Underground

by Lennith

Ryuhou has been tracking Kazuma for a year without success. With attacks from the Mainland growing fiercer, and evidence of Kazuma's growing recklessness, his search becomes frantic. YAOI, KazuRyu, future lemons.

5. Chapter 5: Acrobat Lotus

Title: Underground

Author: Lennith

Rating: R! If you don't want to hear about homosexual sex, then don't read! Simple as that. However, this will be the tame version, so don't get too excited.

Pairing: Kazuma/Ryuhou overall. KazuTachi smex though!

Disclaimer: I am not a genius, hence I did not create Scryed! The story and all characters belong to Bandai, Yosuke Kuroda, Yasunari Toda, the little green gods, Bill Gates, and whoever else contributed to their creation. Namely, not me!

Warnings: This is a yaoi fic! If you don't like man on man action, please don't read this! If you do read this, it's your own damn fault so don't come crying to me when you have nightmares about Brad Pitt and your swimming instructor. Also, as you can see, I have a twisted sense of humor. I should put a warning for that too... Probably plenty of swearing, blood, guts, and adult situations. This chapter contains SEX! However this is the tame version for FF . Net purposes.

A/N: Waaaah! FINALLY another chapter! I've really had the best intentions, but in the end my vacation wound up being busy n.n And now I'm back in classes, so I'm not sure how often I'll be updating. I'm going to shoot to update weekly, but I won't make promises I can't keep. AND OH MY! I'm so happy that so many people have taken time to review! I can't believe it, 12 reviews on a s.CRY.ed fic! ::Love!:: I hope everyone continues to review, because the more constructive criticism the more I can improve! All I can say is thank you, thank you, thank you!

As mentioned before, this is the tame version! If you want all the dirty, sweaty, sticky detailed version, you can find it at my AdultFanfiction account http:adultfan. nexcess. net /aff/ story. php?no544174629

You'll have to erase the spaces, obviously. FF. net's word processor eats links like cotton candy T-T OH WELL. Smut, ho!

ixi

Chapter Five: Acrobat Lotus

When you give someone a lotus blossom it means you pray for their eternal life.

Valkyrie Profile

Live for my living, or else I must die.

"Don't leave me alone!"

a world heard that cry

Anne McCaffrey, "Dragon Singer"

ixi

After the meal, Ryuhou spent an awkward handful of hours as the so called "third wheel." Tachibana did his best to try to keep Ryuhou in the conversation, but it brought the man little comfort as he sat stiffly, answered questions directed at him, and tried desperately to not flinch at the others' obvious ease with one another. It wasn't until the purple-haired alter user noticed that Ryuhou was struggling to keep from dozing off that the torture abated.

"Ah, I didn't realize it had gotten so late," Tachibana grinned, rubbing his head in embarassment. "You two are probably exhausted and I'm keeping you from getting your rest."

Kazuma yawned heartily, stretching and using his spread arms as an excuse to snake one one around his host's waist. "You worry too much, Tachi. We're both fine," he chided lazily, taking pleasure in the look of cool discomfort Ryuhou gave him.

The slender young man gave a short discrediting laugh. "Both of you need a good sleep. I know perfectly well you're tired, Kazuma, even though you won't show it."

Kazuma shook his auburn head and blinked sleepily. "I can outlast that Holy bitch any night of the week, ne, Ryu-kun?" The green-haired alter user's cheek jumped at the man's tone, heavily laden with innuendo and his smug, leering expression.

"If it weren't for you I'd have had many more nights sleeping on a comfortable mattress," Ryuhou scoffed. "You'd be worse off than I am except Tachibana put so much energy into healing your oafish hide." He felt his face get hot and his temper rise slightly. Kazuma's finger's curled slightly against Tachibana's abdomen. Why couldn't he stop staring at those coarse fingers?

Kazuma was about to say something challenging but Tachibana interrupted him before he could get out more than a raised sylable. "Enough, you two. You both need to have a comfortable night and refresh yourselves," Tachibana said in a matronly way that made both of the older alter users look like they'd been slapped on the hand with a ruler. "I only have the one bed upstairs," Tachibana reminded himself thoughtfully. "Ryuhou, you and Kazuma should sleep upstairs and I'll take the couch. You two don't get a bed very often, so I insist."

