Chapter 8

(Sophia's POV)

I was over at Kozue's, lying on her bed. I had finished kendo practice with Takeda forty minutes ago and with a poor excuse made my way here. I could feel his eyes watching me, the three houses between us felt like three miles and I didn't even knock before I slipped into Kozue's front door. I knew I'd need to tell Takeda about the incident sooner or later but it was just another thing to add onto my list.

Kozue had gotten out of the shower after me. A towel still wrapped around her hair. She had put on her white tank-top, a large purple star covered her left breast and part of her stomach and purple underwear. She had grabbed shorts but I waved them off, stripping out of my shirt and shorts. I ran a cloth down my face, cooling off my neck. An hour-long practice followed by a hot bath wasn't the smartest idea.

She was ruffling through her bookshelf by her bed and finally finds the yearbook. She tosses it and herself beside me with a bounce and opens it "Sugiyama, Sugiyama, Sugiyama..." she flips through her year "Sugiyama, Sugi-Sugiyama! Here she is!" her fingers tap on a photograph and I slide the book to me.

I looked at a girl with long brown hair and a gentle face.

"Oh, I remember her!" Kozue continues "She's the shy girl from the school newspaper."

She flips five pages to the photos and taps on a few. I see a picture of Sugiyama with a camera, taking pictures of events. Another was of her with a small notepad but as much as I looked I could only find two pictures with her in them and both were never head-on.

"Shy?" I state, snapping Kozue a look "She doesn't seem very shy to me. I mean she locked us on the roof for Christ sakes."

"Well love can make a person do strange things" Kozue giggles "I mean look at me, I hate watching any type of violence and yet I've seen Baki fight multiple people for me."

"Well, he wouldn't have to if someone didn't stick her nose in everyone's business."

I squeal as Kozue hits me with a pillow and I laugh, hitting her back and soon both of us were wrestling each other on the bed, our happy squeals of laughter and struggles echo through the house.

"Girls!" Kinuyo shouts from the stairs "It's eight-thirty, quiet down!"

"Sorry!" we both shout and fall back on the bed laughing.

"So, she's meeting him behind the gym tomorrow?"

"Yeah..."

"Are you going to go?" Kozue had rolled over, wiggling her eyebrows at me

"No!" I make a face and turn away "She was staring at me in class, like flat-out staring."

"I know! That's the point!" she sighs like I was missing some obvious thing "If she went through all that trouble to do that in front of you she wants you to come. It's like some test or something. If you don't go you lose."

"And?"

"And! You've never backed down from a challenge before, why is this any different?"

"Because this is personal, gods know why."

Kozue stops, sitting up slowly and I lean back against the pillow when she stares at me. Her stare on intensifying as the seconds continue. After a moment her eyebrows raise "Oh my god... you don't see it do you?" when I don't answer her face falls, she sits up, taking my hand "Sophia... he likes you."

"What?" I laugh "No he doesn't."

"Yes! He does." She snaps back "I mean it's as clear as day on his face! Do you think Sugiyama would do all of this for no reason?" at my silence she rolls her eyes "Sophia, she feels threatened! That's why she's trying to knock you down a peg. She thinks you're after her man."

"Her man?"

"Well possibly! If you're not going to do something about it!"

I leaned back and shrugged "If she wants to do something then she can do something, I don't care okay?" I grabbed a pillow and placed it over my chest "I'm not going."

..

..

"I can't believe you talked me into going!" I hiss.

"Shh! Stop complaining and get down before she sees you!" She hisses back and I find myself yanked behind some bushes. We had found a perfect place to spy, weather that was preplanned by Saeri was unclear. Saeri was alone and despite her earlier bravado, she seemed quite nervous. Her hands were closing and un-closing before she wipes them on her skirt.

I could help but roll my eyes as Kozue whispers excitedly "He's here!"

It was like she had stumbled into the middle of the glorious drama and was now sitting back with a bowl of popcorn watching the destruction happen. I admit Hanayama was nice to be around and quite good looking but if she thought she could put my life on display she had another thing coming. I'd be damned if I let her enjoy this anymore then she was...

Kaoru walked around the building and I couldn't help but smile at the size difference. Saeri looked like a child compared to him. He walked up to her and stopped, I waited for him to say something but he only stared, it took both Saeri and I moment to realize she had asked him here so he had no idea what was going on.

She blushes and looks down "So w-what I'm trying to say is... I'd... I'd like to ask you..." she stutters and I couldn't help but feel sorry for the girl "Do you have a girlfriend or someone you already love?"

