Red & White
By Lola
Disclaimer: No...I don't own Weib. Oh the tragedy!
Warning: Angst? O_o I guess that's what this is. ^_^ Oh yeah and there's some mild swearing, inevitable when Schuldig's involved.
Pairings: Uhh...Ok, Omi and Nagi have a thing going on...Crawford/Yoji Aya/Ken/Schuldig. Ah love triangles or hexagons....who knows? Such a wonderful thing!
A.N.: First of many chapters I'm sure. Thanks to all those who reviewed Games! You guys are what I live for! I dedicate this fic to all you beautiful people!
And for my lovely Zu, such a naughty kitten, I could just bite you! ~.^
A flash of red on white. The flutter of wings. A cardinal perched on the swaying limbs of a snow covered cherry tree. Beautiful in its simplicity. Like Aya, or Ran rather now that his sister was awake.
Brown eyes watched in captivation as the bird flitted between the branches, preening. Wet snow, the kind kids love to make snowmen with, drifting lazily. Occasionally, a branch laden with too much white cold would bend, sending its burden tumbling to the earth.
A sigh. The twenty one-year-old boy gazed through the white lace curtains. If only people's burdens could be so easily forgotten. He felt two hot streaks down his cheeks. He was crying, silently. Not that that was surprising, he hadn't smiled in nearly two months, perhaps a bit more.
Strange, he was usually the cheery one. Well...next to Omi. But things were just wrong now. Very very wrong. He let out a humourless laugh.
"When did I become so cynical? So jaded?" his voice sounded strained even to his own ears. Probably because he hadn't spoken yet this morning. Sleep and sadness clung to his throat making his voice sound more like a croak.
The phone rang.
Ken reluctantly turned away from the vision of falling snow and bright red feathers. But he had to answer; he was the only one inside out of the seven of them. Yes seven. Schwartz was here too. Well all except the crazed Irishmen. Rumour had it that during these past two years since the end of the battle, he had returned to his homeland and had even found himself a fiancee. Will wonders never cease? Ken thought bemusedly as he reached to pick up the phone of polished marble and gold. He stared at it for second, so much for the rustic cabin look, then shrugged as his fingers curved around the cool stone.
It was Omi. Calling from a cell no doubt. He was giggling hysterically, begging Ken to come outside and join the Weib versus Schwartz snowball fight. They were all outside pummelling each other with lobs of snow, Omi, Yoji, Schuldig, Crawford, Nagi, Ran...well ok, Ran probably just leaned against a tree with an arched eyebrow as if daring anyone to strike him with a snowball. That was probably the reason why Omi wanted Ken to come and help to even the odds.
Ken heard Omi yelp, followed by more giggles as the blond boy pouted that Nagi was not allowed to use his powers. Strange how two years of peace had somehow brought them all together. A common understanding. A bond between killers. That's why they were here wasn't it? It the mountains, on a ski trip. They had even almost become friends. Actually friends was a rather strong word although it could certainly be applied to the blossoming relationship between Omi and Nagi. Ken suspected that their acquaintance bordered on something more than friendship though.... As for the others, Ran seemed indifferent to everyone, no big surprise there, Yoji got along with Schuldig and Crawford, often chatting with the oracle late at night over mugs of coffee, and Ken...Ken just got along with everyone right? Well sure at first but of all the dark hunters, he had become closest to the German.
He quietly and politely refused Omi's request, wincing a little as he returned the receiver to its nest with a clang. He shuffled back to the window. Pure endless white.
The cardinal was gone.
********
Six men. Wet, cold and giggling. Or rather, Omi laughed enough for all of them. The laughter and sloppy noise of boots and soggy mittens being peeled off alerted Ken to the return of his companions. Briefly, he wondered if he should greet them.
Very briefly.
He raised his mug of tea to his lips, watching the snowfall as if the everlasting movement might prove to be therapeutic. The white powder erasing all traces of colour from the environment. Cloaking all in a strange whitish blue. Beautiful yet frightening. Like the allure of death.
A voice was calling his name. Hmm...Crawford by the commanding tone and the deliberate footsteps pounding toward him.
Ken felt his presence before he noticed the glint of the man's glasses in the window. A request for coffee, hot chocolate for Omi and Nagi of course. Ken nodded absently. His eyes flicked from the snow to the man behind him.
Crawford's eyes studied the man framed in lace curtains and falling snow neutrally, assessing impassively.
Ken looked away first.
Slippered feet padded softly to the adjacent kitchen. Crawford followed. Ken's hand closed around cold metal. A twist. Water gushed forth into the sink. Wordlessly, Crawford handed the man the kettle. Fingers brushed fleetingly.
Ken placed the kettle on the stove and turned on the element. Crawford was still staring.
"What?"
The man pushed up his glasses with his middle finger. Stringy black bangs shifted as he tilted his head to the light of the window. White light reflecting blue-black strands.
"Ooo I can feel the tension!"
A dry laugh. Ken rolled his eyes. Three long swaggering strides brought the redheaded German between the two men. He eyed them both. Green eyes glinting. Silence.
Schuldig waited.
He glanced at his watch.
The kettle began to whistle. Steam erupted upwards from the spout. Ken rocked back from the jets of hot steam, slipping an oven mitt over one hand before removing the kettle from the stove.
Crawford placed the six mugs in a row. A rush of cold air against Ken's back. Schuldig had opened the fridge.
"Where's the milk?" his voice already laced with irritation after only a moment. Ken turned to answer, flushing momentarily at the sight of the tall muscled German bending in front of the fridge, dark blue jeans straining against firm flesh. His mouth hung open, the words at the tip of his tongue.
Schuldig laughed, catching a little of the brunette's thoughts regarding his posterior as well as gleaning the location of the milk.
Schuldig flashed Ken a smirk as he reached around him, dipping his fingers into the sugar jar and popped a star shaped sugar cluster into his mouth, "That's why I love you Ken, your thoughts provide such useful knowledge".
Ken nearly dropped his mug of tea.
"Be good Schuldig," Crawford implored, hands hovering uncertainly over each mug as he tried to recall how the other men took their coffee.
Ken's brow creased thoughtfully, "Black for Yoji, just milk for Aya, four marshmallows for Omi".
A thin red brow raised impressed, "You remember all that kitten? How thoughtful".
Ken shrugged, thick red sweater shifting against his skin, "It just happens when you spend a lot of time with people, you get to know what they like".
