What to do with you

It's a bit short but I'm in a rush today. Please review, I get so excited when I see soemthign in my email! Thank you, to those who have reviewed and those who will.


Chapter 4


Farfarello was sitting on the floor, oblivious to anything around him, even when Schuldig wandered over and nudged him with a bare foot. “Far? Far, for fuck's sake!”

“What?”

“How the hell do you survive if you daze out like that?” A lazy grin and the brunet found himself on his ass, a long leg having swept his out from under him. “Ah, hot, hot!” His coffee burned a path down his chest until it was brushed away by pale hands and he was lifted up to sit in the blond's lap. “That hurt!”

Another easy smile. “You're fine.” Teasing fingers marched up the heaving sides, skimming the slightly pink streaks where hot liquid had touched. “Tough guy like you, you'll survive.” Soft lips pressed gently to Schuldig's, easing his mouth open.

“So, tell me about this shield thingy you do.” Such an interesting talent, to be able to blank his presence completely, and useful to understand. If only so he could use it against his partner and track him.

“Why? You won't be able to use it.”

“Why not?” Schuldig whined and nuzzled pale skin, dragging out his adorable look.

His partner grinned against his hair and flicked the sharp little nose. “You are a spoiled brat. Why should I tell you? So you can use it against me?” The brunet huffed against his neck and the blond laughed, squeezing lightly. “It's my little secret, my nosy telepath.”

“Aww, why? Tell me, tell me, tell me!” A mental grab was made and slapped away, Farfarello's inner manifestation wagging a finger playfully as he dodged chains and flipped through grasping hands. Years of practice were put to use, teasing and running; he couldn't win, not at this game, but entertainment, that he could provide.

Finally he was pinned down and laughed up at his captor, who stood over him, victorious and smirking. So proud of himself, for winning a game against an unarmed opponent. *Peacock. A conceited, arrogant little peacock.* A slender finger flipped him off and the brunet crouched beside him.

*So? I win. Now tell me.*

Farfarello grinned wider, then started to laugh loudly, gasping for air at the annoyed look on his peacock's face. *I never said I would tell you if you caught me.*

The pout was spectacular, bottom lip trembling delicately, quivering just noticeably; Schuldig was the master of pouting and made it an art form. Bright blue eyes were just a hint wider than usual, no tears but a suspicious dampness at the edges; all subtle, nothing overt or tacky about that pout. *You're so cruel to me. I only want to know everything about you.* That and he was dying of curiosity; it would be a pain in the ass to force it, not to mention Farfarello would be pissed.

And of course, the guilt trip. Farfarello laughed in his face, head thrown back, unable to hold back. The pout turned to a glare instantly and the bonds restraining the blond faded while the brunet stepped away, returning to his own head in a huff. *Don't be like that. You didn't really think it would work.*

The thought was ignored and Schuldig stomped off to the kitchen, making sure to step on his partner's hand on the way by. As if that would do any good. Loud rattling and the occasional crash heralded another attempt at cooking, the brunet's newest hobby; he had made Farfarello's weight a major goal. Long hair shook and the blond grinned before he rolled to his feet and slipped away to shower and braid his hair.

An attempt at soup and grilled sandwiches was on the table when he peeked into the kitchen; his nose twitched at the heavy salt smell and he tried not to look at the burnt bread, focusing on the still pouting telepath. Said telepath was staring sadly at his miserable failure and soft snickers were hidden carefully. Farfarello settled into his chair and took a tentative lick of his spoon, testing the soup. Nausea threatened briefly but he kept it down without even a grimace and took a quick nibble of a dark sandwich. Oh shit, what the hell was that?

He started to peel the bread apart but stopped when the pout became more pronounced; he probably didn't want to know anyways. Half the bowl was managed and most of his sandwich. “It was disgusting, wasn't it?”

“Interesting.” Tight shields clamped down, locking the brunet out, much to his annoyance. “Maybe a bit less salt?”

“Humph.” The pout was still in evidence but he looked a bit pleased that his efforts had been, if not appreciated then not condemned either. Clearing the table took a minute and dishes were washed quickly, left to dry in the still air while Farfarello leaned over his brunet's shoulders.

Teasing nips trailed over the curve of the older man's ear. “Really want to know?” Eager nodding and the dark head tilted back so light eyes could watch him. “Pretty easy. Blank your mind, think of nothing.”

