A Fine Line Chapter 8: Out of the Frying Pan Into the Fire, a weiss kreuz fanfic

Author's notes and warnings: Whew! *wipes brows* I did pretty good between FY version and this chapter! Er…sorry it took so long between each chapter of the WK AFL, though. This time it took a bit longer because I added that YGO fic but since that's done…I have a tiny bit more time. ^_^

Thank you everyone for commenting on the last chapter, it's record high for me! ((((HUGS)))) You make me feel so special! *beams*

Er…this might take a while so if you're not interested in my response to my reviewers, please scroll down to the fic. Thank you.

Hcbenitez: Hmm…yeah, hot Omi…Youji thinks so too, ne? I'm doing well, thank you. What's the weather like in your part of the world? ^_^

Sakusha: Um…I think your cyber vitamins must have worked. I'm much better now, thanks. ^_^ And as far as how much Yotan can take…*whistles innocently* How about we find out…?

Midori Natari Himura: Wah! You know…those links certainly help. I do have a very delicious Aoshi / Soujirou mental image now. Yum! Thank you. And I'm real glad the last part worked out okay. ^_^

Sakata Ri Houjun: LOL…no, not queen but working on it. ^_~ As for your YGO fics…I read them, no da! *pouts* You just have to update them. And don't forget your FY fics! I am really anxious about Eternity Knot. *big puppy dog eyes*

Krysana: Are you done with your exam? I hope you did good? I am so glad you like the icy Ran. I'm quite partial to that trait in a bishounen, myself… Thank you, moto-chan!

Xellas: Er…you're always first since I sent it to you even before I send it out to be betaed, ne? Thanks again! ROFL You like the katana, huh? *laughs* Why am I not surprised…I wonder if anyone else got the *ahem* insinuation? ^__^ I am bad… *hugs*

Ayako: LOL. Er…no. I don't think my kids will take it very well if I came home all bloody. O.o;; And I have to tell you, I nearly fell off my chair when I read your review! A teletubby, no da! ROFL! I love it! Thank you!

Nauta Iupiter: LOL. *hugs* Thank you for your review! It was…er…genki, ne? Wah! I know I wrote Ran very cold but he's not that bad really… Please don't sock him yet. --__--;; Kenken may have a fit, no da… Thank you again for the wonderful review. I hope to update faster from now on. Just remind me not to start any new fic, okay? ^_^

Ilahja: Thank you! I'm really glad you like it…I aim to please, na no da! ^_^

Gonyos: Gripping? ^_^ Thank you! I hope you find this chapter just as good as the last.

FireKat: *giggles* Hmm…a teletubby or a dolphin? Decisions, decisions. ^__^ Ah, and thank you for the chicken soup, ne? AND for sending Kenken. ^_~ *hugs you right back* Thanks for your comments, as always. ^_^

Fire Fall: LOL. Er…it's going to have to end sometime, ne? But not yet. ^_^ Thank you so much, you (as well as my other reviewers) really do make me feel wonderful…an author's dream come true when her story is appreciated, ne? Thanks again!

Sky Rat: ^_^ Really looking forward to more of your FY story, no da! And I see you have a Ran/Ken up…I also need to get by ass in gear and read it, ne? *sigh* Totally understand about school getting in the way…thanks for keeping up with the fics and the comments. I truly appreciate it! *hugs*

Bakachan: *hugs both you and wuffie* Thank you for thinking of me on Valentine's day. You are so sweet. Hm…Omi's 'oh shit' face, huh? No, not Nao…but you'll find out in this chapter. ^_^ Thank you for being such an unquenchable fan of my writing! *glomps*

Sirrah: Thanks for the email address. Now I can send you update notice. ^_^ And thank you for staying with my stories. I really appreciate your continual support! I hope I won't take too long with the next update!

Fallen Wind: Glad you like! Thank you! As for Ken…I think he's more concern about what Ran feels…*pets Ken* Poor baby. I hope you enjoy this chapter as well. ^_^

Ambika-san: Thank you! Yeah, I know what you mean; Chichiri and Tasuki pairing is my first [slash] love, so they will always have a special place in my heart. Ran and Ken are trying hard to catch up though. ^_~ I'm glad you like the story. And thank you for telling me about that little slip in the FY version. I went and correct it right away. ^_^

Carrothien: Heh. ^^;; Evil, na no da… Um…is that a good thing? ^_^;; And thank you for putting the story on your favorite list. *beams* I am truly honored. *bows*

Icabob: O_o;; Nani? If you die…you can't read the update, na no da… *blinks* Thank you. ^_~

Keimei: *giggles* Well…as for the shadow, I can't decide between a teletubby or a dolphin so I'm going to have to wait and see what other strangeness will come up, ne? Thank you for taking the time off your busy schedule to read and review…I know things have been a bit hectic for you. As for Omitchi and Yotan…I am turning into such a sap with them…*sigh* Well, I hope you like what I have in store…

Whisper Reilman: Oh my…I hope the damage to your car wasn't too bad? That was awful…but I am really glad that I can help in some way even if it's just a story. Thank you so much for your thoughtful review. Somehow what you said made perfect sense, na no da! ^_^ As much as I would love for them to jump in the sack…it isn't the time yet. And the shirtless edition is definitely coming! With four bishounens, no less. ^_^

Hana no Ceres: ^_^ What was in the water…? Have no idea. ^^;;; Working on it, I promise. --__--; Aside form that, thank you so much for reviewing! I'm glad the chapter worked out well for you. I hope you'll enjoy this one too. ^__^

Wai-Aki: Nani? You went and changed your name. O.o;; I was totally lost when you mentioned 'Face the Night'. But I'm glad you're going to add more. *glomps* Er…you will make it all better, right? No dead Kenken? *teary eyes* As for A fine Line, thank you very much for reviewing! So glad you like. ^__^

Yuki Bombay: LOL. No sharks, huh? Hm…how about the teletubby? *giggles* thank you for your review!

