Disclaimer:

I do not own Weiß Kreuz or any of its characters. I just love them to no end and have a very twisted imagination. Please be aware that I am extremely poor so suing me will do you no good. Thanks.

Warning: NC-17 / Lemon Yaoi / NCS / Violence / Explicit Language

Pairings: Schuldich x Yohji / Aya x Yohji / Ken + Omi / Bradley x Nagi

FYI: { Telepathic speech } -- Inner thoughts -- [ Flashback ]

Author’s note:

This is it, the last chapter! Enjoy and please, let me know what you thought of The Hunted’s finale!

Thanks again,

Forsaken

---

CHAPTER 20 - Finale

---

Gods, what the fuck am I doing? Schuldich asked himself, as he watched Fujimiya quickly sheathe his weapon and bend down to lift Yohji up from the floor. Schuldich wanted to move forward, to rip Yohji away from the other man's arms, but he knew that he couldn't, not if he wanted to save Yohji's life. So, despite the agony piercing through him, despite his desire – his need to reclaim what was his, Schuldich forced himself to remain still and watch, with pain filled eyes, as Yohji was cradled against his enemy's chest.

Nails digging into his palms, heart pounding, stomach twisting and churning, Schuldich made himself move back a few more steps, feeling everything inside him scream in pain, crying out for the only person who had ever truly meant something to him. Gods, was he doing the right thing? Was there absolutely no other way – nothing he could do to ensure Yohji’s survival?

Fuck, Schuldich cursed inwardly, as his world once again began to distort, to shift between light and dark. Thoughts whirled within his mind, confusing him, unbalancing him, and Schuldich could feel himself beginning to tremble with rage. I can’t do this. I just can’t let ‘him’ take Yohji away from me. I have to---

[ { When you confront Fujimiya remember what you hold dear to you, Schuldich. Don't allow your anger -- your jealousy to cloud your judgment. Kudou's life depends on both you and Fujimiya. } ]

Schuldich took a fortifying breath and tried to keep himself focused, to calm the desperation choking him, as Bradley’s warning burned its way through the rage that had been clouding his mind. He wanted to rebel, to ignore the words already cooling his anger, but Schuldich knew that he couldn't – wouldn't take the chance, not when Fate was involved. Shit.

He knew he had to let Yohji go, knew it was necessary to entrust his lover to Fujimiya, and the knowledge of what he had to do was killing him. Why, dammit? Why had he been given the chance to feel – to love only to have it ripped away from him? Was this to be his punishment for all of the 'sins' he'd committed? Was it God's way of showing him how it felt to lose something precious? To have a 'human' reaction to loss and pain?

Fuck that shit! Schuldich's mind roared, turning his anger toward a God who had long ago forsakened him. I am so sick and tired of having to pay for being alive! Had it been his fault that his mother had died a whore? Or that his father had been an abusing, strung up sonofabitch who had sold his wife and son for money and drugs? Why should he be the one to blame for having found a way out of the madness he'd been born into? He had been on his own, hadn't he? Survival had been his primary goal and he had made something of himself, learned to use the gift 'God' had given him to his advantage, in order to obtain it. Why should he regret the decisions he'd made? Why should he have to repent – to suffer for the measures he'd taken, some not even by his choice, in order to live on in a world he'd never asked to be a part of? Why should I have to give up the man I love?

Schuldich's eyes narrowed. He didn't ... Not really.

He may have lost his chance to be with Yohji in the way he'd hoped, but he learned long ago that there were other ways to get what one wanted. And so, as Fujimiya made to turn away, Yohji securely held within his arms, Schuldich made yet another decision.

“Don't think that you've won, Fujimiya." At the sound of his voice, his rival stopped in his tracks, but didn't turn to face him. "A part of Yohji will always belong to me, and you'll never be able to get it back. You'll never be the only one in his heart. Remember that when you have him in your arms."

The redhead did turn then, just enough to look at Schuldich over his shoulder. Violet eyes stared at him, cold and merciless, and Schuldich couldn't hold back a grin. "You'll never be rid of me, Fujimiya. I'll always be there waiting ... waiting for you to fuck up. And when you do," Schuldich's grin faded, his glittering eyes holding a dark promise, "you'll never get him back."

Fujimiya didn't acknowledge his words, didn't react in any way to his warning, but Schuldich 'knew' he'd been understood. He couldn't help but feel a moment of pure excitement at the challenge clearly seen within the other man's eyes, before the redhead turned away from Schuldich and walked out of the room, taking Yohji with him.

The moment of smug triumph was lost, however, once the Weiß assassin faded from sight, and Schuldich fell down to his knees, feeling drained and so utterly lost. Tears ran freely down his cheeks, as agony swept through him, squeezing his chest in a tight vise, making it hard for him to catch his breath. But Schuldich made no move to wipe away the tears, the only evidence he would allow of what he'd finally come to terms with. Guess I'm human after all.

Lying down on the floor, curling into himself, Schuldich laughed brokenly for a few minutes, before a wave of pain ran through him, reminding him of what he'd lost. Quieting down, his face damp, Schuldich stared at the wall ahead of him and wondered briefly if he would've been better off never having laid eyes on Yohji Kudou. But just as suddenly as the morbid thought entered his mind, it vanished, replaced abruptly by one of absolute gratitude.

