Mages and Knights
Summery: AU Takuya is the son of a poor farmer and on one day discovers he is an Elemental. Powerful people are out to get him so he travels to a School were he meets a lot of interesting people. And maybe fall in love with one of the strangest. Kouji/Takuya
Warnings: Digimon crossover, Cursing, Yoai, T rating
Chapter name: Illusive Rue
Disclaimer: I don't own Digimon
Author Notes: Things are going to start getting more agitated now. I won't tell you too much info. Since that would ruin the whole thing so keep on reading. Thank all of you for your reviews. Any excuses for the lateness are on my homepage if you want to check them out. It's almost time for the climax! Yay!
I've noticed that I've been mainly focusing on the Kouji/Takuya pairing and barely given the other some than a few lines and hints. The Yamato/Tai story happened in a burst of inspiration and I liked it but I think I better move on to the other pairings if I want to get them in before this fanfic is over. This one is mainly covering one specific paring but it also includes several others. You'll see what I'm talking about. So enjoy.
It was always dawn that seemed to be the calmest part of the day. It's routine that he has always had, to wake just around the time of the sunrise. But it probably only was that his family had pressed the habit of rising early. Yet, despite the yearning to sleep in, he always got up (for the most part anyway) and admired the rising of the dawn. It was kind of like a reminder that he wasn't alone being what he was, something different from the night sky, forcing its way through the stars to burn brightly and alone. Feeling the rising warmth was always welcome too. Winters in the morning are too damn cold.
Depending on the season, the colors of the sky change and shift as the sunlight hits it and, of course, the time of the sunrise is also a thing that changes. He notices, the way in summer the lighter saffron blue is suddenly cut off by rays of shinning red and orange sunlight. It's more subtle during winter and fall, lazier where the sun rises gradually and the colors intermingle before washing away the night blues. Spring is the kind of chirpier but slightly reluctant rising but once the sun is up it will shine away like it has a personal problem with the world.
So this is why he was sitting with his back against a tree, overlooking the lake as the sun rose slightly to his left. The morning fog danced across the lake and blurred the sun rise into pastel-y hues. The mist, of course, also brought on a less than welcomed chill that made him wrap his cape tighter around himself but at least it wasn't raining. Now that would be something to be pissed about.
Takuya sighed softly and rested his head on the bark of the tree behind him, narrowing his eyes so that he would get less of the glare in his eyes. It was pretty but once the sun was up and running, the lake was like one mirror, a big ol' freaking mirror that took no prisoners. But that wasn't for another thirty minutes maybe, forty five at the most. You never know with these late fall suns.
But still, the point remains that dawn was one of his favorite times to get up and face the day, if he woke up. Lately though, without his mother's unique wake-up call, he found himself sleeping until later when breakfast was serves which was much later than breakfast at his home. He should stop thinking about things like those. He was making himself homesick.
Unfortunately, trying to think about something else bought a stray thought that he had tried to not think about. Takuya groaned and huddled more into his cloak like a burrito. Maybe Kouichi would sleep a little later than usual to give him some more time to reflect. As much as he wanted to serve away from the subject he knew that the problem wouldn't go away until he faced it someday. Sadly, he wasn't ready to face it so here he was readying himself to do so. It might take some time, he reflected, maybe a few months give or take a week or so.
He sniffled and rubbed his pink nose. He loved the view but the cold really was turning things kind of sour. Okay, ignoring the cold now.
A smile flickered up to his face and he practically melted into his cape like a pile of Takuya-mush. He just felt so content like everything was going the way he wanted. Which it wasn't by the way. He forgot about the worksheet he was supposed to hand in yesterday and then, somehow, Ken found out and dragged his butt into an empty classroom to study for six hours straight. His brains were practically melting by that point. Ken was a good guy and all- he doubted anyone else would spend all that time helping little thick-headed him- but he had the biggest mean streak in him if it had anything to do with academics.
Ken…overall he was one of those friends which could keep you on the right track while not changing anything about you. If Ken was one thing it was cruelly honest no matter what situation it was in. Takuya had to admire that in him. That and the fact that he was the only Wizard he had ever met outside of a classroom. He had never seen Ken do anything related to his power but that probably was because he wasn't in any of those classes in which Wizards had to magick themselves or whatever they do. It was no wonder that he and Kouji were best friends.
A blissful giggle suddenly jumped from him and he had to bury his head in his arms to keep the smile that he was sure had him look drunk. He just couldn't help it. With the thought of Kouji the memories of that time in the little room a week ago. His smile faded a little. He hadn't talked very much to Kouji since all the teachers seemed to have decided it was time to spring everybody major fifty-percent-of-your-grade tests during the same week. Takuya and his friends spend almost all their free time and eating time in the library studying. He never knew school was so stressful! But that probably was because he had the least education and had to work twice as hard to barely pass by.
That and practically everybody in the school were acting like headless chickens, running around all over the place with urgency, boys talking to girls and vice versa. It baffled him. There always seemed to be a group of girls in the halls, whispering and peaking over each other to glimpse everybody, acting all secretive and giggly. In fact, He even saw Izumi talking with her posse and he suddenly got a very bad feeling in the pit of his stomach. The feeling only increase when she suddenly turned her head and their eyes met. They were filled with such loathing and hate, Takuya had taken a step backwards. He had just enough pride not to run until she broke his gaze and walked away, a sneer on her face.
So because of that he had only a few times to talk with Kouji but they were hurried and aloof. Takuya would have been insulted, thinking that Kouji was doing another number, but he always sneaked in one smile, a real smile, at him and, once a quick peck on the lips because vanishing into the student body. Takuya couldn't expect for Kouji's world to revolve around him though that would be nice…
Snapping out of it then realizing he had been drooling into his arms- actually drooling!- he lifted his head and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, the soft wind tossing his brown locks around. He shivered slightly and breathed in that cold, crisp morning air, feeling like it was cleaning his insides. Another rather pleasurable reason to get up in the mornings.
But besides all other feelings, he still didn't know where they stood relationship-wise. It didn't help matters that Takuya was a pure novice at things like relationships and whatever since it was the first time he even touched the line that divided friendship and something else entirely. Maaa! He wished Mimi was here. She would know what to do. Maybe Juri could help him? Does making out with someone make them by default enter a relationship? If it was then what was his role in the pairing? Wah! Confusing! Maybe there was a book about it somewhere.
But all things aside he was feeling pretty good, euphoric almost. But, as in every time something good happened in his life, there was something that gave him unease and dampened his ecstatic mood. Why couldn't he ever get a break? It wasn't fair! Everything something good happened -BAM!-something not so great trampled allover his tiny miserable life.
Something big was going to happen and it was going to be bad, very bad. The Weavers contacted him urgently, without reservation like they had been forced to because of short notice. That should have been impossible. They knew everything! Well, everything that had a fey line. They didn't know what could be in his future so it was possible that it skipped their notice. He didn't know what to think and neither did the others, after the initial panic passed.
"To the library!" had been basically Takato's opinion.
"To the infirmary!" had been echoed by Kouichi and Juri, fearing that he was still not healthy enough to be walking about.
"Ready yourselves for the battle!" was Hazu's tidbit of advice.
"To the food!" Three guesses who said that and the first two don't count.
Meimu said that Takuya fainted due to increased stress on his core and asked Takuya if he had been doing anything strenuous with his magic that caused him to feel momentarily or prolonged dizziness or aches. Takuya hadn't and the matron had reluctantly let him go, making him promise that she wouldn't see him in the infirmary for the rest of the year. Tomoki had come to help him too for a while and he was grateful for the company of the small energetic boy.
