Before Kai could do anything, Oliver jumped on him. Kai didn't have time
to react. The unicorn put his body on top of the phoenix, clamping his
hand over the phoenix's mouth to prevent him from calling out.
"Kai, don't make me hurt you. Promise you wouldn't shout?"
Kai nodded slowly, his eyes disbelieving. This kid was stronger that he thought. Slowly, Oliver moved away. Kai took this as an opportunity. He pushed Oliver off him and headed for the door. Oliver thought Kai might try that and grabbed his scarf, pulling him back. Quickly, Oliver ripped the cord off his curtains, plunging the room into darkness, and tied Kai up. Oliver pulled his hat off his head and stuffed it into Kai's mouth as a gag.
Oliver got off the bed, satisfied that Kai can't move or make any sound. He quickly shut his door and switched the bedside lamp on.
"Listen, Kai. I don't want to hurt you, honestly, I don't."
Oliver packed his things away, slipping the claws on one of his gloves back into their catch and pushed trunk away under his bed. Straightening the documents back into the files, Oliver sat across from Kai, who was watching him.
They stayed this way for a while. Soon, they heard shouting downstairs.
"Hey, guys! I'm turning in the night! There's nothing we can do for the All Stars now."
A flurry of agreement followed and the rest of the Bladebreakers and Majestics turned in for the night. The two already in Oliver's room kept quiet, listening as one by one, the boys went to bed. They glanced at the clock by Oliver's bed. 23 45. Oliver reached over and put his hand on the hat in Kai's mouth.
"I'll explain all this if you tell me how you found my stuff. Please don't shout." Oliver whispered.
Kai nodded, slowly. Accepting this, he removed his hat. Kai frowned a little.
"What's all that stuff you have, Oliver? Why."
"I said I'll explain if you explain what you were doing, snooping in my room."
"Untie me, and I'll talk. I won't fight." He also said.
Oliver complied, against his better judgement. He didn't like seeing Kai like this anyway. ((AN: I do!!! ^___^ )) Kai rubbed his wrists; the cord having bit into the exposed area under his fin guards.
"I looked inside and that bloodstained blazer by your bed. I investigated and found those claw things in the trunk. They were sticking out of the top. Then I saw the papers; the Japanese ones, sticking out of your folder. They caught my eye because of the title on the front. What were you doing with files about my grandfather and Boris Balkov?"
Oliver frowned. "The files are about your grandfather and Boris Balkov?"
Kai nodded. "Your turn. What are you doing with those.weapons and that file?"
Oliver took a deep breath. Where to start.
******
So I told him what I was.
"I'm primarily an assassin. I also infiltrate and pilfer when I'm told to."
I hung my head. I didn't like the way Kai was looking at me. He was quiet for a while. Then he spoke up again.
"So. who did you kill?"
"That police officer on the news.Charles Montalet. Marie Capague. Pierre Fleur." I suddenly felt like I was choking. Remembering their names just made me panic slightly. Kai just stared at me. I kept my head down, tracing the pattern on my bedspread with my eyes.
"And the files?"
"Stole them out of the Montalet house."
"... Do the other Majestics know?"
"No."
I heard Kai sigh. I shook. He wasn't going to turn me in, was he? Why did I tell him everything!? I looked up.
"You won't tell the police or the others, will you?"
"Why would I do that?"
I blinked. Why wouldn't he? Kai answered that thought.
"You're in something deep. And it involves my Grandfather. If you want, I'll translate the files for you."
"You'd do that? Why?"
"I want to know what he and Boris are up to this time. Boris wasn't arrested and Grandfather was only given community service as a punishment. What you have here, from I've managed to read, might give clues as to arresting them."
I couldn't believe it. Kai Hiwatari, regardless of that he knew I was a murderer and thief, was helping me. Granted, it was because whatever I was doing was inadvertently connected to him, but I still couldn't help but feel like I was the luckiest guy in the world.
"Thank you, Kai."
