Disclaimer: Don't own Weiss, never will. I'm doomed to just play with them.

A/N: I didn't want to breakup the story of Omi and Nagi's past so this chapter became slightly longer.

Blue on Blue

Chapter 3

Rex stood by silently as her boss spoke to his grandfather on the phone. She could tell by the way Persia's end of the conversation was going, the elder Takatori was not happy about his grandson's plans.

"I am not taking a vacation grandfather so I don't see why you are so upset. I am merely working out of this office for a month or so……..Y-yes. I came here to check on---"

The young man cringed and Rex could hear the voice loud and clear, even at this distance. But when Persia spoke again, his voice didn't waiver. It was forceful. It had conviction.

"He has done more for this organization than any of your past teams and you know it. We cannot afford to lose him. He is an invaluable asset…..I will call you later grandfather. Goodbye."

Mamarou slammed the phone down and turned his blazing eyes on Rex. "Say it Rex. I can see it in your eyes."

Rex kept her impassive façade in check as she approached his desk and sat down. "You can't afford to make an enemy of your grandfather. You may hold the role of Persia, but he is still the head of the Takatori empire."

"He's just being stubborn."

"True. But that stubborn old man could make it so that you, me, Naoe or anyone never existed." She met the gaze of her boss, knowing she was free to express her opinion without reprimand. "If you want to be Persia, and accomplish your own goals, you will need the backing of the Takatori empire. You will need your grandfather."

Mamarou sighed and sat back in his chair, turning around to face out the large picturesque window. "You're right. Thank you for reminding me Rex. So do I leave?"

"How about you stay for a week? It will give you time to check on things here and still spend time with Naoe."

"Hmmm. A week. Yes. Email my grandfather please. Tell him I will be home to see him in nine days with a full report on this division as well as what happened with Nagi."

"Sir." Rex nodded and left the young man to his thoughts. As she closed the door she heard the intercom come alive.

"Mr. Takatori sir? The patient is awake again."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

He stood outside the door and stared at the name written on the plate. Naoe Nagi. He had always been drawn to him. At first, it was morbid curiosity. He'd never seen another assassin his own age. Everyone was always older than he was. They also shared a love of computers and technology in general. Nagi was the only one who ever challenged him when it came to hacking. He had admitted to enjoying the challenge once and Ken and Ran had looked at him as if he were crazy. Yohji just gave him that funny smile that he could never figure out. But because of his teammate's reactions, he had thought something was wrong with him for appreciating his enemy.

Then the day came when his enemy needed his help. He still remembered how the brunette looked. He had been beaten. Masterfully. Oracle was apparently very proficient at beating someone and hurting the inside without leaving much of a trace on the outside. He blamed Nagi for a failed mission and had therefore exacted punishment. He still wasn't sure how Nagi managed to make it all the way to the flower shop in his condition. They found him huddled in the corner of the alley at their backdoor, and there was no way he was gong to let Weiss turn him away.

He had taken care of Nagi for four days, and he really enjoyed taking care of him and talking to him, even if the brunette didn't say too much. He just liked being around him. So he went to his grandfather and begged for Nagi's acceptance into the organization. Maybe he could become a member of Weiss. But his grandfather had refused and by the time he had returned to the flower shop, Nagi had fled. He had been so sad to see him go, not able to say goodbye or find out where he was going, or to even give him some money and supplies to take with him.

Four months later he received a postcard from Italy. No name, no address. Only two words written in very neat script. Thank you. He knew right away who it was from and it made him happy to know his other half, as he taken to calling him, was alright. He knew they would meet again.

Two years later, as he settled into the role of Persia, he received another postcard. Again, no name or address. Just the fine script. May I come in? He turned the postcard over and over as if looking for a clue to the cryptic question.

"Yes?"

He said it out loud to no one in particular, not expecting an answer. But suddenly a tapping sounded behind him and he whirled to see the brunette, his other half, levitating outside his window, cold slate eyes fixed on him.

"Nagi!"

He quickly unfastened the latch and let the man in, watching in silent awe as he floated in and gently touched down on the carpet. His hair was longer, hiding part of his face, one eye completely obscured. He wore black pants, a dark grey button-up shirt and a long black trench coat.

"What---? How---?"

"It's been awhile. Persia."

Omi could think of nothing else to do but hug the man. He was so happy to see him. But as he reached out for him, a barrier stopped his progress. He frowned and took a step back.

"Nagi? What's wrong?"

"I always have a barrier up these days. I apologize." He let the barrier down and was shocked when Omi hugged him tightly. He didn't reciprocate the gesture. He just stood there, frozen in shock. What the hell is he doing!

"I'm so happy to see you alive and well." He finally let the man go and gestured for him to sit down as he pulled up a chair next to him. "How have you been? What brings you here?"

Nagi eyed the man critically. This isn't the greeting he expected. He thought he would be treated with suspicion and he was prepared to prove to Omi that he meant him no harm. But instead, he was being welcomed as if he were a long lost teammate instead of his former enemy.

