Disclaimer: Nope, don't own Get Backers….
Enjoy!
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Shinjuku
He hated his life. It was annoying enough that his parents nearly enrolled him into an extravagant, nauseatingly wealthy school without his consent—which he soon discovered during one of their superficial discussions and shortly after that, was arduously able to win over their reluctant approval after months of sulking, locking himself up in his lavish bedroom—what more forcing him to attend a family gathering concerning his father's recent and predictable success in the business world.
They undoubtedly knew he disliked attending this sort of occasion, as his father's welling accomplishments were indeed apparent and renowned in the technical business, both internationally and locally. Though he idolized his father's managing skills, witty remarks, and rare talent of achieving success with no difficulty, Mido Shin was an ostentatious businessman; as long as it regarded his affluence—the result of his escalating victory over other industries—he absolutely loved flashy cameras and buzzing reporters encircling around him, following his amusing trail of wealth. In short, his father was a pain in Ban's ass.
Despite his petty complaints toward his family's rather aggravating behavior, Ban was incredibly grateful though to have acquired a little freedom from all those sickeningly rich types. Not that he didn't enjoy the ambiance of expensive perfumes, real, leather bags, fancy cuisine, and branded costumes. It was just that he wanted to try the simple life. Not to mention that wealthy girls were extreme snobs and too gaudy for his taste. He much preferred women who lived the uncomplicated life yet held some class in their submissive selves. He liked that in a lady: easy to lure into his charm, beautiful features, and compliant to his wishes.
It seemed so appealing, life's simplicity. Instead of expecting other people to do the job for you or sensing numerous eyes following you every single time—from malls to its restrooms—he merely needed space. To stop this paranoid madness, he decided to transfer into a public school instead of a private one. And to make matters better for him, after his mind-spinning tactic that slowly persuaded them into agreeing with him, he rented an apartment—far from the neighborhood of the suffocating rich brats to a rundown five-story building that caused his parents to rocket into space.
Ban laughed at the inescapable memory that pleasantly never failed to flee from his mind. Everyday, as soon as one or both of his parents caught sight of him in the house, they would rant on and on about how inadequate the educational standard was in public high schools, or how unsophisticated the students were there. To escape from their continuous discourse, he would merely stomp calmly into his room and remain there till they would decide to retreat for the time being. It amused him than annoy him though. Soon, his parents finally gave in to his unperturbed tenacity.
He sighed and stopped right in front of the entry to the front lawn. A half-century old Victorian house with French windows that pasted the peach walls, vines twined along its corners, copious and colorful flowers dotted the perfectly tidy lawn, and a brick-red walkway snaked the green turf. Staring at the seemingly cozy dwelling, a smirk formed his lips. It was quite ironic that only two guys lived here, yet their domain's exterior looked like it was crafted with a woman's touch.
As he rang the doorbell and glanced impatiently at his watch, Teshimene, Ginji's foster dad, greeted him with a smile. "Ginji is still getting ready. You might wanna come in." He retreated from the doorway and gestured Ban to enter through the threshold. Shutting the door, Teshimene yelled, "Ginji! Hurry up or you'll be late. Ban's here."
"Got it, dad!"
Teshimene grinned, turned to Ban. "Sorry. Forgot to wake him up. That boy sure looks as dead as a rock once his head hits the pillow. I could even hear his alarm clock from his room that's just across from mine, and when I check up on him, he's still glued to the bed." He shook his head and asked, "Heard that your dad's throwing another party. You going?"
"Does it look like I have any other choice? You?"
"Same here. He's my best friend, so Paul and I are obliged to go. I've planned to bring Ginji by the way. Reckon that you might need company."
Ban shrugged. Suddenly, hasty footsteps thundered down the winding stairway. Ginji jumped and landed three steps down with a boom. Teshimene chuckled. "Wow there tiger, where's the fire?"
"It'll scorch his hair soon if we turn out to be late for school," Ban said while turning to the door. Ginji gulped, dashed to Ban's side. "Sorry, I overslept and well… I'm really sorry, Ban."
