Note: Sorry if any of our newer works are bad, but it's kind of hard when you're co-writing something while living in different parts of the country.

Wai: Much easier done when we can just talk about it while working or something.

Aki: Or when we’re doing “homework.”

Wai: Or when our muses go on strike. *looks around at chibi-Subaru, chibi-Yuki and chibi-Kenken holding up "Strike!" signs*

Aki: Hn.

Erm...This is another one of our stories, but with one tiny (Aki: Tiny? Wai: Shut up.) difference, the pairing, as you notice, is not RanKen like our other stories. This one happens to focus on BradKen. Due to immense guilt at having to break up the cuteness that is BradKen in our series “Strength,” we have dedicated this fic, which is none other than an alternate storyline to “Strength” that we call-

Aki: “What if Ran is still a dumbass and Ken finally gets over him and Brad and Ken never broke up.”

Wai: Eh? That's not the title!

Aki: ... Whatever.

Wai: ^^; Yeah, you should stop reading those FF8 fics.

Teaser: When Ken can’t seem to let go of the memories of Ran, he turns to someone else for help. But Brad doesn’t know whether they will end in sorrow or in happiness. BradKen [What-if stand alone fic in "Strength" timeline]

Title: Cry

Pairings: BradKen, YoujixSchu, NagixOmi (all implied)

Rating: PG-13

Genre: Angst and Romance (MAJOR OOC)

Disclaimer: We hereby declare that we do not own Weiss or any of its affiliates. They are the property of…some person or other that we do not wish to list right now.

I'll always remember

It was late afternoon

Heavy boots trudged on the creaky steps leading to the roof, each step heavier than the previous. It almost seemed as if the owner carried a heavy burden. And technically, he did. It was just another night for the citizens of Tokyo but it was a night of killings for Weiss. Another night where the blood of the wicked spilled on the tainted soil, where bodies fall to the cold ground, where warmth of left the still bodies and cold and distant feel lingered in the air. The silence.

He paused for a moment, gathering his thoughts, before slowly walking onwards, approaching the door that would lead to the rooftops. Lead him to his salvation and what could become the very last place people see him alive.

His teammates were elsewhere, always finding other things to do after missions. Omi had taken refuge in the library yet again, while Youji found his solitude in the arms of a lovely blonde he had picked up the day before and Aya...

‘What about Aya?’ he asked himself wearily, there’s nothing to think about when it comes to Aya. He’s gone, off to...wherever. God, does he even need solitude? He’s a loner. The brunet shook his head, refusing to think about the redhead for another moment.

‘Liar.’ His conscience said ruthlessly. He squeezed his eyes shut, stopping even though he was just a step away from the door. ‘Have you forgotten, Ken?’ The taunting voice echoed in his mind. It was his own and yet, it wasn’t. It was too malicious to be his own, yet he knew it was. He could just visualize a sneer on his doppelganger’s face, beneath his lids, in the dark caverns of his mind.

‘He’s gone, remember? He left your sorry ass ages ago.’ It told him. He laughed bitterly, even as tears escaped closed lids.

“I already know.” He whispered. “I know.” And with that thought in mind, he took the final step and opened the door, stepping out into the cold night. The cold wind slapped against his face, leaving a tingling sensation. It was strange, for a brief moment he felt as if someone had slapped him in the face. His eyes slowly opened and he took in the all-too-familiar sight.

He smiled faintly at the skyline, seeing the city slowly lighting up in the late afternoon. Lights that welcome him. So welcoming, unlike the night before, when he looked at them and they seem to curse on him. Curse him for being there, for what he was about to do. Now, they welcome him, like a father enveloping a long lost son in a tight embrace.

Wait...

Ken blinked for a moment, feeling arms draped over his shoulders. And that wasn’t the wind that fluttered brown locks at the back of his head. No, too warm to be the cold wind.

“What are you doing up here?” It was more of a demand, rather than a question. It was so cold and demanding, much like its owner. Ken couldn’t help but smile, despite his confusion. After all, why was he here? And doing this?

It lasted forever

And ended so soon

“Just thinking.” He answered, albeit in a wistful tone. The arms were lifted off his shoulders and for a moment, he felt disappointment, though it was soon replaced by confusion. Why should he feel disappointed? Has it really been that long since someone last held him?

“I’ve never seen you like this.” Commented the other, as he stepped beside Ken, watching the sky for a moment.

“What, you've never seen me think?” Ken asked. A smile marked his features, marring the cold expression it once had.

“No, I've never seen you sad.” He replied.

