Authors' Notes:

Fei : *digs a trench, gets ready shields, looks for armour...*

Marty : What on earth are you doing?

Fei : Getting ready to get bricked, stoned, whatever....

Marty : ... Saaa... move over *hops into trench*

Fei : *throws a spade at Marty* Might as well make the trench more comfortable since we'll likely be staying in here for a while.

Marty : Hai... *starts to dig* Ne, Fei? Do you really think this was a good idea? Oh, and hand me that helmet, would ya?

Fei : *throws helmet over* What's a good idea? If you're referring to digging the trench, then yeah...-definitely-!

Marty : No... I meant...well you know. This. *gestures broadly* We're gonna be here for a while. INCOMING!!!

Fei : *ducks in panic* Already??! Man...they're fast! Well, I don't know if it's a good idea or not but it was what had to be done. So God save our souls. *prays*

Marty : *crosses self* C'mon!! Bring on your worst! Nothing like a little trench warfare! *shakes fist at sky*

Fei : *bats Marty's hand down* Er…I don't think you wanna do that. But then again, would love to have abuse rather than nothing at all ne?

Marty : Hai! Something is something, but nothing sucks!

Fei : *nods emphatically* I'm wondering though, whether people would still bother reading after this *gestures broadly* Do you think they trust us enough?

Marty : Saaa... well they -ought- to. I mean, have we ever let them down? I didn't kill Ran in Sweet Hell like -everybody- thought I would. And well... White rocks so...

Fei : Eh? Rocks? *picks up fossil* We have plenty of those here. White ones too. Argh! *ducks more incoming* Anyways, we should thank those who have so kindly left nice words for chappie 2 ne?

Marty : *brushes debris out of hair* Hai! I just hope they stick it out... *grins*

Fei : I really hope so too. *yanks out parchment from underneath armour and hands to Marty* You read it. Me digging deeper.

Marty : *clears throat* We would like to sincerely thank the following kind souls - Atsureki, Lilas, siberian, kami-chan, chibi koneko, Lola, Whisper Reilman, Carter, Moonraven, sara-chan, Windy McDohl, Katarzyna K Yue, Karyx, MooMooMilk, fuzzish, marsupial, pink bunny, Cherubkatan, Mikoto The Gnome Girl, ember-fang, Gnine, Shinigami-chan, Midnight Katana, qin neko, ryu-chan, trinchardin, Denea BloodMoon, olivia-yuymaxwell, Thespian Soldier, Seph Lorraine, and Astralkitten and hyperventilater for both reviews.

Fei : *drops spade in dirt and collapses* Ne Marty, how much of this do you think anyone understood?

Marty : *does quick mental calculation* 5% give or take *nods definitively*

Fei : *chuckles* Righto. Guess they'll have to read the chappie to know the other 95% then.

Marty : We'd better prepare ourselves. Duck and cover!

Fei : Hai! *dons mithril* And by the way dear readers, please review, or we might not have incentive to come up from this comfortable trench ne? *disappears under huge shield*

Disclaimer : It's not kleptomania... it's long term borrowing...

Ink

Chapter Three

By Marty and Fei

Ken watched the sidewalk rapidly flow under his feet. Ignoring the glances and badly concealed giggling that he left in his wake, he kept his eyes to the ground, not wanting to look up, not wanting to see. He knew where he was going.

Yet even as his physical eyes, burning with his quick temper, focused on the gray pavement beneath him, his mind's eye turned inward, fixating on the quick temper of another.

The flash of those eyes as Ken stepped over the line. The grim sneer upon that hard face as the hand flew out of nowhere. The uncharacteristic and unexpected show of emotion from the usually taciturn young man was both unsettling and strangely satisfying. Aya the frozen statue giving way, letting the heat of his temper take over and melt his calm exterior. Ken took perverse satisfaction in knowing that he could make Aya lose it in a way that Omi and Youji never had been able to.

Aya had even said it himself. And for your information, the only thing that could ever make me kill you, Hidaka, is you shooting off your mouth. For some reason those words sent a dark thrill through Ken's body. It was almost as if he held some power over Aya. It was a power that did nothing but goad him into violent outbursts every once in a while. A useless, childish power.

But still, anything's better than nothing.

Perhaps their volatility towards one another was the only connection Ken was ever fated to make with his brooding leader. He should stop trying to get into Aya's head to see what was going on behind those deep, indigo eyes. He ought to just accept that things were never going to change. He should stop letting Aya get to him.

As much as Ken knew all of these things or at least kept telling himself that he knew them, he also knew he wasn't going to be taking his own advice any time soon. He didn't want to be estranged from his leader forever. And Ken knew himself well enough to know that until Aya made it expressly clear that there was no hope, he would keep trying to get inside that red head of his.

Or maybe he has already made it clear…maybe he just did, and I just can't take a hint. But then again, he let Omi inside, sorta.

Grinding his teeth in irritation Ken stopped in front of the grocery store and then shouldered his way inside.

Mark my words, Ran Fujimiya, one day we will understand each other, or die trying.

