Weiss Kreuz Fan Fiction ❯ A Fine Line -WK ❯ A Hunting We Will Go ( Chapter 6 )

This chapter: Ran and Ken go on a boat, Youji finds out more about Omi…

I'm also writing as if Gluhen didn't exist. My moto-chan told me about it and I'm not sure I like the ending so when I do have time…I'm writing a better ending. ^__^ oh, the joy of being a fanfiction writer… *laughs*

Enjoy, everyone!

And huggles to my beta reader, Hitari-chan! Wuv you!!!

A Fine Line - Chapter 6: A Hunting We Will Go

By Moonraven

(Day 4 early morning)

"I don't want to stay in bed!" Youji protested as Ken put the tray of food on the nightstand and pushed him back on the bed.

"Ah-ah-ah, Yotan. That's not what you said to Omi yesterday." Ken straightened the playboy's blanket and put the tray across Youji's lap.

"What the hell are you talking about?" Youji frowned up at the brunette above the rim of his glasses and Ken wondered why the hell did the man need his sunglasses in bed. He shook his head at Youji when the tall blond made a move to push the tray away.

"Dr. Omi's order. You don't finish your breakfast, no cigarettes." Ken told the blond smugly.

"You're shitting me, Kenken." Youji whined and crossed his arms. "Who the hell died and made him boss?"

Ken shook his head. "Persia did." He said quietly and pointed to the food. "Eat."

"And who the hell are you supposed to be? My personal nursemaid?" Youji's anger was somewhat subdued at the mentioned of Persia. Okay, he had to admit that was a pretty thoughtless thing to say… but he was injured, damn it! He wasn't expected to think straight… right?

Ken smiled teasingly at him. "No way! I heard you flirted outrageously with them; I don't want anything to do with that, thank you very much. Besides, I don't want a jealous Aya running his katana through me!"

Youji choked on his porridge and Ken thumped him on the back helpfully. "You okay?"

"Not if you keep joking about shit like that!" Youji retorted as he tried to keep the rest of his breakfast from spilling on the bed. "I told you we're NOT like that!"

"Ah-ha." Ken nodded and folded his arms across his chest. "What ever you say, Yotan, just eat, okay?"

Youji grimaced into the bowl. "Who made breakfast?"

"I did. You got problem with it?" Ken's tone was dangerous; his cooking was NOT that bad. It was… creative.

"No, of course not! I'm just not hungry." He pushed the half empty bowl away and looked around the room.

"You're not smoking unless you finish breakfast." Ken repeated rather evilly. He SO enjoyed Youji's need for a nicotine fix.

"Fuck you, Ken." Youji told him moodily as he leaned back on his pillow. "Where's Aya?"

"Last minute stuff with Omi. He'll be here to say goodbye soon. Don't worry." Ken said to the blond as he picked up the tray all the while ignoring the lump in his throat at the thought of Ran with Youji.

Youji glared at Ken. "It's not like that, Kenken, why can't you get it? Aya and I see other people. We are not in love. We are not a couple. We just like fucking each other. That is all." Youji spoke slowly as if speaking to someone who was a card short of a whole deck. "You can be screwing him all day, Ken, and I wouldn't mind at all."

Ken blushed various shades of red and nearly dropped the tray. "I would mind!"

"Why?" Youji asked from his pillows while watching the perplexed Ken. "Because you're not gay? Because you don't find Aya attractive? What?"

Ken's frown deepened as he thought about Youji's questions. Why WOULD he mind? DID he mind? Didn't he enjoy feeling Ran's body pressed up against him? Didn't he think Ran was breathtakingly gorgeous? He had thought it was all because of Xeno but even after they had returned home, his awareness of Ran had heightened and the redhead had become even more exotic to him. Ken didn't know what to think. He had never thought he was gay… he was interested in women… they were certainly beautiful and he had desired them in the past. So what was this he was feeling for Ran? Could HE be bisexual like Youji?

He looked at Youji and found the man studying him lazily. He didn't WANT to be like Youji… eeeewww!

"Hey! What the hell was that face for?" Youji asked indignantly.

