Disclaimer: I do not own FY under any circumstances… honest I swear!

CHAPTER 16:
SNAP TO IT.

Monday arrived even before they knew it. Being busy with the rest of the unpacking and rearranging. Tasuki forgot about anything else that happened that day. But these thoughts caught up to him, bright and early the next morning.

Standing by the steps with the rest of the guys before college he wondered if he would ever be normal again.
"You ok Task? Ya seem spaced out." Hori shook his shoulder making his leg propped up on the wall drop.
"What? Oh yeah. I'm great. Just thinking about something." He replied still somewhat dazed.
"Duh. That's apparent. Wouldn't be about some girl would it?" Taka took the pleasure of the tease.
"AS IF! Why has going to College and thinking have anything to do with girls all the time?" Tasuki asked though curious, very irritated.

"That's the fun of it Tasuki. Though you have academics, you have great looking girls, who make you swoon, some of them you can have a good time with. It's just this age when you're having fun. That's all. Time to fall in love at the prime of youth."

"Spare me the lecture." He said lazily and got back to thinking.
"By George. Who is that?" Taka said suddenly making the rest of the guys turn too.
"Professional." Chichiri nodded. "What say?" the other two nodded in agreement.
Seeing the topic of discussion was a girl Tasuki turned away.

He heard a lot of whistles and hoots, which indicated that she was coming nearer to them.

Though he didn't look at her, he got a glance enough to tell that, she was in a short midnight blue A line skirt with the side slits, minus the coat and shirt replaced by a waist length crisp low necked high collared top hugging shirt. Short brown hair with barely visible blonde streaks, long legs adorned with blue sandals and a backpack on one shoulder with books in her other hand.

"I know that's Anya, but… who is that girl." Hori sounded confused as he and the others still watched the girls. The other two just shrugged.

Tasuki nodded and sighed when the running commentary told him that they were coming their way.
But then Taka suddenly exclaimed as the girls went past.
"ARWEN!"

By the time Tasuki turned to look at the girl they had gone up to the top of the stairs. But Arwen turned around and waved to them smiling pleasantly before walking into the College with Anya.

Tasuki's jaw dropped. It was her. Chichiri shut his mouth just as the other two turned around.
"That was Arwen right?" all three nodded confused.

"But then why did she cut her hair?" Hori puzzled. "She had lovely long hair?"
"What was it with those clothes too? She looked like she was going to work or something."
"I remember!" Chichiri said suddenly. "Today's the day. The Seminar remember? That's why you have to have the whole professor get up. At least if you want to…"

The other's nodded, " but that doesn't explain her hair."
"That doesn't look the least bit like a professor." Taka objected.
"What? No way dude. Of course it does," Tasuki said defensively surprising the other three.
"No. Maybe but it's more on the casual hot looking side than a professor."

This surprised them even more earning him raised eyebrows.
"Well we'll see."

Hori leant closer to Tasuki's ear as they walked to class. "Her fan club is definitely gonna increase now, that's for sure." Tasuki was totally taken aback by this statement.

The news of the new professor spread like wild fire in their group who were all waiting anxiously for her.
As usual their professor walked in, only this time to be followed by Arwen and Anya.
Hoots of greeting from all round the class died down at the professor's sign.
He smiled. "Yeah! I know this is a moment everyone who knows Ms. Matthews here has been waiting for, seeing her attitude to it right down to her clothes, we know she's serious." He smiled at Arwen who was pretty pink.

"Well then I'll leave it to her. I hereby hold her responsible for the whole class this Hour. Good luck." He nodded " but before that a few instructions to everyone."

Arwen smiled as she looked around but did a small double take seeing Tasuki there.
He winked at her mouthing free hour. She looked to Hori who shrugged.
Looking back to Tasuki she noticed he was grinning even more this time gesticulating.
"I'll be watching you."