Yes, but besides that, they were on the alert for anything suspicious but really there had been no need to look. It was school. It was practically a synonym for suspicious. But, moving on, he was worried. He wasn't ready for whatever this thing was. He was, well, he was uneasy about the whole thing. Destiny's book showed them a bunch of events that showed why Elementals were stopped being created and why three of the royal family were killed but what did that have to do with what was going to happen? There was something that tied all these things and his situation together, he just knew it. He just had to find it. And hopefully he would find it before it was too late.
A being so close to the Gods wouldn't go to such lengths to contact a mere mortal, it was obvious. Why did all these things have to happen to him?
Well, there were no answers here, Takuya mused and squinted, turning his head to the side. The sun was just finishing coming up halfway and the lake was reflecting the dancing waves of light. The sky was decorated with hues of sunlight, clouds drifting in the direction of the wind. Takuya looked around and found what he was looking for. It doesn't always appear especially in this season but he loved seeing it.
When the wind blew across the clouds just right and on time, a big thin clouds drifted right over the glowing orange sun and caught the rays under them. The clouds turned a beautiful claret color with dashes of light yellow while the tops of the clouds were pure white. It looked like a painting that no Earthly artist could ever hope to duplicate. The whole sky was orange the gleamed with dashes of blue and white. The lake was a carrot red color which looked like colored ice, completely still. It radiated a calm and peacefulness that took over him, smiling contentedly.
The only thing which would make this even better would be to have someone next to him, to share their warmth in this breathtaking cold picture. Anyone who would smile and tell him they would pick him over anybody else and look at him with icy but smiling blue eyes. Someone with silky black hair that he could run his fingers through. Yeah, someone like that.
He was drooling again, he dully noted. Why was his life so complicated? All he wanted was a simple life, a simple life with love and happiness and lots of kids (did he mention he loved little kids?) and peace and un-dangerous-ness and quiet- well not that quiet- and sugar and cookies and chocolate cake and pudding and chicken and- damn, he was hungry.
When's breakfast? Hmm, it's a Saturday today so most students would sleep in longer, meaning that there would be very few people at breakfast. Hm, would Kouji be there? He should go check!
Takuya nodded to himself and went to get up but, in that exact moment, a stray beam of light reflected from the lake and hit him square in the eyes. Takuya yelped, covering his eyes with both hands and toppling sideways, unbalanced. It was just his luck that he happened to hit a root that was sticking up from the ground with his stomach, leaving him breathless and not in a good way.
"That hurt…" Takuya grumbled and detached himself from the offending wooden limb and glared at it. He should put it on fire for all its nastiness at ruining his good mood. But he might cause a wildfire again and that would be bad. So the tree will live for today. Say your prayers, tree, say your prayers.
A stray burgundy red leaf floated down from the slightly skeletal-looking branches and landed soft on Takuya head where it snuggly rested. He didn't notice a thing and decided that he should be going now or Kouichi would have a fit.
But…how would Kouichi take this, um, situation? It isn't everyday one of your good friends starts making out with your twin brother. Maybe he wouldn't mind? At any rate he was sure Kouichi had an inkling or flat out knew about what was happening between Takuya and Kouji. He was too smart not to notice. But he hadn't said anything to him yet and it started to worry him. Kouichi wouldn't be disgusted would he? He didn't think so but he had only known Kouichi for a short amount of time yet they had become such good friends. He cherished his friends to the max. He counted each one as something that could never be replaced.
Yes, he was sentimental like that. Don't tell anyone.
He just had to hope for the best and go with the flow. Gah! Flow…Kouji. Why does everything he happens to think about always come back to Kouji? If he wasn't careful he could turn into a lovesick girl. That was the last thing he wanted to turn into.
The mist was filtering in the sunlight, making it thinner and less visible. Kind of like applesauce, very thin applesauce. Personally, he didn't know why someone might want to semi-liquefy apples into a pudding-like substance. Wouldn't it be better to completely turn it into liquid? It just didn't make sense to him.
"Applesauce, one of the world's greatest mysteries," Takuya mumbled to himself. Then he realized what he had been thinking about. He must be really bored.
A few more minutes, he decided, and then he would go inside and eat until he couldn't move. That sounded like a plan. But before he could do anything else a voice called out to him and, no, it wasn't from up above.
"Someone say applesauce?" Takuya's head shot up and spotted an over exuberant teen sprinting his way over to where he was sitting, waving merrily over his head like he was trying to fly away.
Daisuke plopped down on the grass and grinned at Takuya, who returned the gesture. He had on a pair of knee-length dark brown pants and a baggy red shirt under his cape which was on the verge of falling off his shoulders due to the fact he pinned the clasp upside down. He displayed his booted feet in straight front of him and raised his arms to the sky in a stretch. He seemed to be really energetic this morning.
"Hey, what are you doing up this early in the morning?" Takuya inquired as Daisuke leaned his back against the same tree, next to him. Usually, according to Takato, Daisuke was really sluggish and practically dead in the morning right as he got up but a few minutes and some highly concentrated sugary food, he was ready to go. That was probably why he couldn't stop moving for the first few classes of the morning. To be up so early something must be bothering him.
"What? Oh, you know, fresh air and all that shit," Daisuke replied airily, squinting into the sun-painted lake.
"You up in the morning for fresh air, yeah right, and I'm Izumi's best friend," Takuya snorted in disbelief then laughed as Daisuke puffed out his cheeks and punched him playfully on the shoulder.
"Shut up," Daisuke breathed out, still grinning. Then he frowned and tilted his head up, the wind teasing his red, brown-tinted spiky hair.
Takuya just slightly knocked his shoulder against Daisuke's. Both boys settled into an easy silence that could almost be called comfortable expect Takuya could feel something stirring restlessly in Daisuke. Takuya, most unfortunately, had some experience in reading the air or intentions of those who got too close and, well, Daisuke as pretty open about his emotions, probably more than Takuya. Once again he wondered what was wrong.
Now, Takuya was very an inquisitive creature and, being so, caused him to get very close to the people around him who accepted him. And so, Daisuke being one of them, he noticed several things about him when he wasn't being dense and oblivious to the world around him (like he does occasionally). Despite his overall laziness in class and his denseness, he was an extremely loyal friend and, a lot of the time he would surprise Takuya with what he said and acted. He wasn't as empty-headed as most people thought. After all, he barely did any of his class work and homework yet he still passed without trouble.
Daisuke was kind of like him, in a way. Underestimating was a very common thing nowadays.
"I can't take it anymore," Takuya suddenly sighed, making Daisuke look at him in surprise. What did he do now? "What's wrong?"
"W-what makes you think something's wrong?" Daisuke said hesitantly, unable to look Takuya in the eye. He didn't want to bother anyone and be an annoyance. He knew that sometimes he acted kind of immature and it bugged people. But that was just the way he was.
"Come on, Daisuke," Takuya said so exasperated that it was kind of funny. "A blind person could see that something's bugging you. You want to talk about it? I won't tell anyone about this. I promise on my honor as a fire User." To further emphasize his claim, he placed a hand on the heart and patted it twice.
Daisuke hesitated, another indicator that something was up. Then he nodded somewhat uncertainly. "Alright, but promise that you won't tell anyone until I'm ready, okay?" Daisuke said rapidly, feeling like if he didn't spit it out he was going to drown in his own words. Wait, could that happen?
