Author's Notes-- ( 10:06 PM 1/20/03 ) Aa! I had to go snowboarding with a group of freaks this weekend, or this would have been updated Friday evening. This chapter is our glorious first chapter where we will introduce Youji and Schu. :) I love them! Yay! Though, I am not exactly pleased with this chapter. My pronouns are sounding too redundant, and things are moving far too slowly. I cannot seem to withstand from adding useless information into what I write. It makes me sad. Also, there is no Ran, yet, but there is some foreshadowing of Ran-to-come.
Thank you to all of my reviewers. Please read at the end of the chapter for comments! ^_^
Disclaimer-- The thought of me owning Weiss Kreuz makes me want to dance. I don't see me dancing anywhere, anytime soon. I also do not own "Somewhat Damaged" by NIN, nor do I own Trent Reznor or the band.
Warnings-- Cliche-ness (for now), Language, Silliness, Shounen ai (mentions: SchuxYouji, SchuxBrad, SchuxRandomGuy)
X-tra Note-- If you dislike the YoujixSchu pairing, there isn't much of it, and it will eventually change, to... Well, you'll find out soon enough.
//blah// -- Thoughts (ex: //What should I say, now?//)
"blah" -- Dialogue (ex: "Your mom.")
„blah" -- Visably Foreign Dialogue (ex: „Wie ghet's?")
* * * * *
Somewhat Damaged * Seph Lorraine
Act I: Scene I: The Senior Duo
* * * * *
Hidaka Ken's first morning at die Smaragd Wald Academy [1] came quickly. He rubbed his eyes clear of the sleep that had blurred his vision upon awakening, and sat up. His roommate must have gone to the showers-- his bags were prepared messily upon the bed, but he himself was nowhere to be seen. The Japanese boy sighed.
He hadn't had any real conversation with his roommate since he had met him, yesterday afternoon. The other boy didn't speak Japanese, so neither thought the other would be possible of holding a friendship if they couldn't communicate. They just nodded at each other for acknowledgement and went on with whatever their schedules had intended for the day.
His roommate was a tall, thin, boy with a thick crop of shaggy blond hair. Ken had already deciphered that either, the boy was even more of a 'klutz' than he, himself, or the boy was into some heavier things. The latter was confirmed upon noticing how bad his roommate smelled of pot, and the cigarette butts by the window sill.
A large poster was hung upon the wall, over the blond-boy's, his name was Jon, bed. A picture image of Kurt Cobain crying on stage in mid-performance. A mahogany six-string Yamaha acoustic leaned against the wall in one cornor, and dirty clothes and change were scattered across the floor. The early-90's grunge had never really left this kid. [1b]
The Japanese boy picked himself up from the, almost annoyingly, firm matress and rubbed his back, glancing at his alarm clock. It would be going off in exactly two minutes. He turned the clock off, ahead of time and dug through his bags for his uniform, not having the patience to unpack the day before.
All of the uniforms to Smaragd Wald Academy looked similar, excluding those of the senior classmen. Seniors of the school were required to wear their class graduation robes to classes everyday of their final year. Though for sophmores like Ken, and for the classes just above and below him, uniforms were simple: Deep green over jacket, with a crimson, gold, and green school crest upon the left breast pocket, a matching tie, formal white dress-shirt, black slacks (or for ladies, green knee-length skirts), and formal black dress-shoes.
It was absolutely hidious.
Ken made a face of hardly-supressed disgust and tossed the wrinkled clothes-items onto his bed, looking through his bags for more important things (razor, aftershave, deodorant, comb, etc). He replaced his earring, a small Turquois [2] stud, with a small silver ring, before turning back to the task of actually dressing himself for the day.
It was going to be a long day, and unsurprising to himself, he felt hardly rested from passing out last night. He never felt that well after remembering. Though, at least this time he could push away those thoughts to give more room to the nervous excitement (and maybe a tad bit of dread) that was beginning to fill his body entire body-- his stomach growled-- except for, of course, his stomach. He quickly got his things together and headed down to the commons for breakfast.
* * * * *
"Hey, Ken!" A voice called him from somewhere across the commons, causing the brunett to glance around. It was odd to here someone who hardly knew him calling him by his first name. Maybe even a bit unnerving. Perhaps, he could convince the boy to use his surname... If only he knew how to translate what he needed to say into English for the boy to understand it.
Two white-shirt clad arms flailed almost spastically in the air, and Ken locked his brown-eyed gaze onto the beholder of those arms. Sure enough, the blond was waving him over, while at the same time trying to dodge the quickly moving hands of a senior who was sitting beside him. It was apparent the boy was being tickled.
The Japanese boy hurried across the commons, quickly, carrying his small box (containing: two chocolate glazed donuts and an orange juice) to their table.
Upon his arrival, the tiny blond managed to squeeze free of the senior's tickling hands, and stumble forward to Ken, "Sit with us, Ken!" He gestured openly to an empy seat beside his own, to make his point clear.
Bowing, as was polite, the brunett smiled, "...Thank you, Tsukiyono-kun." He took his seat smiling. If he didn't know how to directly tell the boy to use his proper name; maybe he could get the point across indirectly. Omi seemed like a smart kid. He would surely get the point.
