Odds and Ends Chapter Five

Author's Notes: Oh my. We updated. Uh....sorry this took so long.... our bad. We'll do better next time, promise!

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"Bye, X!" Rock waved, then held his arms up expectantly. Everything was well again. Dynamo was back home and had treats for him, X wasn't mad anymore, and had cheered up greatly. "I'll come visit tonight, and we can talk!" X leaned down, to hug him, and Rock clasped onto him then kissed his cheek affectionately. Settling down onto the bed again, he allowed X to tuck him in, then watched him leave, face content, and waited for Dynamo to get up and come to him.

X stormed down the hallway back to Zero's room, cursing quietly and glaring the whole way. He was going to kill Dynamo the first chance he got. He wrenched the door open, slamming it loudly behind him, seeing Zero jump a little from where he was sitting on the couch. "X? What happened?" Zero got up hesitantly, not liking how X was about as pissed as he'd ever seen him. "Did things go badly with Rock?" He asked, very carefully pulling his lover into a gentle hug.

He blinked, feeling X trembling a little, less angry and more upset. Damn, what was wrong? He tried again. "X, what-"

"Dynamo fucked Rock, that's what's wrong!" X suddenly cried, expression caught between horror, disgust, and disbelief. Zero blinked. That was just....weird. And disturbing. "I just...walked in, and he was lying there naked and bruised!" X wailed, clinging to him suddenly and Zero stayed quiet, letting him get it out and hugging him tightly. Damn, he'd never taken Dynamo for a pedophile. You thought you knew a guy....

But that aside, X was really upset, something Zero hated to see. He sighed, pulling his distressed friend into the bedroom again, sitting him down and kissing him hotly. He pulled away, planting another kiss on X's forehead. "Shh.... it's okay.... We'll go kick Dynamo's ass later, how does that sound? Fucking pervert." He made a disgusted face, then nuzzled X lightly. "Just calm down, okay? You're really stressed and upset...."

X closed his eyes, taking a couple deep breaths, and Zero blinked, finding himself suddenly pounced, X kissing him hotly and straddling his lap, pushing him back on the bed. Zero moaned eagerly, slipping a hand up X's shirt. This was a much better way of venting stress. Maybe X wasn't too sore, and they could have more sex. He certainly hoped so; a make-out session was nice, but if X was fun when he was weakly upset, when he was eager he'd be one hell of a fuck.

Dynamo walked over to Rock slowly, face livid. "Rock... Why did you tell him that?!" He couldn't believe Rock had thrown him to the wolves, when he needed the boy to back him up. "Whose side are you on, anyway?" Rock smiled at him innocently, and he found he couldn't stay mad. He should have known Rock would tell X the truth, no matter how bad it made Dynamo look.

"Tell him what?" He asked, curiously. "And I'm on the Hunter's side." Dynamo sat down beside him, and he shuffled closer until his head resting against Dynamo's thigh. It was soft, and warm, and he felt safe and secure. "Did you bring me something to eat?" He asked finally. He twice as hungry as before, and looking forward to whatever Dynamo had foraged for him.

"Yeah, yeah..." Dynamo grumbled, looking around for the bag he'd had before X had begun throttling him, finding it near the bed, and stretched, snatching it up, then pulled out some obscure cereal he'd never heard of in his life, yet contained enough sugar to fill a warehouse in it, a banana, some crackers, and some juice boxes. Rock seemed delighted with Dynamo's findings, and began to feast, head still rested on his leg.

Sighing, Dynamo patted Rock gently on the back, hand slowly running over the boy's small shoulders. X was going to kill him one of these days, it was only a matter of his finding an excuse. He looked down at Rock's bruised body, noting with a twinge of guilt that it looked a lot worse than he'd originally thought. Maybe there was a bit of a reason to be mad at him. But still, it wasn't like the boy hadn't enjoyed it.

He shifted where he sat, noting how Rock was nuzzling happily up against his thigh, having decimated the food he'd been given in an incredibly short amount of time. Some treacherous part of his mind thought 'well...his mouth still works...'