"Yeah, I swear on…" Takuya looked around for something to swear his loyalty on. "I swear on… this moldy piece of wood-looking thing." And he held up the said piece of bark chip that had green mold on the side. His face fell a little. Not the best thing to swear a promise on, he had to admit but Daisuke nodded, appeased.
"Sure, why not." Daisuke chewed on his lower lip a second before reluctantly started talking. His words were choppy and hesitant.
"Um, well, you know, I've been thinking and I kinda wanna go to the Bara Danzu with a certain person but…" he trailed off uncertainly and flushed in embarrassment. He looked sideways at Takuya, hoping he wouldn't be laughing at him.
But all he got was a blank stare. "What's the Bara Danzu?" Takuya questioned. He had never heard about this Bara Danzu. Was it some kind of ceremony that 3rd years went through or something? Neither Tanshin nor Kouji ever mentioned it.
And Takuya got a look that made him feel fairly stupid before a look of comprehension fell over Daisuke's face. "That's right, you don't know! I keep forgetting this is your first year here. I feel like I've known you forever." Takuya couldn't help but grin widely at that as Daisuke shifted around to make himself more comfortable, bunching his cloak as close to him a possible.
"The Bara Danzu is, like, one of the biggest events Calvis throws out. The only other event that gets more excitement would be the 6th years' graduation ceremony and that's really huge. But whatever, that's not for three more years. So, okay, back to the Danzu. It's a tradition and it's like a big party and uhh… I'm so bad at this description stuff." Daisuke scrunched up his nose in frustration then breathed out firmly like he was getting ready to take a test. "Alright, let me try this."
Takuya nodded and put his chin on his arms which were cross over the knees he pulled up to his chest. He was getting really curious about this Bara Danzu. But, on the bad side, it kind of reminded him of how he was a foreigner in a new land. But, he was here to learn, he reminded himself, not to completely change into someone else he wasn't just to fit in.
"Okay, so like fifty years ago or something the headmaster, no, wait, I think it was a woman. Anyway, that's not important. So this person decided that the school was too boring-looking or something and so an Enchanter did their funky stuff and roses sprouted all over the forest and front lawn and every inch of ground or, at least, that's what I heard. Why someone would want to have so many plants I don't know. It was all cool and stuff and the school board or whoever runs the place wanted to celebrate or something, I don't know. And, yeah, the outside party turned out to be pretty lame or so we were told and everything was going flat then a humongous snow storm came out of nowhere and the whole thing was moved inside. I think it was a big thing 'cause it was like in spring and the party was a success afterwards probably 'cause the students were all hyped up on excitement. And ever since every other year, like, for 3rd years and up the Bara Danzu is held in memory of the occasion or something and I heard some of the older years say the whole place is recreated to look like it. They say it the best party ever to be party-ed."
"Really, wow, I had no idea," Takuya blinked. He was totally immersed in the story and Daisuke seemed to really get into telling it.
"Yeah." He nodded excitedly, eyes starting to shine. "It what every lower year can wait to go to. And finally, it going to happen this year! It's going to be so awesome!" Daisuke cheered and punched the air. "All the lower grades are corralled in the upper floors while the whole bottom floor, Banquet Hall, forest, everything is going to be so cool-looking! People would kill to get in."
"No way! So what's it like?" Takuya asked, barely able to contain himself, caught up in Daisuke's excitement. It was contagious.
"Who knows? I mean Tai has only been there once and he won't tell a thing. He just says it the coolest thing he has ever gone to. He told me, after I hounded him for weeks, that it's like an average dance but the food is better, the music is way cooler and more danceable, and the decorations are fantastic or so he said. He got in that a lot of couples are either made or not during the dance. Sucks for those who didn't," Daisuke laughed and shook his head. "Come on! Tell me you saw almost everyone rushing over the place and all the chaos that's been happening lately. The teachers want to get in all the tests done before everyone is too party-ed out."
"That's why!" Takuya cried out, slamming his fist into his palm. "I thought all the teachers were conspiring against us!"
"They might as well be," Daisuke agreed darkly then sighed happily. "Oh, it's going to be so much fun! Well, it would more if…" Once again Daisuke fell characteristically silent, his teeth worrying his lower lip.
There it was again. The troubled air, the unconscious hunching of his shoulders that just weren't like him. It was starting to trouble Takuya greatly. This, here, as one of his first friends that accepted him without hesitation. It only felt right that he should somehow return the favor.
"If you don't tell me what's wrong then how can I help you?" Takuya asked softly, hoping to coax the answer gently out of Daisuke. "Come on, tell me what wrong. Don't make me use my fire powers on you!" he said the last part teasingly, drawing a smile from his friend.
"No, please, I beg you!" Daisuke laughed, lifting his hands in a gesture of mock defeat. Then the current situation fell back down on him and he lowered his hands slowly, a small frown once again forming. His coffee-brown eyes surveyed the grass for a few seconds, the toe of his boot subconsciously crunching the dry starchy green flora. He looked lost.
Takuya didn't say anything, mainly because he didn't know what to say. It was usually the other way around: his friends or family would try to comfort him. He wanted to do something, anything but a nagging thought picked at his brain consistently. What if he messed up? Or maybe, Daisuke just wanted someone to listen. Listen he could do. He was really good with listening.
But, now observing Daisuke's posture and little gestures he was struck by a feeling of familiarity, kind of like déjà vu. He had a feeling he should recognize from where he saw this before. What was it…?
Then Daisuke groaned, snapping Takuya's attention back to him. "I feel so stupid," he mumbled to himself. He sighed and then looked up with a determined expression. "Well, here goes nothing. The Danzu is a big event really and as I said it either makes or breaks couples. It's a big thing for two people to go to and…there some one I want to go with" He said the last part so soft Takuya would have believed he imagined it if he hadn't seen Daisuke's lips move.
"Really?" Takuya blinked, kind of relived. He thought it had seen something way more serious. What so bad about that? "That's great!" He had a feeling being a boyfriend would do Daisuke some good.
"No! It's not great!" Daisuke cried out, fisting his hands in his hair and pulling. Takuya jumped at the outburst. "It's not great at all!"
"What's the big deal?" Takuya said hesitantly. "I'm mean; taking someone to the Danzu isn't that bad a thing, right?"
"You don't get it!" the Knight exclaimed loudly, sounding impatient and distressed at the same time. "It's not that easy! Ahh!" Daisuke buried his face in his heads. "This is so complicated."
You can say that again, Takuya thought. "Okay, time out," Takuya said, knowing that if Daisuke freaked out the whole school would be after their heads for waking them up so early in the morning with frantic screaming. Takuya continued when Daisuke wasn't as close to hyperventilating. "Okay, let's start at the beginning. Who you want to take to the Danzu. Right, so who is she? I'm sure she would say yes if you asked nicely." At least he hoped so.
Daisuke snorted and huddled more into himself. "That's the problem right there. There is no way in sizzling Hell that I would get a yes even if I asked. I may not be smart but I'm smart enough to know that."
"Hey," Takuya said, a bit insulted on Daisuke's behalf. "You are smart! Really," he added strongly Daisuke looked bitter. "Just because you're not as smart as other doesn't mean you aren't! There are different kinds of intelligence you know. Stop being so down on yourself."
"It's kind of hard to do that," Daisuke muttered, pulling his legs in so that he sat crisscrossed. "But, really, Takuya it's nice of you to defend me like that but I just know that the answer will be no."
"Why is that?" Takuya demanded, eyebrows furrowing.
The other didn't answer for a long while, stretching out the silence almost to a point where Takuya couldn't stand it any longer. Just as he was about to say something Daisuke stared speaking again, looking straight ahead of him.
