Chapter 2: Conversations of Sorts and Sleeping Arrangements
It was later on during that very same evening at the flower shop. The assassins had gathered back in the basement after having a regular sit- down dinner together. It was the first time in a long while they had a dinner like that, but this time Omi wanted to do something special to welcome Tai into Weiss. He wanted to make her feel a part of their "little family" as he so called it. This is why Omi offered to cook for the five of them and he was rather excellent at that. They had a wonderful meal filled with laughter, good food, and smiling...except from Aya of course, he remained quiet for the period of the dinner. The great thing, in Yohji's perspective was that Tai was opening up. This also made Omi very happy. Tai was becoming more and more comfortable with the Weiss boys and Yohji was happy about it. He spent most of the dinner thinking of ways to get close to this beautiful and mysterious young woman.
Then again, he was fighting himself at the same time. Every time she laughed, smiled, or spoke for that matter, Yohji's hear would pound in his chest. He felt a million and one emotions surge through his body every time he looked at her. She made him absolutely breathless and that wasn't something that happened to Yohji. He was supposed to be the one making the women go weak in the knees, not the other way around. He hadn't felt this way since she was alive. Asuka...
Here is where the problem arose: there was work involved. Together they all had to be assassins, killing and fighting whenever needed. One is never supposed to let romance and work intertwine. It was strictly unprofessional and forbidden. Yohji tried hard not to think about her that way that night, but he couldn't help it. For now, he would only put his feelings aside and deal with them later.
Now, he was sitting in his usual spot on the couch. Tai was seated next to him, her palms tightly covering her knees. She seemed quite more relaxed now with a rather pleasant expression on her face. "That was a great dinner, Omi. Thank you very much, you're a wonderful cook." Tai said. Omi was sitting on the floor Indian style, his face lighting up when Tai praised him. He nodded in approval back at Tai. "Yeah, Omi. Man, am I stuffed. Good job, kiddo." Yohji said winking towards Omi, patting his stomach lightly to show his approval to Omi. Ken was sitting in a chair on the opposite side of the room, breathing in and out for the simple fact that he ate way too much. Ken would take Omi's cooking over take-out any day. Aya was standing against the wall next to him, but that wasn't much of a surprise because Aya almost always stood.
They had gathered again for some more conversation to try and get to know Tai a bit better. She basically gave them a good overview of her personality the moment they met her and during the dinner but the boys wanted to see if they could learn more, especially Yohji. They also needed to discuss sleeping arrangements for Tai. The bys lived below the shop and there was barely any room for the four of them. Thus, one more person would cause quite a problem, and the boys' rooms were small enough as it is already.
"So, Tai," Ken said, breaking the silence after dinner. "What brings you to Weiss? I don't think we asked you that during the meal." Ken was prying and he realized that the minute he asked her the question. He shut himself up after that and tried to avoid her eyes, fearing she might become sad or possibly angry. He didn't want Tai to be angry with him and he didn't want to see her cry either, he was getting used to her already and he liked her as a friend a lot. Tai, in her decent mood, smiled back politely even though the boys noticed her posture stiffening as the question was asked. It was obvious something terrible happened to her and she didn't like discussing it. She understood Ken was only trying to be kind and was making conversation, so she decided to tell them a little bit into why she joined up with Weiss. "A death" she said curtly. Everyone was silent and she looked down for a moment. "My brother, Aki, to be precise. He was murdered. But, I don't like to speak much about it. I apologize, I'll tell you all one day." Her voice was soft as she finished up and tried to maintain herself with a weak smile. Ken nodded sympathetically her way and lowered his head himself. Aya looked at her from the shadows. His eyes burned into her, as if he were trying to search inside of her soul and piece together the puzzle of this girl, Tai.
Omi stood up from the couch, knowing exactly what to do. He jumped up onto the couch beside Tai, his knobby knees bending outward. What where friends for? He was there to give his friend moral support. His smile was warm and kind, just like Omi's eyes always were. That's what everyone loved about Omi. She returned the same smile his way, tilting her head to the side, signaling him that she was okay and everything would be just fine. It was obvious Omi took a liking to Tai. "How old are you, Tai- san?" Omi asked sweetly. It was a good change of subject. They didn't need to welcome Tai in with depressing times right now; more of those would come later. That was part of the baggage of being in Weiss anyhow. Although Omi had felt her pain on what it was like to lose a sibling that was murdered, he knew it was best not to pry into her past right now and just try and put a smile upon her pretty face. Of course, he was curious and hoping that Tai would inform him in time when they grew closer, but now he just wanted to make her smile.
