So the second part ^^; I honestly think I'm the only who ships these two, but hey I want this out for people who ship this, cause it's a damn shame when you have a pairing and there's no art or fanfics of it.
Disclaimer: Don't own Dying Light.
0o0o0o0o0o
It was late in the day when Crane finally came to.
The operative groaned, shielding his face from the blinding light with a hand. His eyes squinted open under his hand and blinked them rapidly. Once his eyes were adjusted to the light the first thing he saw was Rais' tower. He lifted his left arm up to look at the time and saw that it was nearly 4 pm.
"Well I did want to sleep in today." He muttered quietly.
A small grunt caught Crane's attention and looked down to see Rahim in his lap rubbing his eyes with a hand. He forgot that the kid was even sleeping on him until just now.
Rahim looked up at Crane and asked in a groggy voice, "What time is it?"
"About four." Crane rested his hands on either side of the pavement, not knowing where to put them now that Rahim was in his right mind.
The kid hastily looked over his shoulder and cursed under his breath. He was supposed to be listening to frequencies and here he was sleeping on...Crane! A light blush dusted Rahim's cheeks at the realization and only darkened when he looked back at the operative. Suddenly, like he had been touched by fire, Rahim pulled away from Crane and staggered to his feet.
"S-sorry." He muttered, looking away from the other man.
Crane shook his head. "It's alright." He made to get up only to fall back against the wall with a hiss.
His muscles were still sore from yesterday, but he knew that if he didn't get back to bed soon his body would be aching from lying on cement as well. While trying to think of a way for him to get up Rahim offered him a hand. Crane took it and let the kid pull him up. He may have struggled, but Rahim got him off the concrete.
Both him and Rahim trekked downstairs, but Rahim noticed that Crane was having some problems getting down. He could hear the operative groan every time he bent his knees. Rahim turned around to see Crane gripping his thigh with his left hand, while his right clung to the wall for support. After several minutes of agonizingly watching Crane get nowhere, Rahim took hold of the operative's free arm and rested it over his shoulders. His right hand hesitantly held onto Crane's waist and together they walked down the flight of stairs.
Once they were at Crane's bed, Rahim helped him sit on it.
"Thanks kid." He grunted out, rubbing his sore thighs one by one.
Rahim took a seat beside him and played with his hands. "Don't mention it. Actually, think of this as thanks for you know, saving my life...again."
Crane ceased tending to his legs and sighed. He placed a hand on Rahim's shoulder and squeezed slightly. "Kid, I know you don't think you do much around here, but you do. You were my first friend here when I came while everyone else cast me aside as scum. You trained me to run out there so I could do something for everyone here, and let's not forget that your plan with the volatile hive was a complete success." He praised him.
It was small, but Crane saw the corners of Rahim's lips curve in a smile. The operative's own lips formed a smile in response.
"Crane? What...what happened to me last night? I mean, I remember bits and pieces here and there but..." Rahim trailed off.
"Well, tell me what you remember and I'll fill you in on the rest."
Rahim nodded, staring at the wall. "I remember going up to the roof after listening to nothing but static for a drink. Then I remember Jade coming to check on me. I know she scolded me and then left." Rahim narrowed his eyes. "Brecken came up after her and did the same, nothing but scolding me."
His face softened a bit. "Then I remember you, but you didn't scold me you just asked me what's wrong. Next thing I remember is falling and somehow ending up on the roof again. The only other thing I can recall was." He cheeks turned pink as he paused. "Was ending up in your arms crying and then nothing."
Crane listened to everything and nodded. "Seems you remember the main events." He removed his hand from Rahim's shoulder. "Well after your sister went to check on you, you threw a bottle at her and threatened to jump off if she came any closer to you. Same with Brecken." Crane eyed the way Rahim's form slumped and continued. "Once I got there you were already pretty messed up. You were going on about how you have this impression that being a runner would make you more useful to the tower, and I wasn't having it. During my explanation of why it was too dangerous for you to be a runner you managed to slip off the edge of the tower. It's a good thing I was there or else you would've fallen to your death."
