Mm… angst.n.n Teehee… I know what you're thinking (again) "WTF? Writing angst on Christmas? Are you crazy?" and, the answer is I haven't gotten a professional opinion, so all information about my mental state is confidential. But like I've said, I find a morbid enjoyment in writing angst, so think of it as a present to myself. Which, BTW, I got quite the haul this Christmas. Though there's one manga I really wanted that I didn't get… T.T Ah well, I'm going to borders on Tuesday anyway, so it's all good.

So, yeah, I don't own Link or Dark or any other Zelda characters. I just like to mess around with them. Though I think I should at least get to keep Vaati since he's so much more fun as a woman… what? Oh, fine then, he/she's not my either. However any characters that aren't Nintendo's are mine, so no stealing 'Kay? Thanks.

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His feet dragged as Link forced himself to keep going. He didn't want to go. He really didn't want to go. He really, really, really, really…

In short, it was the one thing he least wanted to do. Ever.

But yet he kept going because he knew he'd have to eventually, and better now then later. It seemed that his feelings mirrored his friend's as Yuki and Rikuo caught up with him. "Hey Link, going to see the Chief?"

"Yeah," Link replied unenthusiastically. Rikuo grunted in agreement with his arms crossed over his chest. Yuki looked at the two men and smiled sheepishly.

"Come on you two, it's not that bad. I mean really, it's not like he'd actually kill us… right?"

"A good question indeed," Rikuo replied as they all got onto the – as always – crowded elevator. For the rest of the elevator ride, and even as they walked down the hall to his door, the threesome were quiet, most likely regretting all that they had missed in life. When they got to the door, they looked at one another with a look that clearly said, "Don't look at me." Yuki finally let out an exasperated sigh and opened the door.

"C-chief?" he asked cautiously. Ronalds was sitting at his desk, typing away on his computer. Nothing scary about that right? But the look on his face was enough to kill small children. Was it because of them? "…Sir?"

"Hmm? Oh, hello boys, I didn't see you there," said Ronalds, an artificial smile overtaking his face. Link couldn't decided if it was better or worse then the scowl. "Are you here about your report on last night?"

"Yes Chief. I'm guessing you've already heard?" Link asked, thinking that must have been the cause for the frown. But Ronalds shook his head.

"'Fraid not boys. I've been so busy with other things that I've yet to read the report, so why don't you tell me all about it," the Chief quipped. The three shared a worried glance before Yuki elbowed Rikuo, whispering that it was his turn. He grimaced, but nodded.

"Well, we were there for a while, talking with guests and keeping an eye out. However, we didn't see anyone that fit Dark Link's profile. Then at about midnight, the electricity went out. We all ran to try to stop him, but it was too late.

"The lock on the case had been undone and the jewels taken out within the minute long slot of time between the time that the lights went out and when they were turned back on by some security guards. He got away with the jewels," Rikuo concluded. He gave the Chief a flat look that dared him to throw a fit. Yuki gnawed on his lips worriedly and Link readied himself for an earful. But Ronalds merely frowned and looked deeply saddened.

"I must say boys, I'm really disappointed. Saerchi, Osara, you two have been on this case for months now without any success."

"But there's so little to go on--!" Yuki started, but the Chief raised a hand to silence him.

"And you Lennings; your father and I had such high hopes for you, but even when working with detectives of higher caliber you haven't been of any use at all." Link looked away, chewing on his lip. But he couldn't help it; he was in love with the thief! But he couldn't tell the Chief that.

They stood in oppressing silence before Ronalds let out a sigh. "Look boys, I'll give you one more month. If you're still unable to catch him within that time, then I'm afraid I'll have to hand it over to someone else. Understood?" he asked. The three looked distressed at this deadline, but nodded, knowing that there was no point in trying to argue about it. The Chief let out another sigh. "Good, now get outta here and get some work done."

The three started out the door when the Chief suddenly said, "Actually, Lennings, stay here for a moment. I want to have a word with you." Link gulped, giving his partners a desperate glance. Rikuo shrugged and Yuki gave him what was supposed to be a reassuring smile before they both quickly left the office and shut the door behind them. He swallowed before turning around to face Ronalds.

