…Omg. O.O I'm done. I'm freakin' down with this story. It's over. FINISHED! I'm gonna do the happy dance! Whee! XDDD
All your comments gave me the confidence boast I needed to finish this story, so give yourselves a pat on the back! And also I have found a new love for getting research for a story; absolutewrite(dot)com. Omg it's such a help when I can't find info on stuff. A huge recommendation for all you writers out there.
Ok, so, I'm a little sad to see it over, but honestly, I think I'm ready to move on. I've worked on this story for over a year now, and I now have the chance to work on my other story ideas. More about this after the story though, because I hate to keep you waiting. So, I have for you, the final, finished chapter of Cops and Robbers. Enjoy.
Oh, and for anyone who missed it the rest of the story, Nintendo owns it's peeps and I own mine. And the story has yaoi. Duh. Onward!
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For the briefest of moments, Dark's mind drew a blank. His mission, the time, the place… it all flew from his thoughts. All he saw was those brilliant blue eyes, that feather-like halo of hair, those soft pink lips… Beautiful. His.
However he saw that said lips were curled in a frown and was ripped from his moment. Instantly his mind started whirling. What was Link doing here? He wasn't on duty, Dark was sure of it. Could he have known? But how? Unless… had Ranmaru said something? No, of course not. He hadn't known about tonight's job. But how then!
Confusion turned to frustration as Dark gritted his teeth and growled, "What are you doing here?"
Link wasn't visibly intimidated by the question, staring Dark down as he lifted his chin slightly. "I could ask you the same." Dark grimaced before straightening out his arm, the barrel aimed straight at Link's chest.
"Just stand down and let me do my job," Dark ordered, glancing over Link's figure looking for his firearms. And, of course, visible through his open jacket was the sling for the holster of a handheld pistol. He wasn't hiding the fact that he was armed.
"No. You let me do mine," Link replied, taking a slow step towards the thief. Instantly Dark flinched, lifting the gun up to point at the detective's face. Link froze.
"Don't be a dumbass Link!" Dark shouted angrily. He did not want to be forced to threaten him, but he had no choice. "Put your gun on the ground and your hands on your head, or else I'll have no choice. Don't make me do it!"
Link eyed him calculatingly. Dark wouldn't do that though… right? No, no way. He wasn't violent. He would never shoot someone. So, taking a deep breath, Link stared Dark straight in the eye and said, "You wouldn't."
"Link!"
"Look, let's just sit down and talk about this…"
"LINK!" Dark roared, his emotions frazzled and reaching their breaking point. He had to do this, he had no choice. God, of all people, why Link… Goddamn it! Why wouldn't that dumbass just let him be! He always made things so much more complicated, so much more confusing. Yes, his life had been crap before he met Link, but at least he wasn't so fucking screwed-over! Why couldn't he just go back to being the good-for-nothing lackey, the famous thief, the bad guy, anything he had been before! Why did he have to meet Link and see that there was more to life, only to know he could never have it. A paradise he could never know just taunting him, laughing in his face. He simply couldn't take it anymore!
"Take your best shot! I know you Dark, you would never shoot me! You can't--!"
And suddenly all went silent, broken only by the sickening echoes of metal hitting metal. Link's mouth hung open, his expression frozen between surprise and disbelief as he slowly looked down at his left shoulder. There, through the new tear in his jacket and sleeve, blood seeped out and left a small crimson circle in its wake. It had only grazed the skin, and would likely leave only a scab, but it was enough. It was a warning.
Link blinked a couple times, finally tearing his eyes from his wound and looking up in horror. The gun leaked a small swirl of smoke from it's opening, rising up and curling around, as if to frame Dark's face as the man sneered back wickedly.
"Link!" Rikuo shouted as he raced onto the scene. He had been hiding around the corner – Link had said he wanted to try to stop Dark alone. If it didn't work, then Rikuo was free to do as he pleased. Well, by his book, being shot at counted as a failure. He ran to Link's side, caught a brief look at the young detective's wound and turned to glare at the thief angrily. "You bastard!"
The mere sound of the silenced gunshot and Rikuo's voice renewed Yuki's strength as he quickly looked around the corner, his hands raised to his mouth. He attempted to run, whether to his wounded friend's or Rikuo's side, even he didn't know. But Dark held him back, thrusting his arm out and forcing the man behind him. Yuki cried out, "Dark! What have you done!"
The twisted smile on Dark's face only grew though as he tilted his head back to look at Yuki. His eyes held the look of a madman. He was no longer the Dark they knew. No, their Dark couldn't stand up against the impossible task in front of him, even with The Thief's strength on his side. Even the other self was no where to be seen. All that was left now was a crazed Dark with a twisted smile. "I warned him. I told him to stay out of my way. I merely kept my half of the bargain, that's all. Besides, it's only an arm. I wouldn't want to scar his pretty, pretty face."
"Yuki!" Rikuo shouted, his eyes wide as he saw his lover. He instantly spotted the bags under his eyes, his pale face, and the dark bruises that circled his neck. But what scared him most was the look in Yuki's eyes as Dark spoke to him. He looked as if he'd seen a ghost. The fragile man's body was shaking as he looked past Dark, looking to Rikuo with pleading eyes.
Yuki's mouth hung open as he tried to speak, his chest starting to rise and fall at a faster pace. Finally he said, in a quivering voice, "Please, Rikuo, j-just do as h-he s-says. I-I think h-he's lost it…"
"Lost it? No, I'm afraid you're wrong. We've lost nothing," Dark jeered as he looked back at Link and Rikuo, smirking. "We never had anything to lose. It was all stripped away from us. Look at us my fine fellows, for all that's left is this pathetic shell of a man you see. We've nothing to lose here. What you need to ask yourselves is, do you?" He tilted his head cutely. It only came off as haughty.
"Damn," Rikuo cursed, gritting his teeth. Link only looked on with bewilderment. He had never seen Dark like this, not a once. He seemed truly fierce, angry and, well, crazed. Was it… was it the final self? The side of Dark that Link had never seen before? Whatever it was, it frightened Link. But he couldn't give into it, because deep down there had to be the Dark that he loved. There had to be!
