FIVE

Sutoomu

Okay, here is the twelth chapter. This was a rather quick updatefor someone with my writing habits. I know it's not the longest, but it's a decent length. And my biggest worry is that I worked too fast and it isn't the same quality as the other chapters. It's been a while since I wrote on this story, and I want to be sure I adopted the same writing style as before, so please tell me if anything seems too bad and I'll repost this chapter after fixing it.

As for my reviewers...MAJOR SHOUT OUT TO...summersarebright, silvertwighlight, phoenixfirekitsune, rebelyell59, jes me, SanzoGirl, allie, Lotus Pixie, anissa 32, IamMidnite, Nee-San, crazy-lil-nae-nae, Kami-Crimson, Lady11Occult, and Celestia. OMG, I would be soooo depressed if it wasn't for all of you. You've kept me going when the dark overcast skies of writer's block and writer's cramp and lost muses have descended upon my spirit. You are the sun that broke through the rain and created the rainbow of happiness /smiles/.

Ahem...okay, enough with the philosophical-ness, I don't know if I'm cut out for it. Basically, you guys are all BLOODY WELL AWESOME! That says it all!

In this chapter is Meiran and Wufei's phonecall, the start of another day for the five of them, and a huge SURPRISE! Hahahahahahaha!

Srry, I'm giddy. And no, srry is not a typo. That's how I spell it on the computer...for some wierd, odd reason. Anyhoo, read and enjoy chapter 12!

"'Fei, it's for you! It's Mei Mei!"

Wufei dropped his fork accidentally, it clattering against his plate. "Meiran?" He stood up, taking over Duo's spot at the vidphone.

"Hi, Wufei," Meiran said. "I didn't wake you, did I? You look like you just got out of bed."

"Meiran," Wufei nodded. "You didn't wake me, but I did just wake up a while ago. I didn't know you had my number."

"You uncle gave it to me," Meiran replied. "When he told me about the emancipation."

"Oh," Wufei's good day sunk, like a submarine hit by a torpedo. He absently glanced at his three awake lovers, still eating, but silently as they watched him. "I told you when I met you that I wasn't going to marry you. As soon as I'm cleared for emancipation, I'll be free to make my own desicions. My uncle won't be able to force me to marry you."

"I wish I had thought of that, Wufei," Meiran smiled.

"You're not angry?" Wufei blinked.

"Of course not!" Meiran exclaimed. "I told you I didn't want to marry you, either, but I thought there was no way out. Now, you've found one. And I'm glad. Because this will make us both happy."

"Right," Wufei smiled softly, then frowned as a thought occured to him. "Won't your father marry you to someone else?"

"No," Meiran shook her head. "Because there's no one else my age around. If I don't marry you, then I'm free as well. I'll be able to find someone I truly love, no offense..."

"None taken," Wufei assured her.

"...And I'll be able to marry and have children," Meiran smiled. "But it will all be when I am ready and old enough and with someone I truly love, not when I'm still sixteen and to a stranger. Well, friend, now, I guess," Meiran smiled.

Wufei returned the smile. "Thank you for understanding, Meiran."

"Of course. You have my full support in this, Wufei. I'm cheering for you."

"Thanks," Wufei nodded gratefully. "I'm glad I have you for a friend, Meiran."

"Me, too," Meiran smiled warmly.

"How...how are your parents with it?"

Meiran blinked, surprised by the question, then she nodded happily. "They're okay with it. They're a little impressed, I think, by your independence and your resistance to the stereotypical clan life. I heard my mother say she was just happy I had you as a friend. They really like you, Wufei. I've got to go for breakfast now. See you, Wufei."

"Goodbye," Wufei farewelled, then shut the vidphone off.

"You got full support of the wife, 'Fei!" Duo instantly crowed. "And the in-laws! Alright!"

"She's not my wife, Duo," Wufei reminded. "I'm already claimed."

"Damn straight," Duo agreed.

"But you're not straight, are you?" Heero mentioned.

"True."

They finished the last of their breakfast in peaceful chatter. Quatre emerged from the bedroom, gave everyone a kiss but Trowa, giving him a glare instead. He ate his breakfast and had his tea, and then appeared as chipper as ever.

"We have to go grocery shopping, Trowa," Quatre said, purposely not looking at the banged boy, who looked very sad. "We've run out of nearly everything. Duo, you have a full afternoon at the scrap yard with Hilde. She needs help with a job. Heero, you have an appointment with a new customer." Quatre was officially the secretary and timetable of the household, reminding everyone of previous engagements and important dates so no one would miss anything. "Which means, Wufei, that you have the whole day alone. I'm sorry that we can't stay with you on your day off."

"That's alright," Wufei assured him. "I'll be fine. There's plenty for me to do around here. Besides, this place has needed a thorough cleaning for a while." Wufei had fallen into the habit of cleaning house whenever he was alone rather than sit around bored. Which meant the apartment was pretty constantly clean, since he was alone a bit.

