Title: Gundam Diaries Part 23 ~ Wufei

Author: Makoto Sagara

Archive: www.angelfire.com/anime3/makotosagara/frames/fanfiction.html, www.wufeiduo.net, www.fanfiction.net, www.foreverfandom.net, www.geocities.com/daqdaqduck/, www.sailorsandco.crosswinds.net/gundamwing/fanfiction/fanfiction.html

Category: Romance, Angst

Pairings: 2x5x2, 3x4, 1+2, R+1

Warnings: Shonen ai!, Yaoi!, Lemon!, angst, language, violence, OOC, Crazy Quatre

Disclaimers: I don't own them. If I had to get over that fact, then so do you. Make no money, so I stay poor. ^_^

A/N: YAY! *throws party and hands out champagne* FINALLY! IT'S FEI'S CHAPTER! Now, Neko has no choice but to tell me how he got injured during what should have been a simple mission. Besides, this is my last chance at Crazy Quatre, which is like the best part of these chapters so far. ^_^ Also, since I have just *reread* Blind Target, I have all these lovely 5x2x5 images running through my head, especially where the *end* of this fic is concerned. I think I'm a bit too ahead of myself though. @_@

Dedication: To the Amazing Jo-chan, for her lovely help and insight into Wufei's delicate psyche. We all know I need it. ~_^

Symbols: *blah* emphasized words

+blah+ Song lyrics

*~*~* Major change of scene

*~~~* Minor change of scene

April 14th, AC 195... 23:15:46

The past two days, how I wish I could take them back. I have injured my love and fought with nearly everyone else, not to mention the fact that I received an injury from an amazingly simple mission. So far, no one knows of the last thing, but I feel it is only a matter of time that someone finds out. I will have to tell Duo when he awakens.

He is asleep at this moment, and I am in his room, watching him from his desk as he does so. His face is not fully relaxed. I can not tell if it is from the pain that he has sustained from his injuries, the mental anguish, or the fact that Winner has been drugging his drinks the past few days.

Oh yes, I am privy to this tiny piece of information, and I am still debating whether to tell Duo, or to confront the plotting blond. I suppose that telling Duo would only anger him, and I doubt that he needs that added to what has already happened to him. Besides, they have allowed him to sleep without much pain. I feel that that is the lesser of two evils at the moment.

He looks as lovely now as he did the morning I left him to go on my mission. I was not surprised that I received the mission, but I was reluctant to accept it and leave him here with Yuy. I was correct in my assumption that he would make a move on Duo when I was away. Ah, perhaps I should start at the beginning of this sorted mess, before it becomes any more confusing later on.

It started with a knock on my door. I stood and opened it, and before I had a chance to say anything, my arms were full of the lively boy I love and he was kissing the very life out of me. Not that I would complain about that. After the initial shock, I returned the kiss with as much passion as I could, dragged him into my room, and kicked the door closed with a foot, never breaking the kiss the whole time.

With the door closed, Duo broke the kiss, and we tried to breathe. "Hmm, Fei, that was wonderful," he murmured. That kiss was beyond words, but I tried anyway.

"Ah, yes, that was quite wonderful," I replied, still trying to regain my breath. He smiled, and I noted that his hand darted into his pocket, pulling out a CD case.

"I have a present for you." Another one? He was giving me entirely too much, not that I was going to complain much, but it made me feel slightly worried. I did not want our relationship to seem too one-sided. A thought occurred to me as he moved to my desk, and my laptop in effect.

"Did you ever get that other present I ever gave you?" he asked, interrupting my planning.

I blushed. Yes, warriors are not supposed to blush, but I felt the heat rise to my face, and I was unable to banish the extra blood. I knew what he would find when he opened the disk drive to my computer. "Yes," I whispered.

"Did you listen to it?" Only every moment I thought of you when we were parted, I thought. He opened the drive, and there was the disk staring up at him. "I'll take that as a yes," he said, a smile playing across his flushed lips. I nodded slightly, and he switched CDs, carefully placing my own into the plastic case. "Well, if you liked that one, you will *love* this one. This is my favorite CD by Dave Matthews Band. Actually, it was the first one I ever saw and bought."

"You are probably right." I felt some of the blood retreat from my face, and I watched him as he leaned over the desk waiting for the music program of my computer to appear. Yes, the blood was going to far more interesting places at that moment. He looked like a waif, dressed in all black, his thick rope of hair falling past his waist and licking the back of his thighs.

"The name of this CD is 'Crash'," he said, bringing me out of my trance. He walked over to me, grabbed my right hand, led me to the bed, where we sat side-by-side, he with his arms around my waist. I willed myself to listen to the music coming from the computer's speakers, and not the feel of his body so close to my own.

As the slow, mesmerizing music started, Duo placed his head on my shoulder. I was content to just stay like that, but as the singer started, a hand reached out, slowly unbuttoning my tunic shirt. He then slid the silk shirt over my shoulders, until it was to my elbows. I closed my eyes, biting back the moan that threatened to be voiced as he started kissing my shoulders, working his way up to my neck.

Finally, unable to control myself any longer, I let a soft groan escape as his soft lips reached my neck. I was vaguely aware of his finger as it was placed against my lips. I complied with his silent command to make no noise, and he bent over and removed my shoes. When he then ran his hand up my leg, all the blood left the few remaining working brain cells I had and went directly to my groin. He continued running his hand expertly up my thigh, and ended only at the waistband of my pants.

I almost lost myself when he put his hand down my pants, and bit back a moan of disappointment as he only pulled my tank top from them, but I was rewarded with the feel of his calloused hands running up my chest and stomach. My erection throbbed uncontrollably as he touched me. An almost devilish smile graced his lips as he removed my two shirts completely, kissing my heated skin, adding nips and licks every few seconds. The attention he was paying to my bared skin was treacherous, and to add insult to injury, I was mewing at the ministrations of my evil lover.

To my utter surprise, and joy, he placed a finger against my lips, trying to silence me. I longed for that to be his pulsing cock, and as the imagery took to my mind, I opened my mouth and engulfed the long, slim digit, sucking and licking it as I would have him. He stopped in what he was doing, and I opened my eyes to see those usually bright violet eyes a deep shade of orchid, clouded over with lust. He removed his finger, and gave me another roguish smile as he crawled into my lap, pushing me to lay back against the cool sheets. I was vaguely aware as the tie holding my ponytail was removed, and my hair was mussed around my face.

The sensation of his calloused fingers against my scalp as he sat on my hips was enough to make me feel as if I had died. I felt my painfully hard member twinge, and Duo let out a low, sensual moan as it rubbed against his clothed ass. I opened my eyes to watch him undress me completely, tugging at the silk sash of my pants. It gave easily, and he dropped it on the bed, uncaringly, and then with one swift movement, removed the remnants of my clothing.

The cool air hit all my exposed skin, and I let out a hiss of breath. It was an unnerving feeling to have my overheated skin assaulted by the much cooler atmosphere. I felt an even heavier gaze upon me, and slowly, I opened my eyes to find my beautiful xin ai leering at my naked form. It was terribly arousing, and was only adding to the teasing he had been doing until this point. I took the pause in his attack to turn this to my advantage.

The first song had faded out, with the second beginning, and I made a note to listen out for the actual words while dealing with the scoundrel that was Duo. I took him by surprise by quickly reversing our positions so that I was straddling him, pinning him underneath me. He let out another low moan as I captured his teasing mouth in a scorching kiss. I used my hands to slide up his flattering priest's shirt, finding his sensitive nipples and molding them until they were hardened.

I broke our kiss to remove him of his clunky boots. When they were gone, I tossed them haphazardly across the room. They were unimportant at that point in time, and I wanted him as uninhibited as quickly as possible. I then gave him the same fleeting, taunting touches that he had given me only moments ago, until my hands were at the waistband of his black pants. Wasting no time, I quickly removed everything, shirt, pants, and boxers, until I was gazing at soft, milk-cream skin. I smiled, smug in the little amount it took to make him as bare as I was, and I claimed his mouth once again.

