Weiss Kreuz Fan Fiction ❯ Kiss From a Rose ❯ Kiss From a Rose ( Chapter 1 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

"Kiss From a Rose"

by Yanagi-sen
Weiss Kreuz songfic

Usual disclaimers apply. I don't own Weiss or Schwarz, bummer, I'm just
borrowing them for a little while. I'll put them back where I found them,
honest I will. *blinks big innocent eyes* When I'm done with them that is…

Warnings: shounen ai, mild language, OOCness, hope you don't like Crawford…

/character thoughts/
-transmission-
'mental speech' (telepathy)


"K'so!" Normally, he wouldn't indulge himself in something as useless as
swearing, but at the moment, Omi felt like he was up the creek without the
proverbial paddle. Someone (he didn't know who except that it hadn't been
him!) had tripped an alarm. Now, the building was falling down around his
ears, literally.

/Why the Hell does the computer core always have to be in the basement?!
I'm gonna be trapped if I don't figure something out, fast! / The building
shuddered again. /Must be explosives, or a gas line or something. / Omi
lost his balance and fell hard. He watched in sick fascination as the
heavy metal cabinet rocked on the other side of the narrow hallway. The
blond assassin scrambled to get out of the way, but yelped helplessly as
he was caught by the falling cabinet.

"CH'KUSO!" He twisted and pulled, involuntary tears of pain and
frustration escaping from his cerulean eyes. "Can anyone hear me?!!" He
collapsed, panting. /This is it, Omi. It's no use. You're trapped, and no
one's coming. / He heard the groan of metal straining above him. He craned
his neck to see a section of ceiling dangling precariously. Omi covered
the back of his head with his hands, even as he knew how futile the
gesture would be. He tensed, hearing the over stressed metal give way. But
nothing hit. Omi peeked. Standing less than ten feet away from the prone
boy, was the youngest member of Schwarz.


~There used to be a graying tower alone on the sea,
You became, the light on the dark side of me… ~


Omi watched, shocked, as the twisted metal he thought was going to cave in
his skull, floated serenely off to the side and settled gently to the
floor. "D…doushite?"

"Would you rather I let you lose your head?"

"Iie." The dark-haired boy knelt beside Omi as the building shook again.
The cabinet shivered and then rose, freeing the trapped assassin. He
struggled to rise on unsteady limbs and felt a slender shoulder slide
under his arm.

"Hanaste! This building isn't going to stay standing for much longer and I
don't have enough energy left to protect us or dig us out."


~Love remained the drug that's the high not the cure… ~


/Why did he save me? The last time I saw him, he was tossing me around
Esset's base like a rag doll. He always seemed so… cold. But… he is kinda
kawaii. /

"Oi, Earth to Omi?"

"Y…Youji-kun?"

"We got work to do kid. Try to keep your mind on business."

"Sou, Youji-kun." He diligently turned his attention to the arrangement he
was creating. He grabbed a deep indigo-blue ribbon and paused, the color
reminding him of the boy's eyes. /I can't be attracted to him, can I? /



"Hey, Nagi. What ya thinkin' so hard about?"

"Don't you know?"

Schuldich smiled. The kid had learned quick how to block his mind off from
the German, less than two days in fact. Now unless he was really upset or
exhausted, it was usually more trouble than it was worth to try to force a
read on the kid. /But he is so much fun to tease… / "Fine. Don't talk to
me. Stay in here by yourself." Schuldich slammed the door to the computer
room on his way out. Nagi didn't even blink.

/By myself? What else is new? I'm always alone. / His fingers hovered
momentarily over the keyboard as his mind returned to the memory of a boy
with blonde hair and blue eyes. /Why did I help him? He's a member of
Weiss. He should be my enemy. But… I couldn't just leave there. Alone. Not
like that. Stop thinking of him, Nagi! You have work to do. /



"We're going out, Omi! Don't stay up, we'll be late."

Omi heard the door slam shut behind the other three guys. /What else is
new? *sigh* I shouldn't feel sorry for myself… I just wish… I wish I had
someone to do things with. They guys won't take me, Youji says I'm too
young, Aya and Ken agree with him. None of the kids at school can
understand me. It's not fair to drag any of them into what I do. Look what
happened to Ouka. I've been alone for as long as I can remember, I should
be used to it by now. /



"Nagi! Crawford's out with a client, Farf's locked up for the night, and
I'm going out." 'Unless you want me to stay here with you? I'm sure we
could find something to do.'

"Not a chance."

'You're no fun anymore.'

"Sorry that I don't just roll over when you call for me."

'As I said, you're no fun anymore.'

'Fuck you! And get out of my head!' Schuldich's mental laughter lingered
after he left. Nagi sighed. /Maybe I should have let him stay. At least
that way I wouldn't be alone. /


~But did you know, that when it snows,
My eyes become large and, the light that you shine can be seen… ~


Omi found himself wandering aimlessly. A freak snowstorm had swept in,
blanketing Tokyo in the fluffy, white flakes. The falling snow diffused
the light from the streetlamps, spreading the orange glow out over
everything. The city was hushed, all sounds muted by the drifting snow. He
brushed some of the white stuff off his shoulder and kept walking though
the deserted park. He just couldn't spend another minute alone in the
apartment. He stopped and stared out at the water, unaware of the
midnight-blue eyes observing him.

He glanced to the side as a dark shape leaned against the railing beside
him. He jumped. /It's him! What's he doing here?! / He tensed and looked
around furtively, the rest of Schwarz could be lurking in the shadows.

"It's just me." The boy's voice was very soft and calm as he stared off
over the water.

