Candle light and soul forever

This is for the Strange Days contest. This

pairing was a challenge issued by a friend who thought it

would be an interesting combination. Okay – I think I'm

back on track with writing this now! *grins* You should

also get a big HINT over the main pairing…..

Title: Two Become One 3/?

Author: Rhina

Pairings: You should get a hint this time! Most definitely!

But it's a surprise so I'm not saying a thing now…..

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WARNING: Angst

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Disclaimer: I don't own the GW boys or their female counterparts

otherwise I'd be retiring instead of dealing with the likes of the

school board. I don't own the song "Two Become One" by the

Spice Girls either – thank goodness, who'd want to lay claim to

them?!

lyrics

~~~ scene change ~~~

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Come a little bit closer baby, get it on, get it on

'Cause tonight is the night when two become one

"One never would have suspected you of being a massive

party animal, Wu-man," mused Duo from the backseat of

Wufei's overtly practical sedan.

Une looked across at the solemn countenance of Wufei, lit by

the passing street lights. Deep brown eyes were focused on

the road, but his mouth frowned at Duo's comment. "He's

right you know Wufei. I don't think I'd ever consider you

the life of a party," added Une, mischief alive in her voice.

With an indignant huff, Wufei guided the car around the

corner and into a large parking lot. "For your information, I

do enjoy getting out and being with my friends. And at least

I understand the value of that next to the pair of an obsessed

workaholics."

Duo clutched his chest in mock pain as he exited the car.

"Wounded to the quick! To think that the Wu-man would

ever accuse me of being a workaholic."

Sighing deeply, Une ran a slender hand through deep brown

hair, reflecting the street light in a radiant shimmer. Wufei's

eyes followed the movement carefully, but Une was lost in

her thoughts and she missed the concern evident in his gaze.

"He's right about me at least. I do think I need to start getting

out more often and doing less brooding on certain subjects,"

admitted Une in a rueful tone.

In a friendly gesture, Wufei wrapped his arm around Une's

shoulders. "This is what I've been trying to tell you," he

added attempting to look wise beyond his mere 21 years.

"Perhaps now you'll listen to my sage advice."

Snorting with suppressed laughter, Duo slung an arm around

Wufei's shoulders. "You and sage advice – that I doubt. Let's

just get to the party man."

Rolling his eyes at Dou's lack of faith in his knowledge,

Wufei led the way across the parking lot and into the small

apartment building on the opposite side of the road. Without

a comment, he produced a key to the outside security door

and let the trio in.

"That serious with Sally, Wu-man?" teased Duo, eager to

poke Wufei a couple of more times. It was funny to see how

Wufei reacted now that he had miraculously discovered a

sense of humor. "Key to her apartment and all that."

Wufei turned around and scowled fiercely at Duo, though his

gaze never left that of Une's face. "For your information,

Sally and I are merely good friends. There is no sordid

connection between me and this key."

"I didn't think you were having relations with the key," teased

Duo enjoying the fieriness of Wufei's attitude. "I thought it

was Sally that was the main object of attraction.

Angrily, Wufei punched the up button for the elevator and then rounded on Duo his pent up frustration over always being connected with Sally

exploding at the nearest target. "I don't have anything more

than a friendship with Sally. I've never seen her as anything

but a very good friend. She was there when I needed her and

that's all you really need to know."

Holding up his hands to ward off the onslaught of a furiously

advancing Wufei, Duo took a step backwards. "If you say so

Wu-man, then I believe you. There's nothing between you

and Sally."

Nodding defiantly, Wufei turned his back to Duo as the

elevator doors slid open. Silently he held the parted doors for

Une, smiling at her slightly. "Sorry to be so …. disagreeable,"

murmured Wufei to the lady as the doors closed behind Duo

who followed them in.

Wufei's vehemence on the topic puzzled Duo. He had always

assumed that Wufei and Sally were a done deal. Anything

different was a complete surprise. He continued to quietly

digest the information and observed the Chinese man without

further comment.

Une smiled softly, laying a gentle hand on Wufei's arm,

hoping to calm him down. "It's quite all right. I'm sure

you're just tired of people insinuating about a relationship

that doesn't really exist at this time."

Wufei nodded and leaned back against the wall of the

elevator, contemplating his female companion, while trying

to drive a point home to the male one. "I don't think there

will ever be more than friendship between us. We're kind of

like oil and water – not a whole lot of mixing going on." He

shook his head and pulled himself from his reverie as the

elevator doors slid open once more. "Here's our floor though."

Smiling to herself, Une tucked away the knowledge that

Wufei had just imparted to her. There was something about

it that tantalized her heart and she wanted a chance to savor

it and think about it later.

Duo left his contemplation behind as he exited the elevator,

his braid swinging excitedly behind him. Violet eyes danced

with suppressed excitement as he rubbed his hands together

as Wufei led them down the hall and knocked on the third

door on the left. "I'm ready to party."

Wufei and Une laughed then, enjoying the undisguised glee

on his face. The broad grin lit his face and for the first time

since Une and shared his 'special assignment' with him, the

dark Shinigami vanished from his face completely. Une

sighed inaudibly as she felt some of the guilt at thrusting such

a chore on his shoulder slip away and shared an understanding