Roughly pushing any more lingering thoughts about Aya out of his mind, Ken grabbed a grocery basket and then came up short. Looking down into the empty basket he realized he had absolutely no reason to be at the grocery store in the first place. He had no idea why he had told Youji he was going there or why he had actually gone. It seemed pointless really. What he should have done was go for a ride, and let all of his worries be blown away by the wind in his face. And yet something had drawn him here. Perhaps it was that deep down his own morbid sense of curiosity wanted to see for itself what other havoc was being wreaked on his life this week. How many other stories were out there? What did they say? This was, he realized, the only place he could find out.

Ken cursed himself silently for being such a sorry individual and then decided he'd better start moving around before people noticed him. Not that people hadn't already started noticing. Once again keeping his eyes focused on the floor, he headed down the nearest isle.

I guess I could always pick up some more Gatorade. At least I'll still be coaching the kids this weekend. I could get some umiboshi too and some seaweed. I guess you can never have too much pocky either. Omi has probably eaten most of it anyway. Hmmm… speaking of which, I guess I should probably check to see if they have more lemon jell-o in stock. I never did look again after that day. I could use it as a peace offering, I guess.

Ken absently rubbed his cheek where Aya had backhanded him. His eye flinched up a little at the touch. It still ached.

Man, Aya really let me have it. Not that I can blame him. I was pretty out of line…. Lapdog? Did I really call –Aya- a lapdog?

Ken turned down the snack isle still staring at his feet, muttering to himself and shaking his head.

He didn't notice a young man in a tight, black, v-neck t-shirt and loose fitting, well-worn jeans look up and raise his eyebrows in surprise. He didn't notice him watching him from farther down the isle, or how one corner of his mouth tugged up into a bemused smile. No, Ken didn't notice any of these things. He just went on down the isle and stopped in front of the jell-o section, only then looking up to scan the immediate shelves for his prey.

"Zakkennayo! How can they be sold out –again-?!" he muttered loudly, staring at the conspicuous hole where the lemon jell-o should be. Ken stuck his hand into the hole, knowing his effort was futile, but unable to help himself. He pushed a few of the other boxes out of the way to see if by any chance a stray lemon had ended up in the wrong row. "Who the hell eats this much fucking lemon flavored gelatin?"

A soft chuckle caught his attention and Ken turned his head in irritation only to come up short. A young man with dark hair and smiling eyes stood holding out two boxes of jell-o.

The man chuckled again and then ran a hand through his hair. "I do. Well, not me exactly, but I buy it. Gomen, ne? I tend to buy the store out whenever I come in. I didn't know anyone else really liked lemon flavor."

For a moment Ken could do nothing but stare back at the man, unable to shake off the unnerving feeling that he had seen him somewhere before. Then as the man cocked his head to the side he realized where he had come across that particular air of self-confidence before. His eyes narrowed dangerously and he took half a step backwards.

The man looked confused for a moment and then started to laugh. "I take it you just recognized me, Hidaka-san," he said lightly still holding out the boxes.

"Uchida-san, ne?" Ken said as if the name tasted slightly bitter. "I didn't recognize you without your suit and briefcase."

The man chuckled again and shrugged. "I'm not on the job. Are you going to take the jell-o or not?"

"Thanks but no thanks," Ken said, turning away, intent on getting as far away from the young reporter as possible. The last thing he needed was to be cornered in public.

He didn't get halfway turned around when he felt a hand on his shoulder. "Hey, no need to be so defensive, Hidaka-san. I told you, I'm not on the job. I have no intention of hassling you. Besides you look like you have enough on your mind, so just take the jell-o."

Ken heard the two boxes fall into his basket, feeling their added weight. He paused before shrugging off the other man's hand and turned to look at him. He was about to throw out a few heated words, but found himself biting his tongue at the sincerity that he saw in the other man's eyes. He realized that they were an interesting color. Well, not really one color it seemed. Almost green, but mottled with flecks of brown. He'd never seen anything like it. But this train of thought seemed very far away.

Pulling his thoughts back on the right track, Ken glowered darkly and raised an eyebrow. "Thanks," he said dryly.

Uchida shrugged. "Don't mention it. I probably shouldn't be hoarding the stuff anyway."

Just then Ken realized that something was wrong. He stepped back again, fixing the other man with a hard stare. "Wait a second. If you're not here to try to get your 'interview' then what the hell are you doing here?"

Uchida pointed to his cart which was parked halfway down the isle. "Shopping."

"Oh, ha ha. I meant –here- in this district. Shouldn't you be shopping in the section of the city where you live, Uchida-san?"

"I am. I live here. Just a couple blocks away, actually."

"Like hell you do! I've lived here for almost two years and I have never seen you here or anywhere else before. Don't give me that shit. You really are just here to bother me aren't you? What is wrong with you people?! Can't you just leave my life alone?!" Ken found himself practically shouting before he realized what he was doing.

Uchida looked around hastily. "Jesus, are you –trying- to draw attention to yourself?"

"It wouldn't really matter if I did or not since I already have at least one stalker," Ken said snidely.