"What are you doing here?"

The younger boy shrugged. "Wandering. You?"

"Same."

"Aa."

Omi bit the inside of his lip nervously. "Anou, I don't think we've ever
really met. I'm Omi, Tsukiyono Omi."

The slight boy turned, a faint smile hovering on his lips. "Nagi, Nagi
Naoe."

"Pleased to meet you, Nagi-kun."

One elegant eyebrow arched gracefully. "Honto ne?"

"Well… anou…" Omi stopped, flustered.

"Daijoubu." They were quiet for a long time, each lost in their own
thoughts. "It's nice to see you too." Nagi's voice was barely above a
whisper. Omi turned, catching his eyes and the brunette dropped his head,
a light blush spreading over his cheeks.

"Nagi, why did you save me?"

The Schwarz assassin watched the night-dark waves break against the shore.
"I don't know."

Omi's gaze lingered on the younger boy's profile. The falling snow leant a
surreal, almost fey-like quality to the teen. A few errant flakes had
settled on his long, dark lashes and in his sable hair. Tentatively, Omi
reached out and brushed the crystals form his face. The younger boy's head
turned, tilting slightly, his dark eyes warm with something Omi hadn't
noticed before. Nagi's slim hand rose to caress the blonde's cheek.


~Baby, I compare you to a kiss from a rose on the gray… ~


It was only the softest brushing of lips. Omi turned his head slightly and
kissed slender fingers sliding along his cheek. He sighed gently and
boldly twined his fingers through the silky, brown hair, pulling the
smaller boy toward him. Nagi leaned in for the kiss, his fingers trailing
down the older boy's chest. He suddenly pulled back with a gasp.

"O…Omi!"

"Nagi?"

"What are we doing?"

"I don't know… Sumimasan."

"Iie. Don't be… just…" Nagi clung to him and shivered. Omi wrapped his
arms around the smaller boy.


~Ooh, the more I get of you,
The stranger it feels, yeah… ~


"Omi-kun… we can't…"

"Wakatta…"

"Demo…"

"Suki d…"

"Don't say it! Just… just don't say it." Words faded away as they stood,
surrounded by falling snow.


~And now that your rose is in bloom,
A light hits the gloom on the gray… ~


"I… I should go… Crawford will be getting back soon."

"Me too… um, can I… can I kiss you again?"

"Hai." Omi was surprised by the unshed tears in Nagi's midnight eyes.

"Oyasumi nasai." The boy slid from the blonde's arms and was gone,
swallowed up by the swirling snow. Omi walked home, strangely euphoric
from the encounter and wondering what the Hell had just happened? And what
was he was going to do about it?


~There is so much a man can tell you,
So much he can say… ~


Nagi was grateful that he had so much practice blocking out the German, he
hadn't expected his teammates to be home so early. As soon as he walked in
the door, Schuldich knew he was keeping something a secret, but Nagi was
pretty sure the telepath couldn't tell what. It was obviously driving the
man nuts. Nagi got a perverse pleasure out of annoying the redhead. He
couldn't do anything to prevent Crawford's visions, but the American made
no comment when he returned, damp from melting snow. Luckily his flushed
face could be explained away by the cold. He mumbled something about
needing to take a walk and got a lecture on leaving a note next time. As
quick as he could, Nagi escaped to the relative safety of his room.

He dumped his wet clothes in the hamper and slid under the blankets. He
burrowed underneath, shivering until the sheets warmed. He had a ton of
work he should be doing , but he pushed any twinges of guilt to the back
of his mind. /Fuck Brad, I don't feel like it tonight. If he wants that
stuff so badly, he can do it himself. / He stared out the window at the
swirling snow. Nagi lay awake thinking of cerulean eyes for a long time.



Omi tried to keep his mind on what Manx was saying. The other three were
still a little hungover from the night before and not libel to notice his
preoccupation. Luckily they hadn't been home yet when he'd returned, still
reeling from his meeting with Nagi. He'd never met anyone with softer
lips, or eyes that color of midnight-blue, or a gentler touch. /Focus,
Omi, focus. / The Kritiker agent kept shooting odd glances his way. He
blushed slightly and she smiled, then slowly winked and handed him the
case file. He moved to the computer as the other guys went up to the
apartment, presumably to nurse their hangovers. Manx stopped by him on her
way out and leaned over his shoulder.

"You'll have to introduce him to me sometime." Omi jerked and she ruffled
his hair before leaving.

/How did she know? / He shook his head. /Manx always knows. She knew you
like guys almost before you did. / He hid his smile and got to work.


~You remain,
My power,
My pleasure,
My pain… ~


Omi was a little disappointed, but strangely relieved that Nagi wasn't
been there. This particular confrontation between Weiss and Schwarz didn't
last long. A few taunts back and forth between Schuldich and Youji,
Farfarello threw a dagger at Ken, and Aya and Crawford faced off for a
minute. Everyone seemed to forget about him lurking in the shadows. In the
end, both teams ran as the police showed up. But when they got back to
Koneko, Aya seemed strangely irritated to Omi.

"What's up with you?!"

"What do you mean, Aya-kun?"

"He means you've been in la-la-land for days, Omi."

"Who is she anyway, girl from your fanclub?" Youji quipped.

"Never mind. Break it off. It's affecting your performance."

"He does not affect my performance!" In the dead silence that followed,
Omi realized exactly what he had just said. The blond could feel the heat
rise in his face and he bolted for his room. He heard Ken call out to him,
but for once ignored his friend. Omi slammed the door behind him and
locked it, before collapsing in tears on his bed.

