*gets teary-eyed* It's ooover...*lip quivers*
Wufei: Onna, at least wait until the END of the chapter to get all sentimental.
*sniffle* Fine.
*ahem* Anywho, I sincerely apologize for the lateness in this chapter. The day after I posted the Author's Notes, I was unexpectedly slammed with a huge project for Spanish and was stuck spending my entire Friday, Saturday, and Sunday making a stupid piñata for Cinco de Mayo and planning a party for the class. *sigh* The evilness of my Spanish teacher, blame him! It's his fault! But like I said, this chapter, being the last, is literally twice as long and fun as any of the others! ^_^ And if it starts dragging towards the end...well, I just spent my weekend elbow-high in paper mache' and glue with less than a grand total of three hours of sleep over the course of four days, so you try writing ten pages after that.
And my heart won out on the pairing. It's gonna be 2x5, but I'm leaving the end open for a chance at 1x2x5. (Especially if I'm feeling generous and decide to write a sequel after I rid myself of all the other fics spinning around in my poor, battered mind) Just think, I could have done blasphemy and tried to pair Heero with...
Dorothy of the Eviler-than-Treize's Eyebrows. *shudder* Just the mere thought of it...x.x
Evil ban on NC-17 keeps my lemon-ness within boundaries, but I tried. I don't think I'll be writing a full lemon, so if you want to insert one yourself where I leave off, then by all means amuse yourself. Just be sure to send me a copy. *winks*
And as for the confusion over Heero and the club, the guy can't look suspicious can he? If he suddenly vanishes and Zechs and Treize's turned-to-dust, nonexistent whereabouts surface, Heero's ass would be in big trouble. I explain more in the chapter because Duo asks the same thing, so read on and have your questions satisfied. ^_^
Anywho, some quick replies to reviews before I continue...
IchigoPocky: *wipes tears from eyes* Oh Goddess I laughed so hard...'so many limbs to keep track of'!!! That was hilarious.
Jalee: You would be surprised of the things Duo can think about during serious moments...*hentai grin* I think there's a few of those moments in here, so there'll be plenty of amusement. ^_^
Shella: *nod nod* I know what ya mean. I've kept it 2x5, but left insinuations at possible 1x2x5, and I'm not gonna say much because it'll give it all away, but Wufei and Duo win over Heero and make everything all better. ^_^ For the moment anyway. And I try to not make one person dominate in lemon scenes, I try to keep it at an equal balance. Though I think I have Duo more...dominance over Wufei than vice versa. But for good reason. I think you'll enjoy it. ^_^ And as for the un-vampirism and such, what can you say? I'm a sucker for pain and angst. I don't think anyone would have expected it to be all warm and fuzzy, but I like making people squirm. *evil grin* Squirming is good. So you think I did a satisfactory job on the Heero un- bastardization thing? I was worried it was a bit rushed, but if everyone else is fine with it, then it's all good. And I make up for the distrust issue, honestly I couldn't live with the guilt I created when I wrote that scene, so I make it all better. ^_^ And believable. Hopefully it's believable anyways. *ahem* But yes, considering the last time Heero was told the person he was looking for was upstairs, it was Treize and Zechs, so he learned his lesson real quick about disturbing the love. ^_^ And I totally agree with you on that there isn't enough shoujo-ai around here. Or anywhere for that matter. With the exception of anything Sailor Moon, cause there's nothing to do -but- write yuri with the Senshi. *grin* Especially when it's Haruka and Michiru.
Scarlettrose12: Awww, you really like my little story? Okay, so it's not quite -little-, but you know what I mean...Thankies! I'm glad you're enjoying this! ^_^
Joon and Poe: And 2x5 it is! ^_^ And as much as I didn't want this over either...quite frankly, if I didn't end it, I would have driven myself even more crazy than I already am. *sweatdrop*
Avenged Suffering: LOL! Well, I don't exactly establish 1x2x5, but I'm leaving it as an open possibility at the end. If I ever write a sequel to this, then I'll probably focus on their threesome. *nod nod* Maybe have Noin seek revenge or something and have Heero get sanctuary with Duo and the crew. ^_^ But it's only an 'if I write' thought.
Dark Ice: If you were able to thoroughly enjoy the last chapter, then I've done my job. ^_^ I aim, mostly, to please to the readers, and if I do, then go me. *sweatdrop* But yes, this is ending up 2x5, but I don't leave Heero hanging. ^_^ I would never do that to my poor Hee-chan!
Yami Suisho: Of course what you think matters! I'm always using my reviewers responses to beef up my stories and boost my big ego. ^_^ Hopefully you'll like this just as much as the rest of the story!!
SanosukeLover-Milly Maxwell: It may be 2x5, but Hee-chan isn't going to be stuck alone! ^_^
SlytherinDreams: Yesh, it's 2x5. And as I explained in my Author Notes and will explain more in this chapter, Heero took on Zechs and Treize's club so as not to look suspicious. If he suddenly disappeared or anything, Noin and Une would have thrown up red flags and he would be in -big- trouble. But yeah...And as for the reference...just pure humor. ^_^ Only Duo-channerz would think of something like that...
Kinishi: You sat for FOUR straight hours reading my fic? O.O Wow. I do that all the time with good stories and get into so much trouble for staying online too long, but for someone to do that with -my- fic...I'm humbly honored. If you like the 2x5 pairing, I have another fic too that's 2x5, in fact, two others. The first story I ever posted here, 'Of Blood And Tears', is 2x5, and my new project 'Imaginary' is going to end up being 2x5 (Once I make Duo sane again that is.). But I know how you feel; you really don't see many 2x5 fics. *nod nod* And as for Heero...he's just PMSing, he'll get over it. ^___^ Wufei could have killed Treize himself, would have been more satisfactory, but just the sire dying, no matter who killed him, would un- vampire anyone he had turned. Now Duo's suicidal stunt...that's just Duo being Duo. Heh.
Iruka Yuywell: Hope you enjoy this final chapter! ^_^
Ravenquills: ^_^;;;; Well, I made you wait forever for this chapter, didn't I? *sweatdrop* Blame my Spanish teacher and his stupid piñatas. Though I got an A+ on my 'original' piñata, it meant a good four days' delay on this final chapter. *sigh* Honestly, if I hadn't been slammed with the project, I would have this out almost a week ago. But hopefully I made up for it with making the chapter twice as long and twice as fun. ^_^
Smiley-person: *happy dance* Threesome threesome threesome! ^_^ *guilty grin* Unfortunately, I didn't end this as 1x2x5...but there's always next time.
Lexington: OMG! My best friend talks like Gollum allllll the time!!! In fact, her nickname for me is her 'Preciousss'. We're always freaking people out when we get our little 'Preciousss' act started, cause she can sound -just- like Gollum. ^_^ Anywho. Back on topic...gomen ne, but there isn't 1x2x5. Insinuation of possible 1x2x5, but no 1x2x5.
Tsunami-baka: Gomen nasai for taking so long! *bows profusely* Damn Spanish teachers...*grumbles darkly* If I write a sequel, there'll be 1x2x5, but for now, it's just gonna be 2x5. *sigh* But I'm glad you're enjoying this, I try my best. ^_^ I pulled out all the character and description plugs to make this last chapter the greatest! (Hopefully)
Mars: ^___^ Intense, ne? That's nothing compared to what I'm going to be writing with 'Imaginary'. The intense-angstness in here will pale to the uberly intense-angstness of 'Imaginary'. And to think I was trying to get -away- from the angst. *sigh* Ah well, there's always the School Girl Wufei fic to write too. *hentai grin* I told ya I was gonna redeem Heero -somehow-, but I didn't exactly know -how- until I was inspired when writing the last chapter. ^_^ Helping un-vampire Wufei seemed like the perfect solution to his redemption. *nod nod*
Solus Nox: Screw the white robes and halo, just let Heero go Eternal Sailor Moon-style and be entirely nude with angel wings sprouting from his back. ^_______^ And don't worry about the lame excuses, did you hear my 'Kill the Spanish teacher for making me delay this chapter with his stupid piñata project' reason? Well, it's not really an excuse, cause I seriously worked hard on it, but still, it kept me from getting on and posting the story. *sigh*
Fallen: Ooo...I luff the name. 'Fallen' ish the name of Evanescence's new CD. *purr* I luff Evanescence...*ahem* Anywho. Yes, lots of fun stuff is gonna happen now that I've thrown in all those fun twists. ^_^ You just gotta read to find out!
