Disclaimer: KageKurokawa DOES NOT OWN Takehiko Koyasu and Project Weiss. Takehiko Koyasu and Project Weiss OWN Weiss Kreuz. Therefore, KageKurokawa DOES NOT OWN Weiss Kreuz.

Kage so sad. Kage is pathetic.

A/N: Ah minna san… this is my first Weiss Kreuz fic ever… and I dedicate it to my favorite Weiss pair Ran/Ken… So kawaii those two… (chuckles!)

Hope you guys read and review! Please, please, please…

Warning: Errr… shounen ai… don't like? Read something else. And some language… Oh and is this angst? And I tend to be quite melodramatic it seems… Ahh…Well… to quote my all time favorite chara from somewhere… "Yare, yare…"

Frosted by KageKurokawa

The night covered the city under a veil of black. The moon is nowhere in sight. No stars too. There is only a canopy of dark heavy clouds that brought and onslaught of snow to kiss the earth. Sometimes, even Mother Nature seems give a pittance of sympathy to the dismal disposition of man. And tonight she chose to empathize with the silent tears of a broken figure, slumped wearily on a wall at a deserted alleyway somewhere in the city.

The man is tired, bruised and bleeding. His jeans torn on the knees and on the sides. His black jacket ripped at the shoulder. This is due to the force of impact when he hit the hard, solid concrete as he fell from his motorcycle earlier. The said vehicle now lying in a useless broken heap a few meters from him. But the man didn't seem to care. Oblivious to the pain of his body, the dirt he is lying on and the coldfrost seeping through his torn clothing. None of that really mattered.

He did not fucking care.

Tanned hands swept chocolate strands away from his faceas he lets the white crystals land softly on his injured face. Blue-green eyes closed to the world for a while as quiet tears freely flowed melting the snow that strayed into that stained face.

Behind closed lids, an image haunts unseeing eyes. Red hair. Violet eyes. Pale skin. And a very good right hand. Hands slowly went to a bruised left cheek. Damn good right hand.

It had been his fault. After all, he should have known better. He should have known by now that Aya will always be unpredictable. Hehad been so wrong in his assumptions. He thought the cold bastard actually cared about him. The stolen glances. A few kind acts every now and then. The teasing from this blond playboy. The encouragement from this genki little smiley. And he, Ken Hidaka, the idiot that he was, presumed that there could indeed be an underlying emotion underneath it all. And thus was proven, painfully, that he was only seeing things. After all, how could anyone bother with someone as stained as him…

Earlier that day:

"Hey Kenken."

"…"

"Earth to Kenken!"

"…"

"Hey look a naked girl's running down the street!"

"…"

"Hey look! Aya's in a birthday suit!"

"Huh!"

"Got ya!"

"Youji!"

"You should see you're face, right about now. Hehehe."

xxx

"Anou, Ken-kun are you alright?"

"I'm fine Omi. Why do you ask?"

"Coz' Chibi here probably noticed you spacing out for about the nth time today."

"Was I? Sorry 'bout that. Where's Aya?"

"At the back, arranging the new arrivals?"

"We have new arrivals?"

"Ha! Shows just how lovesick you are."

"Yo-tan!"

"Why the hell don't you just 'fess up Kenken? It'll save you some trouble."

"Actually, that's what I'm planning to do tonight."

"Why wait for tonight when, you've got here and now?"

"I'm nervous you guys."

"No need for that Ken-kun. I'm positive that Aya-kun likes you back."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah, we're sure. I mean, you should see the way he stares at your butt when you bend over. It's shameless, really."

"Yo- youji!"

"So could you guys do me a favor…"

"Oh we know already… We're gonna make ourselves scarce tonight so you can have your little moment-"

"Youji!"

"Hahaha. Come on, just chill Ken. It's gonna be okay. The worse that could happen is lover boy jumping on your pants before your big date."

"YOUJI!"

"Stop teasing Yo-tan. We're wishing you the best of luck Ken-kun."

"Thanks Omi. I have a feeling I'm gonna need it."

At that moment he didn't realize just how much luck he's going to need.