The pounding started and he knew, just knew, all three were out hint he
hall. "Omi!" Ken's voice sounded concerned.

"I don't want to talk right now."

"Omi, open the door." Aya's cold dispassionate voice irritated the boy.

"Leave me the fuck alone!" Shocked silence from the hall.

"Yoshe, Omi. You know where we are." Youji's voice held none of its usual
mocking intent. Footsteps faded away, then silence.


~To me you're like a growing addiction that I can't deny,
Won't you tell me is that healthy, babe?… ~


As the tears ebbed and the shivering left him, Omi realized his computer
was flashing a message.

* Indigo wants to talk with you. Do you accept? *

/ 'Indigo', who's 'Indigo'? / He shrugged. Well, why not?

* Archer accepts *

Archer: Konban wa?

Indigo: Oh! Konban wa. You're on.

Archer: Who are you?

Indigo: Guess, Bombay. ^_~

Archer: Nagi?

Indigo: Yep. ^_^

Archer: Can I ask you something?

Indigo: Hai.

Archer: Why 'Indigo'?

Indigo: My eyes. *blinks coyly* I don't think I need to ask you about
yours.

Archer: Iie. Where were you today? I was worried. *frowns*

Indigo: I got a cold from being out in the snow. The 'Prick' made me stay
home. *sighs*

Archer: Crawford?

Indigo: Yeah. I call him, 'Prick'. It suits him better. *snickers*

Archer: LOL ^_^ How 'bout the others? You got names for them?

Indigo: Of course. 'Slut' and 'Psycho'. ^_~ Weiss? *grins evilly*

Archer: Hmm… 'Icecube', 'Jock', and… you already took 'Slut'. *pouts*

Indigo: *chibis apologetically* How 'bout, 'Whore'?

Archer: *big smile* That works.

Indigo: I can't believe how long we've been on. 'Prick' is bellowing from
me. gtg

Archer: Daijoubu. Um, Indigo, can we meet somewhere? Tomorrow? *big puppy
eyes*

Indigo: *melts* Park?

Archer: Okay. Ja ne.

Indigo: Ja ne. *Indigo signed off*


~But did you know, that when it snows,
My eyes become wide and the light that you shine can be seen… ~


'Where are you going, Nagi?'

'Out.'

'Crawford know?'

'Sou.' The door shut behind the boy. Schuldich watched him leave the
building and walk down the street. The kid wasn't wearing his usual
clothes, almost as if he'd dressed up for something, or someone. He
smirked, and looked for his coat. /What are you hiding, little one? /


"Ken-kun, I'm going out for a while."

"Going to meet your boyfriend?"

"Anou…" Omi blushed. Ken laughed.

"Have fun." The boy beamed and left. Ken stared off into space. /It's good
that he has someone. He should get out of here more often. /

"Where's Omi?"

"He went out, Aya. What's wrong?"

"We need some stuff."

"I'll go."


It hadn't warmed up enough to melt the snow yet, so everything was still
blanketed in soft white flakes. Nagi kicked at the drifts idly, enjoying
the feeling. He'd never like snow when he was younger. Bad weather made
living difficult for street children. What he really wanted to do was run
and play in the stuff, since he didn't have to worry anymore about being
wet or cold at night. Nagi resisted the urge, he was late and didn't want
Omi to worry.

Omi. He couldn't believe that he was going to meet the blond Weiss member.
Somehow he'd always been attracted to the youthful boy with innocent eyes.
But he'd never expected Omi would actually return those feelings. Nagi
paused for a moment. Did Omi reciprocate those feelings? He couldn't help
being a little wary. He'd been used by so many people over the course of
his young life. /But Omi isn't like all the others. / They had been older,
men for the most part, and usually only interested in one thing. But the
blond was different. He actually seemed to care for Nagi, not what he
could get out of him. Nagi hurried along, Omi was waiting.


Omi tapped his foot impatiently. Nagi wasn't exactly late, but… He wasn't
usually this nervous either. His mind kept going back to what Ken had
said. Was Nagi is boyfriend? He would like him to be. He hadn't really had
a boyfriend yet. It was hard enough for him at school as it was, let alone
if word got out that he was gay. It wasn't as if he couldn't take care of
himself, only that people thought of him as the computer geek that worked
in a flower shop. Which was exactly what they were supposed to think. He
couldn't blow it by getting caught with Nagi, he'd have to protect them
and that would result in questions.

It was strange, but he wasn't afraid of the boy anymore. He hadn't known
the young telekinetic for too long, but he sensed the caring and
compassion within the boy. Omi suspected that Nagi was actually a very
kind and sensitive person. But for whatever reason, because of whatever
had been done to him, he had buried his true nature behind a wall of cool
indifference, much like Aya had.

He fiddled with the zipper on his black coat. Normally, he didn't really
care what he wore, but today… He'd worn his new black jeans and a blue
fleece shirt Ken had handed down to him a couple months ago. He knew it
looked good on him, since Ken had made a horrible mistake with his laundry
and shrunk it. Now it fit Omi perfectly. Impatiently, he turned around and
saw the sable-haired teen approaching. He reminded himself to shut his
mouth, but the boy looked great. For once he wasn't dressed in that
horrible gray uniform, but was wearing a pair of dark blue jeans that
hugged his slender form. Over it he wore a heather-grey sweater that
brought out the deep violet-blue of his eyes. His black leather coat was
open and fell to mid-thigh. The boy was kicking at the snow.

"Nagi?"


