Disclaimer: Don't own any of the characters in this story. Except little Jarrod.

A/N: Shounen Ai; This is a Gundam/Weiss crossover.

Thanks to BurnedVamp and QueenNarca for your reviews! It helps me to keep from going crazy.

Death and the Assassin

Chapter 4

Ambushed!

"C'mon chibi, stop gawking at the pretty machines and let's go. I still want to stop by three other stores before heading home."

"You just want me around to carry packages. I'm not going shopping with you anymore if you won't let me shop for what I want to."

"Fine. You go drool for awhile and I'll stand here and smoke a cigarette. Deal?"

The young man smiled brightly and started to run for the store entrance when Yohji grabbed his jacket.

"Hey! Yohji, let go!"

When Omi looked back at his friend, he found the man staring across the street. He followed the blonde's gaze and saw Ken and some guy sitting down at a table at the café across the street. Before Omi could say anything, Yohji got that sly smile on his face and he started across the street, Omi in tow.

"Well, well. Hello you two."

Both men looked up from their conversation and saw a very pleased Yohji and a slightly confused Omi.

"Hey guys. What're you two up to?"

"We were just shopping." Yohji tilted his head down and let his glasses slide down the bridge of his nose just enough to fix his eyes on Duo. "Duo, nice to see you again. This is Omi. Omi, this is Duo."

"Hey Omi. Nice to finally meet you."

"Yeah, you too!" He smiled at the two men sitting before him, happy for Ken. "Well Yohji, we should be---"

"Having a seat. Yes, I agree chibi."

"Yohji! Leave them alone! What about those other stores you wanted to go to?"

Yohji smiled as he kicked a chair out for Omi. "The stores will be there later. This is much more interesting."

"So Duo, you don't mind if we crash your little luncheon, do you?"

Duo looked over at Ken and he just waved a hand indicating the decision was up to him. "No, not at all. I've been looking forward to spending some time with you guys. Are you hungry? We just ordered a few minutes ago."

"Actually yeah, that would be great."

The foursome sat and ate and talked the next few hours away, the conversation topics pretty general until Yohji would decide to mix things up. Thankfully, Ken had told Duo about Aya, Omi and Yohji so when confronted with the blonde, Duo knew what to expect.

"I've got to say, I'm impressed with the braid. How long have you had it?"

"I first grew it out when I was about fourteen. Then I decided to cut it off two years ago, but I missed it and eventually grew it back."

"Why did you decide to grow it?"

"Uh, well, it's kinda stupid. I was really into martial arts as a kid and my sensei had a long ponytail. So I grew my hair long. But I had a hard time with it getting snagged or tangling easily, so I braided it instead. The look just kinda stuck."

"So Kenken," Yohji leaned over towards the brunette, his jade eyes sparkling at Duo, "Does it come in handy in bed?"

Ken scoffed and pushed Yohji away, his face as red as Omi's, who was staring open mouthed at the amused blonde. Duo on the other hand just smiled.

"Everything about me is handy in bed."

Duo winked at Ken causing the brunette to blush even further. Yohji raised his drink in a toast and the two clinked glasses.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

The Novelist

Duo was driving down the road feeling bad. He'd had one of his attacks at work and was laid up in the infirmary most of the day, drugged out of his mind. He didn't know what was worse: Having the attack at home and only having his prescription painkillers to dull the pain enough where he could cry himself to sleep, or having the attack at work and having the doctors inject him to knock him out for several hours leaving him in a dark room to wake up by himself and search his hazy mind to remember what happened.

Now he was racing home hoping to only be an hour late for his date with Ken. He looked down at his speedometer and pressed the gas peddle down a little more. He hadn't seen Ken in four days and he was going insane. Now I know what addicts go through when they try to quit.

His mind began to wander to the brunette with the blue eyes and warm smile. Suddenly his phone rang and he scowled at the offending device. He reached over and checked the display.

"You're kidding me."

Duo placed the ear piece in his ear and pressed talk.

"Long time no talk buddy! What's happening in the land of the written word?...Really? When?...Two days, huh? Uh, yeah, I'm free……. Of course I'm sure. ……No, I'm not hiding anything. As a matter of fact I have someone I'd like you to meet…….Yeah, that's the one……..I didn't want to jinx it, but things are just going so well and I've met a few of his friends and I'd really like you two to meet…….That sounds fine. I'll pick you up at the airport, we'll get you checked in and then we'll meet up with Ken…..No, I will not give you his last name so you can run a background check on him…….No I didn't already do it myself!...Look, I'm already late for my date and I'm speeding like a demon so we'll continue this conversation when you get here. Later!"

