Chapter Ten
~ooOoo~
Rin growled with impatience as he glared at the two men sitting across from him. After issuing some harsh orders accompanied by a severe gaze his two guards had finally settled down and sat down across from him, but Ginta still looked ready to go on a rampage with his hand presentably on his weapon's hilt and the raven could see his glinting eyes still watching the porch door Yukio had left through. The brunet had excused himself saying he needed to check on the Kyoto kids and the young clan leader couldn't argue since he really needed to insure that their compromising position didn't get leaked into the clan and become a liability.
It wasn't that he didn't trust Ginta and Tetsou but some things needed to be stated plainly for the point to really get across. And so with the most melodramatic and painstaking sigh he had ever produced the younger teen had removed himself from the smirking green eyed man's arms and waved goodbye almost sadly although he had smiled brightly; it was probably the fakest expression he had ever worn in front of the other boy. He hated the fact that their time had been cut short and was currently taking it on his poor guards who rightly had a reason to be upset about the position they had found him in. Rin would admit that from a certain view point it would look like the young genius was forcing him but his relaxed response should have curbed some of the aggression the silver haired guard was currently exhibiting.
With a pout he blew his hair out of his eyes with huff, "As I said you ought to knock so you don't see something you rather wouldn't. Not to mention a little thing called privacy."
It was a long and awkward moment before he received any sort of response. Tetsou had thrown his partner a glance causing his black waves to bounce almost adorably before turning to face the raven again. One of the dark haired man's hands ruffled his hair in an almost embarrassed manner as he held up to scratch his chin under the mask.
"Ah...Yeah, sorry Rin-dono it will not happen again. I'm terribly sorry."
Rin accepted the apology graciously with a slight inclination of his head before turning the full weight of his stare on the remaining guard who had yet to even exhibit any regretful of remorseful body language or words.
It irked the raven that one who served him would act in such a way and didn't contain the anger or arrogance in his tone when he spoke, "What is the matter with you? I'm waiting..."
"Waiting? Waiting for what? An apology so you can go off to stick your tongue down some other hormonal man's throat." The venom and harshness in Ginta's hissing voice had the raven reeling in surprise as he watched the silver haired man violently bang his fist on the table.
He sat straight up instead of lazily leaning on the table and his azure eyes widened in a series of emotions: anger, shock, and slight hurt at the assumption and tone. The azure eyed teen had never been especially close to his guards but they had never been disrespectful, they had always been the exact opposite. Both extremely polite even if Tetsou's manners were slightly lax there was a happy innocence to the dark haired guard that it had never bothered Rin. But to hear those word coming from Ginta who had always been the first to ask him what he needed and position himself in a fight to have his back, really stunned the clan leader. The disgust in the older man's voice was evident but that was something he wasn't use to.
Rin wasted no time in collecting himself and giving the silver haired guard a frosty glare. "I assure you I won't 'go off' for more kissing. I'm simply waiting for the respectful response I deserve in such a situation."
"Respect?! What would your father think if he saw you like that?" Ginta bit out angrily but seemed to be trying to rein his currently volatile emotions.
This caused a harsh pang in the raven's chest; it was hard enough that after all these years the first person he would be even remotely attracted to would be a man but he had quickly come to terms with that, never one to resist what he desired simply because of what society thought even if he saw the logic and necessity of keeping his preference a secret. But the fact the older man had brought his father into the conversation was a low blow. Kami, why was this even a discussion? Rin felt his temper flare as he thought about the fact that the silver haired man was his subordinate and would start acting like one, damn it!
"How dare you!" The raven growled shooting up thankful not dropping any of the teacups. "I could order you to cut out your tongue for saying such things to me! I really ought to..."
He trailed off into a mutter since the azure eyed teen knew he wasn't likely to do anything of the sort. The man had been completely loyal and had saved his life countless times the young clan leader wouldn't be able to issue such an order without regrets.
Tetsou had begun to look increasingly nervous as the conversation had progressed and at the mention of the brutal punishment he had decided to finally make a move.
Pushing Ginta back down with one hand on his shoulder since the silver haired man looked ready to bolt up too when Rin had stood and said imploringly in rushed and anxious tones, "I'm so sorry for his rude behavior Okumura-sama. He is also sorry. Please forgive him and spare him any punishments."
The azure eyed teen paused to watch them closely. The silver haired man seemed to be finally gaining better control of his anger and the added weight of the dark haired guards hand seemed to help him leash it in and he could hear the barely detectable worry in Tetsou's uncommonly serious and contrite voice and the use of his more formal name to further the respect he was trying to convey. It bothered him really...He liked the jovial version and the gentle Ginta. He hated how the conversation had taken such an ugly turn and was most willing to fulfill the pleading man's request.
