What If?
Chapter 5- Break
Asuka stood outside of the intimidating Takatori estate, the cold iron gates placed before a large welcoming mansion, pure and white, much unlike its owner. Making sure there were no guards in sight, she scaled the gates via a helpful maple tree nearby. She landed silently, on all fours like a cat, and straightened, taking a cautious glance at her surroundings. The eldest son would be gone now. According to sources, he would be in the family laboratories across town for the whole day, and would not return until deep into the night, if he returned at all. The father and his son were still in Ido, conferring with a manufacturing company, working on buying them out. Legal enough, it seemed, but that was Chin's job to investigate. The firm had wanted to keep Asuka close by for evaluation purposes, to make sure she was ready to take work back on. The detective slipped stealthily through the grounds, closing the gap between her and the giant house just waiting to be sucked dry of
incriminating evidence. She pulled herself up close to the pallid side of the house, slowly moving forward. `Let's see...' she thought, remembering the directions she'd been given on how to find the trick opening into the house. `Third window... Second half...' She pushed on the piece of glass, and like a little door, it swung open easily. A frown creased her brow. This would be a tight fit...
After much struggling and some loud curses she thought would get her caught for certain, Asuka had managed to get inside. It was dark, whatever room she was in, so she allowed herself to stay put until her eyes adjusted to the dim light. She couldn't help herself as a smug grin rose to her lips. All she had to do here was get some authenticated indicting evidence, anything that could incriminate Reiji beyond reasonable doubt. Sounded simple enough. He had to have *something* there that could lock him and his sons away forever and then some. Eyes finally attuned to the low light, Asuka began making her way through the room, finding a door, and warily stepping out into the rest of the house.
She deduced that she must be in the basement, because the rooms down here were all a bit dark and bare of windows. Either that or... She sniffed the air, nose crinkling cutely from the strong smell of chemicals in the atmosphere. `Not the basement, the dark room.' "Hmm..." She sifted through numbers of files and glimpsed at a deal of pictures hanging on lines. General pictures, mostly, a few disturbingly normal family pictures, mostly of the middle son and a much younger boy assumed to be the youngest son. When she was about to turn, she saw something that stole her attention. It was the corner of a file sticking out from underneath a towel, like it had been menially hidden. She pulled it out, opened it, and gasped. "What the hell?!" There were series of pictures of children, young children. The same pictures again, only this time... this time, they were no longer children, but twisted copies, warped and barely human-looking. Asuka flipped the file shut again, unable to look
at these... these things any longer. She read the cover- Masafumi project. This in itself was enough to lock the bastard away for two times his lifespan, so she carefully tucked it safely inside her coat. With a revolted sigh, she exited the dark room with its chemical-filled air and vile secrets of human experimentation and torture. She found a set of stairs and silently climbed them, happy to be out of the basement and into the ground floor where there was light.
"Nothing here," the investigator observed after a quick run-about. The ground floor merely consisted of a den, a lavish bathroom, an indoor swimming pool, a kitchen, a dining room, and other components of a completely normal living place. The next step was up, so up she went. "Now, if I was the goddamn king of a place like this, where would I live?" she wondered aloud. On the far end of the hall was a large, foreboding door of blackened oak that stood out from the pale ashen colour of the hallway. "Bingo." Asuka swiftly made her way down the hall, a grin on her face. Upon almost reaching the door, however, a pair of voices stopped her. Fear shot through her. There wasn't supposed to be anyone in the house!!! It had to be the youngest Takatori. Curiosity overcame her common sense which was screaming at her to hide, and she pressed her ear against the door.
"...as well as I could with that on my mind."
"Ken-kun..."
"I'm sorry Mamoru... I just.. thank you. For listening to me last night. It helped, really it did. I didn't mean to go on like that so long."
"You needed to. No one can keep all that pent up inside them, Ken."
Asuka smiled. Despite the sick bastards that kid had to live with, he was still sweet and thoughtful of other people. There was hope for this world yet. The blue-haired woman crept down to the end of the hall with little concern. The two voices sounded like they weren't going anywhere soon. The large black door was locked. Typical. She pulled out her pics and, five minutes and much lost patience later, the lock snapped open, allowing the investigator to slip inside.