I was enjoying the friction of our erections rubbing against one another and the mutual moans that we shared. I knew exactly at that moment what I wanted. I wanted him inside me. I wanted to know what it felt like to be filled, like I filled him in our previous encounters. I wanted him to know how much I loved him, how much I trusted him. The thought frightened me to no end, but I knew that that was exactly what I wanted. I wanted us to be whole, truly and completely. I pulled away to look at him again, licking my lips to get every nuance that was Duo. I wanted to leave nothing unsavored. I knew what I had to say, and gathering the courage, I did so.

"I want you to make love to me, Duo," I said, feeling a light heat creep to my face, but I *knew* that this was what was right. His face registered what I said, and he sat up, trying to find the words to speak.

"Are... Are you sure about this, Wufei?" Was I sure of this? Ancestors, YES! I wanted him so badly right then that I had to restrain myself.

"Yes," I answered, locking eyes with him, reminding myself not to drown into those bright pools. "I trust you, Duo, and I want to give myself to you, as you have me."

He blinked, smiling shyly, and then kissed me yet again. I will never get enough of his taste. I pulled him back to look at his face, and was surprised to find him crying. I reached up and captured the tear on a finger, showing it to him. "Thank you," he whispered softly, giving me yet another kiss.

This was a sweet, loving kiss. Not the demanding, lust filled ones we had been exchanging before. I knew in those few moments of bliss that this was the right thing to do, the only thing to do. I never wanted it to end. I was lost to him then, truly forever. I know that I sound weak, but he does something to me that no one else could ever come close to. He brings me to a peaceful place inside of me, one where I don't have to be quite as strong, or quite as intense.

He had managed to move our touching, heated bodies until he was on top of me again. The sense of vulnerability it gave me was oddly welcome. I looked at him, silently asking him to take me before I lost my nerve. I knew that I would never be able to ask him again; not until he did it this time. Our members where rubbing against one another again, and the friction was more than wonderful, but I wanted, and needed, more than that.

He slid off the bed, and I whimpered at the loss of contact. It was as if a part of me was missing when he was gone. He found his discarded pants, and dug around in the pockets until he found what he was evidently looking for. Yanking his hand clear of the cloth, he was holding a tube of lubricant. I could not help but chuckle. He carried it around with him.

"What?" he asked. I calmed my laughter.

"Do you always carry around lube with you?" He smiled his sexy, and dangerous, smile, giving me a wink for good measure.

"A good soldier is always prepared for anything." My eyes widened. He sounded like Yuy, or myself for that matter, when he said that. I didn't have a chance to retort, as he was crawling back up my body. He placed a kiss to the head of my aching cock, and I could do nothing but moan in pleasure. Using a knee to part my legs, he kissed my stomach. I felt everything go stiff in me. I knew that I would have to relax, but the totally helpless feeling that coursed through my body was not pleasant. He sighed, and looked up at me, his head placed on my chest.

"Fei, you have to relax. Otherwise, this will be very painful. The last thing I want this to be is painful," he said, his low voice almost pleading. I understood what he said.

Swallowing my anxiety, I closed my eyes, and willed my muscles to release the tension held within. With that accomplished, he started the teasing kisses again, starting with my chest, and making his way to the indentation in my stomach. He stopped, biting lightly at my thighs and hips, frustrating me to no end. I was about to demand that he stop teasing me, but he lowered his hot, wet, delicious mouth on my manhood. My instant reaction was to pound into that sweet cavern, but a strong hand forced my body back flat against the mattress. Then, he released me, and I was going to die from the overwhelming sense of loss.

"Remember, Fei, relax," he warned, and I had had *enough* of his taunting. I growled low.

"Just do *it* already, Duo." He smiled, and started to add the cold gel to his long fingers. The sight was enough to make my already aching hard-on twinge. He took one of his digits, placing it at my entrance. I gazed at him. He had a look of questioning, and all I could manage was a small nod of my head. He finally got the message, and soon there was an invading presence inside of me.

The pain was momentary; however, it was enough that I hissed. I noticed that he had stopped moving, and that angered me slightly. "You ok, Fei-bebi?" Of course, I was fine. It was just new, and I needed to get used to it. Unfortunately, I forgot how to speak in anything other than Mandarin.

"Shi... shi de(1), Duo. Ji xu(2)," I managed with what brain power I had at the moment. Really! He talks too damn much during sex. He did as I said though, and continued to prepare me. Soon, there was a second, and then a third finger invading me, hitting a spot that I had no idea existed until that moment. Suddenly, he started to slow down.

Slitting my eyes, I saw him stroking himself with one hand, and to be perfectly honest, I wanted him to just hurry the hell up and fuck me. "Ai ma(3), Duo. Stop teasing," I said, my jaw clenched in impatience. He brought this side out of me as well. The impatient, horny teenage boy. I was rewarded with the pressure of the blunt head of his cock at my entrance.

"Remember, Fei, you have to relax." Oh, I wished he would stop rambling. I knew what I had to do to make this pleasurable. I am not some idiot that needs things repeated to him.

"Just shut up and do it, Duo. You talk too much." He snorted, and then began to apply more pressure as he passed the tightening muscles of my sphincter. I hissed at the change of size from his fingers to his cock. He was so thick, and I had to remind my body to relax, that the pain would pass, and soon I totally forgot about the discomfort. He was moving slowly inside me, and I adjusted quite well, I think, and soon I couldn't remember how to think as he was fully seated within me.

He was slowly rocking, his member stretching me farther, and hitting my prostate again and again. I wanted him to move *more*. None of this teasing crap.

"Ready?" Duo whispered hoarsely, controlling his voice. I nodded in reply, and he pulled almost completely out, then pushed all the way in, kissing me hungrily. I moaned into the demanding kiss, wrapping my arms around him, trying to adjust the angle so he would hit my prostate again.

"Fei-bebi, if you want me to continue, you have to let me move." I knew that perfectly well, but I wanted to have his hair down. I wanted to see the tantalizing chestnut silk moving with his body.

"I know, but give me a moment," I said, grabbing his braid with one hand, taking the plait out until his hair covered the both of us. He seemed to hum as I did that, and he was staring at me, or my mouth more accurately. Everything was nearly perfect, except for one small factor.

"Duo, if you don't move, I will hurt you." He looked at me, shivered, and began to thrust once again, shallowly. A moan of pleasure escaped my mouth, and I felt a wetness on my cheeks. It was just so... utterly amazing. Soon, he had picked up the pace and was pounding into me roughly, hitting my g-spot once more. I was so close to release, and from the looks of him, so was he.

I was assaulted by the dual pleasure of being stroked from inside and out when he grabbed my neglected erection. He was rough at first, until he caught up to his thrusts. I started to moan wantonly, and my body was meeting his stroke for stroke. I knew it was only a matter of time.

"Duo..." I received a grunt in response, but damn if it was sexy. "I'm..." I wanted to tell him.

"Know... can... feel... Just... let... go..." he managed in that low sexy growl. It was all I needed, and soon my seed was spilling over his hand and my stomach as I called out to him.

"DUO!" I felt my body tighten around him, and with one last slam, he came, screaming out my name as well. When he was done climaxing, he collapsed on top of me. He was shaking, but then again, I think I was as well. Except, with his extra weight, I was finding it a bit difficult to take in oxygen.

"Duo?"

"Mm?" He sounded sleepy.

"Could you please allow me to breathe?"

"Wha?" Yes, he definitely sounded as if sleep was not too far off for him.

"I can't breathe with you on top of me." He lifted his head as if it was difficult and flashed a smile at me.

"Sorry 'bout that, 'Fei," he said, rolling over until he was cuddled next to me, his head on my chest. "'T was *so* good," he whispered.

"Only good?" I teased, as I was trying to take in all that happened just a moment ago.

