Also, I want to deeply apologize to those that found this hard to read. I hadn't realized until now that the asterisks that I used to note Yoko's speech and to change point of views didn't upload properly. I had to go back and re edit everything. --GF
Disclaimer: See Chapter 1 and as always please no flames.
Chapter 8: Games
"Not a problem," Bruce said, feeling the effect the boy was creating by that simple action. "You know I've filed a patent for that antidote in your name. It's pretty effective. When it goes through, which I seriously think it will, you will gain a bit of prestige. Where did you learn so much about medicine?"
Shuichi shrugged again, "As I said, I've made a study on poisons and their antidotes." Tossing the stick into a nearby trash can, he smiled slightly, "Plants are a major interest to me."
Bruce could believe that especially seeing how he could manipulate them with a thought. Again, just who or what was this boy?
o0o0o0o0o
At the bar and grill that night, Dick was lording over Barbara that his time was better then hers. Although neither won the race, both had finished in the top 10.
Barbara pulled Shuichi onto the dance floor again, and again, the same thing happened. The red head was the center of attention as he danced. Bruce narrowed his eyes in thought as he watched the couple line stepped to the music. Barbara was really enjoying herself. Shuichi smiled down at her as he clapped his hands, moving in time of the music.
"See what did I tell you? A sex magnet," Dick leaned over. "I wish I knew how he did that."
As Barbara and Shuichi moved off the dance floor to rejoin their party, Shuichi was violently slammed into a table. Glass and cutlery flew onto the floor as people stepped away from the scene.
A drunken patron had the red head by his collar ready to drive his fist into Shuichi's face, "I oughta beat that pretty face of yours so my gal don't think you're so special," shouted a drunken patron.
"No need to get violent," Shuichi said, holding his hands up in surrender with his back pressed against the table. "We can talk this over."
"Talk to my fist, you sonaofabitch!" the guy shouted as he cocked his fist back but before it landed, Bruce and Dick and a bouncer pulled him off of Shuichi. "Let me go! I'm gonna cream the guy!"
"TAKE IT OUTSIDE FER PETE SAKES!" shouted the bartender, "Afore I call the sheriff!"
"Shuichi. Are you alright?" Barbara asked as she helped him off the table, checking him over for damage.
Bruce stood by Shuichi as the bartender apologized for the mishap. He had been a bit surprised that Shuichi didn't defend himself. Shuichi's face as almost emotionless and stoic as he politely told the bartender that he was alright and no, he didn't want to press charges.
Rubbing his forehead like he had a headache, "I'm fine. Really. Maybe it's time to return to the hotel," Shuichi assured everyone.
Bruce, Barbara and Dick all exchanged a look and then Dick shrugged. "I guess we should the night's ruin as it is."
"Shuichi? Are you alright?"
o0o0o0o0o
Shuichi has seen the guy ready to blow when he and Barbara stepped off the dance floor. Predicting that the drunk would attack, he made sure Barbara was on the other side of him as not to get hurt. Then he moved so that any punches would be deflected from vital points.
/What a loser. Yusuke's punches hurt more. We aren't going to let this guy get away with ruining our night, are we/
Rubbing his forehead, Shuichi came up with an idea to get back at the drunk. Yoko cackled. Figuring the guy would probably be waiting in the shadows, he sent out a bit of spirit energy to scout the area.
/Go Red/
As they stepped outside, Kurama sent a bit of energy seizing on the bit of weeds and shrubbery where the guy was crouched down. Noting that the weeds were of the poison ivy variety, Kurama made sure those reached the more tender and sensitive areas.
A scream echoed in the shadows. People turned to where the noise was coming from. A now sober man running out in all his glory across the parking lot, jabbering about the plants had come alive. A faint rash started to speckle his skin as he pointed back to were he had been hiding.
Yoko was laughing. If he had a body, he would be rolling on the floor.
o0o0o0o0o
Back at the hotel, Shuichi walked Barbara to her door. Bruce and Dick had remained downstairs in the lobby for a bit.
Barbara smiled, looking up at him, "I think I changed my mind." She had become aroused by the dancing and the fight. Now she wanted a bit more fun.
"Oh?"
"Won't you come in?" She started to open her door only to find herself pinned to it instead. His mouth came down on hers in a searing kiss that took her breathe away.
"I am not some boy toy, Barbara. I will not be used to satisfy some rich girl's fantasy weekend," Shuichi informed her, nuzzling her ear. "Sex is more then a game for me."
Her legs began to buckle as heat started to pool in her nether regions. "Sh . .Shuichi?" she begged as her hands moved up to his side as he pressed his body into hers. She could feel his hips grinding into hers. She could feel his growing erection through their clothing.
Taking her hands and pinning them to the door behind her. "I will not be told what I can or can't do. When I do take you to bed, I will decide. I play by my own rules," he said huskily as his hips rubbed against her.
His mouth came down on hers once more in another searing kiss. Then she was freed.
Sagging against her door, she looked up into at him. His green eyes were cold like ice with flecks of gold. A silver tint laced through his hair as he stepped away from her towards his own room.
"Toy with me at your own risk," his voice held a low purr as he opened his door.
o0o0o0o0o
To say the fox was pissed was putting it mildly. He had read the look in her eyes when they had left the restaurant, also smelt her arousal. It was the same as when they had danced last night. She wanted release from the wild excitement that she played with all weekend. She had played hard and now she wanted her treat. Well, he wasn't a treat.
Gathering up his things, he decided it was time to head home. He had enough of people pawing him, of goggling him. Yoko wisely was quiet, knowing the boy wasn't in the mood for any of his quips and quite frankly, he agreed with everything that just happened.
Stepping out of his room with his over night bag, he found Barbara talking quietly to Bruce. She looked like she would be crying any second now.
"I want to thank you for an interesting weekend," Kurama said very politely. "But I think it's time for me to return home. Barbara, if you want, I'll call you sometime this week."
"Sure Shuichi. I would like that," she said quietly, lowering her eyes in apology. "I'm sorry."
He gave her a slight smile before turning and bowed, "Mr. Wayne."
"I'll take you home," the man offered.
"It won't be necessary. I just need time to cool off."
"You have money to get home?"
"Yes sir. There is no need. I'm not in the habit of taking money from people. Good evening," Kurama bowed again before leaving.
"Sh... Shuichi Wait! Can. . . can I walk you out?"
o0o0o0o0o
Bruce watched as Barbara walked the boy out of the hotel with narrow eyes. It wasn't Shuichi that he was just talking to but Kurama. He could tell by the way the boy was holding himself and by his tone of voice.
He had over heard the last comment and understood what had happened. Barbara was a bit wild but she usually knew what she was doing. This time, she had gotten over her head. Thankfully, Kurama was only giving her a warning.
Dick walked up to Bruce, "What just happened? Where's Barbara and Shuichi going? Why does he have his bag?"
o0o0o0o0o
Lady Threarah: I'm glad I made your night. I tend see Kurama as 3 personalities in one body that he can split at will.
Psycho Dragon and Kawaii: Thanks for the vote of confidence. Also, I figured out why you were confused and fixed it. I think if you re read the earlier chapters, it'll make more sense now.
The next chapters won't contain an arch villain. I decided on someone else. until next time. --GF