"Please Dark, don't do this!" Link cried, pulling against the grip that Rikuo had on his arm. "This isn't the real you! Please, stop hiding! We can help you – I can help you!"
"Link, stop!" Rikuo growled, holding him back. This was getting out of control, and it was obvious that Link wasn't in the right state of mind to help. So, taking on the responsibility himself, he quickly reached for his holster, his hand grazing the handle when there was the click of a gun-latch.
"Oh no, I wouldn't do that if I were you officer," Dark mocked, his gun now no longer pointing at Link, but at Yuki. He chuckled lightly to himself as he circled his prey before suddenly hooking his elbow around Yuki's neck, holding him close as he pressed the barrel of the gun against Yuki's temple. "We would hate to break your pretty, pretty doll, so might I suggest taking your hand off your gun?"
"No, Rikuo, don't do it!" Yuki pleaded, wincing as the hold on his still tender neck tightened. Dark cackled wickedly, pressing the gun closer as he brushed his lips against the man's ear.
"Do you wish to die dolly, is that it? I'll admit, I'm sure you would look just as pretty splattered on the wall…"
Clank. All eyes were on Rikuo as he glared at Dark, his pistol now lying at his feet as he muttered, "Fucker." Dark grinned victoriously, loosening his grip on his captive a little.
"That's a good officer. Now come along dolly, let's go get what we came for. Maybe, if they don't move, you can keep your pretty, pretty face," Dark said, half as a warning, half as pure malicious teasing. And so he dragged Yuki along, always sure to keep the poor man between himself and the detectives. At this point Yuki was near hysterics, his eyes wide and watering with fright. It was all Rikuo could do not to charge and tackle that bastard to the ground. If he could just get Yuki out of that man's hands, oh boy would Dark regret ever crossing his path…
Dark whistled gleefully to himself – Joyful, Joyful if Link was correct – as he moved his gun from one hand to the other so that the arm around Yuki's neck was attached to the hand with the gun, before plucking the key from his pocket. His hand stopped halfway to the keyhole though as another gun's safety was undone, the sound bouncing off the walls.
"Stop right there," Link ordered, pointing his gun at Dark's exposed chest – he had gotten careless as he moved the gun from hand to hand. The man looked at him curiously, almost looking sane for the briefest of moments, before a huge grin spread across his face.
"HAH! Don't make me laugh pet. You wouldn't shoot us. Not in a million, billion years," Dark mocked, moving to prove his point as he placed the key in the lock.
The room was split in two as the bullet went flying, bouncing harshly off the wall after whizzing past the thief's face. This time though the gunfire was loud, not at all muffled by a silencer. The ear piercing noise had them all holding their breath except Link – he merely stared hard at Dark, his hands shaking slightly and his breath quick. Only one word left his lips; "Stop."
"…Heh… Heheh… heheheh…" Dark giggled softly, his eyes kept in shadows by his usually swept-aside bangs. The laugh was dark and quiet, as if from morbid humor. Slowly though it grew, his head falling into the hand that had held the key – it was now in the lock – and his shoulders were shaking from his guffaw. Suddenly he flung his head back, his hair blown back and his mouth wide open as he howled with laughter. Rikuo and Link watched with wide eyes.
"Oh… Oh my, you are a funny one pet," Dark snickered, wiping the tears that had formed in his eyes. Link glared back tight-lipped. This only had the thief grinning more. "But surely, you just shot a wall. You can't expect me to be frightened if all you're able to do is shoot a wall."
"W-well, you just grazed me," Link argued weakly. A chuckle rose from Dark.
"My dear, dear pet, there is a huge difference between plaster and cement, and the soft vulnerability of flesh and blood. A wall does not scream," he said in a hushed voice, as if it were a secret. "But mortals… well, I'm sure you understand. It's very entertaining. Shall I give you an example? We do believe our pretty little dolly has a nice pair of lungs on him…"
"Don't you dare!" Rikuo yelled, his face contorted in sheer rage. Dark merely shrugged, a miserable smile on his face.
"Well, why don't we play a little game then?" Dark switched the gun back to his free hand, pointing it to Yuki's temple and placing his finger on the trigger. The captured detective choked back a whimper. Rikuo's scowl took over his whole face. Link watched warily, waiting for Dark's next move.
"I'm not going to play games with peoples lives."
"Oh, but if you want the dolly to live, you will," Dark replied casually, pressing the gun right under his captives chin. "It's simple really. If you shoot at us, I'll pull the trigger and boom! No more pretty, pretty dolly. That'd be an awful shame, no? So, if you don't like the game, drop your gun too." Link eyed the man calculatingly, as if trying to find a loophole. But he was unsuccessful. His Dark would never do it, but this, this thing… There wasn't a doubt in Link's mind that he would blast Yuki away without as much as a second thought.
But his Dark was still in there.
"You're not a murderer Dark. Please, just put down the gun…" Link said, only to receive a chuckle in response. Dark beamed at him.
"My, you really don't know much, do you?" Link blinked blankly, his stomach dropping as his anxiety suddenly increased.
"Sh-shut up! You're wrong!" Link cried angrily, "Dark told me everything! He told me about his childhood, his mother, his father--!"
"Did he?" Dark interrupted. Link froze, his mother hung open as the words vanished from his tongue. The man smirked, but this time it seemed bitterer than before. "Did he tell you about daddy dearest? About how he came to save your precious Dark, only to use him for his own income? Did he tell you about how he sold your precious Dark to a whore house without a moment's hesitation?" Link nodded slowly, swallowing hard. Dark only glared at him. "But did your precious Dark tell you what happened to daddy dearest?"
"Wha… what happened to him?" Link repeated nervously. Admittedly, he never heard what had happened afterwards. He had figured that Dark's father was never to be heard from again. Was he wrong? He must have been, judging from the pained laugh Dark let out.
"Just as I thought. You truly don't know anything about your precious Dark. Shall I tell you then? It's a truly despicable story," Dark said, the sneer on his face less out of humor and more out of pure hate. "You see, it wasn't enough for daddy dearest to just sell us away. Oh no, he couldn't just leave us alone. A real father wouldn't do that, right? So of course, a couple years later he comes to visit us. Isn't that just so kind of him? Oh yes, how very, very kind of him… and hateful."
