Firefly a piece of something
River and Jayne (pre-Rayne)

( Her thoughts were aligned, falling into like-shaped slots. )

***

written 8 July 2008

-ILB

***

Yugioh Chapter 24: Each Ecstatic Instant
Mokuba; Jounouchi/Mai; Seto/Anzu

( Each Ecstatic Instant )

Yugioh a new scene
Jounouchi/Mai

Mai emerged from the steamy bathroom, a towel wrapped tightly around her body. It dropped to the floor and she wriggled into the underwear she’d laid out on the bed. She fished around in the shared chest of drawers for a pair of shorts and a tank-top and pulled them on, too. Already the day promised to be lazy and slow, so she didn’t bother with more than moisturizer and a quick blow-dry.

She walked out of the bedroom, expecting to see Jounouchi either eating or playing video games. She spotted him, all right, but he wasn’t doing either. He sat on the old, worn couch staring at the television, obviously not watching.

Well that was unexpected. And slightly unsettling.

Mai fell down beside him, curling her legs under her. “What’s wrong?” she asked, ruffling his hair. He was an idiot, but he was her idiot, and that untidy mass of blond was one of the most touchable things she’d ever encountered.

When he spoke, his words were slow – deliberate. “It’s Shizuka. Otogi might be…” His grip on the remote tightened. “That bastard might be cheating on her. My little sister.”

“What? But I thought their relationship was fine.”

“I did, too!” he bellowed, finally coming out of the unusual calm he’d settled into. “I mean… obviously he wasn’t good enough for her. But I thought at least he knew I’d kill him if he ever hurt her.”

Mai let out a short sigh, stroking his arm gently. “Don’t kill him yet. Are you sure that he cheated?”

His mouth turned down further, expression morphing into something like a pout. “No.” He sounded disappointed that he had no justification for Otogi’s murder.

Jounouchi turned towards her, obviously unsure. He was so like a big child sometimes. Mai pulled him into a kiss, not minding the smell of thrice-worn jeans and dirty t-shirt. “Go talk to him – give him a taste of that big brother intimidation I know you’re so fond of.” She had no idea what had put the idea of Otogi’s infidelity into his head, but she knew him well enough to know that unless it were definitely proven untrue, Jounouchi wouldn’t stop dwelling. And she didn’t want to deal with it. He had every right to disapprove of cheating on one’s partner, but since that was how their relationship had begun in the first place, she felt less inclined to listen to his thoughts on the actual cheaters.

“You really think talking to him would be the best thing to do? I was wondering if maybe Shizuka – “

“No,” she told him sharply. “If you’re not sure, Katsuya, you better not tell her a thing. It will only hurt her.”

“I guess you’re right,” he said grudgingly, patting her thigh absently. He was rough and awkward, so unlike the refined men she had once preferred. But he thought her precious even if he didn’t quite know how to treat her so – and if she didn’t love him that might not have been enough.

But she did. So that was all she ever needed.

“Are you going out today?” he asked.

She’d wanted to. But he was so overprotective of Shizuka – he probably wanted, and needed, though he wouldn’t admit it, a little reassurance. “To run a few errands, maybe,” she answered casually. “I thought I could get us a nice dinner.” She pressed closer to him, running one dainty foot along his denim-clad calf. “And then… an evening in. All alone.” Her breath was hot in his ear and she felt his body tense as one hand ran over his belly, just close enough to his lap to tease.

He grinned and his eyes were alight with something that she knew was more than lust. “Sounds good to me, Mai. How about pizza?”

She laughed and gave him a shove.

***

I always seem to overdo scenes with these two. Well... perhaps that's not the best way to phrase it. I always start out wanting to write something simple and space-filling, but then I wind up exploring their relationship or getting all "reveal-y". THIS CHAPTER IS KILLING ME. Oh, I love writing it... but it's being very, very naughty.

Oh, and I wrote this early this morning.

-ILB

***

Firefly another part of my new one-shot
nearly Rayne

( Cloudless Climes and Starry Skies )

***

written 25 June 2008

I have been watching Firefly and Doctor Who almost non-stop today. Most enjoyable. Heh.
OH! Also, though... I am nearly done with "ICOE" chapter 24. SO CLOSE TO COMPLETION! Yay.