I wasn't sure why it happened but I felt my heart ache when he looked at her "Not really." I felt my fingers curl on the grass "I don't have one."

I felt my lungs burn and I forced myself to let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding. Then it was feel sudden anger as Saeri asks with infuriating hopefulness "Then do you think I have a chance? I'd like to be your girlfriend Hanayama... if you want."

Kaoru looked shocked. I was shocked. I'd shocked myself. Kozue's smirk and not so subtle glance in my direction all but confirmed her earlier suspicions. I liked Kaoru Hanayama. I refused to look at her and after a moment she turns back to the scene before us.

"I like you a lot... I mean it!" Saeri said while turning her back to Hanayama "Just think about it alright?"

"You know what's going to happen don't you?" Kaoru finally said something. Saeri turned and gave him a confused look "If we go out... you know what will happen?"

My eyes slowly lock with Kozue. Was he talking about what I think he's talking about?

"When two people start dating... soon enough they will,"

"Yes, I know. Soon they start doing "intimate stuff" besides other things right?"

While the idea of Kaoru doing that caused my cheeks to burn I had a feeling that wasn't what he meant. Yes, Kaoru was shamelessly forward but that didn't seem like something he would be concerned with.

As if to confirm my suspicions he moves his glasses "Well... there's that too."

Like Saeri didn't hear him or didn't care she continues "Just admit it Hanayama, you want to start having sex with me right?" I'm not sure if she felt like she was pushing the conversation in the direction she wanted but Saeri was being surprisingly bold, that fact seemed to burn me. So much that I wanted to walk over and smack that grin off her stupid face. I feel Kozue's hand on mine and a tight squeeze "Well I get it, and I think that's what it means too. I know it is a part of being with your girlfriend... making love is an important part of-"

I'm not sure if he was overly confident, outstandingly shameless or didn't like losing control (maybe all three) but Saeri's words stop abruptly when Hanayama opens his pants. It was shocking and hilarious at the same time.

"Ahh! Ah! You mean right now?!" screams Saeri nervously.

Kozue, Saeri and my eyes were wide open, mouths too as we took in the scene with shock. As if that wasn't enough Hanayama also removes his fundoshi, ripping the white fabric with ease and tossing it away like a Spanish bullfighter. Even from here Kozue and I could see the massive appendage, hanging proudly between his legs.

Kozue covers her eyes but I could do little more than stare as he continues "Are you fine with this? All of "this?" Kaoru asks her "Right now it's out of commission, but just so you know... if you are interested in me and sure you want it to happen... when the real times comes it'll be 1.5 times bigger than it is now." Saeri's beet-red face matched mine but Kaoru only continues not the least bit bothered by this display "Will you be alright handling it? Down there?"

Thankfully he pulls his pants back up, allowing my mouth to close and Saeri's to function "I-I can handle it." And at that moment I was thankful for the distance as a loud snort left my lips before my hand slapped over it "I mean women give birth to babies down there so handling you should be fine too."

Despite his answer I couldn't help but notice a hint of sadness in his eyes, Hanayama stared at the ground briefly "I see..." I tilt my head to the left "Right... from now on I'll be your boyfriend Saeri Sugiyama."

I wasn't sure what burned worse, the fact that he agreed or the fact that he knew her full name without her saying it once. Had Kaoru been paying more attention to her then I realized? When he asks her to kiss him I stand, turning the other way and run, not wanting to watch anymore.

I run past the school ground, across the large field, through the track ring and stop somewhere in the middle of the school and the open field. I had to wait about a minute for Kozue to catch up and I was pacing the ground when she does.

Panting like a fat dog in the heat she falls over backwards "Oh my god Sophia... why did you... have to go... so far?!"

While my lungs burned a little I guess spending an hour or two in the gym had upped my stamina. So much so I could completely regain my breath in time to lose my mind.

"Oh my god..." I turn and pace the other way "Oh my god..." I turn again "Oh my god! I like him! I like him Kozue! Oh my god!" I slap a hand over my mouth and turn to her.

In that time she had regained enough of her breath to speak "That's what I was trying to tell you last night!" she falls back on the grass panting some more "But you were being so stubborn!"

Her words did me little comfort as I turn again "Oh my god! How did I not realize this before?!" I toss my hands up, spinning again "Kozue! Why didn't I see this before?! It was right there in front of my face! And now it's too late!"

"Uh... I wouldn't be too sure about that..."