"Nothing!" Ken said innocently.

"So, what is it? Have you figured out why you'd mind?"

Ken frowned and shook his head. "I just do, okay? Drop it already."

Youji continued to watch him a few seconds more before he sighed and shook his head. "What have you got against Aya, Ken? Why do you dislike him so much?"

"What do you mean? I don't have anything against him. HE'S the one that treats me like I'm an idiot! I just… defend myself, that's all!"

"Aya treats everyone like they're idiots!" Youji snorted. "So… he treated you like an idiot, is that why you hit him last night?"

"Last night?" Ken asked in a small voice. "Er… how did you know about that?" He didn't think Ran would be the type to run and ask Youji to kiss his boo-boos.

"He didn't have to tell me, that bruise on his face's got your name written all over it! So, what happened?"

Ken looked guiltily into the tray he was holding as he shuffled his feet. "It's just a misunderstanding, okay? It's all over now."

Youji rolled his eyes and shook his head. "You are a hothead, Kenken. It's always a misunderstanding with you. I'm just afraid that on this trip without Omi to intervene, you just might be the death of Aya."

Ken looked up suddenly and scowled at the man on the bed. "What?! Did you ever think that HE might be the death of ME?"

Youji closed his eyes and shook his head. "Aya is more vulnerable than you think, Ken."

Ken stared at Youji in shock. The blond must have lost more blood that he'd thought. Ran was NOT vulnerable and he was prepared to say so when Youji's front door opened.

They both turned to the bedroom door as the subject of their discussion walked into the room. Ran looked real good in that dark violet t-shirt, it complimented his eyes so well and Ken found the contours of his toned chest hugged by said t-shirt to be even more tantalizing. He looked away quickly and nearly dropped the tray again when his gaze met that of Youji's. The blond was smirking.

Ken blushed furiously and mumbled something about taking the tray to the kitchen. Ran gazed at him silently and moved away from the door so Ken could leave. As the brunette walked past Ran, Youji called from the bed.

"Remember what I said, Kenken; I really don't mind at all!"

Ken stiffened and practically ran out the door with Youji's laughter following him. He slammed the front door shut and leaned his back against it, his heart beating wildly. The thing that kept repeating in his head was, Youji knew, Youji knew, Youji knew…

But what did Youji know? That he was thinking hentai thoughts about Ran? That he probably WAS bisexual? That he DID want Ran to screw him all day?

OH MY GOD! OH MY GOD! OH MY GOD!

Ken promptly dropped the tray.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The two men in the room turned towards the crashing sound by the front door and the blond on the bed burst out laughing.

Ran closed his eyes and sighed. "Ken…"

Youji watched the tenderness washed across the redhead's face briefly before Ran's mask of cool indifference was back in place. Well, well, well… he had a strange feeling about these two, now he knew what it was. He had always thought that Ken was TOO angry with Ran… too ready to jump the redhead… Youji couldn't understand the animosity.

And Ran. The man was too cold and too unforgiving - seemingly - with Ken. Now it all made sense. But why the hell were they fighting their attraction for each other so hard? And why didn't Ran have that problem with him? Hell, once Ran knew Youji thought he was hot, the man didn't hesitate to jump HIS bones. What was keeping Ran from doing the same with Ken?

Okay, so maybe they didn't know about how the other felt… how to fix that? He couldn't just tell them. Ken would probably laugh himself silly while Ran would stick that evil looking katana through him. No… that would be messy not to mention painful… But his katana wasn't here…

"So… when are you going to tell him?" Youji asked and watched the redhead's reaction carefully. He WAS the current resident Ran expert and he was a PI for god's sakes. It shouldn't have taken him THIS long to figure it out!

"Tell what to whom?" Ran turned cool eyes toward him.

"Tell Ken that you think he's hot."

"He knows he's hot." Ran came to stand by the foot of the bed and leaned his back on the wall. He crossed his arms as he regarded Youji calmly. "Lots of people tell him that."

"YOU never did."

"And I should because…?"

Youji studied Ran intently, trying to get past his mask. The man was wearing it full force now. Why was that? What was he hiding?

