A lavish mansion stretched over one hundred fifty square acres of land. Built from a most peculiar shining stone the gothic style turrets and archways seemed to intimidate wanderers and cast an invisible but perceptible shadow of gloom. Encircling the whole grounds was a forty foot high wrought iron fence, spikes atop the ridge with the "bars" consisting of twisted metal figures arranged in various sexual acts. The grounds itself was something of a marvel, astounding black with red streaked marble pathways and well kept garden courts dotted the area. Beautiful sculptures of men and women, some clothed, were positioned in fountains, courts, terraces or just along the outer wall of the manor. Late spring had lent it's hand in the landscaping, evident from the floral clusters that speckled the land, letting out a most delicious blend of fragrances.

What lay inside the manor was nothing short of breath taking. Cathedral ceilings gave way to extravagant art depicting the likes of nature spirits and angels. Sensuality infused the atmosphere, aided by the rich decor and subdued lighting through out the rooms and halls. Everything within the manor; color scheme, furniture, knick knacks, etc. were pleasing to the eye, including the inhabitants. Five youths lay scattered throughout the building, carefully exiting at night if the need arose but always returning before dawns first light. Quite vampiric, to say the least, but also necessary to upkeep the rumor of it being abandoned and haunted, despite the immaculate state of everything in and around the estate.

Each pilots arriving time had been different, some of them weeks apart. Quatre had been the first to settle in, followed by Wufei a month later and then Duo three months after that. Four weeks into that arrangement led to the arrival of Trowa and Hiro, the latter only five hours later in that same day. Each had picked their own room to recreate or destroy at will. While everyone's personal space was unique each had an elevator shaft hidden behind the wall that led to the underground hangar of the gundams. Leave it to the doctors to think of everything, even if they wouldn't be able to use the gundams because they were in hiding. Ongoing information leaks had caused Oz to be prepared for every military strike in the past year, diminishing the success rate of the war waged by the gundam pilots. The doctors had decided it best to lie low and let the war build for a while longer, until Oz got fat and lazy over there apparent victory and let their guard down. Shipping the gundam pilots to stay at the manor had been the other half of their genius, making it easier for them to contact all the pilots instead of trying to sort them out of their own separate hidey holes. Besides, even if you weren't in a war to make friends you were in a war to make allies and understand them. The gundam pilots were much too solitary for the doctors' liking, a break from the chaos of war was what they all needed, the air of peace within the manor would ensure ample time and a comfortable surrounding to get to know each other.

Krack! Fwring...shlid...rrschk! "Fuuucckk!!!" A flash of sun kissed skin rounded the corner at maximum speed, sliding most ungracefully into something solid. Very solid, actually, and quite warm for a wall. Tilting his head up violet met prussian, Duo flushed hotly as he scrambled to his feet and past the other gundam pilot, barely able to keep his eyes away from the towel clad statue casting him an oddly curious look. Not a time for distractions, anyways, as a certain Chinese imp was hot for his blood at the moment. "DUO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! STUPID AMERICAN!!!!!!!" His steps faltered in racing up the stairs as the bloodcurdling roar erupted somewhere below. Panicked, he stumbled the rest of the way and barreled into the nearest room, looking about the snow white splendor before opting to cram himself under the western style bed. Trying frantically to lower his breathing Duo lay flat on his back, blood rushing through his veins and pulse in his head. Slowly...slowly...he'll hear your fucking heart... The acute absence of dust bunnies lead wandering eyes to actually examine the room he had chosen to hide in. Peering out from under the bed skirt his heart stopped. Nothing but spotless white and navy blue. Everything the same color scheme, except for the few shirts Duo knew Wufei owned. Closing his eyes tight in concentration he forced his nerves to steel up as thundering foot falls rapidly approached. Accompanied by shrill cries of protest, no doubt from Quatre. Bless that little fairy's heart....save me

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Out of my way!" Spittle flew from rage curled lips, smattering the side of Quatre's face. Paying it no mind the flaxen youth was determined to block his path, darting in front of him no matter which way he decided to go. Significantly slowing Wufei's progress but slowly increasing his anger toward Duo. Fed up with the delay he reached out and grabbed Quatre by his shirt, throwing him to the steps behind as he ran forward. Not to be out done by Wufei's impatience the pilot of Sandrock snagged this Chinese lads ankle securely and snickered at the desired result. Stepping over a bloody nosed prick and perching upon the step above, he smiled warmly into the daggers Wufei's glare threw.

