Ran blushed. That was a very... direct confession. Yet, some annoying spot inside him was jumping with glee. He sank back, a little embarrassed to say anything.

"Anyway, I finally said it… But it's weird… " Height scratched his neck in wonder.

"Down right it's weird… We're both guys and here you are saying such things.." Ran retorted, crossing his arms.

"That's not it."

Ran blinked. "Then what is?"

Height got up all of a sudden, pulling Ran up with him. The redhead half yelped and gasped when the crossbreed pulled him close, locking him between encircled arms and a bigger form.

"Height, what is up with you…" He grumbled, hiding his red face by looking down. (Which apparently was pretty scary due to the height they were at on the tree)

"Just doing it the more comfortable way", Height replied and shifted dangerously close to Ran's ear. "Will you by my mate?" He whispered.

"That's supposed to be more comfortable?!" Ran blurted, pushing Height almost an arm's length away. Of course, the crossbreed just stared in confusion.

"If you're asking me, frankly, yes", the other shrugged.

Oh for the love of… Ran buried his face in his hands. Height isn't the least bit affected by what he himself had just said!

"That's even weirder than Schuldich bubble-bathing in a pink showercap (not that he saw it)..." He uttered.

"Ran, I'm serious", Height frowned. Ran looked up at the blue eyes, mouth a little open to say something, but nothing came out. "Look, I don't expect an answer right away, but I'll still be persistent til you give me a reply."

"Height.." Ran finally said. "We… I mean, we're different. No matter how much you might say so, we can't just-"

"Yes we can", Height cut in, placing a hand over Ran's mouth. It has nothing to do with the differences. You're not exactly different to what I am. I'm not losing you to anyone else."

"That's the second time you said that…" Ran sighed. He really appreciated how Height was finding so many means and ways to… protect him? "Height…"

The other reached over and grabbed his arm. "I'll give you time to think… but just tonight… stay with me?"

Ran had no other reason to decline. He didn't give an exact reply of a yes or no, but Height assumed it was a yes and suddenly dropped against the tree, causing the redhead to pipe a little.

Ran was close to wriggling out of the grasp when the crossbreed wrapped his arms around him. A sudden wave of security swept him… and it wasn't only because of the arms. Even the white wings were shielding him from the night chills. Ran released his curled fingers, relaxing into the embrace.

He didn't even know when he fell asleep.

-------

The next morning, Ran woke up and found himself back in his own room. Brushing a hand through his hair, he sighed. What was he going to do now…

He jumped when he heard two sets of thunderous footsteps racing up the stairs. At first he thought it was just a small matter… until Omi and Ken barged into the room without warning.

"Aya-a?!" Ken fell to the ground when some extra foot got into his path. He tumbled to the ground and Omi squealed when an arm went over his eyes.

Taking the chance, Ran managed to get his coat on to hide his wings right on time before the brunette recovered and Omi's vision restored when Yoji removed his arm.

"Ain't nice to yell someone awake now, you two", Yoji yawned, faking it.

Ran shrank back a little, thankful for the blond's help.

"What's the problem?" Ran asked.

"Read this!" Ken almost barked at him, but in a shocked manner. He pulled out a folder all four of them was familiar to. The mission one.

Taking the file, he flipped it open and started reading.

"Manx didn't even say a word. She just handed it to us and left. Explain yourself, will you?" Ken bit his lower lip.

"And say that the information isn't true?" Omi begged.

"What's wrong with you two?" Yoji frowned. "You guys don't have to get so worked up because of a mission…" He paused when he saw Ran's face paled.

"I think they have every right to…" Ran turned away and stretched his hand out, waiting for Yoji to take it.

The blond, annoyed, swiped it from the redhead.

Under the due said circumstances, all affiliates with case subject GX001 from the south-town massacre shall be executed accordingly. Targets are also known as the subjects created by Darnell, therefore Kritiker has authorised movements on the new target GX009.

A video perimeter set up at the massacre scene had caught images of the new subject. On date -- -- ---; time 20:3; area 12 section 3X3, GX001 entered the restricted zones. Upon contact of GX009, subjects GZ002 to GZ008 made their appearances. During and after the dispute, all coded identities of the new targets were confirmed. As all subjects possess the ability to kill, they are all to be annihilated.

We are to inform you that GX001 is to be dealt with first. By hook or by crook, Kritiker is able to legalize any assassination, even within its own community. Therefore, Weiss, you are to, with your own hands, eliminate-

Yoji threw the papers to the ground. Was it a trap or something?

"How do they expect us to do that?" Omi wept.

"Aya, how in the world are you related to that thing anyway?!" Ken barked. "You can't be right?"

Ran hid his face behind his palm. He was too careless. Kritiker was just waiting to confirm Height's existence… Wait a moment. If Kritiker coded him as GX001 then they knew about his-

"It's a trap…" Ran uttered, eyes widening. "They knew what I was… "

He jumped out of bed, scaring the other three.

"Yoji, they used me to get the other subjects of Darnell's!" The redhead half-cried.

"What?" Yoji blinked, surprised.

"They were waiting for Height and Fang… Kritiker wanted to make sure they existed to be able to make a move. And what better way to lure the fish, than with bait?"

you know what? i forgot who i had reply the reviews of already O.o so i'll just do it again in a moment. LOL so that explains everything! well, most of it haha hope you liked this chapter.. i intended to continue but i'm gonna be busy for a few days and it pretty much hit past the thousand word quota so yeah. lol no date for the report!! love you people!

Oh hey you know what it'll be nice if i could draw the part where Ran was sleeping with Height :D and apologies for typos.. i get scolded by my friend a lot becuase the mistakes i make can actually flip to an entirely different meaning and because usually when i read it again, i find it embarrassing lol.. so yeah. forgives me.

hitomisure: haa i wished Aya would just yell 'i love you' back too.. but i can't do that it wouldn't be fun anymore now would it? O.o i have a feeling you might like imagining Ran sleeping on Height.. how lovely...

bombayxprodigy: -sweats- aya with yoji eh.. well that was an option O.o okay i'm stuck.

evalita: i replied you didn't i? O.o hmm but anyway thankies XD

Isi: no yoji ain't wrong lol. look forward to more!! XD