Warnings: 1x2, 5x4 (side) and 13+3 (it happened when we were dry drunk, eating French fries and driving at 2:30 in the morning, it's not that bad, we promise). AU, Lime, Odd "Twisted" Humour, OOC-ness*, OC, (Ex-Femme Duo?).
Description: Drama/Romance/Sci-Fi.
Summary: Duo comes to terms with his new self. While struggling, Duo falls in love with Heero, and finds things get even more complex.

Disclaimer: Honor: "They're not mine. They're Velvet's. And she's not sharing."
Velvet: "HEY!!!"
Honor: Okay, maybe they aren't hers either. At least, not legally.

Author's Notes (Babbling):
Honor: Heh...you know, I think it might be dangerous to mention my more than odd dreams to my sounding-board...she tends to like them.
Velvet: *GRIN*
Honor: And then, somehow, I get talked into writing them...I have mentioned lately that I have too many ideas, right?
Velvet: Yup. And I have no inspiration for my own. So you're entertaining me.
Honor: This is NOT the life I ordered. Anyway, about the fic...um...I got talked into putting OOC on the warnings, but honestly I don't think it's necessary. Trowa and Heero both DO talk. (Reference: SERIES) They just don't talk around people that they aren't very close to. Velvet...stop laughing.
Velvet: Actually now that I think about it, they DO talk. Interesting. I've watched that HOW many times now? But yeah, I agree. So they're gonna be talky. So there.
Honor: Well, talky compared to how we normally see Heero and Trowa...which is one step up from being mute. Anyway...
Velvet: ...Story's angsty, good and we both had fun writing it and re-reading it. Enjoy!

*PAIN*

"No! Nononononono! Stop, PLEASE!!"

/Oh, God, make him stop. Please. Please, I don't want this!/

Terror ran rampant as the restraints bit into the soft flesh of arms and ankles, the body twisting to escape. The flash of light on metal brought a choke cry as the needle came into focus.

"No!" *GASP*

"WHAT DID YOU DO TO ME?!?!"

*SCREAM*

Moving as silently as possible, body still racked with pain, the figure slipped the lock on the door and eased it open. Making sure that the dark street beyond was empty, the slight body slid past the door, clutching a folder to a heaving chest. Running as fast as possible, looking back only once, the figure disappeared into the night, the flicker of a long braid the last to be seen.

"Barton!"

Trowa groaned. He had more cases right now than he knew what to do with, no partner to help him out, and now the captain was yelling his name across the room. He was in a grouchy mood to begin with because the a/c had been broken in the precinct's building for nearly a week now. And it was July in Salt Lake City, Utah. A blazing hot July at that. "What?"

"Talk to the kid, would ya?"

Trowa grumbled under his breath, moving around until he could see the huddled figure that was sitting on the hard wooden chairs just inside the main doors. Then he couldn't help but feel a little compassion. Even from here he could see the thin figure was wracked in shivers. "Hey."

When the kid looked up, Trowa had to suck in a breath in order to keep from cursing in surprise. The most beautiful violet eyes he had ever seen were staring back at him, but the face they were set in was too pale and thin, almost haunted. "You the lieutenant?"

Trowa nodded. "That's me. Lieutenant Trowa Barton."

"I got something you need to read. But you gotta promise not to show anyone else. Except maybe your captain, cause I know you gotta report to him."

Intrigued, Trowa motioned for him?her? it was hard to tell with the baggy clothes -- to follow. "Let's get something from the machines for you."

"Don't bother, man. I'm okay."

Trowa wanted to argue with that, but it was obvious from the way the kid carried the large manila file in front of him that it was by far more important that he read that file. Okay. He could humor the kid for now. They settled back at his desk and he accepted the file carefully, opening it on his desk amid stacks of other reports. Then he began to methodically read his way through it. An hour later, he was a gnats hair away from punching a hole in the wall out of sheer rage. "Damn! Kid, is this you? Is this file yours?"

"Yeah. Formerly Danae Maximilion at your service." She-he, Trowa mentally corrected himself -- smiled bitterly. "Look, Lieutenant, I know there isn't anything you can really do for me now. I can't change back. Even I know that a reverse sex operation just isn't possible. But I want you to get this guy for me, and stop him."

Trowa closed the file with considerable more reverence than he had used when opening it. Coming around the desk, he knelt in front of this girl-turned-boy and squeezed both hands. "I'll do everything I can. I swear it."

Danae Maximilion nodded, tears streaming down his face. "Thanks."

CHAPTER ONE: Beginnings

"Everyone, this is Duo Maxwell. You'll be seeing him quite a bit, since he'll be living in the on-campus dormitories. I count on you to help him catch up."

Since this was only the third day since school had started, Duo didn't think he'd need much in the way of help but he upped his smile and panned it around the room. "Hi." /Transferring into schools suck./ "Duo?" Mrs. Kingston was a nice lady, really, but whenever she talked to him, it sounded like she was talking to a three year old "Why don't you go sit behind Quatre."

A blond in the back of the room waved his hand. "Over here."

Duo, glad for the blond's move, weaved his way around students, desks, and backpacks until he could safely fling himself into a desk. "Hey, Q. Thanks."

Quatre blinked at the familiarity -- then grinned. "No problem. I felt the same way yesterday."

"You're new?"

"Yes." Quatre's head cocked, bright blue eyes fixed on Duo in obvious curiosity. "Where are you from?"

Duo shrugged. "Here and there. Been in the foster care system for longer than I can remember."

"Oh." Quatre's smile twisted. "Should I say sorry or leave it alone?"

"It's cool, Q," Duo assured him. He was very grateful that the response hadn't been the typical and canned 'I'm sorry' that everyone seemed obliged to give him during his life. "Now Quatre and Duo, we shouldn't be talking in class."

Quatre rolled his eyes expressively at the tone, which Duo snickered at, before he turned back around and faced the front. Since this was math -- which Duo could do blindfolded and in his sleep -- he paid little to no attention as to what was going on around him. In fact, since Mrs. Kingston had been so kind as to write the assignment on the board already, he just did his homework. And tried to ignore the whisperings around him that occasionally caught his ears. "...that really a guy?"

"I know, he's too pretty."

"Bet he's a fag."

"Probably. I mean, that hair is a dead give-away."

"It's sick for a guy to get off on another guy."

/Not if the guy is still mentally a girl./ Duo hid his grim expression in his textbook. It had taken three months to really adjust to the fact that for the rest of his life he would be male. Some parts were easy to get used to, just because he had been a tomboy growing up. But thinking of himself as male was still a challenge sometimes, and using the bathroom was...interesting the first two weeks. It had been really weird the first time he had caught sight of a hot guy and had gotten aroused from just looking at him. Duo had only the vaguest clue on how to get himself calmed down again -- in the end he had 'fallen' into a nearby fountain, letting the cool water kill the impulses driving his body crazy. His hormones hadn't yet settled down to 'normal' levels. Trowa had been a great help in all of his adjusting, letting him live in his apartment until he could get a firmer grip on life. Duo had only moved out because Trowa had been shifted to work the graveyard shift, and it had become impractical to share the apartment anymore. It was easier to just live on campus. The bell ringing was a mercy, and he shoved his books into the backpack with a little more haste than was necessary. He felt a hand brush his shoulder and looked up, into sympathetic blue eyes. "Sorry, Duo. The people here aren't really mean...just closed minded. I got the same reaction the first day."

Duo could believe that. Quatre was too cute to be really taken seriously. "Don't worry about it. It's all a matter of opinion, and their opinion doesn't matter."

Quatre nodded firmly. "Right. You want to meet me at lunch? I like to go to that huge tree near the soccer fields."

Duo smiled back, feeling like he had just gained a friend. "Sure."

Heero watched the newest student out of the corner of his eye as he and the little blond walked out of the classroom. /Unbelievable. He's wearing the same black slacks and simple button down shirt as everyone else, and yet he makes it look sexy. He even chose to wear black with black. He looks like he should be on the cover of GQ./ The too-beautiful new kid had caught his attention...and the reaction of his classmates had kept it there. When he had joined the school two years earlier, a little scrawny half-Japanese kid who could barely speak English, it hadn't been pretty. He'd been thrown quite a few blanket parties until he had learned to defend himself. And then the pendulum had swung the other direction, and now no one came near him unless they absolutely had to. "Yuy."

Well, except Wufei...but Wufei could kick his butt all over the school without breaking a sweat, so that didn't really count. Heero turned to look at his friend, patiently waiting for the Chinese teen to meet up with him before continuing to his next class. "What?"

"I caught a glimpse of someone new in your class."

"Hn."

Wufei quirked a brow. The very lack of comment spoke volumes. "Ah, I see."

There was only one thing about Wufei that drove Heero nuts. "You enjoy being cryptic, don't you?"

"This from the person who answers in grunts?"

"Hn."

"I thought so." Turning, Wufei looked down the hall to where the one who had caught Heero's attention stood talking to a blond. "Well, we'll just have to keep an eye out, won't we?"

Heero's eyes remained focused on the pair, making no comment.

For a week, Duo had the unmistakable impression that someone was digging a grave for him. He'd been in a few fights already, nothing serious, just a bunch of pushing and bad-mouthing. But the tension added with each encounter, and Duo couldn't help but feel that things were building to a very messy climax. The first few times he had been approached, he had made it quickly clear that he could take care of himself. Trowa's lessons in self-defense -- Duo made a quick reminder to himself to thank the cop for those -- and a lifetime of being halfway on the streets had taught him how to move and when to run. Only he couldn't run here. Quatre was becoming steadily more worried about his friend with every passing day, but couldn't do much to help. He didn't live on campus, but a good five miles away. He left at three every afternoon and couldn't help Duo for the rest of the day. /This is going to get bloody, I just know it. And I'm going to have to kick their sorry asses, otherwise everybody will think they can jump me and get by with it./ Duo sighed, regretting that he had stayed in the library so late for that stupid biology report. It meant he was walking practically deserted hallways, always a bad move when the enemy was out to get you. "Hey pretty-boy!"

/Knew it./ Duo sighed, instinct telling him that he wouldn't get far if he tried to bolt for his room. The idiot was too close -- besides, he recognized the voice. Joshua Bramheim, the star sprinter for the track team. /Why is it always the jocks? It seriously bites./ Duo turned, wearing a bored expression on his face. "Yeah, ape-face?"

Joshua's fair all-American boy looks darkened. "You shouldn't be calling people names, girlie."

"Hey man, I'm just returning the favor. The least you can do when you're insulting me is be more creative, y'know? The same old lines gets really boring after a while." Duo adjusted his backpack, like he was just readjusting the strap on his shoulder. In truth, he had shifted it so that he could easily clobber the guy if he came within range. His eyes darted to the other two standing behind Joshua -- Eric Hensington and Chad Pousson. Eric, if Duo's memory served, was a Varsity wrestler, and Chad a football player. Joy. /I can't run. Joshua can run me down, Chad would tackle me to the floor, and Eric would pin me to keep me there. Damn, did they purposefully plan that? Or is just dumb luck?/ It was at this point that Chad hefted a camera in his hands, smirking. Duo's stomach shriveled up and curled into a ball. /Oh shit. I got a bad feeling about this.../ He could think of only one reason why they had a camera with them.

"We decided we're gonna prove it," Eric declared, moving forward. "Whether you're actually a guy or not." His friends moved into position, Joshua taking up a look-out stance at the end of the hallway and Chad moving forward to supposedly get a better shot with the camera.

/I hate it when I'm right./ "Heh. I don't suppose you'd take a sworn statement?"

Eric's smirk twisted.

"Yeah, didn't think so." Duo feinted backwards, acting as if he were going to bolt for it. Eric bought the move and lunged forward. Duo swung his bag as hard as he could, catching Eric full in the face. The teenager went down with a grunt, and Duo moved in fast before he could catch his wind, kicking him hard in the stomach. Eric jerked forward on the floor, instinctively cradling his abused abdomen and gasping for breath. Duo didn't waste any time on him, for Joshua was sprinting toward him. Trowa's voice echoed in his inner ear. /Stay calm if they rush you. It means they're in too much of a hurry. Use their own momentum against them. Just...flow./ Duo waited for the moment, breathing hard with all of his balance on his toes. When Joshua tried to tackle him, he slid sideways, jerking himself free of the hold on his shirt. Dimly he processed the sound of ripping cloth, but his hands were already moving, jerking Joshua's face against his rising kneecap before catching the jock's elbow up, forcing him forward. Duo spun him right into Chad, who hesitated between dodging the blow and catching his friend. The hesitation caused him to be impacted by Joshua's head, then by Duo who punched him in the eye. Duo stood there panting harshly, fingers drifting over his chest as he vaguely realized that his shirt was barely hanging on him. His three opponents were on the ground moaning, and twitching a little in pain. "Yeah, I'm a guy. And I don't have to prove a fucking thing to you."

In slightly unsteady strides, he scooped up his backpack and went around the corner to the infirmary. The light was still on in the room, so Duo opened the door and fell in. "DUO?!" Sally Po, resident doctor, darted forward to catch him as he swayed. "You don't have to keep getting yourself beaten up so you can come see me, you know."

"Hey doc. It's better than it looks. Can I have a couple of painkillers and an icepack?"

"Sit down," she ordered firmly, dragging him to the nearest bed and pushing him onto it. "Who was it this time?"

"Joshua Bramheim and two of his buddies." Duo felt compelled to add, "I left them moaning in the hall."

"Hm." Sally picked up the phone near the door, rapidly speaking to the main office to explain the situation. Then she went right back to Duo. "They can suffer a bit longer. Why is your shirt torn?"

"They wanted to 'prove' that I was a guy."

Sally's face twisted. "Good God, this is ridiculous."

Duo snorted, then winced as she put an icepack on his rapidly bruising knuckles. The extreme cold kinda felt good, and kinda didn't. Duo left it on, knowing that if he didn't, he wouldn't be able to move his hand much at all tomorrow. "You don't look injured anywhere else," Sally noted professionally. There was an icy glitter in her eyes, however, that didn't belong on a doctor's face. "Am I missing anything?"

"Heh. I got lucky. They came at me one at a time. Otherwise I would have been screwed." His eyes roamed the room until they fell on the medicine cabinet, and lingered. "Can I have my painkillers now?"

"Sure." Sally's fierce expression softened into one of concern. She retrieved two aspirin from the medical cabinet and a small bottled water from the refrigerator standing next to it. Duo accepted the offerings gratefully, swallowing tablets and then water with enthusiasm. Two of his attackers stumbled into the room at this point, supporting a third between them. Principal Kushrenada was right behind them, expression hard. "Duo, I want you to stay put for a moment, alright? I'll get your story later."

Duo had -- by virtue of being victim for the entire week -- gotten to know the principal fairly well. He was a decent guy, and Duo rather liked him. So he nodded amiably and watched as Sally (somewhat harshly) treated the other three. Treize spoke in a low voice, so Duo couldn't catch much of what he was saying to the other three. Deciding it didn't really matter, he relaxed against the bed and curled up on his side, holding what remained of his shirt together. Sally was leaning against her desk, watching Treize as he handled the three jocks. She knew that Duo had been right, and he had been lucky this time that they hadn't rushed him in concert. /And next time? What happens when his luck doesn't hold out?/ She jumped when a hand touched her lightly on the shoulder and twisted to the doorway. "It's...Heero, right?" She only knew him vaguely, having seen him exactly once when he brought in a classmate from an accident on the soccer fields. "Yes," Heero answered quietly. He held up a shirt and placed it into her hands, nodding to the figure still huddled on the bed. "For Duo." He prayed that she didn't ask him any questions. He had caught sight of Duo facing off with the three from the outside of the Arts building, the large windows letting him see in perfect clarity what was happening. He hadn't been able to reach them in time to help Duo, however. By the time he had skidded around the corner of the hallway, the only thing he had seen was prone bodies that were twitching and moaning?no Duo. He had sighed in relief to see the teenager hadn't been hurt, and turned away...only to catch a glimpse through the doctor's open door of Duo holding a ruined shirt together. /I'm going to kill those idiots for trying to humiliate him. Beating up on someone is one thing, destroying their dignity is another./ She recognized enough of the garment in her hands to realize it was another uniform shirt. "Oh, thank you. He'll be grateful for it."

Heero nodded, as if he hadn't expected anything else, then slipped back out of the room. Sally was a little puzzled by the fact that he didn't go talk to Duo himself --that's normally what a friend would do in these circumstances. Shrugging, she went forward and tapped Duo lightly on the shoulder. Duo sat up quickly, eyes catching on the shirt in her hands. "Oh, cool. Thanks, Sal."

"It wasn't me," Sally answered truthfully. "It was a friend of yours."

Duo blinked. "Quatre?"

"No, Heero."

Duo vaguely remembered having a Heero in his class first period. The fact that the boy had gone out of his way to get Duo a replacement shirt was a complete surprise to him. "Really? I barely know the guy." /And how the hell did he know I needed a new shirt anyway?/ "Duo...that wasn't the impression I got from him."

Duo frowned slightly. This day was getting curiouser and curiouser. He let it drop for now, shrugging out of his ruined shirt and pulling on the other one. Treize came around just as he was settling the new shirt on, taking in his appearance with a quick scrutiny. "You don't look the worse for wear," he noted with a hint of...approval? It was hard to tell with Treize, sometimes. "Yeah. They're sloppy." Duo flashed him a grin. "So, you wanna hear my side of it?"

"Certainly."

"'Kay. I was walking back to my room, innocently minding my own business, when Joshua called out that he was going to prove whether or not I was a girl." Duo frowned slightly and corrected himself, "Well, he started out with the general insults, before mentioning that."

"Ah. Typical. Continue, please."

"Right. Then Eric tackles me, or tried. I kinda figured what they were gonna do, so I slammed my backpack into his face?"

"That broke his nose, by the way," Sally added neutrally.

Duo grinned. "Really? Makes sense. I have LOTS of heavy books in there. Anyway, after he bent a little and crashed on the floor I kicked him in the stomach to keep him there, rammed Joshua's face into my kneecap and then sent him flying into Chad. I didn't think acting like an air-bag for Josh would keep him down though, so I punched him just in case."

Treize considered this story with a calm air, idly fingering his jawline. Finally he muttered, "You're destructive."

"You betcha."

"They're insane to tangle with you."

"Don't you want to make a school-wide announcement to that effect?" Duo pleaded, eyes large and imploring. "I don't think they'd believe me. We need to hire bodyguards for you, Duo."

"Hey man, I'm all for it. Just foot the bill, cause I'm broke." Duo glared at the icepack still on his hand, knowing that writing for the next few days until his hand healed was going to be REAL fun. "Being all banged up and looking over my shoulder every ten seconds ain't a whole lot of fun, let me tell you."

"I'll walk you back to your room tonight," Sally offered. She spared an icy glance to the rest of the room's occupants. "*They* can find their own way."

Duo flashed her a wink. "Sal, you're a scary and vindictive woman. Will you marry me?"

She finally laughed, tugging him by the arm off the bed. "You could only be so lucky. Treize, what are you going to do about those three?"

"I have yet to think of something appropriately cruel and devious enough to match their crime. Duo, since you were the victim, I'll let you choose."

Duo thought for a moment...then grinned maliciously.

CHAPTER TWO: Protection Mode: ON.

For nearly four days, Duo felt an itch right between his shoulder blades, but he could never pick up on the pair of invisible eyes that put it there. For the first day of the new week, he had been too delighted by what he had come up with for his three would-be-tormenters to be in anything but a good mood. He had thought it a particular strike of genius to have the guys dye their hair bright pink. They couldn't re-dye their hair for another week either. By the second day, the novelty had worn off a little -- although Quatre still almost killed himself laughing every time he caught sight of one of them -- and he had been more aware of his surroundings...and of being silently watched. It didn't feel malicious, oddly enough. But it was driving Duo crazy to not be able to see who was watching him. Even Quatre felt something, but he had been absolutely positive that this unseen person was a *good* thing. "Q, how can you know?"

Quatre bit his lip, giving the outside walkway a quick glance before leaning in closer to Duo and whispering "I'm a minor empath."

Duo gaped. For the first time in his memory, he couldn't think of a thing to say. "Are you serious?"

Quatre shot him a Look.

"Sorry, stupid question. Ah...how minor is 'minor'?"

"I can pick up on emotions when I focus, but only if they're fairly strong. That's about it."

"Huh. So whoever is watching me is feeling something strong, right? I mean, he'd have to be if you're so sure."

Quatre nodded, probing lightly with his sixth sense to see if he could detect the person. As usual, he felt nothing. "It doesn't happen often. I think whoever it is has pretty good control over his emotions, which is rare for our age group. But once in a while I catch flashes of anger, and determination...and protectiveness."

As Duo's mind assembled this, his jaw slowly dropped. "Are you suggesting that this guy is playing guard dog?"

"That's what it feels like. Duo, think about this. Has *anyone* even dared to approach you this week?"

"Er...no."

"I think he's doing something, somehow. He's protecting you."

Duo wasn't quite sure how to take this. The girl part of him wanted to go 'awwwwww' and melt in a puddle of sap. The guy part was wondering if he should be insulted. What won was his curiosity. "Aw man, now I REALLY want to know who it is!"

Heero relaxed against the side of the building, eyes trained in the general area of a spreading oak tree near the soccer fields. It was usually where Duo and his blond friend went to eat lunch. It had become challenging in the past week to stay out of Duo's eyesight. The boy had good instincts, and had apparently noticed that someone was watching him. Wufei called him insane for doing it this way, but Heero didn't want the other boy to know what he was doing. Duo Maxwell had proven that he could take care of himself, and Heero didn't want to insult his pride. /I just don't want to see him hurt either./ Realistically, Heero knew this couldn't go on much longer. Duo was too sharp for that. He'd have to find a way to introduce himself?

"Hey, blue-eyes. Why don't you join us this time?"

Heero spun to see Duo standing behind him, weight on one hip, head cocked, a smile tweaking his mouth up. Heero gaped for all of a minute before smiling a little ruefully. "I think I underestimated just how sharp you are."

"You better believe it. Heero Yuy, right?"

Heero nodded, almost relieved that he didn't have to think up another strategy to get closer to this too-beautiful teen. "Right."

"So, you gonna join us or not?"

Heero paused, as if he was actually thinking about this. "Do I have a choice?"

"Nope." Duo grabbed him by both shoulders, turned him around, and began to force-march him towards the tree. "I want answers."

"Hn." Heero sank easily under the spreading branches, feeling relief at being in the shade after standing in the hot sun. He had fully expected Duo's curiosity, and braced himself for an onslaught of questions. Duo settled himself against the trunk, eyes fully trained on his quarry. /I think I need to fix my hottie radar. I share a class with this guy, and I still didn't see that he was drop dead gorgeous. Maybe I'm coming down with something.../ "Q thinks you're guarding me."

Heero blinked, trying to decide if that were a question or not. Whichever it was, Duo apparently expected a response. "He's right."

"Why?"

"I've...been where you stand now. Almost two years ago. No one came to my aid, until Wufei took notice. I find that I cannot let history repeat itself without taking action to prevent it."

Duo was battling the impulse to melt into a puddle of drool. It wasn't just Heero's words -- although they were certainly hitting the old ticker pretty skillfully -- but the voice that went with them. /Gah! I can't go all girly! Snap out of it, Maxwell!/ "So you're playing White Knight?"

Heero snorted at this image. "Hardly."

Duo found himself intrigued by the response and decided to prod a bit more in that direction. "Or maybe a slightly erratic knight in tarnished armor?"

Heero's imagination caught on that image and this time he almost smiled. "You're closer, but no."

Quatre came running up at this moment, eyes sparkling. "You got him! Duo, you get points."

Duo preened, smirk growing as Quatre dropped to the grass beside him. "It wasn't easy, but I am the ultimate master of stealth. Q, meet Heero Yuy. 'Ro, this is Quatre Winner."

Quatre, ever the gentlemen, leaned forward to shake hands with Heero. "Don't worry about the nickname, it means he likes you. Unless it's a derogatory nickname, in which case you'd better run while you can. He likes to play pranks on the people he doesn't like." Quatre considered this for a moment. "And the people he does like, come to think of it."

Duo shrugged innocently. "You're just too easy to pick on, Cat."

Quatre glowered at him briefly before returning his attention to Heero. "Was I right? You're protecting him, aren't you?"

Heero nodded slightly. "Ha! Thought so." His smile at Duo was triumphant. "Yeah, yeah, you know everything." Duo rolled his eyes. "So 'Ro, now that you know that I know, you gonna go back into the shadows?"

"I don't see the point," Heero replied frankly. "Cool. Then you gotta hang out with us." Duo leaned back against the trunk of the tree, relaxing for the first time in nearly two weeks. "It's more fun all around that way anyway."

Heero was a little puzzled by this obvious acceptance. "I thought you would be..."

"Angry?" Duo shook his head, smiling slightly. "I think it's the sign of a good friend when someone is willing to guard your back. You nearly drove me crazy by hiding, though. My shoulder blades still itch."

Heero hadn't considered it from that perspective. "Hn. Sorry."

"Don't sweat it, dude. Hey Q, what's for lunch?"

"One of these days, Duo, you're going to have to fix your own lunch." Quatre tossed a brown sack bag to Duo, who caught it deftly. "No way, man. Your sister makes good stuff."

Quatre rolled his eyes. "And she likes you, for some unfathomable reason."

Since Duo's mouth was already full of apple tart, he couldn't manage a comeback for that one. Lunch passed too quickly for Duo, who found it extremely interesting to try and figure Heero Yuy out. Duo had never had someone just decide to be his protector before, and it was throwing him for a mental loop. To have an almost complete stranger take on the role just because it was the right thing to do just made Heero even harder to pin down, for Duo. The bell rang, ending Duo's questions-and-answers exchange he had been having with Heero. With a groan he got up to his feet. "Man, I don't want to go to Biology. It sucks."

Quatre echoed the sentiment. "I'll switch you for wrestling."

"Er...no, thanks."

"Yeah, I don't want to go either." Quatre shook his head and started walking to the gym. "See you later, Duo."

"Later, Q-man." Duo waited, seeing what Heero would do. He wasn't surprised in the least when Heero fell into step with him as they walked to the science building. "So what do you have?"

"Physics."

"Cool."

"Sometimes," Heero allowed. "At least, when we have a lab it is. Otherwise it's boring."

"Boredom is evil," Duo declared boldly, hand over heart and eyes raised in righteousness towards the heavens. "It should be abolished from the face of the earth!"

"Being around you does that easily enough."

Duo blinked, turning sideways so that he could watch his companion. "So I'm entertaining?"

"Very." Heero flashed him a quick smile. "I think you know that, though."

"Well, I *try* to be. Sometimes I think I'm just annoying."

"You're that too."

Duo glowered at him. "Thanks."

"No charge." Heero caught his arm before he went into the building. "Duo..."

Duo paused in mid-step, arrested by the hesitation on Heero's face. "Yeah?"

Heero quickly unfastened the criss-crossed black leather choker with a silver cross hanging on it from around his neck, and bundled it into Duo's grasp. "I want you to wear this, and promise me to never take it off. No one will dare to hurt you if you wear it."

Duo looked down at the choker in his hands. He felt as if the necklace weighed a hundred pounds it held so many unspoken possibilities. Was it right to accept it? Heero's eyes were steady, and silently urging him to do just that. /Yes. I'm not sure why it means so much, but it does to him...so I have to./ Duo reached up, easily snapping the choker into place. "I promise."

Heero relaxed, his usual faint smile just a tad warmer. "Good. Later, Duo."

"Later, Heero." His fingers trailed over the cross as he watched Heero walk away. /Why do I get the feeling that this has a whole other meaning that I have no clue about?/

Quatre noticed the addition to Duo's wardrobe the next morning during Geometry. He immediately started teasing. "Hey Duo~! Whatcha wearing?"

Duo flushed. "Shut up, Q."

"Awwww...he's blushing. That's so cute."

"Q, so help me, if you don't can it --"

"Hmm?" Quatre smirked as Duo turned to give him the evil eye. "Threats, my friend? I simply asked what you were wearing. You've never worn *that* before today. Or yesterday for that matter."

Duo turned around again, his face flaming to a new height of color. He mumbled something under his breath. Quatre leaned forward and propped his chin on one hand.

"What was that? I didn't hear you."

Shooting a scathing glance out of the corner of his eye, Duo repeated it louder. "Heero gave it to me."

"Reeeeaallly. *That's* interesting. And for what?"

"HesaiditwasforprotectionandtonevertakeitoffsotherenowshutupQ."

Duo clammed up after that as Quatre tried very hard not to collapse in laughter.

An hour later, Heero was in Art with Wufei and getting the same treatment. "You forget to put something on this morning, Heero?"

"Hn."

Wufei raised an eyebrow at the noncommittal answer. Heero usually spoke with grunts and monosyllables, but today they seemed more...evasive. Leaning his chin into his hand, he reached out and tapped the dark haired boy on the shoulder. Heero turned to glare at him.

"What?"

"In the years that I have known you, Yuy, I have *never* seen you without that cross. And now suddenly it is no longer there." He thought for a moment, dredging up a memory from earlier. He smirked. "And if I recall correctly, not two hours ago I seemed to have seen a certain person wearing a choker *remarkably* similar to the one you are now missing."

A remarkable thing happened then that Wufei had thought he would never see in his lifetime. Heero Yuy blushed. And it was a most fetching pale pink. Wufei's eyebrows rose before he settled back into a smirk.

"Hmmm? What's this? Something you want to tell me?"

Heero turned back around to face front, trying to conceal his now quite red face. "It's nothing."

"Uh-huh. Try again, please."

Heero seemed to struggle for a few moments, one hand tapping nervously on the desk. That was also new. Heero Yuy *never* fidgeted. Wufei waited patiently, knowing that Heero could feel his stare boring into the back of his head. Finally he broke.

"I gave it him ok?! He needed protection and that was the best thing I could come up with when I can't be there."

Wufei smiled. Ah, so the boy had finally caught Heero in his skulking bout. Interesting. "Ah. Now I get it. For protection." He paused for a moment, letting Heero think that was all. "And is there no other motive?"

Heero whipped around, his blue eyes comically wide, and stared at Wufei for a good minute before he turned back, feeling like he was going to spontaneously combust at any moment.

"NothereisnoothermotiveIjustwantedtogiveittohimforprotectionsothereshutupChang."

Wufei just smiled.

CHAPTER THREE: Complications and Meetings

Duo was...confused.

And he had every right to be. Granted he still thought like a girl sometimes, but now...now being a boy, he was just plain *confused.* Especially when it came to how to act around a certain blue-eyed, dark haired, too-hot-to-handle boy.

Sighing, Duo slumped back against his bed and stared up at the ceiling, one hand coming up to play with the silver cross absentmindedly. Ever since Heero had given the choker to him, he had been in a turmoil about how to take the unexpected gift of protection. He felt flattered that Heero would go to such lengths to keep biased idiots away from him, the girl part of him melting into a puddle of goo each time he thought about it, and the other part, the established boy part, was somewhat indignant. But that part also agreed with the girl part that Heero Yuy was a *damned* fine specimen of male flesh. What in the world was he supposed to think? Especially with Quatre teasing him about wearing it and everything?! The blond hadn't stopped all day!

Rolling over, Duo buried his face into his pillow with a groan. His head hurt just thinking about all of this! He was a boy, dammit! He was supposed to think like a boy now and like girls and want to be with girls and...and...

"ARGH!!"

The pillow went flying across the room to smash into the wall. Luckily, Duo had the dorm room to himself -- no roommate had been assigned to him -- so there was no one to see Duo's little display of frustrated temper. Swinging his feet to the floor, the braided boy stood and stalked over to his desk. Pulling open the top drawer, he rummaged around.

"Where is it...? Ah ha!" Pulling out a large unopened Hershey bar, Duo spun around and plunked himself back onto the bed. He peeled back the wrapper and took and large bite of the dark chocolate, immediately feeling better. Now somewhat calm, he looked at the clock. 10:30. Tomorrow was Saturday.

Duo straightened and smiled, taking another bite out of the bar. Tomorrow was Saturday and the day that he and Trowa usually went out to brunch together. Maybe Trowa could help him sort out what he was feeling. The Lieutenant was older and had more experience. Yeah! Trowa had to be able to help. He hoped!

With that thought in mind, Duo finished his chocolate bar and got ready for bed, looking forward to the morning with his friend.

"...Huh?"

Trowa blinked at his companion across the restaurant's table, trying to get his brain to process what Duo had just asked him. His fork hung half way to his mouth as he stared at the fidgeting boy.

Duo played with the end of his braid, biting his bottom lip as he repeated in rush what he had said. "I, um, asked if you would help me with trying to figure out how I felt about someone who is undeniably male, but since I'm also a boy, I don't know what to think. And he gave me this choker and says he wants to protect me or something like that and the girl part of me goes all gooey when I think about it and really likes him, but I'm a boy and boys aren't supposed to like other boys, but that part also likes him and I *really* don't know what to think anymore and I'm all confused and --"

"Whoa, whoa!" His brain finally having caught up with the topic at hand, Trowa dropped his fork to his plate and held up a hand to stop the flow of words from Duo's mouth. Duo immediately snapped his mouth shut and looked at the auburn haired man expectantly.

