~A Fool's Paradise~

Author:

Danyael Panthernopaeus.

I looked between Shido and Kazuki, trying to find a connection. As far as I knew, monkey man had Madoka. He had no idea why he was trying to put the moves on Kazuki. I had to ask myself: Wasn't one partner good enough for him? What would poor Madoka think about this?

I mentally shook my head. Kazuki wasn't the kind of person to get involved in an affair. There was a perfectly logical explanation for why Shido was there, and why he was shirtless, in Kazuki's bedroom, in the middle of the night. Same as there was an explanation for why I cared. I didn't. I didn't care.

"You should stop being charitable to strays, Kazuki," Shido said snidely. "You never know what you'll catch from them."

Every nerve in me was set alight with anger. "Better than what he'd catch from you," I spat. "At least I don't roll around in my own filfth!"

Shido's eyes narrowed and I smirked. "Like you would know what you roll around in. I doubt even Ginji knows what he sleeps in!"

Something snapped. I hated it when Shido threw that in my face. I detested the fact that I couldn't provide better for Ginji, but he seemed happy. I wanted to do better, but I did what I could with what I had.

"At least I don't take advantage of a blind girl!"

I grinned when a vein popped on Shido's forehead. He stormed past me, and to the door. "I'll be back later for my vest," he said to Kazuki and slammed the door.

As I was grinning at Shido's back, I noticed gauze taped to it. Apparently, his latest job went about as well as mine did. Still, I was glad Shido was out of the way. Now, I could talk to Kazuki in peace. I could finally get the answers I wanted.

I looked at him. His eyes were nailed to the floor. I watched him from the corner of my eye for a moment. Kazuki seemed to have forgotten that I was still in the apartment. After a long while, he finally looked up. He stared directly at me with dead eyes. I gazed back just as blankly. I wanted to make sure he knew I wasn't leaving anytime soon.

My hand twitched, wanting to place it on Kazuki's shoulder. I really didn't like it when itomaki looked like that. Something was bothering him, but he wasn't telling anyone about it. It could be about the Prince of Terror, his visits to Syl Pharmaceuticals or something entirely different. I really wished he would find someone to talk to.

"Get out."

"Not until you tell me what this is."

"I already told you it's a cut."

Still angry with what Shido had said, I believe I overreacted a little. I grabbed Kazuki's throat, and turned him towards the small dining table. I pinned the string-master down, glaring down into his eyes, which showed nothing. He wasn't scared or curious. For a moment, I thought I was dealing with a zombie.

"Damn it, itomaki! A cut doesn't transform into kanji! What the hell have you done to me?"

Life flared back into Kazuki's eyes. They raged with anger as he reached for his bell. I released his throat, but caught his wrists. Kazuki wasn't getting out of it so easily this time. I was tired of him stringing me alone. I was being tortured in a new way. Not having any answers was driving me insane.

was driving him insane.

"You wouldn't understand," he said.

I sighed, almost tired of hearing that excuse. "The least you could do is tell me, and then answer any questions I might have. How many people have you cut like this?"

"Two."

I frowned at the answer. The old man made it sound like dozens of people had received this mark. How could that be? Which of them was lying? I decided that the old man was lying, considering he suddenly showed up on the Beltline.

"What does it mean?"

"Orokana rakuen. You know what that means."

"Why are you being this stupid?" I demanded, squeezing his wrists.

"Really? You're telling me that I'm stupid, when you can't put two and two together?" Kazuki winced as he tried to move his right arm.

I looked at the lime with confusion. I could have sworn Kazuki would've seen Kakei about that, and all of his other injuries. Why is he hiding it? I released the petite wrists and stepped back, gazing incredulously at Kazuki. He glared back at me. I still couldn't believe I hadn't noticed the bandage around his right arm. My observation sucks.

"Why didn't you see Kakei about that?"

Kazuki raised an eyebrow. "Who are you to question me, and my decisions?" he demanded, trying ridiculous to hide the arm behind his back. It proved too painful, and he let it hang by his side.

"I'm the invincible Midou Ban-sama," I answered with a grin. For just a single second, I thought he saw a smile flicker over Kazuki's face. I was disappointment when irritation soon took over.

"Then get your conceited ass out of my apartment!" He pointed to his door with his good arm. "Seriously, people might start thinking that you live here."

