ken at all, but he could tell it was a relief that he was there,
because after the trial Ken threw himself into his arms and cried his heart out with
happiness. The day after, he wrote letters to everyone he knew, enemy or ally, friend or
foe, and poured his heart out with happiness in each one, stating how happy he was. Even
Omi got caught up in the spirit and wrote a short but very touching letter about how happy
he was for Ken, and Ken almost squealed with joy when Youji threw a party for him. No one
really arrived except for them 2, but they didn't care, and for once he saw Ken truly happy,
no regrets, no anything. After that, Ken seemed always to be busy; when he wasn't playing
soccer, he was out on a mission. He was the only one that actually still took the missions,
other than him. Missions were very infrequent, and some even called for them teaming up t
ogether, but they didn't mind the company, and Manx and Birman had purposefully done so
(even he knew) that it would give them a good chance to see each other and catch up on the
news. He was living with Ken only for a short time, him on the couch and Ken in his bed.
It was until the mover actually moved out the apartment he ordered, and he could start
putting his furniture in, which was just collecting dust in the corner of Ken's apartment.
All the luggage had already been transported there via himself and his car, and Ken had been
too happy to let him stay. It was almost like old times, he smiled a little. But there
was only 2 of them, now. Ken had a mission that night, but as much as he couldn't quench
the little voice in his head that told him to go after him, he stayed in his vantage point
over the street, and smoked his cigarette. The mission, as Ken promised, would not go
farther than 10 PM, but it was 12, now. The Chinese takeout lay forgotten and cold on the
table as he just watched the window and the view outside.
And Aya?, a small part of his mind asked. A faint surge of anger surfaced, but
melded into a throbbing of sorrow instead. Aya had left. Left for good. After Manx come
and told them to disband and get on with their individual lives, he had just left. They
woke up that morning to find Aya gone, and there was nothing they could do about it. There
were absolutely no wherebouts that he might be at; he never left an address for where
Aya-chan, his sister might be, never left a backup place to find him. But it was not a
rather of not having the ability to find him; Omi could easily track him down, as much as
Aya/Ran covered up his tracks. It was a matter that Aya/Ran did not wish to be found. And
they respected that, with a tinge of sadness and anger along with the fact that they would
not go after him. Aya would not leave for no reason at all. After the first day, it seemed
as if the whole thing were a dream, an illusion that could shatter any given moment, as
long as a person put enough pressure on the glass. They had closed the Koneko No Sume Ie by
themselves, for the first time in months, and it left a heavy gap in their hearts. People,
mainly Sakura, asked where he had gone. They answered that he had gone first, since they
weren't going to be the owners of the flower shop anymore. All the customers were
downhearted at the news, but then a strange proclamation had arrived in the mail: it seemed
that Schuldich had volunteered to take over the shop. As it came, they took the offer. So,
they had given the whole thing to their former enemy, not really thinking, but they didn't
care for the moment, and Schwartz had taken over the shop. They all gave advice and told
them how to run it halfheartedly, then they just disbanded with final dreary goodbyes and
promises to keep in touch. Aya/Ran wasn't there.
Who would've thought a telepath like him would be taking care of our own shop
now?, he thought with a measure of puzzlement. The carrot-top certainly did take care of
the shop, and did more than his share of work. There was practically an unsaid agreement of
days that they planned to work with him; once in a while, everyone just came and hung
around, asking questions on different flowers and just generally working together. In those
moments, old fears and quirks were laid to rest, just for a moment, as their masks slipped
off and they found themselves joking and laughing at each others' antics. But it seemed
that customers still preferred their old flower shop operators, for when any one of the WeiB
members was present, the shop would fill, and business would be exceptionally good that
day. Schuldich wasn't totally unlike the assassin they had known before, but now he seemed
to have a certain type of class, an elegance that just showed out now, and he was, at the
very least, nicer to say, and more reformed and conservative. Crawford, albeit his busy
schedule, took it upon himself to manage the budget for the shop. It was an uneasy truce,
but all Wei? and Schwartz members worked to make it work; they didn't want a repeat
performance of the past. Advice and suggestions were swapped, and a good amount of comrade-
like air hung over the shop when they were around. There were just no more hard feelings,
he guessed. It was just time. Time changed everything.
But Aya...Aya/Ran had disappeared from the face of the Earth, it seemed. For once
in his life, young Omi, as he could tell, regretted deleting all files on Aya/Ran Fujimiya.
