Afterimages
Part 5
By Mieren
Wufei spent the next month purposely addressing the kitten by the wrong name, enjoying the indignant look that would appear on Duo's face. He made it a point to complain about the black furball, constantly grumbling about black cat hair on his white clothes. At first, Duo looked upset that he was going to lose his new pet. When he finally realized that the Chinese pilot had no intention of getting rid of the midget cat, he suddenly found the situation hilarious, trying to imagine the black speckling on Wufei's immaculate white clothes.
Shini had taken up riding on Duo's shoulders, hiding beneath his hair. Duo made no attempt to get her to reside elsewhere, despite Wufei's taunting that he would end up with fleas.
Inwardly, Wufei was relieved that the cat had accomplished what he had been unable to. Duo was slowly relaxing, returning to his former self. For awhile, he hesitated on braiding his shortened hair again, afraid that it would upset Shini. After his first session of braided hair, however, he stopped worrying. The little black cat seemed to enjoy slapping around the thick rope of hair.
Once Duo had started speaking again, Wufei went out and bought a few books in Braille for the braided pilot. At first, Duo had simply ran his fingers blankly over the pages, completely lost. After a few days, his fingers began to move more steadily over the small bumps on the pages, Duo's face scrunched up in concentration as he read. He became frustrated easily, but still refused to give up. He only stopped his attempts when Wufei announced that there was food or when Shini attacked his trailing fingers. Even with the distractions, two weeks later he was reading Braille almost as quickly as Wufei could normal text, much to the Chinese pilot's amazement.
Nearly upon the Christmas holidays, Wufei had returned to work, finally comfortable leaving the American pilot alone. The moment he arrived at work, he was surrounded by coworkers that wanted to know about Duo. Wufei quickly overcame his shock at being cornered by several dozen people and responded simply, stating that the American was recovering. Past that, he refused to give details, irritating many of the other Preventers who were worried about the longhaired teen.
After a long day of dodging questions, Wufei sighed in relief when he realized that it was time for him to go home. Before leaving, he checked his email for anything important, frowning at one of the messages staring back at him. With a thoughtful look, he shut down the browser and turned off his computer.
* * *
Arriving home, Wufei greeted Duo as he always did, trying to seem indifferent in one breath while cursing Shini in the next. Shini, as always, was lying across Duo's shoulders, participating in one of her favorite hobbies. Sucking on his ears. The Chinese pilot muttered something about fleas and horrible infectious diseases carried by cats before heading towards the kitchen. As always, this caused Duo to start chuckling. Just to see what would happen, he began grumbling about the legend of cats sucking a person's soul out through their mouth while they slept. Duo actually froze at that, tilting his head to better hear the shorter pilot. After making out what the raven-haired teen was muttering, he simply grinned wider and went back to surfing channels on the television.
Wufei flinched. Even though Duo couldn't see what was on the television, that didn't stop him from watching it. Or listening to it, anyways. For some reason, the American could never stay on any channel for more than ten seconds. Wufei listened to the half sentences of various news broadcasts and talk shows for several minutes before snapping.
"Just pick a channel!" he roared. He heard a giggle. The channels began to jump faster. Wufei cursed loudly. "Pick one or I'll dye Baka fluorescent lime green!"
There was a short pause in the channel hunt. A station was finally selected. Sighing in relief, Wufei continued to work on dinner. He could hear the theme song to some idiotic anime series playing in the next room, but he ignored it. Anything was better than knowing what a hundred different channels were playing every minute.
Wufei waited until dinner was finished cooking and they had both eaten before bringing up the email he had received. He spoke before Duo could move to get up from the table.
"Duo," he began, waiting for a response. He didn't want to bring up the topic at all if the brunette couldn't even hold up a simple conversation. To his surprise, Duo responded immediately.
"Yes?"
"I received an email today about the Christmas party being held this year," he said, stopping purposely. Duo frowned slightly at the minimal information.
"And?"
Wufei had to brace himself, hoping that the American wouldn't respond badly to what he was about so say.
"They're looking for someone to sing at the party," he said quickly. As expected, Duo flinched, so he continued quickly before lost his nerve. "I've heard you in the shower, Maxwell. I know you can sing."