I turn and follow Kozue's gaze and find myself in shock when Saeri runs down the side of the school and rips the doors open like mad dogs were on her tail. She had rounded the corner, seeking safety inside while I had run away, wanting to put as much distance between me and my pain. Moments later Kaoru walks out and sighs, leaning against the side of the school to stare at the sky.

Then he turns, stopping in his tracks and even with the distance, I could feel the way his eyes captured mine.

I gasped.

..

..

I'm not sure if it was my sudden realization or the fact that I'd just seen him drop his pants without a moment's hesitation but I couldn't look at Kaoru. I was hiding behind the wall as he walked into class and I slowly made my way down the hall. I pushed myself to the last moment, slipping in before the teacher and made it to my desk as everyone rose to greet her.

After class, I was the first one out of my seat. I ripped open the door and ran down the hall. I glanced up seeing Kozue and Baki walking out of class behind a few people and I all but ripped off Kozue's arm as I dragged her down the hall. If Baki hadn't been as skilled as he was her three books and bag would have hit him in the face as she throws them up in shock. Thankfully he catches them with ease and he simply stares in confusion, Hanayama who was close behind me moves to stand beside him his face mirrored Baki's. I turn back, blushing and continue my way down the stairs.

"Sophia! Calm down!" Kozue tries her eyes on the stairs as she tries to keep up and not fall flat on her face "You don't have to run, their not coming!"

I let go of her hand, ripped open her locker and tossed her shoes at her. Kozue gasps; tossing her hands up and barely catches the shoes hurtling at her face. I send her an apologetic smile and move to mine. Bouncing on one foot and then the other as I pulled off my shoes and slip on my outdoor shoes. I place them in my locker and grab her hand; I toss my backpack over my shoulder and grab her arm, pulling both of us out of school as more people made their way into the locker room.

We ran to the large gates and wait three seconds as the large red button beeps loudly and turns green, slowly sliding open. Takeda was standing to the left, leaning on the tall brick wall and his calm face twists when I grab his arm, yanking him down the street as well.

I assume he and Kozue shared a look because she laughs "Boy trouble."

I squeeze her wrist in retribution and smile when she squeaks in pain.

Takeda calmly as ever simple asks "Where are we going?"

"Do you even know?" Kozue teases

"Shut up Kozue!"

She had a point... so I felt myself slowing as we reached the end of the block. Kozue was the only one that seemed to be out of breath. Takeda stops, just staring at me. If I went left we would go back to Kozue's house, if we went right it would take us downtown towards the hospital. Even though I should have gone either way I knew Baki would go to both and with my luck he'd bring Kaoru. The thought of seeing him again made my heartbeat and I turn, staring down the road.

"Let's go somewhere new."

I don't give either of them a choice as I yank them down the road. The descent down the hill had all of us looking at the houses. The reds, blues and yellow houses with metal gates or high concrete walls surrounding each. My eyes traveled up the steps as the road flattens out. I check both ways and walk again. I start my climb up the hill and let go of their hands. Kozue takes two quick steps and walks beside me, her warm hand slid into mine. Takeda didn't take my hand but he too moved to my side, his face calm as he eyed all of the alleys for cars or people.

It seemed my dead brother turning up in Japan wasn't the only odd thing as five death row convicts had also broken out of jail and for some reason or another sought out Japan. I felt the thick metal sticks tapping against my leg as I walked. When I pulled the metal holder and beautiful red and black escrima sticks out of the box I was shocked, Takeda had given them to me when he left the school. The case had two thick openings to hold my sticks but was small enough to hide under my skirt at school. The sticks themselves could twist, shrinking to half their size when not in use. If that wasn't cool enough Takeda had modified them, when I squeezed and swung the sticks they grew to size and the small metal screw on the bottom of one clicked into the other to make a bo-staff.

Using the bo-staff had been a new thing for me; I'd done a few years a baton as a child so I knew a few things but tossing it in the air for entertainment and learning how to defend and attack someone else was a new thing. Having to pull my hands to the sides or up was a striking difference to my usual kendo moves. Don't get me wrong, I wasn't one to go looking for a fight but after four years of practice I felt I was confident to use either form if needed.

We were walking; glancing around as the houses turned to buildings the further we walked. The buildings grew in size and the streets shrunk. I glanced around the army of signs hanging above our heads, some of the buildings seemed to stretch on farther than the eye could see. I felt my fears dissipate as I took in the baby blue sky and white clouds. It wasn't too hot or cold and a gentle breeze had me smiling. I feel Kozue smile, squeezing my hand gently.