Now there was no humor at all on his face. No, all that was left now was disgust and malice. His hand started to shake a little. "And what are the first words out of his mouth? His first greeting to his long lost son who he hasn't seen in years? 'Git over 'ere you fucking whore;' that's what he said to us. He looked at us with contempt, as if he were so much better. But he wasn't!" Dark suddenly yelled, his whole body shaking from rage. "His hands were covered in blood, and yet he dared to lay them on us! To dirty us with his disgusting filth!
"And you want to know the kicker? The thing that made it all the worse?" Dark asked, suddenly overcome with a calm complexion. Link only shook his head slowly, his eyes on the verge of leaking. He hated it. He hated to see this. He hated to have his lover's soul laid out by this despicable, enrage creature. He hated to know that this creature was, none the less, a part of said lover. But what he hated most was what was to come.
"He was there to use us again. It wasn't enough for him to just tear us from our home, keep us locked up, and then sell our body to be a plaything for others, he dared to come back and use us as his own! To act as if we were just another 'whore'! All those years we worked for daddy dearest, hoping that he could finally love us, only to find that he only wanted our body! I wouldn't stand for it!" Dark screeched, his face contorted with rage so he looked like a vengeful demon. His fast-paced pants were the only sound in the room. But, being the emotional rollercoaster that he was, he quickly quieted down, a small, vindictive smirk on his face.
"So you know what I did? I took that gun by his side and bang." He giggled. He tilted his head up so that he appeared to look down on them, a wide, twisted smile spread across his face. "No more daddy dearest.
"But they didn't like that. No, your precious Dark didn't want me to be part of him anymore. So he shoved me into the deep, dark corner, along with his memories of me. And there I sat, day after day, year after year. But it wasn't even me he hated anymore. No, soon after I was cast out, mere seconds really, Dark cast out the violent part. And he was blamed for the murder. He didn't tattle though. No, he didn't tattle on me, because he's not a tattletale.
"So there's your story pet," Dark finished, his teeth gleaming evilly. "Us, not a murderer? Ooh, I think you're wrong. We are a murderer. We murdered our daddy dearest in his own cold blood. So, again, I ask, put your gun down pet. I don't think this is the game for you."
Even if he had wanted to, Link simply couldn't move at first. His stomach was in knots, his throat constricted, and his head swimming and drowning. It simply couldn't be. It just couldn't! Certainly, Dark's father deserved a horrible end, but surely not from Dark. Dark couldn't just go and shoot someone. Those hands… were they really stained with the blood of his own father? Link could feel a small tear run down his face. In a small, quiet voice he said, "How… how could you…?"
Dark visibly flinched, his morbid happiness wavering. "Stop that! Don't look at us like that! He deserved it; he was asking for it! And… and we couldn't take anymore! We were already taken from home and being forced to give away our body everyday! Do you really think we could be happy that way? NO! He… we… Don't look at me like that!" he cried, shaking his head and biting his lip.
Without the maniacal smile, the laugh, the confidence, he was just a poor, tormented soul. Link could see now that this was all Dark's frustrations, shoved away to boiling and bubble under the surface. It was almost childlike, how something just hits them and they lash out, taking not only revenge for what that person did, but what all the people who have ever wronged them did. Dark had snapped, and he hated himself for it.
Link now knew what he would have to do. While this Dark didn't show any care for others, he was still Dark. Deep down, he had to care.
He had to love Link.
Gulping, Link didn't lower his gun; he in fact raised it. The other men watched in bewilderment as Link placed the gun under his chin, the barrel pointed up into his throat.
"Link! What the hell do you think you're doing!" Rikuo shouted. Link didn't look at him though; he looked Dark right in the eye. Dark eyed him oddly, his brows furrowed.
"Yes pet, what are you doing?"
"I'm playing your game," Link replied evenly. "You said you'd shoot Yuki if I shot you. Well, then I won't shoot you; I'll shoot myself." The man just continued to look at him funny before laughing uncomfortably. He didn't believe it, and he didn't mind letting Link know. The young detective just glared at him as he spat, "I will! If you hurt Yuki I swear to God I'll kill myself right here!"
"Link, this guy's fucking insane!" Rikuo protested, wishing bitterly that he still had his gun (Dark had kicked it into the corner on his way to the vault). Link only shook his head though and held the gun stubbornly.
Dark continued to stare as if to put the pieces together, but found that he was missing one. So, tilting his head, he asked, "Why would you do that pet? Why take away your precious life? As much as you may piss and moan about it, you have it good. A decent job, family, your dear little friends… you surely wouldn't give that up. What reason, what awful thing, could push you to pull that trigger?"
It was silent for a moment, and yet almost disturbingly loud as each could swear all the others could hear his racing heartbeat. Each was anxious, waiting. Finally, Link looked up with his piercing blue eyes.
"You."
"Me?" Dark asked, blinking at Link as if he were the crazy one. Even Yuki's terror filled eyes wavered momentarily with confusion. A few seconds passed before Dark just shook his head disbelievingly and laughed weakly, saying, "Oh, I see. But of course, who would actually be happy after being with us? We've only caused trouble anyway, so I can't say I'm surprised you loathe us so…"
"That's not what I meant," Link interrupted, his voice shuddering only slightly. "I could never hate you for that!" Dark's false smile fell.
"Then what pray tell? If not what we've done, what else?"
Link paused, as if he himself had forgotten with his sudden flood of emotion, but quickly regained his thoughts. He said in what he only hoped was an even tone, "What you might do here, that's what. I… I…" Stumbling on his words and unsure of how to proceed, his confidence was quickly pulled from under him, leaving him stumbling for support. But Link couldn't find any there; he was by himself now. He couldn't lean on anyone or ask for help. Not here. He would have to stand on his own two feet for once and fight his own battles, if only to finally finish what he had started.
He had to.
So, taking a deep breath, he forced himself to stand up straight and said, albeit desperately, "I don't want to see you become a cold-blooded killer, Dark. I'd rather die here and now than to watch you take Yuki's life!"
