Disclaimer: As always I own nothing but the original characters and of course the plot lines displayed here. Anyway I hope you're enjoying and agree with me that at the very least Wufei and Noin would make more sense then Quatre and Dorothy lol.

BTW: Space bar doesn't seem to work and the ) don't either so am using I's to space now....I am so, so sorry --

Wintery Nights

The rest of Wufei and Noin's visit went surprisingly well. All the relatives who'd planned to treat Wufei with suspicion and help her brothers out all rethought that idea after watching the news. Now they were all determined and did shower him with thanks and praise for saving their little Lucy from those bank robbers. Of course neither Noin nor Wufei could get it across that he hadn't really saved her but Noin soon decided why bother trying if it made them like him more. Not having to worry about them ganging up on him was a load off her mind anyway. Soon it was time to go and everyone came to see them off and Wufei had strict instructions to come back and visit..or else. Noin couldn't begin to count all the female relatives, including her mother who'd told her to hold on to this one..and then proceeded to give her endless advice on how to do it. Half the stuff had involved food too and despite all her little reminders they couldn't quite seem to remember that she was only an adequate cook at best. She had so many recipes in her suitcase...well she didn't have any idea what the hell she was going to do with them all. Wouldn't her relatives be horrified is she gave them to Wufei. After all he was the one who could really cook of the two of them, Noin thought with a smirk. Both of them were glad to be heading home though and it amused Noin that Wufei was more then a little worried about Patch though he pretended not to be. Apparently he didn't think Duo could take care of a cactus much less a dog and was convinced Duo would do something that would accidentally spell Patch's doom. Personally she figured at the worst Duo would spoil Patch too much but Wufei had much less faith. When they arrived at the airport they got their stuff together then reluctantly split up to take their separate vehicles since Noin had to head home and get some sleep since they were both back to work tomorrow and Wufei needed to pick up Patch.

I

Holding in a yawn Wufei soon arrived at his old house and noticing that the drive was actual shoveled figured Quatre must have paid someone to do it. This was the first major snow of the season and Wufei made a mental note to buy a snow blower this week since he was likely going to need it. This one wasn't bad but knowing his luck it would only get worse. Ringing the doorbell Wufei didn't have long to wait before the door was opened by Trowa. "I came to get the dog." Wufei said by way of greeting.

"Come on in. You didn't need to ring the bell." Trowa pointed out as he moved to the side to let Wufei in then called out for Duo to grab Patch because Wufei was here.

A couple minutes later Duo arrived with a decidedly puppy dog look in his eyes as he carried Patch into the hallway with Quatre close behind with the dog's stuff in a garbage bag. When Duo didn't hand the dog over right away Quatre nudged him with an elbow so that Duo reluctantly handed the puppy over to Wufei, Patch immediately snuggling against Wufei with a content yelp. "Bye, little guy." Duo said as he waved at the puppy with a pitiful look on his face.

"He really likes your dog." Trowa said dryly as he rolled his eyes at the look on Duo's face. The idiot looked like his best friend was being taken away. "Have a good trip?" Trowa added with a questioning look.

"A little more excitement then I had planned." Wufei said with a casual shrug as though nothing worth mentioning had happened on the trip. He and Noin had already figured how they were going to try to explain this on the slight chance that they could get out of this without everyone putting two and two together. "Some bank robbers crashed the festival and took a little girl hostage. Noin was actual there with her family so we both ended up getting involved. Nothing we couldn't handle anyway. I got some pretty good books though. The prices are a lot better there then on the normal rare books market."

"Yeah, it was real lucky that you were both their at the same time." Heero said dryly as he came down the stairs having heard the voices. "We saw it on the news, how's Noin doing?"

"She was fine the last time I saw her." Wufei said with a careless shrug like he couldn't care less as to how she was doing. "Anyway I'm going to head, I didn't get much sleep on the plane here. Maxwell stop looking at me like that. I'm not giving you my dog!"

"Well any time you need a baby-sitter I'm available." Duo said in a pitiful voice and everyone had to shake their heads at him. Everyone saying their good byes they chatted for a few more minutes then Wufei headed out and was soon on his way home.

I

Duo going down to the basement to mourn the loss of his little friend Quatre remained in the hallway with Heero and Trowa for a moment. "It wasn't just a coincidence that they were both at that festival. Was it? They were there together and didn't tell anyone."

"We figured you'd be the next one to figure it out." Trowa said as he patted his best friend on the shoulder. "What do you think the girls in Preventers are gonna say when they realize the guy they've been sighing and dreaming about is Wufei?"

"Oh dear God." Quatre said as he thought that over.

"Exactly." Heero said with a chuckle, looking forward to the show. "I wonder how long it will take before it becomes common knowledge."

"But that news report was broadcasted here. Everyone is going to know." Quatre said sending Heero a confused look. "How could they not?"

