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 all those who are reading and reviewing! I'll try to keep up the good work. And thanks for accepting the Duo/Ken match up. I think they're so adorable.

Happy Crossover

Chapter 5

Duo sat on his motorcycle and watched the controlled chaos unfold within the Koneko. The large storefront window offered a nice view of the three men trying to manage the onslaught of the young girls. What did Ken call them? Fangirls?

He observed Yohji smiling and laughing and teasing a whole group of giggling blushing schoolgirls without breaking a sweat. The guy was good. And Duo had already been assured by Ken that the blonde's taste in women ran along a much more legal line.

The redhead, Aya, was barely controlling his annoyance at the whole situation. Duo could see his clenched jaw from the street. What could those girls possibly see in someone who was so openly annoyed at their very presence? Are girls really that stupid?

He shook his head as a group of girls came out of the store sighing and blushing. They stood outside looking into the store, blocking his view, clutching their flowers to their hearts.

"Do you think it's true? Could he really have a girlfriend?"

"He just can't!"

"He's the best one out of all of them!"

"He's sweet and funny and smart and---"

"—he never yells at us---"

"He's the perfect age and he's so gorgeous!"

"Ken is perfect! He just can't be taken! Who could possibly have stolen our Ken's heart?"

Duo just couldn't resist.

"Excuse me ladies. I couldn't help but overhear your conversation. What makes you think this young man has a girlfriend?"

They all looked at each other before approaching the man on the motorcycle, but once the decision was made, they came at him full force.

"Yohji said so!"

"He said Ken should stop daydreaming about a certain set of purple eyes--"

"---and apparently this girl has long beautiful hair that she keeps in a braid. What's the big deal about a braid anyway?"

Duo couldn't hold it in any longer. He laughed at the desperate and indignant girls before him. "Ladies, if all this person has going for them is purple eyes and long hair, I think you can calm down. It takes more than that to win a man's heart. Trust me."

All three faces suddenly lit up and they thanked him profusely before they ran off, happy in their school girl world once again. Duo was going to go inside and surprise Ken, but after seeing the display of fangirl angst over the possibility of one of their guys being attached, he wasn't sure it was such a good idea. He didn't want to cause Ken any trouble.

Then again…..

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Duo walked into the Koneko and caught Yohji's eyes, asking his silent question and the lanky blonde pointed to the back door. He noticed Aya only paid him a quick glance before turning his back and resuming work. Duo went back into the storeroom and found the object of his affection stacking bags of soil in the corner. He just stood there and admired the sight of Ken, bare arms straining with the task, a slight sweat visible on his tan skin. After about seven bags, Ken stopped to straighten his back and wipe his brow.

"Don't stop now, my fantasy is just beginning."

The brunette florist yelped and turned to see Duo leaning against the wall, arms crossed, smirk in place.

"Shit! What the hell are you doing here?"

"Just enjoying the show."

Ken walked over to Duo and stopped a little short, not wanting to get the other man dirty and leaned over to give him a quick kiss. But Duo grabbed him around the waist and pulled him close, devouring the soft lips he'd been craving all day.

"I've missed you."

"That's good to hear."

"What time do you get off work?"

"Technically I'm done. I was just trying to get a jump on tomorrow."

"Well then I'd suggest you come with me right away."

"Wha--?"

Duo grabbed Ken's wrist, pulled him out into the store, and winked at Yohji as they passed by on their way out the front door, all the while Ken protesting in vain.

"Get on." Duo shoved the helmet at Ken and got on his motorcycle, helmet in place.

"No, wait. I'm filthy and---"

Duo flipped up his visor and fixed his purple eyes on the brunette, his voice leaving no room for arguments. "Get on the bike now."

He started the motorcycle and Ken quickly donned the helmet and hopped on the motorcycle, wrapping his arms around Duo's waist.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Good clean fun

It took about twenty minutes to reach their destination. Duo hung his helmet and grabbed Ken's wrist. "Let's go."

"No." Ken pulled his wrist free and remained next to the motorcycle. "Tell me where we are and what the hell has gotten into you."

