Chapter twenty six! Woot! XD Lol, only two weeks and already I have this sucker up. I dunno why, but I always write a lot on the weekends and little to none during the week, so this was mostly finished last weekend; just needed to add the last bit and a half, if that makes sense. But, anyway, here you guys go! Hope you like.

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

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"God, won't you give us at least a hint?" Link complained as he leaned back on his couch. Ranmaru sighed and shook his head meekly.

"I told you, I can't. I've already said too much as it is."

"Like hell you have," Rikuo muttered darkly from where he stood; he was some ways off from the others. The men had all moved to Rikuo's apartment soon after the confrontation at the bar; the busy dance club would be packed in less then an hour's time and they didn't want to talk where others could hear. It so happened that Rikuo's apartment was closest.

It was very nice as apartments went. Homey even. The carpet was a light tan and the walls a dull robin-egg blue. The fabrics in the living room – for the couch, curtains, etc – were all darker browns that toned down the brightness, but still left it warm feeling. The rest such as pillows, tables and shelves were black, accenting the colors in the room. It was obvious to see who the interior decorator in the relationship was; which, in a way, made it saddening to be in the room.

Sheik sighed as he walked in from the kitchen, handing Ranmaru a drink; Rikuo hadn't offered to serve drinks and no one really expected him to. "Really, do you have to be like this?" he asked, if not a bit bitterly. Rikuo scowled and leaned against the wall.

"Thank you," Ranmaru said softly as he took the drink and tilted it to his lips. Sheik nodded, his eyes settled on said lips a little longer then necessary before he yanked them away.

Those were the last words for quite some time as dead silence draped itself about the room, smothering it's occupants with its long talons of awkwardness and woe. Each had their own thoughts, but the basis around them was much the same. They all thought, worried, planned, and hoped; all about Yuki. Though, to be fair, he wasn't the only one Link or Ranmaru were worried about. They had Dark to ponder too. Ranmaru for his best friend; Link for his ex lover. What was to happen to them? How could they be saved?

And, the question that no one dared utter, but inside bubbled and boiled with torment in all of them; could they be saved?

Link shivered slightly as the thought was tossed around in his head. While no one would admit it, it was a very likely possibility. Dark was too deep in the inner workings of this underworld of sorts; to pull someone that intertwined with those connections was practically suicide for him and for those who tried to save him. This boss of theirs seemed to be a man with connections and wouldn't stop in his pursuit to keep his organization working as it is. He wouldn't be able to risk letting Dark out from under his dictatorship; that would be suicide for him. No matter how you looked at it, the only way to save Dark would to bring down the whole crime ring around him, and that would be no easy task. That was for sure.

And then there was Yuki who was in much the same position as Dark now. He had made the foul mistake of getting himself caught up in the dark tendrils of this organization and now he was as trapped as Dark. Yet for him it would be worse; Dark didn't have many people in the outside world to turn to. Yuki had a whole police department. The leader would surely realize this and make extra precautions to keep Yuki under lock and key. But that wasn't all. Dark had been part of illegal groups since he was only thirteen. It had surely been drilled into his head not to even try to escape, that it would only cause more trouble in his life. In a sense he had been brainwashed into living the life he was. Yuki hadn't. If he were given the chance, he would be off like a shot without so much as a second thought.

Really, at this point it was a miracle that Yuki was still alive. How Dark had managed to keep him alive was beyond Link. In fact, in a way he didn't completely understand why Dark had done it. He didn't know Yuki that well. They had met at the party, yes, but they hadn't talked too much and in truth Dark was hiding behind the mask of an up-and-coming young man. They didn't know each other really at all. And yet Dark, most likely risking his own neck, stuck up for Yuki. Why? Was it because Yuki was Link's friend? Did Dark feel a sense of duty to protect him? Or perhaps it was something else. Maybe… maybe he felt sympathetic. Surely Dark knew what it was like to face death and when Yuki was faced with it he couldn't just stand by and watch. Or maybe... could it be that he had grown more compassionate?