“Ne, Brad, I am human.” Ken said, pasting on one of his smiles on his face.

“Exactly.” Crawford said, turning to face him. “That’s why you should do this more often.” Ken stared at him incredulously.

“You want me to be SAD more often?”

“No, I want you to show your emotions more often.” Brad corrected. Brown eyes stared at him with bewilderment, but at long last, the smile on Ken’s face melted and was replaced with a genuine smile.

“Why Brad Crawford, I didn’t know you cared!” Ken said slyly, noting to himself that he sounded awfully like Schuldich. And that was to Ken, who was one of the telepath's favorite subject of torture, the most frightening thing his mind could ever conjure.

Eyes behind those frames narrowed slightly, but other than that, Ken detected no change on the older male’s face. And yet, despite his earlier thoughts, he was contented and this puzzled him to no end, after all, who could ever feel happy in the presence of Crawford? He was the equivalent to Fujimiya in terms of indifference and harshness, yet so different from him in every other way.

You were all by yourself

Staring up at a dark gray sky

I was changed

Crawford hadn't a clue in hell why he was there in the first place. All he knew was that he had seen Ken trudge up the stairs heading towards the roof and he really had to discuss the brunet’s earlier actions. Ken had carelessly ignored warnings from both Tsukiyono and Kudou and had charged at the intended target, despite the fact that he was surrounded by his many protectors. He didn't know why, but perhaps for the first time in all the years he worked as an assassin, he felt fear. Fear for a man that he knew for a scant few months. And Brad Crawford, I assure you, does not fear for himself, let alone for someone else. Yet he did feel fear for Ken...

He paused and blinked. And when the HELL did he start calling Hidaka by his first name?

Without even thinking twice, he began to march up the stairs, ready to demand an explanation out of the brunet. He was thinking vaguely of what Abyssinian would have done in his place, but banished the thought out of his head. Of all the things to think of, he grated.

But when he stepped out of the door, he instantly wished he hadn't and cursed his incapability to conjure up a vision whenever he wanted. At least then he could have predicted this and avoided it altogether. Unfortunately, he could do nothing but stay put, as his breath was caught by the vision before him.

He wasn't sure what Ken was doing, but the brunet seemed to be staring at the distance, at the cloudy sky, fading into the night. He didn't appear to be the same Ken Hidaka who would, on occasion, trip and fall during work. Not the same one who taught soccer to the neighborhood kids, smiling and laughing, sans trepidation at what the world would throw at him next. No, this was another part of him, the one he didn't like to show to others. The one he kept concealed.

Crawford was aware from the start that Ken wasn't all that he appeared to be. Though the smile he always had on his face had long since Ran's departure looked worn and tired, it was still in place. Despite the pain and anguish swirling beneath the mists of drowning brown eyes, the smile persisted.

But now...he saw it for the first time. Saw the real person inside, without as much as a guard over his features. And for a moment, he felt guilty for invading on Ken's time to himself. Though there was something about the look on Ken's face that made Crawford stay, he hadn't the heart to leave.

Ken was too deep in thoughts to notice his presence and against his better judgment, he draped his arms over the brunet's shoulders, hoping to provide some sort of comfort. Despite how futile he felt it was to relieve Ken's pain and worries. But it was something...Even though the moment he did it, his mind shouted so loudly he could hear the shout ringing in his ears. But for the first time in his life, Crawford paid no heed to his mind and listened to his heart.

That was the moment the former Schwarz leader realized, that for better or for worse, something inside of him changed. He wasn't sure what it was, or how it would affect his work (because despite the fact that he is listening to his heart for once, Crawford will forever be bound to his sense of logic), but he knew it would happen. He felt it even as he began to ascend the stairs to the roof, felt the tingle at the back of his head as he opened the door and eventually, his vision cleared and all he saw was Ken.

Schuldich once said that it would take a miracle to make Crawford function like a real human being. Neither one of them realized that all it took was one Hidaka Ken.

In places no one will find

All your feelings so deep inside

Was then that I realized

That forever was in your eyes

The moment I saw you cry

Ken shivered slightly as a particularly cold wind swept past. He wrapped his arms around himself for warmth, as he wasn't wearing his jacket, sighing softly into the night. It seemed as if nothing had changed. He's back where he started from, the day after Ran left.

Didn't he stand on this same roof day after day, looking for answers, for something to replace the void Ran left behind? Well, before Ran re-entered his life, Ken had honestly thought the void would be forgotten for good. Might even be filled...