******
A vibrating in Oliver's pocket interrupted the two boys. Kai sat at Oliver's desk, starting to translate the documents for the French boy, whilst Oliver answered the call.
"Hello?"
"Hello, Oliver. I have another job for you. Just like last night's job, only the setting is in a hotel. The All Stars' team hotel, to be precise. I want you to go into their rooms, find a chip they are holding, and keep it with you until I call for it. Understand?"
"What chip?"
"You'll know it when you see it."
The other line hung up. Oliver sighed. One of these days, he was going to be the one who calls and hangs up. He looks over to Kai, who turned back to his translating.
"I...I need to leave again for a few hours tonight."
"Hn."
Oliver sighed. Sliding off his bed, he pulled his trunk from under his bed. With their backs to each other, Kai continued with his translating and Oliver got dressed. A few minutes later, Oliver walked to his bedroom window dressed in his outfit, minus his claw gloves again. He turned and looked at Kai, a sad expression on his face. Kai hadn't looked up at all. Oliver couldn't help but feel slightly heart broken.
"Well... see you later, Kai."
"Hn."
Oliver slid open his window and started to shimmy down the branch.
"Be careful tonight, Oliver. Don't get caught."
Oliver looked back into his bedroom. Kai was still bent over the files, writing, but Oliver grinned. Knowing Kai cared even a tiny bit made him feel hopeful. He climbed down quickly and ran across his lawn, a smile on his face.
******
I can't believe it. Kai actually told me to be careful. It may not seem like much, but I feel like I can do anything now! I slowed my pace and started skirting about town, keeping in my namesake. I found the hotel in half an hour. An expensive looking place. I might have even stayed there once.
I moved to the back of the hotel, keeping to the shadows. I looked up at the windows and counted across. Max said his mother and her team was staying in a room on the first floor. I soon found the windows I needed and gathered some wooden boxes that were handy nearby. They managed to get me near to a fire escape ladder I was hoping to reach. I jumped once. Missed. Taking a deep breath, I tried again. Got it! I swung up the ladder and managed to get myself onto the scaffolding. I made my way to the open window of what I hoped was the All Stars' room.
Once inside, I cast an eye around. I left the house at quarter past midnight, after the boss phoned as scheduled. So it must be close to one in the morning now. The room was dark, so maybe the team was asleep. I moved slowly through the room, not wanting to wake anyone up. I realised I was in the bathroom. Well, wasn't too bad an entry I suppose. Less likely for me to wake someone up on entry. I walked to the door and was about to open it when I stopped. Something didn't feel right all of a sudden. It was quiet; too quiet. Cracking open the door slightly, my suspicions were confirmed. There wasn't any snoring, and there was a strange smell in the air.
"Here goes nothing." I whispered before opening the door fully.
I opened my mouth to gasp, but clamped my hand over it at the same time. The room was ransacked. Drawers were pulled out of the chests, clothes hanging out of the cupboards, covers pulled off the beds, ornaments and mirrors smashed; glass everywhere. But that wasn't what shocked me. On the stripped beds, the All Stars were gagged, blindfolded and trussed like poultry in their night clothes, their cheeks glistening with what looked like tears. Their blades were in front of them, smashed to pieces. I moved further into the room, unsure of what to say. Then it hit me when I looked on the ground what the smell in the air was.
A pool of blood trickled towards my feet, from a body in the middle of the floor. I froze. Blonde hair; a lab coat; a purple suit.
"Oh my God."
The nearest All Star, the basketball player Eddy, moved his head slightly, maybe hearing my voice. I walked carefully and quietly to the director's side, not stepping in the blood. Director Judy was pretty badly injured. She was bruised and cut all over and her face pale from the blood loss. I searched for the source and found it. There was something protruding from her side. It was moved once, maybe by the Director when she fell, aggravating the cut and causing a more serious injury. I looked around desperately for something to stem the blood flow. I froze suddenly.
