A/N: Hiya all! You're almost left without your weekly update!! Ah, the horror! I've been trying to write this chapter for over a week and just finished it today! It is mostly a transition chappy and that was what was hard about it. I'm dying to get to the main plot and everything in this chappy seemed so pointless every time I started writing it. But Luckily, I managed to work around it. Yes, there is a plot, it was just so hard getting to it!!
I hope I'm not boring you already. If I am, it's ok, just bare with me until it gets interesting?
Another thing is, I tried gathering information about Oriya, but came up empty handed. In some sites they named him Mibu Oriya, while in other's it was Oriya Mibu. I'm guessing Mibu is his last name, but I just can't be sure. I know it sounds awkward that everyone refers to him by the same name, but I didn't know what else to do. I apologize. Gomen!
Enjoy!!
A SMILE UPON MY FACE
Oriya *had* to roll his eyes; even if no one would see it. If at first he hadn't understood his friend's reasons to go to the cafeteria, it had all become painfully clear when- as they got closer- stars appeared in Muraki's eyes.
Oriya could almost see the little hearts floating around his head. How could a guy who was always so cool and composed, turn into a drooling jerk every time he saw, heard or thought about a certain violet eyed boy?
He wasn't really jealous; though he did have fantasies of a piano falling on Tsuzuki's head and leaving the road clear to him. He knew he didn't stand a chance with Muraki; but the infatuation the white haired boy had harboured for two years straight was becoming a tad pathologic.
The only thing Muraki needed to become a first class stalker was a shrine with candles and pictures of Tsuzuki in his room. Thank goodness they shared the room and he'd never allow that.
They came to a stop just in front of the swinging steel door. Muraki effortlessly peaked through the small window, while Oriya had to stand on the tips of his toes. A satisfied smile played at the older boy's face as he spotted his 'prey'. He then turned to look at Oriya worriedly, at the while dusting any invisible wrinkles from his dark blue school blazer.
"Ori-chan..." he said pensive. But there still was that look of excitement in his eyes; Oriya was starting to think that Muraki really wasn't aware of just how silly he looked. "Ori-chan, do I look good?"
The dark haired boy sweatdropped.
"Yes, senpai." he begun, absentmindedly tugging his friend's tie a little tighter, to make it look neater. "You look very handsome."
Of course, the forlorn look Oriya gave Muraki as he smiled thankful and walked into the cafeteria was lost on the white haired boy. Oriya just sighed and followed him in.
The group of friends was sitting around one of the tables next to one of the windows. The scene was a very familiar one and Oriya liked that; it gave him some sense of normalcy after the surreal month he'd just lived. Tatsumi and Tsuzuki were seated next to each other, with the taller boy's arm draped around Tsuzuki's shoulder while they talked to someone he couldn't quite see. Watari was resting his chin on one hand, listening intently, with a melancholic smile on his face Oriya could very much relate to.
Even with such an obvious- and dare he say, peculiar- display of affection from Tatsumi to Muraki's object of every affection and devotion, the white haired boy wasn't discouraged.
"I tell you!" Tsuzuki half whined, "That Matsumoto-sensei seems nice and all, but she's a messenger of the devil!! If it hadn't been for her, I would have passed last year!!"
Watari laughed.
"You just said the same about Takamiya-sensei, Misaki-sensei, Amakata-sensei, Yuu..."
"OK! Ok, I get the point 'Tari-chan!" Tsuzuki interrupted, whining.
"Don't listen to them, Tsuzuki-chan!" Muraki laughed amusedly, making his presence known. "They're just teasing you 'cause you're so cute when you pout!"
Everyone turned to look at him; Tatsumi seemed unpleasantly surprised, grunting a little under his breath and standing up. Tsuzuki and Watari just gave the white haired boy a brilliant smile and followed the taller boy's actions.
Tatsumi was the first to greet Muraki, throwing an icy glare at the new-comer, who was fast to return it. Tsuzuki stood behind him, innocently glancing from one to the other, his eyes big, surely wondering who was going to strike first.
Surprisingly enough, Tatsumi just pushed his glasses up his nose and extended his hand in greeting.
"Muraki-kun. It's nice seeing you back at the school." Tatsumi stated tersly.
Muraki shook his hand briefly and nodded.
"Thank you, Tatsumi-kun." then, the white haired boy's eyes lit up as he turned to greet Tsuzuki. Tatsumi just gritted his teeth. "Tsuzuki-chan, did you miss me?" he asked hopeful.
Tsuzuki blinked disconcerted for a moment, before smiling a bit sheepishly.
"Sure, Kazu-chan!" he laughed nervously. Then he gave him an honest smile. "I hope you're doing ok?"
The mask on the white haired boy's face slipped for a fraction of a second. Anyone else would have missed it- as everyone else apparently did- but Oriya saw the raw pain that crossed his friend's eyes; just for a moment, before putting back on the mask and shrugging.
