Weiss Kreuz Fan Fiction ❯ Time of Your LIfe ❯ It's Your Lucky Day ( Chapter 7 )

Chapter 7

It's Your Lucky Day

DivineAngel

_____________________________________________________________________ < p>He shift again, watching Omi squirm a bit in his seat as they all road back to the shop in silence. Mr. Brine drove quickly, saying nothing to them, and that was worst of all. The man still hadn't said a thing about how they did during the obstacle, or what he *thought* about how they did. That made him nervous, that made him antsy…that was weird. The man was never quiet, he never had any problem voicing his opinion about how good or how lousy they had done, and he was guessing they did lousy this time alright. They had lost two team members, let Omi fall…these were pretty much inexcusable things. He could feel the dread in his stomach as they pulled closer to the shop. As much as he wanted to get there so he could piss, and eat something, Mr. Brine was probably going to let them all have it.

"Ken." Yohji whispered to him, and he looked up at Yohji whom was sitting tense like him. Yohji shrugged a -what's going on?- to him and he frowned back, dripping wet and exhausted. Yeah, like he would know.

He shrugged back, and glanced at Omi whom squirmed a bit more causing Aya to suppressed a laugh. "When you go inside." Mr. Brine began and their heads all snapped up with the first comment to be said since they squeezed as much water from their clothes as possible, climbed into the car and started driving. "You have five minutes to do….whatever." there was a slight smile in the man's voice with that comment. Mr. Brine was of course the one whom had deprived them of their food and bathroom privileges all day. "Then your are to report right back to the kitchen." Mr. Brine ordered, and his comment had more strength and anger in it. Yup they were going to get it. Yohji gave him a cringing expression and Omi raised his hand to them slightly.

"Guys can I…can I use the bathroom first?" Omi winced, with the shy phrase.

They all frowned. "No." Aya spoke for them, leaving Omi to squirmed harder as they pulled up. Even though they liked Omi, he was a nice person and not too bad a fighter; he was still youngest, and that meant what they said was god, because they were older.

Mr. Brine parked and they all got out, rather quickly. Heading directly upstairs to the bathroom. "Damnt AYA!" Yohji growled when the red head went in and slammed the door in his face. "Ahhh Ken, don't you dare take my spot." Yohji snapped throwing a finger into his face before starting first to his bedroom to change out of the wet clothes, and then downstairs for food.

"Ken." Omi began the second Yohji was gone. "Can I go before you?"

"No way." He grinned at the tense boy who was shifting around where he stood.

"Please?"

He smiled slightly, listening to Yohji now downstairs in the kitchen stuffing his face with something. "What will you give me?" he asked. Omi's blue eyes shot to the side to think with a small hop.

"Aaaa….What do you want?" Omi asked quickly.

He smiled wider…he could have anything…only….He frowned…Omi didn't have anything he wanted. "To bad for you, you've got nothing I want." He smirked, watching Omi grit his teeth as the boy started hopping up and down.

Yohji came back with a banana and sighed. "Mr. Brine is so pissed at us." Yohji muttered frowning as he chewed. "I went downstairs and got this, and he didn't even say anything to me."

"Great." He scowled as Aya just exited the bathroom bandaging himself, as Yohji gave him the banana and entered.

"Wait! Yohji-kun! Can I go before you please!?" Omi pleaded as the door slammed in their faces, before Yohji answered a calm -No- from inside. "Ahhaaaa you guys are so unfair! Just because I am younger than you!? Don't you think that's a little childish! Ken!?"

He grinned at Omi's hopping figure. "Well…it's hard to think about what's childish or not, when your dancing because you have to piss."

"I am not!" Omi shot back before smacking the end of the banana he brought to his mouth and smiling satisfied as it smashed into his mouth and chin. "Stupid." Omi grunt as he pulled the banana away with his open mouth licking the yellow mush off.

"Just for that." he squint at the tense hopping face. "I am going to take my time."

Omi stopped dead, looking at him. "Are you being serious with me Ken-kun? You wouldn't…right? Ken-kun are you joking?" He grinned as Yohji came out and took the banana back with a frown. Examining the smashed for a moment before retreating downstairs with a heavy sight to throw it out as he took hold of the door handle. "Ken-kun?!" He walked in and slammed the door shut. "Are you fooling me!?"

"Yes." he grinned his soft comment, as he turned the sink on just to spite Omi. Smiling as he unzipped his obstacle shorts and heard Omi whine with the sound of running water. He'd have to hurry though, they probably had all of two minutes left.

_____________________________________________________________ ___________

"Assassins! Are NOT! Afraid of Heights!" He jerked with the tight slap the leather belt gave him. "ARe they!?" (Slap!)

"No Sir!" They all yelled back immediately. His eyes closing as he heard Mr. Brine take a step away from him. Down the line from where he was sandwiched between Aya and Yohji with Omi. Aya to his far right, then Omi next to him and Yohji on his left.

"Do Assassins! Sit AROUND AND Tell JOKES WHEN THEY'RE ON A MISSION!?" (Slap!)

"No SIR!" They all yelled, and Yohji grunt a small noise with the impact as he opened his eyes and looked at his hands. Palms against the wall next to Omi's and Aya's. He turned to Aya and the violet eyes side glanced him, saying nothing. Aya had really nice hands, and now that he really looked at his face…Aya had really nice skin. Clear and creamy, a smooth pale color that effortlessly ran around the sharp features without the slightest imperfection. He turned back to the wall when Mr. Brine walked by him.

"AssASSINS! NEED TO BE ALERT! AT ALL TIMES!" (Slap!)

"Ahh!" Omi jumped next to him. The boys hands trembling on the wall with a fast inner shiver before just tensing, and trying to grip it.

"I AM APPAULED AT HOW POORLY YOU ALL PERFORMED!"(SLAP!!) Aya jerked a girt teeth expression. "HAVE I BEEN WASTING MY TIME HERE! (SLAP!!)

"Ah." He choked out a sound with the hard blow. No matter how hard he tried to keep his throat locked, it was smacked out of him. The hard stinging on his skin biting at him, and making him clip his tongue between his teeth. Omi's hands tensing on the wall next to his, because the boy knew he was next in line.

"MAYBE! I JUST HAVEN'T BEEN HARD ENOUGH ON YOU BOYS!" (SLAP!)

"AHH!OW!" Omi yelled, blue eyes closing with the hard blow. He quickly slid his hand over to Omi's. Moving some of his fingers over the trembling hand and watching the blue eyes reopen and look at him. Tear filled color watching him muster a smile, and the trembling subsided.

"MAYBE! I HAVEN'T BEEN DRIVING THE IDEA HOME!" (SLAP!) He felt Omi bump into him slightly when Yohji jerked involuntarily and shoved him. "CAUSE YOU GUYS AREN'T GETTING IT! If you MESS UP! You DIE! I DON'T WANT TO SEE THE ASSASSIN TEAM I PERSONALLY TRAINED DEAD!" (SLAP! SLAP!)

"AHHHH!" Omi nearly jumped a foot with two consecutive blows. Scrambling closer to the wall, and Yohji quickly shoved the boy back where he went. So Omi wouldn't get in trouble for something he was instinctively doing. "Ahhaaa aahhhaa." Omi started crying kinda loud and he tried hard to ignore that because it made this harder than it was.

"THAT DOESN'T LOOK GOOD FOR ME!" Mr. Brine stopped behind him and his body went rigid waiting for it. "AND IT SURE AS HELL DOESN'T LOOK GOOD FOR YOU! YOU WILL ALL BE MUCH UGLIER DEAD!" Mr. Brine declared. Oh god! He thought. Why didn't Mr. Brine just do it already, just hit me! JESUS! It was like standing in traffic the way the man wasn't doing anything. (SLAP!)

"AHHH!" Omi screamed with the blow, but he still jumped almost believing he really was the one who took the third hit. "We're Sorry! We're SOrRY! It was an ACCIDEEEnnntt! Siiiir!" Omi cried.

"An ACCIDENT!?" (SLAP!) Omi screamed with the next impact, before quickly nodding. "Do you know what HAPPENS to assassins who HAVE ACCIDENTS!…HIDAKA!?"

His body went rigid again, as he quickly tried to find his voice so he could answer. "They(cough) They die Sir." His body was starting to hurt with his muscles so tight, but they were clamping on their own. Waiting for the blow that wasn't coming. Mr. Brine hadn't said a word, he was just standing there, thinking.

"…That's right." Mr. Brine finally muttered and Aya stiffened as Mr. Brine walked towards him before passing. "They die." Mr. Brine said standing there looking down rubbing his nasal sinuses. They all pulled their pants up quickly, because it looked like they were done. "Boys." Mr. Brine looked up at them softly. "I can't…I can't train you well enough for the challenges you are going to have to face. I just can't." Mr. Brine sighed. "Our obstacles, and all our equipment are designed to keep you safe while you learn. Those minor cuts you got today, that's about all you can get. If your injured you can not train so our equipments is designed to compensate you."

Uh oh, Mr. Brine was starting to frown at them now, and when the man locked eyes with him for a moment an icy chill ran through him. "But that's not realistic." Mr. Brine frowned. "You'll get hurt…much worse…sometimes to the point where you would have died if your teammates weren't there. Or didn't study hard enough, or remember the medical info we've been going over. What to do when you infected with poisons, what to do when you catch on fire and all that. Sometimes the pain will be so bad, you'll wish you could die. Do you think that's never going to happen to you?…Do you think we're teaching you this because it's cool information to know?!" Mr. Brine was frowning at them for sure when the little speech was over and there was a pause for them to think. Not to answer, just to lay the topic out stronger. "Well it will. I guarantee it…and my job is to make sure You Know what Being AN ASSASSIN is really like! So therefore! I am going to drive it home to you! If that was a real mission you were on today! You'd all be so sore! And scratched! And cut! And tired! You WOULDN'T KNOW UP FROM DOWN! SO I AM GOING TO TAN YOUR ASSES RED SO YOU START ASSOCIATING DEEP PAIN WITH MISSIONS! AND GET BETTER AT AVOIDING IT! The Big Day Is Coming BOYS! OH IT'S COMING! TOO FAST AND TOO SOON FOR ALL OF YOU! AND I AM GOING TO DO *EVERYTHING* I CAN, TO HAVE YOU READY! *NOW!*" They jumped at the loud bark, all of them tense with the speech. From their point of view, nothing good could come out of it. "GET OVER HERE! YOUR ALL TAKING THE PADDLE!"

His eyes widened immediately, not with fear but with shock. Geez he thought they'd had enough already. They didn't do *that* bad on their mission…aside from their fooling around, sluggish responses and overall not wanting to do it anymore…and the fact that…Aya got cut…and Omi fell…and Yohji was goofing off the entire time…and he froze up when they went up to the ceiling...and…He frowned…Damnt, they did do horrible. But still! His ass was red already! He probably had about thirteen leather strap marks down there, and even Omi who started slow. Getting four when they were all around nine, caught up to them in the end. "But!…Sir!" He yelled a weak protest the moment he glanced at Aya and Yohji.

