Author's Notes-- ( 2:00 PM 2/1/03 ) I think we all know who is being brought in in this chapter. It was fairly obvious from last chapter. If you don't, though, I pity you-er-I will leave it as a surprise. ^_^ My maths project has been turned in, so now I have more time on my hands! Next chapter should be soon. Enjoy!
# Thank you to everyone who read "I'm Coming" and "Such A Tease". If you haven't read them and your a RanKen fan, I would love for you to check them out. :)
Thank you to all of those who have reviewed thus far! I have posted comments at the end of this chapter, as usual. ^_^ Thank you for your reviews; they are what drives me to write.
Disclaimer-- I own nothing. Except for this Feng Shui coffee mug. And you can't have it.
Warnings-- Shounen ai (mentions: SchuxBrad), Silly Schu-ness (^_^)
//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 II: Scene I: Suspicious Red
* * * * *
Saturday morning came later than regular school days. Students were only required to attend two classes from 10:00 to 12:10, though Ken did not receive the pleasantry of sleeping in (nor the pleasantry of two shortened class periods- he would have to attend his English lessons in the afternoon). A worker from the main office had been punctually at his door at the ungodly hour of eight o'clock to instruct him on the classes he was to attend this day.
10:00-11:00: "German III" Roxanna Manx RM #337
11:10-12:10: "Art" Jei Farfarello RM #666
13:20-14:20: "Basic English Tutoring" Bradley Crawford RM #559
Yay.
* * * * *
German had been nothing that day. They had been assigned worksheets to complete with partners, and the period had gone by quickly. It took only a quick matter of ten minutes for Ken to complete his work alone and turn it in before retreating to his desk to stare at the clock.
Farfarello happened to be absent from Art class on that particular day, and instead the class was assigned a film to watch. For the one hour class period, the class had all sat on their stools facing a large portable television monitor, watching the wonderful masterpiece film "Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back". [1]
Ken, not understanding anything about "Star Wars", simply took to staring at the screen without thought. He could follow some things that were taking place, but very few. He understood that some plane-like-things were trying to shoot down some machanical-animal-type-things in some place like Antartica or something. That was about all, though.
He had spent a while looking around for his painting, even though he had tried to convince himself that he never wanted to see it again. His curiosity had gotten the best of him. He wasn't too torn up when he was unable to find it, though. Even though he had kind of hoped to have one last look...
"Basic English Tutoring" with Crawford and Schuldig finally began in the early afternoon. The Japanese boy had quickly found his way to the class room, sitting in the same desk, and watching as the redhead drew on the chalkboard at the front of the room, and Crawford sat looking through a Spanish-to-English textbook. It seemed that they were waiting on something; they simply glanced at him when he had took his seat.
"I can't believe your ditching me for Fujimiya."
"Fujimiya speaks Japanese. You don't."
"Hey, the kid speaks German, and so do I! We've been going good these past two days."
"He knows the alphabet and how to say 'no'. That's not a big improvement."
"He's Japanese, what can you expect?"
"I happen to know that many Japanese highschoolers have a higher education than seniors at this school, such as yourself."
"Are you calling me dumb?"
"You cannot judge someone who just doesn't speak your language as stupid."
"So... You're calling me dumb?"
"No! I'm simply saying--"
"That I'm dumb."
"Fine, then! If that's how you want it. You're a disgrace to 'dumb'. You're below dumb."
"That hurt's me, Brad." Schuldig turned around, thumping his chest, "It hurts me right here in the ego."
"Would you stop drawing on the board?"
"No."
"Schuldig."
"Brad."
"You will call me 'Crawford', not 'Brad'. We are not on a first name basis."
"Even after that wonderful kiss, Braddy?"
"...Shut -up-, Schuldig!" The darkhaired teacher glared at the German, the light bouncing off of his glasses manically.
"Don't tell me you didn't enjoy it, Brad." The redhead taunted, his voice sing-song in it's teasing.
"I do not make it my business to understand why you pull such antics as such levels of physical contact with your teachers--"
"Teachers? Ho-ho! Nope, I'm afraid it's just -you-."
"--and I do not care to know!"
"O! You want me to tell you why I--"
"NO!" Crawford bellowed, glaring harder at Schuldig, who seemed unaffected by it.
"I like you, Brad. -That's- why I kissed you."
"You're lucky I don't report you to the office."
"Aa, you'd never do that. You liked it. You didn't even push me away."
"I tried, but you wouldn't move."
"Yea, Brad. -Sure-, Brad. Whatever you say, Brad."
"SCHULDIG! YOU -WILL- ADDRESS ME AS -CRAWFORD--"
The door slammed suddenly, at the back of the classroom, and the three room occupants spun to see the new arrival.
"Am I late?"
Ken's eyes widened.
There at the door stood a man. He was tall and thin, with hair a deep crimson colour, two bits at the sides extended to frame his face. His black trenchcoat and red hair set off his almost ghostly pale skin, and violet eyes. He had two violet eyes, icy in their gaze, it seemed they could burn ice into the back of your head if he stared at you for too long. Though that was not what caught Ken's attention.
Barely visable beneath the deep black trenchcoat was the most ugly orange sweater Ken had ever seen in his life.
//Doesn't he know to turn the lights on -before- you start dressing? Redheads should -not- wear orange.// Ken almost grimaced, then mentally kicked himself for thinking such a thing. He looked up from the tacky beam of colour beneath the coat and at the face of the redhead, himself. And regretted it.
Two deep amethyst eyes were narrowed dangerously at him.
//...He's the guy who fell out of that tree last night!// Panicking only slightly, Ken turned back to Crawford and Schuldig to find out what exactly was going on.
"You are." Crawford narrowed his eyes at the newcomer.
"Hn." The stranger removed his glare from the brunett and now focused his icy eyes on Crawford. "I heard that I am supposed to play translator."
"Yes." The maths teacher stood from the edge of the desk, where he had been casually leaning, and motioned for Ken to stand. The brunett did so, reluctantly, this time turning to see the newcomer fully (he avoided eye contact with the hidious sweater the man was wearing). "This is Ken Hidaka. He is new from Japan, and you are the only student resident who can speak his language--"
"Apparently Deutsch isn't good enough for the kid." Schuldg cut in slyly from his drawing on the chalkboard.
"--You are to translate the lessons into Japanese for him, so that I may efficiently teach him English." Crawford finished, side-glaring at the redheaded German (who unsurprisingly was -still- unaffected by this).
"Aa." The redhead stated, plainly, glancing Ken over with his violet eyes-- almost as if sizing him up for a very brutal beating.
It was then that Ken noticed that this stranger was Japanese, like himself, and for some reason, he thought of Aya. Her brother was supposed to be returning today. Who was this guy?
There was silence between everyone for a moment before Crawford decided to tell the new redhead to do something.
„Hajimemashite. Fujimiya Ran desu. Hidaka san Doozo yoroshiku." [trans: "How are you? I'm Ran Fujimiya. Pleased to meet you, Hidaka."] The words left his lips simply, and correctly. It was obvious that this man was a native speaker. Even though his words sounded false, Ken honoured him.
Fujimiya Ran.
//He -is- Aya's brother?!// Bowing as well, Ken forced a smile, „Fujimiya san Hajimemashite. Doozo yoroshiku." [trans: How do you do, Fujimiya? pleased to meet you."]
The redhead made a sort of grunting sound from the back of his throat, and glanced briefly at Crawford and Schuldig, both staring on with some sort of fascination at the foreign exchange. [2]
"I will be acting as your new translator." Ran spoke plainly in perfect Japanese, his voice and face giving away nothing- not the lightest hint of emotion. "I am not sure as to whether it is Schuldig's inefficiency at completing the task--"
"Hey, I heard my name!" Schuldig perked from beside Crawford, glancing at Ken, "What'd he say about me?"