Evening…

"Hey Aya, can I talk to you for a second?"

"I'm busy Ken, we're closing up."

"Ummm… it would only take a minute."

"I don't have a minute. And we're the hell is Omi and that the useless bum?"

"Anou, Omi had a report to finish and went off to the library. Youji had a date…"

"…"

"…"

xxx

"Well?"

"Uhhh... Well what, Aya?"

"Are you going to sit there and watch the shop close by itself?"

"Uhh… No. I'll help you."

"Then move."

xxx

"Anou, Aya can I ask you a question?"

"As long as you don't waste my time."

"You sound like you're in a hurry. Are you going somewhere tonight?"

"None of your business."

"But Aya-"

"You've had your question."

"Aya-"

The red-headed leader of Weiss walked off without a backward glance, leaving the dejected figure that stared at his retreating figure. And light snow began to drizzle on the pavement.

Later…

Snow is still falling outside.

The clock read 10:30 p.m. Ken Hidaka paced around his room anxiously. Omi's fast asleep in his room. Youji probably won't be coming home from his date. And Aya… Aya still hasn't returned from his little expedition at heaven-knows-where. All the waiting is unnerving the soccer player.

Yes. He was waiting for Fujimiya Aya, his efficient, taciturn leader. He didn't have the chance to voice out his question earlier when the redhead so easily dismissed him before walking away.

Darn it! How the hell does he begin his speech? He's clumsy enough as it is in front of Aya, not to mention the fact that he gets tongue-tied in the presence of his gorgeous leader. Will Aya be returning soon? The sound of the main door opening and closing is a most anticipated and most dreaded moment of the night.

'Calm down Ken. You can do this. Deep breath.'

And there it was. That click of the lock that signals the arrival of the awaited person. Ken went out of his room and into the hallway to meet Aya.

'Okay deep breath Ken. Here we go…'

Footsteps reached the top landing. Ken paused. Looked up. And found himself staring at the most beautiful pair of amethyst eyes that he has ever seen. He forgot how to breathe.

"What are you doing up Ken?"

"Well… I was waiting for you…"

"Why?"

"Well I'd like to ask you something?"

"Again?"

"No Aya. Seriously, I've been wanting to ask you something since this evening."

"…" Stare.

"Umm…well… you see… err… how do I start…"

"Quit rambling Ken. If you're gonna waste my time, I'm off to bed."

"Wait! Willyougooutandhavedinnerandwatchamoviewithmetomorrow?"

"I did not understand a word."

"I said, will you go out and have dinner with me tomorrow, and maybe watch a movie afterwards?"

"What? Like a date?"

"Well… uh… yes?"

"…"

"Ummm… Aya?"

"…"

"…"

"I don't swerve that way Ken"

"Oh. I'm sorry then. I just thought…"

"You thought wrong."

"Well I'm sorry for wasting your time… I hope this doesn't affect our…" What can he say now? Friendship? Aya doesn't even seem to acknowledge that friendship… and he, Ken Hidaka, always assumes too much…

"…working relationship." Yes, that's all there is to it.

He turned and walked to his room. Something stinging in his eyes. Then all of a sudden he was pulled back, crushed in a tight embrace and his lips assaulted with a rough kiss.

Ken thought he had died and gone to heaven. The kiss was everything he hoped for and more. Nothing else matters. Who knew Aya would be such a passionate kisser? Lack of air finally forced them apart. Arms loosened slightly.

By golly, Aya likes him! And man, does he love Aya! This means that there could be a chance…

Kenken looked up with a soft smile on his lips. Anticipation in his eyes. Only to be met with a good right hand fist connecting with his left cheek. His form staggered backwards.

Wide blue green eyes opened wide in shock.

Did Aya just fucking hit him?

No.

Not Aya.

Aya likes him.

Aya just kissed him.

Hestood there, gaping at his leader. No trace of emotion can be seen on the redhead's face. No hint of feeling in those violet eyes. Cold. Unsympathetic. Almost cruel.

He slowly took several steps forward. One. Two. Three.

"Aya…"

And another fist made contact. Hard. Bruising. Enough to draw blood.

