III.  fox-napped

"Why do we need the damned fox?"

Groggily, Aya woke up to the hated nasal voice raised in incredulous annoyance on a bouncy car seat. He had no idea how he got there the last thing he remembered was sitting on the couch in the Koneko basement…

Aya sat on the couch, staring aimlessly at the television set. He had been left alone since the guys were all in a mission. They left the TV to "baby-sit" him, figuring that a bored Ayan might make a mess. Then suddenly he smelt something funny in the air, something faintly antiseptic and there was darkness.

Now Aya was on an unidentified car crammed between two of Weiß most dangerous enemies. He craned his head to right to see his other seatmate and sighed in relief when he saw the dark blue-gray uniform. He didn't fancy having to sit beside the white-haired psycho in this rather helpless form.

"Because the fox is important. Schuldich don't make me repeat myself for the third time." Crawford's voice came from the vague darkness that was probably the front seat of this car.

"Why should you mind Schuldich? It's not like you're going to die with it living with us. It's so fluffy and kawaii." Nagi said, ruffling Aya's ears.

"Who do you think has to take care of the little fluff ball? Crawford's allergic to fur, you know."

"Killing cute things hurt God." Farfarello suggested in the front seat.

"No, Farfarello." Crawford said in a firm voice.

"Well if Schuldich doesn't want to take care of it then I will." Nagi said.

"Of course, Schuldich will help you. You still have your studies and other responsibilities, Prodigy." Crawford ordered.

Aya listened to all this with mixed relief and growing horror. Relief that he wasn't going to be left with the insane Irishman to be made mincemeat. Horror that he was going to have to live with Schwartz.

What am I getting dragged into…?

But there were more immediate concerns, like, how to get out of this car ride in one piece. The movements of the car made Aya dizzy making him loll out his tongue and salivate. He decided to look at his erstwhile companions to distract himself from the way he felt and promptly smelled that vile cologne he had smelt on Youji. He sneezed.

"Shit! Nagi get him away from me before I turn him into a coat." Schuldich cursed as the byproducts of Aya's sneeze hit him earning a quite chuckle from Nagi.

Figures that Schuldich and Youji have the same despicable taste in colognes…I have to very careful. I don't want them to figure out that I'm more than a dumb animal.

If the situation weren't so grave Aya would have laughed at the irony of it. He had tried so hard to convince his teammates that he was intelligent, now he had to turn that around and pretend he was no more than a fox.

A hard prospect with a telepath on their team but I have to do my best…

Aya shuddered at the torture Schwartz could inflict on him in his current form.

I can't even escape them. Thinking of that it wouldn't be that hard after all… There's nothing like a good reason to beef up your acting skills…

It wasn't long when they pulled into the gloom of a building's parking and got out. Nagi carried Aya under one arm with one arm supporting his behind as they took the elevator up to what presumably was Schwartz apartment for the moment.

Oh, this is frustrating…I'm finding out where they live, if I could only get the data to Weiß… But what could a little fox do? I can't even use the computer keyboard, my paws are too big…

Then Aya recalled something from the car ride and smiled to himself.

Crawford's allergic to fur…

These words rang in Aya's mind giving hope. He found himself remembering the time he choked on Youji's cigarette smoke at the shop and he found himself smiling, tongue lolling, he now knew what to do.

***

"Aw, how cute! Looks you like he likes you, Oh-Mighty-Leader." Schuldich said chuckling as Ayan curled about Crawford's legs ecstatically. Schuldich hadn't liked being saddled with Ayan's care and decided to be very irritating indeed.

I can't read that dumb animal's thoughts on the subject but I bet it something like that cat thing. The thing that says cats take up residence on the lap of someone who doesn't like 'em because they like someone who doesn't meet their eye.

"Shut ub, Schuldig! And ged heb out ob here." Crawford as he sneezed in succession over his laptop. He made shooing motions in the direction of the office' door. His eyes were almost swelled shut in allergic reaction.

