Chapter 15

Hey, guys. Sorry you had to wait so long for this! I've been out of commission due to MORE internet issues and an EMAIL HACKING!

Thank goodness all that is resolved, though.

Anyways, I come bearing gifts! ...Which happens to be this chapter and some acknowledgements. Because the "Pills" fanfic family has—that's right—its's gotten even BIGGER!

I hereby welcome:

MidnightMeli (PS I love the Dynamis Pic on your profile)

QueensKhioneandFernis

SunflowerIce

Thank you for supporting this story! And, as for you supporters who left me those LOVELY reviews:

BlueButterflyRose: Thank you! Thank you! What a lovely picture...I think I'll hang it up in my room for the world to see! ( You might have to reread your review to know what I'm talking about. : p)
Oh believe me, it has already gone into good blackmail use...in fact, RYUGA himself will be showing up in this story thanks to you! Three cheers and confetti for you!
I wonder what Ryuga goes to see at the zoo...

Kawaiino Tenshi Kiki: Thank you a million times! You have been so supportive from the very beginning, and the longest fan. Every time I read one of your comments, my heart soars to the skies! Without you to encourage me the whole way, this story might have not gone on! I'm really glad you like how this is proceeding...your approval is much appreciated!
Sixteen cheers for you, one for every chapter!
Whoops! Did I say sixteen? I meant fifteen...right? ; )

Water Dragon of the South: He'll chill out...eventually.

This chapter is dedicated to SunflowerIce and MeliMidnight...QueensKhioneandFernis, I haven't forgotten about you, but your turn will come soon!

Doo di doo, doo, doo, di doo...Story is right below this line...

A quiet knock sounded on the door, causing Toby to glance up from his food. He smiled upon seeing the visitor.

"Come on in, Zeo," he invited.

He was towing his bike and book bag along, as usual. The bruise he'd had last week on his face had finally faded away. Today, he looked extremely calm—relaxed, even, like he hadn't in weeks.

"You look great," he remarked.

Zeo glanced down at himself, puzzled. Toby laughed. "I mean...you just look calm. Peaceful. Happier than you have in weeks."

His friend gave a sheepish smile and shrugged. "Well...it feels good to get some of that emotional turbulence out of the way." Toby knew he was referring to their argument.

Zeo dumped his bike in the corner and tossed his backpack next to the nightstand—just as always, Toby recalled fondly. There was something about the consistency in their routine which he'd learned to love.

Zeo pulled out a stool and sat at the bedside, leaning against the heater on the wall—currently out of commission, of course. "So, where's that cute new girlfriend of yours?" He asked teasingly, poking Toby's ribs.

Toby swatted his hand away, blushing. "You mean Mijuki? We're not a couple," he clarified abashedly. "And anyways, her boyfriend's seeing her right now. Apparently she went to see the fireworks at the pier last night."

"Fireworks?" Zeo's eyes lit up in excitement. "Cool. We should go see a fireworks show sometime." He lowered his eyes, cheeks pink. "After...after you're released from the hospital."

Toby grinned. "That would be awesome."

As Zeo pulled his textbook from his bag, mentioning something about math homework, Toby wondered, for a brief instant, if he should bring up the topic of Masamune.

And yet...although this calm seemed the perfect time to discuss a sensitive topic, Toby couldn't bring himself to say it. Something about the peace and tranquility which his friend suddenly carried prevented him from saying anything more.

"When is your surgery happening?" Zeo's voice cut into Toby's thoughts, startling him. Toby watched him flip through his notebook before responding.

"Two days. After that, it's a matter of how quickly my body recovers and then..." He grinned. "I'm a free man."

Zeo snorted. "You make it sound like you're a fugitive."

Toby spread his arms dramatically. "I am a fugitive. I'm being held captive by this evil hospital!"

Zeo snorted, resting his chin on his hand. "Isn't a fugitive a runaway?"

"Same thing," Toby argued.

"Is not."

"Is so!" Toby stuck out his tongue childishly. Zeo's laughter was refreshing.

Needless to say, the debate as to what was the proper definition of a fugitive took a while.

A delicious aroma distracted Bao from the report he was filling out. He closed his eyes, but opened them again upon realizing that it simply made the smell even more distracting. Gripping his pen tightly, he glared up at Aguma, who was waving a baguette in his face.

