Another chapter, just for you guys. XD Thank you guys so much for your comments. I feel a lot better now. So, I got a chapter up! And, holy crap is this a chapter. Lots of stuff going on here. Pretty angsty, depressing stuff. But it's important angsty, depressing stuff, so deal with it! And there's a little humor… not much, but some! And, I enjoyed writing it, so there you go.

So, what's Nintendo is theirs and what's mine is mine.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

The sun started to finally set on the beautiful Sunday afternoon and Dark let out a thankful sigh. As soon as night fell he could finally go out and get away from Yuki. The detective hadn't said a word after their spat; he merely sat on the corner of the bed furthest from his captor of sorts, not so much as glancing at him. Sometimes the air was slightly comfortable as Yuki thought over his situation – and likely plans of escape. Other times though he would grow incredibly angry, both at Dark and at himself; this always left the room feeling heavy and uncomfortable. But what had to be the worse was when Yuki would get depressed; the silence would become unbearable and Dark would find himself falling deeper into his own sadness.

But now, now he could get out and get some fresh air. Maybe stop by the club and get a drink… no, he'd have to go to another place. He was never going to go back to that bar ever again.

Dark hastily got up from where he sat by his window (it was small and dirty, but it was his only view into the world outside) and went to his closet to pick out some clothes for that evening. Yuki glanced up at the man's sudden movement, seeing him for the first time in hours. He watched as Dark picked out plain black pants and shirt and tossed them on the bed. It was then that he noticed the detective's gaze but he ignored it; he was going to get out and that was that.

So, with that in mind, he shamelessly pulled his shirt off, chucking it into a small box in the corner. 'A makeshift laundry hamper perhaps?' Yuki wondered curiously. Not that he really cared though. We continued to watch as Dark pulled his clean shirt on, straightening it and pulling at the sleeves momentarily before working at his belt. Wait, belt? Yuki started to feel a little anxious as it slowly occurred to him; but, really, he wouldn't…right?

His face turned a bright crimson and he made a yelping/screeching sort of noise as Dark's pants fell to the ground. Not his boxers – thank goodness! – but still! The man glanced back quickly, catching himself laughing at the poor detective. "What, never seen a guy in boxers?"

"Wha—well, no – er yes – I mean... Forget it, would you just keep your clothes on!" Yuki stammered as he looked away and closed his eyes for good measure. "I mean, my God, don't you have any modesty!"

"Me? Nah, not for quite some time now," Dark replied truthfully with a shrug and, seeing that Yuki wasn't looking anytime soon, took the opportunity to change his boxers. Because, ew, can't wear those for more then a day.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Yuki asked pointedly, slight disgust evident in his voice. Dark couldn't help rolling his eyes a little and chuckling to himself.

"If you mean am I a slut, no," he stated calmly as he tossed his boxers to the box in the corner before adding, "Haven't been for years now."

"…Wait, what!" Yuki asked incredulously, making the foul, foul mistake of looking up. His jaw dropped and his mind abruptly came to a stop as he received quite the eyeful of Dark in the process of pulling his new boxers on. Hell, process didn't cut it; the cloth hadn't yet reached higher then his knees! Yuki's face turned what had to be the brightest red of his life and his eyes all but bugging out of his skull. Dark stared back, not really sure what to do next; luckily he didn't really need to worry too much as Yuki snapped his head away, his body twisting a full 180 degrees before he practically flung himself into the bed face first. "AH! FOR GOD'S SAKE PUT SOME CLOTHES ON!"

"Whatever you say sir," Dark replied sarcastically as he continued without much thought as to what had happened. Should he be embarrassed? Perhaps, but he didn't really care. Enough men had seen him naked, what was one more? Was that twisted? Yeah, but it was his logic and there was no changing it.

But for poor Yuki this was a big to do. Seriously, he had just seen his best friend's ex naked! Ugh! The worst part was that he couldn't help thinking, 'So that must be why Link liked being his lover… No! Bad thought, bad thought! I have a boyfriend, I have a boyfriend…'

So, with each having their own thoughts to think over, silence reigned again. This time though, it wasn't the same. The quietness was almost deafening after such a loud interval of noise. It was more uncomfortable then before – as amazing as that seemed – and it wasn't long before Yuki simply couldn't take it.

