Disclaimer: see a previous chapter.

A few snapshots of some dates and a festival gone wrong. It's cute it's dramatic, it's Aya and Wufei!

Dragon's Desire

Chapter 8

Wufei was surprised when Aya had suggested they go to an arboretum for a date. Why would someone who works with flowers everyday want to go visit a place full of more flowers? But when they entered the expansive glass building he immediately understood. They were instantly transported to a perfect spring day. The sunshine filtered in through the trees, the birds were singing, and the aroma of blooming flowers was carried on a slight breeze.

"Perfect."

Aya smiled and squeezed Wufei's hand as he guided him down a stone path. This was one of his favorite places and he'd never told anyone about it. It was a well known place and there were always people here, but Aya never felt crowded. He came here whenever he needed to relax or just get away from life.

They stopped at a fountain and sat on a bench where Wufei proceeded to immediately put his arm around Aya's waist and rest his head on Aya's shoulder. He let his eyes wander over the landscape and he smiled. This is wonderful just being with Aya, in a beautiful, quiet garden all our own. And it was his idea. It's so sweet.

"Surprised?"

"A little."

"Good."

"You seem to know the place rather well."

Aya didn't comment on Wufei's observation. He just let his head fall to the side and rest against Wufei's, enjoying the quiet of the moment. He'd never been bothered by silence and he was happy that Wufei seemed to feel the same way. Just being next to the man was enough sometimes. Aya closed his eyes and smiled. He feels so good next to me.

Wufei was content to sit there in silence. He knew Aya appreciated quiet moments and as long as he was sitting there with Aya leaning against him, he was content. He just wanted to be with the redhead as much as possible.

The quiet lasted for several minutes, each man lost in his own thoughts. Wufei's thoughts were plagued with one burning question and as much as he didn't want to break the peaceful moment, curiosity got the better of him.

"Did Ken enjoy coming here too?"

"Hmph. That wasn't very subtle for someone who worked in intelligence."

Wufei smiled and looked up, a sheepish grin on his face.

"I'm sorry. I don't really know why I asked actually. Your previous relationships are none of my business."

Aya brought his hand up and absently played with Wufei's unbound ebony hair.

"It's no big deal. I never brought Ken here. We never really dated."

"But I thought you two….?"

"We were. But we lived together, worked together and….worked together….I saw so much of him that I never really felt the need to go out and spend time with him. If anything, I went out to not spend time with him."

Wufei suddenly had an image of a relationship of convenience. Maybe not on purpose, but ultimately that's what it boiled down to. Two friends coming together for mutual comfort was fine, but it wasn't something to build a relationship on.

"Sooo…." Wufei sat up and leaned in, coming nose-to-nose with Aya, flashing a Cheshire cat grin. "Is it safe to say I'm your 'first'?"

Aya smiled and closed his eyes. "You're a first for me in lots of things, Wufei."

"Good. I'll make sure to keep that going. I wouldn't want you to get bored with me."

Wufei gave Aya a tender kiss and resumed his previous position of leaning against the redhead, his mind at ease and his heart soaring.

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"Are you serious?"

"What's wrong? Don't you like playing pool?"

Aya just stared at the smiling man standing there with the door open, his eyes expectant. He walked up and as he passed Wufei to enter the pool hall, he murmured, "I'm just surprised."

"Good." Wufei smiled as he followed Aya inside where they proceeded to grab drinks, cues and a table. "So what should we play for?"

"You don't play for stakes on a date."

"That's what a date is, Aya. It's one big gamble and the stakes are usually pretty high."

Aya raised an elegant eyebrow, wondering what Wufei was gambling on for tonight. There was so much behind that smile and those glittering eyes and he suddenly felt nervous.

"C'mon Aya, you gamble with your life as it is, what's so scary about putting that pretty mouth of yours on the line?"

Aya felt the heat explode within him. Wufei's comment had sent a wave of excitement quickly followed by a wave of fear through him. My mouth. What could he want…?. Aya swallowed hard.

Wufei anticipated the effect his words would have on Aya and he had to admit, it was worth it. He loved setting those pale cheeks aflame, whether from embarrassment or excitement. He walked up to Aya and leaned in conspiratorially, looking at the redhead's lips as he spoke.

"Oh, Aya….." A fingertip lightly brushed Aya's lips and he had to suppress a shudder. "I want those soft lips of yours to whisper against mine those cherished words that everyone wants to hear." He felt Aya stiffen and he smiled just a little more. "I want you to say 'You win, Wufei'."

