(5/8/05)

Disclaimers: Kyoko Tsuchiya, Takehito Koyasu, Project Weiβ and the people who dubbed it over here in America or Canada or whatever place they did it, have the rights to the pretty bishounens . . . Dammit all. ¬.¬ (sulking) But I own random the people that pop up!

-x.x.x-

Fearful

Chapter 4

-x.x.x-

"Finally!" Ken yawned and stretched his aching limbs once he rose from the coffee table, where notebooks, papers, and textbooks were thrown about haphazardly around him. At a certain point in his stretching, he accidentally stretched his healing back a bit too far, resulting him sulking when he sat back down, back hunched over with his chin resting on his crossed arms.

"Nice one there, oniichan" Omi grinned cheekily from the opposite side, with his share of burdening homework, only to find a notebook thrown in his face. "Itai!" The youth pouted and chucked it back to the owner who caught it with a lopsided grin.

"Ken, Omi" their mother said in a warning tone as she entered the living room from the narrow hallway that led to the two bedrooms and the bathroom in the back.

They both looked up at their mother, donning their innocent expressions of 'What-Did-I-Do-Wrong?' She sighed and half-heartedly glared at the two that held no malice, but more along the border line of exasperation.

"Are you two done with your homework?"

"Hai, okaa-san."

"Then clean up your mess" her head motioned to the disarrayed piles of notebooks, papers, pens, pencils, calculators, textbooks and the likes on the floor and table.

"Right away, okaa-san!" The two smiled cherubically –more like Omi smiling cherubically while Ken was smiling for the sake of it- and they started to organize their tornado-hit-but-really-didn't mess.

Once the two close-knit half-brothers got home, they soon found out from their beloved mother that their father was to be sent away for about two months' time at sea, when the ship arrives in several days at the port. Inwardly, the two were ecstatic about the good news but at the same time wary, seeing how their previous supposed good fortune had fallen on them. Last time, which was only some weeks ago, their father was in a seemingly good mood seeing that he was to be promoted to Commander from being a Lieutenant Commander, only to find out he was bunked back to a Lieutenant. Furious and not bothering to even to consult to the Captain of Navy Ship as to why, he took out his anger and frustration to the nearest scapegoats he could get without getting into trouble with the law. . .

. . . His own family. That left some unforgettable bruises and scars that were mostly on the older teenager whereas the mother and Omi only sported some minor ones. And yesterday's mishap was only from being overly drunk while in a state of both depression and resentment. How quaint.

The father knew for certain that neither his wife nor sons will ever breathe a word of it outside the family. Speaking of outside the family, the four kept up appearances of two loving married couples and two happy and well-loved sons who other childless parents envied and gossiped nonstop about in their neighborhood. With the father in the Navy, no one would suspect any wrong doing; the stay-at-home-mother with a gentle smile who on no account spoke of anything bad about anyone or anything; and Ken, the athlete and Omi the kid-genius. Who would suspect anything? They'd tell the landlord when he asked of the dented wall and the shattered heirloom mirror was due to Ken kicking his soccer ball around when stressed. The landowner believed it with a slightly skeptical expression but asked no further, given that the father had a rather intimidating aura when prodded further with questionings.

While the two were set and about cleaning, their mother was in the kitchen, wondering what last-minute shopping she needed to prepare for tonight's dish. As she pondered, the door opened and closed, signaling the arrival of their father.

"Okaeri, otou-san!" the two chirped mechanically with fibbed joy, flashing welcoming smiles.

"Okaeri, honey" she smiled warmly after she popped her head out from the kitchen door.

The blonde man nodded in acknowledgement as he toed off his shoes, making way to his wife in the kitchen.

It was funny how after the 'incident' –as Ken would usually call it when his father would lose it, which would typically happened every once a week if they were lucky- everything would be back to 'normal' and the family would act like nothing had ever happened the day before. Weird, really–since Ken, Omi, and their mom would be practically walking on delicate egg shells when the father was around. Who knows what else would set the man off again given that he had a very, very short fuse and patience? To think they'd know what set him off after living with him for the past eighteen years or so.

"Ken, Omi, dear?" she came out of the kitchen, looking slightly disheveled with her long chocolate locks a little out of place.

