Seducing the night nurse to let him in was easy compared to seeing – just seeing – the brunette in pain .
He visited Ken every night , when he knew that Ken's brother wouldn't be around .
Normally , he wouldn't give a shit if someone wanted him away or not , but he didn't want to cause friction any more than he already had with Ken's older brother .
Ken was never awake when he visited . Probably because it was well over visiting hours and he was already sedated by then .
He always left something for him , a box of expensive chocolates , a bouquet of colorful flowers , several colorful balloons – and they were always gone the next day .
On the fourth night , Schuldich had brought a large brown teddy bear with 'Ken' embroidered on one paw , but when he opened the door to Ken's room – it was empty , the bed was made as if no one had been there for a while , the whole room was spotless .
He felt his heart pound in panic .
What had happened ?
He hurried out to find the night nurse , to discover what had happened to Ken .
Gods ! He didn't – he was getting better , Schuldich knew he was getting better !
He spotted her , a buxom brunette and offered a smile that was just as real as the bear in his arm . " The kid in room 347 ... ?" he asked .
The girl smiled . " Oh , Ken ? He got out today ! We hate to see him go , he was such a nice boy , but he insisted that he couldn't stand the hospital any longer ." She whispered conspiratorially . " And I think they couldn't afford another night of him staying here ." She pouted . " Too bad , he and his brother is such a good-looking pair . And Ken was really nice too , he shared his chocolates with us nurses . When he asked him it was from , he said that it was from a good friend ..."
The nurse giggled as if tickled by the thought . " I think he has an admirer ... and he deserves it too ! I've never seen such a great kid ." She stopped as if realizing that she probably said too much and eyed the teddy bear . " That wouldn't be for him , would it ?" She asked knowingly .
" What ?" Schuldich groaned inwardly as he dropped the bear to his side , by holding it by its ear . " Oh , this is for you ." He offered . " Thanks for letting me visit my nephew ."
" Nephew huh ?" She asked skeptically , an eyebrow raised in doubt , " Ken ..." She read the name of the bear's paw .
Schuldich wanted to bang his head against the wall .
" You wouldn't , by any chance know his address ? I'd like to visit him at home ." He said slowly .
" I guess you're Schuldich , huh ? He talked about you a lot – you know , he smiles real nice when he mentions your name , although I noticed he never did whenever his brother was around ." She frowned . " I guess I could . But don't tell anyone ... I might lose my job ."
Schuldich nodded .
She gave him the address and handed back the teddy bear . " Give this to him ." She giggled , " I just love romances !" She exclaimed happily . " Why don't you visit us again and tell us all about it ? We'd love to hear about what's going on with the cutie ."
" Thanks ... I will ." Schuldich smiled at her , a genuine one , in gratitude for all her help .
† † †
Ken was dreaming . He dreamt that Schuldich beside him , and they were watching the sunset together by the lake .
Schuldich smiled at him tenderly , his green eyes so deep that Ken felt like he was drowning in their depths , and took his hands , kissing it gently . " I love you Ken ." He whispered in Ken's ear .
Ken felt like he was in heaven . It was as if he was soaring through the blue skies . He was rarely happy these days , not with all the problems he and Aya had been having ... but Schuldich made him happy .
" I love you too ..." He said softly , gazing into Schuldich's jade eyes , but suddenly , they turned dark and lifeless , large red welts formed on his skin as the redhead began to convulse and drops of blood emerged from his pores .
" No ..." Ken whispered . " No ... No ! NO !!!!" He flung his arms around Schuldich , but it was too late . Schuldich had already disappeared into thin air ...
His heart was pounding against his ribs . He couldn't breathe anymore .
" Aya !"
Bam ! Bam ! Bam ! Bam !
" Aya !"
Bam ! Bam ! Bam ! Bam !
He opened his eyes to realize that it was only the door . Someone was knocking on the door .
Maybe Aya had forgotten something and had come back .
He stood up slowly from his warm bed and guided himself forward by leaning on the wall . He wasn't strong enough yet . Aya had told him to stay in bed the whole day ... but ... he couldn't just lie there and wait . He was feeling better . He could almost walk . No , he couldn't stay in the apartment any longer .
As he struggled towards the door , he noticed his breakfast sitting on the table .
As much as Aya wanted to take care of him , Ken knew that he couldn't . They needed every cent Aya earned from his jobs and Ken didn't want Aya to waste his time on him . He could take care of himself .
