I have just one thing to say before I launch into my usual
insane authoress babble. While writing this chapter, I had to
stop multiple times and re-read what I had written because it
gave me the worst case of *shivers* the creeps. It's almost as
bad as watching Mariemaia in Endless Waltz. So I just thought I
would forewarn you guys. This chapter has some major shiver-
worthy moments. Ooo...just thinking about it...*shiver*
Duo: And you're gonna hate Heero again. *nod nod*
SHUSH! *sits on Duo* Anyways, all seriousness aside...This chapter is INSANE! I don't think anyone is going to be expecting what's coming. It's gonna be a whammy. ^___^ I just love being an author sometimes. *evil cackle* I think this is the most intense, angsty chapter in the whole story. With the exception of the little NoinxUne moment right in the middle of the chapter that's there purely to cut off at a climatic moment after bringing in Treize and Zechs. Don't worry, the cliffhanger isn't -too- bad...
Okay so it is bad. I just couldn't help myself. *evil grin* ^______________^
But anywho, I wonder about my sanity. After re-reading this chapter...*shivers* I'm a twisted, morbid person with a sick sense of humor. Not just funny sick, but seriously, morbidly sick. But that's what you guys love about me, right? *sweatdrop* My morbid humor comes up with some interesting plot twists! I even made sure that this chapter was long. Normally, my chapters are about 4 pages in Microsoft Word, and this one is about 6, so there's two pages worth of extra chapter to read! There are so many different roads to take after this chapter, no one is gonna be able to guess what's in store next!! ^_^ So many opportunities, so little time...
Anyways, enough of my babbling, on with the reviews!
Smiley-person: *ahem* Well...er...Here's the next chapter! I got it out as soon as I could! And as for threesome lemony- goodness...err...Well, just read! ^^;;;;
IchigoPocky: You've decided 2x5, eh? Heh. I don't know exactly where this is all leading to, but I THINK I'm nearing the end of this particular fic...So whichever pairings seem most predominate will more than likely be the final pairings. Poor DVG has so many other story ideas running wild in her head, if she doesn't finish this fic soon, her poor head is gonna burst. I'm not one to be writing multiple fics all at once either, I think it lessens the value of the stories if you're writing to much at once, so I'm hurrying along with Blood Lust so I can get rid of all these other ideas! And since I'm on Spring Break now, be ready to get flooded with chapters! ^_^
Solain Rhyo: ^____^ Awwww, thankies! *snuggle* I'm glad someone thinks so highly of my stuff. It's only going to get better and better as I write too, so more fun for everyone! ^_^
Lexington: Gomen ne! I've made up for it in this chapter I swear! This chapter is a lot longer than my usual chapters, and packed with WAY more action! ^_^ So, enjoy!
Avenged Suffering: Yaay! You understand my babbling. That's a first. *blink blink* Anyways, yesh I've gone and complicated this whole thing with Wufei and Duo and Heero, haven't I? Well, before you start making up your mind on things, you -might- wanna read this chapter. *hint* And as for the lack of Treize...There is PLENTY reason to be worried! *coughforeshadowingcough* Along with Sexy Zechsy...*ahem* Anywho...Have fun reading! o.o;;
LadyRune: *ahem* Well, all I have to say is- if you thought the last scene/chapter/thingy was the best so far...obviously you haven't read ahead into this chapter. Though Disturbed's 'Rise' -did- put a nice touch to the last one. That's why I love songfics, when used the right way, the song can either make or break the story. *nod nod* Whenever I use music, I make sure I can use every last element of it so it all fits. I'm very picky about my songfics/chapters. *nod nod again* Anywho...
Iruka-Yuywell: Mmm...you never know -what- will happen in fics, now do you? ^_^
Dark Ice: *sweatdrop* Eh he...Don't worry, I'm as confused as you are, and -I'm- the author! *pats head* Don't worry, it'll get better eventually.
SanosukeLover-Milly Maxwell: Heh. Well, there isn't -much- of an Angsty Heero, but there is -some-, along with some Jealous As Hell Heero. *evil grin*
Jalee: Yes you! ^___^ I luff your fics! Both Harry Potter and Gundam Wing alike. And yes, I had some Heero angst. There's gonna be a lot of where Heero's concerned in this chapter, along with -tons- of other stuff...there's just too much, if I say one thing, it'll give it all away! ^_^ And I do believe you got 'frazzled up' from my description of Quatre in the last chapter. I think it had something to do with his empathy circuit being frazzled or something...I dunno, I just know I used frazzle somewhere in the last chapter! ^^;;; I'm glad you're liking this so far!