"Morning, sunshine," his partner greeted him flatly. "Were you here all night?"

Bao shrugged and wracked his brain for the next sentence. "I took a couple of naps in between."

"At the office?" Aguma craned his neck to look behind the desk—sure enough, there was a blanket or two crammed in the space between the desk and the wall. Bao slid his chair over to block his view.

Aguma casually leaned over the desk, munching a bagel. Bao forced down his irritation as he swept crumbs aside—normally he didn't mind—he didn't consider crumbs threatening to paper. But he'd been working in this report into the wee hours of the morning.

However, there was something he needed to discuss with his partner first.

"Hey," he sighed, leaning back in his chair. "You know that case we've been working on—with the Abyss teenager?"

Aguma nodded, taking another bite of his bagel.

Bao sighed, spinning around in his wheelie chair, like he normally did when in deep thought. "I was just thinking about it a lot last night... Especially with what I learned from that guy, Kadoya. And I don't think Abyss is behind it."

Aguma's jaw froze mid chew.

Bao held up his hands. "And before you can criticize me on this assumption—"

"I wasn't." Aguma's voice was quiet—even quieter than usual. Though barely anyone was at the station so early in the morning, Bao could hardly hear him. Or perhaps that was because of his sleep deprivation—he must have misheard him, as well. "I was actually about to say that I agree."

"Oh." Bao was surprised. "Well... I was thinking along the lines that..." He tipped back his head, allowing his heavy lids to sink shut. "What if we've got this all wrong? What if...maybe, the kid isn't the dealer—he's the victim?"

Aguma rubbed his chin. "That's certainly plausible," he agreed.

Bao nodded. "Alright—it seems like we'll be working this case on a different angle, then."

Aguma gave him a thumbs-up. "Cool. But the angle-working is gonna have to wait—I still need to write my report to the chief."

Bao reached under his desk and dumped a stack of papers in front of his partner. "Your report," he sighed. "I was already here, so... I took the liberty of doing it for you."

Aguma's eyes were wide with shock, before they lit up. "Oh! Speaking of nice favours..." He too reached down, on the other side of the desk, and returned with a steaming cup of coffee. "I brought you a little something."

Practically drooling, Bao slowly reached out and gripped the coffee with both hands. He inhaled deeply, and sighed as the strong scent of caffeine overwhelmed his senses.

"God bless you," he breathed.

"Had I known what you'd done for me, I would've brought you lunch, too."

Bao snatched the baguette from Aguma's hands and chewed contentedly. Taking a careful sip of coffee, he met Aguma's smiling eyes.

"You are the best partner ever."

"Too bad—you'll have to settle for second place, in that case."

Bao laughed, and the feeling was absolutely refreshing.

It appeared that the exhaustion from waking up early to escort Madouka and MeiMei to the airport must have stuck with Ginga longer than he thought. For some reason, his sluggish body decided to wake up at noon.

Ginga wasn't exactly an early riser—but he wasn't a slug-a-bed, either. So he was surprised when the clock displayed such a time to him—for a while, he convinced himself that it must have simply been a few hours ahead.

As he stumbled out into the hallway, rubbing his eyes, he could hear voices. Talking. Laughter. The trail led him through the corridor and downstairs to the common room.

The first surprise which struck him was Kyoya.

He had to rub his eyes a few times to ensure that he was seeing straight—Kyoya Tategami, in this mansion—and he was smiling! Well, it was more of a very, very slight curve in his lips—but even so, Ginga considered it progress.

Once that shock had registered, it took him a while to realize that there were others in the room—Hikaru, who sat next to him on the sofa; Madouka and Masamune, who were sitting on the couch across; and lastly Nile, who sat on the plush armchair between them.

"Ginga!" He gave a start when someone called his name—as he stared at them sleepily, he realized they were all watching him with amused expressions. "Come on down, sunshine," Masamune chuckled. "Join us!"

Ginga stumbled down the staircase, still somewhat dazed. As he staggered onto the carpeted floor, Kyoya scooted over and patted the spot next to him. "Here." Giving him a grateful, albeit tired look, Ginga obliged.

Blinking slowly, he inclined his head towards Hikaru and Kyoya. "When did...these guys show up?" He yawned.