"You don't have to worry about me, Tsuzuki-chan. I'm great now that I get to see you again everyday."
Now that they had all left the table, Oriya was able to see the fourth person on the group, who was the only one to remain sited. He didn't know him, so it probably meant he was new. The green eyes focused on him for a moment and Oriya held his stare. He noticed the slight frown on the young boy's brow as he turned his attention to Muraki.
"Ori-chan!!!" Oriya winced slightly at the high pitched voice that distracted him from his observation of the strange boy, but immediately graced Watari with an polite smile. Watari stood right in front of him and blinked before comparing Oriya's height with his own, moving his right hand over Oriya's head comically. "Ori-chan! You must have grown at least an inch since I last saw you!!"
They'd never been close friends, but something told Oriya that he had more in common with the genki blond than what met the eye. That caused Oriya to feel a kind of sympathy for Watari that he hardly felt for the rest of the group.
"You think so Watari-senpai?"
Watari nodded, grinning.
"Yes, I'm positive! And I've told you not call me senpai! It's silly; you're older than me!" Watari frowned. "Everyone is..."
-------------------
Hisoka felt it immediately. It was like being hit in the head by a hammer. As soon as the door had opened, a wave of contradictory and upsetting feelings invaded him as strongly as it hardly ever happened. Joy, anger, lust, sadness, bitterness; all in such intensity that Hisoka couldn't stop himself from gasping. No one noticed, though; probably too distracted by the new presence.
And it was all coming from one person.
He looked at the scene from his seat. He didn't trust his legs to stand up and, even if he had, he still would have felt too out of place to take part in it. There were two people he didn't know, but Hisoka could easily tell from which one he was picking up the upsetting feelings. From the outside though, the white haired boy showed nothing but a pleasant smile.
The green eyed boy tried his best to shake the strange feeling this boy arose in him. He could feel his skin tingling and cold shivers running down his spine. It was ridiculous! He didn't know this person and, by the looks of it, he wasn't that bad either. Apart from Tatsumi's utter jealousy, there was only concern and friendly emotions directed towards him.
When the greetings had died down, Watari rushed to his side, pulling him by the arm and directing him not towards Muraki- thankfully-, but towards the boy he'd heard the blond call 'Ori-chan'. He let his friend lead him, still dazed but thankful for the distraction.
Hisoka studied the boy now in front of him, remembering the defying way he'd held his stare a moment before. Though there was no animosity on the boy's demeanour, it inspired respect. His beautiful dark hair was a little beyond shoulder length and, in contrast to Watari's long hair, it made him look more masculine than girlish. He had an old face; one of those faces that you'd choose if you wanted to make a movie set two or three hundred years in the past. His entire posture reminded Hisoka of Japan's old ways, which was hardly ever seen anymore in those times.
"Ori-chan! You have to meet Kurosaki-kun!" The dark haired boy, with his brown eyes half closed in concentration, bowed slightly when Watari introduced him. "Kurosaki-kun, this is Oriya-kun. Even though he's just a junior (*), he's the captain of the Iaido team(**), and he's also a month older than me!"
"Hajimemashite, Oriya-kun." Hisoka said quietly. Then, shuffling his feet, he stuttered the next words. "I...I practice Iaido too. Maybe..."
Oriya smiled politely.
"I'll be glad to let you try out for the team if you like."
Hisoka smiled thankful. He didn't know if he liked this guy, but he gave Hisoka the feeling that he should be treated like someone important. He was intimidating, in a kind and gentle sort of way.
A squeal startled them both. Tsuzuki was bouncing happily around Muraki, while Tatsumi grumbled behind him. The amethyst eyed boy grabbed Muraki's arm, smiling brightly.
"You haven't met 'Soka-chan!! He's so cute!" Tsuzuki chirped.
Hisoka opened his eyes wide, watching with slight, inexplicable fear as the white haired boy approached, his expression filled with curiosity. He couldn't help but to blush furiously at the name Tsuzuki had used for him and he glared at the boy to show his annoyance at such familiarity. Tsuzuki only smiled warmly at him, which only helped to deepen his blush.
The silver eyes that were now focused on him gave Hisoka an eerie feeling. But he had to admit it; the boy wasn't 'bad'. What affected him so deeply was the inner turmoil; all those emotions fighting for dominance inside the otherwise calm looking boy.
He extended his hand shakily and Muraki shook it firmly, never taking his eyes from him.
"Muraki Kazutaka," was all he said.
"I'm...Kurosaki Hisoka."
"Kurosaki?" Muraki asked, mildly surprised. "The same Kurosaki that own that beautiful state in Kanagawa?(***)" Hisoka nodded. "Oh, isn't the world a tiny little place? My father used to have dealings with yours. I even went to your house for tea once. But I don't remember you." his expression darkened for a moment, as well as his emotions. "I'm sure I wouldn't forget a face like yours."
