A/N: Gonna be honest - I'm kinda sad that I have so many views and story watchers and so little reviews. But because I love you and because I know that you guys ARE reading, I'm updating.
So like, I was reading trick 162 of the manga (raw) and I'm so scared for poor Kazu-sama. My bebe looks like he's in trouble! I also bought the second disc of AG. I'm a subber of dubber myself, but Ikki, Kazu, Emiri and Ringo's voices are great in english. Everyone else, I'm not so sure about. Agito for sure though, pisses me off. The voice just doesn't seem right at all. Sad! One thing I thought was cute about the dub vs sub.
In japanese:
"Kazu-sama!"
"What's with the sama?"
In English:
"HI SWEETIE!"
"Did you just call me sweetie?"
This is a bad chapter. I don't like it at all, but I hope it's decent, if anything.
Anyway, sorry, just felt like sharing that with all of you. 'Coz I love you!
Thank you's go out to...
Blizzaris: I love loyal reviewers ! Yeah, since the story was moving slow I figured a little bit of bonding would be good at the end. And I do like Emiri, so I have to giver her a chance to shine. Hope the update was quick enough for ya!
E-san: lol that happens to me sometimes, too. I whine and then BAM there it is! And don't worry, we'll get to Agito in due time :P I don't plan on abandoning this baby, and with school coming to an end and summer coming to a start, I'll prolly have more time to work on it.
Emi Sue: Yay, a new reader/reviewers! You are such a sweetheart, and be honest with me. If you want me to throw that into the story, just go right on ahead and say so and I'd be happy to. I know what it's like to love a pairing and want certain things to happen. Enjoy the story, yo!
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Air Gear
a fiction by Crimson Vixen
Boys and Girls
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--
Ikki hadn't gotten much sleep in the past couple of days. At all. And it occurred to the crow that if things kept going at the pace that they were, he probably wasn't going to get a decent nights sleep for a while to come. His eyes drifted shut as he slung his bag over his shoulder and stepped out of the school, plopping himself down on the grass with a heavy sigh. Boy was he tired.
As he rummaged through his bag, he wondered just where he was headed with all of this. Naturally, Iron's presence disturbed him on several levels, what with timing being so convenient with those murders. But he kept labeling it all up to coincidence. But he couldn't find an excuse for the doubt in his mind.
After sliding on his left AT he heard his name being called, and he turned his head to see Onigiri running towards him, a somewhat serious look on his face. The shorter boy took a moment to catch his breath before nudging the crow's arm.
"Ikki," he breathed. "Man, I need to talk to you."
"S'been a while," Ikki smiled. "It important?"
"I know, and sorta," the stout boy responded a little too seriously for Ikki's liking.
Uh oh.
Ikki spared the school's clock tower a look, then signaled for Onigiri to join him as he walked. He half expected the stout rider to lead them both to some private place to bring the issue up, but Onigiri started as they walked, catching Ikki a little off guard.
"Well see…" Onigiri fidgeted his hands together in a way that wasn't really nervous, just hesitant. He wasn't sure how to word what was on his mind. "I saw you and Kazu the other day."
"…Yeah?"
"You guys were practicing," he said, then made another pause. "A lot. And it's just that… well… we're a team you know?"
It took a moment, but the words registered, and Ikki stopped dead in his tracks, Onigiri mimicking the action, holding his small eyes firm and waiting.
"You mean -- "
"Nothing, it's just… I can't help wondering why you'd put so much time and effort into one team mate and exclude the others."
Now, Ikki could tell immediately from Onigiri's tone of voice that he meant no damage or blame, just a rather blunt observation he felt he should bring to light. That was just the way he was when he brought up a point. He never brought it up softly, he just put it out on the table and let whatever happened, happen. And in a way, Ikki's eyes were opened a little bit wider. He'd never even thought about it that way before; focusing on one person and excluding other, equal members of the team. And unless Ikki was wrong, he thought he might have detected a bit of jealousy in Onigiri's voice. Just a hint.
But what Onigiri wasn't aware of, was that he wasn't trying to focus in on Kazu as far as training went. There was a little bit more to it than that. Though, if there was a name for it, he had yet to think of it.
"I haven't really noticed," he answered with a bit of truth, eyes cast downwards to the dirt. Once he'd said it, it sounded really lame, because now that it was pointed out, it was hard to see how he had missed it.
"So like, is there something we don't know?"