Kitsuna Ri: I hope that means you liked it? Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

Heather: Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter especially the last bit. I have to be honest…I have absolutely no idea where my muse was taking me. Boy, am I happy it turned out well. ^_^ And I am a million times better, thank you.

Tearlesereph: ^__^ You like? *beams happily* Although I have to admit that I torture poor Kenken, your agenda for him is much more intense, na no da! LOL It would serve him right if he had to do all those things, ne? *hugs*

Lola: *giggles* Ah…you like the fanservice? ^__^ Am always happy to provide, no da! Thank you for your feedback. Truly appreciate them. ^^

Bluewinged: ^_^ Thank you for your review! I'm glad you like the story! A Fine Line is my only WK story on FF.net so far, I'm afraid, but I do write in other fandoms such as Gundam Wing, Fushigi Yuugi, Yu-Gi-Oh and DBZ. Please check my bio for listing of my stories. I hope you'll like them as well. ^_^

Kasra: *blinks* Wow…thank you so much. I am ecstatic and so honored…*speechless* (and that's not an easy thing to do to me) ^^;; I have to admit that writing Youji and Omi is not easy. There is so much depth there in both characters that getting it all out is quite a task. I hope you'll continue to enjoy what I come up with. Thanks again. ^__^

Methodic Madness: LOL. So impatient, na no da! As for the plot, I'm letting a couple of little things slip in here and there…you'll have to catch it, ne? I hope it's enough to satisfy you until the next chapter? LOL. Thank you!

Urshy: Er…do what to Ran? *blinks innocently* it was all Ken, I tell you. ^^; But fear not, Ran is quite resilient…I'm more worried about Kenken, ne? Thank you for your review!

Seph Lorraine: LOL. Hm…why don't I torture Ran? Oh but I do! Emotionally, he's got to be a mess…we just don't know about how much he's hurting because the story in written in Ken's POV. And you have to admit…it is so much fun to do this stuff to Ken…you KNOW Ran will forgive him anything, ne? Thank you for your comments!!! I'm glad you're still reading too! ^^;;

Luna: ^_^ So glad you like the story. New to the fandom, huh? Welcome! *throw confetti* And thank you for your review!

Omi-is-Risu: ^^; Hehehehe, I remember…Ran's gonna get some, don't worry…just not yet. ^^; And as Risu, you commented about the grammar. *blushes* Afraid I can't take the credit, my wonderful beta mopped up all the booboos before I post. ^_^ But even then I still manage to fiddle with some things and slip in one or two…or three…er well, you get the point. LOL. As for encouraging the hentainess…er…too late, no da! Thank you!

Taria: Thank you! Kenken is a case, ne? But so loveable! Glad you like the story!

Lady Kickass: Thank you!! Here's one more chapter to read! Hope you like it as well.

Rei-kitty: *hugs you right back* Thank you! That was such a nice compliment. *blushes* Glad you like the little lime for Youji and Omi…Ran and Ken too! LOL If you stop thinking bad…you won't be able to read much more…I intend to put more lime in each chapter, no da! ^__^

Celeste1: Gomen, gomen! *hangs head* There were just tons of fanfic-writing interuptus, no da! I hope to write faster too! Thank you for hanging in there!

Umi3: Continuing, no daaaa…. Thank you!

Ranja: Updating, na no da! Thank you for reviewing! Glad you LOVE the story. ^_~

Toniq: *giggles* Yeah…when I first started the story, it was just going to be the boys on the island but I have no idea what happened. We're on the eighth chapter and they're not even there…but it's coming. ^_^ Thank you for your review! Meep! You have a Ran/Ken fic out. I'm going to have to check it out, ne? Thanks again!

Page1183: Thank you! I'm glad you like both versions. Hope you enjoy this chapter as well. ^_^

Thank you Hitari-chan for betaing the grammar and spelling in this chapter! *hugs*

Thank you Xellas for betaing the rest! LOL. *hugs*

Standard disclaimer where I own nothing goes here. ^^;;

Warning of: male/male relationship, lime, abused Ken, cold Ran, menacing shadows, etc… goes here.

No on to the chapter! Enjoy everyone!

A Fine Line – Chapter 8: Out of the Frying Pan Into the Fire

By Moonraven

(Day 5, morning… after Kenken's… er… little mishap)

Ken choked and coughed as he was turned onto his side. Strong hands held him steady as he coughed up water. Ken tried to take a deep breath and groaned at the pain. His lungs, it seemed, were doing a pretty damn good job of imitating a burning furnace. When he was sure that all of his insides had been regurgitated, he collapsed on his back and stared up at the blue sky dazedly; his mind still hadn't quite registered what the hell happened.

Then the scowling face of Ran Fujimiya appeared in his view. He blinked and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. "What's up Aya?" Then his eyes widened considerably and he jerked into a sitting position, nearly smashing his head into Ran's in the process.

"AYA!" He threw his arms around the tall redhead, knocking the man off his haunches and onto his back. "I thought you were dead!"

"Isn't that what you wanted?" Ran grated as he tried to pry the shorter man from around his neck.

Ken released him suddenly and pushed himself off the prone man. Shit, what the hell was he doing throwing himself at Ran like that? Gah! Especially after what he'd said to the redhead the previous night, too! Baka, baka, ba--Eh? He wanted WHAT???

"What do you mean?" Ken frowned at his teammate. "Why would I want you dead?"

Ran's sat up and glowered at him. "You were very clear last night, Ken." Ran's violet eyes were shockingly cold as he stared at Ken. "Don't worry, I will never touch you again. There was no need to shoot me. Your feelings can take a back seat until the mission is over."

Ken stared back, his mouth wide open. "You thought…" He shook his head vigorously and had to sit back abruptly as his head started to spin. He swallowed then looked up at the angry Ran. "No… I was shooting the shark."

Delicate brows rose almost imperceptibly.

"Really!" Ken cried in earnest. He couldn't believe Ran would think he was so… so… spiteful.