Hisoka could perfectly understand Muraki's words, even if that didn't stop them from creeping him out. He was most certain that, had he seen Muraki before, he'd remembered him. He also knew very well *why* he hadn't met Muraki on that occasion. Whenever someone of importance would visit his home when he happened to be around -which wasn't very often, by the way- his parents would make sure he was out of the way so he wouldn't embarrass them. He wasn't about to explain that to the white haired boy, though.
Tsuzuki broke the tension with a whimper.
"You know 'Soka-chan's parents?! That's so unfair!!!!"
Muraki laughed wholeheartedly, loosing that dangerous air he'd gained a moment before. As for Hisoka, he just blushed.
"Tsuzuki! You shouldn't call Kurosaki-kun that. You've just met him!" Tatsumi chided.
"But he's too cute! Kurosaki-kun doesn't sound as cute as he is!!" Tsuzuki replied happily.
"It's ok," Hisoka said a bit coldly. "I'd rather if everyone called me Hisoka. I don't like to be reminded that I'm a Kurosaki with every breath everyone speaks to me." He almost literally kicks himself when he realised what he'd said. It was way too much information for this people to know so soon. He felt his face flushing and tried to fix it turning his gaze towards Tsuzuki. "But you; stop calling me that! Baka."
Tsuzuki shrunk with his tail between his legs behind his boyfriend. Muraki eyed Hisoka with an odd look.
"Do I sense some ill will towards your parents, Hisoka-kun?"
Muraki's voice sounded too amused for Hisoka's comfort and he couldn't stop himself from snapping his reply.
"What's it to you?!"
The white haired boy arched an eyebrow, surprised.
"My, my; don't we have a temper?"
"Yes, yes!!" Tsuzuki whined from behind Tatsumi, who could barely keep the pleased smile from his face that Hisoka's biting Muraki's head off had caused. "He's so mean sometimes! And be careful, Kazu-chan! He's like a black belt or something!!"
One glare from Hisoka and Tsuzuki hid his head back behind Tatsumi's shoulder. The white haired boy pushed his glasses up with one finger, reminding Hisoka of a gesture he'd seen Tatsumi doing a few times that afternoon. Though Muraki's expression seemed a lot more cynic than that of the blue eyed boy.
"I was just asking because it seems like a requirement to form part in this little group of ours. Either we hate our parents or they're dead." Something crossed Muraki's eyes and a cold feeling Hisoka had never felt before invaded him, threatening to make him fall flat on his behind. "Sometimes both." he finished with a whisper.
A heavy silence fell upon them, making Hisoka wonder. He could feel they weren't quiet because they were thinking about their own problems. Even if he hadn't been able to feel that, the worried side glances everyone- included Tatsumi- gave the white haired boy would have been evidence enough on themselves.
Oriya took a step towards Muraki, gently resting his hand on the other boy's arm.
"Senpai?" he asked hesitantly, seeing his friend's blank stare.
"I'm ok, Ori-chan. I was just stating a fact." Muraki shook himself from whatever had possessed him, taking the cold feeling Hisoka had felt away with the awkwardness; but only to a certain degree. He smiled warmly. "Well, no one knows about Tatsumi's parents, so I may have been wrong. Right Tatsumi-kun?" he gave the blue eyed boy a mischievous grin, to which Tatsumi only replied with a loop sided smile and a shrug, before checking his wrist watch.
"Lunch brake is about to be over." he said nonchalantly, as if Muraki hadn't said anything. "We should all head back now."
There was a general 'Hai' as a reply to Tatsumi's suggestion; some more enthusiastic than others- Tsuzuki had practically groaned his- and the six of them abandoned the cafeteria.
Hisoka wondered for a moment if the antagonism between those two was real or just a pose, giving that they both fought for the same boy's affection. For a moment, there was a feeling of complicity coming from both their stances.
As they walked through the halls back to their classes, all engaged in different, trivial conversations with their friends, Muraki staggered behind just enough so he was walking next to Hisoka.
"Hisoka-kun..." he started hesitantly. "I really hope I didn't offend you with my question."
Hisoka looked at him as if he'd grown a second head for a moment, before waving him off.
"It's ok. I should be the one to apologize. I overreacted."
"So, you're not angry with me?" The taller boy said hopeful. Hisoka shook his head no. "Oh, that's wonderful! We're going to spend the bigger part of a year seeing each other everyday. It would be a pity to start with the wrong foot, ne?"
"I guess." Hisoka answered detachedly.
"Well, I'm glad." Muraki smirked then, giving Hisoka a look that immediately brought back the shivers and the tingling of his skin. "After all, I'd hate it if you disliked me. You're truly such a beautiful boy."
He didn't know why. It wasn't the tone he'd used; nor the feelings he was picking up from him or his eyes, but Hisoka's breath caught in his throat as soon as he heard the words.