They were both incredibly tense, with firm almost angry, but nervous looks. As though questioning their ability to go through the paddle after already being lit into. They had both taken the paddle before, and he knew from their exact words they never wanted to again. He couldn't believe Mr. Brine was this pissed at them! I mean, sure they messed up and could have done a lot better if they had simply worked at it but geez! He was a bit frozen with the order, and Omi was just pale and completely silent. Almost frozen in place with him staring at Mr. Brine while he tried to digest the words, the fact this would happen, and logically find a very good reason for it. "But. Sir. Nothing me Hidaka." Mr. Brine scowled walking to the living room and coming back with the paddle as he low growled his response. He frowned on sight, and he felt Omi immediately, scramble behind him. Trying to hide from this while Aya's eyes fell to the floor. "Now…do I have volunteers or victims?" They were all silent. Hell no he was going to volunteer! Volunteer for what!? To get his ass beat first! In front of his team!? To be the first to cry!? He already knew he was going to. It wasn't so shameful though, by the way Aya and Yohji were looking they were going to cry too. They had both cried last time they had each taken the paddle, and Omi was crying already!

Mr. Brine sighed as none of them volunteered. Slowly scanning down them with his eyes to find his victim. Mr. Brine looked at Aya first, because from where Mr. Brine was standing in front of them, Aya was the first in line. The red head looked tense, but still with spirit, and not afraid to look Mr. Brine in the eye. He was looked at next, and he swallowed the moment the eyes hit him. He had never felt the paddle, it was hard to consider what it might feel like. He could feel his brain working fast, telling himself over and over he had to quickly find a way to deal with this, but it was as though his mind were faltering so badly it could only give him the order. No answers were being churned out.

Mr. Brine turned to Omi next, but the boy was hidden behind him. Omi wouldn't look up from over his shoulder when he knew he was being looked at. Yohji was standing tense, arms crossed over his chest facing Mr. Brine directly like Aya.

"No volunteers?" Mr. Brine asked and this was their last opportunity, he knew it. Here it comes, whatever name called would be the worst off. "Alright." Mr. Brine said with a firm tone, already ready to whip them into shape. "Your first Tsukiyono." Mr. Brine ordered, and the man chose the one he knew would have the hardest time. The one whom would only get more upset watching what would come to him next. It was a hard choice, but still kinder to chose Tsukiyono who seemed to have a problem with the corporal punishment anyway. This way the boy would be done, and out of the way before having to watch any of the others go before him.

Omi's body went rigid with the command. Not a sound, or breath, or movement of any kind immerging from behind him. "TSUKIYONO!" Mr. Brine snapped pointing the paddle up at them, and making Omi jump.

Omi's blue eyes moved around to the side of him and peeked out slightly; wide and horrified with the paddle pointing at him. "S-s-ss-iiir Sir P-pleeeease don't m-make meeee g-gooo first. Pleeease d-don't make m-me g-go f-first sir! Please! PLEASE!" Omi pleaded and he could feel Omi's head shaking no from behind him. Omi's words turning to tears as he suddenly latched onto him almost hard enough to make him wince. "PLeASE Sir! I-I am SoorRRRY! I-I already LEARNEd! I-I-I Won't EVER FALL AGAIN! I-I'll WORK SO HARD from NOW ON! Just PLEASE! I-I d-don't-c-can't-can't Ahhhaa ahGo first! I can't! I-" Omi silenced as he swung his arm out blocking the small amount the boy was visible from behind him, and instantly causing Omi to turn to him.

"I'll…" His eyes fell to the floor. "I'll go first…I volunteer." He muttered nodding with his words.

"No." Aya snapped with a frown, and he looked up. "I said I would be the leader. I take the most responsibility…so I'll go first."

"The hell you will!" Yohji shot now growling insulted. "I am the oldest here! And I'll go first! And You'll all listen to me! Because Aya might want to be the fearless leader but I Am still OLDer! And I'll go first!"

"No." He shook his head softly, turning to Omi. "It's Ok. I am going to go first."

"No You not." Aya gave him a dirty look as he turned towards Mr. Brine slightly. "I already made my position clear." Aya said taking a step towards Mr. Brine whom was calmly watching before Yohji blocked him.

"Aya! You dirty bastard! I am the oldest around here!" Yohji grabbed Aya's collar and shoved the red head back a step.

"Aya-kun, Yohji-kun! Stop it!" Omi yelled snapping from behind him and grabbing Yohji's arm to stop Yohji's advance.

"Get off me Omi." Yohji ripped his arm away growling to make a move on the short boy whom backed up immediately. Omi didn't stand a chance against Yohji or any of them when they all had the same training and they were simply bigger. "I am going first Mr. Brine." Yohji took a firm step up to the man and nodded with his words.

"Well I am sorry Kudou." Mr. Brine smiled. Proud they were arguing against each other to shield one another and their youngest weakest link. "But I said Tsukiyono is first."

"The hell he is!" They all jumped when Yohji yelled directly at Mr. Brine. "You said Volunteers or Victims! That means Volunteers go first!" Yohji shot. "You stick to your word!-Shut up Aya!" Yohji snapped into Mr. Brine's face somehow knowing Aya was going to argue again, and Aya shut his mouth for good with that one. Yohji was staring Mr. Brine down with his own words, as Omi watched in a state of suspended horror waiting for an answer and dreading every possible one. Nothing Mr. Brine could say was good, from Omi's perspective.

"Alright than." Mr. Brine nodded. "That is what I said isn't it." Yohji gave a hard fast nod, before shifting his pants down and leaning into the kitchen table so his chest was flat against it, and his hands gripped the other side.

He watched and Omi shook his head no stumbling back one before glancing at him and Aya as if confused this was going to happen, and he dropped his eyes with the first blow. He didn't want to watch nor answer Omi..

(SLAP! SLAP! SLAP! SLAP!) "Mm" Yohji was doing good, he had taken four and he had hardly made a sound. Usually he made a sound after four leather hits, and especially if they were all in a row. (SLAP! SLAP!) "Ahh." (SLAP!) "AHh" (SLAP! SLAP!) "AHH!" He turned around, so he was facing away from the entire thing, trying to will the sounds away. (SLAP!) God! He was preying Mr. Brine would just stop. However many Yohji got, would be the set number for all of them. (SLAP!) "AHH! Ahhha"

"STop IT STOP IT!" Omi suddenly screamed , staring wide eyed through his cracked fingers half covering his eyes. Mr. Brine and everyone else including him ignored the outburst. Again Omi turned to him and Aya, but they avoided the boy's eyes. They had no answers for him. "Mmm shouldn't that be enooouugh? (SLAP!) Please Stop Mr. Brine! That's Enough! (SLAP!) STOP! (SLAP!)" Omi yelled slapping his hands over his ears trying to block out the loud cracking strikes.

"TSUKIYONO!" Mr. Brine stopped for a moment to yell. "ONE more word and you'll get TWiCE AS MANY!" Mr. Brine threatened watching Omi's eyes close as the boy shook his head.

"Omi." He gabbed Omi to shut him up and realized the boy's thin arms were shaking. Damnt, that made him feel bad. Slowly he pulled Omi towards him, so the boy wouldn't be facing Yohji and Mr. Brine. With his tugging Omi took a fast step to him, and he suddenly felt the boy's forehead lean into his shoulder. Yohji was already crying, desperately clinging to the table and trying to hold still and muffle his sobs as Mr. Brine stopped at fourteen. Maybe to Omi's pleas since they ended so abruptly. Omi went to look up when the sounds stopped, but he covered the boys face slightly. Holding Omi away so he couldn't look, and the boy didn't fight him. Instead Omi's thin hands slowly raised from his sides to his arms for comfort.

"I am next." Aya said, and the guy sounded like he was chocking on his words as Yohji got up. Cringing hard and wincing as he struggled to get his pants on a little and hobble towards them. Aya quickly moved and took Yohji's place. Leaning into the table with a grace and dignity he wished to god he could have.

(SLAP!) He jumped as Omi bolt to him, squeezing him as the boy's arms wrapped around his chest and pushed the air out. (SLAP!) "Omi." He looked down softly, but the thin face was entirely imbedded in his shirt. "Omi come on." (SLAP!) He could feel himself getting panicked like this. 1. Omi was hugging him, that was odd, none of them really stood around hugging. 2. And not just that but the boy felt like it was hyperventilating or something. 3. And! If Mr. Brine looked up they'd both be in trouble for being scared assassins. "Omi you have to get off me." He frowned down at the light head of hair which was pushing into him either ignoring or oblivious to his statement. (SLAP SLAP!) "Omi get off." He shoved at the boy's thin chest and Omi's hands clenched over his shoulder blades and dug his skin. As though Omi were trying to either shrink into his body and hide, or draw comfort from him.

No! His head yelled, he needed Omi off! Omi was making him freak! (SLAP! SLAP!) Aya made a hard choke with the last impact. Making it three farther than Yohji as he backed Omi into the wall and shoved the boy off him. Omi just whirled his side into the wall and cover his ears, all but ignoring what he'd done. (SLAP! SLAP!) He backed up a foot watching Omi stand there. This seemed to be too intense for the boy, Omi was only fourteen for crying out loud. He struggled to re-catch his breath, having Omi on him like that had royally freaked him out. He was starting to shake too, just because Omi was so thoroughly.

(SLAP!) "Ah!" (SLAP!) "AH! (SLAP! SLAP!) "Ahh!" With Aya's last cry Omi bolted from the wall like he was zapped with electricity. His eyes watching, expecting Omi to move to a new spot and stand. (SLAP!) Or maybe stand with Yohji now that he probably hurt the boys feelings shoving him away so roughly. He never expected him to bolt, and his eyes almost popped out as he watched Omi's skinny form shoot for the door and right out. Mr. Brine stopped dead, and Yohji stopped crying. There was a still moment of shock and silence that ran through them, as they all slowly registered exactly what had happened. Omi had ran out. Just ran out and left. Wow…that was courageous…that was…intense…that was…Oh My god! That was SO STUPID! Omi was going to get the life beat out of him!

"Enough Fujimiya." Mr. Brine stepped back and let Aya slowly stand up before turning to him. "What happened?"

"I-I…" he shook his head. "I don't know he…he just ran out." Mr. Brine frowned. No. Really. "Well he, he was clinging to me, and maybe hyperventilating so I pushed him off. He was standing *right* here." he pointed to the floor. "Just standing there looking down, before he bolted."

"Alright." Mr. Brine sighed and seemed to dismiss this. "Are you ready?"