But no. He wasn't that much of a lecher. Dynamo also didn't want X to have an excuse - or more of one - to hurt him. "So....what do you want to do for the rest of the day?" There really wasn't much they could do, with Rock incapacitated. Dynamo just hoped it wouldn't be something that would need him to go out and get more stuff. The thought of possibly facing X without Rock to defend him was frightening. And sad. Since when did he need protection from X?

Rock thought about that for a minute. He really didn't want to get up if he didn't have to, and lots of fun things required movement. Suddenly, his eyes lit up as he thought of something.

Dynamo cringed, he grunted, he tried every method he knew to distract Rock. God, not this. Anything but this!! For a fleeting moment, he almost wished for X's company. "Are you sure you want to play monopoly?" He practically whimpered. Rock nodded enthusiatically, and Dynamo realized he had no choice. Rock looked so enthusiastic, so happy, so... cute that Dynamo figured it was the least he could do for the guy, after bruising him up so terribly. "Alright, alright.. But I want to be the shoe." It didn't really matter what piece he was, really, he just wanted to retain some control over his situation. He tried to remember who had given him the game, so he could give them a proper thank you later- namely, a kick in the ass.

"Okay." Rock already had the hat in his hand, and the cards set up. He set his piece down at the Go square, and continued to smile at Dynamo until he did the same, practically beaming. "Do you wanna go first?" Dynamo grunted and picked up the dice. Of course he didn't want to go first. He didn't want to go at all. This was going to be a long fucking day..

Zero panted lightly, staring down at his lover. Fuck.... that had been fucking great. He pulled out slowly, watching smugly as X drifted off. Damn, he was good... he sighed, rolling off of him before hugging his lover close, nuzzling X's neck as he slept. He felt more content than he had in a long time, cuddled up to his best friend after a round of damned good sex, burying his face in X's hair and breathing in his scent. It wouldn't be hard to get used to this... in fact, he wondered how he could go without it, now that he'd given being with X a try.

He grinned contently, yawning lightly, and hugged X closer, resting a hand on his ass. Outside he could hear people already stirring, wondering what the hell all the noise had been. Fuck them. He was tired, he was content as hell, and he was sated after a round of extremely hot, rough sex. Slowly Zero drifted off to sleep, smirking and nuzzling X.

It was a few hours later when X woke up, hearing knocking. He groaned and tried to roll over to check the clock, but Zero was hugging him tightly, arms wrapped around his waist and a hand on his extremely sore ass. Was that Rock already...? No, it couldn't be, he'd only been asleep for a couple of hours, and if he was sore he couldn't imagine how bad it was for Rock....

Sighing, he squirmed out of Zero's grip, reluctant to leave the warm, comfortable bed, and even more reluctant to get up and walk around. He groaned lightly, pulling on some pants carefully, not bothering with his boxers. God, that hurt.... he sighed, rubbing his ass, and hobbled over to answer the door.

"X? X, are you in there?" Alia's voice was worried. "I heard from someone that the yelling from a while ago was coming from here.... are you okay? Are you there?" X felt his face simply burn, and wished he'd brought a shirt.

"I'm fine, Alia....uh... just a second...." He dashed back into the bedroom, pulling on a shirt and smiling a little at Zero, who was now spread out on the bed, hugging a pillow and grumbling. After placing a small kiss on his new lover, X walked back out and opened the door, face still burning. "Hey..." Fuck.... the hiccies.... he saw her eye dart to his neck and lowered his head, rubbing his neck with one hand to cover the marks. "Come on in.." His face was simply burning. Alia knew, he could tell....

"Something wrong, X?" Alia sighed, walking in and patting his shoulder. "You don't seem all that well..." Holy shit, she didn't know. In fact, she sounded worried.... shit, what rumors were going around now? "And what was that yelling?"

"Uhh....." X sighed, taking his hand away from his neck and pulling Alia over to the couch, sitting down with her. "I don't really know how to say this.... uhm...." His face felt like it was about to melt off, but if anyone deserved to know – besides Rock – Alia did. She was his friend, after all, even if she was going to squeal, when she found out he and Zero had made love the night before.

This immediately peaked Alia's curiosity. This was something big, if X was even hiding it from her. "What is it? Is it good or bad?" She patted his back softly, instantly worrying for her friend.