After all , it was just another fever . He'd had dozens of those in his lifetime and hadn't always been so lucky .
He gathered all his strength to turn the knob and opened the door .
His eyes widened when he saw who was knocking .
Schuldich .
The name rolled pleasantly in his mind .
The tone was friendly , almost intimate as Schuldich grinned casually at him , the dead stub of a cigarette dangling precariously from the tips of his fingers ." Hey there kid ." Schuldich was , as usual attired with his black costume ; the familiar bulky camera around his neck and a pari of expensive-looking glasses keeping his unruly hair in check .
Schuldich leaned against the frame , his arms raised and
Schuldich had such a wonderful smile and he was always so nice to Ken .
No one was nice to Ken , ever since he had to drop out of school . Only Aya .
" Hey ." He said softly . He attempted to open the door wider , but with nothing to lean on , he nearly toppled and fell – but Schuldich caught him in his strong arms ; lifting him to his feet easily . " Whoa kid ! I think you're still a little bit woozy ."
Ken stared up at the smooth face , twisted into a concerned frown ...
Schuldich was so good-looking .
Ken wondered briefly why the redhead had even bothered to visit him .
He wasn't so exceptional ; certainly not as good-looking as his older brother . He had never inherited his mother's red hair and strong features .
He was just plain old ... Ken .
\\ Aya had mentioned seeing Schuldich four days ago , on the day he had collapsed and said that Schuldich Schwarz was a famous photographer and was always surrounded by beautiful people . He had asked Ken why the man had gone to visit him at the hospital .
Ken had said he didn't know . //
Schuldich placed Ken's arm around his shoulders and assisted him to the table , he pulled up a chair and helped Ken sit . " I hope I didn't disturb you ." Schuldich said , grinning a bit awkwardly . It was an expression that did not suit him .
" No , I'm glad you came . How did you find out where we live ?" Ken gazed at him with those innocent greys that made Schuldich want to grab and kiss him .
Kiss him ?! Are you mad ?!
" Long story ." Schuldich chuckled as if amused by a memory . " Oh wait , I brought you something ."
He retreated to the door and retrieved a large basket filled with chocolates , candy and various other sweets , and a large brown teddy bear . He set those down on the table .
Ken's eyes lighted up . " Thanks ! I love chocolates !" He exclaimed with child-like fervor .
" So , aren't you going to eat your breakfast ?" Schuldich asked , glancing at the food on the table .
Ken shook his head . " I'm not hungry . Are you ? I mean , go ahead . I won't eat it anyway ."
" You won't get any stronger if you don't eat ." Schuldich insisted doggedly , but Ken refused stubbornly . It was the truth anyway . There was absolutely no way he could keep all that food down even if he was feeling a bit hungry . Besides , there was no way he was going to spill his guts in front of the prominent redhead .
" I'm really not hungry . So , what gives me the pleasure ?"
" Well ... I was going to ask you if you wanted to go sight-seeing around the city , but , I guess you're not strong enough yet . Maybe I should just come back ." He said softly .
His eyes are so green ... almost like the sea on a sunny day ...
Schuldich seemed to read his mind because he smiled gently at Ken .
" No !" Ken exclaimed . " I mean ... no . I'm good . I've been meaning to get out of this place anyway." He said with a small smile . " I'm just going to change . I'll be back ." He staggered feebly to his feet .
Schuldich was at his side at once , " I'll help you to your room ."
† † †
Aya was worried . Maybe Ken wasn't all right at home . Maybe he's burning with fever . Maybe he couldn't get water . Maybe he passed out and hit his head on some hard surface .
The flowershop was empty save for Omi and Nagi , the other two personnel .
He shot them a covert look and wondered if he could get away .
Probalby , those two were easy to talk to anyway .
" Omi , Nagi , I'm going back to our apartment . My brother's sick so I can't leave him alone too long . If Ms. Birman passes by , tell her why I had to go ." He knew he sounded curt and impolite , but it was just his way to hide his worry .
The two boys nodded grinningly and seeming to be oblivious to his barely-concealed impatience and discourtesy .
" Hey , Aya . Tell Ken to get well soon k ?" Omi said , throwing a large smile at Aya .
Thankfully , the bus ride was short and he was at the door of their apartment in almost no time .
He fished the keys from his pocket and opened the door .
The first thing he saw was a large basket of goodies on the table and an enormous teddy bear perched beside it . Under stuffed toy was a note he recognized as Ken's messy handwriting .
" Gone out .
Don't worry .
Won't be back for lunch .