"I'm below him," he whispered, looking so sad, so heartbroken that all Takuya wanted to do was comfort him. "I'm way, way, way, way below him. I'm practically dirt on the floor. He wouldn't even glance at me if I was standing right in front. He's everything I'm not, Takuya. Smart, handsome, respected, a genius. What am I? Nothing. My family isn't even that rich. His is such on old blood family. What could I possible offer him that he doesn't already have?"
Takuya was surprised to hear that the cause of Daisuke's depression was a guy but he accepted it in stride. He suddenly had flash of recognition shook through him. That's what it was! That's why it's so familiar. Daisuke was almost identically acting like he had been a few weeks ago. Right before he went to meet Kouji. Daisuke was crushing hard on this genius person.
But something wasn't adding up. As he said before Daisuke was a very open person. Surely if he was crushing this hard then someone must have noticed it. Takato or Juri would have defiantly noted if he was acting weird. Before this he didn't even have the faintest notion that his friend was suddenly starry-eyed for another student. Or was it a student?
"It's a student, right?"
Daisuke took some time and drew his head from his little depression rain cloud to give him a strange look. "Um, yeah." Then the rain cloud remembered what it was suppose to be doing and it settled over Daisuke again.
"When did you start feeling this way?" Takuya said softly, heart aching with sympathy. He knew how it felt to feel like he couldn't compare, like he wasn't even worth looking at. And, in the end, it was just a bunch of reasonless thoughts that weren't true in the least. Maybe, hopefully, it would be the same for his friend.
Daisuke mumbled something under his breath that sounded like a curse. "Not too long. Maybe a few days? I think it was little over a week when it. And I can't get rid of it!" He let out a frustrated noise that Takuya winced at. That fast? "It wasn't this bad in the beginning but I can barely stand it anymore! I need to get rid of it! Fast, before I do something stupid."
Takuya then smiled, catching something in Daisuke's desperate declaration. "You don't really want the feeling gone do you? I know how you feel Daisuke. You're embarrassed at yourself and you think that whatever you do you'll still be the same. It hurts because you don't know what could happen right? You still hope but that's what hurts the most. Naa?"
Daisuke shot Takuya an incredulous look and suddenly a huge weight was lifted from his shoulders. He didn't even have to say it but Takuya just outlined the very feeling he had been carrying inside him heavily for about a week. He looked into Takuya's eyes, seeing understanding and empathy. Yeah, Takuya had been really down and angry for the past few weeks so perhaps he had been going through the same thing. It looks like his little walk was solving more problems than he thought it could. But there still was the big question…
"But what if he says no?" Daisuke whined, deflating a little. The spikes of his hair even drooped a little.
"You'll never know until you try, right?"
Takuya didn't even wait for Daisuke to answer, he was on his feet and half dragging half pushing a spluttering Knight across the field in five seconds flat, his unforgiving hand wrapped around the other's bicep in a grip of iron and no t taking a no for answer (not that he wanted one in the first place).
"T-Takuya!" Daisuke cried out in shock, not finding his center of balance and tripping over his feet every other half-step. He gasped as his foot hit a root and he was forced to pinwheel with one hand and jump on one foot, dangerously teetering with his left arm being pulled in front of him. "Takuya wait!"
"Nah-ah!" Takuya cheerful replied, hauling Daisuke back on two feet with a jerk that almost sent him flying into the air with a yelp and continued on their merry way back to the back doors of the school. "Come on! You can do it!"
"Do what?" Daisuke cried nervously, now able to stand and walk correctly, thank the Gods. Having the ground meet your face was not a good way to start your morning. He stumbled a bit over a slack rock but recovered his footing easily, now a bit more perturbed.
"To go and get you to ask this guy to the Danzu," Takuya said easily as if he was contemplating on the weather. His finger tightened ever so slightly on Daisuke's arm and his smile was cemented on his face.
"W-w-what?" Daisuke instantly tried to screech to a stop, anything to avoid stepping in that building for the next five days but, in his panic, it didn't even cross his mind to use his magic. His feet scrabbled uselessly on the slippery ground, giving him not traction at all and resulting in resuming his tripping dance from a few minutes before. "N-no Takuya I can't!"
"Why not?" his friend replied calmly. And, to his growing horror, they where only a few meters way from the open back doors. No, no, no! Close doors, close! For the love of the Gods close! Why weren't they closing?
"Takuya, I-stop! I don't wanna!" Daisuke could feel his heart beating fiercely in his chest like it wanted to burst out of his ribcage. A bitter taste stained that back of his mouth as anxiousness and total, complete alarm shot into his system like poison. He felt like he was going to throw up violently just thinking about going up to him and being shot down right off the bat.
"You're doing it whether you want to or not!" Takuya's tone booked no arguments but that didn't stop Daisuke from shouting protests and furtively trying to dive into the ground.
To Daisuke's terror, they arrived at the big doors without him managing to escape. He felt the noticeable change from the cool morning air to the moderate warmth of the halls. He dimly noticed that the rising sunlight was rising inside the stone walls and the magical torches lighted anything else. But he didn't really care right at this point. His stomach was doing acrobatics that a stomach was not supposed to do and he had now given up trying to escape, knowing how determined Takuya could get if pushed. The red headed Knight walked dejectedly next to the Fire Elemental, his arm still being held. If not for that hand he would have bolted faster than if someone told him there's chocolate cake being served in the Banquet Hall. And you know how fast he would run if they actually had cake in breakfast.
Daisuke sighed softly and discreetly tried to unhinge Takuya from his person but he might as well try to give a daemon a vegetarian lifestyle for all it did. His feet dragged on the stone floor. But despite his overall appearance and anxiousness, adrenaline and an odd excitement that rushed so much energy into him he could have bet, if free, he would have been vibrating so hard the floor would crack. Maybe, he could actually do this… He wasn't like this very often.
It had come at him so fast he barely managed to see before it hit home hard. At first it had been the curious side glances during lunch and dinner then it had progressed to longer stares and, even worse, extended daydreaming. He could barely stand next to the guy. It sent him out in goosebumps and jumbled mutterings. His heart would beat so fast he could hear it in his ears.
All of the more serious feeling happened in the course of the past week but, now, he could see the little signs he should have seen before. It was true what people said about him: he had his head buried in the clouds half the time and the other half in food. It had rattled him so much that he could even think about it without wanting to spontaneously combust on the spot. That's the main reason why he hadn't talked to anybody about it. It had been a major effort to even vaguely talk about it to Takuya. He had just been so confused.
All he knew right now was that his heart started going fifty miles an hour whenever he saw him cross the room and suddenly his vocal cords spun out of wack, making him unable to say anything more than "ahh" or "uhh". A sudden rush of warmth inflated the butterflies in his stomach if he met the other's eyes and his palms became sweaty when he would feel him brushing past. He knew he was transparent in matters of emotions and it kind of scared him. He knew he had no chance whatsoever with the guy that made him feel like he was hovering above the floor but it would break his poor fragile heart into pieces and he knew it would hurt bad. He was usually so strong about his emotions and that's probably why his current feelings ganged up on him so bad. He knew he shouldn't have eaten all that sugar when he was a baby. He just knew it was a factor in all this mess.
But, as he said before, he was feeling in vain. There was nothing he could offer the other for single shot at a chance to be with him. His family was richer than his and he had everything a teenager could ever want. Not to mention he was light-years smarter than him. Who would want him as a boyfriend? He couldn't name a single person who would willingly accept. Maybe he was being too negative but that was how he felt. He was nothing special, nothing like Takuya or the genius which stirred such feelings within him. He just felt like…like…
He felt like he was unworthy.
