A.N. Here we are, kids. End of the line! There is an epilogue that I will post soon, but I want to do all of my thanking and notes here so that can stand on its own.

Thanks to everyone who reviewed the last chapter: Salome, Hououza, Suzu22, Lahz, Bookreader9999, Torachi, Jenn, NefCanuck, Rinn, ShellyRaeleen, howlin mad, beege, Anime Crazed, Tulip Baroo, Faelady, minitsu, Godsgirl7, Dizzcity, caitlynn, thechickenlittle, FlyingAnimePig, Nothing Much, Melanie-Chan, ClampLover, quesera, Laura, Kabashka, Lisa-d4414, Jenna, Ranma151773012, Hezashi, orange suitcase, friendly comments, MirokuGlomper, Concetta, pyro-witch2, Thaliea, cuteanimechibi16, elianthos, kurosu, freakomite, Rose-Wisteria, TakeMyPainAway, Picklegal, Weltall Elite, smiling cat, and Hungarian Tiger.

The most common sentiment was that Kaname was being unreasonably mean last chapter. To an extent agree with you… but seriously people, Sousuke has been walking all over himself in this story. I don't blame her for needing to let off some steam.

Ranma also asked how Sousuke knew Danko would have the mask in his pocket. I guess that was a stretch on my part. Sousuke was just really provoked after watching Kaname accept his invitation, and he had evidence against Danko, so I guess he took a risk.

Seriously, thanks so much to all of you who have ever reviewed this story. It really means a lot to me that you would take the time to tell me what you think. Knowing that you guys are interested has really motivated me to keep at it. Big wet kisses to you all.

Thanks to Led Zeppelin for inspiring this story! Even though it ended up deviating way way far away from the song. Still dudes, you guys are awesome.

Thanks to Anysia for your encouragement throughout. There were a few times I was ready to throw in the towel, but you saved the day. I am forever indebted and in awe of your work.

And HUGE thanks to my wonderful beta, Lakewood! Adam, your time and effort has helped me tremendously and I am so grateful. I was scared of betas before you volunteered! If I can ever be of service to you, you know how to find me!

So, maybe I will write a sequel, I have some funny ideas. But I don't want it to be overkill. What do you guys think?

I hope you enjoy this chapter!

Until next time! -blows kiss-

Dazed and Confused – Chapter 8

I clutched the gift package against my side and straightened my tie nervously with my free hand. It hadn't taken too long to get ready, although admittedly I spent quite a while on a vain attempt to get my hair to flatten down a bit. Kyouko had kindly offered her assistance. She picked out a shirt, slacks, shoes, and a tie very efficiently. She also splashed me with some strong smelling stuff after I dressed, which was bothering my nose but which she insisted was a good touch. Well, she did know Kaname better than I did.

Taking a deep breath, I knocked three times on the door in front of me.

I heard footsteps within, and after a few moments the door swung open to reveal a rather disheveled looking Kaname. She was still in her PJs even though it was nearly five o'clock, and she had a small tub of ice cream with a spoon stuck in it clutched in one hand.

She blinked at me warily. "Sousuke...?"

"Good evening, Kaname," I said, trying to sound sure of myself.

"Uh...yeah," she said, raising an eyebrow. "You're all dressed up."

I nodded. "I... uh..." I closed my eyes, took one last deep breath, then looked straight at her face. All of this floundering and beating around the bush had gotten me nowhere. Kaname was angry with me, I was as bewildered as ever, and a masked stalker went unchecked for weeks. Surely being bashful was not an effective course of action. There was only one thing left to try. "I am here to request that you accompany me to the dance."

She just stared blankly at me for a while, as if she had not heard correctly or she didn't believe what I had said. "You what?"

I cleared my throat. "I would be honored if you would allow me to escort you to the senior semi-formal."

She didn't seem nearly as keen about the idea as I had hoped she'd be. She made a face, grabbed my wrist, pulled up the sleeve of my dress shirt, and glared at my watch. "Sousuke," she said sternly. "The dance starts in an hour. It's real sweet of you to give me such advanced notice, but I am going to have to decline."

She started to close the door to her apartment, but I stuck out my leg, wincing when the heavy door slammed into my shin. "I politely ask that you reconsider," I ground out.

She groaned, weaving her fingers through her messy hair. "I gave you plenty of opportunities for you to ask me! Hell, I practically asked me for you. But, now it's too late. I don't have a dress or anything. You snooze, you lose."

I inched a little farther into the apartment, thrusting the package I held at her. "Please take this," I said. "I believe it fits your measurements, although the data I have concerning your physique was collected before I arrived here over a year ago and might now be inaccurate. If that is the case, then..."

I trailed off as I watched her confusion melt away when she lifted the box lid. Her expression changed smoothly to something like remorse, forgiveness, or both mixed together. She lifted the rust-colored dress carefully out of the tissue paper, holding it up in front of her.

"I..." she looked up at me, her mouth moving wordlessly. "I went back to get this the other day, but it was gone..."

I nodded, looking just to the left of her face. It was too difficult to meet her eyes. They were too full of emotion that I couldn't read. "I purchased it after you boarded the train without me. I thought perhaps you might want it later on."

Her hands smoothed carefully over the silky fabric, and she spoke quietly. "You didn't have to do that, Sousuke, I-"

"It is not a problem."

She smiled gently at that, pushing a strand of dark blue hair behind her ear. "You... really want me to go with you?"

