[Log] The Baka and the Smartass... again

[bloodiedheir]

Characters: Zaizen Hikaru & Kirihara Akaya
Rating/Warnings: Level E attack, Zaizen Fail and Akaya Fail
When/Where: Campus, town and in between - same night Yuuta was attacked
What: see rating
Authors comments: Is it bad they're so amusing?

Night time was always so peaceful to Akaya. Sure, it was the time when his kind roamed more freely, but it always held a certain calming charm. Maybe it was the lack of sun that made his skin itchy when he was made to leave during daylight hours? He didn't know, nor did he even really care.

Needless to say, it was another night of skipping class. This time held a purpose, as apposed to really wanting to skip. Level E's were all over the place in town, and instead of learning some boring stuff about how to better co-exist with humans, he'd much rather be doing something. Which was to say, the sneak was sneaking out of campus to look for some excitement.

Grinning, he casually jumped on top of the fence that ran the length of the grounds. Aside from going out the front door, he'd found a spot close enough away to not be noticed, and far enough to not get lost. Once he looked down to find a path he'd seen before, he jumped down with a small 'heh' and shoved his hands into his pockets.

This, he hoped, was going to be a hell of a lot of fun.

After the conversation on the journals with Eiji about sneaking out of the school grounds, Zaizen's curiousity had arisen, as had his boredom. He'd spent the day out of classes just walking around, analysing all the various spots that could be used. They could change at night, but at least in the daylight he'd had the chance to find any weakpoints in the schools structure.

He'd found a couple actually, even while managing to not look like he was looking for a sneaky way out.

Tonight, he'd chosen one particular route as it was easy to hide once on the other side. He'd stepped around the edge of a wall, walking with one ear bud in still - the music was just on much lower. Bright green eyes adjusted to the darkness slowly as one of the vocaloid tracks played a  nice steady beat into his ear. So far, so good.

He was starting to wonder what the big deal was really. He was cautious though, even if he wasn't being deathly silent. He wasn't a complete idiot after all.

Cutting through the woods along the wall, Akaya stepped lightly as he made his way toward the front of the school. From there, he knew without a doubt that he wouldn't get lost. No ifs, ands or buts about that. The school's entrance was a straight shoot to town, which was his destination of the night.

He shoved his hands into his pockets out of boredom. Why couldn't he be like his friend and have his iPod on him at all times? It'd make just walking a lot less boring.

It was with that thought, though, that as he rounded a corner, he spotted someone off in the distance. He crouched against the wall and stare for a few minutes, until he realized the spiky hair and figure belonged to his friend. What the fuck was he doing out here?! Damn dumb human!

"Oi!" Akaya called out in the dark. "Get back to your dorm, dumbass!"

Yelling probably wasn't the best of ideas, Bakaya, especially when Zaizen only had one usable ear while the other was hooked up to his music. It would only draw unwanted attention. Zaizen was at least smart with directions though, and he did keep to the shadows just in case - moving nice and slowly really. He just wanted to walk and not be stuck in the courtyard's area for once.

In fact, said human yawned into his hand. He'd spent all day coming up with this plan, and so far all he'd set out to happen, had happened. The spot had been free, accessible and easy to slip out of.

He headed straight in the direction of town, not a care in the world as he was oblivious to all the problems going on there currently. In fact, the ideas of why this was actually happening were all pretty simple to him - things like the teachers just being douches or something like that. There couldn't be a reason to block off a whole town, surely?

And then he was met with no answer and a lot of frustration.

"Tch." Akaya growled. Of course Zaizen didn't answer. The kid was probably deaf to anything but the damn music in his ears. He grumbled under his breath about his dumbass human friend as he picked up the pace in order to catch up to his friend. That likely wouldn't happen unless he ran, though.

Lifting the hood to his jacket, he tied it tight enough that he wouldn't get caught by the other teen. Then, he sprinted with light steps toward him and jammed his finger into the kid's back as if it were a gun. Maybe he'd turn back if he wasn't caught?

"Stepped outta the wrong school, kid!" Akaya tried masking his voice.

As soon as Akaya's finger jabbed into his back, he did freeze for a second. But it wasn't sharp, blunt, square or sharply round - obviously not real. He peeked as much over his shoulder as he could, trying to not move his head too much. He wasn't all that stupid, no one else that he knew of was likely to do something like that... so he decided to do a little mind fuck of his own, and slowly raised both hands...

"But that's the school I go to." Lord help him if he ever did get attacked by a kidnapper/mugger/murderer. They'd want to kill him after a few moments. Instead of letting him know that he knew though, he forced himself to breathe quicker, glad that he wouldn't see the smirk on his lips. He could too come up with something ridiculous, after all. "I didn't think there were any others in the area, anyway." His voice was still flat though, save for the rushes of breath every now and again, hitching certain letters, leaving others the same when he spoke.

Stupid idiot.

Aww damn. He scared Zaizen? Well good! He wanted to scare the baka back into the school. It was too dangerous out for his friend, much less understand what was going on. What if something happened to him, if he wasn't there? Nevermind feel guilty, he'd be pretty damn devastated.

"Don't get hung up on the details." Akaya grumbled, jamming his finger even further into Zaizen's side. He hoped it hurt. "Either get back inside, or deal with me. I ain't gonna leave you alive if you deal with me. Heh."

A small roll of the eyes, and Zaizen had to hold back a tiny laugh at how stupid that sounds. Especially when he knew how much Kirihara failed at times - especially with his clumsiness. "Sure you aren't, idiot," before Kirihara would know what was happening, he'd turned around and cuffed him around the side of the head with one of his hands that was still in the air. Especially for those pokes. "I'm going for a walk."

He turned back again, hand reaching to rub at where the second poke had dug in, feeling bruised already.

Besides, it wasn't like Kirihara was in 'class' either, he put it down to the other boy just being picky about where he was going because of the stupid curfew as well. He didn't see the big deal about it. The town was around a what? Ten to fifteen minute walk... that was it.

Akaya yelped loudly and reached up to rub his hand over his head, face screwing up into a scowl. Ow. Zaizen, that little bitch, actually hit pretty hard that time! It made him sulk, lower lip extending past the upper one as he looked rather like a kicked puppy than a teenaged vampire.