..

..

Despite the many shocking events, I was happy with today. I chuckle, pulling Kozue down the street and we head left, into the large mall. Takeda was a fairly patient man but I couldn't help but smile as his eye twitches when we enter into a fifth store. Takeda was carrying seven bags full of clothes, perfumes, lotions and books. I stepped into the store and stop, seeing a bright red '50% off' sign in the reflection. I grab Kozue's hand and turn, taking in the brightly coloured entrance to the lingerie store.

I see Kozue's eyes and smile, flicking them over to Takeda briefly and smile when a twisted one slides onto her lips. While we were going to head into the lingerie store anyway, dragging Takeda in as well was the cherry on top. Takeda took a few steps into the store and his pace slowed dramatically, I snicker with Kozue as we B-line it for the bras on the back row. A few women give him odd looks as he follows us. My eyes flash along the brightly coloured rows and I move towards the reds and whites. Kozue grabs a few, testing the padding with a squeeze and I chuckle pulling her closer to me and the lightly padded bras. Kozue wasn't one to lead with her breasts and that type of bra would do just that.

I go through a few sizes until I find mine, 34D or 36C and pull it off the wall. I place two bras in front of my chest and stand in front of the mirror. I took in the beaded pattern and knew if I got this one I'd have to wear an undershirt with it. The other one was a smooth shiny white but it seemed a bit boring. A pink one went in front of it and I turn, seeing Kozue smiling.

"I like this colour,"

"Really? Pink?" The bra was pretty but I'd always thought pink blended in with my lighter skin.

She shrugs "You won't know until you try it."

I shrug, taking the bra and move over to the multiple boxes of underwear. I flipped through the different sizes, patterns and colours as Kozue picks out three bras.

I smirk, lifting a pair "Hey Takeda, blue and white or lacy green?"

Kozue's head snaps back as she smirks, Takeda looks away with a blush "Sophia," Kozue defends his honor "I think having him in here is enough, stop torturing the man."

"Blue and white." A third voice says and we both look at Takeda in shock "The green is too dark for your skin tone, a lighter leafy green would be better."

I lay the green on my arm and pause. Damn, he was right... I smile softly and place the green in the box, searching for lighter greens. I managed to find six pairs in my size and grabbed a few for Kozue as well. She was holding them up to the light like a shirt, turning it back and forth as she imagines herself wearing them. I hand the underwear to Takeda to hold and move to the changing rooms.

One thing I prided myself on was my mind. When I met someone I never forgot a face. Names were a little fuzzy... but faces, especially foreign faces. I see so many people daily so someone like me, a foreigner, tends to stand out. Had his face not caught my attention his bright red hair would have. The red wasn't a natural red either, the bright fire truck red had to be dyed, another striking difference from the normal crowd.

The second thing I prided myself on was my ability to judge a person's potential and while the man standing behind me, browsing through the underwear didn't look dangerous I could feel murderous intent hiding within. Adding both of those things together a single name came to mind.

Doyle.

Standing behind me was none other than Doyle, one of the five escaped convicts, shopping like a normal person. I remember sitting on a padded chair in the hospital, reading a book by my brothers bedside when the 'breaking news' alert caught my attention. I remember looking over each empty, twisted face. Spec, the large bald one even dared to smile like he was taking private photos.

Never in a million years would I guess a death row convict would be shopping in a lingerie store. A part of me hoped he was shopping for a lover or a partner but that thought turned sour when he lifts a pair to his hips. He sets it down and picks another pair, testing the size again. I shut my mouth, turn around and carefully walk towards the change rooms. I knew I should call the cops, but there were too many people in the mall and if Doyle got what he wanted and left without causing a problem I'd take that over a blood bath.

I reach the change room and take a few steps, looking for a worker. I jump when a voice whispers in my ear "I saw you."

I wasn't sure if it was the daily practices with Takeda, or the thought to always be on guard, never back down. Maybe it was the countless hours of practice but I felt my body moving before I could stop it. My leg slid back, pulling his forward and my arms slams back against his face.

Only it doesn't... I wasn't entirely sure what happened but Doyle had blocked my attack, moved us from the front the back, into a locked -or in this case unlocked- changing room and I found my chest pinned against the wall and his strong hand twisting my arm behind my back. While his grip was tight and impossible to escape I wasn't in pain. I shut my eyes as his knee slides in between mine knocking off my balance.