Ken "
He cursed angrily .
† † †
" Are you sure your brother won't be mad at you for pulling a disappearing act ?"
They were driving through the city now , not in the least threatened by heavy traffic in Schuldich's expensive Beemer , which he reclaimed the afternoon before from the auto shop .
" No , he'd understand ." Ken said distractedly , looking out the window at the gaily-decorated shops lining the streets .
It was way past Christmas season and some of the establishments had already started to take down their bright Christmas décor . Somehow , it made him feel a bit disconsolate at the thought of all the santas and reindeer being pulled out from their snowy glory at the windows and doors . The wreaths and Christmas trees would no longer spread their scents and no one will kiss under the mistletoe ...
" How did you spend your Christmas , Ken ?" His thoughts were sliced apart by Schuldich's inquiry .
" We don't celebrate Christmas . Christmas is just too expensive – anyway , Aya was gone the whole day , seems like everyone wanted to go to the bar and buy flowers on that day ." Ken grinned lightly , but it didn't quite reach his eyes .
Schuldich turned his attention back to the road . How dismal life seemed for them .
It was a wonder how the lack of money can make the world so crooked .
But at least he appreciates the smallest things ; unlike you Schuldich . You're so jaded , didn't you know ?
Shut up .
" So , where do you want to go ? My treat ." The road was free of early morning traffic for once .
" Really ?!" Ken looked like he was ready to bounce around the car , but had no energy to do it . " How about that ocean park ? I've never seen live dolphins before !" Ken was bubbling with excitement . " Oh , I bet they're great !" His eyes twinkled as if he wasn't sick at all .
" Ocean park it is . Then we can go grab something to eat and I can drive you anywhere else you want to go ."
† † †
The Ocean Park was large and beautifully planned . The fact that it was beside the sea lent it a cheerful and happy atmosphere despite the fact that it was still partly winter .
Due to the cold climate , there was almost no one in the park save for the few , die-hard travelers and tourists .
Schuldich assisted Ken through the gate where they were greeted by a white-haired attendant with a small nametag clipped on the left breast of his blue uniform reading : " Good day , my name is : Farfarello ."
The strange employee smiled at them and gestured towards the far side of the park . " Good morning . What attraction would you like to see ? We have the Dolphin Playground , the Sea Lion Parade , the Killer Whale Circus and Penguin Theater . We also have a beautiful aquarium and aquatic museum with different species of fish and crustaceans from all over the globe ."
" We'd like to go to the dolphins ." Ken bubbled .
" All right , this way please ." The attendant led the way .
The dolphin sanctuary was large , the perimeter was fenced underwater ,
A pair of handler in black wetsuits with the park logo was feeding two pairs of enthusiastic dolphins on a platform that extended like a peninsula .
" Ohh !" Ken exclaimed . He wanted to run to the dolphins , but his weakness made him feel like an invalid ; unable to go anywhere and do anything by himself . He wanted to damn that stupid bout of fever and chills that had taken him ... but then again , it probably wouldn't have led Schuldich to his apartment today . He was almost embarrassed because here he was , being reliant to an almost total stranger like Schuldich Schwarz who happened to be saintly .
But he felt comfortable with Schuldich . It was practically as if he had known him for a long time instead of two days .*
" I wanna swim with the dolphins !" He laughed happily , prattling along like a little child . He stopped leaning on Schuldich and walked quickly towards the dais , stumbling only slightly .
Schuldich asked Farfarello . " Can he do that ?"
" Of course sir ."
" But the water's cold , he just came from a pretty bad fever . I'm not even sure why I brought him here ." Schuldich eyed the snow-surrounded water dubiously .
" The water's kept at constant temperature to accommodate the tropical dolphins . Your boyfriend wouldn't get ill ." Farfarello said , smiling knowingly as he nodded his head .
" I guess I could let him ." Schuldich said thoughtfully .
The grin on the pale attendant's face grew wider .
So the redhead had no plan to deny that the charming young boy was indeed his lover .
Hmmm ... they did look good together . Farfarello meditated on the thought .
" We have wetsuits for rent at the shop . Would you like a pair for both him and you ?"
Schuldich was watching Ken , who was happily feeding the dolphins with some kind of fish at the edge of the platform , the two attendants were watching him with amused smiles .
" No thanks ." He said distractedly . " Just one for him ." His jade eyes never left the brunette's energetic form . As an afterthought , he added . " Are you sure it's safe for him ? The water might be too deep ."