It was Nile who responded. "Kyoya called me saying he was gonna drop by the mansion with Hikaru this morning. I decided to tag along," he supplied nonchalantly.

"Oh." Ginga covered his mouth to hide another yawn.

"You must be hungry," Madouka fretted, standing up. "I think there's still some omelette left from this morning—I'll go get some."

Nile stood as well. "I'll help," he offered with a kind smile. "It seems tedious to make you do it yourself.

Madouka's cheeks were red, and she was stuttering more than Ginga had heard before. "O-oh, that's...super! Super nice of you, I mean...thanks..."

"Not a problem," Nile replied, as the two headed towards the kitchen.

Ginga sat on the couch, dumbfounded, as he tried to piece together the facts. Something was going on there...yet he couldn't quite seem to place his finger on it.

"Nice pants." Kyoya jerked his head in Ginga's direction with his classical smirk. Confused, Ginga glanced down to see he was wearing his Pegasus boxer shorts.

"Oh. Uh..." Ginga knew his ear tips had turned red, like they always did when he was embarrassed. "They were a gift."

"Kyoya shouldn't talk," Nile chided, setting down a plate of scrambled eggs and orange slices before Ginga. His eyes twinkled mischievously as he sat back on the armchair. "After all, he wears his favourite lion cub jammies to bed every night."

The others laughed, but Kyoya scowled. "Bullshit."

"I'll bring them for you next time, Ginga," Nile promised with a crooked grin.

"Thanks." Ginga gave a hearty chuckle. "But bring me a picture instead—what I wouldn't do to see him wearing them."

Kyoya grumbled good-naturedly while the others laughed.

That was another startling change to Kyoya, Ginga realized—whereas his pride used to know no bounds, and he had a tendency to isolate himself more often than not, here he was now—sociable, friendly, and even humble. Staring at the military badge on his jacket, Ginga wondered if the military had installed this strange discipline—the discipline of normalcy, out of all things—in Kyoya.

"Did you see the fireworks last night?" Hikaru was asking Madouka, who shook her head.

"You guys were down there, though, I hear?" Inquired the bey mechanic.

Hikaru nodded. "Kyoya and Nile were there, and I happened to catch Kyoya in the carnival. I just invited him to my place for some wine, and that was that."

Nile crossed his arms. "Mijuki is really pissed that you didn't get that cotton candy."

Kyoya shrugged. "I'm a big boy, I can handle it."

"Handle it quickly, then," Nile groaned. "I swear if she talks about the hospital food one more time, I swear my head's gonna explode."

Ginga perked at this new turn in the conversation. "Mijuki? Who's that?"

"My sister," Kyoya replied. "She got caught in a traffic accident a few months ago, so we've been staying in New York while she recovers." He snorted. "It's sure taken an awful long time, though."

Hikaru nudged him with a sly grin. "That's a good thing, though, right? After all, we all got to see each other again!"

Kyoya gave a loud, fake groan. "Don't remind me."

"We should all get together for drinks sometime," Nile insisted. "It's been really cool catching up with you guys—and besides, I think we ought to have a little reunion, learn what everyone's been up to."

"Absolutely!" Madouka was instantly on board with the idea. "That'd be great."

Hikaru shrugged. "Sounds like fun."

As Masamune jumped in on the idea as well, Kyoya turned to Giga with a wry smile. "So...you didn't tell me that your dad retired as president."

Ginga fumbled with his words, surprised by the sudden change of topic. "Um, no. I guess I forgot."

"Or about the other changes to the WBBA."

Ginga shrugged. "I guess it didn't seem necessary at the time..."

"Or that the others were here." Kyoya's gaze flicked about the room to Hikaru, Masamune and Madouka.

Ginga scratched the back of his head, trying to formulate a suitable explanation—though really, he didn't have one. "Whoops?"

Kyoya laughed. "I'm just kidding, Ginga." He grinned, showing a full two rows of teeth. "Besides, I didn't exactly give you a lot of time to explain yourself."

"Yeah." Ginga felt the remaining tension inside him uncoil and disappear. "I guess not."

The green-haired adult nodded, twisting his chain necklace around his finger. After a moment's pause, he asked, "How's Benkei?"

"Benkei?" Ginga was slightly taken aback by the unexpected question. "Oh...he's good, I guess. Flipping burgers at his favourite burger place now!"