Flicking a glance at the black leather choker around Duo's neck that he had noticed this morning when picking Duo up, Trowa pinched the bridge of his nose. "Ok, let me get this straight before you go on. The choker that you're wearing is from some guy who says that he wants to protect you from big bad jocks?" Duo nodded. "And he's really good looking and you haven't a clue as to how to respond to him because you're a boy now, but your inner girl says that you like him, and both parts are in conflict and yet not." Duo nodded again as Trowa sighed. /Hopefully I didn't just confuse myself further./

"And I was hoping you could tell me which was right." Duo added, a hopeful smile crossing his lips. Trowa sighed and sat back, inwardly grateful they had chosen a table somewhat out of the way in the quiet restaurant. He resented the fact that they were in public, however, as he would have loved to beat his head against a wall.

"Duo, I honestly don't know what to say except that I haven't a clue." He reached out quickly across the table as Duo's face fell and put a hand on the boy's shoulder. "No, don't think I don't *want* to help, it's just...I don't know how. I really don't have any experience and frankly, you're...unique."

Duo snorted and rolled his eyes. "No shit, Sherlock."

Trowa frowned and sat back. "Duo. What I mean is that in being a girl for the last fifteen years, your frame of mind isn't going to change over night and go for the now opposite sex. Your mind is still female, no matter what was done to your body. Your reaction to this guy is...normal, I would venture to guess."

"But wouldn't that now make me *gay*?" Duo blurted out, now frowning himself. Trowa shrugged and leaned his elbows on the tabletop. "Possibly. Look, Duo, don't stress over this, please. This is all new for you and I don't want you having a cardiac over what you should and shouldn't feel." Duo's frown deepened and Trowa hurried on. "I can't tell you what to feel, but I can tell you that if you just look at what you're *really truly* feeling, then that's what's right. That's all I can say."

Trowa at this point smiled apologetically and sat back. Duo continued to frown at his friend for a moment, pondering what he had said. What Trowa was saying actually made sense. There was no way that he could suddenly turn and look at another girl and think 'hot bod, gimme some of that'. The idea was a little off-putting, truth be told. With a groan he stabbed a fork into his pork chops. "I guess I'm gay, then."

"You almost sound like you're admitting your guilt before a jury."

Duo's grin twisted, although there was a bit of humor still in it. "Look at me, Tro. I'm short, effeminate, with a three foot long braid and a mouth that gets me into trouble. You add fag to that mix, and what do you get? A walking invitation for a blanket party."

"And what about your self-appointed guard dog?" Trowa still wasn't sure what to think about this new mystery boy. He'd have to make his own decision on how to handle him when he met him. "I-I feel bad about putting Heero in this situation. I've got a target painted all over me, and here he is trying to help me out, and I've got the hots for him beside that and I have no idea if he will be grossed out by that or not, it's not like he's giving me any hint either way although Q swears that he wants me and has been teasing me relentlessly about it for two days straight-mfphff." Duo looked up over the piece of toast that Trowa had shoved into his mouth. Blinking a little sheepishly he pulled the bread out of his mouth. "Sorry. Babbling."

"I noticed." Trowa rolled his eyes. Maybe during that surgery, the doctor had removed Duo's need to breathe. "Duo, ever heard of the phrase 'one thing at a time'?"

"Er...yeah." Duo bit into the toast, chewed, then swallowed with a thoughtful air. "You're right. Kay. Well, at least I've got a few things straightened out. I'm gay, and there's nothing wrong with that, and you don't have a problem with that."

Trowa blinked. "When did I enter into the equation?"

Duo shrugged uneasily, eyes fixed on his plate. "You're always part of the equation."

"Oh." Trowa was torn between feeling flattered about that, and a little concerned. He wanted to be an important part of Duo's life. He truly loved the little bugger, even if he drove the cop crazy sometimes. Alright, most of the time. Life had been too dull before Duo -- either that, or Trowa was a glutton for punishment. He grinned, the gesture quirking the corners of his mouth. Maybe it was a little of both. "Same to you, Duo."

Duo's head shot up, eyes wide, heart hammering a little. Did he mean?

"You're always part of the equation too."

Heero looked into the cafeteria and frowned. He wasn't here either.

Where was Duo?

He had been looking for the braided boy for over two hours now, checking in his room (Duo didn't know that he had picked the lock to get him a shirt that one time), in the library, the gym, the auditorium, even out in the outer field, but to no avail. The boy seemed to have vanished. He couldn't have gone off campus, he didn't drive. Although he could have taken a bus...

Walking back toward his room, Heero thought about the object of his fascination. He had seen Duo yesterday, but the boy had seemed distracted, dodging the blond's -- Quatre's -- teasing inquiries from what he could tell. Heero was doing the same with Wufei with a limited amount of success. When he had finally gotten the Chinese boy off his case, he'd been at a slight loss as to what to do next. Heero hadn't wanted to go over to Duo at lunch without being invited again, but he'd been pleased to see that his choker was still around the slim neck. Duo had taken him seriously after all. He really did want to protect the boy, even though he knew without a shadow of a doubt that he could take care of himself. There was just something about him...Heero shook his head at his musings. Ok, if he were brutally honest with himself, he'd say he was attracted to Duo. He thought for a moment, his mind's eye flashing images at him of chestnut hair, flashing violet eyes and a bright smile in an elfin face. Heero's body reacted accordingly and he sighed. Yes, definitely attracted. Ok, so where was that attraction now?! Grr!

Going past one of the windows that looked down into parking lot/quad area, a flash of sunlight caught his attention. Looking down, Heero saw Duo step out of a non-descript dark blue sedan, laughing. And from the other side...

Heero was down the hall, stairs and out the doors in a flash. Who the hell was that other man?! And what was he doing with Duo?! Bursting out of the double doors to the dormitories, Heero stalked down the sidewalk toward the couple.

Duo turned to walk to the dorms, laughing at Trowa's joke, when he caught a flash of green out of the corner of his eye. He whipped all the way around and his violet eyes widened as he saw one Heero Yuy stalking toward them. /Uh... Uh oh?/ Heero looked...mad, wasn't really the word, more...Protection Mode: ON-High. Uh oh.

Thinking fast on his feet, Duo turned back to Trowa as the man caught sight of the other teen and stiffened.

"Ah, oh, um. Tro, stay here! Just...stay!" With that, Duo took off toward Heero. He did NOT want any bloodshed. He drew abreast of the dark haired teen and launched himself.

Heero stumbled back a step as a bundle of chestnut hair collided with him, his arms automatically catching onto it. What the --? Duo?!

"Hi, 'Ro! Nice to see you here! What were you doing? Looking for me? Look, I want you to meet a friend of mine, but ya have to like calm down now and turn off the whole Protection Mode thing, 'kay?" Heero blinked at the flood of words coming from the braided youth's mouth, barely making sense of them as his mind whirled. /He's hugging me. He's *hugging* me! What --?/ He had to catch himself then as Duo let go and looked up at him, smiling. He blinked back a little dazedly and Duo nodded. "Okay. One down." He looked back toward Trowa and saw almost the exact same expression on the green eyed man's face. Leaving Heero where he was for the moment, Duo ran back to Trowa. He stopped in front of him and standing on tip-toe, reached up and pressed Trowa's nose.

"Protection Mode: Off."

Trowa blinked. "Duo what --?"

Before he could frame the question, Duo had him by the tie -- he was wearing his uniform for work later -- and was dragging him toward the Asian teenager. "D-Duo! Stop it with the tie!"

Duo ignored him, intent upon introducing his two protectors to one another before they decided to kill each other. Heero watched as Duo pulled the other man to stand in front of him and the two men looked at each other warily, Duo between them, still holding onto Trowa.

Looking down at the slight teen holding onto him, Trowa eyed his tie. "Duo, you can let go now. I'm not going anywhere."

Duo looked up at him for a moment, then let go. Trowa smoothed the fabric back into place and looked up at the other teen who was glowering at him. He raised an eyebrow as Duo introduced him.

"OK!" Duo began, clapping his hands together. "Heero, I want you to meet Lieutenant Trowa Barton of the Salt Lake Police Department. He's my legal guardian and my un-legal father." He noticed Heero relaxed a bit as he realized Trowa wasn't a danger and his blue eyes lost some of their hard edge. He flashed him a quick smile before turning back to Trowa.

"Tro, this is Heero Yuy. The one I was telling you about?" Heero shot him a look at this, but Duo ignored him. Trowa nodded his head, putting everything together. He held out a hand and Heero took it, shaking it firmly.

Trowa could see why Duo was in a turmoil over this Heero Yuy. The teen was very handsome with dark hair that hung into deep blue eyes and a wiry body that likely hid more strength than what he felt in the handshake. He was taller than Duo, but only by a few inches. And he *was* protective, judging by the way he had come down the sidewalk toward them. Hm, yes, he could trust Duo with this one.

"Nice to meet you, Heero. Duo was just telling me how he had someone looking out for him. Glad to see that it was true." He wasn't about to go into anymore detail about what *else* Duo had been talking about. Heero seemed to accept this explanation and smiled slightly at Duo's indignant response to Trowa's gentle tease.

"Hey! I never lie, you know that! Geez! 'Ro, don't listen to anything this guy says about me. It's never true."

Trowa laughed as Duo bounced around to face him in mock indignation, his braid whipping past Heero's face. He was surprised when Heero reached out and snagged the rope of hair.

Heero had relaxed when Duo introduced the police officer, realizing that Duo had another form of protection besides him, though he couldn't help but feel the streak of jealousy that swept through him at not being the only one. He had quickly locked that away. Duo didn't need him to be a jealous idiot. The tall officer was one of Duo's friends and was obviously willing to trust him with Duo. He too was surprised, as Duo bounced around to face Trowa and the rope of chestnut passed his face, when his hand came up and caught it. He blinked at Trowa's own look of surprise and came to the conclusion that no one ever touched Duo's braid without permission. Before he could think, he gave the braid a gentle tug.

Duo felt the tug and looked around to see Heero holding his braid. Normally he didn't like anyone touching his hair, but Heero held it gently and watched him.

"What's up, Heero?" he asked quietly.

Heero shook his head, letting go of the braid. "Sorry." Duo realized he was apologizing for more than tugging on his hair and his smile widened. "Sooo...why'd you come busting out here like your tail was on fire?" A light blush appeared on Heero's cheeks as Trowa and Duo watched in amusement. He looked away from dancing violet eyes and cool green ones. "No particular reason. Just saw that you were back," he replied evasively.

Duo's eyes widened. /Has he been looking for me? That's so sweet!/ He mentally slapped himself for that, but was flattered nonetheless. "Heero. Were you looking for me?"

"Ah."

"Then you live on-campus." Heero nodded. "On the second floor, 220."

"Cool!" Duo grinned at him. Trowa smiled to see Duo so happy as he watched the two teens interact. There was no doubt in his mind that Heero had seen them from the second story windows and had come out because he didn't know who was with Duo. His Protection Mode had been On and High. He nodded to himself as he glanced at his watch.

"Duo." The braided teen turned to the officer. "It's almost time for my shift, so I'd better get going."

"Sure thing, Tro!" Duo gave him a quick hug goodbye and he held out a hand to Heero. As he shook it, Trowa tilted his head toward Duo. "I leave him in your hands."

"Yes, sir."

Trowa smiled. "Just Trowa is fine. I'll see you both later. Finish your homework, Duo!" He walked back to his car as Duo rolled his eyes and called after him.

"Yeah, yeah! Whatever!" He shook his head and glanced back at the boy behind him. He tilted his head to the dorms. "So, I've got homework of the history variety and I'm stuck. Help me? Also have an English report to do." The corner of Heero's lips quirked at the not-so-subtle plea for help. "Hai. Just let me get my books from my room and we can go to the library."

"Ok!"

With that, Duo grabbed hold of Heero's arm and proceeded to drag him into the dorms, Heero willingly following the braided bundle of energy.

CHAPTER FOUR: Complications and Meetings (II)

"Okay, remind me...why are we here?"

"Because I want to make sure you can protect yourself when I'm not around," Heero replied calmly. For the fifth time. "Hey 'Ro, news flash -- I was doing just dandy before you showed up." Duo was just a little irritated with his friend, and it had very little to do with the fact that Heero obviously doubted his combative skills. It was more along the line of 'it's eight in the morning on a Saturday and I'm not in bed' kind of thing. "You need to practice those skills, or you'll lose them," Heero parried neatly. For the fifth time. "Besides, I want you to meet Wufei."

Duo quirked a brow. Now this was new. "Wufei?"

"Chang Wufei. He's the first friend I had here, and the person who taught me most of what I know when it comes to martial arts. His family runs the dojo." Appeased by this new reasoning, he shrugged. "That's cool. So is he a junior, like us?"

"No, a senior." Heero took a right on the sidewalk and led Duo down another block. The dojo was only about a mile and a half from the school. "Did you warn him that I was coming?"

"Yes."

"Does he know that you're my personal guard dog?"

"Yes."

"Is he sexy?"

Heero stopped to look at him. "And what has that got to do with anything?"

"Hey, I was just checking to make sure you were still listening to me."

"Hn. Baka."

Duo sighed, rolling his eyes. "After this, can we go to a bookstore?"

"Why?"

"I want to get a Japanese phrase book."

Heero snorted, a hint of a smile tweaking at the corners of his mouth. "That one means 'idiot'."

Duo glared at him, mouth set in a slight pout. "Love you too, Ro."

"I just saved you ten bucks on a Japanese phrasebook," Heero returned mildly. Taunting Duo was proving to be a lot of fun. "We're here."

The Dojo wasn't anything fancy. It was a large white building with wooden floors and mirrors all along one wall. There were a few people there already, warming up or sparring against one another. Heero toed off his shoes as he came in, and Duo hesitantly followed his example. One teenager looked up as they came in. He was very slender and wiry, black eyes and dark hair pulled back so tightly it looked almost painful. "Yuy. You're late."

"Alright. You get him up next time."

Duo rolled his eyes. Yup, these guys were friends. "Ah, no. Because I will never voluntarily get up this early again. You've got to be Wufei."

He nodded, eyes crinkling slightly in the corners. "Yes. And you are Duo Maxwell."

"What, am I famous or something?"

"Infamous," Wufei corrected. He gestured to the far back corner of the dojo. "Heero wishes for me to test you, and work on your training." Duo gave his guard dog a dirty look. "Why don't you let me pound on 'Ro first? That way I'm not taking my frustrations out on you." Wufei nodded his acceptance, smirking at Heero. Heero simply grunted and followed them to the far corner. He and Duo moved into a marked off circle and bowed slightly to each other. Before Heero could fall into the first stance, Duo leapt at him in a whirlwind of motion. From the sidelines, Wufei watched and steadily altered his opinion of Duo Maxwell. The boy was undoubtedly pretty, but apparently he wasn't weak. Heero was having a hard time holding off his attacks. The skill level was off -- Heero was definitely more advanced in that area, but Duo was incredibly fast. It made them almost equal. Duo blocked with both fists, lashing out with one foot. Heero saw the move and twisted sideways, blocking the kick with his forearm even as he tried to catch the foot level with his head and yank Duo down to the ground. Duo flipped feet and kicked out again, this time making Heero duck low to dodge it. ...got him. Duo flipped over his back and shoved an elbow into Heero's ribs, forcing him down. Heero almost rolled free, until Duo grabbed his hair and yanked his head back. Then he lay perfectly still. One of his hands tapped the mattress twice. Duo let up, breathing hard. "Damn. I didn't hurt you, did I?"

Heero rolled over, trying to get more air into his lungs. That had been quite the workout. "No. You fight dirty, Duo."

"Yeah. Street rat, y'know."

"Someone has taught you," Wufei observed from the sidelines. "I could see pieces of it. Tae Kwon Do?"

"And some Hopkaido," Duo admitted. "Trowa's been teaching me, when we have the time."

"Hn. If someone is teaching you, then I should not interfere. You don't truly need my assistance in any case. You're as dangerous as Yuy -- you should be able to handle yourself."

Heero pulled himself to his feet, feeling his body cool down. Yes, any doubts that he had about Duo were gone now. He could take care of himself. Of course, that didn't mean he was going to relinquish his position as Duo's protector. "Alright, Yuy, you promised me breakfast." Duo's eyes lit up. Food? "We get breakfast?"

"That was the deal," Wufei told him as he led the way to the front door. "I evaluate your fighting abilities, and he feeds me breakfast." "There's a Waffle House down the street," Heero informed them as he put on his shoes. Duo crammed his shoes back on and danced out the door, singing the Ode to Food as he went.

"Lieutenant Trowa Barton?"

Trowa looked up, distracted from the file in front of him. When he did see the person in front of him, he wished he hadn't looked up. A delivery boy stood in front of him, a vase -- a very LARGE vase -- of red roses in his hands. "Are you Lieutenant Barton?" the boy repeated patiently, obviously amused at Trowa's dazed appraisal of the bouquet. "Uh...yes, I am."

The delivery boy pushed aside stacks of files, papers, and a half-empty soda can before settling the bouquet on the desk. "There you go, sir."

Trowa snapped into awareness and started looking for a card. None was visible. "Who sent these?"

The boy hid his smirk behind a bland face. "If they had wanted you to know that, they would have included a card. Good day, sir." Trowa briefly envisioned tossing the boy onto the nearest desk, hand-cuffing him and then reading him his rights for not answering a police officer's question...naw. It would be an abuse of his authority. Besides, Trowa wasn't sure if it was necessary. There was only one person that had recently looked at him with any interest. Any romantic interest. Trowa sank back into his seat, eyes helplessly fixed on the spread of roses in front of him. There must be at least three dozen in that vase...the man didn't do anything by half measures, did he? Trowa deflated a little, trying to figure out what to do. Treize Kushrenada's interest in him had *not* gone unnoticed although to give the man credit, he had hidden it well after that first three seconds of interest and approval. He'd met him while enrolling Duo into school, but hadn't expected anything to grow out of it. Treize was the first man to ever look at him like that, and it had made Trowa vaguely uncomfortable just because he wasn't sure how to handle it. There was an approving whistle from behind him. "Trowa, you fox, where did those come from?"

Of course, it would just *have* to be Noin. Trowa glared at her. "There's no card."

Noin smirked back, eyebrow raised. "And of course, you have no idea who would send you roses at work."

"..." "Thought so." Noin looked rather satisfied. She whistled airily as she walked off, leaving Trowa quietly fuming behind her. There were cat calls, whistles, and shouted questions all over the floor from other officers. Trowa ignored them, silently swearing to set Treize straight at the *first* opportunity.

Duo dodged students and desks as he ran out of the classroom. He needed to catch Heero now before he went to his next class -- this was the only time of the day he saw him, and he wanted to make sure that Heero came and hung out with him at lunch. He'd discovered that if he didn't ask, Heero usually wouldn't come. He was too shy to impose or something. Duo still hadn't figured out why. "Heero!"

Hearing his name, he stopped and turned. Duo caught up with him, Quatre in tow. "Hey. You're meeting me for lunch, right?"

Heero nodded. "Cool, just making sure." He almost left it at that, but Wufei's interested appraisal of a certain blond made him reconsider. Heh...so Wufei was interested in guys? Or maybe he was just curious... "Q, this is Chang Wufei. Wuffers, this is Quatre Winner." Wufei gave the blond a nod in greeting before scowling at Duo. "Don't call me nicknames, Duo. I sound like a damn dog."

"Is Feicakes better?"

Quatre rolled his eyes and started tugging him away. "We'll see you guys later!" Wufei watched them go, and smiled deviously to himself. Oh yes. He would certainly see them later. "Heero."

"Hn."

"Where do you usually meet them for lunch?"

"TROWA!" Duo launched himself from Heero's side and ran to meet the cop as he came through the gate. Wufei and Quatre turned to watch, curious. "Yuy, who is that?"

Heero shrugged. "Lieutenant Trowa Barton, SLPD. He's something like a father to Duo." Duo hugged Trowa once he was within range, smiling from ear to ear. It had been at least a week since he had seen him. "Hey! I didn't expect to see you here."

Trowa returned the hug, smiling slightly. "Hey. It's been a while. Sorry I ignored you."

"Naw, it's cool. What's up?"

"I'm close, Duo." Duo's head snapped up. "How close?"

"He's on the run, now. I've pinpointed most of his territory. The chief is assembling teams as we speak to take him out."

Duo let out a pent up breath. "I'm really happy to hear that."

"I wanted to tell you, and to warn you to stay low for the next week or so. I don't want him to suddenly remember about you and try to tie off any loose ends."

Duo gave him a mock salute. "Aye aye, el Capitain. I'll be good and keep my head down. Come meet the guys." On par with tradition, Duo grabbed his tie and dragged him over to the group. Trowa went along docilely, used to this maneuver by now. He was interested to see the three boys watching them. Heero he knew -- but not the other two. One of them was Chinese, who rose fluidly to his feet as they approached. Trowa automatically pegged him as a person you didn't want to meet in a dark alley -- he'd win. The other was someone Trowa knew only because of Duo's description. The short blond with the bright smile had to be Quatre Winner. Duo dropped the tie once they were with the group. "Guys, this is Trowa. Trowa, blondie is Quatre and the Chinese guy is Chang Wufei. Course, you know Heero."

Trowa nodded to them, that slight smile still on his face. "Pleasure." Quatre rose to shake hands. "I'm glad to meet you. Duo talks about you quite a bit." "I know what you mean." With a mischievous glance at Duo Trowa continued blandly, "Of course, Duo loves to talk."

"I resent that remark," Duo sniffed haughtily. "Go right ahead," Quatre told him placatingly. "It's true anyway. What brings you here, Lieutenant?"

"Trowa," the redhead corrected softly. "I came to check up on Duo, mostly. And to tell him a few things. Do you need anything, Duo?"

"Chocolate," Duo answered promptly. Trowa rolled his eyes. "You're going to be four hundred pounds one of these days." "Hey, I'm a growing boy! I need my calories." The lunch bell rang shrilly. "That's my cue. Be good, Duo." "Yes, Mother." Trowa snorted, ruffling a hand over his hair before turning away. He caught Heero's eye and nodded to him in acknowledgement. Heero nodded back, just as seriously. As Trowa walked out of the gate, he cast a glance over his shoulder. "I really should talk to Treize about those roses..." he muttered to himself. Duo, in the process of shouldering his back pack on, heard exactly two things -- 'Treize' and 'roses'. He spun around and caught Trowa before he could leave. "What about Treize?"

Trowa blanched, eyes fixed on Duo in growing horror. He hadn't said that out loud...had he? "Nothing."

"You said something about Treize and roses," Duo insisted. He wasn't about to let Trowa get away, he could tell by the cop's face that he was onto something. "Er..."

"He sent you roses?" Duo prodded. It was a guess, but a probable one.

"Um..."

That sounded something like a 'yes' to him. "How many?"

Trowa's eyes closed, pained. "...three dozen."

"You *counted*! How sweet."

"*Duo*."

Duo did his little victory dance, which included moving his hips in a rather distracting fashion (at least according to the female population, and Heero, who was waiting for Duo.) "I knew he liked you! So are you going on a date?"

"..."

"When?"

"He didn't ask me out on a date, there was no card with the roses, so I can't prove it's him and will you stop construing his actions to mean more than they are?"

Duo stopped dancing to give him an innocent look. "Oh? So it's possible that someone else sent them?"

"..."

"Thought so." Duo grinned at him smugly. Trowa just groaned.

It became something of a habit to see the four together. Wufei and Quatre quickly became friends, exchanging phone numbers and talking for hours after school. Since Wufei was on the way home, Quatre often walked with him. Funny, how it could take two hours to walk two miles...

It usually started as an invitation on Wufei's part. "I have homework, do it together?" And it usually ended up with them on a bed late at night just talking or sometimes on the couch watching a movie. Thursday night followed the same routine. They were on the couch, flipping through channels idly. Quatre turned a contemplative look at the bookshelf holding all of the DVDs. "I think we'd find something worth watching if we stuck in a DVD."

"Or we could go back to that really bad sci-fi movie and do a Theater 3000." Quatre considered that. Making fun of bad science fiction was actually very entertaining. "You know, that does have a certain appeal. What channel was that on again?"

"Er...thirties, I think." Wufei watched him by the tv's glow. It didn't matter what lighting he was in, the blond was still attractive. He'd been itching to put his hands on Quatre from day one, but...he wanted more than just a hot make-out session. Quatre Winner was something rare, and fine. He shouldn't be used as just a body. Quatre had gone through the thirty's channels, but no sci-fi movie. Okay, that didn't work. He turned to demand another idea...and caught that look on Wufei's face again. He'd seen it before. Every time that Wufei didn't think he was looking, he'd see it. It was a mixture of need, and want, and something that could have been affection. It was strong enough, whatever it was, that it sometimes registered on Quatre's Sense. "Wufei?"

Damn, he had been caught staring. He looked away quickly. "Sorry. It wasn't there?"

Quatre set the remote aside with deliberate care. He was tired of waiting -- he'd felt what Wufei wanted, and knew that he was only waiting to see how Quatre would accept his advances. Shifting forward, he braced himself on the arm of the couch and the back, eyes locked with Wufei's. He could almost taste the surprise, and the hot rush of lust. His tongue flicked out to wet his lips. "Do I have to make a move? Or will you do it?"

Sheer amazement paralyzed him for a moment. Surely -- Quatre couldn't mean what he just said. Those clear blue eyes were steady on his, the air hot and still with anticipation. Slowly Wufei reached up, sliding his hands carefully around Quatre's neck and into the nape. Quatre smiled into the touch, easily following the pressure as Wufei guided him down to meet his mouth. Gently, oh so gently they exchanged kisses. Quatre relaxed into him completely, folding his arms around the other's neck and shoulders, letting Wufei set the pace. Hot breath, sweet taste, gentle and electric touch -- it was better than fantasy. Wufei abruptly twisted, putting the passionate blond on his back so that he could lean over him. He'd lost all reason because of Quatre's touch. He had to stop now, and make things clear between them. "Quatre -- you have to understand. If we continue like this, I'll consider you mine. You can't treat this as a one-off thing tomorrow."

"The same thing goes for you, Chang Wufei." Quatre's eyes were burning with determination. "I'll claim you as mine if we continue." Wufei smirked, lowering his head to capture that sweet mouth again. "So long as we understand each other." "Oh we do," Quatre breathed just before Wufei's mouth possessed his again. They understood each other perfectly.

CHAPTER FIVE: Hm...Suspicious

Duo watched his best friend wander mindlessly into class, a dazed smile on his face. He smiled evilly as Quatre wove his way around the classroom and sank into his seat. "Quuuuattrree."

Quatre snapped back into the real world to face a smirking Duo. Uh-oh. Swallowing he offered, "Yes?"

"Why are you smiling with a 'someday my prince will come' look in your eyes?"

Er...because he had been ambushed by Wufei right inside the front gates and dragged into a remote corner before being kissed senseless? Quatre went bright red. Duo reached over to poke him. "Come on, spill."

"Um, you're still planning on coming over tonight and sleeping over, right?"

"Smooth, Q." Duo rolled his eyes, but let his friend off the hook. He didn't have time to get to the bottom of it anyway, the teacher was due to wake up from her morning nap any minute. "Yeah, I'm still coming over." "Now, class, let's pay attention!"

Duo groaned and let his head slump onto the desk. He didn't want to do math, he wanted to figure out who had put that dazed expression on his friend's face! Aw well...there was always tonight, right?

Heero had his laptop rigged to alert him to any changes to Duo's room. He knew that Duo was in a double room, but had it to himself for the moment. It was an arrangement that could change without his knowledge, and he didn't want anyone to move in with Duo that he couldn't trust. It was something of a surprise to see an alert pop up on his screen Friday afternoon. Frowning, he clicked into it and did a bit of hacking into the school's computers. Apparently there was a transfer student due Monday, and since Duo had space in his room, the new kid was going to be put in there. Ha. Heero deleted the information and changed it so that it was his room open, instead of Duo's. Then he went back into his information and changed it to match. Once he had erased his tracks, he closed the laptop down and looked around his room. Time to get packing.

"Hey, Iria, that's a good look for you!" Duo gave her a low whistle, then dodged her swat aimed at his head. "Shut up, you." Iria's hair was mostly in curlers, but every now and then one of them would slip free and fall out. It was beginning to frustrate her. Usually, she didn't have a problem keeping her hair up but today her hair simply did not want to cooperate. Duo scooped up the fallen curler and its clip. "Here, let me help." Smoothly he gathered up the lock of hair and rolled it back into place. "Thanks, Duo."

"No prob." Spinning around, he looked for Quatre. "Hey, when are you going to feed me?"

Quatre had been watching this little by-play, a half formed suspicion taking firm root in the back of his mind. At Duo's question he snapped himself out of his peregrinations. "Since Iria is going out, I thought we'd order in pizza."

Duo let out a whoop and dove for the phone. "Pizza! Pizza, pizza, pizza!"

"You sound like a Little Caesar's commercial," Quatre observed in amusement. Duo blinked innocently, phone poised near his ear. "Pizza?"

"The wonderful things about Duo's are Duo's are wonderful things! Their tops are made of rubber, their tails are made of springs! They're bouncy, bouncy, bouncy, bouncy, fun fun fun fun fun! The most wonderful things about Duo's is I'm the only one! IIIIIII'mmmmm the only one!"

Duo finished his impromptu bouncing and karaoke singing around Quatre's bedroom to dive onto the bed (with a few more requisite bounces on the mattress) and reached for the licorice sticks. Quatre prudently snatched them and held them out of reach. "Duo! Stop eating them!"

"Awwwww!!!"

Quatre rolled his eyes in despair. "I can't believe that anyone is allergic to licorice! You only had three pieces, and you're bouncing around the room!"

Duo giggled, rocking back and forth. "Aw, but I'm not allergic to licorice!"

It was almost maniacal, that giggling. It had Quatre a little on edge. Maybe he should lock Duo up in a room for a while until his friend had calmed down a little... "Then why are you this hyper?"

"Cause I'm allergic to red dye!"

Quatre just stared at him. "Red dye?" He'd never heard of such a thing. "Yup. Artificial red dye."

Normally, Quatre would have questioned that further, but the proof of it was right in front of his eyes. Besides, there was a more important question to ask. "Ah. Is there an antidote to this?"

"Yup!"

When Duo didn't elaborate, Quatre asked, "Are you going to tell me what it is?"

"Nope!" Duo started bouncing again. "I like being hyper!"

...he was in soooo much trouble. Maybe he should call for back up...

Duo gained speed with his bounces and launched himself at Quatre. The pail of licorice rolled free as Quatre darted out of the way, and Duo snatched it up. "Ack! No! DUO!" Quatre watched as the braided menace flew out the door, a bucket of red dye in his arms. On second thought, he'd just lock himself in the room instead...

Sunday morning, Duo stumbled into his dorm room with a slight hangover. It had taken *hours* to calm down after that much red dye (thank god Iria had managed to distract him long enough for Quatre to hide that bucket of licorice) and he was still a little woozy from ingesting that much. All he wanted was a few aspirin and a very long nap. As he came through the door, the sound of a keyboard clacking caught his attention. What, had he gained a roommate while he was gone? Coming all the way around, he stared at the back of the new guy. Strange...not many people had hair like Heero...waitaminute! "Heero?"

Heero turned in his chair and looked up. "Good morning, Duo."

Duo felt like he had made the wrong turn somewhere and was now in the Twilight Zone. "Uh...morning. Why the hell are you in my room?"

"You were going to get a roommate," Heero explained calmly. Duo looked a little bloodshot. Apparently he hadn't gotten much sleep at Quatre's house, which was sort of expected. "I thought you might prefer me to some guy you didn't know."

"Oh." Duo kicked the door shut and let his back pack slide to the ground. "Well, I do. But how did you convince The Powers That Be that you moving in with me was a good idea?"

Heero smirked. "What are you talking about, Duo? I've always been in this room." When Duo frowned, he added dryly "As the records will show."

The light dawned. "You sneaky sonuvabitch. You hacked into the school computers and changed the information around?"

Heero just shrugged. "I knew I liked you for a reason!" A yawn took over his face and he smiled sheepishly. "Sorry. Staying up with Q wiped me out. You mind if I crash for a few hours?"

Heero shook his head. "Go ahead."

"Thanks, man." Toeing off his shoes, he fell face down onto his bed and scrunched up until he was comfortable. In minutes he was out like a light. Watching his sleeping face, Heero smiled to himself. Yes, moving in here had been a very good idea.

He turned back to his computer and continued writing his report, smile lingering over his face.

The weather was gorgeous outside, and the lunch hour peaceful. Too peaceful, really. Duo had eaten lunch, semi-patiently waiting for Quatre to show up. Wufei had wandered off in search of His Blondness (Duo was beginning to suspect something was happening in that arena) which left him with Heero's company. Normally, he wouldn't have a problem with that. There was just one minor issue that stumped him from completely enjoying Heero's company. Heero was on his laptop. Duo had been steadily trying to get Heero OFF his laptop for nearly twenty minutes, with no noticeable success. He had tried tickling (no luck, Heero was not ticklish in the slightest), passing a hand in front of Heero's face (the guy hadn't even blinked), and dancing around the tree singing. Finally he threw in the towel and decided to say something outrageous. Why not? Heero wasn't paying attention to him anyway. "I'm in love."

No reaction. Heero's eyes were still glued to the screen, finger busy on the little mouse pad. "His name is Hershey. He's the smooth, dark, yummy type." Still no reaction. Hmm. "Of course, I'm kinda cheating on him with another guy -- his name is M&M. Really good, if you know what I mean, but he's sometimes a bit of a nut job and tends to go to pieces, y'know? Still, he's fun to be around and he always hits the spot."