Someone was shouting and banging on the door. The All Stars heard the banging and tried to shout back through their gags and struggled against their binds. My muscles immediately took over from my mind. My legs stood and I jumped over the trail of blood back into the bathroom. I only managed to launch myself through the open window when the hotel room door was knocked down. I jumped down from the fire escape and landed on my feet on the ground, my ears picking up the French shouting in the room. I ran as fast as I could, fear lacing my veins and giving energy to my legs. I automatically stayed in the shadows, not wanting to attract anymore attention. I didn't stop, I couldn't stop. It was only when I had climbed the tree outside my room and collapsed on my knees in my room did I finally stop.
******
Once the shock washed off Oliver, he looked up. Kai was still at the desk, but his arms were folded on the table, his head on top of them, his eyes closed. Oliver blinked for a moment. Even in his sleep, Kai was stern faced. Getting up slowly, his leg muscles protesting from all the running they were put through, Oliver walked to Kai. He laid his head next to Kai, staring into the phoenix's face for a good few minutes.
Sighing, Oliver stood up and walked to his cupboard and pulled out a spare blanket. Draping it gently over Kai's shoulder, Oliver stroked Kai's cheek lightly before getting undressed. Once he packed his clothes away, carefully this time, Oliver climbed into his own bed. He switched the bed side light off and settled in.
"Good night, my prince." Oliver mumbled before falling asleep, the night's events slipping through his mind like a bad dream.
******
"What!? No...NO!... I'll be right there. Don't move, Emily, I'll be right there!"
I rubbed my eyes, wondering what was happening. Sounded like Max was shouting. I moved slightly, and my legs started repaying me with a cramp.
"Merde!"
I bent over to rub the calf, wondering what could have caused it. I closed my eyes and thought of what I did last night. I vaguely remembered Kai being in my room. running. a ransacked room. My eyes shot open, the vision of the tied up All Stars and the injured Director Judy Tate. Ignoring the stiffness in my leg, I got off the bed. I barely registered that Kai was gone, the files missing and the blanket draped over the chair. I nearly crashed into Max, who was panic-stricken and looked completely lost.
"Max! What. what's wrong?"
"It.it's my mom! Sh.she's in hospital! I've gotta get there NOW!"
Max started running into his room, throwing whatever he could together. I disappeared into my room and got myself washed and dressed before arriving downstairs. Kai was standing at the living room entrance, his back to me. Tyson was trying to calm Max, his face was in his hands. Kai cast me a look. Tell you later, I mouthed.
When he was calmer, Max went to the hospital, Ray and Tyson going as support. The others; Johnny, Robert and Enrique, decided to go to the third run of the charity tournament. I gave the excuse that I wasn't feeling well again, which in actual fact, I was. It felt like I had swallowed a lump of lead when I saw how distraught Max was. Kai said something about staying in case the hospital called again.
Soon, Kai and I were alone in the house. Before, I couldn't have wished for anything else in the world. However, I knew the only reason he was staying was because of his involvement.
"What happened, Oliver?" He said sharply when we were in my room, safely out of the servants' ear shot. "You said you were going to the All Stars' hotel last night. I didn't think you'd try and kill Max's mom!"
"I didn't! When I got there, someone had already been! The All Stars were tied up and Director Judy was."
I stopped, her image suddenly popped up in my head; my mind kick starting its ritual of shock, guilt and creeping nausea, even though I was only an observer this time, and not the perpetrator. I took a deep breath to steady my nerves. I looked up slightly; Kai was frowning.
"You're shaking."
"I'll be fine. Happens all the time." I said, trying to brush the episode off. I looked back down at my hands, which were shaking and clammy. I scolded myself for showing weakness to Kai. I knew he probably wouldn't be convinced.
"How long?"
"How long what?"
"How long have you been an assassin?"
"Actually? I've been put through training when I was six. First assassinated when I was ten."
Silence, except for my breathing. Then.
"You should rest."
I looked up. Kai was still standing like he always does, against the wall. I blinked. I couldn't help but stare when I see him like that. He opened his eyes and looked at me. Sighing, he grabbed me unexpectedly and put me down onto the bed before I could say or do anything. I guess I wasn't in any position to try anyway. My head hadn't hit the pillow before Kai stood upright and went back to his spot on the wall.