"Y-yeah well get back inside you dumb hu-" He caught himself mid-word there, brain faltering to find a word that began with 'hu' that wasn't the word 'human'. Things would go south fast, if they got into that discussion. "-mongous nerd!"

Growling softly, he kicked Zaizen's leg and yanked his thumb back in the direction of the gate. "It's not safe out here."

"I don't want to." Zaizen rolled his eyes. "I only have my iPod on me, if someone's going to mug me, I'll let them take it." He hissed when the kick came though, actually stumbling for a second before he reached down to rub at the abused skin. Idiot. That was probably going to bruise.

"So quit it and come with me, or just go back inside yourself." It was unfortunate, really, that he had no idea what danger Akaya had actually meant. He might have been a little more careful otherwise. Listened, instead of ignoring him as he started to walk off again. His leg hurt a little now though, throbbing just slightly with every step he took. Well, at least the other could give as much as he got?

He'd been stuck inside for days though, and boredom was something Zaizen Hikaru did not do well with. It made him bitchy and irritable.

There were a slue of insults that Akaya could think of that probably wouldn't do much more than earn himself another smack to the head. But damnit, He didn't want Zaizen out here! For one, he was selfish and it would ruin his fun, and for two he didn't want his friend to get hurt. The idiot!

Grumbling under his breath, the teen vampire put his hands into his pockets and knew that if he didn't oblige Zaizen, he'd never get him back inside. It was either go with him, or let him go alone. Which meant sucking it up and following him.

"Stubborn bastard." Was mumbled under his breath as he came up beside the other teen. However, he wasn't exactly paying attention to his friend now. It was the woods and the path, and just everything as he was kind of... on his guard to an extreme that probably didn't suit such an idiot like him.

It was a shame Zaizen didn't know better either, but he did know Akaya was going to join him anyway. He had him worked out at least that much. "How come you're out anyway?" He took a turn to the left, actually sticking to the woodland area for now as it gave them a bit more cover. Didn't want to get caught by teachers and all.

He stepped over a tree root, hopping down a moment after and raised a hand to his hear, pushing the ear bud inside before his fingers played with his earrings. "Figured a walk would bore you to death." Unless there was a hidden games arcade in the town that he hadn't found yet. Most of the time he headed straight for the music store or for take out. There was only so much school food someone could take before it was just too much.

The sudden seriousness though, made him curious. He didn't say anything about it, just studied him out of the corner of his eyes or whenever he had to glance back.

Damnit, he had to come up with a lie now. This was getting more complicated by the second and it was starting to put Akaya in a bad mood. Things were okay when he didn't have to avoid topics or fake something. He could function better, but lying? Boy, was he bad at it.

"Felt like it." Akaya shrugged. "What's it to ya?"

Instead of jumping over the things in his way, the curly haired teen made sure to just go around them. Less things to trip him up if he wasn't paying attention. Though, how he could see them so well in this dark was probably something that looked odd. But he didn't exactly care at the moment. "S'not like I can't come out too, y'know."

Poor, Akaya. Zaizen had only been a little curious, even the 'just felt like it' would have been enough really. Which was entirely why he only shrugged for a moment. "No need to get offended." His voice was slightly dry as he said it, heading a little closer to town now that the majority of the walk was already done.

"I'm surprised they haven't put a tracker on you yet." Yes, he did mean because it looked like Akaya never went to class or did his work. Zaizen was a genius and finished early, he had every right to complain that he had nothing at all to do.

He took a left turn this time, more cautious now they were getting closer to somewhere that was lit up. Somewhere public. He paused at the next tree, then squatted a little to try and see if he could make out any of the people in the area - wanting to be careful they didn't run into someone they knew.

The comment about having a tracker on him only seemed to make the idiot smirk. He was rather proud of what Zaizen was insinuating - his never being in class. Truth was, he found it really damn boring and didn't actually care. Let him get kicked out of school for not doing his work. That'd be the highlight of his year!

However, when his friend was being cautious it actually took him aback for a moment. Not like he trusted town as far as he could throw it, especially with the level E's running around, but... maybe the damnable human would be okay on his own? Pft. Fat chance.

"There ain't no one out there." Akaya teased, stepping past his friend casually. What, did Zaizen forget how well he saw at night? "Just stick close so I can save you if shit happens. hehe."

Zaizen had to squint to even see silhouttes of people, so he scowled when Akaya stepped forward like it was the easiest thing in the world. It also made him wonder whether the other teen was just 'special' or whether he needed glasses. Hopefully not the latter, honestly.

"Idiot."

He did push himself up though and move to follow him, avoiding a nasty looking twig on the way. He still wasn't assured that he would be saved by Akaya either, for all the clumsiness he saw, he didn't trust it at all. "Head towards the music store." He reached out, prodding him in the back, much like Akaya had done to him earlier.

God damnit, what bony fingers! Akaya curved away, yelping much more softly as he held back most of his vocal power. Last thing he wanted to do was actually attract attention from Level E's with Zaizen around, and being loud would likely do it. Which made him grumble because he wanted to turn some of those mindless ex-humans into dust.

Green eyes moved from the street to his friend as the teen vampire moved enough to be able to actually see his friend. While Zaizen was good looking, he also looked pretty damn oblivious to what was around them. It betrayed the caution he saw only moments ago, which made him wonder if Zaizen saw more than it seemed like he did. Akaya knew that he himself tried to take things into account enough, but was always tripping over things he didn't see because he wasn't looking for it.

He did head in the direction he thought the music store was. Why Zaizen spent so much time with music, he didn't know. Didn't his ears ring? So, rather than wonder Akaya decided to ask. "What's at the music store?"

There was plenty of time for playing Superman, Akaya, when Zaizen wasn't there. He tugged on Akaya's sleeve and headed off a little quicker in a slightly different direction, wanting to take the quieter route.

He let go as soon as he'd gotten his attention though, shoving his hands into his pockets to change the current song on his iPod. "This way." He kept his voice low though, face blank as he moved down the street. The music store itself wasn't particularly grand, but at least it would make Zaizen feel like he was more at home. Even if it did mean he got to meet up with his friend again, this had been the stupidest idea his parents had ever had.

