Author's notes and warnings: Hello! This chapter didn't take TOO long, huh? LOL. Even then, Chikaka and Nautica Iupiter had to email to remind me, ne? I tried, honest! Thanks again for returning! ^__^
Great big hugs for my reviewer, no da!
Xellas: Yeah…about Omi's sex life…it's something that he SAID, ne? I don't know about it being true…*whistles innocently* LOL. You like the old lady, huh? *giggles* Thank you!
Sakata Ri Houjun: Wai, Yu-Gi-Oh…I love Kaiba with Jounouchi (sp)…I think you wrote one, ne? Very, very *ahem* intense. Yeah…*fans self* I like! Thank you!
Ambika-san: ^_^ I just suggested, ne? and you're very welcome! *laughs* Boy, do I know the expression 'open mouth, insert foot'! I do that too! Arigatou!
Ayako: *squeals* Omi out…pimping? O_O; Oro? Youji will have a fit, na no daaaa…. Thank you for reviewing!
Chikaka: LOL. Thank you for the um…very tactful update request, no daaaa… ^^;; I swear it was at Hitari-chan's when you wrote! ((((Hugs))))
Fallen Wind: Arigatou, Shadow Myst… My, but I do like that name…
Sky Rat: Er…quasi-quickly… no daaaa…. ^_^ Thank you!
Sakusha: ^_^ Glad you like it! I personally think that Omi is so much more than a genki kid… I hope I can portray him adequately. Thank you!
Krysana: Love you too, moto-chan! All the Ranken goodness in this chapter is for you, no da! Because you like them so much, ne? Hm…Koyasu and Seki too…especially Koyasu in tight leather pants… *laughs*
Whisper Reilman: *dances with WR* A new job, no da! Congratulations! There's a scene in this chapter that I'd written with your comment in mind. It's for you! See if you can guess which part, ne? *Laughs* Thank you very, very much.
Siberian: Thank you! More RanKen and YoujiOmi, coming right up! I don't know who's in more trouble, Ran or Youji…*shakes head at the poor bishounens*
Keimei: Wah! Want pictures, want pictures! AND the fic you said you were writing, no da! How are you doing? Looks like you're very busy… But thank you for taking the time to review! Hope you liked the Ceilen/Tryffin in FY-5? ((HUGS))
Bakachan: Don't let Ran hear you say his Kenken isn't as cute as Omi, ne? *giggles* But both couples are coming right up…Yotan is in trouble, no da… Thank you!
Kitsuna Ri: Thank you! Heh heh heh, yeah, Youji better batten down the hatches, ne? Er…Maybe Ran should do that, he IS at sea… ^_^
Duette: Thank you and more Ken coming right up! A lot of Ken too…
Ru-chan: Thank you! I'm real happy you like the story. Here's more, no da!
Hcbenitez: LOL, yeah, they sure gave me the cold shoulders for a while…but then I promised them lemons later. ^_~ Boy, did they ever stop complaining! *laughs* Thank you!
Berenice107: Heh heh heh, funny you should say that…*whistles innocently* not that it was done on purpose, mind you… ^_^ Thank you!
Lola: Wai! *squeals and glomps Lola* Plushies, no da!!! Arigatou! Just for that, Youji is giving in real soon… ~.~
Midori Natari Himura: ^__^ Thank you! Kenken is sorry too… But that doesn't mean Ran's life is going to be easy, ne? ~_^
Firekat: *laughs* I wanna give Kenken a bit of *ahem* er…nevermind…*eyes Ran nervously* Thank you! I'm glad I'm doing okay with YxO…I think Omi is especially hard to write and I'm glad I'm not screwing it up! ^_^
Carrothien: Thank you for taking the time from your busy schedule! ^__^ Yotan is in denial, ne? But he's going to see the light real soon… Arigatou!
Nautica Iupiter: LOL. Here it is, no da! Thank you so much for all your comments! They mean very, very much to me! *hugs*
This chapter: Ran and Ken go on a boat, Youji finds out more about Omi…
I'm also writing as if Gluhen didn't exist. My moto-chan told me about it and I'm not sure I like the ending so when I do have time…I'm writing a better ending. ^__^ oh, the joy of being a fanfiction writer… *laughs*
Enjoy, everyone!
And huggles to my beta reader, Hitari-chan! Wuv you!!!
A Fine Line - Chapter 6: A Hunting We Will Go
By Moonraven
(Day
4 early morning)
"I don't want to stay in bed!" Youji protested as Ken put the tray
of food on the nightstand and pushed him back on the bed.
"Ah-ah-ah, Yotan. That's not what you said to Omi yesterday." Ken
straightened the playboy's blanket and put the tray across Youji's lap.