Shella: Great Goddess. Just when I think you've given me your longest review yet, you go and TOP it again!!!!! Not that that is a bad thing or anything, it's very good. It's a real ego booster. ^_^ And yes, Treize is ODD Eyebrows!!! DOROTHY has the EVIL Eyebrows!!! *shudder* Dorothy's eyebrows are like twenty times worse than Treize's!!!! *ahem* Anyways...yeah, I know my A/Ns are about as long as my chapters, but I feel the urge to write back to all the reviewers who were thoughtful enough to leave little comments about my story. ^__^ It's the reviewers that keep me writing sometimes when I get a block and wanna give up, so I make them feel special by giving them special attention in all my chapters by replying to their reviews! (Does that make any sense?) And yes! You -have- to hear Disturbed's 'Rise'!!! Disturbed is one of my all-time favorite rock bands ever! All of their music is intense. Anywho, yes, I try to give more to Heero than the 'Omae wo kuruso' side, just like I do with Wufei's 'Injustice'-stick-in-the-ass attitude they give him in the series. But I agree that the Japanese have a fetish for thin, anorexic characters. *nod nod* Their idea of the perfect person is tall, blonde hair, blue eyes, flawless skin, thin...Basically the American stereotypical model. They're American obsessed if you will. Back to the real review...I try my hardest to keep things subtle, I like leaving people guessing until the very last minute. ^___^ I didn't earn the title 'Evil Queen of Cliffhangers' for nothing ya know. *grin* Besides, I like fleshing out the characters, not just what they show in the series, or in Episode Zero (the info book that delves into the G- boys' pasts before being pilots), I like giving other possibilities to what the characters truly are inside. Wow, I sound like a psychologist. *sweatdrop* Anyways, I'm going to be adding a lot more POVs and character dimensions in this chapter, so prepare yourself my Shella-chan. ^_____^ Speaking of 1x5 and all that fun stuff...I began reading that 'Winning Duo' story, and I'm hooked. I love that fic! I went through half the chapters in like an hour. I have yet to finish it, with working on 'Blood Lust', but I plan on finishing it tomorrow while I take a break from writing. I don't know about that 'talent' thing now, I just write what I feel and let my mind take the story to where it wants the story to go. *shrug* In fact, I just kinda zone out while I'm writing, half the time I have to go back and re-read to see what exactly I wrote. ^^;;; Funny, ne? Anyways, have fun reading! I'm glad you've stuck through so far in this insane story of mine! ^___^
SlytherinDreams: ^^;;; well, I'm glad you're loving this story so far. And you're welcome about the chapter 6 thing, it wasn't a problem at all. I know what it's like to have the website mess up on you (*growl*) so I was more than willing to comply to your request. ^_^ I hope you enjoy this chapter as well as the others!
WuffieLuver: Ah, another speed reader in my midst, eh? I'm one too. ^_^ I learned how to speed read real quick, cause if you can't keep up in honors classes, then you're screwed. I've also done that with my typing; I can get almost 180+ words a minute if I put effort into it. ^_^ I'm even better than my computer teacher, and that's kinda funny. Anywho, so you think this little story is one of the best 2x5 fics? *blush* Thankies! ^__^ Well, here's the next chapter, so you don't have to wait any more!
On with the story, ne?
***
Whatever Duo had been expecting, it definitely wasn't Wufei's warm hands tenderly caressing his face or the anxious tone he used as he asked if he was okay. He hadn't been expecting that the Chinese vampire would so quickly put an end to his fight with Heero at his call. Resistance yes, an unyielding refusal at least, but not him instantly dropping his resentment like it was nothing.
Despite the fact though, Duo didn't show his surprise, he actually found it soothing and took his time in replying to delay the removal of the touch.
"Don't worry about me...I'm fine, really."
"Are you sure?" Wufei pressed worriedly.
"Yeah- yes, I'm sure," he could feel the heat rising in his cheeks in embarrassment.
"I don't mean to interrupt your little Hallmark moment or anything," Heero said abruptly. "But would someone mind telling me why the blonde slayer looks like he's about to faint?"
Duo hastily pulled away from Wufei and turned to Quatre, who indeed appeared quite pale with an odd expression fixated on his delicate features. Trowa nimbly vaulted over the couch and went to his side to catch him, but the empath shook his head and pointed to the door.
"Our 'friends' from outside...they're coming..." he whispered inaudibly. There was no more comforting warmth. An icy coldness had engulfed him while he had been unaware of its presence creeping up stealthily, the icy coldness of terror and death much worse than what he would normally perceive because he knew the story behind it.
Quatre's clouded aquamarine gaze moved from the threshold to Wufei, who was involuntarily backing from everyone in the room, prepared to jump into the closest possible hiding place the second the door opened.
The indescribable fear had returned, much to his alarm, ten times more horrible than earlier when they had first arrived to the party along with a new dreading sense of foreboding that weighed down heavily on him. He was afraid of this trapped feeling, like an animal in a cage; it was worse than spiraling out of control, -that- at least he knew the reasons for, but this fear...where was it coming from?
Wufei was about to get all the answers he wanted, and a lot of answers he -didn't- want.
Heero broke the ghastly silence with a barking laugh as the door opened and Zechs and Treize entered the room, his steely eyes also following the Asian's fidgeting movements. "What's the matter Wufei? You think you would treat your sires with a little bit more respect than attempting to run away them."
He stopped dead. Everyone stood still, the sounds of the party throbbing from all around enclosing on them like a vise.
"You're shitting us!" Duo burst out loudly.
"I assure you, he's not," Treize replied, amusement written all over his melodious voice.
"You have to be- Quatre- is he fucking with us? Or is this the truth?" he asked disbelievingly.