Ryuhou's face went visibly pale while Kazuma broke into snorting laughter. "Tachibana, you are too generous," he said between snorts, his brown eye tearing with mirth.

"I think you know well that I'd never be able to share a bed with this cretin," Ryuhou said curtly and rose to his feet angrily. "And I couldn't kick you out of your bed when you've already offered such hospitality. I'll take the couch." He glared furiously at Kazuma who looked both insulted and disappointed before looking between Tachibana and Kazuma nervously. 'This is going to make my head explode. I hate to be rude to Tachibana but I want to just sleep and get the hell out of here first thing in the morning,' the green-haired alter user pleaded silently. He hadn't considered his rival's baiting would wear him down so effortlessly. If only his head would stop pounding...

Their host was about to protest, but Ryuhou's jaw was clenched in a way that told him that there'd be no changing his mind. He sighed in resignation. "Alright, you can take the couch, Ryuhou. Kazuma'd keep you awake talking in his sleep anyway." He faltered at the hiss from Ryuhou and Kazuma's proud chuckle, only realizing then what his statement implied and slapped his hand over his mouth. "Um, I'll get you some blankets, Ryuhou. Kazuma, you wash up. I don't want to sleep next to someone who smells like a dead otter."

ixi

Ryuhou settled easily onto the couch and Kazuma, being rather offended that he'd been compared to a dead otter, followed Tachibana's advice and took a good, long soak to get out the weeks of dirt and sweat that was ingrained in his skin. Although he'd been trying to get the upper hand on Ryuhou by pretending not to be tired, by the end of the hot shower sleep seemed like a pretty damn good idea. By the time he got out of the bathroom Ryuhou was sleeping lightly, moving restlessly as Kazuma's shadow flickered over him. The shell bullet leaned down and took a careful look at his rival. Ryuhou's brows drew together in a worried expression on his otherwise relaxed face. He looked much better than earlier that day, but he still looked overtaxxed and too thin. Kazuma bit his lip, feeling a very small pang of conscience before moving away and heading up the stairs. Seeing his rival again brought heat to his blood. Although he looked forward to the new challenge he knew he'd have a lot of questions to answer and explaining to do once they left. Ryuhou had obviously taken his disappearance very personally.

Tachibana was already tucked into the bed and Kazuma slid in beside him with a soft sigh of contentment. He was rarely afforded any luxuries. A soft bed and a warm body seemed like heaven on earth after spending weeks sleeping on the unforgiving earth. He'd have been perfectly happy to just pass out but Tachibana roused himself and snuggled against him, quickly warming his body and giving him other ideas. He smiled broadly, sweeping his lover's hair from his face with the back of his hand.

"Much better, no otter stink," Tachibana mumbled, pressing his cheek against Kazuma's damp chest and feeling the other's breath hitch.

"You're one to talk, you always smell like dirt! Ow!" Kazuma gave a low laugh as the smaller man slapped him hard on the chest. "I meant you smell like earth from the garden. I like it." He proved it by burying his face in the violet hair. Tachibana giggled and kissed the spot he'd hit in apology. Kazuma tensed, feeling his lover's hands venture a bit lower and tracing over his ribs. 'Shit, this wasn't supposed to be happening. I'm supposed to be talking to Tachibana about his feelings, not messing around. Damnit, Ryuhou, why are you so indifferent about this?' Despite his good intentions he could already feel his body stirring to meet Tachibana's small explorations. He really did like the younger man. His personality was bright and exuberant, and he was strong and level headed. Physically they were extremely compatible, as he was only proving now as touches got less shy and more insistant. Sex was always mutually satisfying to both of them, and somehow Kazuma doubted that everyone was granted such a partner, but something still always held him back. He really did like Tachibana, but loving him was a far riskier and more dangerous venture. He felt complacent around him, like he could easily slip into a world of false securities and forget his will to continue onwards. It felt a bit like when he'd gone to join Holy and lived out a fake life free of worries or responibilities with Mimori. When he was sexually sated or playing with the cats he'd remember the weight of Kimishima's body on his back or Ryuhou's piercing through him arrogantly, forcing him to grow stronger and continue fighting. He was a soldier. He could not abandon the field and ignore the war all around them.