Crawford left with the tray of mugs for Yoji, Aya and the two boys. Schuldig watched the creases in the American's shirt shift as he walked. Lost in thought. Or rather momentarily distracted until Ken tried to escape the kitchen.
The taller man placed a hand on each side of Ken's waist, capturing him between his body and the counter. Orange strands tickled Ken's forehead and cheeks as the telepath leaned down.
"Do you know what I like...?"
Had it been Omi, the boy would have blushed cutely, Aya would undoubtedly punch the man in the face, and Yoji...well Yoji would play along and the whole affair would somehow end up in the bedroom. But Ken...Ken should have been flustered or at least confused but the man didn't even blink.
"Heavy on the sugar and cream".
Schuldig's hands fell to his sides. Damn that boy was just too innocent sometimes.
Ken pushed past. Schuldig listened, leaning his elbows against the counter where Ken's back had been pinned moments before. Ken's footsteps paused at the entrance, a creak in the floorboards revealing hesitation.
The footsteps resumed, muffled now by soft carpet.
Schuldig looked up and stared out the window, he could hear Yoji's rich laughter in the living room accompanied by Omi's girlish giggles and Nagi's more reserved chuckle. His long tanned fingers curled around his mug of coffee. He pushed the window open. A rush of cold air swept through his hair, carrying traces of snowflakes. He let them melt against his face, sliding down his face like tears. Tears that he could no longer shed.
********
Ken's feet led him up the wooden staircase. He walked down the long corridor, pausing before a door. Ran's room.
His fingers slid down the polished wood reverently. How many nights had he lingered outside Ran's room at home? Hoping for some form of comfort, even a smile would have sufficed. How long had he loved him? Did it matter?
Ken leaned his forehead against the cool wood of the door. His eyes slid closed as he replayed last night's confession in his mind.
~He had been sitting on his bed, knees drawn up to his chest. His door had opened revealing a tall figure framed in the dimmed light from the hall beyond. Dark eyes gazed up in shock as Ran entered. Smooth movement and pure beauty, oh yes that was Ran.
In the darkness Ran's pale arms wrapped around Ken tightly. Ken gasped. He could feel his leader's muscled chest through his v-neck black shirt pressing against him.
"R-ran?" he asked uncertainly.
His voice was soft, low. Ken's heart was racing. "I...never wanted to hurt you, Ken."
Ken's hands tentatively slid up the redhead's back. The darkness hid his blush at their proximity but could not mask the tremor in his voice.
"W-what?"
Ran's fingers slowly trailed up Ken's spine, cupping the back of his neck.
"I've wanted to be with you for a long time Ken, but...when you told me how you felt I was shocked by the intensity of your emotion, I never dreamed that I could have captured your heart".
Ken closed his eyes, leaning his head on Ran's shoulder. Elegant fingers carved from marble tilted Ken's chin upward. The arm around Ken's waist tightened.
"I don't deserve it."
Ken's mouth opened to protest. The bed creaked as bodies shifted. Lips joined in the dark. Ken's body stiffened. Ran nipped at Ken's bottom lip as he pulled away.
"Sleep well Ken".
Brown eyes trailed after the lanky figure, bewildered. Ran almost seemed to smile as he paused in the doorway.
"Oyasumi".~
Ken shook his head, brushing his fingers across his lips absently. Was one kiss, one moment supposed to heal three years of rejection? Why now? Why....
He hadn't spoken to Ran since. It was just too bizarre; part of him couldn't help but wonder if maybe it was some sort of joke. Why after all this time did Ran step forward? Ken had revealed his feelings two years ago!! And the cold tight-lipped leader of Weib had merely blinked and then walked away. Not even one word of explanation.
Ken shoved his door open with a growl. The nerve! After all the tears Ken had shed, all the sacrifices. Suddenly Ran waltzes in delivering kisses and warm embraces as though they were a gift from God.
It was all wrong.
Why had he let Ran kiss him like that, without even asking why?
Ken collapsed into his bed, face buried deeply in his feathered pillow. His chest felt tight. Ragged sobs assaulted his spine, muffled by the pillow and a woollen quilt.
********
A soft rapping on a wooden door. Eyes snapped open. A face caked with tears. Blurred vision misted from the claws of sleep.
Sure footsteps.
Ken rolled over, tangling himself in his pillows and a fleece blanket which had somehow found itself wrapped lovingly around his body.
A soft chuckle accompanied by the scent of cigarettes. Yoji.
"You've slept the day away Kenken, you alright?"
Green eyes sparkled. Ken tried to blink away the tiredness which veiled his eyes.
"Who?" he asked through a yawn, indicating the blanket.
Smoke curled from Yoji's perfect mouth in a swirl. "Ran".
Ken froze. His fingers gently ran over the fabric of the blanket, feeling its warmth, wondering if it came from Ran's fingertips. Ran had been in his room.
Long fingers laced through Ken's short brown hair for a quick tussle. Ken smiled, trying to hide his blush. Yoji's weight settled beside Ken on the soft mattress, hand still caressing Ken's hair.
Ken's eyes watched the cigarette dangling from Yoji's lips. He leaned his head on the older man's shoulder with a sigh. Yoji lifted his chin to give Ken room to get comfortable before resting his cheek against the younger man's soft hair. Ken noted with amusement that the resident playboy still wore a crop top and low cut jeans even in the middle of winter.
A lanky arm slung around Ken's broad shoulders, "Saa...what's wrong Kenken?"
"I don't know. I feel tired...anxious..." he gestured vaguely in the surrounding darkness.
Yoji's hand still stroked Ken's hair.
Both men parted with a start at the sound of someone clearing their throat.
Omi and Nagi stood smiling in the entrance to Ken's room looking like they were about to burst into giggles and from the way Omi quickly turned away and his shoulders shook, it appeared that he couldn't hold it in.
Yoji raised an eyebrow at the brunette.
Nagi shot a glance at Omi, a smile catching his lips too as the blond boy straightened though his dimples still showed and residual laughter glittered in his eyes.
"Brad says dinner is ready, so if you're hungry come down before it gets cold".
Ken shrugged, "I'll pass".
Yoji's eyes followed the two boys as Nagi guided the other out, applying slight pressure to the his back with one hand. His fingers lingering longer than necessary. Ken noticed this too, exchanging knowing glances with Yoji.
Yoji stretched his tall frame, bestowing a lovely view of toned abs to Ken.
"You should try to eat ne Ken?"
"Maybe later".
Ken smiled up at his friend, hoping the darkness masked his eyes enough to hide the pain that lay therein.