~Baby, I compare you to a kiss from a rose on the gray… ~


Those incredible indigo eyes lifted to meet Omi's. A hesitant smile spread
across Nagi's delicate face. Omi gave him a quick hug and stepped back,
watching his reaction. The teen blushed slightly and looked away at the
expression of affection. Omi opened his mouth to apologize when he felt
Nagi take his hand, shyly. Hand in hand, they walked along the path beside
the water.

Nagi was a little confused by what he was feeling. He had never felt
'loved' before. Not even by the other members of Schwarz. Brad… was Brad.
Schu and Farf cared for him, in their own way. But he doubted that they
really 'loved' him. Even if they did, it wasn't the same as what Omi
obviously felt for him. What he felt for Omi. He walked a little closer to
the other boy, wrapping his hand around the blonde's arm.


~Ooh, the more I get of you
The stranger it feels, yeah… ~


/Where did you go, little one? What are you doing out here in this small
park on the edge of the city? What are you hiding? Or should I say, whom
are you hiding? / The amused German scanned the area, searching for a
particular mind. There weren't too many people around, the snow-covered
park was fairly deserted. There. Down by the water, the familiar thought
processes of one Nagi Naoe. The German smiled. Even out of Schuldich's
sight, the boy was smart enough to keep his walls up. But he couldn't mask
his distinctive presence.

Schuldich once commented to Crawford that thoughts tasted like honey. That
wasn't entirely true, everyone's tasted a little differently, and only the
truly innocent tasted like honey. It was this distinctive 'flavor', for
lack of a better word, that identified and individual's mind to the
telepath. Crawford's was simple, yet sophisticated, like the cognac he was
so fond of. Farfarello's was more like a good Irish whiskey; strong,
direct, almost childish in its simplicity. Nagi on the other hand was more
complex. Like a fine wine, there were hints and traces, subtle nuances
that mimicked the many layers of his personality. But there was this
lingering hint of something darker, like pomegranates. Deep in color,
thick and sweet, with a hint of tartness.

The telepath zeroed in on Nagi's location. Suddenly, he tilted his head in
thought. There was someone with the boy. Someone not entirely unfamiliar.
Sweet and intoxicating, like honey-mead. It was someone he'd scanned
before. Schuldich headed for the waterfront, curious as to whom their
little Prodigy was spending his time with.


Ken was hurrying back. Aya was not going to be happy that he hadn't been
able to get what they needed. Their rather unusual requirements were
sometimes difficult to fill. /Kritiker should really consider procuring
the stuff for us, rather than just reimbursing. / Things for their 'night
job', were often expensive, let alone illegal. /Omi is so much better at
this than I am. / Speaking of which, Ken thought he had seen the boy
heading into the park when he went by earlier. This might be his chance to
meet Omi's boyfriend. Aya wasn't going to be happy when he got back
anyway, he might as well make a detour.


Omi, ever the gentleman, bushed off the bench for Nagi. They sat and
talked about everything, and nothing; just getting to know each other.
School, music, TV, anime; anything that came to mind. They discovered that
they were still just a couple of kids. Not normal by any sense of the
word, but still just teenagers. Oblivious to anyone but each other, they
enjoyed the simple pleasure of being with someone who cared, and
understood.


~Now that your rose is in bloom,
A light hits the gloom on the gray… ~


/Why that little shit!/ Schuldich's initial feelings of betrayal and
outrage faded to one of sardonic amusement. /So, this is Nagi's dark,
little secret. He's taken up with that Weiss brat./ He pondered the
likelihood that perhaps the young telekinetic was playing with the other
boy. Seducing him for information maybe? /Nein. That's not his style. He's
with the brat for his own reasons, that have nothing to do with Schwarz./

He smirked. /I could have a lot of fun with this… / He watched them kiss
and grinned. He was just about ready to go break in on their cute little
tête-à-tête, when he stopped. He was 'feeling' something unusual from Nagi.

Schuldich's green eyes widened. Happiness. That's what he was sensing.
Happiness was one emotion the German had never felt from the boy in all
the time he's known him. So the kid was happy with the brat. With a sigh,
he turned to go home. As long as that bastard Crawford didn't order it, he
wasn't' going to do anything. Nagi deserved to be happy for a change.


/Oh, my, GOD! Omi's boyfriend… Omi's boyfriend is… is… that kid from
Schwarz?! What is he thinking? / It was painfully obvious that the two
boys were together. Their conversation had trailed off. Even from a
distance, Ken was embarrassed to be watching the pair. He had nothing
against gays, heck, he was probably bi himself. But this was Omi, little
Omi. It was one thing to hear the kid say he had a boyfriend, another to
actually see them together! And a member of Schwarz no less. Ken's eyes
nearly bugged out as Omi leaned in and kissed other teen.

Ken hurried away. /I hope for Omi's sake, Aya doesn't find out. / He knew
their young team member was being foolish. This could only end up with him
and/or the other kid getting hurt, or killed. But Ken just couldn't bring
himself to step in and destroy what was obviously so important to them
both. For now all he could do was watch and hope.


"I'm gonna miss you."

"Me too."

"We probably won't be able to meet like this too often."

"Wakatta. And if we run into each other on 'business'…"

"Let's try not to hurt each other."

"But we have to keep up appearances."

"How long do you think we can keep this a secret? I mean, Schuldich…"

"I can block him. I do anyways. He already knows I'm keeping something,
but he doesn't know what or he would have confronted me already. It annoys
the crap out of him."

"Kyosukete."

"You too."

"Daisuki, Nagi." This time the younger boy let him say it and smiled
slightly in response. They walked out of the park together and then each
went their respective ways.