Blue Bunny: Gomen ne, but no threesome (for now). But only for this story...I might write a threesome next time. ^^;;; But hopefully you'll enjoy it either way!!
Ryoko-onee: No, Heero is not, and can never be (unless there's some unknown cure for purebloods), human. Being a pureblood, Heero does not have a sire that turned him, he was born a vampire and thus has never been human. Hence, what he agreed with Wufei about when Wufei blew up at him about not understanding. But Heero shot -Wufei's- sire (Treize) and helped him regain humanity though. There isn't any major conflicts being made in this chapter, being the last chapter, but all the other conflicts will get their much-needed closure. ^_^
*ahem* Now on with the end...*sniffle*
***
He didn't know how the empath did it, but the next thing Wufei -did- know was that he was being pulled along through the endless sea of bodies by Duo without any of the vampires sensing them, and in no time at all, they were outside. Cool air flowed over his flushed skin, the calm breeze toying with wisps of his hair like fingertips...then he realized someone actually -was- doing that and blinked his leaden eyes open owlishly. Duo had let go his hand and was tapping the tip of his nose with an apologetic, yet slightly amused, smile.
"Relish the moment in a few blocks, Fei," he admonished in mockingly stern tone. "We gotta get out of range before Q-man's pseudo-bloodsucker cover tires out."
"Oh right- sorry," Wufei stammered sheepishly, pink tingeing his cheeks. He hadn't considered how much the raging emotions from their encounter must have taxed the blonde Arabian, let alone how much he must be using now to keep them safe in spite of the mental and physical exhaustion he was surely suffering.
Duo, who seemed to sense his discomfort at his unintentional disregard, only widened his smile consolingly before following with a teasing laugh at the Asian's blush. He grabbed his hands once more and dragged him along after Quatre and Trowa, who had already disappeared underneath the sweeping willow trees. Wufei was perfectly content with allowing the amethyst-eyed teen haul him down the sidewalk while he watched his long braid flicker back and forth like a pleased cat would its tail and listened to Duo as he chattered cheerfully about absolutely nothing in particular. He admired how he could so easily recover his usual never-ending buoyancy after a night such as the one they were having, it took a great deal of strength to be able to do that with such effortlessness, when he himself was still attempting to readjust his reeling senses. Another good reason to just let himself be led around, because otherwise, he would stop again and space out.
"Do you guys think it's too late to pick up some food on the way home, 'cause I dunno about you, but I'm -starving-!" To emphasize his point, Duo's stomach decided to growl loudly.
"What would be open at four in the morning?" Trowa asked mildly.
"McDonald's!" he answered instantly.
"Oh gross Duo, not fast food," Quatre grimaced. "I don't know how you can eat that stuff."
"Well first you gotta take off the wrapper since I don't think paper is all too edible and-"
"That's no amusing. Besides, we have enough at the apartment anyway."
"But-" (Wufei did not have to see his face to know the impending pout was beginning to form.)
"No Duo." Trowa interrupted evenly to end the discussion and indicating that further argument would not be tolerated.
"Fine," Duo sighed melodramatically.
Wufei snickered. "You act like such a little kid sometimes."
"Well somebody's gotta make up for those two straitlaced lovebirds, don't they?" he snorted.
"Why be childish when you're more than childish enough for all of us?" Quatre countered amusedly, his 'straitlaced' lover smirking in agreement.
"I'm glad I'm so loved," he replied wryly.
"For whatever it's worth, -I- care about you, so forget them and let's go run off together. We can live happily ever after." Wufei added in jest and Duo suddenly stopped mid-stride, turning to him with a very intent expression.
"Do you really mean it, 'Fei?"
"I- uh-" He could feel the heat returning to his face as his serious gaze bore into his embarrassed one. "-well of course I meant it."
Duo's solemn visage split into a disturbingly evil grin and he threw himself ecstatically at Wufei before he could register what was happening, sending them both tumbling ungracefully to the ground in the process. "I -knew- you loved me, Wu-bear!"
Trowa smiled slyly. "You heard him, little one. They're going to go off and elope; we're not needed here." Quatre laughed and they started walking away, leaving the Asian to fend for himself against the alluring advances of Shinigami.
"NO! Wait! I was only kidding about the running away part!"
"It's too late now, 'Fei..." Duo's grin widened as he straddled his hips and pinned his arms above his head, leaning in so close that their noses nearly touched. "You're allll mine."
Wufei felt like his heart was about to burst from how fast it was racing in his chest and it wasn't about to slow down any time soon. "Can't the 'happily ever after' part wait until we get home at least?" He kissed him persuasively. "Please?"
Duo groaned resignedly. "Damn the kiss- why do you have to be so good?"
"Do I take that as a 'yes'?"
He grumbled inaudibly and reluctantly got up, helping Wufei to his feet as they brushed off the grass and dirt from their clothes. Quatre and Trowa had not gone far and were patiently standing at the street corner when the two caught up with them, continuing on their way.
"You better keep your word, Wu," Duo glared playfully.
"Or what?" Wufei asked.
"Er- haven't thought about it yet..." he bit his lip thoughtfully. "But it'll be hell when I come up with something."
"Nothing you do can be worse than anything I haven't experienced before."
"We'll see about that." Duo flashed another wicked grin as they came upon their apartment complex.
Quatre and Trowa trailed behind as they watched Duo haul Wufei over to the staircase ahead of them and disappear while they waited for the elevator.
"It's a good thing that our bedroom is at the other end of the hallway from his or we'll be up all day," Quatre commented wryly, getting onto the lift and snuggling closer to Trowa as the doors shut.
***
At the apartment, Wufei hesitated inside the doorway and surveyed the place he now called 'home'. His discarded blanket and pillow were still strewn on the couch across from the loveseat, and, as he followed Duo into the hall, his clothes were sitting on the sink in the bathroom, folded neatly. Little traces of him were scattered throughout the dwelling, and despite the fact that he only been there for a day and a night, he felt entirely at ease the second he entered.
"Are you comfortable with this?" Duo inquired tentatively, noting his hesitance. "I mean, I know I can never get you back to your home by the bar, but..." He had not forgotten what they had said to each other at 'Chasing The Dragon'. He had lived up to every word about helping the Chinese teen get what he wanted, he had told him how to become human again and then some...
But now that he had what he wanted, what happened? Sure they had been so close at the party and they had had that moment afterwards while joking about running away together...though he was beginning to doubt.
"Even if I could go back there...I wouldn't," Wufei replied quietly. "Of course I would love to, but I've gone to Hell and back more times then I can count. I've changed so much since then; it wouldn't be home to me anymore. No...here, with you, is home to me now." He paused, embarrassed. "I asked a lot of you and you did more then what I asked, I don't know how I'll ever be able to express my gratitude-" Duo pressed a finger to his mouth.
"Don't. You don't owe me anything, so don't even think about it," he removed his finger and kissed him. Just him saying home was here with him was all he needed; though he wasn't about to admit that out loud.
But Wufei didn't need hear it, he already knew as he returned the kiss, deeper and all chastity was thrown out the window. Duo backed slowly further into the bedroom and guided him along, careful not to trip over any of the randomly thrown objects on floor and at the same time not wanting to break the embrace, Wufei moving along in fluid balance. His hands crept up his shirt as the Asian's feather light touch managed to remove the rubber band and release his plaited waves of silky chestnut hair before he even realized it. Duo bit his lip playfully as he drew away long enough to tug off Wufei's shirt and his own loose black tank top, reveling for a moment in the glow of soft caramel skin against his own as they kissed again.
Wufei lowered Duo onto the bed with utmost tenderness, his secure grip sliding from around his slender waist to gently stroke down the nape of his neck to his chest, earning an ecstatic purr as he entwined a few satin strands of hair with his fingers. Duo's mouth began to wander down his chin to his throat; sending palpable shivers through Wufei as his tongue caught a particularly sensitive spot above the hollow. A mischievous gleam lit up in his amethyst eyes and he took advantage of his brief weakness, snaking his arms around his muscular torso to pull him near enough to pin him underneath, turning the tables.