The unexpected clatter of china on wood and a loud burst of laughter brought him back to the real and very scary looking world with a bam. He realized, with wide eyes, that while he had been lost in his mind they had arrived at the Banquet Hall. How could they have arrived so quickly? He wasn't ready!
Right before they stepped into the Hall, Daisuke jerked back, forcing Takuya to stop along with him since he had used less force to drag Daisuke once he calmed down sufficiently. Takuya looked curiously at his friend and noticed, with some alarm, the panicky and distressed looked on his face. Maybe he was pushing Daisuke a bit too hard and he wasn't ready for a confrontation just yet. Perhaps he was rushing things way too fast.
But he remembered the look on Daisuke's face. The look of hopelessness and longing. It reminded Takuya too much of himself. Takuya had held it in until he exploded and it had hurt, not knowing whether Kouji would actually give him the chance of day. He wouldn't wish so much heartache on one of his friends. Daisuke had to get this off his chest and facing it face-to-face was the best option. And, anyway, the less prepared Daisuke was the less he would have to think about it. The perfect plan!
"Come on," Takuya gently urged him, pulling slightly to get him moving again. Daisuke was furiously shaking his head and shivering but he allowed Takuya to lead his forwards. "Really, Daisuke, where'd your courage go to?"
It disappeared down the sewer, he wanted to answer but his mouth refused to move. He didn't want to do this, a part of him cried but the other side of him was readying itself for battle, excitement uncurling inside him. Adrenaline pumped his blood around at a fast pace.
And so they both stepped into the huge chamber. They stopped to observe. As Takuya predicted there were only about a dozen and a half students eating and talking in their little groups, the air inside the hall light and peaceful or as peaceful as it could get. Smells of food curled around the air and hung around their heads, momentarily distracting them from their mission. There was a single, lonely teacher at the teacher's table, eating what looked like to be an omelet or at least something fluffy and yellow. Prefect! Here they go!
Takuya stretched his face in a grin and tugged Daisuke into the hall after him. He could feel the nerves that his friend was throwing around. His determination flagged for a second then returned full force. This was for Daisuke's own good. If it failed Takuya would risk getting stuck with a sobbing Daisuke for months but if things did go well… His friend would be happier than ever before.
"Let's go," Takuya whispered encouragingly then frowned as Daisuke gave a relived, shaky sigh.
"He isn't here," Daisuke murmured, his heart beating slower now. He was so relived! But, at the same time, he felt disappointment. Why should he feel disappointed? He hadn't wanted to do this in the first place!
Takuya almost hit himself. Well, duh! It was so early most students were still asleep and Daisuke's guy would probably be with the majority of the school. Here he was getting so hyped up about something that wasn't even here! It looks like they'll have to try later in the day but that means that he'll have to be glued to Daisuke's side so he won't escape into a hole in a tree. He was sure Daisuke didn't lie because, well, Daisuke was a horrible lair, even worse than he was.
"Damnit!" Several heads turned at the curse but quickly looked away again when they saw Takuya, which in turn, only made him frown harder. This was not time to antagonize over paranoid students.
"Where could he be?" Takuya pondered as he turned both of them out of the hall into the hallway. Takuya pondered on this mystery until he realized something. Surely Daisuke would know where this guy was. "You know?"
Daisuke considered saying that he had no clue but he was shit at lying. He knew a few places where he might be but wasn't sure. "He's probably still sleeping." Yeah, right, he knew that he was the earliest riser known in the history of mankind. Almost every time he came for breakfast, he could see him either eating or in the library.
Takuya hummed thoughtfully then pouted. Damn, there goes his master plan. Alright time to go to plan B. Takuya nudged his friend to turn around and dragged him down a corridor.
So, okay, they could do nothing until this guy, whoever he was, woke up if he was still in bed. But! They weren't going to stand around doing nothing, no siree! Okay so, what they would do know would go as the following: they would check the library, the hallways, the classrooms, the stables, the training building, the grounds, the forest, the corridors around the dormitories (they weren't allowed to go inside without permission of one of the sleepers there), the kitchen, corridors and basically every single square inch of the school. Takuya almost rubbed his hands in glee. Oh, this would be so much fun! Okay, okay, let's go this way!
Takuya was just about to dash around the corner when Daisuke let out a weird sort of squeal/gasp that sounded like he had something stuck down his throat and couldn't get it out (it's quite common for him). Takuya blinked and turned to face Daisuke, his hand slipping from the other's bicep, his hand kind of stiff from holding it in position for a while. Then Takuya just had to raise an eyebrow at the look on Daisuke's face (Kouji must have transferred the habit onto him!)
His rounded face was flushed to a fine red, covering from one cheek across the bridge of his nose to the other cheek. His mouth was slightly open in an impression of a person just struck across the face. And his brown eyes were huge and fixed on something coming just around the corner, filled with a sort of shock that could only be seen in a trapped wild animal. His whole body seized up then relaxed so much that it almost looked like his bones turned to pudding. Takuya was almost afraid that he would melt to the ground. Daisuke's hands clenched then let go restlessly. And Takuya got the feeling that Daisuke was holding his breath.
Curiosity won over and Takuya followed Daisuke's line of sight to a small group that had just showed themselves and, according to the way they were going, they were just about to head into the Banquet Hall.
Takuya recognized the first student immediately; it was almost like second nature to him now to identify Kouji out of a crowd. He appeared to look partially bored, only listening with one ear to the conversation going on around him with one hand hanging onto his cape which was unclasped and dangling over his right shoulder in a look of coolness. To Takuya's dismay, his silky black hair was still bound in a ponytail at the base of his head. A waste if you ask him. A plain silk blue shirt and form-fitting black pants with his usual boots completed Kouji's ensemble. And, if you ask Takuya, it made him looking completely drool-worthy.
Right next to the Knight, was, if Takuya remembered correctly, was Lee, talking causally to the third member of the party. He looked just like Takuya remembered. His shockingly blue hair stood up slightly in his usual hairstyle, much tamer than Daisuke's hair. Unlike Kouji he had his cape properly clasped around his shoulders, both of his hands in his trouser pockets. It had to be a Wolf thing, Takuya decided, since he had seen almost all of them stick their hands in their pockets at one time or another.
Then, last but not least, came along Ken. He was paying informal politeness to Lee's discussion and occasional entering with his own comment. His cape was fully closed, sheltering his clothes and body so that he moved like a giant shadow that had detached itself from a wall corner. He looked immaculate as always, not a single flaw on his person. Really, Takuya wished he had that.
An odd feeling suddenly flew into his stomach. Was the guy Daisuke liked Kouji? His heart jumped into his throat. Oh Gods, what would he do? He didn't want this to be like what happened to Sora and Tai. He just wouldn't be able to take to pain of having a destroyed friendship but he also knew, deep inside, he couldn't let go of Kouji either. It made him ache inside at the very thought.
But then, after his panic caused him to take a second look and saw that, thank everything that was appley and semi-liquidy, Daisuke was not staring like a cat facing a dog at Kouji. No, instead his little mocha-brown eyes were locked on the swaying, shadowy figure of Ken Ichijouji.
Well now, who'd of thought?
Now, Takuya could make sense of everything Daisuke told him. Ken was the genius of geniuses, way smarter than your average Einstein and quite a looker to boot. If Takuya was not mistaken the Ichijouji family was way up in the noble hierarchy next to the Minamotos. But really, Daisuke was underestimating Ken if he thought Ken was going to shoot him down in less than two point three seconds flat. Ken wasn't nearly as heartless as many thought because he had been spending time with the Wizard. He was actually a very pleasant guy to be around.