Ikki shook his head. Because he and Kazu were drifting apart. Because if felt like the jet needed a boost. Because he didn't want to keep him from succeeding in all the things he was capable of.
"I don't know. I didn't mean to. He just kinda happened to be there and we just kinda… do it." He only blushed after he finished speaking, realizing too late the different ways his words could have been interpreted. Thank God Sano wasn't around. Then he tried to cover it. "There's no hidden motive."
Any doubt or worry on Onigiri's face had been lifted considerably, but something still resided there. Ikki had just realized that by trying to mend one issue, he was spreading the original issue to others. Sure, Kazu's insecurities were being tended to, but his others friends were given the germ that had infected the very person he was trying to help. It made a person feel a little bit helpless in a world of people that needed him more than he had originally known.
But perhaps this insight would help matters.
"Look, Kazu's staying at my place for an x amount of time. The reason we probably train so much together is because he happens to be around a lot more than usual. I planned on having another group meeting real soon…"
To add effect, he patted Onigiri on the shoulder. The other boy didn't seem to want to question it further. It wasn't unusual for Kazu to stay nights at one of their places since his parents were gone - living over seas.
Suddenly, Ikki realized he didn't like what was happening. Things seemed to be slowly going downhill ever since that one night out. Now there was doubt and deception and that ever nagging feeling he couldn't bring himself to ignore. Just one after the other.
The air stood perfectly still until Ikki cleared his throat, and Onigiri laughed.
"That's the Ikki I know," he beamed.
"Alright, alright. Monday, right after school, got it?"
Onigiri's expression relaxed and his large grin plastered his face. "Yeah."
"Tell Buccha if you see him around. Where's he at, anyway? I haven't seen much of him around either," he mentioned idly, holding his hand above his eyes in a quick search/scan of the area, but the large rider was nowhere to be seen. Onigiri shrugged.
"Not sure."
Ikki kept his thoughts quiet about how Onigiri and the Tank had been spending more time together as of late, which was somewhat surprising. For a while, Onigiri and Kazu were always together, at least they were most of the time when Ikki came across them. Now that he thought about it, he wasn't sure when the sudden change started happening. It looked as though he wasn't the only one Kazu was starting to separate himself from.
He hated himself just a little bit more at that moment, for not seeing that earlier, either.
"Anyway, I'll be there," the shorter boy bobbed his head up and down with a satisfied look on his face, running his stubby fingers quickly through over the top of his head. His stomach was growling, like it always did, on schedule. After school if he wasn't practicing he was with his father, indulging in some of the best ramen he had ever tasted in his short life.
Right on cue, his stomach let out a rumble and he patted it understandingly, shooting Ikki an apologetic glance before stating he had to go. He had 'important matters to deal with'. Ikki just let out a soft chuckle and mentioned how they'd see each other later.
With Onigiri gone and both sets of roller blades now in his feet, he headed for home, bag safely wrapped around his right shoulder and left hip as he went soaring through the air. So Onigiri felt left out, huh? He wouldn't be surprised if it was something both he and Buccha shared feelings about. Over the past few months those two had gotten closer and closer. That only meant, however, that there were two team members that felt that way, and well, it made Ikki feel like he was being a little bit neglectful.
The more he thought about it, the more he figured that might have been true. It was true too; they hadn't really gotten together ever since that night in the ally, and anyone that knew their team would find it strange not to practice for a day. It had been a few, too.
"Oh! Ikki!"
"There he is, see?"
"Let's go ask him!"
Ikki's ears perked at the sound of giggling voices, getting louder and closer to him and when he turned his head, there was a small gaggle of them flocking his way, faces lit up and hands pointing. Once they had gotten closer, they gazed at him with longing eyes and one of them stepped up.
"Ikki, would you mind doing a few tricks? Huh?"
"Anything for a fan," the crow beamed automatically, head practically inflating to twice its normal size with the request. There were several girls here at the school that were fascinated by riders, almost obsessed with them. They squealed and tittered when they got to see one up close. Sort of like an AT fan club of people who didn't ride, just admired. "But just one. I'm in somewhat of a hurry."
The girl's face blossomed with pink hues when Ikki stood tall and let his bag drop at his side. He cracked his fingers and took a stance, bolting forward only after he was sure they were all looking at him. The feeling was near indescribable, to be so worshiped by people you barely knew who thought that what you did was so amazing. For them to be so impressed by the things you can do with it. And those easy, tiny little tricks that you've picked up over time seem like the impossible to those onlookers. It gave him a feeling of power and pride, to be loved for something he loved in return. He only wished all people were this passionate about Air Treck. In his eyes, the world would be a better place.