-------------------------
The sun had reached it's highest point. It was hard to find a dark, secluded spot from where to carry on with his observations, but an old oak next to the large brick wall that delimited the school grounds provided him enough of a cover for him to feel safe.
A cold breeze, made even colder on the dirt under the large branches that probably never received any sunlight, caused the dark figure to pull the black trench coat closer to his body.
It was about to start, he realised with a pleased smile. Yes, it would not be a pleasant ordeal; but he couldn't forget *who* was there. *Who* he was most likely to find. Was *he* the one he'd come looking for?
He'd just have to wait and see.
~Tsuzuku~
(*) I fixed this. It used to say that Oriya was a sophomore, but someone was kind enough to set me straight.
(**) Iaido: This is a form of martial art of which I know nothing about exept for what I saw in a show on a Japanese culture exposition I attended a month ago. It uses swords. Real swords. I think Oriya actually practices Kendo, but I thought Iaido was prettier when I saw that show, so shoot me.
(***) "The same Kurosaki that own that..." I know this sounds weird, but here *Kurosaki* is meant to be plural. I just don't know how to pluralize Japanese surnames.
Now to my favourite part!! Yay! I love answering reviews!!!
Lina, I must say, I'm getting worried!! I cause people to be sleep deprived, to miss their studies, to neglect their attention to important things; ah, the prize of fame. Whatcha gonna do, eh? And this isn't flattering because I know you'll probably won't agree with me (it's happened before); I totally envy you! You live in London? As in England?! I've been in loved with that country since I was a tiny little brat!!! Not that I'm not patriotic or anything with my own country (which is the best of the world, btw, and we totally kick your arse in football.) I just always loved it for whatever reason. My great grampa was a brit, and I grew up hearing mom's stories about him. That might be it. But I digress, thanks for wishing me luck! I'll need it!! :(( The test is at the same level as one Cambridge University has us spanish speaking people take, so it's pretty hard!! And Muraki may or may not cause havoc, we'll see about that, heh, heh. (god, I'm evil.^-^)
Izumi. I think it was the hair...yes, it was that. After reading everyone's answer to my question I decided it was the hair what led me to that conclusion. So I discarded the idea I had, since it wasn't vital to the plot. But just today, I read someone's rambling on YNM saying that the reason Muraki was so vicious with Hisoka was that he thought he looked remarkably like his creepy brother!! Stop confusing me, people!!! What's wrong with the world?! Waaaaaaah!!! T.T
Anna Sartin, thanks so much for everything you said in your review. It means a lot to me to know that my ideas aren't just delusional or plain ludicrous. And I'm glad you're enjoying this story. Arigatou Gozaimasu!! *-*
Kyraille Fade, you know? I must confess I was wondering why you hadn't reviewed; I just thought since you'd reviewed the epilogue of ADT you'd forgotten. But ff.ne has eaten my reviews in the past. I have this theory, that since I don't give them any money, they feel they have to take something. But that's just me. Thanks for wishing me luck; thanks for always commenting on the little things that amused me the most while writing each chappy, and....uhm, what else? Ah, yes, I went back to look at the Kyoto arc and I do think Muraki looks like 'Soka-chan a bit. It *is* scary!!! -
Sheera's Greywolf, Yay! Your reviews are so kawaii! I love the huggles and the glomping!! *sigh* So enthusiastic O.O, I'm getting old...
Kaiser-chan01, yes, it was the hair...I'm a bit blind, wouldn't see a pink elephant dressed in a tutu singing "La cucaracha" if it walked right in front of me, so my opinion doesn't really count. And don't be deceived, I have *no* life. That's why I can update so "quickly". It's still hard...my fingers hurt...make me stop!! T.T
xXLil Yu JahXx.....o-O...Rather good? *Rather* good?! - I'm not saying anything else! I'm hurt!! J/k. Thanks for your review!!! (*rather*??) :P
Cofi! I know, and this chappy was kinda short too!! I'm sowy!! I can't really decide the length of the chappies, they just come out!!! I'm glad you like Muraki and Oriya, cuz I'm afraid of what you'll all think since I'm not writing Muraki as bad as he really is. There's a reason for that, I think, somewhere ...*shuffle of papers as Konnie-chan looks for her notes with the reason.* And take your time with the HP character thingy. Why don't you do one or two characters for review? God knows I try not to read fanfics while I'm writing one cuz then I get distracted...(don't tell anyone but the reason this chappy was so hard to write is that I was devouring X-men fics...T.T, shame on me.)
Loki'sRose, you make it sound like being a translator is so cool *tears up* I think it is, though. No one ever questions how they get all those things already translated, right? Like...subtitles or...books or...stuff, right? Like the napkin analogy that Tsuzuki made. Your comments made me cry, I'm so happy you like this so much!! (just go with me and pretend you love it, ok?) And, yay, thanks for the grammatical tips!! They actually clarified a LOT for me. I tried to use them in this chappy, I hope I didn't mess up. Thank you!!!!
