Weiss Kreuz Fan Fiction ❯ Last Mission ❯ Last Mission ( Prologue )

Last Mission

A/N: Basically AU It takes places after the first season and second season doesn't exist as far as timeline and those little details. LOL.

Aya stood at a worktable in the back greenhouse, not wanting to deal with the highly excitable schoolgirls that filled the main part of the Koneko. He ran the watering can back and forth over top of the small flowers, watching the tiny droplets fall like rain. Suddenly a pair of strong arms grabbed him from behind, wrapping around his waist. Aya jumped slightly and tried to spin to confront the person, but the arms held him firmly.

"Jumpy today." Yohji chuckled as he started nuzzling Aya's neck.

"I told you never to sneak up on me, Kudoh." Aya growled, but relaxed in Yohji's hold. "You're lucky I wasn't holding the pruning shears or I may have stabbed you."

"That's why I did it now. The worst you could is give me a bath." Yohji chuckled.

Aya rolled his eyes. "You are incorrigible."

"That's because I am perfect the way I am." Yohji said. He licked the soft flesh under Aya's ear making the red head shiver.

"I am busy. And you should helping Omi and Ken tend to the shop." Aya said once he managed to collect his wits.

"Shops empty. And I think those flowers have had enough of your attention." Yohji said.

"Jealous?" Aya asked, a small grin on his lips.

"Perhaps." Yohji said. "Though if you really want to stay in here…" He rubbed himself against Aya's backside.

Aya moaned slightly at the touch and pushed himself back against Yohji. "Door locked?"

"Of course." Yohji replied with a grin as he dipped his hands down to begin working on the fastenings of Aya's tight black jeans. He slid on one inside and rubbed Aya lightly through the light black silk boxers.

Aya gripped the edge of the table, trying hard not give into Yohji's ministrations any more then he already had. He closed his eyes taking deep breaths through his nose smelling the flowers, faint traces of cigarette smoke than clung to Yohji but most of all he smelled the scent that was uniquely Yohji.

"Just give in to me." Yohji whispered in Aya's ear. When Aya gave no response, verbal or physical, Yohji sharply bit Aya's ear lobe making violet eyes fly open.

"Yohji."

Yohji chuckled. "Had to get your attention, considering you're trying hard to ignore me."

"Hn."

"You're just such the talkative one." Yohji chuckled.

"Hn." Was Aya's only response once again.

"If you just want to be saying one word I'll make you scream one… my name." Yohji slid his hand under the waistband of Aya's boxers and fondled Aya's balls with a firm yet tender hand.

Aya bit his bottom lip, his hips twitching slightly as he fought to keep from pushing himself onto Yohji's warm, talented hand.

"Give in." Yohji whispered in between licks and light nips at Aya's exposed neck and earlobe. He pushed Aya jeans and boxers down, his fingers trailing along Aya's legs as he moved down to push the clothing completely out of the way. Once the jeans and boxers were pooled around Aya's ankles Yohji slowly stood back trailing kisses, starting from the small of Aya's back all the way up to the base of his neck, as he stood.

Aya shivered but still refused to give in, wanting to prolong this for as long as possible. He worried that Yohji would get bored if it became too easy, even though a rational part of his mind knew that was far from the truth. Yohji undid his own pants and pushed them down enough to free his straining erection, he pushed it teasingly against Aya's tight opening. Aya gripped the edge of the table a little tighter, his knuckles turning white.

"You're tense. Relax, Red." Yohji told Aya. But the stubborn leader of Weiss refused to cooperate. Yohji sighed slightly and began to massage Aya's shoulders wanting him to relax so he wouldn't accidentally hurt Aya.

Aya wanted to groan at the loss of contact between Yohji's hand and his hard cock, but the massage felt wonderful and his muscles quickly started to relax, his grip on the table loosening. Yohji smiled and started slowly massaging lower and lower along Aya's back. Yohji's hands reached Aya's firm ass a couple moments later. He pulled his away, grinning when the loss of contact made Aya stifle a groan protest. Yohji removed a small tube of lube from the pocket of his shirt and flipped the cap open and squeezed a small amount on to his fingers, before leaning forward to set it on the table. Aya gasped slightly as one of Yohji's powerful, and talented, fingers plunged into his ass. His resolve slowly cracking he gave a small push back against the intruding finger.

Yohji smiled. "That's it, Aya just give in to it, give in to me." He whispered as he added a second lube-coated finger, carefully stretching Aya's hole.