"What the hell are you talking about?" Youji frowned up at the
brunette above the rim of his glasses and Ken wondered why the hell did the man
need his sunglasses in bed. He shook his head at Youji when the tall blond made
a move to push the tray away.
"Dr. Omi's order. You don't finish your breakfast, no cigarettes."
Ken told the blond smugly.
"You're shitting me, Kenken." Youji whined and crossed his arms.
"Who the hell died and made him boss?"
Ken shook his head. "Persia did." He said quietly and pointed to
the food. "Eat."
"And who the hell are you supposed to be? My personal nursemaid?"
Youji's anger was somewhat subdued at the mentioned of Persia. Okay, he had to
admit that was a pretty thoughtless thing to say… but he was injured, damn it!
He wasn't expected to think straight… right?
Ken smiled teasingly at him. "No way! I heard you flirted
outrageously with them; I don't want anything to do with that, thank you very
much. Besides, I don't want a jealous Aya running his katana through me!"
Youji choked on his porridge and Ken thumped him on the back
helpfully. "You okay?"
"Not if you keep joking about shit like that!" Youji retorted as
he tried to keep the rest of his breakfast from spilling on the bed. "I told
you we're NOT like that!"
"Ah-ha." Ken nodded and folded his arms across his chest. "What
ever you say, Yotan, just eat, okay?"
Youji grimaced into the bowl. "Who made breakfast?"
"I did. You got problem with it?" Ken's tone was dangerous; his
cooking was NOT that bad. It was… creative.
"No, of course not! I'm just not hungry." He pushed the half empty
bowl away and looked around the room.
"You're not smoking unless you finish breakfast." Ken repeated
rather evilly. He SO enjoyed Youji's need for a nicotine fix.
"Fuck you, Ken." Youji told him moodily as he leaned back on his
pillow. "Where's Aya?"
"Last minute stuff with Omi. He'll be here to say goodbye soon.
Don't worry." Ken said to the blond as he picked up the tray all the while
ignoring the lump in his throat at the thought of Ran with Youji.
Youji glared at Ken. "It's not like that, Kenken, why can't you
get it? Aya and I see other people. We are not in love. We are not a couple. We
just like fucking each other. That is all." Youji spoke slowly as if speaking
to someone who was a card short of a whole deck. "You can be screwing him all
day, Ken, and I wouldn't mind at all."
Ken blushed various shades of red and nearly dropped the tray. "I
would mind!"
"Why?" Youji asked from his pillows while watching the perplexed
Ken. "Because you're not gay? Because you don't find Aya attractive? What?"
Ken's frown deepened as he thought about Youji's questions. Why
WOULD he mind? DID he mind? Didn't he enjoy feeling Ran's body pressed up
against him? Didn't he think Ran was breathtakingly gorgeous? He had thought it
was all because of Xeno but even after they had returned home, his awareness of
Ran had heightened and the redhead had become even more exotic to him. Ken
didn't know what to think. He had never thought he was gay… he was interested
in women… they were certainly beautiful and he had desired them in the past. So
what was this he was feeling for Ran? Could HE be bisexual like Youji?
He looked at Youji and found the man studying him lazily. He
didn't WANT to be like Youji… eeeewww!
"Hey! What the hell was that face for?" Youji asked indignantly.
"Nothing!" Ken said innocently.
"So, what is it? Have you figured out why you'd mind?"
Ken frowned and shook his head. "I just do, okay? Drop it
already."
Youji continued to watch him a few seconds more before he sighed
and shook his head. "What have you got against Aya, Ken? Why do you dislike him
so much?"
"What do you mean? I don't have anything against him. HE'S the one
that treats me like I'm an idiot! I just… defend myself, that's all!"
"Aya treats everyone like they're idiots!" Youji snorted. "So… he
treated you like an idiot, is that why you hit him last night?"
"Last night?" Ken asked in a small voice. "Er… how did you know
about that?" He didn't think Ran would be the type to run and ask Youji to kiss
his boo-boos.
"He didn't have to tell me, that bruise on his face's got your
name written all over it! So, what happened?"
Ken looked guiltily into the tray he was holding as he shuffled
his feet. "It's just a misunderstanding, okay? It's all over now."
Youji rolled his eyes and shook his head. "You are a hothead,
Kenken. It's always a misunderstanding with you. I'm just afraid that on this
trip without Omi to intervene, you just might be the death of Aya."
Ken looked up suddenly and scowled at the man on the bed. "What?!
Did you ever think that HE might be the death of ME?"
Youji closed his eyes and shook his head. "Aya is more vulnerable
than you think, Ken."