The boys thought that Tai had a pretty smile. They hadn't had a woman in their lives for the longest time and it was good to have a female companion around. They'd do anything to see her smile all the time. Yohji especially adored her smile. His eyes did not wander from the creature since the moment she had entered the base. Everything about her captivated him. Her smile, her body, her persona; she was everything he always wanted in a woman. The question was: could she develop the same feelings for him? Since she came into the basement, Yohji sat puffing on his cigarette and watching. She was beautiful in his eyes. He'd kill for her smile. And as for Aya, well, he didn't care much for anyone's smile.
"I'm 18." Tai replied, pushing her hair behind her ears. Her brown hair flowed with her fingers in a bouncy way that Yohji absolutely adored. Omi grinned, he was amazed at her movements, she reminded him of a sister. Tai reached out a hand and delicately pushed his light brown hair away from his soft eyes. Omi's eyes glistened at her tender affection; it had been so long since he felt a tender touch. It was much too long. It was also quite obvious Tai was not a terribly cold person once you were able to open her up.
Ken looked at the two, watching how they were with each other. They were delicate and loving. He suddenly felt jealous that they were in the midst of developing a sibling-like relationship. Ken had that with Omi practically, but now he was afraid of this girl. This girl could quite possibly replace Omi's beloved Ouka and gain his affections as a sister, and Omi would no longer need Ken as a brother figure.
"18, eh? Perfect age." Yohji commented grinning. Yohji liked his women eighteen or older and that was the only way he liked them. He was 21 himself, and he needed a woman of sophistication. Tai was eighteen and she sure did have sophistication, another plus on Yohji's list that only caused him to fall deeper for her. "Perfect age for what?" asked Tai, blinking with confusion. She had no idea what Yohji was murmuring about. Omi sent a glare Yohji's way in his protective manner. He didn't need Yohji toying with their new member's heart and causing drama in Weiss. Aya grunted and seethed, "Yohji, keep your hands off her. She's a member of Weiss, not one of your usual love toys." Hearing this, Tai shot Yohji a look of disapproval. Tai had to admit that Yohji was quite attractive, too attractive actually. Her heart skipped a bit when she first laid eyes on him. But his type disgusted her, so she wasn't too happy with Aya's explanation. Yojhi flushed pink and looked at Aya desperately, nearly shouting, "I didn't mean it like that!"
Tai's eyes sparkled and she began to laugh softly. Her laugh was cute and sweet. It had a melodious sound that the boys were pleased to hear. At her laughter, all the boys seemed to crack a grin. It was nice to see such a sad soul be capable of good-hearted laughter. Aya even, almost grinned. Tai and he seemed a lot alike in many different ways, though he would never admit that out loud. "What's so amusing?" asked Ken, quite cheerfully.
Tai placed her hands in front of her mouth, giggling. "You guys are just so funny. I mean, it's great to be working with people like you. Everyone's all so cheerful! Except for Aya over there, I don't want to deal with his PMSy attitude." Omi's face turned red with embarrassment. He forgot that with a female there would be talk of feminine issues. Omi wasn't used to this sort of thing yet.
Aya's fists clenched together in fury. Did she just associate his attitude with that of a woman's monthly mood swing factor? "My WHAT?" the redheaded male's eyes seemed to spark with immense fury as he shouted his words. He stalked over towards Tai almost shaking in rage. She blinked Aya's way, her expression unchanging. Her eyes danced daringly. She liked the thrill of annoying him. She liked him himself because of his mystery and how he never let his guard down for anyone, not even a girl.