Uchida straightened up and narrowed his eyes. "Oh please, don't flatter yourself. I do have better things to do with my time than chase around after some tabloid scandal star, Hidaka-san. There's real news happening in the world, so don't get all in a snit with me because you're paranoid. For your information I –do- live here. I moved here about a month ago, and the reason you don't ever see me around is because, a) due to my terrible sense of direction I still get lost every time I step outside my door and b) last time I visited your place of business I got my ass kicked to the curb by your rather rude co-workers. So as cute as you are, my interest in seeing you has been somewhat squelched."

Ken stared back at the young journalist slightly taken aback. He couldn't believe he'd just been told off by a man whose very existence threatened his privacy. He stared and continued to stare even after Uchida shrugged and turned around, walking back to his cart. Ken knew that he couldn't just turn tail and run now, all the other things he'd decided to buy were down this isle. And also because he couldn't just leave it at that, let the irritating man have the last word. His pride wouldn't let him.

He opened his mouth to make some remark, some witty rebuke, but all that came out was "Did you just say I was cute?" Damn. Did he sound like a frog or what? He tried coughing inconspicuously to clear his throat.

Uchida, having gone back to perusing the shelves, laughed out loud and shot Ken a wide grin. "Well you are cute. Just pointing out a fact." His angry demeanor was completely gone, replaced by a rather winning good humor.

Ken was momentarily speechless, taking several steps towards the other young man. He was trying to work his ire up, trying to be outraged and scandalized. "Wait a second. Who do you think you are?! I don't even know you. You can't just say something like that to someone you don't know. I mean… ugh… you can't just tell me I'm cute and expect me to be all… fine with that."

Teijirou Uchida raised one eyebrow and then laughed again. "Oh, I'm so sorry. You're right, who am I to compliment a complete stranger? Random acts of kindness, what was I thinking? I am so sorry. You know what, you are not cute, totally not cute. Please forgive me for assuming too much. Sumimasen, Hidaka-san."

"Don't be an ass," Ken grumbled, walking past him, wanting to get farther down the isle to look for his pocky. He couldn't help but glance into Uchida's cart on the way, noting that there was pretty much nothing but varying snack foods, what looked like ten or so packages of lemon jell-o, boxes of sweet crackers, chocolate filled bear shaped cookies, and the like. There were a few packages of ramen and other instant foods mixed in, but it was mostly all snacks.

He eats like a kid.

"You're going to die young if you eat like that," Ken said as he paused in front of the pocky boxes.

"It's not for me, but it's nice to know that you care," Uchida replied, chuckling.

"I don't," Ken grumbled.

"Hai hai."

Silence settled over the isle as Ken went through the different types of pocky, searching for the flavors he knew each of his teammates preferred. He really had caused them so much trouble, he might as well buy them some pocky.

Strawberry for Omi, dark chocolate for Youji, flan for me, damn it… where's the crushed almond?

Another conspicuous hole stared back at Ken where the crushed almond pocky should have been. He glanced over his shoulder warily and eyed the back of Teijirou Uchida who was debating with himself about what flavor of potato sticks was better. Ken looked down at his cart and them back up at the dark haired man.

"I don't suppose you like to hoard almond pocky as well?" he said flatly.

Uchida started and looked over his shoulder. "Nani? Did you say something to me?"

"I asked if you happened to have an almond pocky fetish as well as a lemon jell-o one."

He raised his eyebrows and then started to blush, which Ken found rather disconcerting. "I did take the last three boxes," he admitted, rather chagrined. "I'm making your shopping trip rather difficult, aren't I?"

Ken gave him an annoyed look and then turned back to the pocky. "I'll just get him something else…" he muttered reaching for the red wine flavor.

"Him? One of your co-workers? Aren't you the nice guy," Uchida mused.

"I thought you weren't going to hassle me," Ken grumbled.

"Oh hai, hai. Gomen, ne."

Giving the young journalist one more wary glance, Ken hurried down the isle, grabbing a couple packs of flavored seaweed on the way and then continued towards the drinks isle. He didn't really relish the idea of having to drag the heavy bottles back to the shop, but he figured that he might as well see what was there before he decided whether or not he was going to bother.

A few minutes later Ken was deep in thought before the multitude of colored sports drink bottles. He was getting dizzy just looking at all the flavors, not to mention the varying sizes and brands. And the colours. Man. Pink? Blue? That shade of blue was just not natural. It just looked...wrong.

Wonder what kind of health defects I could get by drinking that…

Just as he was about to reach for one of the bottles, having finally made up his mind, voices broke in through his thoughts.

"Nishizaka-san, what on earth are you doing?" That voice again.

"Oh, Teijirou-kun, you shouldn't startle an old woman. I am trying to get this case of canned tea down. You'd think they would put them in places where everyone could reach."

That well-intentioned chuckle. "You are going to throw out your back, Nishizaka-san. Let me get it for you please."

Ken turned his head to stare in disbelief. Teijirou Uchida was lifting down a small case of tea cans for a very short, slightly more than middle-aged woman who in turn was beaming at him broadly. He set the case in her cart and bowed to her slightly.

