A/N: This chapter is all about Kazuki's and Ban's (and Juubei's, too) past from 6 years ago. :D Please also take note that this chapter happened outside Mugenjou. It happened… somewhere (I'm so pathetic) inside Japan, sometime before Kazuki and Juubei fled to Mugenjou, ne? I also wanna thank Tsuzuki for saying a few words: "what? game! tell me if you need something!" -.- I kept saying, 'help me with this!' but… what the hell. ;; No credit for you today, girl.

Dedications: For everyone who reviewed, particularly AmAnOaNdIn. Labyu!

A small but important note: Please, please, please review! If I don't get at least 5 different reviews, this will dishearten me and I won't be able to write anymore. :(

Standard disclaimers apply.

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Yume o Miru

By: Star of FallinOutFallinIn

Chapter Three: Past Revisited

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=.=Flashback=.=

"Juubei! Let's eat ice cream!" said a 14-year-old, hyper-active Kazuki.

"Eh? Ice cream again, Kazuki?" a surprised Juubei said. Kazuki just pouted then pretended to whimper, saying things like Juubei doesn't want him around anymore, Juubei hates him, et cetera. So after a while, Juubei gave in.

After asking permission, they went to the store, Idiot's Ice Cream. It was the only ice cream parlor in town, and it was everyone's favorite (;). Kazuki was disappointed when he found out that Idiot's Ice Cream was closed.

"Oh damn, it's closed!"

Kazuki glanced at the person beside him, knowing that it's not Juubei. The boy, around his age, was quite good-looking, with his black, straight hair that matched his purple pair of sunglasses (well, erm… I think it's a pair of sunglasses. ;) and striking purple-blue eyes.

Kazuki blinked.

The person blinked. "What's your name?"

Kazuki broke off from his trance, then smiled, "My name is Kazuki," he said, extending his hand, "nice to meet you! How about you, what's your name?" The boy stared Kazuki's extended hand or a moment, then took it.

"Ban."

Kazuki nodded, letting go. "Oh, by the way, this is Juubei."

Juubei was already frowning, thinking that Kazuki completely forgot about him.

Ban only nodded. "Fine. Whatever."

Juubei once again frowned.

"Anyway, Ban-san, wanna go for a walk?"

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Juubei punched Ban hard in the face, causing Ban to tumble down the stairs.

"What do you want?!"

"I saw your look on Kazuki. Are you a stalker or what?!" was Juubei's angered reply.

"Ha! You're just jealous because Kazuki doesn't spend time with you anymore!"

Juubei's face literally crunched up. "No, I'm not! I… I just care for him, that's all!"

Ban stood up, then patted Juubei on the back. "I care for him too, Juubei. But it's not right to judge people. Kazuki doesn't approve of that," Ban said while walking away.

But both of them didn't hear or notice the rustling of leaves and a shadowy figure retreating fast.

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"Eh?! Kazuki, what happened to your hair?!" A very flabbergasted Ban said.

Kazuki just laughed. "I cut it. Isn't it apparent?"

"Well… well… it IS. But… why?"

"Well, I am a little annoyed and bothered by my long hair," Kazuki answered. He then smiled sweetly at Ban. It was so sweet that Ban felt himself blush at this. Ban normally didn't care if anyone smiled sweetly at him. In fact, he found it… hideous. But the sight of Kazuki, smiling at HIM, was simply… mesmerizing. Hypnotic!

"Ban-san? Are you still there?"

Ban snapped out of his hypnotic state when he realized Kazuki was staring at him like he was an alien from mars. "Eh? What did you say?" Kazuki sighed, then smiled again.

"I was asking if I look good in my new haircut," said the brown-haired boy, "I cut it myself!" Kazuki said, quite proudly.

"Eh? Yes, absolutely! I… really, honest! I… I like it! Uhm, in fact, you actually look great! I mean, it looks good on you!" he found himself tongue-tied and at the same time staring at the alien from Venus before him.

Kazuki tried not to laugh, seeing his friend tongue-tied. "Ah… really? Sankyuu!" then he kissed Ban on the cheeks. Ban blushed again, then observed the retreating form of Kazuki.

Ban couldn't believe that a guy could actually be this feminine. He was so slender. Ban was skinny, but he didn't have those curves, like Kazuki's. Those who don't know this guy would probably mistake him for a guy, and grope him, considering he also had a cute and kiss-able face and lips.

Ban punched his own head. What the hell was he thinking?!

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Juubei eyed Ban suspiciously. They've known each other for almost 2 and a half months, but Juubei and Ban had been into fights for almost twice a week. If not, thrice.

