She's Too Good for You Part 2

Summary: Shadowsan learns a few things about Gray and also about himself.

Disclaimer: Don't own CS

Shadowsan knows when Gray arrives before he even sees him. He practices his mediation, not letting any of his emotions reveal themselves on his face. Gray steps in and closes the door behind him, knowing Shadowsan will want privacy.

"Err Instructor Shadowsan? You told Black Sheep you wanted to see me." It was not a question. He knew Black Sheep wouldn't play a prank on him like this. He worried if Shadowsan was harsh with her again, his protective instincts surging forward, but Black Sheep assured him everything was fine. She then surprised him with a shy expression, and he couldn't help but feel his heartbeat quicken and his breath catch when she looks at him earnestly, informing him she couldn't wait for their date on Friday.

Her words made Gray feel like he was on top of the world—as if he could take on a thousand Shadowsans or steal every priceless artifact in the world singlehandedly. He was so giddy, he actually couldn't stop the pep in his step as he raced to Shadowsan's classroom to answer his summons. Black Sheep and him were going on a date! He could barely contain his excitement.

"Yes, Gray. Please come closer." Shadowsan said, not bothering to address Gray by his code name. Gray obliged, and was startled when Shadowsan quickly turned, throwing a sword his way. With Gray's sharp reflexes, he caught the blade safely, and was able to dodge a strike from Shadowsan.

"Woah! Shadowsan, what's this for?!" Gray demanded. He was more adept to his crackle stick rather than a sword, but Coach Brunt made sure all her students were versed in various weapons. Nonetheless, even with all his training, he would be no match for Shadowsan.

"What is Black Sheep to you?" Shadowsan ignored him, charging again. Gray swiftly blocked his attack.

"What? What kind of question is that? Why do you care?" Gray was confused but concentrated on not getting cut my Shadowsan's blade.

"It does not matter. Answer the question." Shadowsan firmly ordered, sliding to the side to try and side swipe but Gray just barely maneuvered out of the way, rolling forward and straightening himself to block another hit from Shadowsan.

"What do you mean it does not matter?! Why should it matter what Black Sheep is to me?!" Gray exclaimed. Realization struck him then, and he was angrier than he's ever been. "Are you trying to get me to stay away from her?! Leave her alone already! I'm not letting you bully her anymore!" Gray charged, but Shadowsan, despite his surprise at his statements, dodged.

"I beg your pardon?" Shadowsan questioned harshly. Gray didn't back down.

"Don't give me that! You've had it out for Black Sheep ever since she started at V.I.L.E. Academy! Why can't you see how great she is?! She is the best out of all of us if you'd just see that!" Gray exclaimed, fury running through his veins at how much Shadowsan refused to see Black Sheep's potential like he saw.

At his words, Shadowsan narrowed his eyes, a righteous inferno stirring in him. He quickly disarmed Gray, tripping him. Gray fell onto his back and Shadowsan pointed his sword at his throat.

"You foolish boy! You're so consumed by shadows that you do not see that Black Sheep is capable of so much more than thievery! Becoming a thief will smother her fire—make her brightness dim! How can you claim to care about her when you are oblivious to the possibilities she has outside of the darkness?!" Shadowsan raged. He would not let the boy pursue Black Sheep if he was blind to her true potential!

"You… you care about her, don't you?" Gray's eyes widened in shock as he absorbed Shadowsan's words. Shadowsan's eyes widening in surprise was all the answer he needed, and Shadowsan stepped away from him, allowing Gray to stand up and stare at the hardened man who appeared to be more layered than he originally gave him credit for. "How long?"

"That is none of your concern." Shadowsan dismissed him. Gray felt irritation seize him at Shadowsan's reluctance to share his thoughts.

"The hell it isn't! You nearly killed me because you care so much! Why are you so mean to her if you care about her?" Gray didn't get Shadowsan's motivations.

"Has it not hit you fully what world you stepped into, Gray?" Shadowsan addressed him. Gray blinked.

"Yeah. We're thieves." Gray told him like it was obvious. Shadowsan sighed.

"This world is dark—you will be forced to make choices that will make you abandon your morality. Those choices will earn you a lot of enemies—enemies that will do anything they can to learn your weaknesses. Tell me, what good would I be doing if I made it known that Black Sheep mattered to me? She's safe now, but as soon as she gets out into the world, she becomes a target." Shadowsan's eyes hardened. "Even on this island, you must be careful who you show your feelings for. Imagine if your prestige in class earned you enemies—what do you think they'll do once they learn you have affection for Black Sheep?"

"They wouldn't be able to get to her. I wouldn't let that happen ever." Gray was determined.

"Can you be so sure?" Shadowsan questioned sternly. "You cannot predict the future."

"And you can't always be scared of it! You're letting a small possibility of Black Sheep being hurt get in the way of making memories with her. Perhaps you forget who exactly Black Sheep is—she can kick anyone's ass before you'd blink. You say she's capable of so much more, but you haven't stopped to see how far she's come already!" Gray responded fiercely, making clear his conviction in Black Sheep's abilities.

"She's more than just a thief." Shadowsan told him with a frown. Gray frowned as well.

"I know. She's everything to me." Gray stated, not embarrassed to admit his feelings. He stood tall in front of Shadowsan. Shadowsan kept his surprise hidden, not expecting Gray's declaration. "That's why I don't want to sit back and cut her out to protect her—She is the greatest fighter I know—and I want to make the best memories I can with her to show her I'm serious about her." He explained firmly.

Shadowsan closed his eyes, turning away from Gray. Gray wondered what he was thinking but didn't get enough time to wonder as Shadowsan turned back to him, sheathing his sword. The man appeared to have decided something.

"Black Sheep will be here for you to pick up at 8pm on Friday. If you are as serious about her as you say you are, you will be here promptly to pick her up on time. You will take her out on the best date she's ever been on, and I expect you to return her here at 10pm sharp. She better be the happiest girl in the world and ready to tell me about her night. If not, I will be coming for you." Shadowsan told him. Gray blinked at the change in Shadowsan, but soon smirked.

"I intend to make her the happiest woman in the world so don't worry, Instructor Dadowsan." Gray declared, grinning at Shadowsan's face at the name.

"You will not tell anyone about this conversation, especially Black Sheep." Shadowsan ordered. His eyes narrowed in promise. "And if you ever call me that again, I will personally execute you."

"No problem, just make sure to be there to give her away when she's walking down the aisle towards me." Gray teased. Shadowsan's eye twitched.

"You are dismissed before I change my mind about letting you date Black Sheep."

"Sure. See you Friday, Instructor Shadowsan." Gray was smug and prepared to leave the classroom, but Shadowsan called his name again.

"Also Gray, always remember this." Shadowsan told him. "She's too good for you."

And Shadowsan slammed the door in his face.