Disclaimer: All characters belong to Warner Brothers. No money was made from this story.

Permission to archive to the Kuffs archive only. All others please ask permission before archiving.

A *big* thank you to my beta readers Tammy and Margie. All mistakes left are entirely my own. Especially the one paragraph I'm still convinced needs to be redone, preferably when I'm drunk. But, hey, no one's perfect, and I'm not working on this story any longer.

Oh, and I have *no* idea if some of the spiritual stuff makes sense. I just wrote what the characters told me to.

Rated NC-17 This story is Kermit/Peter

Dark Side of the Heart
by Ninjababe

Kermit stopped in front of Caine's building and got out of the car, staring, astonished at what he saw. "Peter?" he asked, looking his friend over. Peter was wearing black leather. Pants, jacket, boots, and nothing else.

"Yeah. What do you want?" Peter sneered.

"Where have you been? We've been looking for you for days," Kermit asked, peering closely at his friend.

"I've been where I belong. And who is we?"

"Your father, the Ancient, everyone in the precinct. Hell, I think almost everyone in Chinatown has been on the lookout for you! And what the hell do you mean 'where you belong'?"

Peter just laughed, then walked into his father's building. Kermit hurriedly followed, arriving just in time to see Peter greet his father.

Caine looked relieved to see his son, but also worried by what he saw. "Peter?"

"Caine," Peter replied, a mocking grin on his face.

Peter's father blinked in surprise. "What is wrong, my son?"

"Nothing at all, *Pop*. I'm totally fine. But you won't be unless you give me what I came for."

"And that is?" Caine asked politely.

"Peter, what the hell is going on?" Kermit interjected.

"Shut up Kermit." Peter then turned back to his father and ignored the ex-mercenary. "Give me the Book of Shamballa."

"I am sorry, I cannot," Caine replied. "Peter, let me help you."

"The only way you can help me, *old man*, is to give me the book," Peter snarled in reply as he advanced on his father, his hands curled, claw-like.

"Peter! Stop!" Kermit exclaimed, reaching out to grab his friend's arm.

Peter suddenly whirled and kicked Kermit in the stomach. "I thought I told you to shut up."

"I am sorry, my son," Caine said softly before reaching out and pressing into the nerves in Peter's shoulder to drive him unconscious.

Kermit slowly got up from where he had fallen, clutching his stomach. "What happened to him?"

"I... do not know," Caine replied with a shrug of his shoulders. "But, I will find out. Are you all right?"

"Fine. Tell me what I can do to help," Kermit replied, looking down at his friend.

"Help me put him onto the platform. Then, we must restrain him."

"Right. Then what?"

"We ask the Ancient. I hope what I fear has happened to my son is just my fears, and not reality."

Kermit stared at Caine for a moment, his face blank behind his sunglasses. "Why do I have the feeling that your fears are reality?"

"This is bad," Lo Si stated after looking Peter over. "His chi has been corrupted, his conscience distorted. Unless he is rebalanced soon, we will lose him."

"What do you mean, lose him? Do you mean he'll die, or that he'll be like this for the rest of his life?" Kermit asked, concerned.

"Either way, he will be lost," Caine replied. "He will no longer be Peter."

"But, how did this happen?" Kermit asked. "I mean, brainwashing takes time. A hell of a lot more time than the few days Peter had disappeared for."

Caine shrugged a shoulder. "It was not... 'brain-washing'. There... is a way to corrupt a person this quickly. It is practiced by the Sing Wah."

"Sing Wah. I should have guessed. So, why haven't they tried it before?" Kermit asked, his voice frigid.

"It takes much energy, skill, and patience to corrupt a chi that thoroughly. Also, during the process, there is a very high risk that the participants of the ritual could die," The Ancient replied.

"So, Peter and the guy who did this to him could have both died. I for one wouldn't have mourned the guy who did this to my friend," Kermit growled. "But, you said his chi could be rebalanced, right?"

"Yes. But first, we must find the focusing image they used to trap his mind so they could warp his chi," Caine replied.

Kermit looked at Caine, then the Ancient, then at Caine again. "You lost me."