"We're at my place." He closed the distance between them and leaned in, whispering into Ken's ear. "And you're what has gotten into me Ken. So I'm going to take you inside…" Duo let his tongue lick the curve of the brunette's ear, his hands holding the other man's hips. "….strip you….wash the dirt and sweat from your body….." His mouth was now playing along Ken's neck, licking and nipping, sending shudders through both their bodies. "Then I'm going to wrap you in a warm, fluffy towel and dry you off." Duo's hands slid from Ken's hips to his ass, roughly slamming their lower bodies together. "Finally, I'm going to lay you down on the bed and fuck you like I've wanted to do since that night in the parking lot. Is that ok with you….Hidaka?"

Ken's eyes had closed and he stood there, paralyzed by the pleasure coursing through him. He'd thought of bedding Duo so many times but he never pictured it happening like this. They'd been taking it slow, a little scared of the immediate passion they felt for each other. Ken especially, since he didn't want a repeat of Aya. Although he already knew Duo was nothing like the closed off redhead.

Now, strong hands held his hips and he reveled in the sensation of Duo's lips on his skin and he quietly moaned. Duo was explaining his plans for the brunette and when they slammed together, Ken gasped and his eyes flew open, faced with lust-filled purple gems. Ken tried to answer the man, barely choking out,

"Yes."

Suddenly he felt himself being yanked by the waist of his pants and he followed Duo up the stairs to his apartment where the man made good on all his promises.

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Ken and Duo were collapsed in a sweaty heap for the third time that day. Finally consummating their relationship and giving into the intense desire they felt for each other did not squelch their passion. Instead, it seemed to make it stronger.

"Can I tell you something without freaking you out?"

Ken smiled as he continued to wrap a lock of chestnut hair around his finger. "You can tell me anything Duo."

Duo stared up at the ceiling and took a deep breath. "I want you to know that what I'm about to say is not a result of today. And if you don't believe me you can ask 'Fei."

"Duo, I have no reason not to believe you. Just tell me."

The two lovers lay there for a few silent moments until Duo finally spoke up.

"I love you Ken."

Ken's finger froze mid-twirl. He slowly lifted himself up, leaning on his hand and looked down at the nervous man beside him. His eyes roamed over the shiny hair, the big purple eyes, the broad chest and smooth skin. He reached out and brought Duo's hand up to his lips and kissed his palm before placing it against his cheek.

"I'm glad you finally told me." Ken leaned down and stretched his body over Duo's, kissing him tenderly, then whispering against his lips, "I love you too."

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A shot rings out in the night

Yohji wandered around the cafeteria, not really hungry, just wanting a change of scenery. He hated hospitals. But he wasn't about to leave until Ken woke up, so he'd been wandering the hallways until he found this place. Suddenly his phone vibrated at his hip and he looked down at the number. He didn't recognize it, but something told him to pick it up. If nothing else, it would be another distraction.

"Hello?"

"Hey Yohji, it's Duo."

"Oh…hey Duo."

"I hate to bother you but do you know where Ken is? He was supposed to meet me over an hour ago and I can't reach him on his cell."

"Well, actually…." He sighed and slumped down in one of the hard plastic cafeteria chairs. "Duo….Ken's in the hospital. He's going to be fine but he's sleeping right now. I'm sorry I didn't think to check his cell phone and call you, but things have been a little crazy….He….he was shot….calm down, calm down. I know, but the doctor said he's going to be fine…..he…there was a robbery. I spoke to the cops and their guess is Ken must have heard a noise and went to check it out. He must have startled the robber and that's when he got shot….no, all of us were out. Ken was home alone…..Yeah, we're at Sacred Heart Memorial Hospital. He's in room 314. We'll see you soon."

Yohji flipped the phone shut and quickly made his way back to Ken's room so they could get their story straight. They would have to hope that one of them could get to Ken and explain before he woke up and faced Duo.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Duo took a deep breath and pushed open the door. The room was quiet, with Yohji sitting in the corner reading a magazine. Duo heard Yohji say something, but he didn't respond. His attention was focused on the man lying in the bed.