"At least lie down. You won't be any use if you collapse."
I couldn't help myself. I felt hot tears trickle down my cheeks. I lifted my hands to my face and tried to slow my breathing down.
"Oh God. I hate this. why can't I have a normal life.?"
"What do you mean?"
"I have to do this. I can't explain, but if I stop, it'll be bad news for." I stopped. Telling Kai too much could endanger him. Hell, he's in deep enough as it is! So I did the only thing I was capable of at that moment. I turned over and cried quietly.
******
Kai stood against the wall, looking at the unicorn. He couldn't help but feel. what was it? Pity. for the boy. He was doing this for someone else's sake. He was forced to do something like this from a young age. Hell, he was leading the Blade Sharks back in Japan when he was ten, and here was Oliver, who killed his first person at the same age. He had what looked like little choice. Detaching himself from the wall, Kai walked to the bed. Gently, he placed a hand on Oliver's shoulder. The French boy recoiled slightly, but Kai was firm. He kept his hand on the boy's shoulder. Oliver calmed a little, but still cried.
Kai frowned. For some reason, he didn't want Oliver to be like this. Deciding the boy needed more than just a comforting hand on his shoulder, the phoenix sat next to Oliver on the bed. Oliver turned slightly, looking over his shoulder.
"Kai. wha."
Kai turned Oliver round completely, making the unicorn's head lying on the phoenix's chest. Oliver's teary eyes widened. He wasn't sure what to do. Kai put one hand lazily over Oliver, the other one lying dormant on the other side of him, not touching Oliver.
"Trying to comfort you. Believe me; you tell anyone I'm hugging you, and you won't live, even if you are a trained assassin."
Although Kai couldn't see, Oliver smiled at this. Just feeling Kai holding him was comforting enough. He felt the tears slowly subside. He even attempted normal enough conversation, although he was practically falling asleep.
"Who's in the match today, anyway." Oliver murmured, eyelids heavy.
"The Dark Bladers. and the Demolition Boys."
"Hmm." Oliver mumbled, hardly hearing what Kai said.
"I think the Demolition Boys will win. The Dark Bladers just don't have enough skills, in my opinion."
Oliver's eyes had completely shut; his breathing slow and steady. Kai looked down at the sleeping boy, a strange feeling growing in his gut. He lifted his other arm and proceeded stroking his hair. He found it surprising at how soft and silky it felt. It felt. nice. Kai put his head on the headboard.
"Great. I find myself in some sort of plot involving my Grandfather and Boris, Max's mom is hospitalised by someone no-one knows and I'm stroking the hair of an assassin. Anymore surprises you have to throw at me?" Kai muttered at the ceiling.
Oliver stirred, which made Kai freeze. He looked down at the sleeping boy and smiled. You know, he doesn't actually look half bad. Kai started at that thought. He frowned and looked up at the ceiling again.
"Great. Now you're suggesting I'm gay. Should've kept my mouth shut."
After a while, Kai carefully slid Oliver off his lap and tucked him into the bed covers. Kai smiled and stroked Oliver's cheek.
"Don't do anything stupid." Kai said, meaning to direct it at himself, but it came out as a worried statement to Oliver, referring to his double life.
The phoenix glanced at the time. 12 53. Deciding the charity tournament was over, Kai stood up. He needed to see Tala. This business with Boris would probably affect him. Deciding that the files were safer in his room, where he took them to finish translating that morning, he looked down at Oliver.
"I have to go out. Be back in a few...."
Kai left the room. When the door clicked, Oliver's eyes opened slightly. He snuggled deeper into the covers, his eyes growing heavier. Before he feel asleep, the unicorn silently vowed that he won't let any harm come to the phoenix.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
One... two... three.... Universal AAAWWWWWW!!!! I had fun writing this chapter. ^__^ And I've noticed my chapters are getting longer... is that a bad thing?