Link knew he was getting no where if he started second guessing himself. Why Dark had done it didn't matter; what mattered was that Yuki was still alive, but still in great danger. It was very possible that their leader would wise up and murder Yuki. They had to find a way to save him before that happened. And, while Link wanted deep down to save Dark as well, it seemed almost impossible to do. They could save Yuki as the organization was; he had probably only scathed the top of their dark surface. But Dark… he was deeply emerged in the shadowy sea of secrets. The only way to save him would to either dive in after or dry up the water around him; both risky. Dark could easily – if not purposely on the boss's behalf – drown in the process. There was just no surefire way to save him.

Link couldn't help the soft groan that resonated in his throat as his head fell into his hands. Why had things gotten so goddamn complicated? Was he not allowed to live a calm, normal life? To have friends who he could just go out and have a good time with? To be able to settle down and fall in love with someone who he could actually be with? Was it all too much to ask?

"Shit…" Link muttered softly under his breath as his hands combed through his hair. They then dropped to his sides and he leaned his head back against the couch. His single word was like a stone in a paddle, rippling through the deafening silence and bouncing off the others. They felt his same torment. They knew how improbable a good outcome to the situation was. And worse, they knew there the truth of the matter.

It was possible to save Yuki. Dark though was mostly a lost cause. If they had Yuki they could take down the organization; give that bastard of a leader what he deserves. But more then likely that still wouldn't save Dark.

To save Yuki, they would have to sacrifice Dark to the Boss's wrath. And they all knew that he wouldn't survive that. Either he would be murdered, tortured beyond repairs or given to another; perhaps even that hell spawn of a woman Vaati. No matter what though, he wouldn't be there for them to save.

And this reality silently killed Link.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

The moon was high in the sky, its ghostly rays of light illuminating the chillingly silent night. The temperature had hit below freezing, reminding the occupants of the city that winter had arrived. But, as if it weren't enough, small tuffs of snow sprinkled down on the roads and buildings, dancing gaily in the gentle breeze. To some it may have been a sign of happiness; its pure white giving those who looked at it hope that days ahead would bring fun and joy. Nothing better then to play in it; to be reminded of winters long ago, in the days when even the elderly were young and innocent. Those wondrous days when the greatest worries were what was for dinner and whether you would get that toy you wanted so desperately.

For some though, the snow seemed more like frozen tears, the skies way of crying for the foolish men and women who walked without reason through their days, unable to find what they're looking for; unable to even understand what it is. It cried for them, for they could no longer cry for themselves. How can one cry for something they don't know? Can't understand?

And, that particular night, Link felt the soft ice fall on his face, melting on his cheeks and sliding down in little streams, as if to be tears for him. Tears for the man who wouldn't let his own fall. Tears for the man who couldn't let his own fall.

But he would brush them away, slowly making his way through the thin curtain of snow, walking against the soft wind that caressed his shuddering form. Had he known it would be so cold, he would have brought a coat. But, then again, he certainly hadn't had time to. He had gone from one place to the next, each time dying a little more. Soon he knew there wouldn't be much left. And when that day came there would be nothing left but to really die… well, that was for another day. Who knew? Maybe life would be easier that way. He wouldn't have to worry about feeling this way anymore. He wouldn't have to worry about feeling his confidence, his ego, his very soul cracking and falling away, hitting the floor with a sickening crunch.

He had left Rikuo's apartment soon after his softly spoken word. The three were, as far as he knew, still there, staring at each other unknowingly. None of them knew what to do. How could they? There wasn't much left to do. No where to go, no way of knowing what was happening… So Link left. If he wanted to think he may as well do it where he was alone and not intruding on anyone else's thoughts.