"No, better than good, but can't think of anything else. `M sleepy

now. Music still sounds good though."

I chuckled at his witty reply, and listened to the music playing. "Yes, I agree.

Let's get some sleep."

"'Kay."

I pulled the cool sheet over us, knowing that I would probably regret not showering, but not giving a damn. I had my lover next to me. We had just become whole, totally, and I could think of nothing better.

The last thing I heard before I let sleep claim me was a line from the first song.

+Crash into me.+

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

I awoke the next morning from a wonderful dream by an incessant beeping. Slitting open an eye, I looked around. Duo was still latched onto me, asleep. Afraid that the beeping would wake him, I managed to untangle my body from his hair and limbs, and walked over to the laptop.

The song that Duo left on repeat was still playing, but it was broken due to the chime from my email alert. Quickly, I turned both sounds off, hoping not to disturb the slumbering boy in the bed. I decided that I should perhaps check to see who had sent me mail this early in the morning, but I already knew the answer: Master O.

Sighing, I sat down in my chair, smiling smugly to myself as the pain from the previous night's action stung me. Yes, I was in pain, but it hardly mattered, because I was associating it with good memories, though I would have a talk with Duo about not mentioning this. Clearing my mind, I opened my email program, only to be greeted by orders for my mission.

They seemed simple enough. There was an OZ factory on the other side of the continent. I was to go in, plant explosives, obtain as much information from their computers as possible, and then leave, blowing the factory afterwards. It was too simple actually, but the idea that Duo would enjoy this type of mission made me determined to accomplish it so I could return back to him as soon as possible. (I did not understand why I of all people was assigned this. Maybe Master O was paying attention to my plea of solitary missions?)

I straightened up the mess of soiled clothes from the floor, placing Duo's black 'uniform' on the desk chair, where he could hardly miss them. Then, I grabbed a clean set of clothes (they actually looked as if they could have belonged to Duo, but he didn't have to know about that right now), and took a hot shower, which cleansed my skin from the sweat and sticky semen and relaxed my aching muscles.

When I was finished with that, I walked back to my room. Duo was still asleep, and he had a smile across his lips; one that warmed me from the inside out. I placed a gentle kiss on his forehead, and headed back to my desk to grab my laptop. As a last moment thought, I decided to leave him a note so he wouldn't worry. I grabbed a sheet of paper and a pen from one of the drawers, and a few moments later, I had a letter which explained all I wanted to say to him.

"Duo,

"Why didn't you tell me I would be in pain when I woke up? Ignoring

that fact, last night was truly...Indefinable. I am *so* sorry that I

am not there with you to share the after effects of last night, but I

awoke to a beeping from the laptop.

"Mission. It shouldn't take long. It's just a, how do you say it, "go

in and make things go boom" mission. I will be back as soon as I

possibly can. Don't worry.

"Wo ai ni, xin ai. I promise to return to you in one piece.

~ Wufei"

Yes, that seemed appropriate for the occasion. Taking one last look at my sleeping love, I slipped quietly out of the room, making sure the door shut without a noise. The rest of the house was silent, as the other occupants were probably still asleep. I took a quick glance at one of the many clocks, and saw that it was almost six am. I had just made it through the TV room, when my stomach protested.

I think I am spending too much time around Duo, if I am picking up on *that* annoying habit. Sighing, I gave in, and grabbed something quick to eat in Nataku. With that done, I headed to the hangar, turned on the quiet engines, and pulled out, leaving everyone else with out a sound.

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

Four hours after pulling away from Winner's estate, I hid Nataku in a forest, covered it with the camouflage net, and walked into the town with my bag of equipment. I walked around the small town, which was not unlike the one that our safe house was near.

The whole time I was piloting Nataku, my mind kept trying to find ways to make up my disappearance to my extremely distracting lover. I finally came up with the idea of a somewhat romantic night alone with him in my room yet again. I had a book of Shakespearian sonnets in my desk back at the safe house. Those would work for literature. I just needed something for the atmosphere. Candles were the only thing I could think of, and they seemed appropriate for this sort of thing.

I found a shop that dealt in such random items. Walking inside, I was immediately assaulted by a flittering employee. Damn xi ai(4) was staring at me lecherously. Ignoring her, I walked down the aisle labeled 'Home Goods', and noticed that they had quite a few different kinds of candles. I looked around, and called the nuu zi(5) over.

"Yes, sir?" she asked, her voice dripping false sweetness, which made my stomach turn.

"What is the difference in these candles?" I asked sharply.

"Well, these right here," she pointed to the first kind, "are scented. You know, Vanilla, Lavender, Blueberry. And the others are plain. What kind where you looking for?"

"Do you have...?" I paused, trying to remember the scent of Duo's shampoo. "Strawberry?"

"Unfortunately, no, but I'm sure your girlfriend will appreciate the Vanilla scented ones. They have a nice smell, but it's not over powering," she said, batting her eyes. I curled my lips at her in disgust and grabbed five of the candles she recommended.

I walked briskly pass her to the counter, where another nuu zi was waiting. Tsao(6), is the world full of nothing but annoying xi ai? Calming myself, I silently paid for the candles, stuffing the plastic bag in with the other things in my duffel bag. I quickly left the store, feeling a bit disgusted from the leering looks the nuu zi had been giving me.

There was one final thing I wanted to get for Duo before I took care of my mission. While piloting Nataku that morning, I had looked something up. There was, apparently, another Dave Matthews Band CD that was just as widely acclaimed as the others, and I thought that maybe he would like to have it, if he didn't already. Looking around the town, I found a music store that appeared as if it would sell the disk. I walked inside, and was relieved to see a man at the counter.

"Hello, sir. How may I help you?" he asked, managing to sound polite and actually happy to see me.

"I am looking for a specific disk for a friend. It is... his birthday," I said, the lie rolling off my tongue easily.

"What did you have in mind?"

"Do you have any Dave Matthews Band?"

"Your friend has excellent taste in music. Which disk did you have in mind?" I smiled smugly at that question. I had actually remembered which one it was.

"Busted Stuff."

"You're in luck. We have one more copy of that left. Is there anything else I could help you with?" I thought for a moment, and decided to take a long shot.

"I need Beethoven's Second Symphony, if you have it as well."

"Ah, yes, an oldie, but goodie. That Beethoven guy sure was good at what he did." He retrieved my requested disks.

"Yes." I followed him to the counter, and happily paid for them both. "Thank you."

"No problem. I hope your friend likes his gift," the man replied with a smile. Bowing slightly, only until my head was lowered a few inches in respect(7), I left the store, stowing my newly acquired purchases in my bag. It was then that I headed off to complete my mission.

*~~~~~~~*

I walked to the other edge of town, and saw the factory surrounded by a large metallic fence. Taking cover behind one of the few bushes in the area, I pulled out a map of the inside. The communications room and offices, which were what I was looking for, was off to the right side of the main building area. There were guards every thirty meters or so around the whole perimeter. Simple.

I looked up to peer past the fence, and saw my first victim. He was a little bigger in build than I would, but his uniform would fit nicely over my own clothes. Quietly, I leapt the fence, landing on top of the stupid OZ soldier. I dragged his unconscious body off to a corner, and stripped him of his clothes, putting them on over my own.

When I was properly attired, I snatched up my bag, stuffing it under the jacket. I, then, picked up the moron's gun, and walked towards the factory, ignoring the other men patrolling. When I reached the door, I searched my uniform for the card key to open the door. I found it in the back left pocket of the pants. I used it to enter, and then slipped inside.

I moved towards the main manufacturing room, placing bombs every ten meters or so as I walked. They were the small, but highly dangerous, bombs that Duo and I perfected last month. The last mission I used them on was immensely easy due to them. When I reached the communications room, I found it empty. All of the computers were on standby, and one ben dan(8) had stenciled in that he had lunch with someone named Marie on his desk calendar.