Ken whistled, trying to distract himself from the scene that was occurring. It was never good to make Aya mad, blood could quite possibly be spilt when that happened. Ken would know. After the one incident involving Aya's car, his motercycle, and an epileptic puppy, Ken knew never to make that mistake ever again. Omi watched in fear while Omi watched in amusement. Yohji liked his omwen passionate and feisty, and that is exactly what Tai was. So there Aya and Tai stood for a long moment, staring each other down with their burning glares. Time seemed to stand still for the two of them until Tai placed her hands on her hips and stuck her tongue out playfully at Aya. She tried very hard to choke back her giggle. She retracted, outright laughing, as Aya proceeded to turn his back to her angrily, his face turning bright crimson. His arms crossed tightly over his chest as he gritted his teeth. Aya finally spoke, whispering loud enough for only Tai to hear. "Let it be known, I have no particular liking to you. Yet, we indeed are a lot alike. We hold a terrible past within our hearts. It was my sister and your brother. Our personalities are the same, only, you are able to hide it in your cheerfulness. Like Omi, you lock it away behind a smile. I, unfortunately, cannot do that. But I will work with you and fight with you. I am on your side. Together, we are Weiss." Tai blinked for a second. Was Aya actually being nice to her in his own twisted little way? Suddenly, she beamed with a satisfied grin. "Aya-san, you're so sweet! Thank you!" Aya closed his eyes in annoyance. Was this girl serious? He then spun around quickly and replied, "I still don't like you!" Everyone laughed, which only made Aya more furious. He furrowed his brow, his right eye twitching uncontrollably. Tai wrapped her arms around his wasit and pushed her head into his chest smiling in the way a little sister would do. Aya's eyes widened in shock. What the hell was she doing? He took his hands and pried her from around his waist as he pushed her off of him. "Sit, pest." Tai laughed and took her seat in between Omi and Yohji once more, her face happy with satisfaction. Ken stretched out on the floor and let out a rather large yawn. "Man am I beat!" he said, obviously put out by the sleepiness that was taking over him. Omi's head perked up at Ken's comment in utter realization and exclaimed, "Oh yeah! Where will Tai-san stay? She needs a room to sleep in." Aya nodded in agreement. "Yes Omi, she does. I don't know where however because you are perfectly aware that we have no room." Tai waved her hands in front of her face and grinned sheepishly. "No, no, no, don't you all worry about me. I can sleep on the couch, I don't mind." Yohji tossed down his finished cigarette and stared Tai straight in the face, she couldn't' possibly be serious. He placed a hand daringly on Tai's knee. She blushed a bit, her heart racing. There was that feeling again, the one she felt whenever she looked at Yohji. At her blush, a twinge of pleasure slid down Yohji's spine. She was so adorable; he wanted her in his arms so badly. "We would never give a lady the couch, that's simply out of the question." He said winking at the girl that made his heart race. "She'll just have to stay with one of us." Said Ken as-a- matter-of-factly. The goggle boy was indeed right, there was nowhere else for Tai to sleep except for in one of their rooms. "Aya nodded. "That sounds alright. But she's not staying with me." He said rather quickly. He did not enjoy others' company. Aya was the type to keep to himself and he liked it that way. "No offense, Tai, but I run alone around here." "Mine is too small." Complained Ken softly, shrugging and giving Tai a sorry grin. It was Omi to pipe up cheerily, "She could stay with me!" Yohji stood up and placed a finger in the middle of Omi's forehead, pushing in slightly. If anyone was going to have Tai in their room, it was him. He was the one that wanted to win her affections. The only way to do that was to have her alone with him and this would indeed be the perfect opportunity. Grinning slyly Yohji shook his head. "No, no, my little chibi tiger, I am the one who has plenty of room...and the extra mattress. Tai will be staying with me." After his sentence, he daped an arm loosely around Tai's shoulders. Tai's eyebrows raised as she looked at the grinning Yohji who was obviously working his charm on her. "Yohji-kun!" cried Omi as he shot up in desperation, a look of worry appearing on his face. "I have to absolutely be against that! It's unsafe for any girl to stay in your room with you in it." Ken nodded in agreement because Omi had a point. "Yeah, Omi's right. By tomorrow morning the poor girl will end up being pregnant..." Aya let out a laugh at his comrade's comment' it was amusing. Yohji would indeed do anything to be with a woman. At this new topic of conversation, Tai's face turned bright red. She was quite embarrassed to be talked about in such a manner. She smiled however only because Aya was smiling and it was nice to see a smile upon Aya's usually hard face. Yohji, in the meantime, shot up off of the couch. His face was twisted in anger. He flew threw the air and pounced upon Ken. They were at it again, always fighting those two. "Why you little...I've had it with you and your antics! I'm trying to work my magic and..." "Yohji-kun! Ken-kun! Stop it!" Omi cried out in horror. He hated seeing his friends fight, it upset him so. Yohji released Ken from his death grip. Ken was gasping for breath, rubbing his neck with a free hand. Everyone in Weiss listened to Omi, he was so innocent that everyone would stop everything for him if he asked them to. "I appreciate it Yohji, thank you." Tai said with a compassionate smile. Yohji melted at her grin, noticing how absolutely beautiful she was. Yohji nodded, blushing a bit and toying with his sunglasses upon his nose. "Don't mention it, sweetheart." He said softly. Tai yawned as she stood up from her seat on