"--or whether Crawford thinks your capability for learning the English language will increase by tutoring you through your native language. I personally think it's a lost cause. Don't ask me questions. Don't do anything. Just do as your told, and leave. Am I clear?"
Ken blinked. It was obvious the redhead was trying to intimidate him. //I guess too much time in the alternative school does that to you.// He tried to resist a smirk, but failed. A small tilting of the lips appeared; sort of a semi-taunting gesture, "Yes, God. I am clear."
The redhead scowled, "Your attitude is not excepted here."
"If you drop yours, I shall drop mine." The brunett's smirk widened just a bit. He was -not- easily intimidated by such means as this; it took a lot more to get to Hidaka Ken.
Ran's violet eyes narrowed; he wasn't keen on verbal combat, and especially not on the offensive side of the ordeal. Though he didn't approve of some guy he had never met before, telling him he had an attitude. Maybe it was his pride? The world may never know.
Letting the words pass with a simple glare, Ran turned to Crawford and headed towards the front of the classroom as the brunett took his seat.
Crawford and Schuldig snapped out of their brief fascination at the foreign semi-argument that had just played out before their eyes. The brunett had a feeling that this was going to be somewhat more difficult than he had thought. He would keep Schuldig around. //Just in case things with Fujimiya don't work out.//
As if on cue with Crawford's thoughts, there was a snort from the German, and the maths teacher blinked. //No, people don't read minds. He doesn't know what I'm thinking.// The darkhaired man thought edgily.
"Hey, Brad? You in there, man?"
There was a sudden pressure on his chest as the German elbowed him. Crawford glared. How dare he wake him up from his thoughts-- O, yes. He had a class to teach, didn't he? Well... A student to teach, anyway. He tried not to glare at Ken.
Turning to Fujimiya, he began, "Today's lesson will be on respect and gratitude."
Ran spoke very plainly, in Japanese to Ken, repeating the words Japanese. When Ken nodded, they were clear to continue.
"Gods, Brad. Can't you give the kid something interesting, like--"
"Shut up, Schuldig."
Ran blinked, a dull questioning gaze at whether he should translate that or not. Unlike the former translator, he didn't have a sense of humour. And he really didn't care.
Or at least that's how it looked from Ken's point of view.
Crawford continued, "Gratitude and respect are very well honoured in the English language, though not so common as in Japanese, perhaps. We will begin with how to make a request."
The redheaded Japanese man spoke these words over, sniffing disdainfully when the brunett rolled his eyes.
"I already know this." Ken said quietly, to Ran in Japanese. "Please, Thank you, Sir, Ma'am. I learned even those basics before I came here."
Ran translated to English for Crawford, who blinked.
"Well, then... Let's use the words, if you already know them." The math teacher spoke, lifting a pencil. "Request that I give you this item."
After the translation, Ken blinked. "What do you call the item?"
Ran answered the question himself, this time, "'Pencil' desu." He responded, quietly.
Ken nodded, attempting his English, "Take pencil, please?"
Crawford and Schuldig cringed simoultaneously, Ran remained stoic.
"'May I' is usually the beginning of a request, when speaking English. It's meaning to ask about you, yourself, requesting the object." Crawford explained, letting Ran translate.
"May I take pencil, please?" The brunett tried.
Crawford shook his head, "No."
Ken frowned, looking to Ran, "Is the verb wrong?"
Ran nodded.
"When requesting an object, such as a pencil, it's usually common to ask to 'see' an object." The maths teacher waited for the redhead to explain this.
"What does 'see' mean?"
"It usually means to 'look at' to 'observe' or to 'witness'." Ran explained.
"Am I requesting to view this pencil?"
"No, you are more or less requesting to hold it... I think."
"You don't know?"
"..."
"Well, ask!"
Ran sighed, turning to Crawford, "He wants to know exactly what he's requesting to do with this pencil."
The darkhaired teacher resisted smacking himself on the forehead, "Is it important? He just wants the pencil."
"Yes, but what for?" The redheaded Japanese man new these questions were stupid, but Ken did have a point. Even though it was a rather unimportant one.
"Arg! He wants to hold it!"
Ran relayed this to Ken, "You are asking to 'see' the pencil in the context that you wish to hold it."
"See also means hold?"
"No."
"ARG! I'm confused!"
"Just ask to see the pencil!"
"But then I'm asking to hold the pencil! I'm using a word that doesn't mean hold! How would someone know I meant to hold the pencil if I say 'see'?!"
The redhead felt a very acute migrane coming on, "Then use the English word 'hold', though I garuntee that if you say 'see' people will understand you."
"Fine, then." Ken sighed, "May I see pencil, please?"
"The."
Ken lifted an eyebrow at Ran, "The?"
"You use a definate article to show that you are referring to a particular pencil." [3]
"But there's only one pencil to refer to."
"So use 'the'."
"But--"
"Just. Do. It."
The brunett sighed heavily, "Where does it come in the sentence?"
"Before the noun."
"...Which is?"
"You don't know nouns." It was not a question.
"Not in English."
Ran narrowed his eyes, "You have a long way to go."
"What is the noun, already!?"
"Pencil."
Ken cleared his throat quickly, "May I see the pencil, please?"
"Well done." Crawford nodded and handed the pencil to Ken, who watched it with a confused expression, "Now...?"
"Thank you, sir." The brunett replied.
"Well done, again." The darkhaired man sighed, "I'm a maths teacher. Why the hell am I teaching some Japanese kid to speak English?"
Schuldig chuckled from behind him, rolling his eyes.
Ran sat down.
Ken crossed his arms, narrowing his eyes. A great lot he learned in there today. He could tell the 'lesson' was over for the day.
"Why are you here so early, Fujimiya?" Crawford adjusted his glasses upon his nose.
"I was permitted leave yesterday evening at 23:00."
"And you came onto campus early this morning?"
"Yes, sir." The redhead nodded, glaring at Ken slightly out of the corner of his eyes, "I know that no one is allowed on campus past 20:00. I do not wish to reattend alternative school because of Takatori's ill wishes."
The clock hit 14:20.
* * * * *
Ken sighed, heading towards the library on Sunday afternoon. It was not encouraging that the only Japanese speakers at the academy were either annoying or 'Ran' (the redhead now had his own classification). It seemed that even now that he had spotted those that understood him, they would never understand him.
The Fujimiyas, apparently, were very well known. He had seen over the past two days how crowds parted in their path. Aya, herself, alone could cause no disruption, but when she was with her brother (which was quite often) or when it was her brother who walked alone, heads turned. It was apparent that Aya was adored by her fellow classmates, and sought after by others, but her brother was different.
Fujimiya Ran was a silent and incredibly cold senior. He never cracked a smile, even with his sister, and always tried his best to keep to himself. When people saw him they looked, but no one ever dared to approach him. Ever. It was as if the guy was surrounded with some barrier that exerted so much pressure that people were pushed away without realising that he was even there to be pushed away from (not that you could easily miss someone with hair -that- red).
He had his own fanclub, at his disapproval it seemed; the brunett had caught him even scowl at a girl or two (inparticular the ones wearing great red pens, reading: "FUJIMIYA IS MY GOD"). He never spoke, though, unless it was required.