Rahim visibly flinched at that. Crane took the time to rub the back of his sore neck before proceeding. "I uh, backed us up to the wall and let you cry on me. It took maybe half an hour before you calmed down enough to talk again and by that time you were so exhausted that you could barely even lift your head. The last thing you asked me was if I was serious about worrying about you and when I said yes you smiled and passed out on me. I tried to move you but every time I would you would groan. You eventually wound your arms around my waist and trapped me there all night."
He purposely left out the last thing he did to Rahim before passing out. It would only embarrass him more.
Rahim was quiet, the only sounds coming from the squeaky bed as he fidgeted nervously. Crane observed the kid intently before asking, "Hey, you alright?"
Rahim jumped at the sudden voice and stuttered, "Y-yeah, just thinking about how I should really be getting to work now." He was instantly in the doorway, but didn't go anywhere yet. He turned to Crane and gave him another apology. "Sorry about last night...really." He moved to leave but Crane called out to him.
"Rahim." He ceased his movement to hear the operative out. "Look, about last night? It's alright. Everyone gets like that, and everyone needs someone there to help them through it." Crane hoped Rahim would stop apologizing now, because he honestly didn't mind what happened after he pulled him up.
Crane's eyes widened when Rahim gave him a sincere smile. Seeing the kid happy again made his heart thud relentlessly against his rib cage. Rahim added a small thanks before leaving the operative alone with his thoughts. With a heavy sigh he laid on his side, grunting in the process of moving sore muscles around. He then clasped the spot where his heart lie tightly as he muttered, "Damn. I've had feelings like this before, but they were never this strong." He sighed and chuckled, "I've never been attracted to the same sex before, let alone a kid." He closed his eyes, prepared to sleep. "Judging by his behavior last night and now, I guess he's attracted to me too. I'll give him a little more time to figure out his own feelings before I act." He added with a smirk before darkness overtook him once again.
0o0o0o0o0o
"Gyuh!"
Crane swung his sword and cut a viral's head clean off. Quickly, he ran up the wall leading to the tower's entrance. Once inside he stopped to rest and panted heavily. He had just finished helping out a nearby village and was on his way to a safe house when an airdrop landed close by. There was still an adequate amount of daytime left to grab it and get back to the tower before the volatiles came out, so he went to grab it. A bomber just happened to be near and exploded, alerting several virals of his location. He was able to lose them all but one, and with being so close to the tower at that point he quickly dropped the supplies and dealt with the obnoxious viral.
"Whew, that was a close one." Crane jumped and grabbed the ledge that led to the quartermaster.
After hoisting himself up along with the supplies, he dropped it off and went to the elevator to see Brecken. He contacted Crane earlier with a request to see him as soon as possible about a dangerous errand. It didn't take long for the operative to reach the room marked headquarters, and when he did Rahim was ushered out the room so that they could talk.
Rahim scoffed and kicked the hard floor, pouting. He didn't see why he had to leave the room, they could talk with him in there. He crossed his arms and sulked. He hated not being included in stuff, it was one of the reasons he ran off with the explosives; to prove himself to everyone. His mood quickly lightened up though as an idea struck him. "I could just eavesdrop."
Rahim moved to the first door and slowly opened it, cringing when it squeaked. He waited to see if either Brecken or Crane would come out.
When nothing happened he released a sigh of relief and crept to the second entrance, a set of double doors. As quietly as he could, Rahim pressed his ear against the wood and listened. The two men's voices could be heard clearly. He could even differentiate between the two.
He found out quickly that he really enjoyed hearing Crane's voice.
Shivers ran up and down his spine when the operative would speak. Wanting to actually see him, Rahim wondered if he could peek through the crack in the door. He shifted his weight and maneuvered his eye around until he could see. Rahim grinned, he could now see both Brecken and Crane as they talked about a dangerous errand involving lights on the Infamy Bridge. Just as they were wrapping up their talk, Rahim observed Brecken grip the operative's shoulder and wish him luck. Crane returned the gesture and gave a soft hum of recognition. Rahim felt a pang in his chest at the display and frowned. He gripped his shirt and clenched his teeth as he tried to place the emotion. His eyes widened when he realized that the feeling was jealousy. Had this crush turned into something more? He was so caught up in his thoughts that he didn't hear the footsteps coming up behind him.
"Rahim?"
His eyes widened. The sound of his sister's voice had interrupted his musings. He slowly turned to see his sister, Jade, looking down at him with suspicion.
