Title: Love is a Problematic Turnabout

Rating: M

Summary: Rogue Leissen is a 24-year-old girl that closely works with Kristoph Gavin as an assistant. He picked her up off the streets 12 years ago, and ever since she has held great affection for him. What happens when Kristoph needs an alibi will change history for the AA universe as we know it. Kristoph/Oc

A/N's: Ahaha, I researched Egyptian accents for a new character in this chapter, and it turns out there really isn't a stereotypical one. All the information I could find said that sometimes 'p's and 'b's are switched and 'th' can be mispronounced as 'za'. Please, Egyptians, don't be offended D:

Chapter Two: "Work" Day

I put the short-and-to-the-point letter from Kristoph back into the fancy royal envelope and resealed it. Hesitantly, I set it down on the table. I knew I had to burn it, but that didn't mean I wanted to - I never see the man anymore, let alone receive anything from him besides a fix this request every once in a while. I can't help but zone in on those few, infrequent, and practically nonexistent displays of emotion. After a few minutes I stopped wallowing in my own sadness that Kristoph has been avoiding me for months, and walked over to one of the drawers connected to the kitchen counter. Pulling it open, I found the lighter that I was looking for and took it out.

I burnt the letter and envelope over the sink for easy disposability of the ashes; a flick of the tap and they were washed away, never to be seen again. The time was now close to 9:45a.m., so I decided the real adventure should start soon. On my way out of the apartment, I grabbed both the grocery list and the Atroquinine holder, wrapping it around my neck as I moved along. By the door I put on my black leather boots, grabbed the keys and a small black purse, and I was headed on my way downtown.

The sickening feeling in my gut went unnoticed, but nevertheless, it was still there; a warning gone untaken. If only I had realized…

Apparently, the easiest way to disguise something illegal is to hide it in plain sight. Take the outlawed substance store, 'Shadi's Pharmaceuticals' for example. A small drug store owned and operated by the Egyptian man Gupta 'Shadi' Eleftheriou that specialized in importing and exporting dangerous drugs was located in the middle of the vibrant downtown setting of Los Angeles where Policemen, Policewomen, and probably even Interpol agents alike, have walked by it every day and yet no one has ever suspected a thing. I guess it also helps that Shadi is a genius; everything illegal that he sells is disguised as something else so that only the knowing customer would be able to recognize it for what the substance really was. Still, the man's nickname is Shadi… isn't that kind of shady? But no, never has there ever been an incident involving Shadi being caught in his dealings. I know for a fact that Shadi has some protocols in place in a case of such events of a sting operation, he tells them to his much trusted regular customers (one of which I am by de facto of Kristoph and his obsession with using Atroquinine to off people), but there hasn't been an instance that he has been forced to act upon them.

I have no idea how he does it, really - that place has a whole bunch of heavy duty, expensive, and exotic "meds" in there. Not only does he sell the general illegals, like Marijuana and Cocaine, but Shadi has various flavors and scents of opium and hookah. I was there once when he got a shipment of mint hookah, you could smell it from the box - but no, no one has ever noticed. Not customs, not police, not even the postman who delivered it to him.

'Shadi's Pharmaceuticals' not only supplies illegal and dangerous drugs, but objects, poisons, and products as well. Hell, I swear I've seen some Borginian Cocoons floating around in there, some bottles of Babahlese Ink too. But, the specialization ends there. Shadi, to keep himself under the radar, also sells regular prescription drugs, OTCs, and typical and topical medications. I would assume that also helps to keep the police off his back.

Before I walk in to the shop, I pause for a moment to check if I'm being watched or followed, just as a precaution - you can never be too careful. I notice nothing suspicious, and proceed, hearing the delightful little jingle of the bells that are tied to the door to signal when a customer enters. Residing in front of the large glass window to the left of the store's entrance is a sparkling gold Egyptian wind chime. I brush my hands against it three times, sending a signal to Shadi that I'm a customer there for a specific purpose. This is an action that Shadi has customers with illegal needs perform to identify myself from other customers who may enter his pharmaceutical store for harmless reasons. The Eye of Horus chime, decorated with three large bells and three green beads, when rung three times lets Shadi know when certain customers have arrived.