It took Youji a while - two years to be precise - but the light finally came on.

Youji smiled triumphantly at Ran. "Because you fucking love him."

The muscles in Ran's jaw twitched slightly, that was the only indication that Youji's statement made any impact yet he remained silent.

"You don't want to just fuck him… you fucking love him!" Youji crowed from the bed. He laughed; he couldn't help it. It was so painfully clear now. Ran didn't want casual sex with the person he loved and since Ken had never shown any indication that he was ever interested in a same sex relationship, Ran kept his feelings to himself. Well, not that Ran would readily show his feelings but that was the gist of his theory. Fear of rejection.

"Are you done, Dr. Kudou?" Ran asked coldly from the wall. Damn, but the temperature dropped drastically. He must be right on target.

"Is that your diagnosis for what you feel for Omi as well?" The redhead turned the tables on him. Damn!

"We're not talking about me and Omi! And it's not the same, damn it! Ken is not a kid!"

"Neither is Omi. You keep harping about not dating minors; he's NOT a minor anymore. You have no excuse and you're scared." Ran pressed, his eyes narrowing.

"You're changing the goddamn subject! You can't do that!" How the hell did he do that?

"I don't play by your rules, Kudou. I do what I want."

"So why don't you do Ken?"

Ran paused and blinked at Youji. Aha! Gotcha!

"You want him, you said he was hot. Why not do him?"

"That's not what I meant." He said softly.

"He's not indifferent to you, you know." Youji felt kind of sad for the stony redhead. Unrequited loves are always painful. "He's been very nervous around you."

"Ken's a nervous person." Ran pushed himself off the wall and came to stand next to the bed. "Rest, Kudou and worry about your own love life. I heard that Omi is not too happy with the way you treat him."

"You're changing the subject again, Aya. You know what that means, right?" He was determined not to get into the Omi subject.

Ran stared down at him silently then shook his head. "It doesn't matter, Youji. Rest now and be careful when you go up against the Syria faction."

"Aya…"

Ran bent down and covered Youji's lips with his. It was brief and chaste and Youji felt like it was goodbye.

"Give Omi a chance." Ran whispered into Youji's ear before straightening up. "When I get back, I better see some happy faces." Ran gave him one of his rare smiles, then turned on his heels and left the room.

What the hell just happened?

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"Nani, Aya? This is a freaking fishing boat." Ken groaned at the 50 feet Trawler he was currently on.

Ran gave him a cold glare that had `DUH' written all over it. Then the redhead ignored him and started walking around the vessel.

"Aya, Peregrine left last night and I'm pretty sure he didn't go in…" He looked around in distaste. "Anything like this. If we follow him in this, we'll never catch up to him." Ken protested unhappily as he dogged his leader's steps.

"Have faith, Ken." Birman's voice sounded behind him and both he and Ran turned simultaneously. She looked out of place in her tailored cream pants suit, climbing up from below deck. "Would we give you something that's useless?"

"I don't even want to answer that one." Ken muttered under his breath.

"What's that?" Birman's sharp tone belied the smiling face.

"Nothing."

She came to a stop in front of them and smiled. "With this vessel, you won't be too suspicious where you're going. We think he's heading towards Southeast Asia… somewhere around the South China Sea. We can never be sure when dealing with Peregrine, of course, but there have been reports of activities in that area concerning the Syria faction. We hadn't been able to pinpoint the exact location… there are hundreds of small, uninhabited islands in the area but if Peregrine's still at sea, six hours from Japan, we're convinced he's got the same lead we did."

"You're basing this on six hours at sea? He could be going across the Pacific Ocean to the U.S. THAT would take some time. Or down to Micronesia or up to Russia. What if we can't find him?" Ken turned angrily towards Ran. "We would be better off here with Youji and Omi. At least we know their prey are in Japan."

"No reports of activities in Micronesia, the U.S. or Russia." Ran said quietly as he looked out to sea. "We will need a fast boat."