Duo hung up the phone and shook his head, a smile on his face. He couldn't wait to see his best friend. It had been over six months since they'd seen each other. And he was really excited for him to meet Ken.

Duo pulled up in front of the Koneko and practically jumped off his bike. He knocked on the back door and was relieved to see Ken standing there, a smile on his face. Duo grabbed his face and stepped into him for a long, deep kiss. Ken returned it equally, pulling Duo through the door and shoving him against the wall. When they finally broke the kiss, both were breathless and smiling.

Ken rested his forehead against Duo's. "I missed you too."

"Sorry I'm late."

"It's ok. At least you warned me."

"Awww, Aya. Aren't they adorable?"

Ken and Duo looked to see a smirking Yohji leaning on Aya, his elbow resting on his shoulder, and Aya himself arms crossed over his chest, looking away from the affectionate display, scowl in place.

"Hn."

"That's 'yes' in Aya speak Duo. So how ya doing?"

"I'm doing fine. How's life treating you?" Duo stole a quick glance at the redhead who was still not acknowledging their presence. What's his problem?

"Splendidly. As a matter of fact, one of the reasons for my splendid life is waiting for me now and Aya here is being kind enough to escort me since my car is in the shop. You ready Aya?" Yohji pushed off the redhead and earned himself a glare. He just smirked and walked past Ken and Duo to leave. "Have fun guys!"

Aya began to walk past but Ken caught his arm. "Aya, wait." Amethyst eyes fixed on Ken and Duo flinched at the look. They were hard, cold eyes. He's a friend? "Aya, this is Duo, my boyfriend. Duo, this is Aya, friend and fellow florist."

Duo smiled and held out his hand. "Nice to finally meet you Aya."

The amethyst eyes turned to him and if looks could kill, Duo was sure he'd be pushing up daisies. But he wasn't going to back down. Whatever this guy's problems were, he'd just have to deal. He was surprised the redhead actually shook hands with him, but not so surprised when he didn't say anything.

Aya shook hands and walked out the door quickly, slamming the door behind him. Ken held up his hands in a helpless gesture.

"And that's Aya."

"Charming."

"Sorry. He's always a bit standoffish but he's usually not that bad. He must be pissed off at being dragged out by Yohji."

"You know what?" Duo wrapped his arms around Ken's waist and kissed his neck. "I don't care about Aya."

Ken melted into the embrace with a soft moan. He'd missed Duo so much these past four days. And honestly, it scared him a little. He'd never been so drawn to someone. He'd loved Kase, but he couldn't recall ever missing him like he did Duo. Maybe it was because he and Kase played together and saw each other more. Duo's tongue running along his ear brought him out of his thoughts.

"So. What do you have planned for tonight?"

"Nothing."

Teeth nibbled at his ear and hands roamed down to rest on his ass.

"Does that mean you're leaving it up to me?"

Duo pinned Ken to the wall and Ken felt exactly what Duo wanted pressed against his leg.

"Duo…."

"Shhh…."

"I don't think we should do this now."

Duo brought his face up to Ken's, and the normally bright purple eyes were darkened with lust. And Duo's voice had become husky. "Your body tells a different story Hidaka."

Ken looked to the side, trying to escape the hungry gaze aimed at him. "I know, I'm sorry. I just….I want to wait."

Duo took a slow deep breath and brushed some of the brunette locks away from Ken's face. "Don't be sorry. If you want to wait, we'll wait. But would you tell me why?"

Ken chuckled and looked up to the ceiling. "You are going to think I'm really stupid."

"Try me."

Ken turned his gaze back to Duo, a small smile on his face. "It scares me how attracted I am to you."

"That's not stupid. I felt the same way about you." Duo lightly trailed his fingertips over Ken's cheeks, feeling the heat radiating from them. His eyes following the gesture as he spoke. "But I've come to realize that it's just not a physical attraction. I care about you. I don't just want to get in your pants. I want to talk to you, tour on our bikes through the mountains, watch you coach, go to a movie and anything else we can think of. So I understand and don't worry about it. Ok?"

Ken watched the purple eyes roaming over his face, and when they settled back to look him in the eye, a warmness spread through his whole body. Gods, how did I get so lucky to find you Duo?

"Ok."

"So what would you like to do?"

"Well, it's almost seven. Why don't we go grab some food and a movie? Take out, rental, eat-in or theater. Your choice."