I looked and found the one that I needed. Ignoring the heat that the uniform over my clothes made me feel, I quickly found the information that I was supposed to get. A new mobile doll system that was supposed to be even better than the one they had now. How dishonourable. Quickly, I downloaded the plans onto one of the empty disks with me, I found the 'special' gift that Duo had given all of the pilots to give to OZ the next time we encountered them. I smiled smugly. I *knew* what was on that, a taunt to Une, no doubt, that would wipe her database for a few hours.

When I had uploaded the virus, and downloaded the specs, I grabbed my things, setting the idiot's screen to go into standby in one minute, and left the room. I had almost made it to the door that lead outside, when there was a shout from the communications room.

"There is an intruder! Grab them!"

Sch(9), how they found out I was in there, I will never know since the factor is no longer standing and all personnel is more than likely dead. As soon as I heard the call, I hid in a dark doorway, hoping no one would see me. When the halls became quiet, I moved from my hiding space, running at full speed to get the hell out of there. I had made it to the outside fence, and to freedom, when there was another shout, followed by footsteps thundering behind me.

I hopped back over the fence, and hit the button on the detonator that sent the whole factory into a huge ball of flames. I ran for cover behind some bushes, and felt the unmistakable pang of a gunshot wound in my right calf. I reached the bushes and stripped off the uniform, ripping pieces of the legs off to staunch the bleeding in my leg. I took inventory for any other injuries. I had a slight cut on the back of my left hand from the fence, and my already tight muscles were aching again.

I hurriedly made my way through town, trying my best to walk as normal as possible with a bullet in my leg. When I made it to the forest where Nataku was, I slumped in front of the Gundam, and pulled out my first aid kit. Carefully, I removed the bullet, as it was not lodged that far in, and cleaned that wound and the one on my hand. When I had rewrapped my leg, I took a look into my duffle bag to check on the gifts that I had purchased. I breathed a sigh of relief as they were fine.

With all of that taken care of, I climbed back up into Nakatu's cockpit, setting my bag in a secure location, and wasted no time in heading back to my comrades and Duo. It took four hours but I got back, only to find the house oddly quiet. Walking into the TV room, I found Winner at the coffee table looking up at me as if he was expecting me.

"Hello, Wufei. How was your mission?" he asked, smiling brightly, but I had a feeling that something had happened.

"Fine. It was a rather easy one," I replied. I still wanted to know where my loud and bouncing American was. "Where is Maxwell? It's rather quiet."

"He is out with Trowa today. They went out to have fun, seeing as how they were both free. We agreed that it would keep us all sane, and him out of trouble," he said, sounding very worried, although, I could tell he was trying to act as if he wasn't. But, with my xin ai gone, it was perfect.

"Ah, well, I suppose that it gives me sometime to set up a surprise for him. In the meantime, I will take a shower as well. Thank you, Winner," I said, leaving the room, and I tried to walk as normal as possible so as to not arouse attention to my injury.

The first thing I did when I got into my room was set my bag down, pull the laptop out, and start my mission report. I tried to be as precise as possible, and I told Master O that it was my fault entirely for being injured. I had become distracted, and while escaping I received a gun shot to my right calf. I finished that, and quickly set up the candles around the room, pulled out my book of sonnets on the table. Duo would never know what it was; everything was in Cantonese.

Setting the disk cases down on the desk, I looked around for some clean clothes. In other words, garments that didn't smell like gunpowder and explosives. I found some, and headed to the bathroom across the hall. Upon entering, I saw some of Duo's long hairs in the bottom of the shower stall.

I smiled and pulled the long chestnut strands out of the drain, threw them in the waste bin, and took a long, hot, and relaxing shower. The whole time the water was hitting my skin, I was thinking over the night before. I remembered every touch, kiss, feeling, and emotion that happened. I wanted more of it. Every time I was with the braided boy, I loved him more, and understood myself a little bit more. I didn't, and still don't, want to think about what would happen if one of us died during this dishonourable war.

The spray of cold water brought my mind back to what I was actually doing. I had lost myself in thought, and the water had turned cold. Turning the water off, I climbed out of the shower to dress. It was time to find my xin ai.

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

I walked down the stairs, hearing the TV on. I stopped to listen. It sounded like a movie, one that only Duo would have watched. That is when I noticed my love talk.

"Something wrong, Hee-chan?" He sounded worried and annoyed all at the same time. I listened harder for some reply, but there was none. Instead, I heard some struggling, and it sounded as if Maxwell was trying to resist something. My temper getting the better of me, I stormed into the TV room. What I saw made my blood run cold and hot at the same time. Yuy was kissing *my* braided lover.

Before I had given any second thought as to what I was actually doing, I had run over to the couch, ripped Duo out of Yuy's arms, and threw myself at the Japanese boy. The couch spilled to the floor, and we jumped up, and starting hitting one another. I caught him with a roundhouse to the midsection, and I felt a punch graze my shoulder, but I ignored that, and Duo's yells, even though I heard them.

"WUFEI! STOP! STOP IT! BOTH OF YOU!" I swung my leg for a kick to Yuy's block head, and he went to punch me in the chest. Instead, his fist landed into Duo's chest, where a sickening crack could be heard. I felt my foot connect with the American's head, and watched in horror as Duo flew into the wall, leaving a wide, bloody trail as he slumped to the floor. I glared at Yuy. This was all his fault.

Before either of us could react, Winner yelled. "El Khara Dah?(10)" The blond ran across the room to the unmoving form of Duo. "Trowa," he whispered, pulling his hand from behind Duo's head. "There's blood." I looked at the red covered hand, and felt everything in me freeze. I had spilled my own lover's blood. I barely registered when Winner looked up at the long trail of red on the wall. "It's on the wall too." His voice sounded so far off.

I glared at my opponent. The need to hurt him became almost consuming, until Barton's normally quiet voice roared. "Avez-vous *perdus* les esprits?(11) Look! You could have killed each other, fine! But look at what happened to Duo!"

I couldn't look again. I knew what was there. I knew what I would see. I barely noticed when Barton picked Duo up and took him out of the room. Unfortunately, I could not avoid but hear Winner when he exploded at the two of us, uncharacteristically.

"Allah Yela'an(12) Heero and Wufei, for being the *stupidest* Asians to walk on this Earth! You are both such Wad al harams.(13) I ought to kill you both."

"Win-" I started, but I was cut off by Winner, whose face was an unhealthy shade of crimson.

"Ahhlass!(14) You are both going to keep your mouths SHUT! You are both so goddamn stupid." He turned on Yuy first, allowing me a few seconds to think what he had said. "You, you hmar(15), could have had Duo a *long* time ago, if only you didn't have your head up your ASS!" It hurt me, but that was the truth. If it hadn't been for Yuy's stupidity, I would not have my braided one.

"Zarba!(16) Chang, inti mafish Makh(17)! You *HAVE* Duo, and yet you don't trust him?! Or is it that you are so ready to find a reason to fight with Heero that this was a better opportunity than you hoped for?" I was appalled. As if I would deliberately find a reason to have a confrontation with one of my comrades, even Yuy. Winner got his second wind as Yuy tried to interrupt him.

"Qua-" he tried.

"NO! Said Bousak(18)! I AM NOT DONE WITH EITHER OF YOU!" he yelled, even louder than before. "If I *ever* catch *either* of you doing something so fucking stupid, I will kill you both. Omae o korosu, Heero, and unlike you, I will follow up on that promise." He turned as if to leave, but said one last thing.

"*I* am going to check on Duo, now. You are both going to stay here, or you can go to your rooms. I don't care. But *NEITHER* of you will be seeing Duo unless he asks to see you. I don't care if you kill each other. Go ahead, for all I care!" He finally departed, leaving Yuy and me alone. I shot the arrogant Japanese teen a glare.