He had left the briefest of notes in his room, and he himself had read it to the other 2
that night, fingered it, cried, prayed, hoped over it until now the words were smeared to
the point of almost being unreadable. The paper was still in his pocket, and now he took it
out, a piece of crinkled, crushed paper, and smoothed it out. His eyes roamed over the
familiar paper, and his mouth moved silently as he read the words to himself.
Minna,
I have left because of a reason. I do not know where I will go, how I will
survive, what I will do for a living. All I know that I believe it is necessary for me to
leave now. I am sorry for leaving so abruptly. If you manage to hear anything about my
death, for any reason, please take care of the real Aya, Aya -chan, for me. Youji knows
where she lives.
Get along with Schwartz. It's time we actually stopped fighting.
Aya
a.k.a
Ran Fujimiya
He closed his hand over the letter, as he had done so, so many times. His eyes closed, and
he leaned back, taking a drag on his cigarette.
And of me?, he asked himself. I was once a member of Wei? as well. He was back
to his first job, as a private investigator. It had brought him a fresh wave of guilt, but
he endured it, and now he was back in his own office, with a salary that contributed to
everyone. He paid the better half of Omi's schooling (anonymously, so no one suspected),
and also for any soccer equipment of Ken's that seemed too old or shabby. True to the
promise on Aya's letter, he sent some money to Aya-chan as well. His eyes teared with the
the feeling again, the feeling of a broken defense about to shatter, but quickly bringing
reinforcements. He had more things to do than to ponder about a lost love. He and Aya...
that time had been heaven to him. They had never actually BEEN together, but scant kisses
and hugs had been enough for him to expect. He had at least made Aya/Ran happy for a little
while.
Well, he thought, he had SEEMED to be happy. There's no telling what he's
thinking.
But that's not the current problem, he reminded himself. Worry about your
roommate first.
Ken can take care of himself, he thought with a neutral expression. He's been
through more frightening stuff than this mission.
So why am I so worried? Why hasn't he come back yet?
* * *
He opened the door to his apartment complex with a disgruntled push and tug. The
5th floor that staged his apartment seemed so far away, but he knew that in the state he was
in, he couldn't climb up the stairs. He walked towards the elevator, and groaned out loud
to no one in particular who was there. On the elevator button pad there was a sign in
simple Japanese that even beginners could decipher: "Out of Order". For a moment, he just
looked down and assessed his state. He remembered when he had been met up by both Manx and
Birman when Youji was still out. Recalling the smirks on their faces as they said that the
mission called for a "small adjustment", he felt the dread creep up on him, and they were
confirmed as he was strapped down and dressed in a tank top (with a fake bra), tight-fitting
pants that clung to his form, and stilettos. But the worst part of all was the long, brown
wig that he had to wear. It was hindersome, hard to toss over his shoulder, since it was
so long. Manx and Birman had convinced him that it looked good, and it would improve the
image of a frivolous young girl. But as he looked up in desperation at the stairs, he
grudgingly began to climb.
Halfway up on the 3rd floor, his foot was in midair, about to step up another flight
when a hand snaked out and grabbed his wrist. He was reeled in, by a strong grip, and
partly also because he couldn't struggle in high heels. He tried to twist away, but then it
began to hurt, so he stopped, and just let the man take him. The only thing he was
concerned about was if the man was an assassin sent out to kill him or just a regular thug.
He didn't want to kill an innocent bystander, but as his anger grew, he could just barely
keep it from exploding his top. But once he saw the thug's face hidden in the shadows, his
anger turned to sympathy.
Gosh, that guy's ugly. No wonder he has to snag someone like me, he snickered a
little at the thought, but all was interrupted by an all-too-familiar voice.
"Excuse me, mister, but I do believe that's my girl you're holding."
The thug just stared in amazement, or surprise, or something else, Ken
didn't know, but for once Youji's playboy attitude had come in handy, and he was glad he had
decided to let Youji stay for a little while. But this proved almost too much for Ken to
handle as his temper flared at the blonde's next words.
