The Whisperer

Disclaimer:"…"

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Chapter 13

-Tuatha de Danaan-

Leonard was definitely down. He had been in his room quiet most of the time even with Tessa there. He would be moved from the infirmary very soon. He spent most his time reading books Tessa brought him. He only read to get his mind off of what bothered him. He still lost Amalgam. He didn't consider that huge. He could live without it. What really bothered him was not having Kaname around anymore. Even if she wasn't completely his before, she was his for the time. He knew he was making progress with her even if it was slight. Now she wasn't his or even around him. If he had known this would happen he probably would have given up Amalgam. He really did feel bad when he saw how displeased Kaname was there. He wondered if she would have reacted differently under different circumstances. Maybe if he had done more for her, maybe even leave Amalgam that she would have joined him. He didn't think that was likely with Sousuke alive. He was relieved when he heard he died. Sadly Kaname was not. He was angered to the point that he lost his normally calm composure when he found out he was alive, and about to destroy him. He had threatened Kaname's life then. He wouldn't really have done it but he was hoping Sousuke wouldn't know that. He really was in a bind. If he had helped Mithril earlier, or gave indication of something else he might have a lighter sentence now. He knew he was off better anyway being Tessa's brother. He also knew he could be dead if Sousuke had chosen to kill him. He began getting angry again but calmed down. Now was hardly the time. He continued going through his thoughts.

Suddenly the door opened without a knock. Tessa stepped in.

"How are you feeling?" Tessa had a warm smile on her face as well as two warm cups of tea.

"I'm fine, thank you." He took one of the cups of tea from Tessa as she sat.

"Now that you are feeling better you will be moved from here, and tried for what you did." Tessa looked uneasy. She definitely did not want anything to happen to Leonard. She already decided to do anything she could to help him. She came here today not just to see him but to propose a deal to him.

She took a deep breath then looked right at him. Their similar eyes reflecting the other's.

"Leonard how would you like to work for Mithril, we could use your knowledge of the Arm-slaves. After a trial phase you will have all the rights of a regular member. Here."

She handed him a vanilla folder full of papers.

"If you agree more information will be in there. You will be moved from here tomorrow at 0800 hours. I hope you have your decision by then , but it is not limited to that time."

Tessa stood. She noticed Leonard's startled face. She held back a smile.

He might actually consider it. the more she thought that the harder it was to hold back her smile. So she smiled then kissed Leonard's cheek as she walked out the room.

Leonard was still staring at the folder in disbelief. He had a chance. He didn't like it that he got if because the reason he was being allowed this was because he was her brother. But he figured Mithril must still be in need to offer him this opportunity so quickly. Originally he would have quickly disregarded it calling them pathetic. But being around Kaname made him different. She had begun to see things his way from what he saw. But she still struggled to hold on to the beliefs Sagara had taught her. He began to think of some of Sagara's beliefs that rubbed off on her. If he hadn't been with Kaname, he definitely would have declined. Maybe even try to escape, but that wasn't important anymore.

Leonard opened the folder, and began to read through its contents.

--

-Chidori Apartment-

Sousuke was still in a horrible condition. Kaname had tucked the covers so deep he couldn't move. At least not in this condition. Kaname made sure someone was always on guard. She tried to get him to sleep. The girls would still play around in the living room or watch TV. At first they had come in, and pushed him for answers about his time with Mithril. Secret organization's hadn't been so secret since Mithril had been removed, temporarily. Names had spread but no one in the world really cared. Let the governments take care of it. Sousuke was starting to enter a bad mood. All this time to think made him think on all the negatives. He thought about how Kaname first reacted when they were trying to rescue Tokiwa, and the others back before she was captured. He thought about how she realized she should have gone with Leonard, and how she realized how stupid other people were, just like Leonard told her. She had said she knew this would happen, that she couldn't live a normal life. He had told her about how he planned to run away with her but he couldn't. He didn't have the courage, and he couldn't be with her like that. He told her she needed to be around friends, and family, and live there. He couldn't leave. He would protect everyone, Kaname, the others, and the world she knew, and lived in, the one they all lived in. At any cost.