"Fine… No punishment but I expect better behavior next time. I also expect not to hear about what you saw."
Turning around he gave them his back in a cold dismissal to face the door, "If that wasn't clear enough I'll state it plainly. Keep your tongues from wagging or I will really cut them out…That I can promise you."
He kept his voice dark with a threatening edge and only turned back around when he heard the gentle thud of the door being slid shut once more. Running a frustrated hand though his messy locks he strode out on to the porch to walk to another screen he knew led to his bedroom. Once Rin had firmly shut the shoji back in place he tiredly made his way to bed even though he usually preferred to leave it open to appreciate the view. It had been an emotionally tiring day for the raven and he was truly astonished about how much had already occurred and it wasn't even dinner time yet.
And the worst part was thanks to the interruption he wasn't able to say what he had wanted to earlier. The raven truly did believe in stating things clearly and during the kiss (or was it kisses?) he had been working up the courage to state his feelings more plainly. Rin had been enormously relieved when Yukio had offered him a way out by saying he understood but it still didn't sit well with him even when he tried to play it off nonchalantly but failed miserably.
He snickered quietly to himself astonished at his own behavior; the young clan leader was beginning to think all his training had been for nothing if he couldn't even control and conceal his reactions in front of the one person he wanted to the most. The brunet must be thinking he was so lame and with a huff he buried his face into the pillow to hide his face which he knew must be beet red. Damn, those two imbeciles for barging in like that. The azure teen was so frustrated he was close to pulling his hair out, only a few more minutes, a few more soft kisses and he would have felt brave enough to face the imaginary lion that stood for admitting the truth.
But now that he was alone and had time to think what would have said? How would he have phrased it? The more the young clan leader thought about it the more he was convinced he would have sat there like a spluttering unable to form words let alone a concrete sentence. And while the older teen may have enjoyed it Rin was rather glad he hadn't put himself through that although it came back to the raven being the type of person who stated what he felt clearly.
Rin growled as he sat up in the bed angrily clutching a pillow. How the hell was he going to do that exactly? He had no experience whatsoever in this department and while he was used to being blunt the azure eyed teen was more use to being blunt about how angry, displeased, and sadistic he felt at the moment. Throwing the abused pillow to the side and fell back onto the bed with his feet resting against the wall and arms splayed outward. The raven was still contemplating all of this when his door was violently thrown open; he was beginning to wonder if everyone was going to be doing that all the time.
Maybe the azure eyed teen mused I should be sterner so this would stop happening but, for now he simply rolled over almost listlessly.
"Where's four eyes?!" Shura roared in her usually fashion. It hardly even fazed him and never really had but she still insisted on doing it even after he had complained about only needing to hear her questions at a normal decibel level. Not really her style it seemed.
"Really, Shu-chan. That's twice today. I wouldn't be surprised if you broke something with your violent ways." Rin groused while shifting to lean up on his arms and gaze at her tiredly.
"Violent?! I'll show you violent." She made a move as if she was lunging forward to strangle him but stopped at the sight of not even slightest amusement on his face.
"What happened?" Gone were her silly yelling and instead her voice a deadly whisper and her green eyes narrowed with the intent to kill. "What did that brat do?"
The red head snapped furiously when he simply cocked a brow at her question.
"Why did something have to have happened? Also, what brat are you referring to? I know a lot and you happen to be one of them." The raven fired back confused about her sudden fury but refusing to show it with his teasing words.
She had a short temper but just because he was not participating in one of their antics had never inspired such a response from the older woman who was like a sister to him. Usually he was stressed or tired from his work load and the red head would simply shout that they needed some sake. Which the young clan leader found amusing considering his age but never refused since he enjoyed drinking with voluptuous woman when she was trying to help him relax instead of annoy and mock.
Shura reacted in an unexpected way, instead of angrily ranting and stomping around like the over grown child she was. The woman walked straight to him with what he recognized as her predator strut and hissed.
"You have five seconds to start explaining...Argh, why did I leave the two of you alone."
The last part was muttered with a few well-chosen curse words he would never actually repeat even with his aptitude to swearing when absolutely furious. This usually only happened when the raven was executing someone and usually he was a bit...preoccupied to start yelling explicatively.
The red head's seriousness is what drove him to finally saying slightly reluctantly, "I can guess you're speaking of Yukio but he didn't do anything. I was upset because we were interrupted during our...talk by my stupid guards and he left right afterwards. I'm just pouting. Sorry it upset you."
Rin hoped that by admitting he was simply sulking and the apology would throw her off one key point he didn't want her even to consider.
