so great to know so many likes this. thanks again ChouRan for encouragement, Guest8 for wishing me more sickness (kidding. albeit I was a bit queezy writing this, because there was accidental plastic melting incident in the kitchen and the smell is just grouse) and Never ending Nightmare for reviewing. I'm home alone til Thursday, so I have time to write. unless of course my computer dies... because I like to give you something you like, because you are so nice when you bother to review. I have talked enough for now, on with the story!

Chapter 15

They walked towards Fai's house this time. It had been his idea, because right now he didn't want to go straight home. Fai hadn't agreed to it right away, but he had said that it would be a good idea to change the routine sometimes and that he could come around Fai's home tomorrow morning with the bike. And Fai had finally agreed to it, clearly not wanting to argue too much right now.

He didn't mind that for once Fai backed down. He was rather stubborn himself, so naturally he had to get his way sometimes too.

They walked side by side but it didn't exactly look like they were doing better than fine. They avoided each others eyes and they didn't talk. He walked hands in his pockets and Fai with hands behind his head. It looked like Fai was calm and cheery but he noticed that the blond was a bit awkward. Not amazing, he knew how it felt to just go ahead and kiss someone without thinking. He enjoyed the little blush that was in Fai's cheeks. It should be easier for Fai than it had been to him, since at least Fai should know that he liked him. He took advantage of the fact that Fai was avoiding his stare and looked at the fine side profile. Straight nose, bright eyes and fluffy hair. He was amazed that there wasn't more girls hanging around the blond. Then again, it was possible that Tomoyo had chased them all away.
"Please stop staring" Fai said suddenly and his cheeks turned deeper red. He lifted an eyebrow with a smirk

"Why?"

the blond huffed

"You know why"

"No, I have no idea what you are talking about" he said. Their roles were reverse now and he was going to enjoy it to the fullest. Fai gritted his teeth but still refusing to look at me

"I could have tormented you back then. The least you can do is be civil"

he snorted

"this isn't nearly as bad as it was for me. At least you know I won't walk out on you"

finally the blue eyes met his

"you were drunk back then. How could I be sure that you feel the same sober?" the blond said with a slight frown. He nodded

"Good point. Well. But I did answer it, didn't I?"

Fai's face went scarlet and the blond dropped his arms and simultaneously hid his face behind the smooth locks.

"You could just be horny"

he sighed. Damn the blond was insecure. He stopped and grabbed the blond's arm, making him stop too.

"Idiot." he said. Fai kept his head down so he couldn't see his face. He tightened his grip "You think I would do something like that?" he put on an offended look "I really thought you know me better than that"

the blond head snapped up and huge blue eyes stared at him and seeing his expression sadness crept into the blue eyes.

"Sorry. It's just really hard to think you could like me"

he rolled his eyes and relaxed his face.

"As I said, idiot. You have many great qualities"

the blond hyuued

"Thank you Kuro-koi!"

he yanked a blond lock

"but you also have very annoying qualities" he growled. Fai laughed airily and he couldn't stop the grin that escaped him.

"You are really different" Fai said and shook his head, making his hand slip on the lock.

"So are you" he retorted. Fai frowned

"Somehow, when you say it, it doesn't sound like a compliment"

"I wonder why" he muttered. Fai laughed again

"I have the best times when I am with you." Fai said completely serious. Sometimes the blond's mood swings amazed him. They were so quick. Absentmindedly he brushed his finger against his lip. It throbbed a bit after the forceful kiss he had gotten. He smirked

"And you are full of surprises".

Fai bowed

"Thank you. It means the world to hear you say that"

this was his chance to tease Fai. He hoped he would get a blush.

"I didn't know I was that important to you"

Fai stuttered and fell silent. He watched how Fai regrouped and met his gaze again.

"Well. You are. What are you going to do about it?" the voice was defiant but he detected the dreadful fear in it. He knew that Fai was taking a risk now. He was pleased that he didn't have to lie or break the blond's fragile heart.