"Jigoku ni ike(19)," he growled, stomping off in the direction of the study. I walked to catch up with Winner before he got to Duo's room. I managed to find him on the second stair. I needed him to understand that this was all an accident; that I would never hurt Duo intentionally. He turned, staring at me icily, as if I was below even the compassion he gives the enemy.

"What do you what?" he snarled in a tone that matched his face.

"I need to see how Maxwell is," I said, all pretenses forgotten in my worried and agitated state.

"I don't think so. You and Yuy need to stay away from him," he continued to use the voice that made my blood turn to ice. "In fact, I would suggest that you both stay away from him, unless he asks for you. Whenever that may be, considering he is unconscious right now." He turned back around.

"Wi... Winner?" I called to him.

"Yes?"

"It was an accident." I tried to make him truly understand that I had *not* meant to hurt my love.

"I know, Wufei," he said, his voice someone closer to normal. "Just don't come unless Trowa or I come and get you. We don't know how he will react when he wakes up." I saw the logic in this, and only followed him up the stairs to go to my own room.

When the door was closing, I started to yell at myself. "Ben dan(8)! I have hurt my love, and that chuin-zi(20), Yuy, does so as well. Why did I even get involved with that yang gui zi(21)? He threatens to kill that xi ai, Relena Peacecraft, and then does not do it. He threatens Maxwell at every opportunity and calls him stupid all the time. He is a too zaizi(22) for passing up something so beautiful and special as Duo."

I took a moment to catch my breath, and finally, the image of Maxwell's body hitting the wall and sliding down caught up to me. I needed to see my love, but I worried about whether he was awake or not. After a few more minutes of debating, I just decided to take the chance. I walked up to the door next to my room, and was surprised to find the door opened by Winner.

"What are you doing here? I told you to wait," he growled at me. "Go away until Duo asks for you." He continued to stare at me until he went into the bathroom. Sighing, I went back into my room, and sat on my bed. I was miserable. I couldn't check on how he was, and Winner was upset with me once more. Winner's anger was not what made me feel so horrible.

I felt a single tear slide down my face, and quickly I wiped it away, and threw myself backwards on my bed. I tried to clear my head of everything, tried to meditate like I hadn't done in days, but I was disturbed by the sound of Duo's raised voice coming through the walls. I couldn't hear what he was saying, but I heard his voice, so he must have been okay.

Soon, there was a loud knock, followed by Winner's voice saying, "Chang! Duo wants to see you!"

I nearly ran to the door, not bothering to check to see how I looked in the mirror. I muttered a quick "Thank you" while passing the blond and his lover in the hall, and stopped at Duo's opened door.

"Duo?" I called weakly. Dammit, I hated not being able to control my weakness, but the worry for the beautiful American won out.

"Come in, `Fei. Turn on a freaking light. I might have a headache, but I still want to be able to see people, and that side lamp ain't cutting it." He gave me one of his brilliant smiles, and some of the apprehension died inside of me as I switched the light, moving to sit next to him on the bed.

"How... are you?" I asked, which caused him to growl.

"Would you PLEASE stop acting like I'm about to die? It's just a few cracked ribs and a headache," he said, but he then grabbed his head in pain. "Ok, so it's one helluva headache, but dammit, I'm *FINE*!" He smiled again. "Now, get your hot Chinese ass up here next to me and tell me why you are home so early?"

The sudden change in his attitude didn't really surprise me, but I had assumed he would be a bit more irritated with me, or at the least, ready to yell at me. "You aren't upset with me?" I asked in a soft voice, moving to be next to him, just as he requested.

"Tell me why I would be? Let's see. We had mind-blowing sex last night, and then I woke up alone with a note, *and* my favorite CD was missing. I had to deal with Heero's bitchy attitude over breakfast, but I pissed him off and he left. I went out and had a *blast* with Tro. Came home, had dinner, went to watch my favorite movie, and after that I'm blank. Next thing I know, I wake up in bed with taped ribs and a headache that makes Une look like a fucking walk in the

park." He sighed, and regained his calm. "Now, explain to me where you were wrong, except for the part where you stole my CD?"

I was relieved to hear that he had enjoyed his trip with Barton, and that he was not that upset with me, but it disturbed me that he was missing about two minutes of time, which would account for his injuries. I gave him an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to take the CD. I just grabbed the laptop while I was leaving." I grew serious as I just asked the question which was bothering me. "Xin ai, how are you, truthfully?"

"Like I said, I have a headache and it hurts to move too much, but I'm fine. The room has stopped spinning, and Q got me some water, so I'm ok now." He gave me a small, affectionate kiss. "So, are you ever going to tell me why you are home so early?"

"I told you in the note it was a fairly easy mission. Sneak in, plant bombs, steal information, sneak out, detonate bombs. Even Winner could have done that mission." He gave a small, normal laugh

"So, what was up with the surprise Q was talking about?" I blushed. I had no idea that Winner would have told Duo about that. I decided that I might have to have a conversation with Winner about keeping his mouth shut. That was the second time he had told Duo something I had not wanted the American to know; however, I *do* owe him for the first time.

"Well, I was going to just sneak you away for a repeat of last night, but I came into the TV room to find Yuy kissing you. You were fighting back, but he wouldn't let go," I growled.

"Shit, and let me guess, you got jealous?" he asked. I felt the rage build in me yet again, and did nothing to check it.

"I wanted to kill him. I ripped you from him. I'm sorry that you hit the table," I said to him, softening my voice in shame.

"Ah, that's why my ass is sore. I thought it was my decent to the floor from the wall." He snickered, even though his face scrunched up in pain.

"That is my fault as well," I admitted, feeling very uncomfortable, but knowing that I had to tell him at some time, and I didn't think that later would be acceptable.

"What?"

"You intervened in our fight, and Yuy punched you in the chest, and I kicked you in the head, which sent you flying into the wall." I was disgusted with myself, but I awaited his reaction, which was instantaneous.

"YOU DID WHAT?!" he yelled, and I felt worse about the whole situation.

"I'm sorry, Duo. I did not mean for that to happen. It was dishonourable of me to do so." I made to move from my position next to him. I did not deserve it. I had only moved an inch before an iron grip was upon my arm and a glare was leveled at me.

"You are *so* NOT leaving me right now. You are going to stay here, and we are going to talk. You were fighting for what? My honour? My love? Jealousy? What?" He sighed, the frustration evident in his voice and body. "'Fei, I told you that I love you, and I *meant* it. Nothing is going to change that."

"I know, Duo, but you loved Yuy at one time." I *did* and *do* trust that his love for me is genuine, but I also knew that he still had feelings for Yuy which were unresolved.

"Hmmm, I had to figure that out for myself. When he hit me the first time, it was like a sign or something. I knew that no matter how much I cared for him, he would never be able to deal with it the same way I had to." He locked his beautiful violet eyes with my own. "You, on the other hand, have been incredibly gentle, except for the roundhouse to the head thing. I love you. Now, as for my honour, I am perfectly capable of dealing with that."

I felt amazed that he felt so deeply, and was willing to forgive me, even after kicking in the head. "I know. Haven't we had this discussion before?"

"Yes, but I don't think it sunk in too well. Now, jealousy... That's a big problem, Wufei." I flinched as he said my full name. He only did that when trying to irritate me, or when he was upset. Before I could move again, his arms were around my neck and his lips were locked onto my own. I felt better right then. "It's ok to be jealous, sometimes, but no more flying off the handle. Promise?"

How could I deny him? "I promise."

"Good. Now, I want to sleep, so get comfortable, dammit. You are my pillow for the night. Wait! I want my CD back."

I forgot all about his CD, which was still in my laptop, not to mention the new one I had purchased for him that day. "I can go retrieve it," I offered. I was planning on bringing both with me, if that is what he wanted.

"That means you would have to move, right?"

"Yes."

"Then it can wait. I'm sleepy now, and I need my Wu-bear to snuggle with." I chuckled at the endearment, and laid down to accommodate him. He placed his bandaged head against my chest, and was soon sleeping soundly as I stroked his braid and the stretch of his back it was resting against.