But Shura was too sharp to be led astray by that and her full lips stretched into the evilest Cheshire grin he had ever seen in his life as she drawled smugly, "You say 'talk' but I hear something else en-ti-er-ly."
She punctured each syllable with a wave of her finger
The raven frowned at her and plopped back down on the bed, "Then you need to see a doctor because you are either deaf or delusional."
He watched with triumphant amusement as her grin fell into a scowl at the insult. "Why'd you come here looking for Yukio anyways?"
"Hnn? Well, because he's so stiff and serious I thought he would be the perverted type, you know? A quick, aggressive and slightly sadistic seme is how I see him."
The red head said this with complete and utter seriousness and looked almost contemplative as she studied his appearance as if looking for something; the azure eyed teen could only stare at her totally flabbergasted.
"Seme? What does that even mean?" Rin asked with innocent curiosity not really understanding what the older woman meant since he didn't really understand most modern reference even though he had a bad feeling and was slightly wary because of her use of 'perverted'.
The azure eyed teen instantly regretted his question when she at once began gazing at him in mock pity that didn't cloud the superior gleam in her green eyes as she began to laugh evilly. Not really the type to sit around waiting for the appending abuse the raven sprung up and glared and said hurriedly before she could speak again.
"Oi, shouldn't you be helping Izumo or something instead of fooling around."
The red head only laughed hysterically while clutching her exposed midriff before composing herself and pointing at him, "I'll leave because your right and Izu-chan is going to kick my ass if I don't get soon. But...Nyahaha, make sure look up what 'seme' means are this won't be any fun."
oOo
Yukio strode briskly into the apartment and hung up his coat in his usual manner. The brunet was disappointed to see upon entering the living room that the one person in their group that was missing was the blond streaked heir. He smiled slightly at the remaining teens that were only able to manage some half heated grins in response. The young second in command could only hope that his news would brighten Bon's mood enough that he would be able to reconcile with his friends. The house was really almost eerie.
Who's ever heard of five teens living alone that were not rambunctious and loud all the time? The green eyed teen would admit he was beginning to miss the pleasant and happy atmosphere that had once enveloped their lodgings. Taking a quick glance around he finally found the Suguro heir in his bedroom possibly working on some homework as he scribbled rapidly while glancing occasionally at a text book propped up on the desk.
The brunet waited patiently for the other teen to notice him and when Bon finally froze up mid-sentence in whatever he was writing and whipped his head around to face the door with narrowed eyes Yukio gave him his almost mocking smile that only a select few could ever read accurately. The blond streaked teen's shoulders relaxed and the green eyed teen noticed with approval that the hand that had been reaching for some form of weapon from the desk drawer slowly retreated back into view.
"Well your reaction time could be better. I was here for a full two minutes before you had even noticed my presence. Tsk, tsk." Yukio didn't understand why he was being so impatient and was almost ridiculing with the childish heir.
He had specifically given the job to watch the impulsive teen because he was so mature, so level headed, and so patient. But, something about Bon's attitude irked him so much that he was past all of those qualities and had no trouble expressing his annoyance. Maybe it was the constant barrage of insults to Rin's character, or maybe it was simply the fact that the brunet was always the one left to help him see his wrongs and make the right decision to apologies and make nice with those he had offended, which would currently be the kids he had grown up with.
The burly teen only scowled at him irritably before turning his chair around to face the second in command fully, "Did you come just to point out my faults or did you come with a purpose?"
"If I had come to point out your faults I would have said you were irrational, immature, and foolish but as it stands now I only gave you some good advice."
The green eyed teen pointed this out logically with slight bemusement as he watched the other teen's frown deepen with each adjective. He continued smoothly to avert any angry spewing that may soon erupt from the blond streaked teen's mouth.
"Now, Bon I've come to inform you of a proposition. Rin-sama has decided that an educational search of the premises the meeting will be taking place needs to be conducted. The point would be to look for key areas that Mephisto may place his men. It was suggested by Rin to bring you along as well. Would you like to?"
Yukio asked the question with no particular infliction colouring his tone but was not able to contain the brief flash of triumph and smugness on his face at Bon's completely excited smile.
The smile disappeared slowly as the Suguro heir finally processed his words fully. No longer clouded by his excitement of being included in an important recon assignment Bon frowned at the mention of the reason he was going being due to Okumura who he now considered his biggest enemy no matter how anyone tried to argue that their clans were no allies, he could not and would not accept it.
The brunet could guess where the other teen's thoughts were heading and frowned, his lips pressed into a line of irritation as he walked deliberately towards the sitting teen at a languid pace. Yukio stood in front of the other boy completely silent and with his face completely blank.