I looked at the door for a moment, debating if I should actually leave, or try to see a proper smile on Kazuki's beautiful face. "Would that be such a bad thing?" I asked, returning my attention to Kazuki.

Kazuki's lips pursed, but a light blush was staining his cheeks. I tilted my head, studying the man as he tried to find the right words. Was I being stupid? Could I not put two and two together? What did he mean when asked me those questions? Was he trying to tell me something, but I'm being too thick to realise it?

I stepped closer to Kazuki, and he tried to pass through the table. "Is this your way of pulling my pigtails?" I inquired with a smirk, pointing to my cheek.

Kazuki growled, but that stain had darkened. "Get out."

"Now, with an injured arm, I would like to see you make me," I challenged.

Kazuki narrowed his eyes, and pushed at my chest with his left hand. I allowed myself to be pushed as far as the door, before grabbing Kazuki's arm and pulling him close. He was taken by surprised, but so was I. I had no idea what I was thinking. I tried telling myself that I actually wasn't that attracted to Kazuki, but something else in my body was contradicting that statement.

I held Kazuki to my chest for a moment, trying to think of what I should do. The silence in the apartment was becoming awkward, and I finally release the string user. I smirked. That probably could've gone a lot better, as Kazuki looked as though he was violated by the touch.

It took me a moment, but I finally realised it wasn't disgust on Kazuki's face. He was shocked by the abrupt touch. He stepped back, narrowing his eyes, getting over his shock and pointed to the door. He was shaking slightly.

"If you have a crush on me, then stop pulling my pigtails and just tell me," I stated as I turned to the door.

"You could be so lucky." Kazuki cradled his injured arm. "Besides, that is not how I would pull your pigtails."

I stuck a smoke between my lips, slipping my hands into the pockets of my jeans. "Oh yeah?" I asked, glancing over my shoulder. "And how would you pull my pigtails?"

Kazuki grabbed my shoulder, spun me around, slapped the smoke from my mouth and kissed me. I stood still, astounded. Was Kazuki really kissing me? I was about to reciprocate the kiss when Kazuki pulled back. He stared at me with hard eyes, as though the kiss meant nothing, except that he was proving a point. The blush was gone from his cheeks.

"That's how I would pull your pigtails. Now…get out of my home." He pushed me out the door. All I could do was stare at the wood, hearing the locks turn.

I touched my lips. I always knew Kazuki's lips would be soft, but I never expected them to be that soft. With a shrug, I walked down the hallway, pausing when I remembered my cigarette was in his apartment. Oh well. It gave me an excuse to return, and this time, I would be the one who does the kissing.

Upon hearing Ban walk away, Kazuki exhaled shakily and slid down the door. He pulled his knees to his chest, pressing his forehead against his knees. He felt the need to cry, but he wasn't going to shed real tears over Midou Ban of all people. Crying on demand was one thing, but real tears? That wasn't going to happen in this lifetime.

He looked at his injured arm, sighing. He doubted that anyone knew he was currently high on pain killers. Kazuki knew he should have seen Juubei before leaving Infinity Fortress, but he didn't want to explain his injuries. Juubei was already asking questions about his mind, and lying to his friend and protector wasn't something that Kazuki prided himself on.

Juubei was never going to pry. For once in his life, Kazuki wished that someone would pry. Even Midou didn't seem to care, which made Kazuki elbow the door. He could feel the tears starting to prick at his eyes. He knew that if didn't stop thinking about his friends, he would break down and cry. He wasn't going to be that weak, though. He was tired of being pathetic.

With a deep breath, Kazuki opened his eyes. He got to his feet, and went into the bathroom to wash his face. He glanced up when he noticed that his reflection wasn't mirroring his actions. He stared into the malicious eyes of his reflection. He knew the Prince of Terror was making an appearance. Whether it was to help or hinder him, Kazuki never knew.

There were times that the Prince was a help, but he enjoyed causing havoc and mischief. The Prince leaned forwards a little, peering at Kazuki with inquisitive eyes. He smirked and straightened, pulling his hair over his shoulder. He walked back and forth between the frames of the mirror.

"If you had not protected him, I could have killed him. You would not be feeling like this," the Prince stated, pausing in his pacing to see Kazuki's reaction.

