A/N: So, I finally got some reviews! Thanks to Kim-Chan-15 and Hakumei-Ko for the compliments on my work! Today, because I received two reviews — and they are the first two — I will be generous and put up two chapters! Enjoy!

Grey Flower
"Our sweetest songs are those that tell of the saddest thoughts."

Chapter Four

The private jet that Kaname had leant Takuma and I only reached halfway to the mountains — it wasn't safe to fly an airplane any closer. From there, it was a dirty old shuttle bus into the closest town, which hit every pothole on the white-washed road; purposely, I swear — it was an absolute nightmare; the driver probably only wanted to see two beautiful aristocrats jostled around and disheveled. And I swore as I exited the bus, that if Takuma threw up in my lap again on the return trip, the driver was going to suffer.

We sat inside a small log cabin near the foot of the mountains, awaiting our helicopter, which would take us to the village we were being sent to protect. I was still trying to clean my pants off while a sheepish-looking Takuma feverently apologized. It wasn't his fault and I recognized that fact; but he was cute when he was all flustered and frantic, so I let him babble on. These pants weren't anywhere near my favourites, so of course I didn't really mind at all. It was just that I smelled to the high Heavens of Takuma's recycled strawberry shortcake (complete with real strawberries) and champagne. One could only imagine....

"Senriii," he whined, leaning all his weight on my shoulder. I nearly toppled over, barely managing to regain myself. "C'mon, say something. Do you forgive me or what?"

For upchucking on my pants, most definitely.... But....

"Of course I do. Though, perhaps we should trade pants, Takuma. Yours are clean...." I pouted prettily. Inside, I wanted to scream. I hadn't forgot about Takuma's keeping something from me, and it was driving my insane. I thought I could get him on the jet where he had nowhere to run or hide, but I had ended up falling asleep in stead.

I watched Takuma's look turn from worried to amused. "But, Senri, my waist is so much bigger than yours.... They'd fall right down on you...."

"Oh, really?" I raised an eyebrow almost seductively. And Takuma was a direct step behind me.

"Maybe, we could try...." He leaned foreward to kiss my neck gently, his fingers lacing with mine. Good, I had him just where I wanted him. I planned to get him all undone and begging for more, then I'd make him tell me. Right. I didn't even notice or care that we were waiting in a small log cabin where a few other people sat, now all staring at us. "To the bathroom?"

"No. Here," I hissed gently as Takuma's teeth brushed against my bite area. I began to push against him, and he obediantly began to recline; but before we could make it too far, someone entered the room and cleared her throat loudly. With a surprized jolt, both of us sat up straight, blushing like mad. I gave a sharp look at Takuma. "We'll continue later."

"Ichijou Takuma, Shiki Senri, and Shitsuren Fuyuki. Your ride has arrived." The woman who had interuptted my perfect plan stood in the doorway, dressed as if she were going to be flying us. I already didn't like her. And who was this Shitsuren? I watched him rise from his seat with a venomous glare, which I then turned on Takuma.

"I thought Kaname booked this privately for us."

Takuma gave the floor ahead of him a downcast look, the same one he had given when staring out the window. "Well, you see.... Shitsuren Fuyuki is accompanying us, just in case we need back-up."

What a lame excuse. I was almost certain he was lying to me, and I was getting tired of it. Why this sudden change in him? Takuma and I were always very open about things. We had very few secrets from eachother, and they were all little things that didn't even matter. However, this mattered. If it was a secret that was making my lover look so upset, of course I wanted to know about it. Didn't he understand? I was scared that it was something serious — he could be breaking up with me, for all I knew, or at least trying. He could be dying of some illness with only weeks left. He could be so completely unhappy with me... and only staying with me because he knew I loved him.... That is the kind of thing that I wouldn't put it past him to do. For now, though, I had no choice but to accept it.

xXXx

The helicopter ride was standard — loud and a little rough. No one talked. I stared out the windows, awaiting our arrival desperately. I kept catching Shitsuren staring at me with a funny look. He could probably smell my pants, and it was actually embarrassed me. Being a model, I was usually held to higher standards, so the wreak of vomit wasn't my choice cologne. And I couldn't even do anything about it right now. Later, I would shower and change clothes; but that was kind of impossible in a helicopter, wasn't it?

When we touched ground, I was the first out. It wasn't as if I hadn't travelled by helicopter before, I just didn't like it. The three of us all retreated to the lodge we would be staying at as soon as the helicopter left. Of course, this was one of those towns that people had to travel by foot, dog sled, or a small-motored vehicle such as a skidoo or four-wheeler to get anywhere. Since none of us had either of the latters, it would be the former. Which left time to talk.

"Shiki Senri, I don't believe we've met. I'm Shitsuren Fuyuki." He smiled, holding out a hand for me to shake. I looked up at him, and he pulled his hand away. This guy was older than both Takuma and I, appearing in his early twenties or so. He seemed nice enough, but if he was in on whatever secret Takuma was keeping from me, then no, I didn't like him. "I'm here on official buisness by order of Kuran Kaname. I'm to assist you in anyway possible."

"Want your first order?" I glared at him for a moment as he watched me expectantly. Then simply, I added, "Get lost."

Both Takuma and Shitsuren stared at me, horrified. When their eyes met, Takuma quickly scrambled to come up with something to excuse my words. "He's just a little upset. I threw up on him in the Shuttle Bus, and you know models...."

I just rolled my eyes and began to walk a little faster. The very limited people who were out this time of morning were staring at the three of us, dressed in expensive suedes and leathers. I looked around. They were all wearing what appeared to be homemade parkas and mukluks — there was no way I was putting any of those on. But when we entered our lodge, it was the least of my worries. Two-roomed with a loft; dusty, dirty, and no maids of any kind. I was in a Hell frozen over, living my absolute worst nightmare.

"So, where're we hunting the Level Es?" I asked Takuma, but it reached Shitsuren first.

"Outside of the town. You patrol during the nights, and make sure that the townspeople are as safe as possible. Try not to let them witness any of your killings; they think that they're under attack by wolves, or bears... something like that." He sounded rather dutiful, even as he tossed his bag down next to the couch and flopped down to test it rather unprofessionally. When I fixed my perwinkle eyes in a death glare on him, he changed the subject. "There's only one bed in the loft, so I'll take the couch. I hope you two don't mind sharing."

"No, it's fine," Takuma answered quickly, ushering me toward the ladder. "We don't mind at all."

"Why would we?" I added, raising an eyebrow at Takuma. He was acting as if he were embarrassed about our relationship. Whatever the problem was with showing off to this guy, it must've been serious, because Takuma and I were usually very open about our relationship. I was very proud to have Takuma as my lover. Why did he act like he was so ashamed?