the couch. She waved at everyone, stretching her body out a little bit in a tiresome way. "Anyway, it was a nice evening. I'm a bit tired so I'm off to bed. I'll be in Yohji's room is anyone needs me. Good night everyone!" The five assassins all said their remaining good nights and filed out of the basement. Retreating to their rooms, everyone was gone except for Aya. He glanced around the empty basement momentarily before he clicked the switch that caused the basement to become flooded into a completely black void. Around the time of 3:00 am, Yohji stepped out of the steaming hot shower. He quickly wrapped a white towel around his perfectly toned waist and wrung out his hair with a free hand. The steam swirled about him in the bathroom and escaped along with the wind as he kicked open the door. His body was still glistening from the nice long shower he took and he sighed in relaxation. Stepping into his room his pulse quickened as he remembered the presence of the newest member sleeping in the bed next to his. His heart pounded in his chest as he looked at the angelic Tai. He wanted to appear at her bedside and wrap his arms around her warm little body, but he would refrain from doing so. It was completely inappropriate. Yohji proceeded to his dresser at a fast pace to get a shirt and some boxers out so he could go to sleep himself, but he paused when her heard a stirring from across the room. His jade eyes fell onto the sleeping Tai. She wore a white T-shirt as far as he could see and she was tossing and turning fiercely. Yohji blinked, wondering momentarily if he should wake her. Her body began convulsing. She was drenched in sweat ahs she began to kick and claw at the air violently. Yohji's mouth gaped open in shock as he heard the terrified cries from Tai, "No! Aki! Don't you dare touch Aki! Aki, Aki! No! AKI!" Yohji rushed to her bedside and loomed over her. What was he supposed to do? She was obviously caught in a terrible nightmare that she couldn't get out of. Yohji softly reached his hand out and placed it on her tear- stained cheek. At the moment of his touch, Tai's emerald eyes flew open. In an immediate reflex, she grabbed Yohji by the neck and flipped him over her, smashing his body into the headboard. A stab of stinging pain shot its way up Yohji's back as he winced. "No, dad, I won't let you hurt him!" she cried. Yohji grabbed her hands and tried to pry her hands from his neck. She was strong for such a young girl. "T-Tai..." he tried to exclaim, gasping madly for some air. When Tai realized what she was doing, she released Yohji's neck. Her hands flew to her mouth in immediate horror. Her white shirt was awry on her body and her brown hair was matted to her head and dripping with perspiration. Her face turned red as she could hardly look at Yohji, she was incredibly embarrassed. "I'm sorry." she said softly. Yohji nodded and pushed his wet hair away from his eyes. "Quite alright." He replied, looking at her curiously. "Are you okay?" He asked, his eyes studying her flushed face curiously. He was concerned for her, his feelings at this point had grown quite a lot. He wanted to wrap her in his arms but he refrained yet again. She looked so beautiful there, as he body was glowing within the moonlight and the shadows. Her pale skin radiated a glow like no other and his eyes glistened as they traveled down her body. Tai looked at Yohji finally, her eyes falling down to where she noticed the white towel wrapped loosely around his waist. Her eyes squinted and a look of complete disgust took over Tai's face. Yohji's eyes widened in desperation. "No, Tai, I wasn't..." but he couldn't finish. Tai cut him off by throwing a pillow at his head. "You're a pig, do you know that?" she shrieked. Who knew what he was planning on doing to her while she slept? Before Yohji could say another word, Tai had flaunted out the door, slamming it behind her. Yohji, seated on Tai's bed sighed. He glanced over at the twisted sheets and shook his head, his wet locked glistening in the light. There was nothing he could do except leave Tai alone for the rest of the night. Hopefully, she would speak to him in the morning. Yohji took a cigarette out from the dresser beside Tai's bed and rolled it around in his fingers, gazing at the texture for a few moments. He then drew out a lighter and flicked the switch, lighting the cigarette with a burst of orange. Yohji placed the cigarette to his lips and puffed on it slowly. If he didn't know any better, he probably fell in love with Tai that very night. Sighing, he rested his elbows on his kneed and looked outside the window, smoking his cigarette and watching the moonlight play on the shadows of the city. Omi's eyes fluttered open as a shadow stood in the doorway of his room. He sat up with a start, drawing the covers to his chest. It took a good six seconds for his eyes to focus on the figure standing in the doorway. "Tai- san?" he asked, his eyes widening in alarm. Tai stood, tears flowing down her cheeks. Her white T-shirt was clinging to her sweat-drenched body and she trembled every few seconds or so. He didn't ask what happened, he knew perfectly well what went on. The nightmares never did go away, not for either of them. Tai flung herself into the bed next to Omi and cried into his chest. "Onichan..." she whispered, the sound muffling into Omi's T-shirt. Omi wrapped an arm around Tai's back as he lay back down upon his bed, running his hand back and forth trying to calm her down. He looked down at the crying Tai with sad eyes. She looked like an angel with broken wings. Biting his lip softly for a moment, he kissed the top of her head and whispered back to her. "Shhh...it's okay. Brother's here now and he's not going anywhere." Tai only cried harder, her fists clenching tightly onto his shirt. For the rest of the night, Omi held her. He asked nothing, said nothing, just listened to her cry. Tai needed him that night, and that night, Omi was making sure he was going to be there.