Right, time to put plan C in action. Heh, he was really good at making up these plans on the spot.
"It's Ken?" Takuya whispered at Daisuke, not taking his eyes off the little trio of Wolves making their slow way into the hall. Daisuke had backed up and forced Takuya to follow him until they were hiding in an odd indention in a wall. He didn't even realize it had been there.
"Hm?" Daisuke distractedly answered, trying to control his out of wack emotions. He wanted to get into Ken's line of sight and smile widely and he also wanted to hightail it out of there just so he won't be spotted doing something stupid.
Takuya took that for a 'yes' and started doing calculations in his head. If he….then…..pushed….left and dragged…..yes! Brilliant! He was giving Ken a run for his money, oh yes he was!
He barely contained the urge to crackle manically and instead whispered to Daisuke, "I have a plan." Which got him a shocked look and, if Takuya didn't know any better, he would have thought that Daisuke was scared of Takuya's master plan. Fsst-shaw! Ridiculous.
Takuya grinned widely at Daisuke and once again captured the other boy's arm, moving them so that they were now in plain view. Daisuke gasped and tried to turn around to burrow back into the wall like some kind of human mole but Takuya would have none of that. He practically wrestled Daisuke away from the wall, pulling him right into the path of the hungry Wolves.
All three boys stopped in the mid-stride and gazed amusedly at the scene in front of them. Takuya had his arms around Daisuke in a headlock while Daisuke was struggling and pulling at Takuya's clothes in the vain attempt to get the other to unhand him. But Takuya was successful in the end and wrapped Daisuke's arm in a death grip and smiled widely, innocently at Ken, Kouji, and Lee as Daisuke breathed heavily, being deprived of air during the headlock. Takuya had strong arms, he'll give him that.
"Hello!" Takuya said cheerfully, still grinning. "What a coincidence to see you guys here!"
"Yes, it is a coincidence to see each other in the morning outside the Banquet Hall for breakfast," Ken replied amused, a small smile flickering in his eyes.
"Yeah!" Takuya agreed, not really paying attention to what Ken was saying. Half his attention was fixed on making sure Daisuke didn't make a break for it and the other half was on Kouji, who was currently eyeing his hold on Daisuke's arm with slightly veiled distaste. Confusion.
"Hello Takuya, Daisuke" Lee said politely, inclining his head slightly.
"'Lo," Takuya replied.
Kouji didn't say anything to Takuya's disappointment but what he did next made up for it ten times over. He strode over on his long legs, ignoring the knowing glances on Lee's and Ken's faces, and wrapped one of his arms around Takuya's waist, pulling the smaller boy closer to his side. Takuya squeaked (it was a manly yelp thank you very much) and unintentionally let go of his prisoner who, by the way, took a step back and watched with big eyes.
"Hey," Kouji murmured softly, loving the feel of Takuya's heat against his side. He usually wasn't so touchy-feely in public but like hell he was going to let Takuya hang off some weirdo's arm even if said weirdo was Takuya's friend. And especially after what happened last time.
Takuya blinked, kind of disoriented at the sudden pull but once he found his bearings and figured out that it was Kouji's arm curled around his waist in public where anyone could see them Takuya's face blushed to high heavens but a contented smile bloomed as well. He never would have excepted Kouji to do something so bold but he couldn't help but enjoy it.
"Kouji!" So, without caring who saw them, Takuya threw his arms around Kouji's middle and giggle, er, chuckled, yes, chuckled. Kouji only smirked and drew Takuya closer, somewhat apprehensive of the looks some of the students were sending them but he pushed the fears aside. This wasn't the time.
Enlightenment time! So that's why… Daisuke, personally, had no qualms about Takuya and Kouji despite him not knowing the latter very well. He would have to trust Takuya's judgment on this one. He knew Kouji had hurt him, everyone could see that someone had thrown Takuya into a painfully emotional rage and now he knew who did it. He was angry at the other Knight, sure, but Takuya looked so happy, smiling like that. He just…wished that he could have the chance to be that happy. But it would never happen and it hurt.
And the reason for that hurt was just five feet away from him. Daisuke sternly kept his eyes anywhere but on the genius no matter how much he just wanted to glance at the other. He never had much self-control but he had to. He could feel his own body start to gravitate towards the black hole that was Ken Ichijouji. He fought but in the end his eyes flickered quickly, almost in a Knight-ish blur on Ken's persona.
The Wizard was watching Takuya and Kouji with a content smile, like he knew about this development ages ago. He wasn't bragging the fact or even acting smug just accepting and casual. So different from him. He looked so refined and elegant that he made Daisuke look like the ruffian and underdog that he was. It was degrading and mortifying. His dark blue hair was tinted indigo was the light hit it from the side and it hung to his chin like a straight curtain, making him look like some kind of lord…or actually the son of a lord since that was what he was. His hair was parted on the right side so that his bangs went at an angle and almost covered his left eye.
He was nothing in comparison.
"Are you going to breakfast Takuya?" Lee asked pleasantly, as if commenting about the color of socks he wore.
Takuya blinked and broke out of the haze that had come on to him as soon as Kouji touched him. That's right! The plan! He had to start the plan! Okay so the first step was in-progress.
"Ah, I already ate," Takuya grinned, ignoring the confused look Daisuke sent him.
"But why were you going into the Banquet hall then?" Lee continued to inquire, his tone somewhat puzzled.
"Because, you see, Daisuke here," Takuya waved a hand at Daisuke. "Hasn't eaten yet and I was going to company him." Then Takuya raised a finger with a triumphant expression. "But! I just remembered I have to do something with Kouji and we have to go now. And Lee has to come with us!"
A hand shot out and grabbed a corner of Lee's cape and Takuya started to drag both Kouji and Lee away, ignoring their bemused and bewildered faces. Ken raised an eyebrow at the not-so-subtle thumbs-up that Takuya sent Daisuke over his shoulders as he dragged both the Knight and Mage away, students sending the odd trio looks that told Takuya he should be in a metal institution for pushing two Lone Wolves around like that. But on they went, for some reason not vocal complaining.
Daisuke looked at the retreating figures, not really catching on to what was happening. Then a soft cough got his attention and he looked over to see onyx eyes. Daisuke felt like his world just slipped from under his feet and his heart leapt to his throat, staying there like it was afraid to come back down.
"Takuya was in a rush wasn't he?" Ken observed indifferently. But to Daisuke he might as well be yelling at him and he looked to the side, not able to respond. Why did Takuya have to leave them alone? Why? He felt like crying.
A few second trickled away as Daisuke didn't say anything, making Ken shift from foot to foot gracefully. How anyone could do that gracefully boggled him. The Wizard was patiently waiting, his eyes shining in laughter which made a shade lighter and Daisuke almost swooned but he didn't. He still had something resembling pride however shriveled and mutated it looked.
"Are you feeling alright?" Ken inquired, his tone suggesting that he knew all too well what was going down.
He didn't really have a chance to assert that Ken was talking to some of the other students that were roaming the hall twenty feet away from them and he knew he had to answer or come out rude otherwise by staying silent. What worse, feeling embarrassment when he stumbled over his own tongue or coming off rude to a guy he liked? Hmm, choices, choices…
In the end, just because Ken was starting to look like he was just going to waltz out of there in boredom, Daisuke decided to open his mouth and say the first thing that came to mind.
"I like applesauce."
Which, as he reflected on later, wasn't a wise choice to do.