"…Where are you going?"

"Out," Dark said dully, finally fully dressed and running his hand through his hair. He scanned the room, looking for his socks, obviously not wanting to talk. He was leaving damn it; he was going to leave…

"You're just going to leave me here!" Yuki cried bitterly. Dark turned and gave him a funny look, a brow cocked in confusion. The detective grimaced a little and looked away as he muttered, "I just don't want to be alone here…"

Dark nodded in agreement. "Can't say I blame you. This place is the closest thing to a hellhole you could find. But you hate me right? How would my being here help any?"

"Well, I…" Yuki trailed off, unsure himself. He certainly didn't like the thief at all. Honestly, hate was definitely a likely feeling he had. But at least he knew that Dark wouldn't try anything. If he had wanted to, he would have done it by now, right? He didn't trust the other occupants of the building though. Wait… did that mean he trusted Dark? No, that couldn't be…

"Well, whatever. I'm off," Dark said as he pulled on some socks and slid one of his shoes on. Yuki glanced up and watched helplessly as his protection was leaving him. He really, really hated to admit it, but he desperately didn't want Dark to leave. He did not want to be alone here. And he wasn't so bad… wait, what was he saying! This was the guy who screwed with Link – metaphorically and literally – and he was not a good guy… right?

"Hey." Dark ignored him, slipping his other shoe on and standing to go. Yuki straightened up and said louder, "Hey, wait!" Still though the man ignored him; he was going to leave goddamn it! As he started for the door Yuki stood up quickly, stumbling a little on his half-asleep legs. "I said wait damn it!"

"What do you want!" Dark spat bitterly. He really was not in the mood to argue right now. Luckily for him it wasn't an argument Yuki was looking for. The detective took a deep breath and looked up with a slightly frantic look in his eyes.

"I… I…" Yuki stuttered, finding he hadn't the slightest what to say. He swallowed hard as a thought came to him. But did he really want to bring that up? Well, it would be better then being in this dump without a little company. "I want to know about you and Link."

"What?" Dark asked blankly, looking at the detective as if he were crazy. And maybe he was. He certainly wasn't going to deny it. Yuki sighed and glanced back up at the thief.

"I made assumptions without even considering your side of the story. I would like to know why you did what you did."

"Is that so?" Dark questioned suspiciously. "Are you sure you're not just looking for an excuse to yell at me again. Cause it gets rather dull you know."

"I-I'm not going to yell at you," Yuki stammered. Dark eyed him for a moment longer before letting out a sigh and shaking his head.

"Alright, I'll tell you." Yuki let out the air he had evidently been holding and nodded, glancing back at where had recently been sitting; but he really didn't want to sit anymore. His legs were killing him! So he stood awkwardly to the side and Dark sat down in tiredly before looking back up at the detective. "Where should I start?"

"I don't know… the beginning," Yuki suggested. The thief nodded slowly, leaning back with his head thrown back so that he was gazing at the ceiling, as if looking for answers there.

"It was about… oh, I don't know. A month? Two months? Anyway, it was the first time he had ever been on the scene of one of my robberies. I suppose you would remember that one?"

"Link fell unconscious due to smoke in his lungs and a nasty bruise to the gut," Yuki replied sharply. Dark blinked at him and couldn't help grimacing.

"Yeah… I get a little out of control when I'm on a job," He explained vaguely. It was close to the truth at least. "Anyway, Link followed me to that theater on fourth and we had a little scuffle. And, as ridiculous as it sounds, I took a liking to him pretty quickly. So, being as excitable as I am when I'm a thief, I asked him out on a date."

"Just like that?" Yuki asked critically. Dark shrugged and grinned slightly at him.

"What? It was just a date. It's not like I proposed or something."

"Yes but… I mean… you hardly knew him. Why take the risk?" Yuki questioned. Dark pursed his lip just a bit as he thought about it. A good question indeed… it took some time before he finally decided on his answer.

"His innocence I suppose. I found it attractive." Yuki stared at him with "what the hell?" written across his face. Dark chuckled and sat up a little as he continued saying, "It's a bit difficult to explain. It's just that… he has this innocence to him. Not purity, but innocence. He's almost like an abused child in a sense."

