Chapter Seven
Nagi landed soundlessly on to the pavement. He glanced up at the lighted window, and knew it was only a matter of moments before Abyssininan would be beyond his control. How ironic that he was depending on his enemy to protect Yue. Honestly, he didn't understand why he was so protective of the blonde. There was something about Yue that made Nagi want to believe that this cruel world had more to offer then just falsities. That it was okay to try and hope.
Nagi frowned as he stepped on to the pavement. How strange he was...and how fickle. To let one girl begin to change him from the mold the world have trapped him in... For he had realized she was a girl; from just that one stolen kiss he knew, and it was only now that he was allowing himself to believe it. He'd protect her from Schuldich at all costs.
************
Yohji had always joked that one day, one of them would meet the short end of Aya's Katana. In all honesty, Omi was convinced that it would be the blonde playboy. Kami-sama knew that the self proclaimed Don Juan of Tokyo loved to push buttons. Especially the ones he wasn't supposed to, which meant Aya's buttons was high on his list. How the man had survived to the age of twenty-two was beyond him. Omi would make sure to ask later.
That was if, and only if, Aya remembered that it wasn't a good idea to maim his teammate. Kritiker tended to look down on those things.
Behind him, Yue gripped the back of his shirt. Omi could easily imagine those big blue of his eyes staring in fear at the unfazed redhead. Not that Omi could blame him. Playing samurai with a guest wasn't exactly good manners.
"Oi! Aya put down that oversized butter knife!" Yohji exclaimed for the doorway. An unlit cigarette hung from the corner of his month. The man was obviously dressed for a night on the town in leather pants and unbuttoned red silk shirt. "You're scaring the poor kid."
Aya ignored the older man, violet eyes focused on Yue. "Answers. Now."
"...Eh?" Was the only eloquent response Usagi could muster. Besides "Please don't kill me!!! I'M TOO YOUNG TO DIE!!!" She was pretty sure, that wouldn't score her any points with Mr. Gorgeous and Deadly.
"What are you doing here?" Aya bit out, lowering his katana slightly.
"Nagi-kun brought me." Usagi buried her head into Omi's back, when Aya's glared at her for stating the obvious. He was almost as scary as any youma that she had gone up against in the past. "He thought I'd be safer here with Omi-kun than with Schuldich." She explained softly, as she studied the texture of Omi's shirt. " I don't think he liked Schuldich kissing me..."
"Heh," Yohji chuckled. "Told you that Schwarz bastard swung that way."
"Kudou."
"Come on, fearless leader. Loosen up," Yohji drawled slinging an arm about Aya's shoulder. "Can't you see, our little Omi is only trying protect his little boyfriend from your letter opener?"
"NANI???!!!"
"YOHJI-KUN!!!"
"Kudou."
Ken sleepily stepped in, rubbing one eye. The brunette looked at the two young boys and turned around, muttering about aliens taking over the earth and making human tomatoes.
"He was watching the Sci Fi channel again, wasn't he?"
***********
Schuldich couldn't have planned it better, Nagi thought as he closed the door.
The Schwarz headquarters was impressively dark, Farfarello must have been pleased. The only source of light was the glowing blackend orange tip of the German's cigarette. The dark shadows of tree limbs danced across the floor, blocking out the moonlight.
Schuldich sat lazily on the window sill, one foot propped up as he smoked. Elbow on his knee, cigarette at hand; caught seemingly unaware. Only a fool would ever think the Mastermind was ever caught off guard. "Do you really think that the kitties could really stop me from getting me what I want, chibi?"
"No." Nagi replied stoically. "But at least it would give me time to think of something better to protect Yue."
Schuldich laughed. "What makes you think he wants to be protected from me, chibi. Yue-chan responds quite deliciously to simple kisses, you know. My little toy's lips are far softer than they look. I can't wait to taste the rest of our darling Yue-chan. Maybe when I get bored with the little...rabbit I'll let you have a go. Afterall, sharing is caring."