Ran closed his eyes as he did his 'I'm a patient man, I can handle this' routine. "What shark?" He asked quietly.

"The—the one…" Ken pointed to the side of the boat. "You know… the one that was going to eat you." Oh man, even Ken had to admit that sounded lame.

Ran didn't look convinced. Ken sighed and rubbed at the ache in the back of his neck only to find a lump at the back of his head. Ow! He took his hand away and found traces of blood on his fingers. What the…? He remember diving in after Ran and then…

"What…? Hey!" He looked up angrily at Ran. "You hit me!"

"YOU were shooting at ME then you jumped in to finish the job!"

"WHA--I was shooting the shark---"

"What shark?"

"---and THEN I jumped in to SAVE you!"

"From what?"

"The shark!"

"WHAT SHARK?"

Grrrr! Ken growled in frustration at the dense redhead. The burning in his chest intensified and to top it off, it now ached everytime he took a breath. He rubbed at it absently while he panted and glowered at Ran. Ran didn't look like he was doing much better; both men were soaked to their skin and their wet hair hung limply around their faces.

"I can't believe you'd think I would do something like… like… kill you." Ken grumbled unhappily. All the fight seemed to have left him as the pain in his chest worsened.

Ran sighed heavily and gave him a pointed look. "It wouldn't be the first time you tried."

"Oh, sure. Bring up the past." Ken threw his hand up in disgust. "How many times do I have to say I'm sorry? It was dark, okay? I thought you were the target! God, that was, like, over a year ago! Talk about carrying a grudge!"

Ran mumbled something Ken did not hear but before Ken could tell him to speak up, a loud whining sound caught their attention. Ken turned slowly; having learned his lessons earlier, and found thin plumes of smoke curling and rising from the opened hatch leading to the cabins. Ran took in a sharp breath and rushed towards it.

"Stay there!" He shouted over his shoulder as he plunged down the steps to see the source of the problem.

Uh-oh. Ken made a face as he remembered the explosion that rocked the boat earlier. He sure as hell hoped it wasn't all that serious, because if it was, Ran would probably feed HIM to the shark... imaginary or otherwise.

After many minutes had passed and Ran still hadn't come back, Ken decided to go after him, nevermind what Ran had told him. He got unsteadily to his feet and frowned when he realized that his legs were shaky and his lungs continued to burn furiously. What the hell happened? So he took a little swim and Ran knocked him out, he'd had worse; he shouldn't be feeling this much pain…

"Where are you going?"

Ken looked towards the voice and found Ran lugging bags and equipment out of the hatch. He blinked at the redhead in confusion. What the hell was Ran doing?

"You took so long, I was going to look for you." Ken was surprised that his voice was barely a whisper. He cleared his throat in irritation and gasped at the pain in his chest. This can't be right.

Ran frowned as he watched Ken struggled then came over and hauled Ken off to the bow of the boat.

"Stay here." He repeated his instruction but this time, his voice was much gentler. Ran went back to the stuff he brought up from below deck and moved them to where he had deposited Ken. He sighed in irritation when he saw that Ken was struggling to get up and held the younger man firmly down on the deck. "You… swallowed some water and while you may have coughed most of it up, I need your lungs to clear up some more. I don't want you breathing in smoke, it could further aggravate your respiratory system." He gave Ken a hard look and the brunette nodded numbly as he stared into the violet eyes.

Wow… he actually sounded like he cared. Ken could feel a blush coming on so he turned away abruptly. Ran released him and disappeared below deck once again. Ken closed his eyes and tried not to think about the redhead's touches but even now, he could feel his skin burning where Ran had held him down. He groaned in disgust. The man was just making sure he stayed put and his body was reading WAY too much into that. Something was seriously wrong with him.

Ken must have dozed off for when he opened his eyes again, Ran was back and was pulling insistently on his shirt. Yep, he had fallen asleep and now he was dreaming or Ran wouldn't be trying to get into his pants… not after last night. He sighed dreamily and allowed his dream to take him where his conscious mind wouldn't… into Ran's arms. Dreams had no consequences, no guilt, no lasting pain… surely he could be happy for just a little while?

"Ran…" He sighed again, letting his head flop onto Ran's shoulders as the older man pulled his shirt free. In his dreams, he could call Ran by his real name. He didn't have to worry that Ran would guess how he really feel. He didn't have to fear ridicule or rejection. He didn't have to share Ran with Youji or Tryffin or anyone else.

Ran would love only him.

"Ran…" He mumbled again, this time, his lips were pressed against the cool skin of Ran's neck. He took a deep breath and smiled. Ran smelled like a… barbecue. Ken began to giggle softly as his mind took him to a Luau where a naked Ran sat on a silver plate with an apple in his mouth.

"Baka. What are you laughing at?" Ran's voice was soft to Ken's dazed ears; almost loving and Ken found it hard to swallow the lump in his throat. It had to be a dream; Ran would never talk to him like that…

"Hm… barbecue Ran." Ken mumbled. "Can I eat you?"

Ken felt Ran took a sharp breath and froze in his attempt to take off Ken's pants. No, that wouldn't do at all; Ran must go on. Ken wiggled enticingly against the older man and reached down to help his teammate. Ran must have understood Ken's need for he went back to the task of removing Ken's remaining clothing.

When his wet clothes were gone, warm blanket smelling faintly of smoke was wrapped snuggly around Ken. Ken blinked blearily around him and finally focused on the redhead who was busily working on one of the equipment Ken was too tired to recognize.

"Ran?" He called confusedly. Weren't they snuggling or something?

Ran looked up from what he was doing, a worried frown on his usually icy face. Ran reached over touched his face gently. "Rest." The redhead ordered softly.

"But…" Ken protested weakly. He WAS tired for some reason and his chest hurt. Still, he had wanted his dream to continue, not wanting to waste the opportunity to be with his dream-Ran.