Duo backed away from Ken and let the man grab his coat and keys. "Since you can't seem to keep your hands off me I guess we should stay someplace public. I mean, if we stayed here by ourselves, who knows what you might try."

Ken punched Duo in the stomach playfully with his helmet before getting on his motorcycle. "Get on, I'm driving."

"Whatever you say." Duo got on behind Ken and wrapped his arms around the man's waist. "Oh, by the way. There's someone I'd like you to meet. He's coming into town in a few days and I thought it would be nice if we got together for dinner."

"Sure. Who's the guy?"

"My best friend, Wufei. I told him about you and he'd like to meet you."

Ken hesitated as he was putting on his helmet when he heard Duo's words. "You told him about me?"

Duo squeezed tighter. "Of course. I always tell him about the good things in my life." He meant what he said. He would wait for Ken. He cared for him and knew he was worth the wait. But as they pulled off into traffic, he just prayed that he wouldn't have to wait too much longer.

Ken smiled as he put his helmet on and started the motorcycle. Duo's right. We are a good thing. Why am I fighting this so much? As he drove down the street, Ken decided that being in public tonight would be a good idea. But he wasn't going to fight his desire for the man sitting behind him anymore. He wanted Duo and Duo wanted him. It was that simple.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Enter the Dragon

"Fei!"

Before he could stop the enthusiastic man, Wufei found himself on the ground being smothered by his best friend while passersby smiled and giggled.

"Duo! You're making a spectacle of yourself. Get off of me!"

Duo sat up so he was straddling Wufei's hips and he smiled down at his obviously embarrassed friend. "Actually, I'm making a spectacle out of both of us."

"Even worse. Now get up."

"Not until you admit you missed me as much as I missed you."

"Duo…"

The man's voice was a warning but Duo had never backed down from that voice before. He saw it more as a challenge. The two stayed there for several minutes in a stalemate until Wufei sighed in resignation. Gods he always wins these things! Why?

"Fine. I did miss you. Very much. That's why I decided to start my vacation with you baka."

"There, now was that so hard?" Duo got up and offered his friend a hand up which was gratefully accepted. He picked up Wufei's bags and the two walked out to Duo's waiting car. Once they were settled in the car and on their way, Duo picked up the conversation again. "So are you really on vacation, or are you traveling to do more research?"

"I am really on vacation. I'll be here for a few days, and then I'm going to visit Quatre and Trowa before hitting Australia for a week or so."

"Wow. Sounds like fun."

"You should come to visit Quatre and Trowa with me. I know they've been hounding you to visit. Why haven't you gone?"

Duo just shrugged. "Been busy. Besides, every time I visit them, Quatre's sisters won't leave me alone and I never get to relax."

"Take this Ken guy with you. I'm sure that will deter them."

"Hey, that's not a bad idea. I'll ask Ken if he wants to take a trip. So what hotel are you staying at?"

"The usual."

"The usual it is."

"So tell me about Ken." Wufei saw the smile widen and the slightest of color come to his friend's cheeks. "Oh my. Is it that serious Duo Maxwell?"

"Hmmmm. ….yeah."

"How long have you known him?"

"Not long. And I know it's too soon to be getting serious and we haven't even slept together yet."

"Really?"

"Yeah. We both agreed to take it slow because there's such an intense attraction between us we don't want it to take over, ya know?" Duo looked over and saw his friend's incredulous look. "Go ahead and say it. It's stupid."

"No, it's not stupid. I'm very proud of you. And Ken must mean a great deal to you if you're willing to wait."

"Ken means…."

Everything…..

"…he means a lot to me yes. I've never felt this way about anyone Fei."

"Not even Heero?"

"No. This is different. This is….special. Ken is special."

Wufei didn't bother to take the conversation any further. Obviously his best friend was head over heels for this Ken person and he didn't want to hear anything else about Ken. He wanted to meet this man for himself and make sure that Duo didn't end up hurt again. He better be worthy of you Duo. I have no reservations about telling this guy to get lost. Wufei looked over at his best friend who was driving along, a smile in place, humming to the radio. I couldn't protect you from Heero. I was only able to help you pick up the pieces. This time, there will be no pieces. You will be happy. If Ken makes you happy, then I'm happy. But if he hurts you, he will have the dragon to deal with.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Ken had been on edge all day. He was supposed to meet Duo and his friend for dinner tonight, and he didn't want to have to make up some excuse and cancel because Manx showed up with a mission. Once his shift was over, he raced upstairs, showered, dressed and left. If he wasn't there, he couldn't get lassoed into a mission. So he'd stalled around town for a few hours before going to meet up with Duo and his friend.