"Come along Keiko, don't let the misfortunes of this world scare you", he prodded
the fat fingers away from his wrist, and led him up the stairs. Ken didn't struggle, but he
almost pitied the poor thug as he looked beseechingly at Youji, tugging him away. They
came upon their familiar door, and Youji opened it; it was unlocked. As Ken saw, his face
held a little smile, just meant for him, and inwardly he flushed with pleasure. He led him
to the couch, still concealed, and Ken almost jumped up and yelled "Hey! It's me!", but for
a moment he stopped and thought. Youji never took up a woman for that long anyways, so it
wouldn't matter if he just teased Youji this once and let him know afterwards and watch him
blush in embarrassment. The older man needed some cheering up, it seemed today. He seemed
to need cheering up everyday, now. The investigator business took the breath out of his old
partner. He always seemed tired, but he never was tired of Ken, and he knew that Youji was
just worn out. But he always had energy to do a little more for Ken, a little more for all
of them: the occasional visit to the Koneko No Sume Ie, going with him to supervise and help
the children with soccer, just generally helping him out. Perhaps there was some actual
GOOD in Youji being a roommate, not just girls coming home and making out on the couch.
But there was some background to that. All 4 of them, that is, all 4 of the WeiB
members, had known about Youji and Aya/Ran. It hadn't been a very big surprise, considering
the way they had been acting that morning. The next morning they had come down together,
Youji unmercifully teasing Aya, and Aya adding a few notes to the music, enough to make
Youji blush in shame. Then it came, over breakfast. Youji and Aya had finally gotten their
act together from last night, and they had admitted their love for each other, in front of
the other 2 youngers. Both were supportive, but inside they were thinking. Did they have
to treat Youji and Aya any different, now that they were together?
As Ken waited for Youji to make the first move, he watched as Youji tidied up
everything. It seemed a long while before Youji sat down in front of Ken, and for a moment,
no one spoke. Ken was startled as he looked in the green eyes behind the glasses, filled
with a love that he couldn't give back. He was sure it showed in his eyes, so why was Youji
still staring at him like that? It was a question he could answer, and at the same time,
couldn't answer. Did Youji know, or didn't he? It had too seem obvious now, right? But as
he looked at Youji, and Youji looked at him, he could feel a feeling rise up to cloud his
senses, bringing a red sheen to his cheeks, and he realized he was blushing and looked down.
Youji seemed satisfied with finally getting a reaction out of him, or her, and leaned back
into the couch. "So, after that little incident, what's you name?"
Ken couldn't find the words to speak, as the picture of Youji's eyes rose up in his
memory. "I..."
The older took this as shyness, and stood up, making Ken look up briefly up
into his face, then glance down again, face burning. But when he looked up again, when
Youji didn't leave, the blonde's eyes were sparkling in a way Ken hadn't seen before, and it
made him feel warm and fuzzy inside, somehow. He couldn't explain it, but when Youji's
face pulled into a genuine smile, he couldn't help but smile a little in return and blush.
He was suddenly stricken with a feeling he couldn't explain, and he couldn't deny it to
himself, as much as he could, and he faced downward again, elicting a slight chuckle from
Youji.
"I'll get you something to drink, then. What would you like?"
Ken answered without looking up. "Um..."Ken realized that his voice was still being
tuned by the choker on his neck, making it sound like a girl's. It changed his voice
drastically into a medium-pitched husky tone; he had told Manx and Birman that he wanted
something NOT high-pitched and annoying. But somehow, he couldn't bring himself to tear if
off, nor keep himself from giving little glances at Youji. As much as he wanted to, he
couldn't jump up and shout "Hey! It's me, Ken!"
"Water, please", was what he said instead. At this, finally succeeding in making
him talk, Youji smiled, and walked into the kitchen. Ken breathed out breath he hadn't
known he had been holding, and looked around. It seemed that Youji had been looking through
some research about whatever project he was researching now. There was a box of presumably
cold takeout on the table, but then Youji came back in, and Ken averted his eyes. The
oldest former member of Wei? set the cup of water in front of him, and then sipped his own
coffee. Ken almost smiled at this, but caught himself. Almost like old times, he thought
with a smile. Youji used to drink coffee wherever he went, and here he is again, drinking
coffee. It's like nothing changed.
But something has changed, came the answer. Now you feel strangely about him,
and that has changed. Also, there is the fact that you are in GIRL'S clothes. That is a
change too.
"So, what's your name?"
"Ta...Tamiko. Tachibana Tamiko", Ken stuttered, using the false name Manx had given
him. Youji gave him another smile, a smile that would make any girl melt, but Ken wasn't a
girl. Still, he found himself smiling shyly back. Youji smiled even wider, and Ken had to
tear his eyes from that alluring gaze to look at his feet instead. The elder seemed to
think this was funny, and gave a slight chuckle and a twinkle appeared in his eyes, but Ken
didn't see this, he was too mesmerized by his shoes. Then a hand appeared in Ken's line of
vision, and he followed it up to meet green again. "The name's Youji. Kudou Youji." A
little startled at the intrusion, Ken took it softly, like a girl would, and just grasped it
for a moment. He squeezed just a little tighter for a moment, and then took his hand back,
a little too quickly, but he quickly looked back at his shoes.