"Yes," I said with a firm nod of my head.

She cocked her head. "I didn't just intimidate you into this?"

I shook my head. "You do not intimidate me," I said. "You sometimes make me anxious or nervous," I admitted. "But, I do not think anyone really intimidates me."

She laughed slightly and sniffed. "I don't have time to get my hair done," she said.

"I like your hair the way it is," I said quietly, feeling my face begin to heat. "Although you might wish to brush it."

She scoffed and stormed into the bathroom, slamming the door shut behind her. "Wait out there," she growled. I probably shouldn't offer her beauty advice.

I sat down rigidly on the couch, keeping my hands on my knees and trying not to sweat too much. I listened as the shower came on and then turned off, then the sound of the blow dryer, then the rustling of clothes. A half hour never felt so long. At least there was no paranoid patriarch to interrogate me like I had seen in the movies.

Just as I had really started to worry, Kaname emerged from the bathroom.

Kaname somehow frequently manages to surprise me, a fact I have always been ashamed to admit. How she was able to look even more beautiful than she had when she tried the dress on before was a complete mystery to me, but she did it. She had done something with her makeup that I couldn't pick out, and her hair seemed to curl under more than usual. She was wearing a pair of shoes that defied the laws of physics, but they certainly made her calves look impressive. I stood up and swallowed, trying to find words in my jumbled thoughts.

"Kaname…" I said, rubbing the back of my neck nervously.

"Save it," she laughed, rolling her eyes. "We're already going to be late. Let's go!"

I smiled in relief. Nothing I could have said would have accurately described what I was looking at, and knowing me, I would have just put my foot in my mouth.

I snuck looks at her as we walked out to the front of the building. She looked… happy, and it was a thrill for me to know I might have actually done something right. She was also wearing some kind of perfume that made her smell even more pleasant than usual, and I had to catch myself a few times before I leaned a little too close to her.

"Sousuke…" she groaned when we got outside, shaking her head. "A stretch hummer? We're just going to the semi, not a military wedding."

"I don't trust taxis," I said firmly. "You never know when they have been sent by a third party and might take you to a dangerous destination. Taking the train would not have transported us quickly enough to arrive on time, and biking in these clothes would be extremely impractical. This is also a special hummer; it has a reinforced armored exterior and is a much safer method of transportation than a standard limousine."

She rolled her eyes at me, but there was a hint of a smile on her painted lips, so I knew she wasn't as irritated as she was amused. I was glad for that, although in all truth I didn't understand her amusement. My logic seemed entirely sound to me.

I spent the majority of the trip searching the compartments for hidden bugging or tapping equipment, and Kaname spent most of it looking through the mini fridge and watching the separator window go up and down. By the time we arrived at the hotel, I was sure we were not being spied upon and she was seemingly irritated with me. Perhaps I should have been making conversation, but I could see nothing more important than insuring her safety and privacy.

She seemed to be under an amazing amount of control that night. I could tell she was annoyed at times, but I guess I'd racked up enough brownie points just asking her in the first place to earn some extra slack. For that, I was extremely grateful. Kaname could be quite merciful when she chose to be.

We had to climb many marble steps in order to reach the main entrance of the hotel, and then traverse several corridors to reach the ballroom where the dance was being held, all of which we accomplished in a nearly comfortable silence.

When we finally stood in front of the giant ornate wooden doors to the ballroom, she turned to me with a small smile. "Shall we?"

I kept my face front, my nose inches from the door, my tie feeling quite tight, and sweat already starting to bead along my hairline. Swallowing heavily and mustering up my courage, I reached swiftly for her hand, threading my fingers through hers and waiting for a slap. None came, however. She just squeezed my hand and moved closer to me as I pushed the heavy door open.

I closed my eyes for a brief moment. I felt… foolish, childish. I didn't feel like a specialist at all, or even a soldier for that one moment. I felt as if Kaname's hand in mine was… enough. The past few weeks had been so trying and confusing that sometimes I wondered if it was really a waste of my time, if it was a mistake to even consider acting on my impulses. I opened my eyes slowly, stealing a glance at her. Her fingers tightening around mine and the subtle hint of a blush on her cheeks washed all those questions away. I felt like a different person.

Actually, to put it bluntly…

I felt like a person.

Not just a weapon or a tool.

It felt good having her by my side. It felt like maybe some of her glow was rubbing off on me.

Or maybe it was just the glaring strobe lights. The sight when I tore my eyes from the beautiful girl beside me was startling. The giant crystal chandeliers above were dimmed, and the room was dark except for the sweeping colored lights and glitter from a raised disco ball. There was smoke from numerous fog machines and glitter and confetti covering the floor. It was basically a bodyguard's worst nightmare.

For a moment I wondered if we were in the right place. Wasn't this supposed to be a semi-formal? Upon careful inspection I saw that the students cramming the floor were all indeed dressed up. The room was a sea of patent leather, silk, sequins, gauze, and tulle. I guess I had been wrong when I assumed that a semi-formal would be different from normal dances, because everyone was engaging in the same blatant displays of hormonal aggression I had seen the last time I had followed Kaname to a school dance for security reasons. It isn't that I was shocked or offended, I just… felt embarrassed for them. I was bashful just thinking about what had occurred between Kaname and me in the swimming pool, and we had been all alone… well, except for the masked man / Noumen. These people were grinding together in a much more brazen way and in front of each other no less. I blinked a few times. What was the point spending that much money on a dress if you were just going to bunch it up like that?