“Impossible.” Even if the conscious mind could be blanked, which would require the ignoring of any and all stimuli, the subconscious was always going, sorting and categorizing changes in the environment, tucking things away for future reference.

Low chuckling in his ear sent shivers running through the slender body. “For you. Don't think nothing, think of nothing and wrap it around yourself. Fold yourself into the background.” It was possible for the blond because he didn't have to work against every other mind in the area, only his own and he had years of experience meditating in the silence of his room.

“Humph.” Another little snort of annoyance and the brunet was lifted to bounce on a thin shoulder, squawks of outrage ignored as he was carted to the bedroom.

“Enough pouting, it's unattractive.” A gasp against his shoulder “But you're still beautiful.” Because it never, ever hurt to flatter his skinny telepath, regardless of mood.

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

Months flowed quickly, turning into three years without a moment seeming to pass, Schuldig's thirtieth birthday passing in a flurry of snow and laughter, Farfarello running his jobs occasionally; Schuldig tagged along more to watch him work than to assist, the older man spoiled horribly with gifts and attention. Anything he even remotely desired was obtained and simply appeared where he would find it.

It was late in the evening, spring just bringing its warmth to the days and none to the nights. Schuldig wandered slowly, hands in his pockets, hat pulled down as he trailed his lover. The blond was bouncing along, still high off the kill and chase that had preceded it; the guards had been especially good and on the ball tonight. Not that it stopped them, but it certainly made the world look a bit brighter when it was a minor challenge.

Schuldig watched him, pleased at his good mood, admiring the smooth movements and the extra weight he'd managed to force onto the slender frame. It took many months of nagging and practice to get the blond to eat decently, never mind enough to have extra calories left over to gain weight. The white hair had lengthened further, trailing in a thick fall to the middle of the lean back, swaying with each step; it had been left loose all night and had sprinkles of blood as highlights. He stared through long bangs, licking his lips in anticipation of the night to come; it was always fast and brilliant after a hunt.

Dark, reddish brown hair was growing slowly and the telepath liked to keep it around his ears, easy to care for and an attractive length with his sharp features. The low brimmed hat whipped up and he made a noise of shock; the younger man froze, gun appearing in his hand. Something had brushed the brunet's shields, a wild talent, untrained, and he waved his partner down. *Far, there's a talent.*

*Where? Them?* The gun vanished, replaced by a retractable blade, one that drew less attention. *Take them?*

*No.* Without moving, the brunet did a scan of the area, seeking amongst the run down buildings and heaps of garbage. They were in a poor part of town, digging out the safe house of one of Tokyo's many drug lords and there was the usual assortment of street rats and scavengers to skim before he found the talent. *There, left.*

They took the few steps to an alley, sliding soundlessly down the unlit corridor until Schuldig stopped abruptly and turn to face the wall. There was a piece of cardboard set up against it, held in place by a knocked over garbage can that Farfarello nudged aside. A tiny hole in the wall was almost deep enough for the little girl tucked inside, head down, arms over her neck for the meager protection they would offer. *Come here.*

Her head whipped up and huge spring green eyes stared at him; her hair might be blond, he couldn't really tell under the filth, but her skin was definitely pale, nearly as pearly white as his. 'I can hear him, in my head?'

*Yes, yes, and I can hear you. Come here.* She pressed backwards, away from the strange man, hands scrambling on the brick walls around her. *Far, get her.*

*Why, it's just a kid. Who cares?* The weapon had followed its predecessor and the blond leaned against his partner's back, examining the child. *You don't like kids, I don't like kids, why should we be bothered with one more street rat? So what if she's a talent?*

He had a point. It had been a whim, a curiosity to stop. The brunet took a minute to consider, skimming the girl's mind while he thought. His breath came in with a rush and his head swam at the sudden influx of oxygen. *Get her.* That feeling, the taste of that talent was something he could never forget.

Annoyed eye rolling and she was dragged out, a pale hand in her thin dress. “Come on, little one. Whatever he wants you for, let's just get it over with.” *Wasting our time. She's dying.*

*Yes, yes, I know. But look.* Gold eyes closed softly as he was tugged in to share the brunet's talent. His lips twitched into a full grin and long hair tilted back as he started to laugh *See? She won't be a problem, promise. I'll look after her!*

*She's not a puppy.* The softly crying form was looked over as it dangled from his hand. *But, maybe she would make a good pet.*

“Hey, don't cry.” Schuldig crouched down and she was set on her feet. “Want to come home with us? We have a nice bed, just for you, and good food.” He tried to smile but it faltered in the face of wailed tears. Farfarello snickered in the background. *Fuck you.* Now that he got a good look at her, he realized she was older than he'd thought, her small size and skinny body taking years off; she wasn't even certain of her age, but she looked about eight, maybe as old as ten. “Hey, come on now sweetie, what's your name?”