It was later on during that very same evening at the flower shop. The assassins had gathered back in the basement after having a regular sit- down dinner together. It was the first time in a long while they had a dinner like that, but this time Omi wanted to do something special to welcome Tai into Weiss. He wanted to make her feel a part of their "little family" as he so called it. This is why Omi offered to cook for the five of them and he was rather excellent at that. They had a wonderful meal filled with laughter, good food, and smiling...except from Aya of course, he remained quiet for the period of the dinner. The great thing, in Yohji's perspective was that Tai was opening up. This also made Omi very happy. Tai was becoming more and more comfortable with the Weiss boys and Yohji was happy about it. He spent most of the dinner thinking of ways to get close to this beautiful and mysterious young woman.
Then again, he was fighting himself at the same time. Every time she laughed, smiled, or spoke for that matter, Yohji's hear would pound in his chest. He felt a million and one emotions surge through his body every time he looked at her. She made him absolutely breathless and that wasn't something that happened to Yohji. He was supposed to be the one making the women go weak in the knees, not the other way around. He hadn't felt this way since she was alive. Asuka...
Here is where the problem arose: there was work involved. Together they all had to be assassins, killing and fighting whenever needed. One is never supposed to let romance and work intertwine. It was strictly unprofessional and forbidden. Yohji tried hard not to think about her that way that night, but he couldn't help it. For now, he would only put his feelings aside and deal with them later.
Now, he was sitting in his usual spot on the couch. Tai was seated next to him, her palms tightly covering her knees. She seemed quite more relaxed now with a rather pleasant expression on her face. "That was a great dinner, Omi. Thank you very much, you're a wonderful cook." Tai said. Omi was sitting on the floor Indian style, his face lighting up when Tai praised him. He nodded in approval back at Tai. "Yeah, Omi. Man, am I stuffed. Good job, kiddo." Yohji said winking towards Omi, patting his stomach lightly to show his approval to Omi. Ken was sitting in a chair on the opposite side of the room, breathing in and out for the simple fact that he ate way too much. Ken would take Omi's cooking over take-out any day. Aya was standing against the wall next to him, but that wasn't much of a surprise because Aya almost always stood.
They had gathered again for some more conversation to try and get to know Tai a bit better. She basically gave them a good overview of her personality the moment they met her and during the dinner but the boys wanted to see if they could learn more, especially Yohji. They also needed to discuss sleeping arrangements for Tai. The bys lived below the shop and there was barely any room for the four of them. Thus, one more person would cause quite a problem, and the boys' rooms were small enough as it is already.
"So, Tai," Ken said, breaking the silence after dinner. "What brings you to Weiss? I don't think we asked you that during the meal." Ken was prying and he realized that the minute he asked her the question. He shut himself up after that and tried to avoid her eyes, fearing she might become sad or possibly angry. He didn't want Tai to be angry with him and he didn't want to see her cry either, he was getting used to her already and he liked her as a friend a lot. Tai, in her decent mood, smiled back politely even though the boys noticed her posture stiffening as the question was asked. It was obvious something terrible happened to her and she didn't like discussing it. She understood Ken was only trying to be kind and was making conversation, so she decided to tell them a little bit into why she joined up with Weiss. "A death" she said curtly. Everyone was silent and she looked down for a moment. "My brother, Aki, to be precise. He was murdered. But, I don't like to speak much about it. I apologize, I'll tell you all one day." Her voice was soft as she finished up and tried to maintain herself with a weak smile. Ken nodded sympathetically her way and lowered his head himself. Aya looked at her from the shadows. His eyes burned into her, as if he were trying to search inside of her soul and piece together the puzzle of this girl, Tai.
Omi stood up from the couch, knowing exactly what to do. He jumped up onto the couch beside Tai, his knobby knees bending outward. What where friends for? He was there to give his friend moral support. His smile was warm and kind, just like Omi's eyes always were. That's what everyone loved about Omi. She returned the same smile his way, tilting her head to the side, signaling him that she was okay and everything would be just fine. It was obvious Omi took a liking to Tai. "How old are you, Tai- san?" Omi asked sweetly. It was a good change of subject. They didn't need to welcome Tai in with depressing times right now; more of those would come later. That was part of the baggage of being in Weiss anyhow. Although Omi had felt her pain on what it was like to lose a sibling that was murdered, he knew it was best not to pry into her past right now and just try and put a smile upon her pretty face. Of course, he was curious and hoping that Tai would inform him in time when they grew closer, but now he just wanted to make her smile.