The two brothers looked up with the backpack on one shoulder and textbooks in hand since the two were talking, planning to dump their things in the shared bedroom. After exchanging a few seconds' glances at each other, already realizing what just transpired in the kitchen, the two lightly blushed; Omi's being more noticeable. Despite how many dozen times they bear witness of their mother looking somewhat like this, the two couldn't help but blush like naïve teenagers they were. Nonetheless, they knew their mom didn't like it as much as the two did but she bore through it all. Even though she wouldn't admit it or knew it, she was a rather strong woman in her own passive ways.

"H-hai?" Ken blinked.

She handed him a list and some money. "Why don't you and Omi go to the store to pick those up for me?"

Blonde and brunette heads nodded, "Hai, okaa-san!" They left their things in their room and departed straight to the said store, not wanting to stay around any longer than necessary.

-x.x.x-

"Ran-niichannn" Aya pleaded as her large blue-violet eyes went innocently wide and bubbly, tugging on his white sleeve like a young child.

Violet eyes glanced downward at his begging sister before rolling his eyes. "Iie."

She tugged some more, giving the impression of a child that was denied of its cherished toy. "Why not? It's only my favorite strawberry whipped ice cream!" She said like it had explained everything. The dark blue haired girl pressed on, tugging pleadingly. "I only get to eat it once in awhile, niichan!"

"You just had it last week." He gave her his all-knowing look.

"That was 'awhile!' "

The redheaded being caved into her pleading demand and reluctantly nodded as he sighed, "Fine" with a motion of his free hand.

Sure, so he was known as 'Prince Ice' in school but that doesn't necessarily mean the redhead was always an icicle being . . . Especially not around with his energetic and cheerful imouto, Aya. Nope. He's her niichan and she's bending him to her will even if he denied it.

Aya squealed in delight, skipping down to the frozen aisle and grabbed her all-time favorite ice cream. She returned with a triumph smile after standing on her toes to peck a kiss on his cheek. "Thanks, niichan, you're the best!"

A slight smile passed as he nodded. Bringing the basket up on the counter to be ringed, Ran was then tugged to the side once again by Aya.

"Now what?" He stared at her head of dark blue hair, waiting for a response.

"Anou . . . isn't that Omi-san?" She tilted her head towards the aisle of dairy products with her eyes squinting.

Amethyst eyes swept over to the pointed aisle and he indeed found Omi there, carrying a jug of milk and carton of orange juice in both hands, two bags of potato chips clamped underneath both his arms, and a box of strawberry Pocky Sticks tucked beneath his round chin as he trekked over towards them. With his blue eyes cast downward to the floor, the blond petite didn't notice the Fujimiya siblings. "Hai, it is."

"I hope oniichan hurries up with his part of the list" Omi muttered as struggled with his load, "Should've grabbed a cart or basket or something . . . "

"Omi-san!" Aya chirped as she made her way towards him.

"Huh?" Caught off guard, Omi shot his head up only to realize that his Pocky Sticks fell as well as the two bags of chips since both his arms shot up defensively with the milk and juice still in hand. Slowly lowering his hands down with the sound of familiar voice, sapphire orbs met that of blue-violet. "Aya-chan!"

The pig-tailed girl giggled as she picked up the fallen items. "Jumpy much, Omi-san?"

Omi blinked and shrugged with a smile, "You just surprised me, Aya-chan."

"Anyways, since it looks like you needed help, I'll help you!" She grinned and carried the stuff over to the register.

"Oh, uh, arigatou!" He bowed and then hurried over to the counter. Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted Ran, standing near by. "Afternoon, Fujimiya-sempai!" He bowed again after greeting the redhead cheerfully.

The stoic redhead nodded in acknowledgement.

"You're ready to be ringed, sir?" The clerk asked tentatively.

"Aa." Ran turned about to face the clerk.

Blue eyes looked about with furrowed brows as he set the jug of milk and carton of juice on the counter. "What's taking him so long? He only needed to get three things: apples, oranges, and cookies!" Omi rolled his eyes. "Oniichan! Oniichan!"

"Wha---at?" Ken appeared from the fresh fruits and veggie section.

"What's taking you?" He huffed impatiently as he placed his now free hands on his hips as if to emphasize it.

Ken was oblivious to the two other siblings, seeing that he focused all of his attention on his younger brother. "What's taking me?" He asked skeptically with his teal eyes widening in complete disbelief. "Omi, you left me to pick fresh fruits and veggies! That's what's taking me!" He waved an empty bag around. "I could've taken your share of the list and done it without trouble! But nooo you had to run off once you saw Pocky Sticks!"

"Wow . . ." Aya awed and then broke into a fit of laughter.