She grinned and handed Ran a set of keys. "This is it." Birman told Ran while she pointedly ignored Ken's sounds of disbelief. "I heard you're familiar with boats. This one is very much like what you were used to, except we've retrofitted it a few weeks back. It was for another purpose but this mission will take priority. You'll find everything you need right below and should you get boarded by local authorities, they can be easily hidden. Let me show you."

They followed her down a short flight of stairs… steps… or whatever… it was weird. It was stuffy and everything echoed. To the left she showed them the kitchen but she'd called it gallery or galley then there was the head. Ken laughed at that then blushed as he associated the word `head' with something else entirely. Ran seemed to have guessed his thought for he rolled his eyes and shook his head at Ken.

On the right opposite the kitchen and the bathroom, were the two bedrooms. They went into one and Ken was surprised to fine a clean and freshly painted room. It was all white with a good size bed by the little round window. A desk, a chair and a fairly large dresser were lined along the two remaining walls. The room was roughly about the size of Ken's bedroom so he didn't feel too badly. He tossed his bag on the bed and hopped on it.

"Mine." He told Ran smugly.

Ran shrugged. "How do you know you won't like the other room?"

"I like this one fine. It reminds me of home." He said with a wistful little smile. "I used to have my furniture arranged something like this."

Ran gave him a strange look but didn't reply. He turned and followed Birman to the next room with Ken trailing behind.

The next room was much bigger than Ken's. The bed, desk and dresser were also here but of a higher quality. One wall was devoted entirely to an expensive looking entertainment center complete with a large screen TV, DVD/CD player, liquor cabinet and all kinds of books and knick-knacks. Ken whistles appreciatively as he entered.

"Did you change your mind?" Ran asked as he looked around the room.

"No, it's not me. That little room is fine for me, thanks." He walked around the room and couldn't help feeling strange that the interior of the boat was nothing like the exterior.

"Won't they get suspicious if they find such… well… classy things on a dingy boat like this?"

Birman scowled at him. "This is a perfectly respectable Trawler that can brave the seas you're going to. Most are more luxurious on the inside, that being the living quarters. It may not be a yacht but it's not a tugboat either."

She walked over to the entertainment center then took a remote control off the shelf. "This will activate the radar and the communication equipment. This button will activate the computer and the printer is under the bar. Everything you need, gentlemen, is right here." She smiled and handed Ran the remote.

After the tour to the supply room, the engine room then the control room, Birman was ready to leave.

"I'll leave you now so you can get going. Good luck and be careful." With a small wave, she was out the door on deck. After they saw her off, Ran turned and frowned at Ken. "What are you wearing?" He asked, his eyes fixed on the bands around Ken's wrists.

"Oh, this." Ken held up his wrists displaying the light blue elastic bands. "They get rid of motion sickness." He told Ran proudly. "Isn't that cool?"

"You… get seasick?" Ran asked blankly.

Ken's smiling features turned defensive and he tugged his hands behind his back. "There's nothing wrong with that you know. Millions of people suffer from motion sickness."

"But you… I've never seen you suffer before." Ran was still staring at him strangely.

"Well, you've never been on a boat with me either." Ken pointed out.

"But shouldn't other motion make you sick too? Cars… planes…?"

Ken shook his head. "Just boats and it's pretty mild. I won't be in bed all the time, don't worry." Then he held up his hands again. "And with these little puppies, I won't even know I'm on a boat!"

Ran looked skeptically at Ken then nodded. "Let's get going."

Ken stayed out on deck in the sun while Ran went into the control station and started the engine. Ken had always though it was called `the bridge', he'd heard it once or twice on some show but Birman had called it control station, something about a smaller vessel. He shrugged. Why the hell would he need to know some freaking boat terms anyway? It's not like he was going into the navy.

He looked into the control station and saw Ran taking off his windbreaker and was now only in his amazing t-shirt. Ken sighed and told himself not to drool while he watched his partner check various panels before he could take the boat out. Ran looked really competent and Ken had to wonder about Ran's life before he joined Weiss. How did the guy know so much about boats that he was confident enough to take it out for days into the sea?

Ken had to stop his musing when the Ran yelled at him from his control place.