Ken stared at Youji in shock. The blond must have lost more blood
that he'd thought. Ran was NOT vulnerable and he was prepared to say so when
Youji's front door opened.
They both turned to the bedroom door as the subject of their
discussion walked into the room. Ran looked real good in that dark violet
t-shirt, it complimented his eyes so well and Ken found the contours of his
toned chest hugged by said t-shirt to be even more tantalizing. He looked away
quickly and nearly dropped the tray again when his gaze met that of Youji's.
The blond was smirking.
Ken blushed furiously and mumbled something about taking the tray
to the kitchen. Ran gazed at him silently and moved away from the door so Ken
could leave. As the brunette walked past Ran, Youji called from the bed.
"Remember what I said, Kenken; I really don't mind at all!"
Ken stiffened and practically ran out the door with Youji's
laughter following him. He slammed the front door shut and leaned his back
against it, his heart beating wildly. The thing that kept repeating in his head
was, Youji knew, Youji knew, Youji knew…
But what did Youji know? That he was thinking hentai thoughts
about Ran? That he probably WAS bisexual? That he DID want Ran to screw him all
day?
OH MY GOD! OH MY GOD! OH MY GOD!
Ken promptly dropped the tray.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The two men in the room turned towards the crashing sound by the
front door and the blond on the bed burst out laughing.
Ran closed his eyes and sighed. "Ken…"
Youji watched the tenderness washed across the redhead's face
briefly before Ran's mask of cool indifference was back in place. Well, well, well…
he had a strange feeling about these two, now he knew what it was. He had
always thought that Ken was TOO angry with Ran… too ready to jump the redhead…
Youji couldn't understand the animosity.
And Ran. The man was too cold and too unforgiving - seemingly -
with Ken. Now it all made sense. But why the hell were they fighting their
attraction for each other so hard? And why didn't Ran have that problem with
him? Hell, once Ran knew Youji thought he was hot, the man didn't hesitate to
jump HIS bones. What was keeping Ran from doing the same with Ken?
Okay, so maybe they didn't know about how the other felt… how to
fix that? He couldn't just tell them. Ken would probably laugh himself silly
while Ran would stick that evil looking katana through him. No… that would be
messy not to mention painful… But his katana wasn't here…
"So… when are you going to tell him?" Youji asked and watched the
redhead's reaction carefully. He WAS the current resident Ran expert and he was
a PI for god's sakes. It shouldn't have taken him THIS long to figure it out!
"Tell what to whom?" Ran turned cool eyes toward him.
"Tell Ken that you think he's hot."
"He knows he's hot." Ran came to stand by the foot of the bed and leaned
his back on the wall. He crossed his arms as he regarded Youji calmly. "Lots of
people tell him that."
"YOU never did."
"And I should because…?"
Youji studied Ran intently, trying to get past his mask. The man
was wearing it full force now. Why was that? What was he hiding?
It took Youji a while - two years to be precise - but the light
finally came on.
Youji smiled triumphantly at Ran. "Because you fucking love him."
The muscles in Ran's jaw twitched slightly, that was the only
indication that Youji's statement made any impact yet he remained silent.
"You don't want to just fuck him… you fucking love him!" Youji
crowed from the bed. He laughed; he couldn't help it. It was so painfully clear
now. Ran didn't want casual sex with the person he loved and since Ken had
never shown any indication that he was ever interested in a same sex
relationship, Ran kept his feelings to himself. Well, not that Ran would
readily show his feelings but that was the gist of his theory. Fear of
rejection.
"Are you done, Dr. Kudou?" Ran asked coldly from the wall. Damn,
but the temperature dropped drastically. He must be right on target.
"Is that your diagnosis for what you feel for Omi as well?" The
redhead turned the tables on him. Damn!
"We're not talking about me and Omi! And it's not the same, damn
it! Ken is not a kid!"
"Neither is Omi. You keep harping about not dating minors; he's
NOT a minor anymore. You have no excuse and you're scared." Ran pressed, his
eyes narrowing.
"You're changing the goddamn subject! You can't do that!" How the
hell did he do that?
"I don't play by your rules, Kudou. I do what I want."
"So why don't you do Ken?"
Ran paused and blinked at Youji. Aha! Gotcha!
"You want him, you said he was hot. Why not do him?"
"That's not what I meant." He said softly.
"He's not indifferent to you, you know." Youji felt kind of sad
for the stony redhead. Unrequited loves are always painful. "He's been very
nervous around you."
"Ken's a nervous person." Ran pushed himself off the wall and came
to stand next to the bed. "Rest, Kudou and worry about your own love life. I
heard that Omi is not too happy with the way you treat him."