Taken aback, Dark's now widened eyes quickly narrowed as he scowled. "Haven't you been listening to anything I've said? We are a cold-blooded killer! Daddy dearest died by our hand! We killed him – I killed him – and who's to say we'd be any different if we killed this precious doll of yours!"
"I would!" Link cried, his free hand flung out to the side. "Your father did god-awful things to you, and while that doesn't make it right, there was still a reason as to why you did it. You were only protecting yourself from him and trying to finally put an end to your pain! Anyone would have done the same!"
"What do you know!" Dark all but screeched, his body trembling and his face twisted. "Have you ever been us? Have you ever felt our pain? NO! So how dare you try to say you do!"
"I didn't!"
"Than how is it any different! Whether I kill this man or not, I'm still a murderer! I'm still damned!" Dark stated, but now even his voice shook. He was at his wits end without an exit, without anyone – person or personality alike – to save him from his own damnation. He was the end of the line. There were no more "selves" to force this on. If not him, then who?
Who would take the blame so that the real Dark could still live with himself?
"DARK!" Snapped from his inner struggle, the personality looked up, only to become transfixed on crying blue eyes. The young detective's hands shook and his lip trembled as he said with surprising strength, "I can't speak for everyone, but I could never damn you for that. I could never damn a man for killing another if he had been wronged like you had. I forgive you for that.
"But if you kill Yuki, a man who has never done anything to you, that would make you a real murderer. And I… I can't even stand the thought. I would rather die than see you become a murderer. I still love you Dark. I love you!" Link sobbed, tears streaking down his cheeks. His whole body shivered and shuddered, almost as if it too were crying. "I love you… Oh god, I love you so much…"
"L-Link…?" Dark murmured softly, questioningly, unsurely. How… how could this man who had been so hurt, so pained by him, forgive him and love him when even Dark couldn't love or forgive himself? But even now, as he thought about it, the words struck a cord in his heart. That… that wasn't completely true… there was part of him that managed to love himself. Perhaps there was something that he couldn't see. Maybe, just maybe, he actually had good qualities. But what? What could be so good about him that such a horrible sin could be forgiven? How could Link love him?
'You'll have to ask him yourself. No, we'll have to ask him.'
Dark smiled lightly as the words came back to him. Perhaps that was what he had really needed from The Thief; the courage to find out. To finally find something that was good about himself; something he could love.
And the key was the one he loved. The key was Link.
Because he loved Link
Startled, Dark blinked with surprise as his cheek suddenly felt moist. He reached up to touch his face and pulled it back to find water on his fingers. They… they were tears. He was crying. Looking up he stared at Link, the other man staring confusedly through his tears. It suddenly struck Dark as well; he'd called him Link. Then… then that other thing had given him control, just like that? No, that couldn't be right. It hadn't felt like a switch. No it almost felt like when he and The Thief had combined. Had… had that other thing joined with him? But why? And these tears… what…?
…They were all gone. Well, not gone so much as not there anymore. The Thief, the other self, that other thing, just… gone. But also there. He was finally cured. After four years of splitting, fighting, talking, hiding… now it was over. He was just himself now, and no one else. Dark didn't have to think about himself as a whole as that which is called Dark.
For Dark was just that. Dark.
The hand gun made a loud clamoring as it hit the floor, spinning around before slowing and coming to a stop. Dark gently placed his hands on Yuki's arms, slowly lowering the detective to the ground as Yuki's strength left him. Instantly Rikuo was on the move, racing to kneel next to Yuki and grabbing him by the shoulders, worriedly asking, "Yuki, God, are you alright!"
"Rikuo…" Yuki murmured, reaching out his hand and desperately grasping onto the man's shirt sleeve, a weak, but genuine smile spreading across his face. "I was so worried I'd never see you again… I missed you so much…" Rikuo just bit his lip as he pulled his lover to his chest, holding him tightly and kissing his hair.
"Shit Yuki… I was so damn worried! Don't you ever do that again! Never! Cause I just… I just can't live without you babe," Rikuo admitted shamelessly, his back shuddering with what could only have been a silent sob. Unable to find the words, Yuki wound his arms around his lover and burrowed his face into his chest, finally finding himself able to breakdown and sob his heart out.
During the lover's reunion, Dark and Link just stared at one another, both slightly unsure of what to do next. After so much, could they really just hug and make up? Could it be that easy? But as Dark's scattered mind finished organizing itself, he found himself agitated and he stalked forward, wiping the tears from his eyes. Link watched, if not a little fearfully, as the man walked up, grabbed his wrist, and yanked it to the side, gun and all. The young detective yelped – the hold painfully tight – and felt the gun slip from his fingers as Dark growled, "What the hell do you think you were doing?"
"I… I just…" Link stammered aimlessly, feeling happy and flustered and intimidated and fearful and just about every other feeling he could think of. He looked away, rubbed his teary eyes and bit his lip before shaking his head murmuring, "I'm sorry, I just… I just thought that it might snap you out of it."
"And what if it hadn't!" Dark shouted. "Are you telling me you would have just pulled the trigger! That you would have just killed yourself over a good-for-nothing like me!"
"Yes." Dark blinked at him and sighed, his frustration dissipated just like that. Dropping the wrist, his hands skimmed up Link's arms, his right hand stopping just below the bullet wound there. After quiet investigation the man started to tear one of the sleeves off his shirt. Link reached out saying, "Dark, it's fine, you don't have to."
"But I want to," Dark stated as, with a last tug, the sleeve came free. He then quickly tied the fabric around Link's arm where the wound still bled a little, making sure it wasn't too tight. As he worked, he asked, "Why? Why would you do a stupid, idiotic thing like that?"
Link sighed. "Because I don't ever want to see you do something like that. I would have rather died."
"Dumbass."
"I know," Link laughed, looking over as the man finished wrapping up his wound. "But they say only fools fall in love, so it only makes sense." Dark paused, staring at the young detective as he smiled back. "I guess I'm just a fool."
Dark couldn't help smirking, his hand gently brushing Link's cheek as he leaned in closer, his forehead touching the detective's. "Yeah, but you're not alone. I'm just as foolish as you…" he murmured, the words ghosting across the other's lips. Link's eyes slowly closed as he anxiously awaited Dark's kiss.
