Sentinel, Chapter 3: Seeing Red
Title: Sentinel
Pairing: Kurogane/Fai
Rating: PG-15
Spoilers: Spoils everything; don't read unless you're up-to-date!
Summary: Post-Nihon, pre-Clow. Landing in a world where jobs are scarce, the three travellers find jobs at a local bar. Kurogane isn't happy... especially not since Fai is being hit on shamelessly by an openly gay community.
Warning(s): Future moderate violence and language, sexual tension and sex references.
Disclaimer: I do not own TRC.
A/N: The violence was briefer than I had anticipated. I was going to have a full on fight fight fight scene where Kurogane beat the crap outta the guy, but decided against it, and thought escape with Fai was much more enticing. XD Sorry, I succumbed to the cute factor. Anyway, here is Chapter 3; feedback appreciated as usual.
'Yet still - Kurogane could not help but fight for him.'
( Chapter 1: Faultless )
( Chapter 2: The Wolf Whistles )
Sentinel
Chapter 3: Seeing Red
Kurogane entered the rowdy tavern, his artificial arm limp as the other remained against his head, scratching at strands of black. He was still adjusting to the uncomfortable novelty of the attached machinery, and slightly in awe of the technology Piffle World and its Tomoyo harboured. However, after travelling for so long, after all Kurogane had observed and learnt, he wasn’t really that surprised. Rather, he was grateful, though a part of him wished the magician hadn’t given up the last of his magic for it; Kurogane knew it was hypocritical of him to think so. A small - tiny - part of him was also a little fearful; if he died, Fai would be gone forever too.
Kurogane was now completely responsible for Fai’s life. If he died, he brought the mage down with him too.
Kurogane would not let that happen. He had something… someone to live for.
He spotted Syaoran at the bar, pouring some drinks, and strode over to him, taking an isolated seat at the edge. “Yo, kid.” He caught Syaoran’s attention without lifting a finger. “Get me something. Anything cold and alcoholic.”
Kurogane could sense the slight surprise at his request from the kid, but he didn’t question it; only bustled off for another glass. Kurogane shifted in his seat, already feeling the considerable change in temperature making him want to shrug off his jacket; but he couldn’t possibly show his fake arm in public, not in this country where technology wasn’t even close to being advanced. It was quite basic; there were no creatures, hence why Mokona was staying put in their rooms, and no weapons. Just people… or rather, men, Kurogane thought in dread.
The cold beverage would help with the heat, he decided as his eyes scoured the room for his other companion. Fai had told him a few nights ago that he was one of the waiters, whilst Syaoran would be a bartender, and Kurogane had seen the magician in action only a few times when he had popped in for something; but each and every single minute of that time Kurogane had been hanging around had been filled with uninhibited stares and seductive wolf-whistles that caused Fai to smile smoothly, even though Kurogane could sense the uneasiness in his eyes-
It made Kurogane annoyed, to say the least.
He wasn’t being protective. At least, Kurogane didn’t believe he was. He was merely being suspicious and precautious; nothing wrong with that, he reassured himself. With so many lecherous men floating around his bar, who knew what could happen to that careless mage-
Speaking of careless mages, Kurogane’s eyes widened considerably as they landed on a familiar curtain of golden blonde hair, backed up dangerously against the back wall of the tavern, out of sight of anyone who wasn’t looking for something on purpose. There, a rather burly customer had Fai cornered successfully, a triumphant, lustful smirk stretched across his face as it bent closer towards his captive’s surprised golden eye. Fai’s hands were pushing - not forcefully, but enough to convey his unwillingness - against the man’s chest, but the obviously drunken customer paid it no heed as he inched his lips closer to Fai’s-
The controlled, apathetic part of Kurogane knew all too well that Fai could look after himself. The magician was strong, and with that vampire blood coursing through his veins, keeping him alive and by his side, he was a lethal creature. Kurogane had witnessed the blood that gave Fai new powers that surfaced in the form of frightening speed, lightning reflexes, and those dangerous claws.
Yet still - Kurogane could not help but fight for him.
There were only two people in the world whom he could not control himself for, and Fai was one of them.
Before Kurogane had even registered control, he had crossed the room in two strides and thrown several men out of his way. His hand fisted around that disgusting man’s neck, muscles rippling through his shirt with power and anger as he held him off the ground against the wall. He face was bent down, teeth barred and eyes smouldering with unsuppressed possession as he bit out livid words.
“Get your filthy hands off of him.”
“Kuro-sama--” Fai started, now behind Kurogane’s visibly shaking form (from anger, from so much anger)-
“And what if I don’t?” Kurogane’s victim sneered into his face confidently, not even a shade afraid of what the evidently lethal ninja could do to him as he was lifted off the ground without his captor breaking a sweat. “You know what I want to do most to that pretty boy over there? Because it’s been such a long time since I’ve had such a pretty boy. I would fuck--”
He hit a nerve; pulled the last straw; unleashed a torrent of ninja-blood. Whatever it was, the man made Kurogane see red, see more red than he had for a long, long time, and again, his animal instinct snapped his arm to fling the man across the room, causing him to smash against a table of drinks with a deafening crash and a chorus of alarmed shouts from the other customers.
