*sigh* I'm so sad... I finally saw the last ep of Zoids today which means it won't be re-aired and I'll have to wait at least two months before it comes out on DVD. Aww...I'll have to be content with watching the Death Stinger pre-Ultrasaurus episodes for yonkers... Meh, at least Van has some good moments in them ones. Bah, legalities and stuffage:
Disclaimer: I own no Zoids, unless you count the Metalrhimos I got from my boyfriend (they're both so cute! ^_~)
Warnings: If you thought the desert scene was good, WOOHOO!! Van + Irvine get a little more serious in this chapter! And then there's the shower scene... Umm...Van spends around half this chapter walking around without a shirt on - would this count?? @_@;;
Broken ~ Part five
Busted
Van shook his head as he walked into his and Irvine's shared room, sighing dejectedly. *What a rip-off…good deal, my foot Moonbei…* He dumped his considerably lighter credit sac on the bed and walked out onto the balcony.
He rested his hands on the cool stone railing, the rough texture biting into his skin as he leant his weight onto his arms. He closed his eyes and breathed in deeply, holding it and releasing it after a long moment. Maybe Irvine was right…some time off might be just what he needed. What with everything that was happening with Raven and Zeek and Irvine and himself…it was making him too tense.
His let out a hiss of air as he flapped the front of his shirt about in an attempt to cool himself down. *Moonbei was right; it is hot in this town. I keep forgetting just how hot it is when I'm cooped up in an underground facility all the time.* He stepped back and peeled his shirt off, throwing it next to his credit sac, smiling in mild success.
"That feels better…" he whispered as the hot night air washed over his bare skin. Van stretched his arms over his head with a yawn, his Guardian Force chain chinking softly around his neck. He was actually glad for the time off now that he thought of it. When else could he just stand around and take in the wonderful sights of a night time desert town? *And who better to share it with…* he thought with a coy smile. *I wonder where he-*
The door creaked open behind him and a moment later he felt strong arms encircle his body. He smiled and closed his eyes leaning back into the embrace. He didn't need to turn around to know who held him, so he was content to just stand there for the moment. He breathed in deeply as Irvine began to nuzzle his neck softly, closing his eyes and simply enjoying the affectionate touch.
"Moonbei and Fiona have gone out for dinner…" Irvine murmured slowly. "Won't be back for a long while…" he let the statement hang. Van smiled wickedly to himself as he turned around in Irvine's arms.
"Well now," Van started, "isn't that a shame?" He noted for the first time that Irvine was wearing only jeans as he traced teasing lines down his exposed stomach. "I guess that means we'll have to stay up late and wait for them, won't we?"
Irvine smiled warmly down at Van as he claimed the youth's lips, sending a sudden tingle down Van's spine. Van moaned at the sudden contact and began running his flat hands up Irvine's front. The black haired boy inhaled deeply through his nose, surrounding himself in the dusty scent that was Irvine. He moaned freely as Irvine's lips left his and began to graze a hot trail of kisses over his cheek and down his neck.
"Ah…" Van breathed raggedly. "Ir…vine…" He suppressed a shiver as the bounty hunter lightly sunk his teeth into his neck, sucking gently.
The black haired boy nearly melted into the other's arms and he moaned again, running his hands into Irvine's hair. Irvine pulled the young pilot closer and ran his hands over his bare back, causing a shiver to run down his spine.
"Irvine…shouldn't we…go inside…" Van panted as his pulse raced under Irvine's lips. "What if…ah gods…if someone sees us?"
The bounty hunter smirked through his assault on Van's neck. "Then those peeping toms are going to get one hell of a show, aren't they?" he breathed before claiming Van's mouth again in a crushing kiss. Van deepened the kiss by lightly opening his mouth and trailing his tongue over Irvine's lips, inviting Irvine to do the same. The bounty hunter complied and kissed Van back hungrily, wanting more.
