The Direct Approach

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Lady Crysiana

Ink Burns

This is a work of fiction. All characters and events portrayed in this book are fictional, and any resemblance to real people or incidents is purely coincidental.

This is a work of fanfiction, produced according to the principles of transformative fair use as put forward in US copyright law, and abiding by the custom and practice of fan-produced work in Japan, where the source texts were created. No author is in any way affiliated with any of the creators of the source texts, nor with the companies who distribute their products, nor any other rights holder, and these stories were not authorized by either the creators or the producers. Ink Burns is a fan site and the material here is freely provided for the enjoyment of fellow fan-community members; there is no commercial infringement.

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 US license at the Ink Burns fanfiction archive (http://alltrees.org/archive/).

Published on 2005-01-07 20:05:28.

Attributions can be made by author's name and a link to the archive.

This ebook edition was published on May 16, 2012 by the Ink Burns fanfiction archive.

The Direct Approach

Ryouma finally catches Tezuka. Humor, I-3

“Welcome to Sampras, sir. May I take your bag?”

Tezuka stared at the smiling Grigori for a long moment. It had been disconcerting enough to become used to Uriel’s home and the rather eccentric idea that Uriel seemed to feel was “organization.” He hadn’t just been making excuses when he told Lily that he couldn’t come to Echizen’s “Hi, I’m Dead Too” party, as the man had called it. Tezuka tried to avoid the thought that he’d been making excuses at all, but a lifetime of honesty with himself made that difficult. “I can handle my bag, thank you,” Tezuka said, nodding to the angel. “I was hoping to see Echizen.”

The Grigori nodded. “He’s been expecting you. You have your own rooms next to his, connected with a door, of course. I’ll show you the way.”

Tezuka followed the Grigori automatically. Though part of his mind urged him to contemplate the Grigori’s words, he opted to look at the décor, instead. He reflected that it was probably lucky that the twelve-year-old Echizen hadn’t been able to decorate it himself, because he certainly wouldn’t have done something tasteful in cream and jade. It did, however, make Tezuka recall Atobe’s remark that after a while the colors made one feel as if one was fading out of existence.

“We’re here, sir,” the Grigori said, interrupting Tezuka’s thoughts. “Mr. Ryouma said to tell you that he’s hoping you enjoy him and your stay.”

Tezuka gave the Grigori the look he gave Fuji when Fuji had spent too much time with Belial and it was showing. “Could you repeat that please?”

“Of course. Mr. Ryouma said you’d ask. Mr. Ryouma said to tell you that he’s hoping you enjoy the rooms and being in him.”

Tezuka shook his head. “Being…”

“Being with him.” Tezuka was suddenly reminded of Eriol and Eriol’s innocent smile as he watched the Grigori’s polite expression. The Grigori opened the door for Tezuka. “He’s waiting for you inside, sir.”

Tezuka headed in, dumping his bag by the door. A quick inspection of most of the suite revealed that it was more apartment than anything. However, Echizen was not in evidence in the kitchenette, or the living room, or what appeared to be the office. Tezuka sighed and opened the door to the bedroom. “Echizen…”

Echizen gave Tezuka a sharp look from where he lounged on the bed. “I’ve finally decided to be direct about it.”

“…ah. I doubt I’ll be able to resist, then,” said Tezuka mildly.

“You’d better not,” Echizen muttered, rising and crossing the room swiftly to come to Tezuka’s side.

“Did you learn that pose from Atobe?” Tezuka inquired.

Ryouma glowered at Tezuka and prevented any further comment by efficiently stopping the other man’s mouth.