Time couldn't be turned back and the future was nothing more than an unpredictable jumble of chaos, but one thing was now a constant in Schuldich's world and it would be his only aide in surviving the bitter times to come. His feelings ... His love for Yohji would not waiver under the weight of Fate's cruel hand. No matter what, no matter whom Yohji was with, Schuldich would always be by Yohji's side until death came to greet them. Closing his eyes briefly, gathering the strength he would soon need in order to maintain a semblance of calm in front of Bradley and the others, Schuldich kept that fact close to his splintered heart and would use it to keep himself from faltering.

Schuldich took a deep breath, as he wiped a blood-stained sleeve over his face. Alright, enough of the self pity shit. Get up, asshole, Schuldich told himself, and he forced his body to move until he was on his feet. He looked over at the large bed across the way, allowing the memories he and Yohji had created there to wash over him for a brief moment, before he turned away and walked out of the room, plunging it into darkness, as he switched off the lights.

His face determined, his back straight, Schuldich left the room, taking a willful step toward an uncertain future.

VVVVVV

Hearing a noise to his left, Ken immediately pushed his body up against the wall and signaled for Omi to stay behind him. He closed his fists, releasing the deadly metal claws within his bugnuks and prepared himself for a fight, as the clear sound of footsteps resounded along the corridor, coming ever closer.

He was more than a little surprised, however, to see Aya suddenly round the corner, with Yohji in his arms. Ken could tell when Aya spotted them and was amazed to see the obvious relief in Aya’s usually emotionless eyes.

Omi rushed over to the pair the instant the redhead was close enough. "Status?" his lover asked, as he helped Aya press a bloodied cloth against Yohji’s side.

Ken walked behind the other three, watching their backs, as Aya answered Omi's question. "I'm fine," Aya assured them, before he lowered his gaze down to Yohji. "Balinese, however, has sustained a stab wound to his left side, near his ribcage...."

Ken listened, as Aya described the severity of Yohji's wound, noting the slight tremor underlining the redhead's otherwise calm voice, and felt dread spread along his shoulders. His blue-green gaze took in the blood smeared across Yohji's pale skin and he couldn't help but swallow in trepidation. This is bad ... Really bad. Fuck. Was Yohji going to make it?

A wave of hurt surged through him, pushing away his fear for a brief moment, and Ken had to fight back the sudden urge to panic. No, dammit. Yohji's not going to die. He can't. His eyes locked onto Yohji's slack features. You're too stubborn to die, right Yohji? Besides, who'll annoy the hell out of me if you're gone? Who'll tease me 'til I'm about ready to explode? Who'll ... Who'll give me advice on ... sex and stuff if you're not there? Who'll ... Ken's watery eyes glared at Yohji, willing the blonde to somehow hear and obey him. You're not going to die, Kudou! You're not!

“Let Siberian carry him, Abyssinian.”

Aya shook his head stubbornly, pulling Yohji closer to him. “No.”

And that was that. Ken wasn’t about to persist and from the looks of it, neither was Omi. The slender brunette nodded his head and took a step back from Aya. “Let’s go then, before Schwarz decides to make their appearance.”

“They won’t stop us,” Aya said quietly, as they began to move quickly along the corridor.

Ken blinked for a moment, before a frown made its way onto his face. "How can you be sure? Mastermind wouldn't just let Yohji go like this."

"I'm sure," Aya replied, as he walked past them. "Schuldich is the one who led me to Yohji and told me to take him. He and the others won't interfere."

Questions were whirling inside Ken's head, as he stared at Aya's proud back, more out of curiosity than anything else. What had happened between the redhead and Schuldich? Aya was battered, having obviously fought someone, and Ken had little doubt now as to who Aya had faced up on the roof. So why then, did Schuldich ‘let’ Aya leave with Yohji? Did the telepath actually care about Yohji's life? Care enough to let them all leave without a fight?

"Siberian!" Omi whispered harshly, snapping Ken out of his confusing thoughts.

He looked over at his lover and noticed the slight reprimand in Omi eyes. Pay attention! the serious blue eyes seemed to tell him, and Ken nodded his head in acknowledgement. Shifting his eyes away from the man that held his heart, Ken forced himself to push aside the questions plaguing him, questions that would have to wait for a more convenient time to be answered. His only concern at the moment was to ensure that he and the others got back to the Koneko in one piece.

With that in mind, Ken followed closely behind his teammates, keeping himself focused on his need to protect his family.

VVVVVV

Pain was the first thing that registered in Yohji’s dazed mind as he drifted awake, and he almost allowed himself to retreat back into the numbing void of darkness calling out to him. But something was prompting him to awaken, an almost nagging feeling that was pushing him forward, and he couldn't ignore it. Gods, but it was hard to make his body listen to him; it felt so heavy and useless. Wake up, dammit. Wake up!

It took several tries to finally get his eyes to open, and when he did, Yohji couldn’t stop himself from wincing, as the light brightening the room seemed to pound into his eyes. He closed them immediately, trying to keep his eyeballs from exploding. Shit, that hurt.

“Yohji ... Are you okay?”

Yohji's eyes opened in an instant at the sound of Aya's voice and he had to blink several times before the world came into focus. He looked over to his right and felt his heart clench almost painfully at the sight of his former lover's handsome face; it was a face he'd never thought to see again. A sensation of relief and love washed over him, as he met Aya’s beautiful eyes. He knew it was the painkillers running through his system that were making him see the warmth and concern within their violet depths, but for the briefest moment, Yohji allowed himself to believe in what no longer existed.

"Yohji?"

