Weiss Kreuz Fan Fiction ❯ The Hope Diamond ❯ Kudoh - 16 ( Chapter 16 )

Chapter Sixteen

Reiji Takatori was still awake when the Blood Diamond finally returned to Takatori Estate.

Still clad in his errand clothes, he went straight to the study room where he knew his master would be. He removed his mask and knelt before the open balcony, gaze lowered to the carpeted floor. "Errand completed, Reiji-sama. The heads of Riot no longer lived."

"Excellent." Takatori did not turn away from his contemplation of the night scenery. "You have done well, Ran."

"Arigato, Reiji-sama."

"Go and take your rest."

Ran hesitated. Then he plucked up his courage to say, "Reiji-sama, I have a favor to ask of you."

"Oh?" Takatori finally turned to look at him, one thick graying brow arching up in surprise. "This is the first time you ask a favor of me, Ran. I'm curious to hear it."

"I like to go visit my sister, Reiji-sama." Ran said calmly.

"At this hour?"

"With your permission."

Ran dared not lift his gaze from the floor as he heard Takatori's heavy footsteps approached him. He did not move when he felt a large hand on his head, the fingers threading through his hair even though in the hidden depths of his heart, he cringed at the feel of that unwanted possessive touch.

"My precious Gem," the detestable voice crooned, "are you still unused to killing?"

"Onegai, Reiji-sama." He really needed to get out of here before he retches or do something drastic.

"All right." Takatori released him and stepped away. "You can go visit your sister."

Ran closed his eyes in relief. "Arigato, Reiji-sama."

* * *

The mission was a success.

But Omi was feeling miserable.

He sat in the darkened kitchen, toying with an untouched glass of cold milk, troubled and brooding. Elsewhere in the building, Ken was getting ready to turn in for the night and Yohji had left their apartment after their 'heart-to-heart' talk. It was that 'heart-to-heart' talk that troubled him. Yohji had persuaded him not to report what he saw to Kritiker, to keep it a secret, while refusing to explain why.

Part of him understood why Yohji was so adamant on keeping it a secret. Omi could relate well to the stress of keeping secrets. But, in all good conscience, he could not keep silent either. What Yohji was doing placed Weiss in danger and he, as mission leader, was obliged to eliminate all danger to the team.

But at the same time, he was also very reluctant to destroy what he could deem as Yohij's chance to be happy. Weiss was like a little family, bonded by blood and death, pain and grief. They have saved each other, supported each other and trusted each other. It was a relationship not lightly taken and Omi was loathed to turn on Yohji.

So Omi sat there in the dark, in the wee hours of the night, torn between his allegiance to Kritiker and his loyalty to his friend.

The blond boy gave a start as the kitchen light went on. He turned, blinking his eyes to adjust to the sudden brightness, as Ken entered the kitchen, freshened up from his shower.

"You still up?" Ken inquired as he walked to the fridge.

"Ah…"

"You should be in bed," Ken continued, rummaging through the fridge for a late-night snack. "You have school tomorrow."

"Ah…"

Ken straightened, a bar of chocolate in his hands, and frowned concernedly at him. "Are you all right, Omi?"

Omi hesitated.

Ken was Weiss, an agent of Kritiker. But he was also a friend. More importantly, he was family who had been through the same terrible things. Maybe they would be able to figure a way out of this without telling Kritiker.

Gomen nasai, Yohji-kun. But I cannot, in good conscience, keep this to myself. It isn't right.

Taking a deep breath, Omi said, "Ken-kun, do you have a moment to spare? I have something important to tell you."

* * *

Ran hovered indecisively outside the door of their secret hideaway, back in his human disguise and wearing a plain black laced-up T-shirt and jeans. He could not make up his mind whether to go in or not. He had a strong feeling, a hunch that Yohji was in there, and he didn't know what kind of mood the blond would be in.

He was worried for Yohji.

The blond had acted so strange during his mission earlier that night. Ruthless, almost cruel, unlike his normal jaded but charming self. So full of stone-hard anger and blackest self-loathing that he frightened Ran because he was like a time bomb waiting to explode.