-ILB
ruler of the lifestyles-verse

***

Firefly large chunk of one-shot (it's part 1)
River and Jayne; sort of pre-Rayne

( She Walks in Beauty )

***

written 29 June 2008

poem used was "She Walks in Beauty" by Byron

Well. Ultra, supreme BLAHR. Our interwebz has eaten itself and now will not work any faster than a snail with a broken (leg...?) snail-part. It is NOT fun. So! I'm going to get out my notebook and scribble out some lurvly new words. I was planning on getting "ICOE" 24 finished and sent off to my beta today, but I don't think I'm going to be patient enough to wait for the document to send after it finally loads my e-mail. I already had this up when it decided to die, so at least I can, er... Well, just put this up, I guess. Le sigh.

-ILB

***

Bleach another zk/ur thing
Unohana/Zaraki

He had entertained some vague, subconscious idea that things might be awkward between them, or that she at least would feel some sort of tension. However, the captain's meeting had gone exactly as it always did - their eyes never even met, and though neither made an effort to avoid the other, they really never came near enough to have a conversation.

That changed, however, after the meeting. She caught him before he could leave, laying a gentle hand on his massive arm. "Excuse me, Zaraki-taichou, may I speak with you a moment?"

He grunted. "Make it quick."

With a slight smile, she nodded. "Thank you. I was curious... Would you like to have a cup of tea with me later?"

"Hell no," he snorted. "Maybe if there was gonna be - "

"Ahem." She smiled again. "Zaraki-taichou, I was inviting you for tea. Nothing else. Her eyes glinted slightly with intent, and the slight emphasis on "tea" told him everything he needed to know. Idly, he wondered if he would be able to read everyone that well after he saw them naked. "Okay, tea. Can't blame me for trying to pick a fight." He tried to turn his normally murderous grin into something slightly more lascivious, but it just came off as deranged and murderous.

"Very good, then. I will see you at eight. I look forward to it."

And with that, they both went on their way; no one else had even noticed the exchange.

written 1 July 2008

-ILB

***

Yugioh parts of chapter24
Seto/Anzu; Arisa; Jounouchi; Mokuba

Jounouchi grunted. "Well... right. I'll..." He cleared his throat, not quite knowing the appropriate etiquette for the situation. He hated Kaiba but felt that some measure of gratitude had been earned. "I guess I'll see you later then."

"Better than sooner, hmm?" He raised an eyebrow, the gesture as friendly as he would ever get with Jounouchi.

For his part, the blond man was stunned. Had Kaiba made a... joke? "Right." He scratched his head, feeling slightly confused. "Um... Tell Anzu thanks, I guess. For telling me." His face darkened. "You can bet Otogi and I will be having a chat. Soon."

written 12 June 2008

***

Arisa sighed happily as she gently touched the soft, satin skirts. The dress was beautiful; it was absolutely perfect, as well, just what she'd dreamed it would be. She untucked her blouse and undid the buttons, sliding off her clothes so she could slip into the dress. It had been made by one of the best dressmakers in the city and fitted to perfection.

She looked at her reflection in the mirror and smiled.

"How does it look?" -Bridesmaid #1- called. "Let us see!"

"Just a moment," Arisa replied. "I... Actually, I could use some help if you don't mind." She stepped out and turned around. "Could you help me lace it up?"

-Bridesmaid #2- pulled the laces and then tied them. "Oh, Arisa," she gushed, "you look beautiful! What a gorgeous dress."

"Thank you," Arisa replied, keeping her composure though inwardly glowing with joy. "It's exactly what I wanted. I only hope Hiroto likes it - I want to knock him off his feet." She smirked to herself.

written 12 June 2008

***

The silence was stifling and awkward. Jounouchi, hating to be uncomfortable, was the first to break it. "So I know you're not just here for a friendly visit. Why'd you come?"

"It's about your sister."

"My sister?!" He shot up. "Why? What's wrong? Is Shizuka - "

"Calm down," Seto instructed, brows furrowed. "She's fine. Let me start again. I've come to give you a warning. I've seen my secretary with Otogi, and Anzu - holding a vendetta against the woman - is convinced that your sister's in danger of an unfaithful boyfriend. I was... persuaded" - he looked vaguely disgusted at the thought - "to talk to you."