Shaking his head, the brunett browsed through the 'foreign' area of the library. He really didn't need to think about people like that. He didn't need to lament over the misery of others. //Aa... "Alle Ist Gute".// [4] Ken lifted the book, flipping through the pages. It gave a very thorough explanation on German vocabulary, relating it to the English vocabulary, and some guides on translating words from English to German. He knew enough German to work with it.
Too bad their entire foreign language section centred around Spanish, Ancient Greek, French, German, Latin, Russian, Chinese, Korean, and Portugese. So many selections, but no one ever thought of Japanese.
Ken had decided that he needed to speed up his learning process. Back in Japan, he had gotten more done in a day's class than he had in the three English lessons he had attended at this school. If he ever expected to understand what these people were saying when they spoke to him, or about him, he would have to teach himself at a pace he was accustomed to.
Reaching for a regular English textbook on one shelf, the Japanese boy suddenly sensed someone near him and glanced up. Two violet eyes met his, narrowed dangerously. The brunett, slightly startled by the redhead's sudden appearance, paused for a moment (no real surprise evident on his face), before continuing to reach for his book and pulling it from the shelf. He blew the dust off with one giant, lazy blow.
„Fujimiya san konnichiwa." He bowed lightly, before returning to his business of shuffling his books into some sort of order in his arms-- even though it wasn't working.
"Hn." The redhead responded.
Ken blinked, and lifted an eyebrow at the redhead, "Have you had a nice day?"
"Aa."
The brunett frowned. //Any actual words in the conversation?//
"Why are you here?" Ken tilted his head lightly.
"That's not of your concern."
//Aa, he speaks.// The brunett shrugged at the redhead's response, turning back to his books, "Whatever."
"Hn." The man didn't move, and continued to stand there, staring at Ken. "What are you doing with those books?"
"That's not of your concern." Ken returned, turning to set them on a table behind him with a work book or two and some copies he had printed from Japanese websites-- something to read later.
There was a low sound from the redhead's throat, almost like a growl.
The brunett laughed lightly, and glanced back at the redhead as he stacked his books together and began to dig through his bag for his ID card. "Actually, I'm teaching myself English--"
"How will you manage that?" The redhead didn't really sound interested, simply inquisitive. It was almost as if he was waiting for Ken to tell him something. He took the moment to lean lightly on his side against a book shelf.
"Ano..." Ken glanced down at his books, "I'll look up words in German, that I know, and see the English translations. This book here--" He gestured to 'Alle Ist Gute' "--relates everything in German to an English perspective. So I can track how to make sentences and whatnot." He paused in sudden realization, "I can't believe I'm going to read a textbook."
Ran was silent, examining the books upon the table, before he spoke, "It was you who found me outside Friday evening, am I correct?"
Pausing slightly at the question, the brown-eyed man glanced up at the redhead with a puzzled expression, "Yes..."
"How did you know I was there?" Two violet eyes boar into him dangerously, sending a light chill down his spine. Maybe this guy -could- intimidate him... But just a little.
Ken shrugged nonchallantly, "You aren't exactly a master in the arts of stealth. You were making too much noise--"
"I happened to know a hell of a lot more about shit like that than you probably ever will, Hidaka. How did you know I was there?" The redhead growled, straightened himself and stepped forward threateningly.
The brunett had to restrain himself, Fujimiya didn't know him, and he couldn't very well just tell the man how wrong he was. He pushed back down words that threatened to arise from his throat. He knew his temper was dangerous; he couldn't afford to do anything rash. Instead he simply shook his head, ignoring the heated anger on his face.
"Anyone could have heard you, had they been around." Ken stated plainly, narrowing his own brown eyes at Fujimiya's cold violet ones, "If you feel the need to pick a fight with someone over the cause, maybe you should pick it with yourself for being so goddamned loud--"
"Who are you, Hidaka?" He cut in.
The redhead narrowed his eyes, merely observing Ken (the brunett was beginning to wonder if the guy was even listening when he spoke, the guy seemed susupicious of something). He crossed his arms over his chest, watching the younger man struggle for an answer.
"What do you mean?" Ken blinked.
"I -mean-, who are you?" The redhead asked again, his voice cold and hard as his violet eyes pierced Ken's skin.
There was a silence as Ken tried to figure out the man who stood before him. When he finally came to a conclusion, his response was simple.
"I'm Hidaka Ken. Nothing more. Nothing less." He located the card, and began to reclose his bag.
"Who is Hidaka Ken?" Ran narrowed his eyes to slits, his tone silent yet fierce.
Ken could not allow himself to hesitate, or reveal anything resembling shock or surprise, even though, that was truely how he felt. Without a second thought he smirked and gave the redhead one of those 'what-the-hell-are-you-talking-about' kind of faces, "He's your new English student."
Despite the brunett's actions, no flicker of doubt appeared in the redhead's violet eyes.
* * * * *
Thoughts of the redhead occupied Ken for the remainder of the day. Ran definately suspected Ken of something, it was fairly obvious. That thought disturbed Ken, and made him edgy for the rest of the evening. He had, again, avoided Omi and Nagi, fairly sure that they would be pissed about his actions before.
When he had cut out the lights that Sunday night and laid down to sleep in the dorm room that had no other occupant than himself, he found that not even then did the redhead illude his thoughts. His dream was something else, that evening, other than his usual memories... but the memories were still there, just in a different form.
* * * * *
Ken was walking the cement path like he had the Friday evening two nights ago. It was dark out, a bit past 21:00, and only a few seniors littered the yards of the campus, just as they had that night two nights before. He was simply walking for exercise, walking to walk, but his mind was not occupied with thoughts of soccer or his new school. His feet were carrying him towards the trees, in the direction he had first walked on the path that Friday evening. He tried to veer off and cut across the grass, instead, but his feet would not allow it.
He continued to walk, entering the small grove of trees that the path seemed to cut through. Many trees surrounded the lawns of the school, usually much thicker than this small one small group, but for some reason, being underneath the thick leafy boughs of the ten or eleven trees surrounding him, Ken felt like he was suffocating. He felt the heated dampness of sweat upon his skin, soaking into his clothes and hair. He took very deep breaths, struggling to keep oxygen in his lungs, even as the trees around him seemed to shift closer.
It had always been there. That fear. [C!]
Ken watched in helplessness, unable to move his legs as the trees crept even closer to his body. His breaths became deeper, and harder to catch. It was as if the air was fleeing from the moving trees, and from Ken himself. It was fleeing to the lawns where everything was open and nonrestricting. There was no longer anything for Ken to breathe and take in, and he felt himself begin to choke on something... A sob, trying to escape his throat.
As light as the wind, the voice taunted him, and Ken could feel the eyes boaring into his back. Eyes that he had once known.
"Come now, Kenken. Still crying over -that-?"
The trees were moving closer, more slowly, though, as the voice spoke.
"Aa, my love. Why is it you run from me? Are you angry with me..?"
Ken's blood began to boil as he suddenly sensed the warmth of hushed breaths upon the back of his neck. He was kneeling, now, and clutching at his throat and chest for breath. He needed to breath, but the air was gone!
A hand soft placed upon his back, now bare. The feeling of another's skin against his own. He cringed, hating the touch and wanting to wretch at the torrent of thoughts that whirled around him.
"Or maybe you're afraid of me..? Won't you let me know where you are?"
The breaths cascaded lightly over Ken's back, mingling with the horrible feeling of that touch, but Ken was now blind in his struggle for breath. He could not see the man who taunted him. He didn't need to see him, to know.
"Where are you, Ken?" The voice spoke, softly, "My Ken."
Unable to take it any longer, despite his lack of breath, Ken spun around as quickly as his knees would enable him on the ground.