It did not take long for the blond streaked teen to start fidgeting, and then mumble incoherently before finally giving up with a sharp exclamation of, "What?!"
"It seemed to take you a while but you must have realized that Rin is the only reason you are going. I would not have suggested brining someone so inexperienced but he insisted that was the only way you were going to gain any experience."
The brunet paused and waited for his words to seek in before heading to the door only pausing to add. "I've spoken to your Father and he agrees that the only way you will be coming is if you fix things with the others. Once I've seen that you've done that…there will be no problem with you being more involved. Suguro-sama even hinted at the fact that you may be able to attend the meeting with Mephisto."
Yukio waited a moment to observe the different flashes of emotion that flickered over the blond streaked teen's face. Bitterness over the fact that the Okumura clan leader was the reason he was getting want he always wanted. Remorse and apprehension at the thought of his friends that he was now at odds with and having no idea how to apologize since it wouldn't in the least be in any way sincere. And finally Bon revealed barely contained happiness and anticipation at the fact that he may be included in something so important.
The brunet had always been good at reading people but the difference with the Suguro heir was that he never tried to hide what he was feeling and that wasn't exactly a good thing if he was going to meet Mephisto. The damn man was said to be a master at reading even the lightest of twitches that expressed irritation, excitement, or nerves and the boy was defiantly going to be expressing all three if he went.
With a sigh he left the room and quietly shut the door quietly to leave the boy some time to think. Yukio wandered down the hall until he reached his own room and flopped tiredly on the bed after taking off his glasses to lie gently on his desk. His day had been a course of ups and downs. The morning had been pretty brilliant since getting a call from Rin, though it had been a bit early and then have lunch with the beautiful and relaxed raven had been excellent even with all the business that was discussed and the rather loud interruptions.
The brunet couldn't help but smirk at the memory of how flushed and embarrassed the young clan leader had been when he had tried to breach the subject of his feelings. Adorable didn't even cut it, what with all his blushing, stuttering, and fidgeting. Although he would admit he would have liked to hear the words he had felt a flash of pity and offered a way out for the azure eyed teen who had quickly taken it with obvious relief. And as much as Yukio would have liked to hear 'I like you' or even 'I love you' he didn't know what he would have said in response. 'Like' he could respond to easily, as it now stood Rin was one of the very people who really understood him, his past, and what he wanted for the future.
But 'love' was a bit harder. They had only known each other for he estimated just over a week…Was that enough time to fall in love with someone? How much time did you need to fall in love, really? Some people say it could be at first sight and while the green eyed teen would admit he felt something for the raven when he had first seen him it was not love but full blown lust. So was he just infatuated with the young clan leader or on his way to falling in love with him?
Yukio lived his life by solving problems logically and efficiently so he could quickly move on to the next one but he had a feeling that he would rather dwell on this on a bit longer…take his time. Yes, that sounded good to him especially with how affectionate the azure eyed teen had been with him, not even minding what he would admit to be a possessive response when he had suggested luring Mephisto's brother or when they had been interrupted by his personal guards.
Rather than get upset, the younger teen had seemed to relish the hold and that was rather unexpected. The brunet could only imagine that after having to be the leader in every other aspect of his life Rin might appreciate giving the reins up for a bit and he certainly didn't mind. The young second clan wasn't ashamed to say he rather liked to be always in control and making his partner (in the most personal of sense of the word) lose control.
The green eyed teen was musing all the ways he could make the sometimes bashful and other times aloof raven when there was a soft nock on his door and a quietly timid 'hello?' called in from the slightly open doorway.
He sat up slowly and called out tonelessly, "Come in..." while reaching for his discarded glasses as three of the teens shuffled in. A sad looking Shiemi was followed by a listless Shima whose bright bubblegum pink hair even looked dull and a tiny fidgeting Miwa.
"Um...Sorry to interrupt Yukio but all of us were wondering how Rin was doing." Shiemi chirped lightly, gazing at him intently with curiosity colouring her pale green eyes as she wrung her hands
"Why do you ask?" The brunet asked curious as to why they were worried. They didn't have any reason to believe that the younger teen wouldn't be okay.
"Weeeell..." Shima drawled slowly watching him with unusually serious gold eyes, "We didn't want Ri-chan to think we share the same views as Bon."
Yukio was silent for a moment before answering calmly, "He's fine but I think Rin would happy to hear that from all of you at school."
He was rewarded then with three relieved smiles that ranged from small (Miwa) to near happy tears (Shiemi). Shima moved to make himself comfortably on his bed beside him while the shorter teen went to sit at his desk with the bubbling blond. A series of jovial conversations struck up as somebody (most likely the pinket) decided it was time to watch a movie together and ushered everyone into the living room.
