The Clash of Love

Chapter 25: What can't be Erased

By KellyQ

Lan looked out the window, to see that the rain was coming down hard. He limped over to the chair, and sat down. It has been two weeks since the memorial service for his parents. During that time, Lan practiced on his walking with the new leg brace Chaud gave him. The draw back was the mocking words Yuriko left behind - those were still fresh in Lan's mind.

Miss Mari stood at the door with a mornful look on her face. She really wanted to erase what her sister did to him. Miss Mari slowly walked up, and stood next to Lan. He already acknowledged her presence, and in two seconds, Lan was in her arms.

"Why does she still haunt me ..."

Miss Mari bit the bottom of her lip. She held Lan in a protective embrace. "I'm so sorry ..." Miss Mari murmured. A tear came down her face, and she rubbed Lan's back in a soothing manner. Miss Mari really was sorry that she didn't stop Yuriko from rattling Lan worse than he was. Now he's more fragile than before ...

After a moment, Lan chuckled. "It's weird how we're all apologizing to each other when Miss Yuriko should do it."

"Well," Miss Mari responded. "You know that's never going to happen ..."

Lan cocked his head from side to side, and rolled his eyes. He knew that already, but he just wished Miss Yuriko would addmit it. At least she's where she belongs, Lan thought. He couldn't help but smile. Lan has been doing that, and it felt good to smile again.

A red motorcycle sped down the streets of Net-tech city. Megaman held onto Protoman tightly, as the red Navi steered the motorcycle like a pro. I wonder where he's taking me, Megaman thought ...

The blue Navi blinked a few times after hearing what sounded like a motorcycle. Rush, who was in Megaman's arms jumped down and started barking. Lan's Navis eyes followed to where he was pointed. Megaman's face lit up when he noticed that it was actually Protoman riding on a motorcycle. The blue Navi stepped up with amusment in his eyes, just as Protoman pulled up.

"Where did you get the cool set of wheels?"

Protoman smirked. "Do you want to go for a spin?"

"Sounds like fun ..."

But where is he taking me, Megaman thought. His eyes shifted to the right. At least it's over. It took a lot of strength to keep Lan from going under.

Protoman looked quickly at his koi. "Megaman ..." the red Navi called out, getting the blue Navi's attention. "Is everything alright?"

Megaman bit the bottom of his lip. "I was just thinking ..."

Protoman nodded his head. "I wouldn't worry about Lan ..."

"I know ..." Megaman muttered shamefully. "But I can't help but feel that everything was my fault ... like my own weakness was the start of the whole mess ..."

The blue Navi paused, realizing that they have stopped, and Protoman was not in his arms. Megaman was about to panic when he felt something hard hit his head. The blue Navi turned his head to see Protoman standing there. Megaman didn't like the look nor the vibes he got from his koi.

"You baka," Protoman sighed. He turned so that he was leaning against the bike. "Sometimes I don't know what to do with you ..."

"I'm sorry about that ..." Megaman murmured, failing to hear the humor in his koi's voice.

Chaud came home a little while later, just as Miss Mari had sent Lan to rest. The two looked at each other. Miss Mari stepped up and pulled Chaud in a loving embrace.

"I want to thank you for being there for him ..."

The white haired boy gave a meek nod. Of course he was going to be there for his koi! Nothing was going to change that now.

"Anyways," Miss Mari started again. "I have to go. If you need anything, just let me know."

The two said their goodbyes, and Chaud headed up the stairs to his room that he shared with Lan. He came up to the landing to see Lan limping his way to the stairs.

"I was on my way down to have something to eat. You wanna join me?"

Chaud rose a brow. "You're still hungry? But you just ate not too long ago ..."

"Now don't start on me too," Lan pouted cutely. "I get enough grief from Megaman about my eating habits."

Chaud smirked, with amusement in his eyes. He had to admit that Lan's relationship with his Net-navi was amusing.

"I suppose it won't hurt to join you ..."

With that, Chaud helped Lan down the stairs. The process was slow and painful, but they managed.

"Chaud," Lan started. They both entered the kitchen. "Is it true that I almost died, but you kept me alive?"

The white haired boy's expression darkened. "Lan, when you were lying there on hospital bed barely alive ... I wasn't going to let you leave me ..." By know Chaud had tears coming down his face. He pulled Lan into a protective embrace. "Because ... because Ilove you." The last part was a murmur.

Lan tightened his grip on his koi. He really felt a pang for Chaud. "I'm -" Before he could finish, the white haired boy pressed his lips against Lan's.

"I don't ..." Chaud said in between kisses. "Want ... you to say that it was your fault."

"I know," Lan murmured. "I just hate myself for letting her trick me like that ... even more so that I couldn't do anything to save my parents."

Chaud just nodded his head, and tightened his grip on Lan.

Protoman sighed. "I meant that in a sarcastic way. You are strong ... in a unique way, and I've never regretted knowing you ..."

He paused when he realized that Megaman was hugging him, his face buried in his neck. "Thank you ..." the blue Navi murmured.

Protoman looked down at the blue Navi, who appeared to look happy. The red Navi smirked, wondering briefly how Megaman managed to worm into his life.

Protoman didn't get far with his thoughts, when a flash of light came from their right. Both Megaman and Protoman turned their heads to see that it was Roll holding a camera.

She had a playful look on her face. "Sorry ..." Roll teased. "I just had to ..."

The two male Navis let go of each other. "You better have a good reason for having that thing," Protoman spoke roughly. He was not going to let Roll announce that he was going out with Megaman ... not just yet.

"Trust me," Megaman spoke sarcastically. "You don't want to know what goes on in that girls head."

Protoman eyed them both, and smirked. "I'll take that into consideration."

The two Navis appeared in Chaud's P.E.T, some time later...

"Thanks for driving me around ..."

Protoman smiled. "Sure. You better get going before Lan makes a scene."

Megaman nodded his head, and gave Protoman a quick kiss before logging out. The red Navi stood there for a moment, and smiled - things were going to get very interesting from here on out.

The End