The boys thought that Tai had a pretty smile. They hadn't had a woman in their lives for the longest time and it was good to have a female companion around. They'd do anything to see her smile all the time. Yohji especially adored her smile. His eyes did not wander from the creature since the moment she had entered the base. Everything about her captivated him. Her smile, her body, her persona; she was everything he always wanted in a woman. The question was: could she develop the same feelings for him? Since she came into the basement, Yohji sat puffing on his cigarette and watching. She was beautiful in his eyes. He'd kill for her smile. And as for Aya, well, he didn't care much for anyone's smile.
"I'm 18." Tai replied, pushing her hair behind her ears. Her brown hair flowed with her fingers in a bouncy way that Yohji absolutely adored. Omi grinned, he was amazed at her movements, she reminded him of a sister. Tai reached out a hand and delicately pushed his light brown hair away from his soft eyes. Omi's eyes glistened at her tender affection; it had been so long since he felt a tender touch. It was much too long. It was also quite obvious Tai was not a terribly cold person once you were able to open her up.
Ken looked at the two, watching how they were with each other. They were delicate and loving. He suddenly felt jealous that they were in the midst of developing a sibling-like relationship. Ken had that with Omi practically, but now he was afraid of this girl. This girl could quite possibly replace Omi's beloved Ouka and gain his affections as a sister, and Omi would no longer need Ken as a brother figure.
"18, eh? Perfect age." Yohji commented grinning. Yohji liked his women eighteen or older and that was the only way he liked them. He was 21 himself, and he needed a woman of sophistication. Tai was eighteen and she sure did have sophistication, another plus on Yohji's list that only caused him to fall deeper for her. "Perfect age for what?" asked Tai, blinking with confusion. She had no idea what Yohji was murmuring about. Omi sent a glare Yohji's way in his protective manner. He didn't need Yohji toying with their new member's heart and causing drama in Weiss. Aya grunted and seethed, "Yohji, keep your hands off her. She's a member of Weiss, not one of your usual love toys." Hearing this, Tai shot Yohji a look of disapproval. Tai had to admit that Yohji was quite attractive, too attractive actually. Her heart skipped a bit when she first laid eyes on him. But his type disgusted her, so she wasn't too happy with Aya's explanation. Yojhi flushed pink and looked at Aya desperately, nearly shouting, "I didn't mean it like that!"
Tai's eyes sparkled and she began to laugh softly. Her laugh was cute and sweet. It had a melodious sound that the boys were pleased to hear. At her laughter, all the boys seemed to crack a grin. It was nice to see such a sad soul be capable of good-hearted laughter. Aya even, almost grinned. Tai and he seemed a lot alike in many different ways, though he would never admit that out loud. "What's so amusing?" asked Ken, quite cheerfully.
Tai placed her hands in front of her mouth, giggling. "You guys are just so funny. I mean, it's great to be working with people like you. Everyone's all so cheerful! Except for Aya over there, I don't want to deal with his PMSy attitude." Omi's face turned red with embarrassment. He forgot that with a female there would be talk of feminine issues. Omi wasn't used to this sort of thing yet.
Aya's fists clenched together in fury. Did she just associate his attitude with that of a woman's monthly mood swing factor? "My WHAT?" the redheaded male's eyes seemed to spark with immense fury as he shouted his words. He stalked over towards Tai almost shaking in rage. She blinked Aya's way, her expression unchanging. Her eyes danced daringly. She liked the thrill of annoying him. She liked him himself because of his mystery and how he never let his guard down for anyone, not even a girl.