Duo frowned. Emotions flickered across his face faster than Wufei could interpret them. Finally, he let out a heavy breath.
"What… songs?" he grated out.
Wufei slumped into his chair in relief. He was dreading bringing up the topic of dragging Duo into public again. Considering the touchy nature of the brunette, he was amazed that Duo had given in so quickly.
"For the most part, anything you want," he answered. "Just be prepared to take a few requests later on in the night."
Duo's frown deepened. He opened and closed his mouth several times, trying to ask something but losing the nerve before he was able to. Finally, he managed to spit out a question.
"Do you want me to do this?" he asked in a whisper. Amethyst eyes flickered in Wufei's vague direction, slightly fearful.
"Only if you want to," Wufei answered firmly. "I'd like to see you singing, but I won't force you to do anything you don't want to."
Duo scowled. It was obvious that he didn't want to go out, but at the same time, he didn't want to upset Wufei either. Issuing a loud, grumbling sigh, he nodded tersely.
"Can I sing any Valby?" he asked, a mischievous grin slowly forming on his face. Wufei paused, not trusting that expression.
"Who, or what, is Valby?" he asked suspiciously.
Grinning manically, Duo rattled off a few verses of one of his favorite Valby songs. Within the first two phrases, Wufei was running for a tissue to quell his nosebleed.
"NO!" Wufei snapped, still pressing a wad of tissues against his nose in a vain attempt to control the blood flow. "You will sing nothing of his!"
Wufei growled since he knew that Duo couldn't see him scowling. Despite the fact that what Duo had been singing was a Christmas song, it was an extremely demented and perverted song that probably would have sent Wufei into a coma had he heard the entire thing. He had never even considered that The Twelve Days of Christmas could be warped so badly.
The scowl on Wufei's face deepened. Duo was laughing at him, obviously recognizing the slightly nasal quality to his voice as his vain attempt to rid himself of a nosebleed.
Huffing loudly one final time, he calmed down and reclaimed his seat, still watching Duo closely. The braided pilot, though mostly physically recovered, was still skittish, especially around large groups. The one and only time Wufei had tried to take him out with him while running errands, he had been forced to wrestle the hysterical brunette back into the car. Wufei was the only person he allowed near him, and even that wasn't a certain thing. Every now and then, Duo would still try to avoid him, flinching at his presence.
Frowning slightly, Wufei realized that Duo hadn't actually shied away from him in a little over a week. Curious, he extended his arm, placing his hand on Duo's where it rested on the table.
Duo jerked once before going perfectly still, eyes wide. Cursing himself for intentionally scaring his skittish friend, Wufei started to pull his hand back. He had barely moved his fingers away when he stopped, too stunned to move.
The startled expression on Duo's face melted slightly to mild confusion. He shifted his hand, fingers splayed as he searched across the table. Immediately, he located Wufei's hand where it remained motionless a few inches away. Wufei watched carefully, not quite sure what was going through the other boy's mind. He found out a moment later when, after a second of indecisiveness, Duo gingerly placed his hand on top of Wufei's, curling his fingers around the raven-haired boy's hand.
Wufei's jaw dropped. He hadn't been expecting that. To his chagrin, he realized that he must have given Duo the impression that he wanted to hold hands. What shocked him even more was when he realized that he really didn't mind. A slight smile flickered over his lips and he twisted his hand in Duo's delicate grip to hold hands with the American properly. He was instantly rewarded by a hesitant smile, one of the few real ones he had seen since the other boy moved in.
Feeling stupid for sitting at the table holding hands in complete silence, Wufei began squirming slightly. He cleared his throat hesitantly, trying to think of something.
"Go pick a movie," he said, pulling back his hand. Duo blinked at him. "I'll be in after I clear the dishes."
Duo nodded and wandered out of the kitchen. Wufei sighed softly in relief. He had been worried that Duo would take it as a sign of rejection when he let go of his hand.
Before he could begin to seriously ponder, he heard the television come to life, the opening credits to one of Duo's movies coming up within seconds. Surprised at how fast the braided boy could move, he quickly dumped all of the plates into the sink, deciding that he would take care of the mess later. He hurried into the living room.