"Aw, Crawford had a liddle fox. Liddle fox, liddle fox. Crawford had a liddle fox. Its fur as red as blood. And everywhere that Crawford went. Crawford went, Crawford went. Everywhere that Crawford went. The fox was sure to go." Schuldich sang out as Crawford stood up to move to the couch from where he was sitting, sneezing several times before getting there.

Ayan stood up and gave a cute cat-like yawn slowly running his tiny tongue over his teeth and gums before following in that peculiarly dignified walk of his that amused Schuldich to no end. The way the fox walked was reminiscent of the cartoon mama cat's lecture in a Disney movie…

Hmm…what was that again…ah…Aristocats. Tail up without wagging and chin held high… Gee, he looks almost like a miniature Crawford. All dignity and no fun… I wonder if all foxes were like that, I mean, where do people get the impression that they were mischievous?

"By the way why aren't you in your office chair?" Asked Schuldich as Crawford nearly jumped away just to get away from the fox that tried this time to curl up on his lap.

"You knowd damned well bhy, that liddle thing sat on by legs untild I mobed."

"And keep up moving…" Schuldich said taking the little fox off of Crawford before the American exploded, not that the precog could do anything violent at the moment. Well, anything violent to him. Schuldich was amused to see his boss have a violent sneezing fit, losing all dignity as he grabbed at a box of tissues. The American's eyes were watering and his nose seemed to be clogged up.

He must really be allergic to fur…hmm, I could have sworn there was a twinkle in those purple foxy eyes…nah, that couldn't be. It's just a dumb animal…

***

Aya butted his head under Crawford's chin a bit before allowing Schuldich to take him out of the room and intentionally leaving fur to tide Crawford over his next surprise visit. He really enjoyed getting the rise of Crawford. Not that he'd ever gotten as much reaction when in his human form. Oracle was way too self-assured about his powers.

Another point for the little red fox… What am I thinking, I can't stay in this form forever…

***

"Schuldich, take care of the fox, while I'm off to our prospective employer." Crawford ordered the German.

"Awww, Crawfish, why me?" Schuldich had plans for the day. Big plans…

"Because Nagi's got some research to do."

"Why not Farfie? Or take him with you? After all he's taken a shine to you…"

"The fox is vital to Schwartz' future. Can't risk him running off…" Crawford said annoyed at his avoidance of responsibility. Besides, you're so allergic to fox fur that your eyes swell shut at the idea of having Ayan in the same room.

"Okay, okay. I'll take care of it." Schuldich said waving his hand carelessly. Crawford glared suspiciously at the redhead but left soon after.

***

"Are you sure you should leave Ayan all alone without anyone to tend him?" Nagi said asking Schuldich from his computer as he heard the German sneak out of the door. They had started calling the little fox a "he" for awhile since it definitely exhibited a certain personality.

"Why not Naggles? You can look in on him to make sure nothing happens… Besides what could a little thing like Ayan-chan get up to in two hours?" Unfortunately for the telepath, there was no Weiß around to refute that statement.

***

"…then I snuck out…I just couldn't pass the day without seeing you again, Yotan."

"Well…better you guys than us. But are you sure you should have left the apartment to Nagi?"

"You too, Kudou? First, Nagi then you, what is this worry about Ayan-fox day?"

"Whatever you say…I just hope your apartment is still standing by the time you get there." Then Youji gasped as Schuldich' kisses lowered further and there were no room for thoughts above the moment.

***

Aya walked down the hallway between the Schwartz members' bedrooms. Rather bored, he thought of taking a nap in his little basket bed since he hadn't Crawford to aggravate but decided against it. He had explored everything that first day to Crawford's chagrin since he shed fur all over the place and knew the placement of each and every bedroom. Schuldich had jokingly suggested that he bed down with Crawford that first time and gotten a fist on the face for his trouble. He never thought he'd miss Schwartz' company but there it was. He was passing Farfarello's room now. The psycho was in and so was Nagi but neither of them was in the mood to be bothered. Nagi because he had something to do on the computer and had absentmindedly locked his door while Farfarello…well, it was better not to think about that.