" No sir . The water reaches just four and a half feet in that area and gets deeper . Your lover looks well above that height ." Farfarello grinned . " I'll be getting the wetsuit now . Would you require anything else ?"
" No ."
Schuldich walked to Ken just as the attendant mysteriously disappeared , glad that he had brought extra rolls of film . He wanted to take more than five pictures this time ... a lot more than five pictures of the beautiful subject named Ken Hidaka .
He took the camera and started snapping pictures , at first from afar , getting the perfect atmosphere . It was almost unreal . The snow scattered everywhere and Ken leaning over the edge petting the magnificent mammals . Through the lens , it looked as if all the snow and ice was just generated by computer .
He was halfway through the first roll of film when the white-haired attendant appeared beside Ken and helped him away , the brunette bubbling cheerfully .
It was a few minutes before they reappeared , Ken dressed in a skin-tight wetsuit , revealing a lean and athletic physique , as he half-loped to the water's edge . He was a little bit on the slender side , but he looked perfect to Schuldich .
Soon , Ken was playing with the dolphins , rubbing their sleek skin and tossing around a little rubber ball .
He was drawn to the sight .
With the water splashing , and the cheery brightness of the sun , it seemed like an advertisement for the park .
In no time , the first roll was through , Schuldich replaced the roll with another , carefully storing the used roll in a watertight container and started snapping away .
By the end of the half-hour , Schuldich had finished eight rolls of film . He pursed his lips in satisfaction as Ken happily went away once more with an equally pleased-looking Irishman .
With everything paid for , and several bags of souvenirs bought for the cheerful brunette , they had gone off to find lunch .
***
They were lunching at a popular downtown restaurant , eating various dishes that Ken had never tried before .
The brunette was watching Schuldich carefully , almost as if gauging the redhead carefully .
Schuldich mulled over his thoughts , as he concentrated on his food when Ken suddenly asked him . " Why are you being so nice to me Schuldich ?"
Schuldich looked at him for a moment , his jade eyes growing more luminous as he studied the brunette seated across him .
Ken shifted on his seat uncomfortably , obviously disconcerted by Schuldich's serious gaze . He wanted to grab the words he asked hanging in the air , but that was impossible now .
It was a long time before Schuldich replied and when he did , it was a simple response without any hint of annoyance or complication .
" I don't know , Ken ." He said . " You're a great kid . I believe you deserve better ."
Ken looked down at his food uncomfortably . Something was definitely bothering him .
But what ?
" You're so nice to me . I don't think I deserve it . We've just met and I –" Ken said softly .
" You know kid , that isn't such a big problem ." Schuldich interjected . He grinned casually and offered his hand across the table . " We're friends now , right ?"
Ken smiled , his mood lightening . " Yep ." He took Schuldich's hand and they shook hands mock-cordially .
" Hey , Schuldich ?"
" Yeah ?" Schuldich raised his eyes .
" Thanks for everything . I feel a hell of a lot better ."
The redhead grinned , tossing his long hair nonchalantly behind him . " Don't worry about it kid , it was my pleasure ."
† † †
They had gone to an amusement park after having lunch and Ken had persuaded Schuldich to go on every single one of the rides all the while telling him little things about himself .
Schuldich had never known such as selfless person as the boy sitting happily beside him . Every new detail , every tiny information Ken gave made him like the brunette even more .
Schuldich wondered how he had managed to remain resilient despite their problems .
Sure , to him , money was no problem . He was born rich and had never experienced poverty ... but to people like Ken and his brother ... the people who lived everyday asking themselves if they could manage to pay the rent that month or if they had enough money to splurge a little on Christmas – it seemed the ultimate dilemma how to scavenge money .
It was sad , but it made him even more amazed because even after that , Ken was the kind of boy that made you wonder if he was the richest teenager in the world .
It was he who talked during dinner . He had told Ken things that he had never told anyone else .
He had told him about his shattered family , the things he had heard when he was little – that his parents had never intended to have a child - , he talked about photography , a profession that , until recently , he had felt apathetic about ... he had told Ken almost everything there was to know about him .
Ken had listened with interest , and Schuldich felt good , divulging all the little facts without worrying about his image or his reputation .
He had never opened up so much to anyone because everyone else thought that he was an arrogant , self-complacent , conceited son of a bitch that they've ever met – which was true – he knew he had his faults , and those might just be some of them , but ever since he met Ken in that snow-covered park , dressed all in white , he felt like a change had come over him and somehow , he knew he had to be closer to the corporal angel ; that it would give him happiness .