Duo was seated on the sofa, his hands fiddling with the remote control to the DVD player. Normally, Wufei would sit in the small armchair to give Duo his space, but he decided against it this time. Instead, he carefully sat down on the far end of the sofa, mindful of Duo's reaction. If the braided boy showed any hint of nervousness, he was prepared to move. When the brunette only squirmed slightly, he decided to stay where he was.
Finally knowing that it was safe to sit so close to the American, Wufei relaxed and glanced at the movie Duo had selected. A slight, nearly inaudible, groan escaped his lips. The braided teen had picked The Tenth Kingdom. The movie was over six hours long.
A small movement caught his attention and Wufei flicked his eyes to the side to make sure that Duo hadn't reconsidered tolerating the proximity between them. He expected to see Duo shying away from him. Instead, he found that the brunette was in the exact same position he had been in when Wufei had entered the room, with one small change. His left hand had dropped from his lap and was a short distance from his body.
Deciding that the minimally extended hand was a silent plea, Wufei shifted slightly closer to the other pilot so that he could wrap his hand around the proffered one. The fingers in his grasp immediately tightened into a firm grip.
The simple contact was so distracting to Wufei that he didn't notice the first hour of the movie slip by, the entirety of his attention focused on the slender fingers intertwined with his. Every few minutes, Duo would squirm and wriggle where he was seated. Wufei was so centered on their linked hands that he didn't notice what Duo was doing until the braided boy's shoulder touched his. Wufei instantly crimsoned.
Finally realizing what Duo was doing, Wufei clenched his jaw, trying to ignore his burning cheeks. Steeling himself against his natural shyness, he released Duo's hand, trying not to flinch at the shocked and slightly hurt expression on the other boy's face. Before Duo could try to squirm away, Wufei wrapped his freed arm around the brunette's shoulders and pulled him closer. In response, Duo reflexively stiffened. After a few seconds, he relaxed and moved to press against the Chinese boy's side, causing Wufei's blush to intensify.
The movie continued, forgotten by the two teens in the room. Every few minutes, Duo would surprise Wufei again. At first, he just shifted closer, pressing their hips and thighs together. The Chinese pilot turned from pink to red. When Duo pulled the arm around his shoulders down to his waist, Wufei went maroon. In a final movement, the braided boy placed his head on Wufei's shoulder, the top of his head resting against the other boy's cheek. By this point, the raven-haired teen was positive that he was purple.
"Are… you blushing?" Duo asked slowly, sounding slightly incredulous.
"How do you… what makes you say that?" Wufei stammered. He could feel his cheeks getting hotter. Duo's hand slipped up and pressed against his cheek and the Chinese boy swore that he heard a muffled giggle against his throat.
"You are," Duo chuckled. He sobered up quickly, starting to shift away. "I… I'm making you uncomfortable, aren't I?"
Recognizing Duo's attempt to retreat, Wufei tightened his hold slightly. The braided boy stopped moving, but he turned his head away. Unsure of himself, Wufei reached out his free hand to gently grasp the other boy's jaw, turning his head so that they were face to face. A sudden impulse ran through his mind. Before he could lose his nerve, he leaned forward, pressing his lips to the American's in a gentle kiss. Duo's eyes grew impossibly large, a pink hue spreading across his cheeks when Wufei pulled back.
"Now you're blushing too," Wufei said, unable to help himself. "So we're even."
"That was low, Chang," Duo growled.
Wufei paused, considering. The only times he had ever heard Duo call him by his family name was when the other pilot was either teasing him or was really angry. Hoping that it was the former, he continued with his chosen path of conversation.
"Serves you right," he countered, huffing slightly. "Especially after you dyed my hair pink."
The corner of Duo's mouth twitched upwards even as his lips tightened. Despite his best efforts to glare, a poorly muffled snicker escaped his lips. It was then that he gave up and allowed himself to laugh aloud.
"You… you had pink… highlights for a month," Duo hiccupped.
"It wasn't funny," Wufei muttered under his breath. "Do you realize that I had to fight Treize like that?" Duo laughed louder. "It's not funny! He took pictures! I think Zechs has a copy!"
