As parties went, this was one of the worst Fuuma had ever attended. And that was saying something, because in one world he’d been intended as the main course.
The venue looked like a dimly-lit school gym, where one corner had been set up with tables, chairs, and snacks. It was sparsely decorated with balloons and streamers. Rather than festive, it just looked sad.
A large white banner was tacked to the wall. “Villain’s Meet,” he’d been told it said. He wouldn’t know. He couldn’t read the letters.
Fuuma leaned against the wall away from the others and watched. He knew most of the attendees by reputation, but hadn’t met them before. Fei Wang Reed and the former Ryanban of a small village argued over who was the best magician, and more than once almost came to blows. Meanwhile, Kyle and the Ryanban’s ugly son drank themselves into a stupor nearby. Both were complaining about Syaoran, which Fuuma found a little funny.
On the opposite side, in a dark corner as far from Fei Wang Reed as she could get, Xing Huo nursed her glass. Fuuma had tried to say hello to her on arrival, but was treated to an unfriendly stare. He took the hint and left her to her solitude.
Honestly, he had no interest in any of the others. Except one.
Fuuma smiled at his brother as Seishirou approached him. “Hey.”
“It’s been a while.” Seishirou smiled his fake smile and took a position leaning against the wall next to Fuuma. It was a good place to keep an eye on the others.
Fuuma nodded, because while he had no idea how much time had passed for Seishirou, it had been quite some time for him. Such was the wonder of traveling between worlds.
He took a sip of his wine, which was the best thing about this party. Whoever organized this trainwreck hadn’t skimped on the alcohol.
“I’m told this is a gathering of villains,” Seishirou commented after several minutes of companionable silence.
“Indeed.”
“I confess I’m not sure why I was invited.”
Fuuma snorted, sputtering into his wine. As soon as he could breathe again, he chuckled. “Oh, I know why you were invited, but I am an upstanding citizen!”
“Then why did you come?” Seishirou’s tone betrayed only mild curiosity. Fuuma wondered whether it was put on or genuine.
He gave an honest answer. “Curiosity.”
Seishirou nodded as if this was what he had expected. “And you can’t think why you would have received an invitation?
Interesting, Fuuma thought, how Seishirou didn’t ask what Fuuma thought Seishirou had done to deserve being considered a villain. It seemed that he was willing to accept Fuuma’s verdict on the matter.
“No.”
“Hm.” Seishirou hummed, then stole Fuuma’s glass and drained half of the wine. “I suppose we’re all villains to someone.”
“Quite,” Fuuma agreed. “Give me back my wine.”
“This is mine.”
“No, it isn’t.”
“I stole it. Get your own.”
Fuuma sighed as Seishirou wandered off to inspect the Ryanban, who was passed out on the floor after Fei Wang Reed knocked him out with a punch. Honestly. Older brothers were such a pain.