"You wanted to talk sir?"

"Yes. Lennings, I was wondering, is there was something you need to tell me? Or something you should tell me?" Ronalds asked earnestly. Link could feel his stomach knot up and drop.

"W-what are you talking chief? Why would I keep something from my superior?" Link stammered. Could the Chief be on to him? He waited anxiously as Ronalds hemmed and hawed.

"Well, it just seems that you're trying to hide something. I mean really, remember the last time you got in trouble?"

"You mean the incident at eleventh? I told you I was sorry sir," Link said. The Chief frowned at him.

"I know that Lennings. What I don't know is the real reason why you forgot. You're a better officer then that. I could see you leaping from your car before remembering that you don't know who you're looking for, but not calling back in to find out? That's a stupid mistake. I don't think you're that stupid. I want to know the truth Lennings." The Chief stared the poor detective down, and Link could feel himself sweating. This was bad. Really bad. His stomach fell another inch and had to be a pretzel at this point with all the twisting. He tried to say something, but found it hard as his throat constricted on him. Not that it really mattered since he didn't know what to say.

"I'm waiting."

"I… I don't know what to say sir. You simply overestimate me," Link replied before bowing his head slightly. The discussion was bringing up subjects that he really didn't want to think about. "Now I really should be going."

"Lennings!" the Chief shouted as he stood up. "I know something is wrong here. I got a report saying that while both Yuki and Rikuo were on the scene right after the jewels were stolen, you weren't there for a good ten minutes afterwards. I want answers Link and I want them now, so cut it with the stupid act!" Link merely smiled weakly.

"Sorry, but I'm afraid you were wrong Chief. I am that stupid." Link turned and left the office, praying that Ronalds wouldn't follow. And, lucky for him, the Chief groaned in exasperation and fell back into his seat. He rubbed his temple as he muttered angrily to himself.

"Yeah, you're stupid alright, fuckin' slut…"

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"Goddamn… a month? Who's he think we are, Sherlock?" Rikuo grumbled irritably. Yuki rolled his eyes at the man. "What?"

"Rikuo, that was two days ago. You really need to let that go."

"But I just can't! Ugh, I just can't stand that bastard…"

"You always get all worked up when it comes to Chief Ronalds; but if you think about it, he has a point," Yuki admitted. His lover's eyes narrowed and he looked off to some odd corner of their office with a huff. The cutie giggled at him. "Oh come on Rikuo, no need to take it personally."

"But I will. I mean really, taking his side over your own lover's? That's just low."

"Rikuo…" Yuki groaned in exasperation. The man could just be so ridiculous at times… "Now you know I didn't mean it that way. It's just that we haven't gotten anywhere with this case when maybe we could be of better use on other cases that we can solve."

"But Yuki, it's the principal of the matter," Rikuo replied. "We opened this case so goddamn it I want to close it."

"…Alright, alright, I'll admit that you have a point too," Yuki said. His lover smirked at him with victory etched in his face. The younger detective couldn't help but smile back. "But, point or not, we still only have a month. So, shall we give it our best?"

"Mm hmm…" was Rikuo's only response as he drew closer to his love, his arm resting on the wall behind the poor detective. Yuki flushed slightly, opening his mouth to give some form of protest only to have it smothered by his partners. He honestly didn't understand the man at times, but he supposed that was alright. He didn't have to understand to love.

"Rikuo…" he sighed against demanding lips, his hands reaching up and around broad shoulders.

Tongues eagerly meeting.

Hands touching and exploring.

Sparks flying between lovers.

An irritated groan of annoyance… wait, what?

Yuki's eyes shot open to see a very obviously depressed Link standing in the door way. His face turned beet red as he pushed Rikuo away. The man grunted and looked up to see what the bother was, saw Link, and sighed. "Damn kid; give a guy some warning next time."

"I could say the same to you," Link muttered as he stalked over to his desk and sat down heavily into his seat. The lovers looked to one another before Rikuo frowned and released Yuki from his grasp.