Kurogane only just about resisted a satisfied smirk.
God, that felt good.
Even though the simple act of aggressive violence had sated Kurogane’s pumping blood somewhat, he immediately calmed down to assess the situation, and he knew he had been too impulsive, too reckless. Goddamnit, when had he turned into such an uncontrolled force? Or rather, reverted back to his old, ignorant self?
Kurogane didn’t know what had come over him, but he knew his actions would undoubtedly raise questions from the magician that he himself wanted to avoid, wanted to not even know the answers to either, wanted to not admit and ignore for eternity if he could. Nervously, his eyes flickered beside him, having lost the animalistic bloodlust, to see Fai, unharmed and motionless. He was relieved, but felt surprise rise in his chest and clench his heart uncomfortably as Fai began to chuckle, concealed behind a hand. The mage continued to laugh quietly as the other men pulled their comrade out of the shattered remains of the table (Kurogane noted his sopping wetness from falling on several glasses with a stab of satisfaction), until the ninja decided to break the awkwardness.
“Why are you laughing?” He asked gruffly, turning away and containing any blushes that threatened to damage his ninja pride.
Still chuckling in amusement to himself, Fai grabbed Kurogane’s real hand and pulled him gently away from the gathering crowds, too absorbed in the injured man to be aware of the duo’s disappearance. “C’mon. Not in here. The manager will kill us when he finds us, so we’d better make a quick escape!” Fai said cheerily as he led Kurogane out of the front door and into the cold again.
Kurogane attempted to stand his ground half-heartedly. “Idiot, you’ll catch a cold in that--” He started to say, aware that droplets of cotton snow were spinning from the night’s darkness to land in their hair; already they coated Fai’s gleaming golden tresses brushing gently against his pale cheek.
As usual, Kurogane pretended he didn’t notice that fact in so much detail.
“Never mind. That’s not important right now. And don’t give me your jacket this time.” Fai admonished lightly, continuing to drag his companion down the road where few people littered the streets. “Otherwise they’ll see it.”
Kurogane’s subsequent lack of words acknowledged Fai’s command reluctantly, and he let the mage pull him further away from the tavern in continuing silence.
“You should’ve let me beat the shit out of him.” Kurogane finally grumbled under his breath.
Fai merely laughed.
“And you owe me a drink.”
Pairing: Kurogane/Fai
Rating: PG-15
Spoilers: Spoils everything; don't read unless you're up-to-date!
Summary: Post-Nihon, pre-Clow. Landing in a world where jobs are scarce, the three travellers find jobs at a local bar. Kurogane isn't happy... especially not since Fai is being hit on shamelessly by an openly gay community.
Warning(s): Future moderate violence and language, sexual tension and sex references.
Disclaimer: I do not own TRC.
A/N: The violence was briefer than I had anticipated. I was going to have a full on fight fight fight scene where Kurogane beat the crap outta the guy, but decided against it, and thought escape with Fai was much more enticing. XD Sorry, I succumbed to the cute factor. Anyway, here is Chapter 3; feedback appreciated as usual.
'Yet still - Kurogane could not help but fight for him.'
( Chapter 1: Faultless )
( Chapter 2: The Wolf Whistles )
Sentinel
Chapter 3: Seeing Red
Kurogane entered the rowdy tavern, his artificial arm limp as the other remained against his head, scratching at strands of black. He was still adjusting to the uncomfortable novelty of the attached machinery, and slightly in awe of the technology Piffle World and its Tomoyo harboured. However, after travelling for so long, after all Kurogane had observed and learnt, he wasn’t really that surprised. Rather, he was grateful, though a part of him wished the magician hadn’t given up the last of his magic for it; Kurogane knew it was hypocritical of him to think so. A small - tiny - part of him was also a little fearful; if he died, Fai would be gone forever too.
Kurogane was now completely responsible for Fai’s life. If he died, he brought the mage down with him too.
Kurogane would not let that happen. He had something… someone to live for.
He spotted Syaoran at the bar, pouring some drinks, and strode over to him, taking an isolated seat at the edge. “Yo, kid.” He caught Syaoran’s attention without lifting a finger. “Get me something. Anything cold and alcoholic.”
Kurogane could sense the slight surprise at his request from the kid, but he didn’t question it; only bustled off for another glass. Kurogane shifted in his seat, already feeling the considerable change in temperature making him want to shrug off his jacket; but he couldn’t possibly show his fake arm in public, not in this country where technology wasn’t even close to being advanced. It was quite basic; there were no creatures, hence why Mokona was staying put in their rooms, and no weapons. Just people… or rather, men, Kurogane thought in dread.