"Aa, that's OK. You can call me Omi." The small blond smiled, ignoring the slightly pained expression on the Japanese boy's face.
//OK... Maybe -not- quite as smart as I thought.// He simply nodded.
There were now four of them sitting at the table: The tall blond senior, Omi, himself, and another strange-looking red-headed senior (who was not dressed to code). Ken eyed the two upperclassmen warily, and gave a small tug on his earring.
"Well, well, bishounen. Don't tell me you've made a little friend and forgotten to tell us about him." The blond senior, who had previously been tickling the younger boy, smiled like a cat, lowering his sunglasses and eying the Japanese boy with strikingly green eyes. "He doesn't look to bad, you know. I think you found a good one, this time."
Omi went pale, "Youji! That's -not-...! It's not...!" He began to blush violently and hit the senior on the arm.
The one referred to as 'Youji', merely chuckled, his smile broadening, he stood and extended a hand towards Ken, "Hey, there, Brown-Eyes. You can call me Youji."
Watching the hand with interest, Ken blinked and nodded to the elder boy. He had been taught about introductions, but what was the hand for? "I am Hidaka Ken. It is nice to meet you..."
The blond lifted an eyebrow, "You sound like a robot, kid... What grade are you in?"
Omi began to nudge the elder boy, "Um, Yotan?"
Finally the blond withdrew his hand, frowning, "And what's wrong with shaking my hand anyway? Are you afraid you might get germs or--"
"Youji."
"--something? 'Cause I really don't like people who are so stuck up that they can't even shake somebody's damn hand, when it's offer--"
"YOUJI!" Omi yelled, pushing the blond back into his seat, from a very confused and worried Ken (still pulling his earring; a bit harder, though).
The Japanese boy took a deep breath, blinking at the tall blond. He frowned. He hadn't a clue what the blond had said, but he really didn't like his tone. He felt as if he were being accused of something. „...Nani?" [trans: "What?"]
The red-headed senior, sitting across the table from Youji chuckled, "I think your brother needs you, Kudou." He leaned his head against his fist and gave the other senior a smug grin.
"Shut up, Schu." He turned to the blond on his other side, "What is it, Omi?"
"Um..." Omi bit his lip and averted his eyes, "Ken doesn't speak much English. He's just come from Japan."
Youji blinked, taking only a moment before a sly smirk crossed his catlike features, "Well, well... It seems that chibi, here, likes the ones that speak his language." He sent a sly wink to the redhead, and both of the upperclassmen began to chuckle, as the smaller blond blushed furiously.
"Yotan, it's not like that! I only met him yesterday, and... Just, no!" He put on a stubborn pout, "And stop calling me those stupid kid names! I'm a freshman! That's almost as old as you are!"
The older blond shook his head, "Not by three years."
Omi rolled his eyes.
Suddenly, the one called Schuldig, turned to the Japanese boy (who was now finishing off his second donut), with a smirk crossing his nicely tanned features, „Kommst du aus Japan denn?" [trans: "You come from Japan?"]
It was a miracle! The brunett smiled brightly. It had been a requirement in his previous schooling that all students learn German as a second language. It had been his only passing academic class, and now this boy could speak it. Maybe he wouldn't have to talk to himself, after all.
Ken nodded, „Ja. Wie heisst du?" [trans: "Yes. What may I call you?"]
„Ich heisse 'Schuldig'. Wilkommen." [trans: "Call me 'Guilty'. Welcome."] The German's smile was funny, a bit distant, but not cold. He nodded, and turned back to Youji suddenly. "Youji?"
The older blond turned his attention away from Omi, "Yes?"
"Are we on or off?"
There was a sigh, "Off. I still can't believe you--"
"Gah! Yoj, I was only trying to scare the boy."
"Tch! You kissed him!"
"So? I kissed Mr. Crawford last week!"
"YOU WHAT!?"
"Same excuse."
"Yeah, but you kissed this guy on the LIPS!"
"Hey, I FRENCHED Mr. Crawford."
"..."
"...Er... I mean, I kind of..."
"We're OFF, Schuldig. This is the LAST time for you a me."
"I was only trying to scare him!" The redhead suddenly pleaded, his German accent flaring at his emotional dispair, "You know Crawford! He's got a stick up his ass! I was hoping it would do him some good."
Youji's face was stern as he shook his head, "Then what about the boy yesterday?"
"He shot me a bird--"
"He gave you a thumbs-up, Schu--"
"It's offensive--"
"So you kissed him--!?"
"To scare him!"
"..."
"..."
"...I saw you grab his ass."
"I did no such thing!"
"Oh, you so did! I saw it!"
"No, I didn't, Kudou!"
"Fuck you, Schuldig. That was the last time." He stood up, pushing his chair in, "We're over."
„Was!?" [trans: "What!?"] Schuldig stood up, giving his chair a violent kick.
They both stormed out of the commons in opposite directions.
Omi frowned, seeing the very large audience the two upperclassmen had gained during their argument. He stood up and proclaimed, "You can return to eating, now!"
The blond sat back down and looked back at the Japanese boy, "It's OK. They'll be back together again by tomorrow."
The brunett bit his lip, confused.
"Youji, my brother, is such a control freak, I swear. I personally think they're both sluts, but..." He paused, noticing Ken's confused expression, "Er... Nevermind."
