Successful Crow

Chapter II

- The Coffee Shop, the Club, & the Mansion? -

An old butler and several maids stood with ears pressed against the master of the house's bedroom door. Listening on tiptoe to every sound made within.

"Hey, hey do you think this one could be…you know…the one? " One maid whispered.

"SShh! " Her fellow eavesdroppers urged, resuming their snooping.

"…Sorry it's just that, after the master's closest relatives were ki–passed away suddenly, he hasn't shown much interest in anything besides expanding the family wealth. "

"Look, it's been ten years, give or take and I want to know what's being said to the one human being he's become fond of. Now hush! "

"Ah, if only you could have been there last night! The way he carried that redheaded beauty to his room? *Sigh* Truly romantic… I saw a manifestation of elation. Then again, I would be excited too if I took someone like that home with me, right old man?... Old man? "

In his own little world, the butler took out a handkerchief and started wiping away tears of joy. "Oh, young master, your parents would appreciate learning you have come out of the rut caused by their premature departure. Soon, I hope to bear witness to your nuptials. "

"Oh, oh dear…" One of maids whispered, "It sounds like things aren't going smoothly. "

"A lover's quarrel? "

"Maybe they– " CRASH!

The sudden noise made them jump, but did nothing to hinder their curiosity, and continued to shamelessly eavesdrop on their employer and guest.

"Calm down, Shuuichi, you'll–"

"Don't use my given name…"

"Alright, but your body is still sensitive. "

"… "

"Look last night– "

"Is something we both should forget about. "

"…Forget? ... You want to forget such an intense night? "

There was another crash heard from within, causing the meddlesome bunch to flinch again.

"Where are my clothes? "

"Hm? " The businessman hummed amused, "A rattled Shuuichi is adorable too. "

"I'm not…" Turning his head. "I want to go home. "

"I'll take you home and get bring your clothes, right after you answer my questions and we come to an agreement. "

"Agreement? "

Roosting on the edge of the bed the 'master' began to unfurl his unfavorable harangue. "I know much about you Shuuichi. Your mother's name is Shiori. She's a lovely mature woman who's remarried in recent years, yes? Your biological father died before you could develop a relationship with him, but now you have a stepfather and stepbrother. A plain and simple pair of fellows but they're still apart of your family all the same. You attended an elite high school and ranked high. Very impressive, Shiori-chan must be proud of her demon son…"

"What are you–? "

Karasu held up a tuft of silvery fur to the light. "A fox demon and a really pretty one at that. It would seem there is some truth to those old myths: "When a kitsune becomes intoxicated or inattentive it exposes its tail. "

"That's absurd. I–! "

The television in the corner of the room lit up and played recorded footage from the night before.

"Ohh, aah, yes, yes, oh, oohh…"

"There's no need to deny what you are Shuuichi, I have proof, due to last night's events. I also have several duplicates of this recording. I wonder what would happen if one mysteriously materialized in the public domain? Possibly dispatched to certain individuals you're well acquainted with. "

"Your reputation would be affected too. "

"Not really. "

"… "

"My face could easily be replaced or blurred out. "

The college student's hands clenched the sheets. "Blackmail, is it? "

"An ugly way to put it but you can call it that. " He paused, "You transformed right in front of me, I was surprised, but in a good way. Your mother on the other hand, I could only imagine… and what would your school as well as friends think? What opinions would they generate if this footage flashed in front of their eyes? Finishing your education wouldn't be feasible… "

Those listening outside stood on edge, holding their breath to catch the redhead's response.

"I'll listen to your proposal. "

"No, I've changed my mind. " The senior of the two declared rising to his feet. "There'll be no negotiations. Breakfast first then you'll accept my demands. "

Quietly shutting the door behind him (the servants immediately disbanded hearing approaching footsteps). Leaving the college student to recall as much of the previous evening as he could.

Flashback: Yesterday

(Mibu Coffee Shop 5:00PM)

"I see, so that's what happened. " Karasu chuckled gently sipping coffee.