Aya gave a soft growl, gripping the edge of the table a little harder, and pushed himself back onto Yohji's fingers.

Yohji chuckled. "What was that about being incorrigible?" Aya growled, but said nothing making Yohji chuckle again. "But I love you anyway."

Aya gave a sharp intake of breath when Yohji added a third finger, striking a sensitive place deep within in. He stilled for a moment before thrusting back against Yohji's finger, again. Yohji slowly moved his fingers in and out Aya's tight hole until he felt the muscles relax around them. This time Aya couldn't suppress a groan when Yohji pulled away. Yohji was too focused now to tease Aya about it as he quickly snatched the tube of lube once again and applied a liberal coating over his rock hard erection. He tossed the tube on to the table and pushed Aya down over the table, keeping one hand against the middle of Aya's back and gripping Aya's hip with his other hand.

The without a word of warning he pressed the tip of his erection into Aya. Aya tensed at first as the thickness invaded him, but pleasure quickly replaced any hint of pain. Slowly Yohji pushed forward until he was completely incased with Aya's warm sheath. For a moment he remained motionless, allowing both of them to completely adjust to the sensation then he began to slowly rock his hips, moving his hand from Aya's back to grip Aya's erection, and leaned his body over top of Aya's. Yohji pumped Aya's erection with the same rhythm that he used to fuck the younger man. At first he was slowly and steady then became lost in the passion fucking Aya with firm thrusts. Aya gripped the table so tightly that his fingers were slowly becoming numb. Aya tossed his head back giving Yohji's mouth access to his neck as he gasped and moaned in pleasure. Locked in passion for several long moments Yohji came screaming his lover's name as he buried his seed deep with Aya. It wasn't long before Yohji's talented hand brought Aya to shattering climax with Aya screaming Yohji's name. Neither cared if there were customers in the main part of the floor shop to over hear them, in fact a part deep of Yohji hoped there was so everyone would know Aya was his and he belonged to Aya.

Pleasure spent Yohji dropped limply down over top of Aya, his breath coming in rapid pants. "Love you, Aya."

Aya closed his eyes, fighting to get his breathing under control, but he didn't return the sentiment and was silent for a moment.

Yohji smiled. "It's okay. You don't have say it, I know it." He hugged his arm around Aya's waist and held him and he rested his forehead against the back of Aya's shoulder.

Neither man moved for longest time. It was Aya that was the first to move, shifting slightly under Yohji's weight as he began to grow uncomfortable. "We need to clean up."

Yohji sighed, but he knew Aya was right. "At least I got you to scream." He chuckled as he pulled off of Aya.

"Hn."

"Ever the conversationalist you are." Yohji laughed as he stepped away to get a towel. Yohji dampened the towel at the sink and stepped back to where Aya was still laid over the table. Aya's body was completely relaxed as Yohji tenderly began to wipe him off, which made Yohji smile. "Nice to see you so relax."

"Hmm." Aya said. He felt more then just relaxed, and even though moving had been his suggestion he really didn't feel like doing it quite yet.

Yohji smiled even more as he looked down at Aya. After cleaning both of them off he fixed both of their clothing, and tucked the emergency tube of lube back into his pocket. He picked Aya up and turned the shorter man to face him, caressing the side of Aya's face with one hand while he held Aya close with his other arm. For moment they just stared into each other's eyes, love evident in both jade and violet. Yohji was just about to lean in and kiss Aya when a loud knock at the door interrupted them.

"Yohji-kun. Aya-kun. You two busy?" Omi asked from the other side of the locked door. Neither man answered Omi's question. "Manx is here. She has a mission… for Yohji."

Yohji frowned. He hated solo missions. Weiss was a team and he wondered why they ever sent any of them on solo missions. Omi knocked again. "We'll be right out Chibi." He looked at Aya, noticing that even though he wasn't the one with a mission that Aya had gone into Abyssinian mode. "Let's go see what this mission is all about then, shall we?" Aya gave a short nod, pulling away from Yohji and heading for the door. Yohji sighed deeply and followed after him.

~`~

The mission required undercover work. The mission was dangerous. But Manx made it clear it was a mission that Yohji wasn't allowed to refuse to take. Omi and Ken had both voiced their protests about this mission, but Aya remained silent. The only time he spoke was to remind them they were Weiss and such choices were not really theirs to make.