smile with Wufei as the door to the apartment was thrown open.

Standing just inside the door was perhaps the most gorgeous

blonde female that Duo had ever seen. She took his breath

away with the long golden curls falling over one shoulder and

the bright shining blue eyes that smiled out at the trio in

welcome. Her lithe form was encased in a well molded blue

shirt and a pair of sleek black shorts above the longest pair of

golden legs he'd ever seen. His eyes focused on the only other

ornament she wore. The dark blue dragon tattoo twined its

way around a slim ankle across a bare slender foot. Never had

Duo seen such delectable ankles. Hell, he'd never thought of

ankles as seductive before!

Mentally Duo kicked himself for drooling so obviously, but

he had to get to know this lovely creature. He knew

instinctively that he was drawn to her the way flies were to

attracted to sweet pure sweet honey. Every masculine ounce

of his flesh screamed at him to make this woman his and join

with her in the intimate dance that a couple shared.

With hooded violet eyes watching carefully, the blonde

glomped the Chinese man, wrapping her arms close around

him. Duo growled softly to himself, the green eyed monster

possessing him as he contemplated _his_ woman belonging

to another. Giving himself a mental shake, he wondered just

how his mind had decided that she belonged to him.

"Wufei," she cried with delight. "I'm so glad that you

managed to pry yourself away from that ever so interesting

paperwork."

"Just because I have a work ethic Sally is no reason to think I

don't know how to have fun, you should be quite aware of that,"

growled Wufei with a smothered laugh, enjoying the repartee

that went along with their friendship. "But I figured you would

be lost without my presence, so I decided to drop by."

Stunned, Duo contemplated the blonde even further, now seeing

the tall woman he had met before. It had been several years

since he had been in the same room with the enticing female

though and he realized that time did make a great difference with

some things. He was looking forward to a certain renewal of

acquaintances, glad to already have an 'in' with her. Their history

gave him an edge over all the other guys he was sure were

clamoring for her hand.

"Besides," added Une dryly, "Wufei merely wanted an excuse

to drag me away from the work I needed to get done."

Sally reached out and hugged Une then, smiling at her

commander's comment. "You know you should relax more.

I'd harp on it too, but he usually beats me to it for some reason.

For once, Wufei was right. I must note this down in my journal."

Blue eyes glinted with wicked pleasure, watching Wufei's face

for a reaction.

Continuing to watch the byplay with interest, Duo's mind

worked furiously to devour every sight of the luscious female

in front of him. And it rejoiced in the knowledge that Wufei

was only in interested in a friendship with the beauty. He only

hoped that she felt the same about Wufei. He wasn't so sure

with the way that she continued to smile and tease him, holding

his arm tightly.

"And who's this?" asked Sally, blue eyes turning to Duo, who

started under the concentrated gaze.

"You don't remember Duo?!" asked Wufei with amazement,

but the considered the idea carefully. "Though I suppose one

does try to forget the unpleasant memories."

Sally poked Wufei who grinned unrepentantly in response

and then moved forward to stand across from Duo. "Of course

I remember Duo." She titled her head back, long hair falling

loose against her back. "You certainly grew up."

"That does happen I'm told," smiled Duo and Sally knew she was totally lost. His arms stole around her in a casual embrace of friendship, but Sally found herself holding her breath. "It's good to see you again," said Duo. His words

rumbled through his chest and Sally reveled in every vibration.

The mere timbre of his voice sent sparks down her spine.

With a delighted silent sigh, Sally melted into the hug. Duo

had become a warm solid man. His height now deliciously

topped her own and the strength and the sexuality he radiated

pulled at her feminine core. He still wore his chestnut hair in

a long enticing braid and his violet eyes shone with passion

and humor. Sally was positive that the strength of his character

surely must match the ever so appealing package it was

wrapped in.

Never had Sally fallen in so lust quickly before. So sure, there

had been lots of 'nice' guys, but nothing that even came close

to rivaling the feelings cursing through her veins at the moment.

She silently cursed the fact that she was to leave for a mission

tomorrow and would be without that chance to follow her

feelings for a good bit of time. Determinedly, she swore to

make sure that Wufei kept this man safe for her until she

returned and she knew that if at all possible, she'd make this

the shortest mission on record.

Reluctantly, Sally pulled out of Duo's embrace and turned

her now radiant smile on the trio, though her blue eyes

remained fixed on the interested face of Duo. "Come on in

then. Have something to eat and drink. We're just sitting

around chatting mostly."

With enthusiasm, the group followed Sally back in to her

apartment. Certain violet orbs followed the sway of sexy hips

as the owner of said hips swore to entice this man to her side

before the party was over. Both had their work cut out for

them.

But the fates worked overtime that night to conspire against

them. There seemed to be people clamoring for their attention

and long drawn out conversations that never brought them in

to contact with one another. Like wary tigers, the pair circled

each other around the room, looking, but never getting close

enough to touch. Regret sparked through both of them as they

never saw the other looking at them or even felt the awareness

of the longing gazes of the other. There was an almost tangible

sense of loss that neither of them could quite define.

With a sad sigh, Sally realized the night was nearly over and