I turned when I heard a squeal coming towards us and saw Kyouko approaching and engulfing Kaname in a hug. "Kana! You look so beautiful! I was afraid you weren't coming!"

Kaname grinned, hugging her friend back. "Thanks! You look great, too!"

The music changed suddenly, the heavy base falling out and something more upbeat chiming in. There was a roar of applause as the crowd rearranged themselves. I raised an eyebrow. Everyone seemed to be aware of something I wasn't, and Kaname grabbed my hand again as Kyouko took up my other one, dragging me into the fray.

"Ah… Kaname," I gasped as we pushed through the crowd. "What are we doing?"

Kaname grinned when we'd found a little opening, standing on one side of me a few feet away while Kyouko did the same on my other side. "The electric slide!" she cried.

The what? I didn't know what it was, but it didn't sound safe. I wouldn't trust electrical devices with such a raucous crowd. Besides, the hotel was probably nearing its maximum output with the amount of energy going into the wild lights and the stereo system as it was.

I blinked as everyone around me started to move in a precise pattern. Stepping, jumping, skipping, clapping, and turning. It looked like some twisted military march, and reminded me of the hours in the sun I spent with a rifle slung over one shoulder, walking around in a big box shape across the training grounds. Why anyone would do that by choice, and to music no less, was beyond me. Yet here was an entire senior class filled with such masochists.

"Sousuke, come on!" Kaname laughed, grinning at me.

Well, she certainly seemed thrilled about the idea.

"Uh… Kaname, what's going on?"

"It's a dance!" she explained, stepping over and slowing down. "See, you start stepping like this… then the other way… then you sort of do this skip thing… then you swing your leg around, jump, clap, and do it all over again!"

Oh, well when you put it that way.

I frowned at her skeptically.

"Just try it," she said. "It's fun!"

Hm… Kaname did seem to know more about fun than I did. I furrowed my brow, carefully trying to mimic her movements. I couldn't keep it up for long, I felt far too ridiculous, and I kept bumping into people.

Luckily, the song ended after a few more cycles, leaving me just as bewildered and unconvinced as when it started. I was hoping to slink off to the refreshment table and then do a couple of rounds to check for emergency exits and likely hiding places for terrorists, but as soon as the next song started up, Kaname had both of my hands in hers and was… well I can only imagine she was 'dancing.'

She was moving too fast for me to register each of her movements. It was an upbeat song and she was moving with the rhythm. Her hands had relinquished mine and were all over the place, high and low, in her hair, in the air, pointing, her hips were moving and her head was nodding and twisting, sending her hair everywhere. I just stood there awkwardly, wondering how long she was going to continue this… dancing. It looked rather tiring, really. She'd probably run out of steam soon.

She whipped her hair out of her face, taking my hands and tugging me this way and that. "Sousuke!" she gasped, her breathing quick and hard. "Dance!"

Ah… ha ha ha.

Sweating resumed, only this time with a vengeance.

You can do that sort of thing on request? I hesitantly started tapping my foot, not even wanting to think about how I would look, or what my colleagues would say if they saw me doing this. My eyes flitted around the room anxiously, trying to come up with some reason I couldn't do this. I just… wasn't a dancing kind of guy. I was used to my movements having meaning and purpose. If there's no reason to move, then don't move. This random flailing of the limbs was useless and-

Kaname ceased in her movements, reaching up to cup my face in her hands. Even though she was obviously working up her own sweat, her skin felt cool against my flushed cheeks. I met her eyes reluctantly after briefly admiring what nice things her labored breathing did to her appearance. Her face tinted pink, her chest rising and falling, her hair swept away from her eyes…

"Sousuke," she said firmly, as if she sensed my thoughts wandering. "Can you do me a favor?"

I nodded wordlessly. I'd take a bullet for this girl, and she asks if I can do her a favor?

"Pretend, just for a little while, that you're not my bodyguard and I am not the target of some crazed terrorists. Pretend that nobody is going to come after me or you. Pretend that we're just a couple of eighteen-year-old kids. Just you and the music and me."

That was kind of a tall order. Pretend her life might not be in danger? Pretend a dimly lit room filled with smoke and sweating teenagers was not the perfect place to abduct an unsuspecting whispered? No way, I can't do that, I can't-

Kaname's smile turned mischievous as she wound her fingers around my tie, pulling me closer to her until she was pressed right up against me. I think my heart skipped a beat when she resumed her movements, this time a little more slowly and a little more deliberately, the fabric stretching and shifting, creating a warm friction between us doing nothing to dull my imagination. The scent of soap from her hair and perfume from her skin mixed with our sweat forced me to close my eyes and clench my jaw as my hands found their way to her hips of their own volition.

Control. Control. Wasn't I just commenting on this kind of dancing when I came in? It really didn't seem so bad though, not when it was Kaname dancing with me. Not when it was her hands encircling my shoulders and her chest flush against mine.

I started to move back against her, when a few lines of lyrics made their way into my ears. Something about bitches and hoes, then something about crystal meth, and then a reference to swallowing drain cleaner.

"Ka-Kaname," I groaned, trying to clear my thoughts of the heavy haze she had wrapped me up in once again. "Are you listening to this?"

"No," she said immediately. She got up on her tiptoes to whisper into my ear, her breath across my skin causing me to shudder involuntarily. "And neither should you."