"..." That question of Akaya's though, made him properly deadpan. What else would be at the music store anywa- "Music?" he offered, voice trying to not sound amused, because... really? Usually he just bought tracks on iTunes, but he wanted to get a CD imported, and thus, going to the actual store was the only method he had.

There was a small 'ack' as Zaizen pulled Akaya in the direction of the shortcut, and he almost fell. Luckily, he either caught himself or his footing just happened to make him right himself, he wasn't sure. But damnit, you're so forceful, Zaizen!

And have your deadpan returned, too. With a twist of 'duh' thrown in, even! Heh. "No duh, really?" He fired back sarcastically. It didn't wear near as well on him as it did with Zaizen, that was for sure. "But don't you usually buy that crap online?"

N-not that he knew. But those mp3's on his iPod had to come from somewhere, right? Unless his friend was pirating tracks, which was totally what Akaya would do. Then again, it wasn't like he cared about rules and such. Even though his whole life was nothing but enforced rules, and the only places he seemed to be allowed act up was here at school and in the privacy of his own home. Elsewhere he was just as much a slave as everyone else. Damnit.

"Suck it up and download like everyone else." Akaya shrugged. Though he was soon looking at the music store with a frown. He'd never been inside it before. Didn't even care to find it, either. How sad.

Cue Zaizen actually rolling his eyes at him. "Normally I do," he paused and nudged his shoulder against Akaya's to make him take a right so they could go into said store. "But it's not available on there. They're foreign." Foreign and someone he actually wanted to support as they were really good. It was only the half-decent bands he'd illegally download music of.

"And I think I need new headphones soon." He was actually considering getting two pairs - one like the ones he had now, but maybe an over-the-head type as well. Just to see the difference in sound quality.

The door made a soft chime noise as they went in and closed the door behind them, Zaizen making a bee-line straight for the counter to sort it out. It didn't take long either, just filling out a simple form, paying a deposit. Not even three minutes - though he was willing to bet Akaya was probably already bored out of his mind.

Bored didn't begin to even cover the extent of... well, boredom Akaya felt. There was nothing of real interest in the store. They didn't have a video games section, no manga to look at, their magazines were about music, and no pretty pictures to distract him with. Well, unless band posters like 'phantasmagoria', 'The Gazette', and 'heidi.' were worth mentioning. Frankly, the only band that didn't look like a bunch of goth girls was heidi. and even then the one he wasn't sure had a cock.

"What the hell is with guys trying to look like chicks?!" Unfortunately for Zaizen, Akaya burst out the question before he thought to cover his mouth. It was loud. It was obnoxious. And it was full of disgust at the people in those bands. Oops.

The poor sales clerk look offended as soon as that loud remark had slipped out ---- well, was yelled out. Zaizen, however, sighed. Sighed and moved away from the counter, that is, only to shove Akaya away from whatever he'd been looking at. "Maybe they have small dicks, come on, we're leaving." At least that statement sounded as exasperated as it meant to. Really he didn't care what some guys did, as long as he'd never have to. Ew.

"If there's no where you want to go, we can head back now." He stepped outside the door and turned to walk back the way they'd came, and if Akaya was still in shock or disgust and didn't catch up, he was prepared to go it alone.

Now it was just a question of navigating back through the woodland area.

At least the vampire teen had the good sense enough to look at least a little embarrassed by his loudness. He hadn't meant to say it so boldly, but when he wasn't thinking he definitely was blurting. Oh well.

Being shoved out, on the other hand, he was both annoyed and dumbfounded. That was all this walk was? God, was Zaizen a boring little shit. Akaya should have left him to his devices, if this was all the boring BS he was going to do. Or, y'know. He could have just called the store. How lame!

Shoving his hands in his pockets, he glared at Zaizen like something had befallen them that deserved the 'who farted?' expression of doom. "That was all?"

Zaizen shrugged. "I wanted the different scenery as well?" He tried to make his voice sound at least sort of pleasant. "That and otherwise I'd have to order over the phone. I don't trust my card details over that." The internet was one thing, there was encryption and the like. Security walls. All the phone had was electronic signals. "If I'd stayed in any longer, wouldn't you have died of boredom, anyway?"

As soon as they got to the edge of the woodland, he slipped back inside, being a lot less cautious than he had on the way out of the place earlier. He hadn't seen any of the teachers about, anyway, so that was something.

"Thank you for escorting me," he said it in English though, just because he knew it'd throw the other off.

No sooner had Akaya opened his mouth to reply to his friend, than he heard English. Quickly, he closed his mouth with an audible 'snap' and glared at the other teen. He hated to be talked to in English. They were in Japan where the national language was Japanese, not... wherever the hell all they spoke English! GOD DAMNIT!

In a rare move, he got so annoyed he stayed silent for a moment just seething into the collar of his jacket. Unfortunately that wasn't enough to make him notice that they were being followed by something from inside the town.

Then, after a good few moments of just being angry, he finally burst. "God damnit, Zaizen!" Akaya growled. "Why the hell'd you have to go and use eigo?! Jackass!"

And Zaizen actually laughed. It was under his breath, mind you, but still. "Still haven't improved then, huh?" Really he hadn't expected him to, even if he tried to help Akaya would surely fail. It was no wonder the poor dear hated hated hated the language.

"Couldn't be helped." Even when the laugh stopped he was still smirking a little, amused that his poor friend really had problems with it - though that was probably because he had none at all.

It was likewise, though, that he noticed nothing odd at all... at least until the sound of a twig snapping nearby caught his attention. Unlike Akaya he wasn't seething about English, just teasing, so he wasn't too preoccupied with being angry to at least notice that much. "...Something's near, right?" He frowned at that, trying to work out what kind of animal would actually be in the area. Japan didn't have too many anyway, but...

"No." Akaya sulked finally. "Not that it matters."

Now instead of seething in anger, the laughing Zaizen did at him was making him feel more like an idiot kid which didn't quite piss him off. Not so much as it did made him want to hide, anyway. Teasing of this kind he could take from family, but friends and other people... not all that well.

