Title: Defy
Author: ani
Disclaimer: it's CLAMP's universe, I'm only playing in it.
Word Count: 1085

Author's Note: it's the end! Ya'll finally get your kiss!

He was in their usual spot: curled up on the ground, leaning back against the tiger bench in the circle. He calmly walked over, sitting on the other side of the tiger with his back to him.

He was way too quiet: he was beginning to wonder if he realized he was there.

"I was the idiot this time."

Still no reaction.

"I… I got scared," he sighed, leaning on his knees, hands curved above his mouth, "I gave up… or tried to. I realized I can't."

"Why?" he whispered.

Grateful for the reaction, he continued. "My purpose in life is to protect you…at least that's how I see it. All these jobs, all the spirits, the attacks…every time I've always known your part, your life is more important than mine."

"No," came out in a whisper.

He started shifting towards him, "But I noticed other things too. Eating you food, walking you places, taking your rants, listening to your stories, giving advice, even those times with the twins made me see we're actually friends. Or at least, we were."

Another "No," came out.

He didn't hear that one. Turning away, Doumeki added, "That motherly ghost almost killing you made me see the real truth. I've been in love with you from the start. I kept fighting it, hiding it because of you claiming we're rivals… your fawning over Kunogi."

"I kept waiting, hoping you'd see it… you never tried to ask her out, never talked about confessing to her, so I was safe… I could wait…"

"Why…?"

"I couldn't get her asking you out of my head, you assuming she was going to confess. I don't know how Kunogi feels, but she would if she did."

Leaning forward again, he hung his head, "I wanted to be the first one who… I wanted you to… I couldn't even think about you with any one else…" he sighed, closing his eyes. "But you're as obvious as you are oblivious, and I thought that you…"

"How could…?"

He only turned his head, "I already said it, you're life is more important than mine."

The silence made him nervous.

"But…?"

He turned his head to the side. "I'm not sure. The way you've been these last couple of days; this gut feeling that I did something wrong; that I have to fix it. Knowing my whole world, my whole life is nothing without you." He twisted toward him, one leg curling on the bench as he reached for a slender shoulder. "I can't push you away if I'm supposed to keep you safe, alive."

The hand was smacked away as Watanuki spun around, suddenly on his knees. "You pompous arrogant asshole! Did you ever think about how I feel? Have you ever even considered why I'm doing all of this? The 'mooning and fawning', all Yuko's damn jobs? I DON'T WANT THESE POWERS! I DON'T WANT THIS LIFE!" he roared, hopping to his feet, "I'm sick of all these things following me, wanting to eat me, avoiding so many places, so many things because there's just too many of them there. I'm sick of getting sick every time I'm too close to them, of getting hurt by them."

Doumeki just stood up, watching him.

"I just want a normal life; to not have to worry if I'm gonna get killed in a minute or a week. I'm just so-" he cut off, turning his gaze to the fox.

It just pulled Doumeki closer, around the tiger, "So what?"

He started backing away, turning around as he shook his head, squeezing his eyes tight.

"What?"

He could feel the tears rolling away. "Tired…"

"Of what?" his voice was softer, closer.

"E-everything… my job, my blood, my life…" his voice shook.

He knew what he meant. "Being alone," got him a nod, "but you're not, I won't let-"

"NO!" he practically screamed as he panicked, spinning around and backing away again. "NO! I lost my parents when they tried to save me and I don't wanna…" he petered off as the sobs broke out.

He jumped at his words. "No wonder," me whispered as he watched him fall to his knees. Careful not to touch him, he knelt down in front of him. "I'm sorry… I didn't know you lost them because of your… ability," it was the nicest way he could think of.

Watanuki seemed to pull himself together as he sat up, "Do you get it now? I know I don't have a chance with Himawari, but it makes me feel like a normal kid. But she's been involved with the shop and Yuko, so even she's getting too close. And you, … I know your feelings and I … but you keep getting hurt… you even lost your soul because of me. I can't let anyone else die because of me."

He caught his hands before he could stand. "So you'd rather be scared and alone? I won't let you. You can't tell me I haven't helped you in any way, either saving your life or just listening to you. Supernatural or otherwise, I'm here for you. I love you moron and I'm not gonna let you go without a fight. Let me in, let me help."

He just shook his head as he helped him up, "I…"

Fingers were gently pressed to his lips. "You know you'll lose, so stop fighting me."

The shock at the touch was only amplified by the words.

All he could do was nod as he was pulled into his arms. "I don't know why you think my life is more important than yours," he mumbled into his chest.

He smiled softly as he placed his cheek against his hair. "Because it's you."

He didn't move, so he savored the moment.

"I-I won't let you leave," his still shaky voice declared softly. Reluctantly pulling back, he turned to stare deep into those unusual amber eyes. "You won't leave and you won't die on me," he paused at his short nod. He could feel the blush rising, "I couldn't live without you…. I … I love you."

The warm smile spreading across Doumeki's face surprised and excited him. And it just kept growing as he realized he was leaning closer and closer to him. Barely licking his lips before closing his eyes, not even his dry lips, the roughness of the kiss could hide the deep rooted truth, the total devotion, the undying love and countless emotions he felt.

They both felt.