I suppose no one else is in the shop because as soon as the bells begin their third vibration, the energetic golden skinned, sun-kissed man comes gallivanting out to meet me at the door. His volcanic-black hair frames his face, and his shimmering green eyes resonate with happiness - we haven't seen each other in such a long time… eight months, perhaps? It's hard not to see your best friend for so long.

"Rogue! Oh how long it's peen! How are you zoday, my dear?" He clasps my hands in his in excitement.

Some may call him exotic, but Shadi is just an incredibly handsome and ethnic individual - even with the way that he dresses he sticks to his roots. He dons classic Egyptian attire and jewelry - necklaces and earrings completing his outfit. In reality, Shadi could have any woman he wanted, of course if she could get past his "profession", but I don't believe he swings that way as I've overheard him in… certain private conversations with his supplier from back home, a man named Marik Hassan. I believe more than a friendship and business relationship resides there.

Today, I noticed, Shadi is not sporting his usual beige keffiyeh; a signal that today is a delivery day from Marik, or a secondary supplier. I suppose it would best suit me to get the Atroquinine and go, as it is easier for Shadi to work alone and not concern himself with browsers and general nosy people… which I tend to be whenever I visit 'Shadi's Pharmaceuticals' just because I'm curious what he has hidden high upon the shelves.

"Hey, it's been too long, Shades! I'm doing fine, how's life been treating you?" I asked him, his happiness delving into my body and picking up my spirits as well. It seems he's pretty contagious.

"Ah, ah, life is so well! Soon, I will pe traveling to my home and visiting Marik! I have not seen him for such long time!" So that's what has him ecstatic… I'm glad. I was about to respond when his entire demeanor changed drastically.

"Put, that is not zae only recent event. I have come across a broplem as of late," he frowned and leaned in towards me, looking around as if he was afraid someone was watching him. "I pelieve zaht zae Interpolicemen and women have discovered something I wish they had not."

My eyes widen. Maybe it was too good to be true… what seemed like ridiculously complete secrecy and safety may have just been unnoticed watch. Did Interpol really know?

"I will be going on a vacation of sorts, and I have doupt I will pe coming pack to Los Angeles."

Shadi…

"However, I shall pe returning to Marik, and all will be well!" His happiness returned, and if he's happy, I'll be happy. Of course, I'll miss him dearly, with his funny accent and eccentric dress, but as long as he's safe and well I couldn't wish for more. That is, if he will be safe - Interpol is Interpol for a reason. I feel a surge of panic inside.

I breathe in and out, trying to collect myself, before speaking. "Shadi, I hope you enjoy your life with Marik - while I figure it's socially unacceptable in your country, I know the two of you aren't just friends," he blushes at this statement, "Mail me letters if you have the chance! Postcards, pictures, I'll treasure them - you're my best friend. Besides, if anything happens, I know Kristoph will be able to defend your honor."

I know he must be faking the smile right now - Shadi has been living in Los Angeles for about twelve years, just like me. It will be hard for him to leave the empire he had created to the street prowlers, most definitely there will be break-ins after he leaves by people who are too cheap to purchase the items themselves… Either way, there was no time for dawdling - if he was under watch, then I must acquire the Atroquinine before it's too late. Shadi was a great friend, and I wanted to spend time with him, but Kristoph was a priority… and I'm forced to chose between time for myself and time for him.

"Zank you Rogue, I know, I know. Now, you wished to purchase something from me?"

"Ah, yes. As you can see," I raised the poison bottle from its position on my chest to show him, "the bottle has been emptied. I was going to buy only a small supply, but since you're leaving…" I trailed off.

"I see. Come, I'll let you have everything you need and zaen some." The two of us turned to walk towards his "restricted section" when someone crashed in through the door.

"Ema Skye - L.A. Criminal Affairs Department! This is an emergency!"