However, as Zaizen pointed out that they were being followed Akaya went stiff, the hair raising on the back of his neck. He turned to look behind them and saw nothing, but was no less alarmed. Well, until that something following them moved. A series of cuss words flew through his mind as he stepped in front of Zaizen. "U-uh... stay behind me."

"Never going to le-" he cut off though when the more serious talk seemed to pick up. He couldn't see a thing though, especially now all the glow from the town had disappeared altogether, leaving them in total darkness for the most part.

"What are you doing?" To him, it totally seemed like Akaya was panicking over nothing. He didn't know what was out there though, did he? Which was exactly why the move made him irritated more than anything else - no matter how much Akaya told him he'd protect him, he had the firm belief he wasn't a damsel in distress to be protected.

In fact, his hand went to Akaya's shoulder when the other teen stepped in front of him. "It'll probably go away in a minute anyway, you know." Only no, no it wouldn't Zaizen. Silly oblivious boy that he was.

In training sessions with his dad and sister, things were different. All the elements of a battle were controlled. Akaya didn't have to keep anyone but himself safe, and especially no one who couldn't handle themselves against a measly Level E. So, while he talked big the poor baka was kind of freaking out in his head. In fact, the hand on his shoulder made him jump a little, and every instinct that told him to keep his head forward screamed at him.

It was unfortunate he didn't obey, and looked back at his friend for several seconds. "Don't freak ou- oof!"

Something slammed into his side while he wasn't looking, knocking him away from Zaizen and onto the ground. Shit shit shit! He kicked and flailed, trying to get the damn thing off of himself. In the process, he'd cut his own palm and formed a blood whip that lassoed in the air and lashed at the damnable E trying to bite him.

"Okay, why am I the tasty one, when you've got a human here, you stupid thing!" Akaya kicked it again.

Only he hadn't exactly freaked out at all, had he? Asking him what he was doing and saying it wasn't a big deal proved that. Instead, he'd looked just slightly confused, at least until Akaya was being tackled to the floor.

A... person, though? That actually managed to startle Zaizen just a little, enough that a) it took him a moment to move and b) he'd missed his friends 'special move'. It only took him a moment to recover though, and while it wasn't the best of ideas, contrary to Akaya's lack of faith in him - he didn't plan on leaving his friend behind - so to be either helpful or a distraction he shoved the guy away.

Or at least tried to; if a kick to the ribs would help the situation at all, the key point though, was that he'd tried right?

Unfortunately, that backfired as well though, considering the level E wasn't human. Just like it couldn't listen properly to Akaya's annoyed comment. Zaizen didn't understand it, because he couldn't see it's face, so he didn't think it was anything but some creepy-human-stalker.

Being that the teenaged vampire aristocrat was distracted, he couldn't shout 'stay back' because he was too busy trying to keep the E's teeth off of him. It wasn't likely that it smelled his father's pureblood blood running through his veins. Their kind didn't really work like that. Pulling his arm back as far as he could in the limited space, Akaya rammed a punch into the side of the E's head as hard as he could.

A little bone cracking could be heard when it wasn't howling in pain like some wounded animal. But still, it kept trying to attack him until Zaizen kicked it in the ribs. It grunted in annoyance and pain, and turned toward Zaizen with an interest.

It wasn't likely that Zaizen was going to stay back anyway. He never did as he was told, and even in this situation it was likely to stay the same. He bit his lip when the kick connected, but it wasn't anywhere near as hard as that punch of Akaya's. He did take a step back though when he'd at least successfully diverted the thing's attention.

Fuck.

His eyes went a little wide when he took a step back again, heart starting to thud because it... kind of looked like some villain out of one of Akaya's video games than anything else. Though, it didn't go any further than that, partly because it was going towards him now and he had to think, not panic. He twisted out of the way, aiming to use the tree nearby as a nice block until he could run and grab Akaya or something, only to get caught by a root that was half out of the ground and fell over. His ankle twisted, making pain shoot up his calf and his lungs stop working for a second, utterly winded.

Ow. He hissed out, hand automatically going for his ankle in case he'd managed to break it, but he couldn't see, and the ache was making his body tingle in the not-so-nice shockwave sense. His eyes had glazed a little too.

"Damnit!" Akaya cursed loudly as he scrambled onto his feet again. He couldn't let that thing get Zaizen. They were ruthless and his friend would probably get badly injured or die if the E got it's hands on him. Whipping his hand, the blood whip spun around the E's neck and when he yanked it fell back onto it's rear end.

He smirked and yanked even harder, hearing a gurgling sound as the E clawed its neck for its freedom to no avail. Akaya controlled his blood and the density, and that whip was just as solid as any leather would have been. Soon, the E screeched, and Akaya snapped the whip back, an atrocious crack echoing in the woods. It even made him cringe and feel sick, and he'd feel sick if he wasn't distracted by the odd feeling of his blood seeping back into his own body. The wound closed up then, too. That part had always felt weird.

Licking the remainder of blood on his palm, the taste zinged passed his tongue and made him smile.

"You alright?" Akaya finally asked after a moment, heading toward his friend. Only to see him in pain. Shit.

Zaizen only caught most of the fight out of the corners of his eyes, and even then it was blurry and unclear. In fact, he stubbornly tried to stand up, only to actually let out a choked noise as the pressure on his ankle was too much. Damn.

Swallowing, he pressed his forehead against his arm, laying out on the ground as he tried to regulate his breathing. He didn't want Akaya to think he was truly scared. It just hurt like fuck. He was relieved, however, to know that the horrid noise that followed soon after had nothing to do with his friend.

"I'm fine." He probably didn't sound it though, nevermind not look it. A lot of guys would have screamed at the amount of pain he was dealing with, but he wasn't dumb. If there was one, there could always be more. So thus, he had another terribly shaky attempt to try and move himself, even if his limbs wouldn't co-operate.

No, Zaizen wasn't dumb and neither was Akaya despite his looks. He was on guard even while he watched his friend try to stand. Akaya tsked at him and squat down, hand sliding under the least stable looking limb as he helped try to pull his friend to his feet.

"You guys are so fragile." He mumbled softly, almost like he was disappointed. Nevermind that it was because Zaizen kicked the E that Akaya was able to even defeat it. So really, they made a good team. "You didn't break anything did'ja?"