The black haired boy snaked his hands down Irvine's back sensuously to rest over the belt that secured his jeans, palms on his hips. He traced two fingers up to slip them under the hard fabric, teasing the skin there. Irvine broke the heated kiss lightly to whisper, "Van, what-"
Van silenced him by moving one hand up to hold his cheek gently; thumb resting over his lips. He stared into his eyes with a heavy lidded gaze, eyes clouded over with passion. His grazed his lips softly over Irvine's while breathing in deeply. "Please Irvine…" he breathed. "I want this so badly…"
The bounty hunter stared back at Van with an even gaze, before pressing his lips to Van's for a long moment. Van felt all breath leave his body at the sudden move before he moved his hands over Irvine's belt buckle, fumbling with it blindly. Irvine pulled back a hair's breadth, hot breath still on Van's lips. "God… Van…"
"Hey! Who locked this damned door!?" A shrill voice cried from behind the locked oak with an audible pounding.
Ebony eyes snapped open to meet with startled mauve. It was Moonbei. They turned to stare wide-eyed at the door, still tightly embraced. "No respect! Fine, I'm coming in then!"
Van's eyes darted back to meet Irvine's. "Oh-"
"Shit," Irvine finished. He swivelled around on his heel, Van still in his arms. He strode towards the door and as he did so, unceremoniously threw Van towards his bed without halting. The young pilot gave a cry of surprise as he landed with a muffled thud. By the time he'd untangled himself from his sheets and his shirt, he saw that Irvine had the door open and was smiling at the two girls who stood before him.
"And what brings you two home so early?" He asked with a coy smile. "Run out of things to show off, Moonbei?" The transporter punched him in the arm as she pushed past him. "Oh leave me alone…" His smile fell and he frowned at her. "Hey, watch it!"
She ignored him and walked out to the balcony. Irvine raised an eyebrow. "What's with her?" he whispered to Fiona.
The blonde girl smiled. "She got ignored by half the guys out there, but she'll claim it was just bad timing on their part." Fiona turned to stare at Van with a small giggle. "Van, no wonder you've got your shirt off, you're sweating in this heat!"
Van suppressed a blush and laughed it off. *Among other things…* "Yeah, Moonbei said this town was famous for it's hot nights! I was taking a nap until the heat woke me up!" He noticed the paper bag in Fiona's hands. "Hey Fiona, what's in the bag?"
Fiona smiled warmly at him. "Well, I know how you're still feeling over Zeek and I know how much you love these, so…" she handed the bag to him. He peered over the edge of it and cried out in happiness.
"Papayas! Oh wow, thanks Fiona!" He practically yelled and ripped one out, sinking his teeth into the soft fruit flesh. Van gave a sound half way between a squeal and a moan as the juice ran down his parched throat. "Mmm… Thif iff fo good…" he mumbled between mouthfuls as he hastily finished the first one.
Fiona giggled at him. "Van, slow down or you'll get a stomach ache!" Van grinned at her, fruit juice trailing from the corners of his mouth and all over his lips, dropping onto his chest.
"I'm fine," he swallowed what was left in his mouth. "Besides, if I do, then I'll have the next three days to get better, won't I?" He picked up another papaya and chomped down into it. Fiona just rolled her eyes and turned to Irvine, who was staring at Van with a tiny smirk on his face. The bounty hunter made a mental note to personally remove that juice from Van's body later.
"Say Irvine," she asked with a smile. "Why didn't you join the others in battle today?" He snapped out of his stupor and turned to face her. "Uh, well…" he scratched the back of his head. "To tell you the truth, I was, uh…sleeping." He flushed crimson. She stared at him for a moment before laughing loudly at him.
Moonbei sighed and shook her head, a smile playing on her lips. Even though she had a bad night, she still found herself smiling because of her friends' antics; they always cheered her up. She looked back out at the town and blinked in mild surprise as she saw a slim figure sprinting away across the rooftops.
"Wow…" she whispered to herself. "Kid must be in a hurry…"
***
Raven froze as a slim figure came into view, a snarl forming on his lips as he ducked into the shadows. He continued to stare up at the balcony as he watched Van stare out over the night time town, oblivious to his presence. The grey haired boy balled his fists as he sank further back, temper barely in check as he pressed his back to a wall.