"Stay away from her." Nagi clutched his fists as Schuldich's laughter reached his ears. Normally he was able to ignore the German's constant attempts to bait him. But his orange haired teammate was trudging close to dangerous waters by taunting Nagi with the absent blonde.
Schuldich smirked at the young boy, inwardly fuming. The chibi knew Usagi's secret, but how had the brat found out? "Go ahead, lash out." With a predator's grace, he stood and held his hands out in mock surrender. "Try and fight me chibi, but I do have to tell you. It's a losing game. The rabbit is mine, no matter what she says. But if it'll make you feel better. I'll let you get in one-"
With a sweeping motion of his right hand, Nagi slammed the orange haired German against the wall. Schuldich's left arm flew out and crashed through the window. He easily landed on his feet, his arm bleeding, the amused look never leaving his face. He brought a bloody fingertip to his lips and licked the wound. "Wasn't that fun, chibi?" Moving closer he fed Nagi little mental images of Usagi, of their kisses, her feelings and her responses. The boy didn't even realize that he was mere inches away from him. "Almost as fun having Yue beneath me."
Schuldich smirked at the young boy. Really, he had thought better of the boy. The young prodigy, unflappable in this killing game that was their life, brought to his knees by a mere slip of a girl in disguise. It was almost laughable how the chibi wanted to lash out at him. But he wouldn't. No, Crawford had him too well trained for that to ever happen.
"Leave him alone, Schuldich."
Speak of the devil.
The German scowled, but took a step away from the telekinetic as the American stepped into the room. "Just clearing up a few things between me and the chibi here."
"About Miss Usagi."
Schuldich arched a brow and smirked. "So you knew?" He should have known. The damnable American was always one step ahead of everyone else. Why else would he have allowed the small blonde into their humble abode. Crawford barely tolerated him, much less a strange little blonde stray Nagi brought in. Schuldich chuckled lowly. "Poor little rabbit thinks she's fooled you two. All of that guilt for nothing."
Crawford pushed back his glasses with his index finger, as he continuing reading the folders in his hand. For all appearances, ignoring the German. "That has no importance to me," he stated blandly, turning to the youngest member of his team. Handing Nagi the folders, "I trust dealing with this paperwork won't take you long?"
His anger now in check, Nagi obediently took the folders. He scanned the contents, and a ghost of smile twitched at his lips. The German would not like these turn of events. "No, it won't."
Crawford waited until Nagi entered his room and heard the soft hum of his computer, before turning to Schuldich. The German leaned against the wall and waited. "For how long do you insist on toying with the girl?"
Schuldich arched a brow, "Why would the mighty Crawford care? She's of no importance to you."
"That may be," Crawford replied, sounding bored. "But gentlemen or your superiors never reveal their true intentions, sensei."
Schuldich jerked away from the wall. Bradley Crawford couldn't have any possible interest in his Usagi. Throughout the years Schuldich had come to the conclusion that the American was asexual. He yearned to delve into the American's mind and find those intentions. From the knowing look on Crawford's face, the American was well aware of what Schuldich wished to do. "Are you going to try and rain on my parade, Bradley?"
"I already have," Crawford replied, taking no notice of the annoying use of his first name. "By the way, Schuldich. You know I heartily look down on tardiness. As principal, I'll constantly be looking in on you tomorrow, Schuldich-sensei."
Expletives followed the American as Crawford walked back to his office.
************
Omi yawned sleepily as he pulled on his sweater. It had been a late night. After Aya had calmed down and finally sheathed his katana, Yue's presence was finally explained to the disgruntled red head, with more then a few complaints from Yohji- who missed his nightly rendezvous on the town- and Ken's constant nodding off. In the end, Aya had decided that Yue wasn't fatally dangerous, which was probably due to the fact he pulled a Ken. Otherwise known as tripping over a potted plant that was inches away from his foot and landed on his rump with a rueful smile on his face.