He gulped and stood abruptly, grabbing his sister's hand and leading her into the hallway.
Jade pulled her hand away immediately and questioned her brother."What were you doing just now Rahim?"
"I wasn't doing anything." He denied, looking anywhere but his sister's demanding gaze.
She crossed her arms and waited, not buying her brother's lie. "Don't give me that, I caught you red handed. Now, why were you spying on Crane and Brecken?"
Rahim scoffed, "It was nothing ok?" He denied again.
Jade could hear the agitation in his voice as it rang throughout the building. There was a long pause until Jade sighed, "Fine, don't tell me." Frustrated, she walked in the direction of the sick bay.
It was only when she rounded the corner did he exhale the breath he didn't even know he was holding. Rahim clenched the spot where his heart lie as he ascended the flight of stairs to the roof. This would be the first time in a while that he wouldn't have ventured up there for a drink. No, it would be more of a way to think over his feelings in deep thought without interruptions. 'I thought it would have gone away by now, but it's only getting worse. This is definitely something more than a small crush.'
Jade waited until she could no longer hear Rahim's footsteps before heading to Brecken. Just as she was about to knock on the door, it opened revealing the men with astonished looks.
"Jade?" Both asked in unison.
She ignored them and looked over to the puzzled operative. "Crane, Rahim's acting strange and I'd really appreciate it if you could find out why."
Crane looked to Brecken, who was just as confused as he was, then back to Jade. "Uh, Sure. Any reason why me?"
A hurt expression appeared on her face as she gazed at the floor. "You seem to have a way with Rahim that no one else does, not even me."
He frowned, "Hey don't think like that. I—"
"What if something happens to him like last night?" Jade interjected, desperation evident in her voice.
Crane's cheeks instantly tinted pink as images of Rahim sleeping in his arms came flashing back. He didn't know why, but the way Jade said it made those images pop up. He rubbed his neck nervously and nodded before walking away to go on his mission, he'd talk to Rahim afterwards.
"Oh and try to be casual about it." she added quickly.
Crane raised a hand and gave her a thumbs up. "Alright, I'll see to it when I have time."
Jade watched until he was out of sight before letting a mischievous smirk play on her lips.
"And just what are you planning?" Jade turned to Brecken, who was leaning against the doorway with an amused look on his face.
She leaned back against a wall and crossed her arms, the smirk never leaving her lips. "Call it sister's intuition, but I believe Rahim has a crush on Crane and I plan to get them together."
Brecken laughed at this. "Well it wouldn't surprise me. Rahim acts so differently around him, not to mention last night was a dead give away. Guys like Crane aren't easy to cuddle with you know. Rahim must be pretty special for Crane to let him sleep on him like that without a problem."
Jade hmed and leaned in close to Brecken. "I need your help."
Brecken's eyes lit up, "Sure, what can I do?"
0o0o0o0o0o
The next day everyone in the tower was showering Crane with praise for his success. He managed to get the lights on the bridge and now everyone could feel a lot safer at night. Rahim waited eagerly on the nineteenth floor where the elevator was, wanting to congratulate the operative himself.
Once he stepped out Rahim could barely contain his excitement as he smiled and called out, "Crane!"
Crane had a burning urge to smile seeing the kid all excited like that. As he went to meet Rahim, Jade came running up to him and grabbed his arm.
"Crane, Brecken wants to see you right away." She said excitedly before heading off to the sickbay.
The operative looked to Rahim and sighed. "I'll catch up with you later Rahim." With that he left for the headquarters to see what Brecken wanted.
Rahim felt that same heart wrenching pain as yesterday and pouted. Shaking his head he followed Crane quietly. He did as before, opening the first door as soundlessly as possible and then looking through the crack in the double doors. He saw Brecken talking about Crane's success, thanking him repeatedly for his service. He even mentioned that Crane should have the remainder of the day off to rest, which Crane liked, but on the condition that Brecken was sure they didn't need any supplies right now. Brecken faced the operative and assured him if complications arose that he would send for Crane immediately.
Rahim narrowed his eyes in confusion.
