Notes: I've been gone for about...3 months? I believe that's it but now Collida's back with something new! (Not that I think anyone except the few ppl I know are going to notice heehee) This one is painfully short, I know...

Pairings: Ran x Youji

Rating: PG-13 for language

Warnings: Language, Yaoi, AU, fluffishness

Disclaimer: *wails* I wish!

~~~

For What It's Worth

Chapter 1: Am I Good Enough?

~

The day was young and bright, a fresh respite from the dreary and dismal stretches of winter. The breeze still held a chill scent of the north, rustling amongst the great multitude of silky petals. The subtle fragrance of hundreds of blooms brushed by him, swept up in the wind as a person is swept away into the arms of their lover...

"What the hell am I thinking about?" A murmuring chuckle escaped from his lips as he continued through the garden. I can almost hear what Youji would say if he knew what I had been thinking about.

The ghostly voice sounded inside his mind, adopting the image of a handsome brunette. "Is it possible? Your heart of ice has thawed? Truly I'm touched, Ran..."

And Ran's own response, "Who the hell said I meant you? Or anyone for that fucking matter?" He could feel his face flushing and felt embarrassed. Even though the argument was completely fictional and in his own mind, Youji still managed to anger him. Another chuckle, this one directed at himself emerged. The red head smirked slightly and sat on a bench surrounded by encroaching roses.

The garden was a public park, quiet and reserved from the inane noises of the city. It's ivy walls stood upon a vast field of lush grass, trees bowing wearily as fruit swelled upon their branches. It was place of silent and musical beauty, a place Ran could go without the annoyances of home. A violet gaze alighted upon the rich green of the ivy, twisting into the twin gaze of Youji.

"Why am I thinking of him? I despise Youji. There is nothing in that conceited, self-centered, rude, bitchy man that I admire."

'Oh is that what you really think?' A laugh. Youji's laugh.

"Fuck you." The one ended conversation faded away and Ran finally rose and left the park, strolling down the paved avenues between walls of green of all possible shades that could possibly remind of him a certain one.

~

"Ran! How was your trip to the park?" a younger boy greeted warmly as Ran entered the kitchen. The greeting was returned with a cool look as the red head seated himself at the table.

"It was fine, Omi."

"Well someone's feeling rather bitchy today, now aren't they?" a drawling voice inquired from the next room. Ran grated his teeth and willed his fists to remain relaxed. A tall brunette strolled into the kitchen, a charming grin upon his charming face that completed his charming little self.

"Just charming. Just fucking charming." the red head replied, not bothering to meet Youji's smirking gaze.

"Well there's no need to be rude. I was only making an observation." he protested, emerald gaze wide with false innocence. He knew he only fueled Ran's fiery temper but hell, the bastard was cute when he yelled.

"Fuck you Youji." Ran stood again, not willing to put up with shit from the playboy.

"I'm sure it would be exquisite but I'd need some help!" Youji called to the red head's retreating back. Omi gasped slightly as he worked at the stove.

"You realize that that doesn't help anything, Youji." the boy murmured reprovingly.

"Yes, I realize that." the elder replied, moving to the counter to help cook.

"Then why do you do it?"

"Because I know it gets him angry."

'I despise that damned bastard. What the hell was I thinking about him for?' Ran now sat by his window, reveling in the breeze that floated through, caressing his face. 'He's conceited, rude, annoying, self-centered, conceited, conceited, annoying, rude, conceited...I wish I could punch that fucking smirk right off his face. I wish I could fuck up that perfect little face of his, humble him a little. Just hit that perfect skin...Aw damn... I refuse to like Youji. He's a fucking bastard. A hot fucking bastard...I wonder how good he is in bed. I wonder what he looks like naked.' A loud smack issued from the wall where Ran punched it, trying to clear his mind of thoughts of Youji. After a moment of resisting, it became futile. The brunette's image remained stubbornly fixed firmly in the gaze of Ran's mind. 'I'm not good enough for him...'