Only to find himself alone. The presence was gone. The trees didn't refrain from continuing their path towards him, though. He had to get out of the trees, but he couldn't move. He closed his eyes, holding the little breath he had left, preparing to meet his fate, however it came to him.
The sound of someone's breathing, again reached his ears. Though this pattern was not familiar, he knew he had heard it before. He had heard it that night two nights ago, walking on this same path.
He lifted his head, despite his sickening dizziness. The trees were still drawing in. His eyes scanned about to meet the cold violet eyes of Fujimiya Ran, now standing before him, an antique katana clutched in his right hand.
"Get you back, you demon."
Ken felt himself stumble backwards, farther onto the ground, unable to hide his fear and confusion.
"Get you back to the regions of hell from whence you came." Without hesitation the redhead drew up the sword into an expert's stance, and brought the weapon down to swing right at his torso.
And right before the weapon could begin to sweep down at the brunett's defenceless body, "Seek no solace here."
* * * * *
Notes--
[1] ...Because it's the best. :) My Drama teacher makes us watch it every time he's absent. Including today. (Next time they'll watch the Spice Girls film and do anxiety paintings with water colours.)
[2] "Foreign exchange" here is not used in a financial manner, or a 'oh-look-this-kid's-from-Germany-and-has-come-to-America-to-go-to-my-school-for-a-year-wow' manner. Just to avoid confusion.
[3] I'm probably going to teach English when I grow up. Damn. I knew God hated me, but not this much. _
[4] "Alle Ist Gute" is a real book. I've seen it in our library; I've just never really touched it or anything, so I shall steal the title, just for that, alright? Let's assume it teaches German vocabulary from an English perspective, and Ken is going to use it in reverse to teach himself English through the German. Alle ist klar, ja? Toll!
[C!] Challenge: What kind of fear does Ken have? Can you figure it out? It's not diificult.
* * * * *
Thank you to my reviewers:
Denea BloodMoon: (chpt 3) Yes. Yes, I am.
Shinigami: (chpt 3) Aa! So glad to see you are enjoying this! ^_^ Dione and Murphy, you say? I'll have to rewatch the film. I suppose I'll take your word for it. Yes, OmiNagi is a featured pairing, and I'll go a little more into that later. How did Youji get detention? Who knows? He's Youji; propbably public indecency or something. And if you're a Kase fan, that shouldn't last too long in this fic. Kase is a bad, bad, bad, man. That's all I'll say about the matter. :) Youji and Schu will be on and off throughout the fic, so don't worry. They are currently on the staff payroll under 'comic relief'. Thanks for your comments!
Cece: I'm happy to see you are enjoying the fic and that you like Ken. It may seem a bit OOC for Kenken, but I'm happy to see it's well accepted. Yes, the RanKen is coming, but keep in mind: 'We have just hit the ball, it has to pass a few obstacles and run the course before it can get to the hole.' (Ugh, golf analogies. P) Thank you for reviewing, though! I have enjoyed your comments!
Laurel-Crowned: I'm happy to see you enjoy the characterisation! I was worried about the Farfie bit. it's good to see him well taken. Yea, Kenken doesn't get many breaks, ne? It's probably going to get worse. :( Thank you for your comments, though! They are very much appreciated!
Shime: Farfie is pretty crazy, you'll see more of it later, I hope. And I couldn't resist the blender part. it's just not Farf without a blender, ya know? ^_^ Thank you for your comments!
lil yu jah: I believe you just answered your own question. ^_^
kaen-chan: Aa! Your reviews are so genki. :) I'm very happy to see you're enjoying the fic! Thank you for your review!
LittleIsa: I'm happy you're enjoying the fic! Thanks for reading! :)
Midnight Katana: Er... I wouldn't suggest painting with your blood. You should definately use someone elses. ^_^ Thanks for reading, and yoru review!
Mikoto The Gnome Girl: Yay! for symbolism! I'm happy you liked it. Thanks for reading.
Fuyukaze-Yuki: I'm so happy you're enjoying this. "Blood Work" was referring to Ken's painting... It's very symbolic. Farfarello, as you will se later, is good at picking out what people are thinking of when they are doing art. Especially with Ken's little episode of anger, he could just kind of look at Ken's painting and tell that Ken was thinking about something violent. Ken also cut himself while making the painting, so... Oi. Yea, I guess Ken's the bloody artist. He also put his blood on the painting, so... Ahem. Yea. -_-;; Thank you for reviewing, though! ;) It is very much appreciated! Oh... And you're "Ran in black" thing just gave me a wicked idea about a Men in Black parody. Heh heh!
AstralKitten: ^_^ I'm very happy you are enjoying this fic, and your comments are very thoughtful. They motivate me to write. Thank you so much for your comments!
xxkurenaixx: Another genki reviewer! ^_^ The energy radiates from your reviews! I'm happy you are liking this fic so far, I hope you continue to enjoy it this much. :) Thank you for your review!
Wefty-chan: Daily!? I'm sorry I haven't updated in a while, I hope you will continue to read. ^_^ Thank you for your review!
akai yuki: I'm happy you are enjoying the fic; thank you for reviewing!
Akiko Yuy: Happy to see you like the fic. Thanks for your review!
Jenny: Thank you! I'm happy you like the characterisation! Ken's not really soulless, you'll see. He's just got that really angsty thing going on, so he pretty much thinks he's soulless. ^_^ Yea, I haven't seen any soulless Ken fics, either, but oh well. I'm happy you like it. I hope you will continue reading. Thanks for your review.
Alz-chan: I'm happy to see you enjoying this fic as well. :) Thanks for reviewing!
newtypeshadow: Yes! Farf's art class would be awesome. Aa, you are very good at picking out the general direction this fic is headed. You've got a very good idea of what's going to be happening. The Aya 'thing' will come up in the next chapter, and we'll see more about Aya's... infatuation... with Kenken. She'll probably be a bit more accepting to Ken's temper than you would think, though. ^_^ We'll see how much Ran likes Aya hanging all over Ken. Ho-ho! That should be the interesting part. Thanks for your reviews! They are motivating me to write!
Whisper Reilman: Aa! I love your idea about Ran and Ken being roommates! ^____^ I love it! Should I do it? I really want to... Aa! I -LOVE- it! That would be so funny. I am getting some really strange ideas for it... I think I may do that. Ran would place post it notes on everything in the room with the English word for the object written on each one, and Ken would think Ran had too much free time, and-- Aa! I -love- that idea. Thank you so much for your review; and your idea! Thank you! :D
* * * * * (Meanwhile, in a near by sushi bar...)
Ran: *Blandishes his katana* You made me a cold bastard. _
Peanut Gallery: ...
Cricket: Chirp.
Ran: A cold bastard! _
Peanut Gallery: ...
Seph: But you are a cold bastard, are you not? ^^;;
Ran: No! *Glares* Ken, tell her! _
Ken: ... *Looks away shamefully* I'm sorry, Ran. You are a cold bastard. -_-;;
Ran: Am not! *Pouts*
Seph: ^_^ That's okkei, RaRa. We love you anyway. *Glomps*
Ran: *Glares* No more 'RaRa', and please GET OFF! _
THE Review Button of DOOM: And now I bring you... Cyber Porn.
SuperULTRAsExYcHIC2638490272529303: *gets naked*
I_have_An_STD_83463920371290: *gets naked*
SuperULTRAsExYcHIC2638490272529303: *forplays*
I_have_An_STD_83463920371290: *forplays*
SuperULTRAsExYcHIC2638490272529303: *has sex*
I_have_An_STD_83463920371290: *has sex*
SuperULTRAsExYcHIC2638490272529303: *smokes*
I_have_An_STD_83463920371290: taht wuz fun! c ya 2moro! luvs u!
