Chapter Twenty
"So that's what happened to poor, darling Chou." Kamatari tsked and shook his head. His remorseful actions were null by the devious smirk curled around his glossed lips. He watched as Soujirou shrugged.
"He was taking Miss Yumi's dog out. Who would have guessed? It does confirm my suspicions, although I would have never guessed that Saitoh would work with the Battousai." Soujirou shook his head.
"Interesting for you I suppose. It makes it more difficult for Shishio however." Kamatari frowned. He had somehow become close to the odd, smiling boy, who reminded him of the little brother he once had. It was disconcerting to say the least, and even Sano had commented on his affection. This was something that should have never started.
"Are you that worried?" Soujirou murmured as he bent over the checkerboard. The amount of red checkers was almost double the black. The little bugger was too good at strategy games for his own good. The boy's hand hovered before he jumped Kamatari's piece and proclaimed, "King me please."
Kamatari resisted the urge to ruffle the boy's hair. They were almost the same age after all. It didn't seem right to treat Soujirou like a child.
He flicked the piece at Soujirou and studied the board. Yes, he had lost again. Maybe he should insist they play something like Yatchzee or War. At least then he'd have a chance, since they were luck-based games.
"Worried? Not quite." He flashed a brilliant smile. "You know me! Nothing much goes on in this pretty little head."
"Oh? I think a lot goes on in there." Soujirou replied trouncing Kamatari's king and making a beeline for the last piece on the board.
Well, Soujirou certainly wasn't oblivious. Maybe not too good at disconcerting his feelings, but definitely not oblivious. Which was a damn shame considering it was making things difficult for the cross-dresser.
"So which do you think is better? Mary Kay or Maybeline?" Kamatari asked, switching topics abruptly.
"You know I don't know make up." Soujirou said with an apologetic smile, "Your move."
Kamatari pretended to study his next move. Not that he had all that many options. Let's see, there was die or die sooner. Double damn. Those sounds suspiciously like his options in real life too.
"I forfeit." Kamatari sighed dramatically and leaned back comfortably. "That must be like the tenth time today. I refuse to be so thoroughly beaten. We should play I game I would enjoy more."
Soujirou's patient smile never wavered, but he gave a slight shrug, "What sort of game? You seem to have plenty of other playmates. You do not have to keep me company."
Kamatari felt his insides bunch up and his muscles tense. Now just what was that supposed to mean? Maybe he was getting too paranoid; running as a double-agent was stressful to say the least. Soujirou was a direct person. He didn't play minds games. Kamatari tried to assure himself that he was just reading too much into it.
Kamatari shoved back his insecurities and jumped the younger boy, no longer fighting the urge to ruffle the dark head. "But you're so much fun!"
Soujirou started giggling as Kamatari's hands decimated his hair then started seeking sensitive spots to tickle. Why the skin behind the knees was so ticklish was beyond him, but this was a game he would definitely win. Oh yes, time for a little bit of harmless payback for dear Sou.
"Hey… stop… stop it!" Soujirou giggled and squirmed, trying to escape. Kamatari gave a feral grin and replied, "I think I'm winning now. I think I like the feeling too much to stop right away…"
"As much as I would like to see where this may lead, Shishio has called a meeting." Shinomori remarked from the doorway. Didn't the man ever knock?
Soujirou jerked back, his genuine smile replaced by the normal mask. Kamatari wanted to go up and punch the iceblock-excuse for a man, but there was that part that was still terrified of the man. He straightened up and fussed with his clothing. Surely the man wouldn't misconstrue such innocent rough housing?
"Are you just jealous that you weren't able to join us?" The cross dresser flirted in a saucy tone. Defensive habits were kicking in on overdrive. "We could always do something together later."
Shinomori turned around and melted into the shadows making Kamatari frown. The man had no social skills. Good thing he wasn't in retail.
"Shall we go?" The older man asked slipping easily to his feet. "Sugar, are you alright?"
Soujirou fidgeted.
"You don't like our dear Shinomori-poo, do you?"
"Ah, not particularly, but he is a helpful ally."
Sure he is. Kamatari thought to himself. He had a good guess why Soujirou didn't like Shinomori and vise versa. If he had more time he'd have liked to hear it from the young man, but since Soujirou could be particularly stubborn at the oddest times he let it slide. Kamatari wouldn't worry so much if he didn't know that the boy tended to keep everything inside. Others remarked that he had no emotions, yet Kamatari knew that even the lowest scum and highest saint of humanity had to have some emotion, whether it be the purest hatred or the most lukewarm liking.
