A/N: huzzah! Chapter 5! Believe me when I say the plot is building up. It shall become clear in this chapter, hopefully. Not like big freakin' neon sign clear, but clear like if you're looking for it. So, enjoy.

Wyatt was trying to sleep. Trying being the operative word.

It was so late it was early, or so early it was late. But it was still dark, and almost all was quiet. A head case, his head case was stirring.

Glitch was sitting across the small of his back, tracing his finger along the faint red scratches on Wyatt's shoulders and back. Scratches that he may or may not have had anything to do with. But he'd never tell.

"Wyatt. Wyyyaaatt," Glitch whispered. Wyatt's Tin Man patience was tried, he could ignore him no longer. "What?" "I have an idea." "No. No more ideas of yours. I'm still sore and scratched from the last one." "I didn't hear you complaining at the time. In fact, if I recall correctly, you begged me not to stop," Glitch grinned wickedly. "At the time, I had full use of my limbs, sort of," Wyatt retorted.

Last time he let Glitch get inventive in regards to his person and the bed.

"But this might make you feel better," Glitch wheedled. "No. You can have your wicked way with me when it's not some unholy hour in the morning," Cain burrowed his head into his pillow.

"I wanna have my wicked way with you now though!"

"No." Cain thought that would be it, that Glitch would give up.

That's what he thought before Glitch started sucking on the back of his neck, kissing and gently nipping.

"Ambrose," Cain said warningly. Glitch snickered, despite knowing he should stop. He really should stop when Cain's voice took on that tone. But he couldn't help it. One of his faults was he was stubborn, and determined to have his own way.

Glitch nuzzled against where he'd just kissed on Wyatt's neck, then proceeded to nibble and lick his way down his back. For a few seconds, Wyatt didn't even twitch. Which was ok, 'cause Glitch knew how to fix that.

"'Brose, knock it off," he muttered. Glitch nipped at the middle of Wyatt's back, grazing his teeth over the smooth tan skin. "I mean it." The next bite was an inch or so above the small of the back. "Stop right…thereeee," Wyatt groaned. Glitch smirked, knowing he'd nearly won. One more thing left for it.

Glitch licked a thick wet line across the small of Wyatt's back, blowing on it lightly, while trailing his fingertips across Wyatt's hip.

The combination of the cool breath and soft feather light touches alone would be enough to send Wyatt over the edge. At that moment, it was enough to have him turn over, hands resting on Glitch's thighs.

"That was a dirty trick zipper head." Glitch beamed, his dimples flashing briefly. "I know. Got you to listen though." "Fine," Wyatt sighed. "What's your idea?"

"D'you remember DG telling us about over on the Other Side, about skinny dipping?"

Cain stared at his lover, one fair eyebrow raised.

"You expect me to haul my ass out of my warm bed to go swim naked with you?"

"Yeah!"

"Glitch, you can't swim."

"I'm a quick leaner. And something of a genius."

Cain covered his face with his hands, asking not for the first or last time for strength and patience. "You're doing the face aren't you?" "Of course not. Would I do that?"

Yea, you would, Cain thought as he lowered his hands.

Glitch had stuck out his bottom lip, and was looking at Cain through his lashes with huge, shiny, puppy brown eyes. DG had coined it as Glitch's Bambi look when she'd once seen him use it in an attempt to get Wyatt to carry his bags for him. Then she'd had to explain what Bambi was, and all Disney movie, and what a movie was.

"Fine, fine. You win. But I'm wearing pants outside." "Obviously Wyatt. What would the guards think if they saw us climbing out the window naked?" Glitch said matter of factly, sliding into a pair of dark violet cotton pants.

"The window?" "Yes, the window Wyatt. We've got to do one more fun, impulsive thing before we go back to the palace tomorrow. This is it."

"That's where we're different," Cain grumbled, pulling on his own pants. "Your definitions of fun, and my definition, while usually similar, tend to differ. You think climbing out a window for night swimming is fun. I like sleeping and you not being 'creative' with my person in bed."

"Don't lie Wyatt, you liked it. Now, out the window," Glitch gently nudged Wyatt to the window. "I can't believe I let you use the face against me again," Cain muttered, and dropped out the window, landing perfectly.

"Uhh…well, I didn't think it was quite so high," Glitch murmured, perching on the edge of the balcony. He was afraid of heights, even more than when he had half a brain, because now he knew how very wrong jumping out a window could go, and how much it would hurt to land badly. "I'll catch you," Cain hissed. If they were going to do this, he preferred they do it quickly, so he could go back to his bed.

"Are you sure? It's a rather high speed, and from this height-" "I'm sure you could draw me a neat little picture of how wrong this could go, but you're the one who wanted to be impulsive, so jump," Cain held his arms open.

Glitch pushed himself from the balcony, landing in Cain's arms.

"Nice catch Tin Man." "I try."

Glitch slid to the ground, taking Cain's hand. "C'mon," he practically skipped to the shoreline, dragging Wyatt with him. He tossed his pants aside, putting a rather heavy rock on them so he wouldn't lose them, and tentatively slid into the water. "It's cold," he shivered.

