Well, here it is at last. The Final chapter of In the Heart of Death! I know it took forever to come out and I apologize for that. I have been so busy this semester that it's just been crazy. Anyway, here is the final installment. I hope you all enjoy!

Chapter Fourteen

Surprises

Duo ran down the street faster than he ever had. He was filled with a strange feeling and he wasn't sure how to handle it. He was panicked, proud, happy, frightened, and about a million other emotions all at the same time. There was only one person he would be able to speak to about it and he was on his way to that person's house right now. He ran up the drive of the quaint little house and rang the door bell at least five times before he calmed down enough to stand still.

The door opened slowly and Heero stood with a confused look on his face.

"Duo? Is something wrong?" Heero was slightly concerned with the look he saw on Duo's face.

"Heero…" Duo panted. He looked down and sighed. "Can…I come in?"

Heero stared at his friend for a moment. He was sweaty, panting and almost panicked. "Yes, of course." He said at last and stepped back so Duo could come in.

Duo practically collapsed on the couch and Heero became even more concerned. He followed and sat next to him.

"What is it, Duo?"

"I did it, Heero. I really did it." Duo was staring straight ahead in a daze.

Heero surveyed his friend without expression. "You…told Quatre?"

Duo nodded, still dazed. "It still feels like a dream." He muttered.

Heero leaned closer and placed his hand on Duo's knee. "What did he say?"

Duo turned and met Heero's eyes with a sad smile. "He didn't."

Heero blinked. "He…didn't what?"

Duo chuckled. "He didn't say anything. He got called out on business just after I told him and he left."

"He just left?" Heero raised a brow. That didn't sound like Quatre, he would never leave a friend hanging.

Duo nodded and smirked. "I know what you're thinking."

Heero chuckled. "That doesn't surprise me."

Duo smiled. "No, he didn't just leave me. I told him to go. Heero, his sister was in an accident. He had to go."

Understanding dawned in Heero's eyes and he nodded. "That sounds more like Quatre."

Duo nodded and looked down. "I didn't know what I expected to hear. I just knew I had to do it." He shrugged. "At least it's out in the open now…" he turned to Heero, "right?"

Heero nodded and then wrapped his arms around Duo. "I'm proud of you." He whispered into his ear.

Duo collapsed in Heero's arms and he cried. He wasn't sure why he was crying. It was as though all of the emotions flying through him needed to be released. He cried in Heero's arms for the rest of the afternoon before he calmed down. He and Heero talked about what was next and eventually Duo agreed to go home and get some rest. If he thought the walk home was bad, that was nothing compared to what was next.

Three weeks past and he received nothing from Quatre; not letters, not a phone call, not even a telegram! Duo was beginning to get frustrated, but more over he was worried. He was afraid that he had scared Quatre off! What if Quatre didn't even want to be his friend anymore? Worse than that, what if something had gone terribly wrong with his sister? Quatre had already lost one; he didn't need to loose another so soon. Despite his worries, Duo woke up every morning with a feeling of hope. Perhaps today would be the day that Quatre would return.

On day 22 (yes, he was counting) Duo woke up, like he always did, and walked half sleeping – half waking into the kitchen to seek out his morning coffee. The apartment still seemed empty without Heero around, but he was slowly getting used to it. To be honest he was actually grateful of the freedom it provided. As much as he loved Heero, and he did love him, there were several things that Heero did that Duo couldn't stand. For example, every morning when Duo went to get his coffee, he found that Heero had already brewed his own coffee. His coffee was far to dark for Duo's taste and he couldn't stand the taste it gave his own coffee. For some reason he could never wash it out enough to make the taste of Heero's coffee go away. It was nice that he didn't have to fight for it anymore.

So he brewed his coffee, his own tiny victory, and drank it in the silence of the morning…or what should have been silence. A loud knocking on the door interrupted his thoughts. He groaned and stood, walking sleepily to the front door with his cup dangling dangerously in his hand. He opened the door and a man in a suit was standing before him. He was carrying a small piece of paper that looked as though it had been folded over and sealed with wax. Duo raised a brow and leaned against the door frame.

