FRIENDLY REMINDER THAT I TOTALLY DON'T OWN VANGUARD.

IF I DID, IT WOULD BE A WESTERN ANIME ABOUT THE MOST SORRY-ASS OUTLAWS IN THE OLD WEST :v

It was a warm Friday at school.

The class was about to finish, and the students started the talking.

As every day, Aichi Sendou spends his last minutes of the class in silence. He was waiting patiently for the clock to ring, staring at the window.

- Yo, Aichi! - Naoki interrupted his peace

- Oh, Naoki, I didn't see you there- Aichi replied, with a wry smile.

- You look kinda absent. Is somethin' wrong?

- Oh, no. Everything's cool.

- Dude, I'm pretty sure there's something troubling you

- Really, I'm fine...-

- REAAAAAAAALLY everythin' cool, brah? - Naoki had his cheek on Aichi's with eyes wide open and creepy eyes.

- N-Naoki, y-you're too close. And I told you, I'm fine! - Aichi was both embarrassed and scared

- Okay, see you... tomorrow! - Naoki snapped his fingers, and the doll bell ringed, as someone screamed through the speakers "ALRIIIIIIIIIGHT, I'M SICK OF YOUUUUUU. GO HOME ALREADYYYY". Someone broke a window, and soon after the class saw a mic flying down. Both Naoki and Aichi were laughing so hard.

- That was... cool, Naoki. Did you know when the doll bell would ring?

- No, actually that was coolest casualty ever. Also the guy screaming, that was so funny!

- Yeah! It was so-

Wait. Aichi could swear he heard that voice already somewhere. It belonged to a man he already knows. The voice of a psychopath. He was pale white when he realized who was behind this.

- Aichi...- Naoki saw his friend scared enough to make him worry.

Someone kicked the door wide open; a dude in his 20's entered the room. Aichi stared at him with a "not this shit again" face on.

- Sendou, I've come to pick you up. Gay Toshiki is waiting in the front door, so we're going the other way.

- Card-kun, you shouldn't have to...

- Throw the mic at the window? Sneak into your school? Kill the guard who spotted me?

- YOU WHAT? - Aichi really freaked out. Naoki was behind Aichi against his pride.

- Nah, just kiddin'. No quest, no guns, remember? Also, there's no guards here, what's with your school security, guys? - Card-kun smiled at them.

- Hey, mister. A-are you Aichi's friend? - Naoki asked, still hiding behind Aichi. He himself was tough, but that guy gave him shivers down his spine.

- Uh, yeah, I think. And you must be Naoki Ishida, right? Aichi told me about you. Hey, Blueberry, let's go. I don't wanna see Toshiki's face.

- Blueberry? - Both Aichi and Naoki stared at him

- Look, if we do this... *grabs Aichi's cheeks* he really looks like a soft blueberry, see?

- I-its true...- Naoki gasped, surprised.

Aichi covered his red face. "I'm being humiliated in front of my friend..."

- I... I also wanna do it! - Naoki said, as he felt Aichi's cheeks.

"I'M BEING HUMILLIATED BY MY FRIEND..." Aichi said to himself. He was bright red.

As Naoki's face was sparkling as he petted Aichi's cheeks, Card-kun reached the window, and stared at someone outside, with hatred all over him. He was staring at Kai, who indeed was waiting for him at the front door. Miwa was also there; he was telling something to Kai, but he ignored his friend. He was busy writing something on a sign. As he finished, Kai showed it to Card-kun. "STAY AWAY FROM AICHI, YOU GUNSLINGER FREAK". Card-kun pulled his middle finger at him, swingin' it like a snake's head, and slowly closed the window.

With Naoki satisfied (and Aichi's dignity as a human being gone), the trio walked his way outside. For Aichi's sake, Card-kun had to meet with Kai in order to achieve some good karma; and also, he managed to smile at the duo, as he always does *coughs* when Kai isn't around.

Both Miwa and Aichi sighed in relief.

