Kon'nichi wa Minna!

So it's been a while, I know, but I'm finally here with chapter nine of Koneko Wars. I was kind of sad to note the lack of review for the last chapter, but it was a pretty sucky chapter so I understand, more or less. *sniffs* I think you'll enjoy this chapter as we begin the next phase of KW's semi-plot.

DISCLAIMER: I used to own Weiß....then I woke up.

WARNING: Homophobic? Dislike Shonen ai? Don't read.

The Koneko Wars

Chapter 9: Meddler on a Hot Grass Field

By: Whisper

Omi looked out over the gaggle of girls and a few boys in the shop and sighed. He was supposed to meet Nagi this afternoon, but Yohji had insisted that Ken and Aya needed some alone time and when Yohji was intent on something he could be rather persuasive...or conniving. The delicate rose stem that he'd just de-thorned snapped in his tight grip while the young blonde glared at Yohji, who stood in a corner talking to pretty girls and being useless. "Yohji, there are deliveries that need to be made, why don't you do them?" Omi's voice was cheerful to the outside observer, but the very fact that he was ordering Yohji around alerted the older man to the young assassin's agitation.

"Alas fair ladies I am...."

"Where's Ken?" a male voice asked, interrupting Yohji's carefully constructed speech. Instantly the crowd of girls moved toward Koshi Otani as he entered the store, smile radiating charm.

"He's not working today, we'll tell him you stopped by," Omi replied, walking up to Yohji and giving him the list of deliveries. "Better hurry up, Yohji-kun, we don't want these to be late." Omi halted when he noted the scowl on the playboy's face and the answering sneer on Koshi's.

"Koshi-kun, can I have your autograph?"

"Koshi-kun, do you have a girlfriend?"

"Koshi-kun, can I have your shirt?"

"Ladies, ladies, please," the soccer star smiled, raising his hands to fend off any more questions. Turning to the first girl he grinned and placed a quick kiss on her forehead. "You know I only give autographs after games so this will have to do until then sweet lady." Turning to the second he seemed to contemplate her for a moment before adopting an earnest face. "I could never commit myself to one woman forever, I think that all of the traveling I do would only hurt a relationship in the end." Naturally what he refrained from saying was that he found women to be bossy, obnoxious, and far too clingy for his tastes. He preferred someone with broad shoulders and a strong voice, someone who could be a true partner on and off the field, someone like Ken. With a sigh Koshi looked to the last girl, his eyes holding a dreamy look as he continued to think of all Ken's merits. "If I give you my shirt, dear girl, I wouldn't have anything to protect me from the cold, but if you come to our exhibition game this Saturday and wait near the team exit I will be sure to see that you get a little something."

"Are you done?" Yohji called, the keys to the Seven in his hands. "If you're not going to buy anything I think you should leave."

"Yohji-kun you're sounding like Ran-kun!" Omi turned an apologetic smile to Koshi, unaware of the reason for Yohji's rude behavior.

"Omi-kun, it's Thursday, where is Ken?" Megumi Igarashi's voice caused a silence to flow over the shop and all girls present fished through their purses to find their club cards, lest Megumi kick them out of the shop.

"Ken-kun's busy today, but I'll tell him you stopped by, Megumi-chan," Omi replied, becoming slightly agitated that the shop had turned into a Ken-Depot; soon they'd be selling Ken Club merchandise and autographs instead of flowers.

"That's two weeks in a row he's missed his Thursday shift," Megumi pondered, reaching into a panda backpack to get her personal planner. "By my calculations it's the first week of tryouts, which means he might be there, only Koshi-kun's here so that can't be it." As Megumi continued to prattle off possible places Ken could've gone, Yohji took a box of arrangements and left, Omi continued to work on his arrangement, and Koshi stared at the fangirl, dumbstruck; he had no idea that Ken's fans were so organized...or so crazed. "That means he must be coaching down at the park!" Megumi concluded, her checklist now complete. "Come on, minna, maybe he took his shirt off again!" In a matter of moments the Koneko was empty of all but a few fangirls as Ken's horde of admirers sped off down the street to find their idol.

"So, Omi, do you think..."