I could've sworn my heart stopped for minutes when the young detective came barging in to 'Shadi's Pharmaceuticals', however, Shadi had no time for panic and went straight in to protocol mode and prayed that his plans would work since they had never been previously tested. Thankfully, his worries were unfounded since the two of us had no reason to act rashly.

"Damn, Shadi… I was not expecting that to happen! Maybe your worries have no basis, ever checked yourself out as a paranoiac? Never thought you'd be the type…"

"At least we had no trouples, and I do have reasons for my peliefs. Just pecause one instance did not habben to end padly does not mean another will not."

"All right Shadi, if you say so…" Our playful banter continued on a bit, but I was sidetracked by memory of the events that occurred just moments ago.

"I need aspirin, all the aspirin you have!"

"Fräulein Detective, I annoy you that much, ja?"

"Quiet, you glimmerous fop!"

Two energetic, well, one energetic and the other with a massive headache, people stormed in to 'Shadi's Pharmaceuticals'. The younger, crying for aspirin, was a girl with long brown hair, a white lab coat, and a pair of bright pink sunglasses resting atop her head. The other was a man you would recognize anywhere - a world renowned rock star, a prosecutor, the 'best' of the Gavin family. The other man was Klavier Gavin, and I knew this as a fact. The perfect little brother of Kristoph, the rich, the famous, the child that the two's parents wished that Kristoph had been. Frequently, he would rant about how his pesky little brother was always the favorite when the two of us still conversed… all the time actually. The way Kristoph described the interaction between him, his brother, and his now estranged family was unfair - favoritism was prevalent, and I think that's what fuels Kristoph's drive to prove his worth and excellence to the world. However, Klavier does not seem as bad as Kristoph made him out to be; I haven't seen any red carpets being rolled out yet or felt any stuck-up airs about him.

Meanwhile, Shadi backed out of protocol mode and went into the module I had just escaped - scared shitless mode. It was understandable, seeing as that there had just been an unexpected, boisterous entry of an L.A.P.D. member into his shop that housed, many, many illegal things that would deliver many, many heavy charges and penalty fines.

The girl detective, Ms. Skye, turned to him. "Gupta Eleftheriou, I presume?"

"Shadi, blease, Ms. Skye, no need for such formalities wize me," he spoke, nervously.

Ms. Skye waved her hand in dismissal, "Just Ema, please," and then sharply turned to face Klavier who had his mouth open in preparation to say something.

"You, fop, are not allowed to address me as such."

Klavier chuckled in response, and Shadi stated to calm down after seeing the pair meant no harm to him.

"Hey, Shadi, what's a good cure for terminal headaches? I seem to be having them all the time now, and I assume taking so much aspirin is unhealthy… By the way, do you sell snackoos here?"

I was left standing alone while Shadi talked to Ema about headache medicines and remedies, alone with Kristoph's brother Klavier. Getting a closer look, I could tell that the two brothers were practically identical in the looks department - except for Kristoph's notably maturity and more refined, aged look, of course. If one did not know the two were born six years apart, then one could reasonably guess the two were twins. I then decided that it was better to look busy than to stare aimlessly at different objects like a dope, so I briskly stepped to a cough drop display and looked at the various flavors available. A few of them caught my eye, and even though I did not need them, I picked a few new ones up like 'Kiwi Strawberry' and 'Argentina Mint Blast' because they sounded cool; that's why they're located near registers, so you can buy them because they look cool but you don't actually need them. Nice, Shadi, nice. Like you don't make enough money already…

I felt a hand on a shoulder and spun on my heels, ready to face the man behind me, but unprepared to speak to him. There he was, Klavier Gavin, mere inches from my person, staring at me intently and pretty creepily too…

"May I help y-you, Mr. Gavin?" He did nothing but blink a few times, and then tried to give me awkward eye contact. Keyword: tried. There are only two people I can look directly at, for short periods of time - Kristoph is number one, and Shadi's the second. Perhaps the inability to participate in social situations has made me look vulnerable… is that why he keeps looking at me like that?

"Mr. Gavin?" I inquired once more, and this time he did illicit a response.

"Klavier, just Klavier... May I ask you what your name is, fräulein?"