Ken entered the hotel lobby and made his way over to the bar/restaurant. He was familiar with the layout due to a recent mission. They'd baited a known pedophile with Omi and the bastard brought him back to this hotel. But Ken was here for something good. Someone wonderful. Ken entered the restaurant and spotted Duo immediately, smiling at a dark-hard man in traditional white Chinese garb.

Ken stood against the doorframe for a few moments, admiring the sight. Duo was dressed in a pair of black slacks and a white button down shirt. Nothing special by any means. But the simple clothes fit the man perfectly, accentuating his fit body while still leaving some things to the imagination. His hair was in its usual braid and Ken smirked as he watched Duo brush his bangs from his eyes.

The action caused Duo's head to turn slightly and he caught sight of Ken standing in the doorway, just staring with a small smile on his face. Duo jumped from his chair and was by his side before Ken could take two steps.

"Hey, you made it."

Duo leaned in and gave Ken a quick kiss while grabbing hold of his hand. "Was there any doubt?"

Duo just squeezed his hand and smiled as he turned to lead Ken to their table. The dark-haired man stood up to greet Ken and the closer they got, the more beautiful Duo's friend became.

"Ken, this is Chang Wufei. 'Fei, this Hidaka Ken."

Wufei gave a slight bow in greeting and Ken returned the gesture.

"It's a pleasure to meet you Hidaka. Duo's told me so little about you."

"Fei!"

Ken saw the smirk on the Chinese man's face and knew the truth immediately. Duo had been running his mouth about Ken to his best friend, and it made Ken blush.

"Well, I hope that whatever he's said, it's good." The threesome took their seats and Duo waved the waitress over and Ken ordered his drink. "I don't mean to be rude Chang, but you look familiar. Do you conduct a lot of business in Kyoto?"

"No. I live in Kokura."

"You've probably seen him on TV or read one of his books."

"Wait. You wrote The Power of Brothers didn't you?"

Wufei just nodded as he took a sip of his drink. Well, he reads, that's good. "Now the question is did you remember it because you liked it, or hated it?"

"I love that book. A friend of mine read it and recommended it to me. You have a talent for character development. I'll admit I don't read much, but that book drew me in and I became involved with the characters. I probably sound silly but that's what happened."

"You don't sound silly at all. It's a very high compliment actually. I thank you." The three men fell silent while the waitress delivered Ken's drink, then Wufei continued. "Duo tells me you're a florist. How did you stumble into that profession?"

Ken chuckled and sat back, his attention on his drink as he turned the glass within his hand. Gods, how many times have I told this story? "I didn't mean to get into the business. It was just supposed to be a part-time job to help with school expenses." He looked up and gave the Chinese man who was studying him intently a self-deprecating smile. "I worked there during school and by my last year of high school, I was working fulltime."

Duo saw onyx eyes narrow and his stomach lurched. He knew that look. Wufei was testing Ken and the brunette just failed. But how? Did he run a background check after I told him not to? What does he know?

Ken knew Wufei was testing him. And from the look in those onyx eyes, he'd better be on his toes. This was not a man to take lightly. I wonder if he checked up on me beforehand.

"Wow. You managed to maintain your grades to graduate, play soccer and work fulltime at a flower shop without collapsing from exhaustion?"

So you don't believe me Wufei. Well, let's see if you'll swallow this. Ken laughed and let his cheeks turn just a little red with embarrassment. "I did actually. I could have used you back then Chang. You would have saved me a trip to the hospital." Ken was encouraged when he saw the raised eyebrow and continued. "It was during a game. I hadn't slept in I don't know, three days or something ridiculous like that. Anyway, I blocked a shot on goal but landed pretty hard, bumping my head. No big deal normally. But when I stood up the world turned upside down then went black. I woke up a day later in the hospital, tubes in my arms, my mom worried sick, my dad pissed. My parents made me quit the flower shop for a few months until my grades were ok, then I was able to go back part-time."

"What about University?"

"Never made it. I was accepted, but I decided to work fulltime at the flower shop after the owner died, leaving his wife to run everything. Those two were like parents to me so I helped her out instead of going to school."

"I bet your parents were thrilled."

Ken shrugged and took another sip of his drink. "They got over it." Ken offered a quick smile before turning towards Duo and running a finger lightly across the back of his hand. He was done with this conversation and Wufei seemed astute enough to figure it out by his body language.