"What would I do without you, Teijirou-kun? Arigatou gozaimasu."

"Douitashimashite*, Nishizaka-san. And if I was returning home when I was done here I would insist that you let me carry your items back to your apartment as well."

The woman giggled like a young girl and covered her mouth. "Nonsense. I am not so old that I cannot carry my own groceries. Arigatou."

The two nodded their heads to each other again and then Ken watched the small woman trundle away. When he snapped to again he realized that Uchida was looking at him strangely.

"See? I am a nice guy."

"You really are stalking me aren't you?"

At this Uchida laughed out loud again and started pushing his cart down the isle towards Ken. "What did I tell you about your stalker theory? As much fun as it could be to tag along after you all through the grocery store, a much more boring need brings me to the drinks isle," he said reaching out and picking up a purple can, holding it out for Ken to see. "Juice."

Ken rolled his eyes, decided that he didn't really want to carry any drinks home after all, and pushed his cart back down the isle, passing by Uchida and his cart as quickly as he could.

Ken figured that he would be safe as soon as he was in the checkout line. Then he could just get out of there and away from Teijirou Uchida. He tried not to pay any attention to the looks he kept getting from the other customers in the checkout lines. He scanned the registers and was glad to see that Obaasan didn't seem to be there. He didn't want to see the look on her face or answer any of the questions he knew she would ask. It was all so embarrassing. He wasn't exactly sure how he was going to face the parents of his soccer kids either for that matter.

Sighing heavily he set his purchases down on the counter. He ignored the wide eyed look that the young cashier gave him, trying not to meet her eyes.

Yes, even scandalous, perverted ex-celebrities who are supposed to be dead need to buy groceries. Just ring it up, bitch.

He dropped a few thousand yen on the counter and went to put his groceries into bags. He neither felt the malicious eyes on his back, nor saw the group of young men who were crowded around a magazine rack nod to each other and exit the store. A few moments later he had his groceries in hand and was on his way out the door.

The sun was well on its way to setting, but the street was still bathed in a pale, rosy light. Ken found that it didn't match his mood. Although amazingly enough his encounter with Teijirou Uchida had in some way managed to diffuse Ken's anger and anxiety over his encounter with Aya. Taking a deep breath he concentrated on what he would say to the redhead when he got back to the Koneko.

He'd made it almost all the way down the block before he noticed the three guys following him. Ken sighed in frustration and hunched his shoulders. He stole a hasty glance backwards, only to find two more guys in front of him when he looked back. He almost ran into one of them, but managed to pull himself up short.

"Oi. You oughta be careful where you're going, ne," the larger of the two said, crossing his arms, and looking down at Ken with bland, sneering eyes. The two wore ugly, worn out biker jackets, and Ken had to wonder absently if pants with that many holes in them could still qualify as pants. The smaller guy, the sidekick, had spiky, multi- colored hair, while the other sported a bleached punch perm. Ken had never really anticipated meeting people in his life who had worse fashion sense than himself, but here was living proof that the eighties really hadn't died.

As he was making these observations the other three came up behind him, ringing him in. Ken closed his eyes and muttered under his breath. He didn't need this.

"Hey, haven't I seen you somewhere before?" the ringleader asked, although it wasn't a question really. Ken sighed at his bad acting. This guy wasn't even soap opera worthy. The other guys muttered under their breath for a moment and then one of the sidekicks snapped his fingers, mocking enlightenment. He silently handed his friend what was obviously a copy of the same tabloid Youji had brought into the Koneko earlier that morning.

"Oh, that's right. You're that okama* who works up the street, ne? You've sure been in the papers a lot lately, you know that?" he asked, taking a step towards Ken. He held out the tabloid in front of Ken's face and shook it slightly. "So what do you say, is this story true. You really some pervy fag?"

Ken pushed the tabloid out of his face and raised an eyebrow. "It's not really any of your business is it?" Ken had to wonder at himself for a moment. He had to wonder why he didn't just deny it and say the whole thing was stupid. Most likely because it was the principal of the matter. It really wasn't any of anyone's business. Besides that he wasn't at all worried.

They were just street punks, a small biker gang most likely. Just a group of kids, really. They didn't have a chance against Ken even if they didn't know it. Ken knew it, and that was all that mattered. But then again the last thing he needed was to make a scene on the street, to draw more attention to himself.

He could just hear Aya chewing him out for bringing his fighting abilities to the attention of the media. He could see those angry, flashing eyes, and the way Aya's jaw got tight when he was pissed. Ken's lips quirked into a slight smile. In a far off, distant way, it made Ken feel strangely satisfied.

"Seems silly to me. All this fuss being made over some faggy look alike," the gang leader's voice broke through Ken's thoughts. "Personally I just don't see the resemblance. After all fags don't play soccer. Do they?"

Ken bit his tongue and looked directly into the other man's eyes. "I really need to get back to work."

"Yeah? Your boyfriends gonna miss you?" he snarled. The others laughed ingratiatingly. Oh wasn't their leader so clever. Oh what a witty guy.

