A/N: THE CHAPTER GREW A MIND OF ITS OWN. T-T So 'tis seems filler chapter, sorry. FOR THE RECORD, I really do love Sheik as a character, but I have a habit of making him… 'Disliked' in the eyes of the characters. ((Not much of a habit since this is only my second story *shot*)) Anyway, Sheik and Blue's story will unfurl soon, possibly next chapter. Thanks for the reviews/ favorites/ follows guys! You rock! :D

Disclaimer: I own nothing.

Beta'd by: xD NaruSasuNaru

*Because science doesn't apply when I don't want it to XD

-Chapter 4: Under My Skin-
Shadow's PoV

When I feel you close to me
It's easy to believe
To the depths and back again
To find that I'm still needed
I feel the fear dissipate
When you are everything you are
Feel my soul come awake
You carry me away
-Under My Skin; Skillet

"For the love of Nayru you took forever. I said I'd be here at nine, yea? What held you up, busy with putting on your make up, Princess?"

"Shut up and drive, idiot. I'm only ten minutes late anyway."

I chortled as Vio climbed into the passenger side seat beside me. He was decked out in a pair of slim black jeans and a tight, long-sleeved violet V-neck, a silver necklace with a Triforce charm dangling around his neck. His blonde hair framed his face, his bangs covering part of one of his eyes.

I, on the other hand, wore loose, faded, ripped blue jeans and a black T-shirt with a band logo on it; a leather jacket with various chains attached onto it over that. I had large red studs in my ears, crimson contacts in, my purple hair in a style similar to Vio's.

From where I sat I could smell the faint scent of his light cologne and his shampoo mingled together, a calming scent that I loved.

I can't believe I can act so normal around him when last night I jacked off to his magnificent ass.

Without much thought I mused aloud, "You smell good."

Well, maybe not so 'normal'.

He looked at me with disdain flickering on his beautiful face. "Shadow, please, can we skip the flirtatious antics? Save it for your girlfriend."

"What girlfriend?" I grinned.

"You broke up with the latest one? When? Why?" He looked a bit more interested now, raising one of his eyebrows inquisitively.

"A week ago, she wasn't exactly the relationship type." Because I accidently said your name during sex- she broke up with me, not the other way around. I sighed and leaned back in my chair. "…Ya ever think I'll meet the right person?"

"Hm. I'm skeptical, it's a miracle that I can put up with you, and I'm not even your wife." I faked injury, trying to ignore the jolt of happiness at the thought of Vio as my wife: a long white gown, silver rings, beaming guests- "I'm kidding." His tone softened. "Of course you will, Shadow. You'll find someone perfect for you; you'll fall in love and have your contented ending."

…I already have found someone perfect for me.

I smiled. "Thanks V." I sat up straight and tore my eyes from him as I pulled out into the street. We had been parked outside his apartment complex, since I had agreed to take him to the bookstore in exchange for him staying up with me last night. He got his book; I got my time with him. It was a win-win situation for both of us. "Ya think we'll be able to find a book you haven't already read?"

"Of course we will. It's not as if I've read every book in existence. I do have other things in my life than just reading to attend to."

"Yea, but we all know that if you had the choice your life would revolve solely around reading." I grinned at him and he shrugged.

"I won't deny it."

Din damn, he's so cute…

The rest of the ride passed in comfortable silence, with Vio looking out his window. I managed to find a spot in a parking garage: I fucking hated those damned garages, hard as hell to find a spot and then you have to pay an ass-load of money- what a fucking rip-off!

My blonde companion laughed quietly as I grumbled and swore under my breath. We walked to a small bookstore down the street, Vio's favorite. A bell tinkled quietly as we entered, disrupting the silence of the empty shop. Of course it was empty- who the hell got up at nine on a Saturday just to shop for books?!

Oh, that's right, Vio does.

A small old lady was behind the counter, and she looked up and grinned at us as we walked in. "Good morning, dears." She cooed, "So nice to see young people out and about."

Vio smiled gently at her. "That it is. Good morning to you, as well."

The shop owner knew Vio by name and me by appearance. She was nice enough, but I didn't want to wait while my blonde- My blonde- and she discussed the latest historical documentaries- which sadly enough had happened before. I smiled at the woman, leading Vio towards the back of the store by his elbow. I could tell he was rolling his eyes, but honestly, I didn't care.