She nodded as the professor finished. "Matthews. It's over to you. Ganbattekudasai."
She nodded in acceptance and turned to the class. "Good day everyone. A new week and new day welcomes us. So… let us welcome someone new to join us." Even this sentence got her thundering applause. After it did finally stop she smiled again. "Thank you. Now I would like to introduce you to the newest member of our class. Ms. Anya Adriel Hayden." There was polite applause as she looked around at her new class nervously.

"She's a scholarship student here and about one of the youngest to come here on scholarship, not to mention one of the smartest. She is here to complete her studies on Elementary Physics, and I hope Anya that you feel at home the next two years you spend here." Arwen smiled unable to hold herself back from giving her friend a hug.

Anya smiled, "I'm looking forward to it." She took her seat behind Arwen's normal seat in class and to Hori's delight beside his. Tasuki who was in front of Hori directly was again puzzling over his behavior.

Well that must be heaven for you Hori. Having her next to you, but what about Arwen?

"Right references in page 768 of your electronics today please." Arwen announced and his attention was now turned to her completely. He liked the way she held herself down there, she looked quite impressive there. He thought.

Looking down he did a double take…. And to his surprise he realized there was a copy of the mentioned book before him. Turning to Hori and seeing the guy smile he understood.

He read the note.
"She likes it when everyone listens… so pay attention."

Oh I'll pay attention alright… he smirked turning it over to the said page.

She made it simple. And her explanations were brief not to mention with real life human examples, which brought laughter with understanding at the same time.

Though it was interesting, in a maze of his own thoughts Tasuki dozed off. Arwen's sharp eye didn't fail to miss this. She stared at him a while making the rest of the class turn to look at him as well. But soon her each step towards him on the wooden steps was echoing.

Hori nudged him once in vain but she was towering over him in an instant.
Unsuccessfully Hori tried again but a glare from Arwen put an end to it.

"Mr. Tasuki" she said in the lightest of whispers. Nothing happened. There was complete silence… for one thing everyone else there was wondering why this guy was even there in the first place.

She tried this a little louder this time still no result came. Getting irritated she picked up his 1000 page book. Shut it with a snap and whacked it hard on the desk making everyone jump out of their skins with the thunderous sound, Tasuki most of all.

He was totally bewildered to see Arwen standing in front of him with her arms crossed glaring at him for no reason.
"Nice to see you're up sir. Now kindly, explain the simplest of diodes please."
"What?"

"Explain the basic functioning of the simplest PN junction diode Tasuki." She repeated irritated.

"Look I ain't gonna answer ya. Ya ain't no teacher of mine. Hell I don't even take yer class."
She leaned in glaring at him even more dangerously. "Sir. You have for this minute and for this hour FYI I am."
"Ya might want to watch it Arwen. I wouldn't suggest you bend anymore to talk to me, for your own benefit that is." He said in a whisper as he grinned folding his own hands. She turned absolutely red. She straightened up at once glaring even more.

"Any more behavior like this you can be on your way to meet the dean With Mr. Seishuku. First you're in my class when you ought not and then you disturb it? I warn you."

Hori was totally stupefied he sent Tasuki a small Whack.
"What the hell did you say to her? One more thing like that and you'll pay for it. I swear."
Tasuki merely nodded flipping through the pages of his book.
Again he was taken by her stance and professionalism as she stood there continuing class without interruption. Boy was he alert this time. But he did want to be alert to her now didn't he?

Having class done with for the whole morning the news spread like wild fire again, the topic of discussion in lunchtime was Arwen and Tasuki.

When she walked out the gang stood in order to give her mock salutes. All except Tasuki.
"Stop it you guys." She laughed along with the others.
"Ma'am yes ma'am."
"You know I was like that only because they asked me to be like that." She laughed even more. But then she noticed Tasuki was the only one who was serious in the group then standing a few feet away, a book in one hand the other in his pocket.

She turned to talk to him only to be interrupted by Chichiri. "Why did you cut your hair Ari? It looked so nice when it was long."
"I needed some change that's all. But don't tell me it doesn't suit me now guys, it'll be a total waste of time." She grinned.
"No. It looks great. You look great. Just… yer fan club's gonna make space for new members." Hori grinned making her scowl at once.