But… her hands trailed down over my chest, wrapping around my lower back, her cheek against mine. Okay, I won't listen to them. Easy enough.

A voice way, way back in my head still seemed to wonder if this wasn't wrong. Kaname is a classy girl; at least, I had always considered her so. Didn't she deserve better treatment than being ground against on a sweaty dance floor to music that was anything but romantic? She really didn't seem to have a problem with the situation though, in fact when I managed to pry my eyes open I saw her tilt her head back, her long hair hanging down behind her and the white vulnerable skin of her neck exposed. I felt a sudden, almost painful desire to touch her skin, to do something, to get closer, and then I saw something strange in the crowd behind her.

My head snapped up, my arms tightening around her protectively. I don't think she knew that protection was the reason, however, because her arms tightened right back in response and her rocking movements grew stronger.

I panted, desperately attempting to regain some control. I squinted into the crowd but it seemed there was nothing there. Must just be my heightened senses… I was certainly on edge from all of this… 'dancing.'

I turned my face into her hair, breathing slowly to calm myself. I think I mentioned before how good her hair always smelled. She sighed, turned her face and touched her lips briefly to my jaw in such a way that it might have been an accident, but I suspected it wasn't. In return, I moved and touched my lips to her temple in such a way that it might have been an accident also… but it wasn't.

Then I saw that thing in the crowd again, just for the shortest of moments: a flash of something smooth, white, and oval-shaped. My eyes flicked sharply over the crowd to find it again, but the only thing that stuck out to me was Noumen and Kazuki, seemingly devouring each other's faces. Somehow they'd both made it to the dance, if a little worse for the wear… Kazuki's eyes were still very bloodshot, and Noumen had scratches all over his face from being pressed into the cement, but they seemed to be… enjoying themselves.

The sight would normally have disgusted me, but it just calmed me. Seeing Noumen meant that I was wrong in my brief instant of alarm. I had not seen a skeleton mask amongst the dancing crowd. I hadn't. I couldn't have.

I squeezed my eyes shut. I would not get paranoid about this. This was Kaname's night, and I didn't want to ruin it by overreacting. I had already found the masked man. I had already proven Noumen's guilt. He had practically admitted it right then and there.

Although, he did deny his involvement with the gym shorts and the exploding garbage.

I clenched my teeth, holding Kaname close. Of course he denied it; he wanted Kaname to go the dance with him. Of course he wouldn't say to her face that he'd stolen her gym shorts and been using them for his own twisted purposes. Now, he was right there, just feet from us, making out with another girl. He wasn't masked. There was no masked man.

I tried to relax my muscles, but I was just too tense, Kaname was also fisting her fingers in the back of my dress shirt, rubbing her calf slowly against the back of my leg.

Ah… too many things going on at once… must… concentrate… must…

Her lips 'accidentally' found the pulse point at my neck, and one of my hands 'accidentally' slid over her thigh, my fingers clenching through the sleek fabric of her dress.

Crap! There it was again! The gruesome face appeared in the crowd for just a few seconds, then ducked away. My heart thundered in my chest. "Kaname…" I groaned, her lips leaving a damp trail when she moved her cheek back next to mine.

"Sousuke…" she purred.

Ack, not the purring again. Do you have any idea how difficult you make my job?

"Kaname, I…"

"Shhhhhh," she hushed me, her mouth close to my ear. The rasping of her voice and the heat of her breath sent a tingle down my spine.

"No," I said firmly, ducking my head against her shoulder for control. That was a mistake. The smooth skin under the thin strap of her dress was hot to the touch, making my breath catch. "I saw someone in the-"

"There's no one," she said harshly, "relax."

She raised her leg against mine, causing her… abdomen to brush against mine, the brief touch sending my mind completely spinning away from me. Okay, sure. There's nobody there, I'm just dreaming it all, I'm just-

I heard a rather sinister laugh behind me and I snapped, abruptly and completely releasing Kaname and whirling around. I cast frantically left and right.

"Sousuke!" Kaname cried behind me, clearly outraged and at the end of her rope.

I'm sorry, Kaname. I'm so sorry. Your safety is the most important thing. I want to be with you, but I cannot ignore a threat.

"Kaname, please stay by me," I said, trying to catch my breath and stop my vision from spinning. My proximity to her had really sent my senses out of whack.

"I am by you!" she snapped. "I was by you. What the hell is your problem, I-"

She never finished her sentence.

I turned when she was cut off, her name on my lips, but she was gone. She was there seconds before, and then she was gone. Fury and panic rose from my stomach, my head snapped all around. She couldn't have gone far. Whoever it was just couldn't have moved so quickly. Not with a struggling Kaname. Not with so many witnesses. Noumen was still sucking face with Kazuki a few feet away. What was this? Did someone else hear of what Noumen had been doing and decide to continue the joke?

Then I saw it, Kaname's feet kicking about ten feet away, the rest of her engulfed by the crowd. I sprinted towards her until her entire body came into view. She was obviously struggling… but I couldn't see against whom. Her hands seemed like they were grasping against air at her neck, and her cries were muffled as if someone had a hand clapped over her mouth… but there was no one. I reached her, attempting to grab onto her shoulders, but my hands struck something in the air… something I couldn't see… but something was definitely there.

She seemed to remove whatever was covering her mouth, her eyes wide in fear. "Sousuke!" she shrieked, her elbows jabbing behind her, her feet stomping and kicking against her invisible captor.