"He and Ran-kun went to the park to teach the kids," Omi said, absently waving Koshi out of the store. "Since the girls are gone I'm closing up early, see you later Koshi-kun."

*******

"Aya-kun, you're so cool!" came the chorus of cheers as Ran jogged down his half of the field, headed towards a downed player.

"Ken-kun, we love you!" cried Ken's contingent of fans, lined up on the other half of the field. Amidst Ken's fans stood Koshi who was not altogether pleased that Ken had ditched out on helping with tryouts to play soccer with a snooty redhead and some sniveling little brats.

"Ran-niichan, Ken-niichan, what are all these people doing here?" little Takuro asked, his wide blue eyes taking in the crowds. "What does that banner say, Ken-niichan, I can't read those characters yet."

"It says that Ran-niichan is going to buy ice cream for the winning team," Ken whispered.

"Sugoi! Arigatou Ran-niichan!" Takuro latched himself onto Ran's leg, squeezing for all he was worth while the redhead looked up to glare at Ken. "I want vanilla-chocolate swirl!"

"After Ken-niichan takes you out for pizza," Ran answered, a feral grin replacing his glare as Ken's jaw dropped and his eyes grew large and pouty.

"Ne, Ken-niichan, you and Ran-niichan are the best!" A chorus of "Hai" followed as the children circled Ran and Ken and began to sing "Pizza with Ken-niichan, Ice Cream with Ran-niichan, Soccer is Great!"

"We want ice cream too Aya-kun!!!" the redhead's fans cried, glaring at the little children who were privileged to touch the stoic man.

"Ken-kun, take us out for pizza too!" Ken's fans cried, dropping their banners and running up to the brunette, creating an outer circle around the chanting children.

"Ken, there you are," Koshi called, pretending to have just found his teammate.

"Koshi what's wrong, shouldn't you be at tryouts?" Ken asked, frowning slightly. The brunette wasn't nearly as dense as most people gave him credit for, he'd seen the tension between Yohji and Ran and had caught onto their game early on even though he chose to do nothing about it. Ken had been surprised at Ran's bold approach during the ordeal but there was an undercurrent of gentleness in the redhead that attracted Ken to him, just as there was a more tender, serious side to Yohji that intrigued him. Koshi however, was another matter entirely. From the moment Ken had joined the Japanese national team Koshi had viewed him as nothing more than an object of lust to be conquered and discarded. Kritiker knew exactly how well Ken took to being regarded as a means to an end.

"Coach sent me to tell you that you'll be needed at tryouts tomorrow, we've weeded out the rabble for you." Turning to Megumi, Koshi adopted a sad pout. "Your brother didn't make the cut hon, give him my condolences and tell him to try for the minors, a little more experience is really what he needs." Koshi refrained from mentioning that he had spoken with a few members of the team and had arranged to make Shinichi's tryouts an exercise in futility. If Koshi had his way, the man who dumped Ken would never play soccer professionally.

"Poor Shinichi, he was really hoping he'd get onto the team," Megumi sighed before perking up again. "Ne Ken-kun, are tryouts open for everyone to watch?"

To lie or to tell the truth and be swarmed by idiots Ken thought to himself. "Hai." There were days Ken despised his penchant for always telling the truth. A cheer erupted from the girls and children as arrangements were made to create a "Ken Club" section at the soccer stadium. It was with a slightly heavy set to his steps that Ken followed Ran to the pizza house and ice cream parlor to treat the kids, dodge the fangirls, and ignore Koshi.

*****

"You told him where we were, didn't you?" Upon returning home Ran had politely excused himself, stalked up the stairs to Yohji's room and proceeded to express his ire at the day's events.

Yohji held up his hands defensively and backed away from the redheaded intruder, looking to get himself out of the agile man's reach. "I didn't tell him anything, if he found out where you were then either Omi told him or he followed the fangirls. I was working today, Ran, I didn't have time to sabotage your little game of soccer." Sighing and letting his shoulders sag Yohji peered up to lock emerald eyes with burning violet orbs. "When are you going to get it through your head that I don't play dirty? I'm not going to wrestle Ken away and hand him over to Koshi to spite you, I'm not going to try and make Ken hate you, and I most certainly am not going to lock my door every night because I fear that you're paranoid that I'm trying to break you and your lover up so stop being an idiot and get over yourself."