"…What? What does that have to do with innocence?" Yuki asked. Dark sighed and leaned back again. Might as well get comfortable.

"When a child is abused, there are two likely ways he'll go," Dark started. "Most become distrusting and cynical, always fearing those around them. They lose that innocent ability to trust and be friendly. Some though, they manage to keep it. They know a whole world of hurt, and yet they still are able to trust it and those in it. They manage to be happy and love people; they're innocent without being pure," Dark explained. His eyes were out of focus and he let out a sad breath. "I am that first type; Link is the second. I was envious of his ability to trust so easily, and envy often becomes love or hate. I happened to love him for it."

"Oh…" Yuki murmured softly, watching the poor man and feeling guilty. He hadn't even considered that Dark was human too and had emotions like all the rest of them. He had a past that he didn't know about; a history that led up to what he was. Yuki had no right to judge. He sighed and said softly, "You really do love him…"

"Yeah, I guess so," Dark replied with a shrug as he snapped from his haze and glanced up. He couldn't help smirking as he asked, "Do you really want to know the rest?"

"Yes, if you would…"

However, the story would have to be saved for another time as a loud knock echoed through the room, its source Dark's door. The two glanced at each other worriedly and Dark got up to answer it; Yuki climbed back onto the bed and into the distant corner, bring his knees up to his chest. He watched curiously as Dark opened the door only a little bit, looking out into the hallway to see who it was. Worst fears had come true.

"The Boss wants ya," one of the suits stated as he sneered at the thief. Dark narrowed his eyes.

"What the hell does he want? Haven't I gone through enough shit for one day?"

"Hey, dun shoot the messenger," the minion retorted before turning on his heels, seeming to be leaving. But, before he got more then a foot away, he looked back and added, "Oh, and bring that skank with ya."

"Skank!" Yuki cried indignantly, only to get a snicker in response. He scowled and was sorely tempted to race up and show that good-for-nothing what for, but decided against it. This was not the time or place. Besides, it seemed that the suit learned his lessen as Dark glowered at him dangerously and he straightened up fast.

Not another word was said though as Dark slammed the door in the minions face. He looked at Yuki for a moment before digging through his closet and tossing the detective a baggy black shirt. "You should probably cover up," he indicated and, remembering his current ensemble – the belly shirt and hipsters – Yuki decided that a long shirt would be good. So he quickly pulled it over his head before standing again and staring at Dark.

"What's he going to do?"

"I'd like to know that myself," Dark murmured as he turned and opened the door. Yuki followed closely after, glancing around in disgust at the dank hallway. As an officer, he had seen his share of drunks and drug users; but this was a ridiculous! There were bottles thrown all about the ground, cigarette butts littering the floor thick enough they could have been the carpet. Used syringes stuck up here and there, probably waiting for another desperate user to come and use it again. Men lay passed out or high in the hallway, eyes glazed over with slack faces. Yuki felt truly sick to his stomach and, after receiving a lewd comment from a scraggy man, he stayed extremely close to Dark. "Scared?"

"What?" Yuki said confusedly. Dark smirked at him and tilted his head towards the little space there was between them.

"You should be. Stick close and you should be alright."

"Alright…"

So it went; Dark and Yuki made their way through the hall and down the stairs, both partly blinded by the bright light of the chandelier hanging in the lobby. Yuki couldn't help but find it truly pathetic that the lobby was so nice while the people had to live in muck. It was disgusting.

"He's waiting for you in there," one of the guards stated and pointed the pair towards the big doors to The Boss's room. Seeing the room reminded Yuki of The Boss and he instantly bristled. How could it be him…?

"Keep quiet," Dark ordered before walking towards the door. Yuki blinked at him and jogged to keep up.

"Why should I! Do you know who he is!"

"Yes, I do actually. But if you want to keep your dignity – or your life for that matter – you'll listen to me and shut up," Dark said pointedly. He put a hand to one of the huge doors and pushed it open, the bright light of the lobby throwing a long triangle of white into the dimly lit room. It was like it usually was; about a dozen minions in a little semi-circle around the large couch in which sat The Boss. Today though there was no slut at his side. Dark decided to take that as a bad sign.

