Note: It's finished! Finally! There aren't any real warnings for this chapter, except some sap. I've been working on this one for two years, and I've always known how it was going to end. It was just getting it written that was the problem-all those pesky details in the middle that tripped me up.
I don't have any plans to write more for the series, but I'm not sure it's completed yet, either. This will probably end up having a short little epilogue for it, the same way No More Gold Lights does, but I won't know for sure until I write it.
Anyway! Thank you to everyone who read and reviewed, and I'm sorry this took so long to finish!
Duo hid himself in one of the storage containers. It was a sub par hiding place, but Duo wanted to get caught. And he wanted Nikolai to know. He arranged himself in the hard plastic bin, then looked up, grinning a little. Trowa looked back at him with worry etched on his face. Duo reached up, running his fingers over Trowa's cheek, heart thudding as Trowa's hand covered his, lips grazing the palm.
"I'll be fine," Duo assured him.
"I want to come."
"You can't," they'd already had this fight. Nikolai needed to believe that he still had the upper hand. Duo's obvious hiding would be pushing it enough. Trowa frowned down at him, kissing the palm of his hand again, then gently let it go. He stroked his hand down Duo's braid, jaw set. With a sigh, Trowa leaned in to the crate, pressing a soft, quick kiss to his lips.
"I'll see you soon, mate," Trowa whispered, nosing his cheek. Duo grinned a little, settling back in the crate.
"I'm counting on it."
The lid to the crate was shut, and Duo was left alone in the darkness. Their plan was simple. Duo got caught trying to infiltrate Nikolai's headquarters. Nikolai would use Duo to get something out of Trowa, and Trowa would meet with him to negotiate. And then they would kill him. Shinigami could not be kept prisoner. He was an escape artist, had a long history of breaking out of tight spots, and Trowa trusted that would be true this time. That his lover would be safely out of harms way by the time his knife was buried in Nikolai's chest. All he had to do now was wait-wait to be captured.
Duo didn't like waiting.
It was over fast, almost as soon as they landed. The crates were being unloaded, and Duo waited anxiously, curled and holding on to his braid as he heard each one lifted. His crate was heavier than the others, and he knew it, and as soon as it was lifted there a shout went up. They'd found him. He was pulled struggling from the crate, cursing and spitting like a cat. The men holding him were big, hands bruising on his arms. There was a flash of blond, a low laugh, and Duo was unconscious.
He woke with the sun in his eyes, lying on something soft. Duo rubbed his eyes and sat up, eyes widening. He wasn't handcuffed, or bound. He wasn't even sure if the door was locked, and he slid off the bed slowly, heart hammering in his chest. This was not how you took prisoners. The room was spacious, with plush white carpeting and expensive looking furniture, all dark wood and deep blues. There was a walk-in closet on one side, and a door leading to what Duo assumed to be a bathroom on the other. His brow furrowed as he made his way to ornate door on the wall opposite the window.
There was a note on the door. Neat, curled writing invited Duo to shower, to change in to something more suitable. Duo balled it up in his hands, growling a little, then sighed and wet his lips. He opened the bathroom door to find a beautifully tiled masterpiece. The shower was set in to the wall, all glass. There was a large garden tub in one corner, and a suit hanging up. Dark charcoal, white shirt, violet tie. Nikolai wanted him to dress up. With a sigh, Duo began to undress, pausing as his shirt came off.
His bandage had been changed. It was clean white, instead of spotted with blood, and nausea boiled through him. How long had he been out? How out had he been? Duo touched his fingers to the cloth, swallowing hard. There was no clock in the room. No clock in the bathroom. No calendar, no cell phone. Duo could've been out for days or hours. Trowa could-Trowa could already have come and gone and left him-Duo took a deep breath, shutting his eyes. Trowa wouldn't leave him. He'd promised, and Duo had to trust that.