THE Review Button of DOOM: Now, if you never want to see that (or 'taht') again. Click me.
# Thank you to everyone who read "I'm Coming" and "Such A Tease". If you haven't read them and your a RanKen fan, I would love for you to check them out. :)
Thank you to all of those who have reviewed thus far! I have posted comments at the end of this chapter, as usual. ^_^ Thank you for your reviews; they are what drives me to write.
Disclaimer-- I own nothing. Except for this Feng Shui coffee mug. And you can't have it.
Warnings-- Shounen ai (mentions: SchuxBrad), Silly Schu-ness (^_^)
//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 II: Scene I: Suspicious Red
* * * * *
Saturday morning came later than regular school days. Students were only required to attend two classes from 10:00 to 12:10, though Ken did not receive the pleasantry of sleeping in (nor the pleasantry of two shortened class periods- he would have to attend his English lessons in the afternoon). A worker from the main office had been punctually at his door at the ungodly hour of eight o'clock to instruct him on the classes he was to attend this day.
10:00-11:00: "German III" Roxanna Manx RM #337
11:10-12:10: "Art" Jei Farfarello RM #666
13:20-14:20: "Basic English Tutoring" Bradley Crawford RM #559
Yay.
* * * * *
German had been nothing that day. They had been assigned worksheets to complete with partners, and the period had gone by quickly. It took only a quick matter of ten minutes for Ken to complete his work alone and turn it in before retreating to his desk to stare at the clock.
Farfarello happened to be absent from Art class on that particular day, and instead the class was assigned a film to watch. For the one hour class period, the class had all sat on their stools facing a large portable television monitor, watching the wonderful masterpiece film "Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back". [1]
Ken, not understanding anything about "Star Wars", simply took to staring at the screen without thought. He could follow some things that were taking place, but very few. He understood that some plane-like-things were trying to shoot down some machanical-animal-type-things in some place like Antartica or something. That was about all, though.
He had spent a while looking around for his painting, even though he had tried to convince himself that he never wanted to see it again. His curiosity had gotten the best of him. He wasn't too torn up when he was unable to find it, though. Even though he had kind of hoped to have one last look...
"Basic English Tutoring" with Crawford and Schuldig finally began in the early afternoon. The Japanese boy had quickly found his way to the class room, sitting in the same desk, and watching as the redhead drew on the chalkboard at the front of the room, and Crawford sat looking through a Spanish-to-English textbook. It seemed that they were waiting on something; they simply glanced at him when he had took his seat.
"I can't believe your ditching me for Fujimiya."
"Fujimiya speaks Japanese. You don't."
"Hey, the kid speaks German, and so do I! We've been going good these past two days."
"He knows the alphabet and how to say 'no'. That's not a big improvement."
"He's Japanese, what can you expect?"
"I happen to know that many Japanese highschoolers have a higher education than seniors at this school, such as yourself."
"Are you calling me dumb?"
"You cannot judge someone who just doesn't speak your language as stupid."
"So... You're calling me dumb?"
"No! I'm simply saying--"
"That I'm dumb."
"Fine, then! If that's how you want it. You're a disgrace to 'dumb'. You're below dumb."
"That hurt's me, Brad." Schuldig turned around, thumping his chest, "It hurts me right here in the ego."
"Would you stop drawing on the board?"
"No."
"Schuldig."
"Brad."
"You will call me 'Crawford', not 'Brad'. We are not on a first name basis."
"Even after that wonderful kiss, Braddy?"
"...Shut -up-, Schuldig!" The darkhaired teacher glared at the German, the light bouncing off of his glasses manically.
"Don't tell me you didn't enjoy it, Brad." The redhead taunted, his voice sing-song in it's teasing.
"I do not make it my business to understand why you pull such antics as such levels of physical contact with your teachers--"
"Teachers? Ho-ho! Nope, I'm afraid it's just -you-."
"--and I do not care to know!"
"O! You want me to tell you why I--"
"NO!" Crawford bellowed, glaring harder at Schuldig, who seemed unaffected by it.
"I like you, Brad. -That's- why I kissed you."
"You're lucky I don't report you to the office."
"Aa, you'd never do that. You liked it. You didn't even push me away."
"I tried, but you wouldn't move."
"Yea, Brad. -Sure-, Brad. Whatever you say, Brad."
"SCHULDIG! YOU -WILL- ADDRESS ME AS -CRAWFORD--"
The door slammed suddenly, at the back of the classroom, and the three room occupants spun to see the new arrival.
"Am I late?"
Ken's eyes widened.
There at the door stood a man. He was tall and thin, with hair a deep crimson colour, two bits at the sides extended to frame his face. His black trenchcoat and red hair set off his almost ghostly pale skin, and violet eyes. He had two violet eyes, icy in their gaze, it seemed they could burn ice into the back of your head if he stared at you for too long. Though that was not what caught Ken's attention.
Barely visable beneath the deep black trenchcoat was the most ugly orange sweater Ken had ever seen in his life.
//Doesn't he know to turn the lights on -before- you start dressing? Redheads should -not- wear orange.// Ken almost grimaced, then mentally kicked himself for thinking such a thing. He looked up from the tacky beam of colour beneath the coat and at the face of the redhead, himself. And regretted it.
Two deep amethyst eyes were narrowed dangerously at him.
//...He's the guy who fell out of that tree last night!// Panicking only slightly, Ken turned back to Crawford and Schuldig to find out what exactly was going on.
"You are." Crawford narrowed his eyes at the newcomer.
"Hn." The stranger removed his glare from the brunett and now focused his icy eyes on Crawford. "I heard that I am supposed to play translator."
"Yes." The maths teacher stood from the edge of the desk, where he had been casually leaning, and motioned for Ken to stand. The brunett did so, reluctantly, this time turning to see the newcomer fully (he avoided eye contact with the hidious sweater the man was wearing). "This is Ken Hidaka. He is new from Japan, and you are the only student resident who can speak his language--"
"Apparently Deutsch isn't good enough for the kid." Schuldg cut in slyly from his drawing on the chalkboard.
"--You are to translate the lessons into Japanese for him, so that I may efficiently teach him English." Crawford finished, side-glaring at the redheaded German (who unsurprisingly was -still- unaffected by this).
"Aa." The redhead stated, plainly, glancing Ken over with his violet eyes-- almost as if sizing him up for a very brutal beating.
It was then that Ken noticed that this stranger was Japanese, like himself, and for some reason, he thought of Aya. Her brother was supposed to be returning today. Who was this guy?
There was silence between everyone for a moment before Crawford decided to tell the new redhead to do something.
„Hajimemashite. Fujimiya Ran desu. Hidaka san Doozo yoroshiku." [trans: "How are you? I'm Ran Fujimiya. Pleased to meet you, Hidaka."] The words left his lips simply, and correctly. It was obvious that this man was a native speaker. Even though his words sounded false, Ken honoured him.
Fujimiya Ran.
//He -is- Aya's brother?!// Bowing as well, Ken forced a smile, „Fujimiya san Hajimemashite. Doozo yoroshiku." [trans: How do you do, Fujimiya? pleased to meet you."]
The redhead made a sort of grunting sound from the back of his throat, and glanced briefly at Crawford and Schuldig, both staring on with some sort of fascination at the foreign exchange. [2]
"I will be acting as your new translator." Ran spoke plainly in perfect Japanese, his voice and face giving away nothing- not the lightest hint of emotion. "I am not sure as to whether it is Schuldig's inefficiency at completing the task--"
"Hey, I heard my name!" Schuldig perked from beside Crawford, glancing at Ken, "What'd he say about me?"