Yoji shrugged, "Cheer up Kenken!" and with that the lanky blonde leaned in and kissed Ken on the cheek, soft waves smelling of his cologne brushing against Ken's neck and chin.
With a wink and a patented Kudou grin which could make any girl melt, Yoji was gone. A faint whisper of smoke in the air the only indication that he had been there.
Ken still held the fleece blanket in his hands, staring blankly into the darkness. Downstairs feet shuffled and chairs moved as everyone sat down for supper.
'Ken?'
Schuldig's voice reached out to him.
'You're not coming down?'
'No.'
'Ran is worried about you. So come down. His thoughts are too damn sentimental and annoying'.
Ken laughed bitterly. Somehow he doubted that. 'Deal with it Schuldig.'
'Come. Down. Now.'
When Ken made no move to rise from his bed, Schuldig did the only thing he could. He opened up all the pathways into the minds of the other men at the table, directing all their stray thoughts at Ken.
The former soccer player clutched his head in shock as wave after wave of pure thought assaulted his mind. Was this what Schuldig had to deal with on a daily basis? Gods it hurt. It hurt but the German was able to make his point. Along with all the other random thoughts, Ran's could also be heard.
Concern.
Warmth.
All for Ken.
Ken's eyes shot open. He was shaking.
The crashing return of deafening silence.
Ken's room seemed to spin in the shock of silence and darkness.
'Now stop being stupid and get your pert little ass down here kitten'.
Ken ran his fingers roughly through his hair, tugging at his red sweater in an attempt to look presentable, not quite understanding why he cared. Hiding his fists within long sleeves, he sauntered down the stairs, sighing as he approached the dimmed lights of the dining room.
Candlelight flickered off the handsome faces of six young men. Violet eyes held Ken in place in the doorway. Ran rose.
A hand slapped Ken's back. Yoji pulled Ken into a vacant seat at his side. Having already risen, Ran bestowed a smile on Ken. The brunette nearly choked on his glass of milk. Schuldig smirked.
Ran's slender body glided past Ken's chair, one finger dragging sensuously across his shoulder blades as he went into the kitchen.
Ken flushed. A quick glance around the table surmised that no one had noticed. Omi and Nagi devoured their pasta with gusto, draining their wineglasses as if it were no more than flavoured water. Crawford leaned back in his chair watching Yoji intently as the sandy haired man sucked on an olive he had plucked from the salad.
Everyone was in their own world...
Or so Ken thought until he glanced straight up into the emerald gaze of the telepath. A grin was quickly spreading across those thin lips. Ken shivered.
Schuldig glanced towards the kitchen meaningfully.
'He wanted you to follow him'.
Ken shrugged and shovelled a forkful of pasta into his mouth. Ran returned, two more bottles of wine in hand. Red and white.
Ken stared as one pale hand closed around a green bottle, red liquid pouring into a crystal glass. Ran raised the sparkling glass to his already wine-darkened lips. Crimson velvet gliding down a perfect white throat.
Ken's throat went dry.
Schuldig laughed. Eyes still focused on Ken.
"Cute moustache".
Ken frowned then realized he must have a milk moustache. He reached for his napkin but was stopped as long fingers snatched it from beneath his hand.
"Allow me ne Kenken," Yoji tilted Ken's chin with one hand, gently dabbing at his upper lip with the napkin. Ken flushed not only at the almost motherly gesture but also at the fact that three sets of eyes narrowed at the action.
Ken needed air. Fast.
Without another word, he rose. Nearly toppling his chair over in his hurry. He ran. Grabbing any coat as he passed. Somehow he stepped into his boots. The door flew open under his weight, then he was in the snow. Surrounded by silent whiteness. His eyes stung from the sudden cold, eyelashes crystallizing in seconds. Still he ran. Snow crunching beneath his boots.
Someone called him from the house. Their voice blurred by the wind and lost in the night.
His heart was pounding, his breath coming in ragged half-frozen gasps. The ground seemed to shift beneath his feet, his boot slipped in the thick snow. And then he was falling. His back hit the ground sending a spray of cold snow down his neck and into his face. Ken smiled. Nestled in the embrace of winter. His eyes closed.
Snowflakes drifted lazily, melting on his hot lips and adorning his dark hair like diamonds.
********
Schuldig was the first out of the dining room. Ran close on his heels. Omi and Nagi stared at each other in confusion at a loss concerning Ken's strange behaviour.
Yoji moved to follow the two redheads but was seized by the shoulder firmly. The lanky assassin spun to glare at Crawford in bewilderment.
"Why are you stopping me? Ken's in trouble!"
Crawford shook his head ever so slightly, "Leave this to Schuldig and Ran".
"Ken is my friend Bradley! And he's upset, don't try to stop me!"
Yoji wrenched himself out of the other man's grip and nearly bashed into Schuldig as the redhead came charging back into the room. The German seized the oracle by the shoulders and shook the man roughly.
"Did you see? Do you know where he is?"
Crawford searched the other man's eyes for a long moment.
"Damn it Brad! Answer me!"
He could already feel the telepath's mind wrapping around his own, prepared to break every shield if need be to get what he wanted.
Crawford adjusted his glasses as he coolly peeled the other man's fingers from his arms.
"I don't know where he is."
Schuldig spun around, heading towards the door once more, "Fuck".
"But I do know that you will bring him back safely".
The German nodded as he pulled a pair of black leather gloves over his hands, along with his boots. Yoji tried to follow but was held back yet again.
"Why won't you let me go?!"
Crawford studied the man then sighed as he released him and stepped away to toy with his glass of white wine, half-drained on the table.
"In matters of love an extra party would only interfere".
Yoji frowned in puzzlement, watching as Schuldig and Ran's forms disappeared into the night. "But you let the two of them go...." his voice trailed off in realization and he turned his green-eyed gaze sharply back at Crawford. "What have you seen?" he asked quietly, his voice almost a lament.
Crawford smiled thinly. Yoji looked down to his hand which was clenched in a tight fist. He still held the napkin he had wiped Ken's lip with.
********
Schuldig ran through the drifts of snow-laden wind. Raising his arm occasionally to block the wind from his eyes. Ran had sped off in the opposite direction. One of them was bound to find him. Brad had said so. Then why is my heart beating so fucking fast and I feel like I can't bloody breathe? Must be the cold. And the fact that he had been running for ten minutes now. A difficult feat when you're a steady smoker. Schuldig made a mental note to quit.