Now he was bothered by everything. He entered a relationship with Kaname. He regretted that, not totally. He actually regretted her having feelings for him. Not a good choice. But he wouldn't say against it. He already knew how she would respond if he told her to try not to…care for him. He suddenly remembered the other day on the way home. In the small empty path they took when she leapt on him. Her response definitely was not her usual. He would have to explain that to her. He didn't know if she would believe him though. He couldn't stand being in Kaname's room right now. Her scent was everywhere. Focusing on negative thoughts, and having Kaname's smell everywhere was bad enough. Having someone come in, and maybe notice the way he was acting would be bad. He wasn't acting strange, but he was sure someone would keep asking. If Kaname pushed too far he may have problems. He kept trying to escape from his simple imprisonment. He almost escaped once. Kaname couldn't kiss him with anyone around. But she threatened him with it, then pulled out her harisen. He was not in the mood for even Kaname right now. A negative air had focused itself around him. Travis would call him with some information on the battle in Australia later. It wouldn't be important just some information. Kaname had stripped Sousuke of his weapons before tucking him in. Of course after he argued with her until he could keep at least his knife, and gun, he was surprised because she had given in quite easily. Of course if he couldn't move himself too much his weapons wouldn't be useful. He decided to think about something else for awhile. He didn't think he should get negative as a guest in Kaname's house with her friends around. He probably would make a scene. Instead he focused on what Kaname and the others were saying. They were laughing and talking about random things. He closed his eyes. He was indeed able to bring her back. Her world was preserved. She was definitely a little different but that's to be expected after being gone so long. He knew she would probably be perfectly okay after a while. Of course he knew that could be months, years. He was satisfied that she could come back without any problems. That surprised him. He expected something. But he made sure she wasn't blamed, by ANYONE. He would continue his mission to protect everything, in and out of an arm-slave. He felt sick when he thought about before at the labs, about a month ago. Some of the things he discovered were disconcerting.

He knew Kaname was healing faster, and better than most people would have, but she still needed to heal, being whispered made her think differently. He would focus on other things. He thought about leaving before. Disappearing to fight his enemies without anyone knowing his existence. But he knew that would be unfair to Kaname.

His mind drifted to Leonard. He let Leonard live. He wondered what they would do with him. He knew Tessa would protect him. He felt bad that Tessa wouldn't be able to leave the TDD-1 much even after the end of her probation. She was the captain again.

Sousuke decided to concentrate on himself. He thought about his acts, and thoughts. Then he decided to focus on why he was in his current condition. He knew it was bad not thinking further on certain subjects but he could worry later. Now he could try to focus on healing himself. He decided to cut the quilt wrapped around him with the knife. It was swift, and silent, but only long enough to let him escape without doing too much damage to the quilt, he knew Kaname would want it repaired. He was lucky he could at least still do that. He quietly snuck out of the bed. He began to gather his weapons. He kept his ears open to listen for anyone approaching. He could still just hear laughter, chatting, and the TV. Good no one really acknowledged him; just made sure he wasn't dead from time to time. When he started packing his grenades he became woozy. He blacked out for no more than a second but that was enough time for him to be in trouble.

"SOOOU-SU-KAAAAAYY!" Kaname was angry. He looked back towards the bed then at her. The girls were already behind her.

"Oh my, Sagara did you do that to Miss Kaname's cover." Ren had her hand over her mouth as she examined the torn material.

"Uhhh…" Sousuke turned to completing his task. He stopped and began sweating when he heard Kaname's deep breathing, and hard stomping approaching his back.

"Your better I assume…" Kaname had the remote in her hand.

"Here you go Kana-chan." Kyouko replaced the remote with the Harisen. She turned, and smiled at Kyouko then turned her glare back to Sousuke. The almost invisible smile crept upon his face. He realized Kaname was probably healing faster than he thought, the problems seemed non-existent in this atmosphere. That didn't stop Kaname's harisen from smashing his head into the wall.

