IV

Nagi Naoe was banned from his bed but not from his environments. Nagi was prancing around in the house. Serious and still and oozing with fear and feverish, bitter-tasting shame every time Schuldich crossed his path. The boy never met his gaze. The boy didn't meet anyone's gaze lately. He looked...slumped...ungraceful. - Unhappy... Paler than usual. Something haunted showed in his face...

Schuldich wondered if he'd apologized to Crawford. He sure hadn't apologized to *him*. Ungrateful brat that he was. Everything Nagi annoyed him these days. the buzz from his computer. The cool, low voice that accurately and precisely answered Crawford's questions in the kitchen when the two of them were plotting for world domination. The boy's laundry basket on the stairs. The classical music cds on the shelf in their shared living room. His schoolbag in the hallway. Why did the boy go to school anyway - he knew everything he needed to- and more. Clever that kid. Clever enough to stomp on his heart.

When the Estet maid - the monkey, as he called her as she was trained to not talk, see or hear - put the red satin sheets on his bed, the ones he'd ordered because they reminded him of the silk in the tailor store - the one that had reminded him of Nagi - he couldn't help but picture the boy, his cream colored skin, on top of them. He'd ordered them anyway, and his nights were suddenly not peaceful anymore. He tossed and turned on the slick, cool fabric. Imagined the scent of the kitten on the sheets. Sometimes it squeezed his heart. Squeezed his heart and didn't let it go...Why, he caught himself thinking, why wasn't the kitten there? Why wasn't he gracing the sheets like he was supposed to? Why was Schuldich there alone and Nagi down the hall? Why couldn't he have him when he wanted to? Reach out and touch him? Fuck him...

He would've been good to him... The boy would've experienced pleasure, and the warmth he so craved after. If the stupid kid would just spread his legs. How hard could it be? it wasn't like he didn't like it...or didn't want to...Schuldich would've loved to play with him all night, lick the sweat from his skin, pull him in for a quickie every morning - maybe even bring him his morning coffee in bed, when their bodies were sated. A sudden image of Nagi on all fours. Trembling legs and ass in the air made him convulse and moan on the dark red sheets. This was *so* bad, he told himself. *So* not according to plan. And the boy was obviously not mature enough to deal with...any of it.

It would've been fun, he thought with regret...having Nagi as his lover. As things were, however, that was not going to happen. Just as well, he added as an after thought, he had a very unhealthy effect on Schuldich mind. Threw him off, shook him...Things he couldn't afford...

Nagi had hurt his pride, his dignity...if he hadn't been Schwartz, Schuldich would have plotted revenge - and a part of him still felt like ripping the boy to shreds, damage him beyond repair. *Nobody* treated Schuldich like that!

The mere fact that he couldn't have him. That the jeopardy of trying would be too great, that there was too much at stake...it annoyed him no end. To such a degree he had to flee the house at night. Seek out the most crowded, the loudest clubs he could find. Always ending up in an alley having his dick sucked off by a dark haired youth. A Nagi substitute. He didn't fool himself. Didn't even bother trying. He was hurting no end, and the annoyance that caused made him furious. How dare he?!

None of his nightly musing showed on the surface though. He was good. He hadn't spoken directly to Nagi for other things than to ask for his keys or the name of a computer program since their last encounter. Their first meeting after the 'kitchen incident' had been a victory in itself: They had passed each other in the hallway; Nagi stinking of almost fearful expectation and dark, blood scented shame. Schuldich had hardly looked at him...Just shrugged slightly and passed by, as if nothing had happened...exactly what the boy had wanted wasn't it? After that it had been easier. Building up a habit of steeling his heart, conjuring black, fuming anger and hate whenever Nagi Naoe was about.

Schuldich could do cold. Schuldich could do ice - when it suited him. Not even on the occasions when Nagi's mind would turn to him, slightly questioning through waves of nervous, heartbroken despair...a lingering taste of regret and confusion, would he let him in.

He shrugged him off and continued with what he was doing. It would be nothing but trouble; giving the boy an inch. Nothing but hurt. Schuldich was done with hurt...

He was in love and swore it was the first and the last time he'd allow something like this disaster to happen. Vulnerable made him weak. Weakness made him sick...

*****************

Eventually, there was a new mission. Had to happen sooner or later...It had over a week since the 'kitchen incident' and Schuldich anger had cooled a bit, but he was still hurt - oh yes, he was. He'd been blocking out the boy to a point where it had become exhausting. He wasn't used at shielding so strongly within the house. Not everyday, all the time...but the look of bottomless sadness and regret on Nagi's face when he thought Schuldich didn't see him made it all worth the effort.