Using Ken's thoughts as a guide, he ploughed onward. He could tell from the dreamlike sporadic thoughts coming from Ken that he was close to losing consciousness. What the hell had happened? More importantly, why hadn't Schuldig taken the time to find out? A second. That's all it would take. A quick sweep of Ken's mind and he could have all the answers he wanted. Schuldig swore for the tenth time, why was is so blasted cold?
Endless white. That's all he could see.
'Ken where are you, you baka!'
There! Amongst the glittering night snow there was a shadow vaguely man shaped. Schuldig rushed forward, warmth washing over him as he recognized the dark brown hair despite being crowned in snow.
He knelt in the snow. Hesitant to brush the snow from Ken's form. Somehow, the white glittering dusting gave him the illusion of a sleeping angel. Schuldig leaned forward to ascertain if the man still drew breath. Too close.
He found his lips pressed against Ken's. They were cold, though they warmed instantly with his kiss. Ken stirred but did not awaken. Schuldig removed his scarf and quickly wrapped it around Ken's neck. His hands paused, cupping Ken's face. Wishing it weren't cold so that he could run his fingers over the skin without gloves. He frowned then tugged his black gloves off with his teeth. Grabbing Ken's frozen fingers; he breathed hot breath onto each one before placing his gloves on Ken's hands. Nodding in satisfaction, he hefted Ken onto his back.
'I've got him Ran'.
Schuldig glanced at the sleeping face resting on his shoulder and wondered if perhaps it just might be the other way around.
********
Tobacco? Was that the scent? Hmm...yes like Yoji. My hands feel warm. It's cold but Yoji is keeping me warm. His hands are never cold.
Ken's mind played out a scene from the beginning of winter.
Yoji and Ken walking in the cold to the convenience store in the middle of a cold wintry night. Why? The need for sweets obviously.
Lawson's being the closest, they entered. Ken grabbed some strawberry Pocky and some shichiken onigiri. Yoji frowned.
"They don't have any Skittles!" he groaned.
"Of course not Yoji! They don't sell Skittles in Japan!" Ken giggled as he paid the woman at the cash.
Yoji placed a hand on his bony hip, "Then how come Crawford always has them?"
Ken shrugged, "Sends for them from home?"
Yoji pouted as they exited, not pleased with being denied his favourite treat. Ken was still laughing. Breath clouding the air around him in hazy puffs.
He shivered as he shoved a pocky into his mouth. His hands were so cold. Yoji noticed and seized the brunette's hands in each of his own.
"Oy Ken, your hands are freezing! Let me warm them for you ne?"
Ken nodded dumbly.
He was soon blushing as Yoji's hands warmed him yet still held on.
"Sorry".
Yoji laughed as he slung an arm around Ken's waist. They resumed walking.
"What for?"
Ken smiled shyly, "For having cold hands all the time".
Yoji squeezed Ken a little tighter, "Don't be silly Kenken, besides you know what they say, 'Cold hands warm heart'".
Ken laughed and leaned into Yoji. Frowning when he felt something dig into his side where he was pressed against Yoji's pocket. He dove his fingers into the pocket before Yoji could protest and pulled out an unopened bag of Skittles.
Yoji stared in wonderment as though Ken had just held up the stars in his hands.
And then they both burst out laughing.
The rest of the journey home was filled with giggles and candy. Yoji held up a red one and beamed into the moonlight.
"Red is my favourite, how about you Kenken?"
"Me too".
Yoji glanced back into the package and his shoulders slumped.
"Ahh...sorry Ken, I ate the last one".
He stuck out his tongue for emphasis displaying the shiny red candy. He closed his mouth then smiled mischievously. Grabbing Ken by the collar of his jacket he pulled the man close, "But I can let you taste it".
Ken's eyes widened and he tried to back up. Instead he got his feet tangled and fell back into a snow bank; Yoji plastered on top of him. His breath smelt like lime and cherries. They stared searchingly into each other's eyes uncertainly. Then as if realizing the absurdity of it all burst out into giggles once more.
Yoji extended his hand, helping Ken up easily.
Ken dusted off his pants with a grin, "Ne Yotan, is there anything you like better than Skittles?"
"Vanilla".
Vanilla?!
Ken frowned. That wasn't what he had said...no wait that was what he was smelling, vanilla and tobacco mixing with leather. Not Yoji. No. Someone else.
The name came out vocally in a strangled cough.
"Schuldig?"
Ken was being carried of that he was certain. His head leaned on the German's shoulder, orange hair tickling his face. Schuldig had his arms hooked securely under Ken's legs, supporting him. He opened his eyes blearily, palms flattening against the older man's chest. He held on tightly.
Schuldig let out a dry laugh, "Ah, finally done fantasizing about Yoji?"
Schuldig paused, jolting Ken higher onto his back before his hands could lose their grip. Ken studied the white clouds forming around Schuldig's mouth, the arch of his thin brows, the thin wisps of silken fire protruding from under his dark green hat.
Ken squiggled.
"Let me down. I can walk now".
Schuldig loosened his grip, hands falling to his sides. Ken slid down his back. Gloved hands still resting against his chest, forehead pressed against his shoulder as he tried to regain his balance. Ken held the embrace for much longer than was obviously necessary. With his ear pressed against Schuldig's back like this, he could hear the other man's heartbeat.
Schuldig turned into the embrace so that he was now facing Ken. Ken's fingers were now laced loosely around his waist.
Ken stared into the dark depths of the other's eyes, drawn like a moth to the flame. The cold no longer existed. There was only Schuldig.
Hair drifting across his face, licking his jaw. Ken wanted to place his lips everywhere those fiery filaments touched.
Schuldig reached up to cup Ken's face in his hands. He knew what Ken wanted. His eyes were easier to read than his mind.
Schuldig pressed his lips fiercely against Ken's forehead.
"Schuldig..."
Ken was clutching at his arms, creasing the black leather.
"You're...such an idiot...Ken," he breathed, whispering the words against Ken's skin.
"Ken!"
Schuldig pushed Ken away a respectable distance.
Ran rushed forward; catching Ken in his arms as the frozen boy staggered forward a step. Wiry arms encircled Ken tightly, unyielding.
"Yokatta..." he sighed into the younger boy's hair.
Schuldig turned stiffly. Waving an arm nonchalantly as he headed back to the warmth of the cabin.
"You take him the rest of the way Ran, my back hurts from carrying so much weight".
Ken's eyes widened at this and his mind screamed at Schuldig for an explanation, a meaning to his ever confounding and cryptic comments.
Ran held Ken a little tighter.
Schuldig was already gone.
