Disclaimer: I don't own the Gundam or the Weiss boys. I just own the twisted mind that plays with them.

Dragon's Desire

Chapter 5

"Aya, you have a phone call."

Aya eyed the youngest member of Weiss suspiciously as he walked past him to get the phone in the kitchen. Omi was blushing and smiling and he wondered what could be so embarrassing about a phone call. Then he heard murmurs of 'boyfriend' and muffled giggles and he just rolled his eyes.

"Hello?"

Hello Aya.

"Wufei." He tried to keep the enthusiasm out of his voice at hearing the man's voice on the other end of the phone. "Where are you?"

I'm actually getting ready to go to bed and I wanted to hear that voice of yours before I passed out.

Aya felt his cheeks getting warm. What kind of comment is that? You don't say that to your friend. Maybe he's been drinking.

Wufei chuckled at the silence on the other end as he slipped into bed. He'd been thinking about Aya since their lunch a week ago and he just couldn't wait to talk to him again. Gods I've got it bad.

"Why are you going to bed so early?"

Well, between meeting and smiling at hundreds of people then taking a meeting with a potential new publisher who insisted I join him at some book premier party which was just an excuse to hit on me, I've decided that talking to you and going to bed is much more appealing.

"Are you ok?"

Sure. Why wouldn't I be? Wufei smiled as he played innocent to Aya's comment.

"This publisher…."

Got the hint when I spilled my drink in his lap.

Aya chuckled at the sigh of Wufei's smirk and glittering eyes as he 'accidentally' spilled his drink on the lecher publisher.

Glad you approve. It's not as dramatic as a katana to the gut, but I thought it was rather effective.

"Nobody's perfect."

So what are you doing right now?

"Um, I was reading.

Anything good?

"It's no Chang Wufei, but it's holding my attention. When's your next book due out?"

I won't be putting anything out for about a year. I'm afraid you'll have to content yourself with my letters until then.

"They better be some really good letters Wufei."

Wufei chuckled and rolled over onto his side and closed his eyes, picturing the redhead sitting across from him at the café, and smiling at him, iris in hand.

I'll do my best Aya. And now I'm going to let you go I'm afraid. I'm getting sleepy and I don't know what I might say with my defenses down. You know how that is, right?

"Hmph. Get your sleep and stay away from lecherous publishers."

It's nice to know you care. Goodnight Aya.

"Goodnight Wufei."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Aya had just locked the door when the phone rang. He ignored it of course, preferring to start the evening's cleanup and leaving the customer to Yohji or Omi.

"Aya! Pick up!"

He grumbled as he made his way over to the counter and picked up the phone.

"Hello."

Hello Aya. I'm sorry if I've interrupted you.

Aya didn't fight the smile since he was alone in the store. He knew that if Wufei was calling, he would be seeing the man soon and that, oddly enough, made him happy.

"Not at all. But you don't sound too good."

I'm sick. I delayed my return trip home a few days and just rested, but now I'm headed back. I was calling to let you know that I wouldn't be stopping by because I don't want to get you sick.

"But….if you're getting better than I should be fine."

Wufei smiled. He wants to see me. He made a gesture to the driver and the man nodded.

I'm not sure if I'll be very good company. And I haven't been hungry so--

"You haven't eaten in two days? Wufei, your body needs help in getting rid of the germs and not eating is no help."

I thought Ken told me Omi was the mother hen of the group.

"Hmph. Fine, don't listen to me."

Aya, I will listen to anything you have to say. Anytime, anyplace, anywhere.

Now he's just mocking me. But somehow, it doesn't bother me as much as when Yohji or Ken does it. And I'm not entirely sure he doesn't mean it. Aya sighed, more confused than ever by Wufei.

So I guess you guys are closed now?

"Yes."

So, you'd be free if I stopped by in an hour?

"Y-yes."

See you then.

Before Aya could respond the line went dead. He replaced the phone, looked at the clock and headed for the back rooms where Omi was working on an arrangement and Yohji was 'supervising'.

"I need a favor please."

Both men stopped and stared at the redhead in wonder. Aya just rolled his eyes and continued. "Wufei will be here in an hour and there's something I need to do before then. Would you guys mind cleaning up the store tonight?"

