Disclaimer: Don't own any of the characters in this story. Except little Jarrod.

A/N: Shounen Ai; This is a Gundam/Weiss crossover. Wasn't sure where to post it after looking at the crossover, Gundam and Weiss section, so I hope this location is ok.

Death and the Assassin

Chapter 2

Five days later

"Alright guys, remember there is no game this Saturday so I'll see you next Tuesday for a short practice."

Ken tossed his whistle and clipboard on the ground and dribbled a ball out onto the field. Practice was over but he wasn't ready to go home yet. He'd been in a foul mood most of the day thanks to an argument with Aya and when Duo hadn't shown up for practice, that sealed his crappy day. I know where to find you. Those words had fed his good mood since last Saturday and he had been practically salivating waiting for today's practice for the opportunity to see Duo.

Ken was running from one end of the field to the other concentrating on controlling the ball, trying to wear himself out to the point where he was too tired to be angry. He eventually lined up a dozen balls and took aim at the goal. It was almost dark and the field lights were just starting to come on. He stood in the middle of the field and looked around, wondering for the hundredth time what his life would have been like if Kase hadn't ruined it.

"Fuck."

He kicked the ball as hard as he could and watched it sail past the bleachers and out into the parking lot.

"Fuck."

He gathered up the remaining balls and carried the equipment bags back to the store house before making his way back to his motorcycle. There he found a very familiar figure with a long braid leaning on his motorcycle, holding a soccer ball.

"Does this belong to you?"

"Duo? What are you doing here?"

Ken walked up and opened the storage bin on his motorcycle, pulling out a clean shirt. He tried to keep his voice casual as he pulled off his sweaty one and wiped himself down real quick before throwing it in a bag and closing the storage bin again. Any lingering bad mood vanished as soon as he set eyes on the man, and now he had this nervous excitement tightening his chest, but he didn't want him to know that.

Duo had wanted to get here for the practice today and see Ken. But work had other plans for him and as he drove home, he cursed his boss for making him work late and miss an opportunity to see the brunette. He just happened to look over as he drove past the field and saw Ken's motorcycle. He slammed on his breaks and hung a u-turn. He was pretty sure you could see the tire tracks in the road. And now he was watching Ken undress and redress, hoping he wasn't showing his complete appreciation of the show.

"It's a habit of mine. I sit in parking lots and wait for stray soccer balls to come flying at me. What are you doing here so late?"

"Just playing around. Seriously though, what are you doing here?"

"I was coming home from work and I saw your bike. Thought I'd stop by for that lesson you promised." He tossed the ball to a slightly surprised Ken and cocked his head to the side. "I may not know a lot about soccer, but you're not supposed to use your hands, are you?"

Ken was silent for a moment, but a smile slowly started to make itself across his lips. "That's not true. You see, the position I specialize in is goalie, and I get to use my hands all I want."

"Lucky ball. Tell me more."

Ken and Duo walked back out to the field where the two proceeded to play around. Ken showed Duo a few basic moves and taught him some of the game's basics, but mostly, they just played around, having a good time. A few hours later, they were lying in the goal, looking up at the night sky.

"So. When you're not bettering the youth of this city by teaching them how to kick a ball around a field, what do you do with your time?"

Ken chuckled as he closed his eyes and braced for the teasing he knew was coming his way. Whenever a guy found out he was a florist, he got flack. Apparently being a florist wasn't very manly. Never mind that Ken could gut them in five seconds flat with his bugnuks. But he couldn't tell them that. The 'manly' side of him had to stay hidden.

"I'm a florist."

He waited for the snide comments to start but they didn't come. He heard a soft rustling and when he opened his eyes he was shocked to see two deep purple eyes gazing down at him.

Duo just smiled at the man lying next to him. "That explains it."

"'It'?" Here it comes. I knew he couldn't resist teasing me…

"Yeah. It explains why you don't act like all the other jocks I've ever met."

"Oh really. And what do the other jocks act like?"

"Assholes."