that she had never even had a chance to speak to Duo alone.

She automatically made parting good-byes to a friend, her eyes

trained across the room where Duo was having an animated

conversation with the perky redheaded secretary. Suddenly

that secretary seemed to be too perky and too cute and _way_

too close to Duo for Sally's comfort.

"He's something all grown up isn't he?" asked Une softly.

Her silent tread had brought her next to Sally. She watched

the blonde's fixed gaze with some amusement. If someone

had told her that Sally would become obsessed with Duo a

week ago, she would have had a very hearty chuckle at their

expense. But seeing, did make believers out of doubters.

"Yes," agreed Sally quietly, dragging her gaze from the male

to face her commander. "Too bad he doesn't even notice me."

Une raised an eyebrow in reply, but choose to ignore the

comment for now. As pleased as she was that Sally had found

someone, she needed a clear thinking operative for the mission

ahead. "You ready for tomorrow?"

Bringing her mind out of its hormone induced fog, Sally

nodded to Une. "My contacts are set and I leave early

tomorrow for the first stop. It will take me a bit to set up

communication channels with you, so don't be worried if you

don't hear from me right away."

Frowning, Une realized that she was sending an agent in

undercover without a way to get backup if needed. "Maybe

this isn't such a good idea. I don't like the thought of you

being without backup. Perhaps we should cancel the

operation."

Sally shook her head. "I'll be fine. I doubt anyone will make

the connection between Margo Fairchild and the Preventers.

And you know well enough that I'm perfectly capable of

taking care of myself."

Sighing, Une knew she had hit Sally's stubborn determination

head on. "All right, but as your commander I need to know

_where_ you are going. I know the whys and wherefores, but

not the location. Though why you concealed that information,

I'll never know."

"And right now I won't tell you why, but I'll tell you the

where is L2," said Sally bluntly. "The whole smuggling ring

seems to stem straight from there. It's really an ideal location

if you think about it. We're just lucky that they were looking

to recruit 'qualified' doctors."

More comfortable at least knowing where Sally would be,

Une nodded her agreement just as Wufei joined them.

"Ready to go Une?" asked Wufei, his eyes showing concern

for the tiredness that was etched on her face.

Smiling at his concern, Une nodded and watched as Wufei

gestured to Duo that they were leaving. Like a slow toffee

pull, Duo left the secretary behind and joined the group at the

door.

Violet eyes roamed across Sally's face, her eyes which were

suspiciously bright and her smile seemed slightly false to his

eyes. He cursed the gods that had never given them some time

alone this evening. He made a silent promise to overcome any

obstacle to be with her. Before he lost his nerve, he quickly

asked her, "We never get to renew that old acquaintance Sally.

Perhaps you'd consider dinner with me tomorrow."

Continuing to hold her smile to the best of her ability, Sally

shook her head. "I'm afraid I won't be in town tomorrow. In

fact, I don't when I'll be available for awhile."

"Oh," said a down-hearted Duo. He knew his answer about

whether or not she liked him or pined for Wufei for sure now.

Pasting on a cheerful smile, though his eyes were dark and

solemn, he joined the trio in departing from the apartment.

As the door closed behind them, Une and Wufei exchanged

looks, passing silent messages between them. Duo withdrew

into himself and they let him. The drive through the dark

streets was deathly silent as Wufei went toward Une's condo

complex. Without a word uttered other than a quiet good-bye,

Une exited the car after another significant look at Wufei.

He nodded to her and pulled the car away from the curb once

he was certain she was inside safely.

In the dim light, Wufei looked across at the brooding Duo.

Concern for his friend was clearly written on his features. He

was fairly positive that Duo had fallen for Sally, but was

unsure that Duo realized how Sally had reacted to Duo's

presence. Contemplating how to bring the subject up, he drove

on through the streets. Then he realized the information that

Duo had forgotten in regards to his dinner invitation.

Duo stared blankly out the window. His mind was focused on

the final rejection from Sally. He hadn't realized how painful

such a simple no could be. Wondering what was wrong with

him, he began to berate himself for thinking he could win her so

easily. Just because he was head over heels in lust didn't mean

she even felt remotely the same about him.

His revive was interrupted by Wufei's quiet tone. "Don't

forget, Sally's leaving for a mission tomorrow."

"What?" squawked Duo, shocked as his brain immediately

launched into overdrive. It went from understanding relief at

the knowledge of why Sally turned him down to pure fright at

the thought of her being in deathly danger. "A mission?! With

that maniac on the loose?! Une has got to cancel this mission!"

Duo scrambled for his cell phone to place the urgent call to his

commander.

"She won't," said Wufei calmly. "Sally's already refused to

let her and Sally's even more stubborn than Une. The mission's

a go. Sally heads underground for a mission that only Une is

privileged to tomorrow morning."

Seething at his lack of control over the issue, Duo snarled,

"Well, she's going to damn well tell me if I'm to protect Sally."

And with that he slammed out of the car just as Wufei slowed in

front of his apartment building.

Smiling at the thought of Duo's torment and desire for his golden

haired friend, he shook his head and pulled away from the curb.

The pair were certainly a match for each other. Now how to get

them together was more of a puzzle. Perhaps locking them in a

closet when the mission was over…. Chuckling quietly to himself

at the mental images, he made his way home.

