Weiss Kreuz Fan Fiction ❯ Vessel ❯ Chapter Three ( Chapter 3 )

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Yohji stomped back into the kitchen, and flopped into a kitchen chair, making clear just how unimpressed he was at being woken up in the middle of the night.

 

“Well our wandering red-head is safely back in bed and out like a light, wanna explain what happened Omittichi?” he sighed.

 

Omi frowned at the table as he spoke, “I'm not sure, when I woke up Aya-kun was in my room, staring out my window. I couldn't get him to wake up so I followed him outside to keep an eye on him”

 

“That doesn't explain why you yelled for us?”

 

“Yeah,” Ken grumbled. “You should have just let him wander, would have served him right if he'd woken up in a ditch. Don't look at me like that!” he exclaimed, “Aya's been a real bastard recently he deserves to be brought back down to earth”

 

“Ken-kun,” Omi admonished.

 

“What?” he looked at both of them “haven't either of you noticed how he's been behaving the last couple of weeks? A lot grouchier than normal and real jumpy too, you try and talk to the guy and he drifts off. He's gotten even more annoying if that's possible”

 

“I hadn't noticed” Omi replied softly “I guess if he is sleepwalking he might be tired all the time, which might explain his behaviour”

 

“Or he could just be crazy”

 

“Ken-kun that's uncalled for.”

 

“What? You don't think it's possible after everything we've been through maybe he's cracking up. Think about it, the erratic behaviour, disturbed sleep; I'm just saying, we should watch him.”

 

“So what are going to do?” Yohji asked sarcastically “lock him up, maybe we should make enough room for you while we're at it!”

 

Ken snorted and flipped him off. “Hey at least I haven't gone off on any nighttime adventures and no-one has had to drag me back to bed.”

 

“Maybe that's where you're both going wrong,” Yohji grinned.

 

“Anyway,” Omi interrupted “I don't think he's having a breakdown Ken-kun. But you might be right; the stress of the last few months might be getting to him. I think first thing tomorrow we'll all sit down and talk this through.” He said, his face determined.

 

“Great” Yohji drawled “Group Therapy”

 

“Yohji kun please don't be like that”

 

“Maa its all right kiddo I'll behave, but if you expect me up before noon tomorrow I need my beauty sleep”, he said getting up.

 

“You're right we can't do anything tonight so let's get some sleep”

 

They all made to go to their separate rooms when Ken stopped short “Oh hey what about the rest of tonight?” The other two looked back at him quizzically “Well you know if Aya starts sleepwalking again, what are we going to do?”

 

“Ah he's right!” cried Omi, “we can't risk him going anywhere, he might hurt himself” He didn't dare tell them about the freaky mist that had scared him so much, he didn't think he could take the teasing, after all it did seem a bit ridiculous now he had calmed down.

 

Yohji hhmphed and disappeared for a second to reappear with the mop and bucket which he then balanced precariously against Aya's door. “There if he gets up one of us should hear it fall over. Now let's go to bed,” he said firmly.

 

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Aya woke slowly, wincing as he opened his eyes. His head hurt like he'd been drinking the night before. The light filtering through his blinds showed he'd slept late again, and a glance at the clock confirmed it was nearly 11.

 

This was getting to be too much of a habit, he was naturally an early riser and the fact that he was oversleeping so much made him worry. He struggled out of bed and sat on the edge, stretching. He felt a little stiff; maybe he was coming down with something he mused, that would explain why he'd been feeling off balance recently. As he bent over to put on his slippers Aya noticed that his feet were dirty, with what looked like muddy splashes across them. Confused he lifted up his foot to get a better look and noticed grass stains on his sole as well. Suspicious Aya turned round and pulled back the covers properly and noted the dirt marks across the sheets.

 

Odd, he mused to himself. He knew he certainly hadn't gone to bed with dirty feet last night so how on earth had he managed to get them in that state while he was sleeping? His stomach growled loudly reminding him that he was well overdue for breakfast. Musing on the mystery of his feet he opened the door.