"You're changing the subject again, Aya. You know what that means,
right?" He was determined not to get into the Omi subject.
Ran stared down at him silently then shook his head. "It doesn't
matter, Youji. Rest now and be careful when you go up against the Syria
faction."
"Aya…"
Ran bent down and covered Youji's lips with his. It was brief and
chaste and Youji felt like it was goodbye.
"Give Omi a chance." Ran whispered into Youji's ear before
straightening up. "When I get back, I better see some happy faces." Ran gave
him one of his rare smiles, then turned on his heels and left the room.
What the hell just happened?
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Nani, Aya? This is a freaking fishing boat." Ken groaned at the
50 feet Trawler he was currently on.
Ran gave him a cold glare that had 'DUH' written all over it. Then
the redhead ignored him and started walking around the vessel.
"Aya, Peregrine left last night and I'm pretty sure he didn't go
in…" He looked around in distaste. "Anything like this. If we follow him in
this, we'll never catch up to him." Ken protested unhappily as he dogged his
leader's steps.
"Have faith, Ken." Birman's voice sounded behind him and both he
and Ran turned simultaneously. She looked out of place in her tailored cream
pants suit, climbing up from below deck. "Would we give you something that's
useless?"
"I don't even want to answer that one." Ken muttered under his
breath.
"What's that?" Birman's sharp tone belied the smiling face.
"Nothing."
She came to a stop in front of them and smiled. "With this vessel,
you won't be too suspicious where you're going. We think he's heading towards
Southeast Asia… somewhere around the South China Sea. We can never be sure when
dealing with Peregrine, of course, but there have been reports of activities in
that area concerning the Syria faction. We hadn't been able to pinpoint the
exact location… there are hundreds of small, uninhabited islands in the area
but if Peregrine's still at sea, six hours from Japan, we're convinced he's got
the same lead we did."
"You're basing this on six hours at sea? He could be going across
the Pacific Ocean to the U.S. THAT would take some time. Or down to Micronesia
or up to Russia. What if we can't find him?" Ken turned angrily towards Ran.
"We would be better off here with Youji and Omi. At least we know their prey
are in Japan."
"No reports of activities in Micronesia, the U.S. or Russia." Ran
said quietly as he looked out to sea. "We will need a fast boat."
She grinned and handed Ran a set of keys. "This is it." Birman
told Ran while she pointedly ignored Ken's sounds of disbelief. "I heard you're
familiar with boats. This one is very much like what you were used to, except
we've retrofitted it a few weeks back. It was for another purpose but this
mission will take priority. You'll find everything you need right below and
should you get boarded by local authorities, they can be easily hidden. Let me
show you."
They followed her down a short flight of stairs… steps… or
whatever… it was weird. It was stuffy and everything echoed. To the left she
showed them the kitchen but she'd called it gallery or galley then there was
the head. Ken laughed at that then blushed as he associated the word 'head'
with something else entirely. Ran seemed to have guessed his thought for he
rolled his eyes and shook his head at Ken.
On the right opposite the kitchen and the bathroom, were the two
bedrooms. They went into one and Ken was surprised to fine a clean and freshly
painted room. It was all white with a good size bed by the little round window.
A desk, a chair and a fairly large dresser were lined along the two remaining
walls. The room was roughly about the size of Ken's bedroom so he didn't feel
too badly. He tossed his bag on the bed and hopped on it.
"Mine." He told Ran smugly.
Ran shrugged. "How do you know you won't like the other room?"
"I like this one fine. It reminds me of home." He said with a
wistful little smile. "I used to have my furniture arranged something like
this."
Ran gave him a strange look but didn't reply. He turned and followed
Birman to the next room with Ken trailing behind.
The next room was much bigger than Ken's. The bed, desk and
dresser were also here but of a higher quality. One wall was devoted entirely
to an expensive looking entertainment center complete with a large screen TV,
DVD/CD player, liquor cabinet and all kinds of books and knick-knacks. Ken
whistles appreciatively as he entered.
"Did you change your mind?" Ran asked as he looked around the
room.
"No, it's not me. That little room is fine for me, thanks." He
walked around the room and couldn't help feeling strange that the interior of
the boat was nothing like the exterior.
"Won't they get suspicious if they find such… well… classy things
on a dingy boat like this?"
Birman scowled at him. "This is a perfectly respectable Trawler
that can brave the seas you're going to. Most are more luxurious on the inside,
that being the living quarters. It may not be a yacht but it's not a tugboat
either."
She walked over to the entertainment center then took a remote
control off the shelf. "This will activate the radar and the communication
equipment. This button will activate the computer and the printer is under the
bar. Everything you need, gentlemen, is right here." She smiled and handed Ran
the remote.
