Xana: Ah, here is chapter 6. Let's see how this turns out, hmm?

Natsuo: What about the disclaimer?

Xana: *sigh* if you must.

Natsuo: *Cheshire Grin* Xana does not own loveless.

Xana: Also, sadly this chapter wasn't beta'd, simply because I was in such a rush to upload these chapters. You all waited long enough, I couldnt keep you hanging any longer! Forgive me, 0-Panduhmonium-0!

Natsuo: Err...on with the chapter?

Chapter 6- Something

Natsuo sighed loudly, slinging his messenger bag over his shoulder as he headed out the door for school, lazily waving a hand back at the Fallen Angel that sat (to the angel's horror) obediently on the sofa, legs crossed and arms folded over his chest. Teal bangs fell into lavender eyes that glared a promised long, painful death at the red headed teen who was about to leave him alone. Again.

It had been two weeks since he had seen Priest with his friends, and in those two passing weeks, numerous things, good and bad, had happened since then. Thinking them over, he concluded that, sadly, bad won over good. Only one good thing had happened.

The good thing? Well, ever since Youji appeared, he hadn't been harassed by any creepy creatures in the night, which was a huge help. Well, okay that's a lie. Three creatures had the balls to actually come and bug, scratch that, torture him. One, that strangely resembled Bowser from Super Mario Bros., had actually grabbed him by the hair and dangled him in the air! But Youji was there. Youji took care of that. Youji took care of him. He always did.

The bad things? Thanks to the movie, the film had triggered horrible nightmares. It wasn't so much that he had nightmares, because he did every time he watched a horror movie. It was what the dreams were about, and they were becoming nonstop. He'd have such nasty dreams, that he would always….always….wake up in Youji's arms, clinging to him as if his life depended on it. And he'd always, for one fleeting moment, feel as if it did. Well, until Youji would give him that stupid smirk, then he would hit the Fallen Angel in the head and push him away.

Then there was Ritsuka. The young Aoyagi had been acting very strange lately. The best word he could think of to describe his friend was paranoid. Ritsuka was always looking over his shoulder and had refused to go anywhere alone. Not even to the bathrooms! And he had developed a sudden fear of mirrors. And blonde people.

Chewing on his bottom lip, Natsuo worried over his friend. The raven haired teen's attitude wasn't the only thing to change about him. His appearance had dropped drastically. He, to put it bluntly, looked like shit. His hair was always a mess, and his clothes were baggy and slightly rumpled looking, as if he just picked them up from a pile on the floor. His skin had gotten pale, as if he had fallen ill. His eyes were dull, instead of their sparkly violet, and he had dark, round circles under them. It terrified him because…

It looked like he was dying.

He had tried asking Ritsuka if he was okay, if anything had been happening at home. But Ritsuka would avoid answering, instead changing the subject. The office had even called him in, concerned over his sudden, drastic change. They had insisted he talk to the school counselor, which angered his friend. Ritsuka had harshly declined, stating that it was none of their business what he was going through, and that talking to the counselor wouldn't help or change anything.

Natsuo sighed. He felt helpless not knowing what was going on with his best friend. He wanted to help, but how could he, when Ritsuka refused to let him in? Not even Yayoi could get anything out of Ritsuka. The Aoyagi teen was very stubborn.

'No…he's scared. About what, I'm not sure…' Frowning at the sudden thought, he tried to shake away the suddenly feeling of dread and opted to think about the last bad thing.

Youji.

The Fallen Angel was starting to become very suspicious. Natsuo wasn't sure exactly what was going on, but Youji was starting to make him wonder. The Angel would disappear at random times, not even letting the teen know where he was going, or when he would be back. Don't get him wrong, he wasn't worried about Youji, the guy could take care of himself. But it ragged on his nerves when Youji would leave with his usual teasing attitude, only to return from wherever he went, and act distant until the next morning.

His suspicion only grew when he had decided to confide in the ex-angel about his worries over Ritsuka's recent behavior, only to have the taller male do an entire 180 and refuse to talk about the subject. He had tried countless times to get Youji to listen, but he still refused, tensing each time the subject was brought up. It went on for those two weeks, and with each passing day he would bring it up, the tenser Youji became, and the worse Ristuka would become.