"I don't really want to play with you right now," Ken snapped and then pushed forward, trying to shove past the first two guys, but carrying his groceries made it hard for him to really push them out of the way.

The leader grabbed the front of his shirt and with a strength that Ken hadn't expected, shoved him back against the brick wall of the building. He grunted upon impact. That was going to leave a bruise. He felt thick, sweaty fingers close around his jaw, yanking his face up, meeting the punch perm guy's piggy little eyes.

The group of men all chuckled harshly.

"You know, maybe I see it now. You are kinda cute like a girl. You got those big brown eyes, ne. And I bet you scream like a girl too. Especially when-"

At this point Ken decided to block the guy's voice out and concentrated on his nose. His big ugly nose. Hmm…if he dropped his groceries he could ram the heel of his hand right into the guy's nose, up into his head if he wanted to. He could kill him if he wanted to too. But Ken didn't really feel like dropping his groceries. Not now that he'd finally gotten Aya's lemon jell-o back. And besides that the commotion it would cause was not something he wanted to have to deal with, not with everything else going on. And then he'd have to deal with Aya again.

Man, this guy needs to lay off the pickled eel, Jesus. Would you mind not breathing on me? I think I might pass out just from the stench.

"I bet I can make you scream like a girl? Wanna find out?"

"Not really," Ken grunted and was about to drop his groceries, having decided that a knee to the solar plexus would be the way to go.

"Hanase! Hey, you there, get away from him!" That voice again. Oh great. Just what Ken needed. A would be savior.

The street punks paused and turned towards Teijirou who was making a less than imposing figure of himself due to the fact that he was mostly hidden behind several very large, very full grocery bags of snack food. He glared out past the side of one bag, squinting in the fading light and took a few uncertain steps forward, jerking nervously as a box of crackers threatened to tumble onto the street.

A few of them chuckled dryly, and the guy with the punch perm tightened his grip on both Ken's jacket and his face. "Who are you? Another okama boyfriend?"

"Shut up. I said let him go. Now back off or I promise you, you will be sorry," Uchida growled.

Ken raised an eyebrow, but said nothing, standing perfectly still, not betraying the turning wheels in his head. This might be an ever better way to get out of the situation. He could avoid drawing attention to himself altogether. Although he wasn't sure how much help Teijirou Uchida was going to be.

The gang members laughed again, jostling each other. "What are you gonna do? Lob snack boxes at us?"

Teijirou almost overbalanced his bags, but managed not to as he rummaged around in his pocket for something. "Well I could. But that probably wouldn't be as effective as having take down the license numbers of your bikes and having a cell phone with which to call the police. Assault isn't usually something the police look on too kindly."

The laughing stopped. The grips loosened on Ken.

"You're lying, you don't fuckin' have our bike numbers," the leader snapped, but he didn't sound so sure.

"Well… I guess that's a gamble you'll have to take, now isn't it? Play nice and get the fuck away from him. You ought to be ashamed of yourselves. Don't you have anything better to do with your time than hassle strangers? Kids these days."

There was a tense pause and then Ken felt the grip on his jacket tighten again as he was slammed back against the wall in anger. Unprepared, he gasped as the back of his head whacked against the unforgiving bricks. Again the salty breath on his face.

"I fuckin' hate faggots!"

And then the grip was gone. The leader stood up straight and motioned to his friends. "Let's go, guys. Fun's over."

The five of them grumbled, glaring at Teijirou as they made their way back up the street. A couple of them jostled him as they past, the last of these causing him to lose the precarious balance he had with his groceries, sending the whole mess spilling onto the sidewalk.

Ken heard Uchida grunt in protest before he suddenly felt a wave of vertigo wash over him. His knees trembled, causing him to slide to the pavement, still gulping for breath, setting his groceries aside.

I must have whacked my head harder than I thought.

"Hidaka-san?!" Ken heard Uchida's voice again and then felt his decidedly masculine presence beside him. "Daijoubu ka?"

"E-ee. I think I hit my head pretty hard, but I'm fine," he said stiffly.

He felt cool fingers on his skin as his chin was gently lifted and his hair brushed aside. Ken found himself looking up into the strangely worried face of Teijirou Uchida. In the dim twilight his features seemed softened somehow. He was taken off guard by how Uchida's eyes managed to glow despite the lack of clear light, and Ken found himself contemplating their strange beauty once again.

I really must have hit my head harder than I thought. Sheesh.

Then suddenly the streetlights flickered on, bathing the sidewalk in a harsh, artificial light. Ken winced at the sudden intensity and closed his eyes. Uchida leaned over farther, casting Ken's face in shadow and made a little tsking sound, pulling down the skin around Ken's eye. "Open your eyes again, Hidaka-san."

Not really knowing why he should comply Ken grumbled, but then obeyed. The other man peered at Ken intently for a moment and then sighed, taking his hand away. "Well your eyes aren't anymore dilated than they should be, so you probably don't have a concussion. Are you alright other than that? They didn't do anything else to you?"