The display of events that morning had been quite entertaining to the Japanese boy. Almost like watching a foreign soap-opera without subtitles. He had understood almost nothing of what had just gone on, but he gathered that Youji and the one called 'Schuldig' were pretty high standing figures in the school They both even got away with breaking the dress code.
Schuldig hadn't been anything short of attractive. He had firey jade eyes, contrasting lightly to Youji's own. He had firey red hair, through which he wore a bright yellow bandana, matching the shirt he wore beneath his traditional green uniform-jacket. He was tall and thin, and had a smile that seemed almost deliciously mischevious. He wasn't too different from his counterpart...
Kudou Youji, himself, had shoulder-length blond hair, full of waves, with deep brown roots. It was obvious that the boy was a natural brunett [3], as well, but blond really didn't look too bad on him. He was tall and slim, like Schuldig, and wore a slick pair of shades over his striking emerald eyes. He got away with his violation of dress, as well. He wore his green robes open with a white muscle-T and small silver chain covering his obviously well-toned chest.
Both were extremely strange. Though, he gathered that there was something between them, he couldn't gather what it was. Looking back at Omi, the blond was muttering odd things, using very few words known to his vocabulary. The freshman didn't seem like he would be able to explain anything to Ken, so the brunett simply let it pass.
"Chibi?" Ken blinked, wishing he knew how to raise his eyebrow for the 'questioning-effect'. "He says 'chibi'?"
The blond gave something akin to a growl, but paused at seeing Ken's clueless expression, "Oh... Yea, he calls me 'chibi' a lot. And 'bishounen'. I hate it when he does that."
It was fairly easy to understand the boy by his tone, this time. The Japanese boy nodded, "You are chibi, though." He chuckled slightly, "It is not a..." He drifted off looking for a word. He signaled for a moment, holding up his finger and pulled out a pocket-sized Japanese-to-English dictionary, flipping through for a word.
Omi watched, interested in hearing the brunett speak. Ken hadn't said much, he was obviously uncomfortable with the little English he knew, and it was a rather discouraging thought that no one knew his language.
The brown-eyed boy scanned down a page, and grinned, suddenly, "It is not offense." He closed the book, and looked hopefully at the freshman.
Small laughter came from the blond, "Yea, I know. It's just annoying that he still thinks of me as a little kid, when I'm not." He shrugged.
Ken smiled, "Yes!" The three letter word had lost all meaning to Ken by now. It had become his time-staller when he didn't know what to say.
"Uh... I think it's time you learn how to say something new, Ken." The blue-eyed boy's smile twitched, then he looked up brightly, "Oh! I learned how to say something in Japanese today from Aya!"
The Japanese boy managed to catch the gist of the sentence easier this time, "Aya?"
"Yea, she's the Japanese girl that's sitting over there." Omi pointed to a girl, sitting at a table full of other girls. She had two long blackish-violet braids, and kind eyes. It was apparent that she was Japanese. "I finally got her to talk about something other than the guys she likes and her brother."
Ken paused, understanding very little, "She likes her brother?"
The blond made a slightly digusted face before proclaiming, "Gods, I hope not!"
Still completely puzzled, Ken shook his head, "What you say?" [4] He glanced over at the girl again, quickly, "In Nihongo?"
„Ninchin chuu desu." [trans: "I am pregnant."] Omi smiled. "She said it meant 'Have a nice day'--"
The blond boy was promptly cut off as the Japanese boy's loud laughter began to fill the surrounding area. Ken's body seemed to vibrate with hard laughter, some of which couldn't not escape, and the brunett soon found himself nearly-choking on what remained of his donut.
"...What?" The blue-eyed boy frowned, not quite understanding what was so funny. It couldn't be his accent; Aya had said he had gotten the accent right. What was so funny about 'Have a nice day', anyway? //God, these Japanese are weird.//
After a few minutes, Ken began to calm himself, and looked up, his face red, hearing as the young blond asked him again what he was laughing at. He thought of a way that he could explain it, and pulled out his dictionary again, flipping around to find the right words.
Upon finding it, he smiled, closed the book, and looked back at the blond, "You say you pregnant." He stumbled over the last word, trying to get the sounds correct.
"I said I'm pregnant?!" Omi blinked, blushing wildly.
Ken nodded again, falling back into his laughter, as the blond boy seethed.
Omi decided that was the last time he talked to that Aya girl. Ever.
After a few moments of silence, Ken looked down at his schedule, over his classes, not understanding what it was he was expected to do in them, if he didn't understand the language in which they were taught. Nor did he even understand what it was he was taking. //Oh man, I'm screwed.//
Student ID #012953 | Hidaka, Ken | Class: 10
9:00-10:30: "Religion and Economics" Shuuichi Takatori RM #308
[a] 10:40-12:10: "Art" Jei Farfarello RM #666 [5]
12:10-13:40: Lunch RM #Commons
13:50-15:20: open
15:30-17:00: "World History" Claudia Birman RM #225
17:10-18:40: "Discrete Maths and Analysis" Bradley Crawford #007
[a] 10:40-12:10: "German III" Roxanna Manx #377
Students with an open period should report to the headmaster's office
due to an unlisted class, such as: Basic English Tutoring, Home Economics,
Counciling, or any other requested/required class. Periods listed by an [a]
should be alternated every-other day.