Nagi had stabbed him, now he paid the price.

So when the two of them buckled up in Schuldich's car and Nagi's hand trembled just a little, it brought a smile to his face. A smile and a satisfied warmth in his gut.

He didn't tremble for long though, Schuldich hadn't expected him to...They were on a mission. Target and purpose would soon make the boy glaze over. Become power and ice. And dead sexy, Schuldich admitted and swallowed hard when he caught a glimpse of the determined, young face in the mirror. He opened up, just a bit, knew he had to if the mission was to succeed.

* Schuldich?* Nagi could feel it...

* Yes,* snarling reply.

Nagi didn't say more but relaxed in the seat. He'd probably been afraid that Schuldich would shield him off during missions as well. That would have left him utterly alone without any connection to the others. Schuldich relaxed a bit as well, it was wonderful to put the guards down. Let the thoughts flow through his mind as they were supposed to.

He dared a quick look into Nagi's:

* ...What do I say to him?...Maybe I don't have to say anything...we're working...everything will be the same when we return from the mission...but at least we're linked now...feels good...How can I miss having my mind read? Why does it feel so awkward when he's shutting me out?...It feels good to able to hear him...talk to him again...at least what happened won’t jeopardize my life...he'll keep me safe on the mission...he'll hear me...Schuldich can hear me again...*

* Wish I didn't..*

" Sorry," Nagi didn't seem surprised but tilted his head a bit, looked out the window.

* Shouldn't you be thinking of the mission?*

Dark eyes kept staring out, Nagi didn't answer, just stared. Wave after wave of sorrow, of the dark kind - deep and screaming red, flooded from the boy and into Schuldich's mind. He knew the boy didn't do it on purpose, had to bite his tongue - both physically and mentally not to say anything to soothe him. Say anything to make him stop. This was Nagi's pain - and darn if he didn't deserve it! The brat!

As they approached the scene of the night's planned events however the waves ceased and the well known coldness, the icy blue clarity of Nagi Naoe came back. The boy who walked out of the car was an assassin of the deadliest kind. Deadly because he didn't feel shit. Trained to the tip of his fingers to be a tool for Estet and Crawford's Schwartz - and he was good at it. Extremely good.

Schuldich watched him with something resembling pride; the narrow, grey-clad back, the tiny steps of doom that brought the lithe youth to the front gate of the building. He felt him too: Rolled the confidence, the rush of power; Nagi's buried beast. in his mind. Tasted good. Mint-like...

* Sweetness, Schuldich, stop flirting with my mind!* The youth's clear voice sounded.

Schuldich was instantly offended and annoyed but his sense of humor got the better of him.

* I'm sorry!* He burst out and hid a chuckle. * Didn't mean to...* He continued.

* Do you have *any* idea what that feels like?* Nagi continued annoyed. All professional now. Professional and in control.

* No...but I bet it's good...* He couldn't help it.

Nagi didn't answer, just continued to walk towards the mansion in sight. When approaching the doors Schuldich could feel the mental storm that built inside his mind. Share the rush of power when the double doors flew open and crashed into the walls inside. Confused male voices on the inside:

" What was that?"

"...The doors!"

" Must've been the wind..."

" What wind?"

* They told me this would happen if I refused the American...they said it but I didn't believe.* A balding European in a violet suit came to stand in the doorway. Looked at them with terror in his gaze. Oozing of good old honey coated fear.

" My...my...weren't you stupid..." Schuldich teased him.

* What?! Can he read my mind?*

" Sure can...now aren't you going to let your guests into the house?"

"No!" The man screamed and went for the doors, tried in vain to shut them. But apparently they were somehow glued to the walls...

"What the fuck?!" The man screamed in a high pitched voice. Schuldich laughed.

Sweating and panting the man reached for his inner pocket but before the gun was as much as brought fully out in the open one of Nagi's invisible winds smacked the weapon of his grip and sent it spinning into the bushes surrounding the stairs.

" Foolish." Nagi said calmly.

" Indeed." Schuldich replied.

The man sat shivering on his knees. A couple of grey clad Asians had come to watch. Stood fearful in the background, staring on the kneeling man.

" What is this?" One of them asked Schuldich.

" Is he sick?" A third, newly arrived man asked the others. When he saw Schuldich and Nagi his eyes widened: "Is this about the American?" he asked in a low, almost whispering voice. Beads of fresh perspiration gathered on his forehead.