- Sooo... let's go, then!- said Miwa, cheerful as always.

It seemed like nothing could go wrong, BUT...

- You're always smiling. Cut it up; it's creepy- said Kai in a harsh tone.

*Oh, shite*

- And why don't you start doing so, Toshiki? Aichi told me he thinks your smile is warm and cute or something...- replied Card-kun, smiling at him

- S-SHUT UP, DON'T GO SAYING STUFF LIKE THAT, YOU BULLY- Aichi yelled, bright red. This made Kai blush a little. "His tsundere mode is so cute..." he thought; he was kinda red as well.

The walk wasn't that awkward, considering two of the group actually wanted to kill each other.

- So, 'Card-kun', I never heard of you before. Are you Aichi's friend? Kai seems to hate you, so...- Miwa broke the silence.

- An awful one, yes. And Toshiki hates everyone, anyway- said the ex-Unit.

- And, the name 'Card-kun' goes for...

- It's a long story, actually. I'd prefer to talk about it when we get there.

TWO MONTHS AGO

Card-kun has been living for a whole month on Aichi's house. He gets along quite well with the family; even if Shizuka, Aichi's mom, was a little hesitant about letting a stranger live on their home. The only bad thing about him, was his cruelty against Blueberry. He made of him his prey, and bullied him everytime he could; like that time when he uploaded his chats with him to the Internet, or the time he blocked Aichi's door with a chair and told them 'that's what happens to naughty boys'. This began to bother Kai. To have someone bullying his mate really pissed him off. He couldn't stand Aichi being bullied in his own house. The things he did to his friend, even if he never laid a hand on Aichi, was hurting him. And hurting him bad. His smile was becoming cold, and his eyes seemed sad again. Just like before he met Vanguard.

Kai had his doubts about the card and why he was sealed into one. And those eyes... they were really scary.

- Could it be... that he actually is preying on Aichi?- Kai wondered.

Card-kun was not a cool guy at all. He was lazy, sweary and hostile. And the fact that the card didn't have his name on it just made him wonder what kind of person he was before Aichi summoned him. Kai was Aichi's friend, and he won't let his friend alone. He had to face Card-kun.

But a random thursday after school, his way home, Kai saw something that gave him shivers. Some guys were teasing Aichi, and hitting him really hard. Kai overflowed in anger; he didn't hesitated, as he rushed against the bullies. He punched one of them in the face and made him fall to the ground.

- Kai-kun!- cried Aichi, as he covered his face on his chest. Kai couldn't help but to embrace him. His eyes were so sad... Kai was about to explode. He already has seen Aichi really down, but seeing him crying was just too much. Nevertheless, it was a 5 vs 1 fight, and he had no chance of winning. So, he used his back to protect his friend from the bullies. The attacks didn't ceased, and Kai was about to fell apart; those bullies had no mercy, and it was obvious they won't hesitate to beat both of them to a pulp. Those were the longest 10 minutes of their lives. He could hear one or two ribs broke because of the beating.

-Man, this is boring. Just let's go and leave the couple do gay stuff- said one of them. The rest of them agreed, and left them alone, while making fun of them. Kai was panting so bad. He could barely breathe.

- K-Kai... KAI-KUUN- Aichi hugged him like he never did, as he began to cry. The bluenette could hear Kai's heart beating like crazy. Those bullies... they had no mercy at all. This made him wonder... What would be done to him if Kai hasn't shown up?

With all his stregth, Aichi helped Kai to walk to his house, as Blueberry realized that Kai was heavier than he looked.

Meanwhile, at the Sendou residence, Shizuka carried water and a towel to the living room, really worried. Laying in the ground, Card-kun was panting.

-Aichi... Kai... something happened to them- said the Unit.

About 6 PM, Kai and Aichi arrived to the Sendou residence. They looked really bad; Aichi's face and clothes were all messed up, and covered im dust. Kai's forehead was bleeding, and could barely stand up.