By Lola
Disclaimer: No...I don't own Weib. Oh the tragedy!
Warning: Angst? O_o I guess that's what this is. ^_^ Oh yeah and there's some mild swearing, inevitable when Schuldig's involved.
Pairings: Uhh...Ok, Omi and Nagi have a thing going on...Crawford/Yoji Aya/Ken/Schuldig. Ah love triangles or hexagons....who knows? Such a wonderful thing!
A.N.: First of many chapters I'm sure. Thanks to all those who reviewed Games! You guys are what I live for! I dedicate this fic to all you beautiful people!
And for my lovely Zu, such a naughty kitten, I could just bite you! ~.^
A flash of red on white. The flutter of wings. A cardinal perched on the swaying limbs of a snow covered cherry tree. Beautiful in its simplicity. Like Aya, or Ran rather now that his sister was awake.
Brown eyes watched in captivation as the bird flitted between the branches, preening. Wet snow, the kind kids love to make snowmen with, drifting lazily. Occasionally, a branch laden with too much white cold would bend, sending its burden tumbling to the earth.
A sigh. The twenty one-year-old boy gazed through the white lace curtains. If only people's burdens could be so easily forgotten. He felt two hot streaks down his cheeks. He was crying, silently. Not that that was surprising, he hadn't smiled in nearly two months, perhaps a bit more.
Strange, he was usually the cheery one. Well...next to Omi. But things were just wrong now. Very very wrong. He let out a humourless laugh.
"When did I become so cynical? So jaded?" his voice sounded strained even to his own ears. Probably because he hadn't spoken yet this morning. Sleep and sadness clung to his throat making his voice sound more like a croak.
The phone rang.
Ken reluctantly turned away from the vision of falling snow and bright red feathers. But he had to answer; he was the only one inside out of the seven of them. Yes seven. Schwartz was here too. Well all except the crazed Irishmen. Rumour had it that during these past two years since the end of the battle, he had returned to his homeland and had even found himself a fiancee. Will wonders never cease? Ken thought bemusedly as he reached to pick up the phone of polished marble and gold. He stared at it for second, so much for the rustic cabin look, then shrugged as his fingers curved around the cool stone.
It was Omi. Calling from a cell no doubt. He was giggling hysterically, begging Ken to come outside and join the Weib versus Schwartz snowball fight. They were all outside pummelling each other with lobs of snow, Omi, Yoji, Schuldig, Crawford, Nagi, Ran...well ok, Ran probably just leaned against a tree with an arched eyebrow as if daring anyone to strike him with a snowball. That was probably the reason why Omi wanted Ken to come and help to even the odds.
Ken heard Omi yelp, followed by more giggles as the blond boy pouted that Nagi was not allowed to use his powers. Strange how two years of peace had somehow brought them all together. A common understanding. A bond between killers. That's why they were here wasn't it? It the mountains, on a ski trip. They had even almost become friends. Actually friends was a rather strong word although it could certainly be applied to the blossoming relationship between Omi and Nagi. Ken suspected that their acquaintance bordered on something more than friendship though.... As for the others, Ran seemed indifferent to everyone, no big surprise there, Yoji got along with Schuldig and Crawford, often chatting with the oracle late at night over mugs of coffee, and Ken...Ken just got along with everyone right? Well sure at first but of all the dark hunters, he had become closest to the German.
He quietly and politely refused Omi's request, wincing a little as he returned the receiver to its nest with a clang. He shuffled back to the window. Pure endless white.
The cardinal was gone.
********
Six men. Wet, cold and giggling. Or rather, Omi laughed enough for all of them. The laughter and sloppy noise of boots and soggy mittens being peeled off alerted Ken to the return of his companions. Briefly, he wondered if he should greet them.
Very briefly.
He raised his mug of tea to his lips, watching the snowfall as if the everlasting movement might prove to be therapeutic. The white powder erasing all traces of colour from the environment. Cloaking all in a strange whitish blue. Beautiful yet frightening. Like the allure of death.
A voice was calling his name. Hmm...Crawford by the commanding tone and the deliberate footsteps pounding toward him.
Ken felt his presence before he noticed the glint of the man's glasses in the window. A request for coffee, hot chocolate for Omi and Nagi of course. Ken nodded absently. His eyes flicked from the snow to the man behind him.
Crawford's eyes studied the man framed in lace curtains and falling snow neutrally, assessing impassively.
Ken looked away first.
Slippered feet padded softly to the adjacent kitchen. Crawford followed. Ken's hand closed around cold metal. A twist. Water gushed forth into the sink. Wordlessly, Crawford handed the man the kettle. Fingers brushed fleetingly.
Ken placed the kettle on the stove and turned on the element. Crawford was still staring.
"What?"
The man pushed up his glasses with his middle finger. Stringy black bangs shifted as he tilted his head to the light of the window. White light reflecting blue-black strands.
"Ooo I can feel the tension!"
A dry laugh. Ken rolled his eyes. Three long swaggering strides brought the redheaded German between the two men. He eyed them both. Green eyes glinting. Silence.
Schuldig waited.
He glanced at his watch.
The kettle began to whistle. Steam erupted upwards from the spout. Ken rocked back from the jets of hot steam, slipping an oven mitt over one hand before removing the kettle from the stove.
Crawford placed the six mugs in a row. A rush of cold air against Ken's back. Schuldig had opened the fridge.
"Where's the milk?" his voice already laced with irritation after only a moment. Ken turned to answer, flushing momentarily at the sight of the tall muscled German bending in front of the fridge, dark blue jeans straining against firm flesh. His mouth hung open, the words at the tip of his tongue.
Schuldig laughed, catching a little of the brunette's thoughts regarding his posterior as well as gleaning the location of the milk.
Schuldig flashed Ken a smirk as he reached around him, dipping his fingers into the sugar jar and popped a star shaped sugar cluster into his mouth, "That's why I love you Ken, your thoughts provide such useful knowledge".
Ken nearly dropped his mug of tea.
"Be good Schuldig," Crawford implored, hands hovering uncertainly over each mug as he tried to recall how the other men took their coffee.
Ken's brow creased thoughtfully, "Black for Yoji, just milk for Aya, four marshmallows for Omi".
A thin red brow raised impressed, "You remember all that kitten? How thoughtful".
Ken shrugged, thick red sweater shifting against his skin, "It just happens when you spend a lot of time with people, you get to know what they like".
