Chapter 3

Summary: Ken thinks he's all alone in the world and his actions have become more self-destructive. Aya thinks there is a problem and is following Ken around to try and talk to him, but Ken is having none of that. Ken has insisted on a shopping trip and has just found out that Aya has a sister. Ken's inner demon causes him to tell Aya that he needs to buy underwear. Now read on!

Author's Note: Umm… I probably should have mentioned that Aya-chan is not awake and hasn't been kidnapped yet because obviously Ken doesn't know about her. Gomen!

14.07.04 - Apologies to the anonymous reviewer who called me a bastard for not posting earlier! Your review amused me greatly - but if you're really desperate and can't wait - just mail me and I'll send you the entire fic.

Hugs to Wai-Aki and Tenxjigoku too. Thanks for the sympathy Wai - it's been happening a lot lately to quite a few people I know. Hope you haven't been affected!

Now I'll stop babbling and give you what you really want…

.

Aya gives me a hard look. "Underwear?" The word is almost in ice.

I nod as I flash him a grin. "But if you got somewhere else to be, don't let lil ol' me stop you."

I can tell that Aya wants to leave, but then he was the one that insisted on coming so he could "talk" to me. I stare at him, eager to see which side of Aya will triumph.

Aya sighs. "Let's go. Which store?"

So he's gonna stick with his leader mission thing. I name the large department store in the complex and Aya nods.

I lead the way. I wonder where Yohji gets his stuff from. If I knew I'd definitely make Aya go with me there. I chuckle to myself.

"You're not just making this up are you Ken?" Aya gives me a suspicious look.

"Why would I make up something like this? You wanna check the state of my jocks at home?" I ask the rhetorical question, inwardly enjoying Aya's discomfort.

Aya doesn't talk anymore on our way up several escalators and walkways to the men's section.

"I'll go look at some other stuff and come back for you." Aya is looking away at the far side of the level.

"Nah. You better come with me. How can we talk if you're not with me?" I give him my best earnest look complete with puppy dog eyes.

"Ken…" Aya sounds like he wants to argue.

I grab his arm and pull him after me to the underwear section. "Besides it's just jocks. All guys need jocks. You have them, I have them, what's to be embarrassed about?"

Aya may be slightly taller than me, but there's no contest in who has more muscle.

I drop his arm when we reach the section. Don't want the sales clerks to get the wrong idea here. Or do I? He he! I'll do it subtlety. Aya's so gonna regret coming after me today.

I start by looking at some cotton boxers. Pretty normal stuff.

My inner devil makes me call Aya over. "Which brand do you think is better? Feel the cotton?" I force Aya's hand to touch the fabric. I notice he is diligently only touching the side part of the shorts.

"They both seem fine." Aya's voice is clipped.

"Hmm… Maybe I'll try them both then. See which one is better." I can almost hear Aya's sigh of relief that this shopping was over so fast. Not so fast buddy.

"But I need to get some briefs too." I smile innocently. "They're better for soccer. Hold you in, y'know what I mean. Can't play soccer in boxers."

I breeze over to the briefs section.

"Woah! There's a serious amount of briefs here, huh Aya? So what brand do you wear?" I turn to Aya.

"Ken…" Aya is nearly growling again.

"What? I'm just asking. Just talking y'know. Getting to know you better." I turn away in a pretend huff after those last ingenious statements.

I see the sales clerk approaching.

"Irrashaimase! Can I assist you in any way sirs?" The salesman smiles brightly.

"Nah. His opinion is all I need." I smile back and point at the unresponsive Aya.

"Ano… I see…" The guy looks a bit shocked at how open I am. I notice he resists the urge to run off and settles for walking away very quickly.

"Ken…" It's growling Aya again. He's like a puppet on repeat.

"What?" I say for the umpteenth time. "Did you see the look on that guy's face? He he!"

I make Aya hold the boxers I've picked as I make a play at looking at nearly every single brand in the briefs section. I make comments about each pair, noting the annoyed expression on Aya's face.

"These boxer briefs are pretty nifty, ne Aya?"

When I think Aya's reached the end of his tolerance I select a few of the least offensive pairs. Hey I do have to wear them after all.

On the way to the register I spot something which is just like the icing on a cake. It's a rack with thong bikinis.

"Ooh look at these Aya!" I pick up one. There's not much material there. How the hell can these be comfortable sticking up your ass?

Aya is definitely ignoring me now. But there's a slight flush on his ears. He he! I'm getting to him.

"How the hell do you think this can be comfortable, huh Aya?" I wave the underwear near his face.