"What?" Ken yelled back.

"Remove the bow line." Ran scowled at him.

"What's a bow line?" Ken scowled back.

Ran blinked at him the huffed in irritation. "The docking line that's…" Ran slapped a hand to his face and took a deep breath. When he looked at Ken again he was composed and pointed to the front of the boat. "The rope that's keeping us tied to the dock. Please remove it."

"Oh. Why didn't you say so?" Ken hopped off the boat and took up the line then jumped back on. He turned and gave Ran a thumb up, grinning broadly. Hey, this was kinda fun if he ignored Ran's constant PMSing.

Ran took them out slowly but steadily and soon they were out in open sea. The wind was cool but not cold yet. It would turn cold with the setting sun but right now he was enjoying its beautiful warmth. He took off his jacket and stuffed it under his head while he lay on deck dressed only in his shorts and T-shirt. This might not be such a bad thing after all. Maybe he could even get some serious tan while he was at it.

Ken must have fallen asleep for when he next opened his eyes, Ran was standing not too far from him and looking out into the sea. He'd changed and was wearing only a pair of shorts, sneakers and that incredible violet, snuggle-me-baby t-shirt. Damn, he'd never seen Ran in shorts before. Ken had thought HE needed a tan but Ran was in a much dire need.

He sat up gingerly and wiggled his fingers. They felt stiff for some reason.

"AGH!!!!" He yelled and jumped up in fright. "They're swollen, they're swollen!" He wiggled his fingers some more but the swollen digits refused to shrink back to their normal size.

"Stop it." Ran took a hold of his hands and looked at them. "They ARE swollen." He stated with some authority.

"That's what I said, Einstein!" Ken yanked his hands back and looked at them mournfully. "Could it be something I ate?"

"You did cook breakfast." Ran said softly and Ken could see a hint of amusement in his tone.

Ken glared at him heatedly but Ran just took his hands again and removed the wristbands.

"Hey!" All other protests died on Ken's lips as Ran began massaging his hands and wrists. He had wonderful hands, so strong yet so gentle… and warm. They were definitely warm… so unlike the man's icy bearings. Gods he loved the way Ran's hands pressed into his and how good they made him feel. Unconsciously, Ken sighed then his eyes widened in shock.

What the hell was he thinking? He blushed furiously and snatched his hands back.

"What are you doing?" He squeaked and rubbed at his own hand. He couldn't help but noticed the sad difference now that Ran was not touching him.

Ran looked at him with long-practiced patience and handed him back the bands. "Have you worn them before?"

"No… I saw it on TV…"

Ran nodded. "It works by acupressure. The buttons inside the band presses on the Nei-Kuan point on each wrist. Normally there is no side effect but in some rare instances, you need to remove the band from time to time to allow the lymph fluid to circulate."

Ken stared at Ran in stunned silence. Firstly, that was a whole lot of words coming out at one time and they had nothing to do with chewing him to pieces. Secondly, how the hell did Ran know about a Nei-Kuan point?

Guessing Ken's open-mouthed look, Ran shrugged and said, "My… master liked to dabble in alternative healings."

"Oh." Ken stared at his elastic bands and then at his still swollen fingers. What now?

"Give it a few minutes then you can put the bands back on."

"What if I get sick in the meantime?" Ken asked in misery.

Ran walked around the side of the boat then came back and handed Ken a mop, then walked away.

Ken growled and yelled at Ran's retreating back angrily, "I would shove this up your ass, Ran, if you didn't already have one in there!"

Ran paused briefly but then continued on and went below deck. Ken muttered and threw the mop away in disgust. It didn't really land anywhere and soon went right overboard and into the water.

Oops.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"You're not cooking lunch." Ran said from the galley door.

"Why not?" Ken turned to his teammate and did his best to keep his eyes from going to Ran's chest. Since he wasn't sure he would succeed, he turned back to the refrigerator and dug for things to make lunch with.

"…You cooked breakfast." Ran said and moved into the galley. "I'll do lunch… and dinner." Ran added quickly.