"Tachibana, we need to talk," he rumbled, hissing slightly as Tachibana pinched his nipple the way they both knew he liked.

"You just got back. We can talk tomorrow," Tachibana complained. He hadn't really planned on sex after everything that had happened that day, but now he wanted it and could feel Kazuma needed it too. He leaned up for a quick searching kiss.

"I think we should talk first. I don't want you to be unhappy," Kazuma replied once his mouth was free. He felt stupid speaking so mushily, but he was too tired and distracted to come up with something more like himself.

Tachibana pulled back a little, blinking at his lover curiously. Kazuma had never hesitated before. "I'm not unhappy. It's been three months," he gripped the elder's firm arm appreciatively. "Let's have some fun now and worry tomorrow when our heads are clear, hmm?"

Kazuma looked over him briefly. Tachibana's eyes sparkled good-naturedly in the darkness, a smile quirked on his lips that was contagious, as the rogue found himself grinning in return. "Like I can say no to that. Let's have plenty of fun then," he whispered across Tachibana's ear, relaxing his body and giving in to temptation.

ixi

Ryuhou was jerked out of his uneasy sleep by some noise. He wasn't sure what at first, as he glanced blearily around the empty living room to find himself alone. Then a moan rippled through the silence, followed by the sound of a bed shifting and. 'Tachibana...?' Kazuma's muffled chuckle and a gasp from Tachibana suddenly made it vividly clear exactly what had disturbed his sleep. 'God... They're not....' Ryuhou gulped down some bile, his face heating fiercely.

"Kazu...ah! Don't... stop. HEY!" he heard Tachibana's voice clearly.

"Tch! Well do you want me to stop or not?"

"I said 'don't stop,' idiot.... Nnn, stop teasing me..."

Ryuhou was suddenly swept by an urge to either vomit, pass out, or vomit and pass out in his own mess. Sure, he'd purposely given the bed to Kazuma and Tachibana but he hadn't expected them to actually have sex. Hell, Tachibana's room was a loft and didn't even have proper walls around it! He muttered angrily and buried his head under his pillows, determined to ignore what would soon be over and go back to sleep. Unfortunately for him, the noises only grew louder and more vivid. 'Kazuma, I am going to beat the living daylights out of you for this!!!!' he screamed internally, as if his thought could actually harm their target. He bit so hard on his lip that he could taste blood, fighting the heat of his anger and body. To his utter dismay, he could feel himself starting to become aroused. Morbidly ashamed of himself and venomously furious at Kazuma for creating this situation he sprang to his feet, gathered his blankets and pillows and went outside to his jeep, slamming the door behind him. Not that anyone except him actually heard it.

ixi

Kazuma had the decency to clean them both off after they were finally done, even though Tachibana had fallen asleep so quickly. He eased a pair of boxers onto his lover and then slid into a pair himself. He rubbed a rough hand through his unruly hair. Now that it was out of his system, he was left with a head full of questions. He laid back down next to Tachibana, smiling softly at the younger man's sleeping face and brushed his cheek idly with the back of his hand. He certainly hoped that Tachibana had meant what he thought he'd meant earlier about this not bothering him. He'd feel pretty guilty if come tomorrow he was wrong. It hadn't been his intention to use the purple-haired alter user... His thoughts inevitably drifted. What a day it'd been! First being found by Ryuhou... He bit down laughter as he remembered belatedly that they'd kissed, and the delightfully shocked look on his rival's face. 'Mmm, he even blushed,' Kazuma thought impishly. 'He's funny when he blushes. Pretty too.' His thought stalled out of its dreamy musings and fell out of the sky like a rock. 'Wait a second... Ryuhou... was downstairs!' Kazuma felt all color blanch from him in horror. After a moment he grimaced and covered his head with his arms as if to ward off unseen blows. "Ryuhou's going to KILL me tomorrow!"

ixi

The former officer of Holy certainly looked as if he were ready to kill the next morning. He'd spent the night cramped up in the back seat of his jeep and looked as if he'd spent it with a bear. His hair was a disaster, his cheeks looked too pale for his normally rich skin tone and his eyes burned like embers from their darkened hallows.

