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 3

Ken and Omi and Aya were downstairs finishing up breakfast, getting ready for their workday when Yohji finally stumbled downstairs. "Good morning gentlemen. I see we're all smiles and ready for another fun filled day of flowers and fan girls."

"Good morning Yotan!"

"Hey Yohji."

"Hn."

Yohji poured himself a cup of coffee, started some toast and sat down to rifle through the newspaper. As expected, Aya silently finished his breakfast, cleaned his dishes and left without acknowledging anyone. Omi was prattling on about some high-tech gadget and Ken was reading the Sports page.

"Well, I'm off to class. I'll see you guys later!"

"See you Omi."

"Have fun chibi." Yohji watched Ken out of the corner of his eye. He finished his breakfast, cleaned his dishes and set Yohji's toast in front of him with jam and a knife. "Thanks. So….you got back late last night. Or rather, early this morning. I take it you had fun with Duo." Ken looked up from his paper and smiled. He looked a little rough around the edges this morning, but he looked very happy. "So spill it. Who's the hottie on the bike?"

"He's a brother of one of my kids in the soccer league. We met a couple weeks ago."

"You seem pretty smitten for only knowing him a few weeks. You guys talk a lot or something before going out?"

Ken took a sip of coffee and shook his head. "No, that's the crazy thing Yohji. I barely know this guy. We've only talked the few times, but…..I don't know. Whenever I look at him, whenever I'm with him…." Ken was staring at the table as if the answer would suddenly appear before him.

The two sat in silence for awhile, Ken staring blankly with a wistful smile on his face and Yohji studying his friend. Suddenly the blonde's laughter filled the room and a startled Ken broke free of his daydream.

"What's so funny?"

"Not funny. Delightful. You're gushing Kenken! You sound like one of those fangirls who fell in love at first sight with the school's heartthrob!"

"Shut up asshole!"

Ken shoved away from the table and dumped the rest of his coffee, rinsing the cup and turning to face his best friend. "Am I really that bad?"

"Yes. And no. You're adorable without giggling and being annoying. How's that?"

The brunette rolled his eyes and he sounded defeated, but his mouth curved up at one corner just slightly. "Better."

"So when are you bringing him around to meet us officially?"

Ken snorted and rejoined his friend at the table. "You're not my father Yohji. We don't need your blessing to date."

"The hell you don't. You think I'm going to let you risk your heart on just anyone?"

Ken winced at the statement, knowing Yohji was talking about Aya. "This isn't the same thing."

"Yes it is. You're my best friend and I'm going to look out for you whether you like it or not."

"Thanks Yohji." Ken got up to start the day's work, "Maybe we can all get together for lunch or something in a few weeks."

"This Thursday night, dinner at Hakuen."

Ken shot the blonde a look. "We'll see."

"Kenken…." The voice had a playful warning to it and Ken chuckled as he left the room.

"I'll see what I can do….father!"

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Shy? Who's shy?

"Hey coach? Can I ask you something?"

Ken looked behind him to see Jarrod standing there, bag slung over his shoulder, looking very uncomfortable.

"Sure." Jarrod shifted and wouldn't quite make eye contact with Ken. "Jarrod? Is something wrong? C'mere, sit down and talk to me."

They sat down on the bench ad Ken waited patiently for the boy to speak his mind.

"Well, I was just wondering…..you and Duo seem to really get along and that's great, but I wanted to ask you….no, wait." Jarrod inhaled and exhaled slowly, then looked over at his coach. "I just wanted you to know that I think it's great. That you're friends."

Ken smiled at Jarrod and gave him a little nod. "Duo's a great guy." He looked out over the field and took a chance on what was really bothering the boy. "Would you be upset if Duo and I were more than friends Jarrod?"

"Do you mean that….you like him?"

"I like him a lot."

"Really? That's great!"

Ken was surprised at Jarrod's exclamation and even more so by the hug he was getting.