Thanks to everyone who likes the idea of my pairing! There's going to be another pairing though... hee! And here's a question for you guys to ponder over... who's Cypher? More plushies for the right answers!
"Kai, don't make me hurt you. Promise you wouldn't shout?"
Kai nodded slowly, his eyes disbelieving. This kid was stronger that he thought. Slowly, Oliver moved away. Kai took this as an opportunity. He pushed Oliver off him and headed for the door. Oliver thought Kai might try that and grabbed his scarf, pulling him back. Quickly, Oliver ripped the cord off his curtains, plunging the room into darkness, and tied Kai up. Oliver pulled his hat off his head and stuffed it into Kai's mouth as a gag.
Oliver got off the bed, satisfied that Kai can't move or make any sound. He quickly shut his door and switched the bedside lamp on.
"Listen, Kai. I don't want to hurt you, honestly, I don't."
Oliver packed his things away, slipping the claws on one of his gloves back into their catch and pushed trunk away under his bed. Straightening the documents back into the files, Oliver sat across from Kai, who was watching him.
They stayed this way for a while. Soon, they heard shouting downstairs.
"Hey, guys! I'm turning in the night! There's nothing we can do for the All Stars now."
A flurry of agreement followed and the rest of the Bladebreakers and Majestics turned in for the night. The two already in Oliver's room kept quiet, listening as one by one, the boys went to bed. They glanced at the clock by Oliver's bed. 23 45. Oliver reached over and put his hand on the hat in Kai's mouth.
"I'll explain all this if you tell me how you found my stuff. Please don't shout." Oliver whispered.
Kai nodded, slowly. Accepting this, he removed his hat. Kai frowned a little.
"What's all that stuff you have, Oliver? Why."
"I said I'll explain if you explain what you were doing, snooping in my room."
"Untie me, and I'll talk. I won't fight." He also said.
Oliver complied, against his better judgement. He didn't like seeing Kai like this anyway. ((AN: I do!!! ^___^ )) Kai rubbed his wrists; the cord having bit into the exposed area under his fin guards.
"I looked inside and that bloodstained blazer by your bed. I investigated and found those claw things in the trunk. They were sticking out of the top. Then I saw the papers; the Japanese ones, sticking out of your folder. They caught my eye because of the title on the front. What were you doing with files about my grandfather and Boris Balkov?"
Oliver frowned. "The files are about your grandfather and Boris Balkov?"
Kai nodded. "Your turn. What are you doing with those.weapons and that file?"
Oliver took a deep breath. Where to start.
******
So I told him what I was.
"I'm primarily an assassin. I also infiltrate and pilfer when I'm told to."
I hung my head. I didn't like the way Kai was looking at me. He was quiet for a while. Then he spoke up again.
"So. who did you kill?"
"That police officer on the news.Charles Montalet. Marie Capague. Pierre Fleur." I suddenly felt like I was choking. Remembering their names just made me panic slightly. Kai just stared at me. I kept my head down, tracing the pattern on my bedspread with my eyes.
"And the files?"
"Stole them out of the Montalet house."
"... Do the other Majestics know?"
"No."
I heard Kai sigh. I shook. He wasn't going to turn me in, was he? Why did I tell him everything!? I looked up.
"You won't tell the police or the others, will you?"
"Why would I do that?"
I blinked. Why wouldn't he? Kai answered that thought.
"You're in something deep. And it involves my Grandfather. If you want, I'll translate the files for you."
"You'd do that? Why?"
"I want to know what he and Boris are up to this time. Boris wasn't arrested and Grandfather was only given community service as a punishment. What you have here, from I've managed to read, might give clues as to arresting them."
I couldn't believe it. Kai Hiwatari, regardless of that he knew I was a murderer and thief, was helping me. Granted, it was because whatever I was doing was inadvertently connected to him, but I still couldn't help but feel like I was the luckiest guy in the world.
"Thank you, Kai."
******
A vibrating in Oliver's pocket interrupted the two boys. Kai sat at Oliver's desk, starting to translate the documents for the French boy, whilst Oliver answered the call.