By this point, enough of the words had filtered into Heero's ears and reverberated around to catch the Asian's attention. Trouble was, the words made absolutely no sense. His finger on the mouse faltered and he glanced at Duo askance. Duo caught this, feeling strangely encouraged to continue his odd dialogue. "I'm thinking about ditching them both, though, and going for Snickers. He's a complete nut-job, but he just knows how to fill a guy. And the way he tastes?" Duo sighed dreamily, letting his eyes fall halfway closed and mouth curve ever so slightly "...it just sticks with you."

"Duo."

"Yeah?" Duo smirked to himself. He could just tell what Heero was going to say next. "What the hell are you talking about?"

"My numerous boyfriends. Available at the local Circle K for eighty-five cents, tax not included."

Heero groaned, letting one hand catch his head and hold it in place. "You're bored, aren't you?"

"Yup. But I finally have your attention. Let's go get something to eat, I'm starving."

"You just ate lunch," Heero protested. "Yeah, but now I'm in the mood for chocolate."

Heero gave him a Look. "When are you not in the mood for chocolate?"

Duo considered that very seriously, for all of a tenth of a second. "When I'm asleep."

"The prosecution rests," Heero muttered. "About what?" a bright voice inquired. Quatre plopped down next to Duo, digging his lunch out of his back pack. Wufei settled next to him, eating a half-devoured sub sandwich. "He wants chocolate," Heero replied dryly. "Duo always wants chocolate." Quatre shrugged. Duo gave them both dirty looks. "So Q, can I come over after school? I want to borrow that cd you were telling me about."

Wufei swallowed and smirked. "Can't. I have him for a date."

Blink. Blinkblink. "I'm sorry, I'm trying to reboot my brain. Say WHAT?! Q, since when have you been into boys?!"

Quatre looked at him, quite innocent. "Oh, did I never say anything? Oops."

Duo glared. Not once had there been any indication...well, there was that one time earlier last week when Quatre had walked in with that dazed look on his face. He began to smile evilly. "So...dare I ask why you were acting all dreamy on me earlier?"

Quatre flushed slightly. "Uh..."

"That," Wufei informed him haughtily "was because I ambushed him."

Duo just couldn't help but try and get a little of his own back. "Reeaaallly. Judging from Q's face that morning, you're pretty good."

Quatre threw his water bottle lid at Duo, hitting him in the forehead. "Will you stop embarrassing me?!"

"OW!"

Heero rolled his eyes, shut down his laptop, and stood. "Come on, Duo, I think it's safer for you right now if we go get you chocolate."

Pain forgotten, Duo shot to his feet. "Yes!" He bounded off, singing the Ode to Chocolate as he went, Heero trailing along behind him and watching the singing/dancing teenager as he went with amusement. "Dazed look, huh?" Wufei gave his boyfriend a smug smile. "Be quiet, you."

Wufei just chuckled and resumed eating his lunch, silently plotting on appropriate (or inappropriate) times to ambush his boyfriend later.

CHAPTER SIX: Trouble

The school week dragged on, as it usually does. When Duo heard the knock on the door, Heero was out of the room, doing research in the library for a report due in his Physics class. Not expecting anyone this late in the evening, especially since Quatre and Wufei were more than likely on another date and Heero had a key, Duo frowned and putting his pen down, rose to answer the door. The knock sounded again as he neared.

"Hold your horses, I'm comin'."

He peeked through the eyehole and upon seeing who was standing outside, grinned and opened the door, throwing himself out into the other's arms.

"Trowa!"

The officer barely had time to get his arms up before the braided teen launched and attached himself in an exuberant hug. Laughing quietly, Trowa squeezed back before letting him go. Duo dropped back to the ground and continued to grin up at his guardian.

"Long time no see! What brings you around at this time of night?" As he spoke, Duo pulled Trowa into the room and closed the door. He gestured for the older man to take a seat on his bed and sat back in his desk chair, looking at Trowa expectantly. He hadn't seen the officer in over a week and had wondered what was going on.

Seeing the expectancy on Duo's elfin face, Trowa swallowed as he felt a hard, cold ball of...something, form under his heart. He hadn't wanted to bring this news, but he knew that Duo had a right to know. He couldn't protect the boy if he didn't know. Looking around the room he wondered where Heero was.

"Where's Heero?"

Duo watched conflicting emotions of indecision and worry flicker over Trowa's face and reached out a hand to lay it on the officer's knee.

"He's out at the library doing some research for a report. Tro'? What is it? What's wrong?"

Taking a deep breath to fortify himself and silently wishing for something a little stronger, Trowa looked down at the hand on his knee for a moment before taking it up in his and looking up into Duo's concerned eyes.

"The operation to take out Doctor Jay's establishment went off well and we were able to shut it down completely before they were aware of us --"

Duo threw himself into Trowa's lap with a happy cry. "Oh my god! That's great! Oh god, thank you Trowa, thank you!" He wrapped his arms around Trowa's neck and squeezed, tears beginning to run down his cheeks. "Thank you!"

Trowa squeezed his eyes shut and clenched his fists as Duo continued to hug him. "Duo..."

Noticing Trowa wasn't responding and was in fact, rigid in his arms, Duo loosened his embrace slowly and sat back, his eyes searching Trowa's face. "Trowa?" His small voice begged for reassurance. "You did get everyone right? You got the doctor? Right?" Trowa couldn't speak and opened his eyes, looking into pleading violet. Duo drew in a shaking breath as he saw his answer in Trowa's anguished green eyes.

"No. No. Nononononono," he began to shake his head violently and threw his hands over his head, collapsing into himself. "I won't go BACK!!"

Trowa grabbed hold of Duo as he tried to flee and drew him into his chest, holding on to the shaking body as tightly as he dared. Duo curled into him and started to sob, still shaking his head in denial.

"I'm sorry Duo, so sorry," Trowa whispered harshly, trying to keep back his own tears. "We tried. We tried so damned hard to get him, but somehow he knew that we were coming and he got away. I'm so sorry." He bent over the boy in his lap, trying to protect him from the world as Duo cried and spoke haltingly.

"I won't...go back...I can't, Trowa! I can't!... He'll find me... He'll find me... and kill me!"

Drawing back abruptly, Trowa caught Duo's face between his hands and tilted it up to look him in the eye. "NO. He won't. Because I won't let him," He gave a small emphatic shake, "I *won't let him*, Duo. Do you understand? I won't let that happen."

Duo sniffled as he looked up into Trowa's determined face, wanting desperately to believe him. "You'll find him?"

"Yes," Trowa nodded. "We already have people out there looking for him and gathering information on where he may have gone to ground. We *will* find him, okay?" Still in Trowa's hold, Duo nodded. "Okay."

Bringing Duo into a comforting embrace, knowing he needed it, Trowa just held his charge for a few moments in silence, only broken by the occasional sniffle.

"Have you told Heero?"

Duo stiffened and drew back. "No! I can't!"

"Why not?" Trowa frowned slightly. "You trust him. That much I know and saw." His gaze flickered to the choker around Duo's neck.

"He'll hate me," Duo stated flatly shaking his head. "No. I can deal with this on my own."

"Duo --"

"No!" The braided boy stood quickly, clenching his fists. He drew in a breath. "No. I said I could deal and I will. I have to. I can't tell him."

Seeing that he wouldn't be able to persuade Duo otherwise, Trowa stood to go. He looked down, opening his mouth to speak further then thought better of it. He simply gave Duo a quick hug.

"We'll get him, Duo. I promise." Duo nodded against his chest, squeezing in return before stepping back and pasting a trembling smile on his face. "Know you will. Now go on, go home and get some sleep. I'll be fine." As Trowa hesitated, he flapped his hands at the older man. "Go!"

"Okay, I'll go, but if you need *anything*..."

"Call you. Yeah, Tro', I know. 'Night."

Trowa left reluctantly, knowing that though Duo had said he was fine, he wasn't and was hiding it. /Hopefully Heero will be able to help him if he has nightmares tonight. Duo, I wish you would tell him. You *can't* do this alone, even with me here./

As soon as the police officer had left, Duo shut the door and collapsed back against it, trembling.

/Oh, god. What am I going to do? He's still out there. He'll find me eventually and then...Oh god./

His thoughts circling in a vicious cycle of fear, Duo pushed away from the door and stumbled to his bed, sitting down heavily. His head sank into his hands and he just sat there for a few minutes, trying to think of something, anything other than what Trowa had said. He was so focused on his internal monologue he didn't hear the door quietly open an hour later.

Heero opened the door to his and Duo's room and was immediately aware that something was wrong. Duo was sitting on his bed, nearly curled into himself, muttering and shaking slightly. Concerned, the dark haired boy dropped his backpack to the ground and moved toward his roommate.

"Duo?"

Duo's head snapped up as his name was spoken and he noticed that Heero had come back and was now standing above him, looking worried.

"Duo, what's wrong?"

"Heero, I..." he began before his mind shouted at him. /No! You can't tell him! He'll hate you, what you became, what happened./ Swallowing the rest of what he had been about to say, Duo wiped his face free and pasted on an overly bright smile. "Nothing! Nothing's wrong. Just thinking about a huge project that's due and got a little panicked. That's all. Nothing wrong here. No siree."

As the braided boy babbled, Heero frowned. He knew something wasn't right and the overly bright smile directed at him confirmed it. Duo didn't smile like that, it wasn't his way. And he knew that there were no large projects due in the near future, in *any* of Duo's classes. No, something was bothering his friend and he was determined to find out what. Seeing the determination in Heero's eyes and that he was about to dig further, Duo abruptly stood and stepped away from the other, shaking his head, snapping, "Look, Heero, don't. Just leave it alone, okay? I'm fine. Just a project. That's all." /Don't make me say anymore, please./ Before Heero could protest, he escaped to the bathroom, saying that he was going to go to bed.

Left behind, Heero's frown deepened, his blue eyes troubled. No, something wasn't right at all. The flash of fear he had seen in his friend's violet eyes left a cold ball of worry in his stomach and he murmured to the closed door of the bathroom, "Why can't you tell me, Duo? What scared you so much, that you couldn't tell me?"

Having no answers, Heero turned to go to bed himself.

~She woke up in a grey room. ~

No. He shouldn't be there. ~Her body was still sluggish and out of focus from whatever it was they had used on her to knock her out for the operation. Bandages were thick around her chest -- her flat chest.~

No.

~Looked like they had sculpted her body again to make it look more male. It was almost a relief now. At least she wouldn't be half female and half male -- that would really be weird.~

He wasn't supposed to be there anymore. He'd gotten out of there. ~The door opened and G walked in, fairly gloating. "Up already? You shake off drugs so quickly. Hm. How do you feel, David?"~

Not David! That wasn't his name.

~"You'll be ready for showcase soon. Living proof I can switch anyone from one gender to the next. Of course, it was easier with you. You make a very pretty boy, David." ~

"NOOO!!" "Duo!" Someone moved on the other side of the room, coming toward him. Duo rapidly scurried back against the wall, scrunching himself into the corner between head board and wall. "Stay away!" he screamed in raw terror. He wasn't going back in for surgery! Not again! Who knew what they would do to him next time?

Heero froze, studying the person before him with confusion and high levels of concern. The nightmare had been vicious from what he could see. Duo was still trembling, and Heero couldn't be sure that he was even properly awake yet. "Duo. Duo, look at me."

That voice...that was Heero. He couldn't be back in the lab if Heero was here, could he? Slowly he brought his head up and looked. There was barely enough moonlight in the room to see by, but he could make out deep blue eyes looking at him, and the outlines of messy hair. "Heero?"

Heero cautiously settled on the bed. "Aa. Are you okay?" In the next instant he felt like slapping himself for asking such a stupid question. It was obvious that Duo was *far* from 'okay'!

Duo hesitantly reached out, so desperate to be held that his hands shook with effort for holding back. Heero caught his hand and urged him forward. "Come here," he whispered soothingly. Gratefully Duo climbed into his lap, holding him tight and burying his head under Heero's chin. Heero was so warm, like an embodied furnace, that he felt the chills leave his body. Heero held him close and only relaxed as Duo relaxed. Errant shivers chased its way up Duo's spine under his hands, and he kept his hold secure and comforting. "What was it about?" he murmured into thick chestnut hair. Duo flinched at the question. /I can't tell him. He'll look at me differently if I tell him./ "Please-I-I don't want to talk about it."

That was not the answer Heero had been hoping for but he reluctantly subsided. It wasn't wise to push Duo right then. And Heero had no intention of making him live through the nightmare twice in twenty minutes. "Okay."

They stayed just like that so long Duo's knees started to protest the position. He knew they had to move, they could hardly stay like that all night. But he didn't want to relinquish Heero either. /If I ask him to stay with me, I'm going to sound like a wuss, but...Heero is holding me so tightly and he's really worried, I can tell. Maybe he won't think it odd if I ask him to stay./ "Heero?"

"Yes?"

"Will you stay with me?" Heero's eyes flew wide. He wanted him to stay? When Duo didn't get an immediate answer he rapidly tried to qualify it so Heero wouldn't get the wrong idea. "Until I fall asleep?"

/Heero no baka, you should have answered more quickly! You could have stayed all night if you had!/ "Of course I will," he assured Duo softly. Duo let out a sigh of relief. Phew, Heero didn't act like it was odd. "Okay. Thanks."

With some will power Duo pulled himself free. He felt instantly chilled when his skin left contact with Heero's warmth. There was some awkwardness as they settled under the covers, both somewhat self-conscious about touching the other, despite how close they were a moment before. Heero cursed the situation in his head, and deliberately let one thigh touch Duo's. His presence could hardly be considered 'comforting' if Duo was so anxious about him being close. Duo forced himself to relax and not move his thigh away. Why was this so awkward, anyway? He'd asked, Heero had agreed -- what was the problem?! Deliberately he closed his eyes and took calming breaths. Hmm...sharing a bed with Heero had benefits. It was much warmer under the covers than usual. He smiled slightly and snuggled in a little closer. Definite benefits. Before either of them were aware of it, they were slipping deeply into sleep.

Heero woke slowly, breathing deeply. Something smelled good. A soft rhythm beat a slow tattoo against his side where it was also very warm and he felt soft breath gusting against his neck, lulling him back toward sleep. Bringing Duo closer against him, Heero drifted back toward Dreamland.

And promptly opened his eyes, fully awake as he realized just *who* he was cuddling. Duo?! What? How? Not daring to move, lest he wake his companion, Heero carefully looked down at the tousled chestnut head that was resting on his chest. Obviously sometime during the night, Duo had felt he needed more comfort and rolled himself closer and then proceeded to cuddle. And what a cuddler he was (Heero's mind was doing a happy dance at the moment with his libido and he firmly pulled them apart). Duo had arranged himself quite comfortably against his bedmate, throwing one leg over Heero's and slinging an arm across his chest, his fingers brushing against the off arm and his head tucked under his chin. Heero in turn had wrapped his other arm around Duo's slim waist *and* his braid. Well. What a development this was. Not that he was complaining or anything, but it might be a tad bit awkward to wake up like this. Well, wake up with Duo awake that is. He was already up. He firmly pushed his libido down as it happily informed him that something else was 'up' and told it to go fly a kite.

Stopping his train of thought before it could derail him, Heero took another deep breath to calm himself down. /Okay, Yuy, let's think about this calmly and rationally. Duo had a nightmare last night and asked you to stay with him until he fell asleep. So you did, except you both ended up falling asleep. Okay. You weren't touching and now you are. So what now?/ He obviously couldn't stay like this forever (though he really didn't want to move), so the only thing he could do, was move. Kuso.

/Awkward. Think embarrassingly-suicide-ritual-necessary kind of awkward, Yuy. Now move./

With a soft despondent sigh, Heero prepared to move away from the object of his fascination and desire. He slipped quietly and gently out from under Duo and smiled slightly as the chestnut haired boy murmured in protest before clutching the pillow he had been resting on against him and falling back into sleep.

The smile faded as the reason he had been in the bed in the first place came to mind. Duo was scared of something; something horrible enough to give him vicious nightmares. And he wouldn't tell him. That hurt a little.

/Maybe I can coax him into talking this morning when he wakes up./ Looking over at the alarm clock where it rested on the nightstand, he noticed it was nearly the time he usually got up anyway. /I have time to run down to the dojo and do some katas before Duo gets up. Then I want to find out what the hell is going on./

With this thought firmly in mind, Heero dressed and left the room, Duo still asleep behind him.

The braided boy was awake when he came back an hour and a half later, nibbling on something he had gotten from the cafeteria. He looked up and smiled brightly as Heero came in the door.

"Hey 'Ro! Out playing Jackie Chan?"

Heero rolled his eyes. "No. Just katas." He hesitated for a moment, debating about whether he should bring up last night or not, but his earlier resolve came back and he took a breath. "Duo."

Bright violet eyes looked up at him again. "Yeah?"

"What happened last night?" As soon as the words were out, Heero winced at how they sounded and saw Duo flinch. /Smooth, Yuy./

"I don't want to talk about it," was the quiet reply.

"Duo, something obviously upset you and I just want to know what."

Duo knew good and well that unless he said something Heero wouldn't leave this alone. That look of determination was a very familiar one. Heero was part bulldog -- if he decided that something needed to be done, then it would be done come hell or high water. Apparently he had decided that there was something causing Duo's nightmares, and now had taken it upon himself to fix it, whatever it was. Duo was rather touched that he cared...he just wished that Heero would leave it alone, this once. Focusing on the biscuit in his hands he carefully phrased the words in his head before saying them aloud. "It was a panic dream. You know, the kind that don't really make sense, and are only partially based on reality."

Heero sank down on his own bed, facing Duo. Okay, he was talking. That was a good thing. "But what was it about?"

Duo became even more cautious at this point. "The details are kinda fuzzy, but...someone was chasing me, trying to get me to do something I didn't want to do. And no matter how much I fought back, I couldn't get free." All of that sounded true, but Heero had this nagging feeling that Duo knew more than he was telling him. Maybe he just *couldn't* talk about all of it. Heero bit back a demand for more information. That wouldn't help his friend right now. He slid off the bed and onto his knees, in front of Duo. Sliding a hand up to the base of Duo's neck, he forced the other's head up so he could look into those very expressive violet eyes. "You know that won't happen, right? You don't ever have to fight alone again."

It wasn't hard to call up a smile for Heero. "I know."

"Good." Heero smiled back, just a gentle curve to his mouth. "Let's get to class."

"NOOOOOOOOO!!!"

Heero was out of his bed and at Duo's before his eyes were fully open. Duo was curled up in a fetal position, squashed between the headboard and the wall. Heero reached for him without thinking about it, gathering the shaking body into his arms. "Duo? Duo, wake up."

Duo jerked awake, eyes flying wide. The first thing that he really registered was blue eyes staring down at him in worry. Heero...all of the anxiety and pain from the dream drained away. Duo slumped against his friend, letting his forehead rest against Heero's shoulder. Heero encouraged this, running one hand up and down soothingly along Duo's back. It took a minute of just breathing before Duo felt like he was truly grounded in reality again. "I'm sorry," he whispered hoarsely. "Don't you dare apologize for this," Heero whispered back firmly. His arms tightened around the teen in his arms, and he felt like banging his head in frustration. It hurt, that Duo was so troubled by something and yet wouldn't tell Heero anything. Didn't he trust him at all? "Duo, please tell me what's this about." Duo hesitated, still very unwilling to tell Heero his full history. Heero felt the tension in Duo's body and hated it. Part of him said to leave it alone, that Duo would talk when he was ready. Heero just couldn't accept that and stay quiet. He needed to know. Seeing Duo like this felt like someone had stuck a knife in his chest. He *needed to know*. "*Please*. I can't help you if I don't know what's going on. I can't do anything unless you talk to me. *Please*, Duo." Duo just couldn't sit there and listen to Heero beg him like that. Especially not when it was for his own sake. He lifted a hand, placing it over Heero's mouth to stop any other plea from being uttered. Taking a deep breath, he started talking in a low voice. "I was about seven when I lost my family. House fire. I'd snuck out to sleep with my new dog in her dog house, and by the time I woke up it was too late for anyone to be saved. Ever since then I was shuffled from foster home to foster home. Sometimes I lived more on the streets then any home. It was okay -- I could deal with that." Damn this was harder than he thought it was. Not even Trowa knew all of this. The cop had probably put a few of the pieces together, but Duo had never spoken of anything before Jay with him. Taking another deep breath he forced himself to go on regardless. "A few months ago, I was on the way back to the home when I was caught. A demented doctor by the name of Jay was picking up stray kids like me, the ones that didn't really have a home and would easily slip through the cracks."

Heero was beginning to have a very bad feeling about this. He was growing more tense by the second hearing Duo's story, and more upset. Almost against his will he asked, "What happened?"

"I was his human guinea pig, that's what happened." Duo was surprised to hear how bitter that had come out. He couldn't even look Heero in the face right now, and kept his eyes closed. The whole truth clogged in his throat, and he couldn't say it. He just couldn't say it. He had to say something, though, because the silence was becoming unbearable. After a moment he offered, "After about a month, I managed to escape and took my medical file with me to prove what was going on. I went straight to the police."

Several things clicked in Heero's head and he muttered, "That's how you know Trowa."

"Yeah. He shut Jay's labs down recently." Heero grasped that news with budding relief. "Then you're safe."

Duo didn't respond, swallowing heavily. "Duo?" Heero ducked his head down, trying to see the other's face. "They did catch Jay...didn't they?" His heart sank when Duo shook his head no. That earlier feeling of doom settled in and made itself at home. "That's why you're having nightmares," he groaned in realization. "You're afraid with Jay on the loose."

"In a nutshell, yeah that's it." Duo felt a little pathetic saying that, but it was the truth. "He's not going to get to you." Heero tightened his hold, making Duo's ribs squeak a little. "I'm not going to let that happen." He only relaxed a little when Duo finally sank into him. His promise aside, what Duo really needed right now was some comfort. Without saying a word Heero rolled them both beneath the blankets and curled around Duo's back, settling in comfortably. Duo was nearly in shock at this maneuver, but he was certainly not going to argue against it. Nearly smiling he snuggled back against Heero, letting his eyes fall closed. A second later, the mattress rose up and swallowed them whole.

CHAPTER SEVEN: Ambushed

*bbbbrrrrrrrrRRRRRRIIIIIINNNNNNGGGG*

One dark blue eye cracked open to glare at the source of that truly annoying sound. It looked innocuous enough -- a simple black box with glowing digits telling the time. But it was truly the most sinister and annoying invention ever devised by man. Emitting a low growl, Heero's fist shot out and slammed on top of the alarm clock. The plastic immediately cracked, oozing smoke and electronic bits. More importantly, the sound shut off. Satisfied, Heero rolled back over and sank back into the pillow with a sigh of contentment. The four brain cells that had been activated in order to turn off the alarm clock decided to mention that something was wrong with this whole picture. Heero tried to shut them off again, but they were rather persistent. Finally he gave in and started thinking about it. What could be wrong, this early in the morning? Well, if the alarm was set then it was probably a school day. Maybe he should consider getting up? While that did sound important, those brain cells kept insisting that something else was odd. It took a second for it to click. Ah. He could reach the alarm clock. The first week that Heero and Duo shared a room, Duo quickly discovered that Heero and alarm clocks really didn't get along that well together. He had prudently moved his alarm clock to the far side of the desk, away from Heero's sleepy and grumpy reach. Heero considered this fact. If he could reach the alarm clock...then odds were, he wasn't in his bed. Waitaminute...he wasn't in his bed! Heero immediately became wide awake, staring around him quickly. He'd fallen asleep in Duo's bed again, because Duo had another nightmare. Was he alright?

Duo was better than all right. He was still sound asleep, a soft smile curving his mouth. His hands were also tightly knotted in Heero's shirt, and he wasn't going to let go anytime soon. Heero eyed that grip and came to the conclusion that sneaking out of bed just wasn't going to be possible this morning. Well.

This was potentially awkward. Not quite suicide-ritual-necessary kind of embarrassing, but still. Emotional landmines were just too strenuous for this early in the morning. Heero gave up and just went back to sleep.

Even without the alarm clock, Duo's body was trained to wake up somewhere around 7:30. With a sleepy yawn he opened his eyes, automatically glancing at the clock. The dead clock. Hm. Duo eyed it blankly, his sleepy mind trying to figure out why his alarm clock looked like a five hundred-pound gorilla had stepped on it. As he refocused, he realized that there was a tousled head near his own. Oh. Heero must have 'turned it off'. Darn, and he had just gotten comfortable with all the features on that one. Shaking his head in bemusement, he started to sit up. Heero, still sound asleep, uttered a wordless noise of protest and dragged him back down. Duo glanced at his face in surprise. Everyone knew that he was a cuddle bunny, but Heero? He had a personal bubble the size of Texas. Duo usually ignored that, true, but still...he hadn't expected this kind of behavior from his usually quiet friend. A slow sense of delight spread through his chest. Well...first period wasn't that important, right? Duo snuggled back in, wrapping his arm around Heero and went right back to sleep.

"Well, *somebody* looks happy."

Duo twisted around, watching as Quatre walked toward him. It was just him under the tree so far, Heero having to go get lunch. Who knew where Wufei was. He gave the blond his best 'who, me?' look in response. "Whaddya mean?"

"I mean you're grinning from ear to ear with a 'someday my prince will come' look in your eyes," Quatre declared in exasperation. "So what happened?"

Well...surely talking about this to Quatre wouldn't be a bad thing, right? Duo gestured his friend in closer, giving the area a quick sweep of his eyes to make sure that they wouldn't be overheard by anyone. Quatre plopped down next to him, scooting in closer. He sensed a story, and it was probably going to be a whopper with the way that Duo was acting. "So?" Quatre demanded eagerly. "...well, past couple of nights I've been having bad dreams."

Quatre started frowning. This was not what he was expecting. "And you're happy about this?"

Duo rolled his eyes. "Noooo. Of course not."

"Hey, I'm just wandering if you need a shrink or something," Quatre defended himself. "So you've been having nightmares. And?"

"And...I woke up Heero a few times." Duo absently gnawed on his lower lip. "It really freaked him out. He stayed with me the first two nights it happened, just so I could fall back asleep, y'know? But last night..." that dreamy smile crept back onto Duo's face. "Last night, he didn't wait for a nightmare to happen. He just climbed in with me and snuggled up against my back...did you know he's a cuddler? Who would have figured."

"Ah," Quatre intoned with full understanding. "I see. Well, I can't blame you. Being cuddled by something as sexy as Heero Yuy would make me go sappy too."

"I'll tell Fei-fei you said that," Duo promised with a wicked smile. "Wufei is just as hot as Heero," Quatre replied, completely untroubled by this threat. "So are you finally going to admit that you have the hots for your roommate?"

"Dude, if someone finds Heero unattractive, point him out to me. He needs medical attention, asap."

Quatre rolled his eyes, sighing patiently. "What I meant was, are you going to go after him?"

"Er..." Duo lowered his voice slightly, scooting even closer. "Q, with your empathy thing can you tell me if Heero has the hots for me? I mean, he's like my best friend now...and I really don't want to blow that if he's not, um, interested."

Quatre just Looked at him. "Do I need to invest in a clue bat?"

A slow grin spread over Duo's face. "I'll take that as a yes, shall I? So...if you were in my place, what would you do?"

Quatre started smirking.

Heero sat with his back to the dojo wall, absently peeling the label off a water bottle. Class was over, and normally he would be eagerly slipping on shoes and heading home. Today however, he needed to think and thinking in his room was impossible. Duo was distracting. *Very* distracting. Especially these days. He fully planned on staying in the dojo until either one of two things happened. Either a) he figured out what he was feeling and what to do about it, or b) they kicked him out. Option B was the more likely probability. For some unfathomable reason, Duo was becoming very...affectionate. He was always touchy feely before, and Heero had encouraged this. Who wouldn't? It was just becoming more frequent. And intense. Every touch was almost a caress, and Heero couldn't figure out if it was just his imagination or if Duo was silently asking for a more intimate relationship.

He was distracted from his thoughts when something moved to block the light. Absently he glanced up, just long enough to see Wufei with his arms crossed, frowning down at him. "Yuy, stop brooding in my dojo."

Heero casually hooked his foot behind Wufei's knee and dropped his friend to the ground. "OW!" Wufei rubbed at his abused posterior. "What the hell was that for?"

There was just no easy way to ask this, but Heero was floundering and needed the advice. Besides, Wufei was a good person to ask. He'd just been through this whole scene with his own boyfriend after all, right? "How did you know Quatre was interested in you?"

Wufei blinked. Where was this coming from? "Why?"

Heero just Looked at him. "Answer the question Chang."

"It was fairly obvious," Wufei growled in exasperation. He was just never going to understand how Heero's mind worked. Why was he asking this anyway? Oh...wait...did this have anything to do with Duo? Wufei gave his friend a sharp look, gauging the reaction of his next words carefully. "He kept touching me for no good reason. And he used any excuse possible to spend time with me. I could just tell."

That was almost precisely what Duo was doing. Wufei felt a flash of triumph at the flare of recognition in Heero's eyes. Aha! It *did* have something to do with Duo. "Duo doesn't strike me as a patient person," he drawled casually. "I suggest you make your move soon."

Heero's brows snapped together. "Who said I was talking about Duo?"

"I did. And I'm right." Heero really couldn't refute that. He settled for glaring at his best friend. "Hi guys, what's up?" Heero's glare became even more deadly as Quatre seemed to pop up from nowhere. If Wufei said *one* *word* to his boyfriend, Heero was going to murder him?

Wufei twisted a little to smile up at his boyfriend. "Heero's brooding about Duo."

That's it. He's dead. Heero would just hijack Wufei's car to move the body in. The dark look on Heero's face did not escape Quatre's notice. He decided to step in before Heero went for the katana hanging on the wall above his head. He liked Wufei in one piece. "Ah. Funny coincidence, that. I had a similar conversation with Duo earlier this week."

All murderous thoughts evaporated from Heero's head. He snapped around to stare at Quatre hopefully. "You did?"

"Yup." Quatre grinned at him, saucily waggling his eyebrows. "So Heero, I hope that you are planning on making a move? Before Duo tears his braid out?"

Part of Heero's worries had disappeared without a trace. Duo was, in fact, giving him a silent encouragement. Now he just had to figure out the right approach. "Any ideas on how I should do that?"

Wufei looked up at Quatre. Quatre looked at Wufei. They exchanged a particularly *knowing* smirk. "It worked on you," Quatre noted cryptically. "No arguments there," Wufei agreed. "Should we tell him?"

Heero's hand started going for the katana above his head. Quatre eyed it in some worry. "I think we better."

Heero walked into the room, slinging his backpack onto the bed casually. Duo flashed him a quick smile, but he apparently wasn't going to be easily distracted from his homework. Well, that was alright for now. He climbed up next to Duo, sitting close by his side and glancing over his shoulder. Ah. Geometry. They had plans on going out later, Duo was probably trying to finish up his homework so that he didn't have to worry about it. Duo shifted to lean up against Heero, head on shoulder and his back resting against the other's chest. "Ah, better. Stay put, Ro."

Somewhat amused as being used as a support, Heero stayed still and let one of his hands rest on Duo's upper thigh. The other teenager didn't seem to notice or care about that hand, so he forced himself to relax and leave it there. Heero took in a deep breath as he waited for Duo to get his homework done. He had talked the idea over with Quatre and Wufei, but he was nervous as all get out about what he planned to do. He wasn't really all that experienced in the relationship department, and he didn't want to screw up in kissing Duo. But he had tried several times in telling the braided teen that he wanted to be more than friends, and could never get his voice to cooperate. He'd have to show instead of tell. Duo finished the last problem with a flourish and casually tossed his books onto the desk near the bed, where they landed with a thud. "DONE!! Ha!" The sudden tension in the body behind him did not escape his notice and he tilted his head so that he could look up at Heero. "Ro? Wha?"

Heero caught his chin with two fingertips and carefully pressed his mouth against Duo's. The careful contact lasted about two seconds, then Duo melted against him. The kiss slid from being chaste to hungry. Heero felt his inexperience like a lead balloon over his head, but he couldn't find it in himself to care. Duo tasted and felt marvelous, and he couldn't bring himself to break the contact or try to slow the kiss into something more calm and controlled. Finally he was forced to break it for the simple necessity of breathing. Duo was panting against his chest, eyes heavy with pleasure. When he managed to get enough air into his lungs, and enough brain activity to speak, he frowned up at Heero. "You'd better have a damn good reason for stopping."

"Air," Heero returned with a satisfied smile tugging at his mouth. He felt completely proud of himself. Not only had he kissed Duo without screwing anything up, but Duo had apparently liked it. A lot. Duo made a sound that sounded strangely like the one on Jeopardy when one of the contestants said the wrong answer. "Lame. Air is a commodity, not a necessity."

Heero quirked a brow as he slid one of his hands into the base of Duo's braid. "I'll tell the doctor that when he asks for a cause of death."

Duo had a sharp comeback for that one, but it managed to evaporate from his brain completely when Heero drew his head back up and started kissing him again. Practically purring, he twisted so that he could slide his arms around Heero's waist and let the Asian teen kiss him senseless.

"Quatre," Wufei growled in exasperation. The blond irritably waved him off, his ear still to the dorm door. "Do you mind telling me just what you are doing?"