"I have been gathering intel on various crime syndicates and terrorist cells in Europe. I came here to offer you my services."

"Your services?" Omi continued to observe the long lost telekinetic with a slight smile. He's much taller. He also doesn't look as frail. Then again, neither do I.

"Yes. I do not wish to join Weiss. However, I am willing to work directly for you Omi. Or should I say Persia?"

"Call me Omi, please. But only when we're alone. I can't believe you're just showing up here and offering to work for me."

Now it comes out. He is skeptical of my motives. "I assure you my offer guarantees my complete loyalty to you. But only you. Not the Takatori family."

"I don't doubt your sincerity Nagi. But why just me? Surely you realize that whatever I ask of you will be for the benefit of the Takatori empire."

"Because you are the one I owe my life to. Not the Takatoris. And even though you work within the Takatori empire, you do not indulge in all their various…..ventures."

"I see." Omi reached out and placed a reassuring hand on Nagi's shoulder and smiled. "I appreciate your offer Nagi, but if you are only offering your services because you feel you owe me, then I cannot accept. You owe me nothing. You needed help, so I helped you. I didn't do it expecting some reward in return. Your postcard was thanks enough."

Nagi jus sat there, stunned. Is he serious? He helped me out of the goodness of his heart? That's bullshit! Nobody does that. Not even the self-righteous Weiss! No! He's lying. He's up to something. Trying to get me to let my guard down perhaps.

"So you are refusing my offer."

"I don't want you working for me, risking your life because you feel obligated."

Omi hated refusing Nagi. He wanted him to stay. He wanted to talk to him and hear about his life for the past two years. But if he was only staying out of some imagined debt, then it wouldn't be fair to him.

"Nagi…I am truly happy to see you. And I would really like to just sit down and talk with you. Do you….have time to talk with me?"

"I, uh, guess so."

"Good."

That warm smile and those sparkling blue eyes just drew him in. Nagi watched as Omi stood up and went over to his phone and told someone on the other end that he would need reservations at some restaurant tonight. Then he turned back to Nagi who hadn't even blinked yet.

"There. All settled. So tell me what you've been doing with your life Nagi." He sat down in his leather chair, ready to be intrigued by the man's stories. Instead…

"I have already told you Omi. Why don't you tell me something about yourself. What happened to your fellow florists?"

A shadow briefly flashed across the happy face, but Omi quickly banished it, leaving a quiet demeanor. "Yohji is happy living in anonymity. The last I heard from Ken he was heading to America to coach soccer. And no one has heard from Aya in over a year."

"I'm…I'm sorry Omi." He really didn't know why he said it, but he felt it was the right thing to say. Omi seemed saddened by his teammate's whereabouts or lack thereof. He personally didn't care what happened to his former teammates. He knew Schuldich was still alive. Farfarello was dead. Killed by some vigilante priest. Oh the irony…. But he could never quite find out what happened to Oracle. Every trail he found that even hinted at the man's whereabouts would quickly dry up. But if he ever saw the man again…

Omi could see Nagi withdrawing into himself so he tried a different topic. One he knew the man would be willing to talk about. "Have you had a chance to use the new SD-17's?" Omi saw the sparkle in those cerulean eyes and he knew he'd hit pay dirt. "I take it from that twinkle in your eye that you have. What do you think?"

"Best of the best. But I had to modify mine to---"

"---allow for tracking ----"

"----and surveillance capabilities." Nagi just studied the young man across from him who just finished his thoughts, and for the first time in years, he smiled. Omi made him smile, and he wasn't sure if that was a good thing. I'll have to keep my guard up.

The two men talked computers and software for the next hour or so and then proceeded to the restaurant. The car ride was silent, but neither seemed to mind, both lost in their own thoughts about the other. One happy to have the other back in his life, and the second, wary about the other's friendly intentions.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Nagi was relieved when they were shown to a private room to dine. He was not in the mood for crowds this evening but didn't want to overrule Omi when he had arranged dinner for them. You don't decline dinner when your boss invites you. You don't decline anything when it comes to your boss. Ever. Otherwise, things could get…..ugly. Oracle had taught him that lesson very well.

Once their orders had been taken and their drinks served, Omi spoke. "So tell what you've been doing with yourself."

"I told you. Gathering information on---"

"Yeah, I heard you the first time. But what have you been doing? Where have you been living? Any friends? New hobbies?"

"I don't see what this has to do with anything."

"I want to know more about you Nagi."

Nagi sighed and took another sip of tea. So this is his game. He wants to learn my secrets, my weaknesses, then use them against me. Control me.

"I lived alone. Always. Never stayed in one place too long. Did a lot of hacking, spying and reading."

Omi couldn't keep the sadness from his voice, "Sounds lonely." He saw the flash in the cerulean eyes and realized he'd hit a nerve. Ok, change of topic. "Why did you wait until now to offer your services? Why not two years ago when you left Schwarz?"

"Because I did not want to be under your grandfather's control. I do not want to become a member of Weiss."