"I never asked for you to kill anyone. You wanted to attack Ginji-san." Kazuki glared at his alter-ego.

The Prince slammed his hand against the mirror, shaking it. "That idiot wants to hold you back. He does not want anyone more powerful than him running around Infinity Fortress. I will not be restrained so easily, Kazuki-sama. Eventually, you will lose all control and let me reign supreme."

"I would never let you do that!"

The Prince grinned, and stepped back. "Is that why you marked Midou-kun?"

"You know why I marked him! He was already seeing through my walls." Kazuki lowered his eyes, watching the water run down the drain.

The Prince tutted, and Kazuki looked up to see a mocking pout. "If I had killed him, you would not have to worry about that."

"You've murdered enough people. You can't tell the difference between evil and innocent!"

"Everyone is evil," the Prince stated calmly, pirouetting. "I am not so naïve and stupid to miss it." He stopped dead and stared at Kazuki. "Stay away from Syl Pharmaceuticals. You cannot hide your thoughts from me, Kazuki-sama. I am in your head."

Kazuki shut off the faucet, and left the bathroom. He could hear the Prince laughing at him from the mirror. He really did think he had hidden that. He forgot that the Prince had nothing better to do, than to go through his mind and find information on him.

Once in his room, he could still hear the mocking laugh. He got under the covers, and pressed a pillow against his head, trying to block out the laughter. He gritted his teeth, as the pain from his right arm worsened. While he focused on the pain, the laughter slowly became background noise, and Kazuki relaxed enough to fall into a state of unconsciousness.

I sat at the count of the Honky Tonk café, a cigarette hanging lazily from my lips. The coffee in front of me was stone cold, as I stared at the clock on the wall. I had no idea what I was thinking about, but I was desperately wishing someone had a job for the GetBackers. I wanted one to do with Syl Pharmaceuticals, just so I could find out what they were and what they did.

If Ren had no idea why they called themselves a pharmacy, why did they? What was the point of their name? 'Syl' wasn't even a real word, yet they had chosen it. Why? What was their purpose? Why was Kazuki so interested in them?

That damn itomaki, I thought viciously. My coffee was replaced, but it was something I subconsciously noticed. I sighed softly, think back to that night. Why I feel compelled to check on Kazuki, and make sure that he was okay? I had no idea where these damn feelings came from, but I wished I could return them.

I blinked when I felt something touching my face. Ginji had a dish towel, and was patting my cheek gently. I glanced at the white cloth, seeing that it was dotted with blood. The mark was still changing. I wanted to know what the point of that was, as well. Two days ago was the first time in my life that I gave seriously consideration to wearing make up, just to cover the wound.

Ginji was gaze at me, his eyebrows knitted together with concern. I was about to tell him to stop staring at me, when my phone vibrated. I grinned and pulled it out, my heart sinking when I saw the number was blocked. Either it was Hevn or a high profile client. I flipped opened the phone, holding it to my ear.

"Ban-kun?" Hevn's voice chimed. "Is Ginji-kun with you?"

"Yeah," I grunted as I stood and left the café.

Once outside, I lit his cigarette. "Clayman would like to hire you. She wants you to meet her at her gallery."

The call ended and I sighed. I looked up and down the street. Something had been missing for the last week, but I couldn't quite figure out what it was. I hadn't seen Kazuki for the past seven days. It was almost as though he was avoiding the Honky Tonk café for some reason. I smirked. I knew exactly why he was avoiding it like the plague.

My mind went back to the kiss. If truth were told, I had no idea that Kazuki could be so aggressive. If we were ever to kiss, I figured I would be the one to instigate it. But as I thought back to how Kazuki was during our trip to Infinity Fortress, perhaps there was a lot more to that itomaki that I originally thought.

I knocked on the door, and beckoned to Ginji when I felt his eyes on me. I flicked away the end of my cigarette, heading towards Miss Ladybug. As I opened the door, I glimpsed the package on the backseat. I considered giving it back to Kazuki, just for the sake of getting into an argument with him. There was something thrilling about knowing I could make Kazuki's blood boil. I was certain I could get him to use more vulgar curses.

Ginji got into the car, glancing at the package when I sat down. "I miss Kazu-chan," he whined, realising he hadn't seen his friend in some time. "Do you think he's okay, Ban-chan?"