I released him once we reached the history section. History had always been one of his favorite subjects, as well as math and science and- well, he liked everything educational, I supposed.

I watched him stroll through the shelves in pursuit of a book. Not only did we have to search for a book that he hadn't yet read, but as well as one that wasn't on a subject he knew everything about; which made book-hunting a lengthy and tedious process.

After a few minutes of scanning volumes of books long forgotten I looked up. "What about that one? Way up there?" I pointed towards the top of the book shelf. The book shelves in this store were way too tall, they stood about nine or ten feet high and were crammed with books. But despite the distance I could for some reason just tell it was perfect.

Vio followed my gaze and chuckled, his thoughts along the lines of mine. "Great. I don't believe I've read a book like that before…"

"Want me to go ask for a ladder or some assistance?" I sucked my bottom lip. "'Cause I don't think you'll be able to reach that." Of course he wouldn't. The book was the second shelf from the top, at least eight feet up where Vio was only five foot nine. I sadly wasn't eight feet tall either, only five foot ten. Taller than bookworm though!

"Shadow, I'm not going to ask an old woman to help me grab something. That's cruel." He took a step back, his mouth in a small frown as usual. "Give me a boost."

I paused, looking at him incredulously. "…What?"

"Give me a boost." He repeated. "I can grab it if you help." He gave me a challenging look. "Or are you too weak to lift me?"

I smirked, spurred on by his playful attitude. "And I thought I was the one who came up with ideas that were against the rules?" Let's face it, lifting someone up in a bookstore wasn't exactly public behavior; and Vio was normally the type to stick with guidelines. Not that I minded breaking those rules…

"What can I say? Your attitude has been rubbing off on me." He shrugged. Not the only thing of mine that's been rubbed off because of you… "Or what, you won't do it?"

"Heh. Fine, I'll boost your short book-loving ass."

"Short?" He grumbled. "I'm only an inch shorter, so shut up." He moved me to where he wanted, and then backed up. "…Ready?"

I bent my knees, back straight, and linked my fingers together to create a bridge. "Ready." I nodded.

He took a deep breath, then dashed forward, jumping onto my hands just as I straightened my body, consequently lifting him up. I grunted as I kept my locked hands at mid-chest, holding Vio four, five feet higher than his natural height.

Thank Din the ceilings were high in this store.

I could hear the sound of books and paper ruffling above me, but Vio didn't seem to be in much of a rush. "Ugh… Hurry up, bookworm, you're fucking heavy." I grunted.

"I have a scientifically perfect body weight, thank you." I heard him retort from above me. "…Alright, I got it."

…Shit. Now how to get him down? I wasn't lying; while he was indeed perfectly shaped and sensually curved, he was heavy on my hands. I started to bend my knees when I suddenly lost my balance- how the hell didthat happen?- and fell backwards.

Blinded momentarily from the pain of landing on the wooden floor I heard a yelp and Vio landed on me. I cried out again and groaned; waiting a moment before I opened my pain-blurred eyes to find Vio pushing himself up from my chest.*

He was straddling me, his hands on either side of upper torso. "Fuck… Are you okay?" His eyes, normally narrowed in scrutiny, were wide and alarmed as he spoke.

"Yeah…" I breathed out. Other than the flashes of pain in the back of my skull and the stinging sensation all along my back I wasn't in nearly as much pain as one would suppose; even after Vio crashing on top of me. "I'm fine… Are you okay? You didn't break anything did you?"

I was worried for him- I wasn't exactly the most comfortable thing to land on; although I was better than a stone floor. I was also sturdier than he was, I could take more physical damage. At the same time, I was also trying to ignore our position, which was getting harder to disregard with every passing second. I was amazed my body hadn't sprung into sexual mode the moment he landed on me, and better yet, he didn't seem bothered by our compromising position.

"I'm fine... I would be better if you hadn't decided to fall though." He glared.

I grinned weakly. "I second that."

Just then the owner of the shop huddled over into view. "I heard a thud! …But you two seem alright…" She blushed a bit as she looked us over, grinning. "…Excuse my interruption, boys." She winked and hobbled off.