The laughter made the brunette took notice of the excluded presences. "Huh?" His temper deflated as he flushed with embarrassment and immediately looked the other way but then returned to face them once he regained his composure. He gave a slight bow to the Fujimiyas. "Afternoon, Fujimiya-sempai, Aya-chan," he said somewhat awkwardly towards Ran but smoothly with Aya. Funny how the two were siblings and yet have polar opposite demeanor . . . Well, from the icy persona Ran gave off and Aya's lively one from Ken's point of view.

"Nice to see you, Ken-san!" Aya smiled brightly after calming down from her fit, returning the jester with a wave.

Ken responded with a smile of his own but then it flopped upside-down once teal eyes met that of frosty violet, whose owner of those eyes just happened to glance over at the brunet.

Wasn't there a saying that said something like meet them once or twice its coincidence but thrice makes it destiny?(1) Gahh, I've been watching one too many anime shows with Omi. And why is that Ran gives me the coldest look that could beat an iceberg? Was it this morning's incident? If it was then, it wasn't my fault that he was there. Sheesh, talk about holding a grudge . . .

"Well, did you at least get the cookies?" Omi piped up as he ran over to snatch the empty plastic bag out of his stilled hand, hurrying over to the section the older brother came out of.

"Um, yeah" The soccer athlete replied, blinking out of his thoughts as he lifted the plastic cookie jar from the shelf he had previously left it on before he had left and attempted to pick fruits and veggies. He trudged over to the forgotten supplies on the counter. Putting the jar down, he intended to get something himself seeing that Omi did with his fetish for Pocky Sticks. Ken glided over to the drinks section, grabbing a large sports drink. Unable to bear the awkward silence that had befallen, Ken turned around and slapped on a cheery face as he trekked towards them, stopping at a comfortable distance. "So what brings you two here?" 'Yeah, stupid question, Hidaka. He mentally smacked himself with an anvil. Why would they be here in a food market? Hang out?'

"Oh, niichan was just buying me my favorite ice cream!" She chirped happily and then proceeded to wink mischievously as if to say 'Of course, after some innocent face pleading.'

"And some last minute grocery shopping" Ran added after paying the clerk.

"That's unimportant stuff" She waved airily with a grin.

"That's what we're here, too!" Omi beamed, returning with two bags of fresh picked products. "We're done, right, oniichan?"

"Aa" Ken nodded and motioned for the clerk to ring them up.

"Oh, hey Ken" the cashier flashed a smile as he started.

"Oh, hi Chiron" Ken returned the smile.

"Come on, Aya." He picked up the grocery bags and started for the door.

"Okay, niichan!" The teenage girl hurried after her long-striding brother after turning around and waved, "See you in History Class, Omi-san! Bye, Ken-san!"

"Ja, Aya-chan!" The two waved in sync.

"Fujimiya-sempai is one of the top students, right?" The blonde asked to no one in particular with a tilt of his head, watching the clerk scan the barcode on his Sticks. As if the beeping from the register answered his question, Omi nodded his head, "That's right. I overheard the girls talking about it during lunch break. He sure is popular with the girls, alright."

Paying the cashier, Ken grabbed the bags and shrugged. What did Ran have to do with anything with his life? Apparently, nothing at all.

"Coming tomorrow?" Chiron asked as the brunet readied to leave.

Ken nodded and then said, "Let's go, Omi."

"Hai!"

-x.x.x-

Today would've been a great day except that Fate 'unintentionally' made him meet that standoffish redhead three times. Was Fate trying to say something? Like apologize to that senior because of what he said? Uh-uh, no way is Ken going to apologize to that unapproachable (save Yohji and Aya that is) iceberg of a human. The brunet doubted that Ran had any remaining remnants of humanity left in him, seeing that he was a 'top student' as well as the fact that (he couldn't help but overheard the loud chattering of girls in front of him in homeroom) the violet-eyed senior declined every single females that had asked him out or given him presents. To think that he'd have common sense of courtesy to accept the gifts and write each and every one of them a note of turning them down gently instead of tersely replying 'No' ,'Hn', 'Iie' or whatever the hell he says. Being a 'top student' must really have him striving for perfection or something . . .

On the flipside, his younger brother, Omi, was a kid-genius and a top student to boot, so you'd assume he'd act all high and mighty and snobbish or something like Ran, but, alternatively, he's the cheerful, optimistic, helpful, current Omi that we all know and love. Bizarre but he assumed that the blonde wanted to be far away from the spotlight. Couldn't blame him, really, seeing that he's easily flustered.

