With Tala's help, I managed to sneak back into the hotel without anyone
noticing the developing bruises on my face. Good thing we brought a change
of clothes with us. Pulling my beret down to cover my eyes, I followed
Tala into the lift. When the doors slid shut, I sighed in relief. As far
as I could see with my rapidly decreasing eyesight, thanks to the black eye
springing up, no one seemed to notice. I dared a glance to Tala. Uh oh...
he was in thoughtful mode. Maybe I should've tried to think my words
through. The mention of Max and Kai being in immediate danger of Hunter
seemed to make him more predatory. I was glad when I was able to take off
the uniform and become Oliver again. Shadow was too unpredictable and
scary at times. Cypher, too. I'm glad he changed too.
Tala and I were silent as we went off to our separate rooms. We understood that no words were needed right now. Silently slipping into the room I shared with Kai, I did a quick scan to make sure nothing was wrong or that nothing could open up the doors to trouble. Even in the dark room, I managed. Nothing out of place. Safe... for the moment...
I snuck quietly into the bedroom. A lump on the bed and light breathing alerted me to the sleeping blunette. I couldn't help but smile and walk to the side of the bed, looking down on the youth. He was so sweet when he was asleep. It dropped the years form his face. So serene and at peace within. I dared to touch the smooth skin of his cheek, savouring this little moment. He stirred slightly, but I was permitted to keep my fingers connected to his skin, stroking aside some of his hair. He fascinated me with that hair; two toned, kind of like his character. He can be dark and broody, giving commands at one point, and yet be so gentle and soft when it suits him. I thought about the crimson gems hidden behind the eyelids. Just thinking of them made my knees weak. They smouldered with anger, burned with passion and glowed with care.... Care that I always hoped was directed at me and that I earned.
I know I'm being a sentimental git... But I can't help it. Kai was just the best thing that ever happened to me. Ever since we first met, in his journey to Russia for the World Tournament all that time ago. He hardly paid any attention to me, but I certainly was keeping an eye on him. Even then, only Enrique had known about my... sexual alignment. Completely by accident, of course. After all, it wasn't his fault he happened to have found my journal, and it wasn't HIS fault it kind of fell open to THAT page and that he accidentally started reading... Anyway, so I first set my eyes on Kai. I was such a nervous wreak, though I had been told by Enrique I was as relaxed as I normally was. If that was the case, why was I so up- tight whenever I was around Kai?
Then that whole Demolition Boys fiasco. I didn't want to believe it. In fact, when us Majestics heard the news and were shipped out to Russia, courtesy of the BBA, the other three were bad-mouthing Kai. A part of me agreed what he did was wrong, but still, I was stubborn in believing that he'd realise his mistake and return. Good thing I wasn't at the actual tournament when that whole saga was happening. I suppose I wasn't ready to see that side of Kai yet. Sure, I've seen the footage AFTER the World Tournament, but there are some things that real life observation can show that video images cannot. I don't think I was ready to see what Kai was truly like in the flesh at that point, and I don't think I ever will. And then after the tournament, I was still scared stiff of meeting Kai. Enrique kept on at me, giving me support, but I never saw Kai again until that charity match that brought the Bladebreakers to France. Then Kai got entangled in my life... My identity...
I suppressed a nostalgic laugh. It was hard to think about what I acted like before around Kai, then suddenly, here we were; protecting each other, keeping close like one day, someone or something would tear us apart. Or, that's what I'd like to think. After all, we both fear the same corporation that might rip our relationship at the seams...
Kai stirred again and turned over. I watched him as he resettled into his slumber, unawares that I was just a foot away. I smiled. He was so innocent when he slept. All the more reason I should be extra vigilant now that I know our position... I stood up and prepared myself for bed. Pretty soon, I was tucked down in bed, by Kai's side, watching him sleep for a while. That's when it hit me; all that happened tonight. Hunter... Who was he? Something about him was familiar. I'm sure at some point during my training, we encountered. Possibly introduced by my mother...
My fingers found their way to my lips. Hunter... Why the Hell did he kiss me? That was so surreal... In fact, his whole behaviour tonight was strange. Then a thought occurred. Hunter... he was in a perfect position. To hurt; to kill... maybe even... I shook my head, throwing that thought away like badly roasted chicken. Never. I'll never allow him to violate me in that way. I made a vow that I would save myself for the one I love. And he's right in front of me. We had talked about it once, but I was so scared and embarrassed! Kai had courteously dropped the subject, but... I don't know... I feel like I disappointed him. Or was I simply projecting my nerves onto him? Who knows... But I know that he'll be the one. If Hunter tries to violate that, then he'll get far more than he bargained for.
