Yes I am evil. I'm sorry for cutting this up BUT its getting obscenely long. That last chapter didn't seem to go over very well considering how few reviews I got respectively. I hope this ending lives up to everyone's expectations! *  Is nervous *  Thank you very very very much to those who did review!   

Disclaimer: I didn't own the boys when I started, and I don't own them now.

Warnings: You know my drill; fluff, angst, fluff, angst, fluff, angst …and a tiny surprise.

'Chapter 13 ~ Into the Sunset' ( part2)

The quiet car ride home gave me much needed time to think. 

Thankfully, the recommended trip to the florist proved very productive. I purchased two-dozen roses, one-dozen red and one-dozen yellow. Apparently, yellow symbolizes friendship and red symbolizes love. I'm still debating over which bouquet would be most appropriate under the circumstances; I don't want to be too overbearing with my feelings. That might frighten Duo. After all, I did promise him to take it slow.

My braided beauty had been grinning ear to ear since we left the hospital.  Lost in his own little world, Duo sat slumped over and gazed out of the passenger side window. Holly and Sara hand signed all the proper release forms and granted him a clean bill of health. Everything had come out above average and both ladies made a point to note that no patient had ever recovered at such an amazing rate.

Duo Maxwell was now clear for work, all outdoor activities, and even space travel. He was elated.

However, as we pulled up to the house, I was still feeling uneasy: and the pink limo sitting in the driveway only made me more fearful.

Christ, couldn't she have a least bothered to hide the car?

"Umm Heero? What is Relena doing here?"  Duo asked eyes narrowed in suspicion. 

 "Maybe she stopped by to congratulate you on your recovery?"

I hate lying, especially to Duo. But for the sake of surprising him, I guess I must. 

Duo sighed and leaned back as I turned off the engine. "Somehow I doubt that."

"Shh." I placed a finger on his lips and then quickly replaced it with a soft kiss. " You just grab the mail and run in the house. I'll see what she wants."

He complied and hopped out of the car, throwing Relena a scowl and trotting off.

"Nice to see you too, Duo!" She called after him, giggling.

The two of them have never really gotten along, damned if I know why. They are the two closest friends I have and I really wish they'd at least make an effort to be civil once and a while. Duo always said 'he wouldn't trust her as far as he could throw her'.  Its quite possible he just can't trust diplomats after all the crap we endured during the wars… or maybe its jealousy?

I rested my temple on the steering wheel for a second to get my mind in order. I could spend all damn day speculating as to why those two can't just be friends; but not today.

I lifted my head and pushed open the driver's door, stepping out.

Today I have a date with death, and he gets fussy when I keep him waiting.

Running to great me with a warm hug, Relena beamed mischievously. "Oh Heero, do I have a surprise for you!" She gleamed, placing her index finger on my nose to emphasize her statement.

"This better be good, Relena, or else ~"

"I know. I know. You'll kill me, right? Heero I thought we'd gotten past that phase of our relationship." Mockingly she pouted for a second and then burst into giggles. " Oh, you'll like this I promise. Now follow me!"

Without another word she grabbed my arm and pulled me off toward the back of the house. All the while I silently prayed, fearing disaster.

"Wait. Wait." She suddenly stopped and pulled something from her back pocket. "First put this on."

I glanced down at her outstretched hand to see she was clutching a long black piece of cloth. Eyeing her curiously, I took it and let my fingers run over the silky fabric.

"What am I supposed to do with this?"

"It's a blindfold silly! Now put it on."

"Relena, didn't I specifically ask you ~"

"Psht, it's nothing kinky."

She grabbed the blindfold from me and began to wrap it around my eyes despite my protest.

"There now. You'll get the full experience."

Great. I wonder what she means by that? No time to argue now I suppose.

"Lead the way Relena."

With that she clasped my hand and slowly guided me the rest of the way around the house. I could smell the salty air of the lake and feel the texture of the sand beneath my feet. I hadn't been back on the beach since Duo and I had fought here.

Relena carefully positioned me and when finally satisfied with where I stood, she untied the silky cloth.

"Ta Da!" She exclaimed and bounced up and down clapping her hands together.

The early afternoon sun beat down on the crystal blue waves rushing against the sand. The air smelt crisp and carried the songs of local birds. Before me lay a large white blanket, spread out to be about six feet long and eight feet wide. Staked into the ground about the blanket was a tent of the same white shade. Open on the end facing the water and draped in what looked like a gauzy, mosquito net type material, that was almost transparent. On the corners of the blanket set clusters of white and violet candles, varying in size. The floor of the partial enclosure had been sprinkled with white rose petals and violets. Pristine china was laid out in a place setting for two. Wind chimes and ribbons hung from a support bar in the center of the tent structure and danced in the gentle breeze.