The empath went red, flustered. "Well..."
"Well?"
Zechs raised an eyebrow at the obnoxious braided slayer. "It -is- the truth," he gave the Japanese vampire a reprimanding frown. "Heero, I thought you had already told him, no wonder he acted so strangely earlier."
"You knew all along?" Wufei whispered harshly, though still in evident shock. The anger was slowly returning, replacing the doubt, but the fear was growing even bigger. If they had managed to overpower him before, what's stopping them from doing it again?
Heero paused, glancing from Zechs and Treize patiently waiting for a reply to Duo in his incredulity and Wufei cornered in his fear and rage. He hadn't meant for that laugh and remark to slip out like it did, it was just...
When he saw Wufei and Duo so close...
But he didn't mean to hurt him-
No he -did-.
Did he?
Why was he so confused over something like this?
"Aa, I knew. I didn't tell you though."
"For someone who's supposed to be a traitor, you're sure not treating him like it," Treize said coolly, moving so fast across the room that no one was able to react as he took Wufei's face in his hands with a smirk. "You can't go soft now Heero, it's too late for that. You've got to make sure they suffer before you kill them."
His onyx eyes wide at the taunting stroke, he found he couldn't breathe as ice flooded through his body, freezing him from the inside out in his absolute panic. The forgetful wall had been broken by his taunting stroke; all the painful memories resurfacing and flashing in front of his wide eyes as Treize leaned in...it was happening again, just like it had two years ago...leaning in, about to sink his fangs into his throat to feed, to kill, not knowing his inexperience was going to end up turning the handsome Asian prey instead.
But there was experience now. Oh yes, he knew every right place to touch, the right way to look, the right moves to get everything he wanted out of torturing his victims. He could make even the most obstinate crumble to their knees and beg for mercy.
Treize traced his fingertips along his jawbone as softly as a feather, brushing down towards his exposed throat and the edge of the neckline of his black shirt, earning himself a strangled whimper. He came in even closer, his warm breath rustling the long strands of raven hair teasingly as he inhaled the sweet lavender vanilla scent surrounding Wufei like a cloak reeking of all that was the amethyst-eyed slayer with whom he was betraying his vampire kindred.
"Prepare to die my precious Wufei...I brought into our realm darkness, and I can take you out of it just the same..." Treize purred huskily in his ear, the body beneath his grasp going stiff as stone.
Wufei's heart stopped.
Gunshots shattered through the oppressive air.
***
Une observed amusedly as Noin botched yet another drink as she tried to pour and look at the neon clock behind the counter at 'The Marquis' at the same time, sipping idly at her own self- mixed cocktail. "Lucrezia, give up. Get one of your lackeys to cover the bar and sit here with me. You need to relax."
Noin sighed yieldingly. "All right..." She flagged down the nearest busboy and gave him instructions as she joined Une on the other side with another heavy sigh. "I don't understand why this is bugging me, but I keep wondering if we should have let ourselves get involved with this 'traitor' nonsense. I mean, the poor guy looked so distraught when we approached at the apartment complex...I kind of feel bad for practically leading him into a death trap."
"There's nothing we can do now," Une replied smoothly, though put a reassuring arm around her nonetheless. "This is out of our hands Lucrezia, all we can do is sit here and wait to see if Milliardo and Treize return."
"And if they -don't-?"
"What do you mean by that?"
"Well, there were three slayers...and with Wufei...you never know. They might be able to best them in a fight, especially if it's to the death. Slayers are stubborn like that," Noin said as smoothly as Une had beforehand.
"Milliardo and Treize are two of the strongest in this city, and Yuy...he's even better. I think we have reason to believe they will return, despite that they're against three slayers and one of their own," she disagreed mildly.
"Mhmm..." Noin pursued her lips thoughtfully, tilting her head over so that it laid on her shoulder in her one armed embrace. "I hope you're right. We lost Sally and the girls to only a single slayer, so it really makes you think..."
"There is nothing we can do now," Une repeated, cutting her off and began running her free hand through Noin's short purple hair with a sympathetic smile. "C'mon, let's go do something to get our minds off this, even if it's wrong, or we'll never stop debating."
"Fine, but I decide."
Une smirked slightly. "Go right on ahead."
"We've got a nice big Jacuzzi bathtub and champagne upstairs," she replied suggestively.
"Jacuzzi and champagne, huh?"
"You -were- the one that proposed we do something, even if it was wrong."
"So you're just going to jump straight to the wrong something."
"Are you complaining?" Noin asked impishly as Une looked down at her with an arched eyebrow.
"Of course not, I think it's a brilliant idea."
***
Gunshots shatter through the oppressive air.
Quatre had fainted into Trowa's arms, but not before Duo had seized the unibanged boy's gun from his holster and shot wildly at Treize's hunched form, praying to God that he didn't hit Wufei too in his haste.
Treize shoved the Asian roughly to the carpet as a bullet pierced his side and he snarled dangerously, whirling around to apprehend the shooter, but Zechs got to Duo first. He snatched up his long braid and jerked him backwards, causing him to stumble into him as twisted his weapon arm behind and wretched the gun from his hand.