"Shh…"

Ken whimpered but couldn't find the energy to do more. His eyes were heavy and his stupid chest was aching unbearably…

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"Where are we going, Chibi?" Youji asked from his bed. Omi had brought him breakfast earlier and now the young assassin was dressed to go out. Youji was not going to be left home alone.

"WE are not going anywhere, Youji-kun." Omi smiled as he removed the breakfast tray from the bed to the nightstand. "You are going to rest, while I go talk to Shinji-kun." Omi sat on the edge of the bed and pretended to fuss with the dressing on Youji's bare chest.

Youji caught his hand and held it tight. "You're NOT going to see that Nao guy, Omi. We'll come up with another plan. Promise me." He couldn't describe the feeling that consumed him at the thought of Omi with anyone else especially that slimy looking paper pusher.

"Youji-kun…"

"No, Omi." Youji pulled the younger man down roughly, making Omi sprawl out almost on top of him on the bed.

Omi sighed and rolled his eyes. "I'm going to talk to Shinji-kun about Kouji. It seems we have a new ally, Youji-kun."

"You didn't promise me, Omitchi." Youji murmured as he pulled the younger blond closer. His lips brushed Omi's suggestively, inviting the young man to take over.

Omi's blues eyes twinkled merrily before he closed them and pressed his lips firmly onto Youji's. His warm tongue slid into Youji's welcoming mouth eagerly and Youji nearly forgot once again that he was injured.

Omi pulled away and kissed the tip of his nose quickly. "I'll see you in a few hours, Youji-kun. Be good." Then Omi hopped off the bed and slipped out the door.

Youji put his hand to his lips and smiled idiotically. Damn, Omi was a good kisser! Hey, wait a minute! Omi still hadn't promised him, damn it! Youji pulled himself off the bed and grabbed his shirt. After struggling for several painful minutes, he managed to get his injured arm into the sleeve. He grumbled as he grabbed for his keys and nearly collided with the nightstand.

Think, Yotan, think! You'd never catch up to him so… *light bulb appears*

Youji went over to the closet where he kept his assassin gear and found just the thing; a handheld tracking computer that each of them had. After too many instances of not knowing where each team member was at any given time, Omi came up with this little gadget – with the understanding that it was to be used during missions or in case of an emergency only. The device was connected to their communicator, which doubled as a watch. All of them had it, even when off duties, this way they could be reached when needed.

Youji pursed his lips in thought. This WAS an emergency… and they were on a mission of sorts… right? With a sure nod, he took the little computer and headed for his car. Yeah, Omi was going to be pissed beyond words if he found out; Youji was just going to have to make sure that the smaller blond didn't.

Something that he was sure would be easier said than done.

Forty-three minutes, three cigarettes and 2 aspirins later, Youji found the young man in a park by Tokyo bay – with Shinji. Youji let out a sigh of relief and slumped against the tree trunk he was hiding behind. He felt guilty now for spying on Omi and decided to go back home to wait for the younger man. He turned to give the two young men a last parting glace when something caught his eyes. Something about their postures…

The boys were talking quietly a few trees down the lane, their heads almost touching. Shinji stood with his hands in his pants pockets, his back resting against the tree trunk with one foot crossed casually over the other at the ankle. His head was tilted slightly to one side as he listened to Omi.

Omi. Youji frowned as he studied the younger blond. Omi was standing in front of Shinji, his legs slightly parted to accommodate Shinji's feet and as he talked, his hands would occasionally rest on Shinji's chest or arm. Youji blinked and settled back in his hiding place. His mind raced for excuses to what appeared to be an intimate conversation. Could this be their cover… to meet as lovers? There were plenty of those in this park… maybe they just wanted to blend in…

Youji peeked around the tree again and this time nearly fell flat on his face. He squawked silently and gaped at the pair. If they were pretending, they sure as hell were getting into their roles! Shinji had removed one hand from his pocket and now had Omi's chin in his grip. He said something to the blond, making Omi turn his head away abruptly. Shinji gently steered Omi by the chin to face him again as he continued to talk. His thumb caressed the other youth's chin gently then he leaned forward and kissed Omi softly on the lips. The kiss was quick, just a peck but Youji could feel something bursting in his chest. It wasn't the same as watching Omi and Nao yet it was just as devastating. Hadn't he and Omi… didn't they agree that there was something between them?

Youji blinked and shook his head to clear the shock then continued to watch the other two. Omi now had both of Shinji's hands in his and was saying something in earnest to the pink hair teen. Shinji leaned his head back against the tree and closed his eyes. Youji's mind raced for more possibilities; maybe Omi was telling him about Youji… maybe he's trying to break it up… hopefully?

Shinji laughed suddenly as he looked back on his friend… er… or lover. He said something that made Omi shake his head then the blond pressed forward to rest his head on Shinji's shoulder. The pink haired young man smiled then pulled Omi close and wrapped his arms around him tenderly.

They stood like that for hours… okay, it was more like two seconds but to Youji, it felt much longer than he could stand. Literally. He fell on his knees and blinked unseeingly at the ground. O~kay, now at least he knew where Omi learned how to kiss like that. But… wow… that was… what the…

Sentences started in his head but they never seem to get completed as another thought pushed its way to the surface. He reached absently for his cigarettes and shook his head dazedly. Really… what the hell…? No… WHERE the hell had he been that he hadn't seen ANY of this before?

A sharp intake of breath in front of him had Youji glancing up to see a stunned Omi staring at him. Next to the boy was Shinji, though he looked more amused than surprised.

"Youji-kun." Omi whispered, his eyes wide with shock.

"Hey there, Omitchi." Youji turned and nod at the other youth. "Shinji."

Shinji smiled tentatively and glanced sideways at Omi even as he nodded back. "Youji-kun."

"You guys think you can give me a hand?" He looked up at them sheepishly. "Omi was right; I should have stayed home and rested."

Omi flushed darkly though Youji wasn't sure if it was from embarrassment at being caught with Shinji or from anger.

