Catch-22: The Last Time

By: M14Mouse

Summary: Yu and Goro spend the day together. Yu tries one more time.

Disclaimer: Don't own them. This story is unbetaed.

We all lose friends.. we lose them in death, to distance, and over time. But even though they may be lost, hope is not. The key is to keep them in your heart, and when the time is right, you can pick up the friendship right where you left off. Even the lost find their way home, when you leave the light on.― Amy Marie Walz

"Why do these people wear those ridiculous vests? They aren't real fishmen!" Goro grumbled to himself next to him.

Yu laughed at his friend's remark at the various fellow fishermen around them. They found a comfortable place away from the others around the giant pool of water.

"It's called getting into the mood," He answered back.

"Still…they looked ridiculous."

"Are you insulted because they wear the vest better than you or their vests are more fun than yours?" He said with a smile.

Goro stared at him like he was crazy then he got to his feet.

"You…it…That isn't funny and isn't true!"

He beamed at Goro as he tried to stumble out the words.

"You protest too much."

"My vests are perfect acceptable!"

"They are."

"And great in any work environment."

"Yes, it is. I see many in my office wearing them," He said seriously.

Inside of his head, Veles was cracking.

"I have been told by many that I look handsome in them."

"I can believe it."

Goro huffed before he took a seat back down on the crate that he was using as a chair.

Laddie, I'm not sure how you are able to keep a straight face.

Practice.

Goro's eyes narrowed at him as he titled his head.

"You have an excellent poker face. I can't read if you are lying or being serious," Goro said.

"Sign of a good business person if the other person can't read you. So, I have been told. I think that it is just practice."

"Someone was bored."

"That too."

Goro's face started to crack and a chuckle escaped his lips.

"So, beside fishing, what other hidden gems do you have?"

"Origami. I spend a lot of time in waiting rooms. There was always a magazine or newspaper about. You?" He said as he swung his fishing rod and watched as the bobby hit the water.

"Darts," Goro said as he followed his lead.

"I can see that. I can imagine that you have great aim."

Goro jerked in surprise then looked at him. He tilted his head slightly. It seemed to hit a note with him.

"For someone who said that they never fished, they did a good job with their aim," He said as he waved his hand toward the water. Clearly, he saw the bobby close to some nearby fishes.

Goro flushed.

"Haha…you caught me. What else?"

"Live music. I don't get to enjoy it as much because of work. I like to sit there and just listen. Oh, watching the people is always interesting too."

"Any type of music?"

"Any type. However, metal can be difficult to handle, especially indoors. I do enjoy watching people's excitement. It has its own rhythm. What is your favorite type of music?"

"Jazz and Blues."

"Interesting but I can see it. They tell a story and I know that you like a good story."

"You know me quite well. I'm surprised that you didn't say dancing," Goro said with a wave.

"Ah…the music video that Rise posted online has finally come to haunt me," He said with a chuckle.

It was after the dancing incident. Rise thought that it would be an excellent idea for us to dance for one of her music videos.

Goro chuckled.

"You don't seem ashamed by it."

"Not really. It was for a friend. It wasn't too bad. It was fun in a way. Then it wasn't because I was so sore after but looking back, it was fun."

Goro's chuckling turned into a laugh.

"You don't regret it?"

"No, I don't."

"You don't regret much, do you?"

"Hmmm…I have a lot of regrets. I don't let them define me. I have seen what regrets do to people. It is almost as bad as anger in a way. It eats at your core. And you?"

He wondered what Goro was getting at with this conversation. Indirectly, was he asking if he regretted saving Haru's father?

No…perhaps, there is an underlined purpose to that question.

"What about me?" Goro said.

"Interesting question that is all. Did something happen at work? A case, perhaps?"

Goro chuckled softly.

"Am I that easy to read?"

"Not really. Most of the time, you wear a mask which I understand due to your popularity and your professionalism."

"You are so full of surprises. Yes, you're right. A little regret involved in a case. I think that I'm taking a break."

That surprised him. He thought that Goro was hell bent on catching him and his students.

"Really? The man who argued with me about going fishing."

"Fishing is different," Goro grumbled.

"Oh? Did the fish insult you?"

"No…it is just boring."

"Now, you're just mad that you haven't caught one."

Goro chuckled softly and shook his head.

"But…I think that it would be a good idea for you to take a break. Maybe a week or so. Anything more would make you stir crazy. It will be a good time to let some of your anger out."

Goro reminded him of Adachi that it was almost painful. He was holding a mirror to the past. The bite to his words. The anger is just hiding under his eyes. It just needed a twist of knob to open that door. A part of him hurt because he knew. He knew what Goro's outlet was.

It was the same as Adachi.

A Toss.

A Throw.

A Bullet.

"I'm not angry. Frustrated about everything but that is part of the job," Goro expressed.

Deny.

"Hmm….The press hasn't been kind."

"They are sharks."

"I know."

Redirect.

"But I'm never angry. I know the game too well for that. One slip and I'm done for…I kept up appearances enough. Yes, a break would do well. Perhaps, you should take one as well."

"I did…it's called getting sick. Worse kind of break," He chuckled.

"That doesn't count," Goro mumbled.

"To my boss, it did. Besides, I plan to take one during Christmas. Apparently, one of my friends is trying a fried chicken recipe and…I'm slightly scared and interested. I have a backup plan. No more Mystery Food X."

"Do I want to know?"

"No. Besides, you should come. You can meet my friends. You missed them while they were in town. The baths are nice but the hot springs are wonderful. You will love them and won't come out."

Goro just stared at him. He could see his eyes searching his. It was the same look that Adachi gave him toward the end.

"Maybe, I will have to see if I can get the time off," Goro replied.

"I understand. Even if you don't come, you call and text me. I promise to bring you some chicken. Considering that you are probably going to eat at a convenience store again."

"Insults and lies."

"Am I?"

Goro just chuckled.

"Maybe. It all depends on what the new year brings."

He understood too well what that answer meant.

You tried, laddie. You tried.

And failed again.

End of The Last Time

Next Chapter: The Calling Card Left Behind

A/N: Yu knows how this is going to end and it isn't pretty. He still tries even if it may put a bullet in him. We wrap up this arc before moving onto the dancing chapter and PQ2...and a surprise. Just saying that no one pays Yu enough. XD Again, thank you for the reviews, kudos, favorites, etc. Read and Review if you wish.