"I will accept that."

"Koshi's a shark, Ran, I know the type. He'll try to snag Ken at games, detain him in the locker room, drag him to a club and liquor him up, then make his move. Ken knows what the slimeball's after and he won't fall for any of his tricks, don't worry." Yohji gave the shorter man a companionable pat on the back before opening his door to lead the man out. "Now, if you will excuse me, I have to work the morning shift and Omi will skewer me if he has to open on a Friday by himself."

*****

Ken stood leaning against a goalpost while Coach Hamashiro explained the basics of the drill the team hopefuls would participate in. They've gotten this far without doing this stupid, basic drill? They must've focused on defensive drills since I wasn't here. The men were lining up in three lines at the halfway mark and would soon be coming down in teams of three, challenging the defensive line and endeavoring to get a shot past Ken. Guess I could go a little easy on them this round, let a few past so they don't get too discouraged.

I wouldn't suggest that a highly accented voice echoed in the young athlete's mind. The guy playing center is pretty determined to score. He figures if he scores on you then he's automatically in.

What are you doing back here, I thought you were staying in Germany? Ken had come across Schuldich during an away game in Germany and, while the first hour they spent together in a small club called "Kompressed" was less than friendly, they finally came to the realization that the grudge between Weiß and Schwarz was best left in the past, along with all the painful memories of the time.

I got homesick. The incredulity of the German's voice in his head made Ken snicker. The very thought of Schuldich pining away for his old apartment in Japan was one that Ken had never thought he'd entertain. Yeah, laugh it up little kitty, we'll see if you're still laughing when that guy scores on you.

Ken's attention was riveted back to the men at the halfway line who were beginning their drill. With a sigh Ken left his comfortable perch against the goalpost and readied himself. So, you think he'll get past the fullbacks easily?

No contest, he's Hell bent on getting one past you, as I said before. Of course, I don't expect you to remember anything I say, I'm only always right. The center forward charged past the defensive line, making a break for the net. He's going to go for the right corner.

Liar he's going for the left, his left foot is already committed to the turn. Ken smirked as his eyes followed the ball and his body leapt toward the sailing sphere. In a matter of seconds Ken held the soccer ball clutched to his chest as he rolled on the ground then jumped up to toss the ball back to midfield. Always right, huh?

I was trying to trip you up, seeing if you're worth all the hype you've got. Your calendar for next year is very tasteful by the way, a lot less corny than this year's. Ken's calendar for the present year was little more than a series of glamour shots that were hastily thrown together to market in time for the new year and the new calendar, full of shirtless sweat-shots and other fan-pleasing poses, was more a work of art than a calendar.

What does that have to do with anything? Ken wiped some sweat from his forehead and stretched as he watched the defensive line take the ball away from the forwards. God that guy's awful, why's he here?

He's a good fullback. Great at defense, sucks at offense, kinda like a team of assassins I know. At some point during Ken's stay in Germany he and the Schwarz telepath had developed a loose form of friendship and, while Schuldich held a great amount of respect for Weiß, he constantly barbed the young soccer player into defending his teammates, if only to quietly marvel at the dedication he had to them. Weiß's unity was something that Schwarz had envied and endeavored to emulate though, in the end, Schwarz had simply reverted to their hierarchical structure instead of Weiß's 'teamwork.'. So, how's the sexy redhead treating you? Is he being his assaholic self yet or has he decided to reserve that for the honeymoon?

Ran's fine Schuldich, I'm sure he'll be thrilled to know you care. How much longer is this going to take? Focusing on the drill for a moment, Ken caught a ball heading his way and observed the rotation at midfield. Looks like we'll be doing this for another twenty minutes or so. Hey Schuldich?

What do you want now? There was a pause as Schuldich scanned the brunette's mind a little harder. How can you eat that slop and live? You're an athlete, shouldn't you be watching your figure? If you get fat then Ran's going to dump you...I'll be there before the drill ends. Oh, your fan club's about ready to arrive, I can sense Megumi's thoughts getting closer.