"Alright then, what the hell hit you this morning?" Rikuo asked rather bluntly. Yuki shot him a glare.

"Rikuo! At least pretend to show some consideration."

"Hey, I asked didn't I?"

"Yes, but you could have been nicer."

"Well… ugh, fine. Hey, Link, you wanna talk about it?" Rikuo asked, still blunt but with a little more softness to it. Link would have cracked a smile if he could find it in himself to do so.

"I dunno… It's complicated."

"Thus the need to explain."

"Rikuo," Yuki warned. He supposed he'd have to be the one to ask the questions. "Look, why don't you go get me some coffee. Would you like some Link?"

"Yeah, sure," Link replied. Rikuo pouted but left the office, leaving the two blondes alone. It was quiet for a moment before Link said, "I'm really not sure I can talk about it."

"Oh, but that wasn't the question. The question was whether you want to talk about it," Yuki pointed out. Link rolled his eyes, but did toss the concept around in his head. Yuki leaned against the young detective's desk. "Well Link? Do you want to talk about it?"

"…Yes," Link admitted. Yuki looked at him expectantly, but he shook his head. "I want more then anything to talk about it, but I just can't."

"Can't, or won't?" Yuki continued. Link looked away and bit his lip.

"I… I can't and won't."

"Oh, I see. Well, I'm always here to listen if something changes." Yuki smiled encouragingly at the poor detective. Link sighed and rested his head against his desk.

"…Hey Yuki?"

"Hmm?"

"You love Rikuo, right?" Yuki blushed at the question, but smiled warmly as he nodded.

"I do. I'd give anything for him."

"But what if… what if he wasn't a detective?" Link asked. Yuki's brows furrowed as he waited for an explanation. "What I mean is… What if he was part of some bad?"

"Something bad? Like morally bad?" Yuki asked. Link shook his head.

"Naw. Well, yeah, but more… legally bad. You know, a criminal," Link explained, cringing slightly at the last word. Yuki was truly puzzled now, not quite understanding where this discussion was going. But he thought for a moment before replying.

"Well, it's hard to say. I mean, part of the reason I love him is because of his sense of right and wrong. He'd never be one to do something illegal. So, honestly, I'm not sure if I'd love him because he'd be a different person," Yuki replied honestly. Link thought about the answer when Yuki asked, "Why do you ask? Is Derrick…?"

"His name's not Derrick," Link muttered. Yuki eyes widen and he looked downright dumbfounded. Link couldn't help but smirk humorously. "Nope, never was. I just told you that because I couldn't think of anything else. And at the party he caught on and went with it. He's a pretty good liar, isn't he? Course, I don't suppose that really matters anymore…"

"L-Link… I, I just don't… What is it you're trying to tell me?" Yuki pressed, his hand resting on the detective's shoulder. Link looked up with a bitter smile on his lips.

"I don't know… Look, forget what I said. I was just getting too caught up in my own thoughts."

"But…"

"Just forget it. I don't want to talk about it anymore," Link repeated darkly, shrugging the hand from his shoulder and began to type at his computer. Yuki opened his mouth, closed it, and then opened it again, hoping that he could think of something, anything. But nothing came to him.

"Alright, but if you change your mind, I'm here."

"I know."

"Well then, I guess I should get to work too. Only have a month now," Yuki said as he walked over to his own computer. While he sounded collected, his mind was spinning. What on earth was with Link? What was the young detective not telling them? Something seemed off…

"Yuki?" came a small voice. Yuki straightened up and looked over at Link.

"Yes?"

"Thanks…" He smiled hollowly before going back to work. Yuki stared at him oddly for a moment before shaking his head and getting back to work.

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Keys clanked as the jacket they resided in was dropped to the floor. Soft footsteps followed as worn shoes made their way to the bedroom door. A click, a swoosh, and more footsteps as said shoes walked into said bedroom. Here there was shuffling and crinkling of clothes as shoes, socks, and shirt were dropped to the floor. A sigh and ruffling of hair before the bed creaked under the weight of the tired body above it. Another sigh.