Jounouchi looked down, his face dark. "Oh. Hmm." For another moment he was silent, completely absorbed in his own thoughts.

written 14 June 2008

***

Anzu took his hand in hers and smiled. "Are you feeling a little insecure?"

Seto scowled, pulling his hand away, and she let out a loud, happy laugh. He shot her a glare; she only kissed his cheek in response.

"Sorry, sorry," she said, "but I can't help teasing you. I'm the only one who can get away with it." His scowl softened into something like a pout. She bumped shoulders with him. "But I'm very sorry. I have seen the error of my ways - I know that you would never allow it..." Her hand landed on his abdomen, then snaked up to tangle in his thick brown hair. "If there weren't impending nakedness in your future."

"Mmm." He smiled and grabbed her hand, pulling it around to his mouth. He kissed her palm. "You were teasing me? I didn't even notice."

written 15 June 2008

***

Seto narrowed his eyes. "Are you trying to bring up the subject of marriage, Anzu? Because if you are... You aren't very subtle."

She bit her lip. "I wasn't necessarily trying to bring it up - only mentioning it in passing. But there is an opening now if you have anything to say about it."

"I don't." He was always so reticent about their relationship; it wasn't that she was insecure, she just liked getting everything out on the table and knowing exactly where they stood. He knew all that, but still refused to discuss it with her.

"Of course you don't." She sighed. "You never do."

"Anzu..." He had been patient, but he was growing annoyed. "I've told you before that I don't wish to discuss this. Our relationship is strong and I'm going to stay with you for the forseeable future."

Anzu was silent for a moment, running her hands through his hair. She wasn't upset; after all, it was the reaction she'd expected. "So I'm only goingn to know you're ready for marriage if and when you propose?"

He grunted in what seemed to be assent.

"All right, all right - I'll drop it." Her hands dropped to his shoulders and she wrapped her arms loosely around his neck. She nuzzled his neck gently, her lips against his skin. "I love you," she murmured, tightening her hold.

He gently touched her arm. "Anzu..."

"Oh, just shut up and kiss me," she laughed. "It's not like this discussion is going anywhere, anyway."

She loosened her hold on him and he turned his chair around, pulling her into his lap.

written 15 June 2008

***

Anzu heard the knock and ran excitedly to the door. She tried her best to look calm, but she was wearing one of her favorite dresses and Seto was actually coming to get her himself instead of just sending a car - something that he'd had to resort to doing more often as of late. She pulled open the door and smiled. "Hello."

Seto nodded. "Are you ready to go?" She looked at him incredulously and crossed her arms over her chest. He stared for a moment, then rolled his eyes. "You look beautiful. New dress?"

"No, but you're right; I do look beautiful." She flashed him a warm grin and gave his cheek a quick peck. Before she could pull away, though, he grabbed her arm and yanked her closer, his mouth finding hers with the ease of much practice.

written 25 June 2008

***

"It's Yugi-casserole," Mokuba said cheerily, wiping his hands on a dishtowel. "I didn't have time - or the talent - to whip up something myself, so I just paid Yugi to do it."

Anzu crossed her arms. "You shouldn't take advantage of him like that, Mokuba; you know how hard it is for him to say no."

Seto smirked. "Ask him to jump off a bridge next time, as well."

"Seto!" Anzu glared at him. "And you wonder why Mokuba's so difficult."

"Ahh ahh ahh," Mokuba put in, grinning widely. "You can blame Seto's unscrupulous parenting technique if you want, but personally I think it's because of all the kidnapping."

"Don't blame me," Seto said blandly, cutting Anzu off before she could protest.

"Oh, I wouldn't dare," she told him, rolling her eyes. "After all, spending all your energy trying to beat a classmate - who has proven better than you countless times - in a card game relieves you of all responsibility."

"Ooh, tension," Mokuba said. "Should I get popcorn?" They glared simultaneously and he laughed. "Or leave and let you get on with your date? Yeah, I'll just do that."

written 7 July 2008

***

Obviously I've been working on this for awhile, but I don't have a complete scene just yet.

-ILB

***

Firefly bits, of a generally Rayne-y nature
Everyone; Rayne or pre-Rayne

As soon as Jayne left, all three women looked at River. She blinked at them owlishly. "Burning stare matches burning curiosity. Why?"

