Disclaimer: The usual applies. The Weiss boys and the Gundam boys are just my play things.

A/N: Ok, so far so good on the whole crossover thing. But this chapter could be the true test as I bring in both groups for a little dinner party.

Death and the Assassin

Chapter 7

"Hey. Can I ask you something about your time in the military?"

Duo shrugged and continued the task at hand. They were outside washing their motorcycles since the day proved to be warmer than expected. "I guess so."

"What kind of missions did you run in the special ops?"

Duo stopped polishing and stared straight ahead. Ken was on the other side of the bike and couldn't see him since they were both crouched down taking care of their respective bikes.

"Duo?"

He sat down with a sigh and leaned back on his hands, looking up into the sky.

"Well….I was sent on the types of missions that if I was captured, the government would do nothing to help me and would deny my very existence. I….we did the jobs that the government needed to do but couldn't openly admit to."

"I see."

That's what Ken was afraid of. He'd been sharing Duo's bed long enough to realize the man had recurring nightmares and he figured it had to do with his time in the military.

"Who….who is Heero?" Ken heard the gasp from Duo. "You were calling out his name in your sleep last night."

Ken looked up as a shadow fell over him and he saw such torment in the normally happy and warm purple eyes that it frightened him. Duo sat down across from Ken and began to play with a nearby rag.

"Heero was the first friend I made after joining the military. We went through training together and he's the reason I ended up flying jets. I followed him into the academy." Ken saw the small smile ghost Duo's lips and his suspicions were confirmed.

"You loved him."

Duo looked up and offered Ken a warm smile. "Yes. He was my best friend, and eventually my lover. Even after I stopped flying we were able to stay close. He joined special ops aerial division so we were stationed at the same base."

"So what happened?"

Duo looked away, a frown replacing his smile. His voice that had been so soft turned hard. "I wasn't enough."

Ken just waited to see if Duo was going to offer up anymore information about the man that obviously meant a great deal to him. He could sympathize with the hurt Duo was feeling. Whatever the circumstances of his relationship with Heero, he was hurt by the man. Deeply. Kase had done the same to him. But in his case, the man he loved had used him and betrayed him. He not only ruined his career, he ultimately tried to kill him to cover up his tracks. What did I ever do to deserve that? He never answered that question as I screamed after him that day. He just left me there to die…

"Ken?"

Ken was startled out of his reverie by a soft touch on his cheek. He looked up to see worried purple eyes gazing at him.

"Hey….what's going on?"

Ken silently cursed himself as he felt his face get warm. He hadn't realized he spaced out. He was clenching his fists so tight his knuckles were white. He quickly let them go and shook his head a few times, a fake smile plastering itself on his face.

"Just being jealous I suppose."

Duo cocked his head to the side, a smirk in place. "Jealous."

"Yeah." Ken leaned over and spoke against the other man's lips. "Wouldn't you be if I cried out some other man's name in my sleep?"

It was Duo's turn to blush and he suddenly showed signs of panic. "It's not like that Ken. Heero is gone. He di-----"

Ken kissed Duo before he could go any further. "It's ok. I know you love me. I just wanted to know who he was. You don't have to explain anything else."

"No." Duo cupped Ken's face and searched his eyes. "I don't mind telling you anything. Whatever you want to know about me, just ask. I have no want or need to hide anything from you."

"Duo…."

Duo leaned back on his hands and studied Ken as he spoke.

"The day Heero left me….he tried to convince me to stay in the military somehow. When I refused and asked him to come with me, he told me I wasn't enough for him. That day he flew a mission and crashed. It took them two weeks to find his body."

"I'm so sorry."

"Thank you. But that was over two years ago."

"Two years? And you still have nightmares?"

Duo chuckled, "I guess so. But I can honestly tell you that I don't recall any dreams about him."

"Last night was the first time I heard a name. Usually you just toss and turn a bit and I hold you and you calm down."

"What?"

"You have recurring nightmares. Or, I'm assuming they're nightmares."

"Why haven't you mentioned this before?"

Ken just shrugged. He was used to sleeping with someone who had recurring nightmares. Aya had terrible nightmares. Ken had actually been hurt a few times. He would be sound asleep and then suddenly he was taking an elbow in the face or being forcefully kicked out of the bed.

"I'm used to it. Aya…..he had really bad nightmares. Yours are nothing."

"Aya?" Realization dawned on Duo and he chuckled. "Of course. It all makes sense now."

"Huh?"