"You're too predictable." Someone stated. Ken gave a wry grin. He recognized the voice straight away.

"What makes you say that?"

"Every time you're upset about something, you go up here. Especially when it's about Fujimiya." The brunet let out a short, sad laugh.

"Did you ask Schu to mess up with my head again?" He asked, turning around to look at Crawford.

"I didn't have to." As always, the ever-present half-smirk was on Crawford's face. It used to strike Ken as mocking, back when they were Weiss and Schwarz. But by this time...it's simply...Crawford. Indifferent. Cold. Uncaring. But that was his facade. And everyone hides behind their mask.

The smile slowly disappeared from Ken's face, as his eyes gazed back into the distance. Brown eyes looking out into the twinkling lights of the city, searching for answers to questions he dare not ask. He was half-cursing Fate for messing up his life again.

Crawford didn't like the look on the younger man's face, he looked so lost and alone. It was as if he had reached out to life to search for an answer and all life did was to strike his hand away. Ken wasn't like the others, although Kudou and Tsukiyono expressed their feelings of sadness, it was a rarity to see Ken express any of his.

"You are sad." Crawford stated. Ken shook his head slowly.

"I'm angry." He said in a half-whisper. Crawford watched him carefully, trying to figure out whether or not he was lying. At that moment he wished that he had Schuldich's telepathic abilities instead, just so he could see what was going on in Ken's mind.

"You don't look angry to me."

"Why the hell does he have to show up now?" Ken demanded, voice rising, startling the American slightly. "Now, after all this time? After I've finally let him go! After I've moved on! After I thought-" He stopped, looking completely lost, more so than before. Not knowing whether to throw a tantrum or dissolve into tears.

"After I thought I don't love him anymore." The words slipped out of his mouth, softer than a breath yet still audible, just barely. An invisible hand reached out and squeezed at the normally callous leader's heart.

"Do you?" He was almost afraid of the answer.

Ken whipped around savagely, eyes blazing with both fury and tears. "Yes! Even after the hell he put me through! I'm the idiot that still fucking loves the frigid, emotionless ice statue that is Fujimiya Ran!"

It was good to see Ken expressing his anger at something besides the mission, it was a good release. But he had to tame it as well, anger can lead to profound sadness and they can't have that in their team. "From where I was seeing, I doubt that he's emotionless." Crawford said. Ken paused from his tirade and glanced at the older man. The slight breeze fluttered the American's bangs, but only slightly. Apparently, Crawford's hair is as stubborn as Crawford, refusing to move despite the wind. Ken felt the corners of his mouth twitch slightly.

There's something about Crawford that would make anyone feel attracted to him, despite his intimidating character. But there's something much deeper to Crawford than that and that was the puzzle that Ken didn't understand. And that's the different way that he acts around Ken.

For example, if Schuldich calls him 'Brad', he would growl, curse and then attempt to murder the German. Not that any of his attempts were ever successful, of course. But when Ken teases him by calling him with the dreaded name, he would growl, occasionally curse but would not even try to harm Ken.

And if someone in the shop breaks anything, he would glare, curse and then order them to pay for it. If Ken breaks something, he would look up, shake his head and go back to his finances. Maybe it's because Ken does it too often, but maybe...just maybe, it's because of something else.

"How would you know, Brad?" Ken said wearily, using the cursed name in attempts to lighten up the situation.

"Because I see it. Just like I see what's going on in your head, just by looking at your eyes." Crawford said his voice much to calm in a situation that would cause others to start twitching and stuttering. In truth, however, he was ready to stutter and felt ready to just turn around and walk back downstairs. But he knew he couldn't leave Ken, not like this.

"But it can't work out." Ken said, shaking his head. "I'm not going to try, not when there's a big chance that he'll pack up and leave again. He's got Aya, he won't give up his normalcy. Not for us...not for me." It was a wistful thought if Crawford ever heard one and coming from Ken...

"Would you want him too?" Crawford asked, causing Ken to wince.

"No." He bit his lip, shaking his head again. Why did things have to be so complicated? A cold wind blew and he shuddered, cursing himself for not wearing a jacket. Crawford shook his head at the brunet's inability to take care of himself. He knew that the weather would be cold and yet he failed to bring his jacket along with him.

Brushing his good judgments aside, he slipped out of the jacket he was wearing, ignoring the biting cold. He's their leader for goodness' sake, he can handle the stupid weather. He doesn't get sick easily. He flung the jacket around the shorter male's shoulders and Ken looked, startled at the jacket.