The room was exactly what she'd imagined it would be like: dark, with cold-looking furnishings, an unfeeling, utilitarian room that only a heartless, emotionless, unfeeling bastard like Takatori could possibly live in. "What a predictable jack-ass." Heaving a heavy sigh, Asuka walked over to the nearest fixture, which happened to be an obsidian desk. After pawing through and finding nothing but regular letters, mail, and a few bills, she moved on. She was still searching a half an hour later when she heard the footsteps walking away down the hall and the shutting of the massive front door. She was still searching three hours later, after she'd practically turned the room upside-down (then right-side-up again to ward suspicion), and had nothing - absolutely NOTHING to show for it. With an exasperated cry let out for the express reason she knew no one would hear it - the house was empty, she collapsed back onto one of the socially-detached leather couches. It felt as
uncomfortable as it looked, but right now, she just needed some place to sit before she took her aggressions out on the room and completely trashed the place. That would be bad. With another growl, she raised her fist and punched into the hard leather sofa, making a crunching sound. She blinked, wondering since when leather couches crunched. With a tad of effort, she pulled the cushion out of place and found a zipper on the bottom of it. Upon opening, she found the source of the odd-placed sound. Hidden inside of the pad was a set of papers, some sort of contract. Asuka started giggling as she read the pristine handwriting that had jotted down explicit details and threats to a big business company head that if he didn't pay some ungodly amount of money, he and his family would die by his hand. `I'd better get fucking promoted for this!' Slipping the papers into her coat along with the sickening science file, the indigo-haired woman placed the cushion back in place and made
her hasty escape, grinning all the way.
He was awake. Damn those birds and the pale sunshine streaming in through the large windows. Ken held in a groan, refusing to admit defeat, but he knew it was too late. The morning had claimed him in its gentle rays and wasn't going to let him fall back asleep. The first thing Ken noticed before he even opened his eyes was the warm body curled up against his, and the arms encircling him. He managed a smile, finding the boy's close proximity not unpleasant in the least. He felt rather nice there, and smelled faintly of mangos and papaya, sweet and clean. Pleasing images filled his mind before he felt the youth in his arms stirring, a mumbled sound escaping him, and memories of the night before flitted back to him.
"'Morning, Ken-kun," Mamoru said, his words still slurred together by drowsiness. Through his hazy, dropped eyes, he cold faintly see the concerned frown on his friend's face. "Ken...?" He quickly rubbed the sleep from his eyes and looked right into those brown eyes. "... How'd you sleep?"
"Not good, but... I guess I slept as well as I could with that on my mind." Blue eyes softened, sympathetic for the other's pain.
"Ken-kun..."
"I'm sorry Mamoru... I just.. Thank you. For listening to me last night. It helped, really it did. I didn't mean to go on like that so long." That ever-present youthful, boyish grin rose to the lad's face. That smile which lit rooms and could melt ice if it wanted to...
"You needed to. No one can keep all that pent up inside them, Ken." A comfortable silence filled the room as the duo shared a soft, pleasant moment. "I know exactly what you need," Mamoru began, his features lighting up with the spark of a sudden idea. "You need a distraction! I'm going to take you out today, and make you forget all about your troubles! Guarantee or no money back!" Ken quirked an eyebrow.
"Don't you mean guarantee or double the money back?" Mamoru playfully pushed him, a feigned look of shock on his face.
"Well, isn't someone getting greedy?!" Laughter rang out through the room, and Ken had to admit: spending the whole day with this boy who made him feel like all his problems were already over was an appealing prospect. "Well, what do you say?" Ken smiled softly.
"You got a deal."
"Great!" Mamoru beamed. "Hmm, you didn't bring a change of clothes, did you?" Ken shook his head, mouth busy with a yawn. "My brother should have stuff that fits you. Just go right through there-" he pointed to a door on the far side of the room. "- and feel free to go through his stuff. Don't worry, I do it all the time. There's nothing there to scare you away." Ken grinned and chuckled at the comment and walked off, unable to shake this good feeling inside of him. Then again, he didn't really want to.
Half an hour later, both boys had dressed in a comfortable attire of shorts and t-shirts, and headed out the door.
"So where exactly are we going, Mamoru?" the older boy asked. The genki blonde shrugged and grinned nonchalantly, his eyes holding a hint of something that spoke of mischief in their azure depths.
"Wherever the wind takes us."
"Surprise!" Ran jerked his head up from the book he'd engrossed himself in since there were no customers, and was greeted with the sight of his younger sister. She was standing before him with a huge smile and a large basket full of unidentifiable things topped with a red & white-checkered blanket.
"Aya! What are you doing here?!" the redhead called out as he dropped his book, standing up to greet the girl with a lingering hug. He couldn't help but return her enthusiastic, jubilant smile with one of his own.
"I was getting lonely at home all by myself, so I put together a basket so we could go for a picnic!" she explained, adding a giggle on the end for emphasis. Ran simply stared at her in astonishment. Sometimes it surprised him just how selfless and caring his sister was, and how close he had come to losing her forever. He'd give the world for her. He had to at least try to get off of work to be with her. The boy turned to find Momoe-san, and did... face-to-face with him. Stumbling back from the sudden surprise, Ran gawked at her until she spoke.