I felt better about the condition he was in, but I knew that I would have to make it up to him. It would be too soon to make love tomorrow, but I could take care of him, if that was what he wanted, and I doubt that even he would pass up breakfast in bed. Seeing a plan forming in my mind, I set my internal clock to wake me up in roughly seven hours to begin arranging the next day.

Placing a soft kiss to the top of Duo's head, I closed my eyes.

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

I awoke the next morning, arms full of my lover, and with a slight crick in my neck. I knew that Duo would sleep for at least a few more hours, since Winner had obviously drugged his water from last night. Carefully, I slid from underneath Duo's heavy head, and headed over to the bathroom.

Taking a quick look in the mirror, I wished I had not. My hair was falling out of its usual neat and tidy tie, my face was a little *too* flushed, and I had slight rings under my eyes. I quickly used the facilities, washed my hands, and went to my own room to look for some clean garments. When I had acquired those, I took a shower, trying to not think about the previous night. The guilt was there without trying to remember.

I quickly got dressed and checked on Duo. He was still asleep, with a small smile ghosting across his lips. I moved him into a more comfortable position, and left the room. I went downstairs to the kitchen, where it was empty, and quickly made myself a bowl of rice. I ate it in silence, and tried to think about what my xin ai would appreciate for his breakfast. Before leaving the kitchen, I took a look at the clock. It was only ten am. Duo would sleep until about noon or later, so that gave me two hours to do something with myself. I decided that some meditation was in order. I had a lot of things going through my mind, and that was the only activity that I could do that would make things a bit clearer.

I left the kitchen for my room, and found a corner away from the bed. Sitting down in lotus position, I cleared my mind, and soon was in a trance.

*~~~~~~~*

I was brought out of my meditative state by footsteps in the hallway. Barton and Winner. It had to have been. I listened as they went down the stairs, and checked on the still sleeping Duo. I knew that it would not be much longer until he awoke, and I wanted him to have his food around that time.

I walked into the kitchen, where Barton and Winner were eating, and commenced to gather the necessities for fixing pancakes, toast, sausage links, and orange juice. Ignoring the presence of the others, I began cooking.

"What are you doing, Wufei?" Winner asked, his voice sounding much more reasonable than it had the night before.

"Fixing breakfast for Duo. I think he will be awake in about ten minutes," I replied. I mean, really, what *did* he think I was doing?

"How is he?" Barton asked.

"He is fine, Barton. He seemed to be fine before he fell asleep last night, and he didn't wake up with a nightmare, so I can only assume that he slept well."

"Would you please tell us how he is after he eats?" the blond pleaded. I didn't have to turn around to know that he had his blue eyes fixed on me, looking like I had kicked his puppy.

"Yes, I can arrange that."

"Thank you."

There was no conversation after that. I just wanted to check on Duo, after making him a nice meal. I placed everything on a tray when it was finished, and headed in the direction of Duo's room. I didn't see Yuy at all, nor did I hear anything from any of the rooms to even suggest that he had stayed here last night.

I somehow managed to knock on the door with the tray, and was relieved to hear Duo's call of "Come in." I, amazingly enough, opened the door with one hand while balancing the tray with my left, and walked into the room, finding Duo trying to sit up, a grin plastered on his face. "'Fei! So, what did you bring me?" I smiled at his happiness, and took a look at the tray.

"Pancakes, blueberry this time, fresh-squeezed orange juice, toast, and some of those hideous sausage links you love so much," I said, curling my face into a look of mock-disgust.

"You spoil me."

"You deserve it, with what happened last night." I moved some of the books that were strewn across the surface of the room's desk and set the tray down. "Would you like some help sitting up?"

"God, YES! Did you know that my ceiling is a soft beige? Like a hospital?" I could not help but smile at this. I know how he feels about hospitals, and so this was amusing, not that I like them anymore than he does. I gently lifted him, until he was leaning against the headboard, with his pillows behind him acting as cushions. With that accomplished, I brought him his food, sitting down next to him, placing a kiss on his forehead, and checking to see if anything was irritating his wounds.

"Hey, `Fei, before I start eating, do ya think that you could help me

take my shirt off?"

"Why?" Why would he want to take his shirt off? It didn't make sense.

"Because it's annoying, and rubbing against these bandages that Tro did last night. Besides, I've been in it since yesterday afternoon. Nobody bothered to help me change my clothes last night, and I didn't really care, with that headache and all. So, are you gonna help me, or not?" He gave me a very sweet smile, which made me apprehensive, to say the very least.

"You are...insane. You know that, right?"

"Yes, now *help* me!"

I stood up and muttered, "Fine. Fine." I moved the tray back to the desk, and obliged my lover. I had only gotten the shirt off of one arm before I saw blue and purple bruises in the shape of a hand on it. I removed the shirt with care, but I was upset even more with Yuy once again.

"'Fei, what's wrong?" Duo asked worriedly. I scowled and put the soiled shirt into the hamper.

"Have you looked at your arms yet, Duo?"

"No."

"Do so."

"Holy fuck! Where in the hell did those come from?"

"You still do not remember everything from last night?"

"Um, I remember the part where I was yelling at you two idiots to stop fighting, but I don't remember why."

"As I told you last night, you were struggling to remove yourself from Yuy's grasp, but he wasn't relenting. Those," I gestured one hand at his arms. "Are the result of his hold on you."

"You know, as soon as I can move without pain sounding throughout my whole body, I'm gonna kick his ass," Duo managed to sound menacing, until his stomach growled, which was his typical fashion. "Now, bring me that food, before I have to get out of this bed and get it myself." I stared at him intently.

"You will stay there. It is probably cool now, but the pancakes should be edible still."

"At this point, food is food, and it's still edible, even if it's stone cold." I had no sooner placed the tray in his lap, before he started to eat it like we had been starving him.

"You, perchance, weren't hungry, were you?" I smirked, which earned me the silent command to sit down next to him while he ate, accompanied with a somewhat annoyed glare. I laughed at the spectacle he made, but sat anyway. I waited until he was done, then moved the tray back to the desk, and sat down next to him again. I know he thought that I was fulfilling his commands, but in all reality, I was reveling in the closeness that we were sharing.

"Is there anything you wished to do today?" I asked.

"Well, I *had* planned on tinkering with `Scythe's cloaking device today, but I think that's a bit out of the question. Unless, you let me leave this room, that is," he said, and I scoffed at him. Damn right it was out of the question. I didn't even really want him to move out of his bed, unless it was absolutely necessary.

"No, you are to rest. We need you as close to 100% as soon as possible." I moved until I was on his other side, completely on the bed. "Besides, I want you healed, so I can hold you again without hurting you." His face looked as if it had melted.

"So hold me now, silly."

"Are you in any pain?"

"A bit, but I've had worse." I obliged his wish, holding him around his slim waist. "Hey, `Fei, what time is it?"

"Well, it was about noon when I came up with your breakfast, so I suppose it's around one pm or so. Why?"

"Oh, no reason."

There was silence, and I enjoyed holding my lover while he was full and quiet. It was refreshing and comforting. His head started to droop a bit, but he shook it. "Oi, `Fei, want to know what would make me really happy right now?" He was *not* thinking about sex in his condition, was he? Ancestors know that had he been in any condition, I would have, but at that moment, I would rather die than hurt him.

I pulled back to look at his face. He smiled and kissed me. "Nothing like *that*, you pervert. I was talking about you letting me go down to the TV room and watching a movie with me."

I sighed in utter relief. He has an insatiable appetite for coital contact, but also for other things. It was then that I realized his choice in words. 'Let' and 'watch a movie'.

"Letting you go down to the TV room? Why?"