Though it was also decided that Schuldich's and Nagi's presence at their school was more than enough reason to post Weiss, themselves, on the school grounds. So while the rest of his teammates got to retire for the night, Omi got the privilege of hacking into the school computer system. Considering there was only one job opening, Omi had to get creative. He hoped Yohji didn't kill him...
He really hoped the school nurse enjoyed her sudden all-expenses-paid trip to Hokkaido. Though he wasn't really sure that she would take her husband. With all the patients the gym teacher sent her way, Omi was kind of worried that the nurse would decide to take a vacation from martial bliss.
Reaching the kitchen table, Omi could only let a sigh.
At the breakfast table, Yohji was giving Yue pointers on how to be a man. "You're really scrawny, so you should try to bulk up. Now I don't mean bulk up until you have no neck. The ladies don't like that; I don't think Omi does either. But at least get a nice looking six pack, like this." The playboy lifted his shirt, and showed off his abs.
"I'm not scrawny, " mumbled Usagi, beet red. "Just small boned."
"Yeah," Yohji agreed, "scrawny."
Usagi huffed, indignantly and stole a glance at Aya. "Aya-san is feminine looking too. Why don't you tease him?"
Yohji laughed as Aya glared at them. "I don't have a death wish. If I die, I wanna die with a harem of ladies surrounding me and feeding me grapes."
Aya snorted at the ridiculous thought.
"You mean like last night?" Ken questioned, grinning as the older blonde shuddered involuntary.
"I thought we agreed never to speak of that again." Yohji muttered, downing his coffee.
"Then you should leave, Yue-kun alone." Omi scolded as he sat down next to the blonde.
Usagi beamed up at him. "Ohayo, Omi-kun!"
Omi blushed as Yohji nudged him with a sly smirk on his face. "O-Ohayo, Yue."
"Aya-san made us a delicious breakfast!" Usagi explained cheerfully. "This is really nice. Sitting down and actually eating breakfast. Usually I miss breakfast, because I'm always waking up late and I have to go running all the way to school. Lately Crawford-san has been driving me to school. Isn't that nice of him? He likes that kind of music that can put you to sleep though. You know the "La la la la la la da la da..."
"Mozart." Aya stated irritated. The boy went on and on, as if all was well in the world. Tonight he would have to make sure that Omi didn't set his alarm clock. If the boy was late, so be it. It would mean no inane chatter. He glared at Yohji, who was clearly enjoying the scene unfolding. Well, no more inane chatter then usual. Balinese was more than enough.
"Huh?" Usagi looked at the red head, confused. Aya ignored her, as he got up. Usagi frowned, staring after him. She had thought she had finally gotten on his good side. All throughout the breakfast preparations, he tolerated her and even let her help him with breakfast. Maybe he was mad about the tea kettle she scorched.
Omi stole a glance at Yue. He knew it was ridiculous, but he was suddenly jealous of Aya. It wasn't like the man, went out of his way to be kind to Yue. Yet, the red head had easily captured the blonde's attention. It wasn't fair.
Usagi giggled as she waved her hand in front of Omi's face, who appeared lost in his thoughts. "Omi-kun?" She murmured, while debating whether or not to steal his toast. With her other hand, she grabbed the piece of toast, still trying to get Omi's attention.
Yohji chuckled. Not only was Yue feminine looking, he acted startlingly feminine. Most guys would just kick and curse out their buddies to get their attention. Not, Yue. Instead the blonde fluttered his hand about, and giggled. Someone really messed up with raising Yue. "Omi, your boyfriend is calling you."
"EH?!!!" Exclaimed the two blondes. That really pulled Omi from his thoughts.
"Stop teasing them, Yohji." defended Ken.
"Why?" Yohji drawled, " Is it making you jealous that the chibi here, has a relationship before you, Ken-kun?"
Considering that his mouth was full, Ken could only respond with the middle finger.
Yohji smirked. "Sorry, you don't have the assets required to do so."