After the tour to the supply room, the engine room then the
control room, Birman was ready to leave.
"I'll leave you now so you can get going. Good luck and be
careful." With a small wave, she was out the door on deck. After they saw her
off, Ran turned and frowned at Ken. "What are you wearing?" He asked, his eyes
fixed on the bands around Ken's wrists.
"Oh, this." Ken held up his wrists displaying the light blue
elastic bands. "They get rid of motion sickness." He told Ran proudly. "Isn't
that cool?"
"You… get seasick?" Ran asked blankly.
Ken's smiling features turned defensive and he tugged his hands
behind his back. "There's nothing wrong with that you know. Millions of people
suffer from motion sickness."
"But you… I've never seen you suffer before." Ran was still
staring at him strangely.
"Well, you've never been on a boat with me either." Ken pointed
out.
"But shouldn't other motion make you sick too? Cars… planes…?"
Ken shook his head. "Just boats and it's pretty mild. I won't be in
bed all the time, don't worry." Then he held up his hands again. "And with
these little puppies, I won't even know I'm on a boat!"
Ran looked skeptically at Ken then nodded. "Let's get going."
Ken stayed out on deck in the sun while Ran went into the control
station and started the engine. Ken had always though it was called 'the
bridge', he'd heard it once or twice on some show but Birman had called it
control station, something about a smaller vessel. He shrugged. Why the hell
would he need to know some freaking boat terms anyway? It's not like he was
going into the navy.
He looked into the control station and saw Ran taking off his
windbreaker and was now only in his amazing t-shirt. Ken sighed and told
himself not to drool while he watched his partner check various panels before
he could take the boat out. Ran looked really competent and Ken had to wonder
about Ran's life before he joined Weiss. How did the guy know so much about
boats that he was confident enough to take it out for days into the sea?
Ken had to stop his musing when the Ran yelled at him from his
control place.
"What?" Ken yelled back.
"Remove the bow line." Ran scowled at him.
"What's a bow line?" Ken scowled back.
Ran blinked at him the huffed in irritation. "The docking line
that's…" Ran slapped a hand to his face and took a deep breath. When he looked
at Ken again he was composed and pointed to the front of the boat. "The rope
that's keeping us tied to the dock. Please remove it."
"Oh. Why didn't you say so?" Ken hopped off the boat and took up
the line then jumped back on. He turned and gave Ran a thumb up, grinning
broadly. Hey, this was kinda fun if he ignored Ran's constant PMSing.
Ran took them out slowly but steadily and soon they were out in
open sea. The wind was cool but not cold yet. It would turn cold with the
setting sun but right now he was enjoying its beautiful warmth. He took off his
jacket and stuffed it under his head while he lay on deck dressed only in his
shorts and T-shirt. This might not be such a bad thing after all. Maybe he
could even get some serious tan while he was at it.
Ken must have fallen asleep for when he next opened his eyes, Ran
was standing not too far from him and looking out into the sea. He'd changed
and was wearing only a pair of shorts, sneakers and that incredible violet,
snuggle-me-baby t-shirt. Damn, he'd never seen Ran in shorts before. Ken had
thought HE needed a tan but Ran was in a much dire need.
He sat up gingerly and wiggled his fingers. They felt stiff for
some reason.
"AGH!!!!" He yelled and jumped up in fright. "They're swollen,
they're swollen!" He wiggled his fingers some more but the swollen digits
refused to shrink back to their normal size.
"Stop it." Ran took a hold of his hands and looked at them. "They
ARE swollen." He stated with some authority.
"That's what I said, Einstein!" Ken yanked his hands back and
looked at them mournfully. "Could it be something I ate?"
"You did cook breakfast." Ran said softly and Ken could see a hint
of amusement in his tone.
Ken glared at him heatedly but Ran just took his hands again and
removed the wristbands.
"Hey!" All other protests died on Ken's lips as Ran began
massaging his hands and wrists. He had wonderful hands, so strong yet so
gentle… and warm. They were definitely warm… so unlike the man's icy bearings.
Gods he loved the way Ran's hands pressed into his and how good they made him
feel. Unconsciously, Ken sighed then his eyes widened in shock.
What the hell was he thinking? He blushed furiously and snatched
his hands back.
"What are you doing?" He squeaked and rubbed at his own hand. He
couldn't help but noticed the sad difference now that Ran was not touching him.
Ran looked at him with long-practiced patience and handed him back
the bands. "Have you worn them before?"
"No… I saw it on TV…"
Ran nodded. "It works by acupressure. The buttons inside the band
presses on the Nei-Kuan point on each wrist. Normally there is no side effect
but in some rare instances, you need to remove the band from time to time to
allow the lymph fluid to circulate."