Ken had to laugh at this and shook his head, pushing Uchida's hands farther away. "No, I'm fine. In fact I had everything under control."

"Suuure you did. That's why you were backed up against the wall."

Ken just chuckled and shook his head again. No but I really did.

He looked back at the young man and tried to smile. "Are you sure you really aren't just stalking me?"

Uchida laughed out loud again and much to Ken's disgruntlement had the nerve to reach out and tousle his brown hair. "You'd like to think so, wouldn't you?" Then he turned away, looking back at his groceries. "Aw, shit. What a mess."

Ken watched as he got to his feet and walked back to the scattered contents of his bags. After a moment Ken got up and followed a bit more shakily, hunkering down beside the dark haired man, helping to gather up the groceries. He noticed that Teijirou shot him an unreadable glance.

"Na, Uchida-san?" Ken said after a moment.

"Hai?"

"Did you really take down those guys' bike numbers in the time between leaving the store and getting here? I mean, how could you have known where they were?"

Teijirou chuckled. "I may have been lying about that."

Ken gave him a hard look. "And what were you going to have done if they'd called your bluff?"

Teijirou's hand brushed against Ken's as he reached out to grab a juice can. "Etoo…Break out my ju-jitsu?"

Ken raised his eyebrow and mouthed yeah, right. Teijirou chuckled and put the last box of pocky into the last grocery bag.

"Sorry about this mess," Ken murmured under his breath, getting to his feet.

Teijrou shrugged. "I know how you can make it up to me."

Ken's eyes snapped up dangerously. "Don't even, for one minute think that I am going to give you an interview because if you think this little stunt-"

"Whoa whoa whoa!" Teijirou said, putting his hands up defensively. "No, nothing like that. Settle down Hidaka-san."

Ken narrowed his eyes. "Then what do you want?"

"Just help me carry these groceries where they need to go, and I promise I will leave you alone."

*****

Ken no baka. Should have just stayed in the Koneko. Aya no baka. Uchida no BAKA!

For the umpteenth time that night, Ken found himself cursing as he struggled to see where he was going behind the mountains of groceries. Ask him now and he would be able to describe to you -exactly- how a brown paper bag smelt like. Why did he have to do this anyway? It was not as if he had asked Uchida for his help in the first place.

He let out another small grunt of pain as the sharp corner of god-knows-what that was in the bag dangling from his arm bumped into his calf once more. Again, he let out a muttered curse.

"Huh? Nani?" Came a muffled voice from slightly in front of him.

"Nandemo nai*." Ken muttered before lapsing into silence again. It was bad enough that his misplaced conscience had ordered him to help Uchida with his groceries, but he would not be caught making polite conversation while on the way to… where the hell were they going anyway?

Steaming silently, Ken weighed his options - to ask or not to ask. To ask meant that he would have to talk to this Uchida guy who was confusing him even more with each passing second. Not to ask meant he would have to trust that this confusing-him-even-more-with-each-passing-second-Uchida guy would not be leading him to a slaughterhouse. Or worse, a room filled with reporters.

Ken made up his mind as his calf was treated to another painful bump.

"Ne, dokou e ikun da yo*?" It'd better not be much farther. And Uchida had better not tell him he had lost his way. Jell-o boxes could make very mean missiles if thrown correctly.

"We're almost there already. Just round that corner." Came the cheerful reply. Ken heard shuffling as Uchida jostled his bags into a more comfortable position. "Arigatou na Hidaka-san. I didn't realize I had bought so many groceries. Guess I overdid it ne?" He chuckled.

Yeah. Right. Why was Uchida complaining anyway when he had the better deal? And for that matter, why was Ken carrying more groceries then he was? Oh yeah. 'Cos that idiot had to see where he was going in order to lead the way. Despite his brooding, Uchida's light laughter somewhat eased Ken's mood, and he found himself relaxing just a teensy bit. But there was still something bugging him.

"Are we headed back to your house?" Ken really didn't like that idea. Walking along with Uchida was weird enough already. He certainly was not prepared to step into his lair. What was that advice he had heard when he was a kid? Never follow strangers anywhere? A bit too late for that now wasn't it?

"Ie ie! What would I be doing with all these snacks at home? Unless I have a hoard of young kids. I'm not married yet in case you're wondering." He chuckled again. Ken found himself wondering what was so funny.

"We're just dropping this off before I head home." Uchida continued. "And here we are!"

Ken bumped lightly into Uchida's back before realizing that the man in front of him had stopped suddenly. He wrestled with the groceries for a while, thankful that they hadn't dropped, before peeking out in between the bags. His mouth dropped slightly as he found himself looking at a familiar church.

"Nan..nanda? This is where we were going?" Wide chocolate eyes turned to the dark-haired man who was gazing at Ken with a bemused smile on his face. Those mesmerizing eyes looked almost fondly at him, and Ken found himself dropping his gaze, suddenly uncomfortable. He eyed the church again, the same one that he had to pass every weekend while on his way to coach soccer.

Of all the places they could be headed for, he never thought he would find himself here. Why would Uchida come to a church at this time of the night? Then again, why was he so surprised? He didn't really know this man in the first place.