Ken turned and frowned at the redhead. "HEY! I can cook. Besides, you're driving the boat. I wanna do something."

"Steer. I steer the boat." Ran said automatically and moved toward Ken. Ken froze and stared at the advancing redhead.

"Where… are you going?" Ken asked in a small voice and nearly climbed into the fridge.

"The sink." Ran pointed to said sink.

"Oh." Ken let out his breath in a rush. Baka, baka, baka!

"Where did you think I was going?" Ran asked, his tone changing to one of amusement when he saw the flush on Ken's face. "Is your mind in the gutter again, Ken?"

"No!" Ken said quickly but unconvincingly. "I mean… no…" Why would he think that Ran would be interested? Aside from the Xeno-induced come-on, Ran had never given any indication that he wanted Ken.

Ran nodded. "Right." Then he turned to the sink and turned on the water. "I was thinking of Chicken Salad, if that's okay with you." He said as he washed his hands.

"Fine." Ken swallowed as he watched the clean lines of Ran's muscular back. Funny how he'd never noticed it before but Ran was pretty broad around the shoulders…

Ken blinked as he caught Ran's violet gaze. Shit, did he space out while drooling over Ran's back?

Drooling? Nani?!

"You look flushed. Are you alright?"

"Um… yeah. I'm fine."

"Where're the wrist bands?"

"I didn't need them after all."

Ran nodded and started pulling out bowls and plates. "By the way, have you seen the mop?"

Mop? Oh-oh.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"What are you doing?" Ran choked out as he watched Ken.

"I'm taking off my shirt." Ken said helpfully. How on earth did Ran expect him to sunbathe wearing all of his clothes? And what was Ran doing out here reading on deck any way? Wasn't he afraid he'd burst into flames or something?

Ran remained silent as he continued watching Ken stripped down to his swimming trunks. The intense scrutiny was beginning to make Ken's face heat up and he hastily lay down on his stomach, his head resting on his folded arms.

"You'll get burned." Ran told him quietly.

"I'll live." Ken mumbled into his arms. He had minor sunburns before, you don't play soccer all day without getting one once or twice. What's the big deal?

***

"Ow, ow, OW!" Ken shouted as Ran pressed cool wet cloth to his back. "And don't you say it!"

"I wasn't going to." Ran said mildly.

They were in Ken's bed with the brunette stretched out on his stomach while Ran sat on a chair next to the bed. Ken hadn't intended on staying out in the sun so long, but he'd fallen asleep. It was Ran's fault for not waking him up. If the redhead were all knowing, he would have woken Ken before he got burned.

"Damn it, Ran, that thing stinks!" Ken complained as the smell of vinegar filled the small room.

"This is the only thing we have. The pain will go away in a minute."

Ken grunted noncommittally. At first he had thought Ran was getting back at him for not listening but now he grudging admitted that maybe Ran knew what he was talking about after all. The pain HAD lessened considerably.

"I'm sorry." Ken mumbled into the pillow.

Ran paused in his ministration briefly before continuing again. He seemed to be at a loss for words at Ken's apology.

"Spread your legs." Ran told Ken after a short silence.

"Excuse me?" Ken lifted his head and stared at Ran. Did Ran say what he'd thought he said?

"I have to do your legs." Ran explained rather tightly as he avoided Ken's eyes. Was that a blush on Ran's face?

"Er… okay." Ken swallowed and did as he was told all the while very conscious of how his body was responding to that one innocent sentence.

But there was nothing remotely erotic about pungent smelling cotton on sunburned skin. Cool, vinegar drenched cloth was applied gently to his thighs then his calves and then back to his thighs again. Ken sighed as the stinging of the burn slowly left him and he settled more comfortably into his bed. This actually felt nice, he could easily fall asleep with Ran taking care of him…

"All done." Ran's soft voice woke Ken from his slumber and he turned sleepily towards the man.

"Hmm…?" He blinked into the deep violet eyes that were just inches from his own and gazed into them dazedly.

"All done." Ran repeated softly. "Go back to sleep but don't roll over. You should stay off the affected area for a while."