"Uhh…" Sousuke was still affected by his condition. "Kana…Chidori that…hurt." Sousuke was holding his head. He couldn't see straight. Either Kaname hit him incredibly hard, or he was weak. He bet on the latter.

"Kana-chan I think you hit him a little too hard, he is sick remember."

Kaname instantly regretted her decision. Sousuke definitely wasn't ok.

"Chidori, unless you wish to continue punishing me I should go. I have some things to tend too." Sousuke finished loading his bag. Before he could move Kaname was in front of him. She didn't look angry now, but he could see she wasn't going to let him go.

"What things Sousuke?" Sousuke began to sweat. He really didn't have things to do. He had no missions, not that he was in any condition to do anything, and he had nothing to do personally, except think but he could do that tied down.

"You are not qualified for that information."

Kaname sighed then pinched the bridge of her nose. "Of course, Sousuke."

'Why does he always have to be this way.' she thought. He couldn't simply just lie in the bed. He couldn't tell her what he was doing. It wasn't a secret anymore. People knew of the existence of the organization. At least Mithril, and Amalgam.

FWAP!

"Chidori what was that for?" Sousuke was rubbing his head. He felt dizzy again.

"That was for ruining my cover. You will be fixing it!"

"Yes ma'am!"

Sousuke instantly stood at attention, saluting and everything. Kaname smiled. He was cute when he did things like that.

Sousuke realized what he had done then stood at ease instead.

"I will fix the quilt Chidori, I can have it back by tonight."

Kaname tapped his head with the fan.

"No you will lie down I will change the quilt, and repair it later. I am not going to tuck you in however, I will trust that you will stay in bed, unless you absolutely NEED to get up. Understood Soldier!" She poked him in his chest.

Sousuke was about to protest then decided against it.

"Understood I will lie in bed until I believe I am efficient again, or have absolute need to rise." Kaname lifted her nose in triumph.

"Oh, and call if you need anything. I mean it no getting up. Call for anything, we can do." Kaname turned to leave as well as the other girls. Ren had already replaced the broken quilt.

"Actually Chidori there is something I need to talk to you about." Kaname turned around to quick for her own good because she almost tripped on entangled legs. Sousuke looked around at the faces. All of them were full of curiosity, but Kaname's also had something else. It looked like worry but he couldn't quite figure it out.

"Uhh, maybe later, when we have privacy."

"Oooo-ooo-ooo" The girls all chimed in. Kaname turned a quick glare on the girls and they left. Ren had set out some crackers and tea in the living room.

Sousuke heard something about getting ready to watch a movie before Kaname closed the door leaving them the only two in the room.

Kaname walked up to kiss Sousuke. Sousuke grabbed her arms, and held her away. Kaname looked surprised, angry, and upset all at the same time.

"Chidori now is not the time someone may walk in or listen. Besides you should not …" Sousuke didn't want to say kiss, walls have ears so do curious teenage girls. Along with that ability to spread information around faster than the speed of light.

"You should not make contact with me while I am in this condition. Especially if you are not…" Sousuke stopped abruptly again. He said he'd tell her later.

"You should go, I will stay here as I promised but I do not agree with it." Sousuke let her go. Sousuke turned his head he couldn't look at her.

Kaname thought she would die. She understood not wanting to kiss her with her friends around, but he said there was something else. Besides it was safe for a kiss that sound doesn't reach at all, and it's not as if the girls were peaking. But Kaname was strong, not a desperate girl she wouldn't push him for it. But she would want to hear his explanation now. Kaname walked toward the door she looked like she had just gotten the worse news in the world.

"Ok Sousuke." She sounded really down. She fixed her composure then left before Sousuke could turn around. He heard her shouting to her friends about starting the movie without her, and eating the food.

"We thought you were gonna stay with Sousuke." Kyouko blurted while watching the screen. Sousuke heard Kaname raising her voice again. Sousuke went back to the bed. Maybe he should try to get some sleep.