Crawford left with the tray of mugs for Yoji, Aya and the two boys. Schuldig watched the creases in the American's shirt shift as he walked. Lost in thought. Or rather momentarily distracted until Ken tried to escape the kitchen.
The taller man placed a hand on each side of Ken's waist, capturing him between his body and the counter. Orange strands tickled Ken's forehead and cheeks as the telepath leaned down.
"Do you know what I like...?"
Had it been Omi, the boy would have blushed cutely, Aya would undoubtedly punch the man in the face, and Yoji...well Yoji would play along and the whole affair would somehow end up in the bedroom. But Ken...Ken should have been flustered or at least confused but the man didn't even blink.
"Heavy on the sugar and cream".
Schuldig's hands fell to his sides. Damn that boy was just too innocent sometimes.
Ken pushed past. Schuldig listened, leaning his elbows against the counter where Ken's back had been pinned moments before. Ken's footsteps paused at the entrance, a creak in the floorboards revealing hesitation.
The footsteps resumed, muffled now by soft carpet.
Schuldig looked up and stared out the window, he could hear Yoji's rich laughter in the living room accompanied by Omi's girlish giggles and Nagi's more reserved chuckle. His long tanned fingers curled around his mug of coffee. He pushed the window open. A rush of cold air swept through his hair, carrying traces of snowflakes. He let them melt against his face, sliding down his face like tears. Tears that he could no longer shed.
********
Ken's feet led him up the wooden staircase. He walked down the long corridor, pausing before a door. Ran's room.
His fingers slid down the polished wood reverently. How many nights had he lingered outside Ran's room at home? Hoping for some form of comfort, even a smile would have sufficed. How long had he loved him? Did it matter?
Ken leaned his forehead against the cool wood of the door. His eyes slid closed as he replayed last night's confession in his mind.
~He had been sitting on his bed, knees drawn up to his chest. His door had opened revealing a tall figure framed in the dimmed light from the hall beyond. Dark eyes gazed up in shock as Ran entered. Smooth movement and pure beauty, oh yes that was Ran.
In the darkness Ran's pale arms wrapped around Ken tightly. Ken gasped. He could feel his leader's muscled chest through his v-neck black shirt pressing against him.
"R-ran?" he asked uncertainly.
His voice was soft, low. Ken's heart was racing. "I...never wanted to hurt you, Ken."
Ken's hands tentatively slid up the redhead's back. The darkness hid his blush at their proximity but could not mask the tremor in his voice.
"W-what?"
Ran's fingers slowly trailed up Ken's spine, cupping the back of his neck.
"I've wanted to be with you for a long time Ken, but...when you told me how you felt I was shocked by the intensity of your emotion, I never dreamed that I could have captured your heart".
Ken closed his eyes, leaning his head on Ran's shoulder. Elegant fingers carved from marble tilted Ken's chin upward. The arm around Ken's waist tightened.
"I don't deserve it."
Ken's mouth opened to protest. The bed creaked as bodies shifted. Lips joined in the dark. Ken's body stiffened. Ran nipped at Ken's bottom lip as he pulled away.
"Sleep well Ken".
Brown eyes trailed after the lanky figure, bewildered. Ran almost seemed to smile as he paused in the doorway.
"Oyasumi".~
Ken shook his head, brushing his fingers across his lips absently. Was one kiss, one moment supposed to heal three years of rejection? Why now? Why....
He hadn't spoken to Ran since. It was just too bizarre; part of him couldn't help but wonder if maybe it was some sort of joke. Why after all this time did Ran step forward? Ken had revealed his feelings two years ago!! And the cold tight-lipped leader of Weib had merely blinked and then walked away. Not even one word of explanation.
Ken shoved his door open with a growl. The nerve! After all the tears Ken had shed, all the sacrifices. Suddenly Ran waltzes in delivering kisses and warm embraces as though they were a gift from God.
It was all wrong.
Why had he let Ran kiss him like that, without even asking why?
Ken collapsed into his bed, face buried deeply in his feathered pillow. His chest felt tight. Ragged sobs assaulted his spine, muffled by the pillow and a woollen quilt.
********
A soft rapping on a wooden door. Eyes snapped open. A face caked with tears. Blurred vision misted from the claws of sleep.
Sure footsteps.
Ken rolled over, tangling himself in his pillows and a fleece blanket which had somehow found itself wrapped lovingly around his body.
A soft chuckle accompanied by the scent of cigarettes. Yoji.
"You've slept the day away Kenken, you alright?"
Green eyes sparkled. Ken tried to blink away the tiredness which veiled his eyes.
"Who?" he asked through a yawn, indicating the blanket.
Smoke curled from Yoji's perfect mouth in a swirl. "Ran".
Ken froze. His fingers gently ran over the fabric of the blanket, feeling its warmth, wondering if it came from Ran's fingertips. Ran had been in his room.
Long fingers laced through Ken's short brown hair for a quick tussle. Ken smiled, trying to hide his blush. Yoji's weight settled beside Ken on the soft mattress, hand still caressing Ken's hair.
Ken's eyes watched the cigarette dangling from Yoji's lips. He leaned his head on the older man's shoulder with a sigh. Yoji lifted his chin to give Ken room to get comfortable before resting his cheek against the younger man's soft hair. Ken noted with amusement that the resident playboy still wore a crop top and low cut jeans even in the middle of winter.
A lanky arm slung around Ken's broad shoulders, "Saa...what's wrong Kenken?"
"I don't know. I feel tired...anxious..." he gestured vaguely in the surrounding darkness.
Yoji's hand still stroked Ken's hair.
Both men parted with a start at the sound of someone clearing their throat.
Omi and Nagi stood smiling in the entrance to Ken's room looking like they were about to burst into giggles and from the way Omi quickly turned away and his shoulders shook, it appeared that he couldn't hold it in.
Yoji raised an eyebrow at the brunette.
Nagi shot a glance at Omi, a smile catching his lips too as the blond boy straightened though his dimples still showed and residual laughter glittered in his eyes.
"Brad says dinner is ready, so if you're hungry come down before it gets cold".
Ken shrugged, "I'll pass".
Yoji's eyes followed the two boys as Nagi guided the other out, applying slight pressure to the his back with one hand. His fingers lingering longer than necessary. Ken noticed this too, exchanging knowing glances with Yoji.
Yoji stretched his tall frame, bestowing a lovely view of toned abs to Ken.
"You should try to eat ne Ken?"
"Maybe later".
Ken smiled up at his friend, hoping the darkness masked his eyes enough to hide the pain that lay therein.