At least he did have the E's head for hurting his friend, whether the idiot human did it himself or not. That made him feel a little less worried and cautious over the fact that he was still, relatively speaking, in one piece. "I"ll kill you if you did, you sissy."

He actually wanted to swat him off for that, but even if he tried he knew he'd fall flat on his face again. While he should have probably commented on that statement then, he just shoved it back into his head storage for later. You guys, huh...

"It's dark." Zaizen told him, voice strained, but it was easy to tell his was trying to keep it flat. Or as flat as he could. "I can't see well, and there was something on the floor." At least he had support to stand on one leg, if his new perch on Akaya's shoulder was anything to go by. His arm ached a little, hand scratched up from catching himself, but it was nothing compared to his ankle.

"I think it's just... twisted though." Or at least he hoped so. Hell, even the light hit around the back of Akaya's head was more like a hair ruffle with how light it was, and his pupils only seemed to dilate further as the movement made him start to fall. And he couldn't help but think Akaya was being a little unfair for that stupid comment anyway. It wasn't his fault he'd stayed behind, tried to help him, and got hurt.

Oh damn, Zaizen was in pain if his voice was like that and the smack didn't connect with his head. Though he did wrap his arm around his friend to stabilize him and keep him from falling. Double shit. How were they going to get Zaizen back to his room? Hell, how were they going to get back to school at all, if he couldn't walk.

The thought that washed over him then smacked him about as full force as Zaizen's normal whap over the head. Akaya was going to have to give his friend a piggyback ride, and it made him snort in laughter. Without even really asking, he crouched down enough in front of Zaizen, still trying to lend his support, and snickered out a "hop on".

Fuck- was pretty much the first thought Zaizen had at that, especially as his excuse of protesting that he could walk would fail now he'd started to fall and he was breathing heavier again. In fact, a small growl slipped out at what Akaya was telling him to do. Be carried. "Are you going to even be able to do that?" He did at least press his hands onto his shoulders though, as if he was going to actually hold onto him.

Double fuck, seriously.

He was actually trying to get out of it, even if they should be rushing in case something else happened.

What, Zaizen was questioning his strength now? Oh pft. Silly human, strength assumptions were for idiots. The lack of faith his friend had in him was annoying, though. Enough to make him grumble in his irritance. "Heh, I'm stronger than I look. Now get on before I leave you to the E's."

Reaching back, Akaya slid his hands against his friends sides and grabbed onto his hips. "So start clinging like a monkey."

For once, Zaizen was extremely glad Akaya couldn't see his face right then. It had darkened for a moment at the things the idiot was saying, but he also knew he wouldn't actually leave him there either. Slowly, he let his hands that had been on Akaya's shoulders slide around to curl around them instead, and pressed his chin there. This... was awkward. To make it easier he squeezed his eyes shut and pressed his injured leg up first, and then the other so he could be carried properly.

"Idiot." It was pretty embarassing, really. Enough to warrant a blush even from him. Especially when that one word actually came out kind of soft, almost affectionate. Damn pain was making him lose his mind, wasn't it? He was actually showing he cared for once.

Before he knew it, Akaya had Zaizen sliding onto his back and he was searching for a place that didn't seen perverted to hold onto him. Even though he'd taken advantage of the grip he had on Zaizen's hips to slid down his thighs, and finally grip him under the knees.

However, the affection he heard in his friend's voice also made him feel awkward. Very much. Akaya forced his eyes forward, rather than to look back and see if Zaizen was really alright, but now that he had his friend on his back he should probably get going. To... make sure no more E's were around and what not.

"Yeah, whatever." Akaya mumbled straightening up. He started walking slowly so as not to jostle his friend's injured foot around.

Was that really necessary? Zaizen actually almost bristled and clung on tighter for a second, if only so no weird reaction came out of it. He stayed silent too, not wanting to actually say something stupid again. Things were weird enough as they were already.

Though... "You can go faster than that if you want," Zaizen just kept his voice low to try and avoid something weird. "I'll deal with it." He actually just really wanted out of the woods now. Hell, he hadn't even realised he'd lost his headphones somewhere or that his iPod had turned off and hopefully wasn't broken. If only for the safety of others. He was probably going to be stuck for at least a few days, and without headphones... well.

Akaya didn't know it, but the world was probably going to explode soon. Or at the very least, his friend was going to be extremely cranky until he got a pair of headphones. Which was a bad thing he didn't know it, because he was kind of feeling guilty already for his friend being hurt. Akaya was likely to try and sneak in to make sure he was okay and... s-stuff.

Looking to his side, he saw Zaizen out of the corner of his eye and frowned. "Are you a masochist?"

The question sounded stupid, even in his own ears. But Zaizen was encouraging him to go faster and hurt him? C'mon!

It quite possibly was. Or he was going to have to give someone money to go and get him some until he could get a better pair. Zaizen was already sulking as it was - in his own way of being super snapy, that is. "No." He muttered, rolling his eyes at the question. He didn't want to be in pain, geez Akaya.

"Logically though, we should get away from this area as quickly as possible, right? In case more come." He actually almost huffed. In fact, he would have kept looking behind them to double check, but he couldn't see anything anyway. "Speaking of which." He paused, letting the same old deadpan expression come back onto his face. "Was that what I thought it was?"

At least he wasn't freaking out?

Zaizen brought up a brilliant point, though it wasn't like Akaya didn't know it. Actually, with his friend on his back they'd be at a disadvantage. Akaya wouldn't be able to move around freely to defend them, but it was six of one or half a dozen of the other. Get eaten by Zaizen's snappishness or get pummeled by a Level E if there were more lurking out there. One was definitely more dangerous than the other, but he was torn over which one.

"W-was what?" He asked, though. His own green eyes were trained in front of them, stepping over branches and stumps along the way. Akaya actually picked up the pace, though. Just to get them away, but he tried to make his steps as smooth as possible so Zaizen didn't get banged around.

He did grimace slightly as the pain increased just a little with the pace, but he smartly kept his mouth shut for once, instead concentrating on the topic at hand before Akaya squirmed his way out of it. "I know you're stupid, but don't play it, Akaya." He sighed. "I'm not going to freak out."