Yohji blinked, belatedly realizing that Aya had asked him a question. “I’m ... fine,” he somehow managed to reply, his voice hoarse from lack of use, and he grimaced at how raw his throat felt. A glass of water was quietly offered to him, and Yohji muttered a soft thank you, as he lifted his head a bit and took the glass from Aya’s hand, bringing it to his dry lips. He drank the wonderful liquid slowly, holding back a wince, as his throat protested the cold invasion. When his grip faltered, Aya placed a hand under his, and Yohji felt his stomach flutter with nervousness at the touch.

Once he was done, Yohji let Aya take the now empty glass away from him and he rested his head once more on the pillow beneath him, lowering his hand next to his uninjured side. His emerald green eyes roamed around the room, taking in his surroundings, and Yohji was quick to surmise where he was. A hospital. Yohji turned his curious gaze toward Aya. "How long have I been asleep?"

"You've been in and out of it for about two weeks," Aya answered somberly, as he placed the glass on the bare nightstand next to Yohji's bed.

That long? Damn. Everything was foggy in his mind, and Yohji was having a hard time figuring out what the pieces whirling around in his head where telling him. He could remember his fight with Farfarello and waking up in Schuldich's arms. After that, however, there was nothing. He was a total blank. "What happened?"

Aya was silent for a moment before he finally spoke. "I … We infiltrated Schwarz's safe house and retrieved you."

What? "You found me on your own?"

Aya nodded. "We figured out what was happening after you were taken from the Wada building by Schuldich and managed to track you to Schwarz's safe house." Aya's mouth twisted into a grim line. "Why didn't you tell us what was happening to you, Yohji?"

Yohji's eyes widened at Aya’s words, his breath catching in his throat. No, please, no. I don't want him to know. I don't want anyone to know. Gods, please ... Yohji looked away from Aya, not wanting to see those violet eyes boring into him, trying to look into his tainted soul.

"What are you talking about?" he asked, trying to keep his voice steady. He knew it was a pointless attempt to dodge the question, but he couldn’t help but try, even as his insides quaked in fear. Would Aya and the others hate him for what he’d done?

A hand came to rest over his own, and Yohji looked up in surprise. Aya leaned forward in his seat and gripped Yohji's hand even tighter. "No one blames you for anything, Yohji. What happened to you wasn't your fault."

Yohji swallowed and felt his eyes begin to water. "Yes, it is. I let my guard down ... let Schuldich get close to me. Everything's my fault."

Aya shook his head fervently. "No, it's not. It's mine, Yotan ... Mine."

Hearing his nickname falling from the redhead's lips nearly broke Yohji's waning self-control, and he looked down at their entwined hands, unable to handle Aya's misconception of him. "I let myself get captured ... I ... I slept with him, Aya. How can that be your fault?"

"It was because of me that you were caught off guard. I broke your heart, Yohji. I made you feel unwanted ... unloved. It's my fault that Schuldich sensed your pain and used it against you," Aya swallowed, "And it's my fault … my fault that he raped you."

Yohji closed his eyes, causing the tears in his eyes to finally spill forth and trail down his pale cheeks. It would be so easy to allow Aya to think that Schuldich had raped him, but Yohji knew that the blame could no longer be placed on Schuldich alone. It was true that at first he'd been an unwilling participant in their bouts of sex, that Schuldich had manipulated him and taken advantage of his weakened mind, but ... that had not been the case the last few times he and the telepath had been together. He had ... made love with Schuldich. He'd wanted his 'enemy' with his entire being, and Yohji couldn't let Aya think otherwise, couldn't let Aya blame himself for something Yohji had willingly allowed.

Yohji opened his eyes and latched onto Aya's worried gaze. "He didn't rape me, Aya ... Not this last time."

Aya frowned. "Yohji--"

Yohji shook his head, stopping the redhead from speaking. "He didn't, Aya!" Confused violet eyes locked onto him, and Yohji swallowed, suddenly afraid of what was to come. Dammit, just say it already. "It's true that Schuldich raped me ... That he kept messing with my head even after he'd let me go. I know I should've told you and the others after I realized what had happened, but I just couldn't do it. I felt ... ashamed and out of sorts. I just didn't know what to do or how to feel ... I thought that I could handle it on my own."

His side was beginning to burn again, making Yohji want to curl up into a ball, but he pushed himself forward, ignoring the pain, not wanting to lose his nerve. He wanted Aya to know everything and nothing was going to stop him from finally admitting the truth.

"When Schuldich captured me, I ... I felt differently toward him. I wasn't scared being with him. And he made me feel.... " Yohji's voice trailed away, feeling as if he was being strangled by his own fear, and he turned his head away from Aya. Gods, why is this so hard? "He made me feel things that I hadn't felt in a long time," he forced himself to continue, trying to put his confused thoughts into words, "and I'd be lying if I said that I truly regretted my time with him. I don't hate him, Aya. Despite all of the things he did to me, despite the fact that he's my enemy, I don't hate him and that scares me more than you'll ever know. So you see, what happened to me isn't your fault ... It's mine." Yohji pulled his hand out of Aya's tight grip and fisted it over the white sheets covering his abdomen, waiting to hear Aya's words of recrimination and disgust.

After a few tensed minutes, however, Yohji was more than surprised to feel Aya's hand unclenching his fisted one. "Look at me, Yohji," he heard Aya command gently, but Yohji refused to do as Aya asked. He closed his eyes again and shook his head, unable to speak past the lump in his throat. What are you doing, Aya? Why aren't you cursing me to hell? Why are you holding my hand like it's something precious to you? I don't understand, dammit! Slender fingers slid under his chin, and Yohji nearly whimpered, as his head began to turn against his will.