 

And stepped back in shock as a mop and bucket crashed into his room. What on earth? Aya blinked stupidly for a moment trying to figure out how on earth his bedroom door had suddenly become the door to the broom closet. Sticking his head out the door the hallway was there as usual. Pulling it back in Aya frowned at the offending items. Why on earth would the mop and bucket be outside his door unless…no. They wouldn't have dared surely?

 

If this was meant to be a not so subtle inference that he should be doing chores instead of sleeping late there would be trouble. He always did more than his fair share of jobs, without complaint, unlike a certain layabout. So what if he'd had a few lie-ins recently? He more than deserved them.

 

Full of righteous indignation he stamped off to the kitchen, he'd get some breakfast and then he'd have words with whichever of his unfortunate team he could find first.

 

Scowling and thinking dark thoughts about cheeky team-mates he looked up in surprise as he entered the kitchen to find three pairs of expectant eyes watching him from the table. Stopping for a second Aya was discomfited being the centre of attention. Obviously they were all waiting for a reply to the not very subtle mop message. Recovering slightly he tried to think of a suitable caustic remark.

 

“So sleeping beauty finally wakes,” Yohji smirked at him, riling him further. Annoyed he threw back “You're hardly one to talk about oversleeping Kudoh, we've all had to cover your laziness more than once.”

 

Satisfied about making his point he moved to make his morning tea and tried not to think too deeply on the flash of whatever that had passed Yohji's face. His neck prickled with their continued attention but Aya tried to carry on as normal, he could outwait them.

 

“I left some rice and miso for you Aya-kun” Omi offered. He nodded his thanks over his shoulder. Exasperated Ken couldn't hold out any longer

 

“Well?!”

 

Aya turned round slowly. “Well what?” He was now determined to make them pay for every inch before he told them what he thought of their little stunt.

 

“What Ken-Ken is dying to know along with the rest of us is what was last night all about?” Yohji drawled.

 

Wrong footed, Aya searched their faces for some sort of clue to what he was talking about. He flashed worriedly to his dirty feet.

 

“I have no idea what you mean.”

 

“You mean you don't remember anything Aya-kun?” Omi sighed “I suppose sleepwalkers probably don't remember.”

 

“I don't sleepwalk,” Aya scoffed.

 

“Riiight”, Ken replied. “And I suppose last night you just felt like a late night walk out in the cold with no shoes or coat huh?”

 

He looked to Yohji for confirmation of this madness who smiled back. “Yup its true, dragged your ass back to bed myself.”

 

Aya refused to be worried by their claims; it was ridiculous he had never sleepwalked in his life. “I don't sleep walk” he said firmly and turned back to his breakfast.

 

“Right and I suppose we're all lying then huh?” Aya shot Ken a look over his shoulder that said quite plainly that was indeed what he thought.

 

Ken shook his head in disbelief. “You seriously think we made this up?!” Still faced with his back and on top of his interrupted sleep Ken's temper broke and he banged his hands on the table, “Hey look at us when we're talking to you. This isn't something you can dismiss, if you're having some sort of episode then it needs to be dealt with.”

 

“Episode?” Aya questioned dangerously “I'm not sure I like what you're implying. Either way it's not your concern.”

 

“The hell it's not. Even if the others haven't noticed it I have, you've been acting weird these last couple of weeks anyway, spacing out all the time. I've tried to speak to you sometimes and you don't even react, you don't even know I'm there. Then we get the creepy zombie act last night, it's the last straw.”

 

“So what exactly are you saying Hidaka?” His frosty tone made Omi wince in anticipation for the inevitable clash.

 

“I'm saying that if you are starting to lose it, and let's face it you've never exactly been Mr Stable, then you need to tell us because we're the ones whose asses are on the line when you crack on a mission.”

 

Having some of his secret fears thrown in his face was too much for Aya,

“I can't believe you of all people have the nerve to lecture me on keeping it together. You've been watching me? Well I've been watching you and we both know you're not such a picture of sanity yourself. We all know you have issues and I don't see you doing much to resolve them. So maybe you should keep you opinions to yourself.”