"Ah, Dark, how nice it is to see you again," The Boss greeted with his patented fake smile plastered on his face. He made a small hand gesture as he asked, "And what brings you to my humble abode?"

"You sent one of your lapdogs," Dark stated dangerously. "I certainly wouldn't come here if it was my fucking choice."

"You have such a way with words Dark Link…" the large man murmured before turning his attention to the detective; Yuki was half hidden behind Dark. The Boss smirked and gestured him forward as he said, "Well, well, you brought your new pet I see. Come here for a moment won't you?"

"He's not going anywhere," Dark growled, putting out an arm to push the detective further behind him. The Boss chuckled, feigning good-manner.

"Oh, don't worry Dark Link. I won't hurt him. As long as you keep your promise, I'll keep mine. I'd just like to see how his injures are," the man said innocently. When Dark didn't back down he narrowed his eyes and added dangerously, "I certainly wouldn't want him to get anymore…"

"Bastard…" Dark gritted through his teeth before glancing for a moment at the detective. Yuki took a deep breath and nodded, stepping around Dark's arm and towards the man on the couch. His stomach was in knots, his heart in his throat. And still he walked. He didn't have any choice; he would have to play by this criminal's rules for the time being.

So, after what seemed like the longest minute of his life, he stood in front of The Boss stiffly, his eyes hard with determination despite his somewhat shallow breathing. He wanted him to know he'd go along with it, but not willingly. But the large man merely smirked as he rose from the couch, his hand gently reaching for Yuki's head. The detective cringed, but forced himself to stay still. He wouldn't give The Boss the pleasure of his fighting back.

"Well, it would seem the bump's not as large as I had expected," The Boss mentioned offhandedly as his hand roamed the terrain of Yuki's skull, pushing harder then necessary on the bruise on his head. The detective swallowed hard to keep from crying out, his hands shaking ever so slightly. The large man snickered at him as the hand slid down from the top of his head to his chin, moving his head this way and that as he took in his face. "And thank goodness your pretty skin isn't bruised."

"…Why are you doing this?" Yuki asked softly, trying hard to sound sure of himself; instead his voice wavered as anxiety set in. The Boss smiled sadistically, moving his head close to Yuki.

"Doing what?" he asked into his ear. Yuki shuddered, his eyes wide as his heart threatened to break his ribs. He was scared; really scared. He wished more than anything that Rikuo was here.

"You bastard!" Dark swore, unable to watch much more. The Boss sneered at him and snapped his free hand; instantly six of the twelve suits were on him, holding him back as he struggled against them. "You fucking liar! Get your hands off him!"

"You didn't answer my question, my dear Yuki," The Boss said, ignoring the thief's curses. "Why am I doing what? This?" As the words left his lips his free hand moved to the hem of the big baggy shirt, ice cold fingers slipping under it. Yuki's body shivered and shook under him, his breathing ragged and his fists clenched. "Is that it? Or is it something else?"

"…Stop… please stop…" Yuki pleaded softly as his eyes started to water. The Boss laughed and pressed closer, his mouth brushing against the detective's ear as his hand splayed across his stomach.

"Stop it you motherfucker!" Dark yelled as he strained against the minions. But now his voice grew deeper, his eyes dark and his teeth bared. The other self flung himself back and forth as he shouted, "I swear I'll kill you! I fucking kill you!"

"But how can I stop? Your little pet is just too much fun. I should have kept him for myself," The Boss commented, the hand that wasn't busy under Yuki's shirt tracing the side of the detective's face and cupping it with a hard, callused palm. Yuki's body shook with a hard shiver.

"Stop it. You promised… you promised to leave me alone," Yuki protested as he forced his body to move, to back away. He couldn't let himself be frozen with fear; he had to be able to get away.

"Promised? Well, funny thing about those promises," The Boss said, his mock innocence slipping away, leaving the cruel venom hidden behind it. He pulled his head away, staring at Yuki's tear filled eyes with contempt as the hand on the detective's cheek slid down to his neck. "They're easy to break, aren't they?"