"Yes, this whole situation has been a great misunderstanding. Sorry about the waste of time. "

"No, no not at all. " Waving the notion off. "I got the chance to meet you after all. "

"Uh…is that so? "

"Besides, it's your friends who should be making amends. "

"Yes, well, one's too shy and the other is stubborn. "

"Shuuichi I would sincerely like to learn more about you. "

"I, I'm afraid that's impossible. "

"A student's duty is to study but you're nearly half way through your final year. Forming connections outside campus will be critical to life after college and is… "

Tuning out the businessman, the spirit fox picked up a familiar lingering scent: Kyo.

xxx One hour ago…

(Yoshi & Kyo's Apartment 4:00PM)

"AH-HA! I GOT IT!" Yoshi exclaimed, standing up, almost spilling soda on his computer.

"A girlfriend?" Kyo quipped.

"No, you lovesick horn dog. I FINALLY REMEMBERED WHO HE IS!"

"Who?"

"The guy who was hitting on Shuuichi yesterday. He's nothing short of AMAZING!" Pointing at his laptop, staring intensely, Yoshi continued, "I'm ashamed I'd forget such a man! I suppose greatness is attracted to greatness and opposites attract..."

"Che. Are you still going on about that suit? Let it go. Plus, I know his kind. That peacock is probably with someone new every night."

"Huh? Why does that behavior sound so familiar?"

"Shut it! I'm nothing like that garish prick! You of all people know how I feel about Shuuichi!"

"I'm the only person who knows."

"And it better remain that way." Kyo warned crushing a can between his palms.

"Alright, calm down, relax. So, this more experienced, better looking, and successful guy took a bolder step towards Shuuichi's heart. It's not like Shuuichi is shallow or materialistic and they aren't officially dating."

"True."

"Also, wasn't it you who indirectly set them up?"

"I guess."

"Therefore the infatuation is one-sided, you still have a chance with Shuuichi, though he's not gay."

"Neither am I!" Kyo protested making Yoshi raise a brow.

"Well, I'm not!" He snapped, "However, Shuuichi Minamino is different. There's something enchantingly dangerous about him, hidden behind a curtain of mundane. It makes my heartbeat irregular and I just feel I could-"

"ALRIGHT! Alright! I understand!" Yoshi cringed covering his ears. "You're straight but you really like him, I get it! Just don't go into the details... I don't want to hear about your wet dreams, yeesh!"

Kyo chuckled lightly tying his hair back, concealing himself in a coat and hat.

"There was this one time when we were alone and I almost lost self-control and-"

"GaAAAH! LA! LA! LA! LA! LA! LA! LA! 'Playboy' is the ultimate disguise you could mask yourself in and the strongest shield to repel suspicion. You've dated more girls than I've been rejected by! "

"No disagreement there. "

"Although, if you like our college's top student so, why submit his picture to Ai-Ai magazine? "

"..."

"Are you testing yourself or trying to cover something up? Is this an attempt to conceal unrequited love? It could be-? "

Getting frustrated, he mumbled inaudibility fast and silent before slamming the door behind him.

"... On a hunt the green-eyed beast will go. "

xxx Yoshi & Kyo's Apartment End

(Mibu Coffee Shop 5:37PM)

"Wait, Shuuichi!" Karasu called.

"Ah, I'm sorry, I need to go. Thank you for being understanding of the situation, farewell."

A sudden sharp jerk on his right arm held him back. The entrepreneur on the other end towered over him.

"Shuuichi, if you're worried about that busybody behind us, let's relocate, I still want to talk… "

End Flashback

"After that I can't recall much... We went to a club named Kiba and sat in a private room, had a few drinks... though I'm certain I didn't drink enough to become intoxicated."

The door clicked open, a pushcart brought in by one of the prying maids from earlier delivered a warm breakfast and clean attire. Taking leave with a bow she left the two alone.

"Talking to ourselves are we? "

"Perhaps."

"How's your back? Are you still in pain? I was a little rough."

"Were you laying this trap from the start? "

"Perhaps."

"Whether planned or seized opportunity I fell into it nonetheless."

"Are you ready to hear my terms?"

"Yes."

Chapter End

(To Be Continued)