He was asleep and looked peaceful, no signs that he was in pain. But he looked pale. And there was a small bandage on his forehead, almost hidden by his bangs. Duo brushed the locks aside and ran his fingertips over the course gauze.

Duo finally looked over at Yohji and the tall blonde just gave him a small smile.

"He's going to be fine. The operation went smoothly and his vitals are strong. The doctor was here about ten minutes ago and hey, wait a minute….How fast did you drive to get here?"

Duo pulled up a chair to Ken's bedside and sat down, leaning on the edge of the bed and caressing the brunette's hand. "Fast enough I guess."

Yohji threw his magazine to the floor and stood up, glaring at Duo from the other side of the bed.

"Look. I realize you're upset about Ken. We all are. But don't be stupid! What if something had happened to you? What if you crashed and were hurt? Or worse considering how fast you were going? The bullet didn't kill him, but losing you would Duo. Understand?"

"Yeah."

Duo brought the hand up to his lips and he felt the tears fall down his cheeks. He'd seen enough wounded people in his lifetime that this shouldn't be a big deal. He knew Ken would be ok. Hell, he'd been injured worse and he was just fine. Duo was very well aware of how much punishment and damage the human body could take.

What had him so upset was the mere possibility of losing Ken. For that brief moment his heart had stopped and he couldn't breathe. I can't lose him. I've become arrogant and comfortable with our life. I forgot how fragile and fleeting life really is.

Duo still held Ken's hand, but he turned his attention to Yohji. "Where are Aya and Omi?"

"They went back to the Koneko."

"Was there a lot of damage? How much money did you lose?"

Yohji shrugged, picked up his magazine and sat back down. "No real damage. I don't know how much money is missing. Couldn't be too much though. We took the day's deposit to the bank already."

Duo only nodded and looked back at Ken. "I'm not leaving until Ken tells me to so if you need to go home for anything, it's ok."

"I'd like to stick around until he wakes up if you don't mind."

"Not at all."

Yohji and Duo sat in Ken's room talking until late in the evening. The nurses found every excuse possible to visit Ken's room to flirt with Yohji. It proved entertaining for Duo and Yohji got a date. Duo sat there, leaning over, his head resting on his arms which were on the edge of the bed. Yohji had tried to convince him to go lay on the portable cot but he didn't want to lose contact with Ken. He wanted Ken to know he was there.

The last things Duo was aware of as he drifted off to sleep were Yohji whispering to a giggling nurse and hearing the words 'they're both stubborn and in love'.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Ken heard voices around him and he was trying to clear the fog from his mind and speak to the voices. They were hushed, but he recognized Yohji and Aya's voices. What were they saying? Shot? Who was shot? Wait. Aya….he doesn't see the guy in the trench coat getting up…Aya! Lookout! Ken's mind rang with the loud bang and then all was black again.

Duo. I was supposed to meet him, wasn't I? He's going to be worried when I don't show up. I should call him and tell him I won't be able to make it tonight.

Ken was aware of a dull pain in his side which quickly grew into an intense pain. He groaned and fought to open his leaden eyelids. At first he didn't think he'd opened his eyes but after awhile he focused and realized he was just in a dark room.

He lay there a few minutes, getting his mind clear of the drug-induced fog and taking a silent inventory of himself. He wiggled his toes, took a deep breath, and wiggled his fingers…. Huh? What did I just touch?

Ken slowly looked to his right and saw a head of dark hair lying next to him. He couldn't help the small smile as he gently pulled his hand away from under his lover and reached out to stroke the chestnut hair.

The sleeping man stirred and he lifted his head, blinking away the sleep. When he saw Ken looking back at him, his face lost its sleepiness. "You're awake."

"So are you."

"Shut up baka." Duo moved his chair closer and gently kissed Ken. "How do you feel?"

"My side really hurts. And I still feel really tired."

"So go back to sleep. We'll still be here when you wake up."

"We?"

Duo nodded over to Ken's left and he looked to see Yohji sprawled out on a cot.

"How long have you guys been here?"

"Well I'm assuming Yohji got here as soon as the police contacted him. I didn't--"

"Police?"