There was a pause when they found Bon already sitting on the couch with a documentary on but the brunet was relieved when after a moment of quiet mumbles and grumbles the tough looking blond streaked teen crossed his arms and said faintly, "I'm sorry...I was wrong about Okumura...He's not too...too bad."
Just as the brunet expected the group was quick to forgive and forget. The golden eyed playboy jumped on the couch next to him grabbing the remote and changing the channel with a drawled, "This is boring let's watch something FUN!"
The tiny glasses wearing teen settled in the seat next to the blond streaked teen quickly and quietly on the other side of Bon while Shiemi called out she would get some snacks. As they settled to wait for the movie to start munching on chips and popcorn Yukio was happy to see the tension disappear so fast. Now, all he had to do was encourage the Suguro heir to really mean his words instead of using it to make sure he would get what he wanted.
oOo
Rin pulled his hood further up and tilted his chin down to keep his face in the shadows after receiving some interested glances. He was in the seediest part of town and even though he wore baggy jeans and hooded sweater the attention he was receiving was still more than what was welcomed and he cursed his looks. The raven didn't want to be but it was so hard to do with his features so he drew further back into the shadows to wait. His decision to go without Ginta and Tetsou to give the silver haired man more time to cool off was beginning to look like a mistake. They would have been good for some extra encouragement to stay away.
He gazed around with a barely suppressed sneer. Filth covered every surface, the smell from the gutters and sewers clogged his sensitive nose and even though it was only 10 o'clock people were already completely drunk and sleazy couples were already checking into the cheap hotels that littered the street like cigarette butts. It was too bad his informant wanted to meet here, the damn rat wasn't comfortable coming to him and after he had gotten the call saying he had a lot of information on Mephisto he couldn't say no. And to top it off when the clan leader had suggested sending Shura or Izumo or even both the man had completely refused, even going as far as to threaten that he would disappear with all his knowledge if he didn't come himself.
Rin hissed vehemently as some drunken prick stumbled over to the alley mouth he was currently leaning against and emptied his stomach with disturbing heaves. The raven was suddenly happy he had a high tolerance for alcohol and that he never drank outside the house as he glanced at the pathetic sight the middle aged man made. With a look of utter contempt towards the now delirious man who sat against the wall next to his pile of sick, the young clan leader twisted his head to avoid the sour smell.
The azure eyed teen felt his body stiffen and a snarl slip past his lips instinctively when his gaze settled on a very unwelcomed sight of one Detective Arthur Auguste Angel and his slouching partner Lewin Light also affectionately referred to Lightning making their way down the street. Detective Angel was a pain in the young clan leader's ass, ever since he was young he could remember the man's name being mentioned as he snooped their clan's establishments and tried to drag his father, Okumura-sama and various important figures in his family into court, although none of his cases ever made it to trial. The man had long pale blond hair, was tall and well-built and was completely gorgeous with icy blue eyes and wore his signature trench coat that was a shocking white and contrasted dramatically against the dark sky, filthy buildings, and neon signs. The young detective walked with a confident swagger and smug smirk with his hair swishing behind him.
Arthur was a man who in no way tried to blend in with the surroundings he constantly immersed himself in; in the contrary Arthur was rather like an image of a perfect person they should all strive to be; it was as if he tried to inspire them. Rin quickly ducked his head further and relaxed his body to avoid suspicion as they passed by, but of course the fucking do gooder saint was distracted by the sight of the man's prone figure.
The raven closed his eyes finally ready to leave without the information as he heard the straight laced detective ask a variety of questions centering around 'Are you alright?'. But before the azure eyed teen could give up with a 'fuck it' accompanied by a sharp turn to walk away in the opposite direction, the blond had rounded on him with a self-righteous accusation.
"And why haven't you helped him?! How can you stand there next to him the entire time without so much as a glance at the poor man?!"
Rin paused and grunted in response as he made a move to leave when the man had grabbed his arm and roughly pulled him back causing his hood to fall off. The raven frowned at the shocked gasped the damn detective made at the sight of him. Double damn, someone in his position could not be seen here. Arthur had never accused him of anything, he was too young to be suspected of anything of value but the man always kept an eye on him to insure that if anything ever did happen he could use it as leverage against the azure eyed teen to convince him to give him information on his family. Giving the blond's partner another glare as the man grinned stupidly while scratching his scruffy chin he turned coldly to glare at the hand still clutching his arm that had tightened significantly as the young detective had recognized him.
Raising his chin arrogantly and his eyes half hidden by his lowered lid he said calmly, "I would appreciate it if you would unhand me...I don't need to take care of stupid strangers."