"Please, Yotan, open your eyes."

Unable to deny Aya anything for long, Yohji opened his eyes and nearly gasped when he saw how close Aya's face was to his own. Amethyst eyes, full of love and understanding, met his dazed ones, and Yohji could do nothing but stare at the other man in disbelief. How could this be? Was he going mad after all? "Gods, Aya. Don't you hate me?"

Aya ran a finger alongside Yohji's damp cheek. "I could never hate you, Yotan."

Yohji could feel anger pouring into him. Fate was playing a game, pulling a joke on him, and Yohji didn't fucking appreciate. "Dammit, Aya, didn't you hear what I fucking said? I slept with Schuldich! I 'gave' myself to him! How can you tell me that you don't hate me?"

"Because it's the truth, dammit!" Aya hissed at him, his face now livid, as he stood up from his chair and glared down at him. "I love you, and nothing will ever make me feel otherwise!"

Yohji slammed his fist down onto the bed, ignoring the jolt of pain the movement caused him. "Goddammit, I don't understand you!" he yelled back angrily, tired of feeling lost in a sea of confusion and pain. "I loved you and you threw me away – Tossed me aside like a whore," Yohji swallowed, trying to hold himself together, "And now, when I deserve to be treated like shit, you tell me you love me. You make no fucking sense, Aya!"

Aya growled and turned away, pacing back and forth in front of Yohji's bed. "I know I’m not making any sense! But … Dammit, I made a mistake when I pushed you away. A mistake that I'll never stop regretting. And I’m sorry! So fucking sorry! Gods, I’m not good at this! " Aya spat in frustration, before he stopped pacing and stood near the foot of the bed, facing the wall across the way. “I can't hate you for what happened between you and Schuldich. Not when I was the cause. I don't care what you say or think, I know what happened to you is my fault."

"Dammit, Aya, it was my choice in the end. I slept--"

Aya spun around, startling Yohji into silence with a thunderous look. "You're human, Yohji! Human! You couldn't stop what was happening to you anymore than I could have in your situation. You were vulnerable and confused ... You still are."

Yohji looked away from Aya's knowing gaze. "You're right. I am still confused." Yohji sighed. "I don't know what to think anymore or how to feel." Yohji shook his head in dismay. "I'm just totally fucked up, Aya."

Aya walked toward him, until they were face to face again. "Guess we're on the same damn boat because I'm just as fucked up as you are. Probably even more."

Yohji ran a nervous hand through his hair, disheveling the golden locks that had been pulled into a ponytail while he'd been unconscious. "What do you want from me, Aya?" he asked in a tired voice, feeling drained all of a sudden.

"A second chance."

Yohji stared up at the white ceiling. "Why? Why would you want a second chance with me? I'm not worth it."

Aya moved forward and cupped Yohji's face with his hands, making Yohji look away from the ceiling and into his serious eyes. "Yes, you are worth it! Don't let what happened between us – what happened between you and Schuldich make you doubt yourself. You're a wonderful and beautiful person and so very precious to me. Please give me the chance to prove it to you ... To prove how much I love you. We can find a life together, Yotan, but you have to meet me halfway."

Yohji blinked slowly, completely enthralled by the look in Aya's eyes and the words etching themselves into his heart. He wanted to desperately nod his head, to take everything Aya was offering him, but he couldn't. Not yet. He didn't want to shatter the moment between them, but Yohji felt the need to be completely honest with Aya. If the redhead could accept his words, accept what was in Yohji's heart, then perhaps there really was a chance for them after all. Was he testing Aya? Yohji wasn't really sure. Either way, Yohji would know soon enough how much he meant to the other man. Taking a deep breath, he plunged forward, a part of him ridiculously wishing that he wasn't on his back.

"If we're going to do this – to start over, then I want you to know that I ... I feel something for Schuldich. I …" Nope, can't do it, Yohji thought in a panic, as he lost his nerve and looked away from Aya's eyes. Dammit, find your balls, Kudou. Gods, open your mouth and get it out already! The choice was taken away from him, however, when Aya pressed a finger against his lips, effectively silencing him.

"Don't, Yohji. You don't have to tell me what I can see with my own eyes."

Yohji merely blinked at the redhead, totally confused. Huh?

Aya grinned somberly. "I know that you care for him and ... that he cares for you."

Holy shit, was Yohji's only thought, as he kept his mouth shut and listened to Aya continue to speak.

"When you were on the floor, bleeding in 'his' arms," Aya paused, lost in his memories, "I could see it in his eyes – his feelings for you. And even though I wanted to kill him, I couldn't. He had given you back to me ... and I'll never forget that." Aya ran his thumb across Yohji's slightly parted lips. "Don't get me wrong. I won't lie to you by saying that I still don't want to kill the bastard for what he did. Because I do. And I won't pretend that it doesn't hurt to know that you ... care for him. Because it does hurt. Hurts like a bitch. But ... I'm not going to risk losing you. Not ever again." Aya moved in closer until his lips were a mere breath away from Yohji's, sending shivers down Yohji's spine. "Having you with me is all that matters to me."