"Come", Youji reached out his hand. "Why don't you stay here for the night? Don't
want that thug coming back to haunt you."
Ken began to stutter at this, protests falling from his mouth like rain, but with a
deft movement, Youji raised a finger to his lips, touching them slightly, and Ken shut up.
A shiver made its way up his spine at the touch, but he couldn't tear his eyes from the
older's, and when Youji led him to Ken's own room, and opened it, he didn't struggle, just
stood in front of it like it was the strangest thing there was.
"Well? Is it alright? It's actually my roommate's", a little frown crossed Youji's
features for a moment, then it was gone, replaced by the smile he usually held. "I hope he
doesn't get mad. But I know he will, but that's alright. I'll do anything", he winked at
Ken, who blushed, "ANYTHING to get this pretty young lady here to nice beddie-bye." When
met by Ken's alarmed gaze, he added quickly, "I promise I won't try anything. I'll be
sleeping on the couch, don't worry."
After Youji had closed the door, Ken ran and buried his head in his pillow. As he
did, thoughts whirled and chased each other around and around in his head until he was left
with circles, but as he found something, his cheeks turned a flaming red as he pressed his
hands to his cheeks. It was all Youji's fault, he thought. All Youji's fault, all his
flirting, stupid habits, all of his stupid girls, and all the stupid things to make me do!
But, he thought as a larger picture came into view, that's not the main point.
The main point is: what am I going to do now?
/ \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \
Author's note:
If you're like me, you'll notice this is much like another fic on
http://www.fanfiction.net. But the ending there hasn't been revealed, and I hope to have
this one up and running. If some of you are wondering what happened to "Letters", the story
I wrote about Nagi going to an obedience school and meeting a seriously wrecked Omi there
and beating up whoever tries to make a move on Omi, well, it's finished. Just type in my
name in the little search button on the top, and press the little looking glass, then you'll
find it under my works. Sorry, it has spanned 7 chapters, much more than the original 3
chapters I predicted.
This fic is also part of that timeline, the timeline that includes both "Let's Call
It A Day" and "Letters". Please enjoy. I am very busy these days, so I apologize for not
having this up earlier. This chapter was too long. Well, whatever. I'm going to sleep
after this.
Andrea Weiling
Smoke curled out the window, hitting the freezing air and condensing into a thin
line of gray, snaking its way up to the dark skies, a homage to whatever gods lived up
there. He watched it flicker in and out, in and out, make loops, curlicues, squiggly lines,
and wondered for a moment what street it reminded him of. Ah, he said to himself, it
reminded him of the winding road near the suburbs of Tokyo. What was it called? Oh yes, it
was called Sorata or something like that...
The place where Ken was posted tonight, he thought with a hint of worry. He
lazily lifted the cigarette to his mouth again, and breathed in softly, waited a few
seconds, then rushed the smoke out of his mouth and sending it straight outside. The window
was open, and the armchair he was sitting in was cold, but he didn't notice. He was just
wrapped up in his thoughts, and nothing could actually disturb him right then. The eyes
shifted to the window again, to the people below, and his heart gave an all-too-familiar
twinge at the sight of a young couple, laughing into the clear air, their voices not going
past the clouds of breath that floated in front of them. As he watched, the girl laid her
head on the boy's shoulder, and there was more talk that he couldn't decipher. He turned
painfully away from the sight, aware that his heart had just let out a little more of its
pain again. His eyes swam as he looked down at the arm of the comfy chair beneath him.
Green, he thought. Green brocade. Absentmindedly he ran his fingers over the rich
fabric.
He took another drag on the cigarette, taking his time, and blew it out the window
again. His roommate would kill him if he found cigarette ash or traces of anything
cigarette or smoking around the house, except for cigarette butts in the dish in the living
room, but other than that, he was picky about it. Almost as picky as Omi in that aspect,
he thought with a smile. Almost like Omi.
Where was Ken?, he wondered. It was funny how thoughts could sometimes just run
around in circles and finally end up back at the beginning. And there he was again, at the
beginning of his thoughts again, just where he started before. It was uncanny, but
gradually his thoughts slipped back into the past, the past when they were still together,
the 4 of them, in WeiB. They had disbanded, their own lives occupied by themselves and
their shattered dreams of normality, trying to piece together their lives with their bare
hands, and that was something that every one of them had to do alone. There was nothing
they could do to help each other in this aspect. Still, the past lingered, and they met
often, despite their own inner struggles not to see each other again. They had their own
dreams to pursue, and they did what they could, and that was the end of that. No ifie-ness,
no "can I stay with you and be your roommate?" things, they were going their separate ways.