"I don't want that crap." But the bell to signal the next class went off. They dispersed to their own courses.
On the way again Hori noticed whistles following Arwen who was sheltered with his arm around her shoulder.
He smiled. She looked beautiful yes, and she was probably the second on his list. But there was just one person he thought who was worthy of the number one spot on that list. He was amused as she managed to turn around and glare at each whistler.

He turned her around and told her. " You might have been a little rough on Tasuki today Ari. He seemed taken aback."
"You really think so?" she seemed to be hurt at once. "But that guy isn't any less you know."
"What did he say to you anyway? No need to have pulled my name in."
"I just wanted you to take him there Hori that's all."

"Maybe you should apologize." She nodded but stopped suddenly seeing Tasuki in the opposite corridor.
"You go to class. I might just be a minute late. Tell the prof. will you." She handed him her books and took off.
Someone tugged at his hand and Tasuki turned around irritated. Seeing it was Arwen and that she was limping slightly to keep up, though he softened up a little though he spoke coldly.

"What now?"

"Uh Tasuki-" she seemed pretty taken aback. "I- I'm sorry about the diode thing. I had no personal feelings. The teachers told me to do things, I was just following instructions. I'm sorry. Could you please forgive me? I know it was stepping over the line." She looked up at him expectantly.

He just gave her a blank look.
"Pretty please. With sugar lumps on top? Pretty please?" she put on a silly smile, which made the seriousness on his face, vanish. He laughed. "Fine you kook. I forgive you."

"I guess we had our fight for the day huh Tasuki?" she smiled as they began walking.
"Guess so." He shrugged. "But you know you were a bad little bandit today." She gave him a playful punch.
"Yeah. That too I guess, what the heck I had fun. Payback," he grinned.

"HEY!"
"I was just kidding. But it was the truth anyhoo. Sorry."
She smiled at his sincerity. "Let go of it."
"What's with the do anyway?" he flicked her bangs lightly even though she tried to avoid it.
"I just needed change."

"Well a change it is. See ya, have ta go." He said and began walking a little faster.
"But Tasuki. What do you think? How do I look?" he stopped and turned around.
"What da others say?" he began walking backwards to his class still looking at her.

"They say it looks good. But I want to know what you think Tasuki." She insisted.
He stopped before a class and walked back till there was just an inch between them. He looked down into her eyes and smiled as his hand partially held the side of her neck.

She stood there absolutely breathless as he lowered his face to meet hers. His voice was firm but with a touch of gentleness and passion to it.

"Arwen…"
"Yes?" she asked in a mere whisper.
"You look beautiful now. Than even before," he winked and smirked. Letting go of her in a flash he walked back to the class he was at before and turned around at the entrance as she stared at him.

"Yer fan club's gonna expand for sure Ari-Chan." He winked again and walked into his class. She just stood there astounded, "Ari-Chan." She whispered.

She was totally pink and white when she walked back to class.
Hori was surprised. "What happened Ari?" she turned at the name.
"What did you call me?"
"Uh- Ari." He said doubtfully seeing her smile mysteriously. "Why."
"No reason." She smiled even more.
"You look like you've seen a ghost. Are you ok?"
"No I just saw a bandit that's all." She smiled as the professor walked in.

The gang met after college that day as usual to head home.
Arwen seemed anxious enough to find Tasuki before they decided to leave.
She seemed a little disappointed, but once with her lovely gang that feeling couldn't last for too long either.

Treading the neat gravel path out of the college campus Arwen suddenly stopped as they passed a tall mean looking fellow blowing all mouth out at a scared looking red head, who looked like she would faint if it continued any longer.

What the others didn't notice, but very prominently caught Arwen's sharp eyes, was that the girl had sad tears. She suddenly stopped, making all of the gang come to a sudden halt as well.