Then Aya's mouth was moving over his own, and Yohji almost forgot to breathe. The kiss felt so right, so wonderful, almost like a dream. When they finally broke apart, Aya rested his forehead against him, and Yohji couldn't resist grabbing onto a wayward eartail that had fallen over his neck. Emotions bombarded him, good and bad, as he rubbed the silky, thick strand in between his fingers, and Yohji took in a breath to steady himself. A part of him was afraid that this really was all a dream, that he would suddenly wake up and find himself alone. But as Aya pressed a soft kiss against his hair, whispering words of love to him, Yohji knew he wasn't dreaming.

Relaxed and content, with Aya's fingers running through his hair, Yohji allowed sleep to claim him. And just as his eyes closed and his breathing evened out, one last thought flickered through his mind. A thought Yohji somehow knew would be heard.

Thank you, Schu.

VVVVVV

"Schu? Are you okay?"

Standing in the middle of Bradley's new office, Schuldich blinked and turned his head to find Nagi looking at him, worry plain to see within his dark blue eyes. "I'm fine," he replied automatically, not really sure as to how he was feeling at the moment. When Bradley and Nagi continued to stare at him, Schuldich sighed in resignation. Damn nosey asses. "It's Yohji ... He's awake," Schuldich revealed to them, trying to school his features into a mask of indifference. "He seems to be happy."

After a pregnant pause, Bradley leaned forward in his seat, resting his elbows on his desk. "It's for the best, Schu."

Schuldich nodded his head in agreement. "I know." And he did. He knew he'd done the right thing by letting Yohji go. But no matter how hard he tried to remind himself of the reasoning behind his decision, Schuldich couldn't stop himself from wanting to pummel someone, namely himself, into the ground. He was just a mess inside, and he couldn't stand it. Shit, when is it going to get easier?

"That's up to you," Bradley answered him, and Schuldich realized, with a bit of embarrassment, that he'd voiced the question out loud.

"Guess, I'm just a masochist," he mumbled with a frown on his face, as he sat down in the plush black chair in front of the precog.

"He's happy, Schu. Isn't that what you wanted for him?"

Schuldich looked at Nagi. "That's all I've ever wanted for him, Nagi. But sometimes, I wish that I'd been selfish ... I miss him." Shit, he sounded like a sap.

"You did the right thing, Schu."

Detecting something 'different' in Bradley's voice, Schuldich eyes narrowed as they bore into the precog. He'd wanted to ask Bradley about that night, about the warning the brunette had given him, and now seemed like the perfect opportunity to get some answers. "If I had acted against Fujimiya, what would've happened, Brad?" When Bradley's face turned expressionless, Schuldich got up from his seat and walked up to the desk. "I'm not going to let up until you tell me."

After a few moments, Bradley leaned back into his black leather chair, looking at him with unreadable eyes. "If you had acted upon your anger, the three of you would've surely died."

"How?"

"Why do you need to know this, Schu? My vision didn't come true."

Schuldich's mouth tightened. "Because I need to know for a fact that what I did was the right thing. That I didn't throw away what I had for no good reason." Schuldich's eyes became pleading. "Please, Brad. Tell me what you saw."

Nagi moved closer to Bradley, catching the older brunette's attention, and the two stared at each other for a few seconds. If Schuldich didn't know that he was the only telepath in the room, he would've sworn they were talking to each other.

Almost reluctantly, Bradley shifted his gaze back to him and sighed. "I saw Fujimiya enter your bedroom, finding you on the floor with Kudou in your arms. You argued and at one point, you threw yourself at him. You dodged his attacks – as he did yours, but at one point, you lost your balance, giving Fujimiya an opening. When he was about to run you through," Bradley paused and Schuldich tensed at the look in the man's light eyes, "Kudou jumped in front of you, obviously trying to protect you."

Nagi gasped, but Schuldich didn't really hear him. His mind was still taking in what Bradley had just revealed to him, and if it wasn't for the fact that his legs were locked firmly in place, Schuldich knew he would've fallen to the floor.

"He fell into your arms and died shortly after," Bradley continued quietly. "Blinded by your grief, both you and Fujimiya continued to fight, trying to kill one another. And you succeeded." Bradley's eyes became haunted, giving Schuldich an idea of the horrible scene the precog had witnessed. "I found you both dead on the floor ... on either side of Kudou."

Schuldich lowered his head, his body shaking in reaction to what could’ve happened if he hadn’t listened to Bradley’s warning. Gods, so close. He’d come so close to losing Yohji forever. Schuldich shuddered at the thought, remembering how badly he’d wanted to stop Fujimiya that night. Had he given in to his urges … Schuldich raised his head and gave Bradley a look of utter gratitude. { Thank you. }

Bradley’s amber gaze softened. { It may not seem like it sometimes, but I’m here for you, Schu. Always. }

Schuldich had to smirk at how mushy they both sounded. Shit, he needed to get out of the room before he really made a fool of himself and did something as horrible as hugging Bradley. “Well, now that I've had my emotional upheaval for the week, I’m going to go ‘tuck’ Farf into bed. See you guys tomorrow morning.”

“Good night, Schu,” said Nagi, his eyes understanding. { If you need to talk, I’m here. }

{ Thanks for the offer, kid. I would come by later, just to bullshit, but from the looks Brad’s throwing your way, I think you’re going to be ‘a bit’ indisposed tonight. }

{ Shut up, Schu! } Nagi growled at him, as his face took on a lovely pink hue.