Besides, he didn't think any of them could understand to growing knot in his stomach. Sheik didn't know Dark at all; he didn't even know that Dark was the notorious Thief Dark Link. And while he knew Yuki, it had only been for a week. Ranmaru knew Dark though; possibly better then Link did. But he didn't know Yuki really at all. Besides, he wasn't in love with Dark like Link was. Even Rikuo couldn't completely understand him. Sure, he had lost someone he loved with all his heart. But he didn't care at all about Dark. In fact, Link couldn't help but think that the man had a death wish for the thief. None of them could understand how much he hurt; he had lost a best friend and the love of his life and would likely never get either of them back.

And so he was alone. He felt completely isolated from the world, from the people he once loved. No one could understand him; help him overcome the painful ache that filled his chest. He had to be strong enough to take care of himself. He couldn't lean on anyone else for support anymore. But how could he take care of himself when he was decaying from the inside out?

God, if only something were to happen… if only he could get a hint, a clue, anything to get him going again. He couldn't stand not having anything left that he could do. He stared up at the tall structure that was the Police Department. Would he really be able to just go in tomorrow, pick up his files and get back to work? Would he be able to work on the Dark Link Case when he knew that lives were hanging in the balance? How could he work when he knew that somewhere out there his friend was in desperate trouble and his love needing help?

But wait… he stopped suddenly in the snow. What was he thinking? Here he was, worrying over Dark, dying inside because he couldn't save him; but why? Dark didn't love him anymore, right? He had been dumped by him. There shouldn't be any such feelings for him. Dark deserved this fate. He was the one who led Link on; the one who in a sense started this whole mess. It was all Dark's fault damn it! He was the fucker that asked Link out; the one who kissed him and held him; the one who carefully made love to him; the one who was always there for him; the one who seemed to understand his pain; the one who made Link open his heart again…

He shuddered harder as his stomach churned and chest seemed to fall in on itself. How could he blame Dark when he had done so much for him? Besides, it was his own fault too. He was the one who allowed it to happen. As much as he wanted someone, something, anything to blame, he knew he'd never find it. There was no one person to blame for this; it was the result of many people and situations mixing and creating this god awful fate. He had no one to put at fault. And it only depressed him more.

So there he stood, immersed in a haze of frozen tears and chilled to the bone, yet finding himself unwilling to move. He had lost all reason to go on. He couldn't save Yuki or Dark; hell, he couldn't save himself. What was there left for him but to stand there and watch the world around him?

Well, his answer came in the form of the middle aged, surely-she-dressed-herself-in-the-dark secretary of the NYPD.

"Oh my! Thank goodness you's here Lennings!" she cried as she raced out the door of the lobby and, slipping a little, came face to face with Link. He stared back at her with wide eyes, his anguished mood metaphorically being snapped in half and thrown to the floor before being jumped on multiple times by horribly mismatched suits, shoes, and hair dye. What was he left with? Well, a horribly confused look that one couldn't help but laugh at if they weren't hurried.

"Um, oh, hello miss-miss… uh…" he stammered, unable to remember her name, or if he had ever known it. She didn't really pay attention though as her slightly bony hand reached out and grabbed Link's wrist, tugging him towards the building.

"Goodness, you's frozen to the bone!" she exclaimed, her southern accent heavy. She shook her head before continuing. "But that's for another time, another time indeed. I'ave a call waiting for you at the desk that desperately needs yar answering. Hurry, hurry! I do hope that boy's still on the phone!"

"Wait… what? There's a call for me?" Link asked. He didn't get an answer though as the woman's grip tightened as she all but dragged him through the snow. He struggled to keep up with her. Who would be calling him this time of night? And at his office? "Are you sure it's for me?"

"Well, I'lls admit he didn't have ya name, but he did call yar numbah. If you ain't who he's looking for, then I haven't the foggiest who he is."

"Who's he?" Link questioned as they stepped inside from the cold. It was a bit of a shock to his system, but right now he was too focused on the call to care.

She shrugged as she pulled him a few more feet before letting go and jogging up to her desk. "I dunno. Sounds like a little guy though. He sounds awful scared. Kept saying somepin about how he was looking for the 'detective'."