I feel warmth radiating against my back. His large strong hand locks on my hip and I stop. That warmth sunk into my skin and I couldn't help but shiver. I could feel his hot breath on my neck, my weak spot and I bite my lip to stop the moan. I feel his hands sliding across my arm and he leans in, smelling my hair.

"Don't you know it's illegal to have hidden weapons in a mall?"

I had been born with a silver tongue and I prided myself on my quick wit but when he spoke in English it threw me. So much so I couldn't stop his hand from sliding down my leg, under the hem of my skirt. I feel his callused fingers brushing against my smooth thigh and weapons, skilled fingers easily following the length and modifications.

I assumed Doyle knew how to speak Japanese because he chose to come here of all places but I force my head to turn, staring into his deep ruby eyes. I had to look up, he was surprisingly tall. I'd say six foot one, maybe two and lined with muscles. Not outrageously large but they were defiantly toned and made with a purpose.

"Yeah, I'd say its right up there with breaking out of prison and running away to Japan."

He forced himself forwards and I grunt when my chest hits the wall but I couldn't miss the smile on his lips. I had turned my head, staring at us in the mirror. It was quite a view. There I was, pinned against the wall with a large man against my back and my legs spread open like a street and his knee lifted right up the middle forcing me onto my toes. I watch his eyes slide over to the mirror as well, holding my gaze and I shiver again.

I could tell the moment our bodies touched he was more skilled then I was. I was sure he surpassed Takeda too. Those hands that had killed so many people were now on my body, his calloused thumb was rubbing my flesh in a failed attempt to comfort. A part of me wanted to scream but I knew he'd slit my throat before I got the chance. Had I not spent the last four years training with Takeda I would have wet myself in fear.

"Touché" Doyle smiles and I feel his hand move off my weapons and back to my thigh. His hands were so hot I swore my skin was on fire.

And while being locked in a changing room with a murderer was a very interesting story I forced myself to speak, trying not to lose myself in his talented hands "Why are you here Doyle?"

His hand stills, cupping the inside of my thigh. I sort of wished I had worn pants but I was sure he would have ripped them open and pulled them down to my ankles in seconds. I force my eyes to open and see him staring at me again.

"I thought I hid my blood lust well, yet you noticed me." His hand moves up, cupping my ass with a tight squeeze. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little wet from all the attention and stimulation "I guess I was intrigued..."

"No, I mean what are you doing here? In Japan." I push my ass back, squishing his hand against his legs and thankfully the movements stop "If you wanted to disappear you should have picked Canada or The States, you stick out like a sore thumb and speaking English makes it worse."

"English is the language I was raised with, what's the harm of using it?" when he caught my glare he chuckles, pushing my groin against the wall once more and he steps closer, his breath ghosting over my ear again "I'm here to fulfill my greatest desire. I'm here to taste defeat."

His low voice had carried a dangerous hum and I felt my heart jump. His hand moves from my ass, to my hips, up my stomach to my neck, sliding over my flesh like he was teasing me. His long fingers curled around the soft flesh and he held them there like he was taking my pulse. I felt myself gasp as his obvious arousal pressed against my lower back "Can you give me what I want...?"

I chuckle breathlessly "I think the fact that we're here answers that."

He hums like he's calming down and chuckles "Don't sell yourself short. Had I been anyone else I would be laying on the floor with a broken nose. I think a few more years of training and actual combat practice," his gaze in the mirror intensifies just the slightest on that "You'd make a pretty terrifying opponent."

I chuckle as he releases me and to relieve the pressure on my chest I turn around. When I do I suddenly wish I hadn't. Given our proximity and my natural Scottish curves (not insanely large but I did have a natural hourglass figure), I found myself pressed up against his body. His stature only seemed to grow as I looked up, taking in piercing ruby eyes. He smiles, literally looking down on me but I don't feel any arrogance in his gaze. He just looks at me like I'm some diamond in the rough or a fruit that's yet to ripen.

"What's your name?"

I knew I shouldn't tell him but I couldn't help it, for some strange reason I felt comfortable around him "Sophia. Sophia Jones."

A loud knock on the door made me jump. A few other knocks followed and Doyle reluctantly stepped back.

"Sophia! What's taking you so long?" Kozue asks, banging some more "Are you okay?"

The doors went all the way down to the floor so I had no fear of her seeing two pairs of feet "I'm fine Kozue, just thinking that's all."

"Well have you picked any yet?"

I jump when Doyle leans down "I'd go with the red and white ones, pinks not really your colour."

When I spin around to retort he's gone.