And if Kazuki wasn't there to stop the two of them, they would be probably dead right now, eaten by hundreds and thousands of insects.

Ban was feeding Kazuki ice cream, and Juubei felt slightly jealous. Kazuki was spending less time with him, and it was all simpleton Ban's fault.

"Say aaaahhh… baby Kazuki,"

Juubei made a face. He thought, "Kazuki is definitely not your baby, imbecile. You are probably the corniest person I've ever met."

"Here is your mint chocolate chip ice cream airplane, baby!" Juubei frowned again then imitated Ban in a mocking tone.

"Ban! You're being too mushy!" Kazuki said, pretending to be irritated. But inside, he was actually smiling.

When Kazuki turned his head to Ban, they lock lips for a moment. Juubei stood up, more surprised than the two. It wasn't intentional, but Kazuki's face was pretty close to Ban's. They were surprised for an instant, touching their lips unconsciously.

Then they blurted out in unison, "That was my first kiss!" then they both laughed.

Juubei clenched his fist into a tight ball. He knitted his brows in anger. Then he finally decided: if he can't have Kazuki for himself, then no one can![1]

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Whiish!

Juubei inspected the kitchen knife on his right hand, smiling evilly.

He quickly paced to Kazuki's house, which was only a block away. He met Kazuki's mother, Kayui[2], at the door. "Oh, Kakei-san. Good timing. Can you watch Kazuki for a while? I'm afraid I'll have to do groceries." Juubei nodded, hiding the knife behind his back.

"Thank You, Juubei. I truly appreciate it." Kayui said, before leaving.

Juubei knew where Kazuki's room was. He took a run for it. Kazuki didn't sense Juubei, since he was concentrated on practicing. But when Juubei took one step, Kazuki quickly looked up. "Oh, Juubei! What are you doing here?" Kazuki ran to Juubei.

"Nothing," with that, Juubei stabbed Kazuki near the heart.

But failed. Instead, he accidentally sliced his kimono's sleeves, but hard enough to draw blood.

"Juubei! What are y---"

Before Kazuki could finish his sentence, Juubei lunged forward to him. Kazuki reached for some of his strings, but Juubei swatted it away. Kazuki was backed on the wall, and he was helpless. All he could do was brace himself from Juubei's knife by both of his arms. He readied himself for the pain, closing his eyes very tightly, but it never came.

When Kazuki opened his eyes, he could see the back of a person, shielding him.

Ban.

"Noo! Baaan!" Juubei dropped the knife, tears streaming down his face.

Kazuki shook Ban, "Baaan!" Juubei slashed Ban, almost on his entire torso, and it was really quite deep. Kazuki could feel tears prick his eyes. Just then, Kazuki's older sister, Komori[3], came rushing to the room.

"Kazuki! What's that? I---" She quickly stopped when she saw a bloodied person, almost lying lifelessly on Kazuki's arms.

"Komori-neechan! Juubei… he---"

"C'mon Kazuki, let's take him to a nearby hospital! Hurry!"

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"It's a good thing that the attacker missed the patient's heart," said the doctor, quite relieved, "or else he would be in a real critical condition."

Komori nodded her head. "Arigato, Yuetsu. I really appreciate it." Yuetsu, a 29-year-old doctor, was actually Komori's husband, working on a hospital. "Sure, anything for my anata." He pecked her on the lips.

"Oh, by the way, do you know the attacker? You should report it to the police." Yuetsu asked, specifically on Kazuki. Komori glanced sympathetically at her younger brother. Kazuki just shook his head, still staring at Ban, a worried expression apparent on his face. Yuetsu nodded. Then he left the room.

"Komori-neechan. It's all my fault," Komori placed a hand on her younger brother's shoulder. "No it's not, Kazuki. You were shocked. It's just a normal reaction," when she received no response, she sighed. "where is his family?"

"He has no family. His grandmother died three years ago," Komori bowed her head down. "I'm sorry." Kazuki shook his head. "No, nee-chan. Don't say sorry. Everyone is going to die someday."

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Kazuki was exhausted from crying his eyes out. So after a while, he fell asleep on Ban's bed.

Ban stirred in his sleep, moaning. He sat up, but felt pain in his torso. "What the hell…" Then he remembered. He was visiting Kazuki when he saw Juubei holding a knife, preparing to attack Kazuki. He need not to think twice. He shielded Kazuki from the attack, and all the rest… blank.

He lightly touched Kazuki's hair and face. It felt so soft on his hands… like satin over steel. Ban pulled away, surprised on what he was doing. He couldn't possibly be… falling for him?

