FIVE

Sutoomu

Okay, so here is another chapter of FIVE. I'm sorry it took so long but my laptop connection broke again and then I procrastinated trying to fix it until I got a PM from a wonderful reviewer who persuaded me to do something about it so she could have an update and keep breathing so I went out and bought some CD-R's to transfer my fics to another computer and they were bogus so I had to buy some DVD-R's and they wouldn't work so I had to take me laptop into Staples and get them to help me so I could post some more chapters... /BREATHE, BREATHE, BREATHE/

Okay, so this is officially the Chapter Of Reactions. You'll see why I titled it that. And if you don't get it, it's because there's nothing but everyone reacting to what's happening.

So, you have to tell me if this chapter is still up to the writing par. Cause it was quite a bit inbetween writing chap 12 and 13, so it might have changed. If it has, I need to know.

OMG, my reviewers are so many...I'm gonna break two hundred soon. Thank you to all my reviewers of chap 12. Kami Crimson, Lady11Occult, Jamethiel, Celestia, Kris, tre-chan, silvertwighlight, SanzoGirl, anissa32, witchwolf, allie, Amelia Glitter, Roxie Faye, IamMidnite, phoenixfirekitsune, PrincessWolf Goddess, Lotus Pixie, summersarebright, Ghost-girl-13, Robin Maxwell, duodragoon21, inu-hottie, CandiedMango, HeeroDuo4eva, Reikan, Griffin 'Poody' Maxwell, and WaterDragonfromtheUnderworld. That is...twenty seven reviews for one chapter. Plus, a bunch of you reviewed twice or more. This is incredible. Holy crud, you don't know how much I appreciate you all.

Enjoy the chap.

He wasn't prepared for this.

"Taia...," he whispered.

Wufei stared at the letter in his hand, his mouth open, an expression akin to being electrocuted on his face. He re-read it, then read it again, and again. Each time, the words remained the same, and didn't rearrange themselves to bear better news as he wished them dearly to do. He couldn't believe this! This had to be a mistake. A joke, played on him by some homophobic kid at school, or one of their enemies, trying to get him to leave. It had to be a joke. It had to be!

A thick knot formed in Wufei's stomach and he swallowed harshly as his logical mind forced him to realize that this was not a joke. He had seen his uncle's handwriting plenty of times, and recognized the signature clearly. It had been written by Tao Shen himself, so it couldn't be a joke or a trick. It was completely real, and that very thought made Wufei sick enough that he felt like he was going to bring his breakfast up. The desperate thought of 'how could he do this?' flittered in his mind, and he instantly came up with an answer. Tao Shen could do this, easily, and that was another thing that convinced him this was real. Threatening Wufei with the life of the most important person in his life was right up his alley. This had gone beyond simple games to get the inheritance. This was at the point of revenge. Tao Shen had great pride, and Wufei had damaged that pride every time he rebelled.

The feeling of sickness spread from Wufei's stomach and throat down through his legs. His knees suddenly gave out on him and he fell down to the floor, his hands clutching the letter so tightly his knuckles were white, as the complete truth dawned on him. Tao Shen had Taia! The awful reality that she was a prisoner, and her health was unknown to him. Tao Shen could have her locked up somewhere, starving or hurt or injured. It would be just like the bastard to have hurt her in his anger, no matter if he was angry with her or not. He was probably angry with her already, since he knew that Taia secretly supported Wufei's desicions. Wufei's breathing became quicker, his pulse racing as unwanted images of Tai hurt or beaten or, worst of all, dead came into his mind.

This was blackmail! Tao Shen was blackmailing Wufei with his aunt, the closest person he had ever had, and that knowledge hurt him. But what hurt the most, was the fact that it would work. As Tao Shen had written, he knew Wufei would obey the letter's demands. While Wufei loved Heero, Duo, Trowa, and Quatre with his whole heart and being and loved being with them as one of them, as one of their loves, he would instantly forget his happiness and well-being for his aunt's. And Tao Shen had finally figured that out, damn it!