-A-AICHI, KAI, WHAT...- Aichi's mom was shocked. His son and best friend in that state... just what happened...?

Someone was rushing downstairs, and hugged Aichi. It was Emi. She was tearing.

- Aichi... I called Card Capital and you and Kai weren't there! I WAS SO WORRIED!- Emi holded Aichi even stronger than before.

- E-Emi, stop, you're going to break me- said Aichi, trying to pull his sister away. Kai smiled at the scene, and somehow, he felt lonely. He had no one waiting for him at home, as he has been living all by himself for a long time now. But he felt happy for Aichi. His family was giving him the support he needed. And he somehow, was part of that family. He would support Aichi no matter what.

Then, another member showed up. His face expressed both surprise and a deep anger, as he saw Aichi and his friend that hurt.

-Who... was it? Who did this to you, guys?- Card-kun said, supressing his feelings as much as he could.

- Did you... take part on... this?- Kai was so hurt he could barely speak.

- Are you FUCKING SERIOUS? WHO. DID THIS?- shouted Card-kun, hitting the wall beside him.

- M-maybe... maybe I know those who did this... but first, Kai-kun is really hurt right now. We need an ambulance- said Aichi, as he saw Kai about to pass away.

Aichi and Card-kun helped Kai get inside house, and left him rest in the sofa; as Shizuka called an ambulance. Emi could only see how worried was Aichi for his friend.

- Aichi, tell me everything. From the beginning- said Shizuka, now that everyone were calmed now.

- T-this started about a month now. They just insulted me, b-but... i-it never was something like this...- said Aichi, tears rushing down his face.

- A month ago?- said Kai. This meant... that Aichi's mood wasn't because of Card-kun

- Y-yeah. I never met them before, they just chased me everytime I was alone. I could defend myself... I'm so weak to do so...

Aichi began to tear, and Emi hugged him. It usually helps him to calm down. But it wasn't working at all. This time Aichi really felt like dying, and just a hug won't do much good now.

- I'm calling the school's principal. I want those kids expelled or in jail, as far from you as possible- said his mother in a serious tone.

- No...- said Card-kun

- No?! HAVE YOU SEEN WHAT THEY HAVE DONE TO MY CHILD?

- Mom... let him talk, please- said Aichi

- Son, I... okay. You have a solution, right? Talk- Shizuka sighed. Kai stared at him.

- They hurt Aichi really bad. AND, Kai was beated to a pulp. They already have Aichi marked as their prey, and we already know what they are capable of.

- So what?- said Kai

- Emi, y'know where Aichi's school is, right? I need you to show me. I have my ways to deal with assholes like that. This will be my way to say thanks.

Finally, the ambulance came, and the medical team took Kai to the hospital. Aichi and Card-kun went with Kai inside the ambulance. Aichi was sobbing, and telling his friend everything was fine and this was nothing compared to being burned alive

- Aichi, I'm not dying yet; and being burned alive totally hurts more than a 10 minutes beat-up.

- Someone turned you into a torch?- Card-kun said, impressed.

- Into a blue one, yeah. God, the only thing that made me endure the pain was realizing how good I smelled- said Kai in a (kinda) playful tone. This made Aichi smile and cheer up a little, considering he was about to cry a while ago. Card-kun holded a laugh for respect to Kai and his actual condition.

- Well, if we're talking about near-death experiences, I'd like to say that you, gentlemen, are in prescence of a man who survived a shot in his chest- said Card-kun, dandy voice at service.

- You're kidding- said both Aichi and Kai.

Card-kun opened his shirt and revealed a circular scar in the middle of his chest. The wound seemed deep, and some costures could be apreciatted.

- Holy cow! Just how did you get shot there?

- Well, I... - Card-kun tried to recall what happened, but, there was a white space. He actually discovered the scar the first time he took a shower at Aichi's house. Somehow, he felt down; like someone took something from inside his memories, and this made him feel bad.

- I... can't remember... - the Unit said, in a sad tone. Kai and Aichi stared at him. In two months knowing him, that was the first time they saw him sad. Or making any other expression besides that shit-eating smile.