Thank you all!!!
Ja ne!
I hope I'm not boring you already. If I am, it's ok, just bare with me until it gets interesting?
Another thing is, I tried gathering information about Oriya, but came up empty handed. In some sites they named him Mibu Oriya, while in other's it was Oriya Mibu. I'm guessing Mibu is his last name, but I just can't be sure. I know it sounds awkward that everyone refers to him by the same name, but I didn't know what else to do. I apologize. Gomen!
Enjoy!!
A SMILE UPON MY FACE
Oriya *had* to roll his eyes; even if no one would see it. If at first he hadn't understood his friend's reasons to go to the cafeteria, it had all become painfully clear when- as they got closer- stars appeared in Muraki's eyes.
Oriya could almost see the little hearts floating around his head. How could a guy who was always so cool and composed, turn into a drooling jerk every time he saw, heard or thought about a certain violet eyed boy?
He wasn't really jealous; though he did have fantasies of a piano falling on Tsuzuki's head and leaving the road clear to him. He knew he didn't stand a chance with Muraki; but the infatuation the white haired boy had harboured for two years straight was becoming a tad pathologic.
The only thing Muraki needed to become a first class stalker was a shrine with candles and pictures of Tsuzuki in his room. Thank goodness they shared the room and he'd never allow that.
They came to a stop just in front of the swinging steel door. Muraki effortlessly peaked through the small window, while Oriya had to stand on the tips of his toes. A satisfied smile played at the older boy's face as he spotted his 'prey'. He then turned to look at Oriya worriedly, at the while dusting any invisible wrinkles from his dark blue school blazer.
"Ori-chan..." he said pensive. But there still was that look of excitement in his eyes; Oriya was starting to think that Muraki really wasn't aware of just how silly he looked. "Ori-chan, do I look good?"
The dark haired boy sweatdropped.
"Yes, senpai." he begun, absentmindedly tugging his friend's tie a little tighter, to make it look neater. "You look very handsome."
Of course, the forlorn look Oriya gave Muraki as he smiled thankful and walked into the cafeteria was lost on the white haired boy. Oriya just sighed and followed him in.
The group of friends was sitting around one of the tables next to one of the windows. The scene was a very familiar one and Oriya liked that; it gave him some sense of normalcy after the surreal month he'd just lived. Tatsumi and Tsuzuki were seated next to each other, with the taller boy's arm draped around Tsuzuki's shoulder while they talked to someone he couldn't quite see. Watari was resting his chin on one hand, listening intently, with a melancholic smile on his face Oriya could very much relate to.
Even with such an obvious- and dare he say, peculiar- display of affection from Tatsumi to Muraki's object of every affection and devotion, the white haired boy wasn't discouraged.
"I tell you!" Tsuzuki half whined, "That Matsumoto-sensei seems nice and all, but she's a messenger of the devil!! If it hadn't been for her, I would have passed last year!!"
Watari laughed.
"You just said the same about Takamiya-sensei, Misaki-sensei, Amakata-sensei, Yuu..."
"OK! Ok, I get the point 'Tari-chan!" Tsuzuki interrupted, whining.
"Don't listen to them, Tsuzuki-chan!" Muraki laughed amusedly, making his presence known. "They're just teasing you 'cause you're so cute when you pout!"
Everyone turned to look at him; Tatsumi seemed unpleasantly surprised, grunting a little under his breath and standing up. Tsuzuki and Watari just gave the white haired boy a brilliant smile and followed the taller boy's actions.
Tatsumi was the first to greet Muraki, throwing an icy glare at the new-comer, who was fast to return it. Tsuzuki stood behind him, innocently glancing from one to the other, his eyes big, surely wondering who was going to strike first.
Surprisingly enough, Tatsumi just pushed his glasses up his nose and extended his hand in greeting.
"Muraki-kun. It's nice seeing you back at the school." Tatsumi stated tersly.
Muraki shook his hand briefly and nodded.
"Thank you, Tatsumi-kun." then, the white haired boy's eyes lit up as he turned to greet Tsuzuki. Tatsumi just gritted his teeth. "Tsuzuki-chan, did you miss me?" he asked hopeful.
Tsuzuki blinked disconcerted for a moment, before smiling a bit sheepishly.
"Sure, Kazu-chan!" he laughed nervously. Then he gave him an honest smile. "I hope you're doing ok?"
The mask on the white haired boy's face slipped for a fraction of a second. Anyone else would have missed it- as everyone else apparently did- but Oriya saw the raw pain that crossed his friend's eyes; just for a moment, before putting back on the mask and shrugging.
"You don't have to worry about me, Tsuzuki-chan. I'm great now that I get to see you again everyday."