Anyways, like Ken was trying to say before he got semi-in-depth, today would've been a great day. 'Why would it be a great day?' you ask. Well, for one concrete thing was that his father apparently didn't go out and get his ass drunk like last night, but rather, he was staying sober for whatever odd reason it was and that was something that happens every few blue moons, and it was the thing his mom, Omi and himself were grateful of. Another reason was that, well, tonight the three wouldn't have to fear the man, and they could function as 'normally' as they could get without actually being a typical sit-com family reality . . .

God, he hated those shows . . . So picture-perfect with the perfect family in a perfect house . . . Strangely, for some reason, Ken thought Ran would've fit nicely in that ideal family despite the fact that he had red hair, violet eyes, ivory skin, and, of course, being a live icicle being, which was nothing near normal or perfect. That, or be one of the World's Eighth Wonder . . .

'Ooh, headache coming back . . .'

A limb was thrown across his chest from his right side, causing him blink out of his mulling speculation as he softly smiled, knowing that it was Omi's arm. Carefully wrenching an arm free from behind his head, he cautiously moved the limb beside the owner. The youth mumbled something incoherently and shifted noiselessly to his other side.

Even though the two had the privilege to stay up later than usual, which was around 2200 (11:00 p.m.), the duo opted to crash in early, given that they had depleted their energy for the day. Lounging around in the living room, their parents were watching some lovey-dovey movie; the last time the two saw them.

Just before crashing onto the shared mattress, Omi insisted to change the bandaging again for the third time since they got home. Ken swore the kid's paranoid that the athlete's going to drop dead from some unknown germ or virus or whatever. Ri—ight . . . Like Ken would drop dead that easily.

Omi piped up happily that the wounds were healing nicely. Ken was pleased to hear that but the youth's high cheerful voice caused his evil headache to return and then augmented when he mused over said thoughts.

The fair-haired teenager said that not much can be done to ease the headache beside taking aspirins and a great deal of needed rest from loud noises and thinking too much.

Oh, easier said than done, Omi. Easier said than done.

First of all, Ken detested being bedridden and adding to that follows his most hated thing in life: the silence; the dead, stiff, awkward, tense, tedious silence. He could've gone on if only he could muster up some more adjectives that then would caused a throbbing pulse to his temples.

Omi then suggested that he stayed home tomorrow from school and work. Adamantly refusing to, Ken claimed that the headache will be gone by tomorrow in the afternoon at least. Then the young teenager rejoined about how his injured back will only worsen if he insisted to lift or carry heavy cargos or groceries.

Finally, after much time had passed with the two bickering in bed, sleep claimed the boy and later on the brunet.

-x.x.x-

Din—ng-do—ong!

KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK!

Din—ng-do—ong!

KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK!

Din—ng-do—ong!

KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK!

POUND! POUND! POUND!

His twitching was in plain sight from behind his book.

It sure was obvious that he was not having a good day at all. For a moment, Ran thought that it could be atone in his 'quiet time' but, no, dastardly Fate had to intervene. First it was the morning incident and then the flight down the stairs. Well, that flight was more of Yohji's fault, really, that then caused him to be in the infirmary, meeting that youth again. At home, while he was making dinner with Aya, he left the stove accidentally unattended so the two had to go to the store to buy new groceries. Then, it was the trip to the store, bumping into Ken again. And while uncharacteristically fuming about Ken's familiarity with Aya, he was splashed with puddle of water when a car sped by. Dammit. Why is it that today, everything went wrong whenever he saw the brunet! Nothing like this had ever happened before so why the hell now?

Instead of reading, he was rather glaring at the pages, wanting to blame it to relieve his frustration given that there was no kendo class today. If there was, whoever went up against him would be aching all over for several days.

"Ran-niichannn! Open the door already!" Aya's voice carried down the stairs and into the spacious living room, "It's getting on my nerves!"

He chose to disregard it and his sister's complaint, given that he already knew who was on the other side of the door, creating the loud racket that soon forced him to put his book down on the table and stalk over to the door. Resisting the urge to yank the door off its damn hinges and ram the blonde back home with it, he wrenched opened the door, glowering look of death on for disturbing his quiet time.

"What. Do. You. Want!" He seethed each word through gritted teeth, barely containing his temper.