"He's probably pulling someone else's pigtails by now," I muttered, starting the car and pulling my door closed. I could feel Ginji's confused eyes on me, but I refused to look at them. "Besides, he's probably doing his own jobs. Oddly enough, he gets just as many as we do."

Ginji nodded slowly. "Yeah, that's true. A lot of people want information, and Kazu-chan is the best!"

With Ginji's mood lifted, I pulled out onto the street, glancing in the rear view mirror. As if on cue, Kazuki entered the Honky Tonk. When I faced forwards, I had to slam on the brakes, seeing that stranger in the cat mask. I had forgotten about that odd occurrence, since I only saw it the three times. Unfortunately, I couldn't blame the lack of sleep.

"What is it, Ban-chan? Is there a cat or dog on the street?" Ginji stuck his head out the window, looking around.

I ran my hands through my hair, gripping the strands. What the hell was going on now? I was almost certain I wouldn't get an answer to that question for quite some time. That did nothing to improve my mood. All I wanted was to figure out what was going on with that person, and why they seemed hell bent on sending me insane or trying to kill me.

Despite having somewhere to be, I got out of the car. I let out a series of curses, shouts, yells and growls. I glared up at the heavens, demanding to know what I had done to deserve everything that was being thrown at me. I wished I had Kazuki's strings or Kakei's needles or Sakura's scarf, so I could do some damage to nearby buildings, cars and everything in between without moving. I needed something to do to exert my pent up frustration.

After a few minutes, I got back into the car, slamming the door. I turned it on again, and sped towards Clayman's gallery. At least I knew the artworks there would calm me down, and it had been some time since we last saw Clayman. I glanced at Ginji, noticing that he was biting his tongue to stop himself from asking questions.

"You saw nothing?" I asked, slowing for a red light.

"When you stopped the car?" Ginji shook his head. He eyed me curiously, poking my cheek. "Maybe you should talk to Juubei-kun. You might be missing some mineral that makes you see things."

"And maybe pigs will fly," I snapped, flooring the accelerator.

In all honesty, I had not idea why I didn't want to see Kakei. It might be because I didn't want Kazuki finding out that I was seeing some very crazy shit. I didn't think I had been at this job so long that I was going insane. There had to be a simple explanation, which took me round in circles. I finally blamed it on Kazuki.

I never saw anything too strange until Emishi's birthday party. That was also the same that I received the orokana rakuen from Kazuki. I raised a hand, touching my cheek. Was it possible for a cut to make me hallucinate? A week ago, I would have laughed at the very idea. Of course, a week ago I would have asked someone what they were smoking if they told me cuts could morph into kanji.

We arrived at Clayman's place a little while later. I didn't waste any time in getting out, and walking down the long entrance path to the front door. I bashed my fist on the wood door, and waited as patiently as I could. I knew we should've been here earlier, but when one needs to vent, then one needs to vent. I couldn't keep that locked up until after this meeting. I wasn't going to run the risk of saying something to annoy Clayman, and have her ask Shido to do this job instead.

The doors opened and Clayman smiled at us. She stepped to the side, allowing me and Ginjin in. We went through, and I looked around the entrance hall, gazing at the pottery that was on display. They were magnificent, but I wasn't there to gawk just yet. I wanted to get business out of the way, so I could focus all my energy on the pleasure without feeling guilty.

Clayman took us to her workshop. She gestured to two stools. Ginji sat down, but I was staring at a half-covered painting. I recognized the face. I was reaching to remove the sheet covering it, when Clayman took hold of it and pulled it across, blocking the painting entirely. I glanced at her and she smiled, gesturing to the stool. I shrugged and sat down.

"I need you to get back something for me," she started, pouring tear into two cups. "There's a painting in a politician's private collection that has been missing for quite some time." She handed the cups out.

I waved my hand. I didn't want anything, except to know what painting she was talking about. There were a number of famous paintings that have disappeared over the years. I placed a cigarette between my lips, knowing better than to light in a room that was filled with paint thinner.

"And which painting would this one be?"

"The Storm on the Sea of Galilee," Clayman answered, pushing over a photograph.