It hurt them all, but they had to do it. It was for the best. No one should
suspect.
Down his mental list of names of the past, the first one that surfaced was always
the youngest one. Omi, of course, even before Nagi, who was an enemy-become-ally, but they
weren't fighting anymore. Their little treaty had been passed onto Schwartz, and all of
them accepted the terms, albeit reluctantly and warily. Omi had gone to a nice private
school for the rest of his high school and college years, making everyone puzzled about his
decision. His only reply was "I want to check it out, and their education level is much
higher, so I want to see if it really is". It was an English school in the middle of Tokyo,
which didn't really make sense to him, but he took the facts without complaint, and let his
mind wander over the facts again. He would never know why Omi chose an obedience school,
some school that was on the other side of town called "St. Joseph's Boys' Institute of
Obedience". He posted an occasional letter or e-mail in that direction, and though he
sometimes didn't get answers, he was confident that Omi got it, just didn't have time. But
just for the heck of it and to relieve boredom once in a while, he always called after a
week or so. The sandy-haired youth was always busy it seemed, and the phone calls were
always short and hurried, but he could tell in his voice that he was exhausted but happy,
and he had the reassurance that at least one of them had gotten something out of their
lives, and was exactly where he wanted to be.
Ken, needless to say, was back in the J-League. The court had unearthed (from Mr.
Guess Who) evidence that Ken was not the guilty one, and another trial was taken into
consideration. The court ruled in his favor, and Ken was graciously accepted back into the
J-League. All jury had frowned when the facts stated that Kase was dead, presumably caught
in his own web of games and drug dealing. Ken, as well as every other WeiB member, knew
that was not true, but for the sake of Ken's future, they said nothing. He was the only one
attended the trial with Ken at all, but he could tell it was a relief that he was there,
because after the trial Ken threw himself into his arms and cried his heart out with
happiness. The day after, he wrote letters to everyone he knew, enemy or ally, friend or
foe, and poured his heart out with happiness in each one, stating how happy he was. Even
Omi got caught up in the spirit and wrote a short but very touching letter about how happy
he was for Ken, and Ken almost squealed with joy when Youji threw a party for him. No one
really arrived except for them 2, but they didn't care, and for once he saw Ken truly happy,
no regrets, no anything. After that, Ken seemed always to be busy; when he wasn't playing
soccer, he was out on a mission. He was the only one that actually still took the missions,
other than him. Missions were very infrequent, and some even called for them teaming up t
ogether, but they didn't mind the company, and Manx and Birman had purposefully done so
(even he knew) that it would give them a good chance to see each other and catch up on the
news. He was living with Ken only for a short time, him on the couch and Ken in his bed.
It was until the mover actually moved out the apartment he ordered, and he could start
putting his furniture in, which was just collecting dust in the corner of Ken's apartment.
All the luggage had already been transported there via himself and his car, and Ken had been
too happy to let him stay. It was almost like old times, he smiled a little. But there
was only 2 of them, now. Ken had a mission that night, but as much as he couldn't quench
the little voice in his head that told him to go after him, he stayed in his vantage point
over the street, and smoked his cigarette. The mission, as Ken promised, would not go
farther than 10 PM, but it was 12, now. The Chinese takeout lay forgotten and cold on the
table as he just watched the window and the view outside.
And Aya?, a small part of his mind asked. A faint surge of anger surfaced, but
melded into a throbbing of sorrow instead. Aya had left. Left for good. After Manx come
and told them to disband and get on with their individual lives, he had just left. They
woke up that morning to find Aya gone, and there was nothing they could do about it. There
were absolutely no wherebouts that he might be at; he never left an address for where
Aya-chan, his sister might be, never left a backup place to find him. But it was not a
rather of not having the ability to find him; Omi could easily track him down, as much as
Aya/Ran covered up his tracks. It was a matter that Aya/Ran did not wish to be found. And
they respected that, with a tinge of sadness and anger along with the fact that they would
not go after him. Aya would not leave for no reason at all. After the first day, it seemed
as if the whole thing were a dream, an illusion that could shatter any given moment, as
long as a person put enough pressure on the glass. They had closed the Koneko No Sume Ie by
themselves, for the first time in months, and it left a heavy gap in their hearts. People,
mainly Sakura, asked where he had gone. They answered that he had gone first, since they
weren't going to be the owners of the flower shop anymore. All the customers were
downhearted at the news, but then a strange proclamation had arrived in the mail: it seemed
that Schuldich had volunteered to take over the shop. As it came, they took the offer. So,
they had given the whole thing to their former enemy, not really thinking, but they didn't
care for the moment, and Schwartz had taken over the shop. They all gave advice and told
them how to run it halfheartedly, then they just disbanded with final dreary goodbyes and
promises to keep in touch. Aya/Ran wasn't there.