 

Truly angered now Ken leapt up “God I have had just about enough of you and your pissy attitude recently, you want to have this out I'll gladly oblige. I've taken you out before!”

 

Sorely tempted by the offer to take out his frustrations Aya was stopped from stepping up by Omi leaping in front of Ken.

 

“Ken-kun please this isn't helping.”

 

“Well someone needs to smack some sense…”

 

“Please Ken-kun just let it drop,” Omi soothed. “Just come with me, let's take a breather. Aya-kun we are all worried about you please do not dismiss our concerns.” Taking the older man's arm he threw a beseeching look towards Yohji as he dragged Ken out of the room.

 

Now alone together in the kitchen, Yohji clapped slowly. “Nicely handled there Ayan.”

 

Aya threw him a wary glance before deciding to carry on organising his interrupted breakfast.

 

“C'mon Aya you have to talk about this.”

 

“Why? I don't sleepwalk, end of conversation.”

 

Yohji sighed and got up; leaning against the worktop he ducked his head slightly to catch the redhead's eye.

 

“Are you okay?”

 

“I told you I'm fine,” he grated out. “I don't know why you're all making such a fuss about this. I have never sleepwalked in my life.”

 

“That's not what I meant. Maybe there's something else we need to speak about, something left undone?” He asked pointedly, “something that happened on a different night perhaps?”

 

Aya opened and closed his mouth for a second trying to think of an appropriate response, but gave up and threw him a disgusted look before turning away.

 

“I don't want to discuss that,” he said. And found to his surprise that Yohji had spun him around and pinned him to the counter hand either side.

 

“I do.” Yohji said emphatically. Leaning in close his breath tickled across Aya's face, “I won't let you run away from me this time, I don't like unfinished business. I especially don't want this hanging between us.”

 

“There's nothing else to be done or said. Now get off me” Aya replied, cursing the way his own voice had become breathy.

 

“No, I'm sorry I can't, not after all this time. Not after you responded, you were interested.”

 

“I was trapped. You were drunk and horny and I was the first convenient body you came across, I left as soon as I could get away.”

 

“Uh uh” Yohji negated. “I wasn't that drunk Aya, and I felt you respond enough to know you were definitely interested.” Half smiling he said “do you realise how much you've changed this last month? I think you've shown more emotion these last few weeks that in the entire time I've known you. I don't know if Ken's right and it's a bad thing but I'm not about to let you retreat back into your shell now.” Pressing himself along the length of the shorter mans body he tipped his head down to meet his eye level still breathing close to Aya's face.

 

“Tell me you don't want this,” he murmured, moving closer towards his lips.

To his chagrin Aya's voice failed him, his heart was well and truly pounding, he felt like one of the stupid schoolgirls that plagued them, it was so embarrassing. He didn't know why he lost it when it came to Yohji, his thoughts became muddled and he couldn't bring himself to walk away. He knew it wasn't love and he didn't think it was lust, but he seemed to be able to touch the empty, hollow part of Aya where he felt these feelings should be.

 

Then Yohji was kissing him and any rational thought left. His world narrowed down to their joined lips and the tongue flicking into his mouth. He could feel Yohji's hands pulling at his t-shirt and their warmth as they stroked up his cold flesh. He was pressed back against the worktop and he could feel Yohji's arousal and his own body reacting automatically. His legs were pushed slightly apart as Yohji moved his thigh in-between. His body would continue to take the lead if he let it, but he wanted more. He wanted to find that answering spark inside of himself, to feel and want what the other man was doing to him instead of being like an outsider watching bemusedly as an empty shell went through the motions. Frustrated he focused on trying to bring out some sort of feeling, to answer passion with passion.

 

Yohji pulled back in surprise as Aya suddenly crumpled over. “What's wrong? Did I hurt you?” he asked worriedly.