"Er... Good morning," Tachibana chirped, having the decency to blush in embarassment. He'd completely forgotten Ryuhou had been well within earshot of their coupling the night before. Ryuhou managed a slight nod and a grunt to him before stumbling into the kitchen and teetering on a stool. Tachibana quickly poured him some coffee, worried that his guest might slip off onto the stone floor, which Ryuhou accepted with an exclaimation of thanks. 'At least he doesn't seem to be mad at me,' Tachibana thought, the crease between his eyebrows disappearing with his worry. Ryuhou downed the whole mug in one swallow, which was rather a good thing since he crushed the poor thing a second later.

"'Morning, sunshine!" Kazuma hollered, jumping up behind Ryuhou and fastening his right arm around the elder man's neck. "Awww, aren't we fresh as a daisy," he cooed teasingly. Ryuhou growled and elbowed his attacker hard in the ribs. "Ouch!" Kazuma released his victim in favor of rubbing his sore ribs tenderly. "Tachibana just healed those, you jerk! What's the matter, didn't enjoy the fireworks last night?"

Ryuhou gagged, his cheeks burning as he snarled. "SHUT UP, CRETIN!" Kazuma smirked, pained but delighted at the rise he'd gotten out of his friend. 'He's blushing again.'

"Both of you settle down and eat before it gets cold!" Tachibana scolded. "Don't worry about the cup, Ryuhou, Kazuma's already broken at least 5 of them. Blow any holes in my house, though, and you have to fix it yourself."

Both Kazuma and Ryuhou mumbled a vague apology and followed their host's orders. As soon as the food was set before them they lost interest in harassing one another anyway. Neither of them were used to getting a full meal often and Tachibana's cooking was more than enough to shut them up. Ryuhou couldn't even remember the last time he'd eaten pancakes. After he'd finished eating, which was well after Kazuma had finished and had resumed his irritatingly casual interaction with Tachibana, he politely asked if he could use the bathroom for another shower. Of coure it was alright with the purple-haired young man, so once Kazuma heard the running water he leapt at the opportunity to talk to Tachibana.

"Er, Tachibana, could we talk now?" He sounded a little nervous, which irritated him. He hated this "talking" thing but it had to be done.

Tachibana paused a moment and set down the plate he was drying. "Sure." He motioned towards the living room and they both took a seat on the couch. "Well, what do you want to talk about," he said as Kazuma didn't start right away.

"Well, about us..." the rogue alter user scratched his head nervously with his gloved hand. "I just wanted you to know, I really like you."

Tachibana's eyes widened a little in surprise. Kazuma wasn't one to talk about emotions very often, but he was flattered.

"But..." he continued after a moment. "I want you to know my terms haven't changed." He sighed heavily, unwilling yet to look Tachibana in the eye and see his reaction. "I'm still not going to settle down. You're not going to know when or if I'm coming back, and I can't even promise to you that I'll be faithful to you, even though I have been so far. Damnit, I hate this sort of thing! Look, it's just that if you've fallen in love with me, it's probably better if I don't come back at all. I've never meant this to hurt you." To his surprise Tachibana snorted which quickly turned to rolling laughter. Kazuma swung his head around to look at his lover confused and worried, but Tachibana patted his shoulder reassuringly.

"Ah, thanks Kazuma," he said once he could catch his breath and he wiped away the tears that had formed in his eyes from laughing so hard with the back of his hand. "Sorry, sorry, I didn't mean to laugh at you. What I meant is, thank you for being concerned about me, but I'm really alright. As much as I like you and enjoy our time together," he gave a suggestive little smirk, "I'm not in love with you and I don't expect you to change for me."

Kazuma's jaw dropped. He'd said all that mushy shit for nothing! "Ryuhou described it to me that you were and you seemed upset! I'm going to KILL that motherfucker!"

Tachibana chuckled again, keeping it under control this time. "Well then, he got the wrong impression. I guess he noticed... I'd been thinking a lot. It'd be so easy to fall in love with you and try to change you, but I'd realized that the only thing that could ever hold your attention is Ryuhou, just as you can only hold his." Tachibana's handsome face grimiced a little. "Maybe I was a bit jealous. Look, even if you two don't realize it you have a very strong bond. Just... take it easy on him for a bit, ok? He's been through a lot for you."