When this didn't rouse any other response from the older man other than a twitch of his slender fingers Rin violently yanked his arm away and turned away his frown deepening as his eyes flickered down to check the watch on his wrist. The damn informant was half an hour late, might as well leave and arrange for a different time and very different place.
The young teen was reaching into the deep pockets on his jeans to grab his cell phone when he heard an irritated exclamation and felt a harsh tug on his hood. He rounded on the blond man with a snarl, "Stop grabbing me! Shit!"
"Tell me what a kid from such a good and well off family is doing down here." The familiar confident smirk was on Arthur's face as he looked the raven up and down.
Rin's shoulders tensed before he made himself relax and mutter, "I could ask you same thing…"
The man laughed in such an arrogant way that the raven felt his eye twitch as the blond shook his head slowly as if disappointed with his response, "It's my job to go to such shady places but you…only 15. Do I have to bring you home because you ran away? Didn't get the new phone you wanted? Poor, poor child…"
The azure eyed teen wondered if the man could be any more annoying and condescending with his assumptions. Rin always tried to play the rebelling teen with the detective to discourage any more advances towards going over to the light side but this lead to unforgivably awful comments on his character that got harder and harder to ignore each meeting.
Turning away from Arthur's too bright smile as he waited to hear what small and insignificant teenage problem led to him being in a neighborhood like this and scuffing his shoe against the gravel he finally spoke, "For starters I'm sixteen but whatever I don't care if you can't remember that… I'm waiting for a friend but he's late so I'm just going to leave."
"And what of friends could you possibly know that would bring you here in such…well ugly clothes. You usually have more style" The blond's pale blue eyes watched him closely and for once there was a more inquisitive look in his eyes.
This made Rin extremely wary.
While he couldn't be responsible for anything bad at twelve he was getting to the age where the damn detective would think he was getting a little further involved with the family business and so he simply said, "Shura use to say that about you too…I guess we both can't help it that we both lost our sense for good clothing."
The raven only had a moment to relish the completely offended look the Arthur had at the insinuation that he had no sense of style. The blond man actually huffed childishly while crossing his arms. Rolling his eyes at the immature display and began walking with long strides to looking around anxiously for the nearest taxi. Unfortunately the detective decided to follow him, and with Arthur came his annoying sidekick.
The azure eyed teen hated Lewin Light; the man was always wearing a goofy and relaxed smile to hide the fact that he knew more that his was letting on and the fact that he could never see the man's eyes always bothered him. They were strategically hidden by his long wavy bangs with his ridiculous hat and by how the dark haired detective always held himself with his shoulders hunched and head tiled down to cast a shadow across his face. It was aggravating because the eyes were probably the only thing the young clan leader could use to understand the man better. His voice and body language never gave him away and the fact that he was the type to make jokes about Rin's looks annoyed him because when he insulted the older man back he could never tell if it had hit home.
Like now for example, "I think you look fine Rin-chan. I mean it's what's under the clothes that really count."
The blond detective frowned at his partner and scolded the dark haired man about sexual harassment and the significant age difference.
Rin stopped abruptly and twisted on his heel to glare at both of the older man, "Speaking of harassment... The whole following me thing needs to stop."
"Weren't you both going somewhere?" The raven asked irritably as they both only looked at him with dumbfounded expressions. But this of course didn't last long as Arthur laughed loudly throwing his head back charismatically and catching the attention of several women on the street.
"Me, harass someone? How preposterous! Haha."
He paused briefly to chuckle indulgingly at the azure eyed teen while ruffling his hair. "Now, we were going somewhere but it's our duty to make sure you get home safely and stay out of trouble!"
"It's only ten thirty! Hardly, an outrageous time to be out and I can get home by myself." He said, outraged at the man's almost degrading tone, even if it wasn't intentional because lord knows that man was just naturally arrogant and insulting.
"Hmm...Of course you are."
The blond smiled in that way adults did when they thought they were dealing with especially difficult children and his blue eyes flashed as he wrapped his arms around Rin's slender shoulders to pull the young teen against him, "But you don't have a car and I need to have a talk with your guardian about your sudden attraction to dangerous areas like this one. Wouldn't want you getting into any trouble now..."
Arthur's voice trailed off into a big grin as he dragged the raven along with him, presumably to his awaiting vehicle while his partner followed them at a sedate pace with a jovial chuckle that set his teeth on edge.
Damn, damn, and double damn. Good things did not happen when Shura and Arthur got together. And the fiery red head would not appreciate the implication that she wasn't taking care of him properly.
oOo
Arthur was a man dedicated to getting what he wanted and as long as the means were honourable he would do them. So, he had no trouble using the tiny raven he currently had pressed against his side to get access to the house that if snooped carefully enough would give up the evidence necessary to finally bring the infamous Okumura clan down. He had only become really aware of the family's well-hidden dark side in high school.