Ken laughed and felt his face get warm. "I think that's the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me when I've told them my profession. Thanks."

"You're welcome." Duo kept smiling at Ken as he let his eyes roam over his face, committing every detail of the man to memory. He knew he was crazy for being here right now, but he felt so drawn to this man it was frightening.

"Ken…." He silently cursed himself as he felt his cheeks get warm before he even started. "I have something I want to tell you and I know it's going to sound crazy, but…." He sighed and looked out over the field, unable to continue while looking into the glittering eyes below him. I can do this. I can tell him and not sound stupid. "I really like you. And I know we just met but.…I think you're so…..beautiful…." Shit! That sounded stupid. "…..and I want to kiss you right now but---"

Duo couldn't get another nervous word out as Ken reached out and pulled his lips down to him. Duo closed his eyes and reveled in the soft lips pressed against his. He felt a hesitant tongue gliding along his bottom lip, asking for permission and he gladly parted his lips allowing it entry. He moaned into the kiss and drew himself closer to the brunette who had captured his mouth.

When they finally broke the kiss both were a little breathless. Ken let his hand fall back down to his chest and he smiled up at the sparkling eyes.

"Me too."

Duo smiled and leaned down for another quick kiss. "Good." He pushed himself up onto his knees and offered his hand, pulling the other man up to a sitting position. "Now I can go home happy."

"It is pretty late, huh?" They stood up and headed back to the parking lot, making plans to see each other again. "So I'll see you Sunday afternoon at three. Catch." Duo caught the soccer ball tossed at him. "Keep it for our next lesson."

Duo smiled and tossed the ball into the backseat before walking back over to Ken who was now straddling his motorcycle, helmet in hand.

"I'll pick you up at the Koneko."

He planned on giving Ken a quick kiss goodnight, but as soon as he tasted the brunette's lips he couldn't help himself and he found his hands tangled into his hair and both were moaning as each kissed the other back, almost desperately.

Duo finally threw himself back, away from the hungry lips, a smirk on his face. "Damn it Ken you have to go, before we both regret it."

Ken just smiled and put his helmet on, knowing Duo was right. Now was not the time, even though his body was screaming otherwise. He waved as he started his motorcycle and rode off as quickly as possible. Now all he had to do was make it through the next two days without going insane.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Ken couldn't keep the smile off his face for the next two days. Not that he was normally grumpy or anything, but even Yohji commented on his especially chipper mood. Not wanting to be bombarded with questions he couldn't answer yet, he simply shrugged his shoulders and smiled as he went about his work.

When Sunday morning came Ken thought he was going to jump out of his skin. For the past two days all he could think about were those deep purple eyes and that warm smile and those soft lips and that long braid that he desperately wanted to unloose and run his fingers through.

Finally, unable to remain inside any longer, Ken headed outside to wait for Duo around 2:30p.m. He grabbed his leather jacket and headed for the stairs. As he bounded down the stairs he had to quickly leap over the banister and jump down the remaining four stairs to avoid colliding with Yohji.

"Sorry! See ya later!"

The startled blonde watched silently as the brunette never missed a step, flashing him a smile and heading out the door.

As soon as Ken stepped out of the alleyway onto the front sidewalk he saw the object of his obsession. He was straddling a motorcycle, removing his helmet. Gods, he looked perfect. Ken smiled and walked over to him, trying to calm his pounding heart.

"You're a little early."

"So are you."

Ken shrugged his jacket on, "Just wanted some fresh air."

He reached out for the offered helmet, and when he grabbed it, Duo used it to yank him closer. His purple eyes sparkled and his smile curved up playfully at the corner.

"Liar." Duo kissed Ken and then only pulled away enough to smile against the other man's lips. "But that's ok, because I've been circling your block for fifteen minutes."

"Baka."

Ken pulled back and sat behind Duo on the motorcycle when he heard someone clearing their throat. He looked over to see Yohji leaning against the corner, an expectant look on his face.

"He looks like a good reason to me Kenken."