"Well? What are you waiting for, child? Go on." She ushered him away with urgent hand motions. Ran's face took on a look of doubt, even as he busied himself with untying his apron.
"Are you sure, Momoe-san...?"
"I may be old, but I can still handle a flower shop. Go on now, don't keep that lovely little girl waiting for you." Momoe accentuated her point by taking the apron and pushing the pair out the door. Aya, happy enough, looped her arm around her brother's, and set out for the park.
"It was such a nice day, and I figured you weren't happy being stuck inside, I mean, I know I wasn't, so I came up with this idea. Bet you're glad, aren't you?" Ran grinned widely.
"Aya-chan, you know I'm glad to get any excuse to spend some time with you." The young girl beamed at the compliment, an absolute radiance surrounding her that put even the brilliant sun to absolute shame. Ran reached over and tousled her hair, laughing at her playful whine and mock anger. It wasn't long before Aya had led them to a little spot on the edge of the park, surrounded by trees on one side, and daylight on the other. "Where... did you find this place...?"
"Hmm? Oh, I just happened upon it one day, and though to myself, `gee, wouldn't Ran like it here?', so here we are!" the blue-haired girl chirped as she set out the blanket. "You do like it here, don't you?" Ran looked at her quickly, noticing the tremble in her voice and the searching look in her eyes. God, she worked so hard to make him happy. Didn't she realize that simply being there was enough happiness to last him forever?
"Of course I do, Aya! You always pick the greatest spots. Besides," he added with a kindly, almost fatherly smile, "You know I'm always happy when I can be with you." The two shared a tender moment. "It's insane, we both live in the same house and barely ever see each other."
"I know! You and that job. You know you don't really need it." Ran smirked.
"Yes, but how can I buy you pretty things without some extra pocket money?" Aya stuck out her tongue.
"You spoil me."
"No kidding."
"Hey!" The two laughed together, their voices creating a beautiful melody against the light, warm air around them.
Yohji walked along the woodland trail, a scowl set on his rugged features. Asuka had gone to do some snooping at the Takatori residence. He should be mad, or at least upset a bit. If not for the fact that she was even doing it, than the fact that she was doing it ALONE. But no. Instead of feeling upset, instead of feeling neglected, instead of feeling worried, he was riddled with absolute jealousy! Why did she, who hadn't been working any longer than he had, get such a sweet job when he was stuck tailing some 17 year old KID?! It just wasn't fair! Sometimes he really thought it was a mass conspiracy against him that the office had set up or something. They were all a bunch of evil sadists. Well, he'd show them. He'd do this case with a smile, just to show them he was above them.
"God, I'm an idiot," he muttered. He heaved a self-piteous sigh as he walked along the peaceful forest trail, surrounded by sounds of nature and fresh, clean air. It was decidedly time for a cigarette. As he struck the lighter, though, he was forced to pause by a familiar sound. He'd heard that deep-voiced laugh somewhere before... Poking through the trees to the side of the trail, he smirked at who was sitting there on the grass.
Ken leapt in the way of the soccer ball barreling toward him, stopping it in its tracks. The slight sting in his chest felt good; it told him he'd done his job. With a grunt, he stood up, holding the ball triumphantly in his hands. He gazed at the panting boy before him through chocolate locks matted to his face and neck. His clothes clung tightly to his body from the sweat and water they'd been pouring on themselves to keep from overheating. Mamoru straightened, his face flushed from the excursion, his chest rising and falling with rapid breath, just like when they had met. The same feeling washed through the goalie as that first time... He forced it away as he brushed long brown bangs from his face and smiled out to the blonde.
"You're too good, Ken-kun!" he exclaimed, still trying to catch his breath. His hands flew to his side where a stitch was building up. "I can't get anything past you!" Ken dropped the ball to the ground and, dribbling it between his feet, took off toward the goal on the other side. "No fair, Ken! Hey, come back!" Mamoru sprinted after the older boy, who had already made it down to the other side and scored.
"I win!" he cried victoriously, right before Mamoru tackled him to the ground. Both boys simply lay there, gasping for air in a tangle of limbs and giggles. After many minutes, the laughter subsided, and the pair remained still trying to replenish their bodies' depleted oxygen sources. Once again, Ken found the weight of the Takatori boy rather comforting as he lay on top of him, the strong, youthful heart pounding, the warm breath against his skin... "You're really out of shape, you know."
"Bite me." Truth be told, the thought wasn't entirely unappealing... Ken smacked himself mentally. How had this kid gotten under his skin like that?! He was sweet and attentive and soft (in more way than one...), and just like Kase when they'd first met. `Kase... What's happening to me...? To you...?' Ken bit back a wistful sigh. No! He was out here today to enjoy himself, not to think of all his petty little tribulations! Ken smiled with resolve and pulled himself up, then Mamoru with him.