One day when going to meet his kendo trainer Shiro and fellow students Shura and Izumo he heard them discussing what was to be done about the boy and till this very day he still shivered at the fear he had heard in his usually fearless red head friend as she spoke in a whisper about washing blood off hands. He had in that moment decided that he would bring them all down for their lies and betrayals.
Shrio would acted like a kind teacher, and once upon a time had been the blond's personal hero but the shinning image had become tainted in his eyes and his friendship with the two girls had quickly fallen apart because although he never admitted to what he heard the bitterness led to him acting snappish and often short with them. And Shura being Shura didn't take his bad attitude lying down and even the understanding Izumo soon gave up on trying to rekindle their relationship.
The entire walk to the car had been him speaking nonstop about kids needing a full night's sleep to grow up big and strong while he efficiently led them in between the crowd towards the parking lot whose location he could only faintly recall. The blond glanced down at the raven at his side; pink lips were pursed in a pout and his dark brows furrowed as the raven glanced up and back at him with his stunning azure eyes, the anger and defiance clearly evident as it made them shine brightly.
Poor child was probably worried about how the volatile red head would react to the knowledge to his implication that she was not taking good enough care of her young charge, especially if she had to hear about it from him since the green eyed minx was always calling him a cocky bastard.
They had finally made it to the underground parking lot and Rin's alabaster skin had taken on an unhealthy yellowish tint while his inky black hair looked completely navy blue instead of the usual bluish tint and as they weaved in between the cars under his helpful direction.
When his pale blue eyes finally spotted his beautiful white Mercedes he pushed the teen in the right direction with a helpful finger pointing in the way, "Go, and wait for us right over there. You may want to call Shura so she knows to expect us all."
The fact that Arthur emphasised the word 'all' was not unintentional. The pampered brat wasn't going to find a way to stop him from entering that house. He had been waiting for a chance like this for years and the beautiful but spoiled child with a rebellious streak was going to be his puppet and work like a good one. Because the thing about organized crime compared to just the regular or common kind of crime was that it was organized. Making it way more difficult to prove and the Okumura's had become experts at hiding the truth the past last few centuries.
After receiving a withering stare that would have caused a shiver to rundown his spine (if he had been a lesser man) from the young raven who turned sharply to waltz over to his precious baby while whipping out a blue cell phone the blond turned to his grinning partner.
"When we get there use the intelligence I know you have and actually look for something if value, yeah?"
"Aye, aye, captain!" The man chirped with a lazy half grin as he saluted half heartedly before he began making his way toward towards the car his annoying flip flops slapping loudly against the pavement. Arthur frowned, that wasn't really an encouraging response but it would have to do.
Rin was leaning against his car with his head held high and chin at just the right for him to appear to looking down at them arrogantly despite his height. The teen's cell phone was still in his hand but as he watched them approach he discretely slipped the device back in his pocket.
"Did you call Shura?" Angel asked politely even though he had to refrain from adding brat as he watched the cool azure eyes light up in sadistic glee.
"Hmm...No, I just sent a message to my friend explaining I couldn't be there to meet him. You have to deal with Shura on your own."
The cruel amusement in his voice wasn't hidden as his smirk turned snarky and the blond had to stop himself from sneering back reminding himself that the boy was a child while he on the other hand was a responsible adult that didn't bend to childish attitudes. The young boy didn't even wait for a response but rather turned and waited for the doors to be unlooked. Now, that the Okumura heir wasn't watching him he let the grimace of annoyance appear on his face as he glared at the back of the boy's tousled head.
God couldn't the child control the mess he called hair just looking at the untamed mass made the detective want to reach out and beat it into submission. Ignoring this particular urge the pale blue eyed man fished in his pocket for his key and after a quick push and light beep the doors where open and everyone was in. After waiting a moment to insure that everyone had the seatbelts buckled he took off.
It didn't take long with his driving for them to arrive at the mansion the slender teenager called home. The blond could only scowl at the result of centuries of illegal revenue with a barely hidden frown, his eyes snapped to the graceful movement of Rin walking past the two detectives obviously planning to lead them through the restaurant and into the private courters. They followed at an appropriate pace. Well, at least he did, his partner didn't really understand boundaries. It was a shame the idiot was so damn smart or Arthur would have never ever even considered allowing the man to work with him.
