I wanted to do more with Ninja-Ian, so don't expect this to be the last time you see him. I'm hoping for a cool ninja-fight later in the story, but I doubt one will pop up.. I'm just happy a little sensuality appeared. le gasp A hinting of the future! I don't care if I'll be banned or not, I will let loose on that chapter.

Chapter 5: Backfire

"He broke the contract," Anna-Corinne Von Helson said with a scowel, glaring at her pacing sister. "We have to get back at them both!"

"You're right!" Marie VonHelson exclaimed. "We can't let a commoner or Gambino get the best of us!"

"But how do we get back at them?"

A cruel smile formed on Marie's face. "The way we were originally going to!" She held up the digital camera. "It'll be perfect. Don't you think, Liam?"

The shopkeeper stood with his back to the girls by the window, looking out over the morning glow of Durem. Liam didn't face them. "This is stupid," he spoke out loud. "Just leave them alone. We're not getting anything out of it, so just lay off their stupid relationship."

They exchanged looks, then the Von Helson sisters smiled evilly and went to him. "What's wrong, Liam?" Anna-Corinne purred, hugging one of his arms.

"Someone looks like they had a rough night," agreed Marie, hugging his other arm.

The two nuzzled Liam and looked up at him "innocently," speaking in unison, "Tell us what's wrong. Please?"

Liam sighed, unable to resist a pair of women clinging to him. "Gino and Ian really love each other. No power in Gaia can break them up...I've lost..."

"We don't think you've lost..." The Von Helson sisters said. An uneasy feeling went over Liam, as if he were a fly caught in the web of two black widows. "As a matter of fact, we think you've won." The two girls giggled and the next thing Liam knew, he was on his back on the couch with the twins looking down at him, predatory grins on their matching faces.

Ian led Gino by the hand through the crowd gathered in the center of Barton Town, the blonde wearing an outfit from the store. The Von Helson sisters stood in the center of the town on a stage in front of the fountain. Ian and Gino exchanged frightened looks as security guards began passing around envelopes. Liam was no where to be seen.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Marie Von Helson spoke with a microphone into large stereo speakers. "Boys and girls of Gaia. We, the -"

"Von Helson sisters!" Both girls chimed.

Anna-Corinne finished, "Have a major amazing announcment! When we give the signal, open the envelopes!"

"This isn't good," Ian whispered to Gino. "We have to do something."

"No..." The blonde shook his head. "It was bound to get out to the public eventually...I would have preferred in just a different way."

Liam came from behind, putting an arm on their shoulders. Ian blinked at the other shopkeeper. Even Gino could see Liam was exhausted and looked like he had just come back from a one-night stand. His hair was a mess and belt-buckle still unbuckled. "Hey guys..." Liam panted, grinning. "You're going to love this..."

"Have you been hacked?" Gino asked. "They're about to expose Ian and I in a way that no Gaian will ever forgive!"

"Or so you think," Liam continued to grin. "Gino, after our talk last night, I figured I should just let go and all. Well, the girls had other plans. Tried to change my mind, if you know what I mean." He raised and lowered his eyebrows suggestively.

Ian's eyes went wide. "They...you...it didn't happen!"

Liam nodded, beaming proudly. "They did, I did, and boy did it happen. Best two hours of my life, but sadly, I gotta bring these bitches down."

"So...what'd you do?" Gino asked.

The worn shopkeeper handed each an envelope. "See for yourself when they announce it." Liam winked. "Let's just say, they weren't too smart about being such camera whores."

Both his friends blinked in confusion, but before they could ask, the Von Helson sisters again spoke in unison to the crowd. "Everyone, open your envelopes now!" As commanded, the crowd opened their envelopes. The reactions were mixed. Many shouted in protest and disgust, a few fainted, some stared in disbelief, and a small group cheered. Ian and Gino looked both stunned and horrified. The rich twins continued speaking. "There you have it! Undeniable proof that -"

"The Von Helson sisters are lesbians with each other!" Liam shouted over the crowd.

"What!" Marie scrreched as her sister started to swoon and fall. As Anna-Corinne hit the floor of the stage, her twin stole a picture from the envelopes. A dark blush formed on her face, but whether it was from anger or from embarrassment couldn't be told.

"Ian, Gino..." Liam said as the three retreated from the growing angry mob. "Let's get smashed at the bar...Those girls didn't even buy me one drink. And, man...do I need a drink!"

Gino chuckled as Ian rolled his eyes. "So what are you going to do now?" The blonde asked. "Now that you've given up on the one you love?"

Liam shrugged. "Dunno...maybe ride off into the sunset after stealing a kiss from him and try my luck at the slots..." He winked. "If you know what I mean."

Ian sweat-dropped. "Couldn't win the girls, so now you're going for guys?"

"Don't complain," Liam scolded him. The shopkeeper grinned. "This just means I'm not getting between you two..." He let go fo them and stretched. "Now that I think about it, I've been neglecting the store and 'bot upkeep. You two enjoy the rest of the day. I'm heading home."

The blonde rose an eyebrow at him. "You're not going to steal a kiss?"

Liam blinked. "You don't mind?"

Gino shook his head, smiling. "I don't mind, but only because we're not officially going out or anything."

"Thanks, Gino!" Quickly, Liam grabbed Ian and did a sweeping dip, kissing the brunette. Ian squeeked when dipped, waving his arms in silent protest. Gino laughed at the sight.When the kiss ended, Liam stood Ian up straight and fixed his tilted hat."Thanks Ian. See you guys later!" With that, he walked off toward Aekea.

Ian glared at Liam's distant back and rubbed his lips with a sleeve. The blush on his face was bright. "W-what was that for!"

The blonde chuckled. "Remember when I told you last night that I knew why Liam has been acting the way he was?" Ian thought for a moment, then nodded. "Last night, he confessed to me that he loved you! That's why he wanted us apart. He knew you'd hate him if something bad happened to me, so he worked on you looking bad so I'd leave you."

"Oh...wow..." Ian rubbed the back of his head. "That explains a lot...but one thing's for sure. I know Liam well enough to know he won't give up that easily."

"Good." Gino hugged Ian's neck and lightly kissed his lips. He winked, letting go of Ian. "I expect nothing less than a challenge to keep you close, like everything else in my life." He smiled weakly, and Ian knew it pained the blonde to know the Gambino would always have to fight and struggle to continue a normal life and the family legacy. "C'mon!" Gino grabbed Ian's arm and playfully dragged him to the bar. "I'll buy us drinks!"

Laughing, Ian let Gino lead him away.