As they arrived the hospital, Kai was internated as a medical urgence; Aichi waited for him an entire night, along with Card-kun, since the night had already come (and the crushing fact he doesn't know a single inch outside the Sendou Residence), he waited along with him.

*comedy time*

- So, you seem very close to Kai, Aichi- said suddenly the Unit.

- Yeah, we are. We've been through so much together, and because of that, is that I consider him my...

- Are you a couple?

- E-EEEEEEEEEH? N-NO, IT'S JUST WE DO NO-HOMO THINGS, A-AND IT'S NOT LIKE H-HE...

- I'm not homophobic, Aichi; I understand if you and Kai are gay at all. It's your life, after all, do what you want.

- W-WE ARE NOT A COUPLE, AND I LIKE KO- I LIKE A GIRL ALREADY.

- Say, you're into incest, then? Are you a sis-con? - said the Unit, because the only girl he could think of was Emi.

- HELL NO.

- Aichi... admit it, you like Kai. There's nothing wrong about it

- I DON'T LIKE HIM, GODDAMIT

- Aichi, dude, keep your voice down; it's an hospital, there's a lot of people staring at us now, ya see?

Aichi realized his (girly) tsukkomis dragged everyone's attention onto him, thing that embarrassed him QUITE A LOT.

- I'M NOT GAY- yelled him, as he hidded is bright red face behind Card-kun's coat.

SAME NIGHT, 0:57; OUTSIDE KAI'S ROOM

Both guys haven't sleep for an entire night, and the fact there's no one around, an eerie silence and some flickering fluorescent lamps on the distance, made the hallways of the hospital look like a survival horror stage. So, to hide the fact that he were scared as hell (as much as Aichi was), Card-kun began to talk.

- Aichi... can I tell you something?

- Uhhh... s-sure, I guess...

- I used to like someone as you do, too. I was really in love with that person, he was a cool guy, nice, gentle, and Totally not like me; I'm more like horse shit. We always talked about stuff like how did Earth looks like, why the sky is blue, and why does the toast fall by the butter's side...

- Why... are you telling me this? Also, it's the extra weight on it.

- OH, FER FUCK'S SAKE, AICHI- The Unit's shout echoed all over the hospital reeeeeally creepy, so much they frost in fear. Card-kun's senses were focused in the hospital's hallways. Aichi almost fainted. But, after a while, they calmed down, and Card continued talking.

- But... you said you were 21, I thought you already know about it - said Aichi. Card-kun stared at him for a while, he sighed and began to pet his head.

- Yeah, I'm kinda dumb, but nevermind. The thing is, I started to like him, but I never told him how I felt; and so, one day he left town, and I never saw him again; but what made me feel like shit, was the letter he wrote for me, saying that he liked me too, but he couldn't take me with him, because he always thought I didn't...

- Ow...

- Plus the high death rate for someone my age around that time *cough-cough*; BUT, you have to make your mind, little man. Kai is not gonna be here forever; and, if you feel something for him, you better start thinking about how to tell him so, otherwise you're going to regret it forever.

- But... I don't like him, I mean, it won't be bad if he likes me, but... ahh... you know, it's...

- Oh, stop being a drama queen, you blue-haired bitch. You don't have to tell him so directly, what about a gay love letter? Or a gay note? Or a gay...?

- Can you stop saying gay, please? It's annoying; and aren't you gay, too?

- I'm kinda more of a not-completely-straight than a full gay, so...

- Oh... nevermind then

- But you get my point, do ya?

- The thing is... is that I... already, uh, tried... a-and... - Aichi began to sweat.

- Did he rejected you already?- said Card-kun, like a death sentence. Aichi felt an anvil landing in his face, as his "friend" said that.

- ... he friendzoned me... - a depressing aura surrounded the bluenette, as he sat fetal-style.