Vio slowly looked back down at me. "Did… she just wink at us?" He's so adorable when he's confused~

"Yup." I kept an even gaze, smirking. "I wonder why she would do that. Not like we're in some weird position or anything…"

His eyes widened again before narrowing in a glare. "Oh, shut up." He sat up on me, folding his arms across his chest. "This never would have happened if you had had any sense of balance."

"Hm." I propped myself up on my elbows. "Ya know, true as that may be, we're still in a rather… huh, how do I put this? We're still in a compromising position here, Vio."

His cheeks betrayed his collected attitude by flushing a light pink. "You don't seem to be too bothered by it though."

I smirked, sitting up, nearly pressing our torsos together, close enough to kiss. "Of course not, I-" I winced suddenly, one of my hands flying to the back of my head. "Ow…"

Vio's cross look changed to one of concern and he frowned worriedly. "Are you sure you're okay, Shadow?" He unfolded his arms. "What happened?"

"Mn… My head hurts like hell from crashing into the floor." I moaned in pain. "I'm fine… Fuck…" It throbbed again and I clenched my teeth, speaking through them. "I'm okay." I tried not to think too much about how he said my name. He made it sound… sensual… as the letters came from his lips teeth and tongue... For the love of the Three this is not the time to notice that.

He climbed off me, kneeling next to me instead. "You did hit the ground pretty hard… You might have a concussion-"

"I'm fine, Vio." I tipped my head back, willing the pain away as I waved him off. "Don't worry 'bout me bookworm."

"I have to worry about you, since you won't take care of yourself. Shadow, you hit the ground hard, and then I landed on you. I don't want you to end up in the hospital or something."

"Aw, you care about me? That's cute, V."

"You're my ride home and my ticket to lunch." He huffed. "More like I'm worried about my chauffer."

"Ouch. That hurt more than the fall."

-Page Break-

As it was, I ended up with nothing but minor pains and a headache, all of which were dispelled with a few pills. I bought Vio the book, despite his protests of being able to pay for himself- which led to a discussion of 'manly men' and rainbows.

Because fuck logic.

We were in a booth in a small restaurant a block down from the book shop. The brick walls, dimmed lighting, mahogany booths, slightly tinted windows- it made for an intimate atmosphere, one which I wished I could enjoy fully, like many of the other customers here.

I remembered walking past said couples on the way to the booth, their soft smiles and quiet laughter, faces illuminated sweetly in the spring afternoon sunlight. I want to be like that… Hands held under the table, loving glances, stolen kisses when we think no one is looking. Why can't we be like that, Vio and I? Why can't we just…

I looked across the table to Vio, who was focused on the book, which he had laying open on the table. I took in the way his pink lips were relaxed and softly turned down in his thoughtful frown, the way his long eyelashes swept his cheeks when he blinked. His soft hair shadowing part of his skin, a bit of it covering one of his eyes completely now that he was looking downwards. I reached forward thoughtlessly, tucking the strand behind his ear.

He didn't flinch or glare at me as I did so, didn't move at all to indicate that he noticed what I had done. He just let me do it, leaving me with nothing but the tell-tale sign of his ears tinting a faint rose.

I looked away, frowning to myself. He never complained when I touched him, not like he had when we were younger. He didn't like too much physical contact, but he tolerated me. That was good but… He never touched back. Didn't lean into my hand when I brushed his hair away, didn't press a kiss to my cheek. Didn't take my titles of affection seriously.

It was my fault, I supposed. For being such a flirt back in high school, and partially college. Going around and calling all the babes pet names, running my hand down their backs and acting like I had it all. I could tell that he thought I was the same as ever, that I didn't think of him that way.

I leaned back against the leather booth, closing my eyes. Vio was just… something about him… The way he smiled and laughed when it was just the two of us, the look he'd get when I did something that pleased him immensely. His powerful attitude and his calm demeanor. All of him was so… Alluring, mysterious, calming… Like a warm storm that made you want to bask in the glory of nature, I wanted to inhale his splendor.

That was, after all, the reason I had flocked to him in the first place all those years ago when we were just adolescents. He was a puzzle, a challenge, something I wanted to unlock and solve. And once I had… Well, there was always more to him, a game with infinite levels that beckons to continue.