******
"What happened to you!?"
Those were the words that shook Oliver awake the next morning. He snapped his eyes open, wondering when he actually managed to doze off. Almost instantly, he regretted it. The developing bruise on his face was now fully formed and painful. And painful it was. The black eye throbbed like a million mustangs were using it as a race track alone. Oliver pushed himself up, barely making out Kai in his vision. Kai stared disbelieving at the visible injuries. Oliver tried to smile, but could only manage a smirk on one side of his face.
"Well, that's a change from good morning..."
"Oliver..."
Oliver played with the duvet cover, wondering where to start, what to say... and what to leave out.... Kai decided he should get the ball rolling. "Who gave you the bruises?"
"A tree, would you believe..."
"A tree wouldn't jump out and give you bruises like that."
"Yeah... Well, you know Tala and I were investigating what really started the fire last night..."
"Yes."
"I ran into some trouble. An agent of BIOVOLT. We fought, but he ran off when Tala came to see if I was alright."
Kai remained silent, but pulled Oliver closer, giving him a light hug, as if scared to hurt Oliver more than he already was. "First the road accident, then the fire and shootings... now this. BIOVOLT have a lot to answer for."
Oliver glanced up at Kai, a firm expression on his face. "You don't get too involved. Tala and I will sort this out. We started it, and we'll end it."
Kai's own features hardened as well. "I have as much right..."
"But not as much training. Let's face it Kai..." Oliver sat up properly. "You may have been trained to be a soldier for BIOVOLT, but Tala and I were trained as assassins. We were given the ability to kill and infiltrate. When worst comes to worst, we may need the ability to pull a trigger, or plunge a knife. I don't want you to do it."
"Is it because you don't trust me to take care of myself!?"
Oliver flinched. Most people would hear the anger, but Oliver felt the disappointment. But he had accepted, when he re-wore his assassin uniform, that he would have to do a lot of disappointing. Especially with Kai. When Oliver didn't reply, Kai understood. Not saying anymore on the subject, Kai flung his side of the duvet off and trailed off into the bathroom, leaving Oliver to ponder over the morning conversation. Did I do the right thing... Oliver thought hopelessly and suddenly very heavy- hearted. I wonder if Tala had the same discussion with Max...
It didn't take long for Kai to prepare for the day. Muttering that he was going to get some breakfast, he left Oliver waiting by the bathroom door, Shadow's uniform in hand to be tidied. How long it took him to clean his uniform, get himself ready for the day and actually think of what to say when he saw Tala or Kai on the way down, he didn't know. All he knew was that if he wasn't quick, the breakfast room would be cleared away.
Walking towards the breakfast room of the hotel, Oliver glanced around for Kai or Tala, or even Max possibly leaving the general direction. Careful to pull his beret down, a little self conscious about broadcasting his bruise, Oliver continued walking. Considering neither was seen, Oliver hoped that they were in the breakfast room. He entered the threshold, scanning the area. He saw a familiar shade of red on the other side of the room and instantly slid through the crowd, towards the table where Tala, Kai and Max were finishing off their breakfast. Tala appeared to be telling the other two about what happened. Kai still didn't look too happy, and Max was definitely not his usual smiley self.
"Morning..."
The trio looked up and greeted back, all a little subdued. Kai especially, didn't quite meet Oliver's eyes. He must still be mad... Oliver thought sadly. Tala looked up at Oliver.
"I've filled them in on last night. About what Hunter said to you."
Oliver nodded, looking at the other two. Max looked worried. Kai just sat back, arms folded, eyes closed.
"Oliver... What do you want us to do; Kai and me? I mean... if we're in danger..."
"We're to do nothing." Kai muttered. "We don't know enough about this kind of thing to take care of ourselves."
Tala sent Oliver a questioning glance, sensing what Kai said had something to do with his foster brother. Oliver simply muttered that he was going to grab some bread rolls. Frowning slightly at the doughy spheres, Oliver rethought of the morning conversation. True, Kai may be able to take care of himself, but this was a branch of BIOVOLT even Kai had no idea of, even if he was the Golden Boy of BIOVOLT. As for Max... poor kid can't even shoot a water gun straight...
"Excuse me, monsieur DuBois."
Oliver looked up at the maitre d' questioningly, forgetting about his black eye. The tall lanky man stared a moment, wondering where the young aristocrat would have gotten such a bruise, before handing Oliver a sealed envelope. "A young man at the front desk asked me to deliver this to you immediately. He requested that you read it quite soon after receiving it."