"Because I don't want to be in bed all day. It's boring, unless I'm doing something, other than lying around watching the paint peel." I snickered at his meager joke, and then sighed at the logic of it. Duo cannot stand to be cooped up anywhere. He needs to be somewhere he can be entertained, and I could really think of nothing in his room that would do it. I had to give in.

"Fine, I will carry you downstairs, and will patiently watch a movie with you."

"Look, you don't *have* to. I'm sure I could call Trowa up here to help me downstairs, and Quatre could watch the movie with me." I was outraged. If he thought that I was going to allow someone else to even look at him the wrong way today, he was sadly mistaken.

"You will do no such thing!" I yelled, but then remembered to whom I was speaking with. "Would you like a bath before hand? Or later?" I knew that the last time he had showered had probably been almost twenty four hours ago, and he had had more than a full day since then. I felt it was only appropriate to ask, besides, he is meticulously clean when it comes to his person and clothing.

"Now would be fine. Just let me put my braid up." I shot him a look that asked why the hell he would do that. "I'm not as flexible today as I was during our `trip'. And, it's not a good idea for me to wash my hair everyday. It strips the natural oils that make it so shiny." It made sense, so I moved off the bed, walked to the door, and opened it. I then returned to Duo's side, and proceeded to carefully carry him across the hall to the bathroom, where the door was still open.

When we arrived in there, he finally spoke. "Lock the door." Why would he want the door locked? Would not shutting it be sufficient? I was a bit worried, but I did so.

I then ran the water for his bath, adding some of the bubble mixture from our 'trip', as he so aptly called that hell of a shack. When the tub was full, I cut off the water, helped him to carefully undress, and then placed him delicately in the tub.

He sighed as soon as the warm water hit his skin, closing his eyes. When I felt he was sufficiently appeased, I began to wash his creamy skin with a washcloth. He sighed once more, and I was a little worried about him.

"Are you ok, xin ai?"

"Hmm, yes." He sounded as if he were ready to fall asleep.

"Good. Just allowed me to do this."

"Wasn't thinking of doing otherwise." I scoffed, but continued to wash his sensual form. As I touched his beautiful body, I felt my own react to that. I was a little bit afraid that I should not have done this, but when I reached his erection, I felt better, and snickered.

"Am I being too delicate?" He shook his head in the negative.

"Nope. I just happen to find every movement you make sexual, even with my eyes shut." I laughed, sounding a bit nervous to my own ears, and rinsed him off quickly, making sure not to hurt him.

"Well, you are clean now, Duo. Time to get dressed again." He opened his gorgeous amethyst eyes, which were a bit hazy.

"Lead the way, 'Fei." He still sounded as if he were ready to drop at any moment. I looked him over, unstopped the tub, grabbed a towel, wrapped it around him, and delicately, lifted his lithe frame out of the porcelain basin. "Ne, `Fei, I *can* walk, as long as you help. I don't *need* to be carried around, though the sentiment is endearing."

I thought this over. I know how independent he *can* be sometimes, and if he felt he could do it, with help, then I would let him. Besides, the puppy-dog face he was giving me was not making it easy. "Would you prefer to walk?"

"Actually, yes." Giving in finally, I wrapped the towel around him to cover more of his exposed flesh, but I had one condition, which he *would* adhere to.

"I can see no problem with that, I suppose, but you *will* let me carry you down the staircase." He gave a huge sigh.

"Fine, Wu-bear, whatever you say," Duo said. I set him down, and he staggered a bit, but latched onto my right arm for balance, and wrapped the towel around his waist. I wound my right arm around his midsection, unlocked the bathroom door, and led him into his room.

He found some soft grey sweat pants that I had never noticed before and went to put them on. I let him do as he wished. I was not going to smother him if he did not want my help.

"Wu~fei? Would you be so kind as to help me put my pants on?" he asked, his voice dripping in sweetness. I looked and saw that he would not be able to bend properly to put them on.

"Of course, Maxwell, and while I am at it, I will rewrap your chest. Your current bandages seem to be coming loose." That must have occurred during the night, when we were asleep. I helped him over to his bed, put his pants on him, and carefully rewrapped his chest with leftover bandages that Barton must have left by his bed. When I was finished with those tasks, I stood up. "Are you ready?"

"Hell yes. I want out of this place!" I chuckled at his vehemence, and we proceeded to the stairs. I only impeded our walk to shut the door to his room. I do not like it when others can invade my privacy so easily, so I did not think that Duo would either. When we reached the stairs, I swept him off his feet, and maneuvered our way down to the first floor of the house.

"I could get used to this," he said. "But, yanno, I *do* prefer being able to walk on my own. Now, put me down so we can go watch a movie." I did as my finicky lover asked, and we moved to the couch in the TV room.

I discovered that the battered coffee table had been removed, and the remotes to the entertainment system had disappeared as well. Before either of us could say anything, Winner appeared with the remotes, waving them over Duo's head.

"Q-man! You are my savior, and `Fei's too, because I would have made him look for those," he said, and I scowled, knowing full well that that was true.

"Duo! I am quite relieved to see you are able to walk around. I heard you two on the stairs, and I thought I would see how you were doing myself," he said, giving me a dirty look, which I did *not* deserve. "Wufei was supposed to tell us how you were doing while you ate breakfast."

"Heh, well, you know what? I kinda kidnapped him, and made him stay with me, so it's not his fault. It's mine. Hey, I was gonna curl up with `Fei on the couch and watch 'Dogma'. You wanna watch it with us? Bring Trowa too. We can have, like, movie-time or something."

"You are watching that movie about God again?" Winner sighed. "Well, it *was* rather funny. Ok, I'll go get Trowa, and we'll bring some snacks." He looked at me. "Would you like something, Wufei?"

"Anything would be fine, Winner," I muttered. It was not like I would eat any of the snack food they brought out. Not unless it had some kind of worth.

"Great. I'll be back in a few minutes." A few moments later, Barton and Winner appeared, carrying fresh fruit and vegetables, with a few bowls of popcorn.

"Damn!" I was surprised to hear Winner curse in English; although, after the night before, I do not know why. He has *quite* the vocabulary. I watched as he placed what he was holding on the loveseat and storm off.

"Um, someone care to explain?" Duo asked, as Barton followed his lover's example of placing the things in his hands on the loveseat.

"We seem to have forgotten that the coffee table was shattered in last night's... events. I think he went off to find a replacement," Barton explained. "I think I should go help him, or we will be waiting for a while." He left us alone, and that is when Duo turned to me.

"You ok, love? You seem... quieter than usual."

"No. I'm fine," I said, knowing that I was not. I was remembering the night before, and the expression of surprise and pain on the boy who I was holding right at that moment. I did not speak again. I did not have to a few moments later, when Barton came in with a replacement, and Winner was with him covered in dust.

"Well, we found it," the blond said happily. "Even if it *is* a bit dusty."

"Where did you find it? In the middle of a sand storm?" Duo asked, while Winner inspected himself.

"Um, not exactly, but the attic is not exactly someplace that is spotless." He grinned, dusting his clothes off.

"I found him like that, trying to drag this thing by himself," Barton said, positioning the table so we could all reach it with ease. When everyone was seated, Duo set everything up.

"Ready?" he asked. I snorted in response. I was as ready as I would ever have been, considering what I was going to watch, and with the other couple, no doubt. Did I just type that? I suppose I did. I don't think I will delete it either. We are, for all intents and purposes, a couple.

The only interruption for the movie, which was better than I thought it would be, was when Winner left and returned with drinks. I took a quick smell of Duo's soda, and noticed that there was the scent of pain medication. I was surprised that Duo didn't notice a strange taste, or the smell.

When it was over, Barton and Winner left, taking the dirty dishes with them, and leaving Duo and myself alone. He looked up at me, and I smiled, taking his long braid into one of my hands, and stroking it with the other.

"So, what did you think?" he asked quietly.

"It was amusing. I enjoyed watching you watch it." Duo tried to sit up from his position of sprawled in my lap, but grimaced in pain. I tried to make him lay back down, but all I think I accomplished was to irritate my love.