"Can I help you?"

"I have a letter for a Mr. Duo Maxwell. Are you he?" The man asked in an annoyingly sweet British accent.

Duo frowned. "Yes, that's me."

"Ahh, then here you are Mr. Maxwell." He said and handed Duo the message.

Duo looked down at it briefly and noticed the calligraphy "Duo Maxwell" that was scripted across the front. He looked up to ask about it but the man had already begun hurrying down the hall. Duo watched him go for a moment before closing the front door and returning to his table. He looked at the message curiously for a moment and then flipped it over. The wax seal had a very fancy "Q" inscribed in it and suddenly Duo's heart fell into his toes. It was from Quatre. It must be. He set his coffee down, now fully awake and quickly pulled open the note.

Duo,

I'm sure you've noticed by now that I've been detained longer than expected. I apologize for that. However, I have continued in the plans for Heero and Relena's engagement party. I would have preferred making the plans with you but it seems that fate has come in the way. All I need from you is transportation for the guests of honor. I've reserved the Blue Room on Fourth Street for the 24. If you can just get the two of them there at 7 sharp, then the party can go off as scheduled. Thank you for your help Duo and I hope to return soon.

Quatre

Duo blinked and reread the letter. No, he wasn't mistaken…it was all business. Quatre didn't even mention their conversation. Was he trying to ignore it? Was he really that disgusted? Duo sighed and set the letter down on the table. He would do as Quatre asked because he was a man of his word. He glanced at his calendar and his eyes widened. The 24 was…today! He jumped up from the table and rushed to his room to see if he had his formal clothes clean.

The day passed without much excitement and before Duo knew it, his clock was chiming six. He smiled and picked up the phone, dialing the number he knew so well. One…two…three rings sounded before he heard that familiar voice on the other end of the line.

"Hello?"

"Hey Heero!" Duo smiled, even though he knew Heero couldn't see him.

"Duo…" Heero seemed distracted. "What is it?"

"Oh, I just wanted to take you and Relena out to celebrate you're engagement! My treat!"

Duo could picture Heero's groan. "There's no need for that Duo. You know that."

"I know. But I feel responsible for keeping you two apart for so long, what with the lying and stuff. I want to make it up to you."

"Duo…you really don't…"

"I want to." Duo interrupted. "Come on Heero, I won't take no for an answer. I'll be at you're place in half an hour. Oh, and don't forget to dress in you're formals!" He chuckled and hung up.

He stood and walked to his room to dress. He put on his best tuxedo and made sure to braid his hair so every strand was in its rightful place. He wanted this night to be perfect for Heero and Relena. They deserved it. After half an hour, Duo was sitting in his car (he put the hood up to it wouldn't mess up his hair and outfit) driving down the street to Heero and Relena's apartment. When he arrived he could hear a commotion inside. He knocked and heard a crash. A few moments later Relena came to the door. She seemed to be out of breath and her cheeks were flushed.

"We're almost ready, Duo. Please come in." She said and stood back so Duo could enter.

Duo looked around the room and found several picture frames lying on the floor. He turned to Relena with a questioning look and smirked. "Am I interrupting something?"

Relena blushed even redder and shook her head. "No…no of course not. Well, I need to finish getting ready, please make yourself at home Duo." She said and ran down the hall way slamming the door to the bathroom.

Duo shook his head. No wonder Heero had sounded distracted. Duo must have called right in the middle of…something. He smiled to himself and sat down on the couch. A few quiet moments passed and then Heero walked into the room. He half glared at Duo and sat down.

"You don't need to do this, Duo." He said.

Duo smiled and looked at his friend. "Heero…you've done so much for me. Please…I just want to pay you back."

Heero stared at Duo for a few moments and then sighed. "Alright."