The brunette could only smile as the lanky man made his way over to them. "Duo, this is my best friend Yohji. He's one of my fellow florists and roommates. Yohji, this is Duo."

"I can see why Kenken was in such a hurry to get by me a few moments ago."

Duo chuckled and offered his hand. "Oh really?"

"Absolutely." Yohji shook the offered hand, admiring the man and his ride. "He's really into motorcycles. And yours is a beauty."

"Thanks. You ride?"

"Oh, no. But I have an appreciation. Mostly from Kenken." Yohji winked at the brunette whose hands he noticed, were gripping his helmet very tightly. "Well, I can see you're anxious to leave. It was nice to meet you Duo. Have fun boys!"

"Nice to meet you Yohji. I hope to see you again soon."

Yohji smiled and watched the pair ride off down the street. "Good for you Kenken."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Date

The twosome sat on a blanket under a large tree enjoying a picnic lunch. Duo had arranged for a local café to prepare the food and then it was just a quick walk to the park.

"This is perfect." Ken sighed as he lay down, his arm behind his head, looking up into the tree canopy.

"I'm glad you approve." He smirked at the reclining brunette. "I thought this would be a good first date. Good food…..nice scenery…."

Ken looked over and smiled at the purple eyes gazing at him. "I haven't been on a date in so long, I forgot what one was like."

"How long has it been?"

"Hmm…." Ken did some calculating in his head and the larger the number got, the more his brow creased. He and Aya never really 'dated'. Aya was a bit of a recluse and since they worked and lived together, he didn't feel the need to 'go out on dates' to spend time together.

"Let's just go with too long."

Duo smiled at the frowning man. "Well, here's hoping there won't be that much time between this date and the next."

He leaned down and kissed Ken. Mindful that they were in public, he kept his hands to himself and didn't linger too long before sitting back up. But he couldn't help himself. Every time he looked at Ken he wanted to kiss him.

Ken rolled over onto his side, propped up on one elbow, his head cocked to the side, studying the handsome man sitting next to him. "So what kind of job could be so important that it keeps you from making soccer practice?"

Duo chuckled and stretched out across from Ken, supporting his head with his hand. "I'm a civilian employed by the military. I work at the Shenlong base."

"And what do you do there?"

Duo noticed Ken's smile had faded a little and wondered if he had something against the military in general or the base specifically. The base had enjoyed a rather notorious reputation in the city until a few years ago. Its soldiers were known to be rather zealous when it came to their recreational activities.

"I'm an instructor. I teach martial arts and various other hand-to-hand combat techniques. I also serve as part of an independent division of the military police. I admit, it's not as cool as being a florist, but it pays the bills."

Ken narrowed his eyes at the grinning man, but couldn't hold it against the grin and he broke into a soft chuckle as he turned his gaze away to the blanket below him.

"How did you get into a job like that?"

"Ex-military."

"You're pretty young to be ex-military."

"Yeah, that's a long story."

"I'm not going anywhere."

Duo lay down on his back and closed his eyes. Why am I willing to tell him everything he wants to know?

"I grew up in an orphanage and lied about my age to get into the military and escape."

He waited and listened for any reactions. When he didn't hear anything, he continued.

"I joined the military when I was sixteen and by the time I was twenty I was flying jets. I got bored flying so I volunteered for Special Black Ops training. Apparently, I am very good at being sneaky and I have a knack for explosives." Duo let out a bitter chuckle and turned to see Ken gazing at him with wide eyes. "That's what I thought you'd say. Anyway, long story short, I suffered a head injury on a mission and as a result I suffer sudden, debilitating headaches. Not something you want happening to the guy trying to build or diffuse a bomb."

Ken reached out and let his fingers brush against Duo's temple, his face hinting at sadness as his eyes followed the small gesture. Duo closed his eyes and focused on the soft fingertips and the shiver running down his spine. When he opened his eyes again, he was happy to see Ken with a small smile on his face.

"So now you teach others to do what you used to do?"

Ken had let his hand settle on Duo's chest and now Duo covered it with his own. "All except the explosives. I've held a few workshops with the instructors there, but mostly I steer clear of things that go boom."