"You clean anymore and I won't be able to recognize the place anymore," Heero said good naturedly as he stood up from the table. The others watched him as he grabbed his jacket and the briefcase that held his labtop and papers. "See you tonight, loves." He placed a kiss on everyone's temple, then whispered something in Quatre's ear.

"I am NOT being childish," Quatre huffed, turning in his seat to glare at Heero's retreating back. "It's his fault!" A finger was pointed at Trowa.

"C'mon!" Duo urged. "Make up already, so we can make out! See ya, Hee-chan!" he added as Heero was closing the door. Heero paused and nodded with a smile, then left to meet his latest customer.

"I am not going to forgive him until he apologizes," Quatre said stubbornly.

"Look who woke up on the wrong side of the bed," Duo muttered.

"I didn't wake up on the wrong side of the bed, Duo," Quatre pointed out. "I woke up on the floor." Wufei quickly looked up at the cieling and twiddled his thumbs, humming innocently.

"I want a kiss," Trowa pouted.

"You aren't getting any kisses until you apologize!"

"Apologize for what? All I did was tickle you! You love being tickled."

"Not when I'm sleeping!" Quatre shouted. Wufei's eyes widened at the loud volume and he instinctively pushed his chair back an inch. "Ugh, stupid boys!"

"Stupid?" Trowa glared at Quatre. "We're stupid, now?"

"Yes!" Quatre shouted, standing up. He returned Trowa's glare for a moment, then threw up his hands in frustration and walked to the door, grabbing his jacket. "Get over here," he ordered. "I swear, if I was only a few months older, I would leave you here and go shopping by myself!"

"But you can't, can you," Trowa smirked. "You need me. 'Cause you can't drive."

"Oh, just get over here!" Quatre snapped. Trowa stuck out his tongue at Quatre, then reluctantly stood up and walked over to Quatre, grabbing his jacket and stepping out the door Quatre held open. Quatre followed him, slamming the door shut behind him angrily.

Wufei stared at the door, frightened within from his head to his toes. He had never seen any of them fight before. He thought they never fought. Things were going so well. They were all so nice and caring. They always gave everyone kisses, none of them leaving anyone else out. They teased each other mercilessly and bickered playfully, but he had never seen Quatre angry or Trowa snap. And it scared him! What if they were so angry that they couldn't make up? And then they would part, and his whole happy new life would fall apart. He'd be torn between the two of them, as would Duo and Heero. Everything would be gone! Wufei knew he wouldn't be able to stand it if either of them left. It would ruin him inside.

As if reading his thoughts, or maybe his body actions, as he was gripping the table edge tightly, breathing quicker than normal as his morbid thoughts crushed his logic and calm, and staring at the door with pain filled eyes, Duo spoke. "Don't worry, 'Fei," he said, with none of the usual joking in his voice. "Nothing is going to happen. There's no force in this world that could tear us apart. Trowa and Quatre have just decided to be stubborn in the same day. Quatre's just cranky, and Trowa gets sensitive when he doesn't his kiss. We are only human, after all, and we do fight. They'll be happy as larks when they come home, trust me. Trowa will give up in trying to battle Quatre's stubborness, so he'll buy him something and then they'll kiss the hell out of each other. It always happens. And if it doesn't, Heero and I will knock some sense into them. And if that doesn't work," Duo smiled sadly. "You could always tell them that they're scaring you."

"I'm not scared," Wufei pouted. Duo gave him a look. "Fine, fine, I am. It's just...you're not supposed to fight! I don't want any of you to be angry." Wufei sighed and looked down at the table, forcing his hands to let go of their iron grip. "It...hurts."

"Yeah, I know," Duo sighed. "I was scared to death one time a little after I got together with Heero when he had a bad day. He ignored me in the morning at school, didn't meet me at lunch, and snapped at me after school. I didn't get a hug or a kiss or anything, and I was scared stiff that he didn't want to be with me anymore. You know what?" Duo chuckled, but it was slightly dark with past memories. "I was thinking of killing myself, then. Because Heero was my life. If he didn't want me, then I didn't want to live. But he came to me the next morning and apologized. We had a very nice make up session after that," Duo wiggled his eyebrows. "Everyone has their bad days, Wufei. But we always get through them. And that," he slapped a hand down on the table. "Is why our relationship is so successful! I swear, we're better than some couples I know, and we're all gay with four guys!"

Wufei swallowed, then smiled. "If you say it'll work out, Duo, then I'll trust you. Thanks."

"No prob, 'Fei 'Fei!" Duo chirped, all giddy and hyperness once again. "Now I gotta get to work, or Hilde's gonna skin me alive! And I'm speakin' literally, here. I thank the gods daily that I didn't end up with her. She's much better as a sister-type, she can't cook as good as you guys, she's stubborn as an ass, and she's got one hell of a temper. Not to mention a sharp tongue and a hard fist."

Wufei snickered at the mental image Duo was causing in his mind. "I'd rather keep you in one piece, Duo. You better get going."