"Yeah, but I swear, if we're late, you owe me lunch." Ban heard Ginji's moan and had to smirk. He then wrapped an arm around his blonde friend's neck and started off along the walkway. "Don't worry. I'm sure your dad's nice enough to lend you some more cash for this Friday's hangout-night."
Ginji's head leaned back, making Ban slow down a bit. "But he just gave me my allowance two days ago. I can't all of a sudden come barging into his room and ask for more. I just can't. Besides, you're rich enough to buy yourself a new mansion. What more a greasy burger and salty, fat fries?"
Ban patted Ginji's head and said, "I know that, but do you think I care about my health? In addition, I plan to save it for bigger fish. And on top of all that, I too have a weekly allowance, so don't say that it's filthy unfair for me to save a little for potential… affairs, k?"
"Potential affairs? I thought that you're having a ball with Kira?"
"Well, yeah. You can say that, but ah… she ain't staying for long, I'm afraid."
Ginji quickly pulled away from Ban's grasp and tried his best to look sternly at Ban. "Ban, that's wrong and you know it. You can't just date Kira for a day and dump her the next. It's plain crazy and wrong."
Ban shrugged. "Can't help it. Got tired of her frequent babble about this and that, and I had to plead with Akabane to get me a less fussy catch. He's really good, gotta admit that."
Ginji shook his head as Ban continued. "Apparently, he enjoys looking for beauties, hunts them down, and sends me the photos and info bout them. Nice."
"Ban—" Ginji was interrupted by Shido calling them from behind.
"Ginji! Ban! Wait up!" Ginji turned, waved his friend to hurry up.
"Shido! Took you long enough. Where's Emishi?" Ginji waited patiently as his friend gradually gathered his equanimity. "Left… left him. Obviously, the man can't leave his toast and eggs. Hey, Ban."
"Yo."
Ban sauntered off, leaving Ginji and Shido following him from the rear.
"Hey Ban. Why in a hurry? It's not like we're gonna be late." Shido halted and glanced at his watch. "We have half an hour to kill. I certainly don't wanna waste it in the stuffy classroom, waiting for the bell to ring. Boring."
"Nag, nag, nag. Nothing wrong with being early as always, is there?"
"He only wants to stalk more girls, that's all," Ginji whispered to Shido.
"I heard that. And in case you want to know, I'm craving for a huge sundae now. So you owe me a cheeseburger and ice cream. And I'll remember that."
Ginji yelled, sprinted to Ban's side. "I'm so sorry, Ban. I was only joking. Don't do this to me, please!"
Ban laughed and ruffled Ginji's sun-bleached hair. "Jeez, Ginji. You sound like my mother. Can't you take a joke?"
Ginji lightly blushed and scratched his head. He then hesitantly asked, "So, it's really a joke?"
Shido slapped his forehead. Amused, he waited for Ban's reply.
"Mmm… But come to think of it, ice cream does sound good. In fact, I'm craving for three humongous scoops of Rocky Road right now. What about you, Shido? Don't deny that I don't know about your cravings for sugar."
"Guilty. And make mine two servings of banana split. Largest size, of course."
Ginji vigorously shook his head, groaned. "You guys have to be bluffing. I can't pay for all of that."
"Then you'll have to wash the dishes afterwards. By the way, you're breaking up with Kira?" Shido asked Ban.
"Maybe. Can't stand her."
"Man oh man. Talk about fast and furious. She's like what, you're fifth this month?"
"Seventh, I think. Or was it eighth? Can't remember."
"You dog. Don't tell me you have a list full of chicks' names and, one by one scratch them off the list after dissecting them one after the other."
"More like pics and info about them, but you sure were close."
Shido flashed a grin and said, "You are unbelievable."
Still bearing in mind about the debt-ridden dessert, Ginji interrupted them by asking, "You two were bluffing, weren't you?"
Ban was about to retort when their attention was diverted to the bleak Kudo mansion. An aged black gate, speckled with rust, made Ginji tremble with uneasiness. He despised and was fairly afraid of depressing stuff. He always preferred light, multihued things above everything else. "Let's go. Don't want to waste our time now, do we? Ban? Shido?"