He fell on his knees. He couldn't move.

His leader calmly walked away without a word. Not one fucking word. And there was silence in the dark hall, where the broken figure of a man kneels, with his head bowed low, his hands falling limply on his sides. Unmoving. Unbelieving… Bleeding. And the silent tears began to fall…

After a while came a whisper.

"Why?"

Broken. But a whisper.

"Why?"

Drooping fists began to clench. Tears stopped falling.

Ken Hidaka got up. Walked to his room. Grabbed a jacket. And went out to ride his bike. He needed to clear his head.

The clock read 11:30.

It was snowing. No. Not snowing. It was a bloody blizzard. The sky seemed to have opened up and decided to dump the Antarctic on this side of the planet. Who cares? Thesnow fell hard on him as he maneuvered his bike down the streets of Tokyo, breaking speed limits. Who cares? The road is dark and slippery. Who the fuck cares?

The streets are almost empty because of the heavy snowfall. But there are still occasional bright lights flashing all around, billboards of reindeer and smiling Santas here and there, reminding people what this season is all about. Some faint far away carols echo from a distance. But it doesn't mean anything to the brunette zooming down the deserted roads.

He made a wrong turn. His motorbike slid and he was hurled meters away. He hit the wet pavement. Hard. Painful. Might have broken some bones. Who the hell cares? Not him.

His watch read. 12:01 am.

It's December 23. His birthday. What was that line again? Right. Reality's a bitch.

"Happy Birthday to Me. Yay."

And Ken Hidaka fell asleep under the blanket of snow.

xxx

The next morning, there were only three men on duty in the Koneko flower shop. It's gonna be quite a dismal day again, it seems. People would rather stay warm at home than brave the cold weather. Or else, go to the mall and buy gifts. Flowers stay in bloom for only while after all. Business is gonna be quite slow… 'til Christmas day…

Inside…

"Hey Chibi, have you seen Kenken around."

"No Youji. I knocked on his door this morning but there was no response."

"Oi, Aya. Have you seen our little Kenken?"

"How the hell should I know Kudou?"

"I thought he spent the night at you place."

Glare.

"Kidding aside Aya, do you know where he is?"

"I'm not his babysitter."

"Hmph. Really, you give Scrooge a good run for his money, Fujimiya."

"Shut up and get to work, Kudou."

"You know, it's supposed to be the 'season to be jolly, falalalalalala…"

"Shut it!"

xxx

The day wore on but still Ken's shadow was nowhere in sight at the shop.

"Guys I'm worried..."

"Aww sheesh, chibi. Kenken's just probably prepping himself up for his date tonight."

"Huh?"

"That bastard. He took the day off to impress Mr. Grouchy. I'm supposed to be the only who lazes for the dates."

"Youji-kun-"

"Hey Aya, you sure you didn't know where Ken went?"

"…"

"That guy's been acting strange since this morning. What do you think Chibi?"

"I agree Yo-tan."

"Will you two stop talking and start arranging?"

"Yes,O high and mighty one."

xxx

"Hey guys, do you know what today is?"

"Today is Thursday."

"Yes it's Thursday, and it's December 23. Ken-kun's birthday!"

A certain red-head froze.

"It is? Man, I forgot. I didn't get him any present."

"Birthday?" Came a deep low voice. Hesitant.

"Hai, Aya."

"You'd better be planning something special for your date tonight Fujimiya. I'm even willing to take on your work for the day so you can go grab Kenken a nice gift."

"What date?"

Uh-oh.

"Oh come on Aya. He asked you out yesterday didn't he?"

"…"

"Aya?"

"Get back to work."

Aya turned away and went out back leaving two people silently staring at his back.

xxx

Ken didn't return on his birthday. He didn't show up to work the next day. He wasn't home for Christmas. There were no messages, no phone calls. Nothing. No sign from the brunette if he was still alive and breathing. Omi and Youji were worried. They knew something must have happened. Aya remained silent. And seemingly unaffected, but he was a bit more irritable than usual. Luckily they didn't have any missions coming up yet. They were contemplating on searching for Kenken if the J-leaguer didn't show upany time soon.

xxx

On the 26th Ken finally decided to grace the shop with his pretty yet still slightly bruised up face. One of his hands was wrapped up in bandages. His clothes were dirty and ripped, his jeans quite tattered.