He really wasn't either, he was more concerned with a) getting out of the area and b) letting his poor abused ankle rest. Maybe sleeping too, actually, this whole ordeal was rather draining, probably more for the other than him, but nonetheless.

He hated his voice right then though, as it was showing the pain he was in, and was being stupidly sentimental - especially when he spoke again. "You can tell me," his lips twitched slightly, turning into a light smirk. "Bakaya." Hey, at least it sounded more like him by the end of it?

He already figured out that Zaizen wasn't going to freak. So far he hadn't, which made Akaya thank his lucky stars for actually being with him, rather than against him as they so normally were. But it didn't make the conversation any less uncomfortable, because it wasn't like he was hiding something small. Or something that humans were supposed to be privy to in the first place. So just slekhsdihgs.

"Hey! You don't get to do that, damnit!" Akaya bellowed grumpily. "I'm carrying you Zaizen, I can drop you and run home y'know."

Damn human. Damn snarky human. Damn nickname. God damnit!

Poor, poor Akaya. Zaizen actually laughed under his breath at that, having to curl his arms a little more as he almost slipped. "Sure you will." He rolled his eyes. "That doesn't answer my question though." He paused to think of the best way to phrase it, voice completely flat as he asked: "Is a level E a vampire, Akaya?"

Just in case though, he tightened his hold so he wouldn't be dropped. There was no way he was going to be walking on his ankle anytime soon, and probably would need some sort of painkiller for it. Maybe a stretch bandage too, considering how much agony it was giving him when nudged just a little.

Zaizen's laugh would have normally been a nice thing to hear. His friend did so little of it, even when it was at his expense. B-but... the air he felt on his neck from the laugh made his step falter for a moment as it not only tickled but sent hot tingles through him.

However the question his friend posed did tear his mind away from other things that were starting to heat his cheeks already. Which was a good thing that Zaizen probably couldn't see his face, too, cause then he'd probably laugh more and he'd have to start running.

"The lowest level," Akaya answered after a moment, voice a bit strained from his discomfort level. He did not want to talk about this! Why couldn't he be more cultured and calm like some other vampires. Like that Shiraishi guy or his cousin Atobe. They were better at explaining things. "they used to be human before a pureblood bit 'em."

He did laugh now and again, but really he just didn't find that much funny. Unless it was at the expense of others. He was just a bit of a sadist, that's all... He almost yelped when Akaya stumbled with that falter though, but bit down on his lip to stay quiet. Having to be carried was doing awful things to his mental state.

The explanation didn't sound like mythology he'd been taught, then again, he was smart so Akaya didn't have to worry too much. "If they're the lowest..." he started slowly, only to almost hiss as his ankle throbbed again. "Does that mean there are five levels?" Otherwise, why call it 'E'? "With a 'pureblood' at the top?" It sounded weird, but hey, putting the facts together was helping him be distracted from the pain he was in.

Rather than answer, Akaya nodded his head while he gave himself the time to think of how to put things together, instead of blurting it out. If he was nobility, he should at least act like it while explaining his kind to a human. Even if he wasn't supposed to anyway, but if there was one thing he knew he couldn't do, it was erase Zaizen's memory. Not that he didn't want to, but that he wasn't going to do that to someone he was friends with.

So, taking a deep breath, Akaya tried to recite the easiest way of explaining it. The one his dad had when he was a kid.

"Yeah," He answered. "Pureblood, Aristocrat, Common, and Ex-human. Level E's are Ex-humans who didn't get blood from the pureblood that bit 'em and turned into something the rest of us hunt."

Wow, did his nerves kick up when he said 'us'. wepshdgh.

It was lucky he was thinking about that, really. Poor, oblivious Zaizen had no idea there was a way someone's memory could be erased to begin with. He did relax a little now the idiot wasn't tripping up though - even if it was kind of his fault.

He frowned at the list though, not expecting it to be so complex. He actually half wished that the stupid mythology was right. It was much easier when he had shooting pains all the way up to his thigh. "So which are you?" He said it so flatly though, that really it just completely contested the reason why Akaya was being so nervous. It wasn't like he really cared about that.

In fact, this probably wasn't even going to change anything. Not if he could keep it all plain and simple anyway. Akaya wasn't exactly like the stories he'd grown up with. He wasn't heartless, he was warm and he was fighting the bad type, right?

The way Zaizen was so cool about it would have made Akaya falter again if he wasn't trying to actually reign himself in. Though, he did turn his head a bit to look at his friend, expression wide because Zaizen was so unimpressed. Damn human. Then a sort of prideful smile graced his lips and his ego hit the roof because he wasn't exactly one of a kind, but he was pretty damn awesome.

"I'm complicated." He snickered semi-evilly. "Higher than a normal noble because my Dad's a Pureblood, but my Mom's an Aristocrat. But... not really looked at positively."

Akaya had to make his own name to get acknowledgment from anyone, which was probably why he was so bratty. But then, he was doing it all the wrong way, anyway.

Well he was unimpressed for a reason, he might have been a little put out that he hadn't been told sooner. He might have actually listened to the idiot's warning before walking off into town earlier. It was a slight shock to hear that though, that Akaya of all people was so high up in the hierarchy there. "Don't think that changes anything." He stated, if only to flatten the other's ego that was shooting through the roof. "I'll still hit you around the head when you're being an idiot."

Even as he'd said that though, there was a small-faint-barelythere smile on his face. See, he was a little impressed, Akaya. You just had to squint to see it.

Now he was on the topic though, he decided to enquire further, if only because there was one last thing that was bothering him. "That technique before... that you used on it." He'd only seen a flash for a moment, and even then he'd only really caught the level E struggling at his neck. "Is that a... something you all can do or just your class?"

He'd see it if he could actually see Zaizen's expression, though. But from his friend's tone, Akaya's ego did deflate like a popped balloon, only to leave him pouting and sulking in the wake of the other teen's lack of enthusiasm. Damn human. He really couldn't think that phrase enough around Zaizen.

"Jerk." He grumbled lowly, lowering his chin a little as he kept on going. Soon the wall around the school was coming up, though he couldn't understand how it felt like a longer trek back than out. What the hell?