"God dammit, Wufei, I don't need two mother hens! It's bad enough that Q was shooting concerned looks at me throughout the whole movie! I've *had* worse!" He swung his long legs off the side of the couch, and unsteadily made his way to the kitchen, where he continued to yell. "And the next stupid person who asks how I feel will get a fist. I promise." He then moved into the adjoining dining room.

I wondered if I should have followed him to apologize, but I had no chance as there was the sound of his voice yelling out.

"I said GO AWAY, YUY!"

I heard a chair crash to the floor, and few seconds later, Duo collided into my chest. He looked up, and I tried to let him know I was worried without being over-bearing.

"Duo?"

"Hide me, love. I just punched the hell out of Heero." I raised an eyebrow, but I was secretly proud of him. Yuy deserved what he got then. I helped him back to the couch.

"I take it you made good on your threat?"

"Yeah, and it's not my fault that Heero was the one who asked, though he deserved it. Bastard," he snarled, and I couldn't help but wrap him up in my arms. "Hm, I think I need a nap now," he said with a yawn. "Stay here." He did sound sleepy, and I made a mental note to talk to Winner about it, but not where Duo might overhear.

"You aren't going to bite my head off again, are you?" I asked, and he yawned once more.

"Nope, not yet. Give me a while." I laughed lightly, and soon, he was snoring lightly, head in my lap. I looked at his calm face, and I could not help but note how innocent he looked while he dreamed. I felt the overwhelming urge to always want to protect him sweep through me. I was disrupted by Winner's soft voice.

"Wufei?"

"Yes, Quatre?" I said, knowing that I had said his first name, but not caring.

"Is there something I can get for you? Some more chai perhaps? A book? Your laptop?"

"Why are you asking?"

"I don't want you to be bored, and well, you have Duo asleep in your lap, so I doubt you will be moving anytime soon." That was more than true, and I knew that if I moved, it would wake him, and while I enjoy the silence, a little mind stimulation never hurt anyone.

"A book would be a welcome thing."

"Which one would you like? I can grab something from out of the study."

"There is a book on the nightstand in my room. Please do not touch anything else."

"Of course, Wufei." He gave me a polite bow, which somewhat startled me. Since when did Winner understand such things? "I'll be right back."

I did not have long to think on this, for he returned a few moments later, with the book in hand.

"Excuse me, Wufei, but what is the name of that book?" he asked. I knew he could not read what was written in it, for it was in Cantonese, but still, he had asked. I felt a slight heat dot my cheeks.

"It is a book of Shakespeare's sonnets in Cantonese," I whispered. When I was sure that there was no one but myself and the slumbering Duo, I began to read some of the poems out loud, starting with the perfect one, number fifty-seven.

"Being your slave, what should I do but tend

Upon the hours and times of your desire?..."(23)

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

An hour and a half later, Winner and Barton breezed into the kitchen, looking a lot less tense than they had the last time I saw them. Twenty minutes after that, Winner appeared before me.

"Wufei, is Duo awake? Trowa and I reheated some leftovers from last night for dinner."

"Yes, he is. We will be in there in a moment. Thank you." Yes, my love was awake, even if he was trying to pretend he wasn't. I had felt him move about ten minutes ago.

"No problem." When Winner left, Duo slowly opened his eyes.

"You had to tell him?" I placed the book down on the table. "Where did you get a

book from?"

"Winner retrieved it from my room for me. I couldn't very well leave you, could I?" He smiled in self assurance.

"Suppose not. So, dinner's ready?"

"It appears that way. Are you hungry?"

"A little."

"So, you will be able to eat a bit."

"Oi, `Fei, did I really hit Heero?"

"Oh yes. The bruise is apparently quite impressive. Winner says it is much nastier than the one I gave him." So, Quatre did *not* say that, but the look upon his face when he was walking into the kitchen was enough to know it.

"Good. Help me to the dining room?"

"It would be my pleasure." I helped him up and we walked together to the empty dining room. I looked at my xin ai and smiled. "Kitchen then."

"Yep." We proceeded into the adjoining room and were assaulted by the smells of food wafting towards us.

"Hmmm... smells good," Duo said, as he started adding food to his plate. He had only just sat down when he began to eat it ravenously. "Tastes good too." I smiled and made my own plate, sitting next to my braided lover to eat.

Winner shook his head. "Nice work."

"Hm?" Duo mumbled, looking up.

"You have officially out-done Wufei," he said, and Duo's face lit up with a smirk like a light in a dark room.

"Yes, quite a few times," he replied with a wink. I caught his meaning, and I *know* I was blushing in embarrassment.

"Maxwell," I growled. Duo gave me something that would have been innocent on anyone else.

"What?"

"Just eat, and don't talk." The other three laughed, and the amicable environment continued until Yuy entered. I saw the bruise that Duo gave him, and it was quite impressive. It took up a good fourth of the Japanese teen's face.

When Yuy finished eating, he left the room, and Duo looked at the clock, beginning to sway slightly. Barton commented on it first.

"Duo, are you ok?"

"Yeah, T-man, just a little tired again. I think I'm gonna go to bed. Nice dinner, by the way, Quatre." Duo stood, and I followed him out, letting him walk on his own until we reached the stairs, where I picked him up again, and carried him to his room.

"Sleep, xin ai. I will check on you in a little while," I whispered as I placed him in his bed with an affectionate kiss to his forehead. I left his room for the TV room.

I knew he would not sleep right away. He would want to write about what had occurred, so I let him be for the next hour or so. When I was sure that he was back in his bed, I picked up my book, dropped it off in my room, grabbed my laptop, and headed into Duo's room.

He sleeps now, and I will soon. It has been a very odd two days, and I have yet to tell him of my injury. He will be upset when I do, but it was not a high priority on my list today. He will know. I just hope that on one else will tell him. I leave on this note. The moon is reflecting off of Duo's hair, and it is very enticing.

Good night.

~ Chang Wufei

TBC...

(1) Shi de - Mandarin, "Yes"

(2) Ji xu - Mandarin, "Continue"

(3) Ai ma - Mandarin, let's just say, it's like saying "Fuck it", or "Dammit!"

(4) Xi ai - Mandarin, a disrespectful term for a woman; slave girl

(5) Nuu zi - Mandarin, "woman"

(6) Tsao - Mandarin, "fuck"

(7) In Asian cultures, the bow is a sign of respect. Depending on who or what you are bowing to is how low you bow. The simple dip to of the head is respectful to an equal or inferior. A waist bow is for a superior, or for great respect. Then, the bow that requires you to leave yourself totally exposed (a.k.a. prone on the ground or on your knees) is for your ruler or for one of the Gods. Of course, there are different degrees to each bow, but these are the more common ones.

(8) ben dan - Mandarin, "idiot"

(9) Sch - Mandarin, "shit"

(10) El Khara Dah? - Arabic, "What is this shit?"

(11) Avez-vous *perdus* les esprits? - French, "Have you *lost* your minds?"

(12) All Yela'an... - Arabic, "Allah curse..."

(13) Wad al harams - Arabic, "Bastards"

(14) Ahhlass! - Arabic, "Shut up"

(15) Hmar - Arabic, "Jackass"

(16) Zarba! - Arabic, "Shit"

(17) Inti mafish Makh - Arabic, "You have no brains!"

(18) Said Bousak! - Arabic, "Shut your mouth!" (sounds like sai-id bo-sak)

(19) Jigoku ni ike - Japanese, "Go to Hell"

(20) Chuin-zi - Mandarin, "moron"

(21) Yang gui zi - Mandarin, "foreign devil"

(22) Too zaizi - Mandarin, "son of a rabbit", has the same meaning as son of a bitch.

(23) If you are curious, the sonnet is number 57 or LVII in Roman Numerals. It is actually quite fitting for the situation, hence my usage of it. ^_^