X could feel his face redden as he forced the words out. "Well, you see... It started last night. Zero and I... made lo-"

"Oh my Gooood!" She squealed loudly, not bothering to wait for the rest of his sentence. X and Zero had sex with each other and she'd missed it? Instantly her mind was whirling with plans to rig their rooms up with cameras... In fact, one pointing right here would be lovely, in case they found the need to... "This is so great! I'm so happy for you, X!" She pulled the shocked and bewildered man close and hugged him contently.

Good god, Alia was possibly more excited about the change in Zero and X's relationship than Zero and X were. X tried to peel the elated woman off him as she rambled endlessly about weddings and yaoi, asking if they'd let her take pictures of them. He couldn't resist a small smile. Alia had always been this way, as far back as he could remember, and she'd always suggested Zero as a good choice for a lover.

Lover. He still couldn't believe it. The word sounded so wonderful, and suddenly he found himself daydreaming, imagining Zero holding him, caressing him in places he'd never given much thought to prior...

"X dear, you're blushing!" Alia giggled, tapping his nose gently. This was just far too cute. How long had she been telling X to get together with his best friend? Things just couldn't get more perfect, and X was.... X was... Well now. He really didn't look too enthused, for finally finding a lover and losing his virginity.

She bit her lip, suddenly regretting getting so excited. X hadn't said they were a couple. What if it had only been a one night stand? No... Zero wouldn't do that to X. So what was bothering him so much?

"X... Is everything alright?" She asked, now worried again. "You're happy about this, right? I know something's bothering you." She patted him gently, awaiting an answer, and wondering what could have him so down and out.

In the bedroom, Zero groaned, woken by the squealing. Fuck, who was that...? Never mind, he recognized the voice. Alia. And X had probably told her, or she'd found out, which wouldn't be hard considering he'd left so many marks on X. He smirked to himself at that thought, rather pleased, then blinked and listened, hearing X's voice drift in through the slightly open door.

"I.... I really love him, Alia..." X's voice was hesitant and quiet, and Zero blinked, wondering why Alia wasn't squealing at that comment and why X sounded like that. "It's just... he said he loves me, and maybe he does for now, but what will happen when someone else comes along...? You know... he's just so fickle... The next minute a pretty woman comes along I'll just be a friend again, and I don't want that."

Shit. Zero slumped back in bed, feeling horrible. Fucking reputation...he didn't want X to doubt him. He sighed, feeling a renewed determination to gain X's trust, and listened in on their conversation.

Alia blinked, feeling her eyes start to water, and hugged X close. "Aww, sweetie... don't think like that. Zero may be a complete idiot sometimes...but you know he cares about you, right?" X nodded slowly, and Alia continued. "Give him the benefit of the doubt. He knows enough to understand that just having sex with you would screw up your friendship... most likely he means it."

"You....really think so...?" The wavering hope in X's voice hurt. Owch. Zero sighed and got up, pulling on some boxers. Bless Alia a thousand times for helping him with this... he'd have to take pictures of them sometime for her. He smirked, yawning and wandering out, flopping down on the couch next to X.

X blushed, seeing Alia's eyes light up as Zero pulled him close – into his lap, even- and nuzzled the back of his neck, hugging him close. "Mmph." Zero muttered, hot breath puffing over his neck and making him squirm, wincing a little. "I love you..." He sighed, hugging his lover close and petting him softly.

God, this was priceless. Alia grinned, seeing X struggling between resisting Zero's embrace and melting into it. Damn, why hadn't she brought a camera? This was just too rich. X yelped a little and blushed worse as Zero nipped at his neck, hugging him close and nuzzling him. "Uhh... well... uh... I..." X struggled for words, making Alia grin even more. ".....loveyoutoo..." He murmured quietly, trying to ignore how wide Alia's grin had gotten.

"See? Nothing to worry about, X." She patted him a little, winking. People-especially Zero- did not just cuddle and nuzzle a one night stand the day after, much less profess love. And since she'd heard yelling twice.... that meant they'd.... yeah, she was damned sure X had nothing to worry about. It was just up to Zero to prove himself. Wouldn't take long, she bet.