"Hello?"
"Hello, Oliver. I have another job for you. Just like last night's job, only the setting is in a hotel. The All Stars' team hotel, to be precise. I want you to go into their rooms, find a chip they are holding, and keep it with you until I call for it. Understand?"
"What chip?"
"You'll know it when you see it."
The other line hung up. Oliver sighed. One of these days, he was going to be the one who calls and hangs up. He looks over to Kai, who turned back to his translating.
"I...I need to leave again for a few hours tonight."
"Hn."
Oliver sighed. Sliding off his bed, he pulled his trunk from under his bed. With their backs to each other, Kai continued with his translating and Oliver got dressed. A few minutes later, Oliver walked to his bedroom window dressed in his outfit, minus his claw gloves again. He turned and looked at Kai, a sad expression on his face. Kai hadn't looked up at all. Oliver couldn't help but feel slightly heart broken.
"Well... see you later, Kai."
"Hn."
Oliver slid open his window and started to shimmy down the branch.
"Be careful tonight, Oliver. Don't get caught."
Oliver looked back into his bedroom. Kai was still bent over the files, writing, but Oliver grinned. Knowing Kai cared even a tiny bit made him feel hopeful. He climbed down quickly and ran across his lawn, a smile on his face.
******
I can't believe it. Kai actually told me to be careful. It may not seem like much, but I feel like I can do anything now! I slowed my pace and started skirting about town, keeping in my namesake. I found the hotel in half an hour. An expensive looking place. I might have even stayed there once.
I moved to the back of the hotel, keeping to the shadows. I looked up at the windows and counted across. Max said his mother and her team was staying in a room on the first floor. I soon found the windows I needed and gathered some wooden boxes that were handy nearby. They managed to get me near to a fire escape ladder I was hoping to reach. I jumped once. Missed. Taking a deep breath, I tried again. Got it! I swung up the ladder and managed to get myself onto the scaffolding. I made my way to the open window of what I hoped was the All Stars' room.
Once inside, I cast an eye around. I left the house at quarter past midnight, after the boss phoned as scheduled. So it must be close to one in the morning now. The room was dark, so maybe the team was asleep. I moved slowly through the room, not wanting to wake anyone up. I realised I was in the bathroom. Well, wasn't too bad an entry I suppose. Less likely for me to wake someone up on entry. I walked to the door and was about to open it when I stopped. Something didn't feel right all of a sudden. It was quiet; too quiet. Cracking open the door slightly, my suspicions were confirmed. There wasn't any snoring, and there was a strange smell in the air.
"Here goes nothing." I whispered before opening the door fully.
I opened my mouth to gasp, but clamped my hand over it at the same time. The room was ransacked. Drawers were pulled out of the chests, clothes hanging out of the cupboards, covers pulled off the beds, ornaments and mirrors smashed; glass everywhere. But that wasn't what shocked me. On the stripped beds, the All Stars were gagged, blindfolded and trussed like poultry in their night clothes, their cheeks glistening with what looked like tears. Their blades were in front of them, smashed to pieces. I moved further into the room, unsure of what to say. Then it hit me when I looked on the ground what the smell in the air was.
A pool of blood trickled towards my feet, from a body in the middle of the floor. I froze. Blonde hair; a lab coat; a purple suit.
"Oh my God."
The nearest All Star, the basketball player Eddy, moved his head slightly, maybe hearing my voice. I walked carefully and quietly to the director's side, not stepping in the blood. Director Judy was pretty badly injured. She was bruised and cut all over and her face pale from the blood loss. I searched for the source and found it. There was something protruding from her side. It was moved once, maybe by the Director when she fell, aggravating the cut and causing a more serious injury. I looked around desperately for something to stem the blood flow. I froze suddenly.