Yeah, I'm working on it! I circled around her back, grabbing onto something behind her that I couldn't see… no, someone. My hands clutched shoulders, wrenching whatever it was away from her and throwing it to the ground. I then leapt on top of it, hands groping around until I found its neck, lifting and slamming, lifting and slamming, its head colliding with the swirled pattern of the hardwood dance floor. What the hell was this? Clearly it was a person, but people can't be invisible. I saw a few spatters of blood on the floor, and kept one hand on its neck while I reached into my waistband for my weapon. Lifting it to where I imagined its forehead would be, I roared, "Show yourself!"

Kaname was standing beside me, her breath labored, her hand clutching her heart. There was a crowd forming around us now. Apparently wrestling with and pulling a gun on a non-existent enemy was odd even for me. I ignored the whispers and gasps of the people in the circle, repeating my command in a ruthless tone.

Suddenly, the image of a man in black wearing a skeleton mask crackled once or twice beneath me like television static before solidifying. I heard Noumen laughing behind me, but didn't turn to look.

"Oh man," he groaned. "I never expected this!"

"What?" Kaname snarled.

Noumen's laughter grew louder and more abrasive. "No wonder your military friend blamed me for all kinds of shit I didn't do… Talk about weird…"

I ignored Noumen and chose to focus on the matter at hand. With a furious growl I pulled the mask from the face of my prisoner, not moving my weapon from his temple.

There was a gasp all around us, the crowd moving back a step.

Kaname fell to her knees beside us, her hand coming up to rub her eyes as if she couldn't believe what she was seeing. "Mr… Mr. Takamori!" she croaked.

I stared grimly down at the sweaty face of Kaname's guidance counselor.

More than 'why the hell was Kaname's guidance counselor stalking her,' I wanted to know 'why the hell did Kaname's guidance counselor have a personal ECS device?' I threw the mask aside, one hand forcing both of his hands above his head while my other felt around and grabbed the small back box that was attached to his hip. I assumed it had something to do with his ability to disappear at will.

My mind reeled. How could that even be possible? Cloaking aircraft and armslaves were one thing, but rendering a person of flesh and blood completely invisible? I had never heard of such a device, nor did I really think it was possible. Still, I had just seen it in front of my very eyes, and it certainly filled in some holes in the past few weeks. No wonder I could never catch the freak… he might have been standing right next to me and I never would have known. Of course, I wasn't looking for the regular signs that ECS was being employed, but why would I? People weren't supposed to be able to use ECS on their own. It was unbelievable.

I tugged and tugged, but frowned when I couldn't seem to be able to move the box.

Takamori grinned in a rather twisted way, spitting up blood from his head being repeatedly smashed into the floor. "You can't remove that, Sergeant. It's grafted to my muscles."

Sergeant? How did he know that? Don't be smart with me, asshole. Can't remove it? How much do you want to bet? Bracing myself, I used all my strength and pulled hard on the black box, tearing it right out of place. Takamori screamed and coughed, and when I pulled the box into my sight I saw the wires torn and sparking, bonded to the ravaged ends of veins and sinew.

The girls in the crowd shrieked and groaned at the sight of blood dripping from the device, and now pooling under their guidance counselor's hip. I stared down at him, wide eyed. There was no doubt now that he was part of some terrorist organization. How else would he get his hands on such technology?

"What is going on here?" I looked up to see Hayashimizu, the student council president, standing over us with one hand on his hip and the other holding a fan over his mouth.

"My guidance counselor has been stalking me!" Kaname cried, clearly flabbergasted. "He grabbed me and tried to kidnap me!"

Hayashimizu raised an eyebrow, flicking the fan shut. "That is strictly against faculty guidelines."

Faculty guidelines? True, I did appreciate the support Hayashimizu often gave me, but the guy is nuts.

Hayashimizu gave a wave of his fan and several hotel security guards approached. "Take this man to the principle. I do believe there will be changes in his contract."

I shook my head. "With all due respect, your Excellency, I think a stricter course of action might be more appropriate at this time."

"Sagara, you have done enough, your vigilance should be commended. I can take this from here."

I swallowed as I climbed off of the lunatic, getting to my feet and watching carefully as the security guards flanked around him and escorted him from the ballroom. I clutched the black box in my hand. I would report this to Mithril immediately after the dance. They would track down Takamori and do what they saw fit with him. In the meantime, he would be fired and lose his dental benefits, which brought me some small satisfaction. I sighed, stuffed the box into one of my pockets and replaced my weapon, wiping my bloody hands on the front of my black pants. I was having a hard time mentally keeping up with all that had just happened. Kaname's guidance counselor? What had they been talking about at all of those meetings? An ECS device grafted to its owner? How far in did those wires go? To his brain? How much of a person was he, and how much machine? Who had done this, and how? Furthermore, was Noumen somehow truly involved? If he had the mask and admitted to using it, then how much of the wrong-doings were comitted by Noumen, and how much by Takamori?

The crowd was stirring awkwardly, everyone looking around anxiously, a large empty circle left where the puddle of blood still sat. I looked at Kaname, who had stood and was gazing at her feet, her expression stricken.

I reached out to touch her arm hesitantly, but jerked back when my fingertips left a smeared trail of blood on her fair skin. "I… I'm sorry," I whispered, unable to tear my eyes from the red on white.