Ken Hidaka: Please note that your classes will begin on an odd day of our
school year (day #075). You will attend the second listed [a] class for your
first day. Please report to room #559 in the English wing during your open
period for Basic English Tutoring. Your tutor for your introduction into the
English language will meet you there at the given time.
Have a good first day.
The Japanese boy gulped. He would just have to find his way to his classes for the day. The final note had been written for him in semi-understandable romaji, but it still left him with many questions. What was he expected to do in classes where he couldn't understand anything being spoken?
The bells rung loudly, as the large commons clock stuck 8:50, and students began to stand, heading off to their assigned classes.
"Do you need help?" Omi looked over Ken's shoulder, and snatched the small schedule from the Japanese boy's grasp. "Oh, your classes will be easy to find. You have every second room of the wing." He handed the paper back, smiling.
There was a blink. Two blinks. Bright neon-pink lights seemed to shimmer with such phrases as "Repeat that." and "I don't understand.".
"I'll just take you there, OK?" Omi took the paper back, and they began their journey to Economics and Religion with Mr. S Takatori in room 308.
* * * * *
Notes--
[1] "Smaragd Wald Academy" - I couldn't think of anything for a name, so I simply opened up my dictionary and decided to take the first word I saw. Unfortunately, the first word I saw was "Smoking" (a Tuxedo), but that didn't sound like a name that would promote a proper amount of teen absinance. So, I took the word above it: "Smaragd" (Emerald). Though, "Smaragd Academy" sounded stupid, so I went and looked for something to go with it, and I came to "Wald" (Forest/Trees). So... It still sounds rather pathetic, but it's not too bad, ne?
[1b] This is not offensive. It's just fact. I happen to have great heart for the early 90's American grunge scene. I'm a fan of Nirvana. That poster I described is a real poster, as well. :P So it definately wasn't meant offensively; just a play on fore-shadowing.
[2] I couldn't resist the earring. I read a fic about Heero Yuy having an earing yesterday and I thought Ken would look pretty good with one as well. A very small one. Turquois is the birthstone of December, is it?
[3] I was undecided about appearances for the characters. I usually use the anime-Ken with green eyes, and Youji as a blond, and Schuldig as a redhead, but I decided to give some manga traits to them all this time. Ken's eyes are now brown, Youji's hair is dyed blond, and look forward to an upcoming chapter where Schuldig will have green hair! :) And when Farfarello comes in, yes, he will be a red-head as well.
[4] Ken's English is beginning to remind me of a bad play on "ALL YOUR BASE ARE BELONG TO US". -_-;;
[5] Ho-ho! Farfie's the art teacher! Also, about "Claudia Birman", I am not sure of Birman's real name, so... I'm just throwing something together. Same goes for Roxanna Manx.
* * * * *
Thank you to my reviewers:
xxkureinaixx- I'm very glad you have enjoyed this fic so far, and that you -LIKE- it. Maybe by the time Ran gets into the picture you'll -LOVE- it? ;)
marsupial- Yes, I agree, English would be difficult to learn. Though, the most-difficult, I hear, is American-English. It changes so often it's hard to keep up (I'm still trying to figure out what "crunk" is). I'm happy you like this, and Ran will be here before you know it!
Faraway4today- Nifty is good. :) Thank you for your review.
Fuyukaze-Yuki- Yes, poor Ken, indeed. I can't wait to write the part about just how poor 'poor Ken' really is.
VOM- Aa, you seem to have depicted part of my plot. ;) Those are some very good questions you asked, but you'll just have to wait and see. I'm happy to see that you appear to be enjoying this.
Minerva Solo- Yay for your review! It was very much appreciated. Yes, English would be difficult to learn... I still confuse myself with grammer consistantly and I'm an American. Though, that might be the problem. Not many American's speak/write proper English, do they? 'Ough'- is there a specific meaning put to that? *Wonders*...
Atsureki- I'm very happy you like this so far. :) I've read a few fics where Ken (or any of the Weiss bishounen) have had some English difficulties, and I thought it was adorable... I'm glad to see somebody else likes the idea!
Corrupt Prodigy- Yes, RanKen is a glorious thing! And there will be RanKen... as soon as Ran gets here. ;)
Heather- Sure, sure, sure! :)
Alz-chan- Not a lot of good AU's, you say? Well, I hope this one will earn your graces as a good one. I thank you for reading and reviewing.
schu-chan- Brad? *Whimpers* ;_; I'm happy you like the fic! Though, unfortunately, there won't be any BradxKen... Sorry. Though, Ken's pairing is already set, so you don't have to worry about any KenxNagi, KenxFarf, or KenxOmi. I'm not really a fan of any of those either; maybe KenxFarf if it's written exceptionally well, but otherwise, no. :) Thanks for reviewing.
* * * * *
Seph: Youji-kun! *Glomps*
Youji: Gah! You're drooling on my shirt! Get off! Get off, now!
Miri: I still don't see any Ran here. What's wrong with you? Don't you listen to your muses anymore?