" Sure is...now will you let us in? Or is he to die on these stairs...?"

" What are the options?" The grey clad man continued. " If he is to die...his wife is here..." - * and *my* wife too...God, my wife!*

" Depending on how you all behave, maybe nobody will die..." Schuldich lied smoothly, but these were grown men. If they believed him it was only out of hope for a miracle. Not because they truly *believed*.

" Come on, Schuldich, we don't have that much time." Nagi climbed the steps and Schuldich followed. With another act of will Nagi sent the kneeling man back on the floor, threw him screaming inside the house with a reckless force. Once the two assassins were inside, the doors slammed shut behind them. The men in the marble hall, seven of them in all, were utterly silent. Then one of them screamed. Terrified eyes looked at them, reluctant to believe their own eyes.

* They must have some electronic equipment installed here...but Rufus...how could they throw Rufus?* Aforementioned Rufus laid slumped like rag doll against the marble stairs at the end of the hall. Knocked out for the time being.

Schuldich scanned their minds.

* The women are in the dining room, there's some open French door out to the garden* he told Nagi.

* Got it,* the youth replied and a several clicking, banging sounds filled the silence as every door and every window on the floor shut and locked.

The thoughts of one of the grey glad men, busy wiping sweat of his forehead pierced the air, reached Schuldich's brain:

* I though Rufus was joking when he spoke of Crawford. I didn't think any of it was real...this can't be real!*

Schuldich fastened his gaze on him:

" It wouldn't have been a problem if he would stick to the deal. By betraying us he made a mistake. A mistake he was very well aware of. He knows too much. You all know too much."

" All we wanted, " Nagi continued his speech, "was safe training facilities for our recruits here in Japan. Sound and bullet proof. Your company was supposed to give Estet that...the payment would've been considerable...But you are only entrepreneurs after all..." Nagi sounded almost sad.

" Crawford made a mistake trusting you," Schuldich had lowered his gaze." His friendly gestures was misunderstood..."

The men moved uneasy. A woman appeared in the door to the dining room and froze on seeing them.

" He only wanted to help...tell you what your rivals, were after and how to stop them." Nagi referred to Crawford's usual way of gaining willing slaves in the business world. This time however it hadn't worked out as planned. The head of the building company had freaked when he realized that Crawford's knowledge was too accurate...unnatural...He'd sniffed around and figured out what the buildings he made for them was supposed to function as. The ESP room, the dream lab and the cells in the basement with drains in the floor had particularly caught his interest. He'd cut off the deal and Crawford was annoyed.

" He also informed the whole board about his discoveries," Schuldich continued. *And men confide in their wives.* He sent them all a warning thought of what maybe was to come.

"NO!" One of the men drew his gun.

* Nagi!*

* Got him!*

The gun went flying.

" No more of that!" Schuldich purred. The European woman in her evening gown shivered and made annoyingly loud hysterical sounds. Schuldich caught her gaze and she slowly slid down to the floor, her back against the wall. Rufus' wife he figured. The hostess of the evening.

* You can't breathe,* Schuldich told her. *You can't breathe, you're chocking...you can't breathe..can't breathe...* The woman slumped lifeless to the floor.

The men were still. Finally one of them, an older man, spoke:

"What did you do to her?" He whispered.

Schuldich just smirked at him.

" We will hunt you down..." Nagi said coldly. " We will get every one of you, if not every single piece of paper written on this deal is in Crawford's office by tomorrow night. And I mean: Everyone! If one of you don't abide. You are all dead." Rufus unconscious body flew up in the air. A sickening sound filled the hall when Nagi broke his neck. The body fell down with a crashing sound and one of the men turned around and threw up on the marble. Only inches away from the dead woman’s head.
Nervous chatter and female screams sounded from the dining room.

" There will be a supper at our place a week from now." Schuldich grinned cheerfully. "I will be there. So will you. Those who doesn't arrive on time will die" - * And I *do* read minds* he informed them. "If any of you have cheated, or told a third party about our pact - you're all dead."

" Crawford will send invitations in the mail." Nagi said calmly.

" Make sure to search all his drawers..." Schuldich motioned to the corpse on the floor. " And yes, " he caught one of the younger men's gaze. " He *did* sleep with your wife...Good night, gentlemen." He bowed lightly and turned to leave. Nagi casually flipped a third gun out of the owner's hand and fell in beside Schuldich. The doors flew open and let them out in the cool night air. As usual they gave each other their smug smile of triumph when they walked down the stairs and Nagi shut the doors behind them. They walked quickly across the gravel while screams and hysterical crying poured out in the night from the house behind them. Continued down to the gate without looking back.