She looked down at the blood on her arm, then up at my face. Slowly, the ghostly look on her face faded to one of forced annoyance. She wanted to seem like she didn't care, like she could handle it. But how could that be? A man she had been meeting with all semester for whatever reason just turned out to be the same one who stole her clothing and was out to get her. She shook her head and took my hands in both of hers, prying my fingers open to inspect my bloody palms.

She clucked her tongue, reaching into her purse and procuring a handkerchief. She then wiped both of my hands clean, rubbing fiercely to prevent staining, and stuffed the bloody thing back in her purse. I looked down, wide eyed, at my now clean hands in hers. How could she do that? How could she look so easily past the surface? How could she not run screaming and crying from the scene as I would expect any civilian to do? How could she touch me now, and wipe it all away?

I swallowed, willing myself to breath again. Kaname was made of different stuff than everyone else. There was something different about her, something more fierce, more vibrant. Something stronger and more flexible… something brighter. I had long since stopped trying to understand just what it was. I could only accept it, admire it, and be grateful that we had crossed paths.

The DJ had stopped the music when he noticed the commotion, but now with everyone just standing around in shock, the first few notes of a slow song poured into the ballroom. I hesitated, but made my decision quickly when I met Kaname's eyes. There was pride in them, and courage, but also fear and hope that I knew she was trying to suppress. My chest tightened at the thought. Kaname should not have to suppress her fear. She should have someone to protect her and let her know she was going to be okay. She wasn't like me; she didn't deserve to have to face down her nightmares. She shouldn't have to feel bitterness and betrayal. She shouldn't have to rein in and silence her hope. Maybe I couldn't always be there for her. Maybe I'd be called away or killed. Maybe I couldn't give her everything she deserved, but I could at least try to comfort her, at least for now.

"Kaname…"

She seemed to shiver, running her hands over her arms. She had a faraway look on her face. "He was supposed to help me," she said, her voice thick and troubled.

He? Oh, Mr. Takamori? "Help you with what?" I asked gently.

She shook her head. "With… it's a long story."

I frowned. Kaname had a problem she wasn't telling me about? I always assumed it was something college-related she had been discussing with her counselor. Was it something more serious? Something she didn't feel I should know about?

"I don't understand," she admitted, her brow furrowed in thought. "Both Noumen and Mr. Takamori had masks? Both of them were following me around?"

I nodded. "Maybe... I will ensure Mithril looks into this properly. Both of them will face consequences.."

"And Mr. Takamori had some kind of ECS device?"

"That's the way it appears," I answered. I just wanted to give her a big hug. I wanted to take her somewhere she would be safe and not have to worry about any of this. I felt so helpless… it felt like there was nothing I could do for her.

She swallowed. "So he probably isn't just some pervert then… huh? There's probably something worse going on."

I nodded. It hurt to admit that to her. I would do just about anything to tell her he was just some whacko and it wouldn't happen again. "Most likely."

She smiled ruefully to her feet. "What an eventful end of senior year this has been," she said quietly. "Tear gas at the march, trespassing, exploding dumpsters, masked guidance counselors, and now some terrorist organization is after me… again."

I straightened up, my face set with my resolve. "I will take care of this, Miss Chidori. You do not need to worry."

She met my eyes at that, and I frowned when I heard the words come out of my own mouth. Ever the vigilant protector I am. We can get as sweaty and hormonal as we want and it's… all the same.

She shook her head, her eyes filled with a mix of resignation and a kind of sad amusement. "We just can't win, can we? We can never have what we want."

Is that really true? After all of the changes I've made, all of the progress I've worked for? Will it all come down to safety and caution? Are her safety and her love mutually exclusive? Can I hold her close to me and still do my duty? Can I be there for her and still be loyal to Mithril? Would staying by her side give my life meaning? Or would it strip me of my purpose?

"I…" I tried to find words, tried to come up with some answer. There was still so much I did not understand. So many things I still needed to sort out. Maybe this was too soon, maybe we should stay as we were: separate but… secure.

She stepped closer to me, her eyes soft in the dim light, the glint of hope brighter now and more pronounced. Was it the right thing to put it out? To end this now before things spun out of control?

Yes, it was the right thing.

…

…

But…

Everyone makes mistakes.

Even specialists.

My life could be straightforward and organized if I pushed her away now. I could help humanity and make a hell of a lot of money. I could become even more skilled and accomplished. I could rise in the ranks and master the Arbalest. It could be a life free of distraction and confusion, one in which I knew my path and what lay ahead.

But Kaname made my days more than just following orders. I was hurt when she was hurt, when she was afraid I was angry with whatever was scaring her, and when she smiled I felt a fulfillment that did not accompany any other mission I completed. Life would be complex with Kaname in it. I would spend my days unsure of myself, dazed and confused, probably dodging whacks from her fan, and constantly wondering what I had done to piss her off yet again. But… at least I would be alive; at least I would be giving it all an honest effort. I could choose to stand on solid, even ground. But I didn't want that. I wanted the whole thing… the whole 'shebang.'

I felt a weight lift from my shoulders. I always feel better when I make decisions… even if I decide to sentence myself to a lifetime of clueless flailing.

I took a deep breath, looking down at Kaname, who was gazing up at me curiously. I held out my hand to her. "Would you like to dance?"

She cocked her head at me suspiciously, raising an eyebrow. "This isn't some kind of trick, is it? You're not going to like… dance me into a safe house or use dancing as an excuse to spin around and look out for intruders, are you?"

Hm, she's good. I hadn't even thought of that. Maybe another time.