~~~ The next morning, 5am Earth, Preventer Headquarters ~~~

Duo scowled at his cup of coffee, weary eyes barely able to focus

due to only a brief amount of sleep. He had tossed and turned

throughout the night alternately haunted with images of a bloody

Sally as death came to collect her and the sensual callings of his

body for hers. The shortness of his sleep made him doubly irritable

this morning since mornings were never his prime time. But that

irritability was compounded by his worry for Sally and his

anxiousness to have the information he wanted from Une. In order

to make sure she provided that information, he camped himself in

her office, waiting silently.

He nursed the cup of coffee until the sun seeped over the

horizon and poured like molasses into the room. At that moment,

Une opened the door to her office and spotted the blazing head

of chestnut hair. Right away she knew it was going to be a long

day.

"Hello Duo," she said, closing the door with a click behind her.

"Tell me about her mission Une," growled Duo, forgoing all

pleasantries in return for demands of the facts. "I need to know

so I can protect her."

Hiding a secret smile of pleasure at his concern for Sally, Une

schooled her features and sat down in her desk chair, fingers

steepled in front of her. "All right."

~~~ Enroute to L2 ~~~~

Sally sighed softly to herself as she attempted to make herself

more comfortable on the hard plastic crate. It certainly wasn't

designed for sitting on for any length of time and her body was

letting her know. She watched as the sun slid from behind the

Earth and thought again about how much she really didn't want

to be here or headed towards the danger she was.

Sighing once more, she shoved the longing and lustful thoughts

away and concentrated on the work ahead.

"All right Margo," she whispered, pushing the glasses further

up her nose. "Show us your stuff."

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Next time on Two Become One – Sally's Mission and Duo's Admission.

Join us then when you'll hear Duo Say:

"But I never use chocolate sauce that way!"

C&C?! Thanks for reading!!

^_^

Rhina