A/N: Alright, for those that read my other YST works, this story's taken a bit of a different turn. Chapter contains Shonen-ai. As some of my regulars have professed to enjoying my typical brotherly theme without going Yaoi, I'm compelled to inform you now that this story pushes the brotherly bonds further. As of the moment, the story will remain Shonen-ai; no more, no less. If this changes, I'll post the proper notifications. I fully blame Cousin D's influence in this regard. And Shin. Regardless, I hope you, my readers, continue to enjoy the story as it unfolds.

Chapter Three

By: Valandra

Leaving the coffee house and Janus' disapproving, reluctant support, Shin sighed and checked his watch. 'Though I do appreciate the ear. It's been an hour now, and venting to Janus really did help. I suppose I should be heading back…they may have given up and headed to the station without me. …Not likely,' Shin thought, laughing quietly at himself.

Stretching his arms up, Shin arched his back with a relieved sound as his spine popped. Avoiding the park, he took the long way back, following the sidewalk towards his complex. Instead of going to the main entrance, he turned for the parking garage. He took the stairs two levels up; the garage was dim and silent when he exited the stairwell, his hands in his pockets.

Strong arms wrapped around him from behind, pulling him back against a broad, solid chest. Before he could do more then open his mouth, sharp teeth and warm lips nipped and nibbled their way down his throat and shoulder.

Gasping quietly at the sensation, Shin folded his pinned arms up to lay his hands over the darker arms around his chest. He felt safe, secured for the first time since his nightmares had started again. Lips and teeth stopped behind his ear, and Shin realized he'd closed his eyes.

"Are you sure it's a good idea to go?" Shin shivered beneath the brush of warm breath, the deep voice vibrating in the chest he was held against.

Eyes still closed, Shin tilted his head faintly, a small smile playing on his lips. "Do you not approve?"

The man's chin brushed his shoulder as he nuzzled the exposed throat. He paused and gave Shin a considering look. "Would it matter?" he asked, as if genuinely curious.

Shin was silent for a moment, motionless before shrugging his upper shoulders. His innocent expression was ruined by his playful smile. He yelped a second later when teeth returned to take a sharp bite at the juncture of his shoulder and neck, just shy of drawing blood.

"Obnoxious brat," the man growled, far more amused then exasperated. The arms restraining Shin slid slowly lower, and the redhead surrendered his weight to the man behind him.

"We parted on well enough terms," the man mussed. He nuzzled Shin's head against his shoulder, then leaned forward to claim the young man's lips when Shin turned his head. ~Perhaps we'll…"crash" this party, I believe the phrase is.~

ooOoo

Entering his apartment with a sigh, Shin rubbed the side of his neck as he slipped his shoes off. Dropping his keys in the bowl, he slipped his stocking feet into his slippers and made his way into the living area. He tipped his head with a curious sound after only a few steps. 'It's quiet…neither of the units are running. Did they really leave?' He felt…disappointed, even a little hurt. His heart thudded painfully in his chest; ignoring it, Shin made his way resolutely to the kitchen.

'I shouldn't be surprised. After that fight….' Sighing, Shin took a heavy seat in one of the chairs around the circular dinning table. 'I suppose I could still go…met them there. …But if I only have more of this to look forward to….' Releasing another heavy breath, Shin dropped his head to his folded arms on the table. 'Why now of all times?' Suppressing a yawn, Shin closed his hidden eyes. 'Supper last night, even breakfast this morning…it was nice. But the park, before I left this morning, even on the way up here…. It's my own fault, I shouldn't have let it go on for so long. But we were at war, so I didn't let it bother me then….' Another yawn forced its way past his lips, and Shin realized his restless night was catching up with him.

oOo

With noon approaching, Seiji slipped from the bed silently, leaving Shu still sleeping where he was behind him. 'I wonder if Shin's returned yet? It's been a few hours already.' Buttoning his shirt up, Seiji pulled the door to behind him, and went to check the shoes at the front door. Seeing Shin's, he searched the rest of the apartment.

'Is he still upset with Shu? Or did he just not want to wake us?' Seiji frowned as he stepped into the kitchen. 'He may have just gotten back…or not.' Seiji smiled faintly as he stopped, seeing the sleeping red-head. 'Can't be any more comfortable then the couch was last night,' Seiji thought, shaking his head.