He stiffened but nodded. "Yes Sir. This sort of stuff…doesn't scare Assassins." He knew his voice was shaking, and he saw Yohji make a disgusted -What the Hell is he talking about!?- gapping face to his side, but Mr. Brine only smiled for a moment.

"Alright. Than go find Tsukiyono." He didn't moved. He could go? Go find Omi? "Do either of you have a problem if I let Hidaka off the hook?" Yohji made another disgusted face but said nothing, and Aya shook no quickly. Aya didn't want to inflict pain on any of them. "Good. Than I suggest you get out of here Hidaka, before I *change* my mind." Mr. Brine spit and he quickly nodded sprinting for the door.

He had his hand on the door handle pushing it open when he stopping. "Sir?" He called back and Mr. Brine turned to him with the same patient, calm expression on his strong features. "What should I…What should I tell him Sir?" He stammered, trying to fight down all the insane answers his head was concocting for him.

"Are you asking me if he's in trouble Hidaka?" Mr. Brine asked and he gave a shaky nod. "Well…Mr. Tsukiyono will soon become one of those people who won't know up from down when he returns but…I am sure he's already figured that out." Mr. Brine answered turning back around towards Yohji and Aya so he bolted. What Mr. Brine said wasn't really that much help, but than again, the answer was what he had expected also.

He tore out the door with his eyes scanning the streets. They weren't really allowed to go out much. In fact, they weren't allowed to go out at all. He had no idea where Omi would go, and he had no idea where anything was. All he knew was the police station, and the flower shop. Flower shop and police station, everything else was just….lost to him in this district. He turned around and glanced back towards the shop after some thirty feet. As long as he could see it he wouldn't get lost. He didn't need to get in big trouble for not coming back because he got lost. He could just envision Mr. Brine's speech and correction as to why assassins don't get lost. He shuddered, reaching the corner and glancing around at the intersection he was at.

Ok so he knew Omi. Omi was his friend, and teammate. They shared a room, and a bed, did obstacles, worked out together, had boxed a few times but…that was Omi inside the flower shop. Inside the flower shop he'd know exactly where the kid would have run to. First to their room, because Omi could kick everyone but him out. Second to the bathroom because Omi could kick *everyone* out and lock the door. Third to the yard or greenhouse to be alone but….this wasn't the Flower shop. He sighed heavily at the three roads he had to choose from. Omi could have gone down anyone of them. All the boy had to do was pick, or just keep running straight. He glanced to his left, it looked more commercial. Lots of businesses, ok Omi probably didn't go that way. Straight was pretty much the same so he went right. It looked quieter, more residential, and Omi seemed to have a thing for homes.

Sure enough he had gotten about two blocks down the street when he spotted Omi. The boy sat on the curb of the upcoming block like he had just stopped running and sat. Plunked right down, and he was guessing that was exactly what happened. He slowed his walk a little, and put less weight into his steps so he'd be quieter. They both looked rather odd out in the real world dressed like they were, and edgy with all the open space and people. Both of them still dressed in their obstacle tight black shirt and shorts, with a pair of sneakers. The neighborhood they were in was nice and clean. The sidewalk he stood on, thick and eggshell without cracks. The homes all had nice lawns, paint wasn't chipped, two cars in each driveway. No wonder they actually made money selling flowers. These people looked like they spent tons on just their grass, they could definitely afford some amusing flowers.

Omi just sat on the curb, leaning into the fence surrounding the yard they were next to. "Omi?" He said and the blue eyes spun around when he spoke. Almost startled to see him in the outdoor settings as well.

Omi said nothing, and he fell silent. He didn't know what he was supposed to say, so he quickly extended his hand. Watching the blue eyes look at it and remain motionless. "Come on Omi. Get up." He said quietly.

Omi shook his head. "I can't go back. I-" The boy muttered quickly turning back around and just staring out at the streets and homes. "I can't go back Ken." Omi whispered.

So now he was Ken again. He frowned slightly, he liked the kun at the end of his name. In one way it put him right up in the hierarchy with Aya and Yohji, and in another it brought Omi closer to him because it took Omi's thin lips so much longer to just say his name. He knew whatever came after would be important and just for him. Without the kun, he was just Ken. Ken like everyone else called him. Like Aya and Yohji called him. He had never been Ken-kun to anyone other than Omi. He wonder what Omi would do if he stuck Kun on the end of his name.

He took a step forward, and when Omi didn't move he slowly sat down next to him. "Why not?" He asked, and Omi silently turned to him. "Why can't you go back?"

Omi's eyes shot away. "I'll be in so much trouble. Maybe…they'll kill me."

"Are you nuts?" He shot making a face and grabbing Omi's arm startling the boy. "No ones going to kill you! Your apart of our team! We can't be a team if someone's dead." He shot before frowning because those were Mr. Brines words to a T.

"But I can't be trusted anymore." Omi whispered. "I ruined my chance to be part of your team Ken-kun." Ok, so now he was Ken-kun. "If you can't trust your team members your dead." Omi whimpered and those were Mr. Brines words to a T also. "Didn't you say you lived on the streets Ken?"

He frowned. Ok he couldn't take being Ken one minute and Ken-kun the next minute. "Look Omi. Your not living on the streets, your not staying out here and you *are* going to come back with me *right* now." He frowned out his orders quickly standing up and yanking Omi with him. "Do you want to get me in trouble too? Huh? Do you even know how to get back?" He snapped and Omi shook his head quickly. "Well I do, and no ones going to kill you, but you are in a lot of trouble." He spit before silencing, and waiting to see if Omi had any kind of comment or protest because the boy had been completely silent during his rant. Of course, that would be Omi, to be so polite as to remain silent during a rant. Omi had just stood there constantly watched his face with eyes locked on his. They were such big powerful eyes, he felt like if he didn't keep talking he'd get lost in them, and living on this street corner wouldn't be so bad. Somehow Omi's eyes, those big blue pools would fend everything troubling away. "…Ok." He quickly spit for defense, to pull himself to reality. Watching Omi look down at his arm, and he quickly let it go. He hadn't realized he was gently holding it.

"Why do you still want me in your team Ken?" Omi looked sad when he spoke, and he side glanced at the woman who's lawn they were in front of when she came out of her house. Just to her porch to watch them because they stuck out so bad. "I-I ran…ran out."

"Yeah but it was an accident." He smiled softly with his reassurance. Well, what would have been a reassurance if Mr. Brine hadn't made it clear that assassins who made accidents ended up dead. Omi didn't brighten with his words because he considered himself dead now. "Well…Omi it doesn't matter ok." He reassured purposely taking Omi's arm again, he wasn't going to negotiate Omi coming back to the shop. Even though Omi looked obedient enough to him right then, the boy didn't protest or even make a face. On the flip side though, what could he really do? Omi was roughly only as tall as his shoulders, and dare it come down to shoving, he could drag the boy back to the shop. "You can just come back with me anyway…don't you…don't you want to…come back?"

"Yes I do!" He jumped when Omi quickly answer him. His voice desperate and imploring as the boy took a fast step towards him. "I do! Ken! I just I…didn't think I could I-Ken…" Omi's blue eyes welled with tears, bottom lip quivering. "Mr. Brine's-gonna-gonna hate me. He's gonna…" He nodded slightly watching Omi's eyes fall to the pavement with stress. Yeah Mr. Brine was gonna give Omi something. What exactly he didn't know. "Well-well, what-well…what-well what did he s-say? What-what did he s-say Ken?" Omi babbled swallowing as he looked up at him with those big pleading eyes, scared of what he might say.

"That….that you wouldn't know up from down."

"Ahhhhaa." He jumped at Omi's sudden cry, as the boy covered his face with his hands. "But I don't knooooow whaaaat That MEEEeaaans!" He nodded grabbing Omi and quickly tugging him closer, so they were practically hugging. He sent a worried glance to the woman who was still on her porch watching them as Omi started getting closer to him. Looping an arm around his back, as he took a step to the side.

"Omi we have to go." He quickly spit tugged Omi with him a little nervous with that ladies glare. Who knew what that frown she wore meant!? He sure as hell didn't want to wait and find out. "Omi."

"Ahhhanoooo." He jumped as Omi grabbed him again, shaking no but walking with his continuous pulling. "Ken, Ken…Keeeen…KeN!" He stopped. "I dooon't want to loook like this wheeen I go baaaack." Omi shoved him off as the boy quickly started wiping his eyes and trying to get the pink from his nose to disappear. He just nodded and waited for Omi to finish up before Omi looked at him as though for his opinion.

"You can't even tell." He lied, and Omi frowned slightly.

"R-really?" The boy whispered.

"Yeah Really." He mustered a smile and Omi looked a little relieved as he walked up to his side and waited for him to continue. Silently following along next to him until they took their left back onto the street with the flower shop.

"Ken-kun?" Omi spoke to him and he glanced back as he kept walking. "How come…well how come your not…"

"Mr. Brine said he'd let me off…for some reason. He asked Aya and Yohji if they thought that was ok and they said yes." He answered and Omi looked shocked, and he stopped walking. "Maybe if…if you hadn't run out he probably would have let you off too." He said and Omi's eyes widened like he had just been told Santa *was* real and the reason all of them *weren't* getting toys was because they were skeptical. "Or…" Ok, he definitely wanted to say something to comfort that expression as Omi just looked down confused. "Or maybe it's *because* you ran out he let me off." Omi looked up immediately. "I don't know which it is so." He laid his hand on Omi's shoulder. "So thanks."

Omi just swallowed with his gratitude, standing still as he gently took the boys hand and started leading him back towards the shop. "Welcome Ken-kun." He smiled a few feet from the door with the small whisper before stopping as his arm was tugged back with Omi's resistance. "Ken-kun?"

"Come on." He gently yanked Omi forward despite the scared shaky whisper. "Omi. You have to come back sometime. Mine as well be now." He said turning around to the wide eyed figure glued to the ground.

"But I don't want him to hit me Ken-kun!" Omi exclaimed and he jumped with the sudden outburst. The last thing he needed was people barging out to them before he coaxed Omi back inside. "Ken-kun! I dooon't want-" He slapped his hand over Omi's mouth, and Omi's eyes widen slightly.

"Listen Omi." He sputtered gapping because he couldn't think of what to say. "Just…It's o-ok." He nodded quickly reaching back and grabbing the door before Omi had a moment to really understand what he said was both unhelpful and clumsy.

Yanking Omi in with him, he shut the door behind them and turned around only to stop dead at the sight of Mr. Brine waiting for both of them with Aya and Yohji too. Yohji was just casually leaning onto the kitchen counter next to Aya, before perking up on sight of them..

"Omi!" Yohji grinned starting forward immediately. "You little idiot! Had me all worried I-" Mr. Brine grabbed the blonde before he got to them. Watching Yohji frown confused as he stopped walking.