Someone was shouting and banging on the door. The All Stars heard the banging and tried to shout back through their gags and struggled against their binds. My muscles immediately took over from my mind. My legs stood and I jumped over the trail of blood back into the bathroom. I only managed to launch myself through the open window when the hotel room door was knocked down. I jumped down from the fire escape and landed on my feet on the ground, my ears picking up the French shouting in the room. I ran as fast as I could, fear lacing my veins and giving energy to my legs. I automatically stayed in the shadows, not wanting to attract anymore attention. I didn't stop, I couldn't stop. It was only when I had climbed the tree outside my room and collapsed on my knees in my room did I finally stop.
******
Once the shock washed off Oliver, he looked up. Kai was still at the desk, but his arms were folded on the table, his head on top of them, his eyes closed. Oliver blinked for a moment. Even in his sleep, Kai was stern faced. Getting up slowly, his leg muscles protesting from all the running they were put through, Oliver walked to Kai. He laid his head next to Kai, staring into the phoenix's face for a good few minutes.
Sighing, Oliver stood up and walked to his cupboard and pulled out a spare blanket. Draping it gently over Kai's shoulder, Oliver stroked Kai's cheek lightly before getting undressed. Once he packed his clothes away, carefully this time, Oliver climbed into his own bed. He switched the bed side light off and settled in.
"Good night, my prince." Oliver mumbled before falling asleep, the night's events slipping through his mind like a bad dream.
******
"What!? No...NO!... I'll be right there. Don't move, Emily, I'll be right there!"
I rubbed my eyes, wondering what was happening. Sounded like Max was shouting. I moved slightly, and my legs started repaying me with a cramp.
"Merde!"
I bent over to rub the calf, wondering what could have caused it. I closed my eyes and thought of what I did last night. I vaguely remembered Kai being in my room. running. a ransacked room. My eyes shot open, the vision of the tied up All Stars and the injured Director Judy Tate. Ignoring the stiffness in my leg, I got off the bed. I barely registered that Kai was gone, the files missing and the blanket draped over the chair. I nearly crashed into Max, who was panic-stricken and looked completely lost.
"Max! What. what's wrong?"
"It.it's my mom! Sh.she's in hospital! I've gotta get there NOW!"
Max started running into his room, throwing whatever he could together. I disappeared into my room and got myself washed and dressed before arriving downstairs. Kai was standing at the living room entrance, his back to me. Tyson was trying to calm Max, his face was in his hands. Kai cast me a look. Tell you later, I mouthed.
When he was calmer, Max went to the hospital, Ray and Tyson going as support. The others; Johnny, Robert and Enrique, decided to go to the third run of the charity tournament. I gave the excuse that I wasn't feeling well again, which in actual fact, I was. It felt like I had swallowed a lump of lead when I saw how distraught Max was. Kai said something about staying in case the hospital called again.
Soon, Kai and I were alone in the house. Before, I couldn't have wished for anything else in the world. However, I knew the only reason he was staying was because of his involvement.
"What happened, Oliver?" He said sharply when we were in my room, safely out of the servants' ear shot. "You said you were going to the All Stars' hotel last night. I didn't think you'd try and kill Max's mom!"
"I didn't! When I got there, someone had already been! The All Stars were tied up and Director Judy was."
I stopped, her image suddenly popped up in my head; my mind kick starting its ritual of shock, guilt and creeping nausea, even though I was only an observer this time, and not the perpetrator. I took a deep breath to steady my nerves. I looked up slightly; Kai was frowning.
"You're shaking."
"I'll be fine. Happens all the time." I said, trying to brush the episode off. I looked back down at my hands, which were shaking and clammy. I scolded myself for showing weakness to Kai. I knew he probably wouldn't be convinced.
"How long?"
"How long what?"
"How long have you been an assassin?"
"Actually? I've been put through training when I was six. First assassinated when I was ten."
Silence, except for my breathing. Then.
"You should rest."
I looked up. Kai was still standing like he always does, against the wall. I blinked. I couldn't help but stare when I see him like that. He opened his eyes and looked at me. Sighing, he grabbed me unexpectedly and put me down onto the bed before I could say or do anything. I guess I wasn't in any position to try anyway. My head hadn't hit the pillow before Kai stood upright and went back to his spot on the wall.