~I've been kissed by a rose on the gray… ~


"Omi."

"Ken-kun?"

"Kyosukete, tonight." Ken seemed to be acting strangely.

"I will." He patted the blond on the shoulder and moved off. /What was
that all about? / Omi shrugged and moved along the darkened hallway.

-Bombay, you in position?-

"Almost, Abyssinian."

-Hayaku! You should be in there by now. Abyssinian out.-

"Sure, sure, hurry up. No problem. Geesh. I'm doing the best I can." He
let himself into the office and moved to the computer. His job was quite
simply to mess with the system till the people in the building didn't know
whether they were coming or going.

-Bombay?-

"I'm in, working on the system, Siberian."

-We don't have all night, you know.-

"I'm going as fast as I can, Balinese."

-Cut the chatter. Get control of that system.-

Omi's fingers flew over the keyboard as he hacked in and uploaded the
virus he'd designed.

-Bombay!-

"Done, Abyssinian."

-Pull out now! Schwarz is here!-


~I've been kissed by a rose on the gray… ~


'Nagi.'

'What do you want, Schu?'

'You better watch yourself, Prodigy.'

'What do you mean?'

Schuldich frowned at him and glanced around. Crawford was a little ahead
of them, making sure Farf didn't wander off. 'You know what I mean. Don't
let your emotions get in the way.' Nagi's midnight-blue eyes grew large
and fearful. His gaze darted to the American, then back to Schu. 'Relax.
I'm not going to tell him. Just don't let him find out. He still hasn't
really forgiven you for pulling that house down, you know.'

"Nagi, Schuldich. We're going in."

"Shiiine!!" Crawford sidestepped Aya's strike.

Schuldich and Youji resumed their ongoing 'courtship dance'.

Blades gleamed and flashed as Ken and Farf feinted and slashed at each
other.

The younger members of both teams held back, unwilling to engage each
other. Fortunately this wasn't unusual. Nagi was just as effective from
the shadows and actually preferred to say there. He was essentially a
non-combatant by choice and usually would just assist as needed. Omi too,
was most effective from a distance as his weapons of choice were ranged as
opposed to the others more up-close-and-personal fighting styles. By
unspoken consent, the two boys maneuvered so as to be on opposite sides of
the conflict and hopefully not have to engage each other.


~And if I should fall… ~


Omi scanned the room. Youji was confronting Schuldich in his usual manner,
with his mouth for the most part. If he didn't know better he'd swear the
blond was attracted to the German. He shuddered, he didn't even want to
contemplate those two together. Aya was holding his own. And Ken… Ken was
in trouble.


/Oh, Omi, onegai. Stay out of it…/ Nagi could see that Siberian was in
trouble and knew his koibito couldn't stand by and just watch.
Reluctantly, the telekinetic moved to where he could confront Bombay.


Schuldich was keeping his 'eye' of Nagi and Farf, figuratively of course,
as he did anytime those two got involved in a fight. He watched Farf in
case the Irishman lost it completely and Nagi because he didn't want the
kid hurt. He had a soft spot for the kid, so sue him! Crawford on the
other hand could take care of himself, besides; Bradley wasn't on his list
of favorite people today. He could see the Weiss kid heading into the fray
to assist his friend. Schu split his attention between his fight with
Youji, and looking out for his younger teammate.

'Nagi.'

The kid seemed to be ignoring his warning or his mind was too involved
elsewhere to hear it as he moved even closer to the fighters.


Farfarello could see the Weiss kitten creeping in to disturb his fun. He
was enjoying toying with Siberian too much to let the brat poke his nose
in now. He tossed the clawed assassin to the side and launched a pair of
knives at the approaching Weiss brat.


~I've been kissed by a rose on the gray… ~


Crawford spun away from Aya. "Nagi, NO!"

To Schuldich it seemed as if time slowed down. He ignored his own opponent
as he reached in vain for the boy.


Time seemed to stop outright stop, as both knives slammed home.


For a second, no one moved.


Time sped up.


Nagi and Omi lay sprawled on the floor. Schuldich scooped up the young
telekinetic and headed out. Fuck Brad and Farf, they were on their own.

Youji fended off the psychotic Irishman as Ken cradled their smaller team
member. "Farfarello, we're leaving." Crawford was already on his way out
the door. The golden-eyed man giggled at the sight of the blood and gave
his blade one more lick before disappearing after the others. Ken and
Youji lifted Omi as Aya looked at the twin pools of blood on the floor.


~There is so much a man can tell you,
So much he can say… ~


"You're lucky, Omi, if that Schwarz kid hadn't knocked you out of the way,
you would have taken both blades in the chest. In comparison, a knife to
the shoulder isn't bad." With care, Ken settled the younger boy back
against the pillows he'd propped up.

"Still hurts like Hell." He looked up at the knock on the door, the
movement pulling at his hurt shoulder. "Itai! Come in."

"How you feelin', kid?"

"Alright I guess, Youji."

"Anou…"

"Nani?"

Youji looked apologetic. "I know you probably don't feel up to it… but Aya
wants to talk to you."

Omi grimaced, paling. Ken felt his forehead, concerned.

"We can try to convince him to wait."

"Iie. Let's get it over with."

"Then you'll try to sleep?"

"Hai." He smiled weakly. Youji patted his leg and left. Ken looked at him
one more time and walked out reluctantly. He stepped around Aya, who was
standing in the doorway. The redhead glared at Omi, of course that was
Aya's normal expression so he couldn't tell if he was actually in trouble
or not. The swordsman shut the door behind him.