"Mr….Tsukiyono is in a whole world of trouble right now Kudou." Mr. Brine said slowly and Omi's eyes immediately fell to the floor . "More than he can even understand." He glanced at Omi who was quiet and rigid, before at Aya and Yohji who were both frozen listening to Mr. Brine. "Do you have anything to say for yourself Tsukiyono?" Mr. Brine asked, and Omi was completely silent with eyes on the floor to the request. "Do you?" This was Omi's last chance to talk, but still he said nothing. Like him, Omi probably just couldn't think of what would sound good, or work in his favor. Omi was always a little too honest. "Tsukiyono look up at me." Mr. Brine ordered, and he took a step away from Omi's side when Mr. Brine walked directly up to the boy and stopped. Omi was just roughly up to the mid of Mr. Brine's chest in height. "TSUKIYONO!" Omi didn't move, until Mr. Brine yelled and he looked up instantly (Slap) before his face whirled to the side with the impact.

He swallowed, glancing at Aya and Yohji and they turned to him looking equally as grim. Apparently no one knew anything about what Mr. Brine was planning to do. Omi just kept his head slapped to the side, completely submissive to all of them when in trouble. Always never even tried to fight. "Assassins." Mr. Brine was starting…here comes the speech he thought. "Never run from their problems. Look up Tsukiyono." (Slap!) The moment Omi looked up he was backhanded to the side again. "The MINUTE! They turn their back! They are exposed to Bullets! And Lethal Weapons! Look up!" (Slap!) Omi's head whirled to the side again and the boy stumbled back against the wall with the impact, eyes cast to the floor.

Mr. Brine never slapped any of them for punishment. It was undignified to be slapped. Slapping is what happened to girls. Mr. Brine had punched Aya a few times, and had taken a few swing at Yohji. The back of his head had been swatted for not paying attention, but never slapped. Only the very first day they met Mr. Brine was Aya slapped, but then, he figured that was more to get their attention than anything else. What was Mr. Brine trying to prove doing this? "If You were ON A mission! Would you turn and leave your team mates TSUKIYONO!?" They watched Omi's head shake for just a moment. "WOULD YOU!?"

"N-no sir." Omi whispered, so soft they barely heard the boy.

"NO SIR?" Mr. Brine looked like he would laugh at the answer. "WHY DON'T YOU TELL YOUR TEAMMATES! Instead of TELLING ME Tsukiyono!" Mr. Brine yelled and they watched Omi shakily look up at them with just his eyes. His head still to the side with one bright red cheek from the last slap.

"I-I-I" Omi began. "I-I-w-wouldn't-"

"-LOUDER TSUKIYONO!" Mr. Brine interrupted. "SO THEY CAN HEAR YOU!

"I-I Woul- I WOULDN't LEAve Any One! I am SORRY! I Am SORRY I Ran! I just-Just! didn't like to SeeYouGuysGetHit!"

"GOOD!" Mr. Brine barked. He was just about to take a step forward and tell Omi they all understood it was an accident but Mr. Brine moved first. Quickly grabbing Omi by his ear and roughly pulling the boy over to them as he picked up his paddle.

"Hey." he quickly whispered to Omi watching the boy's wide, dizzy eyes glance to him. Omi was already dreadfully pale and shaking with guilt, fear and shame while *he* couldn't think of anything to say. Not a thing! So he just smiled softly, trying his best to reassure his friend before swallowing as Omi was quickly yanked forward and down the hall with Mr. Brine. "It's-It's Going to Be Ok! Omi!" He called after them as Mr. Brine lead the boy up the stairs and slammed his bedroom door shut behind them.

"Well." Yohji sighed while shaking his head. "I am going outside. I am sure as hell not listening to this."

"And I am coming with you." He added, quickly following Yohji. He wanted to be outside before he heard the first sound.

"What!?" Aya shot, and they both ignored the red head and continued. "Your both not leaving me to stay in here and cook dinner!" Aya shoved past him and grabbed Yohji's shoulder. "I am the leader so I am going outside."

"What?" Yohji made a face. "Who died and put you in charge Aya? I am the oldest and I am going out! Ken can make dinner." Yohji spit and Aya nodded.

"You make dinner Ken." Aya shoved a pot holder at him as he frowned.

"Oh No!" he snapped. "I went and got him damnt! And I am *not!* staying in Here and Listening to this!" He yelled and Aya and Yohji were silent. He hardly ever yelled at both of them, especially Aya. "*I* brought him back. I am *not*a making dinner." He repeated before jumping as they heard some yells from upstairs.

"Well I…." He turned to Yohji's small trail as the guys voice dropped to a serious reluctant tone. "Guys I…really don't want to be in here..if…if it's going to…well..to be upstairs in the bedroom. It's just…I have some bad memories." He tried to keep the shocked almost horrified expression from his face as Yohji just shifted away so he wasn't looking at them anymore. With the screams and cries from the bedroom Yohji didn't want to be in there for personal issues. Issues from his past, he must have been mistreated or something to be afraid of those sounds he thought.

"Well than Aya you do it." He turned to the red head with his decision, and Aya frowned.

"You keep me company." Aya added immediately. He went to open his mouth and protest, but upon second thought he closed it because of Aya's word choice. Aya didn't demand he stay, or order him to as some type of leader. He didn't argue he was older or stronger than him. The guy merely asked for his company, because he didn't want to be alone with the dreadful audio. Aya had worded that ever so gracefully, and *this* would probably be as close to Aya asking for a real favor as he would ever come. He couldn't say no so he just grit his teeth and nodded reluctantly. As soon as they decided Yohji bolt out the door while they made their way to the counter. "We're making lasagna." Aya stated and he nodded as Aya picked up the small recipe square they were supposed to use and let him read it.

Though he didn't understand it really, he knew what to do and went about retrieving a long square deep pan as Aya got out the fat funny noodles. Both of them closing their eyes as Omi insisted on blasting his apologies in dreadfully depressed and upsetting tones. "Ken I can't do this, like this." Aya suddenly spit under his breath.

He nodded because Aya had taken the words right out of his mouth. "I'll a…turn on the tv." He muttered trying to block out Omi's words before bolting for the remote, flicking the tv on and jamming the volume button down. Soon the tv was blasting and he began switching to a channel that would make a lot of noise. He struck gold with the History channel which was airing some war footage. Now it was hard to hear Aya over the bombs and machine guns…but it was defiantly better.

Lasagna was an interesting dish, first you put in the funny noodles, then sauce, then cheese, some other something Aya put in a dish for him to sprinkle on…then more noodles, more sauce, more cheese, and more of that funny something. It was like food brickwork, constant repetition of ingredients until the plate was filled and they put it in the oven. Then they both stood there foe a moment, watching it cook before hastily setting the table. Who knew how long this head trip would last. They wouldn't know until Mr. Brine showed and/or Yohji reappeared from wherever he had wondered. Which would hopefully be before Mr. Brine considering they weren't permitted to wander, and the blonde had already taken two warnings.

As if on queue Yohji stuck his head in the door with a smile yelling to them. "Hey! No wonder you ass holes can't hear me calling you. You got the tv up so damn loud your probably gonna bust out the speakers!" Yohji yelled, grinning through his scolding and beckoning for them to come. He glanced at Aya as he hesitated leaving he silverware and going to see Yohji, but when Aya put his dishes down and started for the door he imitated. He wasn't going to be left out. Outside in the alley of their shop they found Yohji, smoking. "Look what I got." Yohji chuckled holding up some cigarettes.

"We don't smoke." He said and Aya nodded, but Yohji only shrugged and gave them cigarettes anyway.

"Well tonight's an exception." Yohji said, and he didn't move as Yohji lit his cigarette.

"Where did you get these?" Aya asked frowning through a soft grin before taking a gentle puff, and he imitated.

"Ack!" He fell into a fast coughing fit, and both Aya and Yohji jumped before laughing at him. Swatting his back as he died on the bitter smoke which attacked his lungs for just a few puffs before his body surrendered and let him poison it. "Soo." His voice was strained and raw when he finally spoke. "Where'd you get them?" He asked, hoping neither Aya nor Yohji noticed the small crack in his voice.

"I've got some buddies who hook me up." Yohji said shrugging where he leaned into the wall smoked with a suave grace he wished he could have also. With the sound of a door slamming somewhere upstairs in the apartment they all jumped out of their skins and ripped the cigarettes from their mouths. They couldn't crush them in the alley, so they did the next best thing and quickly buried them in the soil of the nearest plant and quickly snuck back in. Hastily they picked up menial tasks that wouldn't arouse suspicion and made it looked like they had *all* been down there working thee *entire* time. Aya kept getting cups from the counter, he continued putting the silverware on the table, and Yohji did nothing like always because he wasn't given a direct assignment. To have Yohji help them, would have been so suspicious Mr. Brine would have been breathing down their throats one step into the room.

They all stopped as Mr. Brine slowly came walking in with a heavy sigh. Glancing at all of their solemn faces before nodding another hard sigh. "That boy can wear you out." Mr. Brine said walking to the dinner table and slumping down without another glance to their constant vigilante. "Takes a number on me to punish him." Mr. Brine sighed wearily and he glanced at Yohji who winced. "What time is it?"

They all turned to the clock. "Five fifty." Aya answered.

"Well…than it looks like you've all got ten minutes before dinner, and Tsukiyono will be joining us." Mr. Brine instructed calmly.

"He will?" He asked, that didn't sound like Omi.

"Oh he will." Mr. Brine's tone and nod, told him it was mandatory. Ok he knew dinner was mandatory, they all arrived and better be at that table at six every night with food or they wouldn't live to see the next day. Apparently Omi wasn't getting any exceptions tonight despite the fact he couldn't think of how Omi was going to manage to get any food in his stomach. "So you've all got ten minutes!" Mr. Brine added a bit louder to ensure they all understood. He gave a nod and sat his last fork down turning to leave and get Omi before noticing Aya and Yohji putting their things down too. Apparently they had all assumed they were the one who should do it.

"I'll do it." He said starting for the hall.

"Hey Ken I am not being left out." Yohji shot following, and Aya said nothing to justify why he was coming.

"Yeah well it's my room so I can kick you out if I want." He said throwing Aya and Yohji a look as he started up the stairs.

"We're older than you Ken." Aya said with a smile.

"Yeah don't forget it Hi-Da-Ka." Yohji grinned throwing an arm around his neck as Aya roughed his hair to crap before stopping at his door with smile. Just to give them the satisfaction of opening it for them. Bastards. He grabbed the doorknob annoyed, before stopping as they heard Omi choke a sob from inside. Aya and Yohji stopped grinning immediately, and pressed their ears up to the door with him and listening.