However, as fate would have it, he would have to wait as just then a gun shot went off, the bullet digging deep into Dark's shoulder. The thief howled in pain, gripping his fresh wound tightly and falling to his knees. Link cried out his name, a sickening feeling coiling in his gut as he kneeled down and watched crimson bleed through Dark's tight grasp.
Yuki and Rikuo looked towards where the gunshots had come from. Wiping his eyes Rikuo shouted, "Shit, what the hell!" The hands that clung to his back tightened as Yuki's whole body stiffened, his eyes wide. Rikuo took quick notice, and knew something was terribly wrong.
How right he was.
Chief Ronalds stood at the bottom of the stairs, a gun wrapped in his large hand and a humorless smile pasted on his face. In a gruff voice that was weakly veiled by mock sincerity he said, "Oh, is that so? I'm ever so sorry. I just thought that, I dunno, you jackasses were supposed to be doing your Goddamn jobs!"
"You fucking bastard!" Dark cursed, grimacing as he moved to stand up. When he did, his eyes grew unfocused and his sight blurred, the blood that spilled from the bullet hole doing him in. Glancing from the chief and back to Dark, Link placed a hand on his good shoulder and the other to his chest, as if to keep the young man from moving. Even so, it didn't stop Dark from gritting through his teeth, "I'll kill you this time, you son of a bitch! Swear to god, I'll fucking kill you once and for all!"
"…what?" Link said, his brows furrowing. 'This time'? Had they met before?
Rikuo, his eyes never leaving the gun in The Chief's hand, asked to anyone who cared to answer him, "Wait, you two already met!"
"More than met…" Yuki muttered. All eyes were on the older detective as he looked up, glaring hatefully at Ronalds. The man glowered back as if daring him. Do it, do it if you dare, they taunted. Yuki wasn't going to back down. He said, in a clear, even voice, "Chief Ronalds is Dark Link's boss."
The world started to spin.
Link's mouth hung open and felt frozen where he knelt, everything he thought he knew shattered to pieces. The Chief was… The Boss? It seemed ridiculous, impossible; how could the chief of a police station be the boss of the largest crime ring in New York! Rikuo shared his feelings as the man shook his head, stammering, "W-what the fuck…? How the hell does that work!"
"Really, are you that stupid Saerchi?" Ronalds laughed viciously. "If anything, it makes more sense for me to be a ring leader than anyone else! I don't have to worry about being caught by the police, because I am the Goddamn police. And I don't have to worry about the other gangs because with one anonymous call they're out of business. Chief by day, Boss by night… a perfect double life, wouldn't you say!"
"Then… then you're the one who did this to Yuki!" Rikuo spat, fists clenched as he quickly got to his feet. He didn't get far though as Ronalds pulled back the lever on his gun; the barrel now pointed at the detective's head.
"Tsk, tsk, for shame Saerchi. You should know better than to challenge a criminal with a gun," Ronalds taunted, slowly walking towards the man. The smile on his lips took on a wicked curl, obviously up to no good. "But, if you must, then go on, try me. If it's a fight you want, then be my guest. It's your move."
Rikuo merely glared back, mentally cursing himself for his stupidity. Why, oh why, had he dropped his gun! But even so, as that man drew ever closer, Yuki's frightened grip on his pant leg tightened and breathing quickened. Of course, this only made Rikuo blood boil, and before he knew what he was doing he had Ronalds' shirt collar in one hand and his wrist in the other. The middle aged man yelped in surprise, flailing for a moment before fighting back, his muscle bulging as he slowly fought the grip on his arm, the gun's barrel lowering bit by bit.
"Rikuo!" Yuki cried just as the gun was at level with Rikuo's head, throwing himself forward against Ronalds' legs. The man cursed loudly as he started to topple over, his arms waving about erratically and the gun slipping from his fingers. This brought on more swearing as he heard the metal hit the floor and his struggle doubled until finally he freed his hand. He struck Rikuo in the stomach hard, the detective doubling over as a huge amount of air escape his mouth, the wind knocked out of him. And then, with a weak kick to throw Yuki off him, he spun in hopes of getting his gun back.
But it was too late for The Chief as the gun he so desperately sought was now held in the hand of The Boss's thief.
Dark held the gun with his left hand as his right still clutched his shoulder. Even so, at such a distance, accuracy was no matter. The thief couldn't miss. "You bastard! I'll make you pay for all the shit you pulled!" Dark roared. He pulled the trigger.
He missed.
Dark looked up in disbelief. Link held the gun-toting hand in his own, the barrel now pointed towards some random direction. He wanted to scream, to lash out, to rip his hand away, to demand an explanation… but he didn't. The hand he had on the gun was shaking terribly and easily let go as Link took the gun from his hands.
"Oh, Lennings, thank God! I always knew you were a good man," Ronalds laughed meekly. It abruptly stopped though as Link now had the gun and had it pointed at him. The middle aged man's smile died as he said, "Lennings…?"
"Sir, I love Dark and as such will not let him kill you since for him it would mean life in prison," Link stated, getting to his feet. "However, as an officer of the law, I have special privileges, so I suggest you raise your hands above your head and watch your mouth. Rikuo," – the man looked up, mostly recovered from the hit to his gut – "he's all yours."
Rikuo nodded, a malicious smile on his face as he walked up and took the gun from Link's hands. Oh, how long had he hoped to arrest that jerk off of a boss. This would be fun…
"Dark, you alright?" Link murmured, looking down at the man at his feet. Churning could hardly express what his stomach did at the sight; no, it was more like beating his insides with a large metal bat. Dark's arms were wrapped around himself, his back bent over and his shoulders shaking. He was crying, and Link knew it. "Dark…" He knelt down again, this time right in front of his love. His hand reached out, gently cupping Dark's face and lifting it up to reveal the man's tears.