"In order for Peter's chi to be corrupted, there must be an event in his life that hurt him deeply. The Sing Wah used the memory of this event as a focusing image. Once we find the memory, and we get Peter to conquer the pain and fear he associates with that memory, the Sing Wah will lose the hold they have on his mind," the Ancient explained for Kermit. "Until then, the Peter we know does not exist."

"So, there's nothing I can really do to help, is there?" Kermit asked. "I had better leave so you two can get to work."

"No, stay, please," Caine asked. "My son is your friend, and by staying, you will be helping."

Kermit nodded. "You mean moral support? Do you really think he'll appreciate it?"

"Perhaps not now, but he will when he... is better," Caine replied.

"Okay, you got it. I'll stay. I just need to make a call to the precinct and tell them that we've found Peter so they'll stop searching for him."

"It's not going to work, old man," Peter sneered. "You aren't going to lock my mind back up so it will be the way *you* think it should be. I'm free now, and I'll stay that way."

"Right, you're really free. The tied-down wrists and ankles really make that clear," Kermit replied snidely. Peter's ranting and raving was starting to grate on his nerves.

"You only sit there because you like seeing me helpless. You know that I can kick your ass without even trying. It pisses you off. Seeing me tied down gives you a sense of satisfaction, doesn't it?" Peter replied tauntingly.

"Do not listen to what he says. It is not Peter talking," Caine told Kermit, a hand on his shoulder.

"I know. It's just starting to get to me," Kermit replied, taking a deep breath.

"It is time, Kwai Chang Caine," the Ancient stated.

Caine nodded before turning to Kermit. "Stay with my son."

"Of course," Kermit replied.

Caine left the room, following the Ancient.

"Kermit? Kermit, what's happening to me?" Peter asked in a small voice.

"Peter? Is that really you?"

"Help me, Kermit, please."

Kermit put his hand on Peter's arm and squeezed lightly. "We are. Just hold on."

Peter smiled slightly before he suddenly transformed back into the Peter Kermit had met for the first time that day. "Get real. I like the way I am," he said with a sneer.

Kermit snatched his hand back from Peter's arm as if he had been stung. Peter's laughter floated around the room.

A few minutes passed with Peter struggling with his bonds and Kermit staring off into space before the younger man suddenly fell unconscious. Kermit was slightly startled, but he had been told to expect this. Caine had started the search.

Hours had passed, with no change. During that time, Kermit had pulled off his suit jacket, rolled up his shirt sleeves, and taken off his sunglasses. And kept watch over Peter.

Finally, Peter stirred. Blinking his eyes, he turned his head toward Kermit. "What..."

"Hey," Kermit replied neutrally, not knowing if Peter was back to normal or not.

"Kermit? What are you doing here?" Peter asked, his brow furrowed. "I had the strangest dream." He tried to move his arm, and his eyes widened when he couldn't. "What the hell?"

"You are back to normal, my son," Caine stated as he came into the room, leaning against the wall in exhaustion.

"Then it wasn't a dream? Oh my god!" Peter exclaimed, his eyes wide and frightened.

Kermit hurriedly untied Peter while Caine comforted his son.

"Peter will stay here tonight," the Ancient stated. "Come."

Kermit helped Peter up and followed the Ancient and Caine.

After settling Peter down for the night, Caine looked like he was going to stand watch. Kermit muttered about stubbornness running in the family. "Caine, get some rest. You need it. I'll watch Peter."

Caine shook his head. "I must..."

"You must rest, Kwai Chang Caine," the Ancient ordered.

Kermit grinned as the Ancient drew Caine out of the room, then settled in for the night.

He must have fallen asleep, because he was startled awake by Peter's nightmare. Peter was thrashing around on his bedroll, mumbling 'no' and tangling the sheets around his legs.

"Hey, Peter. Come on, wake up," Kermit said softly, shaking his friend's shoulder.

Peter woke up with a gasp and stared at Kermit for a second, wide-eyed, before whispering, "It was horrible, Kermit. I didn't care who I hurt or what I destroyed. The only thing that was important was that I got what I wanted, no matter what happened."

"Oh hell," Kermit whispered before pulling Peter into a hug. "It's all right. It was just a dream."