Raven was in an alley behind the Orange Holiday; he'd seen the two girls walk inside and thought he would have a better chance of spotting them from the rooftops of a nearby building. While heading towards a few crates to get to the roof, however, he had seen his objective walk out into the hot night air.
He bit back a curse as he heard a door close somewhere in the room. His eyes widened and his mouth hung open as he saw a familiar bounty hunter embracing the young pilot from behind. His hand snaked over the wall slowly and forcibly pulled his body along as his eyes refused to look away. His legs were numb from shock as he stared up at them; he'd always though Van was with that ancient Zoidian, not Irvine!
Raven mentally slapped himself and slipped further down the alley before he heard, "I guess that means we'll have to stay up late and wait for them, won't we?" He felt like he was going to be sick. Just the thought of his greatest adversary and that bounty hunter together made him queasy. He froze suddenly, emotion falling from his face before a wicked grin formed over his lips.
*Perhaps… Just perhaps…* he thought slyly. *But I'll have to be sure, as much as it sickens me…* He made a sick sound and shook his head quickly, heading off towards the crates he spied earlier. Ambling up them in no time, he slipped onto the rooftop of the building opposite the Orange Holiday and quickly ducked behind an air conditioning unit almost opposite their room.
He could almost have made no attempt to hide, they were that preoccupied with each other. Raven raised an eyebrow and stood up, disregarding his hiding place and leaning one arm on the large unit, watching them with growing interest, his other hand resting on his hips. Van Fleihight, his all-time greatest enemy with a common thief. He smirked almost incredulously. A male thief at that.
His eyes shot wide and his body stiffened as Van's hand made it's way down to rest on Irvine's belt. He ducked back down as fast as his body would let him and clenched his eyes tight; he'd seen enough to make sure. His hands flew to cover his mouth as he swallowed back the foul taste that had begun to rise to his throat.
Almost as if he'd wished it to happen on cue, a shrill voice screamed from somewhere in the room, and Raven peered over the edge of the air con unit and saw, with much relief, that it caused the two to stop. He almost smirked as the bounty hunter threw Van into the room and continued walking away. Raven peered further out, head showing all the way over the top of the unit as he spied into the room.
The grey haired boy cursed softly and whipped back again as Moonbei appeared on the balcony, watching the night time town. He peeped around the edge of the unit and frowned at her as she did nothing but stand there. *Why does she have to be such a nuisance? She's almost as bad as that other clingy brat.* His face set to a scowl as the thought of how Fiona acted around Van flared into his mind. He stopped in his tracks, considering where his train of thought was heading. *Maybe that's why he's with that Irvine instead of that annoying Zoidian… He's probably better for him than her anyway…*
He didn't need to mentally slap himself; his hand did it for him. *God! Did I just think that!? I'm becoming as perverted as Van Fleihight!* Raven growled and pressed the palm of his heel to his forehead, clenching his eyes tightly shut. *Back to your objective, Raven. You've found Van; now think of a way to finish him off using what you know!* He relaxed his form, his hand staying on his head. The grey haired boy stayed there for a long moment as he mulled over different ideas.
*I can't use the Geno-Breaker; it's still out of commission thanks to that prick. I might be able to do it in direct hand-to-hand combat with him. Ugh! But he's got that knife of his!* Raven paused. *Wait a minute… Where's his Organoid? He should be up there with him, shouldn't he?* He frowned softly. "Come to think of it, he doesn't have his Blade Liger with him either…" The grey haired boy let out a huff of a laugh as the realization hit him. "What luck! I'll bet Van got suspended for trying to take me on by himself; like it was an insane stunt of something!"
He almost laughed at the idea of Van being completely helpless without either of his Zoids. The maverick was so elated by this that he sprinted from his place, securing the hood of his cloak as he ran with a malicious grin on his face. *Perfect! It's just perfect!* He thought with glee as he leapt from the roof. And he had no idea that he had been seen.
***
Van yawned loudly as he sunk further into the couch, a wisp of a smile playing on his lips as his eyes closed sleepily. It was mid-afternoon on their last day in town and everyone had gone out a while back, leaving Van to sleep the afternoon away. And he had no arguments about that; he'd already spent over half the day in dreamland. The black haired boy sighed contentedly as he felt his body succumbing to sleep.