 

Aya grasped his head in agony as everything was suddenly subsumed by voices chanting. “Shut up, shut up, shut up!” He felt like his brain was being torn into pieces, he couldn't control it here, not with Yohji so close. He pulled himself away, along the worktop. Yohji reached to help him but Aya threw himself away from him, hitting the refrigerator hard enough to make it sway. “Don't…” he managed to gasp before the pain spiked in response and the voices became impossibly loud. Whimpering he slid slowly to the floor and gladly found refuge in darkness.

 

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Yohji frowned into his coffee. He had heard movements from Aya's room a few moments ago meaning he was finally awake. The question now of course was whether he would want to come down and face him. He leaned back in the chair and sighed. He didn't understand what was going on, why he'd had to carry an unconscious redhead to bed again. Logic said that it wasn't his fault but that didn't stop him from feeling guilty for pushing so much.

 

He sat forward in surprise as he heard soft footfalls. That was quicker than he'd expected. Aya entered the room eyes downcast, arms hugging himself. He was clearly not looking forward to this but wasn't about to hide in his room.

 

Yohji smiled pleasantly. “How are you feeling? You don't look so hot.”

 

Aya looked up sharply but saw nothing but genuine concern in the other man's eyes. To be honest despite the amount of the day he'd spent in bed he didn't feel rested at all and his eyes were bruised from tiredness. He wrapped his arms tighter feeling too weary and empty to put up any sort of front.

 

“I'm tired, and cold. I can't…about earlier…”

 

“I'm sorry.” Yohji said gently. Aya frowned at his feet. “I shouldn't have pushed you that hard. Not that I didn't mean any of it though.”

 

Aya sighed, “I don't know what to say to you.”

 

“Go away? Leave me alone? I will if you want me to you know.”

 

Aya looked to the ceiling searching for inspiration, “No…no. I don't think that's what I want anymore. It's just…I don't know what I want, what to feel. You were right I guess, these last few weeks, something feels different. I don't know what I'm supposed to do, it's like…I don't know, everything feels so unreal at the moment.” He struggled to find the words to continue.

 

Yohji stood up. “It's okay. We don't have to do this now. You're tired and you need to rest. Omi's been making hot chocolate if you want some. They're watching some brainless film in the lounge. Come and sit with us for a bit. I don't think you should be on your own for the moment. In the last 24 hours you've been sleepwalking and had a black out, not to mention all the other things I'm sure you're not telling us about. I'm not letting you out of my sight tonight, not until I'm sure you're okay. No arguments.”

 

Aya grimaced but to Yohji's complete surprise nodded his agreement and went into the other room. Relieved at the lack of the fight he'd been expecting he poured out the drink and followed him in.

 

Omi was curled up on one end of the sofa with his own mug. Ken had claimed the chair for his own, and was devouring a bowl of microwave popcorn. The movie had already started and Yohji groaned as he recognised it, “Not this again!”

 

“You know the rules Yohji-kun. If you're not here in time you don't get a say.” Omi chirped. “Aya-kun, don't hover come and sit down with us,” he said patting the sofa beside him. Yohji gave him a little push from behind and sat down on the other side of Aya, squashing him in between the two of them.

 

“Here,” he said pushing the hot mug into Aya's hands. “Drink this, it'll make you feel better.” Aya couldn't help rolling his eyes at Yohji's mothering but all he got in return was a sunny smile. Too drained to start anything he sipped at the hot drink and tried not to yawn. The film was more tedious than he could have hoped for so he tried to tune it out as he sat back and relaxed.

 

Omi glanced to his right sometime later and laughed quietly.

 

“I guess Aya-kun must have still been tired.” Yohji looked and smiled to himself. Aya's head had fallen back as he'd dropped off, his mouth slightly open. He couldn't help thinking that the younger man looked the most inelegant he'd seen him, and yet completely adorable. Damn he had it bad.

 

Omi leant over and rescued the half drunk hot chocolate. “Did you put something in it?” he asked.

 

“Hey what do you think I am!” Yohji exclaimed, trying to keep his voice soft. “Nah, he's just exhausted. Which is why I didn't grill him like you wanted me too Ken,” he said pointedly.