(Two months before the Unit arrival, Aichi finally ate up his shyness and confessed his feeling for Kai from his very bottom of his shota heart, but... he prefered to stay as friends, because their friendship was something really important to him, and wanted to enjoy it even more; obliterating Aichi's heart a little).

The awkwardest of silences took place. Aichi stared the floor. Card-kun stared Aichi. That was pathetic as hell. "If there's a monster, please, come out and eat me", thought Aichi from the bottom of his heart.

- So... that other girl, the green-eyed blonde, what about her?

- Oh, you mean Kourin-san?

- Kourin, huh? Sort of a cute name if you ask me. So, what about her? Everytime she comes to your house, looks like she wants nothing else but your attention, hahaha... Really, she's pretty obvious.

- I see... well, about that...

- No, Aichi, please-

- I...

- Don't...

- Kourin already...

- Please tell me you didn't-

- I'm sorry, but-

- Aichi, if you did what I think you did, I swear I'm gonna-

- I friendzoned her - said the shota as fast as he could. The depressing aura around Aichi now was visible.

- OOOOHHHH, YOU LITTLE PIECE OF... FRIENDZONED FRIENDZONER-

- B-but, I wanted to enjoy our actual relationship! She's really an awesome friend and-

- ...did you just hear what you said?

- That I wanted to enj-? crap... It's exactly what Kai-kun said to me, right?

- Yup, it is. So, those chats were from before that happened, right?

- Yeah... that's why my chats with Kai-kun were so gay and those with Kourin-san so fluffy...

- Dude, so you haven't talked to them since then?

- I-IT'S EMBARRASSING

- Aichi, you're hopeless...- said the Unit, and kissed Aichi's forehead.

- E-eeeh... what was that, just now...- Aichi was flustered and crimson red, as he touched his kissed forehead.

- Sorry, being sleepy gets me in a homo mood... we should sleep...

- B-but, the hallways are creepy, what if some shota-eater monster shows up!?- mumbled Aichi

Suddenly, someone's steps echoed deeply through the hallway; they were approaching their current location.

- A-Aichi, behind me, now- said Card-kun, as he drew a hunting knife from his coat, and pointed it to the dark. Even if Earth seemed like a peaceful place, he could remember his homo crush saying this planet has his dark side: Monsters who hide in darkness. Under the bed, on the closets, behind the bathroom's door... now it seems the stories were true, after all. He holded the knife with all his strenght, while Aichi stared at the darkness that lied in the depths of the hallway. A shadow steped forward in the dark; the Unit was sweating cold.

- GO ANY FURTHER AND I'LL STAB YOU IN THE FACE

- NO, PLEASE, I'M JUST A NURSE, THE PATIENT HERE CALLED FOR ME- the shadow said in panic. As it came closer, a young nurse in her 20's showed up, raising her hands to convince the man pointing he with a knive she was harmless.

- Is the patient a guy called Toshiki Kai?- asked Aichi.

- Yes, he is. Wait, why are you outside a patient's room at this time?- pointed the nurse.

- We were worried about our friend. He was beated to a pulp by some bad people...- said Aichi, watching the door Kai was behind.

- You were worried about your friend. I came because I like hospitals. They smell good- replied Card-kun.

The nurse and Aichi stared at him for a while, with a "ok" face on.

- Well, if you put down that knife and give it to me, you can step in and see your friend.

Card-kun (against his will) handed the knife to the nurse, and the trio entered the brunette's room. Aichi gasped as he saw his friend's state. He had his forehead bandaged, his left cheek was patched, his breathing was heavy. He was conected to a machine, it showed Kai's pulse, breathing rhythm and maybe other stuff.

- His rib cage has recieved several damage; 6 splintered ribs, two broken; one of them was close to pierce his lung. The doctor and I were amazed to find out he kept himself conscious all the way up here. Looks like your friend is a very strong one, guys.

- Kai-kun...- murmured Aichi, sobbing.

- Ai...chi...?- said Kai, he could barely speak.