Omi was doing a really good job keeping things quiet. His sobs were hard and deep but smothered with something and it sounded like a lot of effort was going into making them quiet. "Um." He knocked gently. "Omi?" He called out, and they were all silent in order to hear a response but none came.

"It's Ken!" Yohji yelled, leaning closer to the door so he would be heard.

"You idiot, now he knows your here." He whispered giving Yohji a look. Yohji never failed to amaze him with his sudden brilliance or sudden stupidity, this obviously one of the latter.

"Oh well." Yohji only grinned a small shrug at his comment and quickly opened the door. Yohji swung the door in and right into the wall startling Omi who looked up and leaving him and Aya to stand there glaring at the blonde.

Inside their room was just one queen bed, one night stand, desk and one dresser. The closet was there too but they never listed it as an item since it didn't protrude into the room. When Omi and him had first designed the room, they put the bed headboard against the wall to your left, so the bed stuck out towards the room for maximum jumping efficiency. Which worked for Omi, but no longer for him because he was now too tall. Now, from where they stood his side of the bed was towards them, on the other side was Omi's, and that's where Omi was. Only not on the bed, apparently sitting on the floor along side of it, so his head could rest on it instead. "Omi can we come in?" Yohji asked strolling in and Omi's wide blue eyes didn't answer because Yohji had already made it half way to him. Omi simply shrank down a bit and pulled some blankets off the bed to himself. "So what happened?" Yohji asked.

"Yohji get out!" He snapped frowning at the blonde whom flopped onto his bed and ran a hand into Omi's hair. Stopping as Omi jumped back from the touch, continued crying and said nothing nor looked up anymore. Yohji ignored his request, but he figured that would happen. So instead of trying to enforce a lost cause he just walked around to where Omi was. Apparently not sitting but kneeling at the side of the bed still in his black t-shirt with a blanket and sheet loosely wrapping around the rest of him. "Omi dinner's in five minutes." He said nodding towards Omi's head which was face down in a pillow crying. "Omi?"

Omi didn't answer, and there was a short silence before Aya spoke "…Well what are we going to do with him?" Aya asked bluntly, and he turned to the red head with a shrug.

"What do you mean what do we do with him?" Yohji gave them both a look. "What an insulting way to phrase why we're here Aya." Yohji frowned while crawling off the bed and gently pulling Omi to his feet. "There." Yohji sighed once Omi was standing with a tight grip on the pillow his face was buried in. Either Yohji ignored, or really didn't notice Omi's reluctance to stand when the blonde pulled him up, because Yohji gave him and Aya a frown. "You two are both terrible." Yohji said gently laying a hand on Omi's shoulder and ignoring the quiet, yet heavy sobbing. "Omi, what do you want to wear to dinner?" Yohji asked.

He turned to the dresser he shared with the boy and started opening Omi's drawers. Looking through his pants before pulling out his drawers instead. "Here, he can wear my sweat pants." He said offering them to Yohji. They were looser, and would probably be kinder on Omi's skin than anything meant to fit him. Yohji just took the pants before turning back to Omi who was now tightly in Yohji's side. Yohji began gently uncurling the blanket from him, before prying the sheet from the thin fingers with a frown as he worked the cotton away. Omi had a tight grip. Yohji unraveled the boy completely before stepping back satisfied he was done, before staring at the results.

Instead of just red, Omi's skin was a deep purple color in some places. The backs of his thighs were the brightest red he'd ever seen, before the small handfuls of extra skin to make the thinnest, practically-nothing-of-a-butt were deep red and purple. He swallowed. He had never been such a bright red, or ever purple! "Jesus Christ OMI!" Omi jumped with Yohji's scream and a hand came back to his blistering skin and covered it to stop them from staring, but all their eyes moved to the hand in astonishment. Omi's hand was also red from being slapped while trying to protect himself. "How the hELL Are You Supposed TO SIT dOWN!?" Yohji was screaming and with each yell Omi just sunk deeper into the pillow he hugged to his chest. "JesUS!"

"Alright Yohji!" Aya snapped at the blonde as he just kept staring and freaking out. "Let's just get him dressed! Your going to be fine Omi. It won't hurt for very long." Aya said giving the side of Omi's face a soft smile as he slowly brushed some sweat soaked hair from Omi's forehead. A swollen blue eye peek at Aya for a moment before jumping as Yohji just lifted Omi up and tossed him onto the bed. A few muffled, startled cries jumped from Omi's throat as he was grabbed, and then again when he hit before crying louder and harder as he lay there stomach down. Yohji sighed a bit satisfied again, Aya glanced at the clock and decided they didn't have enough time and just pulled Omi's pants from around his ankles and knees and slid his sweat pants up to Omi's thighs as Yohji ripped the pillow from his grasp. Growling at the tight fingers, and Omi's stubborn persistent yanking that wanted to keep it, before tossing it to the other side of the room so Omi couldn't snatch it back.

"Omi you've got to come downstairs." He spoke gently as he sat on the side of the bed. Watching Omi quickly get up and reach for him, as if he wanted to hug him before stopping, and grabbing Yohji as the guy leaned over him to take a cool cloth from Aya. He frowned slightly, so now he didn't even get the possibility of hugs? Oh great, knowing Omi it was because he shoved him off earlier and he'd never get a possible hug again. Never mind he never wanted one before he couldn't have one.

"Ok Omi." Yohji only grinned, somehow the blonde had such a way with close physical contact and emotion. Though, that was probably some ironic plus from his apparently battered past. Yohji's strong hands gently rubbed Omi's upper back where he held him close and almost hard. At the perfect squeeze so Omi was held tight and secure, but loose enough he could wiggle away if he wanted to. Yet, they could tell by the way Omi's fingers were imbedded in Yohji's shirt, he definitely didn't want to get away.

"AhhhOW!" Omi's scream made him jump as Yohji gently pushed a cool cloth to his skin while hugging him. "AhhAHHH stooopSTOOPP!" Yohji just ignored the screams as he hugged the trembling body with a smile.

"Shh Omi. I don't know if it's me thinking your ass looks bigger now that it catches your eye with all the flashy colors, or your ass really has puffed up and swollen on us." Omi was quiet when Yohji started talking. Just flinching his hips slightly as the cloth was moved and twitching with the stinging as he grit his teeth. "Either way you have to come downstairs with us."

"NO!" Even Yohji jumped with this scream. "I am AhhNOT GOING! I don't CARE WHAT HAPPENS TO ME FOR IT! I AM NOT GOING!" Omi screamed and they were all silent.

"…Ok." Yohji finally answered, giving Omi a soft smile and his mouth fell open.

"But Omi!" He yelled to protest but Omi started shaking his head and clinging to Yohji, because Yohji was the only person whom was siding with him. "But! But!" He stammered turning to Aya, but the guy just held up two fingers. They had three minutes, but Aya always erased one as travel time. So they had two minutes to get Omi from this room. "But!" He turned back to Yohji whom had also seen the fingers and was still just gently holding Omi.

"Ken relax." he frowned at Yohji's lanky smile. "Omi says he doesn't want to go."

"Oh! And I suppose *Your* going to let him stay!?" He shot standing up mad, and growling at Yohji. "Cause your just the perfect saint aren't you Yohji!"

"I am." Yohji smiled at him, gently digging around in his pocket before pulling out a cigarette. "I saved this for you Omi." Yohji said showing Omi the thin white stick and he choked a teary smile before just sniveling some more. Constantly moving in some way as he lay on his side in Yohji's arms. Omi's back to the guys strong chest with his shirt tugged down in front of his hips and over to the tops of his thighs for privacy. A cool cloth on his skin as he sniffled and continued fidgeting with his fingers, while constantly moving his legs in some way. As though trying to escape the burning pain on his body without success or know-how. "Want to smoke this now Omi?"

"He doesn't smoke." He frowned at Yohji, but green eyes just looked up with a smile.

"That's what you said, but that didn't stop you in the alley now did it?" He frowned harder. "Ken was smoking in the alley Omi. Coughing just like a girl, his little voice cracking."

"Ok My voice was Not cracking." He spit defensively.

"Haha." Aya chuckled and he shot the guy a death look. Aya however, only ignored it and started for the door as a sign it was time to leave and Yohji nodded once before pulling his pants up Omi's body.

"Mmmmahhaaowwww." Omi squirmed immediately, pressing against Yohji's hands but the guy ignored him and pulled the pants up anyway.

"Easy there, here we go." Yohji stood up in a second, bringing Omi too.

"Nonoo! I am Not gooing annnywheeerrre!AH!" Omi started protesting the moment he realized he was being carried to the door. His hands slamming down on Yohji's shoulders and quickly grabbed the doorframe. "Put me Dooowwnnn YOOHjI-Kuun! Put me down! Put me dowwnn! Yoohji-kUnnnn! Ahhhaa haaaahaaaa Ahhhhaaaa." Omi cried before sobbing as his red skin was accidentally squeezed in the struggle when Yohji re-shift so Omi's chest was up by his shoulders and he held onto the upper part of Omi's back, and lower legs. Gently hushing the boy down the stairs as he followed. Avoiding eye contact with Omi so no begs would be shot in his direction.

Omi's widened eyes were just staring over Yohji's shoulder as he shrunk down and wiggled to be put down when they got closer to the kitchen. Whining over Yohji's shoulders "Puuut meee dowwwnnn Yohji-kuuuunnn." Omi begged.

"Nope." Omi sunk a little lower, his chest breathing pretty hard as he hung limp in the strong arms. He didn't want to go to the dinner table! In the light everyone would see how very pink his nose was, and how very swollen his eyes were. He didn't want to see Mr. Brine ever! He was embarrassed and ashamed and he couldn't-couldn't! Not now! He was getting so nervous, he was getting so panicked! He was starting to feel dizzy like, like he'd puke!

"AahhPleeeeease. Put me down Yohji-kun."

"No can do." Yohji stated as he followed Aya into the kitchen and the guy went and sat at the table. Mr. Brine was sitting there too, watching them. Almost surprised they managed in ten minutes and Omi started squirming the moment he came into the kitchen. His chest practically hyperventilating as his fingers dug into Yohji's skin making the blonde frown before it happened.

"AHh!" Yohji yelled before they knew what was going on and Aya and him quickly leapt to their feet as Yohji practically dropped Omi whom then just continued puking onto the floor on impact. Gagging excessively, as Yohji pulled his shirt away from his body and flicked some of the puke from his hair. "OMI! What are you thinking?! Puking on me! Ughhh!" Yohji yelled staring down at Omi's gagging figure while pulling part of his hair further from his face.

Omi stumbled up as soon as he was done. Holding his stomach as he hobbled to the counter and grabbed some paper towel before turning to Yohji who was motionless surrounded with puke. Mr. Brine wasn't letting either of them help.

"MmmI am sooorry Yohji-kun." Omi swallowed hard as Yohji snapped the paper towel from the thin hand and started wiping the puke from his hair. Omi then quickly crouched down to the floor and start wiping up his own vomit.