"--or whether Crawford thinks your capability for learning the English language will increase by tutoring you through your native language. I personally think it's a lost cause. Don't ask me questions. Don't do anything. Just do as your told, and leave. Am I clear?"
Ken blinked. It was obvious the redhead was trying to intimidate him. //I guess too much time in the alternative school does that to you.// He tried to resist a smirk, but failed. A small tilting of the lips appeared; sort of a semi-taunting gesture, "Yes, God. I am clear."
The redhead scowled, "Your attitude is not excepted here."
"If you drop yours, I shall drop mine." The brunett's smirk widened just a bit. He was -not- easily intimidated by such means as this; it took a lot more to get to Hidaka Ken.
Ran's violet eyes narrowed; he wasn't keen on verbal combat, and especially not on the offensive side of the ordeal. Though he didn't approve of some guy he had never met before, telling him he had an attitude. Maybe it was his pride? The world may never know.
Letting the words pass with a simple glare, Ran turned to Crawford and headed towards the front of the classroom as the brunett took his seat.
Crawford and Schuldig snapped out of their brief fascination at the foreign semi-argument that had just played out before their eyes. The brunett had a feeling that this was going to be somewhat more difficult than he had thought. He would keep Schuldig around. //Just in case things with Fujimiya don't work out.//
As if on cue with Crawford's thoughts, there was a snort from the German, and the maths teacher blinked. //No, people don't read minds. He doesn't know what I'm thinking.// The darkhaired man thought edgily.
"Hey, Brad? You in there, man?"
There was a sudden pressure on his chest as the German elbowed him. Crawford glared. How dare he wake him up from his thoughts-- O, yes. He had a class to teach, didn't he? Well... A student to teach, anyway. He tried not to glare at Ken.
Turning to Fujimiya, he began, "Today's lesson will be on respect and gratitude."
Ran spoke very plainly, in Japanese to Ken, repeating the words Japanese. When Ken nodded, they were clear to continue.
"Gods, Brad. Can't you give the kid something interesting, like--"
"Shut up, Schuldig."
Ran blinked, a dull questioning gaze at whether he should translate that or not. Unlike the former translator, he didn't have a sense of humour. And he really didn't care.
Or at least that's how it looked from Ken's point of view.
Crawford continued, "Gratitude and respect are very well honoured in the English language, though not so common as in Japanese, perhaps. We will begin with how to make a request."
The redheaded Japanese man spoke these words over, sniffing disdainfully when the brunett rolled his eyes.
"I already know this." Ken said quietly, to Ran in Japanese. "Please, Thank you, Sir, Ma'am. I learned even those basics before I came here."
Ran translated to English for Crawford, who blinked.
"Well, then... Let's use the words, if you already know them." The math teacher spoke, lifting a pencil. "Request that I give you this item."
After the translation, Ken blinked. "What do you call the item?"
Ran answered the question himself, this time, "'Pencil' desu." He responded, quietly.
Ken nodded, attempting his English, "Take pencil, please?"
Crawford and Schuldig cringed simoultaneously, Ran remained stoic.
"'May I' is usually the beginning of a request, when speaking English. It's meaning to ask about you, yourself, requesting the object." Crawford explained, letting Ran translate.
"May I take pencil, please?" The brunett tried.
Crawford shook his head, "No."
Ken frowned, looking to Ran, "Is the verb wrong?"
Ran nodded.
"When requesting an object, such as a pencil, it's usually common to ask to 'see' an object." The maths teacher waited for the redhead to explain this.
"What does 'see' mean?"
"It usually means to 'look at' to 'observe' or to 'witness'." Ran explained.
"Am I requesting to view this pencil?"
"No, you are more or less requesting to hold it... I think."
"You don't know?"
"..."
"Well, ask!"
Ran sighed, turning to Crawford, "He wants to know exactly what he's requesting to do with this pencil."
The darkhaired teacher resisted smacking himself on the forehead, "Is it important? He just wants the pencil."
"Yes, but what for?" The redheaded Japanese man new these questions were stupid, but Ken did have a point. Even though it was a rather unimportant one.
"Arg! He wants to hold it!"
Ran relayed this to Ken, "You are asking to 'see' the pencil in the context that you wish to hold it."
"See also means hold?"
"No."
"ARG! I'm confused!"
"Just ask to see the pencil!"
"But then I'm asking to hold the pencil! I'm using a word that doesn't mean hold! How would someone know I meant to hold the pencil if I say 'see'?!"
The redhead felt a very acute migrane coming on, "Then use the English word 'hold', though I garuntee that if you say 'see' people will understand you."
"Fine, then." Ken sighed, "May I see pencil, please?"
"The."
Ken lifted an eyebrow at Ran, "The?"
"You use a definate article to show that you are referring to a particular pencil." [3]
"But there's only one pencil to refer to."
"So use 'the'."
"But--"
"Just. Do. It."
The brunett sighed heavily, "Where does it come in the sentence?"
"Before the noun."
"...Which is?"
"You don't know nouns." It was not a question.
"Not in English."
Ran narrowed his eyes, "You have a long way to go."
"What is the noun, already!?"
"Pencil."
Ken cleared his throat quickly, "May I see the pencil, please?"
"Well done." Crawford nodded and handed the pencil to Ken, who watched it with a confused expression, "Now...?"
"Thank you, sir." The brunett replied.
"Well done, again." The darkhaired man sighed, "I'm a maths teacher. Why the hell am I teaching some Japanese kid to speak English?"
Schuldig chuckled from behind him, rolling his eyes.
Ran sat down.
Ken crossed his arms, narrowing his eyes. A great lot he learned in there today. He could tell the 'lesson' was over for the day.
"Why are you here so early, Fujimiya?" Crawford adjusted his glasses upon his nose.
"I was permitted leave yesterday evening at 23:00."
"And you came onto campus early this morning?"
"Yes, sir." The redhead nodded, glaring at Ken slightly out of the corner of his eyes, "I know that no one is allowed on campus past 20:00. I do not wish to reattend alternative school because of Takatori's ill wishes."
The clock hit 14:20.
* * * * *
Ken sighed, heading towards the library on Sunday afternoon. It was not encouraging that the only Japanese speakers at the academy were either annoying or 'Ran' (the redhead now had his own classification). It seemed that even now that he had spotted those that understood him, they would never understand him.
The Fujimiyas, apparently, were very well known. He had seen over the past two days how crowds parted in their path. Aya, herself, alone could cause no disruption, but when she was with her brother (which was quite often) or when it was her brother who walked alone, heads turned. It was apparent that Aya was adored by her fellow classmates, and sought after by others, but her brother was different.
Fujimiya Ran was a silent and incredibly cold senior. He never cracked a smile, even with his sister, and always tried his best to keep to himself. When people saw him they looked, but no one ever dared to approach him. Ever. It was as if the guy was surrounded with some barrier that exerted so much pressure that people were pushed away without realising that he was even there to be pushed away from (not that you could easily miss someone with hair -that- red).
He had his own fanclub, at his disapproval it seemed; the brunett had caught him even scowl at a girl or two (inparticular the ones wearing great red pens, reading: "FUJIMIYA IS MY GOD"). He never spoke, though, unless it was required.
Shaking his head, the brunett browsed through the 'foreign' area of the library. He really didn't need to think about people like that. He didn't need to lament over the misery of others. //Aa... "Alle Ist Gute".// [4] Ken lifted the book, flipping through the pages. It gave a very thorough explanation on German vocabulary, relating it to the English vocabulary, and some guides on translating words from English to German. He knew enough German to work with it.