"Something the matter Ari? You ok there?" Julian pulled her forward a little playfully but she wrenched her hand away.
"AS a matter of fact I am not." She spun around on her heals and strode of in the direction of the couple they had just passed before anyone could really stop her.

"Oh NO!" Julian and Tory groaned seeing what she was about to do.
"Keiko." She said suddenly pulling the weeping girl into a hug, "Hi darling how are you?"
She seemed to be scared out of her senses more at this.

"Nadya…" she whimpered. Arwen came away smiling, "Yes dear. How come you never came to my place anymore in class? And oh. What's this? Tears in the eyes of my precious? No." she wiped them off. Keiko looked like she was just about ready to drop to the floor unconscious.

The Arwen acted like she had just seen the guy who had been shouting at Keiko.
"And this would be?" she looked at the guy who was purple with anger.
"M-m- my Fiancé. J-j- jinn Martin." Keiko muttered cowering to Arwen's side a little.
"Oh I see. Hello sir. How are you? You are one really lucky to get my sweetums as your fiancée. She smiled.
"Yeah. You have no idea how lucky." He grinned with an evil twinkle in his eyes to match the tone.

"But what seems to be the problem here?" she turned to Keiko again.
"Nadi. I think it was better you left. Please!" she pleaded to the strong girl. "For your own good." She whispered.
"Look sir. I know it's no business of mine but just because you are her Fiancé you have no ultimate rights to her life. You can't push your control over her."

"Yeah. Right it's no business of yer's so buzz off little girl. Who the hell do ya think ya are?" he sent gross spit flying all around as he growled. Arwen turned her head to the other side disgusted but she looked calm.

"I am a friend sir, a really concerned friend who is ready to do anything to help such an angel." She replied calmly turning to look at the thug, as she wiped off the single drop of spit that had managed to touch he dress.

"Well have that with yer own boy friend." He growled again.

"Just that piece of advice sir. I hope you do realize it is for your own good that I'm saying it. Or else." She smiled cheerfully and waved. "Bye you two." She turned around to leave.

"Or else what?" he challenged. She froze on the spot. A second before she acted the gang realized what she was going to do.
"Or else." She said in a low growl. " This." Before he could find out what this was, there was a crunching sound of bone on bone and a loud groan then a massive thud about 6 feet away from Arwen.

Arwen's hand was still up in the air where her knuckle had made contact with Kieko's fiancé's jaw.
Now he lay on the floor clutching his bleeding jaw trying to get up with a panicking Keiko's help.
"I warn you Jinn! One more time I ever hear that you have been mistreating her I will not stop with breaking your jaw. I WILL murder you!" she growled and walked off towards the gang all of who's jaws were hanging, except Hori and Anya.

She stopped before them brushed off her clothes and smiled when she looked up.
"Come on guys lets go." She shoved her hand through Anya's and pulled her forward making all of them close their mouths with a snap.

"Oh but! Oh but Ari! You shouldn't have done that! You could have reported him." Anya sounded worried.
"Oh don't worry so much Annie, I don't know the guy. In fact I've never seen him in my life before. The times that he's talking about my friends were giving me a treat." She smiled.

"But we didn't give you a treat." She sounded confused.
"Of course you did. Right guys?" she turned back to look at the others who were still amazed and somewhat awed by the brave act by this petite friend of theirs.

"Uh huh!"
"See." She smiled even more.
"Way to go Ari!" "Great Punch there. Beautifully placed." "What a Blow Nadi! Wow!"
"That ass hole deserved that and worse. Wonderful my girl." "Loved it babe!" the gang was all for Arwen.

"Too bad Tasuki missed this." Hori grinned making Arwen glare at him. "Should have been here to know what he's up against. Might not want to get clobbered by getting ya too hot."

"Now why would you want to deprive me of that fun Hori?" she smirked.
"Eh." He shrugged as they walked closer to home. "Guess yer right. Might not want to miss that now would I?"