"Sir how are you?"

Sousuke slowly opened his eyes. He quickly became alert then looked around the area. It was nothing but the strange lights again.

"Al?"

"Yes, hello Sousuke. I did not expect to be able to speak to you so soon." Al didn't sound as robotic here, wherever here was.

Great Sousuke wanted to sleep but all it did was land him with Al.

"Al I was trying to rest." Sousuke looked forward expressionless. There was nothing to look at anyway.

"But we never communicate like this, I would like to talk, would you like to hear a joke I made."

"…" Sousuke was not in the mood but Al was his…friend he could say. "Fine…"

"Thank you. Why did the chicken cross the road?"

Sousuke sighed. He was not a joke person, but he heard this one before. He decided not to tell Al about it however.

"I don't know, why?"

"It didn't, it was run over by a car before it could make it."

Sousuke didn't respond.

"Sousuke you are not laughing; would you like me to tell you again, or did you not understand it."

"No Al, I understand. I do not mean to offend you but you should attempt an alternative joke. This one is used many times and from what I've been told is not funny anymore."

"Oh." Al sounded down.

Sousuke couldn't think of anything to do since he was here so he figured he'd humor Al.

"I need a chair." A chair suddenly materialized behind Sousuke.

He didn't look surprised just sat down.

"Al I will listen, you may tell me whatever you wish while we are here. If what you say becomes tiresome I will inform you."

"Yes sir." Al began telling Sousuke more jokes, and his opinions on some topics in the world. Sousuke eventually began to have a conversation with him rather than just listening.

Kaname checked if Sousuke was still asleep. She looked upset. Her encounter with Sousuke just two hours ago worried her. She didn't plan on letting her friends know, or trying to worry them. Their movie had just finished. Now they were gathering material to play with each others hair. Kaname noticed Sousuke's phone on the dresser next to the bed. She suddenly had the urge to go check the incoming, and outgoing calls. But that would be an invasion of privacy, and it would show just how much trust she had in Sousuke. She needed to know however. Suddenly the phone began to ring. Instantly Kaname leapt at it remaining as silent as a ninja in an exaggerated movie. She quickly opened the phone. Before she answered she looked to see if Sousuke was still asleep. He was. She was going to walk out to the living room, or kitchen but the girls would definitely notice. She whispered into the phone.

"Hold on."

She quietly made her way to the balcony. When she exited, and slowly closed the sliding door she spoke again.

"How may I help you?" Kaname said with a little enthusiasm to hide her sullen mood.

"Who is this I?" Travis's deep voice came from the other end but Kaname never heard him before so she did not recognize him. Of course she didn't forget that he was the one Sousuke spoke with.

"Travis?" Kaname raised an eyebrow. She hoped she didn't just give away a name she wasn't supposed to.

"Yeah?" If Travis was visible to her she would have seen him raise his eyebrow.

"Do you need to speak to Sousuke?" Kaname kept her voice low.

"Yeah. But who is this?" Travis thought a moment. Kaname didn't know if she should tell him.

"Is this Kaname?"

Damn! So he'd heard her name before. Kaname began to panic then calmed herself down. She would be mature about this. She could handle it. After all she was Kaname Chidori. "Yes."

She heard chuckling on the other side. For some reason she didn't get angry about it however. The voice seemed kind, so it didn't bother her. In fact she lightly smiled. Soon the smile was replaced with surprise.

"How do you know me?" Kaname was pressing the phone to her ear. She heard him chuckle again.

"Well Sousuke said he trust one person more than anyone in the world. He said I may have to speak to her sometime. She might get caught in trouble because of him so she might speak on the phone while he is fighting. He also mentioned how important she was among other things but I don't need to tell you that. It proves he trust you if you heard my name." He chuckled again.

Kaname smiled. Those words reassured her despite what Sousuke said just 2 hours ago.

"Oh, umm Sousuke is sleeping right now. Do you have something important to tell him, would you like to leave a message or do you need to tell him now." Kaname didn't really want to wake him but if it was necessary.