"An ally with a nice, firm backside." Kamatari added devilishly with a smirk. "Then again, I don't think he'd appreciate that comment somehow."
"No." Soujirou agreed.
"Let's go then." Kamatari said slinging an arm over the boy's shoulder. The younger man slid out from under his grasp and put a bit of distance between them. Kamatari bottled up a sigh wishing he had worn some androgynous clothing.
They were the last to come in and seat themselves. Shishio rarely held a meeting like this, which made Kamatari slightly suspicious. The man was ambitious, and that coupled with his past experience made him trust no one. Probably not even Yumi, the vile woman. It must mean he had orders for them.
"Soujirou,"
"Yes Shishio." The young man said and rose to face the gathered group with a smile, "We seem to have attracted some attention of the unwanted sort. Hajime Saitoh from the Shinsengumi is in the area; we can only assume that this isn't coincidence."
He added some other details and Kamatari wasn't too worried. At least not until two very familiar names slipped out.
Kamatari felt his heart sinking. It was too early in the game to have them discovered. He had faith in Saitoh and the man's ability to protect them, but so many things could go wrong. Shishio might decide to send Soujirou and Saitoh most certainly had no inhibitions about killing a youth. Soujirou, likewise, would slay without a second thought. If the two were to fight it would be to the death. If Kamatari were sent that would be much easier. He would lose. He wouldn't have to try; he had seen Saitoh's strength. It didn't take a tactically genius to know he was severely outmatched.
"Dismissed."
"Spoil your plans with your boy-toy?" Usui teased sadistically as Kamatari tried to brush past him. The blind man slipped around to cut him off. It was obvious that he wasn't going to let it go. "Or are you seeing another lover on the side?"
Kamatari wanted to laugh, but waited until they were virtually alone before he did so.
"You…" Choke, "Think I'm sleeping with Hajime Saitoh." He paused to catch his breath and held a hand to his aching chest. So close yet so far of course. Oh, if only Usui knew. Sleeping with Saitoh. He cycled that thought back through and choked again. "Your jokes are very funny! Next you'll say I'm in bed with Shinomori!"
Usui looked affronted. Without a word he stalked off into the shadows.
"I would hope you would not seduce me into your bed."
Kamatari wiped a tear away from his eye and turned towards Shinomori trying to straighten his face, "No, you're definitely straight. Besides, I'm choosey about my bed partners."
"Indeed."
"So are you stalking me for fun or do you want something, handsome." Kamatari purred, regaining his composure.
"I wish to know the nature of your affiliation with Megumi Takani." Shinomori remarked coldly.
Suddenly all mirth was gone.
"Who?"
"The child you and Sagara were talking with in the mall." Shinomori frowned. It didn't surprise Kamatari that the spy knew Sano's name, but what was he doing at the mall?
"The cute little girl?"
"Correct."
"I gave her some candy I guess. Is that suddenly enough to put me under suspicion." Kamatari tried to shrug it off lightly. Who knew that people like Shinomori even knew what a mall was, let alone went to one. After all, his fashion tastes stated otherwise. "I like kids."
Shinomori frowned and stared briefly in the direction Soujirou had gone.
"Not that way." Kamatari added defensively, fighting the implied line of thought. Just because he was homosexual didn't make him a pedophile as well. "Shopping for a new trench coat or just being a spy?"
Shinomori didn't bother to reply; he just vanished.
"My, my, someone has some issues." Kamatari said out loud, humming to himself. When he realized what he was doing he stopped abruptly. With a forced laugh he commented to himself, "In which Sou and I aren't so different. Slap some happy on it and call it peachy. I need to quit playing around." He didn't dare voice where his train of thought went after that. Just how would he alert Saitoh? Soujirou, Shinomori, and Usui suspected something. It was only a matter of time before everything unraveled.
A/N: *sigh* this chapter was hard going for some reason. I've converted to the humor side! Geez, I try to write something serious... like my paper on selfishness... and my aunt goes, E, what is THIS?!! At least it wasn't cynical. Wahoo, only two more weeks of school and then it's a lot of work. Okay, I'll try to get to the climax and resolution here anytime now. Before this thing turns into a monster.