"Alright I can do that Omi." Yohji nudged the thin boy whom simply shook his head and continued quickly wiping with shaky hands. Omi didn't stop until Yohji crouched down after pulling his shirt off and began wiping up the mess. Omi whom still wasn't calm started gagging again and to Yohji's disgust threw up a little more before sitting still as the blonde threw out the paper towels.

"Can't we help them?" He asked turning to Mr. Brine frustrated and Aya imitated with a hard glare for the man.

"Kudou's doing fine Hidaka." He frowned with Mr. Brine's comment as he turned back to the kitchen. Omi had hobbled up and had his head in the sink while Yohji finished cleaning everything with a dramatized, disgusted, this is *so* un-fun expression.

He slowly took his seat with Aya when Omi and Yohji came to the table. Mr. Brine calmly watched as Yohji sat first with a heavy sigh turning to all of them before spouting a wide grin.

"Of course." Yohji began, almost chuckling out his words. "I apologize if my smell offends any of you, and please." Yohji grinned, laying a hand on Aya's shoulder. "Don't cause me to drastically whip my head to the side, prey I sprinkle droplets of Omi's vomit into your food." Yohji laughed.

"Then stay the hell away from my food." Aya said only growling at Yohji's laughter while pulling his plate farther from the blonde and watching Omi slowly pull out his chair. Still nothing said Omi gently and slowly sat on the very tip of his chair with a heavy wince. Looking down at the lasagna in his plate like he would puke again before glancing at his and looking at the salad he had. Omi didn't like their salad, so they never served him any. "Eat Ken." Aya said ordered he looked up at the guys smile before bringing some food to his mouth. Chewing slowly as he side glanced at Omi who shakily picked up his fork and sat still. Yohji was just shoveling the food in, between laughs which were directed towards Aya whom was still grimacing over puke smelling hair.

Omi ignored this, and gently brought a noodle up to his mouth and tasted it, before grimacing as he lowered it back down and exchanged it for his water. All the while swirling his tongue about in his mouth with a disgusted expression.

"So!" Mr. Brine barked with a wide grin and Omi jumped sloshing some of the water from his cup onto part of his plate. He slid a napkin over and Omi quickly took it and soaked up the mess with his eyes down. "This has been quite a day boys!" Mr. Brine declared looking up from his food with a wide smile. "Good lasagna."

Aya mustered an ironically amused snort as he continued eating before giving him a look, and he started again. He really wasn't hungry, and kept forgetting he should keep eating while watching everything else happening. At least with all the time between their reprimanding and dinner sitting wasn't so difficult. Aya and Yohji looked a tad uncomfortable, but it was really only Omi who was suffering. "Tomorrow Boys." Mr. Brine continued and he watched Omi slowly eat one forkful of noodles. "I have a surprise for you, and I think you'll like it. But! In the mean time! You have got to get better at your obstacles. I don't care How Tired! OR Hungry! Or *Bad* you have to use the bathroom! You just do it, and get it done. Understood?" They all nodded, and Yohji answered a yes sir. "Good!" Mr. Brine grinned before reaching for the pepper which was nestled along side of his dish. However Mr. Brine's quick movement startled Omi and the boy dropped his fork to his dish with a loud clank as he snapped backward; as though he thought he'd be struck, and slipped off the small inch of his chair. He grabbed Omi's arm before he could fall completely, and quickly pulled him back up while instinctively pushing in his chair. "Mm" Omi's back arched the minute he scrambled back into his chair and sat completely. The hard wood was callous to the boys blistered skin, and Omi quickly leaned forward until he was a mere inches from his plate to hide his pained expression and burry his small choke of discomfort with as much lasagna as would fit.

He watched before tuning to Mr. Brine "Um Sir." He muttered and Mr. Brine turned to him with the concerned expression Omi had instilled still on his features. Omi's head ducked down so they couldn't see his expression, but the rest of him was vibrating as he started crying. The boy just couldn't help it, it hurt so bad! Especially now that he was sitting down! "I am full so…can we have a short dinner tonight?" He asked quickly.

"I am full too." Yohji said dropping his fork, and speaking with bulging cheeks. Nodding to back him up while looking longingly at the food he wanted. Aya just put his fork down and they all turned to Mr. Brine with patient expressions watching the man frown.

"An hour ago all I heard was girly whining to stop and eat, and now we're all full?" Mr. Brine said more than skeptical, but they all nodded. Except for Omi whom quickly chewed what was in his mouth and kept his head down, sobbing where he sat in his chair. "If you boys, stop dinner now…there sure as hell won't be any late night snacking." Mr. Brine clarified giving them a stern look as they nodded. "Am I clear?"

"Yes Sir." they all nodded immediately, before turning to Omi whom whirled to the side and threw up what he just ate, before slipping from his chair. Aya and Yohji jumped up and started around the table as he slid out of his chair and started helping Omi puke. Mr. Brine was left as the only one sitting, calmly watching them with a cocked eyebrow before pointing at Omi with his fork.

"From now on. That boys gets more food." Mr. Brine ordered and he stood as Yohji picked Omi back up now that his face was flushing over with his self inflicted sickness. "Everything you put on your plates, put double on his." Mr. Brine ordered and they nodded. "My god he needs some fat on that body, you can practically blow him over with a sneeze." Mr. Brine said and he followed Yohji back upstairs watching the limp figure in his arms, and leaving Aya to clear the table.

He moved around Yohji and opened his door for the blonde, quietly watching Yohji walk in and lay Omi on the bed. "Ok now get out." He snapped once all of Omi was in the sheets.

Yohji looked up at his words with a smile. "Ken when are you going to learn. That you can *never* tell me what to do, no matter what room you're in." He frowned his rebuttal at the blonde whom crouched down at Omi's side muttering something to the sobbing boy as he ran his hands into Omi's hair. That's right he stood where he was and frowned, watching Yohji continue to talk for about a minute before slapping Omi's shoulder and leaving. Sending him a wink as he strolled out and he shut the door behind the guy, just to declare this was in fact his room.

Turning back to the bed where Omi was gently sliding under the covers and remaining back to him, he spoke. "Omi?" No answer came and he walked around to the other side of the bed and looked down at the thin face. Omi's blue eyes just closed when he appeared, wet face complete with tears ready to fall since he made no move to wipe them away. "Omi are you sick? Do you want me to get you anything?" He asked quietly.

"No." Omi answered monotone.

"Well…are you going to bed than?" No answer. "Are you?"

"Yes." Another monotone answer, and he watched Omi gently shift before rolling over and leaving his back to him and turning into his pillow.

"Fine." He spit stomping from the room and slamming the door before standing there for a moment to get his head straight. He didn't do anything! Why was Omi mad at him! Or…was Omi mad at him? Maybe Omi just wanted everyone to bug off…but than why did Yohji get such special treatment? He was closer to Omi than Yohji. He frowned at his own irritation. There was no reason why he should even care if Omi spent more time with him or Yohji. Even though he felt a little gypped because he took the time to get to know Omi better, and then Yohji just waltzed in and did stuff better than him. It wasn't his fault.

He stomped downstairs to where Aya was finishing the dishes, Yohji was watching tv, and Mr. Brine had disappeared somewhere, which was for the better. He didn't really feel like seeing that man right now. He hung around for a while. Put away the dishes, and watched about an hour of tv before wandering back upstairs to bed himself. Brushing his teeth, washing his face he snuck into the dark bedroom like always. Dumping his clothes along the floor he climbed into the bed in just his wife beater and briefs. The sheets were cold where he was and he shivered for a moment before turning to Omi whom lay still on his stomach. He couldn't tell if the boy was asleep or just ignoring him. Omi's eyes were closed and he hadn't said anything nor moved since he'd walked in. Usually when he came in and Omi woke up the boy would at least sit up, or call his name. "Omi?" He whispered into the boy's face, but Omi didn't even move. "If you want to be mad at me, I think I at least deserve to know why." He whispered frowning a bit harder and doing his best to create a harsh quiet tone for Omi's motionless features. "You have a lot of nerve being mad at me anyway, it's not my fault you got your ass beat." He frowned with how frustrated he was Omi was upset like this. "And I thought we were better friends than-than for you to be all-ignoring me and acting like your buddy buddy with Yohji cause your not." He squint at the closed blue eyes, he was getting really with all the silent treatment. If Omi wanted to live in his own little world and pretend that Yohji was his best friend then fine. He'd be a moron, but for Omi to actually *act* like he *wasn't* his best friend…now that was just insulting. He wasn't taking that crap. He had tried to hard to be a good friend, to have Omi block it out now. "Yeah fine." He snort. "Stay quiet. You got something to say if I tell you, you got three seconds to get out of this bed and sleep on the floor?" He gave Omi's still features a smug expression, waiting for a reaction before blinking as none came. Instead Omi slowly inhaled for a moment and ever so leisurely move his hand. Omi's fingers gently brushed his before remaining motionless and limp where they lay. Omi was asleep. Asleep! And he was threatening him! Acting like an idiot! Acting like a jack ass! What kind of friend says these sort of things his mind yelled at him and he frowned at himself. "I am such an idiot." He whispered to himself. "I am sorry Omi." He mumbled as Omi moved again and gently rolled a little as he sat up. "If you heard me you would have thought I was such a jerk." He growled into the dark room, feeling a bit better confessing that. It felt good to speak his mind out loud and really get his thoughts straight, he decided sitting alone in the dark. So, he mine as well get this off his chest, and the thought that Omi might in some weird subconscious way be hearing him made him feel even better. "To be honest I just felt bad for your earlier." He confessed aloud. "I didn't mean to shove you away, you were making me freak out! Then I didn't know what to say to you, cause I am just *not* good at stuff like that. I bring you back and then you got in more trouble, and I *still* didn't know what to say. I still don' t. And then Yohji, oh Yohji's sooo coool. Cause Yohji *always* knows what to do, and *always* knows what to say and it makes me feel like crap in comparison." He divulged while staring down at his hands which he could hardly see.

"Why?"

"Because it's not like I didn't want to make you feel better, cause I did! And Yohji was like running me over! Ok I know Aya didn't really say much, but Aya never really says much that's just the way he is. And *I* just had this whole stupid idea in my head how…I was going to come upstairs and make you feel better cause I am your closest friend and Yohji out threw me by a mile."

"But you are my closest friend Ken-kun."

"I know, it just didn't feel like it. It was like Yohji had this Big Monster truck and I had one of those girly VW bugs. he creamed me."

"I like VW Bugs."

"Yeah they're not so bad but that comparis-the-what?-What!?" He spun around wide eyed, to Omi whom looked at him from where he lay in the bed. "Omi! You bastard!" He sat up more, turning around and Omi got up slightly. "Your just ease dropping on me and don't even care!?"

