Anchor

Written by: RinoaDestiny

King of Fighters belongs to SNK.

Comments: Wanted to write a side story (not exactly sequel) following the events of "Life Line" for something lighter. While "For These Scars" delved into heavier material, "Life Line" promised a brighter future for the Kyo/Iori ship in that fic. So, slice of life here and I don't think there's going to be any story arcs. Just snippets of them together exploring their newfound relationship.


#1 - Date

"I…don't think that's necessary, Kyo," Iori said, furrowing his brow. "Everyone else does it, but we're not…"

"Everyone else?" The Kusanagi heir uncrossed his arms, pushing away from the door jamb. He strode into the bedroom, completely at ease and pulled Iori's chair away from the unadorned desk. Sat in it, arms folded over the top of the chair. "We don't have to make it complicated. It's a night out."

"A date, you mean."

"Is there a problem with that?"

"You. Me. It's…" Iori was never good with explaining emotional matters. "It's just…I don't feel…"

"Comfortable with it?"

"We used to be rivals, Kusanagi. Can't just…"

"We don't have to do the fancy stuff, you know. What about a concert and a quiet dinner afterwards?"

"That's a date," Iori stated, unsure why Kyo failed to see his concern. While he couldn't care less about what others thought – Kyo Kusanagi and Iori Yagami together in the Osaka nightlife – he felt a public date was too obvious. Iori didn't want to declare their changed relationship status out of the blue like that. It felt…cheap. Attention-seeking in a way he wasn't fond of.

"You've always been a recluse."

"You've always known that, Kyo."

"Yeah, but…it's different now."

Iori eyed Kyo, who straightened his back, sitting upright in his chair. Although the weather was balmy outside, his erstwhile rival and now lover continued wearing his black leather jacket. Unzipped, it revealed a dark red T-shirt, the collar low enough to reveal Kyo's collarbone. Sunlight spilled in from his bedroom window, gilding the highlights in Kyo's brown hair. Kyo's expression was serious but his eyes were warm, as though lit from within.

Iori swallowed thickly, not trusting his voice.

Across from him, Kyo sighed. Stood. "Yagami," he said and Iori remembered open ground and a lighter between them, Kyo's tone gentle and understanding. "You're right – we're not like the others. But don't you want to at least try?"

Being like the others? What for?

"I'm not like them, Kyo." He never had been. Had known this from the start. "I'm not like your girlfriend."

"No, you're not." Kyo sat down beside him on the bed. "I told Yuki, you know. About us."

Iori stared at him, surprised. "She let you live?"

Kyo laughed. "Well, she wasn't happy about it, but…" He shrugged, rolling broad shoulders. His motions mesmerized Iori. "It went better than I thought. So you don't have to worry about that, Yagami."

Kyo was his now. Completely.

Or, if he flipped it, he was Kyo's now. Completely.

He cleared his throat. Looked away, Kyo's nearness a dangerous comfort. He itched for a cigarette but couldn't stir himself to move.

The other man reached out. Touched his hair, shifting it to reveal the hidden side of his face. "I get it, Yagami. It's all new for you. But…don't you want more? Than just this?"

"Your family knows?"

There was safety in questions. Danger in answers.

"Yeah. After Yuki, I told them."

"What'd they think?"

"Still dealing with it. Mom's a bit better, I think but Dad…. Well, you know him."

Iori snorted.

"He'll come around."

Kyo's fingers in his hair, tips roughened from training, sparring, and fighting. Turning, he fixed his gaze upon the other man, feeling roughness graze skin. "It's gonna be awkward at the tournaments."

"You still gonna bluster about killing me?"

"They'll be expecting it."

"The fans? Yeah. Can't exactly sell a rivalry without…that."

Iori scoffed. "You don't believe it anyway."

"Neither do you."

It was why they were together, talking like this. Figuring each other out.

He moved away, watching as Kyo withdrew his hand. The day was young – a little after noon – and he was hungry. Standing, Iori walked to the futon closet. Slid it open and removed one of his shorter jackets. Maroon, several shades darker than his favorite leather overcoat. He put it on, keeping it unzipped.

"Learning from me, Yagami?"

"Don't flatter yourself." He slid the door closed. "Need a bite to eat."

"Ah."

"I'm thinking hamburgers. Unless you have a better idea."

"You like fried chicken? KFC is having a special today."

"I'll try it. Better than karaage?"

"It's different." Kyo left the bed to stand at his side. "I guess this will do."

"Do for what?"

"Lunch together. Outside. For now."

"You're goddamn insufferable, you know that, Kyo?" Iori said, unable to keep a trace of amusement out of his voice.

Kyo leaned forward. Kissed him lightly on the lips. "You're only now learning that, Yagami?"