"Ne? Iku zo*?" Uchida's voice cut into his thoughts and turning, Ken saw that the young journalist was looking quizzically at him. Well, might as well help him all the way ne? Ken nodded, following silently as Uchida walked up the path.

Reaching the heavy oak doors, he watched as Uchida raised his foot and lightly tapped the door several times. Several times more when there was no answer. Ken fidgeted slightly. Was there anyone around? He wanted to get this over with and go home already.

"Marianne-san! Could someone open the door please?…Ne, dare ka*?" Ken watched, somewhat amused, as Uchida started hopping slightly on one foot to keep his precarious balance, while continuing to tap the door with his other foot.

Both Ken and Uchida heaved sighs of relief when running footsteps could be heard within the church and a voice answered the summons.

The door soon opened to reveal a young woman, who beamed once she saw Uchida. "Teijirou-san! We weren't expecting you today. So nice to see you though." Ken had to smile as the beaming face was turned to him. "Oh hello there! To whom do I owe this pleasure?"

Ken bowed as well as he could what with the tons of groceries in his hands. "Hidaka Ken desu. Hajimemashitte. Douzo yoroushiku.*"

"Aa Hidaka-san. Nice to meet you too. I'm Marianne." Turning to Teijirou, Marianne smiled brightly. "So nice of you to bring your friend for a visit Teijirou-san."

Friend? Ken fidgeted slightly at the word. He once more caught Uchida's bemused glance and turned away, unsettled.

"Ken here helped me to bring some snacks over." Uchida announced as he was ushered in by the woman. Ken followed, biting his lip. Ken? Since when were they on first name basis? He plastered on an awkward smile as the Marianne thanked him profusely. Like he even knew what the hell was going on.

His mind was distracted, however, as they wandered through the halls of the quaint church. So peaceful. So quiet. Ken walked solemnly, listening to their footfalls echoing in the silent corridor. How long had it been since he was in a church? He couldn't remember. He missed the serene atmosphere. But with his life now, what right had he to be setting foot in this kind of establishment? He felt depression creeping up on him and tried to turn his thoughts away.

Marianne and Uchida were chatting amiably, something about the other parishioners attending a meeting. But Ken, lost in his thoughts, did not really make out what was said. His attention was caught however, when he heard the words "kids".

Looking up, he saw that they had entered a kitchen of some sort. Tuning into the conversation, he heard Marianne saying as she helped unload Teijirou's groceries: "Mou…you really pamper them too much. They've gone home for the day already. I'll bet they would have wanted to stay if they'd known you were coming. Minoru-chan was asking for you. He missed you a lot. You have such a way with the kids Teijirou-san."

"Kids?" Ken blurted out, curious.

"Hai!" Marianne beamed again. So pretty, her smile. "We have preschool for them here during the day, and Teijirou-san volunteers whenever he has the time. You should see him with them. They love him! He's gonna be a real good father one day, though he keeps saying it's unlikely he'll have kids of his own."

"Maa maa…" Uchida blushed and Ken could only stare wide-eyed. Him? Volunteering with kids? That so did not fit Ken's image of the Prada-toting, immaculately-clad, I-want-my-story journalist. But then again, the young parishioner couldn't be lying. Uchida was certainly full of surprises. And not all bad ones it seemed.

"Anou…these are for them then?" Ken lifted the groceries in his hands as best as he could.

"Aa. Warui warui*!" Uchida came forward and started divesting Ken of his burdens. "Yeah. It's for the kids. I wanted to give these to them but guess I got here a bit late." Once again, his fingers lightly brushed Ken's as he took the last bag away. "Thanks for helping me with these, Ken." A charming smile as hazel eyes locked onto chocolate-brown, and this time, Ken found that he couldn't look away.

Fortunately, he was rescued by Marianne. "Na, Teijirou-san, will you be free next Tuesday? Aisawa-kun's mother will not be able to make it that day and we're kind of short-handed…" the girl trailed off as she looked at Teijirou, slightly chagrined. "I know you are busy…"

"Daijoubu daijoubu. Tuesday's alright for me. I'm looking forward to spending a day with the kids." Teijirou, who had been busying himself with stuffing the snacks into cupboards, caught a glimpse of Ken's confusion reflected on a glass panel. He smiled and added: "I come and help look after the kids in the day when I can. The church doesn't have money to employ people and so parents and sometimes singles like me volunteer to take shifts."

He laughed as he turned back to the brunette. "It's cool. Sometimes I wonder whether it's me taking care of the kids, or them taking care of me. I seldom have the chance to spend time with kids now and I…I kinda miss it." The last was said rather quietly and Ken couldn't help but wonder at the slightly wistful expression on Teijirou's face. He didn't realize he was staring until Uchida looked up and shot him another charming smile. Ken turned away quickly and felt his face heating up.

He blushed even more as he heard Uchida's hearty laughter. "Saa. Ninmu kanryou*, as Atsuro-kun would say." Marianne laughed along. "Na Ken. Shall we go?"