"Motherfucker! Let go of my fucking arm!" Duo cursed fluently as he thrashed, only making it worse as Zechs grabbed his other arm and snapped it back along with the other, holding him tightly against his broad chest painfully. He reared his head up and smashed it hard into the silver-haired vampire's chin, "Goddamn it! I SAID LET ME FUCKING GO!"
Heero stepped forward, his glare smoldering. "Milliardo," he growled. "Milliardo, I'll take care of him, you look after Treize-"
"You stay the fuck away from me you bastard!" Duo spat irately, writhing fiercely to free himself from Zechs' iron grip while glowering furiously at Heero. Knives of pain were beginning to rip through his pinned arms and down his spine, the top of his head throbbing agonizingly from the blow, but he refused to show hurt to their satisfaction.
Wufei struggled to his feet, shaking off the daze that didn't want to leave his reeling mind as the seriousness of the situation sank in. He hurtled past Treize, who had fallen to his knees, bleeding profusely through the clenched fingers grasping his injured side, and swung his fist back in preparation to connect it with the closest person's (Heero's) jaw as he closed in.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you," Zechs said calmly, not showing any sign of tiring from Duo's fighting, ceasing Wufei in mid-swing. "One wrong move, and your pretty little creature here meets his maker." He smiled slightly, his ivory fangs sliding down over his perfect ruby lips.
"Don't you -dare- harm him! " Wufei exclaimed vehemently.
Duo stopped moving, watching in awe. He was willingly defending him in front of three other bloodsuckers, not to mention the rest in the house if they ever got out of this room alive. He glanced over at Trowa, who had managed to pull Quatre to the farthest corner and set him down in an armchair, hovering over his blonde lover protectively. The empath was still out cold.
"Let him go." Wufei bit out menacingly, his raging ebony gaze set straight in the silver-haired vampire's challengingly. There was no more fear, he was filled with a fury and determination he didn't realize he was capable of, all he knew was that he was ready to do whatever it took to be sure the braided slayer was released.
Zechs chuckled depreciatively, the belittling laughter rolling out as flawlessly as everything else that was inhumanly perfect about him. "I'll tell you what. Because you're being so entertaining tonight, I think I'll make you a deal instead of killing you outright since I have more pressing affairs to take of." His icy sapphire stare flickered over to Treize.
"What kind of deal?" Wufei asked suspiciously.
"Quite the distrustful one, aren't you?" Zechs answered amusedly. "I'll let your precious slayer go...but -you- have to kill him. I'll give you this last chance at proving your loyalty, and if you go through with this, then maybe I won't consider eliminating you when you're through with this beautiful thing. I might even let the other slayers leave in one piece."
Heero surveyed them interestedly after Zechs' startling bargain; Wufei was mouthing soundlessly, whether in complete wrath at the appalling suggestion or shock, he couldn't tell, but the more surprising was Duo's reaction. His face was set with a blank mask, not revealing anything at all about what he might have been thinking. There was no fear, no revulsion, no pain, no nothing.
Though of course Zechs was all haughty amusement. He was getting enjoyment no matter what happened.
He couldn't get a good view of the tall slayer and his beau, and Treize was so absorbed in keeping his blood in his body that he didn't seem to notice any of the events going on around him.
Duo closed his eyes slowly, almost like he was tired, and relaxed under Zechs' grasp. "Just do it Wufei," he said quietly. "Do it so you can get out of here. Trowa and Quatre can go on with their duties without me."
"Duo- I- I couldn't possibly-"
"JUST DO IT!" He kept his eyes tightly shut as he shouted, afraid the stinging tears gathering behind his lashes would fall, his voice was already starting to break. "DON'T ARGUE WITH ME DAMN IT! JUST FUCKING DO IT!"
"I..." Wufei looked from Duo to Zechs then back to Duo helplessly, swallowing hard. He couldn't possibly allow himself to hurt the beautiful amethyst-eyed slayer, let alone try to -kill- him. But...
"Fine. If that's what you want."
Zechs promptly released his arms and backed off, walking over to where Treize was and lifting his ginger-haired lover from the floor. Duo stepped up to the emotional Asian resolutely; opening his tear-glistening eyes and gazed into his with a soft smile as if saying it was going to be okay.
Wufei gently brushed at his wispy chestnut bangs, taking in every inch of his glowing face before leaning in and tentatively kissing him. "I am so sorry..." He whispered breathlessly.
Quatre suddenly bolted upright in the armchair, his expression one of utter horror.
"DUO!!"
***
*cackle*
Duo: Dude, I didn't realize I could say 'fuck' or 'fucking' so much in one chapter. *sweatdrop*
Wufei: *big, huge, saucer eyes* Am I going to actually KILL Duo?!?! *whimper* Wait, did I just -whimper-?
DVG: *pats* It's gonna be okay Wu-bear.
Wufei: No it's not!!!! ONNA! Start writing the next chapter!!!! I NEED to see what's next!
DVG: *sweatdrop* You sound as bad as I do when watching soap operas...