Aya pushed Wufei away and glared at him as he walked to the other side of the table trying to calm his pounding heart. Wufei was still laughing and eventually Aya couldn't help but give in and chuckle along.

"You're a bastard."

"Yes I am."

"Why don't you go first since you seem to be so good at 'breaking balls'?"

They both couldn't help but laugh at Aya's play on words and Wufei nodded his acknowledgement and did as he was asked. They played for several hours with not much talking, both having intense competitive streaks. When their stomachs started to protest, it was Aya that was winning, eight wins to seven. As they walked to a restaurant, a debate ensued.

"Say it."

"Say what?"

"You know. Say it."

"Nice game?"

"Say it."

"I had a good time?"

"Wufei…"

"Aya…."

The ebony haired man smiled as they casually strolled towards dinner holding hands. Gods I love to push his buttons!

Aya pulled his hand away and shoved it in his pocket, his voice even and cool. "Be an honorable man, Wufei. Say it."

Suddenly Wufei dragged Aya off the sidewalk into an alleyway and pinned him against the wall, his lips brushing against the redhead's as he spoke.

"You win, Aya. You've conquered me."

Wufei kissed Aya with all the passion he held for the man. And when he broke the kiss and backed up, offering his hand to Aya, he saw fear within the amethyst eyes.

"Don't be afraid, Aya. Just take my hand."

Aya took the offered hand without thinking. He just listened to the silky voice and lost himself in the glittering black eyes that promised so many things. But I am afraid, Wufei. I'm afraid of the way you make me feel. I'm afraid that in the end, you'll realize that I'm not enough, and that I can't give you everything you want. But….I want to enjoy it while it lasts. I want to make you smile for as long as I can.

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Wufei smiled at the sight before him. Duo and Ken were sharing an ice cream cone, painting such an endearing picture. And no more than two feet away were Yohji and Omi, also sharing an ice cream cone. Or at least that's what Omi wanted, but the much taller assassin held the elusive cone above his head and the shorter young man jumped for all his worth, but there was no way Omi had a prayer.

It had been decided, and by decided he meant that Ken and Duo had threatened under penalty of death, that all six of them would go to the festival this evening. And so far it had proven to be an enjoyable time. Although as he set eyes on the redhead who was now handing Omi his own ice cream cone, he felt that gnawing jealousy getting worse. No offense to any of their company, but he really wanted to get Aya alone. Ever since he saw him show up with his teammates dressed in the plain black yukata, Wufei had been practically salivating at the opportunity to get the man alone and in his arms, with nothing between them but the thin and easily removed material.

"Penny for your thoughts."

Wufei scoffed. "I think you know exactly what I'm thinking, Yohji." Wufei turned to face the sparkling green eyes, his smile mischievous.

Yohji returned the smile and leaned against the tree they were standing under. "I suppose I do."

As the two stood there in silence, Wufei drank in Aya's every movement. And as his eyes made their way up the lithe frame and began admiring the dark red hair, he frowned. Something's not quite right. What's wrong with this picture? Suddenly it occurred to him and he smiled.

"I have something to do. Tell Aya to meet me here in half an hour. Alone."

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When Wufei returned he was happy to see that Aya was indeed alone and waiting for him under the tree he'd left Yohji under. He walked up to the redhead and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek.

"Thanks for waiting." Aya just gazed at him, his lips fighting the smile threatening to break free. "None of the others were upset at my request I hope."

"No. But I'm a little curious."

Wufei leaned in closer. "Just a little, Aya?" He reached out and let his fingertips cascade lightly over porcelain cheeks and delighted in the rosy hue that appeared. "Ever since I saw you tonight I've wanted to get you alone." His eyes roamed over the beautiful face and when they met the amethyst eyes gazing at him, he swallowed hard.

"Is that what this is all about? You just want to be alone with me?"

Wufei smiled. "No. I wanted to give you this." Without backing away, Wufei produced a small white flat box mere inches from Aya's face. Aya eyed the box suspiciously then turned his questioning gaze to Wufei. The ebony haired man was not dissuaded in the least. "Just open it."

Aya took the box and backed away from Wufei a few paces, a small smile playing across his lips as he opened the box.