"You… you followed me!" Omi sputtered angrily. Well, another mystery solved.

"I'm sorry, Chibi, I---" Hey! Why the hell was HE sorry? What the hell was Omi doing all snuggly with Shinji when he was supposed to be in love with HIM? "Wait… are you…?" He motioned between the two younger men. "What's going on?"

Shinji blinked innocently at him then shrugged. Youji narrowed his eyes. That look had 'Uh-oh' written all over it. He turned to Omi who looked really unhappy. If Youji hadn't regretted following Omi before, he sure as hell was now. That look couldn't be good.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"Ken."

Someone was calling him but he was too warm and comfortable to move so Ken gravitated towards the warm, hard body next to him. He frowned discontentedly at the sudden pain in his chest and shifted to try to get rid of it.

"Ken."

Ran's voice. Ran was calling him. Ken opened his eyes slowly and blinked uncertainly at the reddish blur in front of him. He tried to rub his eyes to clear his vision but his arms were somehow tangled inside something.

"How are you feeling?" Ran's voice asked him again.

Blankets. His arms were stuck in the blankets. He struggled briefly and stopped when that only aggravated the pain in his chest. He blinked up at the clearing blur and found that it was Ran looking anxiously at him.

"I'm stuck." He told Ran helplessly. The corner of Ran's lips quirked slightly, making Ken's heart skip a beat. Why was Ran so nice? Was he still dreaming?

Ken felt Ran shift beneath him and realized that he was pretty much cradled in the other man's arms. What the hell… he must still be dreaming after all.

"Ken, we have to go, can you walk by yourself?" Ran asked as he hoisted Ken up on his feet.

Ken swayed and leaned on Ran. "I think I can if I could just get out of this damn blanket." He muttered and struggled some more.

Ran held the folds of the blanket tight and shook his head. "You're not wearing anything and I need you to stay warm."

Ken stared at Ran blankly. "Nothing? I'm… naked?" Ken wiggled experimentally and found bare skin rubbing against the blanket. His face reddened immediately. How…?

"Your clothes were wet." Ran informed him. "I had to… get rid of them."

Ken's eyes widened in horror when he realized that his dreams weren't really dreams at all. And he was snuggling… he called Ran… he—he was helping Ran remove his pants! AGH!

He pushed away from Ran, mortified, only to lose his balance and had to be saved from falling flat on his back by Ran. Great, this was just peachy!

"I didn't look, I promise." Ran said quite seriously. Ken narrowed his eyes at the redhead wondering if Ran was making fun of him.

"Well… I… Anyway, what happened?" Ken's head was beginning to clear and he wasn't as disoriented as when he first woke. He looked around them and gaped when he saw their stuff on deck… deck that was leaning slightly to one side.

"Aya?" He squeaked. The water was also much close to the deck than he'd remembered. When they were standing here yesterday, he hadn't been able to see the ocean at all but now he could… "What happened?"

"The engine blew, literally, and now we're taking in water."

Ken blinked at Ran. "We're… sinking?"

"Manx said that help is on the way but I don't think we can stay on board." Ran said quietly. He steered Ken by the elbow towards the back of the boat. On the loading ramp, at the very back of the boat, there was a rubber raft and Ran helped Ken settle in it before he headed back to the bow. "I'll be right back. Don't get out."

Ken watched Ran disappear around the control station and swallowed. Did he do that? Did he break the bloody ship? (*) He looked around him uncertainly. The ship was low enough now for the raft to almost be in the water and Ken searched around nervously for the shadow he had seen earlier in the day.

When Ran appeared he was carrying Ken's bag as well as his own and several black boxes inside carrying cases that Ken recognized as their computer and communication system. Ran carefully put those in the raft then disappeared again. Ken managed to find his way around the damn blanket and freed one arm. He grabbed for his bag and by the time Ran returned, he was half way inside his t-shirt… and the raft was well into the water.

Ran dumped several containers of water and some nutrition bars into the raft then he got in. He reached over the sides of their ship to press something that lowered the ramp into the water then he pushed them free of the vessel. Then the redhead turned to Ken and sat down opposite him. The raft was fairly big, large enough to fit at least 6 grown adults so they had plenty of room yet Ken felt very aware of Ran's nearness. He cleared his throat nervously and tugged the blanket closer around his waist.

"It's breezy in the ocean, Ken." Ran said suddenly and Ken turned to look into violet eyes. "You need to keep warm and dry."

"I'm not a baby, Aya." Ken snapped, rubbing at his chest distractedly. "I must have strained a muscle trying to save your ass."

Ran tensed as he stared at Ken. "It's your lungs not your muscles. If you don't stay warm, you may catch pneumonia."

Ken frowned and took experimental breaths. The burning was less but the aching was there when he took deep enough breaths. He glanced up at Ran and found the man looking at him with what looked suspiciously like an 'I told you so' look. He frowned more ferociously and looked away. "It's your damn fault for knocking me out." Ken grumbled.

"We're NOT going to go there now, Ken. If you want to blame someone, why don't you blame your shark?"

Ken glared at Ran then looked away again. "Shouldn't we be rowing or something?" Ken asked.

"Where to?" Ran asked dryly. "No. Coordinates have been given to the rescue team. We should remain as close to that as possible."

"Damn it, Aya. We left early yesterday and our boat was supposed to be fast. How long is it going to take the coast guard to get here?"

"I don't think the coast guard is coming." Ran said quietly.

Ken turned back to the redhead and saw that he'd already had the computer running and was typing into it.

"What do you mean? Who then?" Ken gathered his blankets up around him and maneuvered around to sit next to Ran so he could see the computer… and tripped on the long blanket in the process. Ran grunted as he steadied Ken with one hand then slid along the seat to give Ken more room. It was most fortunate that the raft had a flat bottom or they would all be in the water about now. Ran's glare certainly said as much.

"Oh cut the death glare, Aya, we stopped buying that a long time ago." Ken leaned closer to Ran and peered into the screen. "Well? Who's coming and when will they get here?"