No, that wasn't quite right. As he took in the confused, joyful and upset emotions that rolled down his cheeks, Link felt his heart stop as it hit him harder than it ever had before; Dark wasn't a man. Well, a full grown one at least. He was still young at the tender age of seventeen. Perhaps eighteen soon, but it didn't matter. For so long, from such a young age, he had been forced to take on the responsibilities of an adult and most likely took on the maturity along with it. But now, as he cried his tears, bitter and otherwise, his years showed through. He was young and in need of love.
Without a word Link embraced him, pulling the young man close. Dark hesitated, his hands unsure of what to do, but gave in. He wrapped both arms around Link's middle – leaving his wound uncovered – and held on tightly, muttering words into Link's shirt. The detective didn't know what he was saying, but it was alright. All Dark really needed was to say the words, to finally take his emotions and express them. Link rubbed his back and threaded his fingers through the young man's hair soothingly.
The burst of emotions didn't take long though as Dark slowly calmed, his tears drying and at a lost for words. But he still clung to Link, breathing in the sweet smell of the other's shirt and reveling in their closeness. He wanted to hold him more, to touch him and kiss him, to taste him and hear his angelic voice, but still he wouldn't move.
Eventually Rikuo handed the walkie-talkie to Yuki who then called in. It wasn't long before a small troop of officers stormed down the stairs, guns pointed in front of them. It was certainly an interesting scene for them to take in, what with their chief in handcuffs and the Thief Dark Link comforted in the arms of one of their own, but they took it in stride. They had been warned by Yuki hadn't they?
It took three of the men to hold and restrain the enraged Ronalds, forcing him up the stairs. A few others went to check Yuki, though Rikuo was obviously already set on driving the man straight to a hospital. Yuki protested, saying the injuries weren't that bad, but his words landed on deaf ears as Rikuo lifted him up in his arms bridal style. So, seeing they weren't needed, they joined the others who were checking on Link and Dark.
"He needs an ambulance!" Link ordered. "Someone call for an ambulance now!" There was no argument as without missing a beat the oldest of the officers called in to the hospital.
"Detective Lennings," the elderly policewoman said – Link didn't know how she knew his name, but didn't question it – "if he can stand and walk, it would be best to meet the vehicle outside. Is he capable of walking?" Dark nodded, pushing himself away so that he now faced Link.
"Yeah, yeah, I'm fine," Dark assured, more for Link's sake than his own as the young detective looked at him worriedly. "Just a little blood loss, that's all. A wound in my shoulder's not going to affect my ability to walk."
"Alright," Link conceded. The mature Dark was back. So, with the other officers' help, the two got to their feet. Dark leaned heavily on the young detective and stumbled a little as they walked up the stairs. Rikuo was only a little ways away, so he slowed and kept a careful eye on the pair.
After walking through the busy floor – the officers had already placed men to hold off the people there, but that didn't stop them from watching and calling out – and going down on the elevator, through the crowded lobby and out the swinging doors, they finally got outside. Already an ambulance was there, its lights flashing as emergency response personal raced over. It was then that the policewoman looked back at Link.
"Detective, if I may ask, is that the thief Dark Link?" Link gulped and bit his lip. Unable to find the words, Dark responded for him.
"The one and only, at your service," he quipped, only able to give a half smile before wincing at the pain in his shoulder. The woman sighed and frowned before telling the emergency response man to wait a moment.
"As I thought. Then I'm afraid I have no choice but to arrest you on charges of theft, amongst other things," she stated, glancing over at Link to see his response. The young detective looked to Dark, a look of pleading in his eye. What he could be pleading for was obvious – don't leave me – but who he was asking was unsure. Surely neither of them could stop it. It was the reality of their lives. No matter how they would have tried, in the end Dark would be arrested.
Dark let out a heavy breath before turning to the woman and nodding, saying, "Think nothing of it. It's your job after all; can't blame you for that." She gave a relieved nod, but still looked slightly perturbed.
"Thank you. Now, you have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in the court of law," she started, taking out a pair of handcuffs out of habit. Link made a move to ask if the cuffs were necessary, but Dark shook his head, smiling at him sadly.
"Link, I broke the law. This is the punishment. I don't want to run from my responsibilities anymore." Link nodded and remained silent.
"You have a right to a lawyer," the officer continued, carefully assisting Dark to stand on his own before cuffing them with a metallic clank. Link could feel a shudder race through his body from the lack of body contact with the young man. His arm still hung in the air aimlessly, as if searching to embrace Dark again. "If you cannot afford but want a lawyer, one can be appointed to you for free.
"And, now that all the legal mumbo-jumbo is over with, let's get you to the hospital," the woman said, leading the way to the ambulance. "Because you are under arrest, you will be under constant watch by police personal and will be staying in a specified room. And, I'm afraid I cannot allow Detective Lennings to accompany you to the hospital via this ambulance," she admitted. Link bristled.
"And why not!"
"Regulations I'm afraid," the elderly officer replied ruefully. "However, you are allowed to go to the hospital, but I cannot currently tell you when you'll be allowed to see him. I'm terribly sorry." It was obvious that she had already picked up on the fact that there was a relationship here, whatever she thought it may be, and Link was surprised to find that it didn't really bother him at all.
"But I have to see him!" he cried in frustration. Link started a little as a hand rested on his shoulder and he turned to see Rikuo (he would later learn that, even though Dark should have had an ambulance of his own because he was a "dangerous" criminal, they would allow him to go with Yuki so he could get there faster, but only if Rikuo didn't go along. It irritated the man to no end, but he knew he had to give up his spot.).
"Link, just let it go. There's nothing to be done about it now, and Dark Link needs to get to a hospital without delay," Rikuo said, and Link knew he was right. Even so he looked back at Dark with a sorrowful yearning.
"Dark…"
The young man smiled back at him reassuringly. "I'll be fine, really. Just come visit me when it's legal to, alright?" With that said Dark stepped towards the young detective and leaned towards him, kissing him on the mouth. Link's eyes were wide like saucers, his cheeks turning a bright red. But even so he kissed the young man back, his hand rested on Dark's neck. It was a quick kiss – no more than six seconds tops – and yet Link could feel his knees grow week and butterflies dance in his stomach. Things would be alright, he was sure of it.
"I love you Link," Dark murmured softly as their lips parted, smiling.