Both just shook their heads 'no'. Aya frowned at the silent pair. Jerks. I expect better from Omi. Must be Kudou's influence.

"Thank you." He nodded and left for the personal residence, tossing his apron on a nearby peg.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Aya made it back to the Koneko with barely a minute to spare before Wufei's car pulled up. He had made sure that Yohji and Omi knew the living room would be off limits until Wufei left. He only had to listen to Yohji whine for five minutes before Omi wisely dragged him from the room.

Wufei stepped out of the car and made his way to the storefront when he heard a familiar voice to his left.

"You're early."

"Sorry about that. I just couldn't take the anticipation. I told the driver to go as fast as possible."

"You look terrible. I thought you said you were feeling better."

"I said I rested for two days."

Wufei followed Aya down the alley and through the side entrance of the building which opened into the personal residence area. They walked past the kitchen and downstairs to the common area. It had a sofa, a few chairs, a table, a desk in one corner with a computer and a TV and stereo set up in another. There was also a small freestanding bar with a couple stools.

"Have a seat."

Aya indicated the stools and Wufei suppressed a groan. The sofa looked so much more comfortable and even though the car was relatively comfortable, he was willing to sell his soul for a little time to lay down and sleep.

Wufei sat down and Aya went to the other side of the bar and produced a steaming bowl of soup, some rice crackers, a glass of orange juice, a glass of ice water and two aspirin. He looked at Aya who was just standing there like this was perfectly normal.

"You didn't have to do this Aya. I didn't want to put you through any trouble; I just wanted to see you. Thank you."

"You're welcome. And it was no trouble. Now take the aspirin and try to put something in your stomach. I'll be right back."

Aya turned and went upstairs and Wufei just smiled after him. He cares. He made me dinner and has medicine for me. I wish I were feeling well enough to truly enjoy this. Wufei hung his head with a sigh and then took a few spoonfuls of soup. It was really good and the hot broth felt good going down his throat. He ate a few crackers and made sure to take the pills before Aya returned.

When he heard footsteps on the stairs he turned to see the redhead descending the stairs, but the action of turning his head up and over so quickly caused a wave of dizziness and he closed his eyes waiting for it to pass.

"Are you ok?"

Wufei opened his eyes to see Aya standing in front of him once more, a frown on his face.

"I'm a little dizzy. Nothing serious."

"Hmph." Aya stared into his eyes and Wufei knew he was in trouble when the redhead started to get fuzzy.

"Aya? I don't feel well."

Amethyst eyes went wide as Wufei's eyes closed and he ran around the bar just in time for the falling man to land on him. He cringed as he hit the floor, but was satisfied to know that Wufei hadn't been hurt. He pushed himself up and carried Wufei over to the sofa. He kneeled there, brushing hair out of Wufei's face. Then he cupped the novelist's cheeks and placed his forehead against Wufei's. He has a fever. I wonder if he's had it for the past two days or it just started up recently.

Aya ran upstairs to make an ice pack for Wufei and by the time he returned he found Wufei trying to sit up.

"Idiot." Aya pushed Wufei down and in his weakened state the man couldn't put up a fight. Aya placed the pack on Wufei's forehead and sat down on the floor next to the sofa. "How long have you had a fever?"

"I have a fever?"

"Idiot." Aya got up and went over to retrieve the soup and water. "Here." Aya held out a spoonful of soup and Wufei just stared at him. "You need to eat and obviously you can't feed yourself."

Wufei opened his mouth obediently and allowed Aya to feed him the entire bowl of soup in silence. When the soup was gone, Aya put it back on the bar and returned to Wufei's side.

"You'll sleep in Ken's old bedroom tonight and then we'll see how you're doing tomorrow."

"Aya….I can't stay. I have to get home. I'm already two days behind schedule."

"What do you have to do that is more important than your health?"

"I have a weekly column I need to finish and get out to my editor and there's all the mail I have to go through from being away, there are bills to pay and I'm supposed to be proofing two new chapters which are due in three days."

"You're sick. I'm sure everyone will understand that."

Wufei took the icepack from his forehead and sat up, happy that the dizziness only lasted a few seconds. He reached out and caressed Aya's cheek, his voice soft.

"I appreciate everything you've done for me Aya. And I wish I could stay here, but I really have to get home."