"I didn't know what I was ease dropping Ken-kun!" Omi shot desperately shaking his head. "I thought you were talking to me!"

He frowned. "I was talking to you! I…well I…well I…" He trailed, watching Omi just crawl to him and kneel patiently. "Well I thought you were asleep."

"But you woke me up." Omi stated smiling.

"But you were supposed to be sleeping." He corrected with a frown.

Omi's smile only grew with his statement before the boy shrugged. "Well maybe you shouldn't be so noisy. I don't know what to tell you." He grinned as Omi almost laughed while laying back down. "Sorry I guess. Though I don't think I did anything wrong Ken-kun." He squint as Omi reached over and turned on the light. "You were the one talking to me, in our room, in our bed, while I was right here in front of your face." Omi stated before laughing a bit because the stupidity of thee entire accusation was just ridiculous.

"How long were you awake?" He finally asked flopping back into his spot

"I woke up to you talking. Something about…me and you being a jerk." He smiled. Good he didn't want Omi to hear the other stuff he said, it wasn't nice or fair. All of his insults were cheap shots. He just said them because he was mad, and was strong enough that if it came to shoving, he could definitely push Omi to the floor. "I don't think you're a jerk Ken-kun."

"Thanks." He smiled as Omi reached over and touched his shoulder. "I don't think you're a weak link either." He confessed and Omi's face brightened with a smile he'd never seen before. One just glowing with gratitude and a sweet affection for their friendship. "I am glad we're friends Omi." He smiled at the blue eyes that just increased their hold on his shoulder to a tight squeeze.

"Me too Ken-kun."

Ok that was it, he was going to ask about the Ken, and Ken-kun thing. "Omi. Can I ask you…" He trailed watching the soft features take on a patient expression. "Why do you sometimes-" He jumped as their bedroom door suddenly opened and Yohji's grinning face popped in before squeezing in with Aya who was suppressing a laugh as he shut the door.

"Get up Ken." Yohji whispered

"Just where are you guys going?" He frowned whispering back to Yohji and Aya's fully dressed forms. And not just dressed, dressed with style.

"We're going out. Come on Ken." Yohji said, and he was up immediately. Aya was already slowly opening the window so he wouldn't make any noise as he scrambled up and quietly opened his dresser drawer quickly pulling stuff out. "Get something nice Ken.

"Why?" He stopped with a sly grin. "You planning on taking us to church Yohji?"

"Ooohhh." Yohji grinned, pushing him aside to get to his clothes. "Just the opposite my friend. Just the opposite."

"Guys?" They all ignored Omi's desperate attempt for attention where he sat kneeling on the bed.

"Ken this is…rather hard to work with." Yohji muttered digging through his drawers before pulling a few things out while he frowned at the comment. "But it will do." Yohji said turning to him and surveying his body with such a look he mine as well have been naked. "Yeeeah this well be…good. Put this stuff on." Yohji said thrusting clothes at him with satisfaction that even working with the clothing of an unpaid sports lover, he could come out on top.

"Guys!" Omi was slightly louder this time, and Aya snapped at him to be quiet.

"No no." Yohji grabbed him as he started grabbing a t-shirt to wear over his wife beater. "No t-shirt, wear this open, no belt on your pants." He frowned.

"I need a belt stupid. They might fall off otherwise." He argued.

Yohji gave him a look. "Don't flatter yourself Ken, you've been eating one too many of those porky rings."

"Shut up." He yanked his slim blue jeans from the smirking face and started hopping into them.

"Guys! Can I come too?!" Omi's pleaded in a desperate whisper that made Yohji turn around and survey the lithe younger boy with casual bottom lip stuck out before glancing at Aya.

"Little young." Aya said with a shrug, but it was obvious Aya leaving the final call up to Yohji.

"Hmm…" Yohji sighed a hum as Omi sat up a little straighter, trying to look bigger. "Well..."

"Ok. How's this?" He asked, and Yohji turned to him and nodded.

"Very nice Ken." He had his wife beater on, and the dark green button up shirt Yohji had given him over it open. His jeans were now very low and completed the loose, almost seductive accent to his clothes by keeping everything just hanging off him aside from his tight wife beater. "Wear your dark work boots. No sneakers athlete boy." He rolled his eyes, before glancing at Omi who looked extremely disappointed.

"Sorry Omi." Aya shrugged at the blue eyes which crinkled with the rest of Omi's features with a sad I am-being-left-out-pout as the boy said nothing. "You wouldn't like where we were going anyway." Aya offered.

"Yeah but…but I could still come…Aya-kun, I wouldn't be any trouble. Why do I have to stay behinnnd." Omi shot back, whispering

"Now now Aya." Yohji scold with a grin and wink for Aya's smiling face as he turned back to Omi with another sigh. Omi was just hanging from Yohji's scolding with hope. Squeezing the bed sheets with eyes locked solely on Yohji as he tied his boots. "Come on Omi get up. You can come." Yohji finally sighed gloating in his momentary throne of power as Omi scrambled up while the blonde dug through his clothes. "But you have to do exactly what we say, and stay with us all the time.'

"Ok." Omi nodded immediately. "I will Yohji-kun."

"Even if you don't like it. If Aya or me, or even Ken decide we're going to go into a certain room or something and you can't go, than no complaining." Yohji stated pleasantly.

"Nothing. I won't complain at all." Omi quickly reassured

"Good." Yohji grinned, handing the eager hands some clothes. "Than put these on, and be quick. We can always wait for the party, but the party's not going to wait for us."

"We're going to a party?" Omi exclaimed excited, and he grinned at how oblivious the boy was as he pulled on a thin long sleeve gray shirt before a rusty brick red short sleeve one. Compete with a rustic picture of a horseshoe Omi was adorned with a casual, worn, playful appearance that fit the boy perfectly. Nothing but good colors for Omi's skin and slimming jeans and work boots like him.

"Yeah a party." Yohji gave him a wink. "Sorry I had to go with a more…outdoor...rugged…urban look for you two." He shrugged, before really taking a look at what Yohji was wearing. The blonde had a thin polyester, navy blue button up shirt with a pair of tighter jeans that looked like dirt had been smeared up the thighs and along its butt. Aya had a deep plum muscle shirt on. One that hugged his figure and brought out his eyes before his also urban looking pants which were tight around his hips so they wouldn't slid down, but got looser as they traveled. "Come on Omi."

Aya started sliding out the window and Omi shot for it doing up his pants, and carrying one boot. Yohji helped Aya out without a sound before watching the red head disappear. "Ok this is important." Yohji whispered turning to them. " If either of you make a noise and give us away. I am personally going to see to it that your hurting by tomorrow." They both nodded. "That means *you* especially Ken."

"I am not gonna fall." He growled a whisper, annoyed everyone slapped him with clumsy warnings.

"Ok. Than just carefully hang onto the window sill, reach down grab the beginning of the flower trellis, and then Aya will grab your feet and help you down. Omi just slide onto his shoulders, and don't step on him." Yohji spit firmly as Omi nodded. "If you get his clothes dirty he'll feel terrible."

"I won't. I'll be careful." Omi reassured shaking his head no he wouldn't step on Aya, before nodding he would do a good job. Yohji slapped him on the back and shoved him towards the window, and hanging tightly onto Yohji's hand as he lowered himself out and felt around for the trellis. It was difficult in the dark, and the night air was cool but refreshing. He could feel his heart pounding away in his chest with the adrenaline they were actually sneaking out, and Aya and Yohji were actually bringing him. They were going somewhere they shouldn't and oh my god would they be in trouble for it if caught.

As soon as he grabbed the trellis he felt Aya grab his ankles. Helping his feet to some ledges and then steadying his hips as he hopped off and silently to the ground. As they both looked up Aya reached for Omi who was quietly climbing to them. Grabbing an ankle with Aya and helping Omi find sturdy places to step before watching the pair of thin legs slowly lean back and slip right onto Aya's shoulders. Omi threw him a satisfied grin and heavy sigh as he finally reached the ground and Yohji came hopping down with no help, and more skill than any of them. It looked like Yohji had done this a few times, aside Aya no doubt he thought.

"Ok now stay quiet until we're a block away." Yohji whispered to them with a finger to his lips as he started walking. Hands in his pockets next to Aya in a casual stroll he tried to imitate. Omi stayed close to him, and continuously glanced back until they reached the corner and the boy relaxed slightly. "Ok lets go." Yohji grinned for a moment before taking off and running down the street with Aya and they *had* to follow or they'd get lost.

"So! Just where are we going!?" He called at his two older teammates as he ran up closer.

"A bar." Aya answered sending him a grin as they rounded a corner to a darker alley. It was hard to see there because there weren't any street lights. "Stay to the right side or you'll trip over garbage Ken." Aya ordered shoving him over slightly, and he felt Omi bump into him.

"A bar? Are they going to let us all in?" He asked giving Yohji a skeptical frown, but the lanky features drew a devil grin he'd never seen.

"This one will Ken. Oh and Ken." Yohji's whispered snaking an arm around his neck and pulling closer, and Aya slowed a bit so he could be closer to Omi. It was obviously planned they wanted to have a word with him. "There's a…a back room with some topless girls." Yohji gave him a wink, grinning with his blush. "You in? No charge, Aya and I will pay and it's all go here. One room, five girls. Its small but it's a show. Oh, and the blonde, you'll know her when you see her. She's mine. Got that? You in? Huh?" Yohji raised his eyebrows, watching his mouth gap for a moment. "Hahaha!" Yohji laughed at his response. "Think it over Ken. You have all night." Yohji laughed pulling his arm back, and shoving him a step back.

"What time are we going back guys?!" Omi called up from behind.

"If it's ten now Omi, we've got all night. If we want some sleep I'd say two." Yohji said matter o' factly.

"Two sounds good." He nodded, stopping with Yohji as they reached a new curb. Huffing to catch his breath, he leaned into a garbage can, Yohji into the wall, and Aya and Omi stopped at his side. "Two...two's probably enough Yohji." He pant and Omi nodded to back him up.

Yohji shrugged glancing at Aya and the red head made the call with a single nod. "Two it is than." Aya grinned, watching Yohji stand up.

"That's it right there." He followed Yohji's point with Omi. To a bar across the street, with a basic port hole door and glowing sign that read It's Your Luky Day. Aya didn't bother to look which meant, he was right all along and this wasn't the first time Aya or Yohji had been there. "Omi you…You like my pants?" Yohji motioned to his pants and he watched Omi make a face slightly. They looked dirty.

"Sure Yohji-kun." Omi said nodding slightly as Yohji reached over and grabbed some dirt.

"Come here. This style would have looked good on you." Yohji said grabbing Omi's arm and shoving the thin figure just a tad so Omi took a step back into the wall.