Shido strolled along the sidewalk, ignoring the spooky structure that faced them. "Ban. Come on."
Ban, on the other hand, didn't move. He stared at its foggy windows and could have sworn to have spotted a face looking out at them. Ever since he moved to Shinjuku and walked past this specific area, he felt like something inexplicable was drawing him to discover, to explore this ethereal mystery that has been baffling the neighborhood for ages.
Transporting himself to his hypothetical world, Ban didn't notice his friends looking oddly at him. Ginji saw this and swiftly shook Ban to return him to reality. "Ban? You okay?"
Ban nodded, jammed his hands into his pockets, and joined his friends. "What are you waiting for? The bell to inform us we're late? Jeez!"
With his arms hugging his friends' napes, Ginji nudged both Ban and Shido to Shinjuku's direction. Through his peripheral vision, Ban could sense someone looking at them, someone who's lonely, afraid to encounter the outside world, someone who wanted to belong.
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RING!
"Okay. She's late. My five bucks." With an arched brow, Hevn teasingly opened her palm and waited till Chloe handed the money.
Chloe feigned annoyance and slapped the cash into Hevn's hand. "Damn it! Why do you always have to win our bets?" Chloe grinned and turned to a sweaty Natsumi crossing the door's entryway.
"Because I'm so clever." Hevn smiled and scrutinized Natsumi with an appreciative stare.
Natsumi dumped her bag onto her desk, and plopped resignedly on her seat. "I so despise mornings. And what's up with the clever stuff?"
"Let's just say, thanks to you, I have extra cash to buy me new shades later."
Chloe mumbled something and Natsumi eyed her buddies warily. "Not funny."
"Of course it is." Chloe glared at Hevn. "Or… maybe not. Ahh… look at what the cat dragged in."
Chloe and Natsumi turned to Hevn's center of attention. As Natsumi realized who it was, her face grew into a bright shade of red. Ginji shuffled toward her with a paper bag in hand.
"Hi."
"Uh… hi. Um… what's that?"
"Bread. Shido didn't have any breakfast, so I took the liberty to buy some for him. Lucky for him, I found a food stand near the school, so I went for it. It sure is better than nothing, don't you think?"
"Absolutely. That's awfully nice of you." Natsumi quickly averted her gaze from Ginji's and felt her face redden.
Ginji blushed and when silence dominated between them, Hevn roused them by saying, "Hate to burst your bubble, Romeo, but playboy's calling you." She jerked a thumb at a scowling Ban.
Ginji nodded and bid farewell to Natsumi for the moment. When he was far from hearing range, Natsumi cupped her face with her hands, and leaned on her desk. "I feel so pathetic. What am I gonna do about him?"
"Tell him how you feel. Piece of cake." Hevn simply told her as she grabbed a nail file from her tiny purse and effortlessly did her polished nails.
Chloe patted Natsumi's shoulder and assuredly said, "Hevn's quite right about the confession part. And to make matters easier for you, we'll help you."
"It's not quite. It's really easy. You only have to write a note, tell him to meet you somewhere remote, and pop your inner feelings. So easy."
"Not entirely. It needs preparation, like training for a grand showdown. This is love we're taking about here. Fragile. It's not as easy as you say it is."
"It'll be hard if you keep telling her it is. In case you've forgotten, I've told several boys my feelings for them and it was trouble-free. Totally. You just think it's like the end of the world because you've never had a boyfriend." Hevn fluttered her lashes and smirked at Chloe.
Chloe's cheeks pinked. "So? FYI, I'm proud to be single. No smelly guy following me from behind, now that's what I call freedom. You gotta enjoy virginity while you still have it." She then cautiously teased her wavy, silver tress.
"Uh-huh." Hevn whirled to confront Natsumi. "Girl, I have a lot of experiences with guys and believe me, I know my man. So… I suggest you better tell him as soon as possible before the guy gets tired of waiting."
"But isn't the guy supposed to tell me first?"