"No," I said honestly. "I was under the impression that dancing would be the main event of the evening, and since we've already spent the majority of our time here unmasking villains, I assumed you would be interested in dancing."

She squinted at me, seemingly unconvinced, but put her hand in mine and lifted her other arm across my shoulders. It was odd… normally, with her so close, my heart would be beating at a ridiculous rate, I'd be sweating, and my mind would be thrown to the wind. At that moment however, it just felt… right. It felt like at that moment, in the place, with that girl, I was exactly where I was supposed to be. It didn't feel awkward or intimidating. Actually, I felt calm and content, her cheek resting on my chest and her breath puffing over my neck, her fingers threaded through mine. I had chosen my path, and for just a few brief moments, I felt… safe.

We said nothing, oblivious to the fact that we were the only ones dancing, that the rest of the class was still staring at the puddle of blood, or at the two crazy kids that seemed to find the situation romantic enough to hold each other close and slow dance. Even Kazuki and Noumen had stopped snogging and stood aghast.

After a while Kaname sighed. "I can't believe Mr. Takamori… I just…" she took in a shaking breath. "I just don't know who I can trust anymore."

"You can trust me," I said earnestly. Don't you know that by now?

She half-laughed at that. "Can I? You don't even know why you're here. You just do what you're told. If Mithril told you to throw me out of a moving vehicle, you'd salute and give me a good push."

I pulled back from her slightly so I could look into her eyes. "That's not true," I said firmly. "I'd never do anything to hurt you."

She glared at me incredulously. "That's a load of crap, Sousuke. Every time you leave it hurts me!" she snapped her mouth shut, maybe realizing what she'd just said. She turned her face away from me, but I tightened my hold on her so she couldn't run away.

"I don't want to hurt you," I said. "But I'm afraid that's how it will be, if…" if we're together, if it's you and me, if we face all this side by side. "I'll have to leave sometimes, I'll be called to duty, and I will have to go. I don't know when, or for how long, but…" but I'll always come back to you.

"Kaname…" our movements had stopped. We just stood in the middle of the dance floor, our arms around each other. "I wish I could make promises to you, but I don't think that would be fair."

'I wish.' When have I ever wished?

"I don't know exactly where my allegiance lies… I don't know what's going to be asked of me or how far apart we'll ever be… but I don't stay with you because it's an order. I stay because… I want to." Because I want you. "…and I might not always be with you, but I will always be on your side."

She swallowed, her eyes searching my face as if she couldn't believe what she was hearing. "What if Mithril ordered you against me?"

I did not hesitate. "I would have to question the motives of an organization that would wish to cause harm to someone as…" wonderful, brilliant, beautiful, precious "…someone like you."

I leaned my forehead against hers, studying the way her lashes fluttered against her cheeks, her skin tinted pink with hope and curiosity.

"Sousuke…" she whispered, her lips so close to mine. I could just tilt my head and seal the whole deal.

"Mmm?"

"Sousuke… you're vibrating."

I'm what?

Oh. I let go of her reluctantly, reaching into my pocket and procuring my cell phone. I took her hand and lead her with me away from the speakers where I could better hear. I flipped it open and held it up to my ear. "Sagara. Is this really important?"

"Yes, it's urgent!" It was Melissa's voice, and she sounded flustered. My stomach turned. I hoped it wasn't something to do with Takamori, or some kind of threat to the building. I really didn't want to deal with anything at the moment. Telling Kaname how I felt was my first priority. This had been dragged out for too long. "Meet us out on the pavilion in 180 seconds. We sent a chopper."

My heart sunk. I had to leave now? Of all times. I was trying to convince Kaname that I would be there for her, that she could trust me, and I had to get in a helicopter and leave her behind. I frowned. "What's the situation?" Couldn't they take someone else?

"We don't have time for that. I'll brief you when you arrive." The line went dead. My throat constricted. It probably wouldn't be a great idea to throw a tantrum, but that's what I really wanted to do. I had never thrown a tantrum before and wasn't eager to start. Still, I really felt I could throw my phone to the ground, kick, scream, and tear my hair out.

Instead I clenched my jaw and flipped the phone shut, putting it back in my pocket. I had three minutes. More like two, now. I would have to make them count.

"Please come with me," I said firmly, already tugging her towards the doors.

"What? Why? What's going on?" Kaname frowned as she kept pace with me.

"I have to go on a mission," I said grimly.

"What! But it's the middle of the dance! You can't just leave me here!"
"I do not like it either," I said. "However, there seems to be an emergency situation and my presence is required." It had to be something with the venom type. Something that called for the Arbalest. I was probably in the worst frame of mind for that kind of work.

But then, maybe I was in the best frame of mind. Maybe what a soldier really needs in battle is a reason to survive, something that I knew I had now. I had to survive so I could surpass my status as a weapon and a tool. I had a life to live.

We reached the pavilion, a large stone patio kind of thing. It was overlooking a lighted fountain in the grounds, and the night was clear and cool. It's a good thing these romantic situations just set themselves up for me, because there's no way I could design this kind of stuff on my own. It seemed fate really wanted me to say those three little words.

I stopped running when we reached the middle and looked at my watch. Sixty seconds. Mithril was never late.

I rested my hands on Kaname's shoulders, looking straight into her eyes.

She was glaring at me, obviously ready to strike.