Turning on the shower, he stepped in to the spray, tilting his head back. He had to follow the plan. He had to make sure he was in a position to leave when Trowa got there. Because Trowa was coming for him, and then they were leaving. Together. They were going on vacation. Duo'd never been on vacation before. His lips curved, a small smile creeping over his face. It would be good, to spend time with Trowa without worrying about work. He'd had to make sure Trowa left his phone behind. Maybe Quatre would let them use one of his houses, somewhere warm. Hawaii, or the Bahamas. Duo stepped out of the shower and wrapped his towel around his shoulders. For now, he needed to get dressed and find out what Nikolai wanted.
Trowa watched the plane take off with a blank face. Duo had made him promise over and over that he'd never leave-and he'd never thought to make Duo promise the same. And now his lover was gone, flying willingly in to the arms of their enemy, and Trowa had to trust he'd be okay. Trowa was never good at trust. He shoved his hands in his pockets, turning away from the sight and walking towards the car. Duo was his partner, his equal, and Trowa's stomach clenched as he thought of him alone, on that plane. They worked together. Not apart. Not separated, like they were now.
In the safety of his office, he put his head on his desk. Duo was gone. It was temporary, but too much. Even when Trowa was on business they had their phones. Had a way to reach out to each other. Right now, Duo was gone and Trowa wouldn't see him again until Nikolai was dead. It ached, soft and bruised in his chest like a peach. Trowa checked his watch. It had only been half an hour. He had to wait at least six. Trowa took a deep breath and pulled a stack of paperwork over. Keeping busy would help.
But this wouldn't be the last time. Now people would know. They would know that they could use Duo to get to him. Trowa tapped his pen against his lips, then stilled, going cold. There were worse people than Nikolai out there, and they would know just how to get to Trowa. And he-Duo. Trowa stood, clasping his hands behind his back as he paced the office. He couldn't let that happen. Couldn't let his lover, his mate, the other half of him spend his life waiting for the next attack. The next crisis. Running a hand through his hair, he sat on the couch.
He needed to figure out how to end this. For good.
Duo dressed and left the room. The hallway was empty, paneled in dark wood and lit with sconces along the wall. Duo made his way down the hall with his jaw clenched, noting expensive furnishings and painstaking decorations. He could hear laughter, the soft sounds of music, of drinks being poured. The hall opened up in to a large salon. A full bar took up one wall. Windows took up the other, letting in the evening sun and filling the room with a red-orange glow. There were a few people seated together in one corner, a man on his phone seated in another. Duo ignored them, making his way to the bar, conscious of the half-glances shot his way.
"You are awake," the bartender commented as Duo slid in to a bar stool. The man was older, with thinning grey hair and soft brown eyes. Duo nodded and shrugged, watching as he pulled down a glass.
"The boss will be glad," he set the glass in front of Duo and waited, raising one bushy eyebrow. Duo ran a hand down his braid, then sighed, resting both elbows on the polished bar.
"What the hell. Bourbon, neat," he ordered. This wasn't what he expected, but he wasn't going to turn down free booze. The bartender selected a bottle of liquor, pouring Duo a generous amount of amber-gold liquid. Raising the glass, Duo swirled the contents, then took a sip. It was good. Perfect, real top-shelf shit, and Duo's eyes widened a little. This definitely wasn't what he expected. The bartender laughed, putting the bottle away.
"The boss, he has a proposition for you. Wants you to feel good about him," the old man winked, then made his way down the bar, heading towards a petite redhead. Duo's brow furrowed as he sipped. Nikolai had a proposition. But Duo didn't have anything. The business was Trowa's. Sure, Duo was his partner, his right hand, but he didn't negotiate deals. Didn't have the authority to suspend operations. He rolled the glass between his hands, staring in to the cup as his thoughts drifted. There was a change in the atmosphere of the room, a sudden charge, like a current running through him.
"Shinigami," a smooth, honey-dipped voice came from behind him. Duo turned, eyes narrowed. The man in front of him was tall, almost as tall as Trowa, with soft blond hair falling around his face. His eyes were grey, calculating, and they ran over Duo's body like a caress.