Seph: No. You never seem to help me anyway. Ran will show up in either chapters four or five. I have to kill someone off, first. _
Youji: Kill someone? Um... I have to go. I have a date. *Slams door*
Miri: O_o How rude.
Seph: I STILL LOVE YOU, YOUJI-KUN! It's NOT you! I promise!
Review Button: Click me. Click me now. @_@ Look into my eyes and click me now.
Thank you to all of my reviewers. Please read at the end of the chapter for comments! ^_^
Disclaimer-- The thought of me owning Weiss Kreuz makes me want to dance. I don't see me dancing anywhere, anytime soon. I also do not own "Somewhat Damaged" by NIN, nor do I own Trent Reznor or the band.
Warnings-- Cliche-ness (for now), Language, Silliness, Shounen ai (mentions: SchuxYouji, SchuxBrad, SchuxRandomGuy)
X-tra Note-- If you dislike the YoujixSchu pairing, there isn't much of it, and it will eventually change, to... Well, you'll find out soon enough.
//blah// -- Thoughts (ex: //What should I say, now?//)
"blah" -- Dialogue (ex: "Your mom.")
„blah" -- Visably Foreign Dialogue (ex: „Wie ghet's?")
* * * * *
Somewhat Damaged * Seph Lorraine
Act I: Scene I: The Senior Duo
* * * * *
Hidaka Ken's first morning at die Smaragd Wald Academy [1] came quickly. He rubbed his eyes clear of the sleep that had blurred his vision upon awakening, and sat up. His roommate must have gone to the showers-- his bags were prepared messily upon the bed, but he himself was nowhere to be seen. The Japanese boy sighed.
He hadn't had any real conversation with his roommate since he had met him, yesterday afternoon. The other boy didn't speak Japanese, so neither thought the other would be possible of holding a friendship if they couldn't communicate. They just nodded at each other for acknowledgement and went on with whatever their schedules had intended for the day.
His roommate was a tall, thin, boy with a thick crop of shaggy blond hair. Ken had already deciphered that either, the boy was even more of a 'klutz' than he, himself, or the boy was into some heavier things. The latter was confirmed upon noticing how bad his roommate smelled of pot, and the cigarette butts by the window sill.
A large poster was hung upon the wall, over the blond-boy's, his name was Jon, bed. A picture image of Kurt Cobain crying on stage in mid-performance. A mahogany six-string Yamaha acoustic leaned against the wall in one cornor, and dirty clothes and change were scattered across the floor. The early-90's grunge had never really left this kid. [1b]
The Japanese boy picked himself up from the, almost annoyingly, firm matress and rubbed his back, glancing at his alarm clock. It would be going off in exactly two minutes. He turned the clock off, ahead of time and dug through his bags for his uniform, not having the patience to unpack the day before.
All of the uniforms to Smaragd Wald Academy looked similar, excluding those of the senior classmen. Seniors of the school were required to wear their class graduation robes to classes everyday of their final year. Though for sophmores like Ken, and for the classes just above and below him, uniforms were simple: Deep green over jacket, with a crimson, gold, and green school crest upon the left breast pocket, a matching tie, formal white dress-shirt, black slacks (or for ladies, green knee-length skirts), and formal black dress-shoes.
It was absolutely hidious.
Ken made a face of hardly-supressed disgust and tossed the wrinkled clothes-items onto his bed, looking through his bags for more important things (razor, aftershave, deodorant, comb, etc). He replaced his earring, a small Turquois [2] stud, with a small silver ring, before turning back to the task of actually dressing himself for the day.
It was going to be a long day, and unsurprising to himself, he felt hardly rested from passing out last night. He never felt that well after remembering. Though, at least this time he could push away those thoughts to give more room to the nervous excitement (and maybe a tad bit of dread) that was beginning to fill his body entire body-- his stomach growled-- except for, of course, his stomach. He quickly got his things together and headed down to the commons for breakfast.
* * * * *
"Hey, Ken!" A voice called him from somewhere across the commons, causing the brunett to glance around. It was odd to here someone who hardly knew him calling him by his first name. Maybe even a bit unnerving. Perhaps, he could convince the boy to use his surname... If only he knew how to translate what he needed to say into English for the boy to understand it.
Two white-shirt clad arms flailed almost spastically in the air, and Ken locked his brown-eyed gaze onto the beholder of those arms. Sure enough, the blond was waving him over, while at the same time trying to dodge the quickly moving hands of a senior who was sitting beside him. It was apparent the boy was being tickled.
The Japanese boy hurried across the commons, quickly, carrying his small box (containing: two chocolate glazed donuts and an orange juice) to their table.
Upon his arrival, the tiny blond managed to squeeze free of the senior's tickling hands, and stumble forward to Ken, "Sit with us, Ken!" He gestured openly to an empy seat beside his own, to make his point clear.
Bowing, as was polite, the brunett smiled, "...Thank you, Tsukiyono-kun." He took his seat smiling. If he didn't know how to directly tell the boy to use his proper name; maybe he could get the point across indirectly. Omi seemed like a smart kid. He would surely get the point.
"Aa, that's OK. You can call me Omi." The small blond smiled, ignoring the slightly pained expression on the Japanese boy's face.
//OK... Maybe -not- quite as smart as I thought.// He simply nodded.