"Really?" Kyoya looked surprised.

"Of course! Well... I mean, does it really sound like there's another job more suited for him?"

Kyoya's eyes grew distant. "I dunno," he muttered. "I guess... I always just figured that each of us would...go somewhere. It's kind of surprising to hear that so many people sound like they're stuck in the exact same places, y'know? Especially since...so much shit has happened for my sister, Nile and me."

Ginga sympathized. "Yeah... I know what you mean. Change hasn't been good for me, either. Now that everyone else is so busy with their lives, I just sit on the couch and do squat."

Kyoya seemed shocked. "Really? I'd expected that you, out of all people, would be doing something...fun. Cool. Suited to you, I guess."

"Maybe." Ginga stared at the floor. "But I spent so much time in Africa, looking for you, that...when I got back, everything had just...changed."

"I see." Kyoya was incredibly quiet, his words punctuated by the raucous laughter of their four companions. "I... I'm really sorry I did that to you Ginga."

"It wasn't your fault," Ginga protested, but Kyoya held up his hand.

"I don't know what I was thinking, just disappearing like that." His chin rested on his hands, and he was silent for a while. "Demure died while we were in Afghanistan."

"I'm so sorry," Ginga murmured, though Kyoya waved his hand dismissively.

"Don't be—you're not the one who shot him. But after that, I just... I dunno. I fell apart. And being a veteran isn't the best experience, I can tell you that much. I was...homeless for a couple months after I got out the military."

"Gosh." Ginga stared at his hands, feeling a weight on his chest. "I... I didn't realize you'd gone through so much, Kyoya."

Kyoya shrugged. "I didn't know you had been looking for me." He flashed a smile. "Which I appreciate, by the way." Sitting up straight, Ginga's former rival stuck out his hand. "Hey. Let's just call it even and agree that we're friends—getting to meet you guys in New York again is...awesome," he finished with a satisfied nod.

Ginga grinned, accepting his handshake. "Sure is—that much we can agree on."

Kyoya paused during their handshake. "Hey. I was thinking about what Nile said, about drinks sometime...but it'd be nice if...the two of us could do that sometime. Just you and me."

Ginga's heart swelled with joy. His work of seven years past finally felt as if it was coming to a close. "Yeah," he agreed enthusiastically. "That'd be...totally great."

A smile crawled along the corners of Kyoya's lips. "I'll even wear my little lion pajamas if you want."

Ginga laughed, relieving himself of a tension he hadn't even realized he'd been carrying all along.

As he stepped out the bathroom, Julian checked his watch and straightened his tie. It was only 5:18, so unless a traffic spell hit them unexpectedly, they would undoubtedly make it to the restaurant in time for their reservation.

He pranced down the stairs, his feet lighter than they had been in days. Normally, on a work night, Julian declined going out to social arrangements, but tonight he would make a special exception...

He was surprised to see so many people gathered in the common room as he made his way down the stairs. Wales was not there, though Klaus was, as well as Madouka, Masamune, Ginga, Hikaru, and two people who looked awfully familiar...

"Kyoya?"

The young man turned as his name was called. Although Julian could not ever recall meeting him in person, his appearance rather resembled what he looked like on TV: rugged, zealous, and confident. However, he looked both so similar to mental image Julian had concurred, and yet so different that it gave him vertigo.

"Konzern," Kyoya greeted softly.

Another young man, who sat on the armchair next to him, stood up, inclining his head. "You might not remember me, but... I was with Kyoya at the championships too. I'm Nile."

Julian wracked his brain trying to place that handsome face amongst the many competitors he knew from the World Championships, which seemed like eons ago. Somehow, though, he couldn't seem to match his name or appearance to his memories of Team Wild Fang. In the end, he opted for a pleasant smile. "I'm afraid you're correct," he admitted with a small chuckle. "But both of you...it is a pleasure to see you both." Walking down the stairs, he paused at Kyoya's side, folding his arms. "If you don't mind my asking...what brings you to New York?"

To his shock, it was Hikaru who spoke. "I saw him at the pier last night, where the fireworks were."

"He ditched us to go have a bottle of wine with Hikaru," Nile elaborated with mock hurt, making Kyoya roll his eyes. Seeing how close those two were sitting together, though, he wondered if something more had transpired...but he dared not entertain the thought.