Too bad their entire foreign language section centred around Spanish, Ancient Greek, French, German, Latin, Russian, Chinese, Korean, and Portugese. So many selections, but no one ever thought of Japanese.
Ken had decided that he needed to speed up his learning process. Back in Japan, he had gotten more done in a day's class than he had in the three English lessons he had attended at this school. If he ever expected to understand what these people were saying when they spoke to him, or about him, he would have to teach himself at a pace he was accustomed to.
Reaching for a regular English textbook on one shelf, the Japanese boy suddenly sensed someone near him and glanced up. Two violet eyes met his, narrowed dangerously. The brunett, slightly startled by the redhead's sudden appearance, paused for a moment (no real surprise evident on his face), before continuing to reach for his book and pulling it from the shelf. He blew the dust off with one giant, lazy blow.
„Fujimiya san konnichiwa." He bowed lightly, before returning to his business of shuffling his books into some sort of order in his arms-- even though it wasn't working.
"Hn." The redhead responded.
Ken blinked, and lifted an eyebrow at the redhead, "Have you had a nice day?"
"Aa."
The brunett frowned. //Any actual words in the conversation?//
"Why are you here?" Ken tilted his head lightly.
"That's not of your concern."
//Aa, he speaks.// The brunett shrugged at the redhead's response, turning back to his books, "Whatever."
"Hn." The man didn't move, and continued to stand there, staring at Ken. "What are you doing with those books?"
"That's not of your concern." Ken returned, turning to set them on a table behind him with a work book or two and some copies he had printed from Japanese websites-- something to read later.
There was a low sound from the redhead's throat, almost like a growl.
The brunett laughed lightly, and glanced back at the redhead as he stacked his books together and began to dig through his bag for his ID card. "Actually, I'm teaching myself English--"
"How will you manage that?" The redhead didn't really sound interested, simply inquisitive. It was almost as if he was waiting for Ken to tell him something. He took the moment to lean lightly on his side against a book shelf.
"Ano..." Ken glanced down at his books, "I'll look up words in German, that I know, and see the English translations. This book here--" He gestured to 'Alle Ist Gute' "--relates everything in German to an English perspective. So I can track how to make sentences and whatnot." He paused in sudden realization, "I can't believe I'm going to read a textbook."
Ran was silent, examining the books upon the table, before he spoke, "It was you who found me outside Friday evening, am I correct?"
Pausing slightly at the question, the brown-eyed man glanced up at the redhead with a puzzled expression, "Yes..."
"How did you know I was there?" Two violet eyes boar into him dangerously, sending a light chill down his spine. Maybe this guy -could- intimidate him... But just a little.
Ken shrugged nonchallantly, "You aren't exactly a master in the arts of stealth. You were making too much noise--"
"I happened to know a hell of a lot more about shit like that than you probably ever will, Hidaka. How did you know I was there?" The redhead growled, straightened himself and stepped forward threateningly.
The brunett had to restrain himself, Fujimiya didn't know him, and he couldn't very well just tell the man how wrong he was. He pushed back down words that threatened to arise from his throat. He knew his temper was dangerous; he couldn't afford to do anything rash. Instead he simply shook his head, ignoring the heated anger on his face.
"Anyone could have heard you, had they been around." Ken stated plainly, narrowing his own brown eyes at Fujimiya's cold violet ones, "If you feel the need to pick a fight with someone over the cause, maybe you should pick it with yourself for being so goddamned loud--"
"Who are you, Hidaka?" He cut in.
The redhead narrowed his eyes, merely observing Ken (the brunett was beginning to wonder if the guy was even listening when he spoke, the guy seemed susupicious of something). He crossed his arms over his chest, watching the younger man struggle for an answer.
"What do you mean?" Ken blinked.
"I -mean-, who are you?" The redhead asked again, his voice cold and hard as his violet eyes pierced Ken's skin.
There was a silence as Ken tried to figure out the man who stood before him. When he finally came to a conclusion, his response was simple.
"I'm Hidaka Ken. Nothing more. Nothing less." He located the card, and began to reclose his bag.
"Who is Hidaka Ken?" Ran narrowed his eyes to slits, his tone silent yet fierce.
Ken could not allow himself to hesitate, or reveal anything resembling shock or surprise, even though, that was truely how he felt. Without a second thought he smirked and gave the redhead one of those 'what-the-hell-are-you-talking-about' kind of faces, "He's your new English student."
Despite the brunett's actions, no flicker of doubt appeared in the redhead's violet eyes.
* * * * *
Thoughts of the redhead occupied Ken for the remainder of the day. Ran definately suspected Ken of something, it was fairly obvious. That thought disturbed Ken, and made him edgy for the rest of the evening. He had, again, avoided Omi and Nagi, fairly sure that they would be pissed about his actions before.
When he had cut out the lights that Sunday night and laid down to sleep in the dorm room that had no other occupant than himself, he found that not even then did the redhead illude his thoughts. His dream was something else, that evening, other than his usual memories... but the memories were still there, just in a different form.
* * * * *
Ken was walking the cement path like he had the Friday evening two nights ago. It was dark out, a bit past 21:00, and only a few seniors littered the yards of the campus, just as they had that night two nights before. He was simply walking for exercise, walking to walk, but his mind was not occupied with thoughts of soccer or his new school. His feet were carrying him towards the trees, in the direction he had first walked on the path that Friday evening. He tried to veer off and cut across the grass, instead, but his feet would not allow it.
He continued to walk, entering the small grove of trees that the path seemed to cut through. Many trees surrounded the lawns of the school, usually much thicker than this small one small group, but for some reason, being underneath the thick leafy boughs of the ten or eleven trees surrounding him, Ken felt like he was suffocating. He felt the heated dampness of sweat upon his skin, soaking into his clothes and hair. He took very deep breaths, struggling to keep oxygen in his lungs, even as the trees around him seemed to shift closer.
It had always been there. That fear. [C!]
Ken watched in helplessness, unable to move his legs as the trees crept even closer to his body. His breaths became deeper, and harder to catch. It was as if the air was fleeing from the moving trees, and from Ken himself. It was fleeing to the lawns where everything was open and nonrestricting. There was no longer anything for Ken to breathe and take in, and he felt himself begin to choke on something... A sob, trying to escape his throat.
As light as the wind, the voice taunted him, and Ken could feel the eyes boaring into his back. Eyes that he had once known.
"Come now, Kenken. Still crying over -that-?"
The trees were moving closer, more slowly, though, as the voice spoke.
"Aa, my love. Why is it you run from me? Are you angry with me..?"
Ken's blood began to boil as he suddenly sensed the warmth of hushed breaths upon the back of his neck. He was kneeling, now, and clutching at his throat and chest for breath. He needed to breath, but the air was gone!
A hand soft placed upon his back, now bare. The feeling of another's skin against his own. He cringed, hating the touch and wanting to wretch at the torrent of thoughts that whirled around him.
"Or maybe you're afraid of me..? Won't you let me know where you are?"
The breaths cascaded lightly over Ken's back, mingling with the horrible feeling of that touch, but Ken was now blind in his struggle for breath. He could not see the man who taunted him. He didn't need to see him, to know.
"Where are you, Ken?" The voice spoke, softly, "My Ken."
Unable to take it any longer, despite his lack of breath, Ken spun around as quickly as his knees would enable him on the ground.
Only to find himself alone. The presence was gone. The trees didn't refrain from continuing their path towards him, though. He had to get out of the trees, but he couldn't move. He closed his eyes, holding the little breath he had left, preparing to meet his fate, however it came to him.