Ken closed his eyes again and mumbled, "Okay." He felt Ran's hand brushed the hair from his face and he involuntarily leaned into the touch, sighing contentedly. The hand froze for a second then began stroking the back of his head soothingly.

Half in and half out of his dream world, Ken never noticed the gentle look in Ran's eyes as the redhead continued to caressed his cheek.

"What am I going to do with you, Ken?" Ran asked softly but the only sound that answered him was the slow breathing of the oblivious brunette.

Which was just fine as far as Ran was concerned…

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Youji sneaked quietly down the stairs, looking left and right as he came to the landing. He knew they'd closed the shop that day since he was supposed to be out of commission and Ran and Ken had left early in the morning. Omi, he knew, was probably buried inside his computer trying to find whatever it was that would crack the case… That left him alone to go get his hidden stash of cigarettes. Yes, folks, Omi had taken all of Youji's cigarettes away (evil boy that he was) because Youji had refused to eat Ken's cooking. You would too if you know what was good for you. Nobody put spaghetti sauce in porridge, damn it! It just ain't done, no matter how creative you're trying to be!

But what Omi didn't know was, Youji had spares. Inside one of the pots in the storage room, Youji had kept a pack just for emergencies. This was an emergency.

No one was around. Youji crept closer to the storage room door and as he was about to open it, he heard voices coming from the shop. Youji frowned, his hand frozen on the knob. Who could THAT be? First thoughts were always bad with him and images of the goons from previous day flashed across his mind. But the voices were just murmurings and he was sure one of them was Omi.

His frown deepened, Youji changed his objective. Cigarettes forgotten for now, he tiptoed slowly towards the door leading to the shop. It was ajar. Hmmm…

Slinking his way to the door, he peered in the opening and held his breath.

Omi was talking to some guy that Youji had recognized as one of the messengers that Manx used sometimes. His name was Nao something-something and he was all decked out in his usual stuffy suit, while Omi… Youji's jaw dropped.

Holy shit! What the hell was Omitchi wearing?

Omi was doing a pretty good imitation of a Gundam pilot Youji had seen the boy watching on TV. Heero Yuy, he believed it was. He remembered how Omi had said he had the same outfit as the guy and Youji had wondered why on Earth would you have the same clothes as an anime character… Not that Youji could complain…

The poured on, black spandex shorts was enough to make Youji drool not to mention the loose green tank top that left his toned wiry arms bare and half his chest hanging out… Damn but Youji wanted Omi NOW!

Apparently the Nao character wanted the same thing for he closed the gap and pulled Omi in his arms. NANI?!

Youji blinked stupidly between the cracks and shook his head vigorously to make sure he wasn't seeing things. What made matter worse was that Omi was not struggling. The young man stood on tiptoes and wrapped his arms around Nao's neck, pulling the taller man even closer. What the hell was going on here?! *insert more profanity at will*

Abruptly the two in the shop jumped apart guiltily and turned towards Youji. In his shock, Youji had pushed open the door and asked that last question out loud. But he was hardly sorry it happened. He'd never liked the looks of Nao and now he knew why. The guy was always ogling Omi.

"Youji-kun." Omi moved away from Nao and looked nervously at Youji. "What… are you doing down here?"

Youji knew he must look a sight wearing only his sweatpants and no shirt, his arm was in a sling and he couldn't get one on. But aside from that, he was furious and was sporting a pretty impressive storm cloud. What the hell was Omi doing? All that talk about being ignored and shit… the boy was getting plenty of action here!

Wait a minute; what the hell was he thinking? Omi wasn't suppose to be… be… doing THIS? What the hell happened to the goddamn world?

"Shouldn't I be asking YOU that question?" He had learned the cold fury look from the best; Ran, and he was utilizing it full force. Nao swallowed and moved towards the front door.

"Anou... Omi-chan, I'll talk to you later, okay?" He squeaked hastily and practically ran out the front door.

Omi sighed at the slammed door then turned and gave Youji a worried look. "How is your shoulder, Youji-kun? Do you need more pain killers?"

