Story by SinisterMarmalade.

As always, I intend no infringement, disrespect nor profit from the source material or it's creators. On with the show.

THE TROUBLE WITH SENSHI

Chapter Ten: Realizations and Distractions

Setsuna daintilly placed another portion of omelette into her mouth and slowly chewed and swallowed. Across from her, Duo spooned a half mouthful of blueberry pancake into his maw. A little syrup ran down his chin which he dabbed up with a napkin. While Duo's manners weren't perfect, he was making an attempt in the presence of such a beauty as sat opposite him. His breakfast companion took a sip of tea, Duo tipped back a small swig of cold milk. His mouth thus emptied for the moment, the pilot cleared his throat and spoke.

"Over the last couple days there's been a lot to take in. First Rei falls out of the sky, which turns out to be Wuffie's fault because he stole the balls of seven dragons or something like that, and then we get attacked by a giant dog-lizard... thing. It turns out that this wish he made would make Rei his wife, but I guess they've agreed not to see it that way. 'Engaged,' fine, I can buy that. Afterwards," Duo gestured at Setsuna with his fork, "you and the other girls show up, not incindentally starting a ruckus. Hey, I'm not one to complain when beautiful girls show up at the doorstep, but with all that's happened since your arrival (and I'm including Rei in this) it can't be wholly taken as a good omen." Duo took another mouthful of food, chewed and swallowed. "What I'm trying to say is, what does all of this mean? Where do we fit, and what can of worms did Wuffles open?"

Setsuna took another sip of tea, pondering her response. "Alright Duo, you bring up a valid point. From what I've seen of this world so far, I can determine that supernatural activity is not widely believed in, or at least acknowledged. There must be something spiritual, however, otherwise the... artifacts that Wufei stumbled upon would not exist. I'm afraid a longer explanation will have to wait, however, until we can meet up with the others. After all, don't all of you deserve an answer?"

"Fine, well and good. But I was hoping for an early scoop. We still don't know anything about what's going on, and it's frustrating as hell having an enemy I can't fight. Worse, I have to run and hide behind others who are more effective. I don't mean any offense, Setsuna-san, but I feel like we should be protecting you!" Duo sighed. "I'm not trying to be the big alpha male about this, but that's what's going on with my emotions." Duo finished his pancakes and started in on his plate of bacon. "And then there's you."

"Are y'all set here?" asked a young waitress. She wore a southern style of dress with tennis shoes, short brown hair not highly styled but cute in the way it brushed across her face.

"I am. I expect we'll be wanting the check soon," The senshi of Pluto smiled.

"Bullshit, we're not done talking yet. Please get my friend here a large piece of rhubarb pie a la mode, using french vanilla. I'd like a slice of that peanut butter cup pie I noticed in the display walking in. Oh, and here's a five spot for the trouble." Setsuna and the waitress both looked at him in surprise. Setsuna nodded her consent to this change, so the waitress accepted the tip and went off to the kitchen for the additional order.

"I beg your pardon?" Setsuna allowed the waitress to clear the area in front of her. She immediately took a sip of tea to hide her amusement.

"I ordered more food, cause we're not done talking. If you don't like pie I can have her bring cake. It's just impolite to order dessert if you weren't going to have anything," Duo responded.

"That's impolite? In any case, when I said 'I beg your pardon,' I was referring to your comment 'and then there's you.'"

Duo finished the bacon and set the plate aside, atop the other. "Right, you. There's a connection between us. God, that sounds lame," Duo stopped and took a deep breath. "Okay, look, I'm not trying to pick you up. What I mean though, is that I feel like I've met you before, almost like you're some kind of guardian angel. Look, I'm going to ask you something and I know this is going to sound like I'm insane." The two of them paused in their conversation while the new order was placed in front of them and the old plates were cleared away. Duo looked deep into Setsuna's eyes.

"Are you the God of Death?"

Elsewhere at this time, Wufei watched Rei practising her kata in the garden. She hadn't seemed to notice him yet, herself fully immersed in the excercise. Every movement was a perfect display of grace and power, beauty and control. She stopped for a moment and looked in his direction. "Wufei-san," Rei exclaimed with a blush, then "what can I do for you?" Wufei took a deep breath to center himself.

"You're technique is excellent. Kyokoshinkai, hai? If I am not intruding, I would like to spar with you," he said, bowing formally. Rei smiled at him.

"I would enjoy that very much. I am glad to see you are not simply a peeping pervert." Wufei started to stammer in surprise, and Rei used the opportunity to thrust the heel of her foot at his face. Leaning back quickly, he dropped and attempted a foot sweep. She jumped back in response. They were both pleased in this initial volley, as the two of them were not only good but near enough in skill to make the match interesting. Wufei waved a 'come on' motion at Rei who promptly charged at him with a kiai. Two consecutive spin kicks went just over his head. He rose and aimed a punch for her nose, instead nailing the side of her face. Rei responded with a side kick to his abdomen. Wufei staggered back and blocked the follow up backhand. He attempted to duck and move under her defenses with a low elbow, but she side stepped and flipped him. He landed on the ground with the wind knocked out of him as Rei knelt on top, her hand poised over him in a fist. They were both breathing heavily as they stared into eachother's eyes. The world paused for a full two minutes, then both combatants stood quickly, blushes creeping across their faces. Suddenly Wufei turned to Rei and spoke.

"Rei-san, I release you from our engagement." It took a moment for his words to sink in.

"Nani? But Wufei, why?" Rei wasn't entirely sure how she felt about this young man, but she didn't like the thought of him walking away from her. Rei's stomach tightened, as if an emotional weight were awaiting the chance to crush her. Wufei took a deep breath before continuing.

"Because I care about you very deeply, Re-Rei-chan." Wufei stumbled the affectionate term off his tongue, as if the air itself was unsure of carrying the words. "I care for you deeply, more than I have let myself feel in some time. But," he turned his face away, "I cannot let this be about obligation."

Rei observed the handsome Chinese boy, normally so proud and full of purpose as he stared at the ground and awaited her answer. He had just given her the perfect answer, and her belly released it's clench. She walked up to him and planted a gentle kiss on his cheek.

"S-so does this mean you would stay with me out of something more than obligation?" Wufei asked nervously. Rei turned an exasperated face to him.

"Hai!" she responded, a little sarcastically. Then she smiled at him. "Of course, this means you get to take me out on a date."

Wufei smiled back. "Where would you like to go, Rei-chan? No wait, you don't know the area. All right, how about we start at Warren Ellis park, nearby here. It is quite scenic and beautiful, with cafes nearby for lunch. And a movie theatre not far. We could make a day of it. Uh, what do you think Rei-chan?"

Rei squeezed his hand and walked back toward the house. "Hai, just let me shower and change, then we'll be on our way."