"Yeah, usually. But if you do it, then it'll show him that you got an edge, a streak. It'll prove that you are decisive and strong. No guy has to be first in line all the time. Hello, this is the 21st century. So, keep my word for it, you'll thank me afterwards. I promise."
"I don't—" She was interrupted by a shadow emerging in the doorway.
"Surprised? Good morning, class." Mr. Paul Wan placed his belongings on the teacher's desk and began the roll call. Finished with the checking, he smiled and said, "Such a wonderful day it is for an English pop quiz, don't you kids think so?"
Groans echoed across the room. "Now, now, settle down. No time to be fussy." Paul coolly grabbed the stack of papers and started along the left side's aisle.
As Paul strolled and handed a paper to each reluctant student, Ginji and Emishi wailed in terror. "We're gonna fail!"
"Stop exaggerating, you two. I know that you'll do fine." Makubex smiled at Ginji and Emishi's sagged expressions and viewed his laptop's screensaver.
"I'm fully aware of your passion for computers, but I'm afraid it's my duty as a teacher to remind you that you're taking a test here, so…"
"Shut it off. Got it, Mr. P."
"That's right." Paul handed Makubex his paper and approached a jaded Ban. "Here you go. Looks like you're ready."
"I am. Thanks." He uncovered his pen from his shirt's pocket as every absorbed knowledge was put into required use.
Seats away from each other, a single thought pestered Ginji and Natsumi's minds. Dad's going to kill me!
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"Oh, Ban. What am I gonna tell dad?"
"The test results haven't come out yet, so don't worry. If you did fail, then I'll pray for you."
"You're not helping."
"What do you want me to say? Tell you that it's just a dream?"
"Sounds better."
"That's senseless," Ban exclaimed exasperatedly.
"What's senseless?"
Their attention was immediately diverted to the brunette smiling at them.
"Kazuki! Where have you been?" Ginji dashed to Kazuki, who was standing before her locker, and returned the smile.
"Biology. I switched my morning's schedule, remember?"
"Oh, that's right. I forgot." Ginji sheepishly scratched his head and asked, "So how's Aunt Kaiko doing?"
"Mom's fine. What about Uncle Teshi?"
"Groovy. He just relocated some yellow dahlias and petunias in the backyard, added impatiens to the collection. You gotta see our garden, it's incredible!"
"I'd love to." She glanced at Ban and amiably asked, "You're quiet today. Cat got your tongue?"
Ban calmly sauntered to her. When his nose was a few inches away from hers, he seductively said, "Yeah. Didn't know that you cared."
"I don't. It was only a question." She wanted to slap his smug face so badly, but decided that was what he wanted her to do. She instead looked at him unemotionally.
"Want to go out with me this Friday?"
"What happened to our get-together night?"
"We can dump the guys. So what do you say?"
Kazuki snorted. "You'll never stop, will you?"
"Not in a million years. Answer?"
She blankly looked at him, though she could taste vomit creeping up her throat, she remained composed. "How many times have you asked me that same question?"
"I haven't kept track, but I reckon that it's a lot."
"And what has been my answer from the beginning?"
"Plenty of nos, that's for sure."
"What are you expecting from me now?"
"A possible yes."
"What if I say, that ain't gonna happen?"
"Well, then I'd run away whimpering my head off like a battered mutt with my tail hiding between my hind legs. Seriously, babe, what do you take me for?"
"A very persistent fool." She grinned.
"You're highly amusing, did you know that?"
"Of course, what do you take me for? An idiot?"
"Nah. A chick that digs jocks. C'mon Ginji, don't want to disrupt a sweet couple's moment together."
Confused, Ginji and Kazuki turned to where Ban was eyeing the impending figure.
"Oh. Him. Okay… uh… see you later?" Ginji lightly chuckled and nodded at Ban.
"Wait—" But was unable to defend herself as Ban and Ginji sprinted along the empty hallway and was soon out of sight. Damn him!
"Kazuki!"
"Toshiki! Hi."
"How's my girl doing?"
"Your girl?" Kazuki raised a brow and pretended aggravation.