"Manx was not clear as to who but they should be here in a couple of hours."

"What are you doing?"

"Birman sent some information on Tryffin's parents. It looks like their deaths may not have been an accident after all." Ran continued to read the mail with great interest. Too much interest as far as Ken was concerned. Ran was probably dying to get some brownie points from Tryffin when he delivered the news. Jerk! Ken thought moodily.

Ran drew in a sharp breath and despite the fact that he was jealous, Ken couldn't help but be curious? "What?"

Ran didn't speak but continued to stare at the information on the screen as if it were Schwartz taking off with Aya-chan again.

"What?" Ken asked again impatiently and tried to turn the computer towards him so he could read it easier.

Ran's grip on the computer was much better than his grip on reality and the computer remained stubbornly in place.

"They died about the same time Peregrine left Kritiker." Ran said softly, his expression was thoughtful.

"So?" Ken shrugged, completely irritated. Ran was getting way too googoo eyed over this whole thing. "It could just be a coincidence, Aya."

"No." Ran shook his head and typed something in. When the information he requested came up, he motioned for Ken to read it.

"Aya." Ken whined. "You read it to me." The glare of the sun was bad enough reflecting off the water; he certainly didn't need to get it from trying to read the computer screen.

"Their boat sank near Spratly Islands… in the South China Sea." Ran's voice was contemplative and Ken looked at his teammate curiously.

"Aren't we in the South China Sea?" Ken asked and involuntarily shifted closer to the other man.

"Yes." Ran said absently as he entered more information into the computer. Ken leaned his head on Ran's shoulder and closed his eyes while the redhead looked for whatever it was he was looking for. When Ran found it, surely he would share? Ken felt cold and he pulled the blanket closer to him. He nearly fell off the seat when he felt Ran's arm come around his back and he lifted his head and opened his eyes in surprise. Ran's head was just inches from his and the piercing violet eyes locked onto his confused ones briefly before Ran looked away.

"I told you to keep warm." Ran said sternly as he finished tucking the blanket around Ken and went back to work on the computer. Ken's head fell on Ran's shoulder again as he closed his eyes. It was either the redhead or the bottom of the boat and he kinda wanted to stay as far away from the water as possible. There was still the unresolved matter of the 'shadow'.

A few minutes later Ran grunted and Ken opened his eyes. This time he did not bother lifting his head. When it was apparent that Ran wasn't going to tell him unless he asked, Ken sighed. "What?"

"It looks like that's where we were headed." Ran said softly.

"Where?" Ken shifted his head back slightly so he could look up at the redhead's profile. Gods but Ran was attractive… and so close. Ken felt himself blush at the thought of just how close they actually were the previous night and to his dismay, Ran chose that moment to turn and look down at him. The look in those deep violet eyes was unreadable but they held Ken frozen in place, as they seemed to bore deep into his soul.

So close… Ken couldn't help but drop his gaze to the usually stern lips and he knew that his face was heating up again at the memories of where those lips had been on his body.

Ran's hand came up and touched his forehead gently, as if checking his temperature. Ken leaned into the touch and closed his eyes, when the hand was gone Ken blinked up into Ran's unfathomable eyes again. They stared at each other silently and Ken knew that had Ran chose that moment to kiss him, he wouldn't have minded. In fact, he was pretty damn sure he was going to participate, chest pain or no chest pain.

Ran tore his gaze away almost reluctantly and Ken sighed. Part of him was glad that Ran didn't kiss him, it WAS what he wanted, wasn't it? Didn't he say that he didn't want to be a convenient fuck? But part of him was disappointed... it wanted to feel those hands on him again. He shivered at the memory of last night and to keep himself from thinking too much, Ken asked again. "Where were we going?"

"Somewhere around Spratly Islands." Ran answered in a tight voice.

Ken chose to ignore Ran's tone and asked another question. "Why is Peregrine taking Tryffin there? I thought he was following the seven people that were missing."

"I think the question is, why is everyone going there? What is around Spratly Islands that dated back 8 years? This is too much of a coincidence, don't you think?"

Ken sighed. He really didn't feel like thinking, his body sure as hell didn't want to work and his brain was protesting that it had to. But they really couldn't do much but sit and wait, might as well take the time to think about the mission.

And he was enjoying this quiet time with Ran too. They weren't fighting and Ran was actually nice to him, taking care of him and stuff.

"Okay, let's start with his parents, what were they doing around those islands?" Ken started.

Ran was silent while he read some information then said, "They were anthropologists… it said here that their last project was… the lost continent of Atlantis." Ran sounded skeptical and he reread the content again.

"I thought that it was by the Mediterranean somewhere. You know, that Santorini island thing." Ken frowned but didn't move from his spot on Ran's shoulder. "Maybe they were just on vacation." he suggested.

Ken could feel Ran shaking his head. "No. There is nothing on Spratly Islands. According to research, it's a group of mostly uninhabited islands with most of them underwater at high tides. The ones that aren't are occupied with military forces from various countries. Not a vacation spot. Besides, they were on assignment when they sank."

"Weird." Was all Ken's tired mind could come up with. "I wonder what Tryffin is feeling right now."

Ran was silent and still next to Ken and the brunette wondered if the redhead was thinking the same thing. He wouldn't want to be in Tryffin's shoes right about now. To know that your parents were down there somewhere…

"Ran?"

"Hm?"

"Do you… go see your parents sometimes?"

Ran was quiet for the longest time and Ken wondered if he would ever answer him. He wouldn't be surprised if the redhead didn't; Ran was never one to talk about his past anyways.

When Ran still hadn't said anything, Ken offered sadly, "I want to go see mine all the time but I know I can't… even if they're still alive." Somehow Ken didn't mind telling the other man about his past. "It must be hard when you don't even have that option."

"You're a lot like them, you know." Ken continued after a short silence. "They lost their parents too and it may all be tied together some how."