"For the simple reason that it's just too mind boggling to believe, Quatre." Trowa pointed out as he rested a hand on Quatre's shoulder. "They won't put two and two together because in their minds putting those two together as a couple is too weird to believe. Add in the man they've built her boyfriend up to be in their minds and there's no way they'll clue in. Wufei doesn't fit the picture therefore their minds will simply reject the idea before its even fully formed. No, I think for the majority of people they'll have to see it to believe it. We've only seen it because we know them both well enough to see what others miss."

"Exactly. And since none of us want to ruin this we've kept our mouths shut on the topic." Heero said as he looked pointedly at Quatre. "They'll let everyone know when they want to."

"And that's the way it should be." Quatre added with a thoughtful look on his face. "But really..Wufei and Noin? Who would have ever thought it?

I

Apparently no one in Preventers since there wasn't a stir about the discovery of Noin's boyfriend or a love triangle. The only mentioning of Noin's man was more speculation that continued to build him into the best looking, sexist guy imaginable to the pilots amusement and Wufei's horror. There was some mentioning at first about the hostage situation they'd been involved in but it was really only to commend them on a job well done, show concern for Noin or to comment about how lucky it had been that they were both there at the same time. Ignorance was bliss apparently. The month went along smoothly with things going well for the couple. As far as they knew no one knew but Noin's family and the pilots, minus Duo, kept their mouths shut. Duo remained in the dark though he was well aware that something was up that he didn't know about. Sadly he wasn't stupid enough to think he could get it out of any of his friends since interrogating them was like trying to question pavement. The weather continued to get colder and colder as snow fell and icicles formed. In other words weather that made you want to snuggle up in front of a fire and not go out till spring. Such weather had convinced Noin to stay at Wufei's house longer one night as she hoped it would get better if she waited a bit. Snuggled up on the couch together they were watching a movie on television that Duo had recommended and Noin was planning to kill the braided baka first chance she got.

"Oh God." Noin said as she put her hands in front of her face, peering at the screen through her fingers before shutting them close. "Ewwwwww."

"It's not that bad." Wufei said as he watched her with amusement on his face, turning his eyes from the screen to watch her with a smirk. "They're just rats."

"Just rats? Just rats? Do you have any idea how evil those things are?" Noin demanded as she moved her hands to glare at him having heard his amusement plainly. "They're infested with disease, they're ugly, live in sewers and..and they're just evil okay." Noin said as she turned her head to glare at the screen just in time to see a rat lunge towards them on the screen. With a short scream Noin dove into Wufei's lap, burying her face in Wufei neck with her arms wrapped around his neck too in case he tried to shake her. "Tell me when its over." Noin pleaded against his neck, refusing to look until the rats were gone.

I

"You know we could always watch something else." Wufei suggested with a faint smirk even as his arms came up to wrap around her waist protectively. He hadn't known she had a fear of rodents and was rather surprised that his tough soldier was afraid of something so small and easily disposed of. She never ceased to surprise him and he'd imagine she'd keep doing it till the day she died. "And really, they're only small rodents, Lucrezia. There's nothing to be afraid of."

"I had a traumatic experience okay?" Noin muttered bad temperedly as she loosened her hold slightly though she kept her face pressed against his neck in defense. "It was during Christmas and there was this cartoon version of the Nutcracker on that I really wanted to see. It was really cute and all but at the end, when the Mouse King was dying...well he didn't look like any cute mouse I'd ever seen and he was bleeding everywhere..and he was just so evil and looked like a rat and..I was five okay. I'm entitled to be traumatized seeing something like that. And you can't change the channel because I haven't figured out who the killer is yet. Just tell me when there are no more rats"

"Well I think it's almost over....but wait till I say to look." Wufei said as he gently pushed her face back against his neck with a gentle hand as a person was being covered with rats hoping to make him lunch.

"Thanks." Noin said as she relaxed against him, trusting that he wouldn't be mean like her brothers and tell her it was all safe when really it was the worst part imaginable. Pleased with things in general now that there were no rats in sight and she was cozy warm in Wufei's lap Noin turned her head slightly to place several kisses along his neck, pleased when she heard his breathing change ever so slightly. Lifting her hand that rested on the other side of his neck Noin gently stroked the other side if his neck while she nuzzled her face against his neck. Pleased when he tightened his hold on her Noin lifted her head to look up at him, even more pleased to find him looking at her rather then the screen. Eyes locking they moved closer together as they kissed, sweetly at first then with more passion as Noin shifted in his lap, straddling him as her fingers went to work tangling in his hair while his hands slowly left her waist to slide under the hem of her sweater so that he could stroke her smooth back. Murmuring her approval Noin pressed against him, the kiss heating up more as he groaned at the contact. The movie completely forgotten they nearly had a heart attack a few moment later when an ear piercing scream filled the room. Training kicking in they both broke apart and were both ready for action when they saw with glassy eyes that the sound had come from the movie and that Patch was currently sitting on the coffee table eating all their popcorn.

I

"Patch." Wufei said with a look and tone that said the puppy was in big trouble, Wufei's hands leaving Noin's back as he shook a finger at the dog. "Bad dog. Get down." Rather then listening the puppy barked then jumped off the table and onto the couch before wiggling between Noin and Wufei since he didn't want to be left out.