Now that they had all left the table, Oriya was able to see the fourth person on the group, who was the only one to remain sited. He didn't know him, so it probably meant he was new. The green eyes focused on him for a moment and Oriya held his stare. He noticed the slight frown on the young boy's brow as he turned his attention to Muraki.
"Ori-chan!!!" Oriya winced slightly at the high pitched voice that distracted him from his observation of the strange boy, but immediately graced Watari with an polite smile. Watari stood right in front of him and blinked before comparing Oriya's height with his own, moving his right hand over Oriya's head comically. "Ori-chan! You must have grown at least an inch since I last saw you!!"
They'd never been close friends, but something told Oriya that he had more in common with the genki blond than what met the eye. That caused Oriya to feel a kind of sympathy for Watari that he hardly felt for the rest of the group.
"You think so Watari-senpai?"
Watari nodded, grinning.
"Yes, I'm positive! And I've told you not call me senpai! It's silly; you're older than me!" Watari frowned. "Everyone is..."
-------------------
Hisoka felt it immediately. It was like being hit in the head by a hammer. As soon as the door had opened, a wave of contradictory and upsetting feelings invaded him as strongly as it hardly ever happened. Joy, anger, lust, sadness, bitterness; all in such intensity that Hisoka couldn't stop himself from gasping. No one noticed, though; probably too distracted by the new presence.
And it was all coming from one person.
He looked at the scene from his seat. He didn't trust his legs to stand up and, even if he had, he still would have felt too out of place to take part in it. There were two people he didn't know, but Hisoka could easily tell from which one he was picking up the upsetting feelings. From the outside though, the white haired boy showed nothing but a pleasant smile.
The green eyed boy tried his best to shake the strange feeling this boy arose in him. He could feel his skin tingling and cold shivers running down his spine. It was ridiculous! He didn't know this person and, by the looks of it, he wasn't that bad either. Apart from Tatsumi's utter jealousy, there was only concern and friendly emotions directed towards him.
When the greetings had died down, Watari rushed to his side, pulling him by the arm and directing him not towards Muraki- thankfully-, but towards the boy he'd heard the blond call 'Ori-chan'. He let his friend lead him, still dazed but thankful for the distraction.
Hisoka studied the boy now in front of him, remembering the defying way he'd held his stare a moment before. Though there was no animosity on the boy's demeanour, it inspired respect. His beautiful dark hair was a little beyond shoulder length and, in contrast to Watari's long hair, it made him look more masculine than girlish. He had an old face; one of those faces that you'd choose if you wanted to make a movie set two or three hundred years in the past. His entire posture reminded Hisoka of Japan's old ways, which was hardly ever seen anymore in those times.
"Ori-chan! You have to meet Kurosaki-kun!" The dark haired boy, with his brown eyes half closed in concentration, bowed slightly when Watari introduced him. "Kurosaki-kun, this is Oriya-kun. Even though he's just a junior (*), he's the captain of the Iaido team(**), and he's also a month older than me!"
"Hajimemashite, Oriya-kun." Hisoka said quietly. Then, shuffling his feet, he stuttered the next words. "I...I practice Iaido too. Maybe..."
Oriya smiled politely.
"I'll be glad to let you try out for the team if you like."
Hisoka smiled thankful. He didn't know if he liked this guy, but he gave Hisoka the feeling that he should be treated like someone important. He was intimidating, in a kind and gentle sort of way.
A squeal startled them both. Tsuzuki was bouncing happily around Muraki, while Tatsumi grumbled behind him. The amethyst eyed boy grabbed Muraki's arm, smiling brightly.
"You haven't met 'Soka-chan!! He's so cute!" Tsuzuki chirped.
Hisoka opened his eyes wide, watching with slight, inexplicable fear as the white haired boy approached, his expression filled with curiosity. He couldn't help but to blush furiously at the name Tsuzuki had used for him and he glared at the boy to show his annoyance at such familiarity. Tsuzuki only smiled warmly at him, which only helped to deepen his blush.
The silver eyes that were now focused on him gave Hisoka an eerie feeling. But he had to admit it; the boy wasn't 'bad'. What affected him so deeply was the inner turmoil; all those emotions fighting for dominance inside the otherwise calm looking boy.
He extended his hand shakily and Muraki shook it firmly, never taking his eyes from him.
"Muraki Kazutaka," was all he said.
"I'm...Kurosaki Hisoka."
"Kurosaki?" Muraki asked, mildly surprised. "The same Kurosaki that own that beautiful state in Kanagawa?(***)" Hisoka nodded. "Oh, isn't the world a tiny little place? My father used to have dealings with yours. I even went to your house for tea once. But I don't remember you." his expression darkened for a moment, as well as his emotions. "I'm sure I wouldn't forget a face like yours."