"Heero is making his move today," Quatre explained shortly. He focused his ability as much as possible. It didn't take much effort to pick up on the feelings behind that closed door. In fact, it was strong enough to have a certain...reaction. Quatre shifted his pants subtly and hoped Wufei hadn't caught his response. "How can you be so sure?"

"Call it a hunch." Quatre waited another thirty seconds, then decided that things were definitely getting to a boiling point in there. He didn't want those two going too fast and at the rate things were escalating, they were going to. Pulling back, he knocked on the door purposefully. Wufei was beyond understanding his boyfriend, but he couldn't help but ask questions regardless. "I thought you said he was making his move."

"And I'm right, but they need to step back a bit at this point otherwise they'll get into each other too fast."

"What, like we did?"

Quatre gave his smirking boyfriend a dirty look. The door abruptly jerked open, an irate Heero Yuy glaring at them. "What?" he bit out. "How about a double date tonight?" Quatre asked cheerfully. Heero gave him an exasperated look that said 'Did you have to interrupt us *now* to ask that question?!' Quatre smiled at him serenely. Duo, naturally, had heard the invitation and bounced off the bed. He ducked around Heero, eyes bright with anticipation. "Date? Where to?"

"The movies," Quatre filled in. "The second Pirates movie is out."

"Sounds cool," Duo agreed. "What time?"

As they started talking logistics and details, Heero gave Wufei a pointed Look, silently asking if he couldn't have controlled his blond counterpart. Wufei rolled his eyes. Heero was crazy if he honestly thought that *anyone* could control Quatre.

CHAPTER EIGHT: Dating 101

It wasn't easy getting Duo alone without Heero around. Quatre knew they were a new couple and all that, but still he'd had these questions burning in the back of his mind for nearly a week and he still hadn't found a time to speak to Duo alone. Tonight was going to be his only chance for another week. Heero was at the dojo with Wufei, and Quatre knew precisely when class let out. He had about an hour and a half before Heero showed up again. Taking in a breath he knocked on the dorm door. "Coming!" a cheery Duo answered from inside. After a moment the door was flung open. "Hey, Q."

"Hey." Quatre managed a smile, but it felt a little stiff. "Can I come in?"

"Sure." Duo was giving him a puzzled look, sensing that something was off. Quatre avoided his eyes, coming all the way in and sinking onto the bed. This was definitely a conversation to be done while sitting down. Duo closed the door before sitting next to him on the bed. Duo lost his usual maniacal cheerfulness, becoming quiet and thoughtful. "So what's up?"

Quatre shifted a little uneasily as he looked sideways at Duo. He'd been gathering little incidents in the back of his head for some time now, and it was driving him crazy. There were just certain things about Duo that didn't jive with a normal teenage guy. But he wasn't sure if he should say anything about it or not. Finally, against his better judgment, he cleared his throat softly. "Um, Duo?" Duo had seen Quatre fidget out of the corner of his eye, but hadn't said anything, simply waiting for the blond to get to whatever point he needed to. "Yeah, Q?"

"Are you...ah...I mean, have you ever felt the need to..." Quatre huffed out a breath. "There is absolutely no way to ask this delicately." Raising his eyebrows, Duo blinked for a moment, then frowned. "Q, whatever it is, just spit it out. I don't bite...much."

"Ha. You mean, anyone but Heero." "Well...yeah. So?"

Quatre grumbled, hemmed, hawed, and blurted it out before he could think twice about it. "Are you a transvestite?"

Duo stopped, frozen. Blink, blink...blinkblinkblink. "*WHAAAAAT?!!!!*"

Quatre flinched. /Maybe I should have gotten a written statement about that biting thing. And added punching to it for good measure./ "Er..."

"Quatre Raberba Winner...What the *hell* are you talking about?!"

Quatre sighed to himself. He knew this wasn't going to be easy. But then, nothing with Duo ever was. "Right. Um. It's just little things I've noticed that don't...it's not something that fits in a normal guy's behavioral patterns, okay?"

Duo narrowed his eyes, watching Quatre closely. /What have I...?/

"And what have I been doing to bring you to the oh so starting conclusion that I'm a *transvestite*?"

Quatre started ticking points off on his fingers. "Chapstick at least once an hour, hand lotion, chocolate binges and cravings, pulling guys around by their ties, fixing your hair at least five times a day, your nails are just as neat as any girl's and you know more about taking care of long hair than the girls do! Besides, whenever you are near Heero, you just...gah, I don't know how to explain it. You just look...softer."

Duo blinked at the list presented. /Have I really been doing all that? I never thought.../ But that was just the case. Duo had been a girl so long before being a boy, that the natural things girls did were just...natural to do. "Aaah, um. Well." /Should I tell Q? He wouldn't say anything to anyone. I think./

Quatre started rubbing at his chest irritably. "Duo, why is this making you so nervous? Calm down, I haven't pointed this out to anyone. It's just...something that I've noticed and I wanted to know why." Relaxing fractionally at Quatre's admission, Duo began to fiddle with his braid. "Well, you see, it's...um." He looked down. "I can explain, but you have to *swear* that you will tell no one else. Especially Heero."

Quatre blinked. /He's actually going to tell me? Shock. Hm./ "I'll give you a blood oath if it would make you feel better."

"Ah, no. You don't have to go that far. Just...just swear you won't tell." Duo looked up with pleading violet eyes. "I don't want Heero to know. Please."

/This is really serious. Crap. What have I gotten myself into?/ Still, he was too curious to let the matter lie. "Alright. I promise. I'll say nothing of this again."

Sighing a little, Duo got up and bolted the door. He came back to the bed and sat down, pulling his braid forward again. "You see, it's like this..."

[Fifteen minutes later]

Quatre was absolutely speechless. His best friend used to be a girl? And was switched against his (her?) will just to prove a point? "Duo...I have absolutely no idea what to say."

"It's okay," Duo told him, smile a little lopsided. "Trowa was kinda the same way when I told him. I don't think anyone has an idea of what to say."

"It does explain a lot, though. I mean, you've only been this way for about...what, eight months?" He paused, head cocked at Duo and waiting for a response. "Er...more like nine."

"It's actually remarkable how masculine your behavior is, all things considered."

"It helped that I used to be a tomboy," Duo admitted grudgingly. "I don't like the idea, though, that I'm acting girly. No wonder everybody thinks I'm a fag."

"It's not really that noticeable," Quatre assured him. "I just noticed because I have twenty-nine sisters. You learn to look for danger signals."

Duo blinked at this. "Danger signals?"

"When a group of girls all decide that they need chocolate, then any sane guy bolts for it while he can," Quatre told him seriously. "That's actually the first thing that I noticed about you. A sweet tooth would be one thing, but you're constantly eating chocolate."

Duo considered this...and groaned when he realized the blond was right. "I shouldn't be craving the stuff, though."

"I'm a little curious about that as well. After all, it's supposed to be a girl thing...anyway, it was the chocolate thing that got me curious. It was when you yanked Trowa's tie and dragged him over to us that I really got suspicious. That is a girl move if there ever was one."

"Q, do me a favor. The next time I do something like that, slap me."

"Are you kidding?" Quatre shook his head rapidly, hands up in surrender. "Heero would kill me if I tried to retrain your behavior. He likes you the way you are."

"Q..." Duo chewed a little restlessly on his bottom lip. "You said I go 'soft' whenever I'm next to Heero. You mean girly soft?"

"Kind of...but not really. Just...soft. It's more like you become submissive, letting him take the alpha role."

"Oh." Duo frowned, not quite liking the sound of that either. Yeah, he usually let Heero take the lead but that didn't mean he was being called to heel either. It was just...Heero was the guy, he was *supposed* to take the lead -- and that was a girl thought if there ever was one. Argh. "That's not necessarily a bad thing, right? I mean, one of us has to be alpha and the other submissive."

"I didn't say it was a bad thing," Quatre assured him hastily. "I mean, in my relationship I'm submissive to Wufei. It doesn't mean that I'm going to let anyone walk all over me, it's just that I usually let him take the lead."

"Right." Duo took in a deep breath, let it out, and then took in another before he felt better. The past thirty minutes had been a little nerve wracking. "You're right. This is just really weird to think about y'know? Girls don't even have to question who's going to be alpha, it's just something that's automatic. The guy takes the lead."

Quatre nodded, smiling faintly. "It has to get really confusing inside of your head sometimes."

"You have no idea, Q, believe me." Duo flopped back onto the bed, feeling a headache coming on. He lifted both hands to cover his eyes, wishing fervently for aspirin. "If it helps, you can talk to me." Quatre was completely genuine in his offer. He knew that Duo wasn't close to many people, and the number of people who knew his secret had to be very slim indeed.

"Thanks, man. I probably will. I mean, Trowa knows and I can talk to him but he's straight so there are some things he just doesn't get, y'know?" One of his hands fell back to the bed and his head tilted so that he could look at Quatre. "But seriously, Q, if I start doing something stupid and girly, find a way to stop me."

"I'll try," Quatre promised although he had a feeling that promising his help would come back to bite him later. He couldn't just leave Duo alone in this, though. "Maybe we should come up with some kind of a code, though. If I tried slapping you every time you did something, Heero really would smack me. I like my head intact."

Duo grinned at him ruefully. "Code it is, then."

Trowa exited the precinct, taking in a deep breath of the outside air. He understood the necessity of paperwork, he really did...he just wished he didn't have to do it. After ten hours of doing nothing but writing reports and filling out forms, he wanted to just go home and veg. He barely sensed a person right behind him before a deep male voice next to his ear said "Boo."

"GAH!!!" Trowa leapt like a scalded cat, reaching for his gun and whirling around. Treize stood watching this reaction, an amused smirk toying with the corners of his mouth. "For a cop, you're very skittish." Trowa's heart was beating a zillion times a minute, and he felt slightly ridiculous with his gun half way out of its holster. Grunting, he shoved it back in before glowering at Treize. "You didn't live with Duo for three months. You develop certain reflexes, trust me." "Considering Duo's personality, I can see where you're coming from." Treize took a casual step that put him significantly closer to Trowa's personal bubble. "Any plans for this evening?"

Ah. So that was what he was doing here. Damn, Trowa had been very neatly caught. He didn't have plans, and somehow he had an idea that Treize knew that. There was only one way to deal with this, and that was straight on. "Treize, I'm flattered that I caught your attention but --"

"You're straight," Treize finished for him sardonically. Trowa let out a mental sigh of relief. Okay, so apparently the redhead wasn't going to make this too difficult. "Actually, yes I am."

Treize caught Trowa's chin between two fingers, holding him still long enough for a quick kiss. It was barely a brush of lips on lips, but still electric and pleasant. Trowa jerked in the hold, then stayed frozen in sheer dumbfounded surprise. Treize smirked at him, murmuring softly, "Not for long." He pulled away, giving the cop some space so he could recuperate from his mental hiccup. "I'll pick you up at six."

Trowa watched as the man sauntered confidently away, still gaping like a beached whale. The world was feeling a little surreal at the moment. "What the hell just happened here...?"

Duo bounced into his room, slinging his backpack onto the bed and headed straight for the phone. He hadn't seen Trowa in a week and figured that the cop needed to eat something besides pizza and Campbell's soup...which was usually the cop's diet. Trowa was a fantastic cook, but he was a lazy one and rarely did anything beyond the basics when it came to feeding himself. Besides, Duo was in the mood for homemade spaghetti and as his adopted father, it was Trowa's duty to cook for him, right? He dialed in the number by heart, hearing it ring...and ring...

"Hello?"

"Hey, Tro! Whatcha doin' tonight?"

"Hi Duo." He sounded a little...spacey. "I...I guess I have a date tonight."

Duo pulled the phone away from his ear to give it a funny look. "You guess? How can you not be certain about having a date?"

""Well...Treize met me outside the station."

Duo started sniggering. "Finally made a move you can't dodge, did he?"

"This isn't funny Duo."

"Sure it is," Duo caroled back. He knew that Treize wasn't a pushover. He should really do something nice for his principal to encourage him. Trowa needed someone in his life, and Duo thought Treize would be perfect. "Well I'll let you go shall I? I don't want you to be late for your *date*."

"*Duo*," Trowa groaned in exasperation. "Bye, Tro!" Duo hung up, making a firm promise with himself to call Trowa later and get all the details about his 'date'. With Treize planning it, it was going to be a doozey.

Duo eyed the clock, chewing on his bottom lip in thought. Midnight...maybe it was too early to call? But it was only a first date, surely they hadn't gone *that* far already...but they were adults, maybe things went further when you were an adult? Heero didn't look up from his math homework. "Duo."

"What?" "Just call him."

Duo blew out a breath. This really was driving him crazy. "Okay." Picking up the phone, he dialed in Trowa's number. It rang four times (which was unusual, usually Trowa answered on the second ring or thereabouts) before it was picked up. "Barton."

"Hi, Tro," Duo offered. "Duo? Oh, uh...hi."

Trowa did not sound altogether there. "So...how was the date?"

"Good." There was a pause, then "He kissed me good night."

Duo was biting his lip to keep from laughing. Oh, so *that* was why Trowa sounded so out of it. "Reeeaallly."

"Damn good at it, too." Duo lost it at that and started rolling with laughter. Heero paused in typing to watch his boyfriend on the floor, both arms around his stomach and gales of laughter pouring out of his mouth.

Friday evening, and Duo headed to Quatre's for a sleepover. On the way over there he filled the blond in on Trowa's date. "Wow," was Quatre's slightly amused response. "I had no idea the principal was interested. Soooo...is Trowa straight?"

"He said he was, but I doubt it. You should have heard him when I called him last night. It reminded me of you after Wufei has ambushed you." Duo shot his friend a pointed look, somewhat gratified to see the blond blush. "Maybe he's bi. Or maybe I'm a bad influence."

"Or maybe Mr. Kushrenada is too much to resist," Quatre couldn't help but add. "You think he has a chance?"

"Considering that Trowa isn't putting up much of a fight? Yeah, I say chances are really good." The conversation stalled as Quatre opened the door and led his friend into the house. "IRIA!" he called toward the second floor. "I'M HOME!"

"Welcome back!" was the faint reply from upstairs. Quatre led the way up with Duo close on his heels. They tossed bags into a corner of the room and conveniently forgot about any homework that might be awaiting them. "So what do you want to do?" Quatre asked. "Hm..." Duo considered that for a moment. "I stole some of Heero's anime before I left."

Quatre's face lit up in a smile. "What did you steal?"

"Bleach." Duo grinned wickedly. That was enough information for Quatre. He punched a fist in the air before heading for the door. "I'll get munchies!"

Duo popped his head out into the hallway to call, "Can I have strawberry soda?"

"No red dye for you!" Quatre called back. "...darn."

CHAPTER NINE: Assumptions

Duo covered a yawn, stumbling down the staircase. It was barely nine, an unheard of and unorthodox time to be up on a Saturday, at least for him. He just hoped that there was something around for breakfast and that Quatre would take pity on him and actually cook it, since he wasn't at all awake enough to be coordinated yet. "Mmm...that's good..."

Duo's eyebrow quirked. Ooookay...it looked like *someone* was up, at least. Since the voice had come from the living room, he went that way to investigate. And froze in the doorway. Wufei was lying on top of Quatre, mouth fastened to the blond's neck and hands reaching for the belt at the other's waist. Quatre's hands were similarly occupied. Neither of them had shirts on. "Damn belt!" Quatre grunted, yanking at the offending article. "Why is it that when I want you hot and naked, you're always wearing this belt?"

Wufei lifted his mouth up long enough to answer with, "Murphy's law." His hand disappeared into Quatre's jeans and they both moaned. "Ancestors, you feel so good in my hand?"

That was more than enough information for Duo. He spun back out of the room, darting for the safety of the kitchen. "I think I better stick with cereal this morning..."

About an hour later, Duo judged it to be 'safe' enough to leave the kitchen. At least, he had been standing at the kitchen door for nearly ten minutes and hadn't heard anything to indicate that things were still on a roll in the living room. Cautiously he tiptoed out into the hallway. Nope, still nothing. /This might be a bad idea.../ He eased his head around the doorway, peeking into the living room, ready to duck back out and away if they were still doing...that. Thankfully for Duo, they weren't. They were still entwined on the couch, sort of, but this time they were fully dressed (if you overlooked Quatre's unbuttoned shirt.) Wufei was straddling Quatre's thighs, and they were both rather firmly wrapped around each other. Quatre turned his head a little to the side, breaking the kiss, blue eyes a little out of focus. "Wufei, you have to let me up. Duo's going to be awake soon and I promised to cook him pancakes this morning."

Wufei muttered something that sounded like 'in a minute' against Quatre's neck. The blond groaned, head falling back a little to give the other access. Turn about, Duo decided mischievously, was definitely fair play. Putting on a bright smile he skipped out into full view and caroled (very loudly) "Gooooood MOOOOOORRRRNNNNINNNG!!"

"ACK!" Quatre shot upright, head snapping around to confirm that yes, Duo really was awake and aware before noon, and apparently was standing there in the living room. In the process, the blond knocked his Chinese lover off balance and sent him crashing to the floor, where he landed with a rather loud thump and a scowl. "MAXWELL~!"

"Sorry, Wuffers," Duo apologized with an unrepentant grin. "I just wanted to say good morning, I already had breakfast, and you two need to close and lock the door before you get too wrapped up next time."

Quatre and Wufei shared a horrified look, flushing simultaneously. Duo just had to rub it in. He simply could not resist. "So...I didn't realize you guys were to this level already. Why did you move so fast?"

Quatre tugged his shirt closed a little self-consciously, then caught himself. Aw hell, there was only one way to get through this without dying of embarrassment, and that was to just grin his way through it. Drawing himself up, he deliberately smirked at Duo. "The first time I saw him, I thought 'I want THAT one'. And I got him."

Wufei looked at his lover sharply. He had thought the same thing... "Wait a minute, I thought *I* was doing the chasing."

Quatre's smirk transformed into an innocent smile. "Nope, no manipulation here..."

Duo grinned down at Wufei. "You have been had."

"...apparently so."

Quatre just beamed.

"...so? Yuy's focused on Maxwell. We don't have to worry about him."

Wufei paused in closing his locker. The boy's locker room was practically empty at this point. The teacher had delayed him otherwise he would have been gone already as well. He recognized the voice although it took a minute to put a name to it. Tyler Smith, one of the starters for the varsity basketball team. Very quietly he moved so that he could hear better and see who Tyler was talking to. "You got a point," a tall blond agreed. Carlton Hansen, another starter for the varsity team. In fact, the main six players that the team counted on were standing in a group near Tyler's locker. "I mean, Winner is just as bad as Maxwell. They're both faggots."

"I even heard that Winner has a boyfriend," Tom Neilson added casually. He flicked his dark hair out of his eyes -- his one true pride and joy -- and smirked. "When we're done with Winner, we should go after him."

Wufei had heard enough. No one was allowed to even think about hurting his lover. Stepping into view he stated coldly, "You will not approach Quatre."

The group started, jerking around to see who had spoken. Tyler flinched when he realized who it was -- he'd seen Wufei fight before, and had no real wish to tangle with him. But the rest closed in around Wufei like vultures around a fresh carcass. "Oh? Why's that."

"Because you won't survive the experience," Wufei continued with soft finality. Tom's eyes narrowed as he looked at the slight Chinese teen in front of him. His friend had given a description of Winner's boyfriend. A short Chinese guy with his hair in a ponytail. He put two and two together, smirking. "So you're the queer's boyfriend. He must be a pretty good fuck for you to stick up for him."

Tom had no idea what hit him. One minute the guy was just standing there, the next Tom impacted against the locker, his nose broken and bleeding all over the place. "Let me rephrase for you Neanderthals so that you can understand. Quatre Winner is not to be harmed in any way because if he is, your life will not be worth the bodybag you'll be put in." The room remained frozen, some staring at Wufei in shock -- they hadn't even seen him move -- the rest in anger. Wufei watched them carefully, falling back into the first defense position by instinct. He knew what the looks being exchanged meant. They weren't going to just let matters lie. Wufei dodged the first punch that flew toward his face, slapping it contemptuously aside even as he stepped forward and slammed the heel of his foot into the bottom of his attacker's jaw. The teenager crumpled to the ground almost instantly, and Wufei's eyes cut to the idiot next to him. He was blindly charging forward, hands extended to the side as if to knock Wufei to the ground. At the same moment, another was closing in from the other side with the same intent. Snorting, he vaulted himself into the air, neatly flipping out of the way and landing two feet away from them. They crashed into each other, heads impacting with a sick thud. Wufei spun as he landed, kicking one back into the other so that they struck heads again before slumping against the lockers. Tyler backed away nervously when everything had started, but now his blood was up. Chang was taking them out without any real effort, and it made him mad. Near the door there was a bunch of sports equipment -- including baseball bats. With a snarl he snatched one up and swung it wildly at Wufei. The Asian saw the swing and jumped out of the way, although it meant landing hard against the locker. /This is no place for a decent fight, dammit./ With a snarl of his own he launched himself at Tyler, closing in quickly and rendering the bat ineffective. In a flurry of motion, he blackened both of Tyler's eyes, broke his nose, and knocked the wind out of him. The last two standing members of the team rushed Wufei as he placed the last punch in Tyler's abdomen. They attempted to catch his arms, but he dropped instantly to his heels, tearing his arms free of their hold. With a roll backwards, he flipped himself behind them and back onto his feet. They were just turning as he smartly chopped against the side of one boy's neck, rendering him unconscious, then kicking the other one's legs out from under him. The last player went down hard, smacking his head against the bench as he collapsed. Tom had managed to get past the stars in front of his eyes, and looked in dismay at the bodies around him. In not quite five minutes, the slim almost delicate looking Chinese bastard had taken down all six of them and wasn't even breathing hard. "Neilson."

Swallowing hard against humiliation and pain he looked up into Chang's eyes. He writhed even more when he saw the cold contempt in those onyx eyes, but he couldn't look away. "This was my only warning. You'll leave my lover alone."

The promise was of death was so clear in that voice that it didn't need to be put into words. Without a backwards glance Wufei walked out of the locker room and to the principal's office.

/I can't laugh. The principal isn't supposed to laugh when one of his students tells him he just beat up six members of the varsity basketball team./ Treize managed to keep his face straight with an effort, but it was an effort. Truly, all he wanted to do was give Wufei a standing ovation. "I see. They are still on the locker room floor, I presume?"

Wufei shrugged, a casual does-it-look-like-I-care? shrug that spoke volumes. "I left them ten minutes ago. I doubt any of them have regained consciousness at this point."

"Ah. A moment, then." Treize pushed a button on his phone and leaned forward slightly to speak into it. "Une, have someone check the boy's locker room. And send them with a very large med kit."

//Med kit?//

"Wufei just beat up six of them. I believe a med kit will be needed."

A sound that could have been a snort of amusement came out over the speakers, then a calm //Understood, sir. I'll send Walker.//

"Thank you." Treize let go of the button and looked up at Wufei. "Well. As much as I want to applaud your actions, seeing your reasons behind it, I'm afraid that I must punish you for harming your fellow classmates."

Wufei shrugged, as if this was expected. "For the next three weeks, you will be required to escort Quatre Winner to and from school. Am I clear?"

Wufei blinked. That was supposed to be a punishment? He caught the twinkle in the older man's eyes, and was forced to hide his own smile. "Perfectly, sir."

"Good. Now?"

A hurried knock came at the door before a bright blond stuck his head inside. His worried eyes landed immediately on Wufei. "Are you alright?"

Wufei snorted. "They are weak. I'm not even bruised."

Quatre let out a sigh of relief. "I heard about what happened, but no one was sure where you had disappeared off to."

Wufei rose from his chair, catching Quatre's arm and pulling him all the way inside the room. He hugged his boyfriend tightly, seeing how upset Quatre really was. "I'm fine. And you will be too."

Quatre frowned at this, looking up in question. "Me? How do I come into this?"

"That's how this whole debacle started," Treize put in mildly. /Can't laugh, can't laugh, can't laugh--/ "They were planning on attacking you, and wouldn't heed Wufei's warning that doing so was a Bad Idea."

Quatre's mouth formed a silent 'o' of understanding. Worry melded into upset and his eyes darted between Treize and Wufei. "How much trouble is he in?"

"A great deal," Treize intoned solemnly. "I put him on guard duty for the next three weeks. Mr. Winner, I hope that you will be amiable to the arrangement."

"...eh?"

Wufei rolled his eyes. The man was getting too much enjoyment out of this. "I'm to escort you to and from school for the next three weeks."

Quatre blinked. "That's supposed to be a punishment?"

Treize beamed innocently.

"Quatre!" Iria's voice called from the front door. Quatre looked at his watch, grimacing a little. That one had been too close. He and Wufei had barely gotten out of the shower five minutes before. /Of course, we would have made it with time to spare if he hadn't ambushed me again./ Not that he really minded being ambushed... A dazed, idiotic grin spread over his face. "Quatre!"

The blond jumped when he realized that his sister was now standing in his bedroom doorway, brow quirked and eyes narrowed. Urk. "Ah, hi."

"Is Wufei gone?"

"Yes." Quatre started praying internally that his sister didn't start questioning just how much time he and Wufei spent together. If she did, he'd be in trouble. He couldn't lie well enough to convince a bean sprout. "I see," she murmured, tone indicating that she wouldn't leave it at that. "I can understand him being friends with you, and spending time with him. I can even understand why he's picking you up for school and dropping you back off again."

Her voice stated quite plainly that she didn't see any of that at all. Quatre smiled gamely and tried to divert her. "Well, we study together." Sometimes. In between bouts of hot and heavy sex. Not that he would add that last part out loud...

"Uh-huh. And why is it that either you're both just out of the shower without anyone using MY shower or your hair is still wet?"

"Ehehehe..." Quatre's smile faltered and he started biting on his lower lip. This wouldn't be such a problem if Iria was all right with the idea of him being bisexual, but he wasn't sure what she thought of such relationships, and he didn't want to lose Wufei by finding out the hard way. "Er, water conservation?"

"Nice try, blondie." Iria straightened from her relaxed posture against the doorjamb and came forward to sit next to him on the bed. "Tell me straight, Quatre. Wufei is your boyfriend, isn't he?"

Out of options and with no room to maneuver -- literally, Iria had cornered him against the bed and the dresser was next to it, caging him in quite effectively -- Quatre slumped a little and gave in. "Yes."

"And you were hiding this because...?"

"I wasn't sure how you'd react," Quatre admitted. "Father would have thrown a fit...will throw a fit when he finds out."

Iria mentally started swearing. Her father had a lot to answer for. He either ignored Quatre completely or lambasted him for a failure. Not the best relationship to have with your child. Quatre was so emotionally insecure when it came to his family that it was pathetically ridiculous. /He shouldn't have to balance his affections like this, doling out which truths he thinks each person can handle. Father, when I get my hands on you.../ "Okay. Well, this is easy enough to fix. At least, where it concerns me. I am completely fine with the idea of you being gay, or bi, or in love with ephelants and wuzzles."

Quatre's eyes crossed at that last bit, trying to connect those images and failing. Then he sputtered out a laugh. "No ephelants and wuzzles, thanks. Wufei's cuter."

"On that, I have to agree." Iria pondered this for a moment before adding, "But I wouldn't call him that within his hearing. He'd kill me."

"You have to choose the right moment to get by with it," Quatre agreed. A devilish smile was playing over his face. Iria stared at that expression for a moment, stunned that Quatre even *knew* how to look anything but innocent. Then she shook her head. "I'm not even going to ask. Really, I just don't want to go there."

"Probably not." Quatre's smile widened slightly, eyes dancing. "Now, that being understood, neither of you have to worry about me. Just don't screw each other on the couch, the cleaning bill is not a small matter."

Quatre choked, blushing furiously. "Ah...right."

Iria glared at him suspiciously. "You already have, haven't you?"

"Ehehehe..."

CHAPTER TEN: Connection

Duo absolutely loved study hall when the teacher let them go do whatever. It didn't happen all that often, but it was a blessing when it did. "Q, you feel like playing around on the piano?" It had been a personal strike of inspiration to come to the music room. Duo loved music of all types. Besides, this room was near the football field and Heero had PE right now. If luck was with him, he might catch a glimpse of him. "Sure." Quatre went around the baby grand and opened the lid to reveal the keys. "Are you in the mood for a particular song?"

"Hm..." A slow grin took over Duo's face. "How about 'Great Balls of Fire'?"

An answering grin sketched over Quatre's face. "You better sing with this, Duo."

"You bet."

Quatre hit three chords and Duo started singing. "You shake my nerves and you rattle my brain /Too much of love drives a man insane /You broke my will, but what a thrill /Goodness gracious great balls of fire!"

Through the open window Heero came into view. He slowed down as he recognized the voice, then turned and leaned in the window as he saw Duo singing at the top of his voice. Duo caught sight of him and turned to sing to him. "I laughed at love 'cause I thought it was funny/ You came along and moved me honey/ I changed my mind, this love is fine /Goodness gracious great balls of fire." His eyebrows waggled suggestively over 'balls', making Heero choke even through his smile. "Kiss me baby, woo..... feels good." Duo splayed his hands over his chest, dipping his hips with the beat in an open invitation to be touched. Heero rather wished that there wasn't a wall between them so he could do just that. "Hold me baby, just let me love you like a lover should / You're fine, so kind --" Duo smiled at him, eyes imploring "Can't you tell this world that you're mine mine mine mine-ine~!"

"I chew my nails and I twiddle my thumbs /I'm real nervous but it sure is fun / Come on baby, you drive me crazy --" Duo gave him a 'come hither' look, swaying so that he was looking at Heero over one shoulder with the promise of hot sex in his smile and body. "Goodness gracious great balls of fire~! Hit it, Q!"

Quatre was laughing as he pounded the keyboard, fingers flying over the keys. His hands slid along the ivory, then in rhythm hit the same chord with his right hand as his left kept the bass going. Duo was tapping the piano in beat, laughing. "Well kiss me baby, woo-oooooo....feels good /Hold me baby --" Duo wrapped himself up in his arms, delighted to see that Heero was looking at the window as if he were mentally debating about climbing through it so he could do just that. "I want to love you like a lover should/ You're fine, so kind --" Duo's head shook in time with the music. "I got to tell this world that you're mine mine mine mine-ine~! /I chew my nails and I twiddle my thumbs/ I'm real nervous 'cause it sure is fun/ Come on baby, you drive me crazy/ Goodness gracious great balls of fire~!" Quatre hit the ending chords and finally started laughing as he had been wanting to do the entire time. "We've got to do this more often! Have you ever considered a stage career, Duo?"

"Briefly," Duo answered with a grin. "Then I thought, 'nah, it's easier to just do it in front of Heero and drive him crazy'. So here I am." Heero snorted, but was rather glad that Duo *was* in front of him now even if he was driving him crazy. "So where do I put the quarter in?"

"You got a request, handsome?" Duo sauntered closer to exchange a soft kiss with his boyfriend. Heero smiled into the kiss. "The Rose."

Duo's brow quirked. Of all the songs Heero could pick, this was the one thing he would never have thought of. "Qat, you know it?"

"It's a favorite," Quatre confessed. "Do you know it?"

"Yup. Play on, maestro!"

Quatre's style dramatically changed from loud and jiving to soft and slow. Duo's eyes softened as he looked at Heero. He matched Quatre's style on the piano and sang with soft sincerity. "Some say love, it is a river/that drowns the tender reed. Some say love, it is a razor/ that leaves your soul to bleed. Some say love, it is a hunger/ an endless aching need. I say love, it is a flower, and you its only seed." He felt his heart tighten when he realized that those words were true. Heero was his love, his reason for loving at all. And looking into Heero's eyes in that moment he knew that Heero felt the same way about him. "It's the heart afraid of breaking/ that never learns to dance.

It's the dream afraid of waking/ that never takes the chance./ It's the one who won't be taken, who cannot seem to give,/ and the soul afraid of dyin' that never learns to live." Duo's eyes misted when he saw that Heero was silently singing along with him. //This is his song,// he realized in faint astonishment. //This is how he feels.// "When the night has been too lonely --" Quatre joined in as backup, singing in harmony one octave higher than Duo "-- and the road has been too long/ and you think that love is only for the lucky and the strong/ just remember in the winter far beneath the bitter snows/ lies the seed that with the sun's love in the spring becomes the rose." As the music faded, Heero reached up to touch the face above him. "Thanks."

Quatre was fighting back tears from just the sap level in the room. "I think ballads are your gift, Duo. You're good with rock and roll, but that...that was incredible."

"I sang what was in his eyes," Duo corrected softly. "No magic in that."

"On the contrary, that is a very rare ability."

The boys turned to face this new presence. The short form of the Show Choir director stepped out, her face determined. And Mrs. Gilmore was nothing if not determined. "It's Duo, isn't it? Duo Maxwell?"

"Uh...yes ma'am."

"And why aren't you in choir?"

Heero and Quatre blinked at this demand (actually it sounded like an accusation), then looked at each other in silent curiosity. Actually, considering how much Duo loved to sing, why *wasn't* he in choir?

Duo shrugged and looked down at the floor without an answer. "I can't."

"...can't," she repeated blankly. Heero gave into the ignored impulse and climbed through the window so he could force Duo's chin up. "Duo?"