So he came tonight, telling a lie to gain this rare opportunity of limited freedom, to see what he could do to head off the explosion. But now that he was here, Ran realized he was afraid of the daunting task ahead. Once he entered, he just knew that a lot of suppressed emotions were going to be released and he didn't know if he could handle the outburst. He was scared to death that he might not be able to help Yohji.

Ran took a deep breath to calm his agitated mind. Indecision aside, he owed it to Yohji to brave this impending storm. After what the blond had done for him, it would be unforgivable of him to turn his back on Yohji.

Bracing himself, he commanded the door to open and slipped into the darkened interior of the apartment. It was absolutely quiet and pitch-black in the apartment. After a second thought, he locked the door. The turning of the lock was deafening in the silence. Safe from prying eyes, Ran removed his human disguise. Wetting his dry lips nervously, he crept further into the apartment. He decided against turning on a light. It didn't seem appropriate to brighten the place.

He found Yohji in the bedroom, slumped against the wall in a corner. He was half-lying in darkness and half in the slanting fall of light cast by the lamppost outside the bedroom window. There was just enough illumination for Ran to notice two discarded cans of beer on the floor.

"Yohji?" he whispered.

He took a timid step into the bedroom, stopping when his toes came in contact with another empty beer can. How many cans of beer did Yohji had? Full of trepidation, Ran slowly ventured over to the unresponsive blond, sinking down to his knees beside him. "Talk to me, Yohji. Please?"

Finally, Yohji stirred, rousing himself from whatever thoughts he had immersed himself in. "Why are you here?"

Ran's heart ached at the dullness of those words. "I'm worried about you."

"Are you courting death too?" Yohji asked bitterly. "Don't do that. Not for me."

"Yohji -"

"You should go, Ran. Leave me and never come back. I can't promise - I can't promise your safety."

"I don't care for my safety."

"And what about your sister then?"

"Yohji, you're talking nonsense."

"Am I?"

Ran gasped as a hand grabbed the collar of his T-shirt and yanked him close. Dulled green eyes drilled into his, miserable and haunted.

"Tell me, Ran, what exactly can I do for you? Free you? I promised you that, didn't I?"

"Stop it."

"But how can I possibly free you if I can't even protect her? What use am I to you if an ordinary girl, a whore at that, had to die to save my useless ass?"

"Stop it, please."

"Two people with no powers sacrificed themselves to save a Class-A Techno-Mage. What a joke! I should be stripped of my ranking and power. I should -"

"Stop it!" Ran yelled.

His outburst effectively startled Yohji into silence.

"You're an idiot," Ran growled at him. "You are not a superhero. For all your powers, you are only human and not infallible. The girl died to save you, yes. That doesn't mean you are worthless or useless. I don't know what transpired between the both of you in Riot but I know this."

It was Ran's turn to grab Yohji's collar and roughly pulled him close.

"Every girl trapped within Riot has no freedom to do as she pleases. They have absolutely no rights whatsoever. But you gave her her freedom and she chose to do the most unselfish and compassionate thing I have ever seen."

In a softer voice, Ran said, "She chose, Yohji. In the end, that's what she did. So don't go blaming yourself for her death because it was her choice to make that decision."

Pained green eyes shimmered with suppressed tears. "It doesn't make the pain go away, Ran."

"I know." Ran released his hold on Yohji's collar and wrapped his arms around the shaking lanky body, pulling Yohji into a comforting hug. "I know."

Yohji clung onto Ran like a lifeline, burying his head in the redhead's shoulder as the tears finally flowed. "I don't…" Yohji gasped out between great racking sobs that tore through his body, "I don't want the same…same thing…to happen to…you."

"Sssh, don't talk anymore." Ran said soothingly. "I won't die on you."

"Liar…"

Ran smiled sadly even though Yohji could not see. They might have talked about it in the past but he guessed the implication was just hitting Yohji now. If he did free Ran, he would be indirectly killing him. And that must be a nightmarish thought for Yohji who never meant him harm.

"I don't know if I can do it," Yohji confessed. He lifted his head, green eyes red-rimmed and face wet with tears. "I love you so much, Ran. The thought of never seeing you, being with you…it hurts just to think about it. I'll be killing you and I can't do that."