If Wufei had been shocked at the sudden change in positions, he didn't have a chance to show it before Duo pounced, intent on only one thing.
Finding all of Wufei's weak spots and making good use of them.
***
They did not wake up until well after nightfall.
Even then, it was -very- reluctantly.
It took a second for Wufei's brain to register why he was engulfed in skin melting warmth and the overwhelmingly fragrant scent of lavender vanilla, pools of golden brown hair flowing over him and mingling with his own raven tendrils. Why there was a slightly smaller body curled up contently in his embrace, using his shoulder as a pillow with a pleased smile gracing his ethereal features as he slept. Then the previous evening's events and 'celebration' trickled back into his foggy mind.
Wufei kissed Duo's forehead softly, letting himself dissolve in the relaxing heat once more, not wanting to get up and ruin the moment of heaven he was currently basking in. Someone had once told him that you had to suffer to get anything good out of life and he realized, after all the endless nights he had spent wondering what he had ever done to deserve the hell he had gone through, that all the torment from the past two years was meant for moments like these.
The perfect moments of sheer bliss.
"Ne, 'Fei, what are you thinking so hard about?..." Duo yawned sleepily, nuzzling further into his shoulder.
"About how we have to get up eventually and how much I don't want to."
"Then it's settled, close your eyes and we'll go back sleep until we can't sleep any longer," he murmured fuzzily, already drifting off again as he spoke.
"As good as that sounds, you do realize it's almost midnight right now, don't you?" Wufei replied amusedly.
"Mmmm- Ww- WHAT?? You're shitting me!"
He chuckled as Duo's head shot up instantly, barely missing his chin as he glanced over to the neon clock on the computer desk by his bed. "I shit you not, and that mouth of yours is rather unflattering in the bedroom."
"Didn't hear you complaining earlier, now did I?" he grinned shamelessly as Wufei went tomato red.
"Well-" he cleared his throat roughly. "-that was different." The predatory glint sparked back to life in his gaze as Duo smirked at his flustered response, and it didn't help any. "Er- since we're up- and- uh, all- we might as well get some clothes on and-" The spiel was cut short with a tiny mewl of protest as he kissed him.
"You're so adorable when you get all spun up and stammer like that," Duo cooed teasingly, pinching his flaming cheek. "I just couldn't resist."
Wufei muttered something unintelligibly under his breath before lunging out in retaliation, tackling him over the edge of the bed and onto the carpet...
"ITAI! I landed on your belt!"
...in the nude. [1]
Duo squirmed underneath him and the tangled blankets, dragging out the black pants he -had- been wearing and glaring at them. "Damn thing..."
He couldn't help himself, despite the great lose of dignity in his...revealing position, Wufei snickered. "You're so adorable when you get pissed off," he mocked, patting the side of his face as he got up and pulled on some clothes while Duo struggled to free himself from the bed sheets and follow suit, braiding his hair as he went.
"And you griped about -my- mouth! You're worse than Q-man, you know that? All sweet and innocent one minute, then suddenly- BAM! The Evil Side just springs up and bites you in the ass," he grumbled, gingerly rubbing where the belt had impacted on the small of his back. "Literally."
"Like you're one to talk," Wufei snorted.
Once properly dressed again, the two went out into the living room where a note in Quatre's flowing, elegant script sat on the coffee table in front of the loveseat.
'Didn't want to disturb you, so we left already. If you get this before we return, go downtown and meet us at the 'Marquis' by three.
-Quatre'
"'Marquis'? What the hell is the 'Marquis'?" Duo asked, eyeing the note suspiciously as if it were some sort of practical joke. "Do you know what it is, Wu?"
"I don't think I do..." Wufei's brow furrowed thoughtfully. "No- I remember Heero mentioning it once or twice, it's a club."
"Ah, so I take it they found a new haunt, eh?"
"I never got information about it, I just heard of it from him," he shrugged. "It was one of the places Relena used to tow him to, and I assumed it was a club."
"Relena?" Duo raised an eyebrow. "That -thing- with the annoyingly high-pitched voice I got jumped by?"
Wufei grimaced painfully, unconsciously rubbing his ears. "Yes."
"Poor guy..." he shook his head sympathetically. "Well, we might as well go now, 'cause it might take us a while to find the place." He went over to the hall closet and rummaged around, searching for weapons. He had forgotten that he had lost his the night before, thus it took a bit longer to dig out the spares.
It felt weird at first to Wufei when they walked so openly outside, being used to having to hide and sneak around in the shadows for so long. It was like the weight of all the passersby's stares were all on him; as if they knew what he had been and despised him for it.
Okay, a little too melodramatic. Though no one was staring or despising him, it still felt awkward. But Duo was there beside him, and his anxiety must have been evident because he clasped his hand with a firm squeeze to reassure him that no one was about to jump out of the darkness to try to attack him for being a traitor. Sometimes Wufei wondered if he too had some type of empathy like the blonde Arabian, he just knew the right things to do at the right time to such a degree that it was as if he could read his mind.
As they reached the downtown area, he got comfortable with his surroundings again, going as far as slipping an arm just above the gun holster (how odd did -that- sound?) around Duo's waist. He looked mildly surprised at first, having not been expecting an unabashed move so soon, but smiled slyly all the same.
For them, the 'Marquis' was harder to find than they had thought it would be, the club was tucked away out of the mainstream, the kind of place that only regulars would go to. The blue neon light shone eerily on the pavement, blending just as ghostly with the black shadows around it, the door was open to the sidewalk as sensuous jazz rolled out from within on smoky wings.
There was no sign of Quatre and Trowa, even though it was almost half past three.
"Do you think they're inside?" Duo asked apprehensively, his guard up considerably. He could sense the vampires residing in the club, but there were only a few.
"Let's go in and find out," Wufei shrugged. "If they're not, we'll go back out to the street. I don't like the feel of this place and don't want to stay for too long if I can help it."
***
Heero sat at the end of the bar counter, account books and timetables spread out before him as he skimmed through them halfheartedly. He hadn't been able to shake the guilt-tinged disappointment. To make things worse, Noin had -not- taken his news well when Une broke it to her and when Heero had returned that night to get the aforementioned account books and timetables to get familiar with Zechs' business style, she had laid it on him -hard-.
And when he said hard it really meant bone-smashing, eardrum- splitting, breaking-everything-within-arms'-reach rage.
First she started accusing him for when Sally, Hilde, and Relena had been killed while doing a 'favor' for him, which was true (yelling). He had been the one to have Relena coax the two into helping her attack Duo in the park. Before he could apologize, she railed on about how shitty he had been treating Wufei just because he sought refuge with slayers, which, again, was quite true (throwing shot glasses). Then she continued vehemently by (the shot glasses were replaced by full bottles) putting the blame on him for getting Zechs and Treize killed by manipulating them into agreeing with his 'stupid, pointless plan' against Wufei, which, yet again, was also true.
By the time Noin had ranted her rage out, there were twenty shot glasses, fifteen liquor bottles, and a barstool that had knocked a table over strewn across the club floor around an unscathed Heero. Luckily they hadn't been open, so there had been time to clean up after her explosion, and he had readily given her the night off before Une could even suggest it.
Needless to say, after that and the fact that he had been stuck alone in the confides of his maddeningly silent apartment all day unable to sleep, all he wanted to do was bang his head on the counter.
Repeatedly.
Until he was rendered unconscious.
Heero's frustrated train of thought was interrupted as two people entered the club behind him, whispering to themselves.
"I don't see Q-man or the Unibang anywhere, do you?"
"No. Maybe he wrote down the wrong club name."
He whirled around on the barstool and faced a very...interesting scene. Wufei and Duo were standing in the threshold, the braided slayer's arms hanging loosely from around the Asian's neck as he spoke quietly into his ear. Heero couldn't quite see what he was doing, but whatever Duo was, it had Wufei fighting fiercely at an impending blush. The blush was winning so far, judging by the state of redness blooming across his face.