Yohji moved around his room, preparing for the mission, wishing his lover had at least protested the way his friends had, instead of not seeming to care about the danger of the mission. Yohji was so lost in his thoughts that he jumped when he heard his door open.

"Jumpy today, aren't you?" Aya teased humourlessly.

"I just was thinking about other things and wasn't expecting anyone to come walking into my room." Yohji said.

Aya closed the door and walked over to where Yohji was standing. "I know you are upset that I didn't voice any protest about this mission, but it wouldn't have accomplished anything if I had. You would still be forced to take the mission. And too much protest would only make Kritiker suspect…"

"I know." Yohji cut Aya's attempt at an apology off. "We both agreed to keep our relationship from them."

"Yohji…"

Again Yohji cut Aya's words off, only this time it was with a kiss. Aya leaned into the kiss. Yohji wrapped his arms around Aya's slender waist and held him close. It was several long moments before the kiss broke, for the need of air, and the two men looked at each other for a moment.

"Be careful tonight." Aya said.

"Of course." Yohji smiled. "I'll be back before you can even miss me."

Aya didn't say anything, instead he leaned into Yohji's warm embrace. Yohji didn't want to let Aya go, but knew the sooner he finished the mission the sooner he could be back with Aya.

"I have go." Yohji said quietly.

Aya gave slightly nod and stepped back from the warm embrace. He looked at Yohji for a moment before turning and leaving the room.

~`~

That was the image that Aya kept seeing in his mind, the way Yohji looked at that moment for it was the last time he had seen Yohji.

When Yohji hadn't returned the by the next morning the others weren't very worried as it wasn't rare that for any of them to not return from a mission until late morning or afternoon the next day. Aya kept himself busy in the Koneko working on the more complex flower arrangements. At first glance it would seem that Aya didn't seem at all concerned with Yohji's lateness, though every time the door bells jingled he looked up from his work obviously hoping it was Yohji entering the shop.

"I'm sure he'll be back any time now, you know how Yohji is." Ken said as he dropped another order onto Aya's worktable.

"Hn." Aya said, snatching the piece of paper and looking at the order. Instantly memorizing it he set out to work.

"Gee, don't look so worried." Ken chuckled slightly earning a cold death glare from the redhead.

"Ken-kun, stop bugging Aya." Omi said.

Ken looked over at Omi, who was sweeping the floor near the door. "I am not bugging him. I was just…."

"Come help me sweep." Omi said as he gave Ken a long look.

Ken sighed in understanding. "Yeah, alright." He walked away from Aya's worktable and grabbed a broom.

By late afternoon Yohji had still not returned and the after school crowd of squealing fangirls had mobbed the small shop. Omi and Ken were busying rushing around the shop and Aya was getting more frustrated with each passing moment of listening to all the squeals.

"If you are not buying anything… GET OUT!" Aya said. His tone angrier then most days make several girls jump and start to whine. Aya growled slightly, rubbing his temples with his fingertips, when none of the girls left the shop. His violet eyes flashed with anger. "EVERYONE OUT! WE ARE CLOSING, NOW!"

Omi and Ken glanced at Aya seeing the anger in the violet eyes and tension in the florist's body they decided it was best to get all the customers out before Aya went for his katana. They ushered the whining girls out muttering an apology about closing early.

"Aya, are you okay?" Omi asked. Genuine concern could be heard in his voice as he looked at Aya with worried blue eyes.

"Hn." Aya growled.

"Well, at least you refrained from killing any customers." Ken said.

Aya glared at Ken then turned and left the flower shop, headed for the living area of the building.

~`~`

By night Yohji still hadn't returned, or contacted them in any way, and that's when everyone really started to worry about him. Manx had said it was a simple mission and that was partly why they had only wanted one member of Weiss to take it, and Yohji was the one chosen to do the mission.

Omi knocked on Aya's closed door. "Aya-kun… it's time for dinner. Ken-kun just got back with the takeout." When Aya didn't respond Omi continued. "You need to have something to eat." Still there was no response. "At least come have some tea." Omi sighed when Aya still didn't respond. He was about to knock again when the door was jerked open. Aya stood dressed in his assassin garb. "Aya… what are you doing? You don't have a mission."

"I am going out." Aya said in a tone that left no room for argument.

"Where are you going?" Omi asked worriedly.

"Looking for Yohji." Aya said.

"But, Aya-kun…." Omi started to say but Ken suddenly interrupted him.

"Manx is here." Ken said.