Schuldich grinned, valiantly trying to hold back a laugh, and left the room. The grin faded, however, as soon as he began to climb the stairs leading to the second floor of the three level house. His mind began to wander again, and Schuldich thought back to the events that had taken Yohji from him and led Schwarz out of the city to begin a new life elsewhere.

Pain still managed to grip him whenever he pondered over Yohji, over the life that he could’ve enjoyed had he and Yohji been given a chance to be together. But Schuldich always kept the morbid feeling at bay, refusing to let it conquer him. Many times during the past two weeks, he had been tempted to follow his heart, to fulfill the wish his soul cried out for, by going to see Yohji. But he always managed to keep himself in check. It was an impossible dream and he knew it. And now, after having learned of Fate’s original intentions for them, Schuldich was even more determined to stay away from Yohji, allowing the man he loved to experience a measure of true happiness ... even if that happiness was to be found in the arms of another.

Stepping onto the landing, Schuldich walked slowly toward the end of the hallway and turned the corner, feeling his body begin to tense. He came up to Farfarello's door, which was bolted in three places, and began to unlatch the locks.

It still bothered him to come in contact with Farfarello. The man had almost killed Yohji, and although he still considered Farfarello to be a part of his ‘family’, Schuldich knew that their relationship would never be the same. He even found himself blaming the Irishman for what happened, for losing Yohji. Yeah, it wasn’t very rational of him, but sometimes placing the blame on someone other than himself helped ease the pain that still lingered inside of him.

Looking at the door, Schuldich took in a deep breath. Okay, time to stop feeling sorry for yourself, Schu. You've got shit to do. He reached out and turned the doorknob, determined to get his ‘chore’ done and over with. Peering inside of the dark room, Schuldich rolled his eyes and prayed for his own sanity, as he caught sight of the white-haired man lying on the floor a few feet away in an awkward position. “Farf, what the ‘hell’ are you doing with that knife?” Schuldich asked incredulously, before he stepped inside the room.

Life is just too funny sometimes, Schuldich mused, as he closed the door behind him.

VVVVVV

On his stomach, laying on the bed he now shared with Aya, Yohji stared at the slightly opened window a few feet away, lost in his thoughts. It was raining outside, and lightening could be see slivering through the night sky. Yohji was transfixed by the beauty of it all, watching in almost childlike wonder, as the darkened sky lit up every so often. When was the last time I enjoyed doing something as simple as this? Yohji asked himself, as he tucked a hand underneath his cheek.

He felt so relaxed and content right now, so at peace with himself. It was hard to believe sometimes that just a few months ago, he had felt as if the world had shattered around him. It hurt him to think back to that time in his life when he'd felt alone and lost, but in a way, Yohji was grateful for his time spent in darkness and despair. He had grown stronger because of the experience and had gained a new outlook on life and love.

Lightening flashed once again across the sky, and Yohji pressed his face a bit more into his pillow, his mind pondering over the changes he had witnessed not only in himself, but in Aya as well.

After he'd left the hospital a few weeks back, fully recovered, Aya had become a constant in his life. At the redhead's insistence, Yohji's things had been moved into Aya's room, giving him the impression that Aya was very serious about renewing their relationship. Not even during their time together as lovers had they gone as far as leaving their things in each other's rooms. It would've signified an intimacy that Aya had, in the past, never been prepared for.

Their physical intimacy, however, had yet to be established, something he and Aya had decided was for the best, not only because of his weakened condition but because they needed to get to know each other again before they took that final step. They had settled into a comfortable routine at night, and despite their occasional groping sessions, he and Aya had remained chaste. Yohji grinned, cuddling the pillow even closer to his face. But tonight, he was sure that side of their relationship was about to change.

The way Aya had been looking at him tonight during dinner could not be mistaken for anything but lustful, and Yohji was more than ready for the redhead to make his move. So, instead of opting to go out to the movies with Ken and Omi, Yohji had insisted on staying home, knowing without asking that Aya would do the same. Now, the Koneko was closed and the apartment above it was quiet, except for his soft breathing and the shower running in the bathroom. Yohji shuddered at the thought, as he pictured his lover's deliciously naked body glistening under the spray of water.

Gods, it's been so long since we were together. Yohji swallowed, suddenly nervous, as the thought ran through his mind. Was he absolutely ready to make love with Aya again? To give the redhead the part of him that had last been given to another?

Yohji closed his eyes, feeling an old pain once again settle in his chest, as tried not to think of the past or of the man who had somehow crept into his heart. Stop it, Yohji. Don't think about him ... Not now. But it was hard to ignore one's heart and even harder still if one's mind was being just as rebellious, aiding in the remembrance of things better left forgotten.

Why can't I forget you? Yohji silently asked, angry at himself for being so weak and foolish. He had Aya now, had the man he'd loved for what seemed to be an eternity. So why did he feel so confused? Why was he hoping to hear a familiar voice in his mind? Gods, I just don't get it. I love Aya, dammit. I love him with my heart and soul. Why am I stressing over this? I made my decision. I want to be with Aya … Then why did he feel as if he was somehow incomplete? Damn, I've said it before. I am sooo fucked up.

The door to the bathroom suddenly opened, snapping Yohji back to reality. He lifted his head to look over his shoulder, and in an instant, thoughts of the past were immediately pushed aside, as Aya stepped into the room.