"Nikolai," Duo took the offered hand, shaking it firmly. Nikolai's grip was strong, his fingers long and cool, and Duo felt betrayed at the zing coursing over his skin at the touch. He broke the handshake quickly, leaning back against the bar and taking another sip of his bourbon. Those grey eyes lingered at his lips, slid over his throat, and Duo raised his eyebrow. Nikolai did not sit. He stood, just shy of too close, in front of Duo, lips curved in just the hint of a smirk. A glance around the room told Duo it was empty. The sun was down, and the room was filled with the soft light of candles.
"I apologize for my earlier behavior...I did not think you would speak to me freely," Nikolai's voice was softly accented, like Trowa's, and Duo felt a pang of longing for his absent lover.
"I can't imagine why you would think that," Duo retorted, rolling his eyes. Nikolai chuckled. He seemed delighted with Duo's response, leaning in just a little. Cool fingers came up, brushing back a lock of Duo's hair and Duo shivered.
"You are so much more beautiful in person. And so fiery" Nikolai commented, voice soft, and Duo blushed a little. His fingers left Duo's hair slowly, and Duo felt his breath quicken as he bent his head over his glass, even as his heart thudded in his chest. Nikolai was tall, and gorgeous, and Duo didn't know why he was hitting on him, but this wasn't. It wasn't going to happen.
"So. You have a proposition?" Duo cut straight to the point, wanting to be away from Nikolai, from the heat that spread over his cheeks every time the other man looked him over. Nikolai's eyes crinkled as he smiled.
"Yes. But you should hear it over vodka," he gestured to the bartender.
"I don't drink vodka."
"I insist," Nikolai took the glass of bourbon out of Duo's hands, replacing it with vodka. He leaned in, lips brushing over Duo's ear. "You really must try it. It's the finest vodka in the country, perfectly chilled. Please?" Duo's head had turned at the lips on his ear, and he was close enough to see the light dancing in Nikolai's eyes at the "please," close enough to smell the rich sent of his cologne. Duo swallowed and nodded, accepting the glass. Nikolai's eyes were deep and dark, half-lidded as he clinked their glasses together.
The vodka burned, but it was delicious. Duo licked his lips, conscious of Nikolai's gaze, flush high on his cheeks. Nikolai rested one arm on the bar, fully in Duo's space, head tipping back a little as he took his own drink. He gave an appreciative hum, then set his glass down, reaching to turn Duo's stool so they faced each other.
"My proposition is this," Nikolai leaned in, husky voice swimming through Duo's ears. "I want you to join me."
"You-what?"
"I want you to join me," Nikolai ran the tips of his fingers over Duo's cheek. Their chests were touching, Duo's breath hitching a little. Nikolai laughed softly. "How long has it been since your lover romanced you?"
Duo couldn't answer. Trowa didn't romance him. Not like this. Subtle flirting and compliments, drinks and nice suits. Their relationship was intense, passionate, but any romance had always been initiated by Duo. He swallowed, looking away. Nikolai gripped his chin, turning Duo's head back, forcing him to meet his eyes. Soft, cool fingers stroked over Duo's cheek, and he let out a shaky breath.
"You deserve romance, Shinigami. You deserve more than he can give you."
"He'd kill you for touching me," Duo breathed, helplessly watching Nikolai draw closer, eyes dropping to gaze at his mouth.
"He's not here," it was so soft. Achingly soft, Nikolai's lips almost on his. Duo made a soft sound in the back of his throat, eyes fluttering shut unconsciously. And then he was gone, yanked away. There was a familiar growl, and Duo's eyes snapped open to see Trowa shoving Nikolai against the bar, hands fisting the front of his suit tightly. Nikolai smirked back at him, eyes narrowed and cold, gripping Trowa's wrist. Duo swallowed hard, aware of the trembling in Trowa's shoulders.