Well now, that was certainly new. He hadn't been referred to as detective since he first met Dark… Finding this fact a bit taunting he raced up to the desk, waiting to be handed the phone.

"Hello, are you still there sir?" she asked, her southern drawl greatly lessened. She seemed to be able to talk properly when she felt like it. Her face brightened and she nodded happily. "Yes, it just so happened that he was walking by the office. I'm handing the phone to him now."

Link gulped a little as he took the phone from the woman's hand and put it to his ear. He could hear light panting and shallow breathing; was the caller out in the cold? "Hello, this is Link Lennings. May I help you?" he asked.

There was silence on the other side of the phone before a small voice said "Is this the detective?"

"Well, yes, I am a detective," Link replied slowly. "However, I'm not sure I understand what you mean by 'the detective'."

"Well, is your number 555-1234?" the quiet voice asked again. It sounded like a young boy's, but Link couldn't be sure. But what had he left to lose? Not a whole lot, that was for sure.

"Yes, that is my office number. May I ask where you got it?"

"I got it from a friend," was the only response to the question. Link took a deep breath, his free hand resting on the desk as he leaned into it.

"Well, I take it you don't want to tell me who you got it from," he said. There was awkward silence from the boy on the other side and Link chuckled lightly, trying to lighten the mood. "Don't worry, it doesn't really matter. But I heard you're in trouble. Can you tell me what's wrong?" There was silence again and Link couldn't help but wonder if something had happened to the boy.

But, it seemed he was wrong as finally the boy said, "I need you to help someone. He's in big trouble and I can't help him by myself. Please, you have to help him!"

"Ok, alright I understand. Please calm down," Link soothed. The secretary smiled to herself as she watched; boy, that Lennings was definitely a detective if she ever saw one. Which, she did so everyday. Link took his hand from the desk and ran it through his hair as he asked, "Now, let's start with the basics. May I know your name, age, and address? I can come over right now if you need me to."

"Oh, uh… well…" the boy muttered even quieter. Link waited patiently though, resting his hand again on the desk and tapping his fingers on the surface. The boy swallowed hard before saying, "M-my name's Poe. I-I'm pretty sure I'm thirteen and I don't have an address."

Link blinked in confusion, the words not settling right with him. There was no last name, he was pretty sure he was thirteen and no address? He straightened up and said pointedly, "Where are you then? Are you outside?"

"Y-yeah…" Poe admitted, his voice shivering from the cold. Link's grip on his phone tightened and he bit his lip. He had to find that boy and fast. Alone in the cold like this…

"Where are you? I'll come get you."

"B-but what about Dark! He's in big trouble! He needs your help!" Poe shouted into the phone. Link stilled, his body frozen in place. This boy… he knew Dark? How… how had Poe found him? Did he get the number from Dark? Did Dark really need him? What had happened! "You know him, right! You have to! He had your number! You have to help him!"

"Where are you?" Link asked sternly. The boy grew quiet, panting softly into the phone. Link bit his trembling lip hard before practically shouting, "Where are you!"

"I… I'm on 23rd street," Poe admitted softly. Link nodded.

"Stay there. I'm coming to pick you up. Don't move," he ordered before putting the phone down on its hook. He looked at the secretary and said, "I need to borrow a car. Do you have one I can use?"

"O-of course. There should be one out front there. 'Ere's the keys," she replied as she opened a drawer and pulled out a little ring with a key and a number. He snatched it from her grasp and raced out, the glass doors spinning round and round after him. The secretary watched in surprise, sitting back in her chair. "Well, that t'was exciting weren't it?"

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Link's grip on the steering wheel was tight as he looked desperately out his slightly fogged up window. The snow made it even harder to see, his lights reflecting off the little flurry of ice. He wasn't sure he could see ten feet ahead of him, let alone find a kid on the side of the road. Giving up, he quickly parked the car on the side of the road – in a no parking zone, but he was a police officer; he could get away with that – and jumped out.