Nagi still looked smug when he took his seat in the car.

* *Did* he sleep with that guy's wife?* He asked Schuldich.

* No idea...* Schuldich smiled and started the engine. He felt the power rush from the event like a big, ripe peach, bursting with juices. Made him happy. Schuldich felt good..." He suspected it...probably true," he smirked.

" You can't help but being cruel, can you?" Nagi's voice held annoyance, and a hint of admiration.

" No..." Schuldich grinned wildly. " It's like sex, " he said. " Once you've had it, you can't get enough," he finished and regretted the metaphor instantly.

Nagi tensed up and the prickling sensations radiating from he boy; the aftermath from his use of the telekinetic powers faded and died. Left a very young boy, filled with colliding emotions.

" We always work well together," he stated.

" We do," Schuldich admitted and focused on the driving. Not looking at the youth beside him.

* Will he shut me out when we get home...will he leave me in that cold, empty void?...will he talk to me at all before the next mission?...God...I don't want to be left out...*

Schuldich wanted to say something but managed to keep his tongue in check. He didn't know what to do. A part of him wanted to go back to normal, treat Nagi as he always had. Another part didn't think it possible...He was sort of confused as well, about how much the boy seemed to miss their mental ties...Schuldich's mental voice.

* You're spoiled,* he said at last.

* What?*

* You can talk with your mouth you know...*

Nagi slumped further down in the seat. A faint red color spread on his cheeks. His gaze fixed on Schuldich's gloved hands on the wheel.

* He *is* going to shut me out again then...I should have known it...there's no excuse for a behavior like mine...*

Schuldich decided not to interfere, but could somehow not bring himself to not listen. Nagi's mind was so well known. Such a good, soothing place to be. Chilly and comforting. The clear, silvery flood of his thoughts a refreshing shower. It had been a while. He felt that. It was good to be back, drifting in Nagi's brain space.

* I love those gloves...those thick leather gloves...wonder how they'd feel on my body...the scent of leather together with his hair...Spice and musk...everything Schuldich...Wonder how they'd feel, touching me - down there...having a gloved finger inside...* The thought was followed by a rather graphic image.

* My god, Nagi!* Schuldich blinked and struggled to keep the car on the road. They were driving through a wooden area, lots of tree trunks to hit.

" Sorry..." The boy was utterly shameful.

Schuldich scratched his forehead under the bandana.

"Why do you think things you don't mean?!" He asked angry.

" Because it's my head and you're never there anymore!" The boy shot back. Pretty angry as well Schuldich noticed.

" Well, being in there tends to send me crashing into the stove..." He growled.

" I've said I'm sorry!"

" No, you haven't!"

" If you'd read my mind you'd know..."

" I don't want to be in you - in any way - anymore!" Schuldich said and knew it was only part true. He didn't want to...he didn't dare to...

* But I want you to!* The boy cried miserably inside him.

* Then why did you throw me off?!*

* I don't know...* Nagi cried in vain.

" What do you want, Nagi?" Schuldich sounded, and felt, tired.

A rush of sensations: Flashing colors, a dizzying kaleidoscope of feelings, good and bad. Most prominent a screaming *need*. Nagi was pale and strained and swallowed hard. Looked like he was going to cry.

* You *need*? * Schuldich asked him.

* Yes,* the engine died.

Schuldich leaned back with a sigh.

" Turn that back on will you..."

" ... "

" Nagi..." Schuldich tapped on the wheel with his index. The boy watched the finger greedily. * Will you please turn the engine back on you horny teen?*

Nagi blinked.

" I...I'm not sure how to," he said confused. " I didn't do it on purpose."

Schuldich did a honesty check in his head and he came out clean.

"Well," he gritted his teeth. " What do we do then?"

" You didn't bring your cell phone?"

"No...besides we had a perfectly good car...no problem at all if you hadn't killed it!"

Nagi looked stubbornly at the dashboard. Schuldich suspected he would cry if he looked away from the black plastic.

" Oh, come here then," he rolled his eyes and unbuckled the seat belts. Both his own and Nagi's.

" W-what?" The boy looked at him with an annoyingly scared expression.

" Come here, " Schuldich motioned to his lap. " I'll take care of it!"

" No way!" The boy went furious.

" Are you going all moral on me now?"