Who would've thought a telepath like him would be taking care of our own shop
now?, he thought with a measure of puzzlement. The carrot-top certainly did take care of
the shop, and did more than his share of work. There was practically an unsaid agreement of
days that they planned to work with him; once in a while, everyone just came and hung
around, asking questions on different flowers and just generally working together. In those
moments, old fears and quirks were laid to rest, just for a moment, as their masks slipped
off and they found themselves joking and laughing at each others' antics. But it seemed
that customers still preferred their old flower shop operators, for when any one of the WeiB
members was present, the shop would fill, and business would be exceptionally good that
day. Schuldich wasn't totally unlike the assassin they had known before, but now he seemed
to have a certain type of class, an elegance that just showed out now, and he was, at the
very least, nicer to say, and more reformed and conservative. Crawford, albeit his busy
schedule, took it upon himself to manage the budget for the shop. It was an uneasy truce,
but all Wei? and Schwartz members worked to make it work; they didn't want a repeat
performance of the past. Advice and suggestions were swapped, and a good amount of comrade-
like air hung over the shop when they were around. There were just no more hard feelings,
he guessed. It was just time. Time changed everything.
But Aya...Aya/Ran had disappeared from the face of the Earth, it seemed. For once
in his life, young Omi, as he could tell, regretted deleting all files on Aya/Ran Fujimiya.
He had left the briefest of notes in his room, and he himself had read it to the other 2
that night, fingered it, cried, prayed, hoped over it until now the words were smeared to
the point of almost being unreadable. The paper was still in his pocket, and now he took it
out, a piece of crinkled, crushed paper, and smoothed it out. His eyes roamed over the
familiar paper, and his mouth moved silently as he read the words to himself.
Minna,
I have left because of a reason. I do not know where I will go, how I will
survive, what I will do for a living. All I know that I believe it is necessary for me to
leave now. I am sorry for leaving so abruptly. If you manage to hear anything about my
death, for any reason, please take care of the real Aya, Aya -chan, for me. Youji knows
where she lives.
Get along with Schwartz. It's time we actually stopped fighting.
Aya
a.k.a
Ran Fujimiya
He closed his hand over the letter, as he had done so, so many times. His eyes closed, and
he leaned back, taking a drag on his cigarette.
And of me?, he asked himself. I was once a member of Wei? as well. He was back
to his first job, as a private investigator. It had brought him a fresh wave of guilt, but
he endured it, and now he was back in his own office, with a salary that contributed to
everyone. He paid the better half of Omi's schooling (anonymously, so no one suspected),
and also for any soccer equipment of Ken's that seemed too old or shabby. True to the
promise on Aya's letter, he sent some money to Aya-chan as well. His eyes teared with the
the feeling again, the feeling of a broken defense about to shatter, but quickly bringing
reinforcements. He had more things to do than to ponder about a lost love. He and Aya...
that time had been heaven to him. They had never actually BEEN together, but scant kisses
and hugs had been enough for him to expect. He had at least made Aya/Ran happy for a little
while.
Well, he thought, he had SEEMED to be happy. There's no telling what he's
thinking.
But that's not the current problem, he reminded himself. Worry about your
roommate first.
Ken can take care of himself, he thought with a neutral expression. He's been
through more frightening stuff than this mission.
So why am I so worried? Why hasn't he come back yet?
* * *
He opened the door to his apartment complex with a disgruntled push and tug. The
5th floor that staged his apartment seemed so far away, but he knew that in the state he was
in, he couldn't climb up the stairs. He walked towards the elevator, and groaned out loud
to no one in particular who was there. On the elevator button pad there was a sign in
simple Japanese that even beginners could decipher: "Out of Order". For a moment, he just
looked down and assessed his state. He remembered when he had been met up by both Manx and
Birman when Youji was still out. Recalling the smirks on their faces as they said that the
mission called for a "small adjustment", he felt the dread creep up on him, and they were
confirmed as he was strapped down and dressed in a tank top (with a fake bra), tight-fitting
pants that clung to his form, and stilettos. But the worst part of all was the long, brown
wig that he had to wear. It was hindersome, hard to toss over his shoulder, since it was
so long. Manx and Birman had convinced him that it looked good, and it would improve the
image of a frivolous young girl. But as he looked up in desperation at the stairs, he
grudgingly began to climb.