 

“Alright, alright. I see your point.” Ken agreed. “He sure looks tired this last day or so.” He grinned wickedly. “But if he starts drooling I reserve the right to get the camera.”

 

They all turned back to the film and let Aya doze uninterrupted. It wasn't until they'd started on the second film of the night that Aya suddenly sat up.

 

“Hey how was your catnap?” Ken asked teasingly. Apparently ignoring him, Aya stood up jerkily. “Hello? Earth to Aya?” he asked. Again not answering he walked out the room.

 

“Oh great not again,” Yohji muttered as he strode out after him. The others jumped up and followed. They found Aya swaying in front of the outside door. Yohji touched his shoulder. “C'mon Aya, lets get you to your bed, we don't need a repeat of last night do we?”

 

Omi peered out the window and swallowed a squeak when he realised heavy mist had descended outside obscuring any sort of view of the garden.

 

“What's up?”

 

“Oh nothing, nothing,” Omi reassured, trying to keep his voice light “let's just get Aya-kun to bed shall we?” Undeterred Ken peered over his shoulder.

 

“Whoa, it's gotten really foggy all of a sudden. That wasn't on the forecast at all!” Omi tried to resist pushing his friend back from the window. He really didn't feel comfortable right now but it seemed so silly to admit to being spooked by the weather.

 

“Let's just concentrate on poor Aya-kun shall we? Hey no! Stop him, don't let him open the door Yohji!” he cried too late.

 

“Ah ah, no more late night walks for you.” Yohji chided as he pulled the shorter man's hand from the handle. Unimpeded the door slowly started to swing inwards and the mist curled silently into the house. Yohji watched bemusedly as it seemed to wrap itself round their ankles, then cursed as it's touch suddenly became icy cols and disturbingly solid. He felt the same resistance as the night before and instinctively yanked the younger man back into the kitchen.

 

“Yohji, please close the door very quickly,” Omi urged grabbing Aya's arm to ensure he didn't move back towards the door.

 

Yohji started to do as Omi asked but couldn't. There was resistance, as if something was pushing from the other side. Not getting anywhere he swore and turned and put his back into it.

 

“Ken,” he hissed, “don't just stand there, see if someone's out there.”

 

“Right.” Grabbing a kitchen knife Ken made a wide circle of Yohji and the door. Pressing against the wall he peered through the gap. “I can't see anything, just mist.” Edging closer to the door he looked again. “No, nothing.” He watched as the mist curled up his legs. “Shit that's cold!” He exclaimed jumping back.

 

“Yeah I'd noticed, mind giving us a hand here?” Ken realised that Yohji was pushing against the door with his back, legs braced, but still wasn't making any progress in getting it shut. Even when he joined in there still seemed to be a huge resistance but together though they finally managed to push it shut.

 

“Got it!” Yohji said triumphantly, slamming the bolt across. They both backed away. “So what was it?”

 

“Nothing, just mist like I told you.” Ken said.

 

Aya groaned, his eyes closing. Omi grabbed him a bit firmer to steady his taller friend. “I think I'll feel better when we get Aya to bed.”

 

“I suppose I get the honour of carrying him yet again.” Yohji sighed. “C'mon then sleeping beauty let's get this over with.” Picking Aya up he hoisted him over his shoulder. “Damn my back can't take much more of this.”

 

The door creaked loudly. He glanced at Ken. “Nothing, I swear!”

 

As one they edged closer together. The door began to make more alarming noises as if there was something exerting a lot of pressure on it from outside.

 

“It's quite thick wood that door,” Omi speculated, “I don't think it would be able to get through.”

 

“Ah, and just so we're clear. What is the invisible `it' we're talking about?”

 

Omi flushed. “Oh, um nothing I was just thinking aloud Yohji-kun.”

 

“Riiight,” he replied unconvinced. “So we think this `nothing' won't be able to get in then.” He dropped Aya onto his feet again, keeping his arm round his waist to support him.