Relena came into the room and both Duo and Heero felt their jaws hit the floor. She was wearing a bright red dress that fell to her knees and accented every curve she had. It had thin straps and she wore her short hair down and straight. She looked gorgeous!

"Wow…Relena…" Duo stuttered.

She blushed and smiled. "Is it that good?"

Both men nodded, dumbly and she laughed. "Good. I was hoping that would be the affect I would get." She walked to Heero and pulled him from the couch. "Shall we go?"

Heero finally recovered and nodded. He turned to Duo and willed him off the couch. Duo shook his head and stood. "Right…yeah okay. Let's go."

The three of them climbed into Duo's car and they were off. The car ride was uneventful, idle chit-chat about the restaurant they were going to, what it was like to be engaged…things of that nature. Eventually, they arrived at the restaurant and the parking lot was filled with cars.

"Duo, this place looks crowded. Are you sure we can get in?" Relena asked.

"Sure, no problem." He smiled and led the way through the large double doors. When they entered the hall the lights were all off and Duo had to fight his urge to chuckle.

"What is going on here, Duo?" Heero asked.

Suddenly the lights came on to a room full of people. In unison they all shouted…

"SURPRIZE!"

Relena laughed and Heero glared. She ran into the hall and began greeting people who were gushing about her engagement, her dress, her life in general. Duo walked to Heero and smirked.

"You…did this?" Heero asked.

Duo laughed. "Quatre planned it all. I just brought you here."

Heero raised a brow. "You've heard from him?"

Duo smiled but his eyes reflected sadness. "Only for the party…nothing else."

Heero frowned and nodded. "Well…thank you Duo."

Duo chuckled. "Anything for you, Heero." He said and the friends exchanged a warm hug.

Quatre spared no expense for the party. Every table had a bottle of the best wine, the food was increasable and he even managed a live orchestra! Duo sat at his table with his glass of wine and laughed. Quatre sure was something. When he wanted to do something for his friends, he did it right. Wufei approached Duo and motioned to the seat next to him to ask if he could sit.

"Sure thing, Wu-man." Duo smiled and pushed the chair out for Wufei to sit. "Enjoying the party?"

Wufei smiled and nodded. "Yes. Quatre has done a wonderful job planning."

Duo nodded and looked around the hall at all of the people dancing and having fun. "Yeah, he did."

Wufei turned to Duo and frowned. "Maxwell…Duo…may I…ask you something?"

Duo turned and raised a brow. Wufei never called him by his first name unless it was something important. He set his glass down and leaned in to him.

"Sure thing. What's wrong?"

Wufei shook his head. "Nothing is wrong. I just…would like some advice."

Now Duo was really shocked. Wufei never asked for advice. "Yeah. I'll help if I can."

Wufei nodded. "Duo I…" He paused and looked around the room, as though afraid that someone may over hear them. He turned back to Duo and lowered his voice. "I am planning to…I would like to as Trowa to marry me."

Duo's eyes widened and he smiled widely. "Marry? Really?"

Wufei nodded. "Yes…as you know, they've only recently passed the law legalizing gay marriages, so I don't think that Trowa suspects anything. However, I want it to be a surprise just the same."

Duo laughed. "Wow, Wu! I never would have guessed that coming from you!"

Wufei glared at him and continued. "My question is…how…how should I…"

"How should you do it?" Duo finished.

Wufei blushed softly and nodded.

Duo smirked. "Well…if it were me…" He pictured Quatre's face and nearly shivered in excitement. "If it were me…I would just speak from the heart. It's a marriage proposal…it should be private. Maybe a candle lit dinner at home?" He offered.

Wufei thought about it and nodded. "Yes, that would do nicely." He turned to Duo. "But…how…what do I say?"

Duo smiled. "Like I said before, Wuffers, speak from you're heart. If you love him, then it'll know what to do."

Wufei nodded slowly, processing, before he stood up. "Thank you, Maxwell." He stopped and turned to Duo. "Thank you…Duo. I can not express my appreciation."

Duo smiled and nodded. "Anything for a friend."