Halfway up on the 3rd floor, his foot was in midair, about to step up another flight
when a hand snaked out and grabbed his wrist. He was reeled in, by a strong grip, and
partly also because he couldn't struggle in high heels. He tried to twist away, but then it
began to hurt, so he stopped, and just let the man take him. The only thing he was
concerned about was if the man was an assassin sent out to kill him or just a regular thug.
He didn't want to kill an innocent bystander, but as his anger grew, he could just barely
keep it from exploding his top. But once he saw the thug's face hidden in the shadows, his
anger turned to sympathy.
Gosh, that guy's ugly. No wonder he has to snag someone like me, he snickered a
little at the thought, but all was interrupted by an all-too-familiar voice.
"Excuse me, mister, but I do believe that's my girl you're holding."
The thug just stared in amazement, or surprise, or something else, Ken
didn't know, but for once Youji's playboy attitude had come in handy, and he was glad he had
decided to let Youji stay for a little while. But this proved almost too much for Ken to
handle as his temper flared at the blonde's next words.
"Come along Keiko, don't let the misfortunes of this world scare you", he prodded
the fat fingers away from his wrist, and led him up the stairs. Ken didn't struggle, but he
almost pitied the poor thug as he looked beseechingly at Youji, tugging him away. They
came upon their familiar door, and Youji opened it; it was unlocked. As Ken saw, his face
held a little smile, just meant for him, and inwardly he flushed with pleasure. He led him
to the couch, still concealed, and Ken almost jumped up and yelled "Hey! It's me!", but for
a moment he stopped and thought. Youji never took up a woman for that long anyways, so it
wouldn't matter if he just teased Youji this once and let him know afterwards and watch him
blush in embarrassment. The older man needed some cheering up, it seemed today. He seemed
to need cheering up everyday, now. The investigator business took the breath out of his old
partner. He always seemed tired, but he never was tired of Ken, and he knew that Youji was
just worn out. But he always had energy to do a little more for Ken, a little more for all
of them: the occasional visit to the Koneko No Sume Ie, going with him to supervise and help
the children with soccer, just generally helping him out. Perhaps there was some actual
GOOD in Youji being a roommate, not just girls coming home and making out on the couch.
But there was some background to that. All 4 of them, that is, all 4 of the WeiB
members, had known about Youji and Aya/Ran. It hadn't been a very big surprise, considering
the way they had been acting that morning. The next morning they had come down together,
Youji unmercifully teasing Aya, and Aya adding a few notes to the music, enough to make
Youji blush in shame. Then it came, over breakfast. Youji and Aya had finally gotten their
act together from last night, and they had admitted their love for each other, in front of
the other 2 youngers. Both were supportive, but inside they were thinking. Did they have
to treat Youji and Aya any different, now that they were together?
As Ken waited for Youji to make the first move, he watched as Youji tidied up
everything. It seemed a long while before Youji sat down in front of Ken, and for a moment,
no one spoke. Ken was startled as he looked in the green eyes behind the glasses, filled
with a love that he couldn't give back. He was sure it showed in his eyes, so why was Youji
still staring at him like that? It was a question he could answer, and at the same time,
couldn't answer. Did Youji know, or didn't he? It had too seem obvious now, right? But as
he looked at Youji, and Youji looked at him, he could feel a feeling rise up to cloud his
senses, bringing a red sheen to his cheeks, and he realized he was blushing and looked down.
Youji seemed satisfied with finally getting a reaction out of him, or her, and leaned back
into the couch. "So, after that little incident, what's you name?"
Ken couldn't find the words to speak, as the picture of Youji's eyes rose up in his
memory. "I..."
The older took this as shyness, and stood up, making Ken look up briefly up
into his face, then glance down again, face burning. But when he looked up again, when
Youji didn't leave, the blonde's eyes were sparkling in a way Ken hadn't seen before, and it
made him feel warm and fuzzy inside, somehow. He couldn't explain it, but when Youji's
face pulled into a genuine smile, he couldn't help but smile a little in return and blush.