Hisoka could perfectly understand Muraki's words, even if that didn't stop them from creeping him out. He was most certain that, had he seen Muraki before, he'd remembered him. He also knew very well *why* he hadn't met Muraki on that occasion. Whenever someone of importance would visit his home when he happened to be around -which wasn't very often, by the way- his parents would make sure he was out of the way so he wouldn't embarrass them. He wasn't about to explain that to the white haired boy, though.
Tsuzuki broke the tension with a whimper.
"You know 'Soka-chan's parents?! That's so unfair!!!!"
Muraki laughed wholeheartedly, loosing that dangerous air he'd gained a moment before. As for Hisoka, he just blushed.
"Tsuzuki! You shouldn't call Kurosaki-kun that. You've just met him!" Tatsumi chided.
"But he's too cute! Kurosaki-kun doesn't sound as cute as he is!!" Tsuzuki replied happily.
"It's ok," Hisoka said a bit coldly. "I'd rather if everyone called me Hisoka. I don't like to be reminded that I'm a Kurosaki with every breath everyone speaks to me." He almost literally kicks himself when he realised what he'd said. It was way too much information for this people to know so soon. He felt his face flushing and tried to fix it turning his gaze towards Tsuzuki. "But you; stop calling me that! Baka."
Tsuzuki shrunk with his tail between his legs behind his boyfriend. Muraki eyed Hisoka with an odd look.
"Do I sense some ill will towards your parents, Hisoka-kun?"
Muraki's voice sounded too amused for Hisoka's comfort and he couldn't stop himself from snapping his reply.
"What's it to you?!"
The white haired boy arched an eyebrow, surprised.
"My, my; don't we have a temper?"
"Yes, yes!!" Tsuzuki whined from behind Tatsumi, who could barely keep the pleased smile from his face that Hisoka's biting Muraki's head off had caused. "He's so mean sometimes! And be careful, Kazu-chan! He's like a black belt or something!!"
One glare from Hisoka and Tsuzuki hid his head back behind Tatsumi's shoulder. The white haired boy pushed his glasses up with one finger, reminding Hisoka of a gesture he'd seen Tatsumi doing a few times that afternoon. Though Muraki's expression seemed a lot more cynic than that of the blue eyed boy.
"I was just asking because it seems like a requirement to form part in this little group of ours. Either we hate our parents or they're dead." Something crossed Muraki's eyes and a cold feeling Hisoka had never felt before invaded him, threatening to make him fall flat on his behind. "Sometimes both." he finished with a whisper.
A heavy silence fell upon them, making Hisoka wonder. He could feel they weren't quiet because they were thinking about their own problems. Even if he hadn't been able to feel that, the worried side glances everyone- included Tatsumi- gave the white haired boy would have been evidence enough on themselves.
Oriya took a step towards Muraki, gently resting his hand on the other boy's arm.
"Senpai?" he asked hesitantly, seeing his friend's blank stare.
"I'm ok, Ori-chan. I was just stating a fact." Muraki shook himself from whatever had possessed him, taking the cold feeling Hisoka had felt away with the awkwardness; but only to a certain degree. He smiled warmly. "Well, no one knows about Tatsumi's parents, so I may have been wrong. Right Tatsumi-kun?" he gave the blue eyed boy a mischievous grin, to which Tatsumi only replied with a loop sided smile and a shrug, before checking his wrist watch.
"Lunch brake is about to be over." he said nonchalantly, as if Muraki hadn't said anything. "We should all head back now."
There was a general 'Hai' as a reply to Tatsumi's suggestion; some more enthusiastic than others- Tsuzuki had practically groaned his- and the six of them abandoned the cafeteria.
Hisoka wondered for a moment if the antagonism between those two was real or just a pose, giving that they both fought for the same boy's affection. For a moment, there was a feeling of complicity coming from both their stances.
As they walked through the halls back to their classes, all engaged in different, trivial conversations with their friends, Muraki staggered behind just enough so he was walking next to Hisoka.
"Hisoka-kun..." he started hesitantly. "I really hope I didn't offend you with my question."
Hisoka looked at him as if he'd grown a second head for a moment, before waving him off.
"It's ok. I should be the one to apologize. I overreacted."
"So, you're not angry with me?" The taller boy said hopeful. Hisoka shook his head no. "Oh, that's wonderful! We're going to spend the bigger part of a year seeing each other everyday. It would be a pity to start with the wrong foot, ne?"
"I guess." Hisoka answered detachedly.
"Well, I'm glad." Muraki smirked then, giving Hisoka a look that immediately brought back the shivers and the tingling of his skin. "After all, I'd hate it if you disliked me. You're truly such a beautiful boy."
He didn't know why. It wasn't the tone he'd used; nor the feelings he was picking up from him or his eyes, but Hisoka's breath caught in his throat as soon as he heard the words.
-------------------------
The sun had reached it's highest point. It was hard to find a dark, secluded spot from where to carry on with his observations, but an old oak next to the large brick wall that delimited the school grounds provided him enough of a cover for him to feel safe.