Suddenly Arwen was jerked back by a hand around her waist and another clamping her mouth shut.
Before she could do anything she was about a 100 feet behind the gang she had just been walking with. She was away from them too quickly for them to notice it in an instant. But the hand around her mouth came off.

Before she could start swearing she heard a voice. "Hey kid."

"Tasuki." She blurted out in surprise. His hand around her waist came off now.
She turned around. "Was that you?" she held onto his hand for taking grip of herself from the sudden shock.
"Yup." He grinned.
"Why the hell did you do that?" she still staggered.
"Easy there kiddo." He held onto her. "I didn't know you'd be so shocked."

"Well I don't like being off the ground. At this speed any how."
"Liked my speed huh." He grinned even more.
"Not this time. Maybe less shocking next time so I can enjoy it and being close to you."
"What?" he was surprised.

"Duh fool. I might not want to fall off when yer almost running like a maniac." She grinned.
"Hey Tasuki! Arwen!" they were interrupted even before the conversation could continue.
They turned to find the rest of the gang staring gaping openly.

"What in the world happened here? One minute yer here and then yer gone?" Nuriko called out.

"When in the name of Suzaku did you get here Bandit?" Taka called out as well.
"Just now." He called back. "You guys go on ahead. We'll be behind ya."
"What's so private between the two of ya huh? Not getting together now are you?" Nuriko grinned.
They both turned as red as they could wishing they could strangle Nuriko blue at that very instant.

"Uh, just something about school. You guys go. We'll be right there." He told them again. They shrugged and turned to leave.

"So." They began to walk. She looked up at him confused. "What did you want to talk to me about?"
"Oh that. Uh. I'll tell you but first." He stopped and leant down closer to her. To her surprise he gently moved her bangs away from her forehead. "How's the cut?"

"Oh. It doesn't hurt that much now. Unless I think too much I guess." She grinned. He laughed lightly at this beginning to walk again. She hurried up to keep up with him and then hugged his hand still held in his pocket.

"What else did you want to talk to me about?"

"Ya know Ari. I have a favor to ask ya, will ya do it fer me?"
"Sure why not?" she shrugged pulling herself closer to his hand.
"The guys in my course are sorta ragging me. And I don't give a dang. But I want to prove that I am capable of it."
"I hope you don't expect me ta give you a kiss or something. Cause if that's the case dream on fang boy."
"That's what they wanted. But I persuaded them. I'm a pretty decent guy you know." He smirked.

"We'll see about that. Tell me what ya want me ta do."

"See the point of da matter is. That ya might have blown up on me in class but yer really all fer me in reality." He stopped hesitantly to look at her. "So the guys will be around this place in a minute now and they want to see ya…"
"See me doing what?"
"Give me a hug."
"What?" she asked totally stupefied. "A hug. That's all. I'd rather give you a kiss."
"Really?" he asked totally surprised.
"No you idiot. You're an idiot and yer friends are even bigger idiots."

"Let's leave the idiots alone for now. I have another reason. So will ya do it?" he replied coolly.
"Another reason?" she asked curiously. "What's that?"
"I'll tell ya that if ya agree." He smirked pleased. Admiring the way he could flash her with a single fang she smiled.

"If you promise to tell me."
"K deal."
"SO. Uh-" she turned quite pink. "When does this take place?" He turned to look up the street looking pretty pink himself.
"I think-" he stopped then turned to her. "Around the next coupla minutes from now. Could you make it look a little natural please?"

"What?"

"Just say I'm really sorry for that Shun'u. Ya know I didn't mean it. And then get it over with." He was absolutely pink in his cheeks and around the ears.

"Ok now?" he nodded. Arwen smiled at his suddenly gentle shyness but then she felt she really meant what she was about to do. To his surprise she reached up and made him look down at her. He saw that she meant it.

"Shun'u. I'm really sorry about what happened in class today. I really didn't mean it. I swear on you." He nodded with in the same trance he was held in when he looked into her eyes just the previous day.