My eyes went wide in awe.

"Well? What do you think Heero?"

I turned to Relena, my mouth open like a fish gasping for water. I couldn't even begin to find the words. Instead I just scooped her up in my arms and whipped her around, both of us laughing.

"I'll take that to mean you like?"

"YES! How did you do this?!"

"A girl never reveals her secrets, Heero. Suffice it to say, I had a little help."

I just keep looking from Relena back to the set up on the beach, totally shocked. "This is too perfect."

"Well, that's not all." She winked and ran over to grab a shopping bag that sat on the blanket. Rummaging through tits contents, she thrust into my hands a book. 'Sex for Dummies ™' what do ya know? Someone did write an instruction manual for this crap.

"It's for when you two decide things need to move a bit faster." She explained and I blushed.

"Umm…thanks."

"Ok." Relena began to elaborate on how things would proceed for the evening. "I went to the best seafood restaurant in the area and got you two lobster, crab legs, and whole bunch of other yummy stuff. I hope Duo's not allergic to shell fish."

"I doubt he's ever had it, Relena. I know I haven't."

"Oh good. Then you'll both get to try something new. But it has to go into the oven on a low setting to stay warm until it's time to bring the food out here. I suggest waiting until right before sunset to bring Duo out, and use the blindfold like I did with you. That way it's a total surprise. Just keep him out of the yard until then. Oh and there's white wine too. I got glass jars for the candles to go in so the whole setup doesn't go up in flames. Just don't leave them lit, got it?"  

I nodded.

"Good, then help me get the food out of the car and I'll leave you two love birds alone. Now what were you planning on wearing?"

"I honestly hadn't given it much thought."

She threw her arms in the air and glared at me, annoyed. "Well come on then. I can't be expected to do everything now can I? Don't you know anything about dating? These things matter!" 

Relena grabbed my arm again, this time to pull me into the house. I guess I still have a lot to learn today.

* * * * *

Finally, everything was arranged.

Relena and I said our 'good-byes' and she preceded wish me luck before driving off. The food had been stowed in the oven and I was dressed. After rummaging through my narrow wardrobe, the two of us agreed upon a rather snug pair of stone washed jeans and a hunter green button down shirt, which Relena suggested I leave open and unbuttoned.

For a long while, I stood before the full-length mirror, fussing with my attire. Eventually I decided that she had been right, the outfit looked better if I forgot modesty. After all, its not as if Duo hasn't already seen me bare-chested.   

After running back out to the car to collect my two-dozen roses, I carefully arranged the flowers next to Duo's plate. The only thing missing now was the guest of honor.

The violet-eyed boy was currently positioned smack in front of the television, completely occupied by a video fighting game that he was loosing, quite badly. 

Wandering back in to the house, I found him in the same position as he had been in for the past three hours. Slumped over on the sofa, legs thrown over the armrest, head propped up on a dislocated seat cushion, and body twisted as to face the TV with controller in hand.

"Oh man! Come on and die already! Damn it. Shit. Shit. Shit." Duo profaned as he lost yet another round.

I stood in the doorway, amused by my love's determination and childish charm. He can pilot a gundoniam mobile suit but he can't master a simple video game. Trying my best to keep a straight face, I moved toward the sofa and reached out with one palm to rustle the soft loose hair of his bangs. He paused the game and smiled up at me.

"What did Relena want anyway?"

I shook my head. "Just business Duo."

My second lie for the day but I swore in my heart I'd make it up to him tonight.

"I see. Do you always dress so provocatively for business?" He smirked and moved in closer, kneeling on the couch. Duo's hands reached out and under the open sides of the shirt to rest on my bear back. A soft cheek and fine lashes brushed along my stomach as he nuzzled the sensitive skin there and then rested his chin above my navel, eyes gazing widely at my face.      

I wasn't exactly sure if that was the type of question that warranted an answer. So I just stroked his cheek lovingly and stared into those entrancing purple depths.

"Well now Heero. Is there a reason why little miss Relena gets to see you in such sexy attire and I don't?"

His voice low and husky, laced with undertones of want and lust. Unbearably aroused and yet completely content in our embrace, I traced my thumb along his jaw and pulled him upward for a light kiss that quickly deepened. Before I knew what was happening, I was drawn down onto the sofa and our tongues were battling for dominance. My mind became hazy, lost in the delicious sensation of Duo's yielding lips beneath my own. We parted for air and something in the back of my mind reminded me just why I came back in the house.   