Ken whistled, trying to distract himself from the scene that was occurring. It was never good to make Aya mad, blood could quite possibly be spilt when that happened. Ken would know. After the one incident involving Aya's car, his motercycle, and an epileptic puppy, Ken knew never to make that mistake ever again. Omi watched in fear while Omi watched in amusement. Yohji liked his omwen passionate and feisty, and that is exactly what Tai was. So there Aya and Tai stood for a long moment, staring each other down with their burning glares. Time seemed to stand still for the two of them until Tai placed her hands on her hips and stuck her tongue out playfully at Aya. She tried very hard to choke back her giggle. She retracted, outright laughing, as Aya proceeded to turn his back to her angrily, his face turning bright crimson. His arms crossed tightly over his chest as he gritted his teeth. Aya finally spoke, whispering loud enough for only Tai to hear. "Let it be known, I have no particular liking to you. Yet, we indeed are a lot alike. We hold a terrible past within our hearts. It was my sister and your brother. Our personalities are the same, only, you are able to hide it in your cheerfulness. Like Omi, you lock it away behind a smile. I, unfortunately, cannot do that. But I will work with you and fight with you. I am on your side. Together, we are Weiss." Tai blinked for a second. Was Aya actually being nice to her in his own twisted little way? Suddenly, she beamed with a satisfied grin. "Aya-san, you're so sweet! Thank you!" Aya closed his eyes in annoyance. Was this girl serious? He then spun around quickly and replied, "I still don't like you!" Everyone laughed, which only made Aya more furious. He furrowed his brow, his right eye twitching uncontrollably. Tai wrapped her arms around his wasit and pushed her head into his chest smiling in the way a little sister would do. Aya's eyes widened in shock. What the hell was she doing? He took his hands and pried her from around his waist as he pushed her off of him. "Sit, pest." Tai laughed and took her seat in between Omi and Yohji once more, her face happy with satisfaction. Ken stretched out on the floor and let out a rather large yawn. "Man am I beat!" he said, obviously put out by the sleepiness that was taking over him. Omi's head perked up at Ken's comment in utter realization and exclaimed, "Oh yeah! Where will Tai-san stay? She needs a room to sleep in." Aya nodded in agreement. "Yes Omi, she does. I don't know where however because you are perfectly aware that we have no room." Tai waved her hands in front of her face and grinned sheepishly. "No, no, no, don't you all worry about me. I can sleep on the couch, I don't mind." Yohji tossed down his finished cigarette and stared Tai straight in the face, she couldn't' possibly be serious. He placed a hand daringly on Tai's knee. She blushed a bit, her heart racing. There was that feeling again, the one she felt whenever she looked at Yohji. At her blush, a twinge of pleasure slid down Yohji's spine. She was so adorable; he wanted her in his arms so badly. "We would never give a lady the couch, that's simply out of the question." He said winking at the girl that made his heart race. "She'll just have to stay with one of us." Said Ken as-a- matter-of-factly. The goggle boy was indeed right, there was nowhere else for Tai to sleep except for in one of their rooms. "Aya nodded. "That sounds alright. But she's not staying with me." He said rather quickly. He did not enjoy others' company. Aya was the type to keep to himself and he liked it that way. "No offense, Tai, but I run alone around here." "Mine is too small." Complained Ken softly, shrugging and giving Tai a sorry grin. It was Omi to pipe up cheerily, "She could stay with me!" Yohji stood up and placed a finger in the middle of Omi's forehead, pushing in slightly. If anyone was going to have Tai in their room, it was him. He was the one that wanted to win her affections. The only way to do that was to have her alone with him and this would indeed be the perfect opportunity. Grinning slyly Yohji shook his head. "No, no, my little chibi tiger, I am the one who has plenty of room...and the extra mattress. Tai will be staying with me." After his sentence, he daped an arm loosely around Tai's shoulders. Tai's eyebrows raised as she looked at the grinning Yohji who was obviously working his charm on her. "Yohji-kun!" cried Omi as he shot up in desperation, a look of worry appearing on his face. "I have to absolutely be against that! It's unsafe for any girl to stay in your room with you in it." Ken nodded in agreement because Omi had a point. "Yeah, Omi's right. By tomorrow morning the poor girl will end up being pregnant..." Aya let out a laugh at his comrade's comment' it was amusing. Yohji would indeed do anything to be with a woman. At this new topic of conversation, Tai's face turned bright red. She was quite embarrassed to be talked about in such a manner. She smiled however only because Aya was smiling and it was nice to see a smile upon Aya's usually hard face. Yohji, in the meantime, shot up off of the couch. His face was twisted in anger. He flew threw the air and pounced upon Ken. They were at it again, always fighting those two. "Why you little...I've had it with you and your antics! I'm trying to work my magic and..." "Yohji-kun! Ken-kun! Stop it!" Omi cried out in horror. He hated seeing his friends fight, it upset him so. Yohji released Ken from his death grip. Ken was gasping for breath, rubbing his neck with a free hand. Everyone in Weiss listened to Omi, he was so innocent that everyone would stop everything for him if he asked them to. "I appreciate it Yohji, thank you." Tai said with a compassionate smile. Yohji melted at her grin, noticing how absolutely beautiful she was. Yohji nodded, blushing a bit and toying with his sunglasses upon his nose. "Don't mention it, sweetheart." He said softly. Tai yawned as she stood up from her seat on