Duo's eyes remained on the floor. "Why not?" Heero persisted. "Can you imagine the reaction," Quatre posed thoughtfully, "of every jock in this school if Duo were in choir?" The anger in his eyes belied the tone of his voice. Heero's jaw tightened. "That had better not be the reason, Duo."

"I cause enough trouble as it is," Duo answered with a defeated sigh. Heero felt like strangling him. No matter how many times he said it, or showed it, Duo never believed that Heero would support him in whatever he wanted to do: even if it would antagonize some people. "You're joining," Heero told him flatly. "Heero?!"

"Don't argue," Heero snapped in exasperation. "It's obvious you want to."

"Ever heard of the phrase 'from the frying pan into the fire'?" Duo demanded caustically. Why, why, couldn't Heero just leave this alone?! "Well, I'm already *in* the fire and I don't need to pour more lighter fluid on, okay?!"

"...gentlemen, is there something that I don't know about?" Mrs. Gilmore asked quietly. The argument she was seeing was rather confusing to her. Of course, she had only been on campus for roughly two weeks. There was probably quite a bit of history that she was missing. Seeing that they weren't going to answer, Quatre did. "Most of the jocks in the school have a personal vendetta against Duo. They think he's too effeminate, and use it as an excuse to beat him up every chance they get."

Heero cradled his boyfriend's face between both hands. "Duo. Do you want to be in Show Choir?"

"Heero?" Duo started, pained by the question.

"Forget about everything else for a minute. Do you want to?"

"...yes."

Without looking away from Duo's eyes Heero asked "When are practices?"

"From three to four, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays," Mrs. Gilmore answered softly. She was boiling mad that such a talented and obviously personable boy would not do something he loved doing for fear of the repercussions. "He'll be there," Heero responded quietly. Duo closed in the distance, hugging him tightly. Heero slipped both arms around his back, hugging him back. "Duo no baka," he whispered tenderly. "Whatever you want to do, you should do it." "You're a glutton for punishment," Duo muttered. There was humor in it, though and when he looked up at Heero he was smiling. "You know that, don't you?"

"...what's your point?"

Duo snorted, but refrained from responding beyond a smile. Mrs. Gilmore took a folder from the stack she had retrieved from the closet and handed it over to Duo. "We'll meet here, at three sharp. I expect to see you, Mr. Maxwell. If you're smart, you'll use the rest of the period to practice a little. The rest of us are two weeks ahead of you." Duo took a peek inside the folder, blanched, and quickly shut it. "Uh...right. Q!"

Quatre scooted around Heero to take a peek inside the folder. His eyebrows went up. "Hm. Yes, Duo, I think you should practice."

Heero, knowing how to play a cd and little else, went out the window and returned to his class before he could be missed. He'd already helped all he could in this department. It was up to them to manage the rest.

"...and if you take this here, then you should be able to get the solution you want."

Duo leaned back into his boyfriend as Heero nodded in understanding. "That's what I thought I should do, but I wasn't sure."

Reaching around to the keyboard, Heero settled his chin on Duo's shoulder as he finished his Trigonometry assignment. He was getting a good grade in the class, but a couple of the more advanced problems had had him momentarily stumped. Thus why Duo was sitting on his lap at moment. When it came to math, Duo had the brain for it, and he wasn't afraid to use it. When Heero had asked for his help he had been pleasantly surprised that instead of pulling up another chair, Duo had pushed him back in his chair and then sat down. On top of him, in his lap. To say that Heero had been delighted was an understatement. He had hoped that the lithe brunet was becoming more comfortable with him and that he was showing initiative told Heero that they were getting closer to another level of intimacy, one much desired. Kissing Duo senseless was among one of the more pleasurable ways to spend the evenings, but it was getting to the point where Heero had a strangle hold on his libido most times to keep it from getting away from him. No. Until Duo said that he wanted to take it further, Heero would keep his cool and take many, *many*, cold showers. Duo was too precious to him to push him into anything that would drive him away.

Duo was content to stay where he was until Heero had finished up his assignment. He had seen the surprise on his boyfriend's face earlier when he had sat down on his lap, and he enjoyed it. He was definitely getting more comfortable with the dark haired boy and their level of intimacy. He knew that Heero wanted more, but he also knew that Heero would wait for him to be comfortable and to ask. Duo flushed with warmth at Heero's consideration for him.

/Still...I wonder.../

"Hey, Ro?"

"Mmm."

"When you're done there I need to use the 'net for a few to look up something for my literature class."

"'Kay."

Duo smiled. While he was looking up references for his report, he could think about what he wanted to do and also enjoy a bit more time where he was.

Heero finished with a flourish and printed out the assignment before he leaned back in the chair and let Duo take the computer.

"Thank you."

"No problem."

He watched silently as Duo accessed the school's network and began to search for his references. Finding himself with nothing to do with his hands, Heero began to play with the braid that dangled down Duo's back. Duo's smile was unseen as he felt the heavy mass unravel and gentle fingers comb through it. Heero had an unholy fascination with his hair, but Duo didn't mind in the least. Nope, not at all.

After finding what he needed and printing it out, Duo slipped from Heero's lap with a light sigh and leaned over to press a kiss to a golden cheek. "Thank you."

Heero smiled up at him and nodded, tugging lightly at the newly redone braid before he pulled up his English assignment. Duo watched for a moment, biting his lip.

/Do I dare? I mean, I know he's not going to do anything inappropriate, it's just dancing. He said he'd wait for me to ask, but...I'm curious. How close can we get without doing *that*? I'm still not sure...and I'd like to ask someone...Maybe Q or Fei. Aw, hell!/ Duo flushed with embarrassment, glad that Heero couldn't see, as he thought about going to his best friends and asking them what went on between two guys. He chewed on his lip as he cast another speculative glance at the back of Heero's head. He really *really* just wanted to dance with Heero, and not that slow, preppy kind either. /What the hell. What have I got to lose...besides my virginity. GAH! Heero is NOT like that, idiot! Get it through your skull that he is so damn close to the perfect boyfriend, hell he IS the perfect boyfriend and he CARES about you. So cut the crap and just do it! Ask him or better yet, just put on the music and dance. THAT'LL catch his attention./

Nodding sharply to himself, his courage now bolstered, Duo set his papers on his desk and then marched over to the cd player they had set up between the two beds. He skimmed through his cds before one caught his eye. "Perfect!" he hissed quietly, pulling it out. It was a new one that he had burnt from one of the girls in a class of his. It had all of the new club mixes on it, but number four was his favorite by far. It was catchy and fast and it would suit his needs perfectly. Slipping it into the player he pressed play and turned up the volume.

As the first fast notes came up, he turned toward Heero.

"Hey, Ro~"

Heero heard the music begin to play, his ears catching the low sing-song of his name. /What --?/ He turned slightly to see Duo smiling slightly at him and beginning to move to the music. His eyes widened as Duo's hips circled to the slow/fast underbeat and then pick up speed, only to do it again. Heero swallowed tightly.

"W-what?"

~~Night of fire~~

Duo's smile widened. "Come play with me."

~~Night of fire~~

"Uuumm." Heero's brain was putting up warning signs all over the place.

The music picked up and Duo moved with it, his arms coming out from his body and above his head. Heero's mouth went dry.

~~Welcome to the broken low/Welcome to the famous disco live

Come on lady come and go/Come on lady get me once and right

Not a danger, not a blacky stranger/Rock it -- rock it -- knock to my door I'll open/Speak my name now, speak it if you know how/Fly to me, get ready for the

Night of fire, you better better say/You better better begin the prayer to play/Night of fire, come over over me/Come over over the top you've never been here~~

Duo sang the words silently, beginning to lose himself to the music. He watched Heero from under his lashes as he rocked, bringing his hands down his sides. Heero's blue eyes were wide and intense as they watched him. /Guess that answers that question. Now come play with me./

~~Night of fire, you better better say/You better better begin the prayer to play/Night of fire, come over over me/Come over over the top you'll have a night of fire.~~

Heero's eyes narrowed as he watched the lithe siren in front of him. Did Duo *know* what he was doing to him? With him dancing like that and looking all too delicious in the tight red tee and blue jeans he was wearing Heero's libido was jumping up and down furiously, yelling at the top of its lungs to GET OUT THERE!

/I've still got this assignment though./ The more practical side of him argued. Then Duo turned his back to him, still swaying and looked over his shoulder. All thoughts of practicality went out the window.

/*Screw* homework./

Heero slid out of his chair and stalked silently forward, a black and blue panther hunting. He slid a hand around Duo's stomach in a caress.

~~You'll have a night of fire~~

Duo licked his lips as he felt the hand slide across his stomach and then Heero's solid body behind him. He raised his arms again and leaned back as Heero locked him in, rocking with him.

~~Welcome to my rocky show/Welcome to the fire of the night~~

Duo turned and brought an arm down around Heero's neck. Heero leaned him back into a short circle and then up again, smiling into darkened violet. ~~Come on baby let it go/Come on baby let me stick you tight~~

Slipping a knee between Duo's, Heero brought him in tighter to him and they began to dance with more passion. Duo smiled back into intense blue eyes, thoroughly enjoying this moment. He lost himself in Heero's eyes as they rocked.

~~Not a danger, not a blacky stranger/Rock it -- rock it -- knock to my door I'll open/Speak my name now, speak it if you know how/Fly to me, get ready for the Night of fire, you better better say/You better better begin the prayer to play/Night of fire, come over over me/Come over over the top you've never been here

Night of fire, you better better say/You better better begin the prayer to play/Night of fire, come over over me/Come over over the top you'll have a night of fire

You'll have a night of fire~~

Heero dropped a hand to one of Duo's and brought it up above their heads, in a kind of modified dance position as his other hand stayed at Duo's waist. He turned them into a fast circle. Duo laughed, his head falling back as Heero watched in delight.

~~You better better say/The prayer to play/Come over over me/You've never been here

Night of fire/You better better begin

Night of fire/Come over over the top/You'll have a night of fire~~

Making sure to keep his libido *firmly* in check, he didn't want to scare Duo now, Heero dared to bring his hips even closer to his long-haired siren's as the music stop/started, dropping the hand at Duo's waist to his extreme lower back. He slid his other hand down Duo's upraised arm and to the other, allowing him to lead Duo's hips into sharp circles. Duo grinned as he brought his arms down around Heero's neck and continued to gyrate to the music.

~~Welcome to the broken low/Welcome to the famous disco live

Come on lady come and go/Come on lady get me once and right

Not a danger, not a blacky stranger/Rock it -- rock it -- knock to my door I'll open/Speak my name now, speak it if you know how/Fly to me, get ready for the night of Fire/You'll have a night of fire/Night of fire~~

As the music faded out, Duo and Heero still moved to the beat, lost in each other's eyes. Duo was overjoyed that Heero had decided to dance with him and glad to discover that Heero also had a great sense of rhythm. They needed to do this more often.

Heero was of the same opinion as he watched Duo's violet eyes glow with happiness. Dancing with the beautiful boy in front of him was too much fun and besides, if he was willing to get this close in dance, maybe someday he would be willing to get even closer. But Heero was content to wait, simply enjoying Duo's bright presence. He grinned back as Duo smiled up at him and leaning in, captured the other boy's lush lips under his own in a deep kiss.

Both continued to move to the music as it cycled through, oblivious to nearly everything, but each other.

CHAPTER ELEVEN: Birds and the Bees

A couple of days later, after the impromptu dancing with Heero in their room followed by a rather intense make-out session -- Duo's lips were still a bit tender -- Duo finally got up the courage (again!) to go find Quatre and Wufei to ask for help. He had no earthly idea what to do next. He had tried to do some research off campus, but that hadn't panned out well at all. And he wasn't *about* to go and ask Heero. Nuh uh, no way, he wasn't touching that with a ten-foot pole. Coming around the corner of the building before the field, Duo spotted the one he was looking for. It was now or never. Taking a deep breath, Duo marched across the grass toward their tree.

"Um...Q?"

Quatre looked up warily from his physic's homework. "Yes?"

"Can...I ask a couple of questions?"

Quatre had a healthy suspicion about what topic, just judging from the slight blush on Duo's face. Very little in this world could make Duo blush. "About...?"

"Er...um...how do you and Wufei...you know..."

"Oh no." Quatre shook his head adamantly, his hands held up in front of him to ward off any further questions. "I'm not giving you the low down on the whole birds and the bees thing. You went through sex education, didn't you?"

"Well yeah, but they didn't exactly cover gay sex, Cat." Duo sank to the grass across from the blond, feeling a little irritable. He'd already checked the local libraries, and didn't find anything and he couldn't very well check the internet. Not when the school computers had enough filters on them to choke an elephant. That response made Quatre hesitate for a moment. After all, Duo did have a point. But then he tried to imagine himself answering the multitude of questions that Duo was likely to have...and felt his face flame. Duo turned on his nobody-loves-me look, eyes wide and pleading. "Please?"

"Uh-uh. No way. You'll have to learn the same way I did."

"Somehow I don't think Wufei would be willing to explain everything to me, Cat," Duo responded sourly. And he didn't think that Quatre, Wufei or Heero would appreciate it if he 'learned' the same way that Quatre did. "What would I not be willing to explain?" Wufei came around Duo's relaxed form to sit next to his boyfriend. Quatre looked up with a smile as he sat next to him, instantly turning so that he snuggled more comfortably in Wufei's arms. "Sex," Duo responded dryly. "No," Wufei told him instantly. "I'm not even touching that subject with you."

"Aw, come on guys! I can't use the internet, the only computers I have access to are on school and you know what would happen if I tried it here. Admin would be all over me. The library isn't going to have anything. You guys are my only option!"

"Heero can explain it," Wufei parried flatly. "I am so not going into this with him. I'd be the next case of human combustion if I tried. PLEASE????"

Quatre tilted his head to look at Wufei's face. "He could always learn the way you did."

"I got rid of those books," Wufei reminded him. And none too soon, either. His grandmother had come for a visit two days after he had burned them, and gone through his room and his sister's with a fine tooth comb. There would have been hell to pay if the formidable old dragon had even suspected that her grandson was interested in anything but a nice girl of the right family and blood. "So? You got them at Barnes and Noble, right? So let's take him there. He can pick up his own books."

Duo latched onto this new idea -- which in all actuality meant less embarrassment for him -- with fervor. "Yeah! Come on, Fei, please?"

"Go yourself." Wufei really didn't want to have any part of this. He didn't want any details of his friends' sex lives. It just wasn't something that he wanted to picture. "No car, remember? Please? With sugar and whip cream and sprinkles and chocolate and a cherry on top?"

Duo's pleadings didn't have much of an effect. Not until Quatre rose up a little to whisper in his ear "We can pick up a book as well while we're there and try a few things."

Wufei swallowed hard. What he and Quatre did was based on what he remembered out of certain books. What would it be like to have a book full of new ideas in front of them, a willing and naked blond next to him on the bed, and a new tube of lube handy...? His hormones won control over his body long enough to get an "Okay" out of his mouth.

"YESSSSS!" Duo leapt into the air, fist punching towards the sky in victory. "Can we go now? Can we? Can we? Can we?" Wufei glanced at Quatre's eager face and decided that skipping fifth period really wasn't *that* big of a deal. "Let's go."

Duo quickly discovered that talking about buying a book chock-full of sex (illustrated, no less) and *picking out* said book was two entirely different things. He could barely bring himself to look at the titles. Quatre's eyes were fixed on the floor, looking like a red tomato with blue eyes and a blond wig on top, and Wufei was just...pained. Duo took a deep breath, let it out, then took in another. It was just research. No one would come down on him for just looking at books. Stiffening his spine, he knelt to look at the bottom shelf and scanned the titles. "Balance: A guide to homosexual relationships" okay, well, that was probably more on the whole alpha male/submissive thing which wasn't a problem since Heero was definitely the alpha in their relationship. "Sex for Dummies: A how-to for homosexual sex" and that was probably perfect for his needs. Duo quickly grabbed it off the shelf and tucked it under his arm so that the title wasn't visible. It would probably behoove him to get more than just a basic how-to book, though. Steeling himself again, he kept looking. Most of the books were the kind that one look at the cover would cause a nose-bleed, so he skipped those with barely a glance. Towards the end of the shelf, however, he ran across one that looked promising. "Kama Sutra for Male-to-Male Sex." Perfect. He tucked that one under his arm, and stood again. Wufei was standing at the end of the aisle, apparently trying to calm Quatre down before he burst into flames out of sheer embarrassment. The Asian teen also had a book tucked under his arm, so that Duo couldn't read the title. He had to wonder just what Wufei had picked out...no, actually, he didn't want to know. Bad mental picture. Gah.

Duo cleared his throat as he approached, forcing a game smile onto his face. "Right. We ready to rock and roll?" He immediately winced when he realized that his words had a double meaning. Wufei frowned at him. "Sorry. Er, ready to go?"

None of them were really comfortable looking at each other just at the moment. Duo just focused on weaving his way to the cashier's without tripping over anything or anybody. It wasn't until the pretty twenty-year old at the cash register called "Next!" that it hit Duo that in order for her to ring up the books -- she'd have to look at the books. /Oh crap./ Duo blushed painfully and whispered quickly to Wufei, "Can I pay you back?"

"Be a man, Maxwell, and pay for your own damn books."

"But it's a girl!" Duo protested in a low whisper, even as Wufei shoved him forward. "And it would be better if it was a guy?"

/Er, probably not.../ Resigned to the next five minutes as being highly embarrassing, he walked forward and set the books on the counter. The redhead on the other side looked at both books with slightly raised eyebrows, but thankfully was professional enough not to say anything as she rang him up, for which Duo was profoundly thankful. "Your total is $26.63."

Duo handed her two twenty dollar bills, licking his lips nervously. She quickly counted out the change in his hand and put his receipt in the plastic bag with his books before handing everything to him. "There you go sir. Have a good day."

"Thanks," Duo mumbled, lighting out of the store like his pants were on fire. Once he was outside, where no one would know just by looking at his bag that he was carrying around books about sex, he relaxed a little. Wufei and Quatre came out nearly ten seconds after him, also seeming more relieved now that their contraband was covered by an anonymous B&N plastic bag. Wufei glared at the bag in Duo's hand. "Yuy *so* owes me for this."

"Thanks, guys," Duo whispered. He gave them both a smile, feeling a weight on his shoulders lift. "Really...thanks."

Wufei grunted. "You owe me too."

Quatre elbowed his lover in the ribs. "Ignore him, Duo. This is how he deals with embarrassment. Let's get back to school, okay?"

Duo was very grateful when Heero informed him that he wouldn't be back for a while, having a project that he needed to do research for. Usually Duo would have volunteered to help, but this time he claimed that he also had a few things to read (trying to subdue a blush while he said it) which satisfied Heero. He waited precisely five seconds for Heero to leave, then bolted the door, spun back to his bed and yanked the books out from underneath his mattress. Duo opened the Dummies book first, figuring that getting the basics down would be a good beginning. His shyness dissipated steadily, losing ground to fascination as he read. The first chapter alone made quite a few puzzling hints that Duo had caught from other boys click into place. The second chapter, which dealt exclusively with blow-jobs, was especially informative. Duo almost felt like taking notes, but couldn't make himself put the book down long enough to search for a pencil. When he got to chapter six, he finally got to the part where it was explained in detail just how sex happened between two guys. "Shit. That's got to hurt...huh. Lube one finger and stretch...okay, well, that would explain why it doesn't hurt if you're prepared right. After all, nobody would be willing to do this if it hurt every damn time. Makes me wonder if it's Wufei or Cat that's bottom...no, actually I really don't want to know that. Gah." Duo firmly told his libido that picturing his best friends in this kind of position was Not Allowed and turned the page. The full page illustration was...very illustrated. Duo felt his jaw slowly drop. "Surely that position isn't possible..." He looked around the room almost nervously, feeling a stupid urge to see if he could actually *bend* that way. "I'm alone. No one will know I tried this." With that reassurance in mind, he carefully maneuvered his body to match what he saw in the picture. And found that it was, actually, possible. Then he pictured Heero bending over him the way the guy was in the book and fell over in a dazed puddle of drool. *snick*

Duo snapped up as Heero entered the room, diving for the books on his bed and fumbling them under the covers. Before he could quite manage it, Heero snatched up one of them. "And just what have you been --" Heero's voice fell silent as he brought the book closer to his eyes. Duo, absolutely mortified, snatched up his pillow and buried his face under it. "Duo..."

"I was just curious!" The words were muffled against the covers. Heero carefully put the book on the desk and sat next to his boyfriend. He'd been patient with Duo, recognizing that the other teen wasn't entirely sure of things when it came to a more physical nature between them. He'd been willing to wait until Duo had a more secure handle of them before he would push for more. Apparently, what he should have done was tell Duo how things could work. It was a lack of knowledge that had made Duo shy away from him, not an insecurity of their relationship. "Duo, you don't have to be shy about this. You could have come to me and asked any questions, you know that."

"Are you kidding?!" Duo erupted from underneath his pillow, still beet red. "I can barely handle looking at books when I'm alone in a room without getting a nose bleed! You really think I could have asked all the questions I had without -- argh!" Heero caught him before he could go back under his pillow. "Okay. You have a point." But he really wished that he *had* been in the room when Duo was looking through those books. What if some of the things in there were disgusting to him? Or what if something wasn't well explained? Heero had never read them, after all, so he had no idea just what Duo had been exposed to. "Duo...I need to know. Were you repulsed by anything you read?"

Duo peeked out at him, nibbling on his bottom lip. "At first," he admitted hesitantly. "But then I started picturing me and you doing it and...well...then everything started to seem like a really good idea..."

Heero heaved a silent breath of relief. "Good. Was there anything that didn't make sense? Or that you just wonder about?"

"Um..." Duo swallowed hard and pulled himself up onto his knees. This was his boyfriend-potential-lover. If he couldn't at least *talk* about all of this, then how in hell was he supposed to be intimate with him? Heero slid an arm around him, bringing Duo closer and nodding in encouragement. Duo flicked his tongue out over his dry mouth and focused on Heero's slightly crinkled white shirt. It was easier than meeting his eyes. "I was reading about being prepped before you um..."

"Oh," Heero blinked. He had gotten that far in the book? "Go on."

"I have to wonder...I mean the book says if you're prepped right, it doesn't really hurt but...how can it *not* hurt? I mean, even with just fingers it's gotta..."

Heero groaned mentally. The only way to prove it was to do it...but despite Duo's curiosity, he was far from ready for full-blown intimacy. He wrestled between showing and talking for a moment. /Maybe I can show him with just a little bit of the prep alone.../ "I think I can show you a bit, how it would feel. Are you -- would that be okay?"

Duo nodded against his shoulder. Heero swallowed hard, feeling a little nervous. "Okay. Just straddle my thighs and relax." He waited for Duo to slide over him, knees on either side of his hips. He bent to press a kiss against his temple, unconsciously breathing in the scent of skin and hair. And as always, his body tightened in response. Duo just smelled good, like apples and cinnamon and sex. With one hand he encouraged his boyfriend's head to rest against his shoulder, then smoothed a hand down Duo's back as he relaxed fully. /Shimatta. You trust me so much. How can you trust me like this after all that life has put you through? You don't make any sense, Duo./ He slid two of his fingers into his mouth, coating them with saliva since he didn't have anything else to act as a lubricant. Very slowly he pulled his fingers free and worked them under the elastic waistband of both shorts and boxers. Duo tensed a little when he felt his pants pull away from his back, then relaxed again. It felt a little forced to Heero, and he slowed down even more, making his touch even more gentle. What he was doing now would set the mood for any more intimacy between them. He couldn't blow it by being too rough or inconsiderate. "If it does hurt, even a little bit, tell me and I'll stop."

Duo nodded, readjusting his hands on Heero's back. He could feel the rapid beat of Heero's heart under his ear, and knew that they were both nervous about this. Somehow that helped him settle down. Heero brushed a fingertip down until he touched Duo's entrance. There he lingered, circling softly before he tentatively pressed his middle finger in. Duo gasped, hands curling in the back of Heero's shirt. Heero stopped immediately. "It doesn't hurt," Duo assured him, unconsciously pushing more onto that finger. "It feels odd, but --" /I want more./ A fissure of excitement was dancing along his nerves, making him almost shiver in anticipation. That finger was a prelude to something larger, and more pleasurable. Duo's body instinctively recognized that, and wanted to continue. Heero grit his teeth, rocking his finger back and forth until his knuckle was swallowed into Duo's tight entrance. He was so tight just around that finger, and Heero's libido was dancing around in the background yelling out suggestions about how good it would feel if something besides his finger was in there. Heero gave his libido the bird and told it to swivel on it. He was not going to screw this up for the sake of a quick fuck. Nothing doing. He slowly worked a second finger inside, and felt Duo's breath speed up until he was panting against the skin of Heero's neck. Everything about the book he had just read had flown out the window. Duo was one long nerve and it pulsed to the soft rhythm of Heero's fingers. How could he have ever thought this would hurt or wouldn't feel good? It felt marvelous, despite the sensation of being stretched to accommodate those two digits. His cock was beginning to twitch to life under that steady pressure. Duo squirmed, trying to relieve the pressure building in his lower abdomen. The erection against his thigh was obvious, and Heero felt himself relax when he realized that Duo enjoyed this. He hadn't blown it, and didn't need to fear Duo's possible resistance to future sex. Feeling a little more sure of himself, he reached further inside, hooking his fingers and searching --

Duo jerked and moaned as a split second of white pleasure crossed his vision. "What was that?"

"Your sweet spot," Heero murmured roughly into Duo's hair. He brushed up against it again, smirking in satisfaction when Duo moaned and rubbed up against him in response. "When I take you --" he lowered his head to breathe the words against a delicate ear "-- I'll hit this spot every time, hard, until you're screaming with pleasure and you can't even breathe."

Duo was having trouble breathing right now, just at the vision of what Heero had planted in his mind. It was an absolute shock to his system when those caressing fingers pulled out of him and shifted his shorts and boxers back into place. "Don't stop!"

Heero wanted to continue -- his libido started cheering again, before he threatened to strangle it with a cold shower, at which point it promptly shut up -- but his cursed sense of honor told him it wouldn't be right. And his fear of afterwards only reinforced the decision to hold himself back. "Duo?"

Duo could hear it in his voice. "Dammit, Heero, don't you dare tell me no. I'm all stirred up and ready to rumble so don't you even think of backing off now!"

Grumbling, he raised Duo's face to his with both hands. "Duo, we can't."

"And why the hell not? And if you tell me it's because I'm not ready, I'll slug you."

Heero altered his first sentence and settled for the second. "No lube."

Duo opened his mouth to contest the point automatically, then slowly closed it when he realized that it was a valid point. "Nothing we can use?"

"No...not really. The first time I take you, your body will be adjusting a lot. And I'm not going to risk doing anything more without a very large tube handy."

It was actually a very valid point. Swearing softly, Duo tried to cool his body down and soften his erection. No luck. It looked like a cold shower was in order. He could always jerk himself off, of course, but Duo had a hang up about masturbation. It probably went back to being a girl originally and he always managed to feel absolutely stupid about touching himself. It would be a different matter altogether if he could convince Heero to bring him off though. Heero recognized the pained concentration for what it was. Duo was doing his best to calm his body down, but apparently it wasn't working. This, at least, was something that he could do. Gently he lowered Duo down onto the mattress, letting his hand settle between the boy's thighs. Duo looked up at him with wide eyes. He nuzzled against Duo's nose as he whispered, "I didn't say we had to stop completely."

Duo let his eyes fall closed as Heero palmed him through the shorts. It felt so good, and then even better as Heero slid his hand into the shorts. The heated friction of skin against skin, calluses on Heero's palm rough against his sensitive cock, warm precum being gathered and smoothed over his skin -- everything made Duo arch and groan and beg. "Like that, just like that --" Duo twisted, wanting Heero's hand to speed up. He tried to reach down and urge his boyfriend faster, but encountered only material instead. Swearing, he jerked the shorts down onto his thighs. Distantly he heard a low chuckle but it didn't matter. The only thing that mattered was picking up the pace to something that would bring relief to the molten ball of need driving him crazy. Heero twisted around until he was face-to-groin with Duo. His boyfriend was close to the edge, and he wanted to taste him when he came. His hand slid down to the base as his mouth closed over the tip. Duo arched into his mouth, head thrown back and a choked scream on his lips. Heero grabbed both hips to steady him as he worked his mouth and tongue around the erection. The cock in his mouth was almost disproportionately large for Duo's small frame. Even as he rasped his tongue against the hot organ, Heero wondered what it would be like to be taken by Duo. He'd never really thought of himself as uke before, but it might be highly pleasurable with Duo as his partner. Heero dropped one hand to his own erection, sliding his hand into his shorts and working himself urgently. He moaned as he felt his climax approaching, the sound vibrating the cock in his mouth. Duo clutched at the blanket under him frantically as he felt himself unravel from the core outward. He tried to warn Heero, and could only manage a gasp as he climaxed hard. Heero hadn't needed the warning, having felt Duo abruptly tighten. He pulled back to the tip, swallowing quickly. Duo shuddered in his hands, a soft cry tearing free of his mouth as he came. When he finally relaxed, Heero pulled back, wiping him clean with a tissue from the desk before pulling his boxers and shorts back into place. Then he just sat there and looked. Duo was flushed, eyes closed, breathing a little erratic -- gorgeous. /I'm buying lube tomorrow. *Two* tubes./ If Duo was ready for this, then Heero wasn't going to offer any protests. When the world gained color again and stopped spinning, Duo raised his eyelids and looked over to where Heero sat. He was smiling like an idiot, and he knew it, and he still didn't care. He couldn't think of a word to describe just how incredible that had been, so he didn't try. Heero snuggled in against Duo when he held out his arms, hugging him around the waist for a moment before relaxing completely. Maybe he should buy three tubes instead...

CHAPTER TWELVE: Projects

"What kind of a project is it that you pluck leaves off a tree and tape it to a piece of paper?" Duo demanded in disgust. Heero, silently agreeing with the sentiment, shrugged. "And it's not like there's a lot of trees on campus! There's what, six?"

"Eight," Heero corrected. "...you counted, didn't you?"

"Hn."

Duo decided he really didn't want to know and kept ranting. "How are we supposed to gather fifty specimens of different trees? It's not like Salt Lake has that many trees! We're in the middle of a city here!"

"We'll have to go to the mountains," Heero reasoned. "Yeah. How? It's not like either of us have a car and I am *so* not walking!"

Heero kept thinking and musing aloud. "Wufei has a car."

Duo paused. Yeah, actually he did. "Is there any way we can bribe him into taking us up there?"

"No," Heero admitted. "Darnit."

"But we don't need to." There was an unholy twinkle in Heero's eyes. Duo stared at that twinkle. "Reeeallly. And why is that?"

"Quatre has to do this project too, doesn't he?" "And where Quatre goes," Duo finished with the same amount of sadistic pleasure, "Wufei is sure to follow. I think we need to make a phone call, don't you?"

Heero bowed him toward the phone. "By all means." Duo picked it up, dialing Quatre's number by heart. "Hello?"

"Q-man! You know that leaf project we have? Yeah, I know, major pain. Well, I was thinking?"

[Two hours later]

Wufei was driving, a slight frown on his face as they wound up the mountain road. He was still trying to figure out how he got roped into this. He knew it was Quatre's fault, somehow (and that Duo was certainly involved) but he didn't remember just at what point he had agreed to play chauffeur. Duo and Quatre were in the back seat of the little Civic, Heero riding shotgun with Wufei. Duo leaned in closer and muttered, "Okay, how did you do it?"

"Do what?" Quatre inquired innocently. "Make Wufei drive us around."

"Oh, but I didn't."

Duo gave him a very elaborate 'sure, pull the other one' look. "Uh-huh."

"Honestly, Duo, I just asked him very politely to drive us while we looked for leaves."

"And he said yes?" Duo had a hard time buying that one. "Actually, he said no. Then I told him he wouldn't get any for a week if he ditched me during my hour of need -- he was at my house ten minutes later."

Ah, now *that* was more like it! Duo grinned at him. "Then how come it took an hour and a half for you guys to come get us, hmmm?"

Quatre flushed slightly. "Well, I had to thank him properly for being so generous with his time, right?"

They hit a pothole, and everyone in the car lurched in their seats. Wufei started muttering in Mandarin under his breath -- Duo felt that the parentage of the road crew was coming under question. They wound their way up a little further, hitting more potholes as they went. The Civic was not meant for off-roading, and the people inside knew it. "Hey, 'Fei?"

Wufei cast him a glance in the rear view mirror. "What?"

"I know this is a bit of a concept, but why don't you try *missing* a pothole now and then?"

"I can just as easily ditch you and let you *walk* back, Maxwell." Quatre hastily interceded. "I think this is as good a spot as any. Why don't we just stop here and look?" Wufei pulled to the side of the road and parked, motor quietly killed. With Ziploc bags in hand, they climbed out of the car and started snatching leaves off of trees. Wufei moved the car twice to keep up with their wanderings. An hour or so later all three finally came back. Wufei had chosen to just sit in the car and read while they were wandering around -- he'd already done this project the year before, there was no way he was doing it again. "Well?"

"Assuming I haven't picked two of something," Quatre answered with a slightly worried crease between his eyebrows, "I think I have about forty trees."

"Not bad," Wufei responded. Quatre zipped his bag and put in the passenger seat, leaning over Wufei to do so. He slowly drew back, deliberately rubbing himself on his lover, and snuck in a kiss. "Have I said thank you yet?"