"No it's not important. Just some info. I can tell him later." Kaname just barely heard the last part because she had pulled the phone from her ear. She did because she felt a hand on her shoulder. Instantly she was scared. She shouldn't be, she figured who it was. Only one person could sneak up on her like that. She slowly turned to meet Sousuke's blank gaze. He silently took the phone.

"Sagara speaking." Sousuke walked to the other end of the balcony. The morning sun was turning into the afternoon sun.

"Hey Sousuke, Kaname said you were sleeping. Oh and shouldn't you be saying Sigma?" Travis chuckled on the other end. He thought it was funny that Sousuke had actually complained about call signs. Even if all he did was say he didn't want to do it anymore.

"Travis do you have something to tell me?" Sousuke kept his back to Kaname. She just kept staring at him. Not moving. Her breathing was little faster than it should have been.

"Yeah just a bit of information on the fight. Nothing big. First Fremantle is in a panic. The news luckily didn't catch any of you. Your friends got away safely. Battle statistics you went over in your cockpit so I don't need to tell you that. Well this call was really just to check you got back okay, you looked horrible when you left. Tell Kaname I said bye. See ya buddy." Sousuke heard the click as the other line disconnected.

He flipped his phone closed then turned towards Kaname. She looked…frightened. He walked over, and stared her right in the eyes. Her eyes widened before she looked away. "I…I'm- I'm sorry."

Sousuke face softened a bit. "For what, you have done nothing wrong."

Kaname turned her head to him a bit but still looked away. For some reason she could not face him right now.

"I took your phone without permission. Travis told me about what you told him about how you- trusted me. I'm sorry I did that."

Sousuke placed his hands on her cheeks then turned her to face him. She was calmed by his soft expression. Her breathing became controlled. She didn't look so frightened.

"Yes you did do something you should not have. However this is not a serious situation. I'm sure Travis told you, you would speak eventually. I am slightly disappointed but I do not trust you any less. I hope it is not a problem. I have also made a mistake in your trust in me. I should have informed you of some things sooner. Besides it is good you did not disrupt me. I was having a pleasant conversation with Al." Sousuke looked at the door a moment. "When will we have privacy to speak Kaname? It would be better if we had plenty of time to discuss this." Sousuke paused once more.

"Thank you for letting me rest here, and taking care of me." Sousuke let go of Kaname then turned toward the sliding door.

He began turning to Kaname. "Are…"

He was met with a fierce kiss by Kaname. He would have complained if it was another situation but he currently was not in the mood that would lead to this so he did not believe it was problem. He however knew better anyway. He slowly pulled her away.

"We should go inside. Your friends will get suspicious."

Kaname merely nodded as she walked past Sousuke. Sousuke closed the door behind them as he entered.

Kaname was immediately out the door, and with her friends. Sousuke took one last look around the room. He would wait about one minute before he left. That would lower any suspicion that may have been peaked.

--

-?-

"He will be awake next week." A woman was holding a clipboard.

"I see." Another man standing was staring down at the capsule.

"Do you have his weapon ready?" The man turned his head toward the woman.

She nodded to confirm his question.

"Then 2 weeks from now we'll have a bit of fun."

"Sir you should be careful. This man was not the easiest person to control. In fact he has never listened to authority doing things his own way. He also had a strange obsession with the target." The women handed him the clipboard.

"Good."

The man returned the clipboard then left the room.

--

-Tuatha de Danaan-

(About 3 hours from last time.)

Leonard was getting tired. He was used to having to read documents but these were murder. He thought it wouldn't take him more than an hour but he was still going at it. He read the proposition, and the rules, and consequences along with all the things the based around those areas. All the other papers were worthless extras explaining other things. Why couldn't they have just given him the main things? He figured they'd ask him about some of the things in the extra, also it would be good to be able to say he read it all.

Leonard popped his head up. He realized that if he joined Mithril he just might be able to find out what happened that they got all those supplies needed to defeat Amalgam.