"Yeah. I'm not sure who called them. Probably one of the neighbors who heard the gunshot." Duo saw the confused look on Ken's face and he wondered if the bump on his head caused more damage than originally anticipated.

"What do you remember Ken?"

Ken frowned as he searched his memory for the events that landed him in the hospital. They were on a mission and fell into an ambush of some sort. Aya didn't see the guy getting up and pulling his gun. He yelled, but the redhead didn't hear him. He ran to push Aya out of the way and….BANG! He remembered Aya's face hovering over him and Yohji was yelling.

Damn it! What am I supposed to tell him? He's obviously been fed some story. But what could it be? Think. What believable story would Yohji come up with? Think. The stories on the news….people get shot all the time….

"Th-there was this guy…."

"The robber."

Robber, huh? Good one Yohji. "Yeah."

"Do you remember what he looked like?"

"No, I'm sorry. It was…it was too dark." Please let it have been dark in Yohji's world. "And…and it happened so fast." Not a lie actually. "What did Yohji say? Who brought me here? What happened afterwards?" Tell me a story Duo.

"Yohji guessed that you heard a noise in the Koneko and went to investigate. You probably surprised the thief and that's why he shot you."

Ken furrowed his brow, now knowing the part he was to play. "Glass. I heard glass breaking. I thought it was Momoe's cat. How much did the robber get away with?"

"Don't know. Aya and Omi went back to the Koneko before I got here to take care of everything, but they haven't called Yohji back yet."

"How long have you been here?"

"Since around one yesterday afternoon. I called Yohji looking for you when you didn't show up."

So I was in the hospital for almost twelve hours before Duo found out. And if he showed up yesterday….. "What time is it?"

"It's about 2:30a.m. on Sunday." Duo caressed Ken's cheek and his eyes followed the small gesture. "Why don't you go back to sleep?"

"Ok. But you don't have to stay. Go home and sleep in your bed. Get something to eat."

"No. I'm not leaving you here."

Ken was startled at the force behind Duo's words. But he saw the dark eyes wavering and he understood. The voice was a brave front. Ken reached out and cupped Duo's face, gently pulling him closer as he whispered in the dark.

"I'm fine. You don't have to worry anymore. I'm so sorry I scared you Duo."

Ken kissed the soft and now trembling lips. Just as he began to pull away, Duo pressed the kiss a little more as a muffled whimper escaped his lips. Ken tasted the salty tears and he tried to sooth Duo with soft kisses all over his face, including his damp eyes.

"It's ok. Shhhh. Please don't cry. Duo, please…"

"I know I'm being stupid. But when Yohji told me you had been shot….my heart stopped." He pulled back and looked into his lover's eyes, knowing he sounded crazy and possessive but he didn't care. "I love you Ken. I couldn't bear losing you."

"I'm not going anywhere. I promise." Ken wiped away the last traces of tears and smiled. "And if you're not going to go home to rest…" Ken grimaced as he moved over enough for Duo to climb into the bed, ignoring the glare from his lover. "Then climb in." Duo took off his shoes and carefully climbed into the cozy bed, wrapping his arms around Ken as they hugged each other close and fell back to sleep.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Ken lay there, wondering how he was going to continue his relationship with Duo while lying about his life. He knew very well the tragic ending that could befall his and Duo's relationship. He'd seen enough during his years with Weiss to know the reality of the situation. Assassins were not meant to have happy, loving relationships. Someone always got hurt. The lover would condemn the assassin and forsake them, damning them to hell, not knowing they were already living there. Or the lover was accepting and supportive and later would get hurt, or worse, as a result of the assassin's job.

But as he buried his face in the soft chestnut hair and inhaled the wonderful fragrance that was Duo, he wondered if he was strong enough to let Duo go. He was selfish, plain and simple. Can I really place him in danger though? Ken stroked Duo's hair and the soft sigh that escaped the man's lips caused his chest to tighten. No. I love you too much Duo. The first sign that my life will cause you harm, I will….I will….

Ken hugged Duo as hard as he could, the pain from the bullet wound not a factor, as he tried to keep the tears at bay.

I will leave you Duo.

To be continued….