Duo inwardly cursed Wufei for what he was doing. He knew why he was doing it and one day he would be thankful his friend was looking out for him. But right now, he was annoyed. He didn't bring Ken here to 'interview' with Wufei. He wanted his best friend and boyfriend to meet and become friends.

"Are you gentlemen ready to eat?"

All three looked up at the waitress, startled. They had been so intent on each other and their own thoughts, they hadn't noticed her approach. And unbeknownst to the others, each was inwardly cursing himself for not paying better attention and letting emotions get in the way.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Dinner went much better than drinks. The conversations were kept light and Duo could tell that Ken and Wufei were getting along just fine, but he wasn't sure if it was for his benefit or if it was genuine. But then Wufei offered something to Ken that surprised and thrilled Duo and it was then that he knew, with time, the two men would be good friends.

"Hidaka, please call me Wufei."

"Really Fei!"

Wufei glared at Duo but the man would not be intimidated. "Maxwell, don't cause a scene."

"Thank you Wufei. I appreciate that. And by all means, call me Ken. I would have offered it sooner, but I was honoring your use of formal names."

Wufei nodded. "You see Duo, that's how it's supposed to happen. You wait until you're given permission. And you most assuredly don't throw ridiculous nicknames around without permission. Which, I would like to point out, you have never been given."

Duo just smirked at his friend. "I'm sorry Chang. The last thing I'd want to do is offend you."

"Hmph."

"Ken, did you give Yohji permission to call you Kenken?"

"Kenken?"

"Yeah. My best friend has nicknamed me Kenken. And he is the only person who is allowed to call me that."

"So you actually gave him permission?" Duo saw the satisfied look on Wufei's face and he was beginning to think he was really in the wrong.

"I didn't really have a choice. It was that or something much worse which will never be uttered by another human being as long as I live." Ken took a sip of his drink and turned to Wufei. "So you see, you need to look on the bright side Wufei. It could be much, much worse."

"I never thought of that. Something to consider."

The two men clinked glasses and Duo's heart soared. His best friend and boyfriend liked each other! The threesome continued with their dinner which ended about an hour later. As they stepped out into the lobby, Wufei turned to the couple and gave them a slight bow.

"Thank you for the evening gentlemen. I shall leave you to enjoy each other's company. Ken, I'm glad I was able to meet you. I feel like I'm leaving Duo in capable hands."

"Thanks Wufei. And please, don't leave on my account. You're only going to be in town for a few days so you and Duo hang out, ok? I've got to open tomorrow so I'm going to call it a night."

"I'll walk you out. I'll meet you back at the bar Chang."

"Drop it Maxwell."

Wufei couldn't stop the smile at the sight of his best friend walking out with his arm around his boyfriend's waist, looking back sticking his tongue out. He looks so happy.

Once outside, Duo pulled Ken to him as he leaned against the building. "Hey, are you sure about this?"

"Of course I'm sure. Go spend time with Wufei. He's your best friend."

"Thank you for tonight. It meant a lot to me."

Ken leaned his whole body against Duo and kissed the man deeply. "Don't thank me. I want to meet your friends. And I think Wufei is great."

"I can tell he likes you too. There are people that have known him for years and still have to call him Chang."

"Apparently you're now one of them."

"Shut up. I'll make him crack. He was just showing off in front of you."

"Whatever you say. Now let me go and you go back to Wufei. I'll see you in a few days."

Duo pushed off the wall and spun, pinning Ken between himself and the stone exterior. He crushed Ken's lips with is own, eventually softening the kiss, until he was just placing light butterfly kisses on Ken's slightly swollen lips.

"So, is it easier to say goodbye when I'm not sitting on my motorcycle?"

"Not really."

"Good."

Ken gave Duo one last lingering kiss as he slid from his confines against the wall and slowly backed away, eventually breaking the kiss.

"Goodnight Duo."

"Goodnight Ken."

Duo walked back in and found Wufei sitting at the bar with drinks already sitting there for the both of them. Neither one said anything for awhile. They just sat there and drank, lost in their own thoughts, watching the other on the sly.

"You love him, don't you?"

Duo just sat there, staring at his drink. He'd been asking himself that question lately but hadn't answered himself for fear of the answer. Leave it to Wufei to force him to face the truth. He chuckled and looked over at the dark-haired man who was waiting patiently for him to answer.

"Yeah. I really love him 'Fei."

Wufei raised his glass and he and Duo toasted the admission.

To be continued….