Tilting his head to the side slightly the smile never faltered, "It is what you deserve for spitting on Deathscythe, y'know," he nodded happily, curling clasped hands under his chin as he looked down at him, "I'm sure that Burger King wrapper wasn't intended for Nataku." Sputtering with rage the Chinese pilot lunged, toppling Quatre over in time to gain the back of someone's hand under his chin. Swelling already evident in the surrounding flesh he froze, staring up at the uni-banged crusader.

"I quite agree with Quatre..." Softly spoken the words were among the few Trowa ever said in public, completely opposite from the waterfall let loose at Quatre's bedside every night. Having stepped out from his own room Trowa bent over, one hand pocketed as usual, and nimbly swept up Wufei with the other. "I don't suppose you would like to continue up this way, dripping fruit punch everywhere is very inconsiderate to the others around you," a warm baritone couldn't conceal the implied threat in his glass hard eyes as Wufei, visibly shaking with repressed anger and ego, twisted haughtily out of his grasp and stormed to the lower gym. Turning away from Wufei's retreating form he spotted Quatre beaming sunshine at him as he offered his hand to help the other up. Grasping it firmly Quatre stood on his own, liking the feel of the others warm and toughened grip. Eying the smaller pilot carefully he tilted his head down to reach the youths ear, "He didn't hurt you...?" A hesitant question answered by vigorous shaking of the head and an affectionate cuddle against his arm. Gazing at the flaxen crown below his chin a soft, nearly imperceptible smile lighted his lips. All thoughts of Duo lay forgotten as the two descended arm in arm towards the kitchen.

Remaining still for what seemed like hours the braided individual listened carefully. No more sounds came form the hallway, perhaps it was clear. Oh, what hell... Duo slipped quickly from beneath the frame, rushing out through the darkness and into his own room. Sighing loudly he leaned against the shut door, suddenly losing all strength in his knees and sliding to the floor. Eyes closed and heart still racing to keep up with his nerves a soft tip-tapping in the room helped greatly to calm him down. Yet...I'm not even on my laptop right now...blinking rapidly he was on his feet in an instance and searching out the source of the sound. His eyes ended on a lone, scantily clothed Hiro Yui sitting cross-legged on the edge of his bed. Double taking he examined the room, making sure it was his own, then examined the other occupant making sure it was actually Hiro on his laptop. All things confirmed and I'm not on crack at the moment he fixed his feet firmly on the floor and proceeded with caution, "The hell are you doing in here?" His voice slid perfectly into what he thought of as a commanding, yet puzzled tone.

Looking up momentarily Hiro caught his eye before continuing to type. "Rats." His one syllable response left Duo hanging for a moment. Waiting to see if his oh so conversational ally would elaborate he pushed for a better answer.

"Rats?" His brow lifted minutely.

"Yes, rats, in my room. Trowa is going to do something about them sometime this week, until then I will be sharing your room with you." Duo paused, reviewing the words over in his head. Yea, he had heard them correctly, he now allowed the world to spin. Sharing a room with Hiro Yui? The gods were indeed generous in their miracles. Mischief lighted recently dulled eyes as he practically danced over to Hiro, spinning on his heel and falling back on the bed at the perfect soldier's right. Staring up at his face he smiled widely, so what if those eyes aren't focused on me...they're still here with me.

It had been a game the past several weeks, poking and prodding at Hiro until he got a reaction. Bursting into his room at the crack of ass just to whip the covers off and proclaim that Sir Yui slept in the nude and needed his sheets washed. Or undermining the perfect soldiers self-sufficiency by picking up the little chores that made things more convenient for all of them. Even teasing Hiro about Relena, insinuating homosexuality with close physical contact before either running away or being punched in the face, etc. He had endured the glares and curses and even the occasional physical fight as a result of his tenacity, but it was all worth it to be close to him in some way. Rolling on his side Duo propped himself up on one elbow, flipping the end of his braid idly in the other hand. He can't mind that much if he keeps putting up with it...right?

