Notes: This one has been going nowhere for a long while so Collida's gonna start working on it again. Colli-chan's on a writing frenzy today! *bows* Enjoy!

Pairings: Ran x Ken

Rating: R

Warnings: language, yaoi, lime, fluff, angst

Disclaimer: Not mine. Why not? Too crazy! Like me! ^_________^

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Lightless Fire

Chapter 3: Find Me

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I sat upon the beach, noon pounding down upon my skin but I didn't care. The light was incredible, bright and golden bestowing upon the restless ocean millions of diamonds. The lapping water was filled with precious life. And I, an observer to the esoteric city that I could never truly belong to. The sun was bright but I felt cold. I was alone in the dark. I needed someone to guide me. A voice to pull me through this night to the dawn awaiting me. But I was lost. No one will be able to find me. I've run too far...

Ken had avoided my gaze, remained silent and still. After I had said that single word...Why had I said that? I punched the sand at my side. Why had I told him that? And that look. That bright gaze of chocolate that had gazed upon me that way... He hated me. I knew and know it. Youji and Omi certainly had noticed the change. Ken said nothing and my lips had remained silent as well. But they were not so foolish as to interfere without first letting the problem resolve itself. But they don't understand! I can't resolve it.... I don't know what to say. Or to say anything....

"Ran?" Ken. Why are you here? Have you come to mock me?

"What?" Anger. I could hear every emotion in my own voice: anger, bitterness, sorrow, loneliness...

"I just...I just wanted to make sure you were all right. You didn't seem yourself this morning." He sat down next to me. His closeness...I could hear his breath between slightly parted lips. I wanted to kiss those lips but they were an eternity away.

"I'm fine." I replied, resentment now edging my words. Then after a few moments, "You didn't seen yourself either."

Silence.

"Last night..." Ken began, trailing away.

"What about it?" I retorted, scared of what he might say.

"What did you mean?" his words were soft, and not what I expected. I couldn't say anything for a moment, and stared at the ocean for help, knowing it wouldn't. I tore my gaze from the water to look at Ken. His profile, so perfect, strong and sensitive. I wanted to touch his face, feel his skin, kiss his lips. He looked at me, our gazes locking.

"Ran..." I touched his lips with a finger, thoughts emptying away. I could only feel. I leaned forward and pressed my lips to him. A raging heat exploded along my lips and traveled down my body. I pulled him forward, pressing him hard against me. He responded, pressing his lips harder against mine and running his tongue over mine. Finally we broke apart, gazing at each other. I searched his eyes, wanting to know his thoughts, wanting to be in his mind.

"Ken..." He leaned back. A different expression was dominating his handsome, perfect face: fear. This was wrong. He was getting up, leaving me. "Ken..." I could only watch him go in helpless silence. He had been revolted by me, by my kiss. Please Ken...find me...