There were now four of them sitting at the table: The tall blond senior, Omi, himself, and another strange-looking red-headed senior (who was not dressed to code). Ken eyed the two upperclassmen warily, and gave a small tug on his earring.
"Well, well, bishounen. Don't tell me you've made a little friend and forgotten to tell us about him." The blond senior, who had previously been tickling the younger boy, smiled like a cat, lowering his sunglasses and eying the Japanese boy with strikingly green eyes. "He doesn't look to bad, you know. I think you found a good one, this time."
Omi went pale, "Youji! That's -not-...! It's not...!" He began to blush violently and hit the senior on the arm.
The one referred to as 'Youji', merely chuckled, his smile broadening, he stood and extended a hand towards Ken, "Hey, there, Brown-Eyes. You can call me Youji."
Watching the hand with interest, Ken blinked and nodded to the elder boy. He had been taught about introductions, but what was the hand for? "I am Hidaka Ken. It is nice to meet you..."
The blond lifted an eyebrow, "You sound like a robot, kid... What grade are you in?"
Omi began to nudge the elder boy, "Um, Yotan?"
Finally the blond withdrew his hand, frowning, "And what's wrong with shaking my hand anyway? Are you afraid you might get germs or--"
"Youji."
"--something? 'Cause I really don't like people who are so stuck up that they can't even shake somebody's damn hand, when it's offer--"
"YOUJI!" Omi yelled, pushing the blond back into his seat, from a very confused and worried Ken (still pulling his earring; a bit harder, though).
The Japanese boy took a deep breath, blinking at the tall blond. He frowned. He hadn't a clue what the blond had said, but he really didn't like his tone. He felt as if he were being accused of something. „...Nani?" [trans: "What?"]
The red-headed senior, sitting across the table from Youji chuckled, "I think your brother needs you, Kudou." He leaned his head against his fist and gave the other senior a smug grin.
"Shut up, Schu." He turned to the blond on his other side, "What is it, Omi?"
"Um..." Omi bit his lip and averted his eyes, "Ken doesn't speak much English. He's just come from Japan."
Youji blinked, taking only a moment before a sly smirk crossed his catlike features, "Well, well... It seems that chibi, here, likes the ones that speak his language." He sent a sly wink to the redhead, and both of the upperclassmen began to chuckle, as the smaller blond blushed furiously.
"Yotan, it's not like that! I only met him yesterday, and... Just, no!" He put on a stubborn pout, "And stop calling me those stupid kid names! I'm a freshman! That's almost as old as you are!"
The older blond shook his head, "Not by three years."
Omi rolled his eyes.
Suddenly, the one called Schuldig, turned to the Japanese boy (who was now finishing off his second donut), with a smirk crossing his nicely tanned features, „Kommst du aus Japan denn?" [trans: "You come from Japan?"]
It was a miracle! The brunett smiled brightly. It had been a requirement in his previous schooling that all students learn German as a second language. It had been his only passing academic class, and now this boy could speak it. Maybe he wouldn't have to talk to himself, after all.
Ken nodded, „Ja. Wie heisst du?" [trans: "Yes. What may I call you?"]
„Ich heisse 'Schuldig'. Wilkommen." [trans: "Call me 'Guilty'. Welcome."] The German's smile was funny, a bit distant, but not cold. He nodded, and turned back to Youji suddenly. "Youji?"
The older blond turned his attention away from Omi, "Yes?"
"Are we on or off?"
There was a sigh, "Off. I still can't believe you--"
"Gah! Yoj, I was only trying to scare the boy."
"Tch! You kissed him!"
"So? I kissed Mr. Crawford last week!"
"YOU WHAT!?"
"Same excuse."
"Yeah, but you kissed this guy on the LIPS!"
"Hey, I FRENCHED Mr. Crawford."
"..."
"...Er... I mean, I kind of..."
"We're OFF, Schuldig. This is the LAST time for you a me."
"I was only trying to scare him!" The redhead suddenly pleaded, his German accent flaring at his emotional dispair, "You know Crawford! He's got a stick up his ass! I was hoping it would do him some good."
Youji's face was stern as he shook his head, "Then what about the boy yesterday?"
"He shot me a bird--"
"He gave you a thumbs-up, Schu--"
"It's offensive--"
"So you kissed him--!?"
"To scare him!"
"..."
"..."
"...I saw you grab his ass."
"I did no such thing!"
"Oh, you so did! I saw it!"
"No, I didn't, Kudou!"
"Fuck you, Schuldig. That was the last time." He stood up, pushing his chair in, "We're over."
„Was!?" [trans: "What!?"] Schuldig stood up, giving his chair a violent kick.
They both stormed out of the commons in opposite directions.
Omi frowned, seeing the very large audience the two upperclassmen had gained during their argument. He stood up and proclaimed, "You can return to eating, now!"
The blond sat back down and looked back at the Japanese boy, "It's OK. They'll be back together again by tomorrow."
The brunett bit his lip, confused.
"Youji, my brother, is such a control freak, I swear. I personally think they're both sluts, but..." He paused, noticing Ken's confused expression, "Er... Nevermind."
The display of events that morning had been quite entertaining to the Japanese boy. Almost like watching a foreign soap-opera without subtitles. He had understood almost nothing of what had just gone on, but he gathered that Youji and the one called 'Schuldig' were pretty high standing figures in the school They both even got away with breaking the dress code.