He was up in the air, spinning, turning, throwing out his arms and trying his best to put on a show for his fans. Going backwards in mid-air always sent his stomach into tiny flips, but it was a feeling he enjoyed. That feeling only grew after he made a perfect landing, skidding to a just as perfect stop in front of the girls, who burst into sniggers and applause.
"Ikki you're so amazing!"
"You're the best rider I've ever seen."
"Soooo cute!"
"I wish I could do that!"
"Ikki, oh Ikki! How do you do that?"
Not entirely able to narrow in on just one person and thus, at a loss for what each individual person was saying, Ikki kindly shrugged at all of them in a knowing manner. They seemed to buy it, at least, almost swooning at his gesture. As they continued to stand there and gawk and worship the ground he walked on, Ikki's eye caught something familiar, and he had to go to his tip toes to see over the heads of the girls.
"Kazu!" He greeted his friend happily. However, Kazu looked to be a mix of happy and something else Ikki couldn't quite place at the moment. The blonde stood with his arms crossed and his weight set to one foot as he half scowled. He wasn't wearing any hat today, and even though Ikki wasn't used to that, he thought Kazu looked good like that. He wasn't so sure about the look in his eyes though.
The girls, who had by now realized that they were no longer the center of Babyface's attention, frowned and whined and loudly as they made their loud exit.
"Looks like you're just as popular as ever," Kazu said idly, raising his brows and sliding his irises to the side to watch the girls leave. There was a slight sense of malice in those eyes, but it could have just been a trick of the light. "There are tons of riders around here, but you're the one they seem to gravitate towards. There must be something about you."
"Naw, I dunno," Ikki shrugged nonchalantly. "Might be 'coz I'm so close to them. We go to the same school so I'm the one they know most about. It's easier to get closer to me."
He stopped when a thought struck him, and he was certain that the same exact thought was running across Kazu's mind as well.
But you are not the only rider that goes to this school.
Of course he didn't mean it that way, and Kazu didn't seem to take offense to it either, understanding the way Ikki's mind worked.
"I was wondering if you wanted to head home with me. Er.. I mean you're house."
Ikki laughed a little, "Yeah, alright."
The crow bent over to pick up his previously abandoned school bag and swung it back over his shoulder and trotted over to where Kazu was standing, rolling his sleeves up on this decently warm day. The two started rolling at a steady, even pace. Kazu intentionally swerved back and forth and Ikki skated backwards casually.
"Any particular reason why?"
"Aaa… You said that no one would be home today after school, right?"
"Right. No one except for Iron… oh."
Kazu looked at him and offered a very apologetic smile, nervous and embarrassed all at once, and Ikki could only bring himself to chuckle. The logic was so obvious now.
"I wouldn't be surprised if… I mean there's always a chance he might not be there. For all we know he could be spying on us again."
They both laughed at that, though it sounded a little forced from each of them. Then, just to make sure, Ikki took a quick look around to make sure that wasn't the case. He didn't see the pervert anywhere but it wouldn't hurt to keep on his toes. Kazu seemed to be aware of this and only sighed in what sounded like defeat.
"Oh! We're having another practice on Monday, just so you know. After school, same place as usual."
"…I guess it's been a while."
"So I've heard," Ikki mumbled. He'd lost track of things, apparently. He'd been so busy trying to forget certain things that he forgot the things he didn't want to forget. Suddenly, home sounded really great right now.
But just like always, something popped up that interrupted everything.
"Kazu!!!" a high and extremely chipper voice called out and both boys turned around. Emiri was waving her hand in the air to capture their attention and was coming closer but… at a very slow pace.
Once she had gotten close enough to them, she squealed as she stumbled forward, straight into Kazu's surprised arms.
"Whoa, what's with you?" he asked as he gently pulled her back upright by her shoulders. He was giving her a rather comical look, brows knitted in amusement.
"O-oh, I'm so sorry, Kazu," she stuttered with a ferocious blush, averting her eyes to the side, hands clutched to her chest. Her knees wobbled and banged together.
"Hey," Ikki cut in, pointing to the girl's feet. "AT's."