Ken stared at Ran in stunned silence. Firstly, that was a whole
lot of words coming out at one time and they had nothing to do with chewing him
to pieces. Secondly, how the hell did Ran know about a Nei-Kuan point?
Guessing Ken's open-mouthed look, Ran shrugged and said, "My…
master liked to dabble in alternative healings."
"Oh." Ken stared at his elastic bands and then at his still
swollen fingers. What now?
"Give it a few minutes then you can put the bands back on."
"What if I get sick in the meantime?" Ken asked in misery.
Ran walked around the side of the boat then came back and handed
Ken a mop, then walked away.
Ken growled and yelled at Ran's retreating back angrily, "I would
shove this up your ass, Ran, if you didn't already have one in there!"
Ran paused briefly but then continued on and went below deck. Ken
muttered and threw the mop away in disgust. It didn't really land anywhere and
soon went right overboard and into the water.
Oops.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"You're not cooking lunch." Ran said from the galley door.
"Why not?" Ken turned to his teammate and did his best to keep his
eyes from going to Ran's chest. Since he wasn't sure he would succeed, he
turned back to the refrigerator and dug for things to make lunch with.
"…You cooked breakfast." Ran said and moved into the galley. "I'll
do lunch… and dinner." Ran added quickly.
Ken turned and frowned at the redhead. "HEY! I can cook. Besides,
you're driving the boat. I wanna do something."
"Steer. I steer the boat." Ran said automatically and moved toward
Ken. Ken froze and stared at the advancing redhead.
"Where… are you going?" Ken asked in a small voice and nearly
climbed into the fridge.
"The sink." Ran pointed to said sink.
"Oh." Ken let out his breath in a rush. Baka, baka, baka!
"Where did you think I was going?" Ran asked, his tone changing to
one of amusement when he saw the flush on Ken's face. "Is your mind in the
gutter again, Ken?"
"No!" Ken said quickly but unconvincingly. "I mean… no…" Why would
he think that Ran would be interested? Aside from the Xeno-induced come-on, Ran
had never given any indication that he wanted Ken.
Ran nodded. "Right." Then he turned to the sink and turned on the
water. "I was thinking of Chicken Salad, if that's okay with you." He said as
he washed his hands.
"Fine." Ken swallowed as he watched the clean lines of Ran's muscular
back. Funny how he'd never noticed it before but Ran was pretty broad around
the shoulders…
Ken blinked as he caught Ran's violet gaze. Shit, did he space out
while drooling over Ran's back?
Drooling? Nani?!
"You look flushed. Are you alright?"
"Um… yeah. I'm fine."
"Where're the wrist bands?"
"I didn't need them after all."
Ran nodded and started pulling out bowls and plates. "By the way,
have you seen the mop?"
Mop? Oh-oh.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"What are you doing?" Ran choked out as he watched Ken.
"I'm taking off my shirt." Ken said helpfully. How on earth did
Ran expect him to sunbathe wearing all of his clothes? And what was Ran doing
out here reading on deck any way? Wasn't he afraid he'd burst into flames or
something?
Ran remained silent as he continued watching Ken stripped down to
his swimming trunks. The intense scrutiny was beginning to make Ken's face heat
up and he hastily lay down on his stomach, his head resting on his folded arms.
"You'll get burned." Ran told him quietly.
"I'll live." Ken mumbled into his arms. He had minor sunburns
before, you don't play soccer all day without getting one once or twice. What's
the big deal?
***
"Ow, ow, OW!" Ken shouted as Ran pressed cool wet cloth to his
back. "And don't you say it!"
"I wasn't going to." Ran said mildly.
They were in Ken's bed with the brunette stretched out on his
stomach while Ran sat on a chair next to the bed. Ken hadn't intended on
staying out in the sun so long, but he'd fallen asleep. It was Ran's fault for
not waking him up. If the redhead were all knowing, he would have woken Ken
before he got burned.
"Damn it, Ran, that thing stinks!" Ken complained as the smell of
vinegar filled the small room.
"This is the only thing we have. The pain will go away in a
minute."
Ken grunted noncommittally. At first he had thought Ran was
getting back at him for not listening but now he grudging admitted that maybe
Ran knew what he was talking about after all. The pain HAD lessened
considerably.
"I'm sorry." Ken mumbled into the pillow.
Ran paused in his ministration briefly before continuing again. He
seemed to be at a loss for words at Ken's apology.
"Spread your legs." Ran told Ken after a short silence.
"Excuse me?" Ken lifted his head and stared at Ran. Did Ran say
what he'd thought he said?