The call came almost as soon as the plane touched down, a silky-wrapped voice telling him that Duo was safe, that he would be staying with Nikolai for a few days in a house outside the city. They had business to discuss, and Trowa was invited to join them as soon as possible. It was irritatingly polite, and Trowa was gritting his teeth when he hung up. All the paperwork was in order-he signed and left, keeping the folder centered on the desk. Trowa was prepared to do anything to keep Duo safe-just like he'd always been. He sped through evening lit streets with his heart in his throat, desperate to see Duo safe, distrusting of the spider at the center of their web.
Trowa'd been let in as soon as he'd arrived. They'd been expecting him, hiding smiles behind their hands as they pointed Trowa to the bedroom Duo was being held in. The room was empty, Duo's clothing strewn around the bathroom, and Trowa's stomach dropped. He searched the room, read the note, and made his way in to the salon just in time to see Nikolai back Duo up against the bar. His chest tightened, breath forced out of his lungs as he watched Duo flush and look down. Heard enough of what Nikolai was saying to know it was true: he didn't romance his partner. He didn't think he had to, but-how long had it been since he'd made Duo blush like that? Trowa bit his lip. Maybe Duo had a reason to be insecure.
Watching Nikolai bend to kiss his lover was too much. Trowa was across the room in an instant, pulling him away and shoving him against the bar with fury in his eyes and fear in his stomach. He didn't bother to say anything, letting his growl speak for itself. Taking Duo's arm, he turned away from Nikolai, leading Duo towards the hallway, out of the salon, out of the house. They needed to get away. Trowa needed to get Duo away, before he was gone, slipping through Trowa's fingers like ash. Again. They froze together at the sound of a gun cocking behind them.
"You're not leaving, are you?" Nikolai purred, nonchalantly sipping his vodka. Trowa stiffened, then turned, face expressionless, a void.
"My lover and I are merely retiring to discuss our position," Trowa ground out. It was stiff, too formal, and he could feel Duo draw away a little as he spoke. Nikolai laughed, lips curved in a cruel smile, and gestured with the gun.
"Be my guest. But, please remember. Shinigami and I have unfinished business," Nikolai turned away from them, resting his gun on the bar. Trowa glared at his back, unable to do anything more. He kept his hand on Duo's arm as they walked from the room. The door to the bedroom shut with a snap, and Duo pulled away, crossing his arms over his chest and shooting a look at Trowa.
"I wasn't going to kiss him," he started, defensive, shoulders hunched against the weight of an unvoiced accusation. Trowa blinked, then smiled a little. He reached out, running a hand along the length of Duo's braid.
"He's right," he murmured.
"I mean, he just-what?" Duo's mouth hung open a little, brow furrowing as he gazed at Trowa. Trowa, who was not yelling, or possessively backing Duo agaisnt the wall. He swallowed, watching as Trowa raised the end of his braid, green eyes shutting as he ran the unbound end over his cheek.
"He's right," Trowa repeated, opening his eyes to gaze in to Duo's. "I don't romance you enough. And you deserve that."
"Tro-" Duo swallowed it, watching as Trowa released his braid. There was a strong arm wrapping around his waist, Trowa's fingers brushing over his lips. Trowa leaned in, resting their foreheads together, holding him tightly against his chest.
"I'm sorry, lyubov," Trowa breathed, running the back of his fingers over Duo's cheek. Duo marveled at it, the way Trowa's touch lit him up, sent fire racing through his veins. His breath caught. Nikolai touching him had been nice. But Trowa touching him was electric, and Duo pressed in to it, breath stuttering as he turned in to Trowa's hand.
"It's okay," he pressed his lips to the smooth skin of Trowa's palm. Trowa laughed, soft and mocking.
"It's not. I-I neglect you," Trowa sighed, cradling the back of Duo's head with his hand. He pressed a soft kiss to his lips. "I get too focused on work, and I forget how important you are." Duo bit his lip, looking at Trowa with wide eyes. He swallowed hard, then shook his head, voice caught in his throat. There were soft lips pressing against his forehead, over his eyelids. To the curve of his cheek. Trowa pulled back, leaving Duo cold, and he whined a little.