"You're no good to any of us sick, Ken." Crawford said, but mentally berating himself for that piss-poor excuse. Not to mention how harsh it sounded. This earned him yet another startled look from the brunet.

Since when does Crawford care for Ken well being? He never expressed any concerns before. Whether or not Ken was well is no loss for the team, they had six other fully capable members.

"Why do you care, Brad?" Ken asked quietly, a question that the precog dread. How was he suppose to explain to his subordinates that he, leader-extraordinaire had one weakness. He fancied the soccer-playing, brash, hot-headed, fun-loving Siberian. Well, there was one way to do it. Just say it...

"I don't want to see you hurt." The American replied, refusing to look at Ken.

"Wha? I-I..."

"You don't have to say anything." Snapped Crawford, feeling embarrassed and yet refusing to blush. There was no way that he, Brad Crawford would blush, goddamn it! "I don't expect things in return, I never do." Kami-sama, that sounded more like a business proposal than a confession of lo-err...feelings.

"Since when?" Crawford glared at Ken. How can he joke in a time like this? He was lying his feelings down along with his pride and for Crawford, his pride and authority were the only things he could hold on to.

But Crawford quickly noted that the grin had disappeared from Ken's face and that his lips were quavering.

Would Crawford hate him for showing weakness, thought Ken. But...he said he cared, didn't he? OK, he said he didn't want to see Ken hurt...but that just means that maybe he has feelings for him?

Ken's mind was spinning. The tangled web of despair, hurt and past memories was slowly pulling him down. But this newfound revelation, didn't he want out of the hurt? And Brad seems to be the perfect opportunity to forget the memories that is Ran.

"Help me forget?" He sounded meek, he knew. Perhaps even pathetic. But he's drowning in sorrow and he desperately needs something to hold on to.

Those three words, uttered by quavering lips were all he needed.

He didn't even have to ask, as he was enveloped into warm arms. Desperately clinging on to the affection shown by his leader, Ken let the tears run unchecked down his cheeks. Sensing the tears, the American's hold on the brunet tightened. And he made a mistake, because at the particular moment, he looked down at the stricken brunet and his breath was caught.

He seemed to be doing that a lot these days, when it comes to Ken. But nevertheless, his hold never faltered even as the shorter male tucked his head under Crawford's chin and bitter tears seeped into his black suit.

As bitter tears rushed down, Ken whispered, "Don't hurt me, please." He sounded so heartbroken that even someone like Brad Crawford, whom even Schuldich had long-since given up on in terms of melting his heart, could feel his own heart shatter.

All Crawford had for a reply was simply the two words that quickly tumbled out of his lips, "I won't." And that was his promise.

It was late in September

And I've seen you before

You were always the cold one

But I was never that sure

You were all by yourself

Staring up at a dark gray sky

I was changed

It was a change. For once, it was Ken who found Crawford on the roof and not the other way around. The mission hadn't been a particularly complicated one. Maybe it was because Ran was there too. Whatever it was, something was definitely bothering the American and Ken approached the still form carefully.

"You're taking my spot, Brad." Ken said, grinning and shuddering at the same time. The weather was simply too cold to be standing outside. But nevertheless, there they were. Again.

Crawford didn't answer nor did he acknowledge the other's presence. He was too busy in his own little world, figuring out things he wished not to voice. Whatever they were, Ken wanted to know. Suddenly, Ken pulled out something out of his pocket and tossed it his way. Startled, the American managed to catch the small object and to his bewilderment, he realized that it was a penny.

Where the hell did Ken get a penny from?

"Penny for your thoughts?" He asked in his deeply accented English. Crawford smirked, suppressing laughter as he shook his head at Ken. The young soccer player never ceased to amaze him with his antics. After all, despite his gift of precognition, he can't predict everything and unfortunately, things like this are easily overlooked.

"Just...thinking." He said simply, prompting Ken to roll his eyes.

"Really? I never would have guessed." Ken said sarcastically. Crawford narrowed his eyes, before reaching out and smacking the brunet playfully. Ken caught the hand and grinned, lacing their fingers together. The corners of the American's mouth twitched slightly but he refused to give in.

"Aren't you going to tell me about it? Not even a little?" Coaxed Ken, inching closer and closer to Crawford. An eyebrow raised, Crawford could only look down as Ken latched himself to his side. "Just a word?"

"The future's unpredictable." He finally blurted out. "It changes every time I see it." Ken frowned.

"You've been getting back-to-back visions again?"

"Aa."

"Daijoubu?"