" You just want to get home!"

"Don't you?"

" Yes..."

" Well, come here then..."

" No!"

" Shut up!" Schuldich's patience was long gone. He grabbed the boy's shoulder with one of his very speedy motions and pulled him over. The boy landed in his lap with a startled sound. Without waiting he started to roam his clothed body. Unintentionally savoring the feel of the curves, the lithe, strong body underneath. God, how he had longed for this. He removed one of the gloves with his teeth and proceeded to unbutton the boy's high collared jacket and shirt with his free hand. Slipped his hand inside and felt the warmth. The shape of his nipples.

" Schuldich, please..." The boy whimpered. Schuldich didn't know what he asked for, But as long he wasn't sent crashing anywhere he decided to ignore the plea. His hand shot down to the boy's crotch. A sharp intake of breath on Nagi's part and he got space enough to slip under the waistband. It pulsed hot and moist down there. Pre-cum already trickling from the erect member, smearing over his lower stomach.

* My aren't you needy? Needy indeedy, I would say...*

A sudden, sharp movement with his wrist and the buttons in Nagi's pants sprang open. Gave the moving hand and the weeping cock more space.

Nagi's eyelashes fluttered. The boy gasped and moaned. Struggled to come high enough to bury his face in the crook of Schuldich neck. Breathed hot air on his skin. A damp cave of hair, lips and Nagi...His legs were bent and spread on the passenger seat, shamelessly exposed in the dim light.

" Kiss me Schuldich..." he whispered hotly.

" No," it came out strained.

" Why not?" All the innocence in that question...

Schuldich sighed.

" If it gets us home faster," he muttered. " Give me your mouth then, Nagi."

The boy stretched his neck and tilted his head upwards, offered his lips while writhing in Schuldich's lap. Sighing deeply and rocking his hips in time with Schuldich motions. Looking so tempting right then...so utterly luscious and inviting Schuldich had to struggle not to jerk his own hips upwards, make the boy feel the reaction he created in his body. His own straining arousal that fought against the fabric of his pants. He caught the boy's parted lips and couldn't keep a moan from ripping from his throat when the mint and raspberry flooded the cave of his mouth as well as the vital parts of his brain. He didn't have to wait for Nagi to yield this time. The youth was already soft and ready. Eagerly licking his lips and his tongue. Sucked the tender flesh into his mouth.

* Oh Nagi...when did this happen?*

* What?* The boy's answer came dazed and slurred in his mind.

* ...Nothing...* Schuldich was too occupied with absorbing the lust and the amazing eagerness, to argue. He managed to wriggle the grey fabric over the boy's hips, saw the white underwear and made a half-conscious mental note to buy him something else. Finally he managed to get his gloved hand under the boys ass and began stroking teasingly up and down the crack. Nagi gave a startled yelp, jumped in Schuldich lap. His shivering hands held on to Schuldich's, not to guide him or stop him, he thought, but rather to make sure the hands stayed in place. His breath shivered as well. Soft puffs of air on Schuldich's moist lips.

* Give me the lube, Nagi. You know where it is.*

Dilated eyes looked at him as through a haze, the boy never stopped moaning as he reached out a hand and began struggling to open the big golden buttons of Schuldich's coat. After a couple of seconds he gave up and the buttons sprang open on their own accord. The slender hand reached inside and fished inside his inner pocket for the coconut key to painless penetration.

* So warm...you are so warm...* Nagi murmured inside him.

* Let's focus on you now, shall we?* Schuldich murmured back, somehow unwilling to be included. Give in, completely, to the youth in his arms. Cautious, was the word he decided...Nagi hadn't been exactly stable in the past.

Nagi didn't protest. With hips still rocking he uncapped the lube. Schuldich held out his finger:

* Coat it!*

He was trembling, shaking visibly - but managed the task without making mess.

* Spread them!* Schuldich was slightly trembling with anticipation himself when he gave the boy his order. His other hand steadily continuing milking the boy, slicking him with liquid. The tempting scent of coconut spread in the small car.

" What?" Nagi whispered.

" Spread you cheeks for me, lovely..." Schuldich breathed in his ear. "My hands are kind of occupied." To his utter amusement Nagi obeyed but with a deep red blush in his pale cheeks. The boy was embarrassed, even now!

He did however lift his hips and part his buttocks as he'd been told, let Schuldich's finger play up and down the crack before pushing gently inside the tiny opening. Then he stopped. Nagi lowered himself slowly. A deep heartfelt moan ripped from his chest.