Emiri's blush only intensified, spreading like ink in water. One of her hands shot up to her face, a delicate finger finding its way to her mouth and as tried to answer.
"Yeah… I uhm… I'm trying to teach myself," she said, upset with herself that this wasn't going as smooth as she wanted it to. For one, she wasn't supposed to make such a fool of herself. For two, Ikki wasn't supposed to be around. But she had already told herself she was doing this today, regardless of circumstances. And besides all of that, she was already here. It would make her look stupid if she walked away now.
"Really? That's really cool, Emiri," Kazu smiled. "What made you wanna do that?"
"Oh! Well, uhm…" She struggled. He wasn't supposed to ask that. She was supposed to bring it up on her own in a cute, romantic kind of way. Now she had no choice but to improvise. "You."
Both boys gave her looks, as though they had misheard her.
"Me?"
"You, Kazu…"
At that exact moment, Ikki felt out of place. He didn't belong here, but he stood his ground anyway. Emiri was trying to flatter Kazu, which in the long run was a good thing but…
But he was the one that was going to do that. He wanted to be the one that made Kazu's face light up like that, to make him feel good about himself the way he should.
Why was he so upset about it? Shouldn't he be happy that at least someone was making Kazu feel such things, even if it wasn't him? Still, how could little track runner Emiri be able to make it look so easy?
Well, Ikki tried to explain to himself, she's a girl. That automatically makes it easier for her to express the things that if a guy expressed, would ruin any reputation that they had. He couldn't go around blurting that Kazu was the reason he did certain things, felt certain things… Because he didn't, and even if he did, it was something he would never tell to his face.
That last thought made his shoulders slump. But, isn't that what this was all about? Making the blonde understand what he was? So why was he trying to convince himself it was harder than Emiri was making it seem? How could she do something he'd been trying to do for the past week, in just one minute?
Ikki laughed quietly to himself. Look at him, arguing with himself, making excuses. He was Kazu's best friend. He wouldn't let himself be beaten by a girl, even if it was Emiri. Cute, beautiful, shy and loud Emiri of the track team.
Tch. It's not like it was a big deal, anyway. Ikki shoved his hands into his pockets almost irritably, ears picking up on the conversation he'd unknowingly drifted out of.
"…I know, I know," the girl laughed, looking a little more comfortable. "It took me a while to get the hang of them, but I'm still not that good. I mean I can walk alright in them with lock or unlocked wheels, but I'm a little afraid to go fast in them."
Somewhere in her rambling, Ikki could have sworn he'd seen Kazu blush and smile at the same time. It wasn't something he saw often, and he briefly wished that the blonde would do it more often. Then he mentally slapped himself for thinking something so stupid. He watched as Kazu reached out to steady Emiri as he started to wobble again. Their arms reached out and interlocked, hands clutching each other's elbows.
"Why don't you let me show you the basics some time?" Kazu offered.
At first, Emiri looked as if she would faint right then and there for some reason, and then she swallowed hard and let her smile reach past her eyes.
"Yes! Yes of course, Kazu!"
Tch. Did she have to say Kazu's name all the time? Ikki tried to occupy himself by picking at his ear with his pinky.
"Still, you look like you need to work on you balance a little more before you start to run."
"Nn!" the girl nodded excitedly, hands gripping at the boy's elbows harder, even though she had already gathered her footing. "I would love it if Kazu would teach me! With you as my teacher, I'll be amazing!"
See!? Things like that. So small and simple but so effective. Ikki couldn't get over the way Kazu was glowing, much unlike he was just a few minutes ago. Before Emiri showed up, he looked dull, bothered, just sort of there. And now?
Now, after Emiri's last comment, Kazu was at a loss for words. A simple thank you fell from his lips. Then…
"What about right now, Kazu!? Is right now good?" She would be bouncing up and down if she wasn't on wheels. Ikki joined Emiri in looking at Kazu for a reaction, which was quick.
"Of course now is good," he said softly and kindly. "I guess I'll meet you at the house later, Ikki."
"Yeah, sure," the crow said calmly, waving them off as the two went the other direction, though they never turned around to see it. Ikki wasn't sure why he felt the way he felt. He forced himself to walk away and head home before he could dive into it any further. There was nothing to dive into.
--
"Oh Kazu, I'm so happy that you're teaching me!" the track runner exclaimed. Oh this was just as she planned! Kazu teaching her how to ride AT, holding her hand when she fell, cupping her shoulders when trying to steer. Her hands on his hips when he was leading her and showing her not to be afraid of speed. Or of falling. Of course, she didn't really mind falling, since Kazu was the one who had to pick her up again. At least, that was the way she was seeing it in her head.