"Yuki!" the other self shouted as suddenly the hand around the detective's neck tightened, strangling him. Yuki's eyes clenched and he let out garbled cries as he clawed at the hands desperately. The Boss merely watched; his expression was one of intense anger.

"It would seen that your owner's little birdie let the cat out of the bag," he stated pointed, loosening his grip just enough that Yuki would get another breath before cutting it off again. It would be no fun if he passed out now.

Yuki gagged and forced an eye open, coughing out, "I-I don't – ah – know w-what you're – augh – talking about!"

"Perhaps not, but that doesn't fucking excuse the fact that it happened," the large man spat, lifting the detective up some so that he was on his toes. The Boss looked around him and glared pointedly at Dark. "Your goddamn bitch boy told your little boy toy about this skank. Luckily they don't know where he is; so now I'm going to cut off its head before the cat can get out of the fucking bag!"

"You wouldn't dare!" the other self shouted. "Let go of him right now or else I will tear your fucking head off your shoulders!"

"Oh, I'm so scared, I think I'll piss my pants," The Boss replied sarcastically as he threw Yuki to the ground, his body hitting with a sickening crack as the detective screamed in pain. The other self thrashed without restrain as more minions joined in the effort to hold him down. The large man scowled at him as he walked up to Yuki's shuddering body, his foot pushing down on his windpipe. "But first I think I'll just take care of business."

"You goddamn son-of-a-fucking-bitch!" the other self cursed loudly before going limp for a moment before looking back up, Dark's fiery eyes glaring daggers. "Let him go! I'll do whatever the hell you want but leave him be!"

"Well, well, what a generous offer. It's a little late though, don't you think? I've done enough bargaining on this little shit," The Boss stated as he pushed down more on Yuki's neck. The detective let out a strangled chain of screams and gasps, his body writhing with pain and desperately struggling; tears streamed down his splotched face and with every cough more blood stained his lips. Dark could feel shivers race down his spine and desperately searched for the Thief; the other self couldn't help anymore and he couldn't stomach much more. But as hard as he tried, he couldn't find his other personality. It was no where to be found, and unless something was done soon, Yuki would be killed.

So Dark had to take it upon himself. "I'm serious! I'll do anything you want, any number of jobs you want, just leave him alone! I'm begging you!" The Boss stilled, and he looked over at Dark curiously.

"You're begging me?"

"Goddamn… yes, I am! Just stop it!" Dark shouted, pulling against his restraints. The Boss stared for a moment longer before a long, sardonic grin spread across his face.

"Well, if that's how it is, then how can I refuse?" he asked mockingly as he lifted his foot up. Yuki gasped loudly, his hands moving to his neck as he took quick, shaky breaths. He looked back at Dark with wide, panicked eyes and shook his head slowly, trying his best to mouth "no, don't do it." It was too late now though. A new agreement was set; there was nothing to be done about it.

For a few minutes the only noise in the room was Yuki's coughs and wheezes as The Boss carefully thought things over, trying to decide what would be best for his thief to do. Finally though it dawned on him and he smirked.

"You said you'd do anything, correct?"

"Yes, I did," Dark painfully admitted. The Boss's smirk only grew as he stepped around Yuki's form and towards the thief's. Before the large man could say his next piece though, there was an "ahem" as a minion opened the great double doors and peeked in.

"What is it?" The Boss snapped venomously. The suit winced.

"Vaati has arrived. Should I have her wait?"

"Vaati? No, let her in. I'm sure she'll enjoy the show," The Boss said. The minion nodded and his head disappeared, replaced with Vaati in her flamboyant dress – complete with feather boa – and Poe slowly after her. She liked having one of her "pets" with her at all times, and it just so happened that he had become one of her favorites. She smiled happily at the large man.

"Don't mind me Gaundie dear. I'll just sit here until you're done with your talk," she said sweetly, settling herself in a chair that stood next to the door. The Boss nodded before turning his attention back to Dark.

"Anyway, Dark Link, you said anything, correct? Well then, I think it's time you did that job I assigned you when you first arrived. You remember that one, don't you?" The Boss asked. Dark stared at him confused for a moment before it came to him. He shook his head slowly as his jaw dropped a little.