And when I was around him… it just… Everything, it all felt better. Like I'd always have a place I'd belong, a place to go to. That I'd have someone to talk to. Someone to love and someone to be loved by. For a moment, if only a moment, stress was lifted from my shoulders when I was near him. As long as it was him… I could do anything.

'In sickness and in health
In life and in death
I hereby vow to love and care for you
As long as we both are bound'

I've always loved those wedding vows …I'm thinking like a lovesick fuck again ain't I?

"Are you sure you're alright, Shadow?"

My eyes opened slowly and I smiled. Vio had stopped reading momentarily, looking at me calculatingly.

"..Yeah. I'm fine… Don't worry about me."

He opened his mouth to say something and shut it again as our waitress came over, smiling and fluttering her mascara-clumped eyelashes. "Can I get you or your boyfriend some wine or something other than water?" She asked me.

My boyfriend. Everyone can see my interest in him except Vio himself, huh?

"No, thank you." He spoke up.

We ordered, and she walked away to leave the two of us alone once more.

"Why does everyone think we're a couple?" He sighed.

"Because we do couple-y things and bicker like a married couple." I snickered. "Besides, I didn't see you correcting her."

"Neither did you."

"That's because I don't care if they think we're together. We know the truth, so what's it matter?"

I added the last part as a reminder to myself. I didn't even notice the bitter look that flashed in his eyes when I said that.

"Of course." He said quietly, obviously preferring the book's company over mine considering that he resumed reading.

"C'moooooon," I whined, "Ya can't just read all day, V! Do something with your life other than turn pages, would ya?"

"Such as?"

"Talk to me. Entertain me. I'm booooored." I rested my forehead against the table, before turning my head on the side to look at Vio with one eye, my opposite cheek squished against the stained wooden slab.

"You're such a drama queen." He closed his eyes and let out a slow deep breath. "What is there to talk about?"

"What are your plans for this weekend?"

He looked slightly caught off-guard by the question. Thinking on it, I couldn't even remember the last time I asked him what his agenda was in advance. Normally I just planned things for us and dragged him with me with last-minute notice.

"Mm, I have a meeting with the group tonight… Other than that I have nothing planned, why?"

The 'group'; oh Goddesses. I still can't believe there's actually an organization to this field of work.

The 'group' being a circle from the Criminals Guild, of which Vio had become part of years ago when he was still into thievery. He was, in their eyes, 'retired' from services and no longer obligated to attend guild meetings on a regular basis. I on the other hand was an active member and either had to attend myself or send a representative- which is what my lovely violet-clothed blonde was.

Of course, Vio did still do the Guild favors in exchange for quick cash every now and then- mostly getting rid of rogue criminals that were getting in the way of Guild operations. His cover of a detective was especially useful when things like that arose.

It was also how I came across my assassination contracts. Vio would choose which ones I did, generally, or set up a meeting with a potential Guild customer for me. I got paid for it, although the Guild did keep some money for itself. It was an arrangement that suited me fine.

I didn't know how or why Vio had joined the group in the first place, and I had never asked. It simply was and I let it go at that.

I grinned slyly. "So you won't mind if I kidnap you for the weekend?"

He chuckled softly. "It's not kidnapping if you ask me first, Shadow…"

"I only ask 'cause I know you like it when I do. You don' really have choice V."

His laughed so quietly that it was nearly inaudible. "I never do have a choice, do I? But no, I won't mind." His eyes were closed, the smile on his face relaxed and open compared to the small turn of his lips that was used upon everyone else.

I smiled when he opened his blazing blue eyes, which glimmered at me, amused. Across the table I could barely make out the violet flakes in the azure orbs that made his eyes seemed tinted. From the short distance the colors seemed beautifully blended together.

I opened my mouth to say something when suddenly the waitress came back, balancing our plates. As she walked away she motioned to me about Vio and winked, the detective not completely oblivious but not questioning.

Everyone except him knows… And I don't even know if that's a good thing or not.

"Lunch is my treat, blondie."

"Shadow, I can pay for myself. Do I honestly have to keep reminding you?"

"All you're accomplishing is another discussion of rainbows~"

"For the love of Farore-"

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AND LOOK GUYS I FINALLY FIGURED OUT HOW TO FORMAT IT! XD