Aya's eyes darkened at thought of being sent on a mission when Yohji was still missing.

"Maybe she knows where Yohji is." Omi said.

"I…" Ken started to say. "Yeah, maybe."

The three of them walked down the stairs to the mission room and saw a very somber looking Manx standing by the bottom of the stairs.

"You have a new mission." Manx said.

"But Yohji isn't back yet." Omi said.

Manx didn't say anything she just moved to put the tape in and dim the lights as a computer generated image of Persia appeared on the screen.

"Weiss, you have a mission. You're targets are Yoko Kimotou…" An image of the target flashed on the screen.

"That was Yohji's target, wasn't it?" Omi whispered to Ken who just nodded.

"And Yohji `Balinese' Kudoh."

"WHAT?" Ken questioned loudly as he stared at the screen.

They all turned to look at Manx, not listening to the rest of the tape.

"The mission is real." Manx said as she turned the lights back on.

"It can't be… not Yohji-kun." Omi said, looking like he wanted to cry at the very thought of it.

"He failed the mission." Manx explained.

"But why are we being told to kill Yohji?" Omi asked.

Manx didn't look Omi in the eye, she was obviously trying hard to look any of them in the eye. "He was captured and… Kritiker fears what information he may give to them."

"But… Yohji wouldn't tell them anything." Omi insisted.

"If you refuse the mission it will be given to another team. It was thought that you would rather…"

"That we'd rather be the ones to kill our friend." Ken angrily cut Manx off.

Before anyone could say anything Aya stepped forward. "We'll take the mission." He took the folder of new information on the targets from Manx.

"AYA!" Ken said looking at the red head as though he was insane. "How can you take this mission?"

"It has to be done." Aya said.

"No… Aya-kun you can't… we can't…it's Yohji." Omi stammered, looking even more upset then before.

Ken put a comforting hand on Omi's shoulder. "He can do it because he's a heartless bastard."

"Are you all in?" Manx asked.

Ken glanced at Omi for a moment and the two seemed to share and unspoken conversation. "Yes. We are all in."

Aya headed over towards the computer. "I'll do the computer work this time."

Omi started to protest, but silenced when Aya turned to glare at him for a moment before continuing on his way.

"I am sorry it came to this." Manx said.

"So are we." Omi said sadly.

Manx gave a slight nod and turned and headed up the stairs.

"Aya… do you need any help?" Omi asked.

"Hn." Aya responded.

"Just leave him be. He's just a heartless bastard that doesn't really care who his target it." Ken spat out.

Aya tensed slightly but continued his work on the computer.

"Aya-kun…" Omi said, stepping towards the older man.

Ken put a hand on Omi's shoulder to stop him. "Let's go upstairs and… prepare."

Omi sighed and nodded. "Alright." He glanced one last time at Aya before continuing up the stairs leaving the redhead alone.

Once he was alone in the room Aya took a deep breath and slowly released it as he ran his fingers through his hair. He tried hard to focus on what he was doing and not think about what had happened to Yohji to lead to his capture. And he tried even less to think about the fact that Yohji was now their target.

~`~`

It was nearly two hours later before Aya came back up the stairs, his face set with unwavering determination. Omi and Ken where waiting near the top of the stairs and were talking quietly until Aya stepped into the room abruptly ending their conversation.

"Here's the location." Aya said extending a piece of paper towards Omi who made no move to take it.

"Aya…" Omi started to say then sighed. He knew the look in Aya's eyes meant the older man was in complete assassin mode. "Abyssinian, you have to reconsider this mission. It's Yohji."

"We have already accepted it. There is no reconsidering." Aya said in a cold tone.

"You fucking heartless bastard! Yohji would have never agreed to kill you. You never even protested!" Ken yelled glaring at Aya.

"The location." Aya shoved the paper into Omi's hand. "Is a warehouse on the east end of the docks. I will meet you there."

"But…" Omi started to protest but Ken quickly cut him off.

"Fine." Ken said as he grabbed Omi's arm and steered him away.

"Why did you agree?" Omi asked, somehow managing to look even more upset.

"Because if we find Yohji first we can keep Aya from killing him." Ken said.

"Oh." Omi said. But he wondered if that really help the situation or if by doing so they would find themselves targets.