Wufei just stood there, expectantly, hoping he hadn't overstepped the boundaries of their relationship. But when he saw Aya standing there with Omi and realized he wasn't wearing his earring, Wufei had been inspired. He remembered a small jewelry store they had passed when they first entered the festival and he knew he could find something there befitting Aya. And sure enough, he found a pair of lavender jade ball-stud earrings that were perfect. Just like his eyes. He was giving Aya the pair even though he only had one ear pierced. He was hoping its match would be given to him by its new owner. Although his ear wasn't pierced, he thought a nice choker would be in order.

Suddenly Wufei saw the color drain from Aya and the redhead began to shake. "Aya?" He reached out and when his hand made contact with Aya's hand, the man flinched as if slapped and he looked up at Wufei, a wild, horrified look in his eyes. Wufei didn't know what to do or say. Obviously something was wrong but he had no idea what and before he could compose himself enough to ask, Aya fled into the crowd.

"Aya! Stop!"

Wufei tried catching the redhead but he was too elusive and Wufei quickly found himself lost amid the sea of festival goers. He immediately reached into his yukata and pulled out his cell phone.

"Hey, is Ken with you? I need to talk with him. …..Ken, I really need your help. It's Aya.…….I'm by the fountain…..No, I don't know. Just please, I need your help."

Wufei sat on the ledge of the fountain and soon enough Ken and Duo showed up, looking worried.

"What happened? Where's Aya?"

"I…I don't know. Everything was going great and then I gave him a pair of earrings and he----"

"Wait. You gave him earrings?"

"Yeah. Is that what set him off? Stupid earrings?"

Ken groaned and sat down next to Wufei, his arm around the man's shoulders. "Listen, it's up to Aya to tell you the story, but I'm certain that it's not you he's upset with. Maybe you should just give him some time and tomorrow----"

"No!" Wufei stood up glaring at Ken. "Damn it this is why he's so closed off with everyone! He needs help. And whether he wants to admit it or not, he wants help. So just give me a few places I can try to look for him."

"Wufei---"

"Just tell him, Ken. Trust 'Fei. He can help."

Ken looked from his husband to Wufei and sighed. "Alright. Let's see, other than any dark place in which he could hide? Try the Koneko, and…." Ken groaned and ran his hands through his hair. "And….ugh, he's going to kill me for this…try The Magic Bus hospital. Children's ward."

Wufei's eyes became large with worry and Ken couldn't hold his gaze. "Don't ask me, ok? Just…..go find him and help him."

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Wufei figured Aya wouldn't hide in a dark corner at the festival. He was too upset to even be around people or the happy atmosphere. He didn't go back to the Koneko because he knew Aya would know that would be the first and probably only place Wufei would look. The hospital was the best bet. It was someplace quiet that Wufei supposedly didn't know about.

He stepped off the elevator and walked to the nurse's station. A young nurse was sitting there and when she looked up, she gasped.

"Oh! I'm sorry! I wasn't expecting any visitors. I'm afraid visiting hours are over sir."

"I'm here for Fujimiya Aya. I was hoping---"

"Oh certainly! Her brother is already here. Third door on your right, sir."

Wufei just nodded and walked for the door. Her brother is already here? What the hell is going on? He stopped and read the name plate. Fujimiya, Aya. Suddenly his stomach turned in knots and he clenched his hand to keep it from shaking. He slowly pushed open the door and entered the dimly lit room.

Aya looked up at the sound of the door and light footsteps and froze when he saw Wufei standing there. Wufei silently walked into the room and went to stand on the opposite side of the bed, and gazed down at the sleeping girl.

"Hello, Aya. It's nice to meet you." He reached out and brushed some of her hair back, and then he sat down and looked up at Aya who was just gaping at him. "Hello. I'm Chang Wufei. And you are?"

Aya swallowed hard and just continued to stare. "How?"

"Ken. He wouldn't tell me anything other than I might find you here. Now answer my question."

Aya could see Wufei was hurt and angry. And he has every right to be. Aya sat up straight and let go of his sister's hand, clasping his hands in his lap.

"My real name is Ran. Fujimiya Ran. This is my sister Aya."

Wufei could see that Aya, no Ran, had been crying. And for as much as he wanted to yell at the redhead for running away instead of just talking to him about whatever it is that's going on, he took a deep, calming breath and collected his thoughts. He's in pain too and me yelling isn't going to help either one of us.

Wufei walked over to kneel next to the man he had so much to learn about, and gently guided him to turn and face him. "Ran…." Wufei tilted his head to the side a little and studied the tear-streaked face as he wiped away the wet tracks. A small smile pulled at his lips. "I like it."

To be continued…