Lies

He had watched as Ginji awoke.

He had watched as Ginji stared.

He had watched as Ginji dressed.

He had watched as Ginji ran.

Only hours ago, the blond haired male had left his house and left him alone. He was currently sitting in the kitchen, a mug of cold coffee before him. He had pictured this moment. But not the reaction. He had imagined himself smirking in triumph over the picture of everyone's reactions. But he had a frown on his face. The memory loss was to last until Ginji had realized he loved him. And that was last night. If he could, he would make another wish and lengthen the time. But the rules of Kismet wouldn't allow that. The same person couldn't make a second wish for ten years following the end of the first wish. Which is why, before making the first wish, you would need to think it over and phrase it without flaw. A single person could make a total of nine wishes with the ten years in between because a cat has nine lives.

"I never would have foreseen this outcome…and even now…it is hard to believe."

Ginji was a mess. He had ran and walked for hours. Now, he stood in front of the Honky Tonk. He didn't even know how long it had been seen he'd last set foot in it. He had forced himself not to think about anything except what he would tell the others…what he would tell Ban. He was sure that they thought he was being held against his will. He shook his head. He didn't want to think right now. Maybe he could tell Ban that he didn't want to talk and would tell him things later. With a final sigh, he made his way into the Honky Tonk.

Ban's eyes went wide as he glasses slipped down his nose. He couldn't believe what he was seeing. He rushed to his blond companion and wrapped his arms around his shoulders. Ginji, hesitantly, slid his hands around Ban's waist.

"I've missed you so much Ginji." He pulled away slightly, arms still around him. "What did that psychopathic freak do to you?" Ginji pulled Ban closer and buried his head in his chest.

He had been amused by me…used me for his sick and twisted pleasure…but the last few days…the kisses…and last night…he actually cared, especially last night…he had waited for me to consent. I understand everything now but…I feel sad for leaving him…but Ban…I'm so confused! I love Ban…I had for a very long time, two, almost three years now…and then this happens…and I…what am I going to do?

"Ginji…" Tears soak through Ban's shirt. "Come on…let's go home."

Ginji sighed deeply as he sat in the bathtub. He insisted on taking one. Ban was waiting for him. He would ask him many questions. Some he didn't want to answer and some he didn't even know the answer to. He gazed down at the water, not really looking at it. He didn't take a shower because he knew his strength would give out so sitting was the better choice. Now was the time for him to think.

I love Ban. He was the reason why I left…that place. We've worked together for years and started to become a couple a few years ago. There's a lot of history there. But now there's Akabane. And…I meant what I said last night. I do love him. At first, I was so disgusted with myself…but then…it's not like he had hurt me or anything. I had a good time with him. And he even, somewhat, opened up to me. Now I know…I've finally seen him as a human being and not just some psycho. Of course I still hate him for the way he kills but…now I know that he actually has a heart…somewhere inside anyways. I will never accept how he works but…something's telling me that that shouldn't matter. But I can't go to him. What about Ban! He's risked his life to save me during this week. He fought Akabane for me. He knew he wouldn't be able to win and yet he still did. Even that job we did for that weird owl-looking guy. And when we entered that place where my past was…he risked his life again. Then the times following that he risked his life. How can I ever even consider leaving Ban! I love him, I really do. I would never do anything to hurt him, least of all this. I've got to tell Akabane this. It's the least I can do since I'm choosing my Ban over him.

Ginji sighed and glanced up at the ceiling, only realizing now that tears were running down his cheeks.

Akabane finished washing the few dishes he had before leaving the house. He needed to get some air. The night was slowly dawning but the sky was covered in clouds. He had thought and dwelled on things for most of the day. He didn't want to think anymore. Usually, he would be in the mood to kill someone. But not today. Today was different. He walked to the park and to the bridge which over looked the city. Even though it caused thoughts to form in his mind, he still liked this place. Soft drop started to fall from the sky. He didn't have his jacket, nor did he care. Seconds later, the rain started to fall more heavily upon him.