- KAI-KUN- cried the bluenette, as he ran to his side. Kai petted Aichi's head, as the shota repeated his name and blaming himself for what happened. The brunette tried his best to not cry, too; Aichi would think he was more weak than he is already, and also crying would hurt like hell.

Card-kun watched the scene; it was so gay, but, it was also warm and cute, and somehow... familiar, exactly like a déjà vu. Not long ago, he could swear he was in Kai's palce, and someone else in Aichi's. But, all he could remember was it was a girl, who had been many days without sleep beside him, waiting for him to wake up. All about that person saved in Card-kun's memories were her sweet voice but rude attitude.

- Excuse me if this sounds rude, mister, but, am I the only one who thinks this is both gay and cute in equal proportions?- asked the nurse, touched by the scene before them.

- Yeah... yeah, it is...- replied Card-kun, kind of nostalgic. The scene really touched him deep inside his heart. The memories of his first love, and those of the girl... all in one place. Aichi and Kai... could really help him to unlock his memories? Everyday he is with them, they remind him of past memories about himself, about that girl, some guys he used to hang out with... and that town in Cray, in the middle of a dessert; accesible to anyone tired of their current life, a peaceful place with beautiful and warm nights, nice people and good economy and medical system...

- Miss, I think they'd like some time alone. So, how about sharing a drink or something?

- I'd like to stay but, I think we're not violinists. There's coffee and cake in my superior's office; one of my workmates celebrated her birthday and so...- said the nurse.

- Sounds good- replied Card-kun; and both of them left the no-homo (not) couple alone in the room doing fluffy stuff.

NEXT DAY, 7:30 AM

The doctor entered the hospital, greeted the receptionist, and took the stairs to the 2th floor, as every morning. Even is he was 60, some stairs wouldn't stop him. The white walls of the hallway made him feel welcome; the hospital was the doctor's second home. Through the hallway's windows, a blue sky adorned with white clouds reflecting sunlight could be seen. He smiled at the landscape.

He arrived his office, and opened the door. In the stretcher, an unknown guy was sleeping. In his desk, his fellow nurse was holding a hunting knife; with no blood, fortunately. The doctor sneaked to his archives, took the folder with the name "Kai, Toshiki" on it. Quietly, he closed the door.

He took the elevator to the 4th floor, were his patient awaited. Inside, a blonde girl and a redhead boy were talking about his patient. The elevator stopped in the 3rd floor for a woman in yellow. Then it proceeded to the next one.

The trio arrived Kai's room. It had 9 empty beds; Kai's was beside the window. As they reached the brunette's bed, they saw Kai and Aichi cuddling in the same bed. They had their clothes on, at least (sorry, girls). Talking about embarrassing scenes...

- Kourin, wanna eat something? I'll pay. We can tell Aichi about it later...- said the redhead.

- Yeah, let's get out of here- replied the blonde.

The two boys closed the door behind them. Then, the doctor snapped his fingers and the no-homos woke up.

- A-ah, doctor, it's morning already?- said Kai, rubbing his left eye.

- T-THIS IS TOTALLY NOT WHAT IT SEEMS, I'M NOT GAY- yelled Aichi. In a blink, he put on his shoes and left the room almost at the speed of sound.

- Is he always that shy?- asked the doctor.

- He really can be like a school girl sometimes, but he's a nice guy- replied Kai, smiling at himself.

- So then, let's check those broken ribs.

-END OF PART 1-

NT: MUCH WORDS. VERY DRAMA. SUCH CRAP COMEDY. HOLY MOTHER-FUCKING WOW.

Also, while reading ch. 2, I realized how much I suck going full comedy; so I guess I'll keep the atmosphere of chapter 0.

And about that "part 1" thing, yeah; the original chapter was too long and stuff (ALMOST 9K WORDS GODDAMIT), so I had to split in in two. Although, wanna know what Ren and Kourin are up to? Where's there? WAIT UNTIL NEXT CHAPTER. AND AGAIN, THANKS FOR READING.