" Oh God!" He cried out.

* No, just me...*

" Schuldich!"

"Yes," he hissed and slowly withdrew his gloved finger. Pushed it back in, stroked Nagi's cock. Held it firmly. Finger in. Finger out. Nagi's muscles convulsed, his cock jerked. He rubbed the prostate carefully.

* I can't...I...* - "Too much!" The boy burst out and Schuldich increased the speed. Pushed the finger deeper, harder. Felt Nagi's body move with him. He held the boy's weight when he reached the peak, held him through the spasms, watched as the thick strands of milky white pumped out of him and draped across Schuldich's fingers and his own clothes. The car engine started with a purring sound.

Schuldich removed his finger and took off the glove. Threw it on the dashboard with it's twin. Nagi slumped against him, his face back pressed against Schuldich's neck.

" Never white," he murmured.

* Forget about that,* Schuldich said annoyed.

Nagi moved slowly off him. Looked disturbingly vulnerable when struggling to get his messy pants back up on the small car seat. Avoided his gaze. Looked pale again. Schuldich shrugged and tried to focus on the drive back home.

* Oh god...what have I done...why did I do it....*

Here we go, Schuldich thought and set up the speed.

" Don't you dare tell me you didn't want it!"

" I don't!" His lips were pale as well. Bloodless, almost white...

" I am not taking responsibility for your fantasies..."

* I *don't* mean everything I think!* The boy was angry inside.

" You stopped the car, Nagi! What was I supposed to do?!"

Silence from the boy.

" See..." - *Grow up a bit will you...you can't blame me every time you want a fuck!*

* Don't give it to me!*

* Like hell I will...Stop blackmailing me into it by messing with my car!*

* I'm sorry!*

" Well, don't be! You're a healthy teenager for fuck's sake, there's nothing wrong with getting screwed from time to time...or on a daily basis for that matter."

Schuldich felt his own erection slowly wither and die. No fun with this boy. No fun at all. Just stupid, messed up, twisted problems.

Nagi's mind knocked on his: *...what should I do...he would want some kind of payment....will he bend me over once we get back?...fuck me?...I owe him don't I?...How did I end up in this situation?...stupid, stupid body....I don't want to get fucked...but he's probably turned on by now...and it's all my fault...but it was nice...it was awful...it was disgusting...it felt great...His hands on me...no! ...I want him to fuck me!...No I don't....Please bend me over! Take what you want!...Maybe I can suck him off, that would do it...be the payment...* Another vivid image flashed through his mind. Dark head buried in Schuldich's crotch. It stirred his flesh, but he wasn't about to give in:

" If you insist, but I don't think it’s worth the trouble..." he said, honest enough.

* Don't you want me?* - "You'll leave me alone?" Hurt and relief mingled.

* You're too bloody screwed up, Nagi* - " Go in peace," he sniggered. " My car healthy and well is all I want."

* But why?! - I want you to touch me!* Bottomless disappointment. - "Good," calm statement.

They reached the mansion and drove into the garage. Nagi paused a bit before going out. Watched Schuldich gather his stuff from the dashboard.

" I'm glad you talk to me again." - *Sorry I screwed up! Please don't leave me alone again!*

Schuldich gave him a sideway glance:

" You want me to talk to you - in your head?"

" Yes..." Nagi whispered. Schuldich sighed.

" I can't promise you that," he said. Still very honest. * Your head, pretty one, is a very dangerous place to be...*

He opened the door and got out of the car. Hardly waited for Nagi to do the same thing before he pushed the button and locked the doors, turned and walked into the house, naughty gloves in hand.

*********************

" What happened to Nagi Naoe?" Schuldich asked the same night.

" You mean; what happened to the first Nagi Naoe?" Crawford's calm, dry voice answered from another place in the room. He might look like yet another American business man with his grey suit and neatly kempt hair but standing there in the swirl of burning stars in the space room, he appeared anything but...

"Yes," Schuldich answered, and walked inside. Felt the familiar draft of air close around him, the tingling feel of difference.Change...This was their inner sanctum, it was in all ways in between. A place where they were and were not. Time slowed and could at will cease to be. There was no room for humanity in here, just their own splendid, glorious beings. Everyday petty and work peeled off, left only their powers, their inner kernels. The essence of what they truly were.