"Shh, Duo. I'm not going anywhere," Trowa smiled. It was wavery, his fingers stroking through the base of Duo's braid. It shouldn't have have taken this much. Shouldn't have taken Duo getting shot, Nikolai's interest, for Trowa to show him this. The soft, needy side of his passion. Trowa gazed at Duo with steady eyes, resolve steeling inside of him. He took a breath.
"I want to give Nikolai the business."
"You-what?" Duo took a step back. "But-But the business is all you have…"
"Not anymore," Trowa took a step forward, capturing one of Duo's hands and pressing a kiss to the palm. "And I need to remember that without you being shot. Or kidnapped." There. There was a flush on Duo's cheek, soft and pink. Trowa remembered Duo blushing like a dream, the soft sound of his voice the first time they'd fucked, frenzied and guilty behind Quatre's back. Their whole relationship had been fucked up, built on lies and miscommunication. It was time to move past that. To move on.
"Let's start over. Let's-give Nikolai the business. We still have our Oz money. We can buy a house in Hawaii. An apartment in New York. Anywhere you want, lyubov," Trowa watched the flush spread over Duo's cheeks in wonder. They'd worked hard for a year, for over a year. And Duo had done it without complaint. Trowa'd never suspected he wanted more, not until he'd mentioned a vacation. Until he'd seen how pliant he'd been against Nikolai's chest. Duo nodded, licking his lips.
"Hawaii sounds-warm," he wanted to be warm. Trowa laughed softly, the clear green of his eyes unguarded and open. He wrapped his arms around him, pulling him against his chest and pressing a kiss to the top of his head.
"Hawaii, then. You and me, and our life. Just ours," Trowa breathed, inhaling deeply. They'd have their life, and Trowa would make a point of romancing Duo whenever he could. They could-they could do so many things. Things they'd never be able to do if they kept this up, stayed in the mercenary business. Trowa rubbed his cheek against the top of Duo's head, then pulled away.
"The paperwork is already on Vlad's desk," he shifted nervously, not sure how Duo would take that.
"Already...you planned this," there was no accusation in Duo's voice. Trowa nodded.
"They won't stop targeting you. Not now that I've shown you can be used against me," Trowa looked away from a moment, throat tight. He swallowed, then met Duo's eyes. "And you...deserve better. I want you safe, Duo. I want you safe and happy. And you can't be that here."
"Trowa-"
"You want this, Duo. I want this. I want us, and I want us without everything else hanging over us. We-We started off rough. Everything about us has been rough," it was still hard to talk. But Trowa'd known this was coming. He'd had over six hours to think about it. To plan. "I don't want to spend the rest of our lives together worrying you're going to die. Or that you're going to leave. I just want us, and our house."
Duo looked up at him, cheeks bright. With a soft sigh, Duo leaned up, kissing the top of Trowa's chin. And then he nodded, and Trowa laughed. Caught his lover up in his arms and spun him, before crushing him tightly to his chest, kissing him with a fever he used to reserve for battle. Duo's hands were in his hair, his tongue rasping in to his mouth, and Trowa moaned softly, wanting to give in to the need to feel Duo around him, feel him in him. But they needed to finish this, first. He pulled back slowly, kissing the soft pads of Duo's fingers.
"Let's tell him. Let's tell him and leave."
"Do you think he'll let us go?"
"I think he was counting on this," Trowa took Duo's hand, leading him to the salon. He had his own suspicions, confirmed by the smug look on Nikolai's face. The terms were simple: Nikolai could have everything, all of Trowa's contacts, the trade agreements, even the most recent profits. All he had to do was let them go. Let them go and agree to never contact them again. Nikolai agreed easily, raising his glass and toasting Trowa with the vodka left in it. He nodded to Duo as he left to change, then turned grey eyes on Trowa, sipping from his glass.
"It is good to win," he said, softly, voice tinged with pride and arrogance. Trowa watched Duo leave with a smile on his face.
"You didn't."