"Uh, I should probably tell you the other thing, Alia..." X sighed, giving in and melting back into Zero's embrace, nuzzling him back a little and collecting a kiss on the cheek where he was blushing. He took a deep breath, describing what he'd found in Dynamo's room that morning.

Alia stared, then opened her mouth. Then stared more. "... Is this a joke?" She asked finally. She already knew by the expression on X's face that it was true. God, what was Dynamo thinking?

"It's true." X mumbled, sighing softly. "You should have seen him. He was so...." He bit his lip, trying to relax. No, he wasn't going to ruin his mood over this. Not while Rock wasn't even there.

Sure, he'd always been on the annoying side, acting as more of a hindrance than a help most of the time, but he'd never seemed the type to... Hell, she'd even dated him. Rock was so sweet and innocent, how could he... "That... That...!" she cursed loudly.

"I just thought I should tell you." X mumbled, feeling bad for having to be the bearer of bad news. He leaned back more, glancing over at the clock. "Anyway, sorry to cut the visit short, but Rock will probably be coming by soon." He paused. "Oh.. and please don't mention this to Rock. He's probably scared enough."

Alia nodded a little, still stunned, her mind in conflict between the very good and extremely bad news she'd just heard. "Alright." She got up slowly. "Just don't go overboard tonight, boys. You have a meeting at 6." She gave them a small wink, then left.

Rock limped his way down the hall slowly, leaning against the walls heavily, headed toward X's room. His game of monopoly had just ended. He had won, of course. He had gotten very good at the game over the years. He was happy the game was practically ancient, so the rules never changed. It had been a rather easing victory, but he could have sworn Dynamo had been cheating. However, the idea was ridiculous. Dynamo wouldn't cheat, not at some simple game. He was a nice man, and would never sink that low. Those extra bills had ended up in his pile accidentally, he was sure of it.

Stopping at X's door, he leaned against it and knocked lightly, hoping X hadn't gone to bed already. He knew X spent a lot of time out fighting, and it probably tired him out, and he'd hate to disturb his idol while he slept. Keeping his weight on the door, he knocked tentatively, hoping X wanted to talk about something really good, though he doubted it. There was something in pitch of X's voice which worried him. He sensed X was uptight about something, nervous and wanting Rock's approval.

The door opened slowly, revealing a nervous-looking X. The reploid shifted where he stood, gesturing for Rock to come in, and for an instant considered going after Dynamo again as Rock limped slowly in. He was probably in a lot of pain... "Good to see you, Rock." He showed Rock into his small living room, sitting down on the couch and wringing his hands as he tried to figure out how to start the conversation.

Rock sat on the couch gently, wincing slightly at the twinges of pain that shot up him from the contact, blessing the softness of the seating. It could have been worse, he knew. X was looking terribly uncertain, and kept running a hand through his hair nervously. "What's wrong, X?"

"Uh. I. ....Rock, there's something I need to discuss with you." X sighed, then took a deep breath to fortify himself. "What do you think of Zero?"

There was something Rock hadn't expected. "Well, he's really nice, as far as I can see, but...but he makes me nervous." He scooted closer to X, looking up at him adoringly. "But since you think he's alright, I can deal with him. I trust you." He said simply, utter conviction shining in his eyes. "Why do you ask?"

"Hey, X." Rock turned, surprised, towards the door to X's bedroom. His eyes widened incredibly, seeing a very disheveled Zero standing in the doorway wearing only a pair of red boxers. "When are you- oh. Hello, Rock." Zero waved, grinning nervously. "Okay...you're talking. I'll just....wait here, won't I?" X buried his face in his hands and refused to look up, nodding slightly. Rock looked between the now-empty doorway and X, and wondered what the problem was here. Why was X so nervous? He'd just had a sleepover with Zero. Nothing weird about that.

Rock continued to stare at X, waiting for him to tell him what had the guy so upset. "What is it?" He asked again, poking X's hand lightly. Why was he hiding his face like that? X's hand shifted from his face suddenly, gripping Rock's wrist softly, and he looked over at him, smiling weakly yet looking distressed at the same time. This upset Rock, not used to seeing X lose his cool.