"You can," Ran said simply. "Because of who you are. You won't be able to stand seeing me chained to Takatori for long. Sooner or later, my imprisonment will drive you to fulfill your promise even if you hate carrying it out." He tenderly stroked a tanned cheek. "And when I'm finally free, I will wait for you no matter what. I promise."

With a trembling hand, Yohji reached up and grasped Ran by the back of his head, pulling him forward for a hungry desperate kiss.

Ran folded into his tight embrace, pliant and willing, molding his body to Yohji's. His mouth opened to the demanding tongue seeking entry. Eyes closing, he leaned into the frantic kiss, yielding to the taste that claimed him. The storm of Yohji's passion crashed through him like a tsunami, making him moan in response. He pressed closer, his tongue dueling with the passionate warmth, trying to get more. He was drowning, swamped in the blazing passion and it was still not enough.

So caught up in the inferno of their desire, it took Ran some time before he registered the soft, almost incoherent muttering next to his ear. It was a little while more to get his mind working enough to make sense of the words.

"Ran…onegai…we shouldn't…stop me -"

"No."

Uncomprehending green eyes met resolute purple.

"You need this as badly as I do."

"Taka -"

"I'll shield," Ran cut him off softly. "As best as I can. Just for tonight, make love to me."

He fell silent and waited as green eyes searched his face for any traces of doubt or uncertainty. But Ran was absolutely sure of this. It was the most risky thing he had ever done but he was fed up with holding back. For once, he wanted something for himself - a night with Yohji. They both needed this last connection to complete the circle, to let their love cleanse away the sorrow of death. He hoped the blond would not refuse him.

The redhead's heart leapt for joy when Yohji cupped his face in his warm hands and kissed him. Ran's eyes fluttered close as the tip of a warm tongue traced his lips, coaxing and firm. When he opened his mouth, a loving force sweetly claimed him. All he could do was to wrap his arms around Yohji's neck as the depths of his mouth were ravaged slowly and thoroughly.

Still locked in the kiss, Ran felt Yohji urging him with his hands to stand. He felt fingers entwining in his hair, cradling his head close and a hand splayed at the small of his back, tucking him against the curves of that lean lanky body. Warm breath fanned over his face when Yohji broke the kiss and instead pressed wet nibbling kisses down his throat. He felt the brush of fingers on an ear and under his chin; gently tipping his head back for easier access. He arched up on tiptoes as hands swept up his torso and shivered as a gentle wet kiss was pressed into the junction of his collarbone.

A warm wet tongue licked the contour of his ear, making him gasp and tremble.

"Lift your arms," Yohji whispered.

Obediently, Ran did as he was told and his T-shirt was pulled off with an easy tug. He had barely a moment to feel the cold air on his skin when Yohji picked up where he left off, worshipping every square inch of his skin with touch and kisses.

Ran reveled in the caresses, moaning and tossing his head back. He welcomed Yohji's touch, feeling incredibly cherished and loved. It was so wonderful that Ran regretted holding back in the past.

Suddenly they fell backwards into bed, Yohji landing almost roughly on top of him. But he didn't mind; he welcomed Yohji's weight on him. It was comforting and safe. Hands fumbled at his jeans; Ran heard the shiver of a zipper being undone. Then he felt the heavy material being pulled down his legs and tilted his hips to aid its passage.

Finally naked, Ran laid back against the sheets, raising his arms up and above his head, legs slightly parted to display his pale rosy erection. He felt a blush heating his cheeks and couldn't help lowering his eyes shyly as Yohji's avid green gaze roamed over his nakedness, his eyes devouring him.

His hand twitched as a fit of shyness came over him but it passed quickly. He felt beautiful, wanted and so very free, under Yohji's appreciative gaze. He had never felt this way with Takatori.

"God, you're beautiful." Yohji breathed.

Ran blushed even more.

"Yohji…" His voice died when Yohji began to strip off his clothes.

Amethyst eyes rounded as Ran stared unabashedly. He could feel himself getting harder as all that golden expanse of skin was laid bare before his eyes. Lanky but sinewy, Yoji was nothing but muscles strapped directly to bones. Scars, small and great, marred the smoothness of his skin, testimony to his dangerous life.