Clad only in a hip hugging blue towel, Aya's muscular body glistened under the room's dim light, and Yohji couldn't help but stare at the gorgeous half-naked man before him. His green eyes trailed along the pale form, taking in the clearly defined muscles and hard curves that were making it harder and harder for him to breathe. Entranced, he watched with growing anticipation, as Aya walked over to the foot of the bed, looking at him with passion filled eyes. Yohji shivered at the look, feeling his insides clench in need. This is what I want …Who I want …To be with Aya in every way. Gods, he so beautiful.

Stopping once he reached the bed, Aya lowered his hand to the small knot holding the towel around his slender hips and looked at him, his violet eyes holding a hint of hesitation. "Are you sure, Yohji?"

Turning onto his back, Yohji stared up at Aya and nodded his head, his eyes sure and true. "I want you, Aya."

Aya's eyes softened and a small, rare grin curved his chiseled lips, before he pulled on the knot and allowed the towel to slide off his body. Yohji licked his lips at the sight of Aya's jutting arousal and felt his body grow warm to a fevered pitch. Yohji could feel his erection stirring to life, pressing against the thin sheets covering his own naked body, and he immediately pushed them aside, wanting only Aya's body draped over his own.

Aya climbed onto the bed, watching Yohji with hungry eyes, as his trim body moved closer ever so slowly. Muscles rippled with his every movement, making Aya look like a lion seeking his prey, ready to stake his claim. It excited Yohji to see Aya so lost to his passionate nature, a nature Yohji had always known existed and was thrilled to know Aya had finally accepted.

He opened his legs, inviting his lover to come to him and felt fire run through his veins when Aya pinned him down. Violet eyes captured and held his gaze, and Yohji felt lost in a wave of desire, as Aya caught his hips in gentle hands. His hand reached out to grab the small tube resting on the nightstand to his right, and Yohji somehow managed to place it in Aya’s seeking hand. He lost track of time after that, as Aya’s lips trailed along the column of his neck, tongue stroking and licking until Yohji was taut with desire. Fingers began to probe him, sliding in and out of him, testing his readiness, and he gasped in pleasure, knowing that the feeling would soon intensify.

“You’re mine, Yohji. Only mine,” Aya said softly as he surged forward, filling Yohji completely.

Yohji cried out in sweet agony, as Aya made love to him. Again and again, his lover buried himself deep with him, hard and fast, slow and tender, and he could only beg for more, as Aya took him without reservation, without restraint, without the barriers that had torn them apart in the past. A hand slipped underneath him and, in one swift motion, Yohji found himself seated in his beloved’s lap. Aya thrust into him, stabbing into his warmth, and Yohji nearly screamed in ecstasy. Gods, I love you. I love you so much.

Needing to show his love what he was feeling, what was consuming him, Yohji pushed Aya backwards until the redhead was on his back. Eyes locked onto each other, Yohji began to ride his lover, his body finding the perfect rhythm with Aya’s, moving urgently, in a frenzy. He was whimpering, lost in pleasure, clutching at Aya’s chest, as his body began to ripple with an intensity he’d never felt before. He wanted this, wanted to reach the pinnacle, and Yohji reached for it with his very soul.

He dug his nails into the muscles moving beneath his fingers, searching for an anchor, as Aya’s hips thrust into him, untamed, uninhibited. It was too much, just too much, and Yohji screamed, his body rippling with pleasure again and again, as he finally exploded. He fell onto Aya’s hard chest and clutched to him, his mouth pressed against his lover’s shoulder. Warmth filled his body, and Yohji muffled his small cry of satisfaction, as Aya held him tightly and shouted his release.

“I love you,” Aya whispered into his ear seconds later, keeping himself tightly sheathed within Yohji’s body.

Yohji felt tears fill his eyes at the words and he pressed himself even further into Aya’s warmth. Knowing that the utterly bleak and hopeless life he’d once led was truly no more, he proclaimed the words that were imbedded in his heart. “I love you, too. Now and always.”

His eyes began to close of their own accord, comforted by Aya’s heartbeat beneath his ear, and for the first time in what seemed to be ages, Yohji allowed himself to dream.

VVVVVV

Darkness was all that Yohji could see for a few disorientating seconds before a bright light seemed to bleed into his surroundings. When the light finally faded, Yohji found himself in the middle of a beach, underneath a clear night's sky. A cool breeze gently blew, swirling around him, and Yohji's eyes locked onto the bright full moon shining upon the horizon. Its rays glimmered across the water before him, and Yohji could not look away from the beautiful sight, even as his mind questioned what he was seeing.

{ Do you like it? }

Recognizing the voice in his mind, Yohji looked away from the sight that had enraptured him and slowly turned around, knowing he was no longer alone. Elation washed over him, as his green eyes came to rest upon Schuldich's form, finally seeing for himself that the telepath was indeed alright. { Yes, } he finally projected in response, { it’s beautiful. }

Schuldich walked up to him, and for once, Yohji didn't feel any apprehension or fear in having the other man so close to him. Was it because he knew this was all a dream? That at any time he'd awaken in bed next to Aya, safe from harm?

{ No, Yotan, } Schuldich's voice caressed his mind, as a pair of strong arms wrapped around Yohji's waist. { It's because you missed me ... Because you love me despite all that's happened. }

Unable to deny Schuldich's words, to dismiss the happiness coursing through him, Yohji remained silent and allowed himself to be embraced by his former lover. Head resting on a strong shoulder, Yohji closed his eyes and brought his hands up and around Schuldich's neck, loving the feel of having the other man against him.