No room for lies in here, Schuldich felt limitless. His body was insignificant. He was an endless stream of thoughts and feelings, his mind had no walls He was the mastermind, only, in here: This place...that moved with them, always had. Conjured and created by the elements of Schwartz. He knew it had changed once when Farfarello joined them. Knew it had happened again when Nagi arrived, but he didn't know exactly how. Didn't know what the boy had added to it that hadn't been there before. Maybe it was just the feel of it. - Schwartz's heart. The source... What made them all so unbelievably strong. Stronger than any of them would've been on their own.

Sure, he'd always been able to read minds, been trained to do so - but it was in here, with Crawford's help his powers had finally blossomed. Become everything they could be. And it was in here he'd learned to control them as well. Tied the beast to his will... He had lost his humanity doing so. Everything he'd been, every character trait had become stronger, sharper. His desire to wreck havoc, stir in people's minds, had become a angled, glittering diamond of malice. His feeling of injustice done to him in the past a unbreakable desire to consume. His humor, that had been deeply buried at the time of his arrival had surfaced and bloomed as well, living had become fun again. He was grateful to Schwartz for that. Grateful for this room. This non-existent existence that made it possible to reach down and touch his own being. No hiding allowed. No confusing delusions or disturbing human emotions. No tangled psychology or immature fears... He'd learned to taste feelings. Taste humans. Taste them and feed the beast by doing so. Recognize the flavors and delve in them. He hadn't been Schuldich before he visited this room...

Crawford and him, a bottle of champagne, born again celebration under the bright stars of the space room.

" I love your new name," Crawford had said and given him one of his rare smiles. "It's so unbelievably fitting." They had toasted and sipped the champagne.

Later, with Farfarello. The same ritual. The suicidal teen had become a killer machine. Found a target for all his confused passion. His willingness to destroy.

He'd taken a lot of pain before. Now he felt nothing. Farfarello had broken his glass and stuck the sharp shards to his body. Buried them in insensitive flesh.

" I'm Farfarello," he said. Crawford had smiled again, Schuldich had laughed.

He didn't laugh when the tiny child took the oath:

" I'm Nagi Naoe," the kid had said." But that is more than enough."

" Very well, Nagi," Crawford had said. " Be who you like..." - * He is so young, it doesn't matter...* He'd sent Schuldich while he spoke. Schuldich wasn't so sure anymore...

Now he moved up beside Crawford in that same room and asked him again with his mind:

* Who was Nagi Naoe? What happened to him?*

The American, who wasn't an American at all...not really, anymore...turned and looked at him:

" Does it matter?" he asked.

" Yes." Schuldich observed the burning stars. The way they moved, the pulsing glow." I think it does..." he finished his sentence.

Crawford gave a shrug:

" It was pretty bad, after human standards...but they don't apply to us..."

" He is still searching for revenge..."

" Just because he's young." Crawford interrupted. " He is different now. He is one of us. Soon he'll understand."

Schuldich paused for a while. Just let the peace, the spirit of the room embrace him.

" He doesn't understand." He said at last.

" Sure he does!" Crawford uttered. " He knows he is more than a mere human!"

" Yes, but..."

" But what?" Crawford was defensive and Schuldich knew he was right. Nagi didn't understand, not at all...

" Did you ever explain it to him? The way the worlds works?" He asked calmly.

" Nagi knows about time and space. Knows they are mere illusions. He has no compassion...He knows that we have evolved beyond petty humanity as we know it...that we are children of the future - what do you mean?" Crawford broke off.

Schuldich smirked slightly:

" The boy carries guilt, Crawford...I should know, I am Schuldich after all."

" You must be kidding!" Crawford was honestly upset.

" He keeps telling me...he can never be white..." Schuldich searched Crawford's face for a reaction. The American didn't disappoint. He lost his composure for a moment. Paled... " You never told him, did you," Schuldich continued lowly, " the reason why you chose Schwartz as the name of our group."

Crawford didn't answer at first, he thought calmly for a while.

" Nagi is a bright child," he said at last. " I never thought that he wouldn't figure..."

" Maybe someone should have explained...in words..." Schuldich sighed. " He is ridden by a feeling of being unworthy. Black as in evil."

" Evil doesn't exist!" Crawford spat. " It's just an invention. Like good...white...weiss!"

" Oh, *I* know that," Schuldich said solemnly. " But does Nagi?" he asked.

" Nothing of worth has come without chaos..."

" So there has to be a Schwartz, bringers of confusions and revolutions, I know..."

Crawford turned to him, the light from a dying star caught in his glasses and hid his eyes from Schuldich's view.

" Are you telling me our boy thinks himself some great evil? Evil, as the mortal men defines it?"