"A..Aa…" Still somewhat taken aback by the happenings, Ken forgot to protest at the use of his first name again. Anyway, it would be kinda rude and embarrassing for Uchida if he did that in front of Marianne, though he didn't know why he cared. He could only obey as Uchida clapped a hand on his shoulder and turned him back towards the corridor. He lightly shrugged the hand off as they approached the main door of the church.

"Saa. Mata na* Marianne-san." Uchida smiled warmly at the young parishioner, who bowed and then looked towards Ken.

"Hidaka-san, do come and visit when you have the time ne? Maybe you could come with Teijirou-san. I'm sure the kids would love to have you around."

Ken couldn't help smiling. "Hai. I'm sure I'd enjoy it. Dewa…jya na."

They walked in silence, and it wasn't until they came to the end of the pathway that Uchida turned to Ken again. "So, it wasn't that bad was it?"

"Huh?" Ken looked up at the dark-haired man, studying the smiling face. He was confused. In a few mere hours, this man had completely overthrown whatever preconceptions Ken had of him. He stuck to his word and didn't harass him for an interview. He helped when Ken was in trouble. He was kind to old ladies. He bought snacks for little kids, and even volunteered to take care of them. Was this guy too good to be true or what?

Ken felt some of his cynicism rising. Was this all a show? But the church was there. And Marianne…she couldn't be part of it, could she?

"I said it wasn't that bad right? Helping me deliver the groceries?" Uchida cocked his head to one side, returning Ken's scrutiny.

"No. No it wasn't." He had to admit it. It wasn't what he expected, but it was alright, almost like he was doing something normal with a…friend.

But this man before him wasn't his friend, Ken reminded himself as he looked up into those smiling eyes again. This was a guy who wanted a story, wanted to unearth his past. He couldn't let down his guard around him…could he?

"Sankyuu na." Uchida stuck out a hand. Ken looked at the outstretched limb for a while, before slowly, haltingly, reaching out to take it. Uchida's grasp was firm. His hand felt smooth and warm. And despite himself, Ken relaxed slightly. That moment passed quickly however, as he realized that Uchida was holding his hand slightly longer than necessary. He tensed slightly and pulled away, frowning.

Uchida let out a sheepish laugh and scratched the back of his neck. "So, I guess you'll be headed back now Ken? Er…Hidaka-san?" He amended quickly as Ken shot him a dark look. "I would offer to buy you coffee but I guess you wouldn't be ready to accept would you?"

"No." Ken shot back quickly, then felt a little guilty at Uchida's suddenly downcast expression. He lifted the bag of groceries he still had in his hand. "Need to get these back." He explained, then berated himself almost immediately. Why did it concern him how Uchida felt? Damn him and his conscience.

"So…erm…I hope to see you again Hidaka-san?" Ken looked up, ready to retort, but the words caught in his throat as he was once again surprised by Uchida's sincere expression. Somehow, the young man didn't seem like he was saying it just 'cos he wanted a story. As for what other reason could be leading him to act this way, Ken didn't want to know.

Ken made a noncommittal sound and shrugged, then pointed a thumb backwards. "I'm heading that way."

"Yeah. I know." Uchida laughed. "I'm not really -that- dense when it comes to directions. I'm heading that way though." He too jerked a thumb backwards. "Saa…it was nice meeting you today. Mata na." Again, that sincere smile.

Ken allowed himself a quick nod before turning and striding away. He could feel Uchida's gaze though, boring into his back, and he shuddered inwardly. What was with that guy? Why was Uchida getting to him like that? He quickened his pace, wanting to put as much distance as he could between them as quickly as possible.

It wasn't until the bag got tangled in-between his legs that he remembered the groceries. Bringing the bag up, he eyed the assortment of pocky, seaweed, and the lemon jell-o.

Aya…

Ken realized that his encounter with Uchida had managed to distract him from his musings involving his unfathomable leader. He hadn't thought about the redhead and their fight for awhile now.

Bringing his hand up to his cheek again, Ken touched it gingerly. Nope. Didn't hurt that much now. Well, didn't hurt as bad as that knock on the back of his head anyway. Ken sighed, wondering whether Aya had gotten over the incident earlier that evening. He knew Omi and Youji would appreciate the snacks, but Aya? Would he still be angry?

Perhaps he really would have to die trying before he could understand the redhead.

Let's just hope the lemon jell-o's enough for now…

_____________

to be continued

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* Douitashimashite - Don't mention it

* Okama - Japanese slang for homosexual, similar to the term "fag"

* Nandemo nai - Nothing at all

* Dokou e ikun da yo? - Where (are we) going?

* Iku zo - Let's go

* Dare ka? - Anybody?

* Hajimemashitte. Douzo yoroushiku - A standard Japanese greeting, meaning something like 'Nice to meet you for the first time. How do you do?'

* Warui - In Japanese it means something to the effect of "That's so wrong of me", similar to "I'm so sorry."

* Ninmu kanryou - Mission accomplished. One of Gundam Wing pilot Heero Yuy's favourite term.

* Mata na - Later

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