~`~`

Twenty minutes later Aya headed to the location, a small warehouse owned by Kimotou. Though this warehouse was far from the location he had given Omi and Ken. He hid his car a short distance away, down a dimly lit alley and he moved swiftly through the night, keeping himself within the dark shadows, keeping an ever-vigilant eye out for signs of movement. He stopped by the building next to the warehouse, watching from the shadows to see how guarded the warehouse was. It took a few moments, but finally he saw there was only one guard patrolling the perimeter of the building. The man was tall with huge bulking muscles and a large gun, obviously Kimotou thought muscle and firepower like meant only one guard was needed, which against a trained assassin like Aya meant absolutely nothing. Aya rushed forward, gliding soundlessly as he moved up behind the large man with the stealth of a cat. With a quick swing of his arm he brought his katana forward. The man stopped when he saw the glint of silver but by then it was late, the blade sliced his throat and his dead body slumped forward.

Aya didn't spare the dead guard a second thought as he hopped up on a stack of crates to be able to see in the window to assess the situation. The window was so dirty that Aya had to wipe an area off with his hand in order to see through it. He peered in through the small spot he had cleared, though it was still dirty enough to distort his sight, giving everything an almost surreal feel. The warehouse had two levels of single large rooms. The second floor was dark, and was no doubt merely a storage area and Aya paid it little attention. The main floor was filled with stacks of crates lining the walls near the large bay door at the back of the building. A small delivery truck near the bay door, crates stack around it as though it had been previously in the process of loading or unloading a delivery. But Aya wasn't paying any attention to those things, his attention was focused on the center of the room.

Three men, including Kimotou were standing around Yohji, who was suspended from the rafters by his wrists, his feet inches from the floor. Yohji's chest was bare and even from this distance Aya could see cuts and bruises that covered Yohji's chest. Aya tensed with anger as he watched one of Kimotou's guard strike Yohji across the back with whip. Then he heard a sound that made his heart clench, Yohji's pain scream echoed off the walls of the warehouse. Followed by the sound of the three men laughing at Yohji's pain.

As the man prepared to strike again Aya lunged forward, one arm across his face as he shattered through the large window in a spray of glass. He jumped down from crate to crate until he was crouched on the floor. Small shards of glass fell to the floor, from off his shoulders, as he slowly stood up, reaching for his sword and slowly unsheathing as he stood. His violet eyes were ablaze with anger and hate as he glared at Kimotou and his men.

Kimotou and his guards looked towards the Aya expressions of shock, and a touch of fear, on their face as they watched the red headed.

"DON'T JUST STAND THERE! GET HIM!" Kimotou roared.

The guards rushed to grab their guns and started firing at Aya who dodged every bullet with gracefully determination as he rushed towards them. Aya lunged forward onto the first guard and plunged the sword into the man's stomach and twisted it, slicing upwards as pulled the blade it out. Even before the man's lifeless body hit the floor Aya had turned his attention to the second guard. The second guard fumbled with his gun, his hands trembling far too much to fire off another shot. Aya lunged and slashed out with the katana, slicing the man deeply across the chest. The guard stumbled back a few steps, his eyes wide and a look of disbelief on his face; he let out a short, quiet laugh before dropping dead onto the dirty floor. With the last guard down Aya turned to Kimotou.

Kimotou grabbed a knife and held the blade near Yohji's throat, his hand trembling. "DROP IT OR I'LL KILL HIM!" Aya glared at the man for a moment then tossed the katana to the floor. Kimotou grinned in triumph. "Now put your hands up."

Slowly Aya began to comply, but then instead of raising his hands the whole way he brought one hand over to the watch on his wrist and pulled out a length of wire. He was thankful that he had thought to wear Yohji spare wire to have a backup weapon. Aya snapped the wire out and wrapped it around Kimotou's throat, managing it almost as well as Yohji. Kimotou's eyes widened as the steely wire wrapped around his throat. Aya pulled his arm back making Kimotou stumbled forward and collapse onto his knees. Keeping the wire taunt Aya bent down and retrieved his sword and slowly began to approach Kimotou. Aya glared at the other man with pure hate glowing in his violet eyes. Kimotou eyed Aya as though he were the grim reaper, his blue eyes wide with terror at the knowledge his own death was close at hand. Aya raised the sword and with one swift movement beheaded Kimotou.

Aya snapped the wire off immediately turned his attention to Yohji, his katana still in hand. Aya reached out and tenderly caressed Yohji's cheek with one hand.

Yohji's eyes fluttered open, the jade orbs were filled with pain but he smiled at Aya. "I knew you would come." He whispered.