"Oi, Aya-kun."

"..."

/Oh, this isn't good. / "Hai?"

"What's going on?"

"What do you mean?"

Aya frowned. "You and that kid from Schwarz."

Omi inhaled sharply. His interrogator just looked at him. "Betsuni…"

"Don't lie to me! You don't do it well."

"Aya-kun…"

"Have you betrayed us?! Is that why he saved you? Son of Takatori!"

Omi gasped, he thought Aya had gotten over that. "Iie… I would never…" He
stared in disbelief at the blade now held to his throat.

"Yamero!" Ken shouted from the door. Youji walked over and put his hand on
the swordsman's arm.

"Let the kid explain, Aya."

"If he's a traitor…"

"Then we will deal with that if it is true. Well, Omi?"

Ken crossed the room to put himself in the position to protect the injured
blond. "Go ahead."

"Well… you see… Nagi…"

Youji held Aya's arm a little firmer as the man snarled. "So you know his
name?"

"AYA! Cool it!"

"H..Hai. N..Nagi, he saved me on the last mission. You know, where I was
down in the basement and the building started to fall apart. I was trapped
and probably would have died. But, Nagi saved me. Then… we ran into each
other at the park. We talked for a while." Omi's voice trailed off.

"That's it?" Youji asked.

"Anou…"

"They had a date the other day." Everyone stared at Ken. Youji and Aya's
faces reflected disbelief, Omi looked like a trapped animal. "Sumimasan,
Omi. I saw you two together."

"And you said nothing?!" Youji stepped in between Aya and Ken now. He
wasn't sure who the pissed off man was going to kill first, Omi or Ken.

"I didn't see the need."

Aya's violet eyes bore into Omi's. "If I find that you've betrayed us, you
will die." He jerked away from Youji and stalked out of the room.

"I'll talk with him." Ken followed their leader.

Youji ruffled Omi's hair and sat next to him on the bed. "Don't worry kid,
things will work out."

"Y…you don't mind?"

"Do you love him?"

"Hai."

"Does he love you?"

"I think so."

"Then that's all that matters."


~You remain,
My power,
My pleasure,
My pain… ~


Nagi gasped softly but gave no other indication of discomfort as Crawford
bandaged his shoulder in the kitchen of Schwarz's apartment. By knocking
into Omi, the telekinetic had managed to keep his koi from being killed,
but he wasn't sure how badly the blond had been hurt. He knew Omi had to
have been hit in his upper chest or shoulder, while he'd taken the knife
in his back. Luckily his shoulder blade had prevented the weapon from
sinking too deeply, but he was still bleeding all over the place. His
physical pain tolerance wasn't all that high, combined with the blood he'd
lost, he really didn't feel up to the lecture he was sure Crawford was
waiting to impart on him.

"And how is our little Prodigy?" Schu lounged in the doorway with Farf
peering over his shoulder, looking longingly at the blood.

"He'll live." Crawford gave the bandage one more tug. Nagi very nearly
grayed out.

'Steady, little one. He's done.'

'Bastard did that on purpose.'

'Probably.'

Nagi snorted and stood up, intending to escape to his room for some much
needed sleep. Besides, sitting around half-naked in front of this bunch
was not his idea of a good evening. As he stood, his head swam and a wave
of nausea washed over him. He felt Schu guide him to sit back down and
press his head between his knees. "Easy, Naoe. You've lost too much blood
to try moving around just yet."

"Don't fuss over him."

"Just because you're a cold bastard, Brad, doesn't mean you should take it
out on the kid!"

"You've got some nerve. He just saved that Weiss brat and in the process,
botched the mission!" Nagi held his head with his hands, he was rapidly
getting a headache.

"The mission was fucked before Nagi even got involved. Besides, what do
you expect him to do when his boyfriend's in danger?" Nagi sat up, too
quickly and clutched at the table to stay upright. Schu steadied him
without looking and continued to stare down Crawford. Farf looked over
from where he was contemplating the blender.

"What did you just say?"

"Brad… I…"

'Hush, Prodigy. I'll take care of this.' "You heard me." He pushed Nagi's
head down to rest on his arms, the boy gratefully leaned on the table.

"And you know this how?"

'Sorry, kid.' "I saw them together, at the park."

"Traitor."

"No. The kid's no traitor. They were there as Naoe and Omi, not as Prodigy
and Bombay." As Crawford pondered this, Schu rubbed Nagi's back gently.

'Hold on a little longer, kid.' "Furthermore, any discussion on this will
have to wait. It's late, we're all tired. Nagi's hurt and should be in
bed." Nagi felt Schu lifting him very carefully, so as not to jostle his
shoulder or make his head swim any worse. "Good night, Bradley." His
slurring managed to turn the name into an insult. Nagi smiled inwardly,
only Schu could ever get away with that.

"Doushite?" Nagi asked weakly as Schu carried him to his room and settled
him in bed.

"Cause kid. You deserve to be happy once in a while. Omi does that for
you."

"Arigatou, Schu." His eyes felt so heavy.

'Sleep, Prodigy. I'll make sure Crawford leaves you alone.'

'Stay?' He wouldn't usually ask but…

'Sure, little one.' Nagi could feel Schu slide in beside him, cradling him
so his shoulder was supported. 'Now sleep.'


~To me you're like a growing addiction that I can't deny,
Won't you tell me is that, healthy babe… ~


Archer: Indigo, you here? *looks around*

Indigo: I'm here. *waves*

Archer: *hugs fiercely* Daijoubu?

Indigo: Hai. *hugs back*

Archer: Are you lying? *looks stern*

Indigo: Maybe. How are you?

