Bradley Crawford. The American, leader of Schwarz, was dressed in his pin-stripped suit, looking as charming as usual. He sat across me in the dimly lit room that was to be the conference room for Schwarz. And I drank in the beautiful sight of him.

I loved how his black hair was set, with strands falling over his eyes. I’ve always had the urge to run my fingers through them, just to see how it feels like. And those Persian-blue eyes of his, framed by silver-rimmed glasses, narrowed ever so slightly as he briefed us. Everytime our eyes met, I always felt myself getting lost in their depths. It somehow had that soothing effect on me. But I had to look away from him, lest he becomes suspicious.

Slowly I turned back, and my eyes travelled to his lush lips, rosy and full. I’ve always been captivated on how they move everytime he talks, how it forms the words that I hear. I’ve wondered many imes how Brad would taste like. Like the peppermint candies that he always take? Or just plainly like Brad? And would he be a good kisser? I smiled in spite of myself.

"Schuldich," Brad called out. " Are you even concentrating on what I’m saying? I don’t want you messing up this mission like what happened the last time. Need I remind you again, in-case you’ve forgotten already?"

I felt my cheeks heat up. But I wasn’t going to let Brad have the satisfaction of seeing me blush. And it wasn’t because of the failed mission last week, but because of the way that he had mentioned my name. It’s the way that he says it, so unlike how other people do. I got a kick out of little things like that, especially when it involved Bradley Crawford.

"Hey hey, chill," I said, holding my hands up. "It wasn’t entirely my fault you know. If Farf hadn’t gone missing, it woulda been all fine," I stated, stealing a glimpse of the one-eyed, knife-licking Irish psycho-sadomasochist. Farfarello cast a boring look at me as he licked the new knife that I just bought him. That’s good. At least I know that he doesn’t mind having to put up with the blame. I grinned at Brad.

"Yes, it’s just so like you to blame it all on Farfarello," Brad continued, a finger pushing his glasses up as it began to slide down his nose. "Just because he doesn’t say anything, doesn’t mean you can shift the blame to him. Besides, didn’t I warn you beforehand not to let him out of your sight? And here you are complaining about me briefing you one time too many!" Brad threw his hands up in the air, exasperated. "What have I got to do to make you listen to me, Schuldich! Do you hate me that much?" He asked, voice a little pained.

Ouch. To hear Brad say that I hate him really was a painful prick to the heart. That was the last thing that I had for him, hate. I loved him to bits and he couldn’t see it! Is he that blinded by his piles of work that he wouldn’t even notice love even if it’s right under his nose? I was hurt, well and truly hurt.

But nevertheless, I didn’t show it. It’s been a trait that I had acquired since joining Schwarz. To show any sign of true emotion was considered a vulnerability. Therefore, I didn’t. And I only put forth that conniving grin that was fast becoming a habit of mine.

Brad just looked at me with those mesmerising blue eyes of his, and sighed. He turned his attention to stacking up the files on the work desk. "Nagi, you and Farfarello go on this one. Schuldich, you stay. I think we’ve got some things to sort," he said finally.

I looked to my right, trying to see past the rain that trickled down the window pane. The two younger ones brushed past me and I didn’t even notice. I was trying to stop the urge from jumping on Brad right there and then, and he was so close! I clenched my fist, only to realise that my hands had started to sweat. I guess everybody has their limits, and the temptation at the moment was so strong! I gave up trying to hide my feelings.

The door closed with a soft click. The others were gone. Privacy, finally. I looked up to see Brad’s broad back facing me. I got up from the leather couch that I was sitting on. I had best get this done before my love interest starts his long lecture on me again. Walking slowly towards him, I wondered whether it would be wise to confess my true feelings to him. Would he understand? Or would he just push me away? But, the attraction is so strong, the feeling that pulled me to him, I’m sure this can’t be wrong.

As I stood there, just a feet away from Brad, he turned around and faced me. Our eyes meet, but just for a second. I turned away. I was lost and I didn’t know what to do. For the first time in my life, I didn’t know what to say. No sarcasm, no crude comments…just, nothing.

"Schuldich," he called out. "I know you don’t like me. We never did get along even from the first day. And I’m not saying that we have to be friends or anything, but at least, you know, try to keep all these hatred aside when we’re working," he paused to look at me. "I don’t want to be dragged into Takatori’s office and I think, neither do you."