Where the Hell are you anyhow? Ken took a moment to look around at the stands and frowned as a flash of flame red caught his eyes. You could've just come down near the field like any other civilized human being, you know.

But Ran would see me, he's hiding down in section B directly below me. He does look awfully tasty when he's angry though. Anytime you want to share...

Before Ken could retort his link with Schuldich was severed and he forced himself to return his attention to the drill, every now and then looking for Ran. He's probably not even here, he's supposed to be working in the shop this afternoon with Yohji.

****

"Ran's going to die," Yohji grumbled to himself as the lunchtime crowd surrounded him. Omi had gone off to classes and left him alone to await Ran's arrival, an arrival that was two hours overdue. "If he's out at that soccer field instead of helping me in the shop I'm going to string him up to a tree, coat him in honey, and watch bears eat him alive."

That's a little harsh, don't you think? If Ran wants to get some eye candy then I say more power to him. How many times have you ditched your shifts, leaving him here all alone with these estrogen crazed harpies? Schuldich strolled into the shop, grinning like the cat who drank the proverbial cream. Where does Ken keep his snacks, he asked me to pick up some leftover ramen from last night. Schuldich paused and did a quick scan of Yohji's mind, grinning at the paranoia he found. Lifting his hands in the air, Schuldich endeavored to show the tall blonde he was unarmed. Look, no guns, not even a wallet if you want to know the truth. I left everything in the car. A lecherous smile slowly drawled across the redhead's face. You can strip search me if you want.

"Get out," Yohji replied quietly.

"No can do, promised Ken I'd bring him food, remember? You wouldn't want me to break a promise to your precious Ken, would you?" Schuldich could taste the sweet honey of Yohji's uncertainty and it sent a thrill down his spine. "Look, I'll watch the shop while you go get the ramen, deal? Ken's already grumbling about me being a slacker and a shiftless loser who can't even accomplish so simple a task as to fetch a bit of ramen," Schuldich paused at Yohji's expression of disbelief. "His thoughts to my mouth, honest. So come on playboy, get your tight little ass in gear and get your dreamboat's ramen so I can go steal that sexy redhead away from him."

"Fine," Yohji assented, "but the shop better be here, without any corpses, when I get back." Without waiting for confirmation, Yohji stalked toward the back room and Ken's Tupperware of leftover ramen. If Schuldich is interested in Ran, perhaps we could...

I think it's an excellent idea Kudou, I was wondering if I'd have to spell it out for you. Schuldich's cocky tone caused Yohji to snarl and the German to laugh in response, startling a few lingering customers. "Don't worry about me my darlings, I simply remembered a joke a friend told me about roses." The customers eyed the German askance, having never seen him in the shop before, but were quickly taken in by his brilliant smile and...other assets.

"Stop frightening the customers." Yohji snapped upon entering the shop again. After years of fighting the Schwarz telepath the last thing he wanted to do was conspire with him, especially when it involved two other members of Weiß. Ran cares for Ken, I can't break them up and look at myself in the mirror every morning.

Cry, cry, whine, whine. Do you want Ken or not? Schuldich raised a flaming brow and folded his arms across his chest, daring Yohji to speak the lie that was on his tongue.

Yohji gazed out the shop window a moment, collecting his thoughts. He cared for Ken, perhaps more than Ran, perhaps less. This did not, however, entitle him to sabotage Ran and Ken's relationship to satisfy his or Schuldich's personal desires. Ran had won fair and square, he'd secured Ken's favor and Yohji was bound by honor to comply with the rules of the competition.

"Rules," Schuldich snickered, pulling a pack of cigarettes from his back pocket and tapping it on his palm. "You never established any 'rules' Kudou, you're just wussing out because Ran's got the gold star and you're stuck with the green one."

Turning to face Schuldich, Yohji held out the carton of ramen. "Take it and get out."

Tsk tsk, throwing a perfectly good opportunity away like that. I'll visit you again, Yotan, I'm sure you'll be changing your mind. Schuldich waved as he left, taking a moment to wrinkle his nose in disgust at the cute chime the corner of the door hit when it opened. Time to give Ken his ramen and begin to woo the beautiful Abyssinian.