Sighing, Natsuo glanced up at the school, glad that he had decided to come earlier than usual, so that he could have time to think. He knew Ritsuka and Youji were somehow connected. He wasn't sure why, but he had that feeling. And for some odd reason, he felt betrayed by that thought. The hyperactive red head had tried to play it off as his imagination, but honestly, it made sense in his mind.

Youji kept running off everyday to god knows where, and everyday Ritsuka became worse and worse. Coincidence much? I think not!

"Natsuo!"

Turning around, Natsuo watched as Yayoi caught up to him, slightly panting as he wiped the sweat from his brow. "I've been calling and chasing you for the last five blocks! Why are you ignoring me?"

Natsuo blinked owlishly. "Really? I didn't hear you…"

Yayoi gave him an incredulous look. "Are you kidding me? I think my Granny in Shibuya heard me calling you!"

Natsuo rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. "My bad, Yayoi. I was just thinking about some things…"

"You mean like Ritsuka?"

The read head gave a slow nod before letting out a sigh. "I'm seriously worried about him. I wish he would just let us in and tell us what is going on…"

"Yeah, I know what you mean." Yayoi replied, letting out his own exasperated sigh. "He looks like shit…worse than shit. What's worse than shit?"

Green eyes locked onto blue. "Death." Natsuo whispered, his face grim. Yayoi shuddered at the whispered answer, his face slightly pale. They both knew they were sharing the same thought.

"You think he's…dying?" Yayoi whispered back, eyes full of sudden fear.

The young Sagan could only look away, worry and doubt evident. Was Ritsuka dying? He didn't really know how to answer that. He didn't want to answer that. Ritsuka was like a brother to him. If he died, then Natsuo wasn't sure how he would react to that. Maybe he should drag Ritsuka to a hospital to be checked on. He was sure Ritsuka would fight back, but the red head was positive he could handle anything the raven dished out. Before he could think any further, said raven suddenly turned the corner of the hall, sluggishly making his way towards the two.

"Look at him. He's…just not the same…" Yayoi whispered, eyes glued to Ritsuka. Natsuo could only swallow as he eyed their friend.

Ritsuka was paler than yesterday, his skin nearly transparent and as white as snow. The circles under his eyes darkened, so much that they looked as if he had drawn on himself with eyeliner, his once bright violet eyes dulled to a muddy brown color. Dark creases had formed on his lower eyelids, making him look triple his age. Once beautiful, silky raven locks now lay in ratted clumps against his skull, looking as if they hadn't been washed in days. Glancing at Ritsuka's baggy outfit, Natsuo could tell that if Ritsuka were to strip at that moment, he wouldn't be slender and fit like before. He'd probably be skin and bones.

"Hey…guys…" Ritsuka breathed out tiredly, his raspy voice barely louder than a whisper. Natsuo and Yayoi glanced at each other before facing their friend.

"Hey…Ritsuka." Yayoi greeted, a small smile forced onto his lips. He looked about ready to cry. Natsuo stared at Ristuka for a moment longer, the fear and worry building up in his chest.

"Hey Rits."

Ritsuka glanced over his shoulder slowly before looking back at them. "Why…are you guys…so early?" He eyed the two tiredly before leaning against the lockers, obviously too exhausted to hold himself up.

"Oh, well you know, I have to talk to Shima-Sensei about a test! Which, I think I should do right now. I'll see you guys later! Sayonara!" Yayoi rushed off, waving quickly before disappearing around the corner. Natsuo stared after the shorter brunette before glancing at Ritsuka, startled to see those tired, dead eyes staring straight at him.

"What about you."

The normally hyperactive teen felt a cold shudder run down his back at the cold tone. Just a second ago, Ritsuka could barely make out one full sentence, but now, all of a sudden, he was speaking fine, and his tone was rather scary. "Er…I was kicked out early…"

Ritsuka continued to stare at him, his stare intensifying with each passing second. "How interesting." he casually replied, eyes never breaking away. His body seemed to quiver a bit, before the bags under his eyes drooped slightly, as if his skin was slowly, yet surely, melting off his body. Which, really, was a crazy thought.