Yoji shrugged, "Cheer up Kenken!" and with that the lanky blonde leaned in and kissed Ken on the cheek, soft waves smelling of his cologne brushing against Ken's neck and chin.
With a wink and a patented Kudou grin which could make any girl melt, Yoji was gone. A faint whisper of smoke in the air the only indication that he had been there.
Ken still held the fleece blanket in his hands, staring blankly into the darkness. Downstairs feet shuffled and chairs moved as everyone sat down for supper.
'Ken?'
Schuldig's voice reached out to him.
'You're not coming down?'
'No.'
'Ran is worried about you. So come down. His thoughts are too damn sentimental and annoying'.
Ken laughed bitterly. Somehow he doubted that. 'Deal with it Schuldig.'
'Come. Down. Now.'
When Ken made no move to rise from his bed, Schuldig did the only thing he could. He opened up all the pathways into the minds of the other men at the table, directing all their stray thoughts at Ken.
The former soccer player clutched his head in shock as wave after wave of pure thought assaulted his mind. Was this what Schuldig had to deal with on a daily basis? Gods it hurt. It hurt but the German was able to make his point. Along with all the other random thoughts, Ran's could also be heard.
Concern.
Warmth.
All for Ken.
Ken's eyes shot open. He was shaking.
The crashing return of deafening silence.
Ken's room seemed to spin in the shock of silence and darkness.
'Now stop being stupid and get your pert little ass down here kitten'.
Ken ran his fingers roughly through his hair, tugging at his red sweater in an attempt to look presentable, not quite understanding why he cared. Hiding his fists within long sleeves, he sauntered down the stairs, sighing as he approached the dimmed lights of the dining room.
Candlelight flickered off the handsome faces of six young men. Violet eyes held Ken in place in the doorway. Ran rose.
A hand slapped Ken's back. Yoji pulled Ken into a vacant seat at his side. Having already risen, Ran bestowed a smile on Ken. The brunette nearly choked on his glass of milk. Schuldig smirked.
Ran's slender body glided past Ken's chair, one finger dragging sensuously across his shoulder blades as he went into the kitchen.
Ken flushed. A quick glance around the table surmised that no one had noticed. Omi and Nagi devoured their pasta with gusto, draining their wineglasses as if it were no more than flavoured water. Crawford leaned back in his chair watching Yoji intently as the sandy haired man sucked on an olive he had plucked from the salad.
Everyone was in their own world...
Or so Ken thought until he glanced straight up into the emerald gaze of the telepath. A grin was quickly spreading across those thin lips. Ken shivered.
Schuldig glanced towards the kitchen meaningfully.
'He wanted you to follow him'.
Ken shrugged and shovelled a forkful of pasta into his mouth. Ran returned, two more bottles of wine in hand. Red and white.
Ken stared as one pale hand closed around a green bottle, red liquid pouring into a crystal glass. Ran raised the sparkling glass to his already wine-darkened lips. Crimson velvet gliding down a perfect white throat.
Ken's throat went dry.
Schuldig laughed. Eyes still focused on Ken.
"Cute moustache".
Ken frowned then realized he must have a milk moustache. He reached for his napkin but was stopped as long fingers snatched it from beneath his hand.
"Allow me ne Kenken," Yoji tilted Ken's chin with one hand, gently dabbing at his upper lip with the napkin. Ken flushed not only at the almost motherly gesture but also at the fact that three sets of eyes narrowed at the action.
Ken needed air. Fast.
Without another word, he rose. Nearly toppling his chair over in his hurry. He ran. Grabbing any coat as he passed. Somehow he stepped into his boots. The door flew open under his weight, then he was in the snow. Surrounded by silent whiteness. His eyes stung from the sudden cold, eyelashes crystallizing in seconds. Still he ran. Snow crunching beneath his boots.
Someone called him from the house. Their voice blurred by the wind and lost in the night.
His heart was pounding, his breath coming in ragged half-frozen gasps. The ground seemed to shift beneath his feet, his boot slipped in the thick snow. And then he was falling. His back hit the ground sending a spray of cold snow down his neck and into his face. Ken smiled. Nestled in the embrace of winter. His eyes closed.
Snowflakes drifted lazily, melting on his hot lips and adorning his dark hair like diamonds.
********
Schuldig was the first out of the dining room. Ran close on his heels. Omi and Nagi stared at each other in confusion at a loss concerning Ken's strange behaviour.
Yoji moved to follow the two redheads but was seized by the shoulder firmly. The lanky assassin spun to glare at Crawford in bewilderment.
"Why are you stopping me? Ken's in trouble!"
Crawford shook his head ever so slightly, "Leave this to Schuldig and Ran".
"Ken is my friend Bradley! And he's upset, don't try to stop me!"
Yoji wrenched himself out of the other man's grip and nearly bashed into Schuldig as the redhead came charging back into the room. The German seized the oracle by the shoulders and shook the man roughly.
"Did you see? Do you know where he is?"
Crawford searched the other man's eyes for a long moment.
"Damn it Brad! Answer me!"
He could already feel the telepath's mind wrapping around his own, prepared to break every shield if need be to get what he wanted.
Crawford adjusted his glasses as he coolly peeled the other man's fingers from his arms.
"I don't know where he is."
Schuldig spun around, heading towards the door once more, "Fuck".
"But I do know that you will bring him back safely".
The German nodded as he pulled a pair of black leather gloves over his hands, along with his boots. Yoji tried to follow but was held back yet again.
"Why won't you let me go?!"
Crawford studied the man then sighed as he released him and stepped away to toy with his glass of white wine, half-drained on the table.
"In matters of love an extra party would only interfere".
Yoji frowned in puzzlement, watching as Schuldig and Ran's forms disappeared into the night. "But you let the two of them go...." his voice trailed off in realization and he turned his green-eyed gaze sharply back at Crawford. "What have you seen?" he asked quietly, his voice almost a lament.
Crawford smiled thinly. Yoji looked down to his hand which was clenched in a tight fist. He still held the napkin he had wiped Ken's lip with.
********
Schuldig ran through the drifts of snow-laden wind. Raising his arm occasionally to block the wind from his eyes. Ran had sped off in the opposite direction. One of them was bound to find him. Brad had said so. Then why is my heart beating so fucking fast and I feel like I can't bloody breathe? Must be the cold. And the fact that he had been running for ten minutes now. A difficult feat when you're a steady smoker. Schuldig made a mental note to quit.