"Are you finished yet Ken?" is the only reply I get.

"Ok. I'll just have to ask Yohji then." I shrug nonchalantly as I begin to walk to the register.

"You're going to buy one of those?" Aya sounds aghast.

"Sure why not? Live on the wild side Aya. Besides they'll probably go well with my leather hipsters."

Aya's back visibly straightens at the mention of my pants. Damn! Bad move to remind him about what I got up to last night when I was wearing said pants which has lead to this fun-filled shopping trip.

"We need to talk." Aya states bluntly but he doesn't intimidate me at all.

"I'll just pay for these then I need to stop at the sports store and then I'm done." I say meekly.

Aya nods.

I pay the previously embarrassed clerk and give him a cheeky wink as he quickly scans the tag on my thong.

I start whistling as we walk out of the store. I'm smirking inside. Aya thinks that he'll get a chance to talk to me soon. As if I'm gonna let that happen.

There's a salesguy Watanabe at the sports store who loves to talk to me. He's a soccer fanatic and he knows I love it too. He's always talking and since there was a big match on the weekend, he'll be dying to discuss it. And I have to say that I enjoy it too. It's always nice to chat with someone who shares the same interests as you.

Actually he has mentioned that my name sounds familiar. I guess I'm lucky that he can't remember that far back in the J-league. It's already over three years since it was part of my life. [1]

No one in the Weiss can understand what a big part of my life soccer was and still is. I trained so hard to make my dream come true. Soccer was my life. I lived and breathed it everyday. Kase and I were practicing every spare minute we could. Nothing can compare to that period in my life. It was the best time of my life.

It's hard sometimes to watch the game without feeling resentment for what was taken away from me. Especially when a goalie lets in an easy goal.

But I can't hold onto the past if I want to keep my sanity. I've made myself move on. My life is now Weiss.

As expected, Watanabe's eyes light up when we enter the store.

"Hidaka-san! Irrashaimase! Did you watch the game on the weekend?" And he's off.

Aya watches our interaction. After ten minutes, he wanders off to look at something in the store. He returns and we're still going. I sneak a side glance at him. Aya's starting to look grumpy.

I nod placatingly at him and make an effort to look like I'm trying to end the conversation. Of course I don't succeed as I know exactly what to say to make Watanabe keep talking and talking and talking.

Finally Aya butts in. "Ken. We need to go now."

"Ah, who is your friend Hidaka-san?" Watanabe smiles sweetly at Aya. He reminds me of Omi.

"Watanabe-san, please meet Fujimiya-san. We work together."

"Ah! Yoroshiku ne!" Watanabe bows politely. Aya merely nods in return.

"I've got to go now." I say regretfully.

"Oh ok, so soon?" I nod at Watanabe's sorrowful expression. "Well come down to the sports bar tonight Hidaka-san! It's AC Milan against Arsenal! It should be a great match!" He's always inviting me to watch the game with him and his friends.

"I'll try to be there." I'm not going to tell Aya that I've never gone out with Watanabe before.

"I'll be looking for you!" He waves us out of the store.

As we walk out, I look at my watch. "Ne… Aya, we better get back to the Koneko. It's lunch hour and Yohji could probably use a hand."

"Hn." What the fuck does 'hn' mean?

"We can talk later ok?" I say because I'm guessing that's what Aya is thinking.

"Aa." That's our Aya – the master of monosyllabic sounds.

We walk back to the carpark through the crowded mall so thankfully there isn't any opportunity for conversation. Besides I feel like walking fast. This excess energy in me, I need to work it off. Must be the adrenalin from getting one over Aya. It's a sweet feeling.

I store our purchases and we're off. I experience once again the sweet torture of Aya's arms around me. When I accelerate, I feel Aya tighten his hold on me. I like it. I start driving faster. [2]

When we arrive back at the Koneko (in record time, I must admit) Aya is glaring when we come to a halt.

"Ken no baka. Was it really necessary to drive that fast?"

"What's wrong? Were you scared?" I leer at him.

Aya's eyes turn even more glacial, if that was possible. He ignores my comment, hands me his helmet and stalks off to enter the house.

I think he looks so cute when he's pissed off. Like an angry kitten.

Once the door is closed behind him, I let out the smile I've been holding back. Damn that was funny. That was a shopping trip that Aya won't forget in a hurry.

I enter the house and drop the shopping in my room. I can hear the Koneko is busy, the din of schoolgirl chatter is crazy. I better get in there and lend a hand.

"Ken!" Yohji gives me a relived grin as I enter. "Come and give me a hand with the under eighteens!"

I shake my head as I pull on my apron. Yohji is so predictable.