"What now?" the brunette asked.
"I'm about ready to go back to bed..."
"We just got up four hours ago!" Ken exclaimed. "Remember? We slept until two o'clock?!" Mamoru laughed nervously, scratching the back of his neck.
"Oh yeah." Brown eyes rolled at the boy, the elder of the two shaking his head. Ken reached out and took the blonde's hand in his own.
"Come on. Let's go for a walk and cool off." Mamoru nodded, but didn't say anything. Ken couldn't help but wonder if the dark red on his cheek was from their game or their touch...
The sky was an easel streaked with hues of pink, blue and purple. Dying rays of sunlight danced through the lush emerald trees as a light breeze caused the branches to sway, adding to the lovely little ballet. It was a perfect slow-setting sunset. Aya and Ran lay side-by-side, staring up at the vibrant clouds leisurely floating across the broad expanse of powder-blue sky.
"That one looks like a bunny." Aya pointed up to a large formation directly overhead. Ran chuckled.
"They all look like bunnies to you, Aya." They settled back into silence, enjoying the moment. For a split second, they were children again, brother and sister laying out at the campsite their parents used to take them to once every summer. The stars would come out, dotting themselves across the sky, and the two siblings would stare at them for hours, identifying different constellations ("See that one? That's ursa minor, the bear cub." "That doesn't look like a bear! It looks like a bunny!" "They all look like bunnies to you, Aya-chan."). It was so utterly peaceful at that moment, in that spot, like the two had been placed there so no one could disturb the beautiful tranquility. Almost no one.
"LOOK OUT!" Ran jerked his head up and, with a cry, managed to roll out of the way before the soccer ball smashed into the exact spot he'd been laying. Aya jumped up in surprise, staring wide-eyed at the scene. Ran was shaking, panting as two familiar figures came running his way.
"Geez, I'm sorry! I didn't see anyone there!" Ken spouted, making sure there were no injuries other than life cut short five minutes by the sudden surprise.
"Are you okay???" Ran glanced behind the brunette whose face was still riddled with worry, to the younger boy he'd met the day before, his face a bit more amused...
"U- un. I'm fine."
"What the hell is going on?!" Everyone turned at the sound of a fifth intrusive voice. The tall man was standing at the tree-line, a cigarette dangling out of the corner of his mouth, bemused expression set on his features. He bent over at the waist, picking up the absconded ball.
"Nothing," Ran answered, still a bit shakily. "Just a couple friends trying to shorten my life span by giving me a heart-attack." Ken suddenly recognized the honeyed man as the detective that had questioned him the other day.
"So what is this, are you following me now?" Yohji quirked an eyebrow. The kid sure looked more than upset to see him there... He raised his arms in a gesture of good faith.
"Hey, kid, don't think like that. I'm on your side for this." He paused, waiting to see if the auburn-haired boy was going to trust him. Those deep brown eyes softened, accepting his answer as true. "Besides, I was just out for a walk. I saw red over here, and then heard a scream." Ken blushed, and Ran glared.
"Please don't call me that." Aya blinked, surrounded by all of these strangers that seemed to know one another somehow. She cast a pleading look to her brother, who caught on to her discomfort. "Yohji-kun, this is my sister Aya. Aya, detective Kudou Yohji." Long, slender fingers pointed to the two boys near himself. "This is Ken, who I'm assuming you know by that comment... and this is Mamoru." The latter of the two nodded politely.
"Takatori Mamoru, yoroshiku!" `Takatori...? Aw, geez, Asuka' gonna flip to hear this. Both of our cases hanging out together...' Yohji grinned at the thought.
"Nice to meet you too, kid." Mamoru glared. Why did everyone get so upset when he called them that?!
"Well, now that we've all been introduced," Aya-chan chirped happily. "If you want, have a seat! We've still got plenty of snacks and things left over. I went a little overboard packing it up." As the sun faded beyond the horizon, the park was blanketed in beautiful darkness, the night bringing together five so very different people under its strangely protective shelter, as if so many times before.
Well, this makes up for last chapter. This is the longest I've written, not to mention one of my better ones. Just a little note to throw in here regarding the picnic scene: When I first started writing this (I didn't decide to-the story started writing itself, I was just the one doing the typing), I got an image in my head of how all four Weiss members could meet, and for some reason, a sunset picnic came to mind. It was a beautiful picture. I'd like to draw it someday. Maybe someone out there would, too...?
Kourui
PS. For any of those who're interested, I went and wrote an Escaflowne fic, called "Fly". It's kinda neat, albeit a bit disturbing. And it's all about... Celena. If you're feeling adventurous, give it a shot.