No answer and he slipped into her mind, terror running over his nerves. 'Brat' was the most frequent name and he cringed imperceptibly, remembering his own 'Pita,' short for 'pain in the ass' his mother's favorite way to refer to him. Alright, so a new name was in order. “How about Kendy, do you like that?” Farfarello was full out laughing now, bent over at the waist, holding his stomach as tears ran down his cheeks.

“No. It's stupid.” At least she stopped crying, though the sniffles were unnerving and he dug around for something to give her. Nothing except his new gloves and he swallowed and held one out, looking away, not able to bear its abuse. “I like Cassandra.” The glove was held back out and he waved it away, biting his tongue to keep the look of disgust off his face. “But, my mommy's coming back for me. So I can't go with you.” Her fear was intoxicating, her memories of men painful; the thought that if she was quiet and obedient, they'd leave her alone, or at least finish quickly had the brunet frowning in disgust.

Farfarello had moved around to lean against his back and mumbled in his ear. “Come on, are you taking her or not?” He didn't particularly care, but he had the urge to be home, in a secure location where he could enjoy his brunet in peace.

A bare hand waved him off and Schuldig slipped into the young mind and started wiping memories, the fastest way to get her to just come along. Her mother had obviously abandoned her and he implanted the idea that she knew them and wanted to come with them; he didn't want to mess around too much, might disrupt the just awakening talent, which would do them no good.

Once she realized she 'knew' them, she wrapped small arms eagerly around Schuldig's neck and curled into his warmth. Her skin was like pond water, cold, sharp, with a bit of an unpleasant scent and feel, and the telepath knew she wouldn't have survived the night. He was fumbling with the clasps of his jacket to set her against his shirt, closer to his warmth when a soft coat fluttered over her head. Farfarello's grin teased but the older man just grinned back and tucked the edges in.

Warm water for her chilled skin and soft cherry scented soap washed the street grime from her while she relaxed in their presence and played with frothy bubbles. Hot tea with plenty of sugar relaxed the small body further and she curled happily into the extra bed, her two new owners retreating to the living room. Schuldig flopped on the couch and tucked his head into Farfarello's lap with a pleased grunt. *So tell me why exactly you picked that up. She might be useful, but we don't really need her.*

*Far, do you have any idea how long it's been since I've even heard of an amplifier? Never mind actually seen one. Most of them don't make it to their teens so their talent doesn't have a chance to manifest properly.* Unfortunately, that was about as much as he knew, gleamed from the odd book and thoughts picked out during his years of training. *What am I really good at?*

Thin lips twitched; oh, that could go so many places! *Other than deep-throating?* Deep laughter was cut off by a sharp jab to the stomach. *Half baked plans, of course, and pulling them off.*

*What if we could get them?* The stomach under his head tightened. *What if we could pay them back, for selling us? We use her, she'll boost me and it'll be simple.* A cocky smile, confident and malicious; one that had been missing for years. *It'll be easy.*

*Maybe.* The younger man stared down, watching his partner roll to look up. *Is that really what you want? I thought you liked it here.* Farfarello tried not to be hurt; he'd done everything he could to make this a good place, a place his lover would want to stay. He should have known better, known his lover could never change; he should have known the former redhead had taken the news of Crawford and Nagi's betrayal too easily.

It was always Schuldig's way, to be restless and vengeful. Usually, it would be his way as well, but he found himself reluctant to risk the settled, calm lives they'd forged for themselves. But then, he'd never been as attached to their old leader and teammate as Schuldig had been, the need for a family, to belong sharper than his own. The brilliant redhead had always been enough for the scarred blond.

Schuldig pushed up and knelt in the younger man's lap. *I do. But doesn't it eat at you? Even a bit, that they got away with it?* Firm shoulders shrugged. *We could do it! That little girl is the key to making sure we never have to look over our shoulders again. You know how Rosenkranz works, you know they won't bother with us, not if we don't bother them. Brad's a prick, they'll be glad to be rid of him, and technically, you and I are dead.*

*Alright, I'll think about it.* The brunet's pale cheeks were still a bit red from the cold and a paler one rubbed gently to warm them, nibbling kisses following the line of the jaw. *And you're going make it up to me, for walking around out there without a coat, yes?* A soft groan as his tongue swirled into a cool pink ear; he made a mental note to get his stubborn lover something pretty and bright to wear over his ears to keep them warm.