Kazuma just stared at his lover dazedly for a second before he grinned and tousled the soft violet hair playfully. "See, this is why I like you!"

It was just then that the radio whistled and broke into code. Kazuma and Tachibana both turned to stare at it. Mainland was attacking: a big fleet, 20 miles away. "Shit," Kazuma got up quickly and ran for the door.

"Don't go without Ryuhou!" Tachibana said firmly, his hazel eyes dark with alarm. "You need at least his jeep to get you there quickly."

Kazuma glanced over the shorter man, taking in the firm tone and stance that told him he wouldn't be leaving without Ryuhou, whether he liked it or not. "Fine, fine," he said sulkily and rushed to the bathroom, forcing the door open. "Ryuhou! C'mon, hurry it up! We have to go!"

Ryuhou stared at the intruder slack-jawed and naked. "Oh, er... wow, I always thought you were just tanned but looks like that's your natural color," Kazuma said cheerily, his thoughts sidetracked. He took a step back as he saw Ryuhou's jaw clench and his hand tighten convulsively around the bar of soap he'd been using.

"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING, PERVERT," he bellowed, eyes flashing as he pitched the soap hard directly into Kazuma's forehead. "GET OUT NOW OR I'LL MAKE SURE YOU'LL NEVER BE ABLE TO HAVE MONGREL CHILDREN!"

Kazuma let out a yelp. Who'd have thought that soap could hurt so much, he wondered as he momentarily saw stars. He couldn't help but laugh despite his predicament. Ryuhou, acting like a teenage virgin, was heaving angrily under the running water and blushing as if his head would explode from the excess blood. Kazuma whistled appreciatively, but ducked as he saw Ryuhou reach for another weapon: a rubber duckie.

"Gyah! Ryuhou, I'm serious! Mainland attack. If you don't want to be left behind get out now and start up that jeep of yours!" Ryuhou immediately paled and sobered, turning off the water and reaching hastily for a towel.

"How many? Where?" He said as he roughly started to dry himself off, his nudity forgotten.

"The report was vague as usual," Kazuma drawled, crossing his arms. "It just said a 'big fleet' which can mean anything from a single fleet and three carriers to two fleets and four carriers. In any case, expect big daddies. Woah, careful!" He grabbed Ryuhou, who had climbed out of the tub and started to slide on the slippery stone floor securely with both arms. Ryuhou snarled and twisted out of his grip violently. "Settle down, Bessie, I'm just trying to keep you from twisting your own neck!" His brown eye flashed angrily but Ryuhou ignored him, striding into the living room.

"Tachibana, is my uniform dry?" he demanded curtly.

"Erm, yes. And repaired," Tachibana leapt from the couch, a bit surprised by his teammate's bare skin, and scrambled to get the clothing. He returned shortly and handed the neatly folded pile to Ryuhou, who immediately started to shrug it on and button the now crisp uniform across his chest.

"Thank you," the green-haired man said belatedly, "for the uniform and everything. We'll come back when we can." Tachibana nodded, understanding their hurried goodbyes.

"Anytime you want. My house is open to both of you," he replied with a sad smile. He'd been hoping they could stay longer.

Ryuhou nodded, and Kazuma exploded from the bathroom to give him a crushing hug. And then, as suddenly as they had come, they were gone. Tachibana stared after the disappearing jeep, the house suddenly feeling empty. He shook his head at his own gloomy attitude. They'd be back when they were able to, Ryuhou had said so and he was far more reliable than Kazuma. With the idea that he'd finally be able to get some work in the garden done, he set about cleaning the mess his two friends had left in their wake.

ixi

The drive was a very tense fifteen minutes, the terrain rocky and unforgiving on the jeep. It was spent in silence, neither man having the will to talk, only thinking about the battle that was soon to come. About ten minutes into the ride a grey smudge on the horizon told of the havoc ensuing along the coast. 'Thankfully the nearest settlements are far enough away not to take the brunt of the damage,' Ryuhou thought grimly. The people of the Lost Ground were trying so hard to make a living out of the barren land. It was worse than cruel of the mainlanders to try to destroy what little they had. His gaze slid from the rapidly nearing battlesite to Kazuma, who looked both intent and excited at the scene ahead of them. 'This time we'll fight together again,' he thought, finding himself getting excited too. 'With the two of us it won't matter how many there are.'