Youji did not answer right away but continued to stare angrily at Omi. He couldn't stop the aching in his chest at the thought of Omi doing… THAT with that sniffling idiot! With ANY sniffling idiots! Why? WHY?

"Youji-kun…"

"Why?" He asked Omi the question that kept coming up in his mind.

Omi looked surprised at the question and blinked at Youji. "Why… what, Youji-kun?" The younger blond was getting over the shock of having Youji walked in on him and his lover and was now getting defensive.

Youji was hurt. Yes, he could admit that he was. He'd actually thought that Omi might… that when Omi had hinted things to him at the hospital, he had thought…

But now this... and from Omi of all people.

But you didn't want Omi.

Yes, I did, but he was too young.

He's not too young now.

No! It's Omi! I can't hurt Omi.

You won't hurt him; he wants it!

NO! Asuka… I can't do that to her memories…

Youji's internal dialogue kept him silent and frowning ferociously. Omi looked at him uncomfortably but moved closer to the taller blond anyway.

"Youji-kun… I can explain about Nao-san." He said softly.

Youji kept his gaze neutral, giving away nothing.

"Will you… listen?" Omi asked again, his eyes large pools of aquamarine as they gazed up at Youji.

Youji's jaw clenched and unclenched. WILL he listen objectively? Did it even matter? When he looked down into those expressive eyes, he knew he wouldn't be able to refuse Omi anything. Not even if Omi wanted him to hand over his heart on a silver platter.

But it couldn't be happening again… not again. He could not fall in love again.

But as he looked down at Omi, he knew that he could… and did.

He was in love with Omi… had been for a long time now.

He just didn't want to admit it. He'd told himself that it was love for a brother, or love for a teammate… But what he felt in his groin was far from anything one feel for a brother and the feeling that was burning in his chest now was more, so much more than what one feel for a friend…

But Omi was kissing another guy…

The thought made him light headed and he swayed unsteadily on his feet. Omi grabbed his good arm and wrapped one arm around Youji's waist to steady him.

"Youji-kun! Are you okay? Let me help you to your room." The youth held him tight and his bare skin rubbed enticingly against Youji's. The taller man took in a sharp breath as every cell in his body scream for him to crush the younger man to him and make love to him right here, right now…

Was that what Omi was going to do with Nao…?

"Youji-kun!" Omi's worried voice cut in through his thoughts and Youji found the strength to push the boy away.

"I'm fine!" He said harshly. If Omi kept touching him, he couldn't guarantee that the boy would be safe from him. "I'm a grown man, Omi, I can certainly take care of myself!"

Omi stood as still as stone next to him, saying nothing. He just stared into Youji's eyes silently.

"What?" Youji asked brusquely. Anger was good; it was safe.

"Frustrated, Youji-kun?" Omi finally asked softly.

"You bet!" Youji said with a sure nod, even though he had no idea where Omi was going with this. "I don't need pampering, Omi. I kill people for a living, remember?"

Omi continued to stare at him and Youji frowned. "What?!" He asked again.

"Now you know how I feel." Omi said softly and turned his face away. It was Youji's turned to stare at his companion. How he felt…?

"Why can't you believe that I can take care of myself?"

"Never underestimate me, Youji-kun. I can handle more than you think."

"You think I'm a kid. You think I'm too young and have to be protected."

"Omi…"

"I kill people for a living too." Omi told him quietly.

Damn, but what WAS happening to his world? Everything was changing so rapidly. A week ago he was just teasing Omi about some girl that was sweet on the teen and now they were talking about… something else he didn't even want to think about. Next thing he knew, they'd be kissing! Ha!

Nani?

Omi was on tiptoes in front of him and the teen's soft lips brushed against his softly but oh so sweetly.

Youji gasped and took a step back in shock. He thought it was his hentai mind thinking delicious thoughts of Omi, he had no idea he was acting it out!

Wait a minute… OMI was the one kissing HIM!

What the hell just happened?!?

TBC….

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Note:

Heh, heh, heh… Go, Omi, go!

And please don't think too badly of Omi… he will explain…

Thank for reading! This chapter is quite long, ne? Please let me know what you think…