Wufei smiled slightly, leaning up to steal a kiss himself. "Yes. I wouldn't mind you saying it again, though." "Ah-HEM!" Duo grinned when Quatre jerked back out of the car, nearly smacking his head against the roof. "Not in front of the children, Q. We ready to go?"

Quatre stuck his tongue out at him. Heero came up from behind Duo. "I think we've done enough here. Let's go back." They turned the car around and headed back down the mountain, Wufei silently daring the braided idiot in his back seat to repeat that comment about pot holes. Heero, sitting next to Duo, wisely kept a hand on a certain braid in warning. "Ooh! Wufei, stop, stop!" Wufei stopped, and Quatre launched himself out of the car, grabbed a leaf from a nearby tree and hopped in again. Duo, naturally, popped out to grab leaves from the same tree before climbing back into the car. Five minutes later, it was Duo that called out, "'Fei, drive real close to the left!"

Rolling his eyes -- he deserved kinky sex for this, dammit -- he pulled tightly to the left. "Almost...reach...it...HA! Okay, keep going."

"You got one for me, didn't you?" Quatre demanded, turning in his seat to look at the back. "Of course, what kind of a friend do you take me for?" "Duo that better not be my bag you're holding."

"No, it's *my* bag Heero."

"Hn."

"Don't give me that suspicious look, it is my bag! See, my initials are on it." Wufei rolled his eyes. LOTS of kinky sex. Definitely.

"Argh!!"

Heero looked up from his project at Duo's cry of frustration in time to see him drop his head down to his desk with a 'thunk'. "Duo? Daijobu ka?"

Duo rolled his head back and forth and groaned, cupping his head in his hands. "What kind of teacher gives you an assignment, of *leaves* of all things and then, *then* tells you that she wants a PAGE about each freakin' plant?!! WHY?!!" The braided boy sat up and glared accusingly at his computer as if it were at fault. "You take the stupid leaf, you put it on the paper with tape and NAME it. That's *it*, end of story. You don't need to GIVE ITS LIFE HISTORY!!"

Heero watched silently in amusement for a few seconds before he stood and walked over to Duo's desk to capture one of the flailing hands in a gentle grip. Duo started, but quickly calmed down, once more dropping his head to the desk. "Why, Heero?" he asked plaintively.

"Because teachers are sadistic people who are out to get us and make their student's lives as miserable as possible." He kissed the back of the hand he held and chuckled. "It's in their contracts I think to do this."

"Urgle."

Continuing to laugh at his boyfriend's antics and placing the hand he held back on the desk, Heero moved around to the back of the chair. He moved aside the heavy plait of hair and started a soothing massage on the creamy neck. Duo sighed in bliss and stretched out his arms across the desk.

"You have about a million years to stop doing that," came the muffled murmur.

"Aa." Heero's smile widened and he leaned down to place a kiss on Duo's nape. "Tell you what. I have some of my research done for this. There's no reason we can't divide it up between us and get it done faster. That sound good?"

Smiling into the desk's surface, Duo quickly agreed. "Um humm. God knows we have enough to divide up. Yeah, that sounds good."

"Good."

Sitting back up, careful not to dislodge the wonderful hands on his shoulders, Duo reached back and gave the other boy a backwards hug. "Thank you."

"For what? I'd do anything for you, you know that."

Duo flushed as warmth at Heero's words swept through him. "Yeah."

His arms still around Heero's neck, Duo gently pulled him down, bringing his lips within range for a deep kiss.

They stood like that for a few moments before pulling away reluctantly. Heero opened his eyes to look into Duo's darkened ones.

"Guess we should get back to work, huh?" Duo nodded and they pulled apart to continue where they had left off before they had gotten distracted.

Looking back through the door to see that Duo was sufficiently occupied with his portion of the project, Heero quietly closed it and turned to hurry down the hall. He pulled his cell from his pocket and flipped it open, hitting speed dial before putting it to his ear.

"Chang? Yes, I know it's kind of late, but it's important. Can you and Quatre meet me at the dojo? I'd like your help with something. Thank you."

With another quick glance behind him, Heero strode down the stairs toward the outside doors.

"Yuy, what in the name of holy gods do you need to talk to us about at...eleven thirty at night?!"

Heero smirked at the other boy. "What, did I interrupt something?" Wufei narrowed his eyes and growled, upping Heero's smirk another notch. Quatre didn't help the situation by turning a nice shade of crimson. He hurriedly cleared his throat and stepped in front of his boyfriend before he could do damage to his best friend.

"So what did you need us for, Heero? And where's Duo?"

Heero's smirk died and he nervously shifted on his feet, his gaze flicking down to the floor and around the room, avoiding their eyes. "Ah, umm. I left him back at the room. I, mm, needed to ask you for something."

"If it has anything to do with sex, I am *so* not going there, Yuy," Wufei stated flatly.

"Well, um..."

"Oh good grief!!" Wufei flung his hands up and stalked to the other side of the room.

"Wufei!" Quatre shot an apologetic glance at Heero and hurried after his wayward boyfriend. Following at a discreet distance, Heero was close enough in time to hear the tail end of what they were discussing.

"...not taking him to Barnes and Noble too so he can get books on *that*. He can go by himself."

"Fei..."

Deciding it was the right time to cut in, Heero stepped forward. "Chang, I don't need anything like that. I just..." He stopped as his friends turned their attention to him. Wufei raised an eyebrow in query as Quatre pulled the dark haired teen forward between them.

"If not that, then what?"

Heero leaned against the dojo wall and absently began to pick at the ornate wallpaper, trying to put his thoughts in order. Wufei sighed and pulled him away before he could dig a hole. Quatre snickered quietly.

"I assume it has something to do with Duo, seeing as he's not here. Am I right?"

Heero simply nodded and licked his lips. Taking pity on the boy and sensing his nervousness and uncertainty, Quatre made an educated guess. He placed a hand on the other's back and turned him to look at him.

"You want to go further don't you? But you don't know how."

A wave of relief washed through Heero and he nodded again, a brief smile flickering across his face.

"Yes. I...know what to do and all of *that*, but how to get there, to ask him...I don't know."

"Ah," Quatre nodded himself and shot a glance a Wufei's muttered, "Thank the gods for *that*."

Deciding that Quatre was more than likely to be the better source of information, Heero turned his attention on the blond, ignoring his best friend for the moment. He couldn't help it if he was having difficulties.

"So you just want some help getting there?"

"Yes. I don't want to-to just jump into it and Duo's...more special than that. He deserves more than to just be tossed on his back and, and..." Heero's ears turned read as he trailed off and gestured lamely. Quatre's cheeks matched his and he quickly spoke.

"Yes! Well...yes," Despite his own embarrassment and the choking coming from his other side, Quatre's mind was beginning to work furiously, coming up with a solution to Heero's dilemma. Duo had been a girl, though Heero didn't know that yet (Quatre had hopes that Duo would tell him soon) and it was more than likely that Heero was picking up that fact unconsciously and responding to it. That and the fact that he was very firmly in love with the braided beauty. Quatre's heart skipped a beat as he picked up on the emotion he felt from his friend and he had to keep himself from smiling like a fool. So that was why Heero wanted to do something special. Quatre melted.

Heero shifted impatiently as he watched a gamut of thoughts run across the blond's mobile face and he wondered just what he was thinking to make that little grin come and go. He hoped it was something good and not too sappy. He didn't want too sappy. He flicked a glance over at Wufei and noted that he was just standing there, impassively watching them both.

"Okay!" Heero jumped slightly as Quatre's voice broke through his thoughts. "So this is a special thing. I think I have an idea..."

Moving to the floor to sit more comfortably, Quatre pulled the other boys down with him and began to outline his plan.

Looking around the room, Heero wiped his hands down the side of his jeans and licked his dry lips in a rare nervous gesture. It all looked okay. He hoped it looked okay. According to Quatre, everything would be perfect and Duo would love it. It had to be. Now all he had to do was wait until the appropriate time and then go down and get his...what? Potential lover? Heero smiled through his nerves. He liked that. Lover. Boyfriend. That Duo already was and he only hoped Duo would like to be the other one too.

Glancing at the clock on the nightstand, the blue eyed boy gulped. It was time. Oh god, please let this all go well...Taking a deep breath to fortify himself and wishing for something stronger than the sparkling cider he had cooling in the bucket, Heero closed the door carefully behind him and went down the stairs.

Duo bounced in the back of the car as he, Quatre and Wufei drove back to the school, eager to be home. He was dying of curiosity.

Quatre and Wufei had shown up earlier this morning at his and Heero's dorm room and in a sense "kidnapped" him. When asked why Heero wasn't coming with them, the two only got a mischievous look in their eyes and wouldn't say a word. Even four hours of constant questions hadn't fazed them. Quatre had only given him a look and quietly snickered while Wufei just sighed patiently.

They had taken him out to lunch at a new restaurant that had recently opened and after a delicious meal they had headed over to the movie theatre and caught the afternoon showing of "Night At The Museum." It had been hilarious and had gotten Duo away from his curiosity for a couple hours. He couldn't wait to tell Heero about it and see if he could get his dark haired boyfriend to go with him. Now he just wanted to be home and to see what Heero had been up to while he was gone. He was fairly sure now that it was Heero's doing that their two best friends had taken him away for the afternoon. They pulled into the school's parking lot/quad area and Duo nearly had the door open before Wufei could stop. He could see Heero coming down the path and was eager to see him. Quatre could only laugh as he watched the hyper braided bundle scramble out of the car and literally skip up the path.

"Ro!!"

Heero laughed as he caught his exuberant boyfriend as he launched himself into his arms.

"Hi. I take it you had a good time then?"

Duo nodded enthusiastically and launched into a rendition of the afternoon and the movie. Heero listened intently, smiling at the joy he saw in the heart shaped face and saw Quatre and Wufei come up to them out of the corner of his eye. Not taking his eyes off of the boy in his arms, he gave them a nod in thanks.

"Duo, Fei and I have to get going now. Thanks for coming with us."

Duo stopped in the middle of a sentence and twisted around so he could see them, frowning lightly. "Why? I mean, can't you guys come up for a bit?"

"Ah, we have to be somewhere else in a bit," Quatre replied, shooting a glance at Heero, "But we had a great time today. I'm sure there's something Heero would rather be doing with you than hanging out with us for the rest of the day."

Duo looked over as he heard Wufei choke and mumble something about "More like doing *to* you, that's for sure," and lightly frowned. "Fei?"

Wufei looked up with an overly bright smile that was slighly scary looking on his normally stoic face. "What? Oh, nothing, it's nothing. Just go and enjoy yourself."

Duo was becoming even more confused and his curiosity was nearly bursting as Quatre blushed, smacked Wufei in the arm and then proceeded to drag him back to the car. "We'll see you sometime tomorrow, 'kay? Bye!"

"Bye?" Duo watched them for a few moments before he felt Heero's hand turn his head. Firm lips on his took his mind right off of the weird behavior of their friends. "Mmm."

Once he was sure he had his boyfriend's attention, Heero broke the kiss gently and looked down into slightly darkened violet. He hoped he could see them darken even more before this day was done. Duo smiled up at him and it was a struggle to not kiss him again.

"Ro?"

Heero smiled back and took his hand. "Come on."

When there was nothing else forthcoming, Duo followed behind Heero in bemusement. What was Heero up to?

They came to the door of their room and Duo made to go inside when Heero gently tugged him back. He looked up in query as Heero smiled again and let go of his hand, putting one of his own over the braided boy's eyes. Okay, this was getting a little weird. He once again tried questioning Heero.

"Ro, what's going on?"

"Shh. It's alright. Keep your eyes closed and trust me, okay?"

Duo immediately nodded and did as he asked, hearing Heero open the door before leading him in. It was silent except for the sound of the door closing again and Heero's near silent footsteps behind him. Hands came over his eyes again and warm breath brushed past his ear causing Duo to shiver in delight as Heero spoke.

"This is for you. I hope you like it. Open your eyes."

Duo slowly opened his eyes and gasped at the scene before him. He turned back to Heero and saw the blue eyed boy watching him carefully before looking back again.

"Ro. This is...this is incredible."

Somehow, Heero had transformed their room. It was now a romantic looking abode. Small, strategically placed lamps cast a warm glow into the darkened room and lit upon the blanket that had been laid in the middle of the floor. There was an array of finger foods and desserts along with what looked like a bottle of sparkling cider chilling in a small bucket to the side. A vase with a single red rose sat in the center. Duo smiled at the thought that had obviously gone into this and melted.

"Do you really like it?"

Duo turned at the hesitant question and flung himself at Heero. "Yes! This is wonderful, Ro. Thank you!"

Heero sighed in relief and hugged the smaller boy back before Duo pulled back slightly with a questioning look on his face. "But what is this all for?"

"Ah, well, um..."

Duo smiled as Heero's face took on a darkened hue and could only think of one thing that would make Heero want to be this romantic. He melted even further at the thought of his dark boyfriend wanting their first time together to be perfect. He held a finger over Heero's lips, effectively silencing the stumbling words.

"It's okay. I think I know," he stood on tip toe and gave Heero a chaste, but tender kiss, "Thank you."

"It's really okay?" Heero looked down into Duo's eyes and saw his answer. A brilliant grin lit up his face. Taking Duo's hand in his he led him to the blanket and they sat down next to each other, legs entwining.

They fed each other the delicious meal, growing bolder as it progressed. Heero's breath caught as Duo drew his fingers into his mouth and sucked at them, cleaning them of the juices from the melon. Withdrawing the digits, Heero leaned forward, meeting Duo halfway and sliding his hand around the nape of his neck under the braid. Heero kept his eyes open as their lips met and he saw Duo's eyes darken even further than they had been before they fluttered shut. They dove into the kiss, the rest of the meal forgotten. Heero stroked his tongue across the plump bottom lip and bit it lightly, asking to be let in. Duo willingly opened for him and he dove in. A low moan was drawn from the braided boy as Heero explored the warm cavern, re-familiarizing himself with every inch of it. Duo's tongue came to his and they played a bit before Heero drew away. Duo gave a low protest as he opened his eyes to look up into darkened blue. There were no words as Heero watched him for a moment before he saw what he needed to in the violet orbs before him. He smiled slightly and leaned back in. The kiss was even more intense than before as he took Duo's lips again. Heero drew another moan from the boy in his arms as he took the kiss to new heights. Catching hold of the lithe body, he broke the kiss and slid his lips down the arched neck. Duo gasped as Heero licked the sensitive area behind his ear and his hands tightened their grip on Heero's shoulders. He moved instinctively into Heero, remembering the last time they had done something like this. Heero helped him to straddle his thighs and ran a soothing hand down his back as he continually placed small kisses and nips down the creamy neck. Duo was having difficultly catching his breath and he shuddered lightly as Heero's hips moved up into his. Deciding that there was too much material between him and his goal, Heero reached for the hem of Duo's shirt and tugged it gently over his head, banishing it to gods knew where. Duo raised his arms for it to come loose and then lowered them back around Heero's neck, looking down into his eyes. He smiled as Heero looked back up at him. A brief smile back was all he got before Heero was pulling him up and into him more closely, making him gasp as he gently caught a nipple in his teeth and tugged. Duo's head tipped back with a groan, one hand going to the dark head and encouraging it to stay where it was. The sensations were incredible as Heero swiped the nub with his tongue and suckled lightly. Heero's hands moved down to the waistband of Duo's jeans and one slipped under just enough to stroke along Duo's lower back, causing him to arch even further into the dark haired teen. The reaction was enough as Heero felt Duo's erection come into contact with his and he groaned. Moving to the other nipple, he gave it the same attention and soon had Duo writhing and gasping. Each tug on the sensitive nubs shot a bolt of sensation straight to his cock and he was beginning to desperately need something more. Much more.

"Ro, please." The breathless plea pulled Heero from his daze and he looked up. The frustration and lust on Duo's face told him what Duo needed and he nodded. He slid the smaller boy back and stood, pulling him up with him and catching his lips again. He didn't want to stop kissing him. The sweet taste of the melon they had eaten melded with Duo's own unique taste and Heero was lost again. Duo was lost as well and was vaguely aware of Heero slowly moving them back toward one of the beds, only aware of the boy before him and his hands as he slowly slid them up and around his waist. As the back of his knees hit the edge of the bed, Heero caught him close and lowered him, following him down.

Heero's lips once again found a path down Duo's neck and onto his chest as he settled onto Duo. The feel of the body beneath his own nearly sent him over the edge and Heero had to firmly clamp down on his libido. He wanted this to be special for Duo and he wasn't going to mess it up in any way. He looked up and saw Duo's eyes were closed and his lips were moist and parted with his panting. Anticipation was written all over the sweet face and Heero smiled to himself, once again marveling at how much Duo trusted him.

He turned his attention back to the creamy skin and began to taste it again, sliding further down. He soothed his hands along the sides of Duo's hips and sides, eliciting a delicious shiver from him. As he made his way down to the waistband of Duo's jeans, hands twined themselves in his hair and gently tugged. He recognized the unspoken request and looked up to see Duo watching him under lowered lashes. He smiled reassuringly as he moved his hands to the button and zipper, tugging on them as he placed small kisses along the waistband. Duo's stomach quivered at the touches and he let out a small gasp as Heero finally got his jeans free and began to tug them and his boxers down his legs. He helped as best he could and once they were off, looked back up at Heero. Heero's breath caught as he looked at the beauty before him. God, Duo was gorgeous. "You're gorgeous," he breathed, unconsciously speaking his thoughts. He raised his hand and ran one finger down the length of Duo's body, causing him to arch into the touch and whimper. The braided boy suddenly sat up and caught the hem of Heero's shirt, tugging it.

"Ro, you've got too much on. I want to see too."

Heero smiled and quickly divested himself of his clothes. He stood back from the bed and let Duo take a look. The brunette's breath caught in his throat as he saw Heero for the first time without anything to hinder his sight.

"My god, you're...you're...," Duo was having a hard time verbalizing what he saw. Heero was beyond handsome and he was...big. What could he say or think? So he didn't and held out his arms, needing to feel Heero's skin on his, putting his complete trust in his boyfriend to be gentle. Heero must have seen enough in his face because he was quickly back in the bed, pushing Duo back down, kissing him. Instinctively Duo parted his legs with a light nudge from Heero and let him settle between them. Their lips parted with harsh gasps as their cocks came into contact with each other. Duo's head went back as sensations beyond his imagination raced through him at the feel of Heero. Heero groaned as Duo wrapped his legs around his waist and arched up into him, wanting him even closer.

Heero was again struggling to temper the fire in his blood, wanting nothing more than to plunge into the body beneath his and make Duo his and only his. He needed patience, more patience. Soothing a hand along Duo's side, he encouraged him wordlessly to loosen his grip. With a small protest, Duo's legs dropped to the sides. Heero left a kiss on the pouting lips.

"Patience, koi. There's so much more." He slid down and Duo gasped then moaned as Heero began leaving a trail of kisses and nips along his inner thigh, working his way up. He bypassed Duo's obvious arousal and chuckled lightly as he heard a frustrated sound and felt hands once again in his hair. He resisted the tugging and continued on his journey.

"Roooo!" A sharp tug alerted Heero to Duo's displeasure at the ignoring of his problem. He smiled against Duo's skin and licked it slowly, drawing a line back up again. He licked his way up the erect cock, hearing the harsh gasp Duo gave and felt the tug on his hair as Duo reacted. Settling more firmly between the creamy thighs, Heero began to run his tongue up and down the hot organ like a lollypop and bringing the head into his mouth to suck at it, plunging the tip of his tongue into the slit and drawing multiple sounds from his lover. Heero smiled around his mouthful and shifted to hold Duo's hips with one hand as he bucked upwards. A quick glance upward showed the brunet had thrown his head back and was now gripping the sheets tightly. Deciding to up the ante and feeling the tension in the lithe body, Heero's other hand slid to fondle Duo's balls lightly. Duo reacted with a keen as the dual sensation rocketed through him and Heero had to hold him down again to keep from choking. He knew that Duo was getting close and didn't want him to come without him. He backed off.

Duo came out of his haze as he felt Heero shift and looked at him. "Why'd you stop?" Heero merely smiled and pulled his hand back from underneath the pillow, showing him the tube of lube he had buried there. Duo's eyes widened as he realized what was going to happen next. "Oh."

Heero reached for his lips and kissed him, reassuring him and beginning to drive his arousal upward again. "You okay?"

"Yeah," Duo said breathlessly as he pulled back, recognizing the taste of himself mixed with Heero. He could feel Heero's erection and was eager to move on, refusing to recognize the little bit of fear he felt. /Heero would never do anything to hurt me./ Heero moved down again and took Duo's cock back into his mouth abruptly. Duo jumped and moaned, driving his fingers through the dark locks as sharp arousal rippled through him again. He jerked and let out another gasp as Heero slid his now slick fingers down to his entrance and circled it before pushing one in.

"R-Ro...please...more..."

Heero struggled for control as he felt the heat of Duo's channel and slipped another finger in, gently scissoring them. He pulled his mouth off of Duo's cock as another tug urged him upward. Duo pulled him up and caught his mouth, plunging his tongue in and instigating a duel as Heero slipped a third finger in, stretching Duo further. He crooked his fingers and Duo shot off the bed with a cry. "Ahh!"

Triumph shot its way through Heero as he hit Duo's sweet spot and knew he was ready. He pulled his hand away and Duo's eyes sought his. Heero searched the dark violet and Duo nodded wordlessly, breathing heavily. Sweat had begun to slick them both and Heero slid across him as he retrieved more of the lube and covered his cock. Catching Duo's thighs, he brought them up over his shoulders and looked back up as Duo sucked in a breath as his cock aligned with his entrance.

"Ready?" The quiet question was breathed.

"Yeah," was the equally quiet reply.

Heero smiled and captured Duo's lips as he began to push in. Duo's hands came up to his biceps and squeezed as Heero's tongue plunged into his mouth, trying to distract him from the slight pain. He grunted as the head popped past the first ring and broke from Heero's lips, dropping his head back. Heero stopped to let him adjust.

"Okay?"

"Yeah, just give me a sec," Duo's breath was coming fast, the feeling of becoming full beginning to overwhelm him. He nodded. He wanted more.

Heero watched in concern as Duo tried to adjust to him and felt a wave of relief when he saw him nod. The beautiful eyes opened again and latched onto his as he moved forward inexorably until he was fully seated. Heero caught his breath as did Duo when he was in and they looked at each other in awe.

"Kami..." "Ro...move..."

Not able to continue talking, Heero pulled out almost to the head and plunged back in, somehow hitting Duo's prostate on the first try. Duo's back arched off of the bed as he let out a scream. His fingers dug into Heero's arms as Heero began a fast rhythm, knowing this first time would not last long. He tried to hit Duo's sweet spot as often as he could. Broken words and phrases came from both of them as they continued to move.

"Duo...so good..."

"Please...nnh...oh god..."

"Suki desu..."

Heero never realized when he slipped into his mother language. He only knew Duo and the heat and feelings he was generating both inside and outside. For Duo, he only heard Heero's voice and knew he was loved. He began to shake as his orgasm began to take hold.

"Ro!"

Heero heard him and forced his eyes open. What he saw took his breath away and sent him into his own upward spiral. Duo arched back and his eyes flew open as he exploded. He screamed as he was flung into the deepest depths of the sun and incinerated. He felt Heero explode right along with him as he thrust one last time and his climax slammed through him.

"Duo! Love you."

"Heero!" Duo felt the heat of Heero's release deep inside of him triggering another wave. Heero moaned before he collapsed forward onto his lover's chest.

Duo whimpered a little at the sensations still moving through him when Heero tilted his head up and took his lips in a deep kiss and Duo realized what Heero had screamed at the last. He pulled back to stare up at his lover breathlessly. "You love me?"

Heero eyes widened as he realized what he had said, in two languages no less. He stammered to produce a reply as he desperately began to hope he hadn't just undone what he had worked so hard for. "Y-yes. I-I...Duo..."

Duo's smile was brilliant as he lunged up and took Heero into a joyous kiss. "I love you too. I love you."

Heero's eyes closed in ecstasy at those words. "Suki desu, Duo-koi. Doumo...doumo."

Their smiles of joy shone in the wake of their post-coital bliss and the lovers soon fell into sleep in each other's arms.

Heero was the first to wake the next morning. He looked down at the boy in his arms and smiled with joy. Duo was his and only his now. He loved him. They had made love again and again and each time it was perfect. No doubt Duo would be sore this morning, but Heero knew he wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. Duo stirred slightly and Heero stroked a hand down the loose hair, not remembering when the braid had come undone. Duo purred at the gesture and snuggled in further to Heero, tightening his grip. With a deep breath, Duo fell into a deeper sleep. With a smile, Heero kissed his beautiful Duo's forehead and fell back to sleep himself. There was no need to get up yet. All was right in his world.

The basketball fell to the pavement and then up again into Duo's hand in a solid rhythm. The braided teen grinned at his lover. "You ready Ro?"

Heero scowled back. He would have been fine playing one-on-one with anyone else, even Wufei had a hard time beating him but with Duo...the boy was just too *fast*. "Of course I'm ready." And this time he wasn't going to get past so easy, either.

Duo jerked forward, and Heero reacted before he could realize he was being faked out. "You're not ready," Duo disagreed with that wide smile still on his face. "Hn." Chuckling evilly, he sprinted to the side. Heero moved to block him, and Duo shot the ball through Heero's legs. "KUSO!"

Smoothly Duo pivoted and caught the ball again, turning his momentum into a three point shot that arched beautifully, sailed through the air, and swished into the basket. Duo flicked a finger over his tongue, then marked an invisible score board in front of him. "Score 10 for the amazing Maxwell, and 4 for the not-so-amazing Yuy. Game!"

Heero glowered at him, grumbling under his breath. Duo's grin stretched into a smirk. "We have drinks, right?"

"My back pack," Heero sighed. Shimatta, why did the boy have to be so bloody fast? /I'm going to win next game.../ Duo rooted through the pack until he saw the two Gatorades sitting there. He quickly opened up one of them and started guzzling. "Hi guys!" Quatre jogged up, dressed in casual cargo shorts and a white t-shirt. "Who won?"

Heero just glared. "...oh. Well, I came to see if you wanted to hang out at my house today. Wufei went to get some movies and pizza."

Duo finished off the Gatorade with a sigh of pleasure. "Sounds good, Q."

"Do you want to grab...showers..." Quatre stared hard at the bottle in Duo's hands. There was a tinge of red left in the bottom of the bottle. Red...was bad. "Duo."

Duo looked askance at his abrupt change of demeanor. "Yes?"

"Was that a red Gatorade?"

Duo blinked at him. "Yes."

"And you just drank the whole bottle."

Heero began to feel rather curious as to Quatre's panicked look. "Quatre?"

Quatre moaned, head flopping into his hands. "Oh Allah. Heero, how could you give him red Gatorade?"

The light dawned. Duo looked at the bottle in his hands with new appreciation. "That's right...it's red!"

Quatre whimpered. "Shoot me now. Please. Somebody. Anybody." "Quatre, what are you talking about?" Heero demanded. "Don't you know? Duo is allergic to artificial red dye. He gets insanely hyper from it." Heero was about to refute this?it sounded ridiculous, who could be allergic to red dye of all things??but out of the corner of his eye, he saw that Duo was bouncing aimlessly on his toes, humming something. "Is there an antidote?"

"Yes."

"What is it?"

"I don't know," Quatre admitted morosely. "Duo won't tell me." "How do you know this?" Heero kept an eye on Duo. His lover was now playing with the basketball, the usual fancy foot and ball work that people used to show off a little. He was appalled at how much energy his lover was displaying after playing basketball for two hours straight. "The last time he spent the night at my house, he had three sticks of licorice." Quatre started edging a little away from Duo, eyeing him nervously. "It took two hours to calm him down." "What did you do?"

"Locked him in a room until he worked it all out," Quatre admitted. "'Ro!" Duo bounced and dribbled his way around the other teen, smiling a possum smile. "Play with meeee~!"

Heero resigned himself to the cause. "Quatre, call Wufei for back up." "...right."

When Wufei arrived on the scene, having left pizza and movies in his car, he was rather bemused at seeing Heero and Duo playing basketball, with Heero dragging like an old lady and Duo literally running circles around him. The sight of anyone out-lasting Heero was an odd one. He sank next to Quatre on the grass, right on the edge of the court. "What's going on?"

Quatre sighed and gave him a strained smile. "Did I ever mention to you that Duo is very allergic to red dye?"

Wufei nodded slowly. "Yes. You told me he went bonkers the last time he was at your house. Why?"

"Guess what Heero just gave him."

"Red dye?" Wufei hazarded. "Red Gatorade," Quatre amended. "...oh." Well that certainly explained the braided menace's level of energy. "How long until it wears off?"

"Two hours...I think. At least, that's what it took last time."

Wufei eyed the couple on the court dubiously. "I don't think Heero will last two hours."

"I know. Any suggestions?"

Wufei thought this through. What could they possibly do with Duo that didn't involve wearing themselves out? "Is the school pool open?" Quatre gave the building behind them a thoughtful look. "It should be. It usually is during the day." "Good." When Duo came in close enough, Wufei snatched the ball out of his hands and tossed it behind him. "Duo, let's go swimming."

Duo changed his automatic protest into a quick agreement. "Sure! Let'sgoletsgoletsgoletsgo!" Faster than an Olympian, he took off for the pool, a worried Quatre right behind him. Heero drew in deep breaths, giving Wufei a grateful look. "Thanks."

Wufei shook his head in amusement. "Red dye, eh?"

Heero just groaned.

[three hours later]

Duo groaned, head buried in his pillow. Heero managed to pry open one eye to check on him. "Duo?"

"Uh."

Apparently, the full effects of the red dye had worn off. It had taken an hour of basketball, an hour of swimming, and two hours of making love to do it, but Duo was finally off his high. Thank God. Heero made a mental note: if he ever wanted Duo energized and willing to play in bed for a few hours, then he should give him a *small* amount of red dye. Duo had practically been insatiable once Heero had him alone in the room. "Duo, are you okay?"

Duo lifted his head far enough out of the pillow to croak "Aspirin". Then he flopped down again. Now that the emergency was past, Heero was beginning to see the humor in all of this. Smirking slightly, he got out of bed and rustled through his drawers for his bottle of painkillers. Then he picked up a water bottle from under the bed before climbing back into the bed beside Duo. "Here."

Duo struggled upright, downed both painkillers and water, then flopped face forward again. "Duo," Heero asked mildly, "what's the counter to red dye?" He figured that with his lover in this mood, he might get an answer. "Yellow dye," Duo muttered into his pillow. "Ah." Mental note: Have yellow dye handy at all times. He covered Duo's bare back with the blanket and settled down. A nap...*yawn*...sounded divine just about now...

Beside him, Duo was already snoring.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN: Reassurance

Running into the room, Duo slammed the door and flung himself onto the bed, scooting himself into the corner. Drawing up his legs as if to protect himself, Duo let the flood of tears go and sobbed.

/How could he?! How could he just say that?! I can't do this anymore!/

It had been a week since they had first made love and any time he and Heero weren't around just Quatre and Wufei, Heero reverted back to his old self, saying that there was nothing going on between Duo and him when someone asked. It *hurt* when Heero denied him, them.

Duo wrapped his arms tighter around his up drawn legs, burying his face against his knees. Unconsciously he rocked a little back and forth, tears streaming down his cheeks and hitting the dark material of his pants. He felt very fragile just now, as if he would shatter with just a loud sound. There was a quiet snick as the door opened, then Heero's alarmed voice. "Duo?"

Duo held still as Heero's hands came onto his shoulders, shifting away a little at the first contact. Heero lifted his hands away slowly, hurt and confused. Duo had never drawn away from him before. "Duo...you're crying."

"Are you...ashamed of me?" Heero flinched like he had been slapped. "No! Never. You're the best part of me."

Duo launched himself at his boyfriend, burying his face into Heero's neck. "It's too hard," he whispered in anguish. "Not being able to touch you in public, or act like you're more than a friend, it's too hard. I can't do that anymore. Every time you deny we're more than friends it *hurts* even though I know you don't really mean it --"

Heero hugged Duo tightly, closing his eyes, face strained by what he was hearing. When he had first given Duo the choker, he had sworn to himself that Duo would never again be hurt. /Good job, Yuy. You've made him doubt everything by trying to keep him safe./ "Duo, I only do it to protect you."

"I know."

"But if it hurts you this much," Heero drew his lover's face away from his shoulder so that he could look into his eyes "then I'll wait until the middle of lunch tomorrow, climb onto a table, and claim you in front of everybody. I love you."

Duo smiled shakily at that image. "Really? You don't mind?"

"No, I don't mind. But be prepared for our classmate's reactions, okay?" "Them I can handle," Duo assured him softly, leaning up briefly to steal a kiss. With a sigh of relief he sank back into Heero's embrace. "Duo, I wish you'd tell me when things bothered you the first time instead of letting them build up like this. I hate it when you cry. I have no idea how to handle it."

Duo squeezed the other's waist in apology. "Sorry. I usually think I can handle it, y'know? I guess it's a habit I need to break."

"Please."

"...So he climbs up on one of the tables in the quad, pulls *me* up and in front of the whole school, God and who knows what else, proceeds to thoroughly snog the stuffing out of me."

Trowa stared at Duo for a moment, his fork once again suspended before reaching his mouth. He then looked over at the teen that was trying his best to get the floor to open up and swallow him. "Heero?"