"Hey, kid!" he shouted as he slammed his door shut and looked around a little. It was really dark now, hardly a street light on the narrow street. If Poe was smart, he would stay close to one of them; so, Link jogged over to the one closest to him, hugging his shirt close to him. Damn it was cold! As he reached the pole, he looked around but didn't see a soul anywhere. He frowned and looked to the next light that was some thirty feet away. There! There he spotted the shadowy form of either a child or a small man; that could easily be Poe! So Link sprinted over, calling, "Poe! Hey, are you Poe!"

The shadow looked up quickly, backing away for a moment before recognizing the voice. Shyly, he asked, "Detective? Is that you?"

"Yes, and please, you can call me Link," the detective said as he stopped in fount of the boy. Poe looked up at him with bright fiery eyes, his slight figure shuddering hard in tight fitting red pants and thin long sleeve shirt. Link grimaced at how the boy's lips were tinted blue. Damn, he was going to get phenomena like this, if not hypothermia! He held his hand out, but Poe looked up at him skeptically.

"Where are you taking me?" he demanded sternly. Link looked at him incredulously, more then a little taken aback, but Poe didn't care. He certainly wasn't stupid; he wasn't going anywhere with some guy he didn't really even know. How could he be sure this guy was the same detective that Dark seemed to know?

"Well, I…" Link stammered, unable to find the words that scattered away. He sighed and, begrudgingly, knelt down in the snow so he was face to face with the youngster. Those cherry red eyes scanned his face calculatingly, afraid and a little curious. Link smiled lightly as he said evenly, "I'm taking you to my apartment for now, if that's alright. I take it you don't have anywhere to go?"

"Well… I do but," Poe started, gulping a little before blurting, "but I never, ever want to go back again. Never. I'll go anywhere; just don't take me there again!" He shook harder now, whether due to the cold or to emotions, Link could only speculate. But he was pretty sure it wasn't the cold. Poe looked up quickly as Link rested a hand on his shoulder, the detective's face sympathetic and reassuring.

"Don't worry. If you don't want to go back, I won't make you," Link stated, smiling warmly at the child. Poe stood blinking at him, his expression unreadable. But, without any obvious incentive, he flung himself into the man's embrace, his hand clinging tightly to the back of Link's shirt.

"Take me away. Oh god, just take me away…" Poe whimpered as he buried his face into the detective's neck. Link was a bit shocked at the sudden change in attitude, but took it in stride as he wound his arms around the trembling body, picking him up and holding him close as he headed for the car.

Instead of calming the boy though, as Link had expected, Poe panicked. Little hands that had been pulling closer were now pushing and shoving, his legs kicking out erratically as he shouted, "No, wait! I can't go, I can't! She'll get mad at me, I know she will! She'll find me and hurt me! I can't go!"

"Shh, calm down. It'll be alright, I promise. No one will hurt you," Link said evenly, his grip on the boy tightening as he struggled to the police car. His emotions were tightly coiled, threatening to snap at any moment; but he had to keep it under control for a little while longer. He had to be cool, calm and collected if he hoped to relax Poe. So, taking deep breaths and forcing himself to keep his even tone he spoke soothing words to Poe as they finally came to the car.

Now for the tricky part; opening the door and getting Poe in without the boy running away. It was an almost impossible task with him in hysterics like he was. So Link just stood there, holding the child so tightly he could hardly move. Poe practically screamed at him in frustration, trying hard to retaliate, to fight back; but with no room to move or go, he had no choice. After a few minutes the boy's movements slowed back down to a gentle shaking, his breathing still coming in uneven breaths, but they were deeper now; not as shallow. Taking a huge sigh of relief Link glanced down and said, "You done now?"

"…Shut up," Poe grumbled softly, his body relaxing into the embrace. He shifted around a little and, getting the message, Link set him back down on his feet; however, he still kept an arm around the boy's shoulders.