"We can take them," Kazuma said suddenly, shocking Ryuhou that his thoughts were spoken out loud, and not from his lips. "It doesn't look like more than two fleets and two carriers, but even if there were more we could take 'em on." He grinned and clapped Ryuhou on the shoulder. "Hope you haven't gotten soft on me. You ready?"

Ryuhou gave him a small smile, not more than a slight tightening of the lips, and nodded slowly. "I am, so don't overextend yourself. I've seen your 'leftovers.' There's no need to be suicidal."

Kazuma snorted indignantly, annoyed that his rival didn't think he could fend for himself but amused that the other had worried about him. "Aw, so you really do care. Lookit me, I'm blushing," he laughed teasingly.

"Idiot, of course I care. I don't want to fight the last battle alone. If we lose you, we might lose the Lost Ground," He retorted with feeling. Kazuma let the silence invade again, unsure of what he was supposed to say. It didn't last anyway, for soon Ryuhou stopped the jeep, turning the engine off but not bothering to remove the key from the ignition. "This is close enough. Don't alter the car unless you want to pay for it and walk to the nearest town afterwards," he warned, getting out and walking towards the leading edge of attack.

Kazuma snorted again. He thought Ryuhou sounded a lot like Kimishima and smiled at the retreating back. "Yosh, c'mon, it's time to fight. Burn brighter..." he said darkly, beginning to flex his fingers and call forth his alter, careful not to alter the vehicle.

ixi

(A/N: Haha, I write action sequences reasonably well but... I DON'T FEEL LIKE IT! X3 Onwards, outwards, smut ho!)

The battle itself was exhausting but nothing out of the ordinary. Ryuhou checked constantly for Kazuma's streak of light across the sky, chiding himself for being paranoid that the rogue would leave him again but it was always there, like a beacon. At last the final ship fell from the sky with a sickening crash of metal and Ryuhou released his alter, feeling the pain of its loss run through his still heaving body. He panted heavily, blood trickling from a wound recieved above his eyebrow and into his eyes. 'We did it,' he thought. 'It's over, we won.' The pluralism reminding him of his teammate, he frantically wiped the blood from his eye and searched the field for Kazuma. He felt fear balling up in his stomach quickly as the other man was nowhere to be seen, then a crumpling noise and the scurry of debris alerted him to his teammates figure rising from the rubble some thirty meters away. Ryuhou relaxed as much as his body, still throbbing with the thrill of combat, would allow him. 'He's here. He's alive.'

The Shell Bullet gripped his arm, then satisfied that it was alright, turned and looked for Ryuhou. Their eyes met and he grinned impishly. He gave a small wave and then turned away, starting to walk, kicking rocks and chunks of metal out of the way as he went.

Ryuhou stared after him, feeling as if his heated body had suddenly been drenched in cold water. 'Just like last time... He's... He's leaving me!' His eyes snapped wide and he clutched at his head, feeling anger and pain overwhelming him. 'I'm not letting him go again!' "Don't leave me ALONE! ZETSUEI!"

The small body of the first form of his alter shimmered into being next to him, looking at her master before snapping her ribbons and taking the unheard order. She streaked across the distance between the two men and latching her ribbons around Kazuma's ankles. The man yelped in surprise, tumbling to the ground with a loud crash and a grunt. Feeling the heat of battle return to his body with a vengeance, Ryuhou followed as quickly as possible after his alter in a rage. As soon as he got there he released Zetsuei, his body recoiling slightly again as sharp pain tinged through him again.

"Ryuhou, what the hell do you think--" Kazuma never finished the sentence for as soon as he got to his feet Ryuhou swung his fist through the air and smashed it directly into his rival's face. "What the FUCK was that for?!" He yelled, spitting out some blood.

"BASTARD," Ryuhou shrieked, bringing his hand flat and preparing to hit the other in the stomach, but Kazuma was prepared this time and caught him easily by the wrist. The red eyes glinted with rage and he furiously swung his left hand, which Kazuma caught as well.