The speculating thought of whether he could rescue Taia brushed his mental process, but he shoved it down. Knowing his uncle's somewhat paranoia, he would have Taia somewhere secret and remote by now, so Wufei could have no chance of helping her or rescuing her. He'd probably have guns, as well. Tao Shen may not be the richest man, but he did have enough money and connections and influences to help him get high tech security and a few weapons. This was the final straw in the haystack that proved his uncle's insanity. He was situating it all so that Wufei had no choice but to follow him. Telling the police or telling his love's was too much of a risk for Wufei to take in Taia's concern. How he longed to just call someone and get Tao Shen thrown in jail or, possibly, killed! But he couldn't, because Wufei didn't know what special surprises Tao Shen might have in store for Taia if Wufei was to do that. He couldn't risk anything that could possibly hurt Taia. He couldn't risk it! He had to obey the letter, and Tao Shen knew it. This time, the bastard had thought of everything. Wufei had to leave his lovers and aquiesce with Tao Shen's wishes for his aunt's sake.

That didn't make it any easier, though.

Wufei finally forced himself to move from the couch, his limbs feeling like lead, his head a foggy blur. He moved about the apartment, gathering his main possessions with robotic movements, not one ounce of enthusiasm in any of his movements. He calculated absently that he had about a half hour until Quatre and Trowa would return from shopping, perhaps a bit more if he was lucky and they did something special to make up from their fight. So he moved efficiently, ignoring the part of his brain that wanted him to move slowly and lazily so someone would come and discover what he was doing and ask him why. But that was impossible, since he couldn't tell them anything, and they'd just try to stop him, which he couldn't have.

He gathered up his accessories and neccessities first, then packed up his books and other items. He left his silk bedsheets on the bed, wanting to leave something for the four people who had so greatly impacted his life and made him feel deeply loved. He left Chibi in her cage, knowing his uncle wouldn't let him keep the owl if he took her with him. It was better for Chibi if she stayed here. He also decided to leave his inheritance briefcase. That was not going to go to Tao Shen. In the end, he gathered his three boxes packed with his things in the front entrance and looked back on the apartment. He had everything that belonged to him, excepting his bedsheets, inheritance briefcase, and Chibi. He heard Chibi hoot inquisitively from the room, knowing something was off-key in her owner's actions.

Sudden tears pricked at Wufei's eyes, and a few stray ones slipped down his cheeks. He took a deep breath, trying to meditate, trying to calm himself and make this easier. But he knew it wasn't going to be easy. He didn't want to leave! Oh, gods, how he wanted to stay! But he couldn't, damnit all! He felt so much anger and sorrow right now, and they were blending into a rather unsure emotion. Wufei decided something, and he went to the bedroom again, rifling through Heero and Duo's dresser. He found what he was looking for, a small photo album, filled with pictures. It had been started by Duo when he had first started going out with Heero, and had continued on through Trowa and Quatre and, lately, himself. Without a second thought, he took it, packing it away into his labtop case. He grabbed a pen and paper and sat down at the table, writing a quick note to explain as much as he could. He didn't want to just leave and hurt them so deeply without trying to at least leave something of an explanation. Five minutes later, he dropped the messily written and tear stained letter on the table and tried to compose himself.

He took his three boxes downstairs, along with his labtop case, and sat on the curb, waiting for his taxi. It pulled up about five minute later, and Duo set his things in the trunk and slipped in without a word. He managed to croak out his old address to the driver, who set off. Wufei sunk into the taxi's backseat, trying to shrink into the fabric, feeling like he should die. He knew that his lovers would be hurt when they found he was gone, and it hurt him to know that he was going to hurt them. He hated this feeling of helplessness he felt, this feeling of worthlessness, this feeling that he was scum for doing this to them. But he couldn't help it. And it hurt so bad.

Wufei let himself cry for a good part of the taxi ride, the driver glancing at him in concern every now and then but blessedly staying silent. He finally composed himself, clearing away his tears, only to find them threatening to come back every time he even thought of what was happening. Eventually, he decided that he had to cut off his emotions in order to survive this whole process. So Wufei slipped into his deepest conscious meditative state, blocking everything away, staring stoicly out the window as they turned onto his street. He was hard pressed to maintain that emotionless state as he saw Tao Shen come out of the door when he drove up, smirking like the devil himself.

"Wufei, my nephew, how are you?" he chirped, as though nothing was happening. Wufei slammed the taxi door and swept past him, intending to grab his things. "Don't bother with that," Tao Shen said, and Wufei tired his hardest to suppress the shiver that that old and familiar tone of authority caused in him. "We'll be using this taxi to go to the airport, so get back in."