He wanted so badly to laugh at the comical expression, but instead he asked more rudely than intended, "What are you two doing here?" Yeah, Mister Polite; should have kept your big mouth shut.
"Eh? -HEERO-?" Duo asked incredulously and staring at the Japanese vampire, not making a move to disentangle himself from Wufei. "Hell, what are -you- doin' here? Never took you for being a bar-type."
"I own this place now," Heero scowled darkly. "With Zechs and Treize dead, someone has to do it."
"You make it sound like we forced you to kill them because we -didn't-, that was allll your doing-"
"Duo, please calm down," Wufei said gently, prying the irritated teen off of him before he got strangled in the deathlock that had been beginning to form. "We're -very- appreciative about what you did Heero, aren't we Duo?" He glanced pointedly at him and he nodded, although still annoyed.
"Well don't let me ruin your celebration," Heero replied coolly, turning his back to them and pretending to be reading the accounts books again.
Wufei looked slightly hurt at the cold tone in his voice. "I know we haven't exactly been the greatest...friends, but can't we start over? Just because a few things have changed doesn't mean I'm just going to up and forget everything from the past two years."
"Oh yes, the vampire, the mortal, and the three slayers, I'm sure no one is going to notice."
"What the hell is your problem?" Duo glowered, folding his arms across his chest. "The guy's trying to be nice even though you're being a complete bastard. You could at least show a little consideration."
Heero let out a small, exasperated sigh. "Fine. I retract my last sarcastic remark, happy? But Wufei fully knows that a possible...association can never happen, no matter how much he lies to himself."
"It's true," Wufei added quietly.
"Rules, schmules- who gives a damn? Rules are made to be broken! Wufei broke them, and he's still alive."
"Did last night mean anything to your thick head? I could have shot you both if I wanted to and then you -wouldn't- be alive right now," said Heero flatly.
"You didn't though," Duo pointed out. "And if you had, then I'd be dead. Whatever. I may -look- stupid, but I know what did happen and could have happened, I'm just better at hiding the knowledge. If I die, then I die, if I don't, then great. I don't like brooding over the alternatives because that makes you get paranoid. So how about it, eh? We can -bend- the rules, I mean, they can't do shit if we just happen to show up in here purely by coincidence."
Heero almost appeared surprised. He was being serious about trying to become friends, in spite of all the odds against them that could obstruct it.
Misinterpreting the silence, Wufei hastily added, "Or not. We've caused enough trouble as it is; we don't need to instigate any more-"
"Us? -Not- cause trouble? No way," Duo faked a horrified expression at the thought of being a perfect angel. "Impossible, especially when we're alone..."
"Oh spare us from your melodramatics," he rolled his eyes. "You knew what I meant."
"Come on, this is a bar, not your bedroom. We don't need to hear what goes on behind closed doors."
Both Duo and Wufei looked at Heero in bafflement as he smirked, although barely. He glanced up at the neon clock and started to gather all the account books up, taking them behind the counter and upstairs to put away.
"I want to get out of here before Une and Noin return," Heero answered to their questioning gazes, wincing slightly. "I don't need any more shot glasses or stools thrown at me."
"Shot glasses and stools?" Wufei arched an eyebrow.
"Hn."
"I'll take that as a 'Don't Ask' kinda 'Hn'," Duo said dryly. "Is it because they didn't want you taking over the club? 'Cause if that's the case, then let them have it and you can 'disappear' for a while until things smooth over." They were out in the adjoining alleyway now, slipping unnoticed into the shadows as they talked.
"If I do 'disappear', it would only make me more suspicious."
"Didn't think about it that way..." he replied pensively, then shrugged. "You would know better then I would though, and it was just a suggestion."
"They were close to Zechs and Treize, weren't they?" Wufei asked solemnly, his features dark. He had not considered the repercussions that killing the two vampires would create. Even though Heero had been the one who did it, had he known the consequences? Surely he had known the women were good friends with them or else he would not have asked them to have been the ones who confronted Quatre, Trowa, and himself at the apartment complex. Suddenly, his granted wish for humanity seemed very selfish.
"Yes, but they'll get over it eventually," Heero shrugged as carelessly as the braided slayer had.
"Ouch. Damn, that's a bit harsh isn't it?" Duo grimaced.
"No. Life is full of disappointments, you learn to accept them and move on quick enough or immortality would be hell to endure."
"I obviously wasn't able to do that, now was I?" remarked Wufei with a touch of morbid humor in his voice. "No wonder I was so damn miserable."
"Aa, I didn't help any though."
Duo stopped and stared at Heero like he had grown a second head. "Did you actually admit to doing something -wrong-?" They both glared at him and he threw up his hands in self-defense. "I was only kidding! Geez...Lighten up a little."
"To think, I have to put up with this insanity for the rest of my life...Out of the pan and into the fire."
"Hey!" Duo puffed up indignantly. "I resent that."
Wufei smirked smugly. "Don't you mean 'resemble'? Who else is crazy enough to call himself 'Shinigami'?"
They had reached the mainstream area once more and it was time to part ways. Duo hung back respectfully at the opening of the alley to give Wufei a private moment with Heero before they had to split.
"I honestly meant it when I told you I appreciated what you did," Wufei said humbly.
"I did my good deed for the eternity, so don't expect it to happen again any time soon," replied Heero stiffly, though he couldn't meet the Chinese teen's gaze.
"Would you really not mind us just 'showing up' at the club?" he continued tentatively. "Because if it's going to be a problem we won't."
He hesitated. If they were caught...
"No, I wouldn't mind."
With that, Heero stepped away and vanished into the crowd, but he couldn't hide the small smile before the two saw it.
"How about we go find our scheming lovebirds and strangle them?" Duo asked in playful annoyance, slipping his arms around Wufei's waist as they started walking in the opposite direction.
"What are you talking about?"
"The evil blonde tricked us! You didn't realize it? He so totally set us up in meeting Heero!" he exclaimed. "Not that it's a bad thing though."
They continued in easy silence and the darkness around them began to tint with gray as morning inconspicuously crept over the gloom. Soon they reached the apartment building and got onto the elevator.
"We just missed our floor," Wufei said suddenly, breaking the calm.
"I know."
"Then where are we going?"
"Somewhere," Duo answered cryptically. The lift stopped at the last floor and he pulled Wufei along to the narrow staircase across the vacant hallway that opened to the roof, the reddening light spilling over them as they emerged from the stairs. Wufei's hand instinctively shot up to cover his face before common sense made him drop it to his side again in evident self- consciousness.
"I bet it's been a while since you've seen a sunrise, eh?"
"Too long...but now there will be many more to follow, and I'll be sharing them with the person I love."
He kissed Duo softly.
"I love you too, 'Fei."
_________________________________________________________________ ______________
The End
*sob* It's over!!!!! *snuggles computer screen* I can't believe it...I've been working on this story since December. Almost five months. That's the longest time I've ever spent on a story, which is obvious, seeing how this is the longest story I've ever written...almost half a year! Wow. *shock*
And I think ending my fics in 'I love you's has become something of a signature trademark to me...the angst! The drama! ...the sappiness. Boy do I have the biggest soft spot for sap (but don't tell anyone that! *shifty eyes*)...
Speaking of angst, I've once again started another angsty fic called 'Imaginary'. The first two chapters have already been posted and for those who have already read and reviewed to them are truly wonderful-ness. ^_______^
And if I have a moment of non-angstiness before the end of 'Imaginary', then I'm gonna write the School Girl Wufei fic. *nod nod* He's screwed, whether it comes before or after 'Imaginary' is finished. I've already drawn pictures. *evil grin*
[1] '...in the nude.' *guilty grin* I just couldn't help myself. Now that you've read this once, for fun, go read through the chapter again and add 'in the nude' to all the sexual innuendo. I did that and laughed so hard I busted my tailbone when I fell out of the chair. ^_^;;; One of my favorites was 'I want to get out of here before Noin and Une return...in the nude' and 'I don't see Q-man or the Unibang anywhere in the nude, do you?'
(I'm amused -very- easily if you all haven't noticed by now)
*ahem* Anywho! Click! Review! Flame! Whichever suits...then go check out my latest insane musing (no pun intended) 'Imaginary'!