Peter shook his head, wrapping his arms around Kermit's waist, "No, it wasn't. I remember everything that happened to me. The Sing Wah messing with my head, how afterwards I became someone without a conscience, what I did to my father, what I did to you..."

"It's okay Peter. That wasn't really you," Kermit replied.

"Then why do I remember it?"

"You weren't yourself. Now, relax, take deep breaths. You need sleep," Kermit soothed, rocking slightly.

"I don't know if I'll be able to go back to sleep."

"Well, try," Kermit said, still rocking.

Peter nodded against Kermit's shoulder before removing himself from Kermit and lying down.

Kermit had gotten up to go back to his spot against the wall when Peter grabbed his arm. "Stay?" Peter asked.

Kermit looked at his friend for a moment before nodding. "All right." Peter moved over slightly so that Kermit would get some of the bedding. Kermit removed his shoes and laid down. "Now sleep."

"Yes sir," Peter replied with a yawn.

Kermit woke up to find Peter spooned behind him, an arm and a leg holding him close. Peter stirred and Kermit stiffened, wondering what his friend was going to do.

"mmm, smell good," Peter mumbled into Kermit's hair, still half asleep. "feel good," he added, tugging Kermit closer.

"Hey, Peter, time to wake up," Kermit replied.

"no isn', too early. sleep more," Peter mumbled in reply, still mostly asleep.

Kermit tried to escape the human bonds holding him so tightly. "Come on, Peter, wake up."

"uh uh. comfor'able," Peter mumbled in reply, burying his head into Kermit's neck.

'maybe there's hope for me after all,' Kermit thought to himself before loudly saying, "Peter! Up!"

"Huh?! What?!" Peter asked, fully awake.

Kermit grinned as he got up. "It's time to get up. You still have to talk to your father, go back to your apartment, change clothes, and go into work to explain what happened. Unless you really want to wear that outfit?"

Peter looked down at himself, saw that he was wearing only a pair of black leather pants, and groaned.

"Didn't think so," Kermit replied, still grinning.

"Ah... you two are awake," Caine said from the doorway of the room.

"Yeah Pop... I mean, Dad. We're awake. Can you explain to me what happened?" Peter asked, running a hand through his hair.

"Of course," Caine replied.

An hour later, Kermit was driving Peter back to his apartment. "Think your father was right when he said we don't have to worry about the Sing Wah trying this again?"

Peter nodded. "When it comes to matters like this, yes, I do think he's right."

"Good," Kermit replied as they arrived at Peter's apartment building. "I'll wait in the car if you want and give you a ride to the station."

"Thanks Kermit, I appreciate it. And, I just wanted to say... Thanks... for everything."

Kermit gave his friend a blinding grin. "Hey, don't mention it. It's what I'm here for."

Peter snorted in reply as he got out of the car and entered his apartment building. A quick shower and change of clothes later, he returned and the two friends drove to the 101st precinct.

After many 'welcome back's and 'we missed you's, along with a slightly fudged explanation to Captain Simms, Peter was on his way out of the precinct again. Simms had ordered him to take the day, and the weekend, off.

So, here he was, sitting at home and staring at the walls. And, for some reason, he kept thinking of Kermit keeping watch over him the last twenty four hours. Why would he do that?

Granted, they were friends, but Peter never thought Kermit would do something like that for just anyone. Especially after the person in question kicks them in the gut.

He decided there was only one way to find out for sure, and that was to ask Kermit.

Luckily, Kermit had today off also. Which added another piece to the puzzle. Why would Kermit wait around to drive him to the precinct when he didn't need to go in?

Peter knocked on Kermit's door, which was answered quite quickly.

"Peter! Why aren't you at work?" Kermit asked, sounding both surprised and pleased to see his friend.

"Simms gave me today and the rest of the weekend off. I came to ask you something. Can I come in?"

"Umm... Sure," Kermit replied, opening the door wider so Peter could enter the apartment. "Have a seat."

"Thanks." Peter sat and waited for Kermit to sit down before he asked, "Kermit, why did you stay with me?"

Kermit shrugged. "Because you're my friend, and you needed me to stay."

"That can't be it," Peter replied, shaking his head.

"And why not?"