Despite the warmth he felt on his cheeks and the little shiver from the brief touch, Aya kept his face determined and his voice commanding.

"You need rest."

Wufei sighed and hung his head, too sick to argue with the stubborn assassin. "I'll compromise with you. I'll take a couple hours to get some sleep and then I'll go home."

"Three hours. And you take more aspirin before you leave."

Wufei chuckled and sat back on the sofa. "Deal. Now lead the way."

Aya showed Wufei upstairs to Ken's old room and made sure he had some water by the side of the bed just in case.

"I'll come and wake you in three hours."

Wufei was asleep before Aya even closed the door.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Aya sat there and watched Wufei sleep for several minutes, enjoying the quiet moments to study the man. He could affect Aya so easily when they were together, he never really had any time to truly look at the man. Aya smiled at the overall picture of mayhem that was Wufei. He'd kicked the covers off and lay sprawled across the bed on his stomach, his head on the bed and a pillow resting under his arm as if he'd just tackled it. Gods he's as bad as Ken.

Aya was going to wake him up then, but he felt a closer inspection was in order. Who knows when I'm going to get a chance like this again? He admired the beautiful face and noticed the way stray ebony strands pasted to his cheeks and forehead only seemed to add to the allure. His lips were slightly parted and Aya could hear a soft, rhythmic exhale. His eyes traveled to Wufei's hand that was above his head. He had long slender fingers with manicured nails. His skin was the color of dark honey and looked smooth as silk.

Aya reached out and trailed fingertips over the exposed forearm stretching over his head. So soft….. Wufei groaned and Aya quickly pulled his hand away. Groggy eyes blinked open and Wufei looked up to see Aya standing above him, arms crossed over his chest.

"Time's up?"

"It's what you wanted."

Wufei sat up and took the offered glass of water and aspirin. "Thanks." When he stood up, he noticed Aya's sharp gaze following his every movement. I guess I'd be paranoid too if he collapsed on me.

"How long will it take you to get home?"

"Good traffic? About four hours." He turned around to face Aya as they reached the bottom of the stairs. "I'll be fine…thanks to you."

"Hmph. You better go home and rest."

"Or what?"

Aya was speechless in the glinting gaze of Wufei's eyes. Or what indeed. What right do I have to tell him what to do? Although if it were up to me, he'd stay here in bed until at least his fever was gone.

Wufei could see Aya's mind working despite his lack of comment. "Well, I wish I could stay here and let you take care of me. I haven't had someone do that in a very long time."

Aya heard the wistful note in the novelist's voice and for just a split second, he wished he could be that person for Wufei. But he quickly shook it off as his natural tendency to want to control things.

"Thanks for taking care of me Aya. I'll write you soon. Maybe even call. Hearing your voice before bed really helps me sleep soundly."

"What about me?"

"What about you?"

Aya inwardly cursed himself for not being able to stop the playful question before it could leave his lips and now he was faced with an elegantly arced eyebrow which signaled Wufei's amusement.

"I…I don't have your number. I think it's only fair."

Wufei smiled and felt the best he had in the past three days. All because of Aya's sense of fairness. "I don't have any paper or a pen."

Aya snorted and walked into the kitchen, returning with the required supplies. "Some writer you are."

Wufei chuckled as he wrote down his number and handed it to Aya. "Feel better?"

"Hmph." Aya shoved the paper in his pocket as he walked Wufei out to his car. Wufei got into his car and rolled the window down. Aya stood there, arms crossed over his chest, a smirk on his face. "If you don't go home and take care of yourself, I'll tell Duo. I bet he'd be more than happy to come take car of you."

"I never took you for the type to play dirty Aya."

Aya shrugged and looked away. "It's Kudou's influence."

"Play nice Aya. Goodnight."

Aya smiled as he stepped back from the car. "Goodnight Wufei. Feel better."

Wufei sank back into the leather seat and sighed. Aya watched Wufei's car drive off down the street knowing his friend was going to be ok, but unable to stop worrying anyway. I wish he weren't so stubborn. He should have stayed here until his fever broke. He has no one to take care of him at home. Aya sighed and went back into the Koneko telling himself that he would wait at least two days before he checked up on Wufei. Wouldn't want him to think I was actually worried about him.

To be continued….