The sound of someone's breathing, again reached his ears. Though this pattern was not familiar, he knew he had heard it before. He had heard it that night two nights ago, walking on this same path.
He lifted his head, despite his sickening dizziness. The trees were still drawing in. His eyes scanned about to meet the cold violet eyes of Fujimiya Ran, now standing before him, an antique katana clutched in his right hand.
"Get you back, you demon."
Ken felt himself stumble backwards, farther onto the ground, unable to hide his fear and confusion.
"Get you back to the regions of hell from whence you came." Without hesitation the redhead drew up the sword into an expert's stance, and brought the weapon down to swing right at his torso.
And right before the weapon could begin to sweep down at the brunett's defenceless body, "Seek no solace here."
* * * * *
Notes--
[1] ...Because it's the best. :) My Drama teacher makes us watch it every time he's absent. Including today. (Next time they'll watch the Spice Girls film and do anxiety paintings with water colours.)
[2] "Foreign exchange" here is not used in a financial manner, or a 'oh-look-this-kid's-from-Germany-and-has-come-to-America-to-go-to-my-school-for-a-year-wow' manner. Just to avoid confusion.
[3] I'm probably going to teach English when I grow up. Damn. I knew God hated me, but not this much. _
[4] "Alle Ist Gute" is a real book. I've seen it in our library; I've just never really touched it or anything, so I shall steal the title, just for that, alright? Let's assume it teaches German vocabulary from an English perspective, and Ken is going to use it in reverse to teach himself English through the German. Alle ist klar, ja? Toll!
[C!] Challenge: What kind of fear does Ken have? Can you figure it out? It's not diificult.
* * * * *
Thank you to my reviewers:
Denea BloodMoon: (chpt 3) Yes. Yes, I am.
Shinigami: (chpt 3) Aa! So glad to see you are enjoying this! ^_^ Dione and Murphy, you say? I'll have to rewatch the film. I suppose I'll take your word for it. Yes, OmiNagi is a featured pairing, and I'll go a little more into that later. How did Youji get detention? Who knows? He's Youji; propbably public indecency or something. And if you're a Kase fan, that shouldn't last too long in this fic. Kase is a bad, bad, bad, man. That's all I'll say about the matter. :) Youji and Schu will be on and off throughout the fic, so don't worry. They are currently on the staff payroll under 'comic relief'. Thanks for your comments!
Cece: I'm happy to see you are enjoying the fic and that you like Ken. It may seem a bit OOC for Kenken, but I'm happy to see it's well accepted. Yes, the RanKen is coming, but keep in mind: 'We have just hit the ball, it has to pass a few obstacles and run the course before it can get to the hole.' (Ugh, golf analogies. P) Thank you for reviewing, though! I have enjoyed your comments!
Laurel-Crowned: I'm happy to see you enjoy the characterisation! I was worried about the Farfie bit. it's good to see him well taken. Yea, Kenken doesn't get many breaks, ne? It's probably going to get worse. :( Thank you for your comments, though! They are very much appreciated!
Shime: Farfie is pretty crazy, you'll see more of it later, I hope. And I couldn't resist the blender part. it's just not Farf without a blender, ya know? ^_^ Thank you for your comments!
lil yu jah: I believe you just answered your own question. ^_^
kaen-chan: Aa! Your reviews are so genki. :) I'm very happy to see you're enjoying the fic! Thank you for your review!
LittleIsa: I'm happy you're enjoying the fic! Thanks for reading! :)
Midnight Katana: Er... I wouldn't suggest painting with your blood. You should definately use someone elses. ^_^ Thanks for reading, and yoru review!
Mikoto The Gnome Girl: Yay! for symbolism! I'm happy you liked it. Thanks for reading.
Fuyukaze-Yuki: I'm so happy you're enjoying this. "Blood Work" was referring to Ken's painting... It's very symbolic. Farfarello, as you will se later, is good at picking out what people are thinking of when they are doing art. Especially with Ken's little episode of anger, he could just kind of look at Ken's painting and tell that Ken was thinking about something violent. Ken also cut himself while making the painting, so... Oi. Yea, I guess Ken's the bloody artist. He also put his blood on the painting, so... Ahem. Yea. -_-;; Thank you for reviewing, though! ;) It is very much appreciated! Oh... And you're "Ran in black" thing just gave me a wicked idea about a Men in Black parody. Heh heh!
AstralKitten: ^_^ I'm very happy you are enjoying this fic, and your comments are very thoughtful. They motivate me to write. Thank you so much for your comments!
xxkurenaixx: Another genki reviewer! ^_^ The energy radiates from your reviews! I'm happy you are liking this fic so far, I hope you continue to enjoy it this much. :) Thank you for your review!
Wefty-chan: Daily!? I'm sorry I haven't updated in a while, I hope you will continue to read. ^_^ Thank you for your review!
akai yuki: I'm happy you are enjoying the fic; thank you for reviewing!
Akiko Yuy: Happy to see you like the fic. Thanks for your review!
Jenny: Thank you! I'm happy you like the characterisation! Ken's not really soulless, you'll see. He's just got that really angsty thing going on, so he pretty much thinks he's soulless. ^_^ Yea, I haven't seen any soulless Ken fics, either, but oh well. I'm happy you like it. I hope you will continue reading. Thanks for your review.
Alz-chan: I'm happy to see you enjoying this fic as well. :) Thanks for reviewing!
newtypeshadow: Yes! Farf's art class would be awesome. Aa, you are very good at picking out the general direction this fic is headed. You've got a very good idea of what's going to be happening. The Aya 'thing' will come up in the next chapter, and we'll see more about Aya's... infatuation... with Kenken. She'll probably be a bit more accepting to Ken's temper than you would think, though. ^_^ We'll see how much Ran likes Aya hanging all over Ken. Ho-ho! That should be the interesting part. Thanks for your reviews! They are motivating me to write!
Whisper Reilman: Aa! I love your idea about Ran and Ken being roommates! ^____^ I love it! Should I do it? I really want to... Aa! I -LOVE- it! That would be so funny. I am getting some really strange ideas for it... I think I may do that. Ran would place post it notes on everything in the room with the English word for the object written on each one, and Ken would think Ran had too much free time, and-- Aa! I -love- that idea. Thank you so much for your review; and your idea! Thank you! :D
* * * * * (Meanwhile, in a near by sushi bar...)
Ran: *Blandishes his katana* You made me a cold bastard. _
Peanut Gallery: ...
Cricket: Chirp.
Ran: A cold bastard! _
Peanut Gallery: ...
Seph: But you are a cold bastard, are you not? ^^;;
Ran: No! *Glares* Ken, tell her! _
Ken: ... *Looks away shamefully* I'm sorry, Ran. You are a cold bastard. -_-;;
Ran: Am not! *Pouts*
Seph: ^_^ That's okkei, RaRa. We love you anyway. *Glomps*
Ran: *Glares* No more 'RaRa', and please GET OFF! _
THE Review Button of DOOM: And now I bring you... Cyber Porn.
SuperULTRAsExYcHIC2638490272529303: *gets naked*
I_have_An_STD_83463920371290: *gets naked*
SuperULTRAsExYcHIC2638490272529303: *forplays*
I_have_An_STD_83463920371290: *forplays*
SuperULTRAsExYcHIC2638490272529303: *has sex*
I_have_An_STD_83463920371290: *has sex*
SuperULTRAsExYcHIC2638490272529303: *smokes*
I_have_An_STD_83463920371290: taht wuz fun! c ya 2moro! luvs u!
THE Review Button of DOOM: Now, if you never want to see that (or 'taht') again. Click me.