Then Yohji was crawling towards him, lying over him, and he was welcoming his lover with an open embrace and a kiss, his legs parting to allow the blond to nestle close to his groin. And then there was no more time to think.

Yohji began in earnest to make love to him. His expert hands played Ran's body like a harp, making his skin burn and his nerves sing with pleasure. Ran could feel himself unfurling, blooming like a flower, under the Yohji's loving onslaught.

When Yohji finally claimed him, sliding into him slowly and fully, Ran couldn't help but sob with happiness. Was this how it was supposed to be like? Was this lovemaking? He did not feel cheapened or tainted. Instead, he was renewed and cleansed. Yohji felt so good within him, so deep that he could feel it to his heart.

The gentle caress of lips over his closed eyes made him aware of his tears.

"Don't cry," Yohji whispered soothingly in a strained voice. "It won't hurt for much longer, I promise."

Ran had to smile at that. He opened his eyes and gazed up at Yohji, their faces so close that Yohji's fall of hair touched his cheeks.

"It doesn't hurt." Ran reached up and caressed that beloved face. "It just felt so good, so right."

Green eyes closed. When they opened again, the intensity of love and emotions in their verdant depths took Ran's breath away.

"I love you," Yohji whispered. He caught hold of Ran's hand and kissed his pale fingers. "I love you."

He began to move, rocking slowly, gently. Ran wrapped his legs around the blond's narrow waist; their gazes never break as they moved in unison.

Their hands remained entwined, pressed against the mattress, as their pace quickened. With every thrust, Yohji's soft declaration filled the air over and over again. They came at the same time, Yohji's declaration changing into a cry of pleasure that mingled with Ran's outburst.

Yohji braced himself on trembling arms above Ran for a shaky moment and then collapsed, heedless of Ran's wet pleasure staining his stomach. The redhead cradled him close, his own breathing erratic and shallow and a soft gentle smile on his face. He could still feel Yohji inside him, the overflowing warmth of his seed spilling down his inner thighs, a wet reminder of this very precious moment. He lovingly rubbed his cheek against the blond head. Come what may, he would always remember this night.

With an effort, the blond shifted to lay beside Ran, the pale smaller man secure within his embrace.

"Aishiteru, Yohji." He smiled soft and gentle at the blond, pale fingers tracing the fine sensual features. "That's the one thing I have never given to Takatori."

"I love you too." Yohji kissed him, slow and deep. "Stay. For as long as you can."

"Hai." And he tugged Yohji down for another kiss.

Interlude

Schuldich lounged languidly on the settee in the living room of Schwartz's luxurious penthouse, green eyes half-lidded as he engaged in his favorite pastime - playing with unsuspecting minds. Already, he had caused one accident at the junction just around the corner of their building and one apparent suicide.

"Don't you have anything else better to do?"

Schuldich cracked open an eye and smirked lazily at the thin teenaged boy. "I barely got started, Nagi."

"You might want to rest that mind of yours for the night, Schuldich."

The German telepath looked up in the direction of that remark and arched a brow at the tired but still calculating expression on Crawford's face.

"Now you look like the cat who got the cream," Schuldich observed. "After running an obstacle course for hours."

"I want you and Farfarello to pay a visit to Takatori tomorrow morning and offer your services to him."

"And why would I want to do that?"

"Because Schwartz simply wants to make sure the pact he made with the Elders will be fulfilled."

"He will buy that?"

"You need to ask?"

Schuldich shrugged. "Fine, we'll go."

"Good." Crawford turned around to head for his bedroom.

//What are you up to, Brad?//

Crawford ignored the telepathic question. His mind was a secret to the telepath and he intended to keep it that way. The future that revealed itself to him was one he had spent many hours and effort just to discern it. It was exhausting work and that future was not completely set in stone yet.

Not until several other events happened first.

In the privacy of his bedroom, Crawford allowed himself a chilling smile.

But when it finally happens, Schwartz will gain the most from it.

Author's Post-Script Notes:

Yeah, it's done! Book 2 is finally underway. I had a devil of a time writing this, trying to get this out before July ends, so I can concentrate on my assignment and coming exam. Needless to say, I'm running a little short on sleep. So please review, onegai?