Hesitantly glancing from the couple to Rikuo, the policewoman gulped and tugged on the chain of the handcuffs. Dark straightened up and turned, walking into the group of emergency personal that awaited him. But not before winking at Link.
As he got into the vehicle Link yelled, "Dark!" Said man turned. "I love you too!"
The ambulance doors were shut. The driver ran around to the driver's seat, revving the engines and sounding the siren as he sped away. The two men stood there on the asphalt, glancing at each other for a moment before nodding and walking to Rikuo's car parked in the lot. The car roared as it came to life, racing after the ambulance.
I'll never let go of you again Link thought to himself. I'm coming for you Dark.
I love you.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
That night Dark was taken to the emergency room where he had a surgery to remove the bullet from his shoulder. Things got sticky when it was found that it had been a frangible bullet, so it broke up when it hit the bone. While this did save the bone from being broken, it also meant that there were smaller fragments of the bullet the remove. Luckily it went smoothly, albeit taking longer, and he was soon moved to another room to recover. There, due to blood loss from nicking a blood vessel, he was set up with a blood transfusion. As the policewoman had said, he was under police watch, so his room was guarded as a prison cell. Only police and hospital personal were allowed in that night, which was fine really, as Dark slept straight through the night thanks to his sedatives.
Yuki was seen to by a doctor and, other then bad bruising, anemia, low blood sugar and some sprained muscles, was fine. He was put on an IV and given some vitamins, and would later be released the next day. Rikuo and Link stayed with him throughout the night, discussing what had happened on both sides over the past few days. Link had been tempted to leave the two alone, but they said it was fine. Yuki wanted him to be there, and Rikuo knew that Link needed to know he was there for someone. They had already checked with the policewoman, but she said it would be at least 24 hours before they could next see Dark.
Luckily for Link, the woman pulled some strings and he got to see Dark the next day around noon. Dark was pretty out of it, but Link didn't mind. He stayed for a couple hours before the officers said his visit time was over. Link came to visit Dark everyday.
It was soon learned that Ganondorf Ronalds was arrested under theft, rape, illegal sale of drugs, murder, and countless other crimes. However, due to his reputation amongst his men – criminal and otherwise – few witnesses came forward, those who did had little evidence. So, after Rikuo's suggestion, Dark was asked to stand in Ronalds' trial and give his story. They promised that if he did so, despite the danger of revenge, he would not only be allowed to stay in the hospital longer then is typical for criminals, but also only be placed in jail for the remainder of a six week period with a greatly reduced bail. He agreed.
A month later, Ronalds was found guilty on all accounts, Vaati was caught and put on trial, and Dark was found healthy enough to be released from the hospital. However, he found himself in the open arms of prison.
While it would only be a few weeks, Link was desperate to bail his lover out. He was afraid of what might happen to Dark, especially since he was unable to protect himself because of his injury. But, even after going over his bank numbers, looking at the option of a loan, and most every financial opportunity available to him, he found he just couldn't afford to bail Dark and pay for his medical bills without going homeless, which was deemed irrational by Rikuo and Yuki.
However, his answer soon came in the form of a call from his mother. It seemed that Sheik, whom had been at Link's taking care of Poe during the night of the Ronalds' arrest, had informed his sister of all that was going on, and word soon spread. Within the month that Dark had been in the hospital, Julia had talked with all her friends, family, and fellow townspeople to raise money for Link. Zelda had called all her college friends. Ranmaru – who Sheik had started dating – had all the other barkeeps donate their tips to the cause. With all the money from those people and some from Rikuo and Yuki, Link found himself able to bail Dark out and pay his bills with a far smaller portion of his savings.
Dark was bailed out of jail and moved in with Link.
Because of the loss of their chief, Rikuo was promoted by the NYPD to fill Ronalds' role. Yuki was quickly promoted by Rikuo to be vice-chief since Rikuo refused to stop being Yuki's partner. This arrangement worked well with the new addition to their household.
It was decided very soon after Dark's arrest that Poe would be better off staying with Yuki and Rikuo. Not only were they older, but they had a far more stable lifestyle than Link did. They had the money to take care of a child of his needs. School, tutoring, a psychologist… they could provide it all for him. It was officially decided during Yuki's recovery when he and the boy bonded; they would adopt Poe. Because of their new position, one of them could leave around two o'clock to be at home with Poe. The schedule worked out well as, after a smooth adoption, Poe was sent to school.
The boy's birth parents, dead or alive, were never found.
As earlier mention, Sheik and Ranmaru soon after the night of Ronalds' arrest started a relationship of sorts. It became difficult though as soon Sheik knew he'd have to eventually go back home. After much talk, he instead moved in with Ranmaru and applied for a job with the NYPD. He quickly got it.
It goes without saying that both Ronalds' and Vaati's organizations quickly died off. Both buildings were raided and most of the criminals caught. All of Vaati's prostitutes were rescued.
So, without further ado, we return to our hero.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
It was snowing outside.
This was nothing new; it had been snowing on and off for over a month now. But even so, it still seemed just as wonderful as it ever was. Those delicate flakes of frozen water dancing happily in the wind were like a Godsend. How could such pure and beautiful things fall from a grey and dismal sky like that? Despite its ashy complexion, the snow that escaped the heavens seemed to just shake it off and reveal it's true colors – or lack thereof. It was pure, despite its dark and depressing past. Renewed. Reborn. Life anew.
How Link could have once thought of it as frozen tears was beyond him as he watched it fall past his window. "It's amazing…"
"Hmm?" Dark mumbled, his mouth pressed against Link's bare neck. The detective moaned softly as the young man nipped at his skin, moving his head to the side to reveal more.
"The snow. It's amazing," Link replied before letting out a startled cry as Dark's hand found the warmth between his legs. His body arched back, gripping his lover's shoulders to keep him upright as he was straddling Dark's lap. The younger man chuckled.
"Obviously I'm not doing my job if you can still talk about the snow," Dark teased in a gruff voice, laying wet kisses along the detective's shoulder and down his chest as he fondled his arousal. Groaning, Link shifted his hips closer, looking for stronger friction. It worked as his lover tightened his hold, causing Link to softly cry out his name.