Schuldig hadn't been anything short of attractive. He had firey jade eyes, contrasting lightly to Youji's own. He had firey red hair, through which he wore a bright yellow bandana, matching the shirt he wore beneath his traditional green uniform-jacket. He was tall and thin, and had a smile that seemed almost deliciously mischevious. He wasn't too different from his counterpart...
Kudou Youji, himself, had shoulder-length blond hair, full of waves, with deep brown roots. It was obvious that the boy was a natural brunett [3], as well, but blond really didn't look too bad on him. He was tall and slim, like Schuldig, and wore a slick pair of shades over his striking emerald eyes. He got away with his violation of dress, as well. He wore his green robes open with a white muscle-T and small silver chain covering his obviously well-toned chest.
Both were extremely strange. Though, he gathered that there was something between them, he couldn't gather what it was. Looking back at Omi, the blond was muttering odd things, using very few words known to his vocabulary. The freshman didn't seem like he would be able to explain anything to Ken, so the brunett simply let it pass.
"Chibi?" Ken blinked, wishing he knew how to raise his eyebrow for the 'questioning-effect'. "He says 'chibi'?"
The blond gave something akin to a growl, but paused at seeing Ken's clueless expression, "Oh... Yea, he calls me 'chibi' a lot. And 'bishounen'. I hate it when he does that."
It was fairly easy to understand the boy by his tone, this time. The Japanese boy nodded, "You are chibi, though." He chuckled slightly, "It is not a..." He drifted off looking for a word. He signaled for a moment, holding up his finger and pulled out a pocket-sized Japanese-to-English dictionary, flipping through for a word.
Omi watched, interested in hearing the brunett speak. Ken hadn't said much, he was obviously uncomfortable with the little English he knew, and it was a rather discouraging thought that no one knew his language.
The brown-eyed boy scanned down a page, and grinned, suddenly, "It is not offense." He closed the book, and looked hopefully at the freshman.
Small laughter came from the blond, "Yea, I know. It's just annoying that he still thinks of me as a little kid, when I'm not." He shrugged.
Ken smiled, "Yes!" The three letter word had lost all meaning to Ken by now. It had become his time-staller when he didn't know what to say.
"Uh... I think it's time you learn how to say something new, Ken." The blue-eyed boy's smile twitched, then he looked up brightly, "Oh! I learned how to say something in Japanese today from Aya!"
The Japanese boy managed to catch the gist of the sentence easier this time, "Aya?"
"Yea, she's the Japanese girl that's sitting over there." Omi pointed to a girl, sitting at a table full of other girls. She had two long blackish-violet braids, and kind eyes. It was apparent that she was Japanese. "I finally got her to talk about something other than the guys she likes and her brother."
Ken paused, understanding very little, "She likes her brother?"
The blond made a slightly digusted face before proclaiming, "Gods, I hope not!"
Still completely puzzled, Ken shook his head, "What you say?" [4] He glanced over at the girl again, quickly, "In Nihongo?"
„Ninchin chuu desu." [trans: "I am pregnant."] Omi smiled. "She said it meant 'Have a nice day'--"
The blond boy was promptly cut off as the Japanese boy's loud laughter began to fill the surrounding area. Ken's body seemed to vibrate with hard laughter, some of which couldn't not escape, and the brunett soon found himself nearly-choking on what remained of his donut.
"...What?" The blue-eyed boy frowned, not quite understanding what was so funny. It couldn't be his accent; Aya had said he had gotten the accent right. What was so funny about 'Have a nice day', anyway? //God, these Japanese are weird.//
After a few minutes, Ken began to calm himself, and looked up, his face red, hearing as the young blond asked him again what he was laughing at. He thought of a way that he could explain it, and pulled out his dictionary again, flipping around to find the right words.
Upon finding it, he smiled, closed the book, and looked back at the blond, "You say you pregnant." He stumbled over the last word, trying to get the sounds correct.
"I said I'm pregnant?!" Omi blinked, blushing wildly.
Ken nodded again, falling back into his laughter, as the blond boy seethed.
Omi decided that was the last time he talked to that Aya girl. Ever.
After a few moments of silence, Ken looked down at his schedule, over his classes, not understanding what it was he was expected to do in them, if he didn't understand the language in which they were taught. Nor did he even understand what it was he was taking. //Oh man, I'm screwed.//
Student ID #012953 | Hidaka, Ken | Class: 10
9:00-10:30: "Religion and Economics" Shuuichi Takatori RM #308
[a] 10:40-12:10: "Art" Jei Farfarello RM #666 [5]
12:10-13:40: Lunch RM #Commons
13:50-15:20: open
15:30-17:00: "World History" Claudia Birman RM #225
17:10-18:40: "Discrete Maths and Analysis" Bradley Crawford #007
[a] 10:40-12:10: "German III" Roxanna Manx #377
Students with an open period should report to the headmaster's office
due to an unlisted class, such as: Basic English Tutoring, Home Economics,
Counciling, or any other requested/required class. Periods listed by an [a]
should be alternated every-other day.