"Oh, my n-name's Rogue, Rogue Leissen, K-Klavier." Damn it all to hell, not now! I don't have time for this now! I thought this didn't happen anymore, so… oh. It's because I don't know him at all. I've known the other two forever, that's why I can speak with them normally… How long has it been since Kristoph has sent me somewhere where I've had to have an actual conversation with someone from the 'outside'?

Klavier gave me a soft smile, and wow, now I know why the fangirls scream. Alas, that angelic face is not as handsome as Kristoph's, nor is the smile as bright, but it feels nice to have someone smile at me that I don't know… it makes me feel a little less unimportant. The only smiles I get are from Shadi, nowadays, and the smile today was the first since I last saw him many months ago.

"Rogue, please don't be nervous. I know I'm intimidating, ja, but-" Now I see what Kristoph was talking about, that cockiness - even as subtle as it was - was still there, "I promise not to bite."

Klavier then proceeded to make some motions that looked like he was playing a guitar in the air backwards, and then pointed at me. 'What, is this court?' I laugh internally at my own joke.

"I apologize if I made you self-aware, Rogue, but I believe I've seen you somewhere before; I cannot seem to place my finger on it though… it puzzles me, ja."

"Not t-to b-be rude, Klavier, b-but I can assure y-you that we-we've never met b-before," I shake my head side to side slightly. Ugh, goddamn stutter, why won't you just stop? Can't a girl have some peace when speaking?

It was like a light bulb turned itself on inside Klavier's head. "Aha! That is where I have seen you…" he trailed off and I was unable to decipher anything he was saying except for one word. "…Kristoph."

"Excuse me?" he paused for a few moments before answering, possibly trying to collect his thoughts.

"Mein bruder, Kristoph, he has a picture of you in his office, fräulein… A picture of you, sleeping; I've never gotten a good look at it in its small frame, but I'm sure that it's you," Klavier frowned at me.

Suddenly, I got nervous. "Oh?" Klavier seemed too close to me and I felt as if I was being cornered.

He took a step closer, and I took a step back - straight into the rows of cough drops - almost falling down. What is this, episode two: attack of the clumsy? Klavier put a hand on my shoulder, stopping my movement.

"Ja, it is you, Rogue. What do you…" mean to my brother, he meant to ask. Unfortunately for him, but the opposite for me, Klavier was cut off by a projectile snackoo. Perhaps that was for the better, as neither of the two of us would have been able to hear the other over the crunch crunch of the *munch**munch* sounds coming from the now returning Ema Skye.

"Oi, rock boy, it's time to return to the investigation! Let's go!" Klavier turned to leave, but before he did he gave me another once over. I felt uncomfortable; his eyes roamed inappropriately, and I couldn't shake the feeling that I wished it was Kristoph looking at me that way instead. A girl can dream, but not all dreams come true.

"I'll be seeing you around, ja, Rogue." His ominous words left me puzzled and I felt my stomach tighten as the pain from this morning returned, the feeling of uncertainty and worry flooding my mind.

"Thanks, Shadi! I'll *munch* put your advice to good work!"

"Auf Wiedersehen, Rogue, Shadi."

The two promptly exited 'Shadi's Pharmaceuticals'.

I leaned over the front counter that housed the cash register while waiting for Shadi to return with all the Atroquinine he had left. He graciously offered it all to me for a reduced price, since he will not be having any use of it when he leaves the country. Parting words of optimism for the large bottle, "If I do return, I'll just need to burchase more - it's not like it won't sell, Rogue. Don't worry apout a zehing," made me feel a little bit better about buying two-freaking-liters of a poison that only requires approximately fifteen grams to kill somebody. In order to prevent arousing suspicion about the large clear bottle filled with a dusty sky blue liquid, Shadi went into the storeroom to find some bottles of astringent that housed liquids of the same color to empty out for me to have and house the Atroquinine. I, of course, offered to pay for the wasted oil-remover.