Tessa didn't know so he would have to gain the trust of one of the higher ups. He didn't plan on betraying Mithril, but it is human nature to be curious, whispered or otherwise. Besides if Mithril was able to get such good technology maybe he wouldn't be bored. Maybe he could get some information of their arm-slaves so he could build better ones, or upgrade these.

Suddenly he thought about the strange AS that defeated him. He figured out it was piloted by Sousuke but he didn't know how he got it. Was it from a whispered? He could tell it wasn't from Mithril because it was superior from the others, and he was sure Mithril would probably mass-produce a machine that powerful. Instead there was only one, and the pilot wasn't even part of the organization he was helping anymore. Leonard began to ache with curiosity. He would take Mithril up on their offer. Despite the damn looks or problems, and attitude he would receive at first. Of course he may just still have that aura of authority that made men listen to him.

About 30 minutes later Leonard finally finished reading the rest of the papers. He still saw no point in the rest of the document but he supposed it might be necessary. Now relax until Tessa came by again. He was quite confident in his ability. He was sure everything would be alright. Maybe he would get another chance at Kaname sooner than he originally thought.

"Kaname…"

--

-Kaname's apartment-

"Bye Kaname." The girls said their final farewell. Before walking away from Kaname's place. It was a well spent two days. Luckily Sousuke hadn't done anything wrong.

"Sousuke!" Kaname ran back into her apartment. She forgot she had to meet up with Sousuke soon. She told him she would meet at his apartment at 8:00 pm, it was almost 7:30. Sure he lived right across the street, but it was a wild day. Things became a little crazier when Sousuke left. Even Ren joined in on some fun. Sousuke can wait. Kaname grabbed a towel then headed for the bathroom.

15 minutes later she was out. She decided to take a quick shower rather than relax. She was really curious as to what Sousuke had to tell her. She quickly brushed her hair then tossed on a red T-shirt, a blue skirt, and some knee socks. She quickly slipped on her sneakers as she headed for the door. Once she locked the door behind her she was rushing towards the elevator.

Kaname looked at her watch. She had 5 minutes to get to Sousuke's. Plenty of time.

When she knocked on his door it was exactly 8 on the spot. She knocked her head realizing her foolishness then opened the door with the key she had. When she stepped in she was face to face with Sousuke.

"Chi…uhh- Kaname I thought you were someone else. Why did you knock if you have a key?"

Kaname looked down, and noticed the gun in his hand.

"Oh. Well I thought it would be polite to knock first. Is that a problem Sousuke?" Kaname had her hands on her hips, and she was bending forward slightly. Sousuke quickly put away his gun.

"Negative it is not a problem." Sousuke then walked past Kaname to close, and lock the door. After that he walked right past her into the living room. Kaname was right behind him.

"You should take a seat." Sousuke walked into the kitchen while Kaname sat down. She placed her legs together then folded her hands on top of them.

"Kaname would you like anything to drink." Kaname heard Sousuke's call from the kitchen.

"Water's fine." Kaname called in return.

Sousuke immediately walked in with a glass of water. "Do you want anything else, this may take awhile. And while I will not stop you from a recess it is not recommended."

Kaname took the water from Sousuke. "Then no, if I were to eat or drink too much I may need to go to the bathroom soon and that would interrupt."

Sousuke sat next to her, and placed his hand under his chin. "I see the point in your logic. That is very wise Kaname." Kaname smiled at the praise.

"I'm going to cover some things about where I have been going first. Then I will tell you about what I was going to do before."

Kaname placed the glass down, and focused her attention completely on Sousuke. Sousuke nodded. He ran his hand through his hair. He had spent time thinking how to approach this. He stood up again then propped a chair down in front of her. Then he sat crossed his arms, and kept his gaze locked on hers.

"I keep leaving to help an organization called…" Sousuke scratched his cheek with one finger. "Travis is still not sure of the name; we have gone through several I believe. Our current name is…" Sousuke had that look when he realized he forgot Kaname's notes.