"That sometimes happens sweetheart," Cain put his pants with Glitch's and dove in, swimming a few laps around Glitch, who was struggling to tread water.

"How is it you float? You're bigger than me; you should be denser and sink. I should float," Glitch slipped, going up to his neck in water. Cain sighed and swam over to Glitch, holding him above water.

"I float because I can swim. I didn't spend my time inside inventing or blowing myself up." Glitch stuck his tongue out at him, adding, "For your information, I stayed in advising the queen. I didn't just blow myself up."

"That was real mature," Wyatt said sarcastically. "Shut up," Glitch splashed water him. "You're just proving my point you know," Wyatt chuckled, dodging the splash. "I am not immature!" "You can be." "So can you." "But you're immature more frequently than me." "Old habits and all that Wyatt. Besides, wouldn't you prefer me like this than all stuffy and proper like I think I used to be?"

"Good point," Cain leaned back, floating on his back, Glitch lying on his chest.

"I thought you'd teach me how to swim," Glitch asked, sitting up a little. "I don't recall volunteering for that," Cain mumbled. "Please Wyatt?" Glitch pleaded. "Fine, fine," Cain sighed. He was very rarely able to say no to Glitch. He knew it wasn't a good thing really, to give him whatever he wanted, but he couldn't help it. The big brown eyes got to him every time.

"Like this?" Cain missed the tiny smirk on Glitch's lips as he stretched out on him. Glitch bucked his hips; Cain's eyes opened as something bumped against his leg. His gaze locked with Glitch, whose brown eyes were dark, revealing his intentions were far more amorous than swimming. "Yeah, l-like that…oh sweet gayle," Cain hissed as Glitch slid over him.

Glitch's voice called to him from seemingly far away. "What do I do now Wyatt?" "You're arms…move'em," Cain groaned, willing some shred of instinct to keep him treading water while the rest of him was still distracted. Glitch complied without a word, twining is arms around Wyatt's neck as he had countless times before, his limbs fitting like they were made to go around the Tin Man's shoulders.

Cain opened his eyes to find Glitch's amazingly close, taking up his range of vision as Glitch kissed him, tugging on his bottom lip gently. He moved up, running his tongue over the roof of Cain's mouth, loving every taste and wanting more. Cain pulled Glitch closer, inadvertently sliding into him fully to the hilt, making them both moan.

Little waves rippled outward across the lake from the pair as each rocked their hips, looking for that rhythm, the rhythm that would bring the most delicious pleasure. Glitch winced as they found it, as Wyatt thrust upward into the bunch of nerve endings that made him gasp and bite down on Wyatt's shoulder, and Wyatt raked his hands down Glitch's back. Dimly, Glitch thought that now they had matching scratches down their backs, and it made a small giggle leak from his lips, and it drew out into a groan of pleasure as Wyatt thrust into him harder. His muscles contracted as he reached his climax and it exploded outward, making him arch back, riding it out.

Glitch slid bonelessly onto Wyatt, both of them nearly going under. Wyatt was idly tracing patterns on Glitch's back, his hand feeling heavy and lethargic. "My Glitch. My head case," he murmured quietly into Glitch's curls. All his, and he loved all of him. From his dark untamable curls, to his bright eyes, which lit up with wonder when he finished an invention, to that soft sleepy smile first thing in the morning when he rolled over to say "good morning" that he knew was just for him. He even loved the pale scars on his arms, chest, back, and legs from when Zero had him, because they reminded him of what he'd done for Glitch, and how he'd do it all again for him. Because as much as he'd saved Glitch, Glitch had saved him, taking his cold tin heart, and making it whole again, and warm, and keeping it safe always.

Glitch nuzzled his head under Wyatt's chin, dozing slightly. He listened to the steady, constant beat of his heart, which almost matched his own. He knew scientifically that wasn't likely for people's hearts to beat exactly the same, but the sentiment was nice.

Until that odd noise blocked out the sound.

Shakily, Glitch sat up. "D'you hear that?" he asked. "Mm?" Wyatt was still gone, warm and blissful and not paying attention. "Wyatt! Listen!" Glitch said, more urgently. Wyatt looked up and around, trying to focus his blue eyes. He did hear it now, a low rushing rumble, growing steadily louder. The waves in the previously calm lake were getting bigger as well, swells that rocked Glitch and Cain forcefully. "What is that?" Glitch asked, one hand on Wyatt's shoulder, scanning the area. "I don't know," Wyatt held onto Glitch protectively. If something was happening, Glitch didn't stand a chance in the water.

"I suggest we get to shore. Now," Glitch muttered, sliding into the water. Before Wyatt could agree, it hit them. A windstorm such as they had never heard of in the history of the O.Z.

Glitch yelped in terror as he was swept away from Wyatt by towering waves roused by the wind that crashed down on them both. His cry though, was hardly heard above the wind, which shrieked at them from all sides, sounding like manner of monster. Cain sliced through the water, searching frantically for Glitch, calling to him all the while. He could hardly see, with waves dashing water into his face, nearly blinding him. But he was damned if he was going to let Glitch drown.