Kaylee giggled. "Just a little confused, is all. You've been actin' mighty funny whenever Jayne comes around."

"She's right," Zoe said with a nod. "You've been a little off. Actin' like a little kid, actually. Any particular reason why?"

Inara held back an amused smile. River did a quick internal analysis, weighing the pros and cons of telling them the truth. It was likely they already suspected anyway, so perhaps it wouldn't be so bad. "Enamored," she said simply. "Attention is sought - if childlike antics get the girl noticed then she will continue with acts of immaturity."

"Oh! River, that's so cute!" Kaylee clapped her hands together and giggled delightedly. "I knew you were holdin' a candle for 'im!"

"A bit unexpected," Inara said, giving River a knowing look. "I wouldn't have imagined your type to be big, gruff and slightly unhygenic."

Zoe gave a sort of half-laugh. "Wouldn't have imagined Jayne'd be anyone's type."

written 18 June 2008

***

Mal broke off and turned to look at River, his fury towards Inara dulled somewhat by his confusion at River's presence. He cleared his throat and cocked his head less-than-discreetly at the door.

"Oh no," she said, shaking her head. "Pay no mind - merely here for scientific observation."

"Observation?" Mal turned to fully face her, his hands on his hips, obviously upset. Even Inara seemed a bit put out by River's revelation.

"Yes. I have determined that the way to achieve a successful relationship of my own is to watch others and insure I avoid the same failings. Watching the two of you has been most beneficial to my research."

"I know we are not in the most private of places," Inara told her gently, "but it's still rude to intrude on an argument you have no part in."

River met her eyes and stared for a moment. Inara felt slightly unsettled, but she did her best to clear her mind. Then River blinked, eyes wide and wet like twin brown lakes. "You disapprove. I have violated proper social conventions. My apologies. Any further observation will be covert." And with a flourish she stood and glided off.

Mal gaped after her for a moment. "Any... further...?" He shook his head and turned back to Inara. "I... What were we fighting about?"

written 30 June 2008

***

It was disconcerting to suddenly be so aware. She could watch him for literally hours, captivated by each drawn breath, every movement he made.

And, most days, she hid her interest well. But not every day.

"What's your gorram problem?" he asked gruffly at supper one night. "You're starin' at me, you moonbrained beanpole."

"Yes. That's right." He would get no explanations if he continued to insult her.

"Well why were ya starin'? It's gettin' irritatin' real quick."

It certainly wouldn't do to tell the truth - that she watched the muscles of his jaw as he chewed, the movement of his strong arms as he shoveled food into his mouth. It was not her fault he was an exquisite specimen; he drew her eyes with magnetic force.

"Magnetic - forces beyond control."

"Ain't no ruttin' magnet, so jus' stop yer starin'."

"You are staring at me now. Not a metal then, merely an opposite pole."

written 1 July 2008

***

(A nearly-there drabble. 76 words, I think.)

River dances on stars. Serenity hums alongside her - a thin, metallic melody that defies measure, pitch and tempo.

Jayne - the big, gun-laden fool who growls and gallops like some sort of untamed stallion - snorts at her routine as he watches from backstage. "What're ya doin', moonbrain? Ain't no music for ya to be dancin' to."

No music?

The man certainly isn't deaf. So as she continues to dance, River decides he's crazier than she'll ever be.

written 3 July 2008

***

Yup. More bits. Oh, I cannot resist. Heh heh heh.

-ILB

***

Bleach more of Ken/Uno ficcage, a beginning
Zaraki/Unohana

( Put Bells In And Give Us A Wink )

***

written 20 June 2008

Yaarp. There we go. A beginning! Now if only I had a plot... *think think think*

-ILB

***

X-Files a bit of a thing, weird 2nd p POV
Scully/Mulder

She barreled into every case with her eyes closed.

You knew from the moment she walked into your basement why she had been sent there, but it did not take long for you to like her. Respect her. She was science to your supernatural - healthy skepticism to keep you from growing complacent.

It was a beautiful partnership.

The two of you grew to understand one another. Though things weren't always smooth - and the occasional fight was more than inevitable - there was no doubt at all that you were just as much of a complement to her as she was to you. There was something whole and real there even before either of you could feel it.