Chapter 5- Break
Asuka stood outside of the intimidating Takatori estate, the cold iron gates placed before a large welcoming mansion, pure and white, much unlike its owner. Making sure there were no guards in sight, she scaled the gates via a helpful maple tree nearby. She landed silently, on all fours like a cat, and straightened, taking a cautious glance at her surroundings. The eldest son would be gone now. According to sources, he would be in the family laboratories across town for the whole day, and would not return until deep into the night, if he returned at all. The father and his son were still in Ido, conferring with a manufacturing company, working on buying them out. Legal enough, it seemed, but that was Chin's job to investigate. The firm had wanted to keep Asuka close by for evaluation purposes, to make sure she was ready to take work back on. The detective slipped stealthily through the grounds, closing the gap between her and the giant house just waiting to be sucked dry of
incriminating evidence. She pulled herself up close to the pallid side of the house, slowly moving forward. `Let's see...' she thought, remembering the directions she'd been given on how to find the trick opening into the house. `Third window... Second half...' She pushed on the piece of glass, and like a little door, it swung open easily. A frown creased her brow. This would be a tight fit...
After much struggling and some loud curses she thought would get her caught for certain, Asuka had managed to get inside. It was dark, whatever room she was in, so she allowed herself to stay put until her eyes adjusted to the dim light. She couldn't help herself as a smug grin rose to her lips. All she had to do here was get some authenticated indicting evidence, anything that could incriminate Reiji beyond reasonable doubt. Sounded simple enough. He had to have *something* there that could lock him and his sons away forever and then some. Eyes finally attuned to the low light, Asuka began making her way through the room, finding a door, and warily stepping out into the rest of the house.
She deduced that she must be in the basement, because the rooms down here were all a bit dark and bare of windows. Either that or... She sniffed the air, nose crinkling cutely from the strong smell of chemicals in the atmosphere. `Not the basement, the dark room.' "Hmm..." She sifted through numbers of files and glimpsed at a deal of pictures hanging on lines. General pictures, mostly, a few disturbingly normal family pictures, mostly of the middle son and a much younger boy assumed to be the youngest son. When she was about to turn, she saw something that stole her attention. It was the corner of a file sticking out from underneath a towel, like it had been menially hidden. She pulled it out, opened it, and gasped. "What the hell?!" There were series of pictures of children, young children. The same pictures again, only this time... this time, they were no longer children, but twisted copies, warped and barely human-looking. Asuka flipped the file shut again, unable to look
at these... these things any longer. She read the cover- Masafumi project. This in itself was enough to lock the bastard away for two times his lifespan, so she carefully tucked it safely inside her coat. With a revolted sigh, she exited the dark room with its chemical-filled air and vile secrets of human experimentation and torture. She found a set of stairs and silently climbed them, happy to be out of the basement and into the ground floor where there was light.
"Nothing here," the investigator observed after a quick run-about. The ground floor merely consisted of a den, a lavish bathroom, an indoor swimming pool, a kitchen, a dining room, and other components of a completely normal living place. The next step was up, so up she went. "Now, if I was the goddamn king of a place like this, where would I live?" she wondered aloud. On the far end of the hall was a large, foreboding door of blackened oak that stood out from the pale ashen colour of the hallway. "Bingo." Asuka swiftly made her way down the hall, a grin on her face. Upon almost reaching the door, however, a pair of voices stopped her. Fear shot through her. There wasn't supposed to be anyone in the house!!! It had to be the youngest Takatori. Curiosity overcame her common sense which was screaming at her to hide, and she pressed her ear against the door.
"...as well as I could with that on my mind."
"Ken-kun..."
"I'm sorry Mamoru... I just.. thank you. For listening to me last night. It helped, really it did. I didn't mean to go on like that so long."
"You needed to. No one can keep all that pent up inside them, Ken."
Asuka smiled. Despite the sick bastards that kid had to live with, he was still sweet and thoughtful of other people. There was hope for this world yet. The blue-haired woman crept down to the end of the hall with little concern. The two voices sounded like they weren't going anywhere soon. The large black door was locked. Typical. She pulled out her pics and, five minutes and much lost patience later, the lock snapped open, allowing the investigator to slip inside.