"No! I told you, I won't do it! You know damn well that involves killing people, and I'm not going to kill anyone!" Dark said sternly. The Boss shrugged nonchalantly and snickered at him.

"Oh, I see. So this detective's life isn't worth theirs? Because if so, I'm sure Vaati would be happy to find him a new home…" the large man said mockingly. Dark grimaced and looked away, gritting his teeth.

"That's not it! I'm just not going to kill anyone. Give me any other job, I'll do it. But I'm not going to commit murder. I may be a thief, but I'm not a fucking murderer!" Dark shouted. Both The Boss and Vaati chuckled at him and he bristled. "I'm not!"

"But you are Dark Link. Surely you remember your father… or should I say late father?" The Boss replied, grinning at the sudden change in Dark's expression. The man glanced away.

"I didn't kill him. It wasn't me."

"Oh, but it was. I can still remember the way your cute little hands shook with that gun in them, the blood splattered on the wall…" Vaati said, sounding more like a mother reminiscing about her child's first steps. Dark shook his head harshly, his hands starting to tremble.

"It wasn't me! It was the other self's fault! I couldn't stop him!" Dark yelled, though he was trying to convince himself more then anyone else. The Boss chuckled.

"No, I'm certain it was you. That monster didn't show up until after your father's untimely end," Vaati said certainly. "After you killed him, you couldn't live with the guilt, so you took all your violence and created him. You were such a difficult child…"

"I didn't have a choice!" Dark shouted loudly, his voice echoing in the room. His body heaved with his shallow breaths, his eyes panicky and wild looking. Yuki sat up slowly from where he lay, clutching his side as he watched the man worriedly.

He wasn't the only one worried. Poe watched from where he stood, his eyes wide with shock. Dark, a murderer? It simply couldn't be! He would never do anything like that! But why was he acting so weird? Was Dark psychotic? He always seemed so cool and confident, but had that all been to hide some mental disease? Poe simply couldn't believe it. There had to be something wrong with him. Maybe he was sick. Or maybe… maybe…

Maybe he really was insane.

But Poe just couldn't leave him here. It was obvious that it was triggered and egged on – if not created – by Vaati and The Boss. He had to do something!

So, as quick and quiet as a mouse he slipped out the door. He went completely unnoticed.

"But, that's all in the past," The Boss finally said as he came to stand in front of Dark. He frowned and, using his foot, tipped the man's head up to look at him. "You have to make a choice now Dark Link. Will you take the job, knowing you'll have to kill officers to reach your goal, or will you refuse and let me kill this officer here?"

"Don't… don't do it D-Dark Link!" Yuki said, wincing at the pain each word caused him. He fell into a coughing fit, blood splattering into his hand. Dark watched him with a blank expression before looking back up at The Boss.

"Don't you ever lay a hand on him again," Dark ordered as he glowered at the large man. The Boss smirked and pulled his foot away, making his way back to the couch and falling into it.

"I'll guess that's a yes then? You're to do it Tuesday night, understood?"

Dark only nodded as he stood up, shrugging the minions off of him and glaring at them before walking over and kneeling next to Yuki. The detective stared at him with red eyes, his face flushed and tear stained. Blood still stuck to the corner of his mouth and his neck was black and blue.

"Dark Link… You sh-shouldn't have… have saved m-m-me," he muttered softly, unintentionally falling forward and leaning against him for support. He fell into temporary unconsciousness. Dark took a deep breath before picking up Yuki's limp form and making his way for the door. He didn't look at anyone as he left.

But he did notice as he left the small boy dash from the doors and race out into the streets like a shot.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

I told you it was one heck of a chapter. I feel so sorry for my babies. T.T I never meant for it to get so bad! Well, I did for DL (he's just a bundle of angst) but I didn't expect to beat Yuki up so badly! But hey, what's done is done. Oh, and, I couldn't find a way to explain this in the story, but when Yuki says "Why are you doing this?" he isn't actually referring to The Boss molesting his skull. Just thought I'd throw that out there for you guys to chew on. Also, no, DL and Yuki aren't going to have a random love affair. They're just clinging to each other for support. Really. I swear it's true! Comments please!