***

written 13 June 2008

-ILB

***

Firefly a few bits
Everyone; Rayne or pre-Rayne

"Well, it's not like I wanted to go with the crazy woman in the first place, Mal, so - "

But he was interrupted by a gasp from River. Mal glared fiercely, taking a step towards his merc. "Now there's no need for that, Jayne. Albatross, he - "

River shook her head, eyes wide. "Not upset. Words like flowers." She smiled. "I know I'm crazy. But Jayne says woman; everyone else says girl."

Jayne shifted uncomfortably, all too aware of the looks the other two men were shooting him. "Weren't nothin' meant by it," he said. "Y'are a woman, is all. Why shouldn't I call ya what you are? Huh?"

"Yes. A woman." River twirled around happily. "Thank you, Jayne-the-man. It is nice to be known for what she is."

written 13 June 2008

***

Zoe looked to Inara, a question in her eyes. She could hardly believe it, but... "Did that mean what I think it meant?"

Though Inara was as doubtful as Zoe, she couldn't help but smile. "It meant exactly what you think." Her smile broadened and conspiratorially she whispered to the other woman, "I believe River has something of a crush on Jayne."

"A crush." Zoe let her eyes widen marginally. "On Jayne?"

Inara nodded. "She confided in me a few weeks ago that she was attracted to him, but we both assumed that she'd soon grow out of it. Do you remember when she made an offer of friendship to him?" Zoe nodded. "That was an attempt to replace her feelings for him with feelings of friendship. It appears, however, that her ploy was unsuccessful."

"And..." Zoe shook her head, grappling with such a disconcerting thought. "Does she want to go after him now?"

"It certainly appears so. I'd considered trying to talk her out of it, but it seems as though she's made up her mind."

For one of the first times since Inara had known her, Zoe seemed less than sure. "Should we... help her?"

written 15 June 2008

***

Jayne grumbled loudly, but Mal had made it clear he was no changing his mind. Kaylee and River wanted to go out and according to Mal they needed a bodyguard and bag-toter. And then, for whatever reason - that Jayne suspected had to do with either punishment or Mal having a brush with sadism - Mal had decided that the big, hulking merc was the most qualified for the job.

"Ya ready to go, Jayne?" Kaylee asked merrily, beaming up at him with one of her signature smiles. "Me and River sure are excited 'bout the trip, right River?"

The thin, bedraggled girl besider her shrugged. "Out of one prison - right into the arms of another captor."

Jayne snarled. "Ain't no captor, moonbrain. Just a gorram babysitter."

"Cheer up!" Kaylee said, patting his arm. "We won't be no trouble!"

That he doubted, but he decided not to say anything that might make Kaylee sad or the crazy girl angry. They set off, looking for Kaylee's parts and whatever it was the small, nutty one apparently needed.

written 24 June 2008

***

"I am going, too," River said resolutely. She looked at Jayne, her little chin raised defiantly in the air. "He cannot be trusted to look after himself."

Mal was obviously amused, looking from River to Jayne with the hint of a smile. "I'll admit, li'l albatross, he does give a body that feelin'." Jayne growled, but was roundly ignored. "Ya sure you're up to it?"

She nodded seriously. "Yes. I would be a most competent babysitter."

written 2 July 2008

***

Yay. I have too much fun writing this. I just wish I had some original ideas... I'm too influenced by the fics I've read. There seems to be a lot of almost fanon prerequisites for a Rayne story. I try not to get cliché, though. (But they are such fun!)

-ILB

***

Harry Potter bits of 2nd gen stuff
Albus Potter; Scorpius/Rose

Ginny smiled kindly at Albus; he mustered a smile in return, but it wasn't quite sincere. Everyone expected him to be miserable - and yes, at the beginning of the year he had been miserable. In a whole family of Gryffindors, he had wound up in Slytherin. Everyone had been shocked at his sorting, and James had even siad he'd go to the headmaster. Albus had been tempted to take him up on that, but had realized that there was really nothing to be done. So he had toughed it out.

Rose was in something of the same boat, though Ravenclaw wasn't nearly as big a blow as Slytherin. She wasn't too concerned - she was even a bit proud that she had broken out of the family mold.

written 1 June 2008

***

She cleared her throat. "Um..."