"You need to go get dressed." I breathed heavily. Still trying to will my libido down.

Duo stared up at me quizzically.

"We have a date tonight, remember love?"

Duo groaned and wrapped his arms around my neck. "Can't we just have our date here on the sofa?"

"No." I laughed, kissing his temple. " I have something special planned. Now go get out of those nasty sweats and put on something clean."

"Well how will I know what to put on if you won't tell me where we are going?"  

"It's a surprise. Jeans should be fine."

Like a snake, Duo wiggled out from under me and flopped down on the floor.

"I hate surprises, Heero." He pouted, sprawling out on the carpet.

"You'll like this one."

"Promise?"

"Hai."

"Aw. Ok then."

Peeling himself off the floor, Duo headed to toward our bedroom to change, his braid dancing behind him.

"Oh! Almost forgot! There's a letter for you on the counter." He called back, poking his head around the doorframe and then disappearing again with a sly smile.

 Gleefully anticipating our evening together, I quickly wandered off to the kitchen with a bounce in my step.

Our kitchen still lay in disarray from this morning's chaos. Scattered particles of broken flatware lay on the floor and I had to pick up a chair to walk through the doorway. I shook my head in disgust at the mess Duo and I had created earlier that day.

Why in the world had he been so upset over that question? I wonder if it has something to do with his encounter with Wufei? Could something that occurred so long ago still be bothering him as well?

I stood staring down at the shattered white china before bending down to gather up as many of the shards as I could hold without cutting myself.

Duo Maxwell has been through so much heartache in his lifetime its no wonder he's so protective of his emotions. Yet he is so open and giving that it boggles my mind. Something in regards to his virginity bothers him, I just wish I knew what.

With a sigh I resolved to let the matter rest until my love was prepared to divulge the information himself. 

A simple white envelope, which I assumed to be another bill, lay on the kitchen counter. 

Picking up the packet to examine it more closely, I quickly discovered otherwise. My heart seemed to stop as I stared blankly at the return address, clearly printed in bold black type on the pristine white wrapping.

"Preventer Headquarters."

I swallowed the lump wedged in my throat and tore open the thin envelope with shaking hands…and as I read, the lump only grew larger.

"Preventer Heero Yuy,

            This letter serves as official notification that, as of March 25, AC 127; you will be immediately re-instated to active duty.  A pressing case has surfaced and requires your immediate attention.

A superior officer will be contacting you shortly through a secure Internet connection to provide the necessary details. Obligatory travel arrangements have already been made.

I'm sorry to cut your vacation short, Heero.

                                                            ~Cornel Director Une"

The paper slipped through my fingertips and drifted to lie at my feet.

Three Days. [1]

I only have three days remaining before a new mission begins.  

Travel.

That means I might have to leave Duo.

Duty. I must obey orders, for the sake of all those who gave their lives for peace.

But what about the life I have here?

Duo will understand.

My head began to throb as a swarm of doubts and questions filled my brain. Although painful sensation, it seemed yet somehow familiar. 

Why must I leave him behind?

What the hell is the point of existing if you can't be with the one person you treasure most?

Why are you questioning yourself why you know the appropriate action?

Could I take him with me?

Wouldn't that just put him in the line of fire?

Do I even want to be a Preventer?

 If I left, and the mission failed, wouldn't it be my fault? Do I want more blood on my hands?

If I go, I will most likely have to kill. Do I want to touch Duo with such stained hands?

What if you choose not to go, and as a result, Duo loses his life? What if he is a target?

Duo's life is my life, and therefore I will protect it as though it were my own.

Standing, shaking, and clutching the kitchen counter for balance, I had a moment of clarity then. My life was not my own anymore, I shared it with Duo; therefore I could not take any action without consulting him first. If it were his wish, I will turn in my resignation to Une tomorrow.

But foremost, I had a few things that I had been hiding. Things I had willed away for a time and tried deeply to forget.

There is a reason why I was put on leave.

If Duo and I have any hope to stay together… if I ever want him to open up to me about his secrets… I will have to tell him mine.

TBC…

[1] hmmm now why is this in italics… I wonder who's talking here? Oops…did I wake someone up? (Oh please, alternate personalities can't die.)

Hey look! I made Relena do something right! ^____^

I know I'm evil. This is by far the longest chapter I have ever written, currently totaling 30 pages and still growing as I struggle to finish part 3.

I really want to give this story a happy ending, so I'm working hard!

Onward! To the doki-doki dateo!

Please Review!