The room was exactly what she'd imagined it would be like: dark, with cold-looking furnishings, an unfeeling, utilitarian room that only a heartless, emotionless, unfeeling bastard like Takatori could possibly live in. "What a predictable jack-ass." Heaving a heavy sigh, Asuka walked over to the nearest fixture, which happened to be an obsidian desk. After pawing through and finding nothing but regular letters, mail, and a few bills, she moved on. She was still searching a half an hour later when she heard the footsteps walking away down the hall and the shutting of the massive front door. She was still searching three hours later, after she'd practically turned the room upside-down (then right-side-up again to ward suspicion), and had nothing - absolutely NOTHING to show for it. With an exasperated cry let out for the express reason she knew no one would hear it - the house was empty, she collapsed back onto one of the socially-detached leather couches. It felt as
uncomfortable as it looked, but right now, she just needed some place to sit before she took her aggressions out on the room and completely trashed the place. That would be bad. With another growl, she raised her fist and punched into the hard leather sofa, making a crunching sound. She blinked, wondering since when leather couches crunched. With a tad of effort, she pulled the cushion out of place and found a zipper on the bottom of it. Upon opening, she found the source of the odd-placed sound. Hidden inside of the pad was a set of papers, some sort of contract. Asuka started giggling as she read the pristine handwriting that had jotted down explicit details and threats to a big business company head that if he didn't pay some ungodly amount of money, he and his family would die by his hand. `I'd better get fucking promoted for this!' Slipping the papers into her coat along with the sickening science file, the indigo-haired woman placed the cushion back in place and made
her hasty escape, grinning all the way.
He was awake. Damn those birds and the pale sunshine streaming in through the large windows. Ken held in a groan, refusing to admit defeat, but he knew it was too late. The morning had claimed him in its gentle rays and wasn't going to let him fall back asleep. The first thing Ken noticed before he even opened his eyes was the warm body curled up against his, and the arms encircling him. He managed a smile, finding the boy's close proximity not unpleasant in the least. He felt rather nice there, and smelled faintly of mangos and papaya, sweet and clean. Pleasing images filled his mind before he felt the youth in his arms stirring, a mumbled sound escaping him, and memories of the night before flitted back to him.
"'Morning, Ken-kun," Mamoru said, his words still slurred together by drowsiness. Through his hazy, dropped eyes, he cold faintly see the concerned frown on his friend's face. "Ken...?" He quickly rubbed the sleep from his eyes and looked right into those brown eyes. "... How'd you sleep?"
"Not good, but... I guess I slept as well as I could with that on my mind." Blue eyes softened, sympathetic for the other's pain.
"Ken-kun..."
"I'm sorry Mamoru... I just.. Thank you. For listening to me last night. It helped, really it did. I didn't mean to go on like that so long." That ever-present youthful, boyish grin rose to the lad's face. That smile which lit rooms and could melt ice if it wanted to...
"You needed to. No one can keep all that pent up inside them, Ken." A comfortable silence filled the room as the duo shared a soft, pleasant moment. "I know exactly what you need," Mamoru began, his features lighting up with the spark of a sudden idea. "You need a distraction! I'm going to take you out today, and make you forget all about your troubles! Guarantee or no money back!" Ken quirked an eyebrow.
"Don't you mean guarantee or double the money back?" Mamoru playfully pushed him, a feigned look of shock on his face.
"Well, isn't someone getting greedy?!" Laughter rang out through the room, and Ken had to admit: spending the whole day with this boy who made him feel like all his problems were already over was an appealing prospect. "Well, what do you say?" Ken smiled softly.
"You got a deal."
"Great!" Mamoru beamed. "Hmm, you didn't bring a change of clothes, did you?" Ken shook his head, mouth busy with a yawn. "My brother should have stuff that fits you. Just go right through there-" he pointed to a door on the far side of the room. "- and feel free to go through his stuff. Don't worry, I do it all the time. There's nothing there to scare you away." Ken grinned and chuckled at the comment and walked off, unable to shake this good feeling inside of him. Then again, he didn't really want to.
Half an hour later, both boys had dressed in a comfortable attire of shorts and t-shirts, and headed out the door.
"So where exactly are we going, Mamoru?" the older boy asked. The genki blonde shrugged and grinned nonchalantly, his eyes holding a hint of something that spoke of mischief in their azure depths.
"Wherever the wind takes us."
"Surprise!" Ran jerked his head up from the book he'd engrossed himself in since there were no customers, and was greeted with the sight of his younger sister. She was standing before him with a huge smile and a large basket full of unidentifiable things topped with a red & white-checkered blanket.
"Aya! What are you doing here?!" the redhead called out as he dropped his book, standing up to greet the girl with a lingering hug. He couldn't help but return her enthusiastic, jubilant smile with one of his own.
"I was getting lonely at home all by myself, so I put together a basket so we could go for a picnic!" she explained, adding a giggle on the end for emphasis. Ran simply stared at her in astonishment. Sometimes it surprised him just how selfless and caring his sister was, and how close he had come to losing her forever. He'd give the world for her. He had to at least try to get off of work to be with her. The boy turned to find Momoe-san, and did... face-to-face with him. Stumbling back from the sudden surprise, Ran gawked at her until she spoke.