Brecken was looking at the door, like he knew Rahim was there. The next thing Rahim saw made his chest tighten painfully. Brecken outstretched his hand and waited for Crane to take it before pulling the operative in for a brief hug. Rahim backed away from the door. He couldn't watch anymore and made his way to his and Jade's room. After peeking inside and seeing that his sister wasn't in there, he dove onto the bed, burying his face in the mattress. With a heavy sigh he rolled onto his back and covered his eyes with an arm.
"Every other crush I had only lasted a couple weeks. Even the one with Brecken only lasted a few days, so why's this one different. It won't go away no matter what I do." He whispered before closing his eyes.
After her brother and Crane left Jade came out from behind the corner and met Brecken in his room. She looked to Brecken in the door way and smirked, "Nice job Brecken. Now we wait."
The leader chuckled, "Well it wasn't much but hey if you think it'll work."
Jade nodded, "It should, but I have a small feeling that Rahim will be act like an idiot. He's so stubborn sometimes."
"Well, he does get it from you." Brecken retorted with before heading to the sick bay.
Jade rolled her eyes and decided not to comment on the instructor's remark. Instead she focused on the task of directing the new scouts on her headset.
Meanwhile Crane was heading to his own bed to get some rest. His body may have gotten used to the brutality of his new lifestyle, but there were times when it all caught up to him like now, and sleep was the best medicine to combat it.
0o0o0o0o0o
Night came and most occupants in the tower were already asleep. The only ones awake were those on guard duty and those who worked through the night. There was another ,however, he was not normally up at this time, but his constant musings over Crane kept him awake. Rahim sighed as he tossed and turned on the mattress, desperate to get some sleep.
Realizing it was futile, Rahim sighed again and quietly snuck out the room he shared with his sister. He navigated his way through the dimly lit halls to the room where Crane slept. He carefully tiptoed his way around the people that littered the floor all the way to the edge of Crane's bed. He indulged a bit in watching Crane sleep. Rahim felt his heart thud hard against his rib cage upon seeing the operative's calm expression. He didn't know Crane could look this relaxed. He hesitantly reached a hand out to Crane and frowned. Rahim really didn't want to wake him, but he desperately needed to talk to the operative.
"Crane. Crane wake up." He called out softly.
He looked back at the floor and froze when a body shifted in their sleep. He sighed softly when nothing happened. The last thing he wanted to do was disturb someone and get an ear full.
Turning his attention back to Crane, he shook him slightly. "Crane."
The operative groaned and opened his eyes. The first thing he noticed was a figure hovering over him.
"Rahim?" Even through blurred vision Crane could roughly make out his form.
Rahim removed his hand to let him sit up. The operative yawned and stretched his limbs. After blinking the sleep away he questioned the kid again. "Is there something wrong?"
Rahim didn't answer. Instead he motioned to the door with his head. Getting the message Crane got up and followed him out the room and up the stairs to the rooftop. Once there Rahim took an immediate right and plopped down on the pavement. Crane followed suit and sat on Rahim's left side.
"Alright Rahim what's the matter. It's not like you to drag people out of their beds at night for nothing." Crane inquired.
Rahim drew his legs up to his chest, wrapping his arms around them securely. "Can I tell you something without you getting mad at me?" He stared at the dark city with a blank expression.
Crane eyed him, puzzled by the kid's question. "Well as long as you don't try to persuade me into letting you become a runner then I've got no reason to be mad at you."
Rahim flashed him a weak smile and sighed, "I've been having these...feelings...and they're kind of personal." He fidgeted nervously. "I've had them for sometime now, but I thought they would just go away after a few days. They've actually seemed to have gotten stronger and they won't go away...I honestly didn't want to tell you, but they're overwhelming me to the point where I can't concentrate on work or sleep anymore."
Crane listened carefully to what Rahim was describing while fighting the urge to pull the kid in his arms for a hug. He leaned over to get a better look at Rahim's face and noticed the boy's cheeks were turning red.
He cocked a brow. "Ok, so what are these feelings and why tell me? Wouldn't you rather tell Jade?"
Rahim shook his head. "Jade would only get mad and make everything worse. I'm only telling you because..." Rahim tightened his grip on his legs and buried his head in his knees. "these feelings I have are for you."
Crane's eyes widened, but he didn't say anything.