"What is it?" He looked up curiously.

Rose felt heat rising to her cheeks. Clearly, telling Scorpius that she was beginning to fancy him was not going to be as easy as she had originally imagined. "W-well, I was... How much of your essay do you have left to write?"

He looked at her a little disbelievingly and Rose wanted to smack herself for such a stupid question. He scanned his parchment and then said "Only about seven inches. Er... and you?"

She still had at least a foot. "N-not too much, either. Should be done soon."

"Good. Good." He stared at her for a moment. "Rose, are you all right? You're acting a bit odd."

written 9 June 2008

***

"What is it, Rose?" Albus asked, looking at his cousin with some concern. "You're acting a bit, er... off."

"I'm fine, Albus. Fine." She sighed and looked out across the lake.

He looked at her with a blank face, clearly expressing his disbelief. "Fine? That's why you've been unusually quiet, staring off into space, not concentrating on your work... ?"

Her head snapped over and she glared at him. "My concentration is fine, Al. You don't know what you're talking about."

"Oh?" He leaned back, thinking. It was a long shot, but worth a try. "This wouldn't have anything to do with a certain blond, family-loathed friend of mine... would it?"

written 10 June 2008

***

-ILB

***

Bleach almost drabble
Eleventh Division

Besides Yachiru, there were no women in the eleventh division.

This was not, as some believed, because Zaraki thought women were weak. He did not discriminate based on gender - a fight was a fight, and as long as someone was strong enough she was more than welcome to participate. A strong woman was sexy and as primitive creatures, sexy was something the eleventh division's men understood.

No, the reason for the lack of females was much simpler.

The eleventh's headquarters was rather Spartan, and the men had unanimously decided that if a woman's influence was combined with Yumichika's, none of them would ever see the inside of the bathroom again.

***

-written 1 June 2008

This is approximately 110 words. Garr, to be a drabble 10 need to be cut. I'll see what I can do. Heh heh.

-ILB

***

Firefly indulgence - scene bit
Inara; River; eventual Rayne

( Sunny skies with a chance of Rayne )

***

written 13 June 2008

-ILB

***

Yugioh second vers. of bit 28
Seto/Anzu; Mokuba

( Bit 28 Green: Sloth )

***

There we go! This is the second, "official" version and has been sent off to my beta-reader. I'm fairly excited about this bit - it was very fun to write, and actually pretty easy, too. That makes me worry, of course, that it's not good, but I really don't think it's bad. Could be better, I think, though. What I'm sort of worried about is the "sloth" aspect - it's a little less literal, and Anzu's being lazy and slothful about waiting for Seto to make a move, but I think it comes off too impatient. I'll read over it in a day or two and see if I like it as is or if I think I should make it better.

That's all for now! I need to finish "ICOE" chapter 24, but Seto just won't stay in character for me.

-ILB

***

Yugioh "Sevenfold" bit 28 piece
Seto/Anzu; Mokuba

( Swim, Sloth, and So-Oblivious Seto )

-written 31 May 2008

***

Well! There we go. I only posted this in here because I may some day want to look over it later. I don't like this very much, but I rushed when I wrote it, and I actually like the finished product much better. This inspired the finished bit (yes, it's actually written), but this is really only version one. Obsolete now, if you will. Heh. The idea's the same, I just wanted to make it a little better. Also, this version has very little green. Actually none. The towel and the sunglasses are green, but while I saw it in my head I neglected to write that down. Heh. Well... Right-o.

-ILB

***

Yugioh "ICOE" chp. 24 progress
Mokuba; Kaiba and Jounouchi


( Read more... )


***
So I just sat down and wrote this! Yup - go me. Heh. It hasn't been edited or anything, but I think it's a good start. This chapter is going to take a little more work than I anticipated; the Jounouchi/Otogi talk in the middle of the chapter really has to be handled carefully, so I'm probably going to want to just get a version written and then revise it. I'm trying my best to get this crazy thing done, though! Heh.

OH! Other important note. I finished writing Green: Sloth for "Sevenfold". I know - you think I'd do it in order. Heh. But Green: Gluttony is slightly more involved, so I wanted to give it a little thought before I started writing. I think I'll post it here soon."