"YOHJI YO-"
"Excuse me, Kudou-san!" Usagi spoke up, miffed. "Just because Omi-kun kissed me, doesn't mean we have a relationship!"
Both older men stared at their youngest teammate. Poor Omi was scarlet red, as he slumped down in his seat. "It's not so nice to tease us about something that's not true. You should be ashamed of your-" Usagi continued on, before Omi grabbed her wrist and pulled her from the table.
"It'slate!We'reallyhavetogo!" Was the jumbled phrase left in the
duo's place. A small thud echoed from the living followed by a "GomenAya!!!"
Before the door creaked open and was slammed shut.
Yohji chuckled into his coffee mug as Aya re-entered the kitchen. Our little Omi has made it to first base. He thumped a closed fist over his chest. I'm so proud! He stated melodramatically and got a something thrown in his face for his efforts. What the hell is this?
It's a hairnet stupid, Ken replied.
I can see that, soccer balls for brains!
Aya ignored their childish banter. You're the lunch lady, Kudou.
************
Usagi closed her eyes, as the wind whipped around them. At a sudden turn, she tightened her grip about Omi's waist and hoped that the drive to school was almost over. No matter how many times Haruka had give her rides on her motorcycle, Usagi could never stomach sharp turns. She always felt that, she would suddenly be thrown onto the pavement and crushed by incoming traffic. Not exactly the way, Usagi planned to go and meet her maker.
Omi came to a slow stop, by the school gates. His earlier embarrassment and hurt caused by Yue's innocent comments were gone, though he would have to talk to the smaller boy. Omi really needed to know what that impulsive kiss between them meant. He knew what he wanted that kiss mean, but Omi was completely clueless in regards to Yue's actual feelings. Which reminded him... Yue? We've stopped.
The blonde didn't seem that willing to relinquish his hold. And that was how Nagi came across them.
Omi almost didn't recognize the youngest member of Schwarz, without his omnipresent gray uniform. Dressed in a blue sweater version Yue's and Omi's uniform, Nagi stood at the schools gates. More than a handful of girls lingering about him, trying to engage Nagi in some form of conversation with no luck. His hands on Yue's, trying to loosen the grip, Omi could tell Nagi was displeased at their closeness as the younger boy walked over.
Nagi said nothing to the enemy he was forced to entrust Yue to, as he rested his hand on Yue's shoulder. Yue-kun? Daijoubi?
At the sound of another voice calling for her attention, Usagi cracked one eye opened and almost fell off of Omi's bike. Usagi, all but hopped off the bike and tackled Nagi to ground. I've missed you!
Removing his helmet, Omi noted Nagi's usually stern expression soften at her words. It's only been a few hours since we last seen each other.
Usagi smiled at him, I know, but I still missed you. she stated, pleasantly. Now what classes do you have? Some with me right? Please tell me, you at least have gym with me? Right?! That class is horrible!
After securing his bike, Omi hurried to catch up with Yue and Nagi at the front doors. While the two had entered into an uneasy truce, when the younger boy brought Yue to him, didn't mean that Omi could exactly trust him. Yue smiled at him, as Omi fell into pace besides him. Afterall all was fair in love and war.
************
Schuldich lounged grumpily in the faculty room.
He knew the moment that Usagi stepped foot onto school grounds, yet couldn't do anything about it. Why? Because an idiotic American by the name of Crawford was out to ruin his little cat and mouse games. Not only that, but just the thought of Crawford having an inkling of interest in the little blonde irked him.
The Weiss kitties and the chibi were one thing. In fact they made his little game more enjoyable with all their inexperience and blundering about his Usagi. Besides, he had always been the type to enjoy stealing candies from little babies, figuratively speaking.
Now Crawford, could change the whole scheme of his plans. No, it did change everything. The American was a immovable pain in the ass. Besides the fact that Schuldich was unable to Crawford's mind shield, thanks to Este training. The man was a master tactician, able to maneuver any situation to his benefit. There was no doubt in Schuldich's mind, that Crawford would still hold that maddening ability, even if he had been born without his clairvoyance.