Seeing as Crane hasn't hit him yet, he continued. "When I normally have a crush it only lasts a couple weeks but with you...it only got worse. I know its more than stupid, but I'd punch me if I were you. I wouldn't blame you if you did." He waited for pain of some sort to come, but none ever came.
Confused, Rahim peeked from the safety of his legs to see Crane offering him a smile. "That's it?" Rahim knit his brow at which the operative scoffed, "You seriously thought I'd get mad and hit you over something like this?"
When he nodded Crane frowned, "Has someone done that to you before?"
Rahim lowered his head. "A couple of girls have, but most of them were guys." Rahim chuckled darkly, "I mean it's very odd for a boy to like another boy, so most of the time I got a punch to the face."
Crane reached out to grab Rahim's shoulder and squeezed gently. "Well they're lucky they don't know me or they'd get an ass kicking."
Rahim looked up at him with watery eyes. "But don't you think that's it's weird that a guy's had a crush on you since you joined? Not to mention a kid?" Rahim spit the word kid as if it were acid.
Crane blushed and retracted his hand to rub his neck. "Well I mean it's unusual." He noticed Rahim flinch and retorted quickly with, "I mean normally girls are the ones attracted to me, not guys."
Rahim seemed to slightly calm down at that, but he was still tense. Crane watched as the kid's eyes darted everywhere, eventually resting on him again.
"Crane, c-can I do something?" Rahim stuttered.
Thinking it would be something along the lines of last night Crane obliged. "Sure."
Rahim leaned in to Crane only to pull away. "Close your eyes." He added hastily.
Crane did as he was told and shut his eyes without hesitation. Not even a second later he felt warm lips pressing against his own. The kiss was chaste but the simple contact sent a powerful jolt of electricity throughout the operative's body, making him mentally sulk when Rahim pulled away. Crane wanted nothing more than to feel those lips on his again, but for the time being he resisted the urge to pull the kid in for another kiss .
Reopening his eyes, he was met with wide green ones. Rahim blushed furiously as their eyes locked, and Crane had to suppress a groan as the kid tentatively pressed his fingertips to his lips. "That was...much better than any girl I've ever kissed."
Coming out of his daze Crane smirked, "I think you're lying about kissing them. You didn't seem all that experienced when you kissed me just now."
Rahim scoffed, his blush darkening. "And you have experience?"
Crane flashed him his teeth and cradled the back of Rahim's head with a hand. Rahim gulped as he was pulled closer to Crane. Their lips met, but this time Crane was the one initiating it. The operative's tongue ran over Rahim's lower lip, asking for entrance. Not really knowing what to do Rahim opened his mouth only for Crane's tongue to dart into the wet cavern. A soft moan escaped Rahim's mouth making the operative circle his free arm around the kid's waist and pull him in between his legs.
All too soon Crane broke the kiss, licking his lips as he took in Rahim's flustered form.
Horror flashed over the operative's face at the realization of what he had just done to Rahim came crashing down on him. Crane looked away and mumbled an apology.
Rahim pursed his lips together. "I'm not."
Crane looked back at him, shocked. Rahim clenched the operative's shirt and looked away, too shy to look him in the eyes as he muttered. "Could I have another?"
The operative looked down at the kid in his arms. His cheeks were bright red and he was panting slightly. The mere sight of Rahim was too cute to refuse, so he used the hand that was cradling the kid's head and moved it to lift his chin. He leaned down to capture those lips once again in a slow and gentle kiss.
When they parted this time, Rahim shuddered and asked, "So do you hate me now that you know that I'm attracted to you like this?"
Crane wrapped his other arm around him and held Rahim in a soothing hug. "Kid, it's not a bad thing, and I definitely don't hate you for it."
Rahim buried his head in the operative's warm chest and smiled. He was glad Crane didn't hate him. The two sat in silence, content with each other's presence, but the comforting silence was soon interrupted when Crane asked, "So did you want this to go somewhere?"
He felt Rahim tense in his arms. He jerked out of Crane's embrace and stood up. He looked at the operative's confused face and mumbled a quick apology before fleeing the roof in a hurry.
"H-Hey wait a sec-Rahim!" The kid was already out of sight. "Damnit." he cursed under his breath.
0o0o0o0o0o
That's it for the second part, still debating whether to cut the other part into two or not.