Toshiki's speeding heart slowed to a near stop and was stuttering, "Well, you're my best friend, of course. You're practically my girlfriend. Right?" Saying this, he blushed.
"Point taken." She smiled and shut her locker. "Sorry, but I have to go. Meet you later at lunch?"
"Absolutely."
She softly giggled as she elegantly strolled to her classroom's direction, causing admired stares to observe her every move and curve.
Her gorgeous face often melted and crushed many guys' hopes of ever experiencing a night's romance with a lady such as herself. Not even the ever so tempting Mido Ban was able to thaw her stubborn heart. Though some have still attempted to win her heart over, this was the Fuchoin Kazuki everyone has grown to love and know—Shinjuku High's Ice Princess.
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"Hey girls. Natsumi? Why the long face?"
Without glancing at Kazuki, Natsumi sadly replied, "I failed in my English test. I just know it. I can feel it in my bones."
Hevn shook her head and somberly looked at Natsumi. "Girl, the results haven't come out yet. You're overreacting. Again!"
Kazuki placed her tray on the table and sat between Chloe and Natsumi. "There, there. I'm sure you haven't failed entirely. A D-plus perhaps?"
"That's so close to F!" Her face crashed on the table and she mumbled, "Guess I have to arrange my death note once I get home."
Chloe played with her distinctive silver tress and grinned. "There are still more tests coming your way and I'm sure you'll be able to score an A next time. Add a lot of hard work and a little help into the study mix… voila!"
"Little help?" Natsumi muttered.
"We'll help you."
"We will?" Hevn almost dropped her nail polish and peered at Chloe with a questioning look. "Right… help. But when I have a date, no interruptions."
"What kind of friend are you?"
"A drop-dead gorgeous and sexy one."
Chloe rolled her green eyes and spotted Toshiki coming their way. "Boyfriend's coming, Kazuki."
"He's not. We're just best friends."
"Kazuki, I thought we're eating together."
"We are. Just hanging with my pals. See you girls later." Standing up, Kazuki walked with Toshiki to a vacant table at the far corner.
Chloe then said, "They look cute together."
"Cute, but not beautiful."
"What's the difference?"
'They don't click. And good thing the feeling isn't mutual."
"You're cruel."
"Is there something new? Anyway, you did say it yourself, cute."
"So? Who cares?"
"I do. Let's stop for now because I believe that Drama Queen here needs a lot of TLC."
Natsumi straightened and beamed at her friends. "You guys would really help me?"
"Of course," Chloe assuredly said, and hugged her friend. "You really are a Drama Queen."
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needlepointgroundzero: Hello! Long time no chat, huh?
goldenstrings: Got that right. I missed you!
needlepointgroundzero: Me too:D
Jubei's heart was drumming swiftly and he was breathing rapidly as well, his palms were damp with sweat and nervousness. He didn't know why was he so edgy about this particular girl. They've been chatting for a year and slowly evolved to good friends through the net. They were a million miles apart; he lived in New York, while she claimed to have lived in Japan.
As he typed the ultimate question that could either ruin or expand their friendship, sweat trickled down his forehead.
needlepointgroundzero: So… mind sending me your pic?
She nearly jumped from her seat when she read his message. She knew that she couldn't trust this guy, even if he sounded nice. Stories have passed her ears, telling her that she should remain suspicious about meeting people via internet. It was already risky to tell the guy her name and place. What more sending a picture of herself? No way.
But before she realized what she was doing, Kazuki had already sent one of her favorite photos.
goldenstrings: There, I sent it.
needlepointgroundzero: Ahh… got it.
Jubei almost squealed with joy. He hurriedly opened the file and waited as the computer displayed the most exquisite face he'd ever seen in his life.
Dark brown hair framed her clear, innocent face, brown eyes smiled at him, and she was with a guy. The picture was almost flawless. With Mt. Fuji standing majestically behind them, with her delicate fingers curling a silky wisp of hair and her head playfully slanted to the side, a guy… a guy stood beside her. His reddened face said it all. Tied back in a ponytail, his blonde hair was the same color as the scorching sun, and sparkling green eyes made Jubei moan with worry. Not to mention that his muscular form was posed next to Kazuki's slender figure. It was too much for him.