"N-no… You're doing a… a v-very good j-job… oh God!" Link yelped as the free hand slid down his side and made its way to his entrance, two fingers easily slipping inside him. Link's fingers tightened their grasp as his pants came harder and faster, the assault continued at a slow, controlled pace. How was it that this young man could stay so calm? It was mind-boggling.
"Always good to know," Dark chuckled, taking one of Link's nipples into his mouth. The detective gasped and moaned loudly, his body shuddering without knowing what else to do. He arched up against the young man's mouth, but he also wanted to thrust against the fingers inside him and the hand that held him. But he simply couldn't do it all, so he was just left trying his best. Soon though another finger was added, and he knew just what he wanted.
"Then… t-then j-j-just… Uhn, just do it!" Link cried, his head flung back as he pushed against the fingers feverishly. Snickering, Dark released his lover's arousal, both his hands now on his behind as he positioned his lover. But not just yet. He kissed Link's ear, briefly sliding his tongue in it, which ultimately caused the detective to moan impatiently.
"Such a pushy bottom you are."
"Dark!"
"Alright, alright," Dark murmured before swiftly thrusting into Link. The detective yelped, his arms wrapping around his lover's shoulders and neck as his body shook. Having not been the first time they'd made love that night, he was ready quickly and soon was moving against Dark. His nails dug into the young man's shoulders as Dark thrust up hard, sheathing himself deep into Link. Unable to stand it any longer, Dark rolled over so that he towered over his lover, finding it easier to control the pace. Well, what little control he had as he still plunged in deep, the sweet sound of Link's cries filling his ears. Link eagerly moved up to him, physically begging him to go even faster. Soon it became so erratic that a steady pace became impossible. Without a moment's warning Link cried out Dark's name as he came, followed soon after by his lover.
And so the two laid there, spent and satisfied. Dark nuzzled his face against Link's neck, a habit that had recently shown itself. Link didn't mind at all; in fact, he found it to be adorable. He'd never tell Dark that though.
As his thoughts slowly came back to him, Link remembered something. "Dark?"
"Yes?" Dark replied.
"Can I ask you something?"
"So long as it isn't about the snow, then yes," Dark quipped, smirking against his lover's skin. Finding it to be too tempting, he laid a little kiss on it. Link chuckled.
"No, it's not about the snow. I was actually wondering when you'd turn eighteen," Link admitted. Dark paused, tilting his head as he thought. That was odd. "Dark?"
"…To be perfectly honest, I don't know," Dark said. Shifting a little so he could look at the young man, Link eyed him curiously.
"You don't know your own birthday?"
"Nope," Dark stated with a shrug. "I guess it's just one of those little facts that you don't really think about when you have so much shit to deal with. I only knew what year I was born in, so every New Year I just say I'm a year older. I don't really know how old I am exactly. I could be eighteen for all I know."
"…Want to find out?" Link asked. It was now Dark's turn to shift so he was looking his lover straight in the eyes.
"What?" he asked curiously. Link grinned before gently pushing Dark off and crawled over to the bedside table on which sat a small piece of paper. He picked the paper up and handed it to his lover, who promptly glanced at it before looking back with a befuddled look in his eyes.
"…I still don't get it. This is a phone number."
"Yes," Link said. "The phone number of an elderly woman named Joanna Ater. Sound familiar?" Dark paused for a moment of thought, looking just as perplexed until it hit him. His eyes grew wide and he gaped at Link, as if unsure that it could possibly be true.
"You… you don't mean…?"
"I do," Link stated, giving him a huge smile. "If I'm right, that should be your grandmother's phone number. So give her a call; I'm sure she'll know your birthday."
Dark glanced from his lover to the scrap of paper in his hand, then back to Link in disbelief. Slowly though a smile grew on his own lips, his eyes seeming to sparkle with joy. "Link… how…?"
"Just a little research."
Dark gave the paper one last look before leaning over Link, placing it back on the table. Just as the detective was about to give word of protest, Dark smirked at him and murmured, "Someone has just earned themselves the best sex of their life."
Link blinked at him before grinning, leaning over to kiss the young man deeply, their lips seeming to mesh together. He eagerly let Dark's tongue enter his mouth, shivers racing up his spine as the sensation spread throughout his body. They broke away from the kiss, gazing longing at one another.
"I love you so damn much Link. You have no idea."
"Eh, I think I can understand it pretty well."
"Oh?"
"Yeah, cause I love you too," Link murmured, sealing Dark's lips with another kiss. He would never have to part with his lover again. Never.
For their little game of Cops and Robbers was finally over.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
...I love Absolutewrite so much. Cool details about Dark's wound are all thanks to them.
….Not only the last chapter, but the longest chapter. Lol, anyway, it's so amazing to me that it's over. I mean… after writing about these guys for so long (some for just this story, but other for my previous story as well! Two years!) it's almost like they become a part of me, ya know? No? Eh, I'm just weird. But they'll always be something I carry with me the rest of my life. I love my babies so much. X3
Now, a question I'm sure you're all wondering, what's next? What's my next story going to be? Well, I'll tell you… I have no idea. XD Lol, no, seriously, I don't know what I want to do. I'll probably take the opportunity to write a couple oneshots for other categories that I've been thinking about, and I've promised a friend to continue a story she's dropped, but knowing me, I'll end up with a long-running fic again. When it comes to long-running fics, I have a few options I'm thinking of. Before you ask though, no, only one of them is a LoZ one. I think I'm about ready to move on from this realm. However, I am seriously thinking of rewriting Four of a Kind just because it's so bad. DX So I might do that. And if not that, then probably one of the original stories I've started on. Which means I'd have to post it elsewhere. Possibly fictionpress or DA. I dunno. But for anyone who would like to be informed when I make my choice, and who would like to continue reading my works via original stories, then just mention it in your comment and I'll give you a ring when I decide. Just put a little "Keep me updated!" or something in your comment. And for you anonymous commenters, just put your email there and I'll contact you through that.
Thank you all so very, very much! I could have never finished this story without your help! Thank you for dealing with my random writer's blocks and trips and who knows what else! I love you all more then you can ever know! And my babies love you too!
Buh bye!