Schuldich had yet to best the American. But he wasn't about to lose his newest pet to anyone.
Putting out his cigarette with a evil smirk, Schuldich stalked to his feet. Jerking the door opened he grinned at the startled face of a certain clumsy kitty.
Ken instinctively reached for his weapon and cursed his luck. Schuldich snickered. Did the kitty lose something?
The elderly secretary giving Ken the tour, pounded the soccer player across the back. You two know each other? Good, good. He can give you the school tour. My hip has been acting up. Can't keep up with you, young people anymore. Don't want to, especially with this pirate looking one. Why in my day, men had proper haircuts and didn't go around looking like girls. Unless they were...you know, a bit queer, rambled the secretary. Ken fought to kept his composure as Schuldich silently glowered at the woman. The old lady looked up at Ken and patted his cheek. You look like such a sweet boy, the students are going to love you. Watch out for the girls. We, girls are vindictive when we want something, sonny. You are straight, right? Unlike your girly red haired friend? I'm kinda iffy with him being, the new school nurse and all.
So Abyssininan had joined the foray. That kitten was rather amusing when his fur was all riled.
But the other one... The women tittered, as she hobbled away. He's so charming!
So, he had all four Weiss kittens to play with...How amusing.
Yeah, Yohji flirts with anything in a skirt. A female store mannequin.
A lady from the
prehistoric period. It's all the same to him, mumbled Kenji with
a red face.
And what does a clumsy oaf, like you flirt with? Schuldich sneered.
Ken ignored him, diligently studying the student map given to him. He was here. The teachers' faculty lounge and he had to get X'. The gymnasium. Now he remembered why he hated school...
He always got lost. And now he was stuck with Schuldich.
Now he knew why teachers were always giving out extra homework.
***********
Usagi stretched her arms as the bell rang and her classmates filed out of the room. Omi chuckled as his friend eyed the clock ruefully.
Come on, Yue-kun. We're going to be late and that's going to mean fifty push ups. Usagi shuddered at the thought of more pain and got up.
This class is worse than health! Usagi mumbled. And that's saying a lot.
Omi disagreed. He'd rather take on the school's football team than watch
Schuldich harass Yue. Maybe today won't be so bad. It can't
be. Ken was teaching the class and he
was a great coach, at least that was what his little league team thought. We
might even start a different unit.
Yeah? Well I was tired having of a football imprinted on to my stomach. Usagi joked, Time to show the school nurse a different shaped bruise!
Yue-kun, that's not a good thing. Omi replied as he pulled opened the locker room door.
What's not a good thing? A quiet voice demanded.
Usagi was oblivious to the tension surrounding her. The blonde was just happy that she had another friend in her gym class. Afterall, there was strength in numbers.
Hey! What's with blocking the doorway?
Usagi whipped around to see, Ken coming around the corridor. What was he doing?! The older young man smiled warmly at the trio, and motioned for them to enter the locker room. She stared at Omi, wanting an answer. The sandy haired blonde shrugged, a sheepish look on his face.
What are you doing here, Hideka? Nagi asked already knowing the answer. Crawford had already seen Weiss' infiltration of the school, due to their suspicions the night before. They were going to be in for a rude awakening when Weiss found out who was charged.
Teaching gym, Ken stated easily as though the presence of his enemy did not bother him, one bit. You three should get ready, wouldn't want to mark you tardy. Ken teased as he shrugged out of his shirt to change into gym clothes as he walked.
Usagi's eyes were wide as saucers as she stared at Ken. It was true that, she spent most of her time flustered and closed-eyed in the boy's locker. But from the bits and pieces she'd seen, none of the boys had the lean tan muscle arms, or the broad shoulders, or a six pack that would put Yohji to shame. Really? Why did she have this insane urge to touch him? To see if he felt as good as he looked?
Yue-kun, you shouldn't stare. It's rude. Nagi informed her, jealous of the brunette.