"Patch, silly dog." Noin said with a weak laugh as she grabbed the puppy and set him beside Wufei as she cuddled against Wufei's chest, her breath ragged and her mind just a little blown. Chuckling she had to admit that the movie and Patch had been good timing or she and Wufei might have ended up doing more then a little making out on the couch. Not that she particularly appreciated the timing, Noin thought with a smirk as she felt Wufei's arms come around her again while Patch whined for attention. Shifting in Wufei's grasp Noin lay against him with her face to the screen with Patch in her arms, the three watching the rest of the movie with Patch as a chaperon. When it was over Noin could only shake her head. "Well that I certainly didn't see coming."

"Me neither." Wufei had to admit as he and Noin got up to put their glasses and the popcorn bowl in the kitchen. Dumping the popcorn Patch had made inedible in the garbage Wufei could only shake his head at the dog who was currently lapping up water from his dish.

"Jesus look at the time." Noin said as her eyes were caught by the clock beside the door. "I better get heading before I'm too sleepy to drive." The two making their way out of the kitchen they headed for the front hallway, Noin opening the front door to get an idea of what she'd be driving in. "Oh shit." Noin said as she stared outside and the fact that she could only make out the shape of her car which was covered from top to bottom in snow. She couldn't even see half of Wufei's driveway either. Not good.

"You are not driving in this." Wufei said firmly as he came to stand beside her, surveying the area and the conditions. "I wouldn't drive in this, least of all in a hunk of junk like your car."

"It is not a hunk of junk." Noin said automatically as she looked around then had to agree with Wufei. Only an idiot would drive in weather like this. "Looks like I'll be taking the couch if it's okay with you."

I

"You'll sleep in my bed." Wufei said then turned slightly pink at the way that sounded. "I'll take the couch." Wufei said as he looked off into the distance with more interest then before as Noin looked at him in amusement as she shut the door firmly against the swirling white.

"I'll take the couch, Wufei. I'm putting you out as it is without taking your bed." Noin said as she stepped out of her boots and returned them to the mat. "Mind if I borrow a shirt and some sweats to sleep in?"

"Sure and you are not sleeping on the couch." Wufei argued even as the thought of Lucrezia wearing his clothes distracted him. "The couch is perfectly comfortable and you're the guest. I insist."

"This is going to be one of those cases where you and I are going to spend the next hour arguing about this and making ourselves hoarse isn't it?" Noin said in amusement as she shook her head at him, knowing that this was an argument what could go on for hours given the chance. They were both as stubborn as mules after all and sure they were right. She was right in this case of course but getting him to see that would take an act of God.

"Probably." Wufei said with a knowing sigh, picturing an argument that was sure to go on and on like it was whenever they discussed his kitchen. He was right in both cases of course but the woman never saw it that way. Which meant he was going to have to figure out a way to meet half way or they'd be at this for hours. Considering an idea came into his head and stayed even as he tried to get rid of it. But..but maybe it was time to entertain the idea.

"What?" Noin wanted to know as he looked off into space though he was looking at her. He was a million miles away, Noin thought with amusement as she walked over to him and set her hands on his shoulders. "Hey, come back and tell me what you're thinking."

Blinking Wufei was all set to tell her it was nothing when his eyes locked with hers and he couldn't look away, the feel of her hands on his shoulders sending the message even louder through his mind. Hesitantly Wufei leaned forward to kiss her, wrapping his arms around her waist as he picked up where they left off before they'd been interrupted.

Gasping slightly in surprise the sound was soon turned to a moan of pleasure as Noin pressed against Wufei as he ravaged her mouth, her body heating up so that she had no doubt that if they were outside she wouldn't have felt even the strongest of cold winds. Her hands clutching his shoulders she melted against him, kissing him back just as passionately as her head swam and her blood cried for more. Wufei's mouth leaving hers Noin hung on for dear life as his lips brushed kisses against her face then moved to her neck as he worked his way down to the collar of her sweater as Noin weakly sighed his name.

"We can share..if you want?" Wufei said quietly in between kisses as he worked his way back up her neck, his mind reeling at the taste of her, his need for more. But he kept a firm grip on his control and wouldn't let it go till she'd given her agreement. Till he knew this was what she wanted.

Share? Noin struggled to understand and then slowly it dawned as he stopped kissing her and simply stared at her with black eyes dark with passion and needs he hadn't let her see to this extent. "Sounds like a perfect compromise." Noin said slowly, a beautiful smile blooming on her face as she turned her head to lock lips with him. This kiss was slow and tender as Wufei picked her up into his arms and carried her out of the room and up the stairs, her arms locked tight and secure around his neck.

Note Not being sure of my age group and what my readers want I put it to you, the readers to review and tell me if you want me to leave this scene here or continue it to some extent in the next chapter. Note that I will not turn this fic into a lemon and it will only be lime to an extent that I would classify as heavy making out. The choice is up to you. Ciao and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.