He groaned unconsciously and barely opened his eyes again. *Can't fall asleep again…as much as I want to…* Van opened his eyes fully to stare outside. *I'll never hear the end of it if they'd known I'd slept all day…* He smirked to himself, knowing that the others had left him asleep hours before leaving.
Van sat up slowly and stretched, his back arching as he groaned and failed to suppress a yawn. He wavered on the spot for a moment before yawning again and standing up, heading towards the bathroom for a long hot shower. Van clicked the door shut behind him, starting up the shower before peeling his clothes off and dumping them on the ground. He stuck his hand under the jet of water and hissed, pulling back; it was still cold. The young pilot waited for a moment before trying again, stepping under the stream as the warm flow of water rushed over his tired body.
Van closed his eyes as he moved his head under the warm jet of water, pulling the band from his hair and throwing it out of the shower. He ran slim fingers through the tangle of black and felt as it fell slick to his scalp, a few strands sticking to his forehead. He opened his mouth and took in a mouthful of water, swallowing the warm liquid down as he stepped back and wiped the water form his eyes, reaching for the soap.
He worked up a lather in his hands and slowly began to massage his tired muscles, starting at his shoulders and working down his arms. Van closed his eyes and sighed as his soapy hands scrubbed at his chest, working their way down his drenched body. His movements were slow and deep as he massaged his tired body, working at his lower back now.
His mind wandered as he stood under the hot jet of water; it was always his best place to think. He tilted his head back and opened his eyes slightly, tracing the lines of the ceiling. It had been two days since that first kiss…two days with Irvine…and two days since that damned interruption. He closed his eyes again and stopped to think; what if Fiona and Moonbei hadn't of walked in? What if the two of them were allowed to continue that night? How far would they've gone? The young pilot's thoughts came fast and furiously as he stood under the continuous stream of water.
Van's stomach muscles clenched and he frowned lightly, releasing a soft groan as a slow ache began to grow in his body. He mentally sighed and shook his head, drops of water flying from his hair. *Hold it right there, Van Fleihight… It's way too early on to be even thinking about anything like that!* His body thought otherwise, however, and as soon as those thoughts of that night strayed into his mind, they only served to fuel the fire. He swallowed even as his hands began to slowly snake their way around to his ache. *God… What he's done to me…*
The door flew open and Van screamed, eyes snapping open as he practically ripped the shower curtain around himself in an attempt to cover up. The blonde girl shrieked and covered her eyes, turning away quickly.
"Fiona!!" Van screamed in shock. The said Zoidian shook her head hastily.
"I'm so sorry Van! I thought no one was in here!" she cried. Van stared daggers at her.
"And you didn't hear the shower going!?" he snapped, voice shrill with adrenaline.
"No! I was thinking of something and got distracted!" She clenched her eyes tight as she fumbled for the doorknob, stepping back outside. "I didn't see anything! I swear!!" She practically slammed the door as she retreated from the bathroom.
Van breathed hard through clenched teeth, his whole body had tensed up and his knuckles were white from holding the shower curtain so tightly. He sighed shakily and released the sopping material, stepping back under the water as he rinsed his exhausted body. As he turned the water off and stepped out, he reached for a towel and dried himself off fully, rubbing his hair vigorously before securing it with the band again and tying the towel around his waist.
He opened the door a crack and peered out carefully, not wanting a repeat experience with Fiona. Seeing no one, he quickly scooted to where he'd laid his uniform down the previous night and dressed himself. He breathed a sigh of relief when he had himself fully covered. Van flushed red, hoping that Fiona had been telling the truth about not seeing anything. It could have been worse, his mind instantly reminded him, she could have come in about ten seconds later.
He snorted. *Yeah, and then try explaining that one to her Fleihight…* A soft knock on the door interrupted his thoughts.
"Van? Is…is it okay to come in now?" It was Fiona again. His face fell and he held back a groan. "Yeah, it's open," he called back. The door opened slowly and Fiona stepped in, a bright shade of red. She clicked the door shut behind her, avoiding Van's eyes.