I'm kept busy during the lunch period dealing with customers and making deliveries.

Thankfully it slows down after that and then I move onto the ikebana arrangements. While I work I reflect on the silent redhead across from me. Aya has an imouto? I wonder where she is and why he has never mentioned her before. How can he be part of Weiss and still have a family? Aren't we all supposed to be dead?

What does she look like? Wonder if she's as beautiful as Aya? I try to imagine a feminine version of Aya. It's pretty easy. Aya really is a stunning man.

I'm happily imagining a gorgeous female-Aya, but then I recall the reality of the situation. Aya has an imouto. He's not alone. He has someone to love and care for him. Why does that make me feel so depressed? But I should be glad for my team member, not resentful.

I'm trying to work out my feelings. I think of Weiss as my family now. A dysfunctional family who kills for a living, but a family nonetheless.

I realise I feel hurt that Aya had never confided this information to us. He's so aloof, never letting us know more about the Aya under that mask. I asked him once what made him join Weiss but he wouldn't answer me.

When did I begin to want to know more about the redhead?

I've stopped working and am staring blankly at the wall. I'm brought back to earth by Aya clearing his throat. How can such a small sound attract my attention? Because you're fixated on the man, my inner-self tells me. And you're really hot for his body after today. I recall the feel of Aya pressed up against my back.

I can almost feel Aya's gaze on me. I look up and he has an unreadable expression on his face.

"Ken, daijoubu ka?"

"I'm fine."

I resume work. I avoid looking at Aya. He's stirring all sorts of mixed feelings in me today. I need some time to absorb it all.

The afternoon passes and before I know it, the dreaded schoolgirl crush is on us again. Where the hell do they all come from? And why do they come to just stand around the store?

The door opens again. I glance up as I call "Irrashaimase!" and then have to work to keep from groaning out loud. It's that damn girl who loves to follow Aya around. What's her name again? That's right – it's Sakura.

I don't know why I don't like Sakura that much. Maybe because she just wants so much attention and pity. Sure, she had her kidney stolen by an evil guy, but at least she's still got her life and her family. At least she can live a normal life and she can hate the people who did it to her. She's not like me; I was gullible enough to trust the person who betrayed me. Look where I ended up.

Or maybe I just hate the posturing she does when she comes in and fawns over Aya. She even brings bento boxes for Aya to ensure he's eating right. Actually if I admit it, I'm just the tiniest bit jealous. There's two reasons for that, one is that Sakura obviously cares a lot about Aya, it really makes me miss the company of Yuriko, and my second reason is that I can't stand the fact that Aya gives her attention. He lets her stand next to him and chatter away about whatever.

But I'm going to ignore them and concentrate on my task at hand. I put on a smile for the girl in front of me. "Mika-san, you need something for a sick friend? How about this arrangement of lilies?"

When closing time arrives, I'm quick to pull down the shutters. I want to get away from this place, away from Aya and away from these confusing feelings. And I especially don't want to 'talk' to him. I might end up blurting out something I'll regret later.

I rush through my cleaning chores and am pulling off my apron when Aya approaches me.

"Ken. Are you free this evening?"

"Nope. Gonna go watch the game at the bar with Watanabe." I hang up my apron.

"We need to talk."

"Can we talk later Aya? This match is a really big one! See AC Milan are playing Arsenal and if AC Milan win then they'll be in second place in the UEFA Cup. And Arsenal needs to win this game to keep in the top 8. But I heard that Maldini has a sprained ankle and may not be playing this match. He's the Milan captain and one of the best defenders. It's gonna be a great match." I babble on enthusiastically, noting Aya's slightly dazed expression.

"But Ken…"

"Later okay Aya? I won't be back too late." I'm already opening the door and pulling on my leather jacket. "Ja ne!"

I race down the street, enjoying the feel of doing something physical after hours spent in the shop. I decided not to take my bike because I plan to be drinking. And besides I hate knowing that Aya has tabs on me if I do take my bike.

I'm also enjoying dodging the pedestrians on the sidewalk, the salarymen and women going home, the giggling schoolgirls, the shopping mothers. It's like a game to see how nimble my reflexes are, moving as fast as I can without touching anyone.

All too soon I arrive at the bar. Watanabe is sitting with a group of guys at one of the tables and I go over to join them.

"Hidaka-san! Glad you could join us!"

Watanabe introduces me to his friends and I feel like I'm back in days past. I remember sitting around the pub with a group of team mates after a match. Those were good days.

I order a beer from the cute waitress and settle down to watch the match with my new friends.