"Well? What are you waiting for, child? Go on." She ushered him away with urgent hand motions. Ran's face took on a look of doubt, even as he busied himself with untying his apron.
"Are you sure, Momoe-san...?"
"I may be old, but I can still handle a flower shop. Go on now, don't keep that lovely little girl waiting for you." Momoe accentuated her point by taking the apron and pushing the pair out the door. Aya, happy enough, looped her arm around her brother's, and set out for the park.
"It was such a nice day, and I figured you weren't happy being stuck inside, I mean, I know I wasn't, so I came up with this idea. Bet you're glad, aren't you?" Ran grinned widely.
"Aya-chan, you know I'm glad to get any excuse to spend some time with you." The young girl beamed at the compliment, an absolute radiance surrounding her that put even the brilliant sun to absolute shame. Ran reached over and tousled her hair, laughing at her playful whine and mock anger. It wasn't long before Aya had led them to a little spot on the edge of the park, surrounded by trees on one side, and daylight on the other. "Where... did you find this place...?"
"Hmm? Oh, I just happened upon it one day, and though to myself, `gee, wouldn't Ran like it here?', so here we are!" the blue-haired girl chirped as she set out the blanket. "You do like it here, don't you?" Ran looked at her quickly, noticing the tremble in her voice and the searching look in her eyes. God, she worked so hard to make him happy. Didn't she realize that simply being there was enough happiness to last him forever?
"Of course I do, Aya! You always pick the greatest spots. Besides," he added with a kindly, almost fatherly smile, "You know I'm always happy when I can be with you." The two shared a tender moment. "It's insane, we both live in the same house and barely ever see each other."
"I know! You and that job. You know you don't really need it." Ran smirked.
"Yes, but how can I buy you pretty things without some extra pocket money?" Aya stuck out her tongue.
"You spoil me."
"No kidding."
"Hey!" The two laughed together, their voices creating a beautiful melody against the light, warm air around them.
Yohji walked along the woodland trail, a scowl set on his rugged features. Asuka had gone to do some snooping at the Takatori residence. He should be mad, or at least upset a bit. If not for the fact that she was even doing it, than the fact that she was doing it ALONE. But no. Instead of feeling upset, instead of feeling neglected, instead of feeling worried, he was riddled with absolute jealousy! Why did she, who hadn't been working any longer than he had, get such a sweet job when he was stuck tailing some 17 year old KID?! It just wasn't fair! Sometimes he really thought it was a mass conspiracy against him that the office had set up or something. They were all a bunch of evil sadists. Well, he'd show them. He'd do this case with a smile, just to show them he was above them.
"God, I'm an idiot," he muttered. He heaved a self-piteous sigh as he walked along the peaceful forest trail, surrounded by sounds of nature and fresh, clean air. It was decidedly time for a cigarette. As he struck the lighter, though, he was forced to pause by a familiar sound. He'd heard that deep-voiced laugh somewhere before... Poking through the trees to the side of the trail, he smirked at who was sitting there on the grass.
Ken leapt in the way of the soccer ball barreling toward him, stopping it in its tracks. The slight sting in his chest felt good; it told him he'd done his job. With a grunt, he stood up, holding the ball triumphantly in his hands. He gazed at the panting boy before him through chocolate locks matted to his face and neck. His clothes clung tightly to his body from the sweat and water they'd been pouring on themselves to keep from overheating. Mamoru straightened, his face flushed from the excursion, his chest rising and falling with rapid breath, just like when they had met. The same feeling washed through the goalie as that first time... He forced it away as he brushed long brown bangs from his face and smiled out to the blonde.
"You're too good, Ken-kun!" he exclaimed, still trying to catch his breath. His hands flew to his side where a stitch was building up. "I can't get anything past you!" Ken dropped the ball to the ground and, dribbling it between his feet, took off toward the goal on the other side. "No fair, Ken! Hey, come back!" Mamoru sprinted after the older boy, who had already made it down to the other side and scored.
"I win!" he cried victoriously, right before Mamoru tackled him to the ground. Both boys simply lay there, gasping for air in a tangle of limbs and giggles. After many minutes, the laughter subsided, and the pair remained still trying to replenish their bodies' depleted oxygen sources. Once again, Ken found the weight of the Takatori boy rather comforting as he lay on top of him, the strong, youthful heart pounding, the warm breath against his skin... "You're really out of shape, you know."
"Bite me." Truth be told, the thought wasn't entirely unappealing... Ken smacked himself mentally. How had this kid gotten under his skin like that?! He was sweet and attentive and soft (in more way than one...), and just like Kase when they'd first met. `Kase... What's happening to me...? To you...?' Ken bit back a wistful sigh. No! He was out here today to enjoy himself, not to think of all his petty little tribulations! Ken smiled with resolve and pulled himself up, then Mamoru with him.