Wufei glared at Tao Shen for a moment, then closed his eyes and swallowed. He got back into the taxi, shifting far over against the door as his uncle followed him, stepping into the taxi himself. Tao Shen told the driver to go to the airport and the taxi started moving once again. Wufei forced himself to stare out the window and avoid his uncle, but the man's presence was still almost unbearable.

"The marriage with Meiran has been moved up to next week," Tao Shen started the conversation. Wufei's heart broke some more, shattered with every word as Tao Shen spoke. "I have explained to the Chien family about your emancipation. You have now found yourself to be in the wrong and have found your own actions dishonorable, and you wish to marry Meiran and revive your clan to regain your honor, with me helping you along as your loving uncle." Wufei barely hid the snort this sentence caused, and he could feel his uncle's eyes boring into him. "You are enthusiastic about the idea, understand?" Wufei forced himself to nod. "We will be going to our homeland for the wedding, and both families will be living there now. I have provided a home for you and Meiran to live within, and so I can keep an eye on you. And if I sense even a hint of your...friends," Tao Shen sneered. "Or you attempting to make any sort of plea for help, I will follow through with what I have said. You are to follow my every order, or else. Taia, unfortunately, is deeply sick and is unavailable for visits or friends. She must stay in bed in solitary peace."

"Is that what you're saying?" Wufei asked, scowling. "What about the wedding? People will expect her to be there."

"She cannot help being sick," Tao Shen merely said, sending his own deep frown at Wufei.

Wufei stared at Tao Shen boldly, then spoke. "I want to see her. I want to see Taia, and make sure she's alright. I'm not keeping my end of the promise if you don't keep your end. I want to see her anytime I request."

"You may request to see her," Tao Shen said icily, looking forward. "But whether or not you do get to see her is entirely up to me. She is in my hands, Wufei, and you cannot do anything about that."

Wufei meditated for a moment, inhaling deeply and sharply. He opened his eyes again and regarded Tao Shen with an emotionless face. "I hate you, you know?"

Tao Shen chuckled as Wufei looked away again, the chinese youth trying desperately to keep his pain inside.

/> /> /> /> />

"I'm still mad at you," Quatre said half heartedly as he approached the apartment door.

"No, you're not," Trowa smiled, placing a kiss on Quatre's temple. He would have held the blonde, but his arms were currently occupied by four bags of groceries. So he settled for the simple little kiss. And he got a very nice surprise when Quatre boldly met his lips and engaged in a short and utterly sweet french kiss.

"I hate it when you're right," Quatre breathed against Trowa's skin. "But you still have to do your punishment."

"I thought I already did," Trowa sighed, remembering the lack of kisses and how Quatre had ignored him in the car.

"No, you didn't," Quatre said sternly. "And your punishment is giving me a massage."

"That's a punishment?" Trowa asked, nipping Quatre's ear.

"Stop," Quatre giggled as he turned the doorknob. He frowned. "It's locked." Quatre sighed and managed to somehow get his keys out of his pocket, into the lock, and the door open. He pushed it open with his foot and walked in under the heavy influence of grocery bags. Trowa followed him, and they both set the bags on the table for unpacking. "There! Shopping's done for another week."

"We should go to Wufei, now," Trowa suggested in a low voice.

Quatre nodded seriously, understanding exactly what Trowa meant. Duo had given them a call as soon as he got to work, and he was angry. Even though he constantly kept up his smile, they could tell by his tone and eyes that he was not pleased at all. And he had said exactly what his eyes showed. He had given them a ten minute lecture on fighting, told each of them to suck it up and be men, and gave them an ultimatum. They were to make up or they wouldn't be allowed any more kisses from him for the next week. What had truly convinced them to listen to him, though-since they both knew Duo thrived on kisses and wouldn't be able to last an hour-was when Duo told them about his conversation with Wufei after they left, and how afraid and scared Wufei had looked when Quatre slammed the door. They had both felt very guilty, since this was the first time any of them had ever seriously fought in front of lover number five, and he already had enough problems to deal with at the moment. So Quatre had let go of his annoyance and Trowa had let go of his pouting, they had made up, and gone out for a light snack of ice cream together. Now that they were home, they both agreed on the fact that they wanted to show Wufei they weren't angry anymore and reassure him of the full love in the group staying.