A pale hand clutched at the air yards off, the rest of his head case tossed under, and sinking fast. Cain sucked in a deep breath and plunged into the waves.

Glitch couldn't really see. It was dark under water and more than a little scary. He wasn't sure he liked the dark anymore. He could see his own pale hands, and feet, all of him, slowly being sucked under water. He really didn't like it, it was cold and lonely. Not a lot had to be said for this whole swimming thing. And he couldn't breath. It made his chest ache. I'm drowning, he thought with a sort of wonder. It's not so bad. It's not painful anyway. But he wanted Wyatt, he much preferred being not drowning and being with Wyatt. He hoped the Tin Man wasn't drowning like him, and could maybe save him. He always had in the past.

Cain strained to see through the gloom of the dark water. Nothing. Nothing. Nothing! He fought not to panic and continued looking, despite his chest getting tight and his brain screaming for air. They were in a battle with his heart, which was urging him onward. He was listening to his heart. And was rewarded for it. A pale form floated in front of him. Glitch's eyes were shut, and his hair drifted languidly about his head. Cain grasped one of his hands, hauling him upward, kicking furiously.

He broke the surface with a gasp, and strained against the waves to lay Glitch on the sand, using their pants as a pillow for him. "Glitch? C'mon head case, don't be taken out by water. You can't go out like this. Not you, not now," he kept up this stream of pleading while pushing at Glitch's thin chest, forcing the water out. After a few painfully tense moments, Glitch bolted up, coughing up water. Dizzy with relief, Cain crushed Glitch to his chest. "No more night swimming. Ever. Got it?" "Got it," Glitch laughed weakly.

Glitch looked rather like a drowned rat, his curls plastered to his head. The storm was already winding down. "That was more than a little odd," he said thoughtfully. "I'll have to investigate when we get home." Cain stared at him. "How can you be so calm, talking of scientific things? You just nearly died!" "I knew you'd save me," the head case said simply. "Huh?" "Wyatt, it's been almost statistically proven that whenever I get into trouble, which is rather a lot, you're always there to save me. It comes from your boy scout syndrome I think," Glitch shrugged.

"But what if you were wrong?"

"But I wasn't Wyatt."

"But-"

"No Wyatt. Trust me on this. Now, I'm ready to go in," Glitch stood; only a little unsteady on his feet, and pulled on his pants.

"We're using the door this time," was Cain's only response as he too pulled on his pants.

Glitch leaned on Wyatt as they walked back, getting his strength. He hummed softly to himself, unconsciously moving to his own rhythm. It was something only Glitch could hear, something entirely his own. But when he danced along the path, and looked over his shoulder at him, laughing, eyes bright, Cain could almost hear his music. Cain snapped out of his reverie, focusing more on walking and less on Glitch's pale lithe form twirling along.

"Have a good swim?"

Cain and Glitch looked up at hearing Raw's warm, gruff voice. The Seer handed them each a towel. "What're you doing out here?" Cain asked, taking the towel. Raw grinned. "One, Raw thirsty. Two, Raw could feel Cain and Glitch emotions, eagerness then fear. Got worried. Three, Glitch yell…very loud." Glitch made a strangled sound, like an embarrassed gasp. He hid his face in his towel, but not before they'd seen it was beet red.

"What happened?" Raw asked. "A strange, very forceful wind hit us, making some giant waves. I nearly drowned," Glitch explained, drying off his curls. "Why did you go out anyway?" "Head case wanted to be impulsive before we head back to the palace tomorrow…or later today," Cain answered. Raw nodded in understanding; Glitch was always like that, or at least as long as he'd known him. And Cain couldn't say no to Glitch.

"Should go back to bed. Need sleep," Raw mumbled and yawned. "Yeah, nearly drowning takes a lot out of a guy," Glitch said suggestively, following Cain. "No I won't carry you," Cain said. "How did you know I was thinking that?" Glitch gasped, awestruck. "I've known you how long zipper head? I think I know how your genius mind works." Raw chuckled at their bickering, which had become as constant as the movements of the twin suns and twin moons. "Good night," he whispered as they split up for their own rooms.

"Quit pouting sweetheart and come to bed," Wyatt sighed, tossing himself on their bed.

"Oh alright," Glitch burrowed under the cool sheets, letting himself be pulled against Wyatt.

"But I still think you should have carried me."

"Go to sleep Glitch."

A/N: well, I'm not sure about the ending there. But it turned out alright in the end. Were you able to see through the seemingly mindless fluff to the plot underneath? It's sorta like a reverse tootsie pop, with the chewy sweet fluff on the outside and the hard crunchy plot inside….err…that made sense a minute ago. Also, I think the computer was conspiring against me typing this. It crashed on Thursday and wouldn't come back 'til Friday evening. However, it's all good now. Clearly. Maybe a review? Please?