"I'm not sure what the name is. I will find out as soon as possible, however that can wait until later." Sousuke watched Kaname. Despite the pointlessness of that part she was still listening intently.

"To put it short they are similar to Mithril. The difference is I am more involved in this one, and I am privy to all the organization's information as well as production." Sousuke looked away. He didn't think he was ready to inform her yet. Kaname noticed but ignored it for now.

"This organization has very little Arm-slave pilots. In fact I am the only one. It is a small organization. I believe there are about 50 people. It is focused on taking care of an enemy organization called Origin. The reasons they chose this name I cannot tell you now. Forgive me. They were once a sector of Amalgam. That is all the information that is necessary about them. I do not wish for you to worry, or to pollute your mind any further."

Kaname crossed her arms. "Well I am going to worry either way. You might as well tell me the rest."

"But…"

Kaname raised a hand to stop Sousuke.

"Don't bother arguing Sousuke. Please. I've been through a lot of things. If this won't hurt me personally it's okay. It won't put me in danger will it?"

"Negative."

"Then continue."

Sousuke stared hard at her for a moment. Making sure she was sure.

"They were interested in taking whispered people to take information. Fortunately so many Whispered there are volunteers. They have enough so that kidnapping is not necessary. The problem is they also have the ability to gain all types of black technology easily. They have many with lambda driver technology, others with submarines, everything. Even portable weapons that can be used by humans are in experimental phases."

Sousuke took a moment to let it sink in. Sousuke watched Kaname's expression go from fear to relief.

"That is not their main goal. They use the minds of the Whispered they have to try to find a source. They use a type of resonation."

Kaname was surprised. She wasn't sure Sousuke was ever informed of Resonation. "Sousuke where did you learn about that?"

"At the lab I destroyed. It was important. I discovered some things there. I understand that you, and the captain have resonated. I'm sure Leonard must have used it with you as well." Sousuke's looked turned blank.

"Sousuke what did you discover?" Kaname was sitting on the edge of the couch now. She didn't realize she was inching closer to it as her anxiety grew.

"That is something I cannot tell you." Sousuke's look was cold. It was also empty. The red tint was starting to appear in his eyes.

"Sou...So…S" Kaname found it harder to speak with Sousuke looking at her like that.

"Damn, Kaname!" Sousuke quickly grabbed the glass of water then helped Kaname drink it. When she looked at him she saw his eyes were normal again, but full of worry and guilt. He hadn't thought or realized that he was looking at Kaname that way.

"I apologize I did not mean to, I was just thinking." Sousuke had his hand on Kaname's back.

She placed her hand on his arm removing it from her back. "It's ok Sousuke, Just we can go on to something else. We don't need to talk about what you're doing anymore." Kaname was bent forward. Her hands clutching her elbows unmercifully. Her hair blocked her face from Sousuke's view. Her eyes were wide, tears dripping from them. Her teeth were clenched, visible through her slightly opened mouth. Her breathing was rapid he could tell. Twice today he had put Kaname in this condition. Even if earlier it was only very slightly. It was similar effects.

Sousuke noticed Kaname was shivering. He entered his room, and brought her a quilt which he draped around her shoulders. He went into the kitchen, and made some hot chocolate. The warmth might help. Also he heard chocolate can help sometimes. He heard it might work only in bar form but he would take his chances.

When he returned Kaname was sitting on the couch. He couldn't see through the cover but he knew she was clutching her legs to her body. Sousuke handed her the warm glass.

"Chidori. Here drink this." Kaname flinched at her last name. She looked up. His was expressionless. She took the cup of milk with a small forced smile.

"Thank you, but you know you aren't supposed to use my surname when we're alone."

She silently took a sip.

"I did not think I have that right at this moment…" Sousuke slowly returned to the seat in front of Kaname.

"Now I would like to inform you about the incident the other day."

Kaname looked at him uneasily. "I said we didn't have to talk about-"

"The one in the small passage on the path we take home."