^_^;;; Onegai?
Wufei: Onna, at least wait until the END of the chapter to get all sentimental.
*sniffle* Fine.
*ahem* Anywho, I sincerely apologize for the lateness in this chapter. The day after I posted the Author's Notes, I was unexpectedly slammed with a huge project for Spanish and was stuck spending my entire Friday, Saturday, and Sunday making a stupid piñata for Cinco de Mayo and planning a party for the class. *sigh* The evilness of my Spanish teacher, blame him! It's his fault! But like I said, this chapter, being the last, is literally twice as long and fun as any of the others! ^_^ And if it starts dragging towards the end...well, I just spent my weekend elbow-high in paper mache' and glue with less than a grand total of three hours of sleep over the course of four days, so you try writing ten pages after that.
And my heart won out on the pairing. It's gonna be 2x5, but I'm leaving the end open for a chance at 1x2x5. (Especially if I'm feeling generous and decide to write a sequel after I rid myself of all the other fics spinning around in my poor, battered mind) Just think, I could have done blasphemy and tried to pair Heero with...
Dorothy of the Eviler-than-Treize's Eyebrows. *shudder* Just the mere thought of it...x.x
Evil ban on NC-17 keeps my lemon-ness within boundaries, but I tried. I don't think I'll be writing a full lemon, so if you want to insert one yourself where I leave off, then by all means amuse yourself. Just be sure to send me a copy. *winks*
And as for the confusion over Heero and the club, the guy can't look suspicious can he? If he suddenly vanishes and Zechs and Treize's turned-to-dust, nonexistent whereabouts surface, Heero's ass would be in big trouble. I explain more in the chapter because Duo asks the same thing, so read on and have your questions satisfied. ^_^
Anywho, some quick replies to reviews before I continue...
IchigoPocky: *wipes tears from eyes* Oh Goddess I laughed so hard...'so many limbs to keep track of'!!! That was hilarious.
Jalee: You would be surprised of the things Duo can think about during serious moments...*hentai grin* I think there's a few of those moments in here, so there'll be plenty of amusement. ^_^
Shella: *nod nod* I know what ya mean. I've kept it 2x5, but left insinuations at possible 1x2x5, and I'm not gonna say much because it'll give it all away, but Wufei and Duo win over Heero and make everything all better. ^_^ For the moment anyway. And I try to not make one person dominate in lemon scenes, I try to keep it at an equal balance. Though I think I have Duo more...dominance over Wufei than vice versa. But for good reason. I think you'll enjoy it. ^_^ And as for the un-vampirism and such, what can you say? I'm a sucker for pain and angst. I don't think anyone would have expected it to be all warm and fuzzy, but I like making people squirm. *evil grin* Squirming is good. So you think I did a satisfactory job on the Heero un- bastardization thing? I was worried it was a bit rushed, but if everyone else is fine with it, then it's all good. And I make up for the distrust issue, honestly I couldn't live with the guilt I created when I wrote that scene, so I make it all better. ^_^ And believable. Hopefully it's believable anyways. *ahem* But yes, considering the last time Heero was told the person he was looking for was upstairs, it was Treize and Zechs, so he learned his lesson real quick about disturbing the love. ^_^ And I totally agree with you on that there isn't enough shoujo-ai around here. Or anywhere for that matter. With the exception of anything Sailor Moon, cause there's nothing to do -but- write yuri with the Senshi. *grin* Especially when it's Haruka and Michiru.
Scarlettrose12: Awww, you really like my little story? Okay, so it's not quite -little-, but you know what I mean...Thankies! I'm glad you're enjoying this! ^_^
Joon and Poe: And 2x5 it is! ^_^ And as much as I didn't want this over either...quite frankly, if I didn't end it, I would have driven myself even more crazy than I already am. *sweatdrop*
Avenged Suffering: LOL! Well, I don't exactly establish 1x2x5, but I'm leaving it as an open possibility at the end. If I ever write a sequel to this, then I'll probably focus on their threesome. *nod nod* Maybe have Noin seek revenge or something and have Heero get sanctuary with Duo and the crew. ^_^ But it's only an 'if I write' thought.
Dark Ice: If you were able to thoroughly enjoy the last chapter, then I've done my job. ^_^ I aim, mostly, to please to the readers, and if I do, then go me. *sweatdrop* But yes, this is ending up 2x5, but I don't leave Heero hanging. ^_^ I would never do that to my poor Hee-chan!
Yami Suisho: Of course what you think matters! I'm always using my reviewers responses to beef up my stories and boost my big ego. ^_^ Hopefully you'll like this just as much as the rest of the story!!
SanosukeLover-Milly Maxwell: It may be 2x5, but Hee-chan isn't going to be stuck alone! ^_^
SlytherinDreams: Yesh, it's 2x5. And as I explained in my Author Notes and will explain more in this chapter, Heero took on Zechs and Treize's club so as not to look suspicious. If he suddenly disappeared or anything, Noin and Une would have thrown up red flags and he would be in -big- trouble. But yeah...And as for the reference...just pure humor. ^_^ Only Duo-channerz would think of something like that...
Kinishi: You sat for FOUR straight hours reading my fic? O.O Wow. I do that all the time with good stories and get into so much trouble for staying online too long, but for someone to do that with -my- fic...I'm humbly honored. If you like the 2x5 pairing, I have another fic too that's 2x5, in fact, two others. The first story I ever posted here, 'Of Blood And Tears', is 2x5, and my new project 'Imaginary' is going to end up being 2x5 (Once I make Duo sane again that is.). But I know how you feel; you really don't see many 2x5 fics. *nod nod* And as for Heero...he's just PMSing, he'll get over it. ^___^ Wufei could have killed Treize himself, would have been more satisfactory, but just the sire dying, no matter who killed him, would un- vampire anyone he had turned. Now Duo's suicidal stunt...that's just Duo being Duo. Heh.
Iruka Yuywell: Hope you enjoy this final chapter! ^_^
Ravenquills: ^_^;;;; Well, I made you wait forever for this chapter, didn't I? *sweatdrop* Blame my Spanish teacher and his stupid piñatas. Though I got an A+ on my 'original' piñata, it meant a good four days' delay on this final chapter. *sigh* Honestly, if I hadn't been slammed with the project, I would have this out almost a week ago. But hopefully I made up for it with making the chapter twice as long and twice as fun. ^_^
Smiley-person: *happy dance* Threesome threesome threesome! ^_^ *guilty grin* Unfortunately, I didn't end this as 1x2x5...but there's always next time.
Lexington: OMG! My best friend talks like Gollum allllll the time!!! In fact, her nickname for me is her 'Preciousss'. We're always freaking people out when we get our little 'Preciousss' act started, cause she can sound -just- like Gollum. ^_^ Anywho. Back on topic...gomen ne, but there isn't 1x2x5. Insinuation of possible 1x2x5, but no 1x2x5.
Tsunami-baka: Gomen nasai for taking so long! *bows profusely* Damn Spanish teachers...*grumbles darkly* If I write a sequel, there'll be 1x2x5, but for now, it's just gonna be 2x5. *sigh* But I'm glad you're enjoying this, I try my best. ^_^ I pulled out all the character and description plugs to make this last chapter the greatest! (Hopefully)
Mars: ^___^ Intense, ne? That's nothing compared to what I'm going to be writing with 'Imaginary'. The intense-angstness in here will pale to the uberly intense-angstness of 'Imaginary'. And to think I was trying to get -away- from the angst. *sigh* Ah well, there's always the School Girl Wufei fic to write too. *hentai grin* I told ya I was gonna redeem Heero -somehow-, but I didn't exactly know -how- until I was inspired when writing the last chapter. ^_^ Helping un-vampire Wufei seemed like the perfect solution to his redemption. *nod nod*
Solus Nox: Screw the white robes and halo, just let Heero go Eternal Sailor Moon-style and be entirely nude with angel wings sprouting from his back. ^_______^ And don't worry about the lame excuses, did you hear my 'Kill the Spanish teacher for making me delay this chapter with his stupid piñata project' reason? Well, it's not really an excuse, cause I seriously worked hard on it, but still, it kept me from getting on and posting the story. *sigh*
Fallen: Ooo...I luff the name. 'Fallen' ish the name of Evanescence's new CD. *purr* I luff Evanescence...*ahem* Anywho. Yes, lots of fun stuff is gonna happen now that I've thrown in all those fun twists. ^_^ You just gotta read to find out!