I didn't need to see it, but I knew Ginji had to memorise it. The last thing I needed was for Ginji to take back the wrong painting. I knew that the painting was stolen from the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum of Boston in nineteen-ninety. It was strange for it to suddenly pop up, since no one has seen neither hide nor hair of it since its theft.

I glanced at the picture, and my eyes softened. I really did adore Rembrandt. The man had such bold uses of limited colours that it drew me in. I could imagine myself on that ship, the salty spray slapping against my face and the tangy, clean air. I smiled, closing my eyes and listening to the sound of the waves.

I exhaled quietly and opened my eyes. I gazed at Clayman. "How do you know it isn't a copy? That painting vanished."

"Bring it back here and I will tell you if it is real," Clayman said, sipping her tea. "If it isn't, then the man paid a lot of money for a fake. He would have been very upset if he had it appraised."

"How much money are we talking here?"

Clayman placed her cup down. "I would say five million yen. He likely paid more for that." She closed her eyes for a moment. "I have the plans of the estate, but I could not get the combination to the safe. I hired someone to give that to you."

I took the tube that was handed over, unscrewing the cap and peering inside for a moment. Seeing that it was blueprints, I screwed the cap back on and nodded. "I'm guessing that you hired itomaki to get the combination."

"Fuuchouin-san is highly recommended by everyone I spoke to. I heard it took him an hour to get it. He works faster than you. If he retrieved as well, I dare say the two of you would be out of a job." Clayman smiled sympathetically.

I glared at her, grabbed Ginji by the back of his shirt and dragged him out of the workroom. I couldn't believe she would actually something like that, and so casually as well. We were the best around, damn it! Kazuki…

I slowed down my walking, thinking back to the painting that Clayman was working on. That had been Kazuki's face on the canvas. It seemed bizarre for him to pose for such a thing, or perhaps Clayman used his face without telling him. That didn't seem like something she would do, though. After all, once her gallery opened, Kazuki would visit just out of curiosity and I doubted Clayman wanted to deal with his wrath.

But for her to say that Kazuki could do their job! Kazuki had no idea what he was doing with it came to retrieval cases. He got the LI date from Kuroshi, an annoying voice in the back of my mind told me. He didn't need you then, and he doesn't need you now. If he really wanted to, he could complete this in half the time it would take you. I growled loudly, opening the passenger door and throwing Ginji into the car.

I knew it was true, in some aspects. Ginji and I needed to plan, make sure that everything was in position, and that we were in position. On the other hand, Kazuki would need to do the same, as well. The only difference was, Kazuki didn't need to worry about partner. Working alone made everything faster, but sometimes it was a rocky road.

Damn you, itomaki, I thought venomously, getting into the car and starting the engine. I tore away from the gallery, and back to the Honky Tonk. I had no doubt that Kazuki would still be there, waiting for us. It was likely the only reason why he had shown up that. I parked outside the café in record time, got out and stormed into the little shop.

"You!" I growled at Kazuki, who completely ignored me.

"Kazu-chan!" Ginji greeted, running inside and throwing himself at Kazuki. "I've missed you so much!"

Kazuki smiled, his entire face softening in an instant. "Ginji-san," he whispered, closing his eyes as he stood up to hug his former leader. "I am sorry. I have been busy this past week."

"I thought it might've been something like that." Ginji grinned and sat down on the stool beside Kazuki's.

Kazuki looked at me and smiled. "Hello, Midou-kun," he greeted chirpily.

I frowned, taking a step back and looking around for any strings. Things became a little more normal when Kazuki opened his eyes. He was still smiling, but that anger was still in there. It was as though the false happiness was trying to smother it; hide it from the world. I cocked an eyebrow. I was surprised that Ginji didn't notice it.

Kazuki sat down, handing a piece of paper to Ginji. "This is the combination to the safe in the master bedroom. You can find it in the back of the closet, to the right." He sipped his tea.

"But…" Ginji said, tilting his head from side to side. "…this is for keys."

"Yes, Ginji-san. You need three keys to get into the safe."

"Are you kidding me? Someone actually has an old style safe?" I demanded, looking at the combination. It was complete with a drawing of the safe, and where each of the three keys went. "Wow. That's impressive, itomaki. You really can use your feminine looks to get everything."