"What now?" the brunette asked.
"I'm about ready to go back to bed..."
"We just got up four hours ago!" Ken exclaimed. "Remember? We slept until two o'clock?!" Mamoru laughed nervously, scratching the back of his neck.
"Oh yeah." Brown eyes rolled at the boy, the elder of the two shaking his head. Ken reached out and took the blonde's hand in his own.
"Come on. Let's go for a walk and cool off." Mamoru nodded, but didn't say anything. Ken couldn't help but wonder if the dark red on his cheek was from their game or their touch...
The sky was an easel streaked with hues of pink, blue and purple. Dying rays of sunlight danced through the lush emerald trees as a light breeze caused the branches to sway, adding to the lovely little ballet. It was a perfect slow-setting sunset. Aya and Ran lay side-by-side, staring up at the vibrant clouds leisurely floating across the broad expanse of powder-blue sky.
"That one looks like a bunny." Aya pointed up to a large formation directly overhead. Ran chuckled.
"They all look like bunnies to you, Aya." They settled back into silence, enjoying the moment. For a split second, they were children again, brother and sister laying out at the campsite their parents used to take them to once every summer. The stars would come out, dotting themselves across the sky, and the two siblings would stare at them for hours, identifying different constellations ("See that one? That's ursa minor, the bear cub." "That doesn't look like a bear! It looks like a bunny!" "They all look like bunnies to you, Aya-chan."). It was so utterly peaceful at that moment, in that spot, like the two had been placed there so no one could disturb the beautiful tranquility. Almost no one.
"LOOK OUT!" Ran jerked his head up and, with a cry, managed to roll out of the way before the soccer ball smashed into the exact spot he'd been laying. Aya jumped up in surprise, staring wide-eyed at the scene. Ran was shaking, panting as two familiar figures came running his way.
"Geez, I'm sorry! I didn't see anyone there!" Ken spouted, making sure there were no injuries other than life cut short five minutes by the sudden surprise.
"Are you okay???" Ran glanced behind the brunette whose face was still riddled with worry, to the younger boy he'd met the day before, his face a bit more amused...
"U- un. I'm fine."
"What the hell is going on?!" Everyone turned at the sound of a fifth intrusive voice. The tall man was standing at the tree-line, a cigarette dangling out of the corner of his mouth, bemused expression set on his features. He bent over at the waist, picking up the absconded ball.
"Nothing," Ran answered, still a bit shakily. "Just a couple friends trying to shorten my life span by giving me a heart-attack." Ken suddenly recognized the honeyed man as the detective that had questioned him the other day.
"So what is this, are you following me now?" Yohji quirked an eyebrow. The kid sure looked more than upset to see him there... He raised his arms in a gesture of good faith.
"Hey, kid, don't think like that. I'm on your side for this." He paused, waiting to see if the auburn-haired boy was going to trust him. Those deep brown eyes softened, accepting his answer as true. "Besides, I was just out for a walk. I saw red over here, and then heard a scream." Ken blushed, and Ran glared.
"Please don't call me that." Aya blinked, surrounded by all of these strangers that seemed to know one another somehow. She cast a pleading look to her brother, who caught on to her discomfort. "Yohji-kun, this is my sister Aya. Aya, detective Kudou Yohji." Long, slender fingers pointed to the two boys near himself. "This is Ken, who I'm assuming you know by that comment... and this is Mamoru." The latter of the two nodded politely.
"Takatori Mamoru, yoroshiku!" `Takatori...? Aw, geez, Asuka' gonna flip to hear this. Both of our cases hanging out together...' Yohji grinned at the thought.
"Nice to meet you too, kid." Mamoru glared. Why did everyone get so upset when he called them that?!
"Well, now that we've all been introduced," Aya-chan chirped happily. "If you want, have a seat! We've still got plenty of snacks and things left over. I went a little overboard packing it up." As the sun faded beyond the horizon, the park was blanketed in beautiful darkness, the night bringing together five so very different people under its strangely protective shelter, as if so many times before.
Well, this makes up for last chapter. This is the longest I've written, not to mention one of my better ones. Just a little note to throw in here regarding the picnic scene: When I first started writing this (I didn't decide to-the story started writing itself, I was just the one doing the typing), I got an image in my head of how all four Weiss members could meet, and for some reason, a sunset picnic came to mind. It was a beautiful picture. I'd like to draw it someday. Maybe someone out there would, too...?
Kourui
PS. For any of those who're interested, I went and wrote an Escaflowne fic, called "Fly". It's kinda neat, albeit a bit disturbing. And it's all about... Celena. If you're feeling adventurous, give it a shot.