"Akabane-san?" he turned his head.

Ginji was ten feet from him, still in the clothes he had borrowed. He looked troubled and his eyes were slightly reddened. He had been crying… Akabane forced his usual smile on his lips.

"Ah, Ginji-kun, where is your partner?"

"I told him I wanted to be alone for a little bit." He walked closer until a couple of feet separated them.

"Oh?" Akabane raised an eyebrow. "I was sure he would have been marching into my house to kill me. Or perhaps this is a diversion while he sets up some traps?" His voice was amused, even if he didn't feel it.

"I hadn't…told him…anything yet. I was hoping to find you."

"Not afraid to face me alone, are you?"

"I'm not here to fight you. I wanted to tell you something."

"And what could you possibly have to tell me that you would risk sickness in this horrid weather?"

"I meant what I said last night."

"I already know that Ginji-kun. That was the plan."

"But you didn't plan on feeling it too, right?"

"And what makes you think I feel the same?"

"I know you do…but that's not the point." Ginji shook his head before turning to the scenery. "I can't be with you."

"Why would I want you to?"

"STOP IT!" Ginji yelled and faced the older male once again.

He reached up and grabbed the neck of his dress shirt, pulling him down. They stared at each other. Ginji was searching frantically for something. But Akabane concealed every emotion except for cold amusement. They stayed that way for nearly five minutes before Ginji spoke.

"Please…don't lie to me. You could have killed me in some horrifying way and still get a deep reaction out of Ban and the others! Why…why did you come up with this idea!"

"Because, Ginji-kun, it is extremely amusing to break someone mentally rather then physically. Now you will have to live with what happened between us."

"You're lying!"

"Why would I?"

"Just tell me the truth!"

"That is the truth."

"No! It's not! Maybe in the beginning it was but what about now?"

"It is still the truth."

"NO! IT'S NOT!" He broke eye contact to shake his head furiously before returning the gaze.

"Gin-"

"STOP! I…I don't want to hear your lies! I want to know…I want to hear…that you love me."

"But-"

"Please…just…stop it…" Ginji sank to his knees as he let his grip on Akabane's shirt loosen.

"If you are in love with Ban then this is pointless and you should return to him. See you again soon…Ginji-kun."

Akabane turned and started to leave. Ginji heard his footsteps and glanced up at his retreating form. He hands slowly curled into fists on the pavement. He started to glare at his back before standing up and running after him.

"Akabane-san!" The male turned upon hearing his name and, as a result, was forced to the ground.

His eyes widened in shock as Ginji had tackled him. He was now straddling the older male's hips and had his fists full of the dress shirt. He glared down at him, at that damn smile of his.

"Just admit it! I know it's true but…I…I need…I need to hear it."

"Ginji-kun…what would be the point of saying it if you are going back to Ban?"

"I…I just…need to know. I need to know if what happened between us was real or part of a game. I need to know if you love me."

"It was a game…"

"Oh." Ginji frowned down at him.

"…in the beginning." Ginji's eyes widened as he sat up quickly.

The rain continued to beat down upon them. It had gotten heavier in the last few minutes but they didn't care. Lightning and thunder had even made an appearance but it was ignored. They just continued to stare at one another.

Akabane pushed himself up on his elbows. He was no longer smiling. He was frowning.

"It is true…but like I said, what would be the point?"

"I needed to know. I was set on telling you that I was staying with Ban…but then I thought…what if you meant some of the things that happened? Then that would mean, I had changed you in some way."

"But you disagree with the way I work."

"Well…yeah…I mean, it's wrong and such but…I still love you. I can't stop myself even when I know that and even though there's still Ban to consider."

"And what will you do about him?"

"I can't…I can't stop being a GetBacker. I just can't. Ban is still my friend as well. I can't just abandon him totally and I can't do that to the others too. I've done that once before and things didn't turn out so good." Ginji sat more fully on Akabane's thighs.

"Just go back to him."

"But-"

"Go."