*What? It wasn't a gift?* Laughter was sweet and light against the pale neck as the brunet's tongue slid over frail skin to nip at the pulse.

Low, rumbling growls and flexing fingers had him arching into the rough touch, moving his groin against the firm stomach. *All gifts must be paid for, Schu. Nothing is ever free.* A snort of disbelief in his mind and he tuned it out, preferring to listen to the physical sounds his lover made as he caressed and teased, avoiding skin to skin contact except with his mouth. Needy little whines as he unbuttoned the thick shirt, jerking hips as he trailed long fingers over a rounded buttock, all the delicious and charming noises the brunet always made for him.

It was a slow weave of desire, Schuldig's talent binding them together and touches were shared, the gentle stretch of muscle, a wet tangle of tongues and hands, fingers nibbled and lightly dragged over warming skin. Low purring started, a deep rumble through the blond's chest that vibrated up and through the brunet's, drawing a soft moan as the small nipples tightened further.

Warm licks traveled the delicate throat and over the lightly muscled chest, stopping to adore both little pink nipples; each was nibbled and licked, quick tongue curling around each in turn. Schuldig's head rolled back, short hair brushing his collar as he moaned and thrust against the hard stomach, flexing his hips, rubbing happily, eyes closed. Heat moved over his skin, clothes melting away to flutter to the floor as his blond lover teased and held him still for attentions.

“Ah, Far, now, I want you now.” The brunet's voice felt strange in his mouth, thick and needy as he fought the steady hands, forcing himself insistently forward, fumbling with the younger man's pants.

His hands were captured and kissed, knuckles laved lovingly before the slender body was lifted and settled to straddle the heavier set blond. Tight black pants unfastened quickly and were shoved down enough to free the red-tipped erection; Schuldig's fingers twisted gently in the soft curls, a dark blond shock against the white skin of his lover's hips. His free hand wandered, brushing sensitive areas, skimming the edges of the desensitized spots, teasing with flitting touches, leaving the younger man panting under unpredictable touches.

“Schu.” The brunet groaned at the sound of his name moaned, soft lips pressed to his neck. Farfarello curled a hand under the taut ass, trailing a finger down the cleft at the base of his partner's spine, taunting by holding bucking hips still, the brunet's hands brushed away.

Long used to his partner's ways, Schuldig pinched a particularly sensitive place two inches above his hip and darted both hands between them when his lover jumped. A random thought, the way he tended to do; why does he jump if it doesn't hurt? Something for exploring later as his hands curled around the warm erection, stroking lightly, the other hand moving under the soft sac to press gently.

A drawn out sigh and long hair fell back against the couch, back arching; nipping kisses trailed over pale white skin, leaving tiny red marks in their wake. Schuldig curled as much as he could to follow the smooth chest without relinquishing his hold on his partner. Suddenly, the blond's hands pulled away and tucked behind his head. *Bastard.* Slender hips shifted to press both erections together, letting the telepath wrap his hand around both lengths, stroking slowly.

“You like to. Reward me.” A lazy grin flashed before vanishing under a firm pull. Fluttery reddish brown bangs teased over hard pink nipples, groans moving them as the brunet laved the tight skin, sucking softly to tease before nipping firmly.

Farfarello's hips jerked and his lover moaned into his chest, sliding up to lick at pale lips. They opened slowly, teasingly making the quick tongue work to get in before sucking firmly. Quick little nips pressed another groan from the warm mouth before a second strong hand wrapped around the two cocks. Both hips moved together, hands stroking as they kissed, whirling towards climax.

Schuldig's thumb ran over the sensitive heads as he stroked, crying softly against the open mouth under his, fingers tangled in his lover's. *Far!*

The blond ripped his mouth away and yanked his partner in close so he could reach the delicate slope of his neck; sharp teeth dug into the pale skin. The brunet screamed and jolted against him, thick white covering their hands. A few more strokes and he followed, yell muffled against Schuldig's shoulder.

Minutes of panting and soft, happy noises before Schuldig pulled away and touched noses. “So, is my debt paid?”

“Not a chance in hell.” Surprise was squeaked out as Farfarello Swung the telepath into his arms and carried him tot he bedroom, kicking and laughing quietly.