"Shin?" he called out softly, just to be certain the boy was asleep. When the red-head didn't stir, Seiji closed the distance and laid a hand on the boy's shoulder. Curling his fingers over the cool material, Seiji inhaled sharply; lilac eyes widened and his heart gave a hard beat before his vision went pure white. Brilliant colors exploded from the white blanket before darkening and taking shape.

ooo

The darkness was broken only by flickering, eerie blue flames. Breath rasping heavily from his heaving chest, a quiet groan escaped tinted lips as the chains encasing his wrists were released. Hitting the solid stone ground with a pained sound, the youth felt a tugging at his head; with his helmet removed, he turned his head to press his cheek against the relieving coldness in the stone beneath it.

His blood was burning in his veins, and his chest felt like it was trapped in a human-sized vice. Cool fingers were touching his face, and he heard a vaguely familiar voice through a distant haze. "He's burning up. This isn't the spirits' doing." Through closed lids, he saw a brilliant aqua glow; as it faded, the pressure surrounding him lessened marginally. More fingers, this time over his bare chest, and he couldn't recall being turned over onto his back. A palm was being pressed over his chest, and pale teal eyes pealed open to see two blurry shapes.

"His hearts' beat is irregular," a sharp voice from the pale green blur of a man kneeling in front of him. He barely felt the prick as his blood was drawn and, unknown to him, tasted. "It's the venom," the voice hissed. Heavy eyes falling shut, the voice continued to speak, but the words were lost, drowned beneath the rushing of blood in his ears.

A sharp pain in his chest brought some clarity and a pained cry. "Grab his arms! Hold him down!" The pain outside grew worse, overwhelming the pain within his body; he was being sliced open! "His mind!"

"N-no…." he groaned, feeling the invasion like spiders crawling through his mind, invading him. His defenses were down, his spirit weakened. The pressure, the pain, the burning in his chest grew worse. He couldn't move, couldn't escape. His blood flowed, lending him a sickening warmth. Shin screamed.

ooo

Seiji hit the tiled floor with a pained grunt. Slack covered legs sprawled before him, he held his bowed head in his hands. The colors were back, obstructing his sight as he tried to shake off the vision. "Seiji?" Shin's sleep-mussed voice spoke uncertainly, before he pushed back the chair and stood. "Are you alright?" he asked, kneeling beside the blond. Reaching out, he ignored Seiji's faint flinch and laid a hand on the blonde's shoulder.

"Y-yeah," Seiji breathed, looking up a moment later. Shin frowned, seeing how unsettled the boy still was. Before anything else was said, Shu ran into the kitchen, his shirt forgotten in the bedroom.

"What happened?" Shu demanded, concerned and slightly agitated. He joined the two and offered Seiji a hand up. He arched a brow at the blond, seeing a blush on his paler then usual cheeks. Shin meanwhile, was giving both boys an odd look.

"N-nothing," Seiji assured, gathering himself. "I must have slipped." Taking Shu's hand, he brushed his pants off once he was steady, then ran a hand through his hair. "Sorry to worry you."

Standing as well, Shin arched a brow. "Uh huh. If you say so." The fact that Seiji wouldn't meet his eyes struck him as odd, but he could feel the blonde's embarrassment, so Shin let it go. Turning his gaze to Shu instead, Shin felt his second brow rise. "Forget something Shu?" he asked, lips twitching.

"Huh?" Blinking, Shu looked down after a moment and shrugged. "Heard Seiji's commotion and came to see what happened. Wasn't sure if you were back or not."

"Aa," Shin sounded. "Well, if you're both otherwise ready, I'll go change and we can hit the road." They both nodded, and Shin turned to go before Shu could bring up their fight.

Shu hesitated a moment before stepping to follow. He stopped short when Seiji grabbed his shoulder. ~Don't even think it.~

~But-~

~I'm sure he'll bring your shirt out with him,~ Seiji interrupted, releasing the youth with a flat look. ~Otherwise you can get it once he's finished. The trip's not the time to bring up issues. Besides, if we're correct, it'll be easier for everyone if this happens with everyone.~

Shu sighed, his shoulders slumping obviously. ~You're right, of course.~

~Naturally.~ Stepping around Shu, Seiji moved on to the living room without another word. Shu just rolled his eyes and followed.