"Answer me, what are you doing?!" Kazuma growled, tightening his grip around the slender wrists.

"YOU WERE GOING TO LEAVE ME," Ryuhou screamed, reason lost in his anger and his body's demand to fight. He struggled suddenly and viciously and managed to knock Kazuma on his back onto the ground. Kazuma had far more hand-on-hand combat than he though, and insinctively rolled over, pinning the elder down into the dirt effectively. Ryuhou thrashed out and tried to break the hold, but Kazuma kept his legs and wrist securely with a tight grip. Kazuma hesitated over his rival's body, unsure of what to do. He didn't want to have to knock Ryuhou out, but if he let him go he was sure the proud man would come after him with a vengeance.

He didn't have to think for long. Ryuhou managed to free one of his hands and with a snarl gripped Kazuma's hair and pulled his head down to his, kissing him forcefully. Kazuma almost gagged, feeling his jaw drop in surprise only for Ryuhou's tongue to snake into his mouth invasively. He groaned, smothered by Ryuhou's attacking mouth and reflexively loosened his hold on the man below him.

ixi

Both exausted and exilirated, they remained together just breathing for what seemed like a long time. Kazuma peered down at Ryuhou, still sprawled across his chest worriedly. His breathing was still heavy, but he was at least awake. With a rough sigh, Kazuma patted Ryuhou's head, quickly becoming fascinated with the long, smooth, and brightly colored hair and playing with it absently. Ryuhou fell still, but didn't freeze up. What he'd done seemed to only catch up to him just then, and he felt his cheeks heat up with embarassment. Kazuma had refused to penetrate him when Ryuhou had begun to force the issue, but still... sex was sex. He'd had sex with Kazuma; his enemy, his rival, and tentativly his friend. Thoughts spun out of control in his mind. It all seemed like some sort of sick dream, but no, here he was naked and lying on top of Kazuma while his former enemy fondled his hair casually. 'Doesn't feel so horrible,' Ryuhou thought, closing his eyes and assessing himself. 'That felt amazing. I'm not wrong. But what the hell have I gotten myself into? And worse, I started it.' He lifted himself off Kazuma slowly, feeling more himself as he regained his footing. He felt rediculously frightened for a moment, with Kazuma's eyes still on his body hungrily. "Ah... We should probably get to town. I need to sleep," Ryuhou said stiffly, pulling his pants back up with a blush and fastening them.

"And a wash," Kazuma said with a feral smirk. Ryuhou ground his teeth, feeling his cheeks getting even hotter. Thankfully Kazuma didn't press the matter, though he complained as he dusted himself off and made a show of stretching and ranting about how the stones had bruised his back. "Really, Ryuhou," he said as he finally finished finding and putting on his clothes, "pushing me in the dirt, with rocks up my ass. Can't you just wait for a bed like most people?"

"I'm sorry."

Kazuma had been smiling, actually being quite content with how things had gone, as unconventional as it was, but when he looked at Ryuhou his smile faded. Ryuhou had closed up again, his face expressionless as he glared at the ground. "I'm sorry," he repeated coldly. "It won't happen again." He started to walk away.

Shock quickly became anger, and Kazuma followed him, blocking the other man's way. Ryuhou gave him a bland look of dismissal and began to walk again, but Kazuma grabbed his chin firmly and pressed his lips against Ryuhou's, which opened eagerly despite the man's resolve to put it all aside. Before he could begin to enjoy it, though, Kazuma pulled away and looked determinedly into Ryuhou's confused eyes. "It will happen again, Ryuhou," Kazuma said dangerously, as if issuing a challenge. "Remember, I promise it will."

ixi

A/N: Oooooooooooooooooh my oh my oh my... This took SO much longer than I anticipated! I had most of the chapter done this last Sunday, but then Ii got swamped with tons and TONS of awful schoolwork. sigh I am so very sorry it took so long. I hope the chapter lives up to expectations at least! If all this lemonness is really horrible, please do tell me... I'd rather rewrite something if it's bad than continue on with a crappy fifth chapter, you know? MUCH LOVE TO ALL THOSE WHO ARE STILL READING! LENNITH LOVES YOU ALL!