Omi's eye's bugged out of his head. Youji frowned. Aya simply stared.

"Ken-kun what happened!"

"Don't fuss Omi I'm fine." At the smaller blonde's raised eyebrows Ken looked at the state of his clothing and smiled. "Well, sort of anyway."

"Kenken! Did you get hit by a speeding bus or something?"

"I wish," the brunette muttered.

"What?"

"No Youji. Nothing that exciting. I just fell off my bike that's all." Another smile.

"You fell of your bike!"

"Yeah. Took a turn too fast. A patrolling policeman found me and brought me to the hospital."

"But why didn't you tell us that-"

"Because I don't want you guys to worry about me, okay?"

"And you think disappearing for three days without a word would not worry us?"

"Sorry Yo-tan. I better go to my room and rest for a bit. I can return to work tomorrow." A look that pleaded for no more questions. Luckily it was heeded by the two blondes.

"Rest well ken, okay?"

"Thanks, Omi."

xxx

The next day, Ken went back to work, being his usual self. He smiled and politely entertained customers. He joked around with Omi and Youji, made a few clumsy mistakes with some plants. Typical Kenken. But some things are amiss. For one he wouldn't look people in the eyes, and he's unusually silent around Aya. He's often out of it, mind drifting somewhere else, but in a different way. Not very noticeable to most people, but very evident to one particular pair of amethyst eyes that had been staring intently at the brunette all day.

xxx

That night…

A knock sounded at Ken's door. It was a light knock. Soft. Tentative. Then firm. The soccer player started at the sound.

"Come in. it's open."

An all too familiar vision greeted his line of sight. Red hair, violet eyes, pale skin clothed in a white sweater and tight denim jeans… gorgeous.

Aya.

"I believe we have things to discuss Hida- Ken."

"Really? I think your message came loud and clear, Aya."

"Ken-"

"Look, I know we can't ignore the fact that things had happened okay? And maybe we can't forget it, but it's done. Let's just deal with it and go our separate ways. There's nothing to discuss."

"Ken I want to apo-"

"Cut the crap Aya. I'd like to pretend that you actually mean that, and that I wasn't hurt, and apology accepted but I can't, okay. Anyhow, I've begun to understand where you're coming from. So let's just be civil to one another from now on. We can't let petty things like this affect the team."

"Petty?"

"Yes. What else would you call it? It was petty. We're assassins. We can't allow ourselves to have these heavy sentiments. A stupid mistake on my part, really. Don't worry I'll get over it."

Avoidant blue green eyes.

"But Ken-"

A hint of pleading?

No, Hidaka's hearing things again.

"Look, I would like to act like I wanted to stay and chat but I can't. There's some place that I've got to be. You can see yourself out I'm sure. See you at work."

And the door closed behind the brown haired, soccer player. Not knowing that if he bothered to glance up, he would have seen the hurt written all over his leader's face.

xxx

Ken Hidaka stood by a grave amidst the snow-covered ground. His gaze focused on the tombstone.

"You were right you know. Once a sucker, always a sucker… Kaze."

And as he slowly walked away, he could feel the frost seep through the material of his clothing. Onto his skin, seeping through his pores, into his veins, and that throbbing system on his chest. He welcomed the chill. With some luck, tomorrow he'll wake feeling nothing at all…

End Part I

A/N: So, how was it? Crappy? Sappy? Angsty? Was it bad? Dare I continue? Should I leave it this way or should I put in a happy ending?… or maybe a deathfic… naahhh… deathfics are not nice for holidays… maybe I'll save that one for Valentines. : )

I've been wanting… no itching to make a Ran/Ken fic for quite some time now. And I finally found the time to write… so please R&R even just to say no comment…

Comments, suggestions, reactions… anything… I'd really love some feedback from you guys…

Happy holidays minna san!

Ja, ne.