He was suddenly stricken with a feeling he couldn't explain, and he couldn't deny it to
himself, as much as he could, and he faced downward again, elicting a slight chuckle from
Youji.
"I'll get you something to drink, then. What would you like?"
Ken answered without looking up. "Um..."Ken realized that his voice was still being
tuned by the choker on his neck, making it sound like a girl's. It changed his voice
drastically into a medium-pitched husky tone; he had told Manx and Birman that he wanted
something NOT high-pitched and annoying. But somehow, he couldn't bring himself to tear if
off, nor keep himself from giving little glances at Youji. As much as he wanted to, he
couldn't jump up and shout "Hey! It's me, Ken!"
"Water, please", was what he said instead. At this, finally succeeding in making
him talk, Youji smiled, and walked into the kitchen. Ken breathed out breath he hadn't
known he had been holding, and looked around. It seemed that Youji had been looking through
some research about whatever project he was researching now. There was a box of presumably
cold takeout on the table, but then Youji came back in, and Ken averted his eyes. The
oldest former member of Wei? set the cup of water in front of him, and then sipped his own
coffee. Ken almost smiled at this, but caught himself. Almost like old times, he thought
with a smile. Youji used to drink coffee wherever he went, and here he is again, drinking
coffee. It's like nothing changed.
But something has changed, came the answer. Now you feel strangely about him,
and that has changed. Also, there is the fact that you are in GIRL'S clothes. That is a
change too.
"So, what's your name?"
"Ta...Tamiko. Tachibana Tamiko", Ken stuttered, using the false name Manx had given
him. Youji gave him another smile, a smile that would make any girl melt, but Ken wasn't a
girl. Still, he found himself smiling shyly back. Youji smiled even wider, and Ken had to
tear his eyes from that alluring gaze to look at his feet instead. The elder seemed to
think this was funny, and gave a slight chuckle and a twinkle appeared in his eyes, but Ken
didn't see this, he was too mesmerized by his shoes. Then a hand appeared in Ken's line of
vision, and he followed it up to meet green again. "The name's Youji. Kudou Youji." A
little startled at the intrusion, Ken took it softly, like a girl would, and just grasped it
for a moment. He squeezed just a little tighter for a moment, and then took his hand back,
a little too quickly, but he quickly looked back at his shoes.
"Come", Youji reached out his hand. "Why don't you stay here for the night? Don't
want that thug coming back to haunt you."
Ken began to stutter at this, protests falling from his mouth like rain, but with a
deft movement, Youji raised a finger to his lips, touching them slightly, and Ken shut up.
A shiver made its way up his spine at the touch, but he couldn't tear his eyes from the
older's, and when Youji led him to Ken's own room, and opened it, he didn't struggle, just
stood in front of it like it was the strangest thing there was.
"Well? Is it alright? It's actually my roommate's", a little frown crossed Youji's
features for a moment, then it was gone, replaced by the smile he usually held. "I hope he
doesn't get mad. But I know he will, but that's alright. I'll do anything", he winked at
Ken, who blushed, "ANYTHING to get this pretty young lady here to nice beddie-bye." When
met by Ken's alarmed gaze, he added quickly, "I promise I won't try anything. I'll be
sleeping on the couch, don't worry."
After Youji had closed the door, Ken ran and buried his head in his pillow. As he
did, thoughts whirled and chased each other around and around in his head until he was left
with circles, but as he found something, his cheeks turned a flaming red as he pressed his
hands to his cheeks. It was all Youji's fault, he thought. All Youji's fault, all his
flirting, stupid habits, all of his stupid girls, and all the stupid things to make me do!
But, he thought as a larger picture came into view, that's not the main point.
The main point is: what am I going to do now?
/ \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \
Author's note:
If you're like me, you'll notice this is much like another fic on
http://www.fanfiction.net. But the ending there hasn't been revealed, and I hope to have
this one up and running. If some of you are wondering what happened to "Letters", the story
I wrote about Nagi going to an obedience school and meeting a seriously wrecked Omi there
and beating up whoever tries to make a move on Omi, well, it's finished. Just type in my
name in the little search button on the top, and press the little looking glass, then you'll
find it under my works. Sorry, it has spanned 7 chapters, much more than the original 3
chapters I predicted.
This fic is also part of that timeline, the timeline that includes both "Let's Call
It A Day" and "Letters". Please enjoy. I am very busy these days, so I apologize for not
having this up earlier. This chapter was too long. Well, whatever. I'm going to sleep
after this.
Andrea Weiling