"Yeah." Natsuo forced out, turning his gaze away from his friend's, as a feeling of hostility and bloodlust filled the air. Something was wrong. So very, very wrong. Ritsuka was changing, he wasn't the same. Something was wrong. Something had happened. Something was coming, something was going to happen.

Something, something, something! He was really starting to hate that word.

"I'm heading to class." Ritsuka suddenly wheezed out, the harsh feelings suddenly vanishing. Natsuo gave a quick nod.

"Sure, see you at lunch."

Ritsuka gave a weak, departing wave, Natsuo watching as the raven slowly dragged himself down the hall, looking as if he could keel over any moment. He suddenly felt like puking as a wave of sadness and helplessness washed over him, turning his insides cold. He quickly glanced around before looking back at his friend, only to feel his heart skip several beats.

Prancing around his friend's feet were repulsive, tiny black creatures that had large horns protruding from their heads, and long, whip like tails lashing around them. They seemed to have no faces, with only glowing, yellow eyes peering up at Ritsuka. But what really got to him was the tall, blonde man that walked next to his friend. Natsuo could feel a scream caught in his throat as he noticed the decaying, mutilated black wings that expanded from the man's bare back.

He stepped forward, hand reaching out towards his friend's slowly retreating back. "Ritsuka!"

Stopping, the youngest Aoyagi turned back towards his friend, tired eyes looking at him questioningly. "Yes?"

Natsuo shuddered as the man glanced at him, his hand raising to run through Ritsuka's dirty, raven locks. He noticed Ritsuka stiffen, and he could tell the teen was fighting from turning around to look behind him. And just as quickly as they had appeared, the man and tiny creatures vanished. Swallowing the lump that had formed in his throat, Natsuo gave a quick, overly cheerful smile. "Don't forget! You owe me pudding at lunch!"

And with that, he bolted down the hall, not looking back at his dying friend.

"I'm telling you, Yayoi. Something isn't right!" Natsuo hissed loudly, scribbling furiously at his notes as his third history teacher drawled on about World War II. Yayoi, who sat next to him, patiently wrote on his own notes, both preparing for their upcoming exam.

"Natsuo, I'm sorry, but I seriously think you're imagination is playing tricks on you. I mean, come on, an evil angel stalking Ritsuka? I blame the video games, my friend." the bespectacled teen whispered back, eyes never leaving the front board

"I'm not imagining anything! I really saw it! I think that's what's wrong with Ritsuka!" Natsuo argued back in a hushed tone, anger building inside. "Think about it! Ritsuka is always watching over his shoulder! It's like he knows something is stalking him! And he's freaked out by blonde people! The angel I saw was BLONDE!"

"Yes, I know Ritsuka has become paranoid, but really. A stalker angel? I doubt. And that doesn't explain anything. What about his sudden fear of mirrors? That still hasn't been explained."

"I can answer that too!" Natsuo defended. "Just last period, Yuiko told me that Ritsuka had been muttering "He's in my reflection" repeatedly for an entire week. I bet you that angel is messing with his mind. He's probably replacing Ritsuka's reflection just to get to him!"

Yayoi stared at his friend long and hard, before sighing harshly. "Natsuo…really. You sound insane right now. I think you should calm down. Yes, something is wrong with Ristuka, but I doubt it's stalking angels. If anything, he's most likely severely ill." He stopped as the bell signaling for the end of their period rang.

Standing up, Yayoi began to pack away his things, pausing as he glanced over at the distraught red head. "Natsuo, I think Ritsuka's illness is effecting you more than anyone else. Maybe you should take a break and clear your mind from any stress. I know you're worried about him. I am too, but you don't see me making things up like this. Try clearing your mind." And with that, he walked out of the room, leaving Natsuo alone.

'I know I'm not crazy. Ritsuka can sense it too, it's not just me!'