"It's something my family can do." He finally answered, though, as he made a B-line for the front gate instead of hopping over it like he had on his own. "All of us can do something different. Like uh... my cousin-" Akaya paused for a moment, rethinking that. "Wait, no. He's not a good example, shit! Oh. My roommate does illusions. Tricky bastard." The last part came off as a grumble, though.

Poor kid, really. You'd think he'd be used to Zaizen putting a damper on things by now, what with all the bitching he did. This time though, his smile actually spread a little - especially since Akaya couldn't see it. "Yet you hang out with me anyway, I wonder who's the masochist really, idiot." He did laugh through that anyway though, partly because of the relief it was to be back already. Even if it had taken longer thanks to his injury.

"Ah." He didn't have much to comment on that though. Illusions? That sounded pretty weird and made him think that not all of these sort of 'powers' were offensive. Interesting. "At least that sounds better than him writing notes on what you're doing so he can get along with you better." If he wasn't so brilliant at ignoring people, he'd be annoyed.

Was Zaizen kidding? Really? He'd rather have someone writing notes on him than someone tricking him. He wasn't the most un-gullible person in the world, y'know. Akaya fell for crap all the time. And not just from his roommate, either.

...Wait. What? "Why am I the masochist?!" He damn near squawked, unsure of why he was supposed to be the one who liked the pain.

Well, then. That only meant he had one thing to do. Smirking evilly, Akaya shifted his hold on Zaizen so that he wouldn't slip. "Nevermind. I got something cool to show you. heh. Gimme your hand."

Well in Akaya's case that was probably true. Zaizen, on the other hand, was a genius. And pretty confident that he wouldn't fall for things. It was Akaya's fault for being so silly.

"Because you still stay around me no matter how much I pick on you, seriously." His voice was completely flat in comparison to Akaya's squarking though, even if he wanted to laugh at it. He blinked at the weird request though, even as he was shifted and he almost flailed for a moment. He could have given him a warning. "Fine." He sounded as displeased as he felt though, and tightened his hand that wasn't being held out, clinging onto him with it, and let the other wave in the air for a moment.

"What are you going to do?"

"Tch. I stay around you cause I don't have to act stuffy." Which was true. He was obviously less careless around Zaizen than he was around other people because he didn't always have to be on his best behavior. He could be the klutzy piece of fail his family saw, not some elegant snob with good manners. Nevermind that he got hit for being stupid by Zaizen, because that was kinda humbling and nice and oh hell no he'd never admit that.

Without so much of a warning, he tipped his head and bit gently down on Zaizen's hand, though. Akaya knew his bite wasn't infectious like his father's but he also knew his bite was pretty pleasant. That would be his sweet justice. MWAHAHA!

"How nice of you." Zaizen's voice was utterly sarcastic though, and if he hadn't already stretched one arm out he would have whapped Akaya around the head for that. As it was, he was having a little trouble balancing already.

Of course, that's when the bite came and he was startled enough for him to almost slip. His words came back to bite him in the... hand, really, as said hand twitched slightly. Tingles shot down his arm for a moment, and even biting his lip didn't stifle the gasp that escaped for a second. Unfortunately for Akaya though, it backfired just a little as hot air puffed against his neck, along with a hitched noise. Damn it.

It probably didn't help that his other hand was actually clapsing Akaya's shirt either.

His eyes narrowed on instinct, and all he could think was I'll get you back for that.

Yeah. That hadn't been thought out properly on Akaya's part either, apparently. All he'd been thinking of was making Zaizen do what he did, but he wasn't... really counting on hearing the other teen's breath hitch so close to his ear or the warm puff of breath. Both of which fired on him like the same kind of assault that he knew his bite probably did to Zaizen. It made him shiver just a little.

Losening his grip on Zaizen's hand, he tried to laugh normally, though it probably came out a bit strange. Strained and low. "Like that, huh?"

Looking forward, Akaya made sure they were going in the right direction. Or, at least the one he remembered being the right one, anyway. Whether it was or not Zaizen would have to probably tell him.

For the first time in a long while Zaizen was actually flushing up. His hand slowly curled into a fist and stubbornly he ignored the stupid sensations that had caused along his arm. "Shut up, Bakaya." His own voice was strained and low too though, because he had, even if the idea of it was stupid. Had more than he'd ever expected, actually. He'd never considered himself a masochist - especially with how his ankle hurt - but that was almost... pleasant.

Weird.

In fact, to make sure Akaya couldn't see his face at all he pressed his forehead down against his shoulder, trying to will the stupid blush away. Stupid stupid stupid. Obviously everything that had happened was making him delirious, that was the only explanation for Zaizen Hikaru's lack of control right then. ...Right?

No amount of that nickname was going to make Akaya grumpy, though. Instead, he snickered evilly like he had only moments ago and kept on track toward the human dorm. As they got closer, though, he got more uncomfortable. Still being around Zaizen was easy enough. Even with the other teen's hand in his mouth he'd refused to bite any harder. But then being around Zaizen was also easier because of how long they'd known each other.

Other humans was a different matter all together.

In fact, Akaya was hesitant. It wasn't like he had a super great sense of smell, but there were so many in one area, it made him feel kind of frantic and haywire. But he would actually have to carry Zaizen inside. Shit.

As they came to the steps of the human dorm, he went up them, his body tensing with every foot fall. "Get the door, will ya princess?"

He half-heartedly tried to hit him for that evil laugh, frown increasing with every second of it. Though, considering he was right against him, he could feel Akaya tense. His eyes shifted up, noticing his dorm... and then it clicked. Akaya had gotten nervous around it last time, hadn't he...? "You can take me to the nurses office for tomorrow, if it's easier." He murmured it though, not wanting it to sound weird or insulting... until Akaya came out with that.

He actually growled under his breath, then decided if he was going to be so evil to call him princess, Akaya could suffer. His hand waved out for the door, and he yanked it open.

Deal with that, Bakaya.

Well, he knew that the nickname wasn't exactly something Zaizen would like, so wasn't really startled by the growl or door yanking open. It was just weird that it seemed like Zaizen wanted to be nice, and then took it back in less than a handful of seconds.