"I really am sorry about before, Van…" she whispered. "You know I'd never do anything like that on purpose." He waved her off and smiled at her. "Hey, I know you wouldn't. Just…maybe knock next time, okay?" he chuckled. "I think you scared ten years' growth out of me!"
She smiled up at him and gave a weak laugh. "Yeah, I guess so…" she trailed off. "Hey, the others are waiting for you in the lobby; they sent me up here to get you."
Van nodded, biting back the unconscious thought of, "Why not Irvine?" and instead opting for a smile. "Sure thing, just let me find my chain; I left it around here somewhere." He peered around the room and walked over to where he'd fallen asleep on the couch to look for it. Fiona giggled and held out her closed hand to him.
"You mean this?" Van turned at her words and flashed her a grin as she opened her hand to expose the golden chain. "Hey, thanks Fiona! Where was it?" he asked as he stepped over to her.
The Zoidian smiled and shook her head. "You took it off when you went to sleep last night, remember? I held on to it because I know that you'd lose it otherwise." She handed it back to him and in the same instance, placed a quick kiss to Van's cheek. The young pilot forced himself not to jump back at the brief contact, blinking at her in surprise when she pulled back. She laughed at his expression and opened the door behind her.
"Come on, the others are waiting for us," she smiled warmly at him and disappeared through the door. Van blinked at where she had been standing, sighed dejectedly, shook his head and walked out after her.
***
Van's pulse was finally deciding to slow down as he sat down in the back of the Gustav; he'd never been so startled in his life as when Fiona walked in on him. He sighed and leant his head against the cold metal of the Gustav's side, eyes closing slowly. The warmth of the day combined with the loss of adrenaline in his system and the steady roar of the Gustav's engines were beginning to take its toll on Van's weary body. He breathed slowly as he relaxed against the cool metal, slowly warming under his skin.
He barely heard as Moonbei said something about heading off; his senses taking leave of his body as he slowly succumbed to sleep on the short trip back to the base.
***
Someone was shaking him lightly and he groaned and turned away. He just wanted a few more minutes…just a few more…
"Van…" a soft voice called to him. "Van, wake up… Van?" The voice was accompanied by another soft shake to his shoulder. The black haired youth groaned again and opened his eyes to stare directly into a bright pair of ruby red ones.
"Mmmgo 'way…" he mumbled, barely discernable as he turned away and closed his eyes again. "Lemme sleep…little…more…"
A sweet laugh rang in his ears. "No Van, we're back at the base now. You have to get up now otherwise you'll never hear the end of it from General Harlan," she paused as he opened his eyes to stare at her again. "Did you sleep alright Van?"
Van rubbed the back of his head as he sat up with a long yawn. "Yeah, I guess so… Why d'you ask?" She smiled at him and shook her head. "Oh, I just figured you were; you were smiling in your sleep and saying something about 'stupid buckle'. Why on Zi would you be dreaming of buckles, Van?"
The young pilot had to fight back a blush as he laughed it off. "Shoes! It was shoes!" he blurted quickly and laughed louder. "Funny about that, huh? I dreamt of shoes! How bizarre, hey?" He laughed again, longer this time as he silently prayed that Fiona would buy his obviously fake story.
She stared at him with a quirky smirk on her face before shaking her head and stepping out of the Gustav. "Van Fleihight, you certainly are a strange one…" Van grinned as he followed her out. "Granted."
Thomas came running up to their little group as they stood there, saluting them quickly. "Morning Van, Moonbei, Irvine, and of course, Miss Fiona. Good to see you're feeling better this time Van." Van sighed and stepped forward, rubbing the back of his neck nervously.
"I'm really sorry about before Thomas. I didn't mean to snap at you so badly; I was just so angry about what happened to Zeek," he smiled sheepishly up at Thomas and extended a hand to him. "Will you accept an apology?"
The younger Schubaltz blinked at Van before grasping his hand firmly, smile returning once more. "Apology accepted, Van Fleihight," a stern look crossed his features. "The reason I met you out here, besides to see the lovely Miss Fiona again, was to inform you that General Harlan would like to speak with us immediately."