"Oh." A blush appeared on Kaname's face as she began sipping her drink again. The warmth going through her body felt extremely good. She liked the warmth of snuggling with Sousuke better however, right now she couldn't do that. She was slightly afraid to.

Suddenly a greater fear crossed her mind. Did he not agree with what happened? Could she take rejection? Or did he want to push further? She didn't want to go too fast. Maybe he wanted a simple innocent conversation about it. Sadly knowing Sousuke she doubted it. But she also doubted the other two possibilities as well. He wasn't being pushy about it. He did seem to have withdrawn a little. Many other thoughts ran through her mind at what he could want to talk about that had to do with that day.

"I'm sure you were surprised by my reaction, as well as yours." Sousuke's voice was very serious, but it was emotionless. No sense of anger, or joy, or anything.

Kaname nodded seeing he hadn't spoken again.

"Your reaction as not one you would normally have taken. I will right now explain that. But first a few questions. First question, did you feel anything awkward when we uhh…" Sousuke as still uncomfortable with some things. Kaname face turned to new shades of red. She felt a lot of things. Most of them hers, one of them his.

"I felt a lot of things but that's normal for those-"

"I mean something strange, something you never heard of."

Kaname thought a moment.

"Now that you mention it, I remember a strange feeling. It felt like something was seeping into my skin, but it was almost unnoticeable. In fact if you hadn't mentioned anything I probably wouldn't even know that happened."

Sousuke nodded his head.

"Just as I thought. Now I will explain it to you. Please do not over react to some things you may here."

Kaname sat up straight. This had to be important.

"While I was in the lab some things happened. I was experimented on. One of the effects is a transfer of my physical feeling. It is only temporary. Because we were very emotionally connected you received my umm… state of arousal. Otherwise that would not have happened. So you do not need to worry about it. You were being influenced by me; that was not you fault in anyway. It was my fault I should not have done that, in fact it is probably safer if I stay away from you."

FWAP!FWAP!FWAP!

"Kaname you said you would not over react." Sousuke was lifting himself from the floor.

"No you asked me not to over react, I never agreed. And I am NOT over reacting. What do you mean you were experimented on. Why didn't you tell me! And that day in the alley, that was partially my fault, I jumped on you, I kissed you, I opened my mouth to let… yeah! It was my feeling I was feeling, that influence crap you were talking about may have happened but that had nothing to do with it! It was my choice! You will not be staying away! Tell me right now if you have any regrets about what happened that don't have to do with that feeling of yours!" Kaname was breathing deeply. She was desperately in need of air after that. She took a drink of the water then some of the milk.

"Uhh…"Sousuke was astonished by her outbreak. He expected her to get angry but not to react like that. He expected her to be mad about experiments not the feeling.

"Not uh Sousuke. Do you have any regrets!" She had the harisen perched in her crossed arms. Sousuke shook his head. "If that is the case then negative."

"Good. I'm not going to ask you to tell me anymore. Today. But you will be explaining later. Understand?" She followed Sousuke with her head as he finally stood up. "Affirmative."

"We will talk about that kiss another time." Calling it a kiss was putting it very mildly. She was the girl who was full of silly fantasies about first kisses so that thing in the alley was as big to her as it was to Sousuke. But at least she wasn't brushing it off. She blushed with worry, and smiled when she realized he had accepted, and probably enjoyed what happened. She looked to find Sousuke blushing as well despite his face being turned. Suddenly that dread she felt when Sousuke looked at her with that dark glare filled her. She quickly pushed it away. Those eyes said some horrible things. But with her experience with them they said some good ones too. She turned to Sousuke who was still looking away.

"Let's watch a movie Sousuke." Sousuke finally looked back at her. He wasn't smiling or frowning, but his better mood was obvious.

"Roger. But I do not have any movies. We need to rent one."

"That's okay I have one at my house I haven't seen. I'll bring it over." Kaname removed the quilt then walked over to his door.

"I'll escort you." Sousuke followed Kaname out his door.

--

AN: Leonard, I know many people hate him. I'm not a fan myself but I wanted to use him.