"You know, Hiro, if you want to stay here you need to pass a sexy test," the words left his lips before he had completely thought them, with eyes fixed on his braid tip he could feel the stare Hiro was giving him ergh...I'm an idiot... "It's really simple though, all you have to do is sit where you are…"more unbidden words, he trailed off, heart pounding with nervous adrenaline he cast his eyes down in what he hoped was a coy manner. Really feeling the burn of those eyes now he rolled promptly to the side so that he straddled this Hiro Yui, rearing up on his knees in a way that allowed for minimal space cushion between the two. God, had he even realized Hiro was only toweled? Of course I noticed...ecchi... Blushing furiously he closed Hiro's laptop, pushing it aside and pressing his own shirtless body against him, all in one fluid motion. Lissome arms snaked seductively around the perfect soldier as his lips moved in closer.

"Duo..." Hiro's voice rushed out in a whisper, Duo's lips brushed past Hiro's cheek and lighted on his lower ear lobe, pulling into a smirk.

"Definitely very sexy..." murmuring the sentence in his best come hither tone he slid gracefully off and to the side of Hiro, sauntering out of the room. With the door shut behind him he bolted down the hall and into the closest linen closet, crumbling to the floor hyperventilating. What in hell had he been thinking???? Hiro was the least likely candidate to fall for any of that homoerotic bullshit, especially with him. How many times have I already been rejected? God, I can't even begin to count… The pushes and shoves, glaring, cursing, hitting, it all obviously shows his contempt for me. Who can blame him though…it must be like having Relena forced down your throat... But gawd, I want him so bad. Stupid stoic, sexy, badass types, curse them all. He doesn't want me. Period. Why can't I just let it go? Curling into a ball he lay for a while, thinking and crying over his plight.

Sighing loudly he sat up, forcing calm into his veins. Wiping at his tear streaked face a sense of self-loathing filled him. He was a gundam pilot, someone other people depended on to not lose their head. I need to stop being such chicken shit... That in mind he stood, exiting the closet.

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The sound of the door slamming rang in his ears. Gingerly touching his chest Hiro was surprised to find it didn't actually scorch his fingertips, despite how much it still burned from contact with Duo. An event that still hadn't seemed to be completely absorbed by his mind. It wasn't the first time Duo had took to touching him so sexually, he snorted softly definitely not the first time, nor did he even dare to think it would be the last. Yet this time had somehow been different, he had seen something in those violet eyes that allowed him to accept what Duo was doing...maybe even want the attention. Truly puzzled Hiro frowned into his lap, I don't even like Duo as a comrade...much less as a lover, annoying American. Shaking his head the boy leaned back, letting his thoughts drift and eyes unfocus as they became half lidded.

Gazing lazily around the room he took in every aspect of it, from the posters of various men and women down to the scent and color scheme/detail in the sheets and curtains. Each object was uniquely Duo, who else would prefer dead red roses to hang from the ceiling and decorate the walls with, but only keep live white ones on the windowsill in graveyard dirt? Or frame handwritten poetry on Hello Kitty stationary with vials of blood? Such a conundrum this Duo Maxwell. Every piece of information he had gathered about this braided hair youth swam into his head, much of it quite contradicting to each other, making the room slant at odd angles and blur the more he thought on it. Cocky smile, jaunty attitude, slinky almost feline grace...violet eyes and soft golden-brown skin...vacant stare...tear stained cheeks...scent of raspberries in his hair... love for every single form of art in creation...depressed...beautiful...violet...angel... The whole process was dizzying, he swayed and lost his balance, tipping over onto the floor. Prussian slits struggled to stay open when he suddenly remembered to breathe, coughing quietly into his palm the air rushed to his lungs, refreshing his senses people shouldn't do things like that to me...I must be tired... Staring at it from the ground the bed did look awfully inviting, and it did smell nice like Duo... Not wanting to leave the comfortable position he had fallen onto the floor in his body moved to the bed, making to slide under the covers before he caught sight of the laptop. Hesitantly reaching for it he frowned over his next decision while calloused fingers worked over the latch. Duo had closed the thing just moments ago, erasing all the work he had managed to get done but I let him do it including schematics for upgrades on Wing Zero. A few moments of grumbling later he reluctantly slid his laptop under the bed and wriggled beneath several layers of blanket, it wasn't really important work anyways...just busy work to compensate for the lack of missions...