"Well, that guy really doesn't like me. It's obvious. I just wasn't sure of the reason. Now I get it."

"I'm sorry. I should have told you. It never occurred to me-----"

"It's ok, really. I could have asked. So how long were you two together?"

"Um….about a year I guess. But it was more a relationship of convenience."

"You're lying." Ken's eyes went wide at the flat accusation. "There's no way that you would ever get involved with someone out of convenience."

Ken looked away and scoffed. "I suppose you're right."

"It couldn't have been that horrible of a breakup if you two still lived and worked together."

"We both knew it was coming." And neither one of us had any other place to go.

They both sat there in silence for awhile, wondering where the conversation was going to go from there when Ken's cell phone rang, effectively startling both men. Ken reached up onto his motorcycle and answered the phone.

"Hey Yohji…..oh, actually we have plans for tonight…..I could think of a lot of things that are more fun than that……no. You'll just have to hijack Omi or Aya…..ok, Aya then………Yohji, I'm hanging up now. Yohji….bye!"

"What was that all about?"

"Yohji wanted to know if we wanted to go to a strip club with him."

"Why would he invite us to a strip club?"

"Intelligent companionship until he can find a suitable distraction."

"Well, I guess we would be the obvious choices."

"Are you kidding me?"

Ken got up and offered Duo a hand up and the two started back to cleaning their motorcycles.

"No I'm not kidding. Think about it. Omi is too young and too adorable. He would only serve as a distraction from Yohji. And Aya…well, if he's just gay then the reason would be that he's not very talkative. Even with his friends from what I can see. And if Aya is bi, then he's the sexy brooding redhead and would once again be a distraction from Yohji. We on the other hand, are gay, in a monogamous relationship and we're good, friendly company."

Ken just stared at the smile aimed at him. "That was way too logical for my tastes."

"Call him back. Tell him we'll go. I'd like to see Yohji in action."

Ken opened his mouth and closed it, the argument dying before it could be voiced. "Ok, what the hell." He flipped open the phone and dialed Yohji.

"Hey, it's me. Listen, Duo and I have been talking about it and we'd be happy to join you tonight…..yeah, yeah. You can thank Duo when you see him. Eight o'clock, got it. We'll see you there."

Ken flipped the phone closed and tossed it in the bin of his motorcycle.

"I hope you know what you're doing."

"Well, I know who I'm doing. Does that count?"

Ken chuckled and threw a rag at the grinning man with the chestnut braid.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

One Big Happy

"Oh, we're late."

"Don't worry about it. There's nothing we could do. The plane was delayed. I'm sure they'll forgive us."

Trowa knew his words were not going to alleviate his spouse's anxiety. The man perpetually worried about everything and everyone but himself. Which was fine, because worrying about Quatre was Trowa's job. But once they reached their destination, Trowa knew the blonde would be just fine. He would see his friends, hug them and greet them and all his worries will have disappeared. Until he found something new to worry about. Like whether or not the company would be ok without him for a few days.

"Oh no! I forgot to bring a house warming gift!"

"I've got it covered. I took a bottle of wine from the cellar before we left." Grateful and loving eyes watched him from the passenger's seat as they pulled up to Duo's and Ken's apartment building. "Ready?"

DING DONG!

"I'll get it!"

Ken bounded to the front door, throwing it open to see a tall slender man with chestnut hair and piercing green eyes standing next to a platinum blonde man with the sweetest smile and kindest eyes Ken could imagine.

"Hello there. You must be Quatre and Trowa. Come on in." Ken stepped aside and gestured the pair in. "I'm Ken. It's nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you Ken. Sorry we're late, but there was a delay with the flight."

"Don't worry about it. We're running a little behind schedule anyway. Would either of you like a drink?"

"Don't you dare offer them a drink! They're late! Unforgivable Cat! I wait three months to have this celebration dinner so you guys could attend and you show up late."

Trowa saw Quatre's crestfallen face and was about to warn Duo about teasing the sensitive Arabian but their former teammate came up and hugged them both fiercely.

"Gezz Cat, don't go crying on me. I was just kidding! You're not even the last ones here."

"Yeah, my friends had to work late so they won't be here for another half hour."

"They all work at the same place?"

"Yeah. A flower shop."

"That's right. Duo did tell us you used to work in a flower shop. How did you fall into that profession?"

"Well I, uh…"

"Save your interrogation for after dessert please. It's better for digestion." All turned to see Wufei coming out of the kitchen, wine glasses in hand. "Besides, I've already heard the story."