Ran was so quiet Ken thought maybe the man fell asleep. He tilted his head back again to look at Ran but the redhead was awake, his eyes staring unseeingly in front of him.

"Aya?" Ken called softly. He could cheerfully kick himself for making Ran sad but he wasn't feeling too hot as it was so that was going to have to wait.

Ran turned and looked down at him and Ken was surprised to see that the violet eyes were filled with sadness and longing.

"Yes, I go see them sometimes." Ran said softly before looking away again.

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be." Ran was already busy being curt and briskly typing again. Ken sighed and rubbed at his chest again but this time, it had nothing to do with his lungs but everything to do with his heart. How he wished he could take away Ran's pain.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Youji looked up at the young men in front of him and raised his eyebrows. "Well? C'mon, tell uncle Youji."

The boys looked at each other then back to Youji then back to each other again.

Finally Omi said, "Can we go home and talk? Shinji-kun has to go meet Kouji."

"I don't think I can hold off that long, Omi. At least explain yesterday to me. I thought we…" Youji clamped his mouth shut tight. He wasn't about to bare his feelings to Shinji, damn it! He didn't even want to do it with Omi but the younger blond was so convincing yesterday.

"Just forget it, Omi. Leave me. I'll just kick back and smoke, be back home soon." He closed his eyes and sat back, leaning his back against the tree and stretching his legs out in front of him. He should have listened to his instinct and stayed the hell away from Omi. He knew nothing good was going to come out of it. Damn Aya! Damn Omi too, while he was at it! Why the hell did he ever think the boy was too young and innocent anyway?

"Youji-kun." Omi's voice was small and utterly miserable but Youji couldn't look at him. He knew that if he did, he would give in and it was just better to forget that yesterday ever happened.

"Go home, Omi." Youji said tiredly. He needed a cigarette, damn it, but he couldn't when they were still standing there; he didn't want to look at either one of them. He wasn't that strong.

Youji heard movements and footsteps walking away. He waited a few seconds until they faded to a safe distance then sighed and slowly opened his eyes.

And found himself looking right into desolate blue eyes. Omi was on his knees in front of him. Youji blinked in surprised then frowned and look away quickly.

"I would have told you." Omi whispered. "If you hadn't followed me… when I got back, I would have told you."

Youji closed his eyes and banged the back of his head against the tree. "Would you?"

"Yes!" Omi cried in desperation. "I never thought that you would… want me. I… Shinji-kun and I… we're… it started a long time ago and it's not the same as how I feel about you." Omi struggled with his explanations, his hand moving around helplessly. "I—I don't love him." Omi finally said in a small voice.

Youji opened his eyes and looked skeptically at the younger man. The scene he had witnessed earlier suggested otherwise. Omi managed to look both miserable and defiant at the same time as he looked back at Youji and the older man couldn't help feeling the sudden rush of warmth as he looked at the younger blond. Omi was too damn cute for his own good.

Youji continued his internal struggle as they gazed at each other. His head knew that Omi was definitely not a child and he had a life before Youji but his heart wasn't ready for that. It wasn't even ready to admit that it could love again and it was already breaking when he saw his Omi with someone else. Reason clearly wasn't going to win… not just yet.

Youji fumbled for the lighter and lit his cigarette. It was strange how people say (and he's one of them) that smoking calms you down. Physiologically it shouldn't work since smoking reduced the oxygen going to the brain and other cells. The body actually had to work harder to get the oxygen it needed… Life was just full of things that didn't make sense… People say one thing and they do something else… Life sucked. HE sucked. Everything sucked. He groaned and banged the back of his head against the tree again.

Then his own words to Ken came back to him in a dizzying rush…

"Aya and I see other people. We are not in love. We are not a couple. We just like fucking each other."

Youji frowned harder. Did Omi like… to do that with Shinji too? He glanced at the teen quickly and found that Omi was still staring at him, his expression now wistful and sad.

"I would have told you." Omi said again. "Why don't you trust me?"

"It's not that, Omi." Youji gave up and held out his hand to Omi. The younger man frowned at it for a moment then he tentatively put his hand in Youji's. The tall blond pulled Omi to him gently and the young man came to sit by his side with Youji's arm around his shoulders.

"So… were you telling him about us?"

"Yes but he already knew how I feel about you. He's been telling me not to give up but… you can be so trying sometimes, Youji-kun."

"Didn't I tell you I was pretty messed up?" Youji said quietly as he stared straight ahead. He took a long drag from his cigarette and blew the smoke up at the branches above them. "You sure you want to get involved with someone like me? I was so ready to give up, so ready to say to myself that I was right, that I should stay the hell away from you. That you would leave me eventually so why not nip it in the butt now…" Youji turned to look seriously at Omi. "Shinji… he's a good kid."

"Yes, he is, Youji-kun." Omi said softly by his side, then the younger man took the cigarette from his hand and snuffed it out. Omi moved to straddle Youji's legs and he took the older man's face between his hands. "And so are you. Besides, he doesn't love me. We care about each other a great deal but we've always known that it wasn't love." Then he leaned down and kissed Youji softly, his lips moving lightly across the older man's. He pulled back and gazed steadily into Youji's eyes, his own filled with love. "I'm sorry you had to find out about Shinji this way… even if it IS your fault."

"MY fault?" Youji blinked incredulously at the young man.

"Yes. You shouldn't have followed me. I'm quite mad about that, Youji-kun."

"Oh… yeah, that." Youji laughed nervously; a pissed off Omi is NEVER a good thing. "You never promised me about Nao and…" Youji took a hold of Omi's hands and pressed them to his heart as he gazed into the teen's eyes. "I was worried that you'd do something that you'd regret later. Trust me Omi, it's not as easy as it might seem... it always comes back to haunt you." He was speaking from experience and they both knew it.

"Youji-kun. I…" Omi was quiet for a long moment, and then he nodded his acceptance. "I promise."

"Good." Youji pulled the boy down for a quick kiss. "We'll find another way, Omi, you'll see."