Rising to his feet, he quickly gathered his things and exited the room, heading for his locker. Struggling with the lock, he ripped open the metal door and shoved his books and folders inside before quickly slamming it shut. He thanked anything and everything that he had a free period before lunch. Shaking is head, he quietly made his way towards the bathrooms.

Peeking inside, he was relieved to see the room empty before he quickly pushed in through the door. Stopping in front of the sinks, he rested his hands on the edge of the porclain bowl before glancing at his reflection in the mirror. He looked tired, which he truthfully was. He hadn't been getting much sleep, what with the nightmares and his worries for his friend.

"I have to stop thinking about it! I'll only stress myself more if I do!" he scolded his reflection. He giggled, realizing he was talking to himself before turning the faucet on and leaning down to wash his face.

He let out a sigh of relief at the feel of the cold, refreshing water washing over his face. With a slight shake of his head, he glanced up at his reflection and froze, fear stabbing his heart as he stared with wide eyes into the mirror. Just over his shoulder, he could see a replica of himself, a freakishly huge grin twisted onto it's face, fangs hanging over thin, pale lips, pointed ends reaching the replica's chin.

Whipping around, Natsuo's eyes darted around the room, looking for his twin. Looking back at the mirror, he was horrified to see his "twin" had moved closer to him, clawed hand reaching out to him, eyes glowing red. Turning back, Natsuo began to shake as he was once again met with an empty room. Risking to turn his back on the room, he glanced back into the mirror and screamed as his face was suddenly smashed into the glass, his cheek pressed harshly against the mirror.

He watched in terror as the creature gripped his hair and leaned in, mouth opening impossibly wide, like a snake, and a long pointed tongue sliding out and running over his ear. He shuddered and tried to pull away, only to have his face shoved into the mirror more. He thrashed around, trying to break free as the tip of the tongue slid into his ear.

"That's fucking sick!" he screamed at the creature, flailing his arms wildly, searching for anything that would give him a chance to break free.

Natsuo screamed as he was suddenly thrown across the room, back slamming into the opposite wall. He felt his head spin as stars exploded before his eyes. He let out a painful moan as he slowly slid to floor, pain racking his body as he slumped sideways, landing back on the ground. He cried out as the replica threw itself over him, hands on either side of his head as the creature loomed above him. His body began to shake with fear as his twin leaned down, it's face a mere inch from his.

"Stop….STOP!" Natsuo screamed out, hands flying out to push the imposter's face away. The creature hissed loudly.

Natsuo could do nothing but close his eyes tightly and shield his face with his hands. "H…Help! Please! Help me! Youji! YOUJI!"

At the sound of an enraged snarl, green eyes snapped open just in time to see his second self fly across the bathroom and crash into a stall. Glancing up, he was met with the back of a taller male, teal hair cascading past giant, black wings.

'Youji…'

His attention quickly returned to the creature across the room as it let out a furious screech, and charged towards the Fallen Angel, the intent to kill filling the room. Natsuo's heart beat quickened as fear and worry clawed at him. The creature raised it's claws and leapt through the air, aiming right for Youji.

"Youji, watch out!" Natsuo cried out.

Youji narrowed his eyes and growled before his hand shot out, enclosing around the replica's throat. Spinning around, he slammed the creature into the wall just above where Natsuo lay. Clenching his free hand, he pulled his fist back before smashing his knuckles into the fake Natsuo, smirking as a loud crack echoed through the room, before the creature pinned under his hand exploded into ash. Natsuo shielded his eyes from the ash with his hand, mouth shut tightly so that none of the dusty particles found their way to his throat.

Looking up at the Fallen Angel, Natsuo felt annoyance tick at him the second he saw that smug smirk. Annoyance turned to pure anger as the teal haired man opened his mouth. "Just can't survive without me, huh ginger?"

"HMPH!"

Youji: *grins cockily* I'm so bad ass.

Xana: *rolls eyes* Oh yes, very, very bad ass.

Natsuo: *sighs dreamily* Yes he is...

Xana: ...riiiiiiight. Anyways, hope you all enjoyed the double chapters! Let me know if you loved or hated them in a review. I really value your opinions and thoughts! So I'm out! Bye!

.:.*†XanaSentiya†*.:.