Suddenly, there was a clicking sound and Aya looked up, hoping it was Nagi's door opening but it wasn't. It was the locks on the door of Farfarello's door that were clicking, clicking open.

Aw, hell…

Somehow, Aya knew that it was him that was doing it. He tried to stop it, do anything to keep the locks from opening but he couldn't. Soon the door opened and the one-eyed psycho came out to grin at him with predatory interest. Aya turned tail and ran with all his might, making loud yipping noises as he did so.

Naoe I know you're busy but damn it, I hope you look up from your computer screen and hear me…

***

Aya was panting behind an upturned chair wondering if he should make peace with whatever powers that be. He had been running for so long his entire body felt extremely hot and exhausted. His initial terror had gone to resignation.

I wonder if I'm going to turn into human or stay in this form if I die… Damned it, Ran don't give up just yet there's still some hope that Nagi would here the crashing or will come out for a drink of water or something… Look at you depending on a Schwartz for rescue, how the guys would laugh if they saw you, now. The invincible Fujimiya Ran cowering behind a piece of furniture…

"Ah hah! There you are! I will kill you slowly and make God cry with your screams." Farfarello said and Aya started his hopeless running again. It was then when he saw the knife that was stuck on the wood where Farfarello had tried to stick into him. Half-stuck on the wood of the ruined coffee table. Their struggles had propped the thing up on a pile of its broken legs, the sharp end of the knife upright, it was also snapped in half to leave the knife only loosely attached to the wood.

Hmm that might do, got to time it just right…the angle has to properly calculated…tricky but what choice do I have…

Aya found his moment when the winded Farfarello had stopped to get his breath.

This better work or I'm dead meat…

Aya used the last of strength leaped up high and jumped on to the coffee table to send the knife flying… Then there was a meaty thud, a crash and silence. He closed his eyes and put up his paws to protect his head. After a few moments of not hearing or feeling anything, he opened his eyes to look at Farfarello who had a knife sticking up his chest just below the ribs.

It worked, it worked, I'm still alive…

"Schuldich is that you… What a mess! How did Farfarello get out? Ayan-chan are you all right?" Nagi asked amazed at the extent of the damage.

Aya ran up to the telekinetic to snuggle, trembling as he did so. Now that it was over his small furry legs felt like jelly and his tails drooped over with exhaustion.

"Ne, it's okay now Ayan, I'm here…" Nagi said in reassurance as he felt him over for injuries. Nagi hauled Farfarello over with his powers and take the knife out of his chest to bandage the wound.

Now how to deal with my suddenly inconvenient powers…

Aya sat down to watch Nagi work but for the life of him he couldn't figure out how the telekinetic controlled his powers.

This is not good…it may be that my only recourse is to have Schuldich find out I'm sentient. And I will not endanger Weiß by having to join Schwartz by default.

***

"Ch', who could have thought that Farfie and Ayan could make such a mess?" Schuldich said picking up all the tattered shreds of couch, pillow and newspaper strewn all over the Schwartz apartment. He was going to be in such big trouble when Crawford got back from the business meeting. All the couches were upset haphazardly scattered in no particular the living room. They had chunks taken out of them and springs and other things sticking out of them.

"Well, I told you not to leave him untended but did you listen…But no…Farfarello got out and Ayan-chan nearly got filleted." Nagi said, coming out of his room to get a glass of water in the kitchen.

"Nagi-chan, please help me with this."

"You brought it on yourself. I've got work to do." The telekinetic said, definitely unsympathetic to Schuldich' plight as he went back in his room.

Good thing the little monster didn't get hurt or Crawford would have my head…He's going to get mad with me as it is… How did little Ayan manage to throw that knife especially right into Farfarello, I'll never know…? He's not so dumb as that for an animal…I guess. He's good at surviving that's for sure.

