Schuldig watched from across the club and chuckled. "So the men of Weiss have found some women." The music was loud and no one would hear his words. Granted he couldn't hear their conversation, but their thoughts were broadcasting clearly. "Interesting, the ruse of using an anime of a cover seems to be fading, but nevertheless Crawford will be thrilled to hear about these girls."

Oh Braddy Bear…

Crawford was in a café across the street, calmly reading a newspaper. I really wish you would stop calling me that.

My apologies dear Crawford, but I have news, it seems the men of Weiss have managed to pick up some women.

And?

Well, they just met; I think we should let them mingle so their feelings can intensify.

Yes, we can use the young women to distract them from their latest mission.

Can I use one of them to distract myself from this mission? Schuldig stared at the blonde one of the group, flinching at the thoughts of the dark haired one without glasses.

Not yet, behave yourself and remain hidden.

Aye aye Captain.

Crawford rolled his eyes and continued reading the newspaper, but he did let a small smirk appear on his lips.

The girls sat at a table with the guys of Weiss and talked over the music. They had managed to find a table far from the speakers and conversed about many things. The guys seemed to take pleasure in talking about their jobs as florists and their reason for being there, yet something about their reason had its problems. Guys, going to a flower convention in another country across the ocean? Then again these were hot guys, they could have said just about anything.

Kristi sipped her drink and casually asked, "So you guys are just here for the flower convention and a little fun eh?"

Yohji grinned, "You speak my language." His arm seemed permanently around Sarah and he kissed her cheek. Sarah blushed slightly in reply.

Aya turned to look at Kristi inwardly noting she could have her Yohji moments, but that wasn't necessarily a bad thing.

Ken and Alex both gave Kristi and Yohji looks.

"Don't encourage him," Ken said with a groan.

"I think you're a little tipsy Kristi," Alex said with a look.

"Well, then it's a good thing I'm not driving," Kristi said, "I had the foresight to reserve a hotel for the night."

"Smart," Aya said with a nod. He had been drinking as well, but his drunkenness was more difficult to note. If Kristi was more observant she might have noticed his hand was on top of hers on the seat.

Ken and Alex were sitting close to each other and Alex absently leaned against him tiredly. "Speaking of hotel, we really should be getting back. It's late."

"We'll walk you," Ken volunteered, "and we'll make sure you're safe."

"Yes," Yohji said with a smile, "you need strapping young men such as ourselves to protect you all."

Aya helped Kristi to stand and linked his arm into hers. This elicited a look from everyone and his calm response was, "She needs help walking."

Kristi was about to protest that she didn't need help, but this was Aya so she shut up.

Alex chuckled as she stood, "like Kristi needs any protection, she takes kendo."

"Yeah," Sarah said, "catch her on a sober day and look out."

"I have full use of all my faculties," Kristi replied stubbornly, almost colliding with another person.

Yohji elbowed Ken when he noticed an intrigued look on Aya's face. He mumbled, "Sword boy found a sword lover."

Sarah tried not to snort laughing and Ken fought to stifle a laugh. Alex giggled softly to herself. Aya and Kristi ignored them.

Ken shyly took Alex's hand and she smiled to him, getting a wide smile from him. Yohji winked to him and wrapped his arm about Sarah's waist, having her lead the way to the hotel where they were staying.

Kristi walked dizzily with Aya, taking some enjoyment in his support. Her head was starting pound and she started feeling a little sick. The weather was shifting, her sinuses were acting up, and she was a little tipsy after all. She also felt strong energy about her and it made her feel out of sorts. Aya hid his feelings carefully as he 'coldly' helped her along.

Alex looked to Kristi in concern, but she looked around the streets nervously as they walked to the hotel. It almost felt as if they were being followed. She shivered and Ken untied a jacket from around his waist and put it about her shoulders.

Yohji asked Sarah with a grin, "Taking me to your hotel room already?"

Sarah gave him a sly look. "Yes and I plan to have my way with you."

Yohji's jaw dropped, but he composed himself as he heard the others' laughter. "Damn, I was so hopeful."

Kristi laughed with them and managed, "hey, it's not like you're going to the hotel room alone Yohji."

"Oh, then we can all participate?" Yohji asked as innocently as possible.

"Of course," Kristi said nonchalantly.

"Gah!" Alex smacked her forehead.

"Stop encouraging him!" Ken mumbled to himself.

Sarah chuckled, but gave Kristi a stern look.

Aya had a strange look of horror and amusement on his face. Kristi forced a smile to him and forced her legs to keep walking.

Schuldig followed them, staying in the shadows. My, what a dirty mind…

I know.

Crawford's voice surprised Schuldig. Oh really? He couldn't help but chuckle, the gift of foresight indeed.

Sarah navigated the group to the hotel and Yohji blinked saying, "This is our hotel…hmm, seems you and I will have to have some alone time in the suite."

"Easy cowboy, you haven't managed to entirely lasso me yet," Sarah said with a laugh.

Yohji seemed to pout and he absently ran a finger along the rim of his snakeskin cowboy hat.

"Typical Yohji," Ken said with a sigh.

"I'll say typical Sarah, stringing him along," Alex said winking to Sarah.

They took the elevator to the girls' floor and walked them to their room.

"We're down the hall from you," Ken said as they walked out of the elevator.

"I'm surprised we haven't seen you then," Alex said looking to him.

He paused, "well, we've been busy…with work and all."

"Right, of course," Alex said.

Aya waited for the door to open before he escorted Kristi into the room. He regarded the room for a long moment and helped Kristi onto a bed.

"How did you know this was my bed?"

"I'm a very observant florist," he replied easily.

Yohji walked in. "Taking her to bed already Aya?"

Aya glared at him.

Ken walked in. "What!" Blinking, "oh…"

Nearly colliding with Ken, Alex made her way into the room. "I came in at the wrong part of that conversation."

Kristi grumbled and laid back.

Sarah's expression changed, "I think she needs her rest."

"Yeah, she needs to sleep the night off," Alex said with a nod.

"I'm fine guys," Kristi said. She yawned and everyone gave her a look. "Oh all right." She turned onto her side.

Yohji grinned. "In that case let's head back to our room to have some fun."

Ken rolled his eyes. "Why don't we make some tea instead to take the chill from the night air?"

They went to exit and were surprised that Aya didn't follow. Ken began, "Say Aya-"

"I'll stay here to make sure she rests," Aya said. He sat at the edge of Kristi's bed.

"More fun for us then," Yohji said leaving the room with the others.

When the others left Aya's expression softened slightly. He took a blanket and draped it over Kristi's form. She mumbled sleepily, "thank you." Aya froze as if he was afraid of her seeing him, but he exhaled slowly and sat down. Kristi's breathing slowed and developed an even pattern as she drifted off to sleep.

Author's Note: Next chapter things will get interesting indeed. . .there will be an action sequence with Schwarz! Yohji perks up at the mention of 'action' and Kristi just gives him a look Not that kind of action sequence!

Thanks to all who review. As I said in the first chapter, this story was inspired by some of my closest friends and I happen to do characterization far too well for my own good. . .so reactions and actions are far too accurate for their own good, lol. I have a soft spot for the well done self-insertion fics. . .gives you the hope that you can connect to another world.