I concerned myself with a prevalent problem while waiting - the status of the once-thought-long-gone Asperger's. As a child, I had mild symptoms of clumsiness, word salad and lack of communication, as well as inability to sustain eye contact, but since my early teens the manifestation seemed to dwindle in intensity to an almost nonexistent phase. Asperger's has not hindered me for at least eight years, so why was it returning now of all times? I remember: when I first was found by Kristoph, he knew I had a problem. I was young, I didn't know him at all, and he took me in - but I had a hard time of showing my gratitude and communicating, so one day he took me to a doctor and I was diagnosed with the psychological condition. Since then, I became used to his presence and was able to function normally around him. Around this time, I met Shadi while walking about on a mission with Kristoph - he introduced me to him, and from that time it has been I running to get the Atroquinine and other various supplies he requires… like the groceries I need to pick up on my way back to the apartment.

Back to the story.

Anyhow, just like with Kristoph, I eventually became accustomed to Shadi and we've been best friends ever since. The problem had never resurfaced in all these years… Klavier. Did I have such a negative reaction to you because of Kristoph? Kristoph… I haven't spoken to you for, what, a month, two months? Deep inside, I'm scared that I'll revert to my old self again - secluded and alone - and act indifferently even though I mean not to… Then again, I hadn't seen Shadi in a longer time than I haven't seen Kristoph in, and that turned out fine, but I didn't have any anxiety over the meeting... Ah, well, I guess speculation won't help. If anything, actions speak louder than words; if I can force myself to do what I need to do, I won't need to explain myself to him.

I don't know if I can tell him though… Is that why he's avoiding me? Is it because he knows?

But that doesn't make sense if what Klavier said was true.

"Hmm…"

Shadi returned with four smaller bottles of "astringent" and snapped me out of my stupor.

I may as well ask, just in case…

"Shadi, do you have anything for my condition? I'm a bit worried that the symptoms are beginning to resurface again."

Shadi leaned his head back and stared at the ceiling in thought. I could see him swallow every once in a while as his Adam's apple shook, and his eyes were squeezed shut while he was lost in thought.

"The medicine I gave you those years ago, it was a sbecial pre-order request from Gavin; I'm not quite sure if I have an exact replica of za serum, but I do have somezhing quite similar."

I nod, "That will do just fine; thank you, Shadi."

Shadi added the serum for the repression of my Asperger's effects to my bill, and I placed the cough drops I had picked out on the counter as well. Shadi noticed, and laughed heartily and genuinely.

"Ah, Rogue, I never thought you'd be za type," he said in an impersonation of me as he bagged my items in a brown paper bag. He handed them to me silently after he had finished his fit of laughter and smiled sadly at me. I exchanged the money in full for the bag, and then we stood there, awkwardly, for a few minutes.

"I guess this is goodbye then," I didn't even realize I had spoken first.

Shadi looked down, "I assume."

I wasn't sure as to what to do next, but my body moved for me. I walked around the counter, marched straight up to the Egyptian man, and enveloped him in a hug.

"Be careful, Gupta - if Marik's ever mean to you, let me know and I'll kick his ass!"

Shadi returned the hug with a crushing intensity. I could smell the scent of sand and papyrus on his skin, an aroma I never thought I would lose.

"Thank you Rogue, you've been zaere for me always, you're my only American friend. While I have partners over here in America, you're za only one I've come to like and care apout. Thank you for making zais exberience more interesting. "

We separated, and he shook my hand. "Ma`a as-salāma, Ms. Leissen."

"Goodbye, Mr. Eleftheriou," I replied. We ended our friendship courteously and formally, leaving no regretful or saddening memories behind, remembering only the good times and the great future waiting in store for the other. I would miss Shadi, most definitely, but that doesn't mean that will hold me back. When there's a will there's a way, and when you wish for something hard enough, your dream will come true - Shadi and I will meet again another day, and I'll be looking forward to that time. For now, I have other things to do.

Like get the groceries… So much fun, ne?

I left 'Shadi's Pharmaceuticals', and looked back not once, but twice and saw Shadi pick up the phone. I walked away through the streets of downtown Los Angeles with a smile on my face, knowing Shadi and Marik would live a happy life free of stress and, hopefully, but not likely, illegal activities.