Using Ken's thoughts as a guide, he ploughed onward. He could tell from the dreamlike sporadic thoughts coming from Ken that he was close to losing consciousness. What the hell had happened? More importantly, why hadn't Schuldig taken the time to find out? A second. That's all it would take. A quick sweep of Ken's mind and he could have all the answers he wanted. Schuldig swore for the tenth time, why was is so blasted cold?
Endless white. That's all he could see.
'Ken where are you, you baka!'
There! Amongst the glittering night snow there was a shadow vaguely man shaped. Schuldig rushed forward, warmth washing over him as he recognized the dark brown hair despite being crowned in snow.
He knelt in the snow. Hesitant to brush the snow from Ken's form. Somehow, the white glittering dusting gave him the illusion of a sleeping angel. Schuldig leaned forward to ascertain if the man still drew breath. Too close.
He found his lips pressed against Ken's. They were cold, though they warmed instantly with his kiss. Ken stirred but did not awaken. Schuldig removed his scarf and quickly wrapped it around Ken's neck. His hands paused, cupping Ken's face. Wishing it weren't cold so that he could run his fingers over the skin without gloves. He frowned then tugged his black gloves off with his teeth. Grabbing Ken's frozen fingers; he breathed hot breath onto each one before placing his gloves on Ken's hands. Nodding in satisfaction, he hefted Ken onto his back.
'I've got him Ran'.
Schuldig glanced at the sleeping face resting on his shoulder and wondered if perhaps it just might be the other way around.
********
Tobacco? Was that the scent? Hmm...yes like Yoji. My hands feel warm. It's cold but Yoji is keeping me warm. His hands are never cold.
Ken's mind played out a scene from the beginning of winter.
Yoji and Ken walking in the cold to the convenience store in the middle of a cold wintry night. Why? The need for sweets obviously.
Lawson's being the closest, they entered. Ken grabbed some strawberry Pocky and some shichiken onigiri. Yoji frowned.
"They don't have any Skittles!" he groaned.
"Of course not Yoji! They don't sell Skittles in Japan!" Ken giggled as he paid the woman at the cash.
Yoji placed a hand on his bony hip, "Then how come Crawford always has them?"
Ken shrugged, "Sends for them from home?"
Yoji pouted as they exited, not pleased with being denied his favourite treat. Ken was still laughing. Breath clouding the air around him in hazy puffs.
He shivered as he shoved a pocky into his mouth. His hands were so cold. Yoji noticed and seized the brunette's hands in each of his own.
"Oy Ken, your hands are freezing! Let me warm them for you ne?"
Ken nodded dumbly.
He was soon blushing as Yoji's hands warmed him yet still held on.
"Sorry".
Yoji laughed as he slung an arm around Ken's waist. They resumed walking.
"What for?"
Ken smiled shyly, "For having cold hands all the time".
Yoji squeezed Ken a little tighter, "Don't be silly Kenken, besides you know what they say, 'Cold hands warm heart'".
Ken laughed and leaned into Yoji. Frowning when he felt something dig into his side where he was pressed against Yoji's pocket. He dove his fingers into the pocket before Yoji could protest and pulled out an unopened bag of Skittles.
Yoji stared in wonderment as though Ken had just held up the stars in his hands.
And then they both burst out laughing.
The rest of the journey home was filled with giggles and candy. Yoji held up a red one and beamed into the moonlight.
"Red is my favourite, how about you Kenken?"
"Me too".
Yoji glanced back into the package and his shoulders slumped.
"Ahh...sorry Ken, I ate the last one".
He stuck out his tongue for emphasis displaying the shiny red candy. He closed his mouth then smiled mischievously. Grabbing Ken by the collar of his jacket he pulled the man close, "But I can let you taste it".
Ken's eyes widened and he tried to back up. Instead he got his feet tangled and fell back into a snow bank; Yoji plastered on top of him. His breath smelt like lime and cherries. They stared searchingly into each other's eyes uncertainly. Then as if realizing the absurdity of it all burst out into giggles once more.
Yoji extended his hand, helping Ken up easily.
Ken dusted off his pants with a grin, "Ne Yotan, is there anything you like better than Skittles?"
"Vanilla".
Vanilla?!
Ken frowned. That wasn't what he had said...no wait that was what he was smelling, vanilla and tobacco mixing with leather. Not Yoji. No. Someone else.
The name came out vocally in a strangled cough.
"Schuldig?"
Ken was being carried of that he was certain. His head leaned on the German's shoulder, orange hair tickling his face. Schuldig had his arms hooked securely under Ken's legs, supporting him. He opened his eyes blearily, palms flattening against the older man's chest. He held on tightly.
Schuldig let out a dry laugh, "Ah, finally done fantasizing about Yoji?"
Schuldig paused, jolting Ken higher onto his back before his hands could lose their grip. Ken studied the white clouds forming around Schuldig's mouth, the arch of his thin brows, the thin wisps of silken fire protruding from under his dark green hat.
Ken squiggled.
"Let me down. I can walk now".
Schuldig loosened his grip, hands falling to his sides. Ken slid down his back. Gloved hands still resting against his chest, forehead pressed against his shoulder as he tried to regain his balance. Ken held the embrace for much longer than was obviously necessary. With his ear pressed against Schuldig's back like this, he could hear the other man's heartbeat.
Schuldig turned into the embrace so that he was now facing Ken. Ken's fingers were now laced loosely around his waist.
Ken stared into the dark depths of the other's eyes, drawn like a moth to the flame. The cold no longer existed. There was only Schuldig.
Hair drifting across his face, licking his jaw. Ken wanted to place his lips everywhere those fiery filaments touched.
Schuldig reached up to cup Ken's face in his hands. He knew what Ken wanted. His eyes were easier to read than his mind.
Schuldig pressed his lips fiercely against Ken's forehead.
"Schuldig..."
Ken was clutching at his arms, creasing the black leather.
"You're...such an idiot...Ken," he breathed, whispering the words against Ken's skin.
"Ken!"
Schuldig pushed Ken away a respectable distance.
Ran rushed forward; catching Ken in his arms as the frozen boy staggered forward a step. Wiry arms encircled Ken tightly, unyielding.
"Yokatta..." he sighed into the younger boy's hair.
Schuldig turned stiffly. Waving an arm nonchalantly as he headed back to the warmth of the cabin.
"You take him the rest of the way Ran, my back hurts from carrying so much weight".
Ken's eyes widened at this and his mind screamed at Schuldig for an explanation, a meaning to his ever confounding and cryptic comments.
Ran held Ken a little tighter.
Schuldig was already gone.