"Now, I'm not going to force you to come with me," Link admitted. "I don't have that right or authority to do that. But I am giving you a way out. I'm guessing you're in a bad situation, right?" Poe nodded bitterly and Link rubbed his arm warmly. "Then let me help you. I'm not on duty right now, and if you'd rather not involve the police in your affairs, then so be it. We can figure out what you should do later; for now, you can stay at my place. Does that sound ok?"

"Yeah, I guess," Poe murmured unenthusiastically, rubbing irritably at the tears on his cheeks. Link couldn't help laughing softly; such a typical response from a young teen. Despite trying to make it seem like nothing special, Link knew he was happy about it, and that was enough. So he nodded and opened the door to the passenger's seat. Poe looked up at him questioningly, as if to ask if he really meant it, and receiving a warm smile in return he carefully got in, Link shutting the door quietly behind him.

For the first time in years, Poe felt safe.

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It was about eleven thirty at night when Link finally arrived at home. He was chilled to the bone, his clothes damp and clinging to his skin. Poe walked close next to him, more like a puppy then a child. Link thought sadly to himself that that may have very well been the way Poe had been raised for the past few years; like a pet. As much as he hated to think something as awful as that were possible in today's world, he knew that Dark was treated like that, so it was easy to suspect that Poe had as well.

When they got to Link's apartment, the detective almost immediately showed Poe to the bathroom, telling the boy to take a nice warm bath or shower, whichever he preferred. Setting some clean pajamas on the bathroom counter – they were going to be rather big on Poe, but so be it – Link left the child to change his own clothes. He would have loved a warm shower, but he was sure he wouldn't have a chance to until the next morning.

But it was probably a good thing that he was able to have some time in the apartment alone; well, as alone as you can be when there's a kid in your bathroom. After changing into grey sweatpants and a dark green sweatshirt Link went to the kitchen and put some water on the stove. There was nothing better for a worried boy then a nice warm cup of hot coco. As he waited around the kitchen though, he finally had time to think back on his day. Just two hours ago he had come to nothing but dead ends and found himself feeling helpless and without a clue. But he had finally had another lead, another chance at finding some solution to the chaos in his life.

And to think it came in the form of a small child who was hardly thirteen.

But he felt he couldn't rush things. Poe was certain to be skittish and untrusting of him. It would probably take some time before Link could ask him anything of importance. His greatest hope at this point was that Poe would volunteer the information himself.

But what would he do the next day? Surely he couldn't just leave Poe home alone, could he? But he also couldn't take him to work; that was out of the question. It occurred to him for a moment that he could always leave him with Sheik; but, no, he couldn't do that. He wasn't sure yet if he should tell Sheik and Rikuo of his discovery. He could easily see either of them trying to manipulate some information out of Poe. And, while he would love a lead, he also cared about the boy's wellbeing. He didn't feel right taking advantage of him. Besides, what would Sheik do with him? He wasn't exactly a kid-person to start with, but taking care of and entertaining one? No, Link couldn't do that to his childhood friend.

"Detective?" The small teen asked shyly from the hall. Link turned and peeked his head around the doorframe, smiling at Poe. Those pjs really were a bit on the large side; so much so it seemed that the pants simply wouldn't stay on those slim hips. At least, that was Link's guess since the boy wore only the shirt, the hem of it reaching his knees. As long as it was, Poe still seemed to feel a little uncomfortable with it as he pulled at the bottom, making sure it didn't go any higher then it was. He fidgeted and his face has a dull pink. He was, in all honestly, just about the cutest thing Link had ever laid eyes on.

"Yeah? Is something wrong Poe?" Link asked curiously. Poe shook his head quickly and clutched the hem of the shirt tightly in his grasp.

"N-no, it's not that. I just, you know, wanted to know where I'm going to sleep, and stuff," Poe replied softly, looking up cautiously to see Link's warm face. He grinned back and, before he knew it, was by the detective's side, looking into the kitchen. "What'cha doing in here?"