"But if you work for me, then you're---"

"Then I'm working for you."

Omi met the determined eyes aimed at him, trying to understand the man across from him. He watched as Nagi took a sip of tea, and marveled at the grace in such a simple gesture. I wonder if he's using his telekinesis even for that. It looks like his hands are barely touching the cup.

They sat in silence for awhile until Omi decided to push Nagi a little further. "Why….why did you leave without saying goodbye?"

Nagi looked away, choosing to concentrate on a flower arrangement on a nearby pedestal. "I knew I was placing you in danger just by being there. They would have found me sooner or later and I didn't want you getting mixed up in my battle any more than you already were."

"But….I could have given you money, supplies….something."

Nagi chuckled as he turned his attention down to stare at his tea. "You are one of kind Omi. Only you would fret over not being able to help your enemy enough."

"You're not my enemy Nagi. You never really were."

"What?" Nagi's head shot up, a look of incredulity on his face.

Omi shrugged and turned his attention to his glass, slowly turning it within his fingers. "I enjoyed facing you. You challenged me. Do you know how much trouble I had bypassing the security block you put on Esset?" He flashed a smile at the curious man, "That was a work of art."

"Damn shame you broke it."

Omi was happy to see a smirk aimed his way. "Sorry." He felt his cheeks getting warm the more he studied Nagi and his glittering eyes and taunting smirk. Eyes back to the glass….. "Anyway, I guess I never considered you my enemy because you and I never fought directly. And you were the one and only assassin I'd ever seen that was my age. So I felt, I don't know, kinda connected to you somehow." Omi took a drink before he started to sound even more ridiculous and childish than he already had.

"Omi, you're reasoning is foolish."

"I know. But," he looked up and leaned across the table as much as possible without getting up from his seated position, "that foolish reasoning is what convinced my teammates to bring you inside and take care of you." Omi saw the slight blush and he couldn't fight the urge to play with the man. "Are you saying you thought of me as your enemy Nagi? Would you have killed me if you were given the chance?"

Brilliant blue eyes demanded an answer from him, but he could say nothing. What a preposterous question! Of course I would have killed him! He thought back to their many encounters, both face to face with their respective teams and through the computer. He's right. I wouldn't have killed him. But that was no reason to joke about it. Omi sounded as if he were teasing a classmate in the play yard.

"Your death would have served no purpose."

"I'll take that as a 'no'."

Nagi was about to protest the man's smugness when the doors to their dining room slid open and the waitresses brought their food. They set everything out, refilled their drinks, bowed and left. Nagi waited patiently for Omi to serve himself first but he made no move. Instead, he took a sip of tea and just smiled at him. It was his idea to come to dinner. Isn't he even hungry?

"Please, serve yourself."

Nagi bowed his head, "I defer to you," he raised his head and smiled as he made eye contact again, "Persia." He saw the man's brows furrow slightly, but the happy face was back in place quickly and he was gesturing to the food.

"You're my guest Naoe. Please." Omi inwardly chuckled when he saw the flash in Nagi's eyes at the use of his formal name. Neither man moved as their silent game of wills continued. After ten minutes or so, a waitress came by to make sure everything was ok. When she saw that the food was untouched, she became quite distressed.

"Takatori-san, is there something wrong with the food?" She bowed low, waiting for an answer.

"I wouldn't know. My guest refuses to serve himself."

"Would you like me to serve the food Takatori-san?"

"Answer a question for me instead. Who should serve themselves first? I say my friend should go first because he is my guest. However, he believes that I should go first because…." Omi frowned at Nagi, "Why exactly do you wish for me to go first?"

"To see if it's poisoned."

"What!"

Omi's eyes couldn't have gotten any wider if he tried and Nagi thought the waitress was going to faint. He couldn't help but chuckle. "Just kidding." He delighted in Omi's slightly colored cheeks until he realized his were just as warm. "I deferred to you because I owe a great debt to you and you are head of the Takatori Empire. So there you have it miss. Who should serve themselves first?"

The poor flustered waitress was still bowing when she gave her answer. "I am not worthy to be a judge of such a matter. I cannot choose between such valid points between friends. Instead I offer a compromise. I will serve both of you, and then you may begin eating together. As friends should."

"That's a very cunning answer. Sounds good to me."

"I agree."

The waitress smiled and took a deep breath as she set about serving the two smirking men. When she turned to slide the door shut, she caught a glimpse of the friends toasting to compromise.

Omi smiled and shook his head. Compromise indeed. It had taken only one week for Omi's resolve not to hire Nagi to crumble. The damn man just had too much information and was too powerful to be turned away. Besides, Omi really liked Nagi and wasn't sure if the man would stick around and spend time with him if given a free choice.

And now, because of Omi's selfishness, Nagi was badly injured. I won't ever let this happen to you again Nagi. I'll do whatever it takes to keep you safe, even if it means sending you away. But I hope you will understand and agree to my idea.

"I want to be with you Nagi."

To be continued….