The fist was poised and ready to pound the door again but halted suddenly, realizing he'd pound the redhead's pretty face in. "Oh, well finally you opened the damn door! I thought I would need to knock it down or something!"

"Answer." He shot a hardening glare.

A moment's pause as Yohji recollected his fleeting thoughts of why he was here. A light bulb dinged! "Oh, yeahs . . ." His trademark grin surfaced as he waggled his eyebrows suggestively.

Next thing the blonde playboy knew, the white door was slammed in his face. One could've sworn the wood cracked if one looked carefully at the painted wood grain. Emerald eyes blinked before he resumed with his racketeering.

"C'mon Ran!"

From the other side of the door, there was a twitch.

KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK!

"You didn't let me finish—no wait, you didn't let me begin!"

Twitch. Twitch.

Din—ng-do—ong!

"Puh—lease Ran! Open the damn door!"

Twitch. Twitch. Twitch.

POUND! POUND! POUND!

"Ra—an! Open the door before I scream like a girl!"

There was sounds stomping nearing and the door was once again wrench open, revealing a very pissed off Ran with murderous violet eyes, and to make him look more homicidal was the fact that he was holding his beloved katana. Wait, when did he have the time to snatch off its mounting in his bedroom . . . ?

Since Ran couldn't ease his aggravation with just glaring at the book, he opted to take it out on the lanky blonde, since he couldn't very well do that to his cherished imouto. Okay, he's not that malicious but Ran was planning to practice his forms . . . it's just that Yohji came knocking at a very wrong time. Leave it to the blonde for the inconvenience.

Jade green eyes widen behind his dimmed sunglasses. 'Oh, shit. He's really pissed . . . Ran's really gonna maim me ain't he?'

"Um, I can tell you tomorrow?" He squeaked. For the first time, Yohji Kudou, the King of Playboys, feared for his life and that was evident enough through his voice. Funny how it was his best friend he feared since Yohji hardly ever feared the icicle, given that he understands his condition.

Well, first time for everything right?

Before the redhead could react, the blonde left only clouds of dust in his wake.

-x.x.x-

(1) 'Wasn't there a saying that said something like meet them once or twice its coincidence but thrice makes it destiny?' Hmms, I recall reading something along the line of that in Demon Diary? n.n

Nyahk, each chapter is getting longer. V.v Oh well can't be help since I'm mostly focusing it on this and another in progress WK story that's yet to be uploaded. Kweee, next update will probably be much late, even though this chapter is the second time I've updated earlier than a month. Nyahhh, ebbill projects in school TT. Hmms, I like the middle and the ending . . . Oh and as for the father being in the Navy, I'm certain Japan has one, right? O.o Oii, history facts are getting to me now . . . . Yohji seems OOC ish . . . .Meh. Gawd, look at me, I'm ramblin nonsense. . . Vv;;

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C.re.ax.: Lengthy review but got lost because of facial expression? Huuyy, ebbill FF(dot)Net and their QuickEdit which really isn't quick at all. Ouii, stressful exams? Ouii, I hope you did well! (crosses fingers) Yahs, Yohji is straightforward at times when he deems it's appropriate (in his eyes anyways, and that's usually in a perverse way) Wah, now that you mention your submission being ancient, when will HANABI at the latest be updated? I weally wanna know what happens! (dies in suspense)

Narijima: Meep, is that so? (sweat drop) Guess I learned something new! xDD I wasn't completely positive with the word 'Urusei', so thanks for pointing it out! I'll revise it when ever given the chance! Hmm, guess I will use that personal reference! (Big smile) Yah, the interaction between the three was something. I was wondering how it would go if Chibi was there, too. (Ponders) Thanks for the compliment! Phwee, you're like my editor beside my sister who hardly has time for herself! Hmms, I wonder why don't you have a fanfiction story up seeing how well you write by the judge of your review? I bet if you did, it'd be like a big hit! (smile smile) (nudge nudge)

Gillian Sillis: Hehe, don't hurt yourself now since I don't want an unconscious reviewer and get sued for it! Aw, Kenken is my fave, too, so don't worry your little head about it! All's good and dandy like candy! (Sunny smile with a sweat drop) Ah, yes, fall prey to your curiosity! Muahahaha (coughs coughs) Erk, I'm alright?

And thanks to those who just read it and too shy to review! But, don't you wanna be recognized and then other people will go to your penname and check your stories out? Eh, that's what I do anyways . . . . Vv Um, where was I going with this? Oh yahs!

Domo arigatou, minna-san!