"You're not upset about Shinji still, are you?" Omi asked uncertainly

"Omi." Youji caressed the young man's cheeks tenderly. "I was just surprised… I've never thought… well, I tried not to think of you that way and then all of a sudden… I guess I was just…" He shrugged when he couldn't find the words to describe the million things that were going through his mind. "Shocked. Again. You do that to me a lot lately, Omitchi."

"Is that a bad thing?" Omi asked as he nuzzled against Youji's palm.

Youji watched in awe as Omi paused in his nuzzling and kissed Youji's fingertips and palm. "N—no, not at all."

Omi smiled and leaned over to place his lips a hairbreadth away from Youji's, his nose rubbing sensually along Youji's nose.

"Omi…" Youji was getting hard and he wasn't sure if he could hold himself back if Omi continued to do these things to his senses. "So… um… what kind of things have you and Shinji been… er… doing?" He groaned when Omi pressed his body forward, rubbing his arousal against Youji's.

"Would you like me to show you when we get home?" Omi asked huskily against Youji's ear then he began suckling on it.

Youji's eyes rolled back in his head as pleasure shot through his body. Home? Who the hell could wait til they got home? He reached around and grabbed on to Omi's delicious ass with both hands and drove his hips forward in several quick powerful thrusts. Omi moaned and returned the pressure and pretty soon they had developed a maddening rhythm.

"Omi… Omi, we can't do this here." Youji panted as he tried to hold Omi's hips still. His libido was screaming at him to shut the fuck up and continue but he valiantly ignored it. "Let's go home, Omi, then you can take as long as you want to show me."

Omi looked at him shyly, his eyes uncertain. "Can I have forever, Youji-kun?"

Youji fought back the lump in his chest as he reached up and caressed Omi's flushed cheeks. "Are you sure? I'm not worth it, O--"

Omi covered Youji's lips with his fingers. "You are worth everything to me, Youji-kun. Everything."

Youji closed his eyes and swallowed back tears.

Life was pretty damn good after all.

(Author faints from too much sap, as does the beta.)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"Ne, Aya…" Ken nudged his teammate when he noticed that the dark shape at the horizon was coming closer. "You think that's our ride?"

Ran looked up from the radio he was trying fix and gazed at the vessel. "I don't know."

"You don't think they're gonna run over us, do you?" Ken eyed the rapidly approaching ship nervously. "It's coming awfully fast, Aya… what if they can't see us." The vessel they were on sank under the waves sometime ago and the black rubber boat they were on, though it was a good size, was probably tiny in the open sea.

"It would be good to have a flare gun right about now." Ran commented grimly.

Ken colored immediately. He'd dropped the gun somewhere… it was his fault again. Life sucked.

"We could tie a shirt to your katana and you can wave it like a flag." Ken suggested helpfully.

Ran turned and gave him a maximum dose of the death glare.

"Okay, maybe not." Ken rolled his eyes. He grabbed the cap that he was wearing and waved that in the air, hoping it was enough. At least it was better than just sitting there.

Ran took the cap from Ken's hand and slammed that back on his head. "Keep it on." He growled and took a white t-shirt from his bag. "Wave this." Ken rolled his eyes again as he noted that Ran wasn't waving anything.

"You're the one with the delicate complexion, Aya, not me. YOU should be wearing head protection."

"I'm not the one with the temperature." Ran answered while he carefully put the computer and radio away.

"Then I should be resting and you do the waving."

Ran paused and looked up at him. "You're the one who thinks that we need to wave."

Ken gave up. For someone as quiet as Ran, Ken would never have guessed that he would fight tooth and nail to have the last word.

They were so busy glaring at each other that by the time they looked up; the vessel was almost next to them. Ken blinked in surprise at the big, black boat (can you say that real fast ten times? The beta sure can't, she tried several times.), his arm frozen in place above his head. It was larger than the trawler they were on and everything that could be seen was painted black, except for the name Black Hawk; it was painted on the side in metallic silver with the last letter, 'k', ending in a dramatic wing.

"Wow." Ken whispered. "You're right, I don't think it's the coast guard."

But Ken was completely unprepared for the tall figure that came to the railing and stared down at them. Peregrine!

Next to Ken, Ran hissed and stiffened at the sight and Ken guessed that not only was the redhead surprised, he was pretty pissed as well. Ken was beyond caring at this point and he could cheerfully kiss Schuldich had he been the one sent to rescue them.

"Hey there." he called and waved up at Peregrine. The man just scowled back at him. Oh look, one of Ran's relatives. This whole trip kept getting better and better. "Where's Tryffin?" At least that man could smile.

"He's in… the cabin." Peregrine said before throwing an end of a long rope to him. "Hang on, I'll pull you to the back."

Ran took the rope from Ken and the brunette was only too happy to let go. All this waving and yelling was making him dizzy and he could feel the ache in his chest starting up again.

He looked up at Ran as their boat was pulled to the boarding ramp in the back of the boat. Ran's lips were pressed together grimly, fine creases appeared between his brows and Ken could tell that his jaw was clenched tight.

Ken sighed and wondered if Omi and Youji were doing any better. Then he brightened as a thought occurred to him. "Look on the bright side, Aya. At least we found them."

Ran turned and the look Ken got this time was the mother of all death glares.

Ken sighed in resignation and waited for all hell to break loose yet again. He had half a mind to ask to be left in the raft. They might all end up on it soon anyway with the way these two were scowling at each other.

Yep, his life sucked nuclear waste.

TBC…

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

(*) Heh, heh, heh, courtesy of Dr. Lazarus from Galaxy Quest.

Note: In case some of you are curious, there are actually people who say that Atlantis may be in the South China Sea… Imagine that. ^_^

Gah! I'd wanted more Chichiri/Tasuki in this chapter but couldn't fit it in. In the FY version, there'll be… er… more explosive action, people. I really do wonder if Kenken is going to survive this…

Thankie everyone!