"I have to do your legs." Ran explained rather tightly as he
avoided Ken's eyes. Was that a blush on Ran's face?
"Er… okay." Ken swallowed and did as he was told all the while
very conscious of how his body was responding to that one innocent sentence.
But there was nothing remotely erotic about pungent smelling
cotton on sunburned skin. Cool, vinegar drenched cloth was applied gently to
his thighs then his calves and then back to his thighs again. Ken sighed as the
stinging of the burn slowly left him and he settled more comfortably into his
bed. This actually felt nice, he could easily fall asleep with Ran taking care
of him…
"All done." Ran's soft voice woke Ken from his slumber and he
turned sleepily towards the man.
"Hmm…?" He blinked into the deep violet eyes that were just inches
from his own and gazed into them dazedly.
"All done." Ran repeated softly. "Go back to sleep but don't roll
over. You should stay off the affected area for a while."
Ken closed his eyes again and mumbled, "Okay." He felt Ran's hand
brushed the hair from his face and he involuntarily leaned into the touch,
sighing contentedly. The hand froze for a second then began stroking the back
of his head soothingly.
Half in and half out of his dream world, Ken never noticed the
gentle look in Ran's eyes as the redhead continued to caressed his cheek.
"What am I going to do with you, Ken?" Ran asked softly but the
only sound that answered him was the slow breathing of the oblivious brunette.
Which was just fine as far as Ran was concerned…
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Youji sneaked quietly down the stairs, looking left and right as
he came to the landing. He knew they'd closed the shop that day since he was supposed
to be out of commission and Ran and Ken had left early in the morning. Omi, he
knew, was probably buried inside his computer trying to find whatever it was
that would crack the case… That left him alone to go get his hidden stash of
cigarettes. Yes, folks, Omi had taken all of Youji's cigarettes away (evil boy
that he was) because Youji had refused to eat Ken's cooking. You would too if
you know what was good for you. Nobody put spaghetti sauce in porridge, damn
it! It just ain't done, no matter how creative you're trying to be!
But what Omi didn't know was, Youji had spares. Inside one of the
pots in the storage room, Youji had kept a pack just for emergencies. This was
an emergency.
No one was around. Youji crept closer to the storage room door and
as he was about to open it, he heard voices coming from the shop. Youji
frowned, his hand frozen on the knob. Who could THAT be? First thoughts were
always bad with him and images of the goons from previous day flashed across
his mind. But the voices were just murmurings and he was sure one of them was
Omi.
His frown deepened, Youji changed his objective. Cigarettes
forgotten for now, he tiptoed slowly towards the door leading to the shop. It
was ajar. Hmmm…
Slinking his way to the door, he peered in the opening and held
his breath.
Omi was talking to some guy that Youji had recognized as one of
the messengers that Manx used sometimes. His name was Nao something-something
and he was all decked out in his usual stuffy suit, while Omi… Youji's jaw
dropped.
Holy shit! What the hell was Omitchi wearing?
Omi was doing a pretty good imitation of a Gundam pilot Youji had
seen the boy watching on TV. Heero Yuy, he believed it was. He remembered how
Omi had said he had the same outfit as the guy and Youji had wondered why on
Earth would you have the same clothes as an anime character… Not that Youji
could complain…
The poured on, black spandex shorts was enough to make Youji drool
not to mention the loose green tank top that left his toned wiry arms bare and
half his chest hanging out… Damn but Youji wanted Omi NOW!
Apparently the Nao character wanted the same thing for he closed
the gap and pulled Omi in his arms. NANI?!
Youji blinked stupidly between the cracks and shook his head
vigorously to make sure he wasn't seeing things. What made matter worse was
that Omi was not struggling. The young man stood on tiptoes and wrapped his
arms around Nao's neck, pulling the taller man even closer. What the hell was going
on here?! *insert more profanity at will*
Abruptly the two in the shop jumped apart guiltily and turned
towards Youji. In his shock, Youji had pushed open the door and asked that last
question out loud. But he was hardly sorry it happened. He'd never liked the
looks of Nao and now he knew why. The guy was always ogling Omi.
"Youji-kun." Omi moved away from Nao and looked nervously at
Youji. "What… are you doing down here?"
Youji knew he must look a sight wearing only his sweatpants and no
shirt, his arm was in a sling and he couldn't get one on. But aside from that,
he was furious and was sporting a pretty impressive storm cloud. What the hell
was Omi doing? All that talk about being ignored and shit… the boy was getting
plenty of action here!
Wait a minute; what the hell was he thinking? Omi wasn't suppose
to be… be… doing THIS? What the hell happened to the goddamn world?