Usagi flushed at Nagi's words. I-I-I wasn't staring!!! She exclaimed. Omi! Tell Nagi-kun I wasn't staring!!
Oh, Yue was staring, Omi thought grumpily. Why couldn't he have ugly teammates? He should be glad that Yohji had continuously insulted Yue with his How to Be A Man' lectures. Yohji had no chance of catching Yue's attention. We need to get ready.
Usagi pouted, as she grabbed Nagi's arm ruining the younger boy's concentration. Suddenly, the crate of soccer balls crashed into Ken, sending the brunette sprawling on to the floor and the balls flying. Usagi shoved Nagi out of the way, as the balls headed straight at them.
All three assassins exclaimed, as the small figure slumped to the floor
Dazed blue eyes tried to focus, with out much luck. A silly smile graced Yue's bruised face. I think...I fell down?
What is going on here? An authoritative voice demanded.
Ken hissed, instantly on guard.
Principal Crawford, the American corrected. Now, do I have to repeat my question? The room seemed to freeze several degrees below zero, at his tone.
He almost killed a student! One senior called out.
Yeah right! Other laughed.
That wimp, has the luck of devil.
Didn't you see the hits, he took yesterday?
Yeah! He makes a great punching bag.
So this is how you conduct your class, Mr. Hideka? Crawford, inquired. I fail to see the effectiveness of knocking out your student.
Ken frowned at the American as he shouldered the blonde. It's Hideka-san.
Excuse me?
We're in Japan, so it's Hideka-san. Ken corrected, with a forced smile.
Crawford ignored him, as he proceeded to the nurse's office with the blonde victim. Hideka-san, this will be reflected in your paycheck.
We're getting paid?!
*************
Crawford, settled the blonde on to an available cot in the empty nurse's office. Vaguely he wondered where Weiss' fearless leader was at, as he observed Usagi's small sleeping face. Abyssininan was the only one unaccounted for. Balinese had come in loud and annoying.
A soft sigh escaped the sleeping blonde, creating an serene picture. Why did this child catch his attention? He had seen many women far more beautiful. More exotic, almost resplendent. More then a few had made him offers, that a normal man wouldn't dare resist. But those practiced seductive smiles and come hither stares, revealed intentions as cold-blooded as Este made their pupils. In the end killing them, ruining their lives as they deserved, was far more satisfying.
Yet, this child was different. Her actions were never revealed to him. With common sense he could second guess her actions, which were more than foolish for the most part. With folds of people surrounding her, Crawford knew what was to be.
Yet, she escaped him.
And Crawford was not a man who liked to be left in the dark.
Crawford never looking directly at Fujimiya, he nodded his head in slight acknowledgment. It's school policy that doors remain locked when a faculty member is not present, Fujimiya. Take care never to do so again.
Aya glared after the American. What in the hell was the Schwarz leader doing here? Were all of Schwarz present? Of all the places to come face to face with one's enemy. Where one couldn't pulled out their weapons and duke it out. Where there were annoying adolescent females who were intent on getting any good looking teacher fired for improper student-teacher relationships....
Aya scowled down at the sleeping blonde as Yue began chewing on his pillow. What was the tiresome brat doing here? Yue Liang didn't look like much, but there had to be something different about him. The small boy had both Schwarz and Weiss ensnared. Yet he was completely clueless about it.
Aya sighed, pulling out an ice pack. He settled it gently over Yue's bruised nose. The boy wasn't really tiresome, it was just that this morning...It was.
It was a flash back to the past. As the boy chattered sleepily about anything and everything, while ruining the simplest of breakfast foods. It was like Aya-chan was back in his life. He was back to the point where, he was happy. He had his family and...
Life was okay...Aya glared at the window.
That was in the past. All that mattered was his revenge. Aya glanced at Yue and finding out why this boy was so important to Schwarz.
Aya-chan used to chew her pillow liked that.
***********
In the school lunchroom... Yohji. Hairnet and all.
I'm gonna kill Omi.