"Aa." Ken sighed in frustration.

"Can't you say something else other than, 'Aa'?"

"Don't...expect much, Ken." Crawford said after an awkward pause. "Don't think about the future much. Just think of the present, it's much easier."

"Brad..." For a moment there, as Ken stared up at his lover, his breath was caught. Suddenly, he wasn't looking at the cold team leader or the smirking assassin anymore. He was looking at the real Brad Crawford, the one that can feel things and you'd be able to see it on his face.

His dark gray suit blended well with the background, the grayish sky of the fall, foreshadowing the coming winter. Standing tall and not so proud or sure, made him almost seemed vulnerable. It was at that moment that Ken felt the change.

It wasn't a physical change, but merely a change of emotions. Something stirred inside of him, feelings that he thought were only meant for another, reserved for another. He had long since given hope on them, even with the object--Iie--the former object of his affection's arrival. His heartbeat quickened as he realized what it is that he was feeling.

He was in love with Brad Crawford.

In places no one will find

All your feelings so deep inside

Was then that I realized

That forever was in your eyes

The moment I saw you cry

"We need to talk." Brad had said simply, before dragging Ken to the roof as usual. There was silence between them now as Ken waited with trepidation as to what Brad was about to say. The American was looking at the distance, refusing to look at Ken since they got there about ten minutes ago.

To tell the truth, Ken hated the silence. He liked it better if Brad had something to say. Get it all over and done with. What the hell was taking the American so long?

"I think we should end this." Ken's eyes widened at the words and even more at the quiet acceptance in Brad's eyes.

"What? Why?" Ken demanded.

"This charade has been going on for long enough, Ken. This is getting us nowhere." To Brad's surprise, he didn't see any guilt or any sorrow in Ken's eyes, well he did see a hint of sorrow but nowhere was it related to Ran. In fact, if anything, Ken looked more hurt than anything.

"Is that what you think?" Struggling to keep his voice leveled, fists clenched at his sides.

"Ken?" There were so many emotions in those brown eyes now, each of them fighting to resurface but in the end, only sadness remained. And as the tears finally fell from Ken's eyes...if you will, pardon the cliché, but he saw the light.

"What am I to you, Brad? Just a charity case? Is that it?" Ken asked softly. "Just for fun?"

"But I thought-"

"That I want Ran?" Ken asked. "Is that what you think? I wouldn't be standing here if I did want him still, Brad-san." The name was used loosely, Ken had done it before. Most of the time it was because he wanted to tease Brad, other times...it was used when he's wary about something Brad did.

Hesitant hand reached out to brush away the tears. Hesitant because, he wasn't sure whether or not Ken would let him. Especially after he mistakenly...but he didn't understand, he saw it in a vision. He saw it...His thoughts trailed off as fingers came in contact with Ken's cheek. The brunet didn't pull away or brush him off. He stood silent, eyes closing over brown eyes, sighing in defeat. But why?

"I thought you loved him." Brad said, voicing his thoughts, only to be met by bitter laughs from Ken. The brunet took a hold of the hand that was on his cheek as he looked up at his leader.

"I used to. But that was before." He paused, voice softer as he continued, "I've found someone else now."

I wanted to hold you

I wanted to make it go away

I wanted to know you

I wanted to make your everything, all right....

"You told him." Was all that Crawford said when he entered the room. The person he was talking to currently occupied the bed they shared, curled up, with the blanket draped over his form. He provided no reply and didn't seem to move. Crawford shook his head and began to approach the bed and sat beside the lump on the bed.

He poked at the still form, causing Ken to yelp and jump away. Disheveled brown hair peeked from beneath the covers, brown eyes glaring at the older man. "Mean." Ken muttered, before plunging back into the wave of blankets and pillows.

"Very mature, Ken."

"I don't care." The stubborn brunet said, voice muffled. Crawford reached out a hand and slowly pulled the cover off Ken's face.

"Talk to me." It was a plea, not an order, because he knew Ken would never pay heed to an order outside work. As if proving that Crawford did know Ken the way he knew he did, the brunet gave a sigh of defeat.

"I told him." Ken said grudgingly. He refused to meet Crawford's gaze, however. "I didn't want to, but I did."

"You had to face Fujimiya sooner or later, Ken." Crawford pointed out.

"Why? Why does it have to be like this?" Whined Ken. "Why can't my life be like...like...Youji's or Schu's! Or even Nagi or Omi! They don't have to put up with this kind of shit." He complained.