Then before he knew what was happening he felt his hands encircle a petite slender waist and hoist Arwen's soft body up to his own to hold her in a hug as her hands rounded around his neck.

Arwen could feel her feet dangling in the air as he lifted her up. This was something she hadn't expected but liked nonetheless and did not let go in an instant.

Both of em smiled still held in the embrace.
This feels so good. She is really made for me to hold in this world. Definitely, she fits so perfectly into my hands, just look at this.

She smiled even more. "Oh lord he's strong. AND so tall! Look at this my feet are off the ground because of his height! I'm literally outta this earth hugging him aren't I? She giggled.
"What's so funny?" his voice was low.

"Nothing dear. Just tell me what you promised you would. Or I won't stop hugging you till you spit it out."
"Well now. That I don't think I'd mind that much." He laughed softly. "I like holding you Ari-Chan. You fit just right into my hands. That's why I made them agree." Arwen was at a total loss of words.

"Really?" she asked anxiously as she felt herself being put back to the ground.
"Really," he smiled down at her softly. "Since the day I held you when I pulled ya outta the road."
"Tasuki." She wouldn't let go of his hand. He smiled and entwining his fingers with hers he began walking her.
"Ah forget about it Ari-Chan."

"Tasuki." She hugged his hand again. "Now that our fight for the day is done we won't fight again right?"
"I guess not. Why?"
"Well then I have a favor to ask you too."
"Yes?"
"Can you please call me – uh never mind,"
"What?"
"Nothing. Forget it."
"Fine. Oh and another thing. About the lessons. Got the books from the library that we need. Fascinating place it is, our library." He said proudly.

"Good." She smiled at this, "Why don't we start today at 5?"
"No probs. But I must warn ya. I am difficult to handle."
"If you can put up with me that is. I'm worse than you could have imagined. That's my warning to you." She smirked smugly.
"Looking forward to it." He grinned as they stopped in front of her apartment. She nodded.
"At 5 then." She smiled and began to go up the stairs. But then he called out. "Ari." She turned back and looked at him. He walked up to a step below her and reached up to whisper in her ear.

"It's really ok that you want me to call you that when we're alone. Ari-Chan." She stood there shocked watching him smile at her softly then take off for his own apartment."

When five that evening came he was as nervous about his lesson as if he were expecting a son any minute now. Though he had been close with her, her seriousness about studies seemed to inspire and make him hesitate a little at the same time. He some how felt his sunny Arwen wouldn't be present in the vicinity of the study he was about to embark upon. But there was no turning back now.

Sighing he knocked on the door which was opened for him by a very surprised Anya.

"Hey Anya. Ari home now?"
"Yes Mr. Tasuki. She is. Why don't you come in?" she moved aside eyeing the books in his hand.
"Thanks." He went in.
"Want that coffee now?" she asked politely.
"Uh maybe later. Ari and I have serious studying to do." She nodded.
"She's in the study." He stared at her blankly. "Oh right. You don't know where it is. Go down the hall past the stairs and the first cream door to your right." He smiled and went there. He controlled him self with a lot of effort at the sight inside.

Arwen was sitting on the floor with her books, her legs on folded to the sides, holding a pencil in her mouth while another two were stuck into her hair like decorative needles. What added to it was her short hair had been forced into a tiny ponytail, which managed to push most of it back out. She was in a loose deep blue Pajama set with sleeveless tops.

She looked up from above her small brown-rimmed glasses making him want to roll with laughter.
"What?"
"Nothing," he controlled his laughter to the maximum. "Nothing at all Ari-Chan."
She smiled at the name. "Well then darling. Let's start! Professor Ari- Chan is here."
He smiled to himself at this I know professor Ari-Chan. And boy am I glad it's you all the way.

This is a pretty long one… and a long shot, but hey I love the drama… drama is the spice in life for me anyhoo… read up and let me know… Hey also a surprise coming next week…. Kindly read and review…

Kristall, sending you my love… Cheers! thanks for the idea; let's see how it turns… Ciao