I guess it's okay. Kazuki is nice. Cute too. Maybe that's why Juubei wanted to kill. He was possessive. Ch. Kazuki was beautiful, inside and out. And Ban was impressed by that. Afterwards, he, too, fell asleep again.

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"Wake up, sleepy head."

Kazuki rose, then yawned. Kazuki blinked.

Once.

Twice.

Thrice.

Then he jumped on Ban. "Ban! You're awake!"

Ban laughed. "Am I?" Kazuki pecked Ban on the cheeks. "Saa, ikimashou ne?" Ban nodded.

When they went outside the hospital, Juubei was standing there. Ban gritted his teeth then clenched his fists. "What are you doing here, you great protector!" He was about to launch himself at Juubei, but Juubei didn't budge. He continued anyway. But someone hugged him from the back.

"Stop it, Ban. He's already regretting it." Ban put down his fists. "Fine."

Juubei bowed his head down. "I'm so sorry, Kazuki, Ban." Ban looked away, "Hn. You should be."

"I promise, Kazuki. Being your protector, I won't ever, ever, do that again from this day on." Kazuki's eyes twinkled. "Juubei… why are you always so old-fashioned…"

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"Eh? You're leaving already, Ban?! Why so fast?!"

"I'm going to be strong for you too, Kazuki. I promise!" then he shoved something on Kazuki's hands, then ran away quickly.

"Chotto! Ban! I don't even---" Kazuki sighed, when he realized that Ban was already out of ear-shot. "---know your whole name…" He glanced at the box and letter. Then he opened the box.

"Bells?"

Then Kazuki opened the letter.

'Kazuki,

I'm very sorry for just leaving like that. It's just that… when I'm sad, I just can't control my feelings. Gomen. By the way, those bells are for your strings. I just see them scattered anywhere, so I got this idea of buying you one. Ha-ha. I will really miss you. Find me when you grow old enough, okay? By the way, those three wishes you mentioned… you know, 'to see stars in your room always', 'the person you love, love you back', and 'to die happy'. I thought about it. Those are good wishes. I promise, also, when I grow old enough, I'd make those wishes come true! After all, nothing is impossible, right?'

Kazuki continued to read the letter, smiling sadly.

'I just want to say that… ever since you came into my damn life, I was just… so happy. And I have no fucking idea why. It's as if… you were there. And my life became complete. Kazuki… I love you. And even though I don't know your whole name, I will find you. I promise. I will. Even if it takes forever.

Ban'

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When Ban looked at Kazuki's brown eyes, he learned the most important part of the language that all the world spoke- the language that everyone on earth was capable of understanding in their heart. It was love. Something older than humanity, more ancient than the desert. Something that exerted the same force whenever two pairs of eyes met, as had theirs.

It was the pure Language of the World. It required no explanation, just as the universe needs none as it travels through endless time.

He had been told by his parents and grandparents that he must fall in love and really know a person before becoming committed. But maybe people who felt that way had never learned the universal language. Because, when you now that language, it's easy to understand that someone in the world awaits you, whether it's in the middle of the desert or in some great city. And when two such people encounter each other, and their eyes meet, the past and future become unimportant. There is only that moment, and the incredible certainty that everything under the sun was written by one hand only. It is the hand that evokes love, and creates a twin soul for every person in the world. Without such love, one's dreams would have no meaning[4].

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"But Ban… when is forever…?"

tbc

[1] Yes, that's typical for a person to say when he's obsessed (Sweatdrops).

[2] Kayui means 'itchy'. The name of Kazuki's mother wasn't mentioned in the anime, so this is just made-up.

[3] while… Komori means 'babysitter'. Wasn't also mentioned in the anime. But some claim (and from the reviews I had on my previous fic) that Kazuki DID have an older sister.

[4] A wonderful passage from a novel by Paolo Coelho. Isn't it the most wonderful passage in the universe? Was really inspired by this. I brought this book when I was… 12? But I didn't understand it until now. Read it, read it! ;

A/N: (ehem) Was it okay? No? Oo I knew it. . This will probably the longest chapter. Okaaaayyy… Anyway, I have a secret to tell. I was actually planning to make this story a Shido/Ban, demo, they're both… uhm… how to say… a brute… and… likes animals? (gets whacked by Shido and Ban fans) Gomeeen But I think Ban is suitable for being an uke! Wahahahahaha (gets dragged off by a couple of paramedics in a mental hospital)!

In the hospital: Anyway, review so I can add your comments and suggestions to this fic. Arigato Ganbarimasu! I made a mistake, btw. ; The summary says, 'But what if Ban discovers something about Kazuki that no one ever knew?', but suddenly Juubei confronts Ban saying that Kazuki is dying. LOL! O.o Hah! I get redundant sometimes, ne?