Blue Bunny: Gomen ne, but no threesome (for now). But only for this story...I might write a threesome next time. ^^;;; But hopefully you'll enjoy it either way!!
Ryoko-onee: No, Heero is not, and can never be (unless there's some unknown cure for purebloods), human. Being a pureblood, Heero does not have a sire that turned him, he was born a vampire and thus has never been human. Hence, what he agreed with Wufei about when Wufei blew up at him about not understanding. But Heero shot -Wufei's- sire (Treize) and helped him regain humanity though. There isn't any major conflicts being made in this chapter, being the last chapter, but all the other conflicts will get their much-needed closure. ^_^
*ahem* Now on with the end...*sniffle*
***
He didn't know how the empath did it, but the next thing Wufei -did- know was that he was being pulled along through the endless sea of bodies by Duo without any of the vampires sensing them, and in no time at all, they were outside. Cool air flowed over his flushed skin, the calm breeze toying with wisps of his hair like fingertips...then he realized someone actually -was- doing that and blinked his leaden eyes open owlishly. Duo had let go his hand and was tapping the tip of his nose with an apologetic, yet slightly amused, smile.
"Relish the moment in a few blocks, Fei," he admonished in mockingly stern tone. "We gotta get out of range before Q-man's pseudo-bloodsucker cover tires out."
"Oh right- sorry," Wufei stammered sheepishly, pink tingeing his cheeks. He hadn't considered how much the raging emotions from their encounter must have taxed the blonde Arabian, let alone how much he must be using now to keep them safe in spite of the mental and physical exhaustion he was surely suffering.
Duo, who seemed to sense his discomfort at his unintentional disregard, only widened his smile consolingly before following with a teasing laugh at the Asian's blush. He grabbed his hands once more and dragged him along after Quatre and Trowa, who had already disappeared underneath the sweeping willow trees. Wufei was perfectly content with allowing the amethyst-eyed teen haul him down the sidewalk while he watched his long braid flicker back and forth like a pleased cat would its tail and listened to Duo as he chattered cheerfully about absolutely nothing in particular. He admired how he could so easily recover his usual never-ending buoyancy after a night such as the one they were having, it took a great deal of strength to be able to do that with such effortlessness, when he himself was still attempting to readjust his reeling senses. Another good reason to just let himself be led around, because otherwise, he would stop again and space out.
"Do you guys think it's too late to pick up some food on the way home, 'cause I dunno about you, but I'm -starving-!" To emphasize his point, Duo's stomach decided to growl loudly.
"What would be open at four in the morning?" Trowa asked mildly.
"McDonald's!" he answered instantly.
"Oh gross Duo, not fast food," Quatre grimaced. "I don't know how you can eat that stuff."
"Well first you gotta take off the wrapper since I don't think paper is all too edible and-"
"That's no amusing. Besides, we have enough at the apartment anyway."
"But-" (Wufei did not have to see his face to know the impending pout was beginning to form.)
"No Duo." Trowa interrupted evenly to end the discussion and indicating that further argument would not be tolerated.
"Fine," Duo sighed melodramatically.
Wufei snickered. "You act like such a little kid sometimes."
"Well somebody's gotta make up for those two straitlaced lovebirds, don't they?" he snorted.
"Why be childish when you're more than childish enough for all of us?" Quatre countered amusedly, his 'straitlaced' lover smirking in agreement.
"I'm glad I'm so loved," he replied wryly.
"For whatever it's worth, -I- care about you, so forget them and let's go run off together. We can live happily ever after." Wufei added in jest and Duo suddenly stopped mid-stride, turning to him with a very intent expression.
"Do you really mean it, 'Fei?"
"I- uh-" He could feel the heat returning to his face as his serious gaze bore into his embarrassed one. "-well of course I meant it."
Duo's solemn visage split into a disturbingly evil grin and he threw himself ecstatically at Wufei before he could register what was happening, sending them both tumbling ungracefully to the ground in the process. "I -knew- you loved me, Wu-bear!"
Trowa smiled slyly. "You heard him, little one. They're going to go off and elope; we're not needed here." Quatre laughed and they started walking away, leaving the Asian to fend for himself against the alluring advances of Shinigami.
"NO! Wait! I was only kidding about the running away part!"
"It's too late now, 'Fei..." Duo's grin widened as he straddled his hips and pinned his arms above his head, leaning in so close that their noses nearly touched. "You're allll mine."
Wufei felt like his heart was about to burst from how fast it was racing in his chest and it wasn't about to slow down any time soon. "Can't the 'happily ever after' part wait until we get home at least?" He kissed him persuasively. "Please?"
Duo groaned resignedly. "Damn the kiss- why do you have to be so good?"
"Do I take that as a 'yes'?"
He grumbled inaudibly and reluctantly got up, helping Wufei to his feet as they brushed off the grass and dirt from their clothes. Quatre and Trowa had not gone far and were patiently standing at the street corner when the two caught up with them, continuing on their way.
"You better keep your word, Wu," Duo glared playfully.
"Or what?" Wufei asked.
"Er- haven't thought about it yet..." he bit his lip thoughtfully. "But it'll be hell when I come up with something."
"Nothing you do can be worse than anything I haven't experienced before."
"We'll see about that." Duo flashed another wicked grin as they came upon their apartment complex.
Quatre and Trowa trailed behind as they watched Duo haul Wufei over to the staircase ahead of them and disappear while they waited for the elevator.
"It's a good thing that our bedroom is at the other end of the hallway from his or we'll be up all day," Quatre commented wryly, getting onto the lift and snuggling closer to Trowa as the doors shut.
***
At the apartment, Wufei hesitated inside the doorway and surveyed the place he now called 'home'. His discarded blanket and pillow were still strewn on the couch across from the loveseat, and, as he followed Duo into the hall, his clothes were sitting on the sink in the bathroom, folded neatly. Little traces of him were scattered throughout the dwelling, and despite the fact that he only been there for a day and a night, he felt entirely at ease the second he entered.
"Are you comfortable with this?" Duo inquired tentatively, noting his hesitance. "I mean, I know I can never get you back to your home by the bar, but..." He had not forgotten what they had said to each other at 'Chasing The Dragon'. He had lived up to every word about helping the Chinese teen get what he wanted, he had told him how to become human again and then some...
But now that he had what he wanted, what happened? Sure they had been so close at the party and they had had that moment afterwards while joking about running away together...though he was beginning to doubt.
"Even if I could go back there...I wouldn't," Wufei replied quietly. "Of course I would love to, but I've gone to Hell and back more times then I can count. I've changed so much since then; it wouldn't be home to me anymore. No...here, with you, is home to me now." He paused, embarrassed. "I asked a lot of you and you did more then what I asked, I don't know how I'll ever be able to express my gratitude-" Duo pressed a finger to his mouth.
"Don't. You don't owe me anything, so don't even think about it," he removed his finger and kissed him. Just him saying home was here with him was all he needed; though he wasn't about to admit that out loud.
But Wufei didn't need hear it, he already knew as he returned the kiss, deeper and all chastity was thrown out the window. Duo backed slowly further into the bedroom and guided him along, careful not to trip over any of the randomly thrown objects on floor and at the same time not wanting to break the embrace, Wufei moving along in fluid balance. His hands crept up his shirt as the Asian's feather light touch managed to remove the rubber band and release his plaited waves of silky chestnut hair before he even realized it. Duo bit his lip playfully as he drew away long enough to tug off Wufei's shirt and his own loose black tank top, reveling for a moment in the glow of soft caramel skin against his own as they kissed again.
Wufei lowered Duo onto the bed with utmost tenderness, his secure grip sliding from around his slender waist to gently stroke down the nape of his neck to his chest, earning an ecstatic purr as he entwined a few satin strands of hair with his fingers. Duo's mouth began to wander down his chin to his throat; sending palpable shivers through Wufei as his tongue caught a particularly sensitive spot above the hollow. A mischievous gleam lit up in his amethyst eyes and he took advantage of his brief weakness, snaking his arms around his muscular torso to pull him near enough to pin him underneath, turning the tables.