The boy mumbled something under his breath and Trowa's mouth quirked, trying to control his amusement. A quick glance at Duo showed him trying *his* darndest to keep from laughing out loud. "What was that? I couldn't hear you."

Heero looked up and glared at the cop before dropping his gaze again and speaking a little louder. "I said that it would've all been fine if Principle Kushrenada and Sally hadn't shown up."

Trowa's eyes widened and glanced over at Duo again before going back to Heero. "What did they do?"

"They cheered."

"Cheered?" Trowa failed to see the significance since this would mean more acceptance if the adults accepted them. Heero's face grew redder.

"No. I mean they *cheered*." Seeing Trowa still not get it Heero sighed in defeat. "As in 'G-O H-E-E-R-O. GOOO HEEEROOO!'"

Duo lost it.

Later in the week, Heero and Duo were in their room cuddling on their bed (which was now the two beds pushed together -- much more comfortable) when Heero brought up his father.

"Your father?" Duo twisted around to look up at the other. "He called you today?"

Heero stroked a hand down the chestnut braid soothingly. "Yeah. He tries to call every few weeks, to make sure I'm doing alright."

"I knew you didn't have a mom, I just didn't think about your dad. What did you talk about?"

"You."

Duo's eyes widened and he jerked upwards into a sitting position. "Me?! What for? Does your dad know you're gay? Oh my god, he's going to hate me."

Heero's eyebrows raised at the rush of panic he saw from his lover and quickly sat up and wrapped him in a hug. "No, oh no, Duo-koi. I'm fine. You're fine. Dad will like you, I promise. He's known I was gay for years now and he's fine with it. He'll like you. In fact, he's looking forward to meeting you over Christmas Break."

Duo peered at Heero dubiously, trying to wrap his mind around the fact that Heero's Navy Seal dad was perfectly fine with having a gay son. "You're sure?"

Heero smiled and gave him a quick reassuring kiss, stroking his hair to calm him. "Yes, I'm sure. You'll be fine. You'll like him and he'll like you. In fact, he's already said he likes you, sight unseen. Trust me. Suki desu, Duo-koi. My dad understands."

Duo couldn't deny Heero anything when he said that and nodded. Snuggling back together, they laid down again and just enjoyed each other.

/I hope he *does* like me./

Heero didn't appreciate how the redheaded teenager was looking at his boyfriend. This wasn't the first time that the cute little cheerleader had cast googly eyes at Duo, but she was certainly flirting with more effort than usual. Glaring at her darkly, he reached over and wrapped the end of Duo's braid around his hand. Duo felt the tug at his braid and glanced down. Yup, Heero was being possessive again. He had noticed Lisa's attempts at catching his attention earlier. That's probably what had set Heero off. He looked up, smiling into dark blue eyes. /Don't get jealous, 'Ro. I'm all yours./ Heero relaxed as he looked back into that smiling face. It didn't matter what was happening or how foul a mood he was in, when Duo looked at him like that he softened every time. Duo almost made him believe that the sun rose and set just for him sometimes when he looked at him like that. Quatre cleared his throat and sidled close enough to mutter "Bubbles."

"Shit!" Duo hissed. He broke eye contact immediately. He had been leaning towards Heero, completely unintentionally, and straightened hastily with his eyes on the floor. Heero had no idea what Quatre had said, but he didn't like the reaction it caused. Eyes narrowing again, he reached around Duo's shoulders to smack Quatre in the back of the head. "OW!" Quatre rubbed the back of his head, frowning at Heero. "What was that for?"

Heero had no chance to answer. Wufei came up behind him and smacked him on the side of the head -- significantly harder than Heero had smacked Quatre. "Don't hit my boyfriend, Yuy."

"Then tell him not to correct Duo's behavior," Heero growled back. Wufei quirked a brow, eyes slicing over to Quatre. Sure enough, his blond was blushing guiltily. "Quatre?"

Quatre turned to Duo, put out and pouting slightly. "I told you this would happen, but did you listen? Oh no, of course not."

Duo winced. He could see a growing cloud of confusion darkening Heero's face. This did NOT bode well. "Hehsheeehyeeeah. Er. Sorry, Cat."

"Duuuuo." Heero's tone managed to add quite adequately 'I don't know what this is all about, but I don't like it whatever it is.' Wufei side-stepped so that he could slide an arm around Quatre's waist and pull him in close. Leaning down he whispered "What is this all about?"

"I, er, told Duo something that had been bothering me a while. And he, um, decided that it wasn't necessarily a good thing and wanted my help in eradicating it from his behavioral patterns."

Wufei was beginning to see the whole picture. "And when you said something about it to Duo just now, he stopped whatever it is he was doing, which upset Heero and got you smacked for your efforts?"

"In a nutshell...yes."

Heero was becoming distinctly unhappy as he listened to this. He wanted to grab Quatre by the elbow and pull him aside to get the full story, but he recognized the gleam in Wufei's eye. His friend was in full Protection Mode, and would not allow any handling of Quatre just then. He looked at Duo instead, who still wasn't meeting his eyes. "Duo?"

Duo bit his lip, looking briefly upwards before his eyes fell again. This really had backfired on him, and he was rapidly trying to figure out how to explain to Heero without telling him everything. "I'll explain, just not...here."

"Alright." Heero took him by the hand and dragged him away from everyone else to the grassy knoll just behind the science building. Duo stood awkwardly next to him, rubbing one forearm nervously as he waited. Quatre was right behind them, Wufei trailing along, rather curious as to the story behind all of this. Quatre could well guess what was going through Duo's head and sighed. "I'll start. Heero, whenever Duo looks at you or just stands near you, he...softens. It makes him look even more effeminate than usual. Under normal circumstances it would be sweet but on this campus it's like having a target painted on your forehead. I pointed it out to him, and he agreed that he needed to do something to retrain that reaction, at least in public."

Duo swallowed, following the path that Quatre had laid out for him in this middle ground of truth but not-the-whole-truth. "We came up with a code so that Q could warn me. Bubbles for being sappy, hearts for something more serious than that, and flowers for being way too girly."

Heero recognized the usual backgrounds that manga and anime artists used, but he didn't like the use that they had been put to. "I don't want you to act differently towards me."

"Heero, I'm a walking disaster waiting to happen!" Duo jerked up, bristling, hands clenched at his sides. "I am NOT going to put you through one fight after the next just because I can't act masculine enough to get the whole fucking school off my back!"

The air was tense. Heero felt like someone had tossed him into the middle of a mine field with nothing to go on or any information to help him. Quatre was rubbing at his temples as if a headache was coming on, and Wufei wasn't doing much better. Heero could garner no help from them. /So, I'll have to trust my instincts./ He took Duo's face in both hands, mouth working for a moment until he felt that he found the right thing to say. "When you look at me, smiling and glowing like that, I can see how much you love me. Would you rob me of that?"

Duo flinched as if he had been struck. "N-no. But Heero --"

"If I have to fight the whole damn world in order to see you look at me in that way, Duo, then I'll do it. I don't want you to conform to make life easier. Anyone who thinks less of you for this can go to hell. I'll buy them a ticket personally."

Heero had said that last bit so seriously that Duo grinned. "Okay." He fell against his boyfriend, wrapping both arms around his trim form and squeezing slightly. "I'll back you up."

Heero returned that tight embrace and closed his eyes in relief. That had been the right thing to say. And now everything was back to normal, and he didn't have to worry about it again. Thank god. "I'm counting on it."

"You what?"

Duo stared at Quatre incredulously, trying to wrap his mind around what the blond had just told him. How the heck did a sixteen year old blond bombshell like Quatre *not* know how to dance?

"You mean to tell me that in all this time that you and Feicakes have been together, you've *never* just cut loose with some music and danced like normal teenagers? Even *I've* done that on occasion! What have you been *doing*?

As soon as he said that and saw Quatre's blush, Duo realized just *what* the two were usually doing and blushed himself, thinking of the times he and Heero were in a room together. He held up a hand as Quatre opened his mouth. "Don't answer that." He shook his head quickly to get the image of his two best friends out of his mind and squinted at the blond sitting on his bed.

"Q, do you even *know* how to dance? I mean, you can play piano, so you obviously have *some* sort of rhythm."

Quatre looked over at the brunet with some indignation. "I can too dance!" Duo raised an eyebrow and he trailed off into a mumble. "I mean, I was taught how to waltz and the foxtrot and --"

Duo groaned and flopped back onto the mattress, throwing an arm over his eyes. "No, no, no! Q! You are far more gone than I thought."

"Hey!"

Sitting up again, Duo leant forward, gesturing. "Well you are! You try to do those types of dances out on the popular dance floor and..." He broke off, shaking his head again.

"And what?" Quatre demanded.

"Let's just say it wouldn't be pretty."

"Oh."

"Yeah. Oh."

"Okay...so teach me."

Duo nearly fell of the bed. "What?!"

"Teach me," Quatre said again, a smug look crossing his face as he noted Duo's discomfort.

"Me?!" Duo squeaked, pointing to himself.

"Yes you. You do know how to do this *other* dancing, don't you?"

"Well, well, yes, but...Fei'll kill me!"

Quatre shook his head and sighed. "No he won't. I won't let him."

"B-but Heero..."

"Won't kill you either. He's firmly wrapped around you're little finger. C'mon Duo."

Duo sat staring at the blond for a moment, not blinking. Finally he took a deep breath and a determined look came over his face. "Alright. C'mere.We have time before the boys get back with the food anyway."

Quatre slid off the bed as Duo stood and went over to the stereo. Flipping through the considerable cd collection there he finally picked something and slipped the disc in. A low beat filled the room and Duo shook his head in bemusement.

"I can't believe you have something like this and don't dance to it. Good grief."

"I like Iio. I just --"

Duo just shook his head again and cut Quatre off. "Just c'mere."

Quatre came to a stop in front of the long haired teen and Duo put his hands on his hips, his own beginning to move as the beat picked up. For the next twenty minutes Duo tried to get the blond teenager to relax and move to the rhythm of the music, but it wasn't really working. For some reason, Quatre was still tight.

Duo finally stepped back and blew out a breath and said flatly. "Okay. Think of it this way. You're having sex with clothes on."

"Duo!" Quatre turned a nice shade of red and Duo rolled his eyes.

"Well you are. If you think of it that way then maybe you can move something," Duo shook his head, "Eew, did *not* need that image."

Quatre looked closer at Duo. "Is that what you do with Heero? Think you're having sex while dancing?"

Duo's face softened and a smile crept over his face as he thought of his lover. "No, it's different. It's still the whole sex thing, but so much more now. It's different when you do it with love."

"Really?" Quatre was intrigued. He had yet to see the softer side of Heero when he was around Duo, though he had seen a glimmer of it.

Duo continued, "Yeah. I mean before I felt so safe in his arms, but now...now it's as if he can protect me from anything and it's just the two of us."

They both jumped a little as they heard the downstairs door slam shut. Duo got a slight smile on his face as he heard the boys coming up the stairs and gestured to Quatre.

"Watch."

He slipped over to the stereo and flipped it back a few tracks and hit play as the door began to open.

As the door opened Heero looked up from talking to Wufei and stopped in his tracks at the vision before him.

~~The night I laid my eyes on you/Felt everything around me move/Got nervous when you looked my way/But you knew all the words to say~~

Duo looked up at him as he let his hair loose and smiled, beginning to move to the music, the movement sensual. Heero's jaw dropped.

~~And your love slowly moved right in/All this time/Oh my love/Where you been~~

Tempo picking up, Duo's hips did too as he lip-synced with the music, beckoning to his lover with a finger. His head tipped back, exposing a creamy throat as his hands moved down his body.

~~Mi amore/Don't you know/My love I want you so/Sugar/You make my soul complete/Rapture tastes so sweet~~

Heero's eyes narrowed and he shoved the bags he held at Wufei.

"Yuy?"

"It'll microwave."

Wufei watched the teen stalk into the room and over to his mate. "You're right."

~~La~/La la la la la la/La la la la la la/La~/La la la la la la /La la la la la la~~

Heero stepped in front of Duo and matched his movement, not taking his eyes off of him. Duo's eyes flashed as he sang and brought his arms up to bring Heero closer. They moved in sync. Quatre was stunned.

~~I'm mesmerized in every way/You keep me in a state of daze/Your kisses make my skin feel weak/I'm always melting in your heat~~

Heero slipped a leg between Duo's and caught him close, his mouth going to his neck. Duo smiled wider and tipped his head back. Heero dipped him back for the next refrain and Quatre gasped at the beauty of it.

~~Then I soar like a bird on the wind/Oh I glide as I'm flying through heaven~~

Bringing him back up Heero still kept Duo close, now lost in his eyes and not acknowledging there was anyone else in the room.

~~Mi amore/Don't you know/My love I want you so/Sugar/You make my soul complete/Rapture tastes so sweet

Mi amore/Don't you know/My love I want you so/Sugar/You make my soul complete/Rapture tastes so sweet~~

Wufei slipped up close behind Quatre and began to move with him as they watched the duo in front of them. Quatre unconsciously began to move with him.

~~Since we connect behind closed doors/Spark this fire even more/No telling where we will be next/Surrender to your raptured heart/Lay your head, let the slumber float/Can't resist, that's why words I wrote~~

They watched as Heero moved behind Duo and held him close, rocking with him. Duo raised his arms behind the chocolate head that laid on his shoulder and bit his lips as Heero's hands slipped down to his hips and pulled him back. They were in a state of complete bliss. Wufei and Quatre watched in awe as Heero turned Duo around again and caught his lips with his. ~~Mi amore/Don't you know/My love I want you so/Sugar/You make my soul complete/Rapture tastes so sweet~~

Time seemed to stand still as Heero kissed Duo, slipping his hands through the loose chestnut locks. Quatre gasped at the love he felt pouring out of them.

"Oh Allah."

"What?"

"They are so in love right now, it's unbelievable. Look at the way they move." Quatre sighed with joy as he watched the two. Wufei couldn't help but agree. Heero and Duo looked perfect together. He could only hope he and Quatre looked as good. Heero and Duo danced on oblivious, not breaking the kiss.

~~Mi amore/Don't you know/My love I want you so/(Yeah~)/Sugar/You make my soul complete/Rapture tastes so sweet

Mi amore/Don't you know/My love I want you so/Sugar/You make my soul complete/Rapture tastes so sweet

La~/La la la la la la/La la la la la la/La~/La la la la la la /La la la la la la~~

It was getting late as they walked home laughing, hands entwined.

"Did you see the look on Cat's face when he realized he was dancing?" Duo laughed again as Heero shook his head.

"I can't believe Quatre didn't know how to do that. He had the music. It's not that difficult to move to."

Duo snickered. "I don't think he ever really had a chance to even at home. Poor kid."

"Well, he knows now."

"Yeah, just have sex with clothes on."

Heero nearly snickered himself to death, feeling very relaxed. He peered sideways at his lover and thought back to what he had come upon when he opened the door earlier in the evening. /What a vision Duo was. He was spectacular./

Heero felt arousal moving through his body and he pulled Duo to a stop. Turning to him in question, Duo gave him a quirky smile.

"What is it, Ro?"

"You were beautiful tonight. When I came back I mean."

Duo's soft smile was nearly Heero's undoing as he reached up and stole a deep kiss. "Thank you." He then moved his hips into Heero's slightly and bit his lip coyly. "Want to see who can get home fastest? I want to do something else tonight we haven't tried."

Groaning, Heero merely grabbed Duo's hand and took off, Duo being pulled laughing behind him.

They never saw the three shadowed figure in the alley behind them as they took off.

"Interesting. So our little experiment has gone much better than planned." The cold voice rasped. "I want him taken. He knows too much."

Without a word the two other shadows slipped into the night and followed the two boys as the first shadow smiled coldly to itself.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN: Kidnapped

Duo shuddered, crying out as Heero's hips thrust one last time before he collapsed onto his lover's solid chest. Panting, Duo closed his eyes and smiled, listening to Heero's still fast heartbeat.

"God, Duo. That...that was...awesome." Heero struggled to get the words out around heaving breaths. He brought his arms up and around the boy lying on his chest, stroking through the disarrayed chestnut locks along Duo's back. Duo purred and nuzzled into him.

"Glad you liked. I've been wanting to try that for awhile, but couldn't get up the nerve to ask." Heero chuckled and Duo propped his chin on his chest, raising an eyebrow in inquiry. "Whaaat?"

"Love, you can do that *anytime* you want to. Having you ride me is..." Shaking his head, Heero just smiled up into Duo's violet eyes. Duo smiled back and snuggled back onto Heero's chest. He was content to be where he was for the meantime.

"Dancing with Q and Fei tonight was fun," he whispered, enjoying Heero's fingers combing through his hair.

"Mm? Oh, yeah. We'll have to do that again sometime. I never thought that Quatre wouldn't know how to dance like that."

Duo gave a low chuckle. "I found out when I asked him. I guess Fei can take over his education now." Heero's chest rumbled under his ear. Duo's stomach rumbled back seemingly in answer.

"Oops. Munchies." Duo giggled. "And here I am, out of munchie food."

"Hn." "C'mon, Ro. Have to let me up." He tried to prop himself up as Heero's arms tightened. "Nn. No. You're too comfy."

Duo laughed softly and stroked the dark bangs back from Heero's forehead. "Ro, I'm hungry. I'm gonna run down to the corner store and get something."

"Nnn..." Reluctantly Heero let go and sucked in a breath as he slid out of Duo's body as he dismounted. Duo smiled down at him seductively before he leaned down and caught Heero's lips in a deep kiss.

"We'll do more of that when I get back," Duo promised. Heero groaned. Where did his lover get the *energy*? He rolled to his side as he watched Duo clean himself off and pull on the first thing that came to hand, his discarded uniform from earlier. He plaited his hair quickly and tied it off before grabbing his coat.

"Why do you have to go down to the store?" Heero pouted. Duo turned to smile at him.

"Cause I seem to have run out of chocolate."

Heero snorted. "You and your chocolate. And I bet you ate all of my pocky again too."

"Who, me?" Duo's smile tried to turn innocent, but it didn't quite make it. Heero grinned back and shook his head.

"Don't want me to come with you?" Duo shook his head and leaned over his lover's prone body, hands on either side. "Nope. I'll be fine. Just be here when I get back."

"Got it." Reaching up, Heero brought his head down for a last deep kiss, their tongues playing together, before he let the violet eyed tempter go. He watched Duo bounce out the door and sighed. Laying back into the pillows, Heero settled down to await his chocolate-starved lover.

Duo bounced out the doors of the dorm, singing softly to the Three Doors Down song in his head. As he hit the night air he shivered slightly.

/Damn. It's getting colder, but then it is into October now. Halloween is just around the corner and then Thanksgiving and best of all! Christmas!/

As he walked through the cool late night air, Duo thought about what he would get Heero for Christmas, having no doubt in his mind that they would still be together by then. What they had was too precious for it to be temporary.

The little corner store that provided the Benson High students with unhealthy and healthy snacks late at night wasn't very far from the dorms and Duo had it in sight as he passed a dark alley between two of the main buildings.

A small sound brought Duo's head whipping around. "Who's there?!"

As his braid flew around behind him, it was caught and he was harshly yanked backwards. Before his cry could leave his lips though, he gagged on the cloth that was shoved into his mouth and the bitter fluid that soaked it. He clawed at the arms that had fastened around him in panic and they tightened to stop his struggles.

Before the drug that was on the cloth could knock him into oblivion, Duo heard a sinister chuckle and his eyes flew up. His terrified gaze met hard opaque glass.

"Well, my *boy*. You led me on quite the chase, eh?"

/NOOO!! HEEEROO!!/ Duo screamed through the cloth.

"Bring him."

/NOOOO!!! /

Duo struggles increased as he was hauled forward before his world abruptly darkened and he lost consciousness.

Heero woke abruptly from his doze and looked around. He thought he had just heard something. He snorted at himself, but a feeling of dread crept over him. Looking at the clock beside his and Duo's bed he noted that it read 12:10 AM. That couldn't be right. Duo had gone out around eleven for his munchies. He should have been back by now. The feeling of dread swelled and Heero bolted out of the bed, reaching for his jeans and shirt.

"Duo?!" Maybe he was in the bathroom and he hadn't heard him come in. He looked over, but the door stood wide open. "Duo?!" /Ok, not here then. Ok, calm down, Yuy. Maybe he got stuck at the store talking to Dan. They do that. Or another student caught him./ With that thought firmly in mind, pushing the ice in his heart back, Heero grabbed his jacket and cellphone and ran out the door. He got down the stairs without mishap and out the door.

Walking down to the corner store he saw no one else who might have seen Duo. The quad/parking lot was completely deserted and the campus was quiet. He shivered, not entirely from the cold night air. /Duo, you'd better be at the store./

The tiny bell over the door jingled as Heero pushed it open and entered the warm, brightly lit store. Dan, the store owner, poked his blond head around a corner of a display and smiled a welcome.

"Heero! Good to see you! You in for chocolate for Duo?"

A cold shaft of ice went through Heero's heart at Dan's words. He stopped dead in the middle of the aisle. "He hasn't been here?"

Dan frowned as he watched Heero pale and shook his head. "Duo? No. Haven't seen him in awhile."

"Oh god." Heero breathed. As Dan watched him in concern, Heero pulled out his phone and hit the speed dial for Wufei. It rang twice before a sleepy voice answered.

//H'lo?//

"Quatre, is Duo there?"

//Huh? Heero?// Quatre's confusion was clear over the line. //Duo? No. He's not here. He's with you isn't he?//

Heero drew in a shuddering breath. "No. I-I don't know where he is. He said he was going to come down to the corner store for munchies. Quat...that was an hour ago."

He heard Quatre draw in a sharp breath. //Fei, wake up. Heero? Call Trowa and tell him what happened. We'll be there soon.//

Heero nodded even though Quatre couldn't see and hung up, hitting the second speed dial. Within one ring, Trowa picked it up.

//Heero?//

Swallowing tightly, Heero convey his panic in one short sentence. "I can't find Duo."

//Shit!!// Sounds of something falling and doors opening came across the line. //Heero, where are you? What happened?//

"I'm down at the corner store. Duo said he was going to come down here for some midnight snacks, but Dan said he never saw him."

//How long ago did he leave you?//

"Over an hour. It was around eleven when he left." Heero heard the sound of a car door being slammed. //Heero, I'm on my way. Stay put where you are. Did you call Quatre and Wufei to see if he was there?//

"Yes. He wasn't. They're coming too."

//Ok. Stay there. I'll be there as soon as I can.//

With that the connection was cut. Heero dropped the phone from his ear and stood in the aisle, staring at the floor. He looked up as Dan's shoes came into his line of sight. The older man's eyes were worried.

"Hey, what's going on, Heero?"

"I don't know." Heero whispered. Dan reached out to steady him as he swayed a bit. "I don't know."

/Oh, god, Duo. Where are you?/

Trowa pushed his car as fast as he dared, the single light on top flashing. His heart was in his throat as he recalled the hoarse voice of Heero over the phone. Heero didn't know the whole story behind Duo, but he knew enough that he was panicking.

/Dammit! Duo, what happened? Where are you?/

Duo wouldn't have run away from Heero, he loved him too much. Trowa saw it everytime the two were together. No, someone had to have taken him. /And that damn doctor is still out there./ He slammed a hand against the steering wheel, letting out an enraged growl. He looked over at the phone in the passenger seat.

/Treize. Call him./

He reached over and keeping one eye on the road, dialed the principal's home number.

//Trowa? Why are you calling so late, or shall I say, early in the morning?//

"Treize, Duo's gone." Trowa relayed without preamble. "Heero said he went down to the corner store and didn't make it there."

//What?!//

"I'm on my way over there now. I wanted you to know. I'll keep you updated."

//A-alright. Be careful.//

"Got it." With that, Trowa hung up. He sighted the small corner store and pulled up in front of it. He noted that another car was already there, Wufei's if he recalled correctly. He exited his own quickly and went into the store.

He found Heero sitting on an overturned crate, a cup of coffee in his hands as Quatre crouched beside him, whispering comfortingly to him. Wufei stood off to the side with the store owner, talking quietly. They all looked up as he came in. Relief flashed across Heero's face and he stood up.

"Trowa."

Trowa caught him in a brief hug before releasing him. "We'll get him back, Heero. Now, what you told me over the phone, was that all of it?" Heero nodded as he responded to the police officer Trowa had become.

"Yes. He said that he was going to go down to the corner store because he was hungry and we didn't have anything in our room. I asked if he wanted me to go with him, but he said he'd be fine. I fell asleep just after he left, around eleven or so, and woke up around twelve-ten. He hadn't come back. I thought maybe he had just gotten to talking to Dan or something, but when I got here, Dan said he hadn't seen him." Taking a deep breath, Heero continued, his heart continuing to constrict. "Then I thought maybe he had gone over to Wufei's for some reason, he's not that far away. But..." Heero shrugged, his blue eyes pleading. Quatre put an arm around his shoulders.

Turning to the store owner, Trowa beckoned him over. "Dan, did you see or hear anything out of the ordinary? Think hard."

Dan frowned as he thought back. "Well, around the time Heero said that Duo left, I thought I heard something over by the old Reser building. Like a muffled scream, but I thought it was a 'coon come down out of the hills."

Heero sucked in a breath. A scream? His eyes flew to Trowa's. The officer held up a hand as he turned back to Dan. "Was that all you heard? You didn't see anything?" Dan shook his head. Trowa took a deep breath and let it out slowly.

"Ok. I'll grab a flashlight from the car and radio in. We can backtrack where Duo might have gone. Dan, wait here for the other officers if you could." Dan nodded and Trowa gestured for the three teens to follow him out to his car. He found his flashlight and handed it to Heero before he called in for other officers and reported the missing person. Duo's case file was still wide open and now with his disappearance, it was pushed to priority. Closing the connection, the brunette backed out and slammed the door shut.

"Let's go." Heero nodded sharply, the other two silent. Clicking on the beam, they began to backtrack. When they came upon the dark alley between the old Reser building and the science building, Heero flashed the beam around, all of them looking carefully. The light stopped abruptly upon a spot near the entrance of the opening and they heard Heero moan softly. Trowa whipped around as Heero fell to his knees and reached for something. Quatre was by his side in an instant.

"Heero, what is it?" Heero silently pointed to what he had found. On the pavement was the bright red hair band he had seen Duo tie the end of his braid with earlier. The other two came to his side to look as well. "May-maybe it isn't his, Heero. There are a lot of --" Quatre cut himself off as Heero began to shake his head.

"No. Look closer."

They stepped closer and looked down as Heero brought the light in. There, shining brightly in the strong white beam, were several strands of long chestnut hair.

Duo struggled to open his eyes as he faded in and out of consciousness.

/Where am I?/

"Doc. He's wakin' up."

"Damn it. It shouldn't be this soon."

Duo froze as the voice from his nightmares spoke. No, it couldn't be. NO!

A white and metallic blob entered his range of vision and Duo managed to open his eyes enough for his first look at the doctor before him. His stomach revolted at the sight of the man who had tortured him for his own greed. He tried to turn away, but found himself strapped down, the leather cutting into his wrists like before. Panic flared brighter as the doctor smiled coldly at him.

"Hm, thought the drug would work longer. You're stronger than I thought. No matter though, you won't be remembering anything. Anything at all."

Duo's eyes widened as that cold laugh wove its way around his soul, freezing it and he felt a sharp prick on his arm before he was lost to the darkness again.

His last thought was of Heero and how sorry he was that he couldn't make it back to say he loved him.

Quatre watched worriedly as Heero worked at the laptop that had been set up. There were dark circles forming under the blue eyes, and Heero's shoulders were slumped.

They had come back to the store from the alley where they had found Duo's hairband and waited until Trowa's backup had arrived. He had filled the officers in on what was happening and they went about setting up what they had to. A quick stop at Heero and Duo's room revealed nothing of note and an officer was posted there in case someone should show up. Trowa had called in for a team to comb all the areas for evidence, and prayed that someone would come up with something. Then they had all piled into the cars and gone back to Trowa's apartment, where a base of operations would be set up.

For hours now, Trowa had been calling the contacts from the file and asking them if they had seen or heard anything out of the ordinary, while opening the police bands. If anything came across them, or someone reported in, they would hear it. Heero in the meantime had taken over the computer and proceeded to coordinate all of the departments in the state so that if anyone reported a missing or found person over the net, they would be instantly alerted. Trowa had been a bit shocked that Heero could do this, but he didn't protest, knowing that the dark haired boy needed something to occupy his mind. It had taken a few hours to set up the network, but Heero had accomplished it.

Now Quatre and Wufei just watched their friends search feverishly through the many reports that were coming in. They knew they could do nothing but sit there as support, but that didn't mean they couldn't try. Quatre had earlier tried to get Heero to lay back down for a short nap, but he had been brushed off, Heero not even looking up from the computer screen at him. Trowa was the same way. They automatically ate what was set in front of them, but they didn't cease in their efforts.

Morning blended into afternoon as they worked. Officers came by frequently to report the quadrants of the city that had been checked or to say that there was no change. Treize had called once, but Trowa had been on the phone at the time and Wufei had taken a message.

Evening bled into night and Heero and Trowa still worked, their eyes burning in their pale faces.

Stepping to Heero's side, Quatre laid a hand on his shoulder and shook him gently.

"Heero, come on. You *must* get some rest. This is doing you no good."

Heero shook his head and continued to search through the reports on the screen. Quatre sighed in frustration. "Heero! Please! You must *rest*!"

"No, Quatre! I can't!" Heero jerked his shoulder out from under the blond's hand and turned to glare at him out of blood-shot blue eyes. "Not until Duo is *home*! No!"

"Heero!"

"Quatre." The blond turned at Wufei's voice and saw him shaking his head. He opened his mouth to protest, but Wufei's dark eyes silenced him. "Not now. Come." He held out a hand and Quatre took it with a frustrated glance back at his friend. As Wufei pulled him out of the room, he sighed.

"Trowa is the same way," Wufei stated quietly, nodding his head toward the living room where Trowa was working. "Neither of them will rest until Duo is safe within Heero's arms."

"I know, but...Still." Quatre leaned against the hallway wall and shook his head, tears forming. "Why?" He looked up into his lover's compassionate eyes. "Why, Wufei? Why Duo?"

Pulling him into a tight embrace, Wufei held his small lover as he cried silently. "I don't know, my love. But we will find him."

CHAPTER FIFTEEN: Escapes

He came to slowly, his head aching. He pressed his cheek against the cold floor underneath him and breathed in slowly. The smell of harsh antiseptic and others hit his senses and his stomach rebelled slightly. He moaned, but managed to keep everything down. Ah, god, what had hit him?

He panted through his mouth for a moment before he felt strong enough to try to move. Pushing himself to his knees, he finally looked up and around. He swallowed as he realized that he had no idea of where he was...

Or who. What the hell?!

He searched his mind for anything that could give him a clue, but he repeatedly ran into a wall. Starting to panic, he looked around for some way to leave the white room. There! A door that almost blended into the walls caught his eye. He shoved himself to his feet, pushing the heavy mass of his loose hair behind him. A minute flash went through his mind, but it escaped him before he could grab hold of it. Something to do with his hair, he was sure of it. Pushing it aside for now, he concentrated on getting to his feet without falling and to the door.

Once he was there, he cautiously tried the doorknob. Relief shot through him as it turned easily and he pulled it open a tiny bit to peek outside. There didn't seem to be anyone around. He had the sudden feeling that he had to get out of there, and *fast* before someone came back. Looking up and down the hall again, he made sure no one was out there before he bolted out of the room and down to the right. Hopefully he could find a way out.

None too soon did he escape from the room. He heard a shout echo down the hall as the open door was discovered. He ducked to the left and into a stairwell, crouching down as heavy footsteps came nearer as a deep voice boomed out.

"He couldn't have gotten very far! Search everywhere!"

Another voice sent cold chills down his spine and he squeezed his eyes shut. /I'm not here. I'm not here. Notherenotherenothere/

"Damn that boy. He gets over the damn drug faster than I thought possible. I want him found."

Within minutes, the footsteps had faded, and he began to breathe easier, his terror tempered for now. /Ok, someone wants to hurt me. Bad I'm guessing. Who am I that they would want that?/ His head began to ache again and he quickly pulled away from that thought. /Later. Right now I need to get away. Ok, so if I were doing something illegal and I didn't want to be found where would I hide?...Underground./

He looked up at the stairs beside him. /So go up./

He checked to make sure he was alone before he began to make his way up the stairs. He didn't know how he knew to go up or that the place he was in might be underground, but it seemed like a good idea to him.

So he went up.

Trowa leaned against the door jamb wearily, looking into the dark room. It was only illuminated by the glow of the laptop that Heero was still working on. "Anything?"

Heero shook his head, not turning away from the screen. Trowa watched him wordlessly for a moment, deep worry searing through him. He knew how much Duo meant to the young man sitting at that table, but he was suddenly scared that if they didn't find Duo that they would also lose Heero. He shivered at the thought.

"Heero," he called softly hoping for some acknowledgement beyond a headshake or two. "Heero, we have to stop for now." Heero began to shake his head slowly as Trowa forged on. "Heero, we've run out of leads, no one has heard anything. Please, Heero."

"No." The word was whispered, as if uttering it would break some spell that had woven itself around the asian teen. "Heero, please."