Afterwards, I completed my rounds at the supermarket and various mom-and-pop shops before returning to the apartment.

When I returned, I placed the bottles on the counter after refilling the necklace-token, threw the cough drop packs in a drawer in the kitchen, and hid the serum. Today's incident with Klavier was not something I wanted Kristoph to discover, but knowing the two's personalities, either Kristoph already knew or Klavier is going to tell him sooner or later.

Having nothing better to do, I went into Kristoph's room and took a book of Sudoku off one of his fully filled bookshelves. I set the book down on his bed, and went back out to the kitchen to retrieve a pen when I remembered something crucially important.

"Oh, yeah, I have to call Kristoph's cell from my own at 9:00p.m. tonight… I should probably set an alarm so I don't forget."

I set an alarm on my cell phone that was lying on the kitchen counter (I had taken it out of my purse after I put away the bacon and such) for 8:55p.m., and took it with me when I returned with a pen to Kristoph's room. Setting the portable device on Kristoph's notably-larger-than-my-own nightstand, I lied down on his purple plaid plush bed with the pen and book in hand. I like figuring out Sudoku puzzles in my free time, I find it quite relaxing. If I really got into it, I could finish an entire book in a number of hours.

And no, I'm not a pervert - that is not why I'm laying on his bed.

I remember, when Kristoph had a regular schedule, I used to lie on his bed and do Sudoku puzzles while waiting for him to come home. Once he arrived, he'd take off his suit jacket and set it on the chair to his desk in the corner while telling me about his day, what he did and what he ate for lunch (if I hadn't prepared it the night before). Some of my fondest memories come from those times, when we'd chat, when he'd subconsciously make puns, when I'd laugh stupidly at said puns and he'd join in.

Caught up in reminiscing and Sudoku, before I knew it the time was almost nine and I called, not leaving a message as per his instruction. Though before hanging up, I listened to his voicemail message - call me creepy, but I love to hear his silky voice.

After calling, I believe I began to drift off into the refreshing waves of sleep…

I woke up to the bang of Kristoph's bedroom door slamming open. The clock read 2:30a.m., why was he coming home so late? More importantly, why did he seem so angry?

He stood there, in the door way, not saying a word while his blond bangs shielded his eyes from my sight.

Uh oh.

Slowly, he began to walk towards me - no that's not correct, he wasn't walking; he was on a prowl.

"K-Kristoph?" I nervously asked, shaking, and still lying down on his bed.

He climbed on top of me on the bed, pressed down on the open space between my neck and my breasts with one hand, and untied his pink neck ribbon with the other. My heart was hammering in my chest, and I believe it's safe to assume I was as red as an Italian tomato.

It was then I saw his face, his true emotion; lust and rush, an adrenaline rush. He leaned over me, whispering into my ear huskily the words I never thought once that I would hear.

"Rogue, I'm going to fuck you."

Thanks for reading this chapter, reviews are much appreciated!

Mwahahaha CLIFFHANGER!

Wow, I didn't think this chapter would be so long! I added lots of detail to the parts describing Shadi's drug shack, so I guess that's where the length came from. Lots of questions introduced in this chapter! What is the importance of Shadi? About Marik? Is Marik from YGO? (Ahaha lol I based Marik's design off of Marik Ishtar, looks wise. I'm sorry I cheated D: Also, if anyone's wondering what Shadi (Gupta) looks like, I based his design (looks) off of Egypt from Hetalia! Specifically Egypt/#897013 and Egypt/#667148 on Zerochan. (To see the images, take out the Egypt/# and put the numbers after Zerochan's url. :P))

More importantly, what is Kristoph going to do? (Well, Rogue obviously, but you guys know what I mean ._.)

Next chapter will be Kristoph's P.O.V. of the events leading up to that climatic (I really got to stop with these jokes) moment at the end. Most likely the chapter afterwards will be the reason this story is rated M!

Once again, thank you so much for reading; even just seeing that my story is getting views makes me feel accomplished. Have a great day/night/morning/etc. readers!