"Kaname," I said seriously. "I know I've made many mistakes with you, both professionally and socially, and for that I am truly sorry. If I had the ability, I would make everything easy and smooth for you. You would have everything you want and never be in danger and never be alone." I licked my lips, speaking as quickly as I could without mumbling. I needed to get this all out. "But I can't do that for you. I can only promise to protect you whenever I am around. I'll do everything I can to make you happy and keep you safe. I would not hesitate to sacrifice my own life if it meant you would be better off for it."

Kaname was staring at me, wide-eyed, probably wondering where all this was coming from. I trudged onward.

"I never thought this could happen to me. I thought my whole life was laid out in front of me, and now I'm not so sure. Now everything is upside down and I can't keep it all straight, but the one thing I know for certain is that you are the most important person-"

I paused, looking up at the sky when I heard the incoming helicopter. I could see it getting closer, the whir of the blades and the wooshing of the wind filling the air. By the time I looked back at her the noise was unbearable. We couldn't even hear the blaring base from the ballroom anymore.

I swallowed, bracing myself. "I love you!" I yelled, my voice hardly carrying. "I'm sorry, but I love you!"
Kaname had reached one hand down to keep her skirt from flapping up, and one hand up to keep her hair from flying into her face. "What!" she yelled back, although I couldn't hear her, only read her lips.

"I love you!"

"What!"

Aw, fuck. What is this? The chopper was hovering now; I could see them preparing to throw a ladder down. It really was serious if they didn't even want to take the time to land.

I took Kaname's purse, rifling through it until I found a pen. Girls carry some really useful stuff in their purses, they are surprisingly well equipped.

I clicked the pen open and grabbed her hand, hastily scrawling along her smooth pale skin.

I love you.

She better be able to read my poor handwriting, or I think I'll shoot myself. I released her, and she looked down at her hand, her lips parting in amazement.

Okay, say something. Anything. But, she just stood there, staring down at the back of her hand.

"I have to go!" I yelled, but it was useless, I knew she couldn't hear me. I jerked my thumb towards the chopper and the hanging ladder.

She looked up at me finally, blinking, tears in her eyes… although in all fairness that might have been because of the extreme stinging wind from the helicopter.

I turned and took a few steps to the ladder then stopped, turned back around, took her face in my hands, and…

Well, I kind of missed. My lips pressed gently to the corner of her mouth. She stood completely still. I wasn't sure whether I was supposed to move my lips or what, but I figured starting simple was probably a good idea. We remained like that for a few seconds, my eyes shut against the wind, her lips warm against mine even though it was so cold around us.

I reluctantly pulled away, walking backwards away from her and grinning, shoving my hands in my pockets. I know; I'm not really the grinning type. It's rare that I even smile. But I'd just told Kaname how I felt and I even kissed her, if a bit oddly, and she didn't slap me, whip out the fan, run screaming, or even yell at me. She just stood there, holding onto the hem of her skirt with both hands, a look of sheer amazement etched into her features.

I turned and grabbed onto the ladder, sweeping my tie over one shoulder to keep it out of my way. I looked back briefly. She opened and closed her mouth a few times, as if trying to get words out, and then she smiled softly, her lips forming inaudible but unmistakable words.

"I love you, too."

I felt my whole body warm, and it all seemed worth it. I loved Kaname, and she loved me. We were in love. I felt like painting that somewhere, or screaming, or… well, for once I actually felt like dancing.

Sweating, grinding, whatever. I'd even do the electric slide, if she wanted me to.

I nodded with a renewed grin, wanting nothing more than to run back and stay with her, never leave her side. Instead I turned back to the ladder and put my foot on the first rung.

I turned back again when she grabbed my arm, and she got up on her tiptoes to yell into my ear so I could hear.

"Come home soon."

Then it was her turn to take my face in her hands, and she had much better aim. Her lips pressed firmly against mine. The sensation made my muscles feel weak and useless; it was difficult to hold onto the ladder. I had half the mind to just let go of it all together and take her back into my arms and continue this.

But I felt a tug along the ladder and Kaname pulled back, a warm happiness settled in her eyes. I tore my gaze from her and looked up to see one of the chopper operatives looking panicky and rushed. I guess there was a battle that needed fighting. Well hello, there's a beautiful girl down here that needs kissing, but you don't see me ringing bells about it!

I turned back, perfectly prepared to pick up where we left off, but Kaname had backed away out of reach, her hands returned to maintaining her modesty.

With one last smile, I made my way up the ladder, not looking back until I'd reached the top and climbed in. The minute I was strapped in the chopper began to move, and I looked quickly out the window.

Kaname appeared to be laughing. She reached into her purse and pulled out the handkerchief she'd used to wipe my hands, it was still patched red and white. She used one hand to keep her dress down, and with the other she waved the handkerchief at me melodramatically. Her smile never faded. I watched her as long as I could while we sped away, watched until the speck of light that was the hotel faded completely out of view.

Maybe I should have felt serious, our anxious, or at least been preparing my brain for the fight ahead, but all I could think about was her lips on mine, and her last words to me.

Come home soon.

Not come back soon. Come home soon. Home. I'd never really had a home. I'd always been on the move. Kaname would be on the move… she'd be gone from school, moving into her college dorm. Where was home? But I knew the answer to that question. It was with her. I'd build myself a life, a real life, and I'd build it around her. I loved Kaname. She was my friend, now more than my friend. She was my home. Kisses, paper fans, and all. The whole thing. The whole shebang.

Come home soon?

I will.

Not I'll 'try.'

I will.