"I know Duo really likes you too and I think you should tell him because I think he's too shy to tell you himself. Oh! But you can't tell him I said anything to you! He didn't ask me to say anything. As a matter of fact, I haven't talked to him about this at all. I'm just going by what I see."

Ken couldn't help himself. He laughed as he patted the boy's back. "Thanks for the info. And thank you for being so supportive Jarrod. That means a lot to me and I know it will mean a lot to Duo."

"So are you going to say something to him? I'm sure I could get him to come to the game on Saturday."

Ken and Jarrod started walking towards the parking lot.

"Well, since you seem to think he likes me---"

"Can't you tell? Don't you see the way he looks at you? I'm 14 and even I can see it! And he keeps coming to practice and some games. And he took us out for ice cream."

"I guess you're right. How did I miss the signs?"

Jarrod just shrugged. "I don't know. Maybe because you're too busy coaching."

Ken chuckled and ruffled the kid's hair. "That must be it."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Ken went home to shower and change before heading out to meet Duo for dinner. Once they'd sat down and ordered and received their drinks, Ken told Duo about his conversation with Jarrod earlier.

"I had a very interesting conversation with Jarrod today. Apparently, you really like me but are too shy to tell me so I should make the first move and tell you how much I like you."

Duo was about to take a sip of his beer and stopped the bottle just millimeters from his lips. He stared blankly at Ken as he set the bottle down and finally, he burst out laughing.

"Gods bless him! You're serious!"

"Yes I am and quiet down baka. You should have seen him Duo. He was adorable. He was nervous and he told me that he was happy we're friends. Then I asked him if he would be ok if we were more than friends. Suddenly he's happy and hugging me and going on and on about how you like me and I'm blind if I hadn't seen it yet."

"So now what?"

"Well, he's going to make sure you come to the game on Saturday and I'm supposed to tell you I guess."

Ken took a sip of his beer, enjoying Duo's stunned amusement at Jarrod's innocent but accurate observations.

"So he's ok with us."

"Yup."

"Well, I guess we shouldn't disappoint him. I'll show up on Saturday and play along. I'll follow your lead since I'm 'too shy'." Duo held his hands up in defeat at the disbelieving look Ken was giving him. "Hey, I don't act any differently around him than you. I don't know why he thinks I'm shy. Maybe it's because you seem too bossy."

"Bossy!"

"It's the whole coach thing. The aura of being the guy in charge."

"Whatever."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Come meet the family?

Despite the fact that they lost, Ken found himself to still be in a relatively good mood. Duo had allowed himself to be convinced to come to the game and now he and Jarrod were waiting for him on the fist level walkway of the stadium. He was trying not to smile too much as he approached them. Jarrod had an expectant smile and Duo's smile spoke volumes of his mischievous, non-shy nature.

"Hey Duo. Nice to see you again."

"Hey Ken."

Ken turned to Jarrod who looked like he was holding his breath. Ken ruffled the boy's hair. "You played well today Jarrod. Just remember what you learned and we'll beat them in the playoffs, ok?"

"Sure coach. Thanks."

So, what are you two doing for the rest of the day?

"Oh, we're not spending the day together. I'm leaving with my parents."

"Oh. I thought we could all go out for ice cream again. Do you think your parents would like to join us?"

Jarrod jumped back, a horrified look on his face. "What! No! They hate ice cream! But you two go ahead." Jarrod backed up a few paces and offered a lopsided grin. "Eat a sundae for me, ok? Bye guys!"

"Bye Jarrod!"

"See ya kid!"

Ken watched Jarrod run off and turn around when he was far enough away and gesture for Ken to 'go ahead'. It took all of his willpower to just smile at the encouraging boy and not burst into laughter. He gave Jarrod a small nod and turned his eyes to Duo.

"It seems we are being watched." Ken leaned against the railing, looking out over the lower stands and the field, with Duo following suite. "So let's just assume I've asked you to join me for ice cream and you've agreed."

Duo shrugged, "What if I don't want ice cream?"

"Well what would you like to do?"