Ken looked at him, for once in his life confused, as Daisuke felt his cheeks catch on fire. That was such a stupid thing to say! Argg! He couldn't believe he actually said that! That's it! He was going to remove his brain and find a better working one. He couldn't even look at Ken because he was so embarrassed.
If any student had taken a good look (but not many did because they feared what Ken would do to them if he caught them spying something he had not given them permission to watch) they would have been completely boggled beyond reason. Who wouldn't? A redhead 3rd, who looked like he was in a contest against a tomato for the Best Colored Red award, was looking like he was mortified beyond belief. A taller, darker boy about the same was staring somewhat perplexed at the other boy, one hand parting the sea of black that encompassed him to brush away a strand of hair. It was the kind of scene that would make anyone's brain go into overdrive at the sudden mystic-ness of the whole thing.
His mind decided not to speak ever again but his body went on and trampled over the decision. "Ah! I'm s-sorry! That was a stupid thing to say! A-ah, I was just v-very hungry this morning and I just said that first thing that came to my mind! I d-do that a lot, honest! It has nothing to do with you b-but not that I'm trying to sound rude! I-I'm j-just c-clumsy l-like that!" He couldn't stop his mouth for his life! It was like word vomit, no word diharrea kept spewing out of his mouth and he couldn't stop it. He felt sick to his stomach with nerves and embarrassment.
And right in the middle of his word fest and soft, surprising warm chuckle sounded, starling him into, finally, closing his mouth without a sound.
"You are an oddball aren't you?" Everything aside, Daisuke felt a small spring of indignation sprout up. He was not an oddball! Okay, maybe a little. But that gave him no right to say so.
"Yeah well you're a…odderball," Daisuke retaliated back.
Ken chuckled again at the nonexistent word and glanced around them then at the clock situated on the wall. "If I thought things right Takuya look Kouji and Lee because you had something to tell me, so I would think it'll be better if you said it now before the rest of the student population wakes up."
He couldn't. He wanted to say it; he really did, to even vaguely get a shot at a chance. But Takuya had inspired a little courage in him. He looked so sure that Daisuke had it in him to say something. Maybe Takuya was right and he did stand a chance. A chance… he decided to do what he does best: act without thinking.
Daisuke moved like in a dream. He stepped closer to Ken, who just looked at him inquisitively, and he looked straight into the other's face without hesitance. Brain was turned off. Daisuke took a deep breath then said loudly, "YOU WANT TO GO TO THE BARA DANZU WITH ME?"
As you probably all guessed he said it a little -too- loud and everyone's heads, including the squash vendor three miles away, turned to fixate on the little redhead who just seemed to realize what he did. The color his face turned made everyone looking start to feel the heat from those red cheeks. He looked like wanted to commit suicide and drop dead which he probably would have done if not for the way his body refused to move and find a knife.
Whispers exploded all around them. 'What's going on?' 'Did that guy just do what I think he did?' 'The idiot!' 'What was he thinking?' 'The guy is going to get his ass kicked.' 'He asked Ichijouji to the Danzu!' 'What a loser.' 'What's Ichijouji going to say now?' 'I wouldn't want to be in his shoes.' 'He wants to go to the Danzu with Ichijouji. What a joke!' With every whisper that predicted his doom Daisuke felt himself starting to tremble but forcefully held himself still. He finally did what he wanted to do now he would have to bare the consequences no matter how much they hurt. He still had some pride.
Daisuke tired to block out the rumors and whispers circulating around him and dragged his eyes upwards in one last show of bravery, hoping against everything he would see something other than disgust and anger. He glared in defiance, daring the other to do anything to make him hurt. He wasn't weak.
His bold move was met with indecisive yet curious black orbs and something looking like a cross between a smile and a small smirk flashed across Ken's face. His hand again flashed out of his cloak to move a stray piece of hair from his pale face, looking like he couldn't hear any of the sounds and anxious voices around them. They would do nothing unless Ken turned Daisuke down. They wouldn't dare say something now and indirectly insult the Wizard. That would certainly get them eaten by a demon without second thought, rules be damned. No one offends an Ichijouji and gets away with it. It was like some kind of sacred rule.
Ken pursed his lips slightly, tilting his head at angle, indicating that he was thinking. That was more than Daisuke ever thought he would do. Just a 'no' would have sufficed but that bastard had to pull a suspenseful move on him and draw out the tension that was in the whole hall. He was sure that the rumor was now making rounds around the library and circulating around the breakfast table. He could never keep his mouth shut could he? He will be the laughingstock of the whole providence!
Everyone and everything was stone-still, waiting in silence and impatience as they anxiously lingered to hear the answer. They all knew what the answer would be though he still hearing it from Ichijouji's own mouth would make it that much more impacting. They hardly breathed as the air went dead around everyone.
His heart was a freakin' storm roaring in his ears, pounding away at his eardrums. He felt sweat travel down his back but he refused to move his ground. He made his decision and like hell he wouldn't give it
Ken hummed in thought, his eyes half-closed and the smirk was still on his face but it softened slightly which made Daisuke want to inch backwards. He knew that facial expression. It was the expression that gave off an aura of before-the-refusal-ness. Yes, he could sense that!
"Hmm, I never would have expected you to be the one to ask," Ken's voice said as the sound cut across the silence so abruptly that almost everyone jumped in the air with surprise. "Even if you were pushed into doing this but that doesn't really affect the result. This could change the effects a bit but not by much."
"What?" Daisuke asked confused, happily noting that he still had his voice intact and that everything was still silent even thought it was doing a good number on his nerves. Better it quiet then filled with whispers even if all the staring was making him very self-conscious. He was going to kill Takuya if he came out of this alive and with most of his limbs attached.
Ken spared him a glance then nodded softly. Daisuke didn't know if the nod was to himself or him but Daisuke decided to go out on a limb and get the answer out of his guy before his legs started moving out of the room in a run.
"So is it a yes or a no?" Daisuke said, a little bit too rude. He didn't really care at the moment. There was only so much embarrassment a person could take and he had reached his limit a while ago.
Apparently this statement ignited several students to start gossiping again. This time, though, it was about his rudeness to one of the most esteemed and smartest student in the whole school and they were fairly sure the janitor was going to be picking the little idiot's bones out of some deformed demon's teeth.
Ken however seemed to have expected his response and didn't look the least bit shocked or angry. He just nodded again, seeming quite peaceful amid the ruckus.
"Look come on," Daisuke sighed, feeling all his energy run out and leaving him with an empty shell of nothingness. "Just say no and get this over with. I made a fool of myself, I know so can we just cut this short. I won't bother you again." It hurt to say that last sentence but he knew it was for the best.
To this Ken just looked even more amused like he was watching a very funny scene unfold in front of him. This was not funny! He would know funny! And this is defiantly not funny!
"Now why would you assume that my answer would be negative?" Ken questioned softly, sounding genuinely curious. The whispers started growing in volume in the background.
Daisuke flushed. Like hell was going to explain that to Ken. His hands fidgeted nervously, clutching and unclenching them. "That's none of your business," Daisuke snapped, going instinctively on the defensive.
"This relates directly to the question you gave me mere minutes ago therefore I have the right to believe this is my business," Ken rationally retaliated. "But if you don't want to answer I cannot do anything to convince you otherwise. But I suppose then I will give you the answer that I planned on giving you weeks ago." Ken airily waved his hand at Daisuke's sudden shocked look. "I told you before haven't I? I said that I didn't expect you to be the one to ask. The conclusion is simple." If he was trying to make Daisuke feel stupid then he was succeeding very well.