-ILB

***

Yugioh "Sevenfold" next bit
Seto/Anzu

He wrote his name on the blackboard in smooth, deadly strokes – as though he had an assassin’s hand.

Anzu glared at his back.

“As previously stated, I am Kaiba Seto. And I have been asked to speak to this class today…”

She stopped listening after his name, her hands gripping her pencil with such fury that her knuckles were white. How dare he invade her life again; she thought after high school she’d be rid of him for good. Apparently, forces at work in the world seemed to find it amusing to throw one of the men she loathed most straight at her.

He wrote something else, beginning to speak in that peculiar “lecture voice” that all those who dealt with crowds or the public seemed to adopt. Anzu spitefully ignored every word.

And it really wasn’t as though he didn’t deserve her hatred, because he did. After everything he had put her friends through, he deserved to be strung up by his toes and have his own duel disk shoved up his throat. She was curiously pleased at the thought. After all, if there was any justice in the world, he’d meet with a fate that was much worse.

He had always been rather difficult regarding some of the more fantastic happenings where dueling was involved, but Anzu had tolerated his deliberate obtuseness with as much grace as she could. It was when he completely denied what had happened in Egypt and wrote it off as a “mass hallucination” that she got truly incensed. There was only so much that a girl could take.

So there he was, still lecturing in the front of the classroom, holding the rapt attention of many of the other students. She was vaguely disgusted.

Her eyes bore into his back. His shoulders were surprisingly broad for so slim a body, and they tapered down to a trim, tiny waist. He had grown up; the lanky teenager had filled out well, and he no longer looked sickly thin. Mokuba – a Kaiba she actually liked – had probably finally succeeded in convincing the workaholic to take things a little easier.

Which, she mused, wasn’t at all fair. He was wealthy, brilliant, and handsome? At least, she thought with some measure of sadistic glee, he had never been able to beat Yugi without cheating. If nothing else, she at least had that to give her comfort. Not, of course, that she ever spent time thinking about him. If she happened to pass KaibaCorp. or maybe if she saw Yugi – then he might invade the outermost reaches of her mind. She was perfectly and completely content never to think of him again. So when he showed up in her classroom – of all places! – naturally she was more than furious.

A loud snap broke her out of her thoughts. She looked down to see two halves of a pencil before her, gripped in either hand. She let go and they rolled off her slim green binder onto the floor.

The entire room turned to look at her.

She felt her cheeks turning red as eyes everywhere zeroed in on her.

Kaiba, noticing her for the first time, slowly let his mouth fall into an insufferably smug smirk.

“It’s not polite to disrupt a speaker,” he said. Anyone else might have thought he was merely chastising an inattentive student, but that gleam in his eye told her otherwise. He was enjoying her humiliation, enjoying the way the entire class was snickering at her behind their hands.

“The last time I checked,” she said angrily, getting up out of her chair, “you couldn’t care less about being polite.”

And before he had a chance to respond, she was out the door – the class staring at the large, green Economics book she had just attempted to introduce to his face.

***
This was written just to have it written; I am definitely not proud. It doesn't work as well as other bits have, and all-in-all I feel it could be much, much better. I'm gonna be doing some heavy editing, I'm sure.

-ILB

***

OHSHC piece of "AEOFW"
Hitachiin twins

Hikaru frowned, feeling particularly petulant. It wasn't his way to put too much thought into anything, but over the last few days he had found himself unusually thoughtful.

Kaoru yawned. "What's wrong?"

Not feeling particularly forthcoming, either, Hikaru just shrugged. "Just thinking. Too much thinking."

"Ahh." Kaoru stood up and stretched, scratching his stomach as he let out an enormous yawn. "Haruhi?"

"Kaoru..." Hikaru groaned. "I don't really want to talk about it."

His brother nodded knowingly. "It's Kyouya, isn't it? And how odd they've been acting lately."

Hikaru didn't answer. Instead, he flipped onto his stomach, staring at the wall.

"It bothers me, too," Kaoru told him, throwing his shirt off into a far corner of the room. "But I don't think there's anything to worry about."

"What about the beach house?" Hikaru asked suddenly, his voice hard.

***

-written 31 May 2008

I had to stop writing here because I'd neglected this story so long that I couldn't really remember everything that happened. How embarrassing...

Heh.

-ILB

***