If Wufei had been shocked at the sudden change in positions, he didn't have a chance to show it before Duo pounced, intent on only one thing.
Finding all of Wufei's weak spots and making good use of them.
***
They did not wake up until well after nightfall.
Even then, it was -very- reluctantly.
It took a second for Wufei's brain to register why he was engulfed in skin melting warmth and the overwhelmingly fragrant scent of lavender vanilla, pools of golden brown hair flowing over him and mingling with his own raven tendrils. Why there was a slightly smaller body curled up contently in his embrace, using his shoulder as a pillow with a pleased smile gracing his ethereal features as he slept. Then the previous evening's events and 'celebration' trickled back into his foggy mind.
Wufei kissed Duo's forehead softly, letting himself dissolve in the relaxing heat once more, not wanting to get up and ruin the moment of heaven he was currently basking in. Someone had once told him that you had to suffer to get anything good out of life and he realized, after all the endless nights he had spent wondering what he had ever done to deserve the hell he had gone through, that all the torment from the past two years was meant for moments like these.
The perfect moments of sheer bliss.
"Ne, 'Fei, what are you thinking so hard about?..." Duo yawned sleepily, nuzzling further into his shoulder.
"About how we have to get up eventually and how much I don't want to."
"Then it's settled, close your eyes and we'll go back sleep until we can't sleep any longer," he murmured fuzzily, already drifting off again as he spoke.
"As good as that sounds, you do realize it's almost midnight right now, don't you?" Wufei replied amusedly.
"Mmmm- Ww- WHAT?? You're shitting me!"
He chuckled as Duo's head shot up instantly, barely missing his chin as he glanced over to the neon clock on the computer desk by his bed. "I shit you not, and that mouth of yours is rather unflattering in the bedroom."
"Didn't hear you complaining earlier, now did I?" he grinned shamelessly as Wufei went tomato red.
"Well-" he cleared his throat roughly. "-that was different." The predatory glint sparked back to life in his gaze as Duo smirked at his flustered response, and it didn't help any. "Er- since we're up- and- uh, all- we might as well get some clothes on and-" The spiel was cut short with a tiny mewl of protest as he kissed him.
"You're so adorable when you get all spun up and stammer like that," Duo cooed teasingly, pinching his flaming cheek. "I just couldn't resist."
Wufei muttered something unintelligibly under his breath before lunging out in retaliation, tackling him over the edge of the bed and onto the carpet...
"ITAI! I landed on your belt!"
...in the nude. [1]
Duo squirmed underneath him and the tangled blankets, dragging out the black pants he -had- been wearing and glaring at them. "Damn thing..."
He couldn't help himself, despite the great lose of dignity in his...revealing position, Wufei snickered. "You're so adorable when you get pissed off," he mocked, patting the side of his face as he got up and pulled on some clothes while Duo struggled to free himself from the bed sheets and follow suit, braiding his hair as he went.
"And you griped about -my- mouth! You're worse than Q-man, you know that? All sweet and innocent one minute, then suddenly- BAM! The Evil Side just springs up and bites you in the ass," he grumbled, gingerly rubbing where the belt had impacted on the small of his back. "Literally."
"Like you're one to talk," Wufei snorted.
Once properly dressed again, the two went out into the living room where a note in Quatre's flowing, elegant script sat on the coffee table in front of the loveseat.
'Didn't want to disturb you, so we left already. If you get this before we return, go downtown and meet us at the 'Marquis' by three.
-Quatre'
"'Marquis'? What the hell is the 'Marquis'?" Duo asked, eyeing the note suspiciously as if it were some sort of practical joke. "Do you know what it is, Wu?"
"I don't think I do..." Wufei's brow furrowed thoughtfully. "No- I remember Heero mentioning it once or twice, it's a club."
"Ah, so I take it they found a new haunt, eh?"
"I never got information about it, I just heard of it from him," he shrugged. "It was one of the places Relena used to tow him to, and I assumed it was a club."
"Relena?" Duo raised an eyebrow. "That -thing- with the annoyingly high-pitched voice I got jumped by?"
Wufei grimaced painfully, unconsciously rubbing his ears. "Yes."
"Poor guy..." he shook his head sympathetically. "Well, we might as well go now, 'cause it might take us a while to find the place." He went over to the hall closet and rummaged around, searching for weapons. He had forgotten that he had lost his the night before, thus it took a bit longer to dig out the spares.
It felt weird at first to Wufei when they walked so openly outside, being used to having to hide and sneak around in the shadows for so long. It was like the weight of all the passersby's stares were all on him; as if they knew what he had been and despised him for it.
Okay, a little too melodramatic. Though no one was staring or despising him, it still felt awkward. But Duo was there beside him, and his anxiety must have been evident because he clasped his hand with a firm squeeze to reassure him that no one was about to jump out of the darkness to try to attack him for being a traitor. Sometimes Wufei wondered if he too had some type of empathy like the blonde Arabian, he just knew the right things to do at the right time to such a degree that it was as if he could read his mind.
As they reached the downtown area, he got comfortable with his surroundings again, going as far as slipping an arm just above the gun holster (how odd did -that- sound?) around Duo's waist. He looked mildly surprised at first, having not been expecting an unabashed move so soon, but smiled slyly all the same.
For them, the 'Marquis' was harder to find than they had thought it would be, the club was tucked away out of the mainstream, the kind of place that only regulars would go to. The blue neon light shone eerily on the pavement, blending just as ghostly with the black shadows around it, the door was open to the sidewalk as sensuous jazz rolled out from within on smoky wings.
There was no sign of Quatre and Trowa, even though it was almost half past three.
"Do you think they're inside?" Duo asked apprehensively, his guard up considerably. He could sense the vampires residing in the club, but there were only a few.
"Let's go in and find out," Wufei shrugged. "If they're not, we'll go back out to the street. I don't like the feel of this place and don't want to stay for too long if I can help it."
***
Heero sat at the end of the bar counter, account books and timetables spread out before him as he skimmed through them halfheartedly. He hadn't been able to shake the guilt-tinged disappointment. To make things worse, Noin had -not- taken his news well when Une broke it to her and when Heero had returned that night to get the aforementioned account books and timetables to get familiar with Zechs' business style, she had laid it on him -hard-.
And when he said hard it really meant bone-smashing, eardrum- splitting, breaking-everything-within-arms'-reach rage.
First she started accusing him for when Sally, Hilde, and Relena had been killed while doing a 'favor' for him, which was true (yelling). He had been the one to have Relena coax the two into helping her attack Duo in the park. Before he could apologize, she railed on about how shitty he had been treating Wufei just because he sought refuge with slayers, which, again, was quite true (throwing shot glasses). Then she continued vehemently by (the shot glasses were replaced by full bottles) putting the blame on him for getting Zechs and Treize killed by manipulating them into agreeing with his 'stupid, pointless plan' against Wufei, which, yet again, was also true.
By the time Noin had ranted her rage out, there were twenty shot glasses, fifteen liquor bottles, and a barstool that had knocked a table over strewn across the club floor around an unscathed Heero. Luckily they hadn't been open, so there had been time to clean up after her explosion, and he had readily given her the night off before Une could even suggest it.
Needless to say, after that and the fact that he had been stuck alone in the confides of his maddeningly silent apartment all day unable to sleep, all he wanted to do was bang his head on the counter.
Repeatedly.
Until he was rendered unconscious.
Heero's frustrated train of thought was interrupted as two people entered the club behind him, whispering to themselves.
"I don't see Q-man or the Unibang anywhere, do you?"
"No. Maybe he wrote down the wrong club name."
He whirled around on the barstool and faced a very...interesting scene. Wufei and Duo were standing in the threshold, the braided slayer's arms hanging loosely from around the Asian's neck as he spoke quietly into his ear. Heero couldn't quite see what he was doing, but whatever Duo was, it had Wufei fighting fiercely at an impending blush. The blush was winning so far, judging by the state of redness blooming across his face.