Clear blue eyes searched the plain ceiling as if looking for an answer that they knew wasn't there. The lithe body rose and fell slowly with shallow breathing. Lips were parted ever so slightly before curling into a frown. Minutes ticked away like seconds, yet seconds ticked away like hours. There was a groan of irritation escaping a tightening throat. Hands reached up to cover said eyes and lips.

Thoughts spun round and round behind now closed blue eyes. They were looking for answers, but those eyes knew there wasn't any there. Not behind those eyes. There were no answers, only questions that demanded answers.

Why? Why did it turn out this way? Was it something that he had done? Could he have done something differently? Or maybe it was never meant to last? Had that man ever really meant those words? Had he lied the whole time? No, he couldn't have, could he? But what if he had? And if he hadn't, then why had he done it? Why…?

Thus began the cycle again behind watery, clouding blue eyes. The hands rubbed at the gentle river that ran from said eyes, but there was no stopping it now. Tears could no longer hide behind clear blue eyes; they needed to escape watery, cloudy blue eyes. Blue eyes clamped shut and throat swallowed hard, but soon tears and sobs became too great and burst through their restraints.

The lithe body's shallow breathing quickened and tears ran down soft cheeks. Lips parted further as bitter gasps and sobs escaped a painfully tight throat. Bright blue eyes dimmed behind closed lids, till all that was left was clouded grey eyes. Arms clenched the lithe body and hands gripped tightly, nails digging into bare flesh. But no matter how tight arms held on, the place inside the lithe body still twisted and turned as if knifes were digging into it.

What hurt the most was the beating heart in the lithe body, crumbling and cracking into indistinguishable pieces. There wasn't anything there anymore to pick up the pieces. Nothing…"

Where was it? Where had it gone? Where were the words of anger and bitterness? Where was that voice, the one that should be cursing and shouting, telling blues eyes to clear; throat to relax; arms release their grip; for the lithe body to slow; for the heart to stop cracking? It wasn't there anymore. It had left, getting lost deep inside blue eyes. It was beyond reach. Nothing could bring it back again. Nothing…

Lips parted slightly more and throat opened enough for hollow words to escape. "Why Dark… Oh God…" Nothing more as throat tightened back up so that only sobs could get through.

Lithe body curled up, knees rising to chest in attempt to stop the twisting. But it didn't help. Everything hurt. Everything…

Jacket and the keys that resided inside them lay forgotten next to a side table just inside the door into the apartment. On that side table sat the phone and answer machine. A little red light blinked next to the digital window showing that there was an old message on it. It had been heard that morning, but it there it still sat. Hands simply couldn't bring themselves to touch the tainted machine.

"Detective, it's over. Our little love affair is over. This is the last that you'll hear of me." And that was it. The message that changed bright blue eyes to watery clouded blue eyes. The message that changed a full to bursting heart to a crumbling dying one. Funny how three short sentences can change a man; though honestly, those tear filled blue eyes would disagree. There was nothing funny about those sentences.

"God… oh God… Goddamn… Goddamn!" The lithe body shook and trembled as curses escaped parted lips. Face twisted in pain and water raced down now tear stained cheeks. Arms bled where fingernails dug further, hoping to relieve some pain, no matter how little. Toes curled and body arched with cries of pain and suffering. Panic seeped in and his whole body tensed. Never in his life had he been so afraid.

"Detective, its over" No, don't say that. Don't say it!

"Our little love affair is over" It wasn't just a little love affair. I loved you! I goddamn loved you!

"This is the last that you'll hear of me" No, don't leave! Please, talk to me; tell me what I can change! Don't leave me, please! I love you Dark!

Dark? Are you there?

Won't you even say good bye…?

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Ah, the smell of angst. Doesn't it make you all warm and fuzzy inside? No? Oh, well then it's just me. Yeah, yeah, I know, I need to move further along in the plot, but what can I say? Um… Oh, comment please cause there's no better gift then knowing that people appreciate you! …or at least appreciate your stories. Love you guys and please comment!