Archer: Sore, but mostly okay. Jock patched me up. Then Icecube lectured
me, but Jock and Whore stood up for me. Icecube's eased off. But I don't
think our next training session is going to be all that much fun though.

Indigo: Wakatta. I bled all over Prick. He is majorly pissed. Slut put him
in his place and stayed with me so Prick would leave me alone.

Archer: Daijoubu desu ka, honto ne?

Indigo: Sou. I just bleed a lot. Made me lightheaded, but I'm feeling
better now. Won't be in school for a few days though. *does happy dance
around the room*

Archer: I thought you liked school?

Indigo: I like learning! School is boring, and the people are jerks!

Archer: I hear you there. Oh, Jock's coming with my lunch. You gonna be on
later? *big pleading eyes*

Indigo: *giggles* Probably. I'm more or less grounded to my room until
Prick gets that stick out of his ass.

Archer: LOL I miss you.

Indigo: I miss you too.

Archer: Daisuki.

Indigo: Ja ne.


Indigo: I'm going nuts.

Archer: Prick still got the stick up his rear?

Indigo: It's so far up, it's never gonna see daylight again. *sigh*

Archer: *hugs sympathetically* How are you feeling?

Indigo: I'm fine, besides being trapped here. *rattles cup against bars*

Archer: Still grounded huh?

Indigo: Hai. He's never really gotten over me saving Tot. This is even
worse.

Archer: Aa. I want to see you. *picks lock on cage*

Indigo: Anou…

Archer: Nani?

Indigo: He is supposed to be at a meeting all night.

Archer: *whispers* Can you sneak out?

Indigo: *whispers back* Psycho won't care. Slut's with Prick. I'm outta
here!

Archer: Meet you at the park in an hour?

Indigo: *start Mission Impossible theme* Ninmu ryokai.


~But did you know, that when it snows,
My eyes become large and the light that you shine can be seen… ~


Nagi bundled up. It wouldn't do to get another cold on top of everything
else. He hadn't wanted to admit to Omi that he still felt so weak. He
probably shouldn't even be doing this, but he wanted… no, needed to see
Omi. Even if he had to spend the next week in bed, it would be worth just
half an hour with the one he loved. He wrapped a scarf around his neck and
left his room. Crawford never came in without permission, he'd never know
Nagi had left.

Farf looked up as he passed the living room. As usual, when he was sane
enough to be allowed free rein of the apartment, the psychotic Irishman
was watching some gory, American B-flick. In English no less. "Going
somewhere, 'pretty one'?"

Nagi rolled his eyes. "Iie. I'm dressed like this for fun."

Farf cocked his head and watched him as he walked by. Nagi ignored the
amber eye boring into his back. "Say 'hi' to your kitten for me." Nagi
shuddered and shut the door on the man's laughter. He genuinely liked
Farf, but the man gave him the creeps sometimes. He hurried out of the
building, if he didn't get going, he'd be late.


"Ken-kun, I'm going out. I shouldn't be too late." Ken frowned at him.

"Omi, you really shouldn't be going out in this weather."

"I know… demo…"

"Are you meeting Nagi? Don't bother answering. I can tell from your face.
He okay?"

"He says he is."

"You don't believe him."

"Not entirely."

"So you gotta check up on him."

"Sou."

"Don't stay out too long. You both shouldn't be out, but there's nothing
anyone can do to stop you."

"Arigatou, Ken-kun."


~Baby, I compare you to a kiss from a rose on the gray,
Ooh, the more I get of you the stranger it feels, yeah… ~


"Omi."

"Nagi-chan, you made it." The blond enveloped the slighter boy in a warm
hug and kissed him soundly.

"Of course." Nagi replied when he could breath again.

"Daijoubu?"

"Hai."

Omi pulled back and studied him. "Iie, you're not."

"I'll live."

"But you're not well."

"Neither are you."

"I think you're worse." Against his will, Nagi shivered slightly. "See! I
was right. I've got an idea. Let's go someplace warmer. There is a
coffeehouse around the corner."

"What's that?"

"It's an artsy, hang-out type place. They're very popular in America." Omi
steered him out of the park.

"Aa. I don't really like coffee though."

"That's okay. It's not my favorite either. Unless it's flavored and
doctored with plenty of sugar and cream. But they have this kind of tea
you just have to try."


'What's up, Farf? You're really tense.' Schu sent, as he settled down to
watch the end of the movie with the Irishman.

'Brad looking for Nagi?'

'Yeah, had some work for him to do.'

'Damnú!'

'What?'

'He's not gonna find him.'

The German straightened and looked at Farfarello, all the humor gone from
his face. 'Where is he?'

'Out.'

'Sheisse.'

'That's what I said.'



"You two are back early."

"Didn't take as long as we thought it would."

"Where's Aya?"

"He went to apologize to Omi. I finally convinced him just how much of an
ass he was to the kid yesterday." Ken groaned and hid his face in his
hands. "Nani?"

"Omi went out."

"Che!" Youji fell into another chair.

"Sou."


~Now that your rose is in bloom,
A light hits the gloom on the gray… ~


"You were right, itooshii. This 'chai' stuff is really good."

"Yeah. It's good cold too."

"Well, I'm glad it's warm now."
Omi set down his cup, his face expression turning very serious.

"Nagi-chan, why did you do it?"

"Nani?"

"Why did you push me out of the way? I mean, instead of using your power?"
Nagi looked down into his cup. "I… I couldn't."

"Huh?"