Again, I was ignored. I was beginning to think the only reason Kazuki greeted me was because Ginji was there. It wouldn't be the first time it happened. But I figured that after the kiss, Kazuki would have relaxed a little more. After all, he did get his crush on the invincible Midou Ban-sama out of the way. He had no reason to be uptight.

"Where are the keys?" I inquired. I raised an eyebrow when Kazuki didn't answer. It was like he was deaf. I almost thought that was the case, until Ginji repeated the question and Kazuki handed over a dark purple velvet pouch.

"I have marked them accordingly, Ginji-san. You shouldn't have any problem with them." He smiled at the electric eel, before finishing his tea and standing. "I should get going. It was good to see you again, Ginji-san."

"Aww," Ginji pouted, looking up at Kazuki with tear filled eyes. "Won't you stay for a little longer?"

Kazuki lightly touched Ginji's cheek. "I can't. I have two more jobs to do tonight, and you and Midou need to get started. The owner is out of the city until tomorrow morning. The guards have tripled, but I doubt it will be a problem."

I sat down, watching Kazuki from the corner of my eye. I don't know what it was, but the way the light bounced off his ivory skin, I was certain that I saw strain on his face. He had better not be losing a fight with that Prince of Terror. Outside of Infinity Fortress, the bastard could do a lot of damage, and murder even more people – or take his time torturing them.

I closed my eyes as Kazuki passed me, inhaling the faint scent of vanilla and rose. I drank the coffee slowly. Kazuki really was looking for any reason not to be around me, I concluded and opened my eyes. It seemed that he did visit Kakei, as he there was bulge under the shirt, and I highly doubted that he kept the bandage on for a week. He wasn't suicidal.

I finished the coffee and stood, stretching my arms above my head. The sooner we got this over and done with, the sooner we could get paid, eat and then sleep. Those were my intentions, anyway.

I limped back to the car, being supported by Ginji. I was muttering under my breath about the accursed itomaki. Oh yeah, the security had been tripled – by twelve angry Rottweilers! Every damn time I thought I had lost one, another would show up from the bowels of hell. And if that wasn't bad enough, it started to rain out of nowhere! One of the mutts got lucky, sinking its teeth into my right calf. While I was keeping them occupied, Ginji was able to get the painting from the safe.

Overall, it was a very successful mission. It was a lot easier than I expected. When it came to cases from Hevn or Clayman, I usually expected a run in with Doctor Jackal, but we got nothing. Not even itomaki was hanging around to make sure we did a good job. It was like the good old days, where the only thing we did have to worry about was a stray dog bite or a rogue bullet.

Once at Miss Ladybug, I gratefully sank into the seat. I wiped my left cheek, glaring at the blood on the back of my hand, and kicked the door. I quickly apologised to my car, stroking her dash soothingly. I really needed to find itomaki so I can beat the living hell out of him. Ginji was looking at the canvas, checking it against the photo that he took from Clayman.

"How is it, Ginji?" I called, pulling out a cigarette.

"I think it is the original, Ban-chan! It's identical!" He grinned over at me, and I couldn't help but shake my head.

I looked at the wet ground and shivered. I was happy that the rain had stopped, but I was pissed off that I was caught in. Ginji rolled up the canvas, and got into the car. He was still grinning, and I was praying that it was the real painting. I knew I was getting paid either way, but would be nice to have it someplace where I could view it.

Starting the car, I pulled my door closed and tried to ignore the pain in my leg. I pulled away from our parking spot, and drove rather sedately as Ginji called Clayman to let her know the good news. I half listened to the one-sided conversation, while looking at the nearly vacant streets of the city.

As I was driving through the lights, I braked as someone into the street, slid across the bonnet of my car and continued running. I craned my neck, making sure it was actually Kazuki I saw running like a madman after a cat. Perhaps he was trying his hand at retrieving, and it appeared that his first case wasn't going so well. I snickered and continued driving.

I pulled in front of Clayman's gallery, and let Ginji run the painting in. I would have slowed him down, anyway. I turned off the car and opened the door. Under the street light, I could better assess the damage done to my leg. I hopped over and lent on the pole, looking at the back of my leg. It didn't seem that bad. It was probably the bruising that hurt the most.

When I looked up, I saw Kazuki standing in front of me. I blinked and he was gone. Just to make sure I wasn't entirely insane, I looked up and down the street. When I didn't see him there, I looked around and under Miss Ladybug. Perhaps I had lost too much blood, and this was my body's way of saying I need to sleep.