{ I missed you. }

Yohji squeezed his eyes shut even tighter, fisting his hands into the material of Schuldich's soft white shirt. The arms around him pulled him closer, and Yohji couldn't find it within his heart to resist them, to pull away from the warm, strong chest so real against his face. { I missed you, too, } he admitted, incapable of going against the feelings flowing inside of him, despite the terrible guilt beginning to press against his heart. Was he betraying Aya by feeling this way?

{ No, you're not ... Not when you love us both. }

Yohji's eyes snapped opened and he pulled back enough to look at Schuldich. His heart skipped a beat as he took in the warmth, the yearning, now so clearly seen within the telepath's serious gaze. What could he say? Schuldich was right. It was true that he loved Aya ... Ran, loved him more than his very own life, but Yohji couldn't deny the fact that he cared for Schuldich as well, that he ... loved the man who'd shown him that people weren't always what they appeared to be. Yohji couldn't voice his agreement, however, and so he opted to focus his attention on the question at hand. { Why are we here, Schuldich? Why are you in my dream? }

Schuldich smirked at Yohji's obvious change of topic, but chose not to press the issue, much to Yohji's relief. { I wanted to see you and to make sure that you were alright. } Schuldich's eyes softened, reflecting an emotion within their green depths that Yohji had refused to acknowledge up until now. { I wanted to see for myself how Fujimiya has been treating you. }

Yohji looked away at the mention of Aya's name and lowered his arms so that his hands could rest over Schuldich's chest. What am I doing here? Why am I talking to him as if nothing's happened? Like things are fine between us? Why the hell was his heart beating so fast?

{ I'm fine, } Yohji replied, as he broke away from Schuldich's lose embrace, a part of him needing to put some distance between the two of them, while the other less rational part of him longed to be held once more. Yohji was more than a little confused, and the guilt nagging at him wasn't making his thoughts any clearer.

{ Why are you overanalyzing things? } Schuldich asked, his eyes full of amusement despite the underlying of sadness Yohji could clearly see. { Why can’t you just relax and enjoy our time together? }

Longing and guilt warred within him, making Yohji question himself for the umpteenth time, but he made himself answer Schuldich as honestly as he was able to. { I’m with Aya, Schu. I can’t just enjoy being with you. It’s not right. } Fingers touched his chin, lifting Yohji’s face up to meet Schuldich’s green gaze.

{ Do you love me? } Schuldich asked, his eyes daring Yohji to lie to him.

Yohji couldn’t help but get angry. Schuldich knew he cared for him, but the prick wanted Yohji to define his feelings even further, something he didn’t want to do. Damn you.

{ Do you love me? } the telepath asked again, stepping even closer to Yohji, his eyes now brimming with anger and what seemed to be desperation.

Closing his eyes, his brow furrowing in what seemed to be pain, Yohji shook his head, trying to move away from Schuldich and the mounting feeling of sadness and fear flooding his insides. { Stop it, please. I don't want to talk about this anymore. Let me wake up. Please, Schu. Just let me wake up. }

Schuldich refused to let him go, holding him even tighter. { I can’t do that. Not until you admit to me what you refuse to admit to yourself. }

{ Why are you doing this to me? Why are you haunting me? } Yohji asked, feeling confused and cornered.

{ Because I want you to feel at peace … To find the happiness you deserve. }

Yohji opened his eyes, surprised by Schuldich’s words, and looked into the German’s eyes, searching for a hint of trickery. But he found nothing but the truth within Schuldich’s gaze, and Yohji found little comfort in that fact. The truth was always so much harder to deal with. { How is admitting my feelings for you going to guarantee that? }

Schuldich ran a finger along Yohji’s lips, softly caressing them. { One thing I learned during our time together was to not hold back the feelings I had for you. I was a mess - a total wreck until I admitted to myself that I loved you. I loved you and no matter how much I tried to deny it … I couldn’t. Once I stopped running from the truth, I finally felt … balanced … centered enough to cope with what was happening to me. To deal with the changes you were invoking inside me. It is the smartest thing that I’ve ever done. And it’s the only thing that’s helping me cope with the fact that you’re no longer beside me.

{ You have to do the same, Yohji. Only then, will you be able to find peace with yourself and with the life that’s ahead of you now. Loving me isn’t wrong. It’s only another facet of your heart that makes you who you are. The guilt you’re feeling is wearing down on you, keeping you from being truly happy, and pretending that your love for me doesn’t exist isn’t going to make that guilt go away. } Schuldich placed a gently kiss upon Yohji’s lips. { Admit that you love me and let your heart become whole. }

Yohji closed his eyes once again, as Schuldich’s mouth covered his own. Gods, he’s right. I have to accept what’s inside of me, what I’m feeling. If I don’t, then this pain that’s always with me will never go away.

Yohji raised his hands and slid his fingers into Schuldich’s vermilion hair, allowing his body to respond to the love pouring into him through their link, and finally whispered, without regret, what his heart had always known to be true, { I love you, Schu. I love you. }

In an instant, Yohji felt weightless and free, floating through a mist of euphoria, as an insurmountable rush of joy coursed through him.

{ This is my gift to you, Yohji. My way of thanking you for all that you’ve shown me, } Schuldich’s voice echoed in his mind, as the world began to slip away from Yohji once again. { Be happy and live your life to the fullest, always knowing that I’m with you every step of the way. }

Peace settled over Yohji, as he pressed himself into Aya’s warm body. The arm draped over his hip tightened in an unconscious response, and Yohji smiled in his sleep.

He was safe and loved.

He was finally complete.

~ The End ~