Quatre set his hand in Trowa's, smiling up at the emerald eyed beauty at the feel of the long, slender fingers wrapped in his own, and they both walked off to the bedroom, which was the most likely place Wufei would be. When you stepped in the door of the apartment, you could see the kitchen and livingroom, and the open bathroom door showed it was empty, so the only place left was the bedroom. Quatre pushed open the door and looked in, expecting to see Wufei reading or maybe cleaning, or even sleeping. What he saw, wasn't anything like what he had expected.

"Wufei...!" Quatre gasped, running to the bed which had been dubbed as Wufei's. The red silk sheets were still on the bed, neatly made, and Chibi hooted uncertainly from her cage, cocking her head curiously at them, but the drawers of Wufei's dresser were hanging open. They were completely empty. Not a sign of Wufei's presence remained on the bedside table, or the dressertop, or anywhere. Only the bedsheets, Chibi, and the inheritance case lying on the bed were left. Quatre frantically spun around, looking for any sign that what he saw here wasn't what he thought. All he wanted to see was Wufei with his things, smiling at him and saying he decided to simply do a very thorough cleaning. But there was no Wufei. No random kohl pencils lying on the dressertop, no dark shirts sitting on the room's chair, no book lying on the bedside table. No earrings or necklaces or rings, no dark lip paint, no shoes or clothes or items or anything! it was like he had never been here...Quatre's legs gave out on him and he sat down on the red sheets, his fingers caressing the sheets, unnoticed, as he stared at Trowa helplessly. Trowa's eyes were wide, his mouth open in shock. He had his hands held up as though to ward off a coming evil, and he swallowed as he met Quatre's eyes.

"What does this mean?" Quatre asked, barely able to speak.

"I...I don't know..."

"Did he leave us? Is he gone? ...is Wufei really gone?"

Trowa took a deep breath and stated what was the obvious first impression in a broken voice. "It looks like it."

Quatre's wavering eyes stared into Trowa's for a moment more, then fell to look lifelessly at the floor, tears leaking out of the corner's of his eyes. "Is...is this my fault?"

"What?" Trowa asked, confused.

"It's my fault, isn't it?" Quatre asked, his shoulders beginning to shake. "I scared him away, didn't I? Oh, Allah, it's all my fault! I shouldn't have yelled! I shouldn't have been angry with you, I had no reason to be. I frightened him away! It's all my fault!" Quatre's hand closed into a fist, and he slammed it onto the bed, the mattress absorbing the impact. "All because I'm a spoiled brat! I always want my own way, and never think of anyone, and now I've made someone I love leave!"

"Quatre!" Trowa exclaimed, shocked that this was coming from the blonde's mouth. They had spent a long time persuading Quatre that he was loved and wasn't cruel. They had spent so much time bringing the true, kind Quatre out of his shell that Trowa was hurt deeply to hear Quatre speak this way about himself. He quickly made his way to Quatre's side and drew him into a deep hug. "It is not your fault! First of all, we don't even know for sure if he has left us for real. There are other possibilities we haven't considered yet, so don't give up hope right away, love. Second of all, even if he did leave us, it was not because of you and I fighting. Whatever the reason, it was not you! And that is final! You are not to speak about yourself that way. Thirdly, even if Wufei did leave us, we can find him and ask him why, and most likely persuade him to come back. Fourthly, I doubt Wufei would leave us in the first place! Why? He was happy, we were happy. The calling doesn't choose random people for us to love. Wufei is our soulmate...why would he leave?" These last few sentences were spoken as though in a question, Trowa voicing his wonderings. He suddenly stood up, his face firming into one of resolution and determination. He looked down at the still crying Quatre. "Just stay here, love," he suggested gently. "Just relax and stay calm. I'm going to call some people and get some answers." Trowa walked to the bedroom door, then looked back at Quatre, who had laid down on the bed and was clutching at the red sheets with a death grip. "And if you even think those thoughts about yourself again, I'll get Duo and Heero back here and we'll have another Session."

Quatre's red eyes widened at the threat and he nodded fiercely. The Sessions had been a way the three of them had thought up to help Quatre understand how alive and special he was. They were a great benefit to Quatre, but the blonde would never want to have to go through another one if he didn't have to. Trowa, Heero, and Duo could be slightly scary when they all ganged up on you and the Sessions weren't exactly entirely comfortable to go through.