"Wow." Ken looked out over the expansive park, watching people picnicking and kids playing. And that gave him an idea. "Will you spar with me?"

"You know any martial arts?"

A playful smirk pulled at the corner of Ken's mouth. "I've learned a thing or two. C'mon."

Ken pulled his hand away and stood up, offering Duo a hand up.

"What? Right now?"

"Sure. There's plenty of space and I trust you not to hurt me."

Duo took the offered hand and stood up. He took a ready stance and was surprised to see Ken take a stance from a similar discipline. They danced around each other a few moments and then Duo made his move. They exchanged blows and blocks and when they broke apart, both had smiles aimed at the other.

"Not bad. Where did you train?"

"My father didn't want me to play soccer, so he enrolled me in martial arts. But my mother convinced him to let me play on the condition that I keep with the martial arts."

The two came together again, Duo jumping a leg sweep and coming back with a backhand strike that Ken blocked from behind. They separated a bit, both figuring out their next move.

"So you still study."

Another series of kicks, blows and blocks. Duo managed to land a hit to Ken's shoulder, and the brunette came back quickly enough to trip up Duo, but he never landed a punch. Ken's not bad. Speed is good, technique could use some refining. I just have to concentrate on holding back. Otherwise, this could be our last date.

"No."

Duo dropped out of his stance and raised his eyebrows. "You can't tell me that you have that skill level without some form of training."

Ken shrugged noncommittally as he inwardly cursed himself for showing Duo his fighting skills without having a proper excuse. "Well, I go to the gym on a regular basis and there are a few guys there I spar with. Nothing structured."

Duo wasn't convinced that Ken was telling the truth, but he saw no reason to push the subject. Yet. For now he would enjoy their date. He wanted to know everything about the man standing across from him. So he would be patient and wait for Ken to reveal himself.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

They pulled up in front of the Koneko around 3a.m. Ken got off the motorcycle and put his helmet on the back, remaining close to Duo. The man with the long chestnut braid smiled as he pulled Ken into his arms. He slid back on the seat and guided Ken back onto the motorcycle facing him. Ken's hands came to rest on Duo's hips as the other man cupped his face and kissed him deeply.

After several minutes, Ken broke the kiss and rested his forehead against Duo's while both caught their breath. His hands were laying on Duo's thighs while Duo's hands were clasped behind Ken's neck.

"You should go."

"Why do you say that every time we kiss on a motorcycle?"

Duo chuckled and sat up straight, his hands sliding down Ken's chest, stomach, and finally hitching into the waistband of his pants, all the while his eyes fixed on the blue ones which sparked with desire.

"Because every time I have you this close….."

Ken was suddenly pulled forward as Duo yanked him by his waistband and attacked his lips as his arms wrapped around the man's waist, strong hands gliding up to between his shoulder blades, supporting Ken as Duo urged him back and kissed and licked the brunette's neck.

Ken's arms were wrapped around Duo's neck and he quietly moaned as Duo's mouth worked its way down his neck. A sudden jolt ripped through his body as Duo nipped at the juncture of his neck and shoulders. Ken gasped and brought his head up quickly only to have his lips captured once again. He squeezed Duo tighter between his legs and was rewarded with what could only be described as a growl.

Duo was at his ear now, whispering, each word a caress that sent shivers down his spine.

"Hidaka….you drive me crazy."

Ken pulled back and locked eyes with Duo. What to do now? They couldn't go inside. Alright, well we shouldn't go inside. I know it's too soon but I can tell he feels it as much as I do.

"Don't worry. I know it's too soon." Duo gave Ken a quick kiss. "Leave now while I still have my sanity and your respect."

Ken smiled and hugged Duo close. This would have to last him for at least a few days and he was going to hold on for as long as possible. When he finally let go, he did so with a groan as he slipped off the motorcycle and backed away. He watched Duo drive down the street and turn at the light, then he went inside and collapsed in a frustrated but happy heap on his bed.

To be continued….