The coldness in his tone made me cringe inwardly. "Brad," I started, trying very hard to control my emotions. "I care for you. A lot. And never in my mind have I ever thought of hurting you in any way." I waited to see his reaction but there was none, so I continued. "Don’t you see it Brad, I love you," the last three words were spoken more like a whisper. And I turned my attention to the gray carpet. I could feel my cheeks heat up and I didn’t like it one bit. I felt like a stupid school girl.

I could sense his shock. His mind was fumbling for some appropriate words to say. And ended up with none. So we stood there, both silent save for the rapid breathing. Then, Brad turned back to re-stacking his work. I looked up, disappointed that he didn’t even say a word. I whispered his name and still, he didn’t answer. I gathered my courage and walked up to him, slowly slid my arms around his waist. I could feel him tense up, but I didn’t care. I entwined my fingers around him and placed my cheek against his back. I could hear his heartbeat, and it was beating just as fast as mine.

I felt the stinging in my eyes, and I didn’t want the tears to fall. I didn’t want Brad to think that I was weak, that I’d cry over someone, but I couldn’t help it, I wanted him that badly. The tears fell past my cheeks and I pressed my eyes on Brad’s expensive suit, dampening. My heart hurt, it felt like someone clenched on it, wanting it to burst. I held onto Brad tightly, not wanting him to leave, especially not now.

"Please…love me," I begged. But still, he didn’t say or do anything. He just stood there. And me, I couldn’t take it anymore. The mask, the facade that I lived in finally crumbled, and I broke down and cried.

*~*~*~*~*~*

The kettle hooted noisily, and I snapped out of my thoughts and turned the gas off. Those memories, they were of years ago, when we were younger, when Schwarz was a four man group. Now, it’s nothing but history. Nagi’s now in college, studying about computers and Farfarello, well, he’s still as insane as ever, but I think Nagi’s handling him quite well. They’ve moved in together.

Brushing off the strands of hair obscuring my view, I turned to look at Brad sitting in the living room, on his favourite chair, reading the morning paper. Nothing has changed about him. He’s still the same, a bit older, a bit wiser, but still the same old Bradley Crawford that I knew and admired.

"Brad, you want coffee?" I asked, even though I already knew his answer. He muttered a "Yes, please". I smiled. It’s nice to hear his voice, he doesn’t talk that much nowadays, only when necessary. I guess it’s true what they say, actions do speak louder than words.

I got the jar of black powdery stuff out of the cabinet, took a teaspoon from the nearby drawer and tossed in 2 spoonfuls in to the mug, adding the right amount of sugar. It’s amazing what you can learn from living with someone long enough. Back then, I wouldn’t even have known that Brad drank DeCaffe, and not the normal stuff. The steam rose from the mug as I poured the water in. I made myself a cup too and got out of the kitchen.

Placing the mug on the glass table, I sat beside him, silently sipping on my coffee. I know how it gets on his nerves when I just stare at him. But it’s a habit that I’d acquired, even way before I joined Schwarz. I love to observe people, watching them with their perfectly normal lives in their perfectly normal little world, and sometimes, I envied them. They didn’t have to hear thousands of screaming voices in their heads, they didn’t have to get pushed towards the edge of sanity. But sometimes, I think I’m better off than most of them. I can know what Brad thinks, and that’s enough to make up for all the other loses in life. I wouldn’t give up my telepathic powers just to be normal, when that’s the one thing that bonds me to him.

Reaching a hand out, I brushed aside a strand of black hair, and placed it behind his ears, only to have it fall back again as it had been. I ran the back of my hand across his smooth cheek, and deliberately passed my fingertips on the side of his lips, just to see what he would do.

A warm hand held on to my wrist, and the newspaper rustled as the owner placed it back on the glass table, along with the untouched coffee that was fast turning cold. I placed my own coffee down. His hand came in contact with my cheek, and I heard myself sigh. His touch was always soft

He pushed me down, making me lie on the leather couch, and he hovered on top of me, still caressing me with his hand. He lowered his head towards mine. I closed my eyes, anticipating the warm touch of his lips. Closer and closer he drew and finally, I felt him against me, and I gasped, the movement of his lips against mine making me melt.

And he kissed me, passionately. When we broke off, I ran my fingers over his jet-black hair, staring right back at him, getting lost in those deep pools of Persian blue. I didn’t need the words to tell me how he felt, his gaze assured me that he felt the same way as I did, that he loved me just as deeply as I did him.

I’m glad that I took the chance and expressed my feelings to him, that day a long long time ago. I’m glad that I didn’t let my pride get in the way of something as wonderful as this. Most of all, I’m glad that I’m in love with Bradley Crawford.