Aya smiled sadly at Yohji and raised the katana once again. However instead of using the blade to take Yohji's life he used it to cut the ropes that bound him. Yohji slumped forward and Aya quickly caught him with one arm and slowed his collapse while Aya bent down with Yohji, keeping an arm around him the whole time. Up close Aya could see all the injures that covered Yohji's back and chest. There were small burn marks, most likely made by the end of a burning cigarette, deep bruises and numerous cuts covered his chest and his back looked like a roadmap of red lines left behind by the whip. It broke Aya's heart to know all the pain Yohji had suffered while he waited for a rescue mission, all the time never knowing that those he called friends were going to be sent to kill him. For a moment Aya sat there holding Yohji close, then slowly he stood up.

"We have to go now, Yohji." Aya said. "Do you think you can manage to walk a bit?"

"Yeah… with some help." Yohji said. "Where's…" he started to ask but never got a chance to finish his sentence.

"They are at a different location." Aya said.

"Why?" Yohji asked, looking confused at Aya slowly helped him towards the door.

"To make the mission easier." Aya said.

"How?"

Aya sighed. "I'll tell you later."

Yohji was quiet for a moment before finally agreeing. "Alright."

With Yohji leaning on Aya they slowly made their way to Aya's car, walking in complete silence, with Aya keeping watch for any more possible dangers.

Yohji flinched slightly as Aya helped him into the car, the leather seat aggravating his injured back. It took a moment, and Aya's help, before he managed to find a almost comfortable way to sit. Aya then walked around the car and got in behind the and started to drive. For the first couple minutes both men still remained silent. It was Yohji who spoke first.

"Gonna tell me now?"

"No." Aya said. "Try to get some rest now."

"Aya… what aren't you telling me? Are Omi and Ken alright?" Yohji asked worriedly.

"They're both fine." Aya assured him.

"But then why…" Yohji glanced out the window. "This isn't the way home."

"I know." Aya said quietly.

"Then… where are we going?" Yohji asked.

"Just get some rest, Yohji." Aya said.

"Aya… please tell me what is going on?" Yohji said.

Aya sighed, his fingers tightening on the steering wheel. "Very well… you failed the mission so Kritiker made you a target."

"What?" Yohji sat up a little straighter and instantly wished he hadn't when it made his injures burned with new pain. "You're kidding… right?"

"No." Aya said refusing to look at Yohji.

"You didn't accept the mission did you?" Yohji asked. There was a long moment of tense silence. "You did, didn't you?" Yohji gave a short laugh. "I can't believe it. You're taking me out to kill me. What a hell of a last date."

Aya was quiet for a moment. "Do you honestly believe that I would kill you?"

Yohji blinked and looked at Aya as he thought about the question. Abyssinian was a heartless assassin… but Aya was not. "No. I don't believe that you would ever kill me." Aya smiled, and visibly relaxed. "So, then where are we going?"

"Somewhere that we will never be found." Aya said.

"But what about Omi and Ken?" Yohji asked.

"I sent them to the wrong location. They didn't know that I wasn't completing the mission. But I did leave a letter for Omi to explain some things." Aya said.

"What about your sister?" Yohji asked.

Aya was silent for a moment. "There really isn't anything that I can do for her. I avenge what happened to her and our parents… that was really all I ever set out to do." Aya said quietly.

"I'm sorry." Yohji said quietly.

"For what?"

"Because of me you'll never see your sister again." Yohji said.

Aya glanced at Yohji for a moment. "I love you, Yohji." He said before turning attention back on to the dark road ahead of them. "And I would do anything for you. If keeping you alive means I have to leave and never see my sister again… then… then that's the way I want it." Aya said, in a sad voice.

"I'm not worth it, Aya. You shouldn't have to make a choice like that."

"I know it is what she would want me to do. It hurts to leave her but I know she would understand. That's how I am able to do this for you… for us." Aya said.

"Oh Aya…" Yohji leaned himself over against the redhead and wrapped an arm around Aya's waist. He was surprised that Aya was willing to leave his sister, but he knew that Aya meant every word that he was saying. "I love you too."

Aya smiled and wrapped one arm carefully around Yohji as he drove. "I asked Omi to look after her, and I know I can trust him and Ken to keep her safe while I keep you safe."

There was another long moment of silence that was again broken by Yohji.

"What are we going to do? I mean… if you don't do the mission doesn't that mean you'll be a target?" Yohji asked worriedly.