 

“Umm yes.”

 

Ken looked at them both like they were mad “It's just fog! What can it do?”

 

“As long as we don't let it in again we should be fine…oh dear.”

 

“Don't say `oh dear' like that Omittichi, you could make a guy worried.”

 

“Its just that, well, I may have accidentally left both of your windows open. Don't look at me like that! If you two ever actually aired your rooms out I wouldn't have had to do it!”

 

As if on cue a crash came from upstairs and all three looked towards the stairs.

 

“You, you don't think it heard me do you?”

 

“What, the mist?! Now you really are being weird.”

 

Omi glared at Ken, “either way I think I'd feel better if we moved into the lounge for now.”

 

Yohji rolled his eyes and hefting Aya onto his shoulder again, let Omi herd him into the lounge.

 

Ken paused for a moment longer, unconvinced. As he watched the first tendrils of mist curled around the top of the stairs. Shaking his head disbelievingly he followed them in.

 

Depositing Aya onto the sofa, Yohji turned to Omi.

 

“So what exactly do we do no…What on earth are you doing?!”

 

Omi paused in the act of pushing the stack of drawers towards the door and flushed.

 

“Well you see, we need to reinforce the door, so nothing can get in. It's quite heavy could you help me Ken-kun?”

 

Shrugging helplessly at Yohji, Ken helped push the furniture into place.

 

“What about the window?” Ken asked. Omi chewed his lip.

 

“Ah, the bookcase!”

 

Yohji sighed “Count me out. I think you've lost it, I'll just sit this out with sleeping beauty here.” He sat down on the sofa and shifted the limp Aya so he was lying on his chest.

 

Ken flopped down on the other side, shifting Aya's feet so he could get comfy. “So what do we do now?”

 

Omi curled up on the chair. “I guess we stay here and just wait.”

 

“Wait for what exactly?”

 

There was a sudden thump at the door and it creaked under the pressure. The three of them jumped and eyed it warily. Aya shifted in Yohji's arms and began to groan.

 

Omi hopped up and squashed onto the sofa with the others. “I'm just helping keep Aya under control okay?” he muttered making sure to get his feet off of the ground.

 

“Yeah, you want to be careful the bogeyman might come out from under the sofa and grab you,” Ken snickered.

 

“Shut up!” Omi whined. “It's just creeping me out a bit that's all.”

 

“What's creeping me out is the fact that we've barricaded ourselves in against some mist.”

 

“Fine you go back out there then if it's so stupid!”

 

They all glanced at the door, Omi winced at a particularly loud crack.

 

“I'm just saying, that's all, that we all might have overreacted a bit or something.”

 

Omi bit his lip and hugged his knees.

 

“What is it kiddo?” Yohji asked “You were freaked out the second you saw the mist outside, why?”

 

He sighed, “I think the mist is linked to what's happening with Aya-kun. Last night, it was there too, only it looked like there were hands in it, and it tried to pull him away. I didn't say anything because it sounded so stupid and I knew you'd all make fun of me.”

 

There were heavy thumps from outside and as one they shifted closer together. “I'm not saying a word.” Yohji breathed. “So how long do you think it will go on for?”

 

“Probably dawn.” Ken stated. The other two looked at him curiously. “Well you know, in horror films it's always safe once the sun comes up.”

 

“Are you saying we're in a horror film Ken Ken?”

 

“Well you know, all this weird shit, it sure isn't part of my normal day.” They smiled at the attempt to lighten the mood.

 

“So does that mean we're on some Indian burial ground?” Yohji joked.

 

“Or maybe Aya's possessed and his head will start spinning?”

 

A door slammed upstairs.

 

“I suppose now isn't the time to confess I need the bathroom?” They all laughed and tried to ignore the slightly hysterical tone it had taken.

 

“What happens if it doesn't go away in the morning?”

 

“Don't know, guess we starve in here.” Ken grinned.

 

“Cheery” Yohji smiled back. “Guess we're here for the duration then. Anyone got some cards?”

 

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