"At least lie down. You won't be any use if you collapse."
I couldn't help myself. I felt hot tears trickle down my cheeks. I lifted my hands to my face and tried to slow my breathing down.
"Oh God. I hate this. why can't I have a normal life.?"
"What do you mean?"
"I have to do this. I can't explain, but if I stop, it'll be bad news for." I stopped. Telling Kai too much could endanger him. Hell, he's in deep enough as it is! So I did the only thing I was capable of at that moment. I turned over and cried quietly.
******
Kai stood against the wall, looking at the unicorn. He couldn't help but feel. what was it? Pity. for the boy. He was doing this for someone else's sake. He was forced to do something like this from a young age. Hell, he was leading the Blade Sharks back in Japan when he was ten, and here was Oliver, who killed his first person at the same age. He had what looked like little choice. Detaching himself from the wall, Kai walked to the bed. Gently, he placed a hand on Oliver's shoulder. The French boy recoiled slightly, but Kai was firm. He kept his hand on the boy's shoulder. Oliver calmed a little, but still cried.
Kai frowned. For some reason, he didn't want Oliver to be like this. Deciding the boy needed more than just a comforting hand on his shoulder, the phoenix sat next to Oliver on the bed. Oliver turned slightly, looking over his shoulder.
"Kai. wha."
Kai turned Oliver round completely, making the unicorn's head lying on the phoenix's chest. Oliver's teary eyes widened. He wasn't sure what to do. Kai put one hand lazily over Oliver, the other one lying dormant on the other side of him, not touching Oliver.
"Trying to comfort you. Believe me; you tell anyone I'm hugging you, and you won't live, even if you are a trained assassin."
Although Kai couldn't see, Oliver smiled at this. Just feeling Kai holding him was comforting enough. He felt the tears slowly subside. He even attempted normal enough conversation, although he was practically falling asleep.
"Who's in the match today, anyway." Oliver murmured, eyelids heavy.
"The Dark Bladers. and the Demolition Boys."
"Hmm." Oliver mumbled, hardly hearing what Kai said.
"I think the Demolition Boys will win. The Dark Bladers just don't have enough skills, in my opinion."
Oliver's eyes had completely shut; his breathing slow and steady. Kai looked down at the sleeping boy, a strange feeling growing in his gut. He lifted his other arm and proceeded stroking his hair. He found it surprising at how soft and silky it felt. It felt. nice. Kai put his head on the headboard.
"Great. I find myself in some sort of plot involving my Grandfather and Boris, Max's mom is hospitalised by someone no-one knows and I'm stroking the hair of an assassin. Anymore surprises you have to throw at me?" Kai muttered at the ceiling.
Oliver stirred, which made Kai freeze. He looked down at the sleeping boy and smiled. You know, he doesn't actually look half bad. Kai started at that thought. He frowned and looked up at the ceiling again.
"Great. Now you're suggesting I'm gay. Should've kept my mouth shut."
After a while, Kai carefully slid Oliver off his lap and tucked him into the bed covers. Kai smiled and stroked Oliver's cheek.
"Don't do anything stupid." Kai said, meaning to direct it at himself, but it came out as a worried statement to Oliver, referring to his double life.
The phoenix glanced at the time. 12 53. Deciding the charity tournament was over, Kai stood up. He needed to see Tala. This business with Boris would probably affect him. Deciding that the files were safer in his room, where he took them to finish translating that morning, he looked down at Oliver.
"I have to go out. Be back in a few...."
Kai left the room. When the door clicked, Oliver's eyes opened slightly. He snuggled deeper into the covers, his eyes growing heavier. Before he feel asleep, the unicorn silently vowed that he won't let any harm come to the phoenix.
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One... two... three.... Universal AAAWWWWWW!!!! I had fun writing this chapter. ^__^ And I've noticed my chapters are getting longer... is that a bad thing?
Thanks to everyone who likes the idea of my pairing! There's going to be another pairing though... hee! And here's a question for you guys to ponder over... who's Cypher? More plushies for the right answers!