"Don't worry about it. I arranged everything before I left the Koneko." Aya said. "It'll be another hour until we reach the airstrip so get some rest. Once we are on the plane we'll tend to your injures."

"The plane?" Yohji questioned. "You really did plan this out, didn't you?"

"Yes. I was careful to not leave an obvious trail as well, booking several different flights as well as spots on the train." Aya said.

"Clever." Yohji said. "So we take this plane to the actual hideout?"

"Not exactly. It's only the first flight. We'll have several flights, and then I have to take care of a couple more things. Then we'll get to where we are going." Aya said.

"How long did it take you to plan all this?" Yohji asked.

"A couple hours." Aya said. Before Yohji could say anything Aya continued. "But don't worry about any of it. We'll be alright. I promise. Now get some rest."

"Alight." Yohji said. He closed his eyes, knowing he would be perfectly safe there with Aya.

~`~

Epilogue - Two years later

"This place is great Ken." Omi said as watched the scenery roll past from the window of the small taxi, as they bounced along the dirt road. The road was line with tall trees and beautiful flowers in every shade of the rainbow, and they could hear the occasional bird, almost seeming to cheerful greet them as they drove past. "A month isn't going to be nearly enough."

"It is beautiful." Ken said. Though he wasn't looking at the scenery he was looking at Omi.

"I am so glad we heard about this island. A Caribbean vacation is just what we needed." Omi turned to Ken and noticed Ken was looking at him and he blushed.

But before either of them could cay anything else the taxi pulled to a stop in front of a small, yet fancy looking hotel. Ken paid the driver and climbed out, holding Omi's hand.

A few minutes later they were checked in and their bags were in their room and they begun to explore the village. There were several small shops arranged in a large circle, a beautiful water fountain with images of native legends cared into the stone. They spent a while looking the fountain over and tossing in a couple coins for good luck before continuing on to the shops.

They stopped in several small stores before reaching a store that sold art work done by local artists. They wandered around the shop looking at artwork, trying to find a piece for their apartment. They had just started looking when a particular painting caught Omi's attention.

"KEN!" Omi grabbed Ken's arm and pulled him to a stop. "Look at this painting…"

Ken turned and looked to see what kind of painting had gotten Omi so worked up. His eyes widened in shock. The painting was of a man sitting under a tree, vibrant colour flowers all around him, and a small jungle cat curled up by him. But it was the man that got their attention. Crimson hair framed a softly tanned skin and violet eyes glittered out at them.

"That's…." Omi stammered.

The shop owner came over. "That's one of our most popular artists. "

Omi turned and looked at the shop owner wanting to ask a million questions but unable to find his voice to ask. Fortunately Ken wasn't so tongue-tied. "Do you know where we could find the artist?"

"Looking for a custom painting?"

"Something like that." Ken said.

"I don't know where they live exactly, but…" The shopkeeper started to say but a loud voice, from outside, interrupted him.

"YOHJI! You are not selling that painting!"

Omi and Ken turned to look at the door and saw Yohji and Aya standing there, Yohji holding a couple paintings. Aya was glaring at Yohji, but there was something much softer about his glare then his old death glare. Yohji's eyes were sparkling with mischief. Both men looked nearly identical to the way Omi and Ken had last seen them, only Aya's skin was lightly tanned, an no longer so pale, and he appeared to be happier then they could ever remember seeing him look before. And Yohji's hair was a bit longer then it had been before.

"Yohji-kun! Aya-kun!" Omi raced towards his old teammates and caught Aya with a big hug.

"O…Omi?" Aya stammered looking shocked.

Omi had grown a couple inches making him and Ken nearly the same height and his face had filled out a bit with maturity. But he was the only one who changed in appearance Ken looked exactly the same as he had two years ago.

"What are you…" Aya started to ask then noticed Ken coming towards them. "What are you two doing here?"

"A month long vacation." Omi said turning to hug Yohji.

"Well it's certainly a surprise to see you two here." Yohji laughed.

"More surprising to see the two of you. Never thought we would see you again." Ken said.

"Yeah, you certainly know how to hide yourself." Omi said.

"You still working for…" Yohji started to ask.

Omi quickly shook his head. "We stopped a long time ago."

"Why don't we go someplace to talk? We have a lot to catch up on." Aya suggested.

Everyone nodded in agreement and they began to walk away talking and laughing still close as family even after a long separation.

The End.