Nervously, he typed her another bold question.
needlepointgroundzero: Is he your boyfriend?
Please say no. Please be a no.
goldenstrings: No.
Success!
goldenstrings: He's my best friend. :)
Shit!
needlepointgroundzero: That's what they all say…
goldenstrings: You implying I'm a liar?
needlepointgroundzero: What? No! I just… well… think… he's good-looking. But I'm not gay! I'm just saying that you two look good together.
goldenstrings: lol
goldenstrings: He's just a friend and that's a promise.
For some reason, his fast-beating heart slowed a bit and subconsciously he typed,
needlepointgroundzero: You're beautiful.
Kazuki unknowingly blushed and shook her head.
goldenstrings: How flattering of you. Nywayz, send me your picture.
needlepointgroundzero: No prob.
He rapidly searched for a handsome picture of himself to impress her, and in no time, found it. Please make her drool. Please make her drool. He squeezed his eyes shut, crossed his fingers, prayed to God, and clicked "Send."
Unintentionally, Kazuki's jaw fell open and her cheeks pinked. He was… hot! Sure, she met a lot of hotties, but he looked different, in a way. His steely eyes stared at her, his brown hair half-concealed his blue shades, and his unsmiling lips appeared so alluring, so delicious to kiss. His tan complexion suited him and his lean build made her mouth water. The image was nearly perfect, if it weren't for the girl hugging him from behind.
Her golden-brown hair flowed down his bare chest and her smile was so gentle, almost motherly under the baking sun that she found herself swallowing a lump down her throat. She then hesitantly asked,
goldenstrings: She your girlfriend?
Jubei inwardly laughed. Got ya.
needlepointgroundzero: Older sister. Ain't she something?
A knock sounded on the door. Jubei yelled, "Not now! I'm busy!"
Sakura stormed in and said, "Time's so up. My turn."
"Can't you see that I'm in a subtle position here. Now buzz off… for a minute."
"Mmmm…. Yeah. You're really busy…. Chatting! Now scoot 'cuz you're done."
"No way!"
"Yes way. I've been waiting for five minutes and now, it's seven. Now skedaddle."
"Make me."
"All right." She moved toward the PC and turned it off.
Jubei shot up, paying no mind to the fallen chair, and exclaimed, "Why the hell did you do that!"
"Because it's my turn. Now, out!"
"You could have waited."
"I'm tired of waiting. Do you mind?"
"Keep doing that, you'll break the computer, Dumbo."
"What did you call me?"
"Dumbo. Look, can't you give me a few minutes to tell her that my extremely rude sister barged in without my consent and stupidly shut down the computer?"
"Stupidly?" Sakura snorted. "You think that I'll allow you to use the IM after calling my act idiotic? Dream on, grandpa."
"Suit yourself. I won't leave until I tell her. You know me."
"Unbelievably, yes. Fine. One minute."
"Okay. Could you stay outside for a while?"
"No, I'm staying."
"You—" He stopped because he knew there was no point in arguing with her. Big sisters always had the last word.
As soon as he explained to Kazuki his sudden disappearance and briefly explained to her his unbearable situation, he frustratingly signed out and stomped out of the room.
Sakura smiled and signed in her IM.
pinkblossom23: Glad you're in. XD
wizardx: Ditto. :P
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You like? No? Review! XP
Author's Note: In case you people are wondering about my characters' role, lemme make it all clear to you guys…
Chloe is actually Clayman. She doesn't have a name, so I made it up.
In this story, Kazuki's a girl. But if you feel offended, then I suggest you should stop reading this any further.
Teshimene is not Ginji's foster dad. Made it up.
Mido Shin, Ban's dad, made him up.
Kazuki's mom, Kaiko, made her up.
I believe that's all for now. Remember, this is a completely AU fic and a production from my weary and confusing head. Hope you guys enjoyed this! Ja ne for now…
To be continued…