"Ok, let me see what you can do first," he said, stopping at an empty basketball court and putting his hands on his small hips.
"Eh!?" she breathed, blinking owlishly at him.
"Just once around the court is all," the boy explained. "I want to see what we have to work with."
"U-un!" she nodded once, biting her lower lip as she got to a secure position and took a single step forward. Just like she practiced, just like she practiced. The wheels touched the ground and she shifted her weight, hearing the motor hum and go, taking her with it. She was gliding forward, legs stiff but trying to move. She started to turn, a massive, wide turn, but it wasn't enough and she ended up in the grass, falling forward once again. But a gust of wind rushed over her and in an instant, Kazu's arms were looped under hers.
That's right, Emiri smiled softly to herself. He's fast enough to catch me when I fall. Even if he isn't next to me when it happens."
How romantic.
Kazu heaved her to her feet and helped her to the concrete.
"Looks like you have the idea, but you're too afraid to turn sharply. You feel like you'll fall, am I right?"
Embarrassed, Emiri nodded. How did he understand it so well?
"Well think of it this way. When practicing, the worst thing that can happen is you fall. Big deal," he shrugged. "Just get up and try again. I know that sounds corny but that's just the way it is."
"Right."
"So, try again, once around the court. Don't be afraid to turn. I'll be watching so you don't have to worry about hitting the ground."
Emiri could have sworn her heart was trying to burst in her chest. It was hammering against her ribcage and pounding in her head. Kazu had no idea just how indirectly romantic he was sounding to her right now, but how could he? He could never understand the way a girl's mind worked in these situations. And she was thankful for that.
Again she took a step forward and prepared herself for when the motor took the lead and set her into motion. She heard Kazu reminding her to be aware of where she was putting her weight in her feet, and she was, eyes focused on the turn she was about to make. She lifted a foot and rotated it slightly before setting it back on the ground, lifting the other foot as she did so. She was turning! Shaky and still wide, and not too graceful but she was doing it! And Kazu was watching her! She lifted her head to see if Kazu looked proud of her but lost her balance as soon as she did so.
A flash of blonde and light blue and she was in his arms again. She closed her eyes for a second to appreciate how warm he was. Her ear was pressed to his chest, and she could hear his steady heartbeat. With a sigh she forced herself to stand up again before the boy grew suspicious of her lingering.
"That was better," he told her. "You took your attention off of what you were doing. You wanna watch where you're going. After you get better you can start to pay attention to other things."
"Kay. Sorry."
"Don't be sorry, I'm just trying to help you out."
"I know," she batted her lashed. "You know so much about AT, Kazu!"
The boy chuckled a little, but it wasn't a very happy one. "Not as much as Ikki."
Emiri's bright face faltered.
"You really look up to him, huh?"
"Huh?" Kazu's face jerked out of whatever phase it was going into, and he scratched at his head. "Well…"
"Oh!" Emiri shouted suddenly after seeing Kazu's golden locks. "That reminds me!"
Her stomach jumped and flipped as she dug into the front pocket of her windbreaker, pulling out something white and soft and beaming greatly when she held it out for Kazu to see. His blue eyes widened and he immediately reached out and grabbed it, pulling it to his body and giving Emiri a wide eyed look, lips twitching into a wide smile.
"Holy crap, where did you find this? I thought I'd lost it forever!"
"I know how much that hat means to you," Emiri explained, nervously digging one of her feet into the dirt, hands twiddling behind her back. "I'm sorry it took me so long to get it back to you but… Uh !?"
Before she knew it, Kazu's arms were wrapped around her and her cheek was pressed against the nook of Kazu's neck. He was hugging her, his arms were around her body, his scent rushing over her, and she was frozen at first. But in time she was able to raise her arms, slowly and unsure, and she was about to wrap them around Kazu's small frame just as he pulled back and examined his hat.
"Thank you so much…" he said, checking the material for any damage before placing it back on his head. He let out a large, satisfied sigh, feeling a little more like himself already. "I don't know how to thank you, Em."
The girl gasped. Em? Did he just call her Em? Like a pet name? No, no, a nick name. Her heart fluttered and her mouth went dry. However, even with her tongue feeling like sand, she tried to speak.