Reviewers: *see reviews page*
"So that's what happened to poor, darling Chou." Kamatari tsked and shook his head. His remorseful actions were null by the devious smirk curled around his glossed lips. He watched as Soujirou shrugged.
"He was taking Miss Yumi's dog out. Who would have guessed? It does confirm my suspicions, although I would have never guessed that Saitoh would work with the Battousai." Soujirou shook his head.
"Interesting for you I suppose. It makes it more difficult for Shishio however." Kamatari frowned. He had somehow become close to the odd, smiling boy, who reminded him of the little brother he once had. It was disconcerting to say the least, and even Sano had commented on his affection. This was something that should have never started.
"Are you that worried?" Soujirou murmured as he bent over the checkerboard. The amount of red checkers was almost double the black. The little bugger was too good at strategy games for his own good. The boy's hand hovered before he jumped Kamatari's piece and proclaimed, "King me please."
Kamatari resisted the urge to ruffle the boy's hair. They were almost the same age after all. It didn't seem right to treat Soujirou like a child.
He flicked the piece at Soujirou and studied the board. Yes, he had lost again. Maybe he should insist they play something like Yatchzee or War. At least then he'd have a chance, since they were luck-based games.
"Worried? Not quite." He flashed a brilliant smile. "You know me! Nothing much goes on in this pretty little head."
"Oh? I think a lot goes on in there." Soujirou replied trouncing Kamatari's king and making a beeline for the last piece on the board.
Well, Soujirou certainly wasn't oblivious. Maybe not too good at disconcerting his feelings, but definitely not oblivious. Which was a damn shame considering it was making things difficult for the cross-dresser.
"So which do you think is better? Mary Kay or Maybeline?" Kamatari asked, switching topics abruptly.
"You know I don't know make up." Soujirou said with an apologetic smile, "Your move."
Kamatari pretended to study his next move. Not that he had all that many options. Let's see, there was die or die sooner. Double damn. Those sounds suspiciously like his options in real life too.
"I forfeit." Kamatari sighed dramatically and leaned back comfortably. "That must be like the tenth time today. I refuse to be so thoroughly beaten. We should play I game I would enjoy more."
Soujirou's patient smile never wavered, but he gave a slight shrug, "What sort of game? You seem to have plenty of other playmates. You do not have to keep me company."
Kamatari felt his insides bunch up and his muscles tense. Now just what was that supposed to mean? Maybe he was getting too paranoid; running as a double-agent was stressful to say the least. Soujirou was a direct person. He didn't play minds games. Kamatari tried to assure himself that he was just reading too much into it.
Kamatari shoved back his insecurities and jumped the younger boy, no longer fighting the urge to ruffle the dark head. "But you're so much fun!"
Soujirou started giggling as Kamatari's hands decimated his hair then started seeking sensitive spots to tickle. Why the skin behind the knees was so ticklish was beyond him, but this was a game he would definitely win. Oh yes, time for a little bit of harmless payback for dear Sou.
"Hey… stop… stop it!" Soujirou giggled and squirmed, trying to escape. Kamatari gave a feral grin and replied, "I think I'm winning now. I think I like the feeling too much to stop right away…"
"As much as I would like to see where this may lead, Shishio has called a meeting." Shinomori remarked from the doorway. Didn't the man ever knock?
Soujirou jerked back, his genuine smile replaced by the normal mask. Kamatari wanted to go up and punch the iceblock-excuse for a man, but there was that part that was still terrified of the man. He straightened up and fussed with his clothing. Surely the man wouldn't misconstrue such innocent rough housing?
"Are you just jealous that you weren't able to join us?" The cross dresser flirted in a saucy tone. Defensive habits were kicking in on overdrive. "We could always do something together later."
Shinomori turned around and melted into the shadows making Kamatari frown. The man had no social skills. Good thing he wasn't in retail.
"Shall we go?" The older man asked slipping easily to his feet. "Sugar, are you alright?"
Soujirou fidgeted.
"You don't like our dear Shinomori-poo, do you?"
"Ah, not particularly, but he is a helpful ally."
Sure he is. Kamatari thought to himself. He had a good guess why Soujirou didn't like Shinomori and vise versa. If he had more time he'd have liked to hear it from the young man, but since Soujirou could be particularly stubborn at the oddest times he let it slide. Kamatari wouldn't worry so much if he didn't know that the boy tended to keep everything inside. Others remarked that he had no emotions, yet Kamatari knew that even the lowest scum and highest saint of humanity had to have some emotion, whether it be the purest hatred or the most lukewarm liking.