The cold beverage would help with the heat, he decided as his eyes scoured the room for his other companion. Fai had told him a few nights ago that he was one of the waiters, whilst Syaoran would be a bartender, and Kurogane had seen the magician in action only a few times when he had popped in for something; but each and every single minute of that time Kurogane had been hanging around had been filled with uninhibited stares and seductive wolf-whistles that caused Fai to smile smoothly, even though Kurogane could sense the uneasiness in his eyes-
It made Kurogane annoyed, to say the least.
He wasn’t being protective. At least, Kurogane didn’t believe he was. He was merely being suspicious and precautious; nothing wrong with that, he reassured himself. With so many lecherous men floating around his bar, who knew what could happen to that careless mage-
Speaking of careless mages, Kurogane’s eyes widened considerably as they landed on a familiar curtain of golden blonde hair, backed up dangerously against the back wall of the tavern, out of sight of anyone who wasn’t looking for something on purpose. There, a rather burly customer had Fai cornered successfully, a triumphant, lustful smirk stretched across his face as it bent closer towards his captive’s surprised golden eye. Fai’s hands were pushing - not forcefully, but enough to convey his unwillingness - against the man’s chest, but the obviously drunken customer paid it no heed as he inched his lips closer to Fai’s-
The controlled, apathetic part of Kurogane knew all too well that Fai could look after himself. The magician was strong, and with that vampire blood coursing through his veins, keeping him alive and by his side, he was a lethal creature. Kurogane had witnessed the blood that gave Fai new powers that surfaced in the form of frightening speed, lightning reflexes, and those dangerous claws.
Yet still - Kurogane could not help but fight for him.
There were only two people in the world whom he could not control himself for, and Fai was one of them.
Before Kurogane had even registered control, he had crossed the room in two strides and thrown several men out of his way. His hand fisted around that disgusting man’s neck, muscles rippling through his shirt with power and anger as he held him off the ground against the wall. He face was bent down, teeth barred and eyes smouldering with unsuppressed possession as he bit out livid words.
“Get your filthy hands off of him.”
“Kuro-sama--” Fai started, now behind Kurogane’s visibly shaking form (from anger, from so much anger)-
“And what if I don’t?” Kurogane’s victim sneered into his face confidently, not even a shade afraid of what the evidently lethal ninja could do to him as he was lifted off the ground without his captor breaking a sweat. “You know what I want to do most to that pretty boy over there? Because it’s been such a long time since I’ve had such a pretty boy. I would fuck--”
He hit a nerve; pulled the last straw; unleashed a torrent of ninja-blood. Whatever it was, the man made Kurogane see red, see more red than he had for a long, long time, and again, his animal instinct snapped his arm to fling the man across the room, causing him to smash against a table of drinks with a deafening crash and a chorus of alarmed shouts from the other customers.
Kurogane only just about resisted a satisfied smirk.
God, that felt good.
Even though the simple act of aggressive violence had sated Kurogane’s pumping blood somewhat, he immediately calmed down to assess the situation, and he knew he had been too impulsive, too reckless. Goddamnit, when had he turned into such an uncontrolled force? Or rather, reverted back to his old, ignorant self?
Kurogane didn’t know what had come over him, but he knew his actions would undoubtedly raise questions from the magician that he himself wanted to avoid, wanted to not even know the answers to either, wanted to not admit and ignore for eternity if he could. Nervously, his eyes flickered beside him, having lost the animalistic bloodlust, to see Fai, unharmed and motionless. He was relieved, but felt surprise rise in his chest and clench his heart uncomfortably as Fai began to chuckle, concealed behind a hand. The mage continued to laugh quietly as the other men pulled their comrade out of the shattered remains of the table (Kurogane noted his sopping wetness from falling on several glasses with a stab of satisfaction), until the ninja decided to break the awkwardness.
“Why are you laughing?” He asked gruffly, turning away and containing any blushes that threatened to damage his ninja pride.
Still chuckling in amusement to himself, Fai grabbed Kurogane’s real hand and pulled him gently away from the gathering crowds, too absorbed in the injured man to be aware of the duo’s disappearance. “C’mon. Not in here. The manager will kill us when he finds us, so we’d better make a quick escape!” Fai said cheerily as he led Kurogane out of the front door and into the cold again.
Kurogane attempted to stand his ground half-heartedly. “Idiot, you’ll catch a cold in that--” He started to say, aware that droplets of cotton snow were spinning from the night’s darkness to land in their hair; already they coated Fai’s gleaming golden tresses brushing gently against his pale cheek.
As usual, Kurogane pretended he didn’t notice that fact in so much detail.
“Never mind. That’s not important right now. And don’t give me your jacket this time.” Fai admonished lightly, continuing to drag his companion down the road where few people littered the streets. “Otherwise they’ll see it.”
Kurogane’s subsequent lack of words acknowledged Fai’s command reluctantly, and he let the mage pull him further away from the tavern in continuing silence.
“You should’ve let me beat the shit out of him.” Kurogane finally grumbled under his breath.
Fai merely laughed.
“And you owe me a drink.”