"Because you're not them, you're Ken. You can't help who you fall in love with-"

"Brad." Ken interrupted, voice full of warning. "Don't go there." The warning was met by a smile, however.

"I wasn't talking about Fujimiya." Ken blinked, before breaking into a grin and enveloping his lover into a hug.

"Good to know that I got rid of those thoughts from your head." Ken murmured, before breaking his hold and making room for Brad. The American moved closer to Ken and pulled him in his arms. He knew how hard it must have been for Ken to talk to Ran. He hadn't been there when Ken was talking to Ran, but he had seen it partially in a vision.

He saw the look on Ran's face when Ken began to explain that Ken's feelings for Ran has not changed but his feelings for Crawford were much, much stronger. And all Crawford could think was that if Ken hadn't changed his mind, if Ken hadn't fallen in love with him...he would be in Fujimiya's place. He would be the one nodding in acceptance, walking away with his dignity and leaving his heart behind.

"No second thoughts? No regrets?" Ken stayed silent for a while, getting his thoughts together. Of course he felt something, maybe sorrow at seeing a part of his old life go, but other than that...he was relieved that he got it over and done with. He felt slightly guilty about it, but he couldn't help it, it was time to move on.

Finally, the brunet shook his head. "No."

I'll always remember...

It was late afternoon...

In places no one will find...

In places no one will find

All your feelings so deep inside

It was now that I realized

That forever was in your eyes

The moment I saw you cry

Ken paused and turned, the taller male was standing right behind him, as always. A grin graced the features of the former soccer player, as he pushed open the door to –their- room. And even as he was about to fall asleep that night, with the sounds of the busy city faintly at the background, he felt safe and secure.

“Ne, Brad?” He murmured sleepily.

“Hai?” Came the soft reply, just as brown bangs were softly wiped away from heavily lidded brown eyes.

“Did you see this?” Ken asked carefully. Despite his fatigue he wanted--no, needed--to know. “Did you see any of this in a vision?” Eyes that are usually blocked by frames close slowly.

Flashes of a prophecy long ago came back to his mind and replayed in his head.

He stepped out on the roof, looking around for someone, though he wasn’t sure who. The sky was overcast, looking close to rain. And there, at the corner of his eye, he could see him. He saw the tears that ran unchecked down his cheeks and he saw that the other made no attempt to wipe them away.

He walked towards him, just as Ken looked up at Brad and it was there that he saw it. It was there that he realized it all. He saw the flashes of emotions behind those brown orbs. The anger, the confusion, the pain, the sorrow and furthermore, the loneliness. All those emotions in one, bottled up inside one single person. Everything he saw in those eyes tugged at his heart.

“Don’t hurt me.” Ken whispered in a pain-filled voice, even as he wrapped his arms around the shorter male. He thought his heart would break, even though he wondered how, when he thought he didn’t have one to break in the first place.

“I won’t.” He found himself whispering back, even as he planted a kiss on top of brown locks.

“Brad?” A soft question brought him back to reality, back to where he was. Ken was now staring at him with concern, apparently he no longer felt the need to sleep. A smile tugged at his lips as he shook his head.

“No. I didn’t see any of this.” He replied, tugging Ken into his arms. “I never, ever, expected anything like this.” He muttered as Ken lay his head on his chest.

“Really?”

“Yes. This is much better than I expected.” He felt Ken smile, even as the younger male shook his head.

“You’re something else, Brad.” He said in a light tone.

“I love you.” And there it was, those words again. Ken raised his head slightly, to look at Brad, as if amazed to hear the words again. And then slowly, a gorgeous smile appeared on the brunet’s face.

“Aishiteru, Brad.” After thinking that he would never hear those words coming from Ken, Brad tightened his hold on him briefly, as his mind spin around. Yet another thing he did not expect. Not when he thought Ken would never get over Ran.

“I mean it, Brad.” Ken said simply, as if he had read Brad’s mind. “I do.” Ken said simply, before planting a kiss on the frozen male’s lips. And then he snuggled back into the comfort of Brad’s hold and began to drift to sleep. There was still doubt that linger, albeit a little, in the back of Brad’s mind even as he too drifted off to sleep.

But holding Ken like that, it just felt so right. More so than the other nights he had Ken in his arms and it has been a while. But a moment before he could drift off to sleep, Ken stirred, muttering something. He tightened his hold slightly and heard Ken sigh in contentment and whisper,

“Brad.” Just like that, as simple as that. The second time he heard Ken say that. And he could feel the doubt ebbing away, drifting out of his mind as he looked down and smiled at his precious burden.