Wufei smiled and bowed his head before leaving the table, no doubt to find Trowa. Duo smiled after him. Well, this night is turning out better than I had hoped! Duo stood and finished off his glass of wine before deciding to mingle amongst his friends when a hand on his shoulder stopped him. He turned and came face to face with a cloaked man. The figure brought a finger to his lips to signify silence and then crooked his finger, becoming Duo forward. Duo raised a brow at the man. What did he think he was, stupid? Why on earth would he follow a strange person outside? The figure seemed to sense that because he reached up and gently tugged on his hood. Duo only caught a glimpse of the face but it was enough. It was Quatre! Duo nearly gasped, but held it in. He followed Quatre through the crowds and out through the back door of the restaurant. The alley was dark and the sound of stray cats could be heard echoing through the darkness. Duo felt a shiver run down his spine but he wasn't sure if it was from the alley or from the man in front of him. Quatre stopped and turned around once the back door was shut. He removed his hood and smiled at Duo.

"Hello Duo."

Duo swallowed and tried to smile. "Why the secret entrance, Quat? I'm sure Heero and Relena would want to thank you."

Quatre smiled and nodded. "I expected as much. But they'll get their chance. I'll go in eventually." He looked straight into Duo's eyes. "But I have something to deal with first."

Duo felt his palms heat up and begin to sweat and the shiver seemed to grow in strength, he was feeling weak. Quatre moved forward and leaned against the railing Duo was sitting on. "First off, Duo, I wanted to apologize in person for leaving so quickly."

Duo shook his head. "There's no need to apologize. There was an emergency. I understand."

Quatre smiled. "I thought you would. My sister is alright, by the way. We managed to get her out with no more than a broken leg. She was in the hospital for a while, that's why I hadn't returned. I wanted to make sure she was okay."

Duo nodded. "I understand. I'm glad she's alright."

Quatre nodded. "Me too." Quatre paused to collect him thoughts and then looked up to meet Duo's eyes. "Duo…I've had a lot of time to think about what you said…"

Here it comes…Duo thought.

"…and I think I've decided something." Quatre moved closer to Duo and looked deep into his eyes. "When I was thinking about your confession…it made me feel…special. Like I was really worth something." He smiled. "And I liked that feeling."

Duo felt his heart melting. Was Quatre saying what he thought he was saying?

"Duo…I don't know exactly what I'm feeling…and I don't know how long it will take before I find out…but I do know one thing…" He leaned in close and Duo shuttered when he felt Quatre's breath on his face. "I want to find out…with you."

It was like a firework show went off in Duo's head. He was so excited that he thought he may just collapse. He smiled a Quatre and tentatively wrapped his arms around him. When Quatre didn't pull away Duo smiled.

"Are you sure, Quat?" He asked.

Quatre smiled and wrapped his arms around Duo's waist. "Yes, Duo. I want you…only you."

Duo smiled widely and laughed. "I can't tell you how happy I am to hear you say that." He said, tears threatening to fall. He leaned down and touched his forehead to Quatre's. "I need you to know something."

Quatre nodded.

"I need you to know…" Duo continued with a smile, "that I will never force anything on you. I understand that you want to discover you're feelings and that's fine. I won't do anything that makes you uncomfortable."

Quatre smiled and pulled Duo closer. "I had a feeling you'd say that." He whispered.

Duo smiled and caressed Quatre's cheek. "I love you, Quatre Winner." He muttered.

"And I think it's quite possible…" Quatre giggled. "…that I love you too, Duo Maxwell."

Duo smiled and finally closed the distance between he and Quatre with the most passionate kiss that either of them had ever experienced. Duo could tell that this time…at last…he would finally get his happy ending.

THE END

Well, there is it. I hope you all enjoyed it. I just want to thank my reviewers: skye, Stratagirl, Judy, summersarebright and Amy Hirosaki. You guys are awesome and I hope you liked the ending. Please review and Happy Reading!

The Priestess