The beer keeps flowing and I realise at half-time that I haven't eaten anything to counter the alcohol.

"What snacks do they have here?" I ask Watanabe.

"Snacks? Who needs snacks!" Watanabe slings his arm around my shoulders. "Kampai!"

"Kampai!" Everyone is raising their glasses again. Oh well, nobody ever said Ken Hidaka was a party pooper so I drain my glass as well. The waitress brings over the new bottles without even asking. It seems this group gathers here a lot.

The second half of the match passes in a slight blur as I drink more and more. We're getting rowdier. Even when the game finishes, we're all still sitting around drinking and talking about the best soccer matches we've seen, the best goals we ever saw, the World Cup, practically anything soccer related.

It's after 1am when I stagger home. I shared a taxi with some of the guys who lived in this area.

I pull off my sneakers and yawn sleepily as I stagger through the kitchen. I give a start of surprise at the figure standing in the shadows of the hallway.

It's Aya standing at the entrance to the living room. The television is on quietly in the background flickering within the dark room.

"Hey Aya. Watcha doing?"

"Waiting." Aya enunciates slowly.

"Yeah?" I give him a big smile. "Waiting for what?"

"You."

"That's nice. You waited for me. Umm, what for?" I scrunch my nose up thoughtfully.

"Are you drunk?" Aya looks at me incredulously.

"I'm not drunk. I only had a few beers." I lean against the wall as the room starts to spin. "Let's see, I had one when I got there… And another one when Milan scored their first goal… And one when Arsenal scored their first goal of course… One at half time and one at the end of the match and one when Junichi got the waitress' phone number and he bought us all another round and another one when… Hey why is the room moving around like this Aya?"

"Let's get you to bed Hidaka." Aya quickly turns off the television and approaches me. He puts my arm around his shoulders and his arm around my waist. I snuggle my head against his neck and close my eyes.

"You smell nice Aya."

"Nani?"

"I can see why that Sakura chick keeps hanging around you."

"What does Sakura have to do with this? Let's go." Aya helps me up the stairs to my room before pushing me on the bed.

"Sleep it off, baka."

"What? No bedtime kiss?" I open my eyes. Now that I'm lying down in one position, the room has stopped spinning.

"You reek of beer and smoke. There's no way in hell I'm going to kiss you."

"Just a little one? To make my dreams pleasant?" I blink earnestly at him.

"No."

"Fine," I pout, "When I have a bad dream, it'll be all your fault."

The room is silent and it's too dark to read the expression in Aya's beautiful amethyst eyes. I give up on Aya and close my eyes.

And then I feel it, the slightest touch against my lips.

I open my eyes. Aya is running his thumb over my lips. He whispers, "Baka", before his head descends to mine.

His lips are firm and warm. I'm surprised because I always thought they'd be cool. I guess it just fits his persona.

The kiss lasts for a mere second before Aya is pulling away.

But there's no way I'm letting the delectable redhead go so quickly. I pull his head back down to mine and show him what I mean by a real bedtime kiss. I feel Aya's surprise at my action but I merely deepen the kiss, wrapping one arm around his waist, tugging him onto the bed with me.

I lick along Aya's bottom lip, pulling on it lightly with my teeth, making an opening for my tongue to delve into his mouth. He tastes better than I ever imagined. I can't get enough. I'm ravishing his mouth desperately like there's no tomorrow. I love those little gasps he's making that let me know he's enjoying this as much as me.

I slide my hand up the back of his shirt. His skin is smooth and warm. It feels heavenly.

"Ken, no!" Aya breaks our torrid kiss.

"Why not?" I want more of this delicious torture.

"You're drunk. You don't know what you're doing," states Aya flatly.

"I'm not drunk!" I exclaim indignantly, "I know what I'm doing." Even to my own ears, I sound like a child in denial.

"We'll see what you can remember tomorrow." Aya removes my arms from his person and stands up. He turns away, "You've never shown any interest in me when you were sober, how can I believe you?"

He turns back to stroke my cheek. "Oyasumi Ken. Sweet dreams."

And then he's gone and I'm alone again.

.

- tbc -

[1] In the manga Yohji joined Weiss two years before Aya, and Ken was already a member and he picked a fight with Yohji when he arrived too (gotta love our feisty Kenken!), so I've just picked an arbitrary time period of three years or so since Ken was in J-league.

[2] To be honest, I'm not sure how one stores things when riding a bike. I think you can get a special compartment on the bike, but I have no idea if Ken's bike has one. For the sake of this fic, let's pretend he has one, ok?

Hope you are still enjoying this! Please let me know how I'm doing.