Duo looked at Ken and the mere sight of that playful smile and those glittering purple eyes were enough to make Ken blush.

"I see you're a mind reader Hidaka."

Ken chuckled and stole a quick glance over at Jarrod who seemed satisfied that his plan was working and turned to leave. He looked back out over the field and sighed.

"Ok. I have an idea. But you can say no, I would understand."

"This ought to be good."

"Yohji wants you to join us for dinner. It'll be me, you, Yohji, Aya and Omi. How about tonight?" Duo just chuckled. "What's so funny?"

"You make it sound like you're inviting me home to meet your parents. Gods Hidaka you can be such a girl."

Ken rolled his eyes and groaned. "You and Yohji will get along just fine. And stop calling me Hidaka."

"Why? It is your name."

"But it's so formal."

"Would you rather me use Kenken?"

"What do you think?"

Duo leaned in and whispered into Ken's ear. "What if I say it like this: Hidaka."

Ken suppressed a shiver at the throaty whisper. "I'll think about it."

"You do that. In the mean time, I would love to have dinner with you and your friends. Name the time and place."

"Yohji said he wanted to go to Hakuen. How about we meet at 7?"

"Sounds good to me. I guess I'll see you then."

"Later."

Ken started to walk away but Duo grabbed his wrist. Before he could question Duo's actions, the other man pulled him close and kissed him deeply. Ken clutched at Duo's shirt and kissed him back with equal passion. When Duo broke the kiss he rested his forehead on Ken's.

"I think I'm over my shyness."

"Hmph."

"I'll be seeing you later…Hidaka."

"I changed my mind. You can call me Hidaka all you want as long as you promise to kiss me like that."

"Deal."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

No Dinner until you complete your mission!

"No! You can't have dinner tonight! I have study group tonight."

"Sorry chibi. You can come along next time. Your grades are much more important than meeting Kenken's new guy." He ruffled the pouting young man's hair as he walked by to go upstairs and get ready. "Oh shit."

"Hello to you too Balinese."

Ken and Omi looked up from the sofa to see Yohji backing down the stairs to allow Manx through.

"Sorry Manx. I just have a sinking feeling you're about to ruin my plans for the evening."

"That depends. Does your evening involve killing a known slave trader?"

"No."

"Then you're right."

"Sorry for the short notice guys, but we just received intel that this guy will be docking for only a few hours tonight while he takes a meeting with some local contacts. Nobody's been able to pin this guy down because he lives on his boat. We have a chance and we have to take it."

Ken groaned and sank down into the sofa.

"Something wrong Siberian?"

"Nothing I can't lie my way out of. Just get on with it."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Hello?

"Hey Duo."

Ken? You sound terrible.

"I'm not feeling great. I think I have food poisoning."

What?

"Yeah. I had a quick bite to eat when I got home and it tasted ok, but according to Aya it was leftovers from over a week ago. I'm sorry I…Oh shit, hold on."

Ken put the phone down and made retching sounds into the toilet, then got back on the phone.

"Sorry. Oh gods I feel like shit. I'm gonna have to cancel. Another time?"

Of course. Is there any medicine I can bring you?

"No. I called the doctor and he said not to put anything in my system and I was going to have to let it run its course."

Alright. Well feel better Ken. I'll talk to you later.

"Ok. Thanks Duo. I'll call you in a few days. Bye."

Ken hung up the phone and sighed.

"What are you so upset about? I thought your performance was great. You even went with realistic sound effects."

"Shut up Yohji."

"It's just one dinner Kenken."

He looked up at the blonde who was offering a hand up. As his teammate pulled him to his feet, he offered a weak smile.

"You're right." Ken slipped the bugnuks on and clenched his fists. "Let's go kill us a bad guy."

"That's my boy." Yohji ruffled Ken's hair. "And if you kill the bad guy like a good boy, I'll treat you to some ice cream."

Ken shoved his best friend against the wall and continued down the stairs. "I want more than a cone this time you cheap bastard!"

To be continued…..