He wanted so badly to laugh at the comical expression, but instead he asked more rudely than intended, "What are you two doing here?" Yeah, Mister Polite; should have kept your big mouth shut.
"Eh? -HEERO-?" Duo asked incredulously and staring at the Japanese vampire, not making a move to disentangle himself from Wufei. "Hell, what are -you- doin' here? Never took you for being a bar-type."
"I own this place now," Heero scowled darkly. "With Zechs and Treize dead, someone has to do it."
"You make it sound like we forced you to kill them because we -didn't-, that was allll your doing-"
"Duo, please calm down," Wufei said gently, prying the irritated teen off of him before he got strangled in the deathlock that had been beginning to form. "We're -very- appreciative about what you did Heero, aren't we Duo?" He glanced pointedly at him and he nodded, although still annoyed.
"Well don't let me ruin your celebration," Heero replied coolly, turning his back to them and pretending to be reading the accounts books again.
Wufei looked slightly hurt at the cold tone in his voice. "I know we haven't exactly been the greatest...friends, but can't we start over? Just because a few things have changed doesn't mean I'm just going to up and forget everything from the past two years."
"Oh yes, the vampire, the mortal, and the three slayers, I'm sure no one is going to notice."
"What the hell is your problem?" Duo glowered, folding his arms across his chest. "The guy's trying to be nice even though you're being a complete bastard. You could at least show a little consideration."
Heero let out a small, exasperated sigh. "Fine. I retract my last sarcastic remark, happy? But Wufei fully knows that a possible...association can never happen, no matter how much he lies to himself."
"It's true," Wufei added quietly.
"Rules, schmules- who gives a damn? Rules are made to be broken! Wufei broke them, and he's still alive."
"Did last night mean anything to your thick head? I could have shot you both if I wanted to and then you -wouldn't- be alive right now," said Heero flatly.
"You didn't though," Duo pointed out. "And if you had, then I'd be dead. Whatever. I may -look- stupid, but I know what did happen and could have happened, I'm just better at hiding the knowledge. If I die, then I die, if I don't, then great. I don't like brooding over the alternatives because that makes you get paranoid. So how about it, eh? We can -bend- the rules, I mean, they can't do shit if we just happen to show up in here purely by coincidence."
Heero almost appeared surprised. He was being serious about trying to become friends, in spite of all the odds against them that could obstruct it.
Misinterpreting the silence, Wufei hastily added, "Or not. We've caused enough trouble as it is; we don't need to instigate any more-"
"Us? -Not- cause trouble? No way," Duo faked a horrified expression at the thought of being a perfect angel. "Impossible, especially when we're alone..."
"Oh spare us from your melodramatics," he rolled his eyes. "You knew what I meant."
"Come on, this is a bar, not your bedroom. We don't need to hear what goes on behind closed doors."
Both Duo and Wufei looked at Heero in bafflement as he smirked, although barely. He glanced up at the neon clock and started to gather all the account books up, taking them behind the counter and upstairs to put away.
"I want to get out of here before Une and Noin return," Heero answered to their questioning gazes, wincing slightly. "I don't need any more shot glasses or stools thrown at me."
"Shot glasses and stools?" Wufei arched an eyebrow.
"Hn."
"I'll take that as a 'Don't Ask' kinda 'Hn'," Duo said dryly. "Is it because they didn't want you taking over the club? 'Cause if that's the case, then let them have it and you can 'disappear' for a while until things smooth over." They were out in the adjoining alleyway now, slipping unnoticed into the shadows as they talked.
"If I do 'disappear', it would only make me more suspicious."
"Didn't think about it that way..." he replied pensively, then shrugged. "You would know better then I would though, and it was just a suggestion."
"They were close to Zechs and Treize, weren't they?" Wufei asked solemnly, his features dark. He had not considered the repercussions that killing the two vampires would create. Even though Heero had been the one who did it, had he known the consequences? Surely he had known the women were good friends with them or else he would not have asked them to have been the ones who confronted Quatre, Trowa, and himself at the apartment complex. Suddenly, his granted wish for humanity seemed very selfish.
"Yes, but they'll get over it eventually," Heero shrugged as carelessly as the braided slayer had.
"Ouch. Damn, that's a bit harsh isn't it?" Duo grimaced.
"No. Life is full of disappointments, you learn to accept them and move on quick enough or immortality would be hell to endure."
"I obviously wasn't able to do that, now was I?" remarked Wufei with a touch of morbid humor in his voice. "No wonder I was so damn miserable."
"Aa, I didn't help any though."
Duo stopped and stared at Heero like he had grown a second head. "Did you actually admit to doing something -wrong-?" They both glared at him and he threw up his hands in self-defense. "I was only kidding! Geez...Lighten up a little."
"To think, I have to put up with this insanity for the rest of my life...Out of the pan and into the fire."
"Hey!" Duo puffed up indignantly. "I resent that."
Wufei smirked smugly. "Don't you mean 'resemble'? Who else is crazy enough to call himself 'Shinigami'?"
They had reached the mainstream area once more and it was time to part ways. Duo hung back respectfully at the opening of the alley to give Wufei a private moment with Heero before they had to split.
"I honestly meant it when I told you I appreciated what you did," Wufei said humbly.
"I did my good deed for the eternity, so don't expect it to happen again any time soon," replied Heero stiffly, though he couldn't meet the Chinese teen's gaze.
"Would you really not mind us just 'showing up' at the club?" he continued tentatively. "Because if it's going to be a problem we won't."
He hesitated. If they were caught...
"No, I wouldn't mind."
With that, Heero stepped away and vanished into the crowd, but he couldn't hide the small smile before the two saw it.
"How about we go find our scheming lovebirds and strangle them?" Duo asked in playful annoyance, slipping his arms around Wufei's waist as they started walking in the opposite direction.
"What are you talking about?"
"The evil blonde tricked us! You didn't realize it? He so totally set us up in meeting Heero!" he exclaimed. "Not that it's a bad thing though."
They continued in easy silence and the darkness around them began to tint with gray as morning inconspicuously crept over the gloom. Soon they reached the apartment building and got onto the elevator.
"We just missed our floor," Wufei said suddenly, breaking the calm.
"I know."
"Then where are we going?"
"Somewhere," Duo answered cryptically. The lift stopped at the last floor and he pulled Wufei along to the narrow staircase across the vacant hallway that opened to the roof, the reddening light spilling over them as they emerged from the stairs. Wufei's hand instinctively shot up to cover his face before common sense made him drop it to his side again in evident self- consciousness.
"I bet it's been a while since you've seen a sunrise, eh?"
"Too long...but now there will be many more to follow, and I'll be sharing them with the person I love."
He kissed Duo softly.
"I love you too, 'Fei."
_________________________________________________________________ ______________
The End
*sob* It's over!!!!! *snuggles computer screen* I can't believe it...I've been working on this story since December. Almost five months. That's the longest time I've ever spent on a story, which is obvious, seeing how this is the longest story I've ever written...almost half a year! Wow. *shock*
And I think ending my fics in 'I love you's has become something of a signature trademark to me...the angst! The drama! ...the sappiness. Boy do I have the biggest soft spot for sap (but don't tell anyone that! *shifty eyes*)...
Speaking of angst, I've once again started another angsty fic called 'Imaginary'. The first two chapters have already been posted and for those who have already read and reviewed to them are truly wonderful-ness. ^_______^
And if I have a moment of non-angstiness before the end of 'Imaginary', then I'm gonna write the School Girl Wufei fic. *nod nod* He's screwed, whether it comes before or after 'Imaginary' is finished. I've already drawn pictures. *evil grin*
[1] '...in the nude.' *guilty grin* I just couldn't help myself. Now that you've read this once, for fun, go read through the chapter again and add 'in the nude' to all the sexual innuendo. I did that and laughed so hard I busted my tailbone when I fell out of the chair. ^_^;;; One of my favorites was 'I want to get out of here before Noin and Une return...in the nude' and 'I don't see Q-man or the Unibang anywhere in the nude, do you?'
(I'm amused -very- easily if you all haven't noticed by now)
*ahem* Anywho! Click! Review! Flame! Whichever suits...then go check out my latest insane musing (no pun intended) 'Imaginary'!
^_^;;; Onegai?