the couch. She waved at everyone, stretching her body out a little bit in a tiresome way. "Anyway, it was a nice evening. I'm a bit tired so I'm off to bed. I'll be in Yohji's room is anyone needs me. Good night everyone!" The five assassins all said their remaining good nights and filed out of the basement. Retreating to their rooms, everyone was gone except for Aya. He glanced around the empty basement momentarily before he clicked the switch that caused the basement to become flooded into a completely black void. Around the time of 3:00 am, Yohji stepped out of the steaming hot shower. He quickly wrapped a white towel around his perfectly toned waist and wrung out his hair with a free hand. The steam swirled about him in the bathroom and escaped along with the wind as he kicked open the door. His body was still glistening from the nice long shower he took and he sighed in relaxation. Stepping into his room his pulse quickened as he remembered the presence of the newest member sleeping in the bed next to his. His heart pounded in his chest as he looked at the angelic Tai. He wanted to appear at her bedside and wrap his arms around her warm little body, but he would refrain from doing so. It was completely inappropriate. Yohji proceeded to his dresser at a fast pace to get a shirt and some boxers out so he could go to sleep himself, but he paused when her heard a stirring from across the room. His jade eyes fell onto the sleeping Tai. She wore a white T-shirt as far as he could see and she was tossing and turning fiercely. Yohji blinked, wondering momentarily if he should wake her. Her body began convulsing. She was drenched in sweat ahs she began to kick and claw at the air violently. Yohji's mouth gaped open in shock as he heard the terrified cries from Tai, "No! Aki! Don't you dare touch Aki! Aki, Aki! No! AKI!" Yohji rushed to her bedside and loomed over her. What was he supposed to do? She was obviously caught in a terrible nightmare that she couldn't get out of. Yohji softly reached his hand out and placed it on her tear- stained cheek. At the moment of his touch, Tai's emerald eyes flew open. In an immediate reflex, she grabbed Yohji by the neck and flipped him over her, smashing his body into the headboard. A stab of stinging pain shot its way up Yohji's back as he winced. "No, dad, I won't let you hurt him!" she cried. Yohji grabbed her hands and tried to pry her hands from his neck. She was strong for such a young girl. "T-Tai..." he tried to exclaim, gasping madly for some air. When Tai realized what she was doing, she released Yohji's neck. Her hands flew to her mouth in immediate horror. Her white shirt was awry on her body and her brown hair was matted to her head and dripping with perspiration. Her face turned red as she could hardly look at Yohji, she was incredibly embarrassed. "I'm sorry." she said softly. Yohji nodded and pushed his wet hair away from his eyes. "Quite alright." He replied, looking at her curiously. "Are you okay?" He asked, his eyes studying her flushed face curiously. He was concerned for her, his feelings at this point had grown quite a lot. He wanted to wrap her in his arms but he refrained yet again. She looked so beautiful there, as he body was glowing within the moonlight and the shadows. Her pale skin radiated a glow like no other and his eyes glistened as they traveled down her body. Tai looked at Yohji finally, her eyes falling down to where she noticed the white towel wrapped loosely around his waist. Her eyes squinted and a look of complete disgust took over Tai's face. Yohji's eyes widened in desperation. "No, Tai, I wasn't..." but he couldn't finish. Tai cut him off by throwing a pillow at his head. "You're a pig, do you know that?" she shrieked. Who knew what he was planning on doing to her while she slept? Before Yohji could say another word, Tai had flaunted out the door, slamming it behind her. Yohji, seated on Tai's bed sighed. He glanced over at the twisted sheets and shook his head, his wet locked glistening in the light. There was nothing he could do except leave Tai alone for the rest of the night. Hopefully, she would speak to him in the morning. Yohji took a cigarette out from the dresser beside Tai's bed and rolled it around in his fingers, gazing at the texture for a few moments. He then drew out a lighter and flicked the switch, lighting the cigarette with a burst of orange. Yohji placed the cigarette to his lips and puffed on it slowly. If he didn't know any better, he probably fell in love with Tai that very night. Sighing, he rested his elbows on his kneed and looked outside the window, smoking his cigarette and watching the moonlight play on the shadows of the city. Omi's eyes fluttered open as a shadow stood in the doorway of his room. He sat up with a start, drawing the covers to his chest. It took a good six seconds for his eyes to focus on the figure standing in the doorway. "Tai- san?" he asked, his eyes widening in alarm. Tai stood, tears flowing down her cheeks. Her white T-shirt was clinging to her sweat-drenched body and she trembled every few seconds or so. He didn't ask what happened, he knew perfectly well what went on. The nightmares never did go away, not for either of them. Tai flung herself into the bed next to Omi and cried into his chest. "Onichan..." she whispered, the sound muffling into Omi's T-shirt. Omi wrapped an arm around Tai's back as he lay back down upon his bed, running his hand back and forth trying to calm her down. He looked down at the crying Tai with sad eyes. She looked like an angel with broken wings. Biting his lip softly for a moment, he kissed the top of her head and whispered back to her. "Shhh...it's okay. Brother's here now and he's not going anywhere." Tai only cried harder, her fists clenching tightly onto his shirt. For the rest of the night, Omi held her. He asked nothing, said nothing, just listened to her cry. Tai needed him that night, and that night, Omi was making sure he was going to be there.