Disclaimer: Weiss isn't mine. Shocker, I know.

Heart's Truth

Chapter 7

Schuldig distanced himself from Yohji for the next week feigning work while he searched for the source of the mysterious thoughts he picked up earlier. Each day he used a different disguise to keep his would-be stalkers guessing and each day he came up empty-handed. As the days passed he became more and more alarmed at his inability to find any trace of the person whose errant thoughts had sent him on this chase.

..--ford…I'll…...shield….thoughts…

Those words haunted him whether he was sleeping or awake. When he'd finally broken down towards the end of the week and gone to see Yohji, he was too tired to really enjoy the time they had together. After three days of searching and barely sleeping or eating, he made his way to Yohji's apartment taking a very convoluted and roundabout route.

"It's about time you got here! You called over an hour ago. What happened?"

Schuldig felt the stress melt away at the sight of the lanky blonde with the sparkling green eyes. He pulled flowers from behind his back and smiled.

"I know, I'm sorry. But I got caught up in a scheduling duel. Forgive me?"

Yohji took the flowers and raised an eyebrow as he smelled the fragrant bundle.

"Depends. Did you win?"

Schuldig leaned in and gave Yohji a quick kiss on the cheek before passing him and entering the apartment, throwing himself on the sofa.

"In two days I'll have four whole days to devote to you."

Yohji closed the door and went into the kitchen to put the flowers in some water. Although he didn't show any outward signs, Yohji could hear the fatigue in Sai's voice. He's been working really long hours lately and he was already burned out to begin with. He needs to rest. He walked back out and placed the flowers on a side table and joined Sai on the sofa.

"Does that mean you're here to ruthlessly have sex with me and then leave?"

Schuldig couldn't match the mischievous smile he was receiving and he felt guilty. It wasn't because he didn't desire the man sitting next to him. He was just too tired to do anything about it at the moment. But if I want to get some sleep, I'm going to have to put him to sleep first. I'm so sorry, Katzchen.

Yohji saw the tired smile and he chuckled. He reached out and pulled Sai to him, stretching out on the sofa and letting the tired man rest his weight on him and use his chest as a pillow. He stroked the soft ebony hair and smiled when he heard the content sigh.

"Are you hungry, babe?"

"Mmmm, no. I just need to lay here with you right now. Is that ok?"

"Of course."

The pair lay on the sofa in the quiet apartment, streaks of orange light painting the walls as the sun slowly descended. Yohji was thinking about the trip Sai had proposed as he let the man fall asleep on him. I think the trip would be good for him. For us. But….six months? Maybe I can get him down to three.

As Yohji envisioned the fun they would have, he felt his eyelids getting heavy. I should get up before I…..fall asleep. I wanted….to send that email….to….Omi…

Schuldig waited until he heard the steady breathing and felt the hand fall from his hair before he attempted to move. He looked down at the sleeping blonde and felt his heart constrict painfully. His love for Yohji, his fear for Yohji's safety and his guilt for hiding from the man he loved were tearing him apart.

"I wonder….I think you would go away with Sai. But would you go away with Schuldig?"

He leaned up and gave Yohji a tender kiss before settling back onto his chest to get some much needed sleep. I love you, Yohji. I believe in our love. I believe in your love for me. I think the time has come to stop hiding from you.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"Six months! Are you crazy!"

Yohji had expected the outburst that's why he didn't flinch as the younger man practically screeched at him. Sai was traveling for a few days for business so Yohji thought he'd take the opportunity to speak with Omi about the proposed trip, hoping his friend could shed some light on the situation one way or another.

"Not crazy, just unsure. I'm having a hard time deciding whether or not to go."

"You're actually considering going?"

Yohji just shrugged and offered that cocky grin Omi knew so well.

"Yeah. I love Sai and the prospect of taking this trip with him excites me."

"I'm getting pretty sick and tired of hearing about this Sai person. Explain to me again why I haven't met this man yet?"

"I've told you. He travels and works weird hours. We've tried to make plans but between the schedule of a translator, a private detective and the head of, um…." Yohji gestured with his hand and quickly gave up looking for an appropriate term. "…..this, things just haven't synched up yet. Don't worry, you'll meet him, Omi."

"How? When! You're going to be gone for six months. And just how do you plan on affording this little excursion? What about your clients? You think they're going to wait for you to come back?"

Omi took a calming breath and ran his fingers through his hair in frustration.

"I hate sounding like the bad guy here, Yohji, but----"

"It's ok. That's why I wanted to talk to you about this. You're my friend and I knew you would be honest and not hold back."

"Why six months? Why not go for a few weeks come home, work for a few months and then leave for another few weeks? Why such a drastic amount of time?"

Yohji had asked himself the same questions. His past had taught him to be suspicious first and trusting second. But with Sai's family history combined with how rundown he'd become, Yohji could easily see Sai wanting to take an extended holiday. His wanderlust has been held in check for too long.

"He's used to traveling for extended periods of time with his family."

"Then let him go with them."

"They're dead."

"Oh. Well, what about---"

"I think I'm gonna go, Omi."

Yohji smiled and sat up, taking a drink and placing it back on the glass table between them. He still found it amusing that Omi kept a decanter of bourbon in his office. I don't think I've ever seen him drink any.

"I've never been able to travel and it would be nice to do while I'm still young and with somebody I care about." He saw the younger man begin to protest again and he plowed ahead with his reasoning. "And….I've got a fair amount of money saved up, plus it won't just be me paying for everything. And as far as my clients are concerned….if I lose them, then I'll handle it."

"But, Yohji…"

"What can I say, Omi? I love him and he makes me happy. With him by my side, I feel stronger. I feel….whole."

Omi was still skeptical and made a mental note to put surveillance on Yohji immediately so he could find out all he could about this Sai person. He'd been respectful of Yohji's wishes and had been very patient. Time's up, Yohji. I can tell how much you love him and I'm happy for you but…..it scares me. I won't see you hurt again.

"Omi?"

Yohji didn't like the look in the big blue eyes. They'd narrowed, focused and Yohji knew from years of experience that when Omi had that look, he was plotting. Calculating. Moving his chess pieces into position.

"Hmm? Oh, I'm sorry. My mind just kinda----"

"Started planning a way to keep me from going."

"No! I swear, I wasn't---"

"Omi. I've known you too long. I appreciate your concern and I know I would do the same for you. But no mater what you do….I'm going."

The two friends sat there, green and blue meeting in an intense gaze that became a silent conversation. Both men used their wills and years of friendship to communicate their concerns, happiness and thankfulness for the other. And in the end Omi sat back with a sigh and pinched the bridge of his nose.

"You better send me lots of postcards."

"I will."

"And call."

"Absolutely."

"And I want a detailed itinerary of---"

"Omi." The young man looked up to see his friend smiling at him and try as he might, he couldn't stop himself from smiling back. "I'm not going away forever. I'll be back."

"I know."

Yohji chuckled and took another sip from his glass before leaning over and ruffling Omi's hair.

"I've gotta go. I have a client meeting. I'll cal you in a few, ok?"

"Ok."

Omi smiled at the winking man as he exited his office. Once the door clicked shut he sighed once again and his gaze fell to the glass on the table. He leaned up and reached out, picking the glass up and turning it so he would drink from the same side as Yohji. He took a sip and welcomed the burning liquid sliding down his throat.

"Goodbye, Yohji."

To be continued….