Oliver set the plate he was holding down and took the envelope, a little suspicious but not alerting the maitre d' to it. The tall man bowed slightly and walked away. Like it might explode, Oliver opened the white envelope. A little card was in the envelope. Removing it, he saw the hand writing was similar, but not the same as, the threat letter from last night, but scanned it in the same frame of mind.
Get away from the breakfast buffet! A bomb's set to go off at 10.15 am!
Oliver instantly scanned the room for a clock. The timepiece set above the entry said it was 10.14 am. 4... 3... 2... 1...
"GET DOWN!" Oliver yelled running as far from the buffet as possible. At exactly 10.15, a concentrated rumbling blast sent flaming bits of the bread table flying around. The remaining breakfasting crowd went silent, watching the rubble. Somewhere, a woman fainted and pandemonium ensued. Oliver watched the spot he was standing at a minute ago, a little shocked and winded, ignoring the panicking crowd around him. If he had still been standing there, he would have most definitely been made to look like one of the several of the rolls that flew all over the room.
"Oliver!? Oliver; are you alright?!"
Max knelt down by the Unicorn, worried. Behind him, Tala and Kai were trying to get to them from the crowd. Soon, when all four gathered, they left the room together. The moment they left the hotel, the fire alarms decided to add to the noise. Everyone in the hotel evacuated and stood well away from the building, waiting for the fire brigade. Oliver glanced around.
"Where's Enrique?"
"He... he said he was going out today. The Louvre I think, to meet some girls he met yesterday."
Oliver nodded, thankful Enrique wasn't near the hotel. How he'd react to Oliver nearly being added to the décor of the breakfast room, he could only guess. Suddenly in his peripheral vision, something zoomed away quite quickly into the crowd. Oliver broke off from the group and tried to follow it. By the time he got onto the sidewalk though, who ever was trying to desperately get away was gone. Tala was directly behind Oliver, a hand in his pocket. Oliver realised that Tala had brought some of his darts out with him.
"Was it Hunter?" Tala asked, looking around.
"I... I don't know. Whoever it was looked familiar, though. It could have been him..."
Could have... Would have...?
_________________________________________________________
Anime: Heeeee......
Duo: *whistles low* That's one more danger situation for Oliver. Hunter four, Oliver and Tala nada.
Trowa: When should we give them a break?
Anime: Soon... Not! I think there's a muse hanging about. I've been given a new thought of a new twist/ plot yada... Sounds interesting...
Duo: *looks hopeful* I hope it's that chick that was hanging around recently!
Anime: The hentai!? Yeesh, you're enough! You do the work of two! How I'm going to cope with another one, Kami knows! Oh, and GreenArrow, you can draw Shadow if you like! Make sure to send me a copy!
Tala and I were silent as we went off to our separate rooms. We understood that no words were needed right now. Silently slipping into the room I shared with Kai, I did a quick scan to make sure nothing was wrong or that nothing could open up the doors to trouble. Even in the dark room, I managed. Nothing out of place. Safe... for the moment...
I snuck quietly into the bedroom. A lump on the bed and light breathing alerted me to the sleeping blunette. I couldn't help but smile and walk to the side of the bed, looking down on the youth. He was so sweet when he was asleep. It dropped the years form his face. So serene and at peace within. I dared to touch the smooth skin of his cheek, savouring this little moment. He stirred slightly, but I was permitted to keep my fingers connected to his skin, stroking aside some of his hair. He fascinated me with that hair; two toned, kind of like his character. He can be dark and broody, giving commands at one point, and yet be so gentle and soft when it suits him. I thought about the crimson gems hidden behind the eyelids. Just thinking of them made my knees weak. They smouldered with anger, burned with passion and glowed with care.... Care that I always hoped was directed at me and that I earned.
I know I'm being a sentimental git... But I can't help it. Kai was just the best thing that ever happened to me. Ever since we first met, in his journey to Russia for the World Tournament all that time ago. He hardly paid any attention to me, but I certainly was keeping an eye on him. Even then, only Enrique had known about my... sexual alignment. Completely by accident, of course. After all, it wasn't his fault he happened to have found my journal, and it wasn't HIS fault it kind of fell open to THAT page and that he accidentally started reading... Anyway, so I first set my eyes on Kai. I was such a nervous wreak, though I had been told by Enrique I was as relaxed as I normally was. If that was the case, why was I so up- tight whenever I was around Kai?