Trowa made his way to the phone and dialed in Heero's cell number. A moment later, his voice came through. "I'm busy with a customer."

"I know. Heero, something's wrong," Trowa replied. He took a breath to steady his voice. "Wufei's gone."

"He's what?" Heero interrupted.

"He gone. All his clothes and things are gone, and he isn't here, either. I don't know what happened, but it looks like he left us..." Trowa trailed off and there was a long moment of somber silence.

"...how's Quatre?" Heero finally asked.

"He's okay, now," Trowa said softly. "He had a moment of self blame, but I think I cleared it up."

"Good," Heero grunted. There was another pause, then Heero spoke again. "How're you?"

Trowa started, stunned. "I...what?"

"Trowa," Heero spoke, and suddenly his voice was softer, gentler, and filled with love. "Wufei was your love, too. How are you doing?"

Trowa looked down at the table filled with groceries and shifted his feet, thinking. When he spoke, it was in a whisper. "...I don't think I really believe it yet. I think...it hasn't hit me yet. I don't...I don't know, Heero." Trowa sighed in weariness.

"Hn," Heero said. "I'll pick Duo up and be home in fifteen minutes. Be strong, koi. I'll need your help with Duo."

"Right," Trowa nodded, even though Heero couldn't see him. "See you soon."

"Hai." And Heero hung up.

Trowa set the phone down on the hook and inhaled deeply, letting it all out slowly as he leaned with his hands on the table. He spent a few moments breathing calmly to relax as much as he could, then straightened and began to put away the groceries in the cupboards. Some rice, beans, cookies and milk later, he threw away the last grocery bag and sat down in a chair, staring at the table. There was the personalized coffee mug Duo had gotten for Quatre, which read 'Little Winner' on it. Duo had gotten each of them one for the last holiday, before Wufei arrived. Heero's was 'O Perfect One', and his own was 'Silent Clown'. Duo's own cup read 'Braided Baka'. Supposedly Duo had ordered another one to make it a full set, a 'Dragon Boy' for Wufei. There was the pile of mail, more than half of it bills, most likely. The car keys, a small bowl of fresh fruit, and a note.

Trowa's senses perked as he saw the note, and he quickly reached out to snatch it up. Holding it in front of him, he rapidly read the famailiar handwriting on the slightly crumpled piece of paper. When he finished reading it, he ran his hand through his bang in distress, then read it again. Standing, he read it again as he walked over to the couch, sitting down on it. His eyes looked to the clock, then to the door, then back at the paper again. And they proceeded to do this over and over until the door swung open and Heero entered, a slightly shaking Duo in his arms. Trowa immediately stood and walked over to them.

"Trowa?" Duo asked, turning his wide eyes to the banged boy. "Hee-chan says 'Fei's gone. Is 'Fei gone? Trowa?"

Trowa looked sadly at Duo, then at Heero, holding out the note. "Heero, read this." Heero frowned and took the note, letting go of Duo to read it. Trowa took Duo's hand and led him to the couch, sitting down with him and holding him in his lap.

"Is my 'Fei really gone, Trowa?" Duo whispered.

"Well," Trowa replied soothingly. "He's not here right now. But that doesn't mean he's gone, at least, not forever. We can't assume the worst until it's been proven. We'll find Wufei and talk to him, don't worry, Duo."

"But he's gone?" Duo choked back a sob, grabbing a fistful of Trowa's shirt. "He took all his stuff and left, right? Didn't he? He did, right?"

Trowa sighed but nodded. He looked up to see Heero pacing with the note in front of him, a look of deep concentration on his face. He was muttering things to himself, phrases from the note, and Trowa knew he would be occupied with deep thinking for a while. So he helped Duo stand up and took him into the bedroom to Quatre, before the full effects of Wufei leaving hit the braided boy. Once that happened, Trowa knew he would be very busy consoling and helping both Duo and Quatre get through the pain, not to mention his own hurt, while Heero figured out what to do. He wanted to help Heero figure out how to get Wufei back, but for now he would have to stay with Duo and Quatre and trust Heero. He did trust Heero. Heero would find Wufei. Heero would get him back...

Know this first of all. The next chapter is planned out in my head, but it might take a while to get it out and on paper. So it might be a while. I hope this chapter satisfied you enough for now.

R & R and thank you in advance!

Storm