"God, Rock. How naive are you?" X managed, then stroked Rock's head softly, smiling a little sadly when Rock cradled his cheek against the outstretched hand, like a content puppy. This was going to hurt Rock, and the poor kid had no idea what was coming. "Rock.. Look. Something happened last night. Something good." He added quickly, seeing the worry in Rock's eyes. "I'm just not sure how you're going to take it. See..." He broke off, and stared into his lap. Rock shifted even closer, practically crawling in his lap, and rested his head against his shoulder. This comforted him a little, and he took a deep breath, then blurted it out. "Rock, I've fallen in love."

Rock perked up at this happily. "Really? Me too! Who are you in love with?" He wondered who it could be. Maybe that Alia girl? Or that Signas guy. He hoped it wasn't.. well.. He just really hoped it was one of them.

X simply stared at him incredulously. Rock had not just said that. "Rock, who do you think?" He sighed, starting to wonder if Rock was really that naive or if he was in denial. When Rock didn't answer, he offered tentatively. "Rock.. I've known Zero a long time... We've been friends practically forever."

Rock stared back at him, eyes wide, and slowly shifted away from X, eyes wide. He didn't mind Zero hanging around X, but this.. this was something completely different. Tears began to pool, held in place by his eyelashes. X couldn't... wouldn't love Zero, not like that. Not after everything he had done. Whether he had changed or not, he was still the one who had slaughtered his friends and family in front of his eyes, who had left him broken and bleeding on the lab floor, trapped under that heavy steal table, vital fluids leaking slowly out...

Suddenly he was on his feet, the pain running up his body unnoticed by him at that moment. "That's a lie!" He screamed hysterically. "It's not true! Zero's a bad man! He.... He......" Rock found himself unable to finish, his body shook with sobs, fear, and several other emotions, and he felt ill.

"Rock.." X's voice was harsh, threatening him to keep down, and very, very waivery.

"I HATE HIM!!!" Rock shrieked, the word sounding alien on his tongue, then turned and ran away, pain or not. He wanted to be alone. He didn't want X, he didn't want Dynamo, he wanted nothing to do with this time or place.

X stood up quickly and reached out for Rock, shocked at the sheer vehemence of his brother's anger. But it was too late; the boy had already dashed out the door faster than X could move. He stood where he was and just hurt for a while, staring where Rock had left. He hadn't expected a reaction quite that bad...he certainly hadn't expected a positive reaction, but something this negative was completely unlike the Rock he knew. He lowered his gaze to the floor, wondering if Rock was deluding himself or if he was right, Zero was a bad person and deserving of hate.

No, no, that wasn't true. X swallowed the lump in his throat. Zero was the best friend he'd ever had, and while he loved his brother, he also couldn't help but love Zero, just in a different way. He felt about as torn as he ever had in his life, and shuddered slightly, not knowing what to do but very tempted to cry. Suddenly there was a quiet shuffling from next to him, and he glanced up to see a very uncomfortable looking Zero.

"He didn't take that very well, did he." Zero stated. X shook his head. "....I'm sorry, X. I guess I could have, I dunno, talked to him some more or something, or..."

Now X really felt like crying. Apologizing for anything was completely unlike Zero. "Shut up." He muttered, walking a couple of steps over to cling to Zero and bury his face in his boyfriend's neck. "There wasn't anything you could really do. Rock....just doesn't like you, and we'll have to find out why." He let out a shuddering sigh. And something clicked in his mind. "Dynamo might know."

Zero nodded slightly. X was on a mission, and he knew damn better than to try and sway him. Zero didn't trust Dynamo, especially since what X had told him that afternoon, when he came storming into his quarters. Therefore, any information coming from the guy, especially information about himself was not to be trusted. X didn't see it this way, however, and not wanting to see X blow up, he had no choice but to listen to more of Dynamo's bullshit. "Alright." He nodded slightly. "Let me just get changed."

"Later." X muttered distractedly, and grabbed him by the wrist, dragging him out into the hall. Zero had just enough time to call his armor on and close the door, at X's tether. They reached Dynamo's room within a minute, but to X it seemed an eternity. He'd seen the direction Rock had left in, and it wasn't toward Dynamo. In fact, he seemed to be headed for the stairs. X began to kick himself mentally for giving Rock such a thorough tour of the place. Reaching the door, he tugged at the handle, then began banging on it. "Dynamo!! Open up!!"