Ken Hidaka: Please note that your classes will begin on an odd day of our
school year (day #075). You will attend the second listed [a] class for your
first day. Please report to room #559 in the English wing during your open
period for Basic English Tutoring. Your tutor for your introduction into the
English language will meet you there at the given time.
Have a good first day.
The Japanese boy gulped. He would just have to find his way to his classes for the day. The final note had been written for him in semi-understandable romaji, but it still left him with many questions. What was he expected to do in classes where he couldn't understand anything being spoken?
The bells rung loudly, as the large commons clock stuck 8:50, and students began to stand, heading off to their assigned classes.
"Do you need help?" Omi looked over Ken's shoulder, and snatched the small schedule from the Japanese boy's grasp. "Oh, your classes will be easy to find. You have every second room of the wing." He handed the paper back, smiling.
There was a blink. Two blinks. Bright neon-pink lights seemed to shimmer with such phrases as "Repeat that." and "I don't understand.".
"I'll just take you there, OK?" Omi took the paper back, and they began their journey to Economics and Religion with Mr. S Takatori in room 308.
* * * * *
Notes--
[1] "Smaragd Wald Academy" - I couldn't think of anything for a name, so I simply opened up my dictionary and decided to take the first word I saw. Unfortunately, the first word I saw was "Smoking" (a Tuxedo), but that didn't sound like a name that would promote a proper amount of teen absinance. So, I took the word above it: "Smaragd" (Emerald). Though, "Smaragd Academy" sounded stupid, so I went and looked for something to go with it, and I came to "Wald" (Forest/Trees). So... It still sounds rather pathetic, but it's not too bad, ne?
[1b] This is not offensive. It's just fact. I happen to have great heart for the early 90's American grunge scene. I'm a fan of Nirvana. That poster I described is a real poster, as well. :P So it definately wasn't meant offensively; just a play on fore-shadowing.
[2] I couldn't resist the earring. I read a fic about Heero Yuy having an earing yesterday and I thought Ken would look pretty good with one as well. A very small one. Turquois is the birthstone of December, is it?
[3] I was undecided about appearances for the characters. I usually use the anime-Ken with green eyes, and Youji as a blond, and Schuldig as a redhead, but I decided to give some manga traits to them all this time. Ken's eyes are now brown, Youji's hair is dyed blond, and look forward to an upcoming chapter where Schuldig will have green hair! :) And when Farfarello comes in, yes, he will be a red-head as well.
[4] Ken's English is beginning to remind me of a bad play on "ALL YOUR BASE ARE BELONG TO US". -_-;;
[5] Ho-ho! Farfie's the art teacher! Also, about "Claudia Birman", I am not sure of Birman's real name, so... I'm just throwing something together. Same goes for Roxanna Manx.
* * * * *
Thank you to my reviewers:
xxkureinaixx- I'm very glad you have enjoyed this fic so far, and that you -LIKE- it. Maybe by the time Ran gets into the picture you'll -LOVE- it? ;)
marsupial- Yes, I agree, English would be difficult to learn. Though, the most-difficult, I hear, is American-English. It changes so often it's hard to keep up (I'm still trying to figure out what "crunk" is). I'm happy you like this, and Ran will be here before you know it!
Faraway4today- Nifty is good. :) Thank you for your review.
Fuyukaze-Yuki- Yes, poor Ken, indeed. I can't wait to write the part about just how poor 'poor Ken' really is.
VOM- Aa, you seem to have depicted part of my plot. ;) Those are some very good questions you asked, but you'll just have to wait and see. I'm happy to see that you appear to be enjoying this.
Minerva Solo- Yay for your review! It was very much appreciated. Yes, English would be difficult to learn... I still confuse myself with grammer consistantly and I'm an American. Though, that might be the problem. Not many American's speak/write proper English, do they? 'Ough'- is there a specific meaning put to that? *Wonders*...
Atsureki- I'm very happy you like this so far. :) I've read a few fics where Ken (or any of the Weiss bishounen) have had some English difficulties, and I thought it was adorable... I'm glad to see somebody else likes the idea!
Corrupt Prodigy- Yes, RanKen is a glorious thing! And there will be RanKen... as soon as Ran gets here. ;)
Heather- Sure, sure, sure! :)
Alz-chan- Not a lot of good AU's, you say? Well, I hope this one will earn your graces as a good one. I thank you for reading and reviewing.
schu-chan- Brad? *Whimpers* ;_; I'm happy you like the fic! Though, unfortunately, there won't be any BradxKen... Sorry. Though, Ken's pairing is already set, so you don't have to worry about any KenxNagi, KenxFarf, or KenxOmi. I'm not really a fan of any of those either; maybe KenxFarf if it's written exceptionally well, but otherwise, no. :) Thanks for reviewing.
* * * * *
Seph: Youji-kun! *Glomps*
Youji: Gah! You're drooling on my shirt! Get off! Get off, now!
Miri: I still don't see any Ran here. What's wrong with you? Don't you listen to your muses anymore?
Seph: No. You never seem to help me anyway. Ran will show up in either chapters four or five. I have to kill someone off, first. _
Youji: Kill someone? Um... I have to go. I have a date. *Slams door*
Miri: O_o How rude.
Seph: I STILL LOVE YOU, YOUJI-KUN! It's NOT you! I promise!
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