"Really?" Duo forced out between chuckles, curiosity warring with amusement. Wufei's eyes widened in fear.
"Don't you dare," he growled. "Whatever you're planning, don't."
"Aw, but Wu," he pleaded, his innocent look cracking under his uncontained laughter.
Wufei reeled in shock, a delighted grin slowly creeping onto his features. It was the first time Duo had slaughtered his name since Heero had broken him. He hadn't even realized how much he had missed the defiling of his name until a moment ago. He would have stared for another few moments if Duo's expression hadn't started to show an edge of worry to it, the miserable look telling the Chinese teen that he shouldn't have gone silent.
Immediately correcting himself, he growled menacingly.
"Laugh at me, will you," he hissed, trying to sound sinister and failing. He could go into earsplitting rants, sulky pouts and indignant huffs, but he could not sound sinister. Duo waited uncertainly, shifting away slightly.
Seeing the movement, Wufei attacked, flipping Duo onto his back and pinning him effortlessly. The braided pilot froze, fear beginning to seep into his expression. Wufei almost relented before deciding to continue.
"Now that I have you, what should I do with you?" he murmured to himself.
He shifted his grip slightly to hold both of Duo's wrists in one hand. With his right hand free, he trailed his fingers across his captive's sides. Duo made a muffled noise and squirmed. Wufei crowed triumphantly.
"You are ticklish!" he exclaimed, smirking. "I knew it!"
Violet eyes blinked numbly before understanding dawned in the clear amethyst depths. An incredulous and slightly wary look settled on Duo's face.
"You wouldn't dare," he growled.
Wufei snorted and ran his fingers over the same spot that had elicited a response, tormenting the thinner boy ruthlessly. After a few seconds of watching the pinned teen writhe helplessly, he began experimenting. He quickly found that Duo's abdomen, stroked just above the hip, caused the brunette to squeal loudly and thrash like a wild animal.
"No fair!" Duo panted, glaring. "What did I ever do to you?"
"For starters, you hid my ceremonial sword," Wufei huffed indignantly, poking him in the stomach again.
"I left you a replacement!" Duo objected, starting to turn red.
"You put a four foot titanium dildo on the wall where my sword should have been! I don't even want to know where you found that thing!"
"It was tournament certified!"
"Now I'm scared," Wufei honestly admitted. "What kind of tournament would certify that? Never mind! Don't answer that!"
"I got rid of it for you, didn't I?" Duo asked, panting loudly.
"You did," Wufei conceded. "What exactly did you do with it?"
"I tied a white ribbon around it and sent it to Noin in your name."
"YOU WHAT???"
"I told her that it was what onnas were for," Duo said cheerfully, trying to use Wufei's shock to free himself. The Chinese pilot's grip didn't budge.
"No wonder she gets so mad every time I call her that," he groaned.
"I put the charge on Zechs's personal credit card and then bugged his phone so I could hear him try to contend the charge."
"And?" Wufei asked dryly.
"He never did. I think he was too embarrassed to say anything."
"Maxwell," he said sternly, waiting. When he saw that he had Duo's full attention, he continued. "You have committed innumerable grievous sins against my person and as such, I demand full repentance for your misdeeds."
"Um…"
"Beginning with your word of honor that you will NEVER glue me to my bed again."
"Okay," Duo offered tentatively. Wufei grinned and leaned forward to give him a gentle kiss on his lips.
"Good boy," Wufei said, unable to fight back a chuckle. Duo had finally recognized the game for what it was and was smirking slightly. "Furthermore, Maxwell, you will stop training Baka to urinate in my shoes."
"Oh, okay," Duo said sullenly, amusement sparkling though the forced somber expression.
"Good boy," Wufei repeated, giving him another chaste kiss. He ruffled the brunette's hair and stood up, freeing his hostage. "And now, Maxwell, I've got to go to sleep. One of us has to work tomorrow, after all."
Wufei quickly retreated before Duo could retaliate, ducking into the relative safety of his room, relative being the key word.
"Maxwell!"
Duo had short sheeted his bed.
To Be Continued…
This was supposed to be the last section, but I haven't quite wrapped it up yet, so there's more to come. R&R!!!