"My power requires a lot of conscious control. You've seen what happens
when I lose control of it, like that night when Tot… When I really get
upset, it either spirals out of control… or won't work at all."

Omi slid a little closer to him on the couch. They had picked a dim corner
in the back of the café. Omi didn't think anyone would notice, besides,
there were a few other same-sex couples in the place. No one seemed to be
giving them any trouble. He put his arm around the slender boy. "Arigatou,
Nagi. But I wish you hadn't gotten hurt." He caressed Nagi's cheek,
looking deep into his midnight-blue eyes. Omi could read the exhaustion in
them. "You're still hurting, aren't you?"

Nagi leaned against him, resting his head on Omi's shoulder. "I'm just
tired."

"Come on. I'll walk you home."

"Demo, if Crawford sees you…"

"Then I'll walk you most of the way home. Okay, aisuru?"

"Arigatou, itooshii."


~Yes, I compare you to a kiss from a rose on the gray,
The more I get of you the stranger it feels, yeah… ~


"I'm glad you're okay. But you gotta get more rest."

"I will, yakusoko. We better split up here, that building up ahead is
where we live, for now. I don't want anyone from Schwarz seeing you."

"Yoshe. I really don't want to run up against Farfarello again any time
soon. By the way, did he ever apologize to you?"

"Well, sorta, in his own way I guess. He kept Brad distracted so he
wouldn't bother me while Schu was out today."

"You're looking pale you better go in."

'Watch out, Nagi!' The boy gasped.

"Nan da?"

"Schu just told me to watch out."

"Why would he say that?"

"NAGI!"

"Oh, k'so… that's…"

Nagi stepped in front of Omi, blocking him from Crawford. "Go!"

"Demo…"

"OMI, GO!!" Nagi reinforced his plea with a mental push. Omi stumbled and
fell, he watched as the American grabbed his koi's arm.

"What the Hell's going on?!"

"Brad… I…"

The American glared at him and Nagi shrank back a little. He glanced at
Omi, fear filling his indigo eyes. The telekinetic tried to pull away but
Crawford just jerked him back, eliciting a cry from the pale boy.
Omi leapt to his feet, anger in his cerulean eyes. "Hey, let him go!" He
froze, staring at the business end of Crawford's gun.

"Well, Nagi… should I shoot your little boyfriend right here?"

"BRAD!"

"Drop the gun." Crawford stiffened.

"What took you so long?" The gun clattered on the cement. Aya's cool,
violet eyes looked over the scene. He noted the anger in Omi, the fear and
pain on the Schwarz boy's pale face.

"Let go of the boy."

"Why should you care? He is Schwarz." Nagi closed his eyes in surrender.
Now, Aya would turn away, take Omi and leave him to Crawford. The American
wouldn't kill him, the telekinetic was far too valuable, but he would hurt
him, badly.

"That doesn't matter." Nagi's eyes flew open in shock. "He's still a kid
and you are hurting him." A drop of blood welled up on the back of
Crawford's neck as Aya pricked him with his blade. With a curse, the
American flung Nagi off to the side. He turned to face the swordsman. Aya
lowered his katana, but did not sheath it. The precog stepped around the
Weiss assassin and walked away, apparently unconcerned with baring his
back to an enemy.


~And now that your rose is in bloom,
A light hits the gloom on the gray… ~


"Nagi, aisuru, daijoubu desu ka?" Omi was helping Nagi to sit up against
the building. Aya knelt before him. The boy was pale, a cold sweat
breaking out on his face.

"Aa. I'll be alright."

"Nagi?!" Aya spun, blade ready. Schuldich stood just out of reach.

"D…daijoubu."

"Iie. He's not." Omi glared at Nagi. "Crawford threw him into the wall."

The German waited for Aya to step back before kneeling beside the boy.

"Your back's bleeding again, isn't it?"

"Probably."

Schu shook his head. "And we just got that to stop. You're never gonna
heal up at this rate, Prodigy. Let's get you fixed up. I promise not to
let 'Prick' do it this time."

Nagi smiled weakly and turned to Omi. The blond leaned forward and gave
him a quick kiss, then whispered in his ear. "Get better soon. You know
how to reach me. Daisuki."



"Aya-kun… why did you stand up for Nagi?"

"Would Crawford have hurt him?"

"Hai."

"There's your answer."

"Demo, he's Schwarz."

"So that makes abuse okay?"

"Of course not! It just… it just surprised me, that's all."

"Nagi's important to you… isn't' he?"

To Omi's knowledge, this was the first time Aya had used the boy's name.

"Hai."

"Doushite?"

Omi though for a moment, as they walked home through the cold streets.
"He.. he understands, what I have to do. Who I am. My friends at school
don't. They can't. None of them have lived our lives."

"Aa." They walked the rest of the way home in silence. Before entering the
building, Omi caught Aya's arm.

"Aya-kun… Do you still think I am a traitor?"

"Iie, Omi."

"Are you upset with me for wanting to be with Nagi?"

"Does he make you happy?"

"Hai."

Aya nodded as if Omi had just confirmed something for him. He called back
over his shoulder as he walked through the door. "Iie, otouto. I'm not
upset with you."

Omi just stared at the redhead's back. Aya turned, a ghost of a smile
crossing his lips. "Are you coming? It's cold out tonight." Omi grinned
and ran up behind him.


~Now that your rose is in bloom,
A light hits the gloom on the gray. ~

Owari

Yeah!!!! My first Weiss fic is finished, actually this is my first
non-Gundam Wing fic. Time to celebrate, especially since my Weiss posters
have arrived. Time to redecorate the bedroom! ^_^