"The pier?" He exclaimed. "Why, I went there Sophie and Klaus and Wales last night! We were watching the fireworks display as well." He decided to conveniently leave out the Ferris wheel kiss. Such special moments in his life should be prized in his memory, and not simply in regale nets with old rivals and friends. "It's a shame we didn't see you. It would have been lovely to catch up with each other in a bottle of wine."

Kyoya shrugged, a tiny smile playing at his lips. "Well, I guess it doesn't matter anyways, since—here we are."

Madouka was eyeing Julian's outfit. "You're dressed quite nicely," she observed with a giggle. "Going somewhere tonight?"

"Yes, in fact," Julian answered smoothly. "I have a date."

This seemed to grip everyone in the room with surprise, except for Klaus, who sat several feet away in an antique velvet armchair, reading a magazine. "Really?" Ginga exclaimed. "Who?"

"Julian," came the light, musical voice.

Right on time, as if cued by fate, Julian turned to see Sophie at the top of the stairs. She looked absolutely dazzling in a sea-green cocktail dress that brought out her gorgeous eyes. Julian felt his throat tighten as she walked gracefully down the steps, one hand on the railing of the marble staircase, the other clutching a purse.

As she reached the landing, Sophie whisked to his side and looped her arm through his, dark lashes fluttering. "Oh? And who do we have here?" She mused.

She didn't get a straightaway response, seeing as everyone was too busy gaping at the two of them in shock. Even Kyoya seemed rendered speechless. But Julian didn't like where some of their eyes were directed on the Frenchwoman's body.

It was Sophie who broke the silence—though she didn't even seem to notice it, to begin with. "Oh, Kyoya! Is that you?" She broke from Julian's grasp to rush over and plant kisses on both his cheeks, much to the young man's surprise. Ginga and Masamune were clutching their stomachs, laughing at his flustered expressions, while Hikaru glanced away, harboring an amused smile.

Sophie stood up again, one hand still on the Kyoya's shoulder. "Well, it is getting late." She placed her hands on her hips and glanced about with a stern expression. "I at least hope you had the courtesy of inviting him to dinner!"

Masamune jumped at the idea. "Yeah! Great idea! Kyoya, Nile, why don't you guys stay over for dinner?"

Kyoya murmured assent, while Nile nodded, looking relieved that he hadn't been excluded by Masamune as well.

"Great!" Madouka said brightly. "So it's settled!"

"It's a shame," Julian lamented as Sophie slinked back to his side gracefully. "We would love to join you and catch up, but..." He glanced at her, and they exchanged a glance and grin. Once again, he felt his heart melting as her ocean-green depths met his. His heart hammered in his chest, and the minute her eyes were stolen away from him, his chest ached with longing. "...we have a date, Sophie finished with a proud smile."

Kyoya's lips contained a poorly compressed smirk as he waved to them. "Ah, get out of here, lovebirds," he scoffed. "Go have your date." But as Julian turned to walk away, chuckling, he could swear that Kyoya had winked at him.

Masamune sent some rude hoots their way, and he could hear Madouka berating him on his rude behaviour. As they slipped through the door, they heard Hikaru and Ginga wish them good luck and lots of fun.

Sophie was smiling, and Julian had never seen prettier sight. Her ocean-green eyes were sparkling in a way he'd never seen before, until the Ferris wheel. "Two nights out in a row? I hope this won't disturb your work schedule."

Julian led her to the car and kissed her cheek. "I suppose I'll have to spend my time wisely, then."

Sophie laughed, and the sound was music to his ears. Her lips brushed his ear as she whispered, "I think you already are."

"Indeed." He squeezed her hand tentatively. "With the most beautiful woman in the world." Her laugh was soft, musical, and brighter than Julian had ever heard it before.

I apologize if the writing is getting sloppy, or the story is rushed...I've been so stressed these past few weeks, when an idea burst finally hit me just the other night. I'm supposed to be doing homework, but I decided to post this instead.

Things might start to speed up a bit, since I'm going to try and bring the story to a climax, which will be coming soon, and then a gentle close.

And just out of curiosity: what do you guys think is the "best medicine"? Anyone get the theme from the chapter title?

Thanks again for reading!

Peace out!

SITSAN