The walk through the dining room would always be remerable to the young detective. From left to right there were men with known connections to crime syndicates and shady dealings. It was rather too bad people couldn't be guilty through association. The blond actually found it eerie how silent it had gotten upon their arrival he could feel hostile stares on him and even the musicians looked at him curiously even though they kept playing. Luckily, the experience was short lived and soon the raven was leading them through a more personalized set of suites and they finally entered a room after a gentle sliding of the shoji screen that his former best friends were revealed.
Arthur was actually amused by how much they were just like they had been ten years ago. Izumo scolded the very inhibited red head whose head was lolling in the direction of the door with hazy green eyes as she tipped her bottle of sake. At the sight of him and his obnoxious smile Shura sat straight up and the indigo haired woman's beautiful violet eyes widened delicately as the hand she had been using to emphasize her point fell to her lap.
It pleased the blond to have incited such reactions and he preened as he stepped into the room, "Well, well...It's really no wonder we found little ole Okurmura-kun wondering the very dangerous streets at such a late hour! His guardians simply sitting around and drinking themselves into a stupor."
Izumo bristled immediately as expected; the woman really had one of the shortest tempers despite appearances. The red head also despite what people would have assumed looked rather calmer after the insult rather than angry and was watching him with deeply considering eyes as she laid her bottle on the table.
"Nyah...Little Ri-chan went out to meet a friend. He wasn't wondering the streets."
The green eyed woman's voice only had a slight slur and she adopted a relaxed position as she looked at the others that had entered the room, "Ah! Hello Lewin, haven't see ya in while."
When her gaze landed on the azure eyed teen her lips pinched into a frown as she took in his less than aristocratic clothing and hissed, "Child go change! You know how I hate seeing you in those rags. Come back quickly."
The blond watched happily as someone other than himself received the contemptuous stare and cold raised brow as the boy elegantly twirled and left despite the heavy and loose clothing that effectively hid his lithe figure. A short staring contest issued between the two when the boy left the room. This left his partner and Izumo to fill the silence and the indigo haired woman was less than eager to speak with the uncouth dark haired man as he attempted several types to catch her interest and only received a derisive but delicate snort as she studied him up and down with a frown. Arthur could clearly she was wondering how someone like him even got on the property and already coming up with ways to prevent it from happing again.
Shura's eyes watched him shrewdly as she reached to pour herself a drink rather than drinking straight from the bottle like they had caught her doing upon their arrival. The detective waited to be offered a drink but of course the red head wasn't exactly the type to follow social pleasantries when it was with someone she disliked.
"Well, if you just came to drop him off, then you can go now."
The red head drawled as she took another sip and leaned with her forearms lying against the table and her hair which was down for a change spilled in front of her shoulder and across the table. Izumo had by now given her back to Lightning and was nodding eagerly, extremely anxious for them to leave as she shot the messy haired detective a dark look over her shoulder.
"Hmm, we're a bit concerned with how his home life might be affecting him in such a negative way that he would seek solace on the dangerous streets. If it's not too much trouble we would like to look around and ask the help some questions." Arthur spoke sweetly with feigned earnest worry as he kept his eyes looked on Shura.
A gleam of understanding entered the young woman's viper green eyes and she shared a brief look with the indigo haired woman who frowned as she watched the two of them with narrowed eyes.
"How low you have fallen Detective Angel. To use a child as an excuse to try to find non-existent evidence against the family." Izumo spoke in righteous anger. Her soft voice shook and her words hissed through gritted teeth as she slowly stood up.
"Leave this house this instant and next time bring a warrant with probable cause instead of your vague and presumptuous insinuations."
Her violet eyes gleamed as she jabbed her manicured nail towards the door that at the moment was slowly being slid only half way open by a slender hand. Rin leaned against the door frame with his fingers still holding on to the screen clad in a silver yukata with a dark grey diamond pattern along the bottom and a black obi. The look suited the teen very much and seemed almost natural since it complemented his slender form, even the blond would admit that even though he hated admitting that anyone could possible look better than him in any style. It took only a moment for the teen to take a quick inventory of what was going on and a corner of his mouth twitched into a tiny smirk.
"It looks like it's time for you all to go." His azure eyed gleamed in light amusement as he pushed the door fully open to reveal a maid who bowed politely. "Yume here will make sure that you don't get lost on the way out."
Arthur knew that it was time to leave; without a warrant or legitimate reason to search the house. Well, there goes that approach; next time the blond decided decisively as he and his partner left, they would make sure they had some real dirt against Okumura Rin.
Two new Characters are introduced. While reading the manga recently I was surprised with how cool Lightening.
Im sorry if its confusing but I broke this and last chapter up cause I had to get rid of all this exposition. After Chapter 11 things are going to get way more exciting.
Edited-08/21/15