"An ally with a nice, firm backside." Kamatari added devilishly with a smirk. "Then again, I don't think he'd appreciate that comment somehow."
"No." Soujirou agreed.
"Let's go then." Kamatari said slinging an arm over the boy's shoulder. The younger man slid out from under his grasp and put a bit of distance between them. Kamatari bottled up a sigh wishing he had worn some androgynous clothing.
They were the last to come in and seat themselves. Shishio rarely held a meeting like this, which made Kamatari slightly suspicious. The man was ambitious, and that coupled with his past experience made him trust no one. Probably not even Yumi, the vile woman. It must mean he had orders for them.
"Soujirou,"
"Yes Shishio." The young man said and rose to face the gathered group with a smile, "We seem to have attracted some attention of the unwanted sort. Hajime Saitoh from the Shinsengumi is in the area; we can only assume that this isn't coincidence."
He added some other details and Kamatari wasn't too worried. At least not until two very familiar names slipped out.
Kamatari felt his heart sinking. It was too early in the game to have them discovered. He had faith in Saitoh and the man's ability to protect them, but so many things could go wrong. Shishio might decide to send Soujirou and Saitoh most certainly had no inhibitions about killing a youth. Soujirou, likewise, would slay without a second thought. If the two were to fight it would be to the death. If Kamatari were sent that would be much easier. He would lose. He wouldn't have to try; he had seen Saitoh's strength. It didn't take a tactically genius to know he was severely outmatched.
"Dismissed."
"Spoil your plans with your boy-toy?" Usui teased sadistically as Kamatari tried to brush past him. The blind man slipped around to cut him off. It was obvious that he wasn't going to let it go. "Or are you seeing another lover on the side?"
Kamatari wanted to laugh, but waited until they were virtually alone before he did so.
"You…" Choke, "Think I'm sleeping with Hajime Saitoh." He paused to catch his breath and held a hand to his aching chest. So close yet so far of course. Oh, if only Usui knew. Sleeping with Saitoh. He cycled that thought back through and choked again. "Your jokes are very funny! Next you'll say I'm in bed with Shinomori!"
Usui looked affronted. Without a word he stalked off into the shadows.
"I would hope you would not seduce me into your bed."
Kamatari wiped a tear away from his eye and turned towards Shinomori trying to straighten his face, "No, you're definitely straight. Besides, I'm choosey about my bed partners."
"Indeed."
"So are you stalking me for fun or do you want something, handsome." Kamatari purred, regaining his composure.
"I wish to know the nature of your affiliation with Megumi Takani." Shinomori remarked coldly.
Suddenly all mirth was gone.
"Who?"
"The child you and Sagara were talking with in the mall." Shinomori frowned. It didn't surprise Kamatari that the spy knew Sano's name, but what was he doing at the mall?
"The cute little girl?"
"Correct."
"I gave her some candy I guess. Is that suddenly enough to put me under suspicion." Kamatari tried to shrug it off lightly. Who knew that people like Shinomori even knew what a mall was, let alone went to one. After all, his fashion tastes stated otherwise. "I like kids."
Shinomori frowned and stared briefly in the direction Soujirou had gone.
"Not that way." Kamatari added defensively, fighting the implied line of thought. Just because he was homosexual didn't make him a pedophile as well. "Shopping for a new trench coat or just being a spy?"
Shinomori didn't bother to reply; he just vanished.
"My, my, someone has some issues." Kamatari said out loud, humming to himself. When he realized what he was doing he stopped abruptly. With a forced laugh he commented to himself, "In which Sou and I aren't so different. Slap some happy on it and call it peachy. I need to quit playing around." He didn't dare voice where his train of thought went after that. Just how would he alert Saitoh? Soujirou, Shinomori, and Usui suspected something. It was only a matter of time before everything unraveled.
A/N: *sigh* this chapter was hard going for some reason. I've converted to the humor side! Geez, I try to write something serious... like my paper on selfishness... and my aunt goes, E, what is THIS?!! At least it wasn't cynical. Wahoo, only two more weeks of school and then it's a lot of work. Okay, I'll try to get to the climax and resolution here anytime now. Before this thing turns into a monster.
Reviewers: *see reviews page*