"do my best to keep it that way"

there was a long silence. He had no idea what Fai had expected him to say but clearly not that. The blue eyes lost all their defenses and he could hardly breath. Fai just kept coming up with more ways to lure him closer. In trans he reached out his hand and pushed few locks behind Fai's ear, wiping the soft skin on the way. Fai just stared at him, shell shocked. He smiled a bit and pressed their foreheads together.

"I don't know how you did it. But you lured yourself into my head and heart even though I had sworn I wouldn't let anyone do that. But since you did, I don't want to let you go"

the blue eyes closed and Fai breathed out and he felt some of the tension slip away from the slender guy. He stepped back.

"And now, stop making a scene" he said, turning away and continuing their way. He knew his cheeks were burning and he would hate Fai to see it. He wouldn't hear the end of it. He didn't look, but he heard Fai's steps coming behind him. After few steps Fai came to his side and they kept walking. He didn't look right or left, he just wanted to put enough time and space between his actions and himself. It had been so cheesy and he really should have thought a bit before sputtering them out.

There was a loud screech and a car skipped partly to the sidewalk. He barely had time to curse before he grabbed Fai's hand and dashed away. Fai struggled to keep up and catch a pace but he couldn't allow them even a moments slowing down. His heart was beating so loud he heard it in his ears. Not now, not with Fai here.

"Calm down!" Fai yelled at him. He shook his head but Fai yanked his hand free and stopped, bending in double. He had no choice but to stop too, but he kept looking around nervously.

"Come on, get up" he urged Fai, who just turned his head to look at him

"It was just a car crash. Look" Fai said between gasps. He looked back and saw that Fai was right. He let out a deep breath. Thank gods for that.

"Sorry" he said, looking at Fai who was still trying to calm his breathing. The blue eyes twinkled

"Scaredy cat"

he huffed and crossed his arms

"I thought I was a dog?"

Fai rolled his eyes and straightened up

"No, actually you are a human"

"Touche". He was too relieved to continue their usual bickering. But his relief didn't last long. Fai's eyes widened

"Look out!" he heard Fai call and barely managed to duck the baseball bat that swung at his head. He turned around, back towards Fai and lifted his fists, ready to fight

"Go get help" he ordered Fai, looking at their attackers. There were six of them. Too much for him to handle, but he was certain he could buy enough time so that Fai could get away. He couldn't stomach the idea that the blond would be hurt because of him, after all he had experienced today.

"No" Fai said stern and stepped to his side. There were sweat drops on Fai's forehead from the quick dash.

"Idiot, go away!" he snapped but Fai just shook his head.

"No. I won't leave you"

he had wanted to hear those words from his friends. Or see the action. But the one person he didn't want to get it in this situation was Fai.

"Please leave" he begged but Fai ignored him

"There is just three per each. We can take it"

he didn't know what to say. But he couldn't make Fai go away. And in the situation, he really did need the help.

"Hi Kurogane. You probably know why we are here"

he snorted

"Because you are a bunch of bastards"

"You really hate it when someone is disrespectful" he heard Fai mutter.

"How can you joke now?" he said and glanced Fai. There was a flash of smile

"Easy. Just like you can show-off to them"

he grunted and focused to the guy who had talked and who was annoyed now.

"you think this is a joke? Boys, show them that we mean business"

this time Fai snorted and loudly retorted

"What a tough guy you are. Making others do your dirty job"

"Idiot" he hissed and glared the blond who just shrugged

"Just following your example. And since we are already in troubles, why not make it worth it"

he couldn't argue with that. There was no time. The boss guy had stepped back and there were the six guy with pipes and bats against them. He gritted his teeth and blocked the first swung and kicked hard to the guy's groins.

He heard a whistle

"No mercy there" the blond said

"Focus" he ordered "This is not a game" he would have wanted to look at Fai, to see how the blond was doing, but he had his hands full with fighting the others off. He could only pray that Fai knew what he was doing and that some passer-by would call for help. Fat chance since the accident was taking everyone's attention.

yeah, I am seriously thinking that I will make food tomorrow. well, you now what do if you want to cheer me up and make my day tomorrow. good Fall (season. not the incident) to all of you! thank you for your support!