Van raised an eyebrow. "What for?" Thomas shrugged and shook his head. "Something about a new mission. He said it was kind of urgent." Van frowned and rubbed his chin in thought. *But he's the one who said I couldn't use any Zoid for the next week and a half… I'll just get in Thomas' way…*
He nodded and smiled at Thomas, saluting him. "Sure thing, let's get going Thomas," he turned to the others and waved as he started walking off backwards. "We'll see you guys later then. Tell me how Zeek's doing when you see Doctor Dee again!"
Van turned around the right way and stuffed his hands in his pockets, walking silently with Thomas, a smile plastered on his face. It took a few minutes to reach the general's office, due to the numerous amounts of hallways and staircases they had to travel to reach the double doors.
Thomas knocked and when the general's voice sounded, the two of them stepped in. Thomas cleared his throat and saluted the man, Van doing the same. "You wanted to see us, sir?"
The general smiled at them and stood up, saluting them before indicating the two chairs in front of his desk. "Yes, I did. Please take a seat." The three of them sat down and the general pushed two folders over to each of them.
As they thumbed through the documents, he spoke. "There's a bit of a situation in Aran Valley and I want you two to go down there and help out. Normally I wouldn't send just two of my men, but the Empire has also sent down a team."
Van raised an eyebrow as he stared at a few photos of destroyed houses. "What's the situation there, sir?"
"About half a week ago, the area was overcome by torrential rains and the whole valley flooded causing extensive damage to the village there, as you can see by the photos in those folders," he paused. "I want the two of you to go down there and lend as much support as you can to the people there. Nearly every home has been destroyed and it's going to take some real time to get even the smallest of shelters up and running."
Thomas looked up to General Harlan. "Sir, if I may ask, who's leading the Imperial team?" The general smirked at him. "Colonel Karl Schubaltz, lieutenant."
The blonde man furrowed his brow. "Karl? But why would an elite Imperial soldier be called out for something as small as this? Let alone a team of them."
General Harlan merely shrugged. "The Empire do as they do and we do as we do; it has been that way since the joining of our two nations. I'm sure Emperor Rudolph has his reasons for sending out the Colonel, and I have my reasons for sending out you two," he smiled at them. "Which leads me to your instructions; you two are to assist the Aran Valley villagers and the Imperial team in the reconstruction of the village. The expected time of completion should be around one week, give or take a day. Lieutenant Schubaltz, I want you to utilise Beek to his full extent out there; show us how good a programmer you really are. Lieutenant Fleihight, I want a detailed report on your progress every two days and a final report on my desk when you return. You depart at thirteen-hundred hours."
The two members of the Guardian Force stood up and saluted the general. "Consider it done, sir," Thomas said strongly. The two turned to leave until General Harlan called out, "Van, a moment of your time, if I may?" The black haired youth stopped and turned to face him fully.
"Sir?" he asked, blinking. A lump of fear rose in his throat; what if the general knew about him and Irvine? The general waited until Thomas had left the room before speaking to the young pilot.
"Just remember Van, your prohibition still stands," he said with a stern edge to his voice. "Don't get tempted out there." Van paused for a moment before nodding and saluting him again, walking out quickly before the man had another chance to stop the teen. He breathed a sigh of relief and leant on the closed doors behind him before he noticed Thomas standing there. The sandy blonde raised an eyebrow. "What was that about?" He asked.
Van forced a weak laugh and pushed himself upright. "Let me tell you something Thomas," he rested a hand on his shoulder and grinned at him. "Never cross that guy… It's not worth your health." He laughed at Thomas' expression and walked off to pack his things for the mission.
TBC
Irvine: What? What are you doing??
Chan: *innocently* What do you mean?
Irvine: You're taking away my Van! That's what!!
Chan: Oh, come now! It's only for one week! You'll get another chance to jump each other soon enough!
Irvine: I nev- *eyes light up* …what? You promise?
Chan: Cross my heart, Irvy…
Van: *coming to* Wha… Itai, my head…
*Chan + Irvine violently glomp poor Van*
Van: WAAAAH!!! Geddoff!!