Not with his family .
Not with his so-called friends .
Not with his job .
It was true too , Schuldich had never been this happy before , even if he was considered as just a friend .
The happiness he felt wasn't the kind that you'd think your heart wiould burst . It was the slow and subtle kind that made you feel warm inside .
Yes , Schuldich was happy .
It almost made him think , as he sat there gazing at the charming boy across him , would his happiness last ?
Dinner lasted for an hour , and by the end of that time , as they were driving home , Ken felt like he could recite Schuldich's autobiography . It was amazing to think that he knew so much about that person – felt like he knew so much about him – within just a short time .
The streetlights reflected off the surface of the car , glinting this way and that , shining , bouncing . They were both quiet , save for the soft strains of classical music coming from the radio .
For once in his twenty-eight years , Schuldich felt in peace . His eyes softened when he glanced at the brunette , his cheeks faintly ruddy , a contented smile on his peaceful face , breathing deeply in sleep .
He knew he had to relinquish him to his brother soon ; the older Hidaka would probably be fuming as hell , but as he was driving through the silent streets , he wanted that moment to freeze in time , to be engraved in his memory forever like one of his immortal photographs .
It seemed like his life had just begun .
† † †
* It was two days , since he never was awake when Schuldich visited him at the hospital .
R_M : Good Lord ! Another chapter in one week and a nine-page chapter too !!! ^___^ you guys are soooo great ! Chapter five had garnered eleven reviews !!! That's about the most reviews I've EVER got for a single chapter !!! *huggles everyone to death*
This calls for a celebration !!! *dances a jig* WHHHHEEEEEEEE !!! ^___~
Schu-chan : I'm still debating on whether or not to pair Aya with anyone . But as far as the story is concerned , all the major characters have been mentioned . Probably if I paired him up with the one I'm thinking about pairing him up with ... well , no one's going to be happy ... I guarantee that . As for the rest , I shouldn't tell you anything or the story'll get spoiled . I don't want you to be mad at me of course .
Suisei Lady Dragon : Hiya ! Nice to see you around !
Isil : *is wondering where she could plop that in* I'll try to find an opportunity , but it's tentative since I already got the next few ... I mean , many , chapters written out . ^__^
Whisper Reilman : *Lol* Due to popular demand , I just might do a chappie on that . I understand how Aya feels tho . Yup ! I too , hope that you're on track .
Kaen-chan : *ties you to a chair and takes all sharp and pointy objects away* Yes , Schu is 28 ....... WHAT ? O_____O *runs away from the creaming and the shouting and the yelling* Uhhhhmmm ... *fidgets and stares at the floor*
Kaen-chan : *stands on the table and shrieks at Schuldich for being a cradle robber*
Schuldich : *glares at Redemption*
R_M : *cower* But I didn't do anything !
Schuldich : *snarls* she's your reader . *bonks R_M on the head*
R_M : *whimpers* KEEEENNNNN !!!
Ken : *cuddles R_M:
Schu : Why you scheming little ... !
R_M : *sticks tongue out*
Kaen-chan : *grins gleefully and jumps from the table* WHHHEEEEEEEEE ! * ... and lands on Ken and R_M*
Schu : *GLAREGLAREGLAREGLARE!!!*
Jenken : Now we know how exactly Aya feels about 'other' readhead in Ken's life . *LOL*
Mariki : Incest ?!! O_______O;;;;;; *faints*
Ran Mouri : *big eyes at large ax* *points at Schuldich* YOU !!! GET the HELL out of here or
RanMouri's gonna hack your little red head off !!! *screams* waiii ! not his room onegai !!!
Ran Mouri : *Goes out , big-eyed* I think I saw what I wasn't supposed to see .
R_M : *nods* that was what I was trying to tell you . You realize that we have the same SN initials . Redemption_Moon , Ran_Mouri + R and M
Genki no kitsune : Apparently , not anymore ! ^__^ *lol and tramps away happily*
Misura : Arigatou !!! *bows* Yes , how like Aya ne ?
Lady Kickass : Yes , it's turning out to be my favorite pairing nowadays ! ^__^ they're just soo ... right for each other !
ANNOUNCEMENT :
You'll be glad to know that another SCHUxKEN is brewing . The details are still being worked on , so please , inspire me !! ^___^
Yes ! It's a non-AU !!! And yes , it's purely SCHUxKEN without any preservatives !!!
RnR Onegai ! ^^;