Zechs: What about ME? When did -I- become such a bastard? You must like making us bastards or something...*grumble*
DVG: *sigh* Can we discuss this later, Zechsy-baby? I've gotta write the next chapter before Wufei kills -me-...*scampers off hurriedly*
Click! Review! Flame! Whichever suits...
Duo: And you're gonna hate Heero again. *nod nod*
SHUSH! *sits on Duo* Anyways, all seriousness aside...This chapter is INSANE! I don't think anyone is going to be expecting what's coming. It's gonna be a whammy. ^___^ I just love being an author sometimes. *evil cackle* I think this is the most intense, angsty chapter in the whole story. With the exception of the little NoinxUne moment right in the middle of the chapter that's there purely to cut off at a climatic moment after bringing in Treize and Zechs. Don't worry, the cliffhanger isn't -too- bad...
Okay so it is bad. I just couldn't help myself. *evil grin* ^______________^
But anywho, I wonder about my sanity. After re-reading this chapter...*shivers* I'm a twisted, morbid person with a sick sense of humor. Not just funny sick, but seriously, morbidly sick. But that's what you guys love about me, right? *sweatdrop* My morbid humor comes up with some interesting plot twists! I even made sure that this chapter was long. Normally, my chapters are about 4 pages in Microsoft Word, and this one is about 6, so there's two pages worth of extra chapter to read! There are so many different roads to take after this chapter, no one is gonna be able to guess what's in store next!! ^_^ So many opportunities, so little time...
Anyways, enough of my babbling, on with the reviews!
Smiley-person: *ahem* Well...er...Here's the next chapter! I got it out as soon as I could! And as for threesome lemony- goodness...err...Well, just read! ^^;;;;
IchigoPocky: You've decided 2x5, eh? Heh. I don't know exactly where this is all leading to, but I THINK I'm nearing the end of this particular fic...So whichever pairings seem most predominate will more than likely be the final pairings. Poor DVG has so many other story ideas running wild in her head, if she doesn't finish this fic soon, her poor head is gonna burst. I'm not one to be writing multiple fics all at once either, I think it lessens the value of the stories if you're writing to much at once, so I'm hurrying along with Blood Lust so I can get rid of all these other ideas! And since I'm on Spring Break now, be ready to get flooded with chapters! ^_^
Solain Rhyo: ^____^ Awwww, thankies! *snuggle* I'm glad someone thinks so highly of my stuff. It's only going to get better and better as I write too, so more fun for everyone! ^_^
Lexington: Gomen ne! I've made up for it in this chapter I swear! This chapter is a lot longer than my usual chapters, and packed with WAY more action! ^_^ So, enjoy!
Avenged Suffering: Yaay! You understand my babbling. That's a first. *blink blink* Anyways, yesh I've gone and complicated this whole thing with Wufei and Duo and Heero, haven't I? Well, before you start making up your mind on things, you -might- wanna read this chapter. *hint* And as for the lack of Treize...There is PLENTY reason to be worried! *coughforeshadowingcough* Along with Sexy Zechsy...*ahem* Anywho...Have fun reading! o.o;;
LadyRune: *ahem* Well, all I have to say is- if you thought the last scene/chapter/thingy was the best so far...obviously you haven't read ahead into this chapter. Though Disturbed's 'Rise' -did- put a nice touch to the last one. That's why I love songfics, when used the right way, the song can either make or break the story. *nod nod* Whenever I use music, I make sure I can use every last element of it so it all fits. I'm very picky about my songfics/chapters. *nod nod again* Anywho...
Iruka-Yuywell: Mmm...you never know -what- will happen in fics, now do you? ^_^
Dark Ice: *sweatdrop* Eh he...Don't worry, I'm as confused as you are, and -I'm- the author! *pats head* Don't worry, it'll get better eventually.
SanosukeLover-Milly Maxwell: Heh. Well, there isn't -much- of an Angsty Heero, but there is -some-, along with some Jealous As Hell Heero. *evil grin*
Jalee: Yes you! ^___^ I luff your fics! Both Harry Potter and Gundam Wing alike. And yes, I had some Heero angst. There's gonna be a lot of where Heero's concerned in this chapter, along with -tons- of other stuff...there's just too much, if I say one thing, it'll give it all away! ^_^ And I do believe you got 'frazzled up' from my description of Quatre in the last chapter. I think it had something to do with his empathy circuit being frazzled or something...I dunno, I just know I used frazzle somewhere in the last chapter! ^^;;; I'm glad you're liking this so far!