"You don't… you don't have to, Kazu. Besides, teaching me h-how to ride AT is more than enough."
"Are you sure?" he pressed, making a guilty expression. Emiri didn't want him to feel guilty at all, not over her, so she immediately held out her hands and shook her head.
"No no, don't worry about it, please. It's yours, I was just returning it. We're friends, after all."
That felt good to say.
"Yeah."
That felt great to hear.
Every word that Kazu said melted her just a little bit further. She wasn't too sure what this fascination was over this boy, but it grew with every moment she spent with him. Ever since he and Onigiri had gone to the school at night just to reclaim it and protect it, her heart had drifted to him on its own. Who was she to tell her heart no? While others dubbed it stupidity, Emiri had easily called it bravery.
Now, all she had to do was tell Kazu her feelings. Which… as Yayoi had put it, was way easier said than done. It was on the tip of her tongue, it was in her head, and she had practiced a few times with herself, but nothing was ever enough to prepare her for this moment. They were alone, and she'd already come so far, but something was stopping her.
She could sense it. Although for her this was a dream come true, a moment so pure and perfect and wonderful like she had always seen it in her head, she knew that if she said it right here, right now, there was a chance she could ruin it all. This flawless day could be shattered. And Kazu could be so oblivious. What she saw as a moment between the two of them with a possible spark was what he saw as hanging out and showing her the ropes and nothing else.
Ugh, boys are cute, but they sure are morons.
So she kept her mouth shut. She had made enough progress for one night, and didn't feel like risking all that hard work. She felt Kazu brush his hand against hers.
"Come on, let's try again."
--
Ikki didn't bother turning the doorknob like a normal human being. Instead he kicked it open, and dropped his bag as soon as he walked through the door. He kicked off his AT's and marched into the kitchen, feeling a case of the munchies overcome him.
Once there, he was reminded of his luck and how it had been managing to follow him around lately, because there, head tucked somewhere in the open fridge, was Sano, the damn Iron Clock. He could hear him rummaging around for something and was about to just screw it all and leave when Iron spoke.
"Say, you don't happen to have any jelly, do you?"
Ikki crinkled his nose.
"What? Why?"
"Never mind, I found it," he answered, pulled back and shutting the fridge door. He held up the jelly jar for Ikki to see. "Why do you think I want it?"
With you, one can never tell, Ikki smirked, shrugging.
He watched with little interest as Iron started to dig through all of the cabinets.
"You're home a little early today," he tried to make conversation. Ikki heaved and slumped against the wall with his arms crossed.
"I rushed home," the crow answered tersely. "That's all."
"That's all?"
What was with this guy always have to press for things that weren't there?
"That's all."
"Really, now… Your face looks a little flushed. But it's not the kind from rushing yourself."
Ikki practically spat when he laughed, short and sweet.
"Is it a girl?"
"…No."
"So it's a boy."
"That's sick. You're sick."
"Oh?" Iron mock pouted as he reached for the peanut butter and set it on the table next to the jelly. Then he went scrounging around the kitchen some more. "I didn't think you were so narrow-minded."
Great, not even five minutes through the door and this guy was starting with him.
"I'm not, I'm just saying you're sick."
"Mmm," Iron hummed idly, grabbing a bag of bread and pulling it out. He reached into a drawer and dug out a knife to cut it. "How's that?"
"You're a perverted old man."
"I'm not old. I'm just older than you."
"But you're still perverted."
"I'm not perverted. I'm just open about what I want."
"Naw," Ikki growled. "Definitely perverted. And what's worse, you don't even like the opposite sex."
Iron tsked, opening the jar of peanut butter and dipping the knife in.
"Aren't you going to do the jelly first?"
"No. Makes the bread all soggy."
"Oh…"
"And I don't see anything wrong with my preferences."
"It's weird." At first, Ikki wanted to say that it was wrong, but then he rethought it. Not only would he be giving Iron another reason to continue calling him narrow-minded, but he really didn't see it as wrong. Just… weird.
"Why, because it takes up the minority?"
"Hmm?"
Iron re-dipped the knife into the jar, scooping out double the peanut butter this time, spreading it on the other piece of bread.
"'People like me', as I'll kindly put it, are harder to come across, but it's most definitely out there. People like to ignore the things they don't like. The things they aren't used to. So it's easy to hate the minority, especially when you are not a part of it. Make sense?"