"I don't know. But it isn't. And I can't stop thinking about it," Peter replied, giving Kermit a searching look. "So tell me the real reason."

Kermit's face smoothed into blankness. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Kermit. Talk to me," Peter cajoled.

Kermit just shook his head and looked at Peter, his sunglasses reflecting the sunlight from the windows.

"OK... then I'm going to have to go with my gut reaction," Peter replied in warning.

Kermit stiffened. "Do what you have to do."

Peter nodded, stood up, and looked down on Kermit. 'Well, here goes nothing,' he thought before he leaned down and brushed his lips over his friend's.

Kermit jerked back as if shocked.

"Well?" Peter asked.

"Well what?"

Peter rolled his eyes and reached for Kermit's sunglasses. "I can't tell your reaction when you're wearing those things."

Kermit grabbed Peter's arm and stopped him from removing the frames.

"Kermit, it's all right. I'm not going to hurt you. I love you too much for that."

"You... what?"

Peter grinned as he removed the glasses. "You heard me. Now, do I have to kiss you again to see what your reaction was to the first kiss?"

Kermit didn't reply right away, and when he did, it was totally non-verbal. He reached up and pulled Peter down onto the couch beside him, then kissed his friend.

"Now, this is more like it," Peter whispered before licking Kermit's lips, asking permission to enter.

Kermit immediately drew Peter's tongue in, sliding his own over his friend's. The two grappled for control of the kiss, both losing, both winning. They finally broke the kiss and gasped for air, staring at each other.

"So, why did you stay?" Peter asked, knowing the answer, but needing it said aloud.

"I couldn't have left because I love you," Kermit replied, pulling Peter in for another kiss. This time, when they broke apart for air, Kermit started kissing along Peter's jawline, aiming for his throat.

Peter leaned his head back, groaning as Kermit nibbled on his throat, finding all the sensitive points. Deciding that Kermit would look a lot better without a shirt, Peter pulled his friend, and soon-to-be lover's, tie off and undid the buttons, pulling the shirt down his arms.

It was Kermit's turn to moan as Peter's hands glided over his chest before stopping to tweak and roll his nipples.

Peter pushed Kermit back, getting him to lie on the couch with Peter straddling his thighs. Their groins rubbed together, making both men moan. Kermit bucked his hips up, and Peter ground his hips into them in response, his head thrown back.

"Too many clothes," Kermit panted.

"You're right," Peter replied, quickly removing his t-shirt before working on the fastenings of Kermit's pants.

"I'll do mine, you do yours. We'll get done faster," Kermit said, batting Peter's hands away.

Peter nodded before getting up and quickly stepping out of his shoes and the rest of his clothing.

Kermit stood up and undressed just as quickly before pulling Peter into the bedroom. "We'll probably be more comfortable in here," he said with a grin.

"Right again," Peter replied with a grin of his own.

Kermit grabbed Peter for a kiss, pushing him onto the bed. This time, Kermit didn't stop at Peter's neck. He continued his explorations, sliding down his lover's body, licking and nipping along the way.

As he shifted, both cocks bumped together, making the men groan as pure fire seemed to flood their veins.

After aligning their cocks with a hand, Kermit placed a hand on either side of Peter's head. Peter wrapped his arms around Kermit as the two started to rock against each other, slowly at first, but quickly going faster. Gasps for breath and soft grunts filled the air as the two undulated against each other.

Peter's orgasm ripped through him, causing him to scream wordlessly, his come spurting both their bodies. Kermit came soon after, yelling Peter's name and collapsing onto his lover's chest.

The two lay there, eyes closed, waiting for their breathing and heartbeats to slow down.

"Wow," Peter finally said.

"Wow?" Kermit asked, raising his head to look at the man below him.

"It's the only thing I can think of. You've blown my mind," Peter replied with a yawn.

"Good," Kermit grinned.

"Let's take a nap."

"I won't say no to that. As soon as I get something to clean the mess up with."

"no. stay," Peter muttered, already half asleep.

Kermit yawned and shook his head, grabbing some tissues from the box by the bed. After cleaning them both off and throwing the tissues in the trash, he wrapped his arms around his lover and fell asleep.

"love you," Peter muttered before he too fell fully asleep.

The End