Shella: Great Goddess. Just when I think you've given me your longest review yet, you go and TOP it again!!!!! Not that that is a bad thing or anything, it's very good. It's a real ego booster. ^_^ And yes, Treize is ODD Eyebrows!!! DOROTHY has the EVIL Eyebrows!!! *shudder* Dorothy's eyebrows are like twenty times worse than Treize's!!!! *ahem* Anyways...yeah, I know my A/Ns are about as long as my chapters, but I feel the urge to write back to all the reviewers who were thoughtful enough to leave little comments about my story. ^__^ It's the reviewers that keep me writing sometimes when I get a block and wanna give up, so I make them feel special by giving them special attention in all my chapters by replying to their reviews! (Does that make any sense?) And yes! You -have- to hear Disturbed's 'Rise'!!! Disturbed is one of my all-time favorite rock bands ever! All of their music is intense. Anywho, yes, I try to give more to Heero than the 'Omae wo kuruso' side, just like I do with Wufei's 'Injustice'-stick-in-the-ass attitude they give him in the series. But I agree that the Japanese have a fetish for thin, anorexic characters. *nod nod* Their idea of the perfect person is tall, blonde hair, blue eyes, flawless skin, thin...Basically the American stereotypical model. They're American obsessed if you will. Back to the real review...I try my hardest to keep things subtle, I like leaving people guessing until the very last minute. ^___^ I didn't earn the title 'Evil Queen of Cliffhangers' for nothing ya know. *grin* Besides, I like fleshing out the characters, not just what they show in the series, or in Episode Zero (the info book that delves into the G- boys' pasts before being pilots), I like giving other possibilities to what the characters truly are inside. Wow, I sound like a psychologist. *sweatdrop* Anyways, I'm going to be adding a lot more POVs and character dimensions in this chapter, so prepare yourself my Shella-chan. ^_____^ Speaking of 1x5 and all that fun stuff...I began reading that 'Winning Duo' story, and I'm hooked. I love that fic! I went through half the chapters in like an hour. I have yet to finish it, with working on 'Blood Lust', but I plan on finishing it tomorrow while I take a break from writing. I don't know about that 'talent' thing now, I just write what I feel and let my mind take the story to where it wants the story to go. *shrug* In fact, I just kinda zone out while I'm writing, half the time I have to go back and re-read to see what exactly I wrote. ^^;;; Funny, ne? Anyways, have fun reading! I'm glad you've stuck through so far in this insane story of mine! ^___^
SlytherinDreams: ^^;;; well, I'm glad you're loving this story so far. And you're welcome about the chapter 6 thing, it wasn't a problem at all. I know what it's like to have the website mess up on you (*growl*) so I was more than willing to comply to your request. ^_^ I hope you enjoy this chapter as well as the others!
WuffieLuver: Ah, another speed reader in my midst, eh? I'm one too. ^_^ I learned how to speed read real quick, cause if you can't keep up in honors classes, then you're screwed. I've also done that with my typing; I can get almost 180+ words a minute if I put effort into it. ^_^ I'm even better than my computer teacher, and that's kinda funny. Anywho, so you think this little story is one of the best 2x5 fics? *blush* Thankies! ^__^ Well, here's the next chapter, so you don't have to wait any more!
On with the story, ne?
***
Whatever Duo had been expecting, it definitely wasn't Wufei's warm hands tenderly caressing his face or the anxious tone he used as he asked if he was okay. He hadn't been expecting that the Chinese vampire would so quickly put an end to his fight with Heero at his call. Resistance yes, an unyielding refusal at least, but not him instantly dropping his resentment like it was nothing.
Despite the fact though, Duo didn't show his surprise, he actually found it soothing and took his time in replying to delay the removal of the touch.
"Don't worry about me...I'm fine, really."
"Are you sure?" Wufei pressed worriedly.
"Yeah- yes, I'm sure," he could feel the heat rising in his cheeks in embarrassment.
"I don't mean to interrupt your little Hallmark moment or anything," Heero said abruptly. "But would someone mind telling me why the blonde slayer looks like he's about to faint?"
Duo hastily pulled away from Wufei and turned to Quatre, who indeed appeared quite pale with an odd expression fixated on his delicate features. Trowa nimbly vaulted over the couch and went to his side to catch him, but the empath shook his head and pointed to the door.
"Our 'friends' from outside...they're coming..." he whispered inaudibly. There was no more comforting warmth. An icy coldness had engulfed him while he had been unaware of its presence creeping up stealthily, the icy coldness of terror and death much worse than what he would normally perceive because he knew the story behind it.
Quatre's clouded aquamarine gaze moved from the threshold to Wufei, who was involuntarily backing from everyone in the room, prepared to jump into the closest possible hiding place the second the door opened.
The indescribable fear had returned, much to his alarm, ten times more horrible than earlier when they had first arrived to the party along with a new dreading sense of foreboding that weighed down heavily on him. He was afraid of this trapped feeling, like an animal in a cage; it was worse than spiraling out of control, -that- at least he knew the reasons for, but this fear...where was it coming from?
Wufei was about to get all the answers he wanted, and a lot of answers he -didn't- want.
Heero broke the ghastly silence with a barking laugh as the door opened and Zechs and Treize entered the room, his steely eyes also following the Asian's fidgeting movements. "What's the matter Wufei? You think you would treat your sires with a little bit more respect than attempting to run away them."
He stopped dead. Everyone stood still, the sounds of the party throbbing from all around enclosing on them like a vise.
"You're shitting us!" Duo burst out loudly.
"I assure you, he's not," Treize replied, amusement written all over his melodious voice.
"You have to be- Quatre- is he fucking with us? Or is this the truth?" he asked disbelievingly.
The empath went red, flustered. "Well..."
"Well?"