I sat on the bonnet of my car, glancing up at the sky. I don't know how long I was staring up, but I heard Ginji's voice and levelled my head. He was talking to Kazuki, who was laughing softly behind his hand, while the other was pressing a towel to his chest. A scowl settled on my face.

"Ban-chan, look who it is!" Ginji called, pointing to Kazuki as if I couldn't see him.

Kazuki looked at me, his eyes still sparkling from whatever Ginji said. I could only see a little of the anger in his eyes, which I found strange. What could have happened in the past few hours to have changed him so much? I limped over to the side mirror on my car, and gazed at my reflection. The kanji for orokana rakuen was nearly complete, and I raised an eyebrow at that.

"Ban-chan, could we give Kazu-chan a ride home? Please?"

My eyes flicked up. Kazuki looked ready to decline, but I shrugged and nodded. "Sure. Why not? I could use a clean environment to bandage this." I pointed to my leg, and pulled my seat forward for Kazuki. "Ladies first," I murmured, receiving a glare from him.

"Funny," Kazuki said as he settled into the backseat, pushing the package aside. "I don't remember inviting you into my home."

"Hey!" I snapped, pushing the seat back with more force than necessary. "It's the least you could do, since I'm driving you home."

He shrugged, while Ginji looked between the pair of us. "Very well," Kazuki finally said. "You're free to stay the night, too."

I sat down, and looked into his eyes through the mirror. He wasn't looking at me, but Ginji cheered happily about having a sleepover at Kazuki's place. The car ride to the apartment was quiet. Ginji was humming cheerfully, and Kazuki was pressing the towel to his chest. I looked at the position of the towel. He moved it slightly, and I saw the blood on his shirt. I guess the cat got him good.

I parked Miss Ladybug and got out, pulling the seat forward. Kazuki slipped out of the car with grace, turning away from me and walking around the back. He let Ginji take his hand, and be dragged up the stairs. I wondered if this was the first time that Ginji had seen Kazuki's apartment, and what he would think of it. I followed at a slower pace, before Ginji stopped dead and turned to me. He apologised and allowed me to lean on him.

Once at the door, Kazuki opened it and stood to the side, allowing us in first. He removed my shoes, while Ginji took off his. I smirked down at Kazuki, who ignored me and pointed to the sofa. He mentioned that it folded out, and that he would grab the blankets and pillows. Who would keep that stuff in stock, if they lived alone? I wanted to ask how often he had company, but knew I wouldn't get a response.

"Ginji-san, take him to the bathroom, please. I don't need him staining the mattress," Kazuki called from the bedroom.

As we went into the only door available, I looked down the hall. I wanted to know what kind of bed Kazuki had. I wanted to know what covers he had. I wanted to know how neat and tidy he kept his room. I wanted to know if there was anything I could use to torment him with, and draw him into a heated discussion. I needed a rise from him!

I sat on the counter, wondering who would be administering the first aid on me. I glanced at the door when Ginji walked in, opening the cupboard next to my leg. He pulled out the kit, and easily asked me to take off my pants. I undid the button and the flier, but let him pull them off my body.

I stared at the door, watching as Kazuki walked back and forth, not once looking in. I winced slightly as Ginji rubbed in the antiseptic cream. He placed gauze over the punctures, and swiftly wrapped the bandage around my leg. He sat back and grinned at me, proclaiming that I would still be able to play the violin.

"Ginji-san!" Kazuki called, and Ginji ran from the bathroom. I strained my ears. "I put some clothes out for you, and Midou-kun to sleep in. They should fit. There is also a towel for you and Midou-kun, in case you wish to have a shower. Ginji-san! That's for dinner."

I knew that Ginji would be preoccupied with watching Kazuki making dinner, so I hopped off the counter, and limped into the living room. Kazuki was gently slapping Ginji's hand away every time he turned away. When he turned back, he didn't look at me or even acknowledge that I was out of the bathroom. I narrowed my eyes, boring holes into his back when he turned around. I smirked when he rolled his shoulders.