"Yeah, I agree," Duo nodded emphatically, then began getting ready to go to the scrap shop. Which generally meant figuring out where he had put his things.

Wufei stood up and smiled at Duo as he ran into the bedroom, looking for one of his shoes. He grabbed Duo's shoes, knowing exactly where they were. One under the livingroom table, and one stuffed under the livingroom chair. "Duo."

Duo appeared in the bedroom door. "Yeah? Oh, my shoes!" He ran up and took them from Wufei, slipping them on, then grabbed his jacket and a wrench that had somehow ended up in the dishwasher. Wufei walked with him to the door, accepted the mind blowing, tongue twirling kiss Duo gave him, then sent the braided boy on his way to help Hilde. Which left Wufei alone in the apartment.

Wufei occupied himself for a small while cleaning up the breakfast mess. He filled and started the dishwasher, scrubbing the greased down frying pan by hand, then decided to take a shower. Fifteen minutes later, he emerged from the steamy bathroom. He got dressed, fixed himself up into his normal freak persona, and then took a few moments to tidy up the bedroom and bathroom. Finally, he ended up standing in the middle of the main room, looking around him with the dreaded feeling of boredom creeping up on him. As Heero said, the place was already clean. And it did look much different from when he had first stepped into the place. There was no random tools lying around from Duo or items strewn anywhere. Wufei had cleaned it all up, put everything away. It was a habit when he was alone. Which meant he had nothing to do now.

Wufei sighed, then stopped his sigh as an idea came to him. He could go get the mail. It was silly of him to be so excited and grateful for the task, since it was so small and would only hold off the boredom for a small while more, but this was what boredom would do to a normally busy person. So he walked down the stairs of the building to the front door, unlocked the mailbox, grabbed the stack of letters inside, and made his way back up to the apartment. It took all of five minutes, and then he was sorting through the letters.

"Bill, bill, bill, bill. How the hell do we have so many bills?" Wufei muttered under his breath, then took a moment to think how nearly everyone in the world tended to mutter 'bill, bill, bill' when they sorted their mail. He banished the very random thought, which he absently blamed on Duo, and focused on the mail in his hand. "An advertisement, another bill, a letter for Quatre from his sister, a letter to me?" Wufei blinked in surprise and looked at the letter with his name written neatly in the center. His good mood vanished and a scowl crossed his features as he read who the letter was from.

"Tao Shen."

Wufei dropped the rest of the mail on the table and walked over to the livingroom area, opening the letter as he walked. He began to read the letter with a solemn face, thinking he was prepared for anything.

Dear Chang, Wufei,

I must say, you have succeeded very well in getting yourself out from under my gaurdianship. The influences of your unwise choice of friends convinced you to leave the shelter I had worked so hard to provide for you. They convinced you to rebel against my authority over you and caused you to disrespect and dishonor the Chang name by raising a hand and your voice against your gaurdian. And when I tried to set your life on track by officiating the marriage proposal to Chien, Meiran, you dishonored your name further by daring to file an emancipation claim, bringing neutral parties into your vendetta against all I have done to you. All this you have done, and it has brought great dishonor and shame to the Chang name. It would seem that you have succeeded in staying one step away from and ahead of me. It would seem you have thought of everything.

There is one factor, however, that you seemed to have missed. One tiny detail that you have skipped over in your escape. I have a trump card, Wufei. I hold it within my grasp, and I am not below using it. You see, Wufei, I still have Taia. She is devoted to me fully and will do anything I ask, rather than dare soiling the Chang name herself. I have your precious aunt, like a dog on a leash. And I'm not letting her go.

Therefore, I give you this ultimatum. Either you listen to me and obey my every order, or I will hurt, or even possibly kill, Taia. And you know I can and will do it. I have never cared for Taia in any way.1 Think deeply, Wufei, and make the wise choice. If, and we both know you will, you choose to save your precious aunt Taia's health and life, these are my immediate demands. Pack up all your belongings and leave those faggots you claim to love. Come home immediately, and I will explain the situation-to-be further. You are going to become a respectable traditional clan heir, with me as your guide. I will mold you into an honorable man of China.

You'll thank me someday.

Chieu, Tao Shen

He wasn't prepared for this...

Well, how was this chapter? I bet you weren't expecting that? At least, I hope you weren't, 'cause it was supposed to be a surprise, and I don't think I gave away any major hints or anything towards this! Anyhoo, tell me what you think of the turn of events...and don't be too angry with the author for writing the fight and the letter, 'cause the author's just following her muses /which happen to be five grown gundam pilots and five adorable chibi pilots and a wierd version of Storm and chibi Storm and, oddly enough, a Link and chibi Link from Zelda: Ocarina of Time...okay there's probably dozens more, but I can't count 'em all/ and writing what comes to her. And she's too damn nice to totally ruin the story. I'm Canadian, I like happy endings.

See you next chapter, which is Wufei's reaction and response, and I have absolutely nothing of that written yet, so that update will, yes, be a while longer than average. Ba bai for now!

Storm