Zechs raised an eyebrow at the obnoxious braided slayer. "It -is- the truth," he gave the Japanese vampire a reprimanding frown. "Heero, I thought you had already told him, no wonder he acted so strangely earlier."
"You knew all along?" Wufei whispered harshly, though still in evident shock. The anger was slowly returning, replacing the doubt, but the fear was growing even bigger. If they had managed to overpower him before, what's stopping them from doing it again?
Heero paused, glancing from Zechs and Treize patiently waiting for a reply to Duo in his incredulity and Wufei cornered in his fear and rage. He hadn't meant for that laugh and remark to slip out like it did, it was just...
When he saw Wufei and Duo so close...
But he didn't mean to hurt him-
No he -did-.
Did he?
Why was he so confused over something like this?
"Aa, I knew. I didn't tell you though."
"For someone who's supposed to be a traitor, you're sure not treating him like it," Treize said coolly, moving so fast across the room that no one was able to react as he took Wufei's face in his hands with a smirk. "You can't go soft now Heero, it's too late for that. You've got to make sure they suffer before you kill them."
His onyx eyes wide at the taunting stroke, he found he couldn't breathe as ice flooded through his body, freezing him from the inside out in his absolute panic. The forgetful wall had been broken by his taunting stroke; all the painful memories resurfacing and flashing in front of his wide eyes as Treize leaned in...it was happening again, just like it had two years ago...leaning in, about to sink his fangs into his throat to feed, to kill, not knowing his inexperience was going to end up turning the handsome Asian prey instead.
But there was experience now. Oh yes, he knew every right place to touch, the right way to look, the right moves to get everything he wanted out of torturing his victims. He could make even the most obstinate crumble to their knees and beg for mercy.
Treize traced his fingertips along his jawbone as softly as a feather, brushing down towards his exposed throat and the edge of the neckline of his black shirt, earning himself a strangled whimper. He came in even closer, his warm breath rustling the long strands of raven hair teasingly as he inhaled the sweet lavender vanilla scent surrounding Wufei like a cloak reeking of all that was the amethyst-eyed slayer with whom he was betraying his vampire kindred.
"Prepare to die my precious Wufei...I brought into our realm darkness, and I can take you out of it just the same..." Treize purred huskily in his ear, the body beneath his grasp going stiff as stone.
Wufei's heart stopped.
Gunshots shattered through the oppressive air.
***
Une observed amusedly as Noin botched yet another drink as she tried to pour and look at the neon clock behind the counter at 'The Marquis' at the same time, sipping idly at her own self- mixed cocktail. "Lucrezia, give up. Get one of your lackeys to cover the bar and sit here with me. You need to relax."
Noin sighed yieldingly. "All right..." She flagged down the nearest busboy and gave him instructions as she joined Une on the other side with another heavy sigh. "I don't understand why this is bugging me, but I keep wondering if we should have let ourselves get involved with this 'traitor' nonsense. I mean, the poor guy looked so distraught when we approached at the apartment complex...I kind of feel bad for practically leading him into a death trap."
"There's nothing we can do now," Une replied smoothly, though put a reassuring arm around her nonetheless. "This is out of our hands Lucrezia, all we can do is sit here and wait to see if Milliardo and Treize return."
"And if they -don't-?"
"What do you mean by that?"
"Well, there were three slayers...and with Wufei...you never know. They might be able to best them in a fight, especially if it's to the death. Slayers are stubborn like that," Noin said as smoothly as Une had beforehand.
"Milliardo and Treize are two of the strongest in this city, and Yuy...he's even better. I think we have reason to believe they will return, despite that they're against three slayers and one of their own," she disagreed mildly.
"Mhmm..." Noin pursued her lips thoughtfully, tilting her head over so that it laid on her shoulder in her one armed embrace. "I hope you're right. We lost Sally and the girls to only a single slayer, so it really makes you think..."
"There is nothing we can do now," Une repeated, cutting her off and began running her free hand through Noin's short purple hair with a sympathetic smile. "C'mon, let's go do something to get our minds off this, even if it's wrong, or we'll never stop debating."
"Fine, but I decide."
Une smirked slightly. "Go right on ahead."
"We've got a nice big Jacuzzi bathtub and champagne upstairs," she replied suggestively.
"Jacuzzi and champagne, huh?"
"You -were- the one that proposed we do something, even if it was wrong."
"So you're just going to jump straight to the wrong something."
"Are you complaining?" Noin asked impishly as Une looked down at her with an arched eyebrow.
"Of course not, I think it's a brilliant idea."
***
Gunshots shatter through the oppressive air.
Quatre had fainted into Trowa's arms, but not before Duo had seized the unibanged boy's gun from his holster and shot wildly at Treize's hunched form, praying to God that he didn't hit Wufei too in his haste.
Treize shoved the Asian roughly to the carpet as a bullet pierced his side and he snarled dangerously, whirling around to apprehend the shooter, but Zechs got to Duo first. He snatched up his long braid and jerked him backwards, causing him to stumble into him as twisted his weapon arm behind and wretched the gun from his hand.