Daisuke opened his mouth to retaliate- with what?- but Ken continued on. "Really, it should be obvious but I guess it was part the naivety that first drew me. But nevertheless I would be honored to accompany you to the Bara Danzu."
If a pin had dropped right then everyone would have jumped ten feet in the air. Eyes of different colors were wide with shock and astonishment, so much, in fact, that most students didn't even register that last sentence because what had just been said just wasn't possible. Something must be wrong with all their ears. Yes, everybody's ears must be malfunctioning.
The whole world fell away into a void of nothingness or it appeared so to Daisuke. Everything buzzing in the background faded to this muted static and suddenly he didn't feel like his feet where touching the ground, his internal organs turned unexpectedly weightless. He felt as if he had been thrown into a daydream and everything that had happened so far was a fiction of his imagination. His brain had officially declared too overworked and went on vacation to a mountain in the Far East. So, all in all, he just stood there with his mouth wide enough to fit in a watermelon.
Obviously everybody's reaction was very amusing to the young genius. He chuckled like it was the funniest thing ever and his black eyes- dare he even think this?- almost sparkled with mirth. His mouth would have been curled in a lopsided smile if he hadn't had a reputation to uphold so he just allowed the shadow of a smile to pass over his facial expressions. The way Daisuke was gaping at him just tickled him and those wide eyes just begged to be put in a painting or picture.
Ken rolled his eyes around the hall, seeing as Daisuke wouldn't be able to snap out of his haze anytime soon. The hall was filled with about five dozen students, about half more than there had been when their conversation began. It was logical of course that, as the time wore on during their chat, late-waking students would stumble out of their beds into the Banquet Hall for nourishment and, being unable not to eavesdrop on an exchange with two very different students, one being the famed whiz kid of Calvis, stuck around to witness a very entertaining and inquiring event. It was only natural being what they are. It was also natural that this exchange would be all over the school in less time that it took him to take an Advanced Arithmetic test, which, if you really must know, was less than seven point forty nine minutes.
Well, his original plan had been to carefully monitor Daisuke Motomiya's existence and subtly -interfere- with any unwanted variables as needed until the preferred time and place was acquired for Ken to inquire and convince that young Knight who would, by that time, be desperate and frantic enough to get an engagement with someone that he would have to accept his invitation with minimum hesitance. He had every detail, possible outcomes, and condition written down in solid stone. But now that he thought about it to a fair degree this unseen predicament had turned out to be quite a good ways better than his first plan. In asking firsthand, he now knew that he had indeed attracted wanted attention from his desired target in a most promising way and that he generously had been given unsaid permission to expand his options and limits with the unpredictable (to a degree anyway) young boy. He would have to test the waters to see just where his limitations were but that was another experiment for another time.
"Well, thank you for the invitation but I fear I must go now," Ken politely said, inwardly smirking at the adoring redhead who was still hadn't come out of his stupor. The Knight must have been certain that Ken would have declined his invite without second thoughts. If that is the case, why did he come to him in the first place? Takuya hadn't been the one to make him physically talk after all. "I have an appointment I must keep. I will be seeing you around Daisuke."
With a dramatic flourish of his pure black cape he disappeared down the hallway, momentarily distracting everyone with his sudden display of coolness. If only everyone's cape could do that then they would have a steady breeze during the summer time. It was damn hot during the summer, you know!
Then, as if someone turned on a switch, a gaggle of excited and unbelieving shouts, whispers, and talking erupted like a volcano just blew its top and was vomiting all over the continent. Yes, vomiting. Students exploded into action, moving into groups and speed-talking like their life depended on it and dashing out of the hall into the Banquet Hall and other corridors, excited to retell the amazing event that just happened. Envious and shocked gazes and eyes turned to the fortunate stationary redhead who still hadn't moved, eyes staring glazed into the far wall.
Then, before anyone could do anything, Daisuke Motomiya promptly did a Takuya and fainted.
"When I told you to stay out of the infirmary, Master Takuya, I didn't mean that someone else had to take your place," Meimu said distractedly, sparing said boy a look over her shoulder.
"Hey! It's not like I told him to faint!" Takuya hastily defended himself, pouting and crossing his arms.
"But you were the one who pushed him into the situation correct?" Meimu dryly asked, skeptic expression on her face as she briskly walked across the room. The nurse produced a small clipboard from somewhere under the folds of the white dress and briefly checked on something before placing it on the small table next to an occupied bed with a small clatter.
"Well yes but!" Takuya emphasized the 'but' by sticking a finger out to point to the ceiling. "It was for his own good!"
"I daresay fainting isn't good for anyone," Meimu responded easily, stepping closer to the patient on the bed. Takuya just gave up; Meimu would have all her bases covered and there was no winning against her.
Her hands busied with hovering over the forehead of the unconscious teen, her fingertips glowing a soft green. The soft strands of red hair hovered softly around his forehead, pushed gently by the pulsing green light. Daisuke's face scrunched up for a moment then relaxed as Meimu stepped away, a satisfied look on her. The nurse nodded at Takuya who let out a relived breath.
He hadn't really expected Daisuke to faint like that. But it was all good, Daisuke got what he wanted in the end. Takuya knew that Daisuke had been overreacting all along. Ken had actually been the one to surprise him because Ken had never even hinted that he liked someone much less one of his friends. But now, once Daisuke woke up he would be beyond content and Takuya knew he did the right thing even if he had to force the other slightly. All is fair in love and forceful persuasion!
He knew once Juri and the others hear about it, especially the part where Daisuke's lights went out, they would come racing. Hopefully Daisuke would wake up before they came. He had a few questions to ask.
"What are you still doing here?" Takuya looked around to see Meimu frowning at him, hands on her hips. She reminded him of a warrior going into battle. She made soft shooing motions at him.
"But!" Takuya tried to protest as he was being driven to the big open doors. Meimu wasn't being too forceful but fighting back against a woman just made him feel uncomfortable not to mention his mother would not be happy if she found out he had been fighting with a member of the female gender. Technically he hadn't actually fought physically with Izumi (magic wasn't really physical was it?) but his mother didn't need to know that.
"Shh!" the woman sternly reprimanded, poking Takuya out of the doors. "I have enough problems without you adding more on. I still have to receive all those roses. They're a week late! Why I was put in charge of the rose delivery I will never know." She shook her head.
"Yeah well-" Bam, he suddenly stopped like he ran face-first against a brick wall, his brain instantly running in circles.
"Do you like roses?"
" Takuya?" Meimu's voice brought Takuya back and he looked at her with new eyes. "Are you alright?" He had visited her so often that she didn't want to take any chance with him doing something stupid again.
"Yeah, I'm okay," Takuya mumbled, suddenly feeling slightly nervous. "But why you be receiving roses?"
Meimu snorted. "If you think it's an admirer forget it. My husband wouldn't be too happy about that and he's way too lazy to do anything like that. You probably heard the Danzu story before. It's quite an interesting story around these parts. The Bara Danzu almost literally means the Rose Dance with a few tweaks here and there. That's why so many roses, it's for the recreation display in the gardens."
"Some people call it the Rose Dance. Would you like to go and see it with me?"
"Okay?"
"Great."
He…
Takuya had been invited to the Bara Danzu and accepted without even knowing it. Takuya blinked.
"WHAT?"
That's new.
FINISHED! Oh, my god that has been the tardiest excuse for a chapter I have ever written. I'm sorry you had to wait for three months but I'm swamped with homework, volleyball, and classes. High school is starting to occupy everything but I'll try my best to continue.
Ja ne.