" I'm afraid so," - * He never thought Schwartz an irony. He never thought *my* name nothing but the truth. To him, black and white...guilt and innocence are opposite poles, not changing and relative - like time and space...*

" I harvested too early," Crawford mumbled softly.

" Or the boy had too many scars," Schuldich finished his sentence. - * Don't blame yourself, Brad. If you had waited he would've been too damaged, am I right?*

* As always...*

* The benefit of reading minds...*

" Maybe I should have talked to him more about it. But the brilliance. The intelligence - I think it fooled me..." Crawford said out loud.

" It fooled us all," Schuldich answered. * We forgot he was a child, * he continued.

" Children feel strongly..."

" They do." - *Even children like us.*

Crawford sighed. Schuldich patted his shoulder. Suddenly gleeful and happy - on the outside.

" Don't worry, old man. I'm sure Nagi will grow up..."

Crawford gave him a thin smile.

" I feel that you need to spend some time in here," he told Schuldich.

" I sure do," Schuldich replied.

" Do you want to be alone?" The American asked him.

" If you don't mind..." Schuldich was still smiling.

" Take your time," a earnest smile this time. * You are good at looking after you own health, Schuldich. I'm glad to see that.*

* Thank you* Schuldich gave a last reply before Crawford suddenly was by the door, breaking another time/space law and left. Schuldich was alone with the stars. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes. Let the energy pour inside. Fill him. Rinse him. Like electrified water bursting through him. Hopefully leaving some clarity behind.

**********************

* Nagi...!* The voice was insistent and the boy instantly sat up in his bed, searching the darkness with his gaze.

* Come outside...* it whispered in his mind.

" No!" He burst out.

The pull...the pull...so strong that urge to do as the nice voice bid.

* Schuldich, leave me alone.* He was nervous, tasted of herbs.

* Nagi...* it kept calling. * Come to me, sweet thing...*

The youth swung his feet to the floor and got up.

* Get out of my head!*

* No!*

The boy opened the door to the hall and started walking. Slowly - drawn by a will that was not his own. Dressed in only a thin pair of black pants he started drifting down the corridor.

* Stop it, I want this to stop!* He demanded.

* But it can't,* the voice answered in his head. *It has gone to far...*You* brought it here...*

* I'm sorry!* His mental voice cried while his feet kept walking. One step at the time.

* No good...* Schuldich voice replied instantly, then, more gently: * Why so afraid...Why the taste of panic on your tongue?*

* I'm not scared,* the boy stubbornly exclaimed while moving down the stairs.

* Did you forget who I am?*

* What do you mean?* He shivered slightly in the cold night air. Struggled against his own body. To stop, not move...and failed.

* Did you get more than you bargained for, little boy?* The voice was a slick whisper now, moving like a serpent through his mind.

* You said you would leave me alone...*

* But I can't...*

* Why?*

* Because you taste so sweet,* Schuldich sighed while Nagi turned and entered the dining room, passed the rows of mahogany chairs. Moving like a sleep walker. Unsteady...blind...* What have I gotten myself into, you ask yourself,* Schuldich voice was a merciless whisper. * What you should ask is; what have I got...*

The boy slowly approached the double doors out to the garden. They were open. The night was cold. Nagi's skin formed goosebumps under the heavy, full moon.

* What do you want, Schuldich?* He was afraid now. Schuldich didn't care.

* Someone to worship and adore,* he said and stepped out of the shadows. Stood there in plain sight between the rose trees.

" Nagi," he smiled. His eyes glittered in the dim light. He reached out his arms: "Schu-schu wants to play..." he tempted.

" No!" Nagi came to his senses in the doorway. Embraced his own torso with his arms. Tried to shield off the night, - and the man that stood in front of him.

* Stubborn child. I'm tired of your games!*

He was with him in less than the blink of an eye. Violently pressing him up against the doorframe. His lips were hard when they bruised the boy's:

* You. Belong. With *me*! *

A swirl of red and green and he was gone. Disappeared like in a fairy tale. Left the boy shivering and pale. Sick and dizzy from the violation of his mind. Enflamed by the power of the kiss.

" Schuldich?" He asked the night.

************

He stood upstairs and watched from the window. The lithe body in the middle of the storm. Rose petals, red and white, swirled around the fragile frame. Danced upon the air. Nagi's magic winds...

So beautiful, he though. Beautiful in his own storm. Black hair and porcelain skin. Hooded eyes...he glowed towards him in the dark.

His...he had staked his claim.


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