"Motherfucker! Let go of my fucking arm!" Duo cursed fluently as he thrashed, only making it worse as Zechs grabbed his other arm and snapped it back along with the other, holding him tightly against his broad chest painfully. He reared his head up and smashed it hard into the silver-haired vampire's chin, "Goddamn it! I SAID LET ME FUCKING GO!"
Heero stepped forward, his glare smoldering. "Milliardo," he growled. "Milliardo, I'll take care of him, you look after Treize-"
"You stay the fuck away from me you bastard!" Duo spat irately, writhing fiercely to free himself from Zechs' iron grip while glowering furiously at Heero. Knives of pain were beginning to rip through his pinned arms and down his spine, the top of his head throbbing agonizingly from the blow, but he refused to show hurt to their satisfaction.
Wufei struggled to his feet, shaking off the daze that didn't want to leave his reeling mind as the seriousness of the situation sank in. He hurtled past Treize, who had fallen to his knees, bleeding profusely through the clenched fingers grasping his injured side, and swung his fist back in preparation to connect it with the closest person's (Heero's) jaw as he closed in.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you," Zechs said calmly, not showing any sign of tiring from Duo's fighting, ceasing Wufei in mid-swing. "One wrong move, and your pretty little creature here meets his maker." He smiled slightly, his ivory fangs sliding down over his perfect ruby lips.
"Don't you -dare- harm him! " Wufei exclaimed vehemently.
Duo stopped moving, watching in awe. He was willingly defending him in front of three other bloodsuckers, not to mention the rest in the house if they ever got out of this room alive. He glanced over at Trowa, who had managed to pull Quatre to the farthest corner and set him down in an armchair, hovering over his blonde lover protectively. The empath was still out cold.
"Let him go." Wufei bit out menacingly, his raging ebony gaze set straight in the silver-haired vampire's challengingly. There was no more fear, he was filled with a fury and determination he didn't realize he was capable of, all he knew was that he was ready to do whatever it took to be sure the braided slayer was released.
Zechs chuckled depreciatively, the belittling laughter rolling out as flawlessly as everything else that was inhumanly perfect about him. "I'll tell you what. Because you're being so entertaining tonight, I think I'll make you a deal instead of killing you outright since I have more pressing affairs to take of." His icy sapphire stare flickered over to Treize.
"What kind of deal?" Wufei asked suspiciously.
"Quite the distrustful one, aren't you?" Zechs answered amusedly. "I'll let your precious slayer go...but -you- have to kill him. I'll give you this last chance at proving your loyalty, and if you go through with this, then maybe I won't consider eliminating you when you're through with this beautiful thing. I might even let the other slayers leave in one piece."
Heero surveyed them interestedly after Zechs' startling bargain; Wufei was mouthing soundlessly, whether in complete wrath at the appalling suggestion or shock, he couldn't tell, but the more surprising was Duo's reaction. His face was set with a blank mask, not revealing anything at all about what he might have been thinking. There was no fear, no revulsion, no pain, no nothing.
Though of course Zechs was all haughty amusement. He was getting enjoyment no matter what happened.
He couldn't get a good view of the tall slayer and his beau, and Treize was so absorbed in keeping his blood in his body that he didn't seem to notice any of the events going on around him.
Duo closed his eyes slowly, almost like he was tired, and relaxed under Zechs' grasp. "Just do it Wufei," he said quietly. "Do it so you can get out of here. Trowa and Quatre can go on with their duties without me."
"Duo- I- I couldn't possibly-"
"JUST DO IT!" He kept his eyes tightly shut as he shouted, afraid the stinging tears gathering behind his lashes would fall, his voice was already starting to break. "DON'T ARGUE WITH ME DAMN IT! JUST FUCKING DO IT!"
"I..." Wufei looked from Duo to Zechs then back to Duo helplessly, swallowing hard. He couldn't possibly allow himself to hurt the beautiful amethyst-eyed slayer, let alone try to -kill- him. But...
"Fine. If that's what you want."
Zechs promptly released his arms and backed off, walking over to where Treize was and lifting his ginger-haired lover from the floor. Duo stepped up to the emotional Asian resolutely; opening his tear-glistening eyes and gazed into his with a soft smile as if saying it was going to be okay.
Wufei gently brushed at his wispy chestnut bangs, taking in every inch of his glowing face before leaning in and tentatively kissing him. "I am so sorry..." He whispered breathlessly.
Quatre suddenly bolted upright in the armchair, his expression one of utter horror.
"DUO!!"
***
*cackle*
Duo: Dude, I didn't realize I could say 'fuck' or 'fucking' so much in one chapter. *sweatdrop*
Wufei: *big, huge, saucer eyes* Am I going to actually KILL Duo?!?! *whimper* Wait, did I just -whimper-?
DVG: *pats* It's gonna be okay Wu-bear.
Wufei: No it's not!!!! ONNA! Start writing the next chapter!!!! I NEED to see what's next!
DVG: *sweatdrop* You sound as bad as I do when watching soap operas...
Zechs: What about ME? When did -I- become such a bastard? You must like making us bastards or something...*grumble*
DVG: *sigh* Can we discuss this later, Zechsy-baby? I've gotta write the next chapter before Wufei kills -me-...*scampers off hurriedly*
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