"Well, I was hoping to surprise you with some hot coco, but I guess it's not much of a surprise anymore, huh?" Link laughed as he walked over to the stove, pouring a couple packets of coco mix into the steaming water. Poe nodded and followed him slowly, looking around his legs to watch the process.

"Hot coco? I think I've heard of that," he thought aloud. Link looked at him incredulously.

"You think you've heard of it? Man, you're missing out," he said as he stirred the drink. But, as the words left his mouth, he instantly wished he hadn't said them. He looked down at Poe with a little concern, but the boy didn't seem to so much as bat an eye at the comment.

"Really? It's that good?"

"Yeah, it's pretty good."

"Yum! I get some, right?" Poe asked. Link laughed as he grabbed some mugs from the cabinet.

"Of course. I made it just for you. Now, why don't you go jump in bed and I'll bring you your cup, ok?" Link asked. Poe nodded happily and raced off, only to stop and look back at the detective.

"Bed? I only saw the one in your room though," he commented curiously. Link nodded knowingly and smiled at him.

"Yup, it's the only one in this apartment."

"Then where are you going to sleep?" Poe asked worriedly. Link shrugged as he poured the piping hot coco into a mug.

"I dunno. Maybe on the couch. It's no big deal, really," he added as he saw the sullen look on the boy's face. But Poe simply wouldn't have it. He walked back over to Link, grabbed the bottom of his sweatshirt and tugged it down. A little baffled, the young man knelt down on the floor and watched as Poe looked him straight in the eye, those bright cherries for eyes looking surprisingly stern.

"Detective."

"Link," the detective reminded him. Poe nodded.

"Ok, Link. You're not going to start anything, right?" the young teen asked. Link blinked at him and Poe sighed irritably, as if Link were the child, not vice versa. "Look, just… if you promise you won't, you know, try to fuck me or anything, you can sleep with me in the bed, ok?"

And Link, being the responsible, understanding adult that he was, turned a bright red and his eyes grew wide as his jaw dropped. Holy shit; did he just hear what he thought he heard! Did Poe just… just… ah hell, what had Link gotten himself into? Poe looked at him curiously as the man just sort of stared in complete shock and embarrassment. And then, seeing the poor detective stammer and turn red as a beet, the boy started to giggle; within seconds he was flat out laughing at Link.

"W-what!" Link stuttered as Poe clutched his sides, about to literally start rolling with laughter. The young teen gasped between laughs and pointed shakily at the detective.

"I-I'm sorry… I just… Oh my god you're such a softie!" Poe jeered before falling into a fit of laughter. "I mean, acting like that… jeez, you're red as a tomato! Who wouldn't laugh!"

"Well excuse me," Link retorted bitterly, looking away with a little "humph". Poe grinned at him and slowed his laughing as well as he could.

"You know Link, I like you a lot," he said straight forwardly, an innocent smile gracing his face. Link sighed as he nodded and smiled back.

"I like you too Poe." The teen seemed to be at a lost for words then as he opened his mouth, closed it, only to open and close it again. Finally giving up on finding the words he jumped on Link, his arms wrapping tightly around his neck.

"Thank you…" he murmured softly, gripping the back of Link's shirt and nuzzling his face into his shoulder. The detective smiled and hugged the boy back.

"Anytime kid, anytime."

"…Link?" Poe whispered. Link nodded and the boy loosened his hold enough so he could look up at the man. "Will you help Dark like you helped me?"

Link stared at him, his heart aching at the request. But, he wouldn't let it show; he would never force his feelings on a boy like this. So, he smiled – if not a little sadly – and ruffled Poe's soft red hair. "I'll try Poe. I'll try."

"Thanks."

"No, thank you."

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…..I love kids. They're so cute. X3 Lol, but yeah, we're starting to get there now people! Link's found his lead and is cheering up some. Kids have that effect on people. Well, at least, if they're cute like Poe. But on a totally side note, I spent the day at Sakura con and it was the great! So much cool stuff to look at.

Anyway, comments are greatly recommended cough I-beg-you-please-comment cough