"Shouldn't I be asking YOU that question?" He had learned the cold
fury look from the best; Ran, and he was utilizing it full force. Nao swallowed
and moved towards the front door.
"Anou... Omi-chan, I'll talk to you later, okay?" He squeaked
hastily and practically ran out the front door.
Omi sighed at the slammed door then turned and gave Youji a
worried look. "How is your shoulder, Youji-kun? Do you need more pain killers?"
Youji did not answer right away but continued to stare angrily at
Omi. He couldn't stop the aching in his chest at the thought of Omi doing… THAT
with that sniffling idiot! With ANY sniffling idiots! Why? WHY?
"Youji-kun…"
"Why?" He asked Omi the question that kept coming up in his mind.
Omi looked surprised at the question and blinked at Youji. "Why…
what, Youji-kun?" The younger blond was getting over the shock of having Youji
walked in on him and his lover and was now getting defensive.
Youji was hurt. Yes, he could admit that he was. He'd actually
thought that Omi might… that when Omi had hinted things to him at the hospital,
he had thought…
But now this... and from Omi of all people.
But
you didn't want Omi.
Yes,
I did, but he was too young.
He's
not too young now.
No!
It's Omi! I can't hurt Omi.
You
won't hurt him; he wants it!
NO!
Asuka… I can't do that to her memories…
Youji's internal dialogue kept him silent and frowning
ferociously. Omi looked at him uncomfortably but moved closer to the taller
blond anyway.
"Youji-kun… I can explain about Nao-san." He said softly.
Youji kept his gaze neutral, giving away nothing.
"Will you… listen?" Omi asked again, his eyes large pools of
aquamarine as they gazed up at Youji.
Youji's jaw clenched and unclenched. WILL he listen objectively?
Did it even matter? When he looked down into those expressive eyes, he knew he
wouldn't be able to refuse Omi anything. Not even if Omi wanted him to hand
over his heart on a silver platter.
But it couldn't be happening again… not again. He could not fall
in love again.
But as he looked down at Omi, he knew that he could… and did.
He was in love with Omi… had been for a long time now.
He just didn't want to admit it. He'd told himself that it was
love for a brother, or love for a teammate… But what he felt in his groin was
far from anything one feel for a brother and the feeling that was burning in
his chest now was more, so much more than what one feel for a friend…
But Omi was kissing another guy…
The thought made him light headed and he swayed unsteadily on his
feet. Omi grabbed his good arm and wrapped one arm around Youji's waist to
steady him.
"Youji-kun! Are you okay? Let me help you to your room." The youth
held him tight and his bare skin rubbed enticingly against Youji's. The taller
man took in a sharp breath as every cell in his body scream for him to crush
the younger man to him and make love to him right here, right now…
Was that what Omi was going to do with Nao…?
"Youji-kun!" Omi's worried voice cut in through his thoughts and
Youji found the strength to push the boy away.
"I'm fine!" He said harshly. If Omi kept touching him, he couldn't
guarantee that the boy would be safe from him. "I'm a grown man, Omi, I can
certainly take care of myself!"
Omi stood as still as stone next to him, saying nothing. He just
stared into Youji's eyes silently.
"What?" Youji asked brusquely. Anger was good; it was safe.
"Frustrated, Youji-kun?" Omi finally asked softly.
"You bet!" Youji said with a sure nod, even though he had no idea
where Omi was going with this. "I don't need pampering, Omi. I kill people for
a living, remember?"
Omi continued to stare at him and Youji frowned. "What?!" He asked
again.
"Now you know how I feel." Omi said softly and turned his face
away. It was Youji's turned to stare at his companion. How he felt…?
"Why
can't you believe that I can take care of myself?"
"Never underestimate me, Youji-kun. I
can handle more than you think."
"You think I'm a kid. You think I'm too
young and have to be protected."
"Omi…"
"I kill people for a living too." Omi told him quietly.
Damn, but what WAS happening to his world? Everything was changing
so rapidly. A week ago he was just teasing Omi about some girl that was sweet
on the teen and now they were talking about… something else he didn't even want
to think about. Next thing he knew, they'd be kissing! Ha!
Nani?
Omi was on tiptoes in front of him and the teen's soft lips
brushed against his softly but oh so sweetly.
Youji gasped and took a step back in shock. He thought it was his
hentai mind thinking delicious thoughts of Omi, he had no idea he was acting it
out!
Wait a minute… OMI was the one kissing HIM!
What the hell just happened?!?
TBC….
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Note:
Heh, heh, heh… Go, Omi, go!
And please don't think too badly of Omi… he will explain…
Thank for reading! This chapter is quite long, ne? Please let me know what you think…