Minutes later, Shin rejoined them and tossed Shu his shirt. Duffle in his other hand, Shin glanced around as he checked off a mental list. "You both have everything?" The two nodded and Shin hefted his duffle over his shoulder. "Alright, let's be off then." They followed him from the room, down the elevator, and through the lobby in silence. The two shared a curious look though, when Shin led them across the lobby rather then towards the main entrance.

Shu spoke up when they exited the building into the parking garage. "Shin?" The red-head just hummed questioningly in response. "Isn't there a bus stop just outside the building's main entrance?"

Checking the hanging sign that declared the isle and row numbers, Shin nodded once without looking back at his companions. The two shared a look, and Shu continued before Seiji could curb the younger's tongue. "Then why are we going deeper into the garage?"

Keys jingled, and a set of headlights flashed along with the sound of electronic locks. "Where else would you suggest I keep a car?" Stepping up to the dark-colored sports car, Shin popped the trunk and tossed his duffle inside before turning to look at his companions curiously. "Well guys?" He walked around to the driver's side and opened the door. It was hard not to laugh out-right at the twin stunned expressions facing him.

"How…." Seiji trailed off, his quiet voice quickly lost as Shu stirred beside him. "Is that…really yours?" Shu asked.

Shin's expression twitched with irritation; he climbed in and started the engine. "Smooth," Seiji murmured, moving forward. He opened the front passenger door and climbed in, leaving Shu to stand there stuttering before quickly following and scrambling into the back.

"I didn't mean it like that," Shu growled, fastening his seat belt as Shin's hand went for the gear shift. "It's just, I know you can own it, but how can you legally drive it? We've got at least three hours ahead of us."

Jaw clinched, Shin's white knuckles on the steering wheel drew Seiji's attention, stalling him from intervening. "If you do not trust me," Shin spoke quietly, the cold control to it the only true indication of his anger. "Then you know where the bus station is."

Silence stretched, long and uncomfortable, before Seiji cleared his throat. "That will not be necessary. You remember the way?"

Shin was silent a moment longer before shrugging and releasing the wheel. He popped open the glove-compartment before shifting gears into reverse. "I picked up a map while I was out. Feel like playing navigator Seiji?"

Seiji pulled the folded paper out and smiled faintly, while Shu brooded silently behind them. "With pleasure." As they pulled out and merged onto the main road, Seiji practically moaned as the engine purred smoothly between gear shifts. "This is a ninety-three, isn't it?"

Glancing at the blond out of the corner of his eye, Shin felt his lips twitch. He nodded once and returned his gaze to the road as he changed lanes. "Perhaps once we arrive, I'll pop the hood. He's had a few…off the market upgrades." The way Seiji's eyes lit up, like a child on Christmas morning, eased Shin's heart more then the subject change itself.

ooOoo

The first hour of the drive continued on in the same vein, with the two up front discussing the sports car's attributes and modifications. Shu maintained his silence in the backseat, brooding as he watched the two relax and reconnect over something he'd never known Shin had an interest in.

Blinking, Shu made a face and leaned forward when there was a laps in the conversation, a curious, thoughtful look making up his expression. "Hey, I thought you were more into bikes then cars Shin. What changed your mind?"

Oceanic eyes widened marginally, and Shin glanced at the stout youth in the rear-view mirror. Lips twitching faintly into a smirk, Shin relaxed back into his seat and activated the cruise control. They had just entered onto the country roads; he estimated they only had an hour or so left to their trip. "Nothing actually. But I couldn't very well carry the both of you on the back." His eyes were fairly glowing now, much as Seiji's had been earlier. "I've got a Kawasaki Ninja that I've been supping up since I got my hands on it last November. I had to replace a few parts, and fine tune the motor, but he runs like a dream now."

Shu chuckled while Seiji pouted faintly. "So…does that mean you didn't do the upgrades to this one yourself?" the blond asked, sounding slightly disappointed.

Shin chuckled and gave the other a sheepish look. "No, not really. I can maintain him well enough, but the upgrades just aren't as interesting to me, to be honest."

Seiji sighed and slumped back in his seat. "Figures." Much to his companions' vast amusement.

TBC