The towel was over his shoulder, still covering his chest. I wondered when he would treat his wounds. He'll probably do it when he thinks we're asleep, I reasoned. He wouldn't want to worry Ginji by doing it any other time. I grabbed a pile of clothes, which was sitting atop a neatly folded towel, and limped back into the bathroom. I closed the door, pressing my forehead against the wood. What the hell is wrong with you? I demanded at myself, trying to understand why I wanted Kazuki to look at me.

I sighed, pushing away from the door. I turned on the shower and stripped. I washed quickly, dried just as quickly and pulled on the pants. I knew I wasn't going to fit into the shirt that Kazuki had supplied. I looked at myself in the mirror. I was looking pretty good for someone that was attacked by a demon of a dog. I slipped my shades on, and left the bathroom.

Ginji had moved to the sofa. He was lying down, staring at the television. He constantly asked when dinner would be ready. I joined him, gazing at the game show that was on. As usual, Kazuki probably didn't know I was out of the bathroom, but Ginji grinned over at me. I smirked and glanced around, seeing a door to a small balcony. My eyes lit up; until I remembered that I left my smokes in the car. I was clean and happy at the moment, I wasn't leaving.

"How long until dinner, Kazu-chan?" Ginji whined.

"Twenty minutes, Ginji-san. I am putting on the rice now."

Ginji sighed, glancing at the towel and clothes and shrugged. He picked them up and disappeared into the bathroom. Perfect, I thought. I got up and went into the kitchen, standing in the doorway. I watched Kazuki for a few moments, until I heard the shower turn on and Ginji's singing.

"Did you need help with anything?" I asked in a cavalier fashion.

Kazuki was washing the prep dishes, but raised his head to glare at me. He blinked, his eyes slowly, slowly looking me over. I heard his breath hitch in his throat as he looked lower, and I stepped forwards. He gripped the towel over his shoulder, applying pressure hard. I doubt the wound there was bleeding again, so I moved in again, removing his hand and the towel. I raised an eyebrow at the three, long and deep cut starting from his shoulder and ending just under his shirt.

"You must've done something horrible to cat," I muttered, gently pulling down the top of his shirt to see the scratches tail off. "When did you plan on taking caring of that?"

Kazuki pushed me away. Yeah, he had definitely seen Kakei. He snatched the towel from his hand, and used it to cover the scratches. "While you're here, don't speak to me."

"You can't make me shut up," I snapped, sliding my glasses up. "I have this thing called 'free will'."

He stared at me, dumbfounded. For an instant, I could have sworn hurt flashed through his eyes, but the moment I let on I had seen it, he blinked and his eyes were ablaze with anger. He pressed the palm of his hand against the towel, lowering his head and looking away from me, as though I was the cause of the pain.

"You are a guest in my home, Midou. The least you could do is follow my rules."

"And one of your rules is that your guests aren't allowed to talk? I'm sure Ginji will be upset to hear that. Then again, since he wasn't paying attention, I'm sure he missed the fact that I saw you chasing pussy for the first time."

"Stop it," he whispered. His voice was strained, and he was pressing harder on the wound. "Just stop it."

"Stop what?"

I didn't know what I had done. I was just teasing him, like I normally would've. I never thought that he would get so testy about it. Seriously, he should have known that I would make the pussy remark sooner or later. To be fair, I didn't know when I would make that comment. I kinda wish Ginji was around to hear it, though. It wouldn't sound as good the second time around.

However, Kazuki raised his head and I knew he wasn't angry or upset with the comment. His eyes were beseeching – mute, urgent appeal in the chocolate depths. He really did want me to be quiet. But I had to know why. Why was I the only one that needed to shut up? I wasn't that overly talkative.

His eyes dropped to my left cheek. "It doesn't matter," he said as he straightened. "In four days, it won't matter at all."

I picked up the chopping knife, and looked at my cheek. The kanji was nearly formed. I threw the knife into the sink, glaring at him. He looked back blankly. "What is this?" I demanded.

Kazuki shrugged, glancing at the pot when a timer dinged. The shower turned off, and I returned to the sofa. I really wasn't going to explain to Ginji why I was standing in the kitchen. He wouldn't believe me if I said I was talking to Kazuki. Not with the way either of us had been acting the past few meetings.

From the sofa, I heard Kazuki speak. "Stop it."

End Chapter Vi.

Thank you for reading! I sure hope you are enjoying it thus far! Chapter seven should not be too far behind.
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