Then that whole Demolition Boys fiasco. I didn't want to believe it. In fact, when us Majestics heard the news and were shipped out to Russia, courtesy of the BBA, the other three were bad-mouthing Kai. A part of me agreed what he did was wrong, but still, I was stubborn in believing that he'd realise his mistake and return. Good thing I wasn't at the actual tournament when that whole saga was happening. I suppose I wasn't ready to see that side of Kai yet. Sure, I've seen the footage AFTER the World Tournament, but there are some things that real life observation can show that video images cannot. I don't think I was ready to see what Kai was truly like in the flesh at that point, and I don't think I ever will. And then after the tournament, I was still scared stiff of meeting Kai. Enrique kept on at me, giving me support, but I never saw Kai again until that charity match that brought the Bladebreakers to France. Then Kai got entangled in my life... My identity...
I suppressed a nostalgic laugh. It was hard to think about what I acted like before around Kai, then suddenly, here we were; protecting each other, keeping close like one day, someone or something would tear us apart. Or, that's what I'd like to think. After all, we both fear the same corporation that might rip our relationship at the seams...
Kai stirred again and turned over. I watched him as he resettled into his slumber, unawares that I was just a foot away. I smiled. He was so innocent when he slept. All the more reason I should be extra vigilant now that I know our position... I stood up and prepared myself for bed. Pretty soon, I was tucked down in bed, by Kai's side, watching him sleep for a while. That's when it hit me; all that happened tonight. Hunter... Who was he? Something about him was familiar. I'm sure at some point during my training, we encountered. Possibly introduced by my mother...
My fingers found their way to my lips. Hunter... Why the Hell did he kiss me? That was so surreal... In fact, his whole behaviour tonight was strange. Then a thought occurred. Hunter... he was in a perfect position. To hurt; to kill... maybe even... I shook my head, throwing that thought away like badly roasted chicken. Never. I'll never allow him to violate me in that way. I made a vow that I would save myself for the one I love. And he's right in front of me. We had talked about it once, but I was so scared and embarrassed! Kai had courteously dropped the subject, but... I don't know... I feel like I disappointed him. Or was I simply projecting my nerves onto him? Who knows... But I know that he'll be the one. If Hunter tries to violate that, then he'll get far more than he bargained for.
******
"What happened to you!?"
Those were the words that shook Oliver awake the next morning. He snapped his eyes open, wondering when he actually managed to doze off. Almost instantly, he regretted it. The developing bruise on his face was now fully formed and painful. And painful it was. The black eye throbbed like a million mustangs were using it as a race track alone. Oliver pushed himself up, barely making out Kai in his vision. Kai stared disbelieving at the visible injuries. Oliver tried to smile, but could only manage a smirk on one side of his face.
"Well, that's a change from good morning..."
"Oliver..."
Oliver played with the duvet cover, wondering where to start, what to say... and what to leave out.... Kai decided he should get the ball rolling. "Who gave you the bruises?"
"A tree, would you believe..."
"A tree wouldn't jump out and give you bruises like that."
"Yeah... Well, you know Tala and I were investigating what really started the fire last night..."
"Yes."
"I ran into some trouble. An agent of BIOVOLT. We fought, but he ran off when Tala came to see if I was alright."
Kai remained silent, but pulled Oliver closer, giving him a light hug, as if scared to hurt Oliver more than he already was. "First the road accident, then the fire and shootings... now this. BIOVOLT have a lot to answer for."
Oliver glanced up at Kai, a firm expression on his face. "You don't get too involved. Tala and I will sort this out. We started it, and we'll end it."
Kai's own features hardened as well. "I have as much right..."
"But not as much training. Let's face it Kai..." Oliver sat up properly. "You may have been trained to be a soldier for BIOVOLT, but Tala and I were trained as assassins. We were given the ability to kill and infiltrate. When worst comes to worst, we may need the ability to pull a trigger, or plunge a knife. I don't want you to do it."
"Is it because you don't trust me to take care of myself!?"
Oliver flinched. Most people would hear the anger, but Oliver felt the disappointment. But he had accepted, when he re-wore his assassin uniform, that he would have to do a lot of disappointing. Especially with Kai. When Oliver didn't reply, Kai understood. Not saying anymore on the subject, Kai flung his side of the duvet off and trailed off into the bathroom, leaving Oliver to ponder over the morning conversation. Did I do the right thing... Oliver thought hopelessly and suddenly very heavy- hearted. I wonder if Tala had the same discussion with Max...
It didn't take long for Kai to prepare for the day. Muttering that he was going to get some breakfast, he left Oliver waiting by the bathroom door, Shadow's uniform in hand to be tidied. How long it took him to clean his uniform, get himself ready for the day and actually think of what to say when he saw Tala or Kai on the way down, he didn't know. All he knew was that if he wasn't quick, the breakfast room would be cleared away.