The little monster concerned picked up a goodly sized couch chunk swaying a bit as he did so against the weight. He then pitched it at Schuldich' hand.

"Want to help with the mess clean-up, ne?" Schuldich said, giving in to the impulse to ruffle the little red ears. Even when Ayan was at the most aggravating, he was irresistible and Schuldich wasn't immune to the charm. It was hard to be an irredeemable bastard when clear purple eyes looked up at you in that cute way.

Well, as long as there's no one to watching*…I can be as mushy as I want.

"We make such a pair ne?" Schuldich said as he had Ayan toss the debris on a low box he had dragged in for the purpose.

Easily trainable, not too bad for an animal…

***

Aya picked up another chunk of couch guiltily. He didn't mean to let Farfarello out of his cell. He was the direct cause of this mess. He didn't think he shouldn't leave Schuldich to clean it up all by himself. It wasn't fair even if the German was Schwartz.

Papa always said to tidy up after yourself and take responsibility over your actions…

Schuldich ruffled his ears yet again with barely concealed affection and he leaned in to take comfort in the action.

Some days it pays to be kawaii…well, just some days…and only some of the time…

***

Crawford was ignoring Aya again. The American had learned to keep a distance from him, almost instinctively flinching away when he got close. This irritated him to no end since annoying the Schwartz leader was his only amusement in this current situation.

Hmmm, I wonder…

Aya looked up on the looming desk's width, contemplating the height differential to his own desk back at home.

***

Crawford was sitting on the couch, typing away on the laptop that was on the armrest. He had retreated there when Ayan the fox had decided to curl up under his desk.

If it isn't going to be vital to Schwartz' future I'd shoot the damned animal and to hell with it…

The little fluff ball seemed to have zeroed in on Crawford, as it's favorite person. It followed him wherever he went. He even had to chase the fox out of his bed at night to get some decent sleep! Schuldich was so beside himself with mirth. The Schwartz redhead had come to sing "Crawford has a Little Fox…" at least four times a day and would go on until Crawford lost his temper.

Crawford seethed and wheezed in intervals as he typed. Suddenly, he sat up ramrod straight as he felt a vision come on. His sight swam into vertigo for a moment.

No surely it's not going to do that…oh, it's going to…

Crawford stood up so abruptly that he had to catch the laptop to prevent it from crashing down to the floor. He dashed over to the side of the desk to try to grab at the little red fox. Too late.

The fox leaped high onto the desk landing on the paper-laden surface to kick up the contents in a cloud of white. Its hind legs scrabbled for purchase on the slick tabletop putting the animal into an uncontrolled tailspin and then it was over as it begun. The yips turned into a loud yelp as the fox ran out of table to whirl in.

Crawford went to the other side of the desk to look at the kitsune who had the most dumbfounded expression on his face.

He's not hurt. He couldn't be, sitting with that expression.

He couldn't help himself, a chuckle then a laugh ensued from his lips from sheer relief of finding the little thing unhurt. Soon he was laughing uproariously at the little fox that looked more stunned than pained.

How long have I had a good long laugh? Too long… It just a fox, you don't even have to hide your feelings in front of it.

The little fox shook his head so hard that his ears flapped. He wore the most offended expression the precognitive had ever seen. It made Crawford erupt into fresh gales of laughter. He let the laughter take the anger and the frustration he had harbored for so long. His heart so much lighter after the storm of mirth had passed.

"You asked for that you know. Whatever were you thinking when you tried jumping on the desk." Crawford said in his best lecture voice at the fox as he picked up the pieces of paper. It wasn't coming over with any sort of affectivity however as he was also trying unsuccessfully to stifle chuckles.