A cold breeze, made even colder on the dirt under the large branches that probably never received any sunlight, caused the dark figure to pull the black trench coat closer to his body.
It was about to start, he realised with a pleased smile. Yes, it would not be a pleasant ordeal; but he couldn't forget *who* was there. *Who* he was most likely to find. Was *he* the one he'd come looking for?
He'd just have to wait and see.
~Tsuzuku~
(*) I fixed this. It used to say that Oriya was a sophomore, but someone was kind enough to set me straight.
(**) Iaido: This is a form of martial art of which I know nothing about exept for what I saw in a show on a Japanese culture exposition I attended a month ago. It uses swords. Real swords. I think Oriya actually practices Kendo, but I thought Iaido was prettier when I saw that show, so shoot me.
(***) "The same Kurosaki that own that..." I know this sounds weird, but here *Kurosaki* is meant to be plural. I just don't know how to pluralize Japanese surnames.
Now to my favourite part!! Yay! I love answering reviews!!!
Lina, I must say, I'm getting worried!! I cause people to be sleep deprived, to miss their studies, to neglect their attention to important things; ah, the prize of fame. Whatcha gonna do, eh? And this isn't flattering because I know you'll probably won't agree with me (it's happened before); I totally envy you! You live in London? As in England?! I've been in loved with that country since I was a tiny little brat!!! Not that I'm not patriotic or anything with my own country (which is the best of the world, btw, and we totally kick your arse in football.) I just always loved it for whatever reason. My great grampa was a brit, and I grew up hearing mom's stories about him. That might be it. But I digress, thanks for wishing me luck! I'll need it!! :(( The test is at the same level as one Cambridge University has us spanish speaking people take, so it's pretty hard!! And Muraki may or may not cause havoc, we'll see about that, heh, heh. (god, I'm evil.^-^)
Izumi. I think it was the hair...yes, it was that. After reading everyone's answer to my question I decided it was the hair what led me to that conclusion. So I discarded the idea I had, since it wasn't vital to the plot. But just today, I read someone's rambling on YNM saying that the reason Muraki was so vicious with Hisoka was that he thought he looked remarkably like his creepy brother!! Stop confusing me, people!!! What's wrong with the world?! Waaaaaaah!!! T.T
Anna Sartin, thanks so much for everything you said in your review. It means a lot to me to know that my ideas aren't just delusional or plain ludicrous. And I'm glad you're enjoying this story. Arigatou Gozaimasu!! *-*
Kyraille Fade, you know? I must confess I was wondering why you hadn't reviewed; I just thought since you'd reviewed the epilogue of ADT you'd forgotten. But ff.ne has eaten my reviews in the past. I have this theory, that since I don't give them any money, they feel they have to take something. But that's just me. Thanks for wishing me luck; thanks for always commenting on the little things that amused me the most while writing each chappy, and....uhm, what else? Ah, yes, I went back to look at the Kyoto arc and I do think Muraki looks like 'Soka-chan a bit. It *is* scary!!! -
Sheera's Greywolf, Yay! Your reviews are so kawaii! I love the huggles and the glomping!! *sigh* So enthusiastic O.O, I'm getting old...
Kaiser-chan01, yes, it was the hair...I'm a bit blind, wouldn't see a pink elephant dressed in a tutu singing "La cucaracha" if it walked right in front of me, so my opinion doesn't really count. And don't be deceived, I have *no* life. That's why I can update so "quickly". It's still hard...my fingers hurt...make me stop!! T.T
xXLil Yu JahXx.....o-O...Rather good? *Rather* good?! - I'm not saying anything else! I'm hurt!! J/k. Thanks for your review!!! (*rather*??) :P
Cofi! I know, and this chappy was kinda short too!! I'm sowy!! I can't really decide the length of the chappies, they just come out!!! I'm glad you like Muraki and Oriya, cuz I'm afraid of what you'll all think since I'm not writing Muraki as bad as he really is. There's a reason for that, I think, somewhere ...*shuffle of papers as Konnie-chan looks for her notes with the reason.* And take your time with the HP character thingy. Why don't you do one or two characters for review? God knows I try not to read fanfics while I'm writing one cuz then I get distracted...(don't tell anyone but the reason this chappy was so hard to write is that I was devouring X-men fics...T.T, shame on me.)
Loki'sRose, you make it sound like being a translator is so cool *tears up* I think it is, though. No one ever questions how they get all those things already translated, right? Like...subtitles or...books or...stuff, right? Like the napkin analogy that Tsuzuki made. Your comments made me cry, I'm so happy you like this so much!! (just go with me and pretend you love it, ok?) And, yay, thanks for the grammatical tips!! They actually clarified a LOT for me. I tried to use them in this chappy, I hope I didn't mess up. Thank you!!!!
Thank you all!!!
Ja ne!