He growled with a viciousness that unnerved even Zero, and was about to give the door a swift kick when he heard a calm "Where's Rock?" Behind him. X turned, surprise to see Dynamo standing behind them, a quizzical look on his face. For the second time that day, Dynamo found X's hands at his throat, only this time they grabbed onto his shirt collar, jerking him closer.

"Why does Rock hate Zero so much?!" X demanded, ignoring the stupefied look on Dynamo's face. "Hurry up and tell me! What happened to make Rock that way!" Dynamo simply averted his eyes. "I know you know what happened! Come on! Tell me so I can go and get him!"

Dynamo was instantly alert, worry flashing in his eyes. "He's gone?" He stared at X, who was so thoroughly upset it almost hurt to look at him, and knew he was still waiting for an answer. "Look... It's not my place to tell you. Ask him about it when you find him."

X growled something under his breath, and Dynamo looked helplessly over at Zero, pleading silently for the blonde's help. Fuck, X scared him, and though he didn't really expect any help from that quarter he could always try, right?

Zero sighed. This was just plain freaky, for X to act this way. He didn't want to see anyone, even Dynamo, at the brunt of that wrath. He sure as hell wouldn't want to face anything like it.... He glared at Dynamo, then strode over to place a calming hand on X's shoulder. "X, let him go. He doesn't have to tell us right now, and we do have to find Rock."

"But, but..." X looked up, frustrated and wanting to do something about it. "Rock won't tell us anything and he won't go anywhere near you." He shook Dynamo violently. "We need to know, Zer-mmph." He let go of Dynamo, hands slipping around Zero's neck as the red hunter kissed him. He pulled away, blushing at the very public display of affection.

Oh thank god, that had worked. An enraged X was something he never wanted to deal with again. Sighing, Zero backed off a little and spoke. "Then I'll stay behind while you go look. You have to remember that Rock's very upset right now and he doesn't know where to go. You have to find him before he gets into trouble or gets hurt or something, okay?" X nodded. "Good." Zero stated, casting a look at Dynamo that clearly said 'you owe me one'. "Get going. You might want to take Dynamo with you; he seems to know Rock really well."

"Right. Hear that? We're going for a little walk, Dynamo." X grabbed Dynamo's wrist, and dragged him off quickly. Dynamo shot Zero a 'thank you' look in return, dreading the day he'd have to return his favour, then began to walk quickly, keeping pace with X.

Rock ran as fast as he could, stumbling in the mud a little. Why did it have to be raining? Checking his GPS, he veered off course slightly, abandoning the path and heading for the underbrush. He ached everywhere, he was cut and scratched up from his slips in the mud, and trips through the trees, and worse of all, he felt crushed. How could X do this to him? To himself? He'd had enough of this, tired of this foreign world he didn't belong in, and was going home. So what if nothing was left? He'd crawl back down to the lab, curl up by the table he had rested under for damned near a century, and let himself rot away.

At least there, he could-

Something struck him, HARD, and he fell back, holding his head and yelping. At first he thought he'd hit a low branch, his eyes still clouded up with tears, then he heard footsteps. Two of them, one in front of him, and one to his left. Panicking, he scrambled to his feet, first running to the left, and hitting something big and metal, he turned, trying for the other direction. He hardly made it three feet, when he felt himself lifted up, arms squeezing him tight around his bruised waist. "LEMME GOOO!!!!!!" He wailed, kicking and flailing. What was happening? He shrieked, wordlessly, as he fought a rather one sided battle against his captor, clueless as to who it was and why they were after him in the first place. What had he done?

He felt himself hoisted up even higher, he had to be over his attacker's head, he could hear harsh breathing beneath him. Suddenly he felt the arms leave him, and he was thrown, the ground rushing up to meet him. Then everything went black, as something collided with his head.

"What do you think? Is it him?" Rock's prone form was turned over slowly in strong arms. "It sure looks like him."

"I think we should take him to see Sigma..."

Aaaaand that's all you're getting for now. Enjoy! Sorry it took so long to update. We suck.

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