"Whoa wait, I never said I hated anybody. I just thought it was strange that you would find…" ok, it just felt too odd to say out loud.
"…That I find the same sex attractive?"
Ikki just looked at him. How did he get into this conversation again?
"Ehhh…"
"They are not as fragile. They may not be as curvy but they are more defined. Fun to explore." He pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose with a long finger as he spoke, calm as if he was talking about the weather. Ikki was trying to tuck his head into the collar of his jacket, feeling his face run hot as Iron spoke. "And with experience, you come to learn that they are just more interesting when it comes to that sort of thing."
That sort of thing. Ikki scoffed, not really interested in thinking further on that, even if his mind tried to explore the possibilities.
"And in return," Iron went on, finally placing his sandwich together and examining it. "They do not handle you as if you will break. They are more eager, more experimental. Women aim to seduce, while men are just honest. And in my opinion, more beautiful."
"Pervert," the crow spat bitterly.
Iron sighed heavily, used to hearing that name by now, and he took a bite of his peanut butter and jelly sandwich. "Yes. Yes, I suppose so. And you know, it's not as horrible as you may think."
"Oh yeah?" Ikki drawled sarcastically, unconvinced.
"As I have mentioned before, it's not that uncommon. You know, a while back, this sort of thing was considered normal and it was greatly accepted. People have just grown more shallow as time went on."
Ikki said nothing, just listened and found that he had nothing to really counter that point. He was right, and what was more, there was nothing wrong with that.
"Actually, I'm surprised at your orientation."
"..Huh?"
"Granted, you are surrounded by many female characters but at the same time, you are around just as many of the same sex."
"What are you saying, Iron. I'm not that way."
"I know, I'm just saying it's somewhat of a shock. You're friends are quite an eyeful. If I remember correctly, one of them even has it out for you." Iron tried not to laugh as he took another bite but he couldn't. A small chuckle rang out through the kitchen and Ikki glowered irritably. Akito was clingy and would admit he loved Ikki, and even though he had accepted the small boy for it, he didn't return that same affection. That didn't mean Iron could poke fun at it.
"Shut up, just shut up," he growled, now at the table with his palms slammed onto the surface. He gave Iron an angry glare but it didn't do much with Iron eating his snack with calmly closed eyes. "It's not like that between us and you know it."
"Alright then," the taller shrugged easily. "What about that other one? The thin one."
"There's nothing there either."
"No? I think he's rather adorable."
"What? Knock it off!"
"No need to get so defensive. I was just curious," the brown haired boy said with a mouthful. Ikki gritted his teeth and pulled back to leave the room, but stopped when Iron dropped one more line. "Quite a catch, if I do say so myself."
And Ikki paused. To be honest, it was hard to tell who the Iron Clock was referring to. It could have been either Akito or Kazu, or the crow himself, or someone totally different that wasn't even brought up at the table, but it got on Ikki's nerves anyway, and he turned around and re-approached the table. He propped one hand on it and leaned his weight into that supporting arm, other hand on his hip.
"You enjoy getting on my nerves."
"It's not intentional," came the reply. "Really, I just speak my mind. You are the one that always seems to have a problem with that." He gave a mock hurt look and Ikki shoved him hard on the shoulder.
"Because the way you think is perverted and stupid."
Iron wiped his mouth with a napkin he had set at the ready to his left and started screwing the lids of the peanut butter and jelly jars back on.
"The way I think is stupid, is it? And what about yourself, hmm? You decide ignore what has been happening around you as if it were some coincidence when, as a storm rider yourself, you should be the most cautious of all."
Ikki thinned his lips. Why was Sano, the Iron Clock, so damn good at making these kinds of points? He was right, Ikki was a storm rider, and the victims of whatever had been going on recently were all just that. And with Ikki being one of the greatest, and being the one so quick to rise towards the top, he wasn't safe. They both knew that, and that was why Iron was here in the first place.
"Oh by the way," the pervert added casually, putting both jars back into their respectful places and quickly washing the knife off at the sink. "I wanted to talk to you about my living accommodations."
"What about them? I didn't invite you into my house, you should be able to figure out something on your own."
"Hn." He uttered and makes his way to the living room, where he flicked on the television and slumped onto the couch. After a few channel changes, he stopped at a black and white movie, where a man and a woman are kissing lovingly.
"I enjoy the classics," he says. "There's nothing like them."
"Whatever," Ikki mumbled, still in the kitchen.