"YOhji-kun!" Omi yelled when Yohji smeared a handful of dirt up his thigh. "Stop! What are you doing!" Omi cried pushing away and desperately trying to get the dirt off. "You-"

"-Stand still." Yohji only grinned, grabbing Omi by the hip and smearing another handful up the other leg as Omi surrendered and just groaned looking down.

"Looks better." He gave an approving nod, but Omi looked dumbfounded.

"Just because you want to wear dirty clothes Yohji-kun! Doesn't mean I do!" Omi spit, as though he just found his tongue. "I was just being Polite! I didn't want to tell you I thought your pants were dirty! But that's what I think!" Aya turned to the side to hide his laugh as Omi yelled at Yohji before poking the guy in the chest with a finger. Yohji only smiled and ignored all this before quickly turning Omi's mad little figure around.

"My pants aren't dirty Omi. They're made this way." Yohji said winking at Omi whom looked over his shoulder before wincing as Yohji smacked his sore butt with two open palms of dirt. "Besides." The green eyes threw Omi a wink and kiss as the thin figure wiggled away when Yohji started rubbing the dirt in more. "That looks better with your shirt." Yohji stated and he nodded when Omi glanced at him for imput confused with how filth could become attractive. "Hop up and down a few times and get the loose stuff off you." Yohji directed casually. "The rest is for looks, now come on." Yohji spoke dusting his hands before jogging from the curb and forcing them to follow.

"Omi." Aya grabbed Omi's thin arm as they started going across the dark street and pulled him over. The section they were in didn't exactly look that safe but, than again they could all handle themselves well. "Your pants look good, just try and be yourself. Don't let anyone do anything they shouldn't do." Aya ordered firmly and he nodded when Aya gave Omi a stern look and waited for the nod before giving him one as well.

All four of them walked across the desolate dark street towards the glowing bar, and Yohji opened the door with a sly grin and slight bow as they walked inside.

He stopped once inside, just to get a look. It was a big room of cloudy smoke. Cigarettes, cigars, beer, music, pool tables, bar all to one side, loud music and booths too. It was a combination of a slow bar with a fast one, and with all the people inside, it was definitely a fast one tonight. "Ok boys." Yohji grinned elbowing him in the side. "Just be yourself. Lie away if anyone asks you anything personal, and don't give out any numbers. Other than that, its all…" Yohji elbowed him again. "…Free game if you get my meaning Hi-Da-Ka."

"I get you." he muttered, watching Yohji start into the crowd while running a hand through his hair before turning to Aya who leaned closer to him and Omi so they could hear him over the music.

"Come on! We're going to get a table!" They both nodded, following Aya to one of the back dark booths and sliding in. "This is where we always sit, so its usually empty!" Aya said yelling over the noise before giving them each a menu.

"How often do you come here Aya-kun!?" Omi asked looking a bit confused all this had been happening with him oblivious. Aya only shrugged and pointed into the menu he opened.

"All this you can order!" Aya yelled running a finger down a list." All this you can't! Don't buy anything over five dollars! Because we don't have a lot on us!" Aya yelled before grinning at them.

"I don't have any money at all!" Omi yelled back, while giving him an -oops- expression.

"It doesn't matter! It's our treat! Order anything to drink you want from this side of the menu! Anything harder and you'll both be stone drunk!" Aya laughed before winking at them. Winking wasn't a thing Aya did often and Omi instantly broke a smile with it. "But you each have seven dollars of food money! Everything else if for pool and party!"

"Ok." Omi grinned tugging the menu over so he could look. "Can I have this?!" Aya grinned at the Strawberry Daiquiri Omi pointed to.

"No more than two for you." Aya nodded and Omi looked pleased his choice had been appropriate. "What about you Ken?" Aya asked and he grinned with sly expression before glancing back into the crowd. Yohji was worming into a pool game with a couple of pretty girls.

"Um…I think I'll play a little pool first." He answered.

Aya followed his gaze before laughing and Omi immediately followed, happy just hearing the red head do so. "Be my guest Ken! Don't hog all the ladies to yourself!" Aya yelled, before calling after him as he strolled, or at least he hoped that's what he was doing, right to Yohji.

"Pick up a stick Ken." Yohji said tossing him a pole as the blonde moved around the other side of the table with a cigarette in his mouth. "Are you any good?"

He shrugged. "I am not too shabby." Yohji grinned at the comment, taking a puff on his cigarette before leaning into the table and steadying his stick.

"Care to put some bets down? If your…not too shabby." He watched Yohji make his first hit. First ball in, and he was already working around the table. He would be playing with the solid colors.

"Ok." He smiled, and Yohji chuckled as he got ready to hit again. He glanced up and over towards their table. Aya was still talking to Omi who looked more than thrilled to be there. To be honest so was he, this was a nice break from protocol.

____________________________Three Hours Later_________________________

"Five out of seven. Five out of seven, you lying bastard." Yohji said grinning as took a quick sip of his beer leaning back down to the pool table. "Not to shabby." Yohji grunt at what the blonde thought was his understatement of the year.

"I never though I'd say this Yohji." He said stifling his wide grin as Yohji missed another ball and resort to chugging some beer with a groan. "But pool isn't your best game." He chuckling leaning down and taking his hit. The ball went straight in.

"Yeah well." Yohji sighed before perking up and he glanced around to see what could have suddenly interested the blonde so. "I devote my talents to more…stimulating investments Ken." Yohji smirked sitting the beer down and turning to the young group of girls whom had just walked in. "Think I'll set one of those girls up with a hot man." Yohji chuckled eyeing the short, young one as he fought off a quick blush.

"Your full of yourself." He snorted. "And I can do fine myself, so don't even say it." He gave Yohji a slight frown, but Yohji just laughed and walked by.

"Relax Ken." Yohji called back over his shoulder strolling towards the girls. "I was talking about Omi."

He watched Yohji walk right up to the group with more confidence then he could ever imagine having, and the group even looked pleased to see him too! "Omi?" He repeated to himself scoffing. Omi!? His mind repeat causing him to frowned harder. Yeah right, he was going to get one. Not that he was going to totally ditch his friend but, please. Omi could wait or get the job done for himself.

He took a swing of the drink Yohji had gotten for him and started towards the few girls that had wondered over to the bar. Yohji was still slyly grinning at the one he was talking to. Leaning very close to her, and playing with the bottom strands of her hair as he pointed over to Omi who goofing off a few tables down a little drunk and completely oblivious.

"Hey." He grinned at the soft brunette he walked up to, before swallowing as she turned around with a slightly surprised smile. "Sorry I, know this is going to sound really dumb but…I noticed you when you walked in and…I was wondering if I could, buy you a drink or something." He asked slowly rubbed his hands down on his jeans as he spoke. He could feel them claming over and he didn't want to gross this girl out with sweaty hands if he touched her.

"Uh thanks." She said, and instead of giving him a look, she smiled. She had a beautiful smile, with no trace of the ball busting quality Manx had. He felt instantly relieved. "I would love one, nothing with alcohol though, I can't stay long" She informed.

"Great." He held up a finger as he started over to the bar. Watching the pudgy man come right to him. "Um can I have…" He trailed. Women's magazines, Women's movies, what were Women drinking!? He took a deep breath, frantically thinking for everything dubbed -chick- he had ever seen. "…One ice tea and.." He grabbed the guys sleeve as he nodded and started to turn away. "…and that guy there will pay for it." He said pointing to Yohji who was still flirting away with the one girl he was supposed to be getting for Omi. Yohji noticed his stare as he stood there waiting for the drinks and sent him a sly grin while he was talking before following his nod towards the brunette he had waiting. Yohji choked on his words for a moment when he saw her before politely making up for it and he laughed. Idiot.

He took the ice tea and started back towards the thin figure in a tight pair of jeans and flattering shirt. "So ah, what's your name?"

He watched another beautiful smile come back at him as she took the ice tea. Oh yeah. Ken Hidaka score 1 with the ice tea. "Kate, you?"

"It's Ken." He smiled, watching her take a sip and nod. "Are you just hear with your friends Kate?"

"No my sisters." She pointed to a brunette and a red head who were already busy over a game of pool. He smiled, she had hot sisters too.

He nodded. "I am here with my friends." She looked out into the commotion as if to try and guess which were his friends. "That one." She smiled as she caught Yohji talking to…wowie someone else. "That one." Aya was still with the same girl he had snagged within the first half an hour. Aya had cornered her in a booth and had been what Yohji had described as -dangerously close- for the last three hours. "and that one." He grinned at Omi, who had the most shocked expression on his face as he stood in front of the talking girl Yohji finally let go. Omi's face gradually turning redder and redder as she kept talking, pointing back to Yohji for a moment, before at Omi's pants. No doubt Yohji had told her the story about the dirt as an ice breaker and now Omi was floundering with what to do with it. "Yeah that's them."

She smiled, taking another look at the three guys he had pointed to. "Quiet a variety you have."

"What do you mean?" He smiled as she slowly took his arm.

"I mean in your friends. Quiet an age range too." He nodded. "That's got to be good for places like this…less competition?"

"What? No. No that's not it." He smiled at the mischievous smile she gave running her tongue against her lips. "Kate." He suppressed a laugh with her short giggle. "Can I ask, how old are you?"

"How old are you Ken?" He frowned slightly, he asked her first.

"Sixteen."

"Me too." He frowned as she giggled again. She looked like she was lying, maybe seventeen, or at least a little older. But whatever. "So Ken you want to maybe…sit down and try out what your friend there's doing." She gave him another smile as she slid closer to his side. Pointing over to Aya who was having a heavy make out session with his girl whom was hardly visible anymore.

"What!?" He nearly choked out his fast question. Wow did Yohji know how to pick the spots! He just learned this girls name! He almost tripped as she started tugging him towards an empty booth and quickly slid in. He just stood for a second, turning back out to the crowd to see what everyone else was doing. Ok it was clear what Aya was doing, Yohji had already backed a girl up against the wall and was now in the -dangerously close- zone while chatting with her so…he could pretty much guess where that was going. Yet, his eyes almost popped out when he caught Omi politely kissing the girl in pretty much the same spot the two were in the last time he looked. Still standing in front of the pool table like they had just leaned their faces together and started some shy, testing, tongue arrangements. Geez! That one he didn't see coming.

"Ken?" Kate called to him and he quickly turned to him. "Something wrong?" She asked, a slight frown playing on her features, but he shook his head quickly. No, no there was nothing wrong. He wasn't just going to miss a golden opportunity like this. This girl was gorgeous! And he sure as hell wasn't going to be left out either.

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Wowie! Thanks so much for reading! Please remember to drop me a review it means a lot!! And don't worry the next chapter will pick up where I left off. Hehe. Wanna see the boys stumbling home drunk do you? J/k I'll make sure to post super soon!! Not more then a week! JA!

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