He smiled at Ken and went to sit down in an oversized chair in the living room, quickly joined by the others. The group conversed freely for the next hour before the doorbell rang again.

DING DONG!

Ken stood up and answered the door, knowing who was on the other side.

"Hey guys."

Three smiling assassins walked through the door.

"Sorry we're late. We---"

"It's ok. I told Duo you guys had to work late." Ken and Yohji exchanged knowing glances. "Let me introduce you guys. This is Trowa, his spouse Quatre and Chang. Everyone, this is Aya, Yohji and Omi."

Pleasantries were exchanged, drinks were poured and dinner was served.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Ken was in the kitchen opening another bottle of wine when Yohji appeared behind him.

"Need a hand?"

"No, I've got it, thanks."

Yohji smiled and leaned against the counter. "They're a good bunch of guys."

"Yeah."

"Sorry about being late. We had a visit from our longtime customer with the killer legs."

Ken popped the cork on a fresh bottle and then waited for Yohji to continue. He knew the 'longtime customer with killer legs' was Manx and he was curious how they managed to get to dinner if she showed up.

"How did you get rid of her?"

"Well, that's the funny part. Aya---"

Both men started a little when Quatre came into the kitchen. "Excuse me, but I'm afraid Trowa has an insane sweet tooth and has no patience when it comes to waiting for dessert. Where would I find the dessert plates?"

"Top left cabinet."

The petite platinum blonde stretched up for the plates but was finding his reach lacking. Suddenly, he was pinned against the counter as Yohji stood behind him and reached above him for the plates. Quatre, complete with sheepish smile and flushed cheeks, accepted the stack of plates.

"Th-thanks. Yohji, right?"

"The one and only."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

As soon as Ken's friends walked through the door, Wufei's attention was immediately focused on the redhead. I am definitely going to enjoy this evening. The pale slender man was beautiful and moved with the grace of a cat. He didn't smile when introduced. He merely nodded his head. The quiet type, huh?

As dinner wore on, Wufei had been unsuccessful in getting Aya to talk. His only consolation being that the man barely spoke to anyone. From what little he did say, Wufei learned that Aya was the manager of the Koneko, not surprisingly had a dry sense of humor, and was apparently a very good cook. I love a man who can cook.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Observant green eyes took in everyone around him. Ken and Duo sat at opposite ends of the table, presiding over the celebration which brought together their closest friends. They seemed to truly be in love and Trowa couldn't be happier for his friend.

As he listened to the conversation around him, he let his attention fall to the quiet redhead. Trowa found it amusing how much he reminded him of Wufei years ago. Quiet, prideful, graceful and beautiful. And it hadn't escaped his attention that Wufei was intrigued by said redhead.

He felt a warm touch on his hand and turned to see Quatre smiling at him. Trowa entwined his fingers with Quatre's and smiled. His spouse always knew when to bring him out of his thoughts. Light laughter caught his attention and he saw the youngest of Ken's friends, Omi, with an adorable blush as Yohji and Duo chuckled. Duo loved to make Quatre blush. He liked to get reactions out of people. Yohji seemed to be the same way. How interesting.

"Don't listen to them Omi. There's nothing wrong with waiting."

"Oh yeah? And how long did you and Trowa wait Cat?"

There was that adorable blush again. This time it was Quatre who had the rosy tint to his cheeks. Trowa leaned in and whispered in his ear and Quatre smiled, blushing even further.

That brought his thoughts to the last of their group. Omi and Quatre. They were both the youngest of their respective groups, both seemed to be the designated worriers and they were usually the targets of the troublemakers. In Quatre's case Duo and Yohji in Omi's case.

Trowa ran through the men at the table. Wufei and Aya. Duo and Yohji. Quatre and Omi. I guess that leaves me and Ken. Trowa continued to observe the people around him, participating when he wanted and by the time they were done dinner, he'd come to a conclusion. He would be flattered to be compared to Ken.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Aya cleared his throat and stood up from the table.

"Please excuse me everyone. I have a previous appointment which I cannot miss."

"Aya?"

"I'm sorry Ken." He looked at everyone around the table. "It was a pleasure to meet you all." Aya bowed and headed for the front door.

Ken followed and caught him as he was slipping on his shoes.

"Hey, what's going on?"

"I told you. I have an appointment."

Ken stepped into Aya and lowered his voice. "You're going solo?"

"Yes."

"Please don't do this. It's dangerous enough when we all go out. Why would they even let you---?"

"It's not a full blown job. I'll be fine." Aya gave Ken a small smile. "But it's nice to know you still care."