Goodness, he's as huffy about his dignity as I am…

Ayan just gave Crawford a disgusted look then curled up on the pile of papers he had landed on to pretend to be asleep. The precognitive ruffled its ears. The fox just covered its head with its tail. In a burst of spontaneity, he decided to do something he'd never done before. He held on to one of the tails to uncover one of the foxy ears and blew gently into it. Ayan looked at him startled. He decided to see how far the reaction would go. He let the tail go in favor of a paw and started to tickle it. The fox kicked itself out and threw itself onto the American to give him a big licking session... Crawford laughed and suddenly realized that he had stopped sneezing.

What do you know, the allergy was psychological…

"Kawaii, Ayan-chan." Crawford said picking up all the paper and went back to his laptop with the little mischief-maker in his arms. He felt the fox for injuries then gave little thing a tummy rub. He then plopped Ayan on his lap where the little fox curled up to sleep as he typed. Crawford felt as close to contentment as he could remember since he had become the leader of Schwartz.

He's definitely a he not an it, Ayan definitely has a personality…

***

Aya felt a strange sort of happiness at curling up on Crawford's lap. The opposing team leader smelled of unscented soap and mint after-shave. It blended with the man's masculine musk making a mix that Aya found soothing. He never thought the Schwartz leader would be a sport about the mess that he had made. To be honest, he thought that the American would've blown up or maybe even burst an artery.

He certainly blew up at Schuldich for the mess I caused the other day. But then, I didn't think he'd laugh at me either…

Aya had been offended at first at being laughed at and decided to make the retrieval of the papers hard for Crawford. It really hurt to fall on his tails that way. He had plunged down head and forelegs first and had barely been able to twist onto his butt at the last minute. While landing on the tails was painful, landing on his head or foreleg might have caused a serious injury. He didn't miss the way Crawford had looked him over or the care the American had shown. Some part of it was his importance in Oracle's plans, but there was genuine liking in those brown eyes.

Brown eyes, they reminded him of a certain teammate. He wondered how the rest of his team was doing at the moment. Did they miss him at all? Or did Manx assign a replacement for him already? He knew the guys certainly did not miss him in his current form since he had made such a mess of things at the shop. Aya uttered a quiet woof as he settled back down his position on Crawford's lap. He was gaining acceptance with Schwartz and as long as he had any use to the precog he had no doubt that he wasn't going to be allowed to leave.

Oh well, at least they treat me well enough…

Aya had been fed the best meat in his short foxy life. His basket bed was comfortable and there were toys for him to chew and play with. Aside from Farfarello, Schwartz treated him well enough. Ruffling his ears and giving him whole body rubs.

I might as well stay, I have yet to learn to control my power, and observing Nagi at work is the only way I'm even going to have a clue as to how to control my own power.

Aya could not forget that one time when he had been alone and lonely in the apartment. He had managed to open the psycho's door without meaning to. He tried to keep himself from doing it but the power only continued to unlock all the bolts on the door until the deranged Irishman came out to try and make chopsuey of Aya.

Just try not to be too comfortable Ran…

~tbc~

Author's Notes: This is now to be known unofficially as the "sneeze fic" look how many times the main characters sneeze in this fic.

*Silrayn: You wish!
Ayan: I don't count. Baka author, I'm a fox remember…
Silrayn: not forever *wolfy grins at Schuldich, wagging her tail and wiggling wolfy ears rakishly* don't you want to ruffle my ears too?
Schuldich: You wish! You're not as cute as Ayan here *ruffling Aya's ears one more time*
Ayan: Wait till I'm in human form again…I'm going to chase you two with my katana. Ooh, I hate being called cute and you used the word "little" again, Silrayn-chan.
Silrayn: Meep!
Schuldich: I have a very good idea Silrayn-san, why don't you leave Ayan in his current form forever that way he doesn't chase us with his katana. Or if he does it will give us a laugh. *shows everyone a telepathic image of Ayan dragging his katana in his tiny mouth*
Ayan: *whimpers*
Silrayn: Now, now be nice to Aya-san…
 

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