Needless to say, though, he did hurry through the door, if only so it didn't swing shut and hit Zaizen's ankle or ass. Then he looked at the hallway and was absolutely lost. It looked like the vampire dorm, but the principle was different. People lived in the different rooms, and none of them were anyone he knew except the teen on his back.

"Uh..." Akaya said stupidly. "Which way?"

Well he would have stayed nice if Akaya hadn't said something so stupid, and now it was time for him to get his own back - both for the bite and for being called a princess of all things. "Forth floor." His lips twitched, smirk a touch (okay, a lot) evil. "Giddy up horsey, before it gets too much for you." He actually even chuckled under his breath. "It's the room next to the staircase though."

At least the door missed him on the way in?

Just in case though, he held on tighter so he wouldn't fall while Akaya moved up the stairs -- he just hoped his room mate was in one of those 'passed out' modes again.

Yeah, well the joke was on Zaizen wasn't it? Four floors up was a lot of bouncing on stairs and a lot more shooting pain because of it. Though Akaya didn't like being called a horse. "I'd rather be your white knight, baby. The horse can't ride you!"

He hadn't meant it seriously, thank god. But he was at least having fun despite Zaizen's er... lack of good mood. But then, Zaizen never seemed to be in a particularly good mood to him anyway. Akaya was willing to bet it would be even less of a good mood when they got to the second floor, even though he was trying to take the steps as easily as he could.

Damn snarky human was finally starting to get heavy, too.

He did notice the pain thank you, even if he tensed his leg and dug it into Akaya's stupid bony hip. At least that stopped some of the jostling it was going through. The comment... actually made him laugh though, if only for a moment. "You'd make a terrible white knight." It still sounded strained though, especially when the stairs stopped for a second then started again.

And this time he ended up burying his face in his neck instead, because of it. He sucked in air and bit down on his lip, willing the pain away. Even if he'd gotten grouchy over the princess comment before, it wasn't quite worth it, making Akaya go through all this because he'd been annoyed. Plan: Backfired.

"Pft." Akaya snorted, thankful for the distraction of their conversation, actually. It wasn't that difficult in the human dorm when he had something to distract him, which Zaizen was doing. "I saved your ass back there, and you still think I wouldn't make good knight. I hate you."

Of course he didn't though. Even if he was uncomfortable with Zaizen's leg digging into his hip. Akaya had meat on his bones, just not a whole lot since it was all lean from playing who knows how much tennis with his sister.

Finally, they got to the fourth floor and were on their way to Zaizen's room. Akaya was actually starting to sweat a little from having to hoof all those steps with a heavy human on his back. But at least he'd leaned his head in a bit to Zaizen, trying to comfort the teen with his face nestled into him. It couldn't feel nice being jostled that much, and while he was a bratty asshole a good portion of the times he did care about friends.

Zaizen actually snorted at that. "After I kicked it off you." And twisted his ankle. But that couldn't be helped, he hadn't been able to see a thing without any light in the area. Especially as he'd been more focused on the level E, and not the floor.

At least Zaizen actually had some cushioning though? It wasn't like it was his finger didn't into his back like earlier. And all he did was running. Oops.

He was relieved when they finally got to the right floor though, especially after that small sign of comfort didn't do too much - even if he did give Akaya's shoulders a small squeeze as a thank you. He wasn't about to admit that he'd needed it aloud, was he? "Should be able to hope inside alright." His voice had been muffled the whole time though, and probably didn't help that it was kind of... being said into Akaya's neck. Double oops.

Akaya pouted and was thankful Zaizen couldn't see it since he probably looked something like a scolded puppy. T-that hadn't been the point, Zaizen! Damn human spoiling his fun. "Tch. But I still saved you, so ha!"

And acting like a little kid wasn't doing any good, he was sure but oh the hell well, right? Though as he stopped in front of Zaizen's door, he wasn't sure if he should let him hobble around. If he was still in pain like it was obvious, then best to not allow him to keep bouncing to his bed. B-but he wasn't... going to impose or anything. Zaizen did have a roommate and all.

Crouching down a little, he let go of Zaizen's good leg and pressed it against the wall for his own support. "I'm gonna leave a note with the nurse, so don't do anything dumb and try going down to her or anything. I'll kick your ankle if you do."

That he did. Zaizen kept his mouth shut about that, even if a thanks probably was in order. He wasn't that brilliant at saying it, so he just took the help of slowly getting down, slumping into the wall in the process. It was much easier to use than a tree, but a hell of a lot harder to use that Akaya had been. He did, however, have to stretch a little bit after being so cramped up.

"Ow." That was the only reply Akaya got for a moment, and he felt awkward and tongue tied as he used the wall for balance. There were some things Zaizen Hikaru didn't do but- "Thanks." It was quiet, but hey, at least it was there? The poor kid had carried him all the way from the woods and all.

Definitely deserved one.

He glanced towards his door and reached for the handle, kind of half hopping to get it (though he was lightly limping more than anything, the idiot was trying to use it even with all the pain it caused).

The thanks, no matter how small, took Akaya aback. He hadn't expected Zaizen to say it at all, actually. Probably because he should have been saying it instead? Who the hell knew, really? Whatever. It made him just as uncomfortable to hear as it did Zaizen to say probably. Which meant the baka fidgeted as he waited for Zaizen to at least disappear behind the door.

"Yeah yeah," Akaya replied awkwardly. "Just get some rest and stuff..."

And he fidgeted some more, the awkward causing him to feel kind of panicky about being in the dorm with no distraction on his back anymore. He couldn't wait anymore after a few moments. "Going to the nurse's office, night." Akaya's voice rushed out as he turned to start almost running back down the hallway toward the exit.

"...Whatever." That was a nice counter for the awkward moment, right? Zaizen's hand was already shaking as he grabbed the handle and turned it, already resting some of his weight on the door. He wasn't even completely through it when Akaya darted off either, something that actually did make him smile - even if it wasn't such a nice one. There went the end of his payback for that princess nickname earlier. He just hoped the other teen actually made it out the building without getting into trouble.

As soon as he was inside though, he hopped straight towards his bed and flopped face down on it. Changing could wait until tomorrow, he was far too tired to worry about that right then.