Ken smiled and reached out, giving Aya's hand a quick squeeze. "Call me."

"You're such a girl Ken."

"So I've been told."

Aya headed out the door but turned back for one last quick glance. "I'll call."

Ken waited and listened for the sound of Aya's car to fade away before returning to the table and his friends. He still didn't like the idea of Aya going off alone, but he trusted Persia not to put Aya in unnecessary danger. As he sat back down at the table he shot Yohji a look.

"Did you know he had an appointment?"

"Yeah, that's what I was trying to tell you in the kitchen earlier. But he was able to stay through dessert, and that's good, right?"

"Yeah."

Ken took a sip of wine, swallowing the dread he felt in the pit of his stomach. It wasn't that he doubted Aya's ability. It was the fact that the first thing they were taught was 'never go alone', and that's exactly what Aya was willingly doing right now. And Yohji and Omi were letting him. Why?

A little while later, Ken managed to get Yohji fairly sequestered from the rest of the group.

"Why are you letting him go alone?"

"It's not a normal mission. He'll be fine."

"Yohji…Promise me you'll go after him if he's not home when you get there. Please. I have a bad feeling about this."

Yohji laid a reassuring hand on his best friend's shoulder. He knew better than to argue with Ken's 'gut feelings'. "Ok. I promise."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"I've heard how Ken fell into the flower business, but I'm curious about the rest of you. I mean, no insult intended, but four men running a flower shop? It's a bit unusual to say the least."

"Well, I took the job as a way to meet women. And the work is pretty easy."

"That's because you're lazy."

"Now now Kenken. Just because you never figured out a way to shirk your duties doesn't mean you should begrudge me my success by insulting me."

"Whatever."

"What about you Omi?"

"Oh, I, uh…well, I kinda…."

Ken saw Omi's cheeks color slightly and he started fidgeting with his napkin. Out of all of us, I think he's the best actor. Ken let a smirk show as he watched Omi's performance with admiration. "Yohji hijacked him."

"What?" A chorus rang out from around the table and Omi groaned.

"Hey, he didn't have to come back."

"Omi, what are they talking about?"

Big blue eyes looked up to the kind aqua green across from him. He liked Quatre. The man seemed so warm and friendly. You felt like you could tell him anything and it would be ok. So it will be especially easy to lie to him…..

"Well, I was walking around town when I passed the flower shop one day. It was crowded as usual, all the local school girls were there to ogle Ken, Yohji and Aya. I stopped to watch the commotion and I overheard some girls asking Yohji all kinds of questions about flowers and their meanings. He obviously didn't know the answers….."

"You have to admit, I did a good job pretending."

"Anyway, I went up to them and offered the true meanings. The next thing I know, Yohji grabbed me and pulled me into the store where I helped people figure out which flowers were appropriate for whatever occasion they were being bought for."

"And by the end of the day, I offered him a part-time job."

"So you're kinda there for the same reason Ken started there. Part-time job."

"Yeah."

"But….you're still in school right?"

"Yes."

"So how did you come to live there as well?"

Omi hung his head and Yohji and Ken's smiles disappeared. It was Ken who spoke up in a quiet voice, his part in the assassin theater continuing. "His, uh, parents passed away so we offered him a place to stay."

"Oh, Omi, I'm so sorry." Quatre reached across the table and squeezed the young man's hand.

Omi looked up, grateful for the gesture. "Thank you. But these guys are my family too and they take good care of me."

"Here's to our family…..however we may have found them."

Wufei raised his glass and everyone followed suit.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

The dinner party finally came to an end around 1a.m. when Quatre fell asleep on Trowa's shoulder.

"I think that's our cue to leave." Trowa gently nudged his beloved awake and they said their goodbyes. "It was wonderful to meet you Ken."

Quatre rubbed his eyes and offered a sheepish grin. "You and Duo should come visit us when you get a chance."

"Especially now that Duo has someone. Quatre's sisters won't be all over him and he might be able to enjoy himself."

"Trowa!"

"These sound like women I need to meet."

"Yohji!"

Ken and Omi's admonishment rang out loud and clear.

"He speaks the truth and you know it Quatre. Lovely women though they may be, all of them are scamming for a husband and our boy Duo has always been one of their favorite targets."

"Wufei!"

"How many sisters do you have Quatre?"

"Twenty-nine."

"What!" Ken looked around at the varying degrees of smirking faces around him and he chuckled. "You're screwing with me, right?"