Walking towards the breakfast room of the hotel, Oliver glanced around for Kai or Tala, or even Max possibly leaving the general direction. Careful to pull his beret down, a little self conscious about broadcasting his bruise, Oliver continued walking. Considering neither was seen, Oliver hoped that they were in the breakfast room. He entered the threshold, scanning the area. He saw a familiar shade of red on the other side of the room and instantly slid through the crowd, towards the table where Tala, Kai and Max were finishing off their breakfast. Tala appeared to be telling the other two about what happened. Kai still didn't look too happy, and Max was definitely not his usual smiley self.
"Morning..."
The trio looked up and greeted back, all a little subdued. Kai especially, didn't quite meet Oliver's eyes. He must still be mad... Oliver thought sadly. Tala looked up at Oliver.
"I've filled them in on last night. About what Hunter said to you."
Oliver nodded, looking at the other two. Max looked worried. Kai just sat back, arms folded, eyes closed.
"Oliver... What do you want us to do; Kai and me? I mean... if we're in danger..."
"We're to do nothing." Kai muttered. "We don't know enough about this kind of thing to take care of ourselves."
Tala sent Oliver a questioning glance, sensing what Kai said had something to do with his foster brother. Oliver simply muttered that he was going to grab some bread rolls. Frowning slightly at the doughy spheres, Oliver rethought of the morning conversation. True, Kai may be able to take care of himself, but this was a branch of BIOVOLT even Kai had no idea of, even if he was the Golden Boy of BIOVOLT. As for Max... poor kid can't even shoot a water gun straight...
"Excuse me, monsieur DuBois."
Oliver looked up at the maitre d' questioningly, forgetting about his black eye. The tall lanky man stared a moment, wondering where the young aristocrat would have gotten such a bruise, before handing Oliver a sealed envelope. "A young man at the front desk asked me to deliver this to you immediately. He requested that you read it quite soon after receiving it."
Oliver set the plate he was holding down and took the envelope, a little suspicious but not alerting the maitre d' to it. The tall man bowed slightly and walked away. Like it might explode, Oliver opened the white envelope. A little card was in the envelope. Removing it, he saw the hand writing was similar, but not the same as, the threat letter from last night, but scanned it in the same frame of mind.
Get away from the breakfast buffet! A bomb's set to go off at 10.15 am!
Oliver instantly scanned the room for a clock. The timepiece set above the entry said it was 10.14 am. 4... 3... 2... 1...
"GET DOWN!" Oliver yelled running as far from the buffet as possible. At exactly 10.15, a concentrated rumbling blast sent flaming bits of the bread table flying around. The remaining breakfasting crowd went silent, watching the rubble. Somewhere, a woman fainted and pandemonium ensued. Oliver watched the spot he was standing at a minute ago, a little shocked and winded, ignoring the panicking crowd around him. If he had still been standing there, he would have most definitely been made to look like one of the several of the rolls that flew all over the room.
"Oliver!? Oliver; are you alright?!"
Max knelt down by the Unicorn, worried. Behind him, Tala and Kai were trying to get to them from the crowd. Soon, when all four gathered, they left the room together. The moment they left the hotel, the fire alarms decided to add to the noise. Everyone in the hotel evacuated and stood well away from the building, waiting for the fire brigade. Oliver glanced around.
"Where's Enrique?"
"He... he said he was going out today. The Louvre I think, to meet some girls he met yesterday."
Oliver nodded, thankful Enrique wasn't near the hotel. How he'd react to Oliver nearly being added to the décor of the breakfast room, he could only guess. Suddenly in his peripheral vision, something zoomed away quite quickly into the crowd. Oliver broke off from the group and tried to follow it. By the time he got onto the sidewalk though, who ever was trying to desperately get away was gone. Tala was directly behind Oliver, a hand in his pocket. Oliver realised that Tala had brought some of his darts out with him.
"Was it Hunter?" Tala asked, looking around.
"I... I don't know. Whoever it was looked familiar, though. It could have been him..."
Could have... Would have...?
_________________________________________________________
Anime: Heeeee......
Duo: *whistles low* That's one more danger situation for Oliver. Hunter four, Oliver and Tala nada.
Trowa: When should we give them a break?
Anime: Soon... Not! I think there's a muse hanging about. I've been given a new thought of a new twist/ plot yada... Sounds interesting...
Duo: *looks hopeful* I hope it's that chick that was hanging around recently!
Anime: The hentai!? Yeesh, you're enough! You do the work of two! How I'm going to cope with another one, Kami knows! Oh, and GreenArrow, you can draw Shadow if you like! Make sure to send me a copy!