Assassin's Game

The night is cold and bitter, the merciless wind whipping my bound hair and tugging a few wayward strands loose. Snorting to myself I slowly climb the fire escape up to the third story window, leaning back casually against the railing. I push my dark sunglasses further up my nose, frowning as I listen for any indication of life coming from inside. Nothing.

Heaving a sigh, I lean forward, intent on rapping on the frosted window, only to blink as it slides open with a rasp and a snap. Ace's naked torso appears in the opening, leaning out a little, a half burned cigarette perched between his downturned lips as he eyes me warily. Shaking his head, almost in amusement, he takes a final puff on the cancer stick before flicking the wasted butt aside.

I have to admit, Ace is gorgeous. His body is still covered in what must be sweat, the tips of his disheveled, onyx hair damp and clinging to his face. Twin pools of dark, liquid honey are hooded, revealing that he was probably half asleep when my footsteps roused him. The usual dark makeup isn't present, leaving only the beautiful, bronze tones of his skin, which is slightly flushed.

"Have a good night?" There's little amusement in my voice and a lot more jealousy.

"Fuck off, Spade. What do you want?" His voice is terse and borderline irritated.

"Eager to get back to Collin?" I try to keep the bitterness out of my tone.

His eyes narrow becoming sharp and lethal. "Stay the fuck away from him."

"Hmm.... So protective..." It's seems that I know just what buttons to push cus in the next instance he's growling at me, his glare lethal.

"Why the hell are you here?" One of his hands holds the top of the window, seeming eager to slam it shut.

"I heard about the bounty..."

"How convenient."

Frowning, my hand snaps forward to grip his chin. Ace tugs against the grip, his look practically murderous as I study him. There's anger, fear, weariness, and helplessness on his features, written so plainly that my expression softens in sympathy. His expression changes a little, some of the anger bleeding away to be replaced by exhaustion.

"Go to sleep. Miho asked me to take your watch, anyways." my hand trails up, turning my grip into a soothing caress.

For an instant, there's wariness and disbelief in his eyes before they slip shut and he leans heavily into my touch. He sighs, the sound making him seem as if he's been carrying a heavy load without rest for a long time. Sadly, that's probably the case.

"Go on." I urge, reluctantly pulling my hand away; I want to feel him again.

"...I'll stay out here. I don't want to wake Collin." before I can protest he's slipped back inside, the window once again barring entry.

With a snort I settle onto the cool steel of the fire escape. Despite my fear for his well-being, I can't help but feel pleased that I get Ace to myself tonight. Though I'd never split Ace and Collin apart there's times in which it's rather tempting. I've never been the selfless type, and Ace just brings out the bad traits in me. I want him, probably more than I've wanted any other man. That's probably an unhealthy form of obsession, but I don't mind.

I hear the window slide open, the sound jarring me from my thoughts. Ace climbs out, clad only in a pair of ragged jeans and a clingy, black tank top. He plops down next to me, tapping out yet another cigarette and lighting it, the flame's glow painting his dark bangs gold for an instant. Exhaling he leans against me, his eyes drooping in weariness. I give him a light nudge to catch his attention.

"Sleep." My tone's playful, but firm.

"Mmm... Whatev...er..." his tone is light and interrupted by a yawn.

I realise then that Ace needs a combination of things. Collin is his reason, his anchor in life that keeps him from spiraling out of control. I'm the one that gives him the extra support he needs to live the life he lives with confidence. It's interesting, really.

Without thinking I move my arm, draping it around Ace's shoulders and pull him against my side. He doesn't resist. Instead he sighs and leans his weight against me in his exhaustion. Briefly I wonder if he's had a good night's rest in the past few days, but the heat of his breath against my neck distracts me. Almost absently I stroke the base of his neck, hoping to soothe him into slumber. It doesn't make much of a difference, cus he's asleep before his head settles on my shoulder.

With a light chuckle I take the cig from between his slack lips and take a drag on it. "Sleep well, Ace."

-----

When I wake up I realize that I'm alone in my bed. Frowning, I roll out of bed and slip my discarded pants back on. It isn't normal for Ace not to stay in bed, especially not after a tiring night like last night. I flush, remembering the feel of him and his roaming hands amongst... other things. Shivering at the memory, I head to the window, intent on opening it and letting in some fresh air.

What I see makes me pause, my chest filling with equal amounts of bitter jealousy and loving warmth. Ace's head rests on the shoulder of the man who I'd spoken with the night before. Spade sits, his head tipped back a little and his eyes drooped in weariness. He must have taken Ace's shift last night. That small notion dulls the edge of my sharp envy, replacing it with reluctant gratitude.

Heaving a sigh, I climb out the window and catch the asian's curious gaze. "You look tired."

"I'll be fine..." his eyes drift shut for an instant before he forces them open again."...Err. Maybe."

I can't help but smile warmly. "You can use our bed to rest. I doubt Ace'll mind."

Spade smiles genuinely and the look takes my breath away. "Ace's found a real angel. Lucky."

I blush, flattered , my smile turning shy. "Ace has found a real gentleman."

His smile turns warm and soft, his expression showing that he took note of the compliment, but before he can say anything another voice interupts.

"Ace has found two very noisey men." his eyes are cracked open, amusement glittering in their depths.

I laugh, dropping to the steel landing of the fire escape to curl against Ace's side. His arm moves almost automatically to pull me against him, a contented murmur rumbling in his chest. I hear Spade chuckle knowingly and smile against my lover's neck.

"You know, Ace... You never did tell me what happened that night with Sapde... You said you would." I make my voice sound innocent and make sure Spade can hear it.

I know Ace's blushing without even having to look. "Err... I.... L-Later..."

Spade's barely concealed amusement is audible even from where I sit. "Oh, come now, Ace..."

"Why the hell are you still here, anyways?" his voice is sharp with embarassment, causing me to grin.

"Why...Collin invited me to stay for a little while." I bury my face in his neck, my chest shaking with silent laughter.

"Godammit." Ace mutters, though there's no real irritation in his voice. "Now he'll be here all the time. Thanks, Babe."

"I love you, too, Ace." I purr, nipping at his neck just to break down his resistance even more.

He lets out an exasperated sigh, one hand lifting to rub the bridge of his nose like he always does. When Spade chuckles, I lift my head just in time to see my dark lover smack him in the back of the head, resulting in a wince and a surprised yelp. I smile brightly and realise that it's the first time I've been truly happy for quite a while; it feels wonderful.