"No. I'm the only male heir in the Winner family. In my culture, men often take numerous wives so it's quite common for someone of my father's standing to have so many children."

"Wow."

"C'mon love, it's time to leave." Trowa put an arm around Quatre and led him towards the door. "Goodnight everyone."

"Goodnight guys."

"I think we're going to head out too. It's past the chibi's bedtime."

"Shut up Yohji!"

The tall blonde ruffled his young teammate's hair while winking at the others.

"It was nice to meet you all. Hopefully we can all get together again soon. Ken, Duo, thanks for dinner and I'll be seeing you guys around. 'Night."

"Goodnight guys."

"Goodnight Yohji."

"Goodnight Omi."

"And I shall be following them out. It was nice to see you again Ken. And thanks again for taking care of the braided baka for me."

"Hey!"

"My pleasure."

"I've not doubt." That comment earned Wufei rosy cheeks from Ken and a knowing smirk from his best friend. "Goodnight gentlemen."

"Goodnight 'Fei."

"'Night Wufei."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"Hey Ken! I think your phone is ringing!"

Ken looked up at the clock. It's about that time. He put down the dishtowel and sprinted for his phone.

"Hello?"

It's me

"How'd it go?"

As expected.

"Aya….I don't like what you did tonight. Please don't do it again."

I promise I'll stay through the dinner party next time.

"No, not that. Don't go alone. Please."

There was a sigh on the other end of the phone, but Ken knew the redhead was smiling. He knew the man too well. He could read his facial expressions, body language, what he said, what he didn't say, and the little noises he made.

I'll….think about it.

Ken smiled.

By the way….I was having a good time. Duo….he's nice. And I'm glad to see you happy.

"Thanks Aya."

Goodnight Ken.

"Goodnight Aya."

Aya hung up the phone and slipped into his bed. He was careful to do it slowly so as not to agitate the many bruises that covered his body. The mission had been easily accomplished, it was the escape that he messed up. He'd read the building plans wrong and made a bad turn. He was lucky the guards wanted him alive. Instead of killing him, they just started beating him into submission.

Aya heard a soft knock at the door and knew who it was. "Come in Yohji."

The lanky blonde's face peered around the door. "You decent?"

"Of course."

"Damn it." He heard the soft growl and it only made him smile more. "Just came to check on you before I went to bed. You need anything?"

"No. I'm fine, thanks."

"Did you call Kenken?"

"Yes."

"You lied, didn't you?"

"Weiss business is none of his concern anymore."

"You idiot." Yohji sat down on the side of Aya's bed and brushed back some crimson locks from the assassin's face. "Kenken doesn't care about Weiss business. He cares about you. He wanted to know you were ok. He doesn't care if you accomplished your mission. And he's going to be pissed when he finds out the truth."

Amethyst eyes studied the blonde. "Then we'll just have to make sure he doesn't find out."

Yohji chuckled at the veiled threat. "Whatever you say fearless leader. Now get some rest. I'll open for you tomorrow." He saw the shocked eyes of the crimson-haired assassin. "What? I've been known to get up before 11a.m."

Aya chuckled, them grimaced from the pain the laughing had caused.

"Serves you right. 'Night Aya."

The aching redhead lay back in his bed and let out one more groan before closing his eyes to sleep. Heaven knows what kind of condition he would be in right now if Yohji hadn't shown up to rescue his ass. Why did he show up anyway? He seemed perfectly willing to let me go earlier. It was Ken who--- Aya let out the slightest of chuckles. "Ken. You're such a girl." And I love you for it.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Ken sighed and snuggled into his lover, his hand roaming over the warm smooth skin on Duo's chest. "I think tonight went very well."

"I agree."

"Does this make us official now?"

"What do you mean?"

"Well, I've met your fiends and they seem to like me so I guess that means you can keep me, right?"

Duo pulled back slightly and looked at his lover very seriously. "I love you. And I don't care if they hate you. I won't give you up for anybody or anything. Understand?"

Ken was a bit shocked by Duo's almost vehement declaration but he smiled and leaned in to give him a tender kiss.

"Good."

"I'm sorry Aya had to leave early. But he seems to have gotten over his hatred of me so that's good."

"He didn't hate you."

"The cold glares that said 'die' indicate otherwise."

Ken chuckled and snuggled back into his lover. "He was mad at me, not you. But we came to an understanding. We had a heart-to-heart of sorts and he was the first person to bring me some boxes for moving."

"Really?"

"So I guess it's one big love fest for us."

"My favorite kind of fest."

To be continued….