"NO!" Trowa watched as Heero's hands clenched into fists and his head bowed, his shoulders trembling. "NO!"

Quatre and Wufei appeared behind Trowa and looked over his shoulder worriedly. They could see Heero's trembling and looked up at the cop. His green eyes conveyed his own fear at not being able to find Duo and that Heero was falling away from them. Quatre looked at his lover and they exchanged nods.

"Trowa." The green eyed cop looked over at Wufei as he laid a hand on his shoulder. "Come on. You too need to rest." Trowa shook his head and glanced back at Heero as Quatre padded up softly behind him. "Yes. Quatre will take care of Heero for the moment and then I will come back. At least come and try to eat something and lay down." Trowa looked at him for a moment before he nodded his head jerkily and allowed the Chinese teen to lead him back to his room.

Once Wufei made sure that Trowa had eaten a little of the soup he and Quatre had heated up and he was at least laying down, he made his way back to the room where Heero was.

Quatre laid his hands on Heero's trembling shoulders, stroking them softly. It had been nearly two days now that Duo had been missing and neither Heero nor Trowa had rested or eaten much in that time. Exhaustion warred with bone deep fear in Heero's body and Quatre could feel all of it. He bit his lip and began to coax Heero to turn around.

"Heero, come on. Trowa is right, you need to rest." Again Heero began to shake his head and Quatre sighed softly. This time he wasn't going to allow his distraught friend to brush him off. "Heero, please, come."

"Quatre..." Heero's voice was hoarse from not speaking and suppressed tears. "I can't...Not until we...find Duo. Please, just go away."

"No."

Heero finally looked up at the stern note in Quatre's voice. The blond tightened his grip on Heero's shoulders and turned him in the chair, surprising the Japanese teen. He hadn't thought Quatre that strong. But the blond was determined.

"Heero. You cannot keep looking if you are falling over. We know, we are all scared." He shook Heero a little. "We. Are. All. Scared. Believe me and know that we are all here for you and that I truly do believe that we *will* find Duo. Heero, please."

Heero looked up at his friend, the tears he was trying so hard to suppress shimmering in his eyes. "Quatre...I..."

Sliding his hands down Heero's arms to catch his hands, Quatre pulled him from the chair and over to the bed in the corner of the room. He sat down with his back to the wall and guided Heero down to him. Willingly Heero curled into him, his head tucked under Quatre's chin.

Placing his arms around his burden, Quatre stroked back Heero's bangs. That was all it took for the tears to begin to flow.

"Quatre, I'm so scared, so scared. What if? What if he -- he doesn't come back? If we can't find him? I couldn't take that!!" Heero yelled, clutching fistfuls of Quatre's shirt, beginning to sob. "I couldn't take it if he's dead! Oh, God, please!! Please, I want Duo back!! I WANT MY DUO BACK!!!"

Quatre's own tears fell as he began to rock Heero, the harsh sobs cutting through him as Heero began to shake harder as he tightened his grip.

A faint shaft of light briefly illuminated the room as Wufei slipped through the door and took in the scene. He caught Quatre's eyes and reading the plea in them, came quickly over to the bed. Climbing onto it, he wrapped his arms around the exposed side of Heero and in that warm cocoon of friendship and support, Heero let out his terror and grief at the loss of his heart.

It was hours later when Wufei finally left the bed, leaving his lover wrapped around Heero, both sleeping somewhat soundly. Heero twitched and mumbled in his sleep as nightmares tried to take hold of him, but the presence of his friends kept them at bay. When he and Quatre had tried to leave the bed after Heero's purging, he hadn't let go and begged them to stay with him.

"I can't sleep. Not without Duo here. Please, just... can you?"

Quatre had understood immediately that Heero wouldn't be able to get any rest without one or the both of them there, a solid presence to provide him a firm basis in reality. Wufei sighed. Heero was so very close to losing that grip. If Duo were not found...

"Is he still sleeping?"

Wufei looked up as Trowa shuffled into the room and frowned. "You were supposed to be resting also."

Trowa shook his head. He had heard the cries of Heero earlier and they had cut through him. Leaving his bed a short time after, he had peeked into the other room and seen Wufei and Quatre curled protectively around the still trembling teen, all of them asleep. A sharp ache had gone through him at the sight, but after closing the door softly, he had gone back to looking for anything regarding Duo's whereabouts.

He shook his head again. "No, Heero needs me to keep looking. If I don't -- if we don't find him, we'll lose him. I couldn't stand that."

Wufei let out a sharp breath, but before he could say anything Quatre called for him. He sent an exasperated glance to Trowa, but the cop had already turned back into the living room. Going back to the bedroom, he met his lover at the door.

"Stay with him for a few, please. I'm going to go get something to eat for him." The gesture back toward the bed showed that Heero was awake but still lay on his side, his eyes glimmering wetly in the faint light. Wufei nodded and moved aside to let Quatre out, but caught his arm before he could go down the hall. He nodded toward the living room.

"See if you can't get Trowa to rest too or to eat something."

Quatre looked up into the dark eyes of his boyfriend. "And if I can't?"

"Then I'm making a phone call."

With that Wufei let him go and disappeared into the room to sit with Heero. Quatre stood in the hall for a few moments, his worry over both Trowa and Heero and their pain swirling together through him before he moved to make his way to the small kitchen. They needed help. He and his lover could only do so much for both of their friends. They themselves were dangerously close to the edge as it was.

He had gone up. And up and up, only stopping when he thought he had heard something above or below him. Twice he had had to hide under the stairs where they led to the next level as his searchers moved past him, his heart thudding in fear and him hoping they didn't look under the steps. They didn't and eventually he was free to move again.

At each level he had checked through the doors to see if there was a way out. So far he hadn't seen anything, only more sterile hallways and guards. Finally he knew he was nearing the top when he saw that the next level ended in only a door.

At the level below it, he slowly pulled to the door open and peeked out. He had to blink rapidly to clear his eyes as bright sunlight pierced them from the large windows before him. He had made it. Now to actually get *out* of the building.

Sticking his head out, he quickly made sure that there was no one around. /This is almost too easy, but I'm going to take it./ He bolted quietly out of the stairwell and down the hall toward the glass door he had seen.

But he had made a mistake.

"Hey YOU!"

/Oh crap! A receptionist!!/ Alarms began to sound as he crashed through the door before him, the glass cracking back against the stone of the building. He could hear heavy footfalls behind him as men gave chase and he desperately strove to put on more speed. He raced along the gravel road that led up to building and he slipped once, barely maintaining his balance. He fled past the entrance gate as two more men came out of the guard house there. He dodged their attempts to grab ahold of him and dove to the right of the gate, crashing into the bushes that lined the side of the road before leading into the woods that surrounded the area.

Panting in panic, he didn't look behind him as he heard his pursuers crash in behind him. He kept running, dodging trees and hoping beyond hope that he could get away. He didn't want to go back. /I can't go back! I can't!/

He ran for hours, only stopping to catch his breath when he was sure that there was no one behind him. He knew that they hadn't given up, so he just kept running. His head began to hurt furiously, but he ignored it. It began to grow dark and he tripped on hidden roots more and more often.

When he had crashed to his knees again, he knew that he couldn't go any further. His head ached something fierce, a sharp pain right behind his eyes that made him nauseous. Looking around, he could barely make out a tree that had fallen against another tree and formed a natural depression beneath it. He hauled himself to his feet and stumbled over to the little niche, crawling into it before darkness rose up and clubbed him hard.

It was Quatre who opened the door, looking pale and worried although a brief smile lit his face when he saw Treize. "Mr. Kushrenada, I'm so glad to see you. Come in."

Treize scanned the apartment as he entered, noting that things weren't as neat as they usually were. There was an air of slight chaotic disorder that was very out of place. It did nothing to reassure him. "How are they?"

Quatre grimaced, running a hand through his hair. "We have to find Duo very soon or I think Heero will fall apart completely. As it is I can't get him to eat more than a bite at a time and he'll only nap if either Wufei or I curl up with him. He's too used to sleeping next to Duo. Trowa has run himself almost past the point of exhaustion trying to find Duo and keeping Heero together. I know for a fact that he hasn't slept for well over twenty-four hours."

Treize acknowledged all of this with a somber nod, eyes going to Trowa's bedroom door. "Is he in there?"

"He said he was going to grab a quick shower, but that was almost a half hour ago. I'm hoping that he fell asleep on the bed." "I doubt that," Treize muttered to himself quietly.

"I do too," the blond acknowledged ruefully. "I can handle Trowa. Can the two of you handle Heero?"

/No one can handle Heero but Duo./ Quatre nodded reassuringly. "Of course. Call if you need anything."

Treize stepped over to the mostly closed bedroom door and listened hard. There was no sound from the other room. As silently as possible he pushed it open and side stepped inside. Trowa was sitting on the bed, cellphone in his hands and nothing but boxers on. He was staring at the phone as if he were willing it to ring. Treize didn't like what else he saw. There were dark circles under Trowa's eyes and his body was hunched in on itself. "Trowa."

He started, eyes flying up to meet Treize's. "When did you get here?"

"A moment ago. You need to sleep. Have you eaten anything?"

Trowa brushed this off, setting the cellphone aside on the bed and reaching for a pair of pajama bottoms lying neat the foot of the bed. "I'm fine. I'll go see if there are any new reports of missing people."

"Knowing Heero, he already has his laptop rigged to alert him if any new files are added. Trowa, you need to sleep. You're not doing anyone any good by driving yourself like this."

"I can't," Trowa whispered. Treize closed the remaining distance between them and dropped to his knees in front of Trowa. "Trowa. Whatever it is you need in order to sleep, I'll do it. I'm here to help not just chastise." Trowa's body drew into himself even more. Treize couldn't imagine what he had said to make the cop go on the defensive. He almost reached out for him and thought better of it. /I don't want him to take my presence here the wrong way --/

"Will you...lay next to me?"

It took a second for Treize to blindly fumble on the ground for his missing jaw, and slot it back into place. As soon as he managed that, he forced a "Certainly" out of his mouth. /I have to be good, I can't let my hands do any of the things that they want to do, I have to be good --/ Trowa relaxed onto the bed, rolling and scooting around until he was laying with his head near the headboard. With tired eyes he watched as Treize took off his shoes and stretched out next to him. He was so tired, not just physically, but of being the one depended on, the one that had to keep a cool head. He truly envied Heero for that -- the teenager had stayed calm when he was searching for Duo, but when they had run out of leads he had slowly fallen apart. Trowa wished he had been able to emulate that. He waited until Treize had settled comfortably before hesitantly rolling onto his right side. Treize waited with bated breath as Trowa reached out for him. Just as cautiously he slid an arm around Trowa's shoulders and silently encouraged him to come closer. It wasn't until Trowa's head settled on Treize's shoulder, with an arm over the redhead's chest that they both let out their pent up breath. Treize bit down on the urge to press a kiss against Trowa's temple -- he did NOT want Trowa to flinch away or move at this point -- and instead reached up with one hand to softly run his fingertips through the back of Trowa's hair. Trowa relaxed even more, each breath filling his lungs with the tart and pleasant scent of Treize. The soft stroking of his hair set up a soothing rhythm that his heart kept time with, lulling him almost instantly to sleep. Treize didn't stop, even when he knew that Trowa was completely oblivious to the world. With closed eyes he let his own worries come to the fore, chewing on them relentlessly. /I pray that we find Duo soon. Nothing will be the same otherwise./

Hilde pulled the bay to a stop, looking around and smiling. It was a beautiful day for a ride around her property. She had gotten up this morning with every intention of doing her laundry and mowing the lawn, but when she had seen the clear blue sky and felt the cool early morning air, she had immediately dismissed her chores. They could wait until she got back. So, she had gone into the barn and hauled out the riding gear and saddled up her favorite trail horse and gone riding. She had no regrets.

Nudging Tempest forward again, the dark haired woman continued along the barely seen trail that wound its way through the woods surrounding her house, listening to the forest life as it woke to a new day.

Tempest snorted and jerked to a stop, startling Hilde. "What in the world? Tempest?" The horse refused to move as she urged it forward, looking to the right into the woods. She also looked and could see nothing of note. "Tempest, what has gotten into you? Move on!"

But the bay absolutely refused to move an inch until his mistress had checked out what had caught his attention. With a sigh, Hilde dismounted and ground-tying him, went into the trees, looking for anything out of the ordinary. "I don't know what that horse is thinking, stopping like -- that." Hilde blinked and looked again. Nope, she wasn't seeing things. Hurrying over to where the old oak had fallen against a younger one, she knelt down next to the person half hidden under it. At first she thought it was a girl with the long unbound chestnut hair, but as she gently turned the person over, she came face to face with a beautiful boy instead.

"Good gravy! Hey kid. Kid wake up!" She tapped her fingers against the pale cheeks, but there was no response. He looked to be out cold. She ran her eyes and hands over him, checking for any obvious injuries, noting that he had on some kind of uniform along with a black leather choker, but she didn't find anything beyond a couple of scrapes. She gauged him to be a little smaller than her, but she didn't think she could carry him all the way back to Tempest. It would take her another twenty minutes to go back to the house, call for help, then something close to a half hour for an ambulance to get up here. Hilde didn't think that even more exposure would be good for the kid. Besides, the local hospital was more likely to hurt than help. Giving a piercing whistle, it wasn't long before her bay stepped through the undergrowth and to her side.

"Good boy, stand." As Tempest held his position, Hilde hooked her hands under the boy's arms and hauled him to his feet. He was a dead weight against her and it took a few minutes, but eventually Hilde had him draped across the cantle of the saddle. Making sure that he wouldn't slide when she let go, Hilde grabbed the reins and flipped them over Tempest's head and stepped up into the saddle. She held onto the boy and turned Tempest back toward home.

"I don't know who you are or where you're from Kid, but I sure as hell hope that someone's looking for you."

With that, Hilde urged Tempest into a canter.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN: Escapes (II)

He woke up groggily, feeling very unbalanced. The blank ceiling that met his eyes was not familiar. Turning his weighted head, he looked around the rest of the room. A slightly beat up oak dresser next to the bed, a door next to it, closet, chair by the window -- none of it was familiar either. This wasn't good. He frowned as he sat up, reaching to touch his throat in an automatic gesture as he swung his legs onto the floor. Nothing met his fingertips but skin. Instinctively he knew that wasn't right. There should be something there. Something that he never took off. It was very important that he never take it off. Panicking, he looked around the dresser but didn't find anything. He threw the blankets around in his haste, then dropped to his knees to look under the bed. Not there. The door clicked open behind him. He leapt to his feet, spinning to look at the middle-aged woman that walked in. Dark hair cut short, blue eyes that were slightly angled, fair skin -- she looked competent and in control, but her face didn't ring a bell. Who was she?

"Oh. I didn't think you'd be up. I'm Hilde Schriebker. You're in my home at the moment."

She acted as if he shouldn't be familiar with her. Good. Because he wasn't. The pretty woman in front of him was a complete stranger. "What's your name, kid?"

He opened his mouth to respond, and found that he couldn't. "I...don't know."

Her eyes narrowed. "You don't look so good, kid. Sit down."

He shook his head roughly, starting to pant as panic took hold. He didn't remember anything beyond waking up in that room, but he knew that he had lost something that was important. Right now, that was the only thing he was sure about, and it was vitally important that he find it. "I lost something."

"Yeah, kid, your memory." She tried to sit him down on the bed, but he fought free of her and started searching the room again. Maybe there was something in the dresser, in the drawers. "No, no something I was wearing around my neck. I need it back. It shouldn't be off, I never take it off."

She was watching him closely as he went around the room, ripping drawers open before slamming them closed again. Hilde knew what he was talking about, of course, since she had taken it off of him. But she found it curious that it wasn't a lack of a name or identity that bothered this boy, but a choker with a silver cross. It must have some significance to it, but she'd be damned if she could figure it out. "Why is it important? You don't have a name, kid, that you can remember. Surely finding out who you are is more important."

"No. Have to find that first." A memory was in his mind, a voice that was low and soothing, with a slight gravelly tone to it. 'I want you to wear this, and promise me to never take it off. No one will dare to hurt you if you wear it.' "I'll be okay if I wear it. He promised."

/He promised? This kid just keeps getting weirder./ "Who promised?"

"I don't know!" Duo whirled around, almost hysterical. He couldn't find it, he didn't know who he was or where he was, or any idea of how he had lost his memory. "Please! I need it back!"

/Damn, I shouldn't be pushing him like this. I can solve the riddle later./ "Okay, calm down." Hilde went out of the room, the boy close on her heels as she walked into the hall, through another door that led them through the den and into the laundry room. She was barely able to hand him his folded clothes before he snatched the choker that was lying on top and quickly fitted it around his neck. It spoke volumes that he did it easily, without any fumbling. This was something that he was used to doing. "Okay?"

His panic disappeared immediately. "Okay." With calm violet eyes, he looked up at her, then down at his folded clothes. "These are mine?"

/He remembers the choker, but not the clothes? Odd./ "Yes. At a guess, I would say they were a private school's uniform. You're probably a rich kid, or from an upper middle class family."

He shook his head slowly. "No...that doesn't feel right."

She quirked a brow. "Hm. Well, I notified the local police department that I found you, along with a basic description. If someone is looking for you, we'll find out soon enough."

Slowly he nodded. "Okay. Um...do you have internet?"

"Yes." Hilde cocked her head. "Why?"

"I...I'm going to look at all the high schools online."

A light bulb went off. "You mean the yearbook pictures."

"Sure. Why not? At least that way I may find myself faster."

Hilde nodded slowly. "Sure. I'll show you where the computer is. While you're doing that, I'll make you some lunch, alright? You want anything in particular?"

"Just whatever." He shrugged, smiling lopsidedly. "I'm not picky."

/And you don't remember even that at the moment. I won't press anymore, kid. Take your time./ "Okay. This way."

For nearly four hours he sat in front of the computer, going through high school after high school. He started with the nearest town, then the one after that until he hit Salt Lake City. His search became more confused at that point, just because of the sheer density of schools in that area. He kept the uniform he had been wearing next to his elbow, checking colors against the pictures. That speeded up the process considerably. Hilde came and went, mostly checking to see how he was doing and offering him food. He ate, mostly out of consideration for her, but truthfully food wasn't really his focus at the moment. He just wanted to know his name...and who the original owner of the cross choker was. At a quarter after two, he finally came upon a high school that had the same colors and uniforms that he did. He sat up and paid attention, scrolling through the pictures carefully. He was looking for two things: his face, and anyone wearing a cross choker. It wasn't until he reached M that he found the first. The boy in the picture was wearing a maniacal grin, hair wrapped in a braid that fell over one shoulder and large violet eyes. "Duo Maxwell. I'm Duo Maxwell." A sigh of relief exploded from his chest and he nearly sank against the keyboard in relief. Finally, he knew his name. Alright. Second thing. Duo went back to his search, looking intently for a silver cross. This took the rest of the alphabet, and it wasn't until the Y's that he found his answer. The boy wearing it wasn't smiling, and almost seemed to glare at the camera. Dark blue eyes, tousled brown hair, with a hint of asian descent in his face...Heero Yuy. A cascade of memories crashed through his head as he stared at that face, becoming more intense by the millisecond. Scenes flashed through his head of Heero -- scowling, laughing, smiling, teasing, flirting, holding him in the night when he had a nightmare, protecting him, fighting with another man that he had no name to -- the pain became more intense as the memories assailed him and he muffled a cry behind his teeth as he bowed under their weight. "Kid?! You okay?" Hilde dashed into the room, crouching by his side and holding him against her. After a long minute he straightened, breathing a little hard. "You okay? What was that?"

"I...remember him."

Hilde blinked. For the first time since she had seen him, he was smiling. He looked too beautiful, almost feminine, when he smiled like that. "Who?"

"The person who gave me the choker." He looked up at her, excitement radiating out of his eyes, making his skin glow. "Heero. Heero Yuy. I found his picture, and when I saw it I remembered all of these different things all at once -- like a cascade of memories. He's the one who gave it to me, and told me to never take it off, that it would protect me as long as I wore it."

Hilde was glad to see that he was already regaining his memory, and smiled back at him. "Against what?"

"Everyone else at school. They thought I was too pretty, and probably gay, so some of the jocks took it upon themselves to help me decide to go somewhere else for an education. Or be more masculine, or something. Heero wouldn't let them do that, though, and played guard dog." His smile faded into a frown. "Someone else was with me when I discovered what he was doing. A blond with a bright smile and blue eyes...but I can't remember his name."

"Look through the pictures again," Hilde encouraged. "Maybe you missed him."

"Yeah. I didn't know to look for him then. There's someone else too, someone that is important to him and Heero but I can't get his face clear in my head..." He thumped his fist against the desk, feeling frustrated. "Hey, take it easy," Hilde encouraged softly. "You've only been at this a few hours, and already you're making progress."

"Yeah. Yeah, you're right. I found me too, by the way. I'm Duo Maxwell."

Hilde grinned, and held out her hand, which Duo took. "Pleased to meet you, Duo."

"Nice to meet you, too." Duo turned back to the computer, determination radiating off of him in waves. "Let's go find blondie."

"Um, actually...let's call that school first and see if we can contact your family."

"I don't have a family," Duo told her automatically. Slowly he repeated "I don't have a family like you mean it. Heero is my family. And someone else...someone with dark auburn hair that falls over his face, and green eyes, and a soft voice."

Hilde felt herself soften as he talked. She had to feel for him, seeing people in his mind's eye and knowing that they were important...but not even remembering their names. "Then let's call Heero."

"Yeah. We need to do that."

Through the internet they found the school's phone number and called it up. Duo insisted that Hilde be the one that called. They were calling the office, after all, and he had no idea how to respond to any of the questions that someone there might ask him. He wasn't sure how long he had been missing. Hilde glanced at him worriedly as the phone rang. She hoped, for his sake, that she would be able to get ahold of his friend. //Benson High School, front office.//

"Hi. I need to speak with the principal."

//One moment and I'll transfer you.//

"Thank you." There was a humming silence for a few moments, and then a male voice on the line. //This is Treize Kushrenada.//

"I'm Hilde Schriebker. I found a student of yours that I think has been missing for a few days. He's lost his memory, but...are you missing a Duo Maxwell?"

//Yes! You have him? Is he alright?//

Hilde jerked a little, startled at the vehemence and exuberance in the man. "Yes, he's here. He's alright, just the memory loss like I said. He's remembering bits and pieces, but not much that makes a lot of sense. How long has he been missing?"

//Nearly three days. Can I speak with him?//

Hilde placed a hand over the bottom of the phone. "He wants to speak to you."

Duo nodded nervously and accepted the phone. "Hello?"

//Duo, this is the principal. Do you remember me?//

Duo felt like a jerk, but honesty compelled him to say "No. Sorry."

//It's alright. You've been missing for almost three days, and at this point I'm just glad that you're alive. What do you remember?//

"Ah...I figured out my name, and that I'm a student there. And Heero, I remember Heero some as well as a few other people that I can't put a name to."

There was a sigh of relief. //That's good. Especially about Heero. He's been worried sick. Duo, I want you to tell me where you are and give me the phone number. I'm going to send Trowa and Heero to get you, alright?//

"Who's Trowa?"

//A cop that acts like your father. He has auburn hair and green eyes.//

The memory clicked immediately with the man that Duo remembered facing off with Heero. "Family. He's part of my family."

//You remember him?// The voice was pleased. "Some. He's one of those people that was a face without a name. I don't know where I am, I'll have to give you back to Hilde."

//Okay.//

Duo hesitated, feeling like he should leave some message for Heero since he couldn't speak to him directly. "Can...can you pass along a message to Heero for me?"

//Certainly.//

For a moment, Duo was at a loss as to what he wanted passed along. His memories told him that he and Heero were more than friends -- boyfriends, at least. But he wasn't quite sure where they were in their relationship. Just boyfriends? Lovers? But he had to give Heero some kind of message to tell him that he wasn't forgotten. Duo felt horrible as it was for forgetting him at all. Finally he settled on, "Tell him I'm still wearing the choker."

There was complete understanding in his voice when he answered. //I'll tell him.//

"Thanks. Here's Hilde."

Duo went back to the computer as Hilde rattled off directions. He started his search again, determined to find a name to the blond in his memories. By the time that Heero came for him, he wanted to remember everyone at the very least.

Heero was nearly fidgeting in the seat of Trowa's Honda Accord as they drove closer to the mountains. When Kushrenada had first called and told them about Duo, he had wanted to weep in relief. Duo was safe. It didn't matter if he remembered very little of his life. As long as he was safe, everything would be fine. And then Treize had passed along that message from Duo and he had cried, silent tears over his cheeks. 'I'm still wearing the choker.' /He remembers me giving it to him, and telling him not to take it off. What else does he remember?/

"Heero, settle down. We'll be there in another twenty minutes."

"I know." Heero cast a look at Trowa's drawn features. The man was normally quiet, but since Duo had disappeared he'd barely uttered a sound at all -- as if by disappearing, Duo had taken his voice with him. After he had calmed down some, Heero had been glad that Kushrenada had pointedly mentioned that Duo remembered Trowa, too. It had done the cop good to hear that he was still in Duo's mind. They wound up badly paved roads as they went up the mountain, then diverged off onto a dirt road. Trowa was forced to slow down, and Heero clamped down on the door's handle in order to keep from leaping from the car and running the rest of the distance. A woman with dark hair and a relieved smile met them at the gate, unlocking it and standing aside to let the car pass through before closing the gate behind them and relocking it. Trowa paused and let her climb in the back seat. Hilde settled herself in the back easily, finally getting a good picture of the two. "Hi. I'm Hilde."

"I'm Trowa Barton." The tall driver responded quietly. With a nod he indicated the teen in the passenger seat. "This is Heero Yuy."

"I know. Duo told me about both of you."

Heero turned to face her, hungry for more information. "Just how much does he remember?"

"A few things. He knows that you and Trowa are the only family he really has. He's managed to figure out who Quatre Winner is, and Chang Wufei. They were driving him crazy for a while, because he could see them but didn't remember their names. He's fine, physically, so we're both rather confused as to why he has amnesia in the first place."

Heero felt some relief that Duo was putting everything together so quickly. "Hn."

The house came into view at this point. A large one-story with a wrap around porch and a rustic feel to it, it was obviously meant to be part of a ranch. The barn in back reflected the same style. As they climbed out, storm clouds rumbled overhead but Heero paid them little attention. Everything in him now was focused on getting to Duo. He nearly tore out of the car before it had completely stopped, sprinting up the steps and through the front door. There he paused, eyes fixed on Duo as he rose from the window seat he had been sitting on. His lover was just as beautiful as always, even in the faded blue jeans and white t-shirt. He hesitated only a moment, then crossed the room in determined strides and caught Duo up in a strong embrace. Duo was a second slower than Heero, but his arms came up to clutch at the other's back, head sinking onto the shoulder in front of him. Sensations assailed him, new and familiar all at once. The scent of musk and male, soft hair that tickled his ear and temple, strong arms around him. Duo held on tighter as he felt the body against his tremble a little. "You scared me," Heero breathed hoarsely.

"I know. I'm sorry." Duo leaned back to smile up at his friend. Heero smiled back faintly, and Duo felt a pang of regret at the strain that Heero had been in for the last three days. There was someone else behind Heero, and he looked up to see them. The man with green eyes and soft voice, Trowa -- reading a file that Duo had given him, moving him into the apartment, helping him, teaching him to fight, dinners of Chinese take out and Campbell soup -- Duo gasped as the cascade started up again, sinking onto his knees. "DUO?!" Two sets of hands caught him and lowered him gently against Heero's chest. Duo couldn't focus under the wave of images assailing him and only moaned weakly. Hilde rushed to his side, then recognized the symptoms and growled. "This again. Dammit. Don't worry, he'll be fine in a minute."

"What is it?" Heero demanded harshly. He didn't like seeing his lover in pain, and there was no way in hell that he could 'not worry'.

"He calls them a memory cascade. It's how he learned about you. He looks at something, and it reminds him of a person or an event, and it acts like a trigger for a whole boatload of memories to charge through his brain. They only last about a minute, and then he's fine. Better than that, actually. He always feels great afterwards, because he's gained a few more memories."

Duo stopped shaking a moment later, relaxing completely against Heero and opening his eyes. "Wow. I keep thinking I should get used to this, or should get a headache or something, but it never happens." He was ecstatic that it happened, however, because a few more questions that had been buzzing around in his head were cleared up. He now firmly remembered making love with Heero, and hearing the words 'I love you' in two different languages being said to him. And despite not remembering much else besides these two people next to him, he felt almost completely grounded with just this new knowledge.

"Duo?"

The braided teen looked up at Heero and grinned. "I'm golden, 'Ro, no worrying for you." Then he looked at the other person holding him up and launched himself against him. "Hey, Tro!"

Trowa caught him easily, hugging tightly. "Duo, you scared the shit out of me. You've got to stop doing that. I'm aging prematurely because of you."

Duo laughed, pulling back and patting Trowa consolingly on the shoulder. "I'm good practice for your future kids. We have a tendency to do that, I'm told." He caught the same signs of strain on Trowa's face that he saw on Heero's, and hugged the cop again. "I'm sorry, Tro. Honest to god sorry."

"Hush." Trowa held him tightly, eyes closed against his own tears of relief. Duo being alive and well hadn't really been real to him until he had touched him. "I'm not blaming you, even if I did lose ten years because of this stunt."

"Okay." Duo straightened, giving him his best smile. Trowa needed it. "I hate to interrupt this," Hilde interjected "but I think you should get anything you want out of your car now. I know from experience that those clouds overhead are going to burst in about ten minutes and then no one is going outside for a while."

Trowa frowned at her. "But that will make the roads impassable."

"Yup, it sure will. If it stops after a few hours, though, it should be dry enough for you to get back down sometime tomorrow afternoon."

Heero couldn't care less where they were. Duo was here, and safe, and that was the only thing that mattered. He shrugged at Trowa, telling him silently that he wasn't worried about anything. Trowa rather felt the same way about it. "Well, we didn't bring anything with us. We didn't think we needed to. I need to borrow your phone, however, and tell my captain that I won't be in today."

"Sure. This way." Hilde led him into the kitchen, leaving the two boys still kneeling on the floor. Heero promptly scooted closer to Duo and started examining him. Duo had expected this and rolled his eyes. "I'm fine, Ro. Honest. The only mark on me is that little puncture wound in my elbow."

"Hn."

"Hey," Duo whispered tenderly, lifting Heero's face toward his. "Answer me something."

Heero nodded, hope hammering in his chest. He knew the look in Duo's eyes -- he'd seen it every time that Duo had kissed him. "I'm not sure if it's real or fantasy, but I seem to remember doing something like this..." Duo leaned forward and brushed a kiss over Heero's mouth. He never got the chance to pull away. Heero caught his head in both hands, ravishing his mouth with desperate need. Duo purred in delight, wrapping both arms up and around Heero's back and shoulders, drawing in tighter into the embrace. When they finally parted, gasping for breath, Duo was grinning from ear to ear. "So I wasn't just fantasizing, huh? Cool."

Heero smiled back, his last real worry falling off of his shoulders with a heavy thump. Duo apparently remembered quite a bit about him, and their relationship. "You'll have to tell me everything you know. I'll help you fill in the gaps."

"Sounds like a good plan to me. Let's snuggle on the couch and get comfy." This sounded like an excellent idea to Heero, and he followed Duo up willingly, curling up against his boyfriend and holding him close as they began to confer in quiet whispers.

Hilde paused in the living room door, watching for a long moment before pulling back and returning to the kitchen. Trowa met her halfway, glancing through the open doors and seeing the two heads settled so close together. He smiled to himself, and turned to answer the questions burning in Hilde's eyes. "It's why he remembered him first, isn't it? It's because they're lovers."

Trowa nodded. "Yes."

Hilde looked back at the pair, a little bemused. "Unbelievable. He didn't even remember his name, but he panicked when he couldn't immediately lay hands on that choker. It didn't make sense to me at the time, but now..."

Trowa was a little amused at this...and at the same time, relieved. Heero had nearly gone insane when they couldn't find Duo. He had been worried about Duo as well, but had become just as worried about Heero during the course of the day. If Duo had been discovered lying in a ditch somewhere, then Trowa was afraid that Heero would follow his lover shortly into the grave. He'd never seen a love that strong and all-consuming before, and it had stolen his breath at the sheer power it held over Heero. He had thought he understood the relationship between Duo and his lover, but he hadn't understood anything until the moment that Heero had faced the idea that he might never hold Duo again. It wasn't until Treize Kushrenada called to tell them Duo was alive and well that Heero started living again. "The other kid, Heero, didn't take it well did he." It wasn't a question.

"No. There were times when I wouldn't go to sleep because I was afraid that he might not be alive when I woke up again. If you hadn't found Duo, Heero would have been lost as well."

"Damn." A cold chill went up her spine, and she wrapped her arms around herself, shivering. "I'm not sure if I want a relationship like that."

"It certainly has its drawbacks," Trowa noted softly. "Let's give them some more time alone. They need it, I think."

Hilde nodded. "I'll set up the spare bedrooms for you guys. Want to help?"

"Sure. Let me make some phone calls first." Trowa knew that Quatre and Wufei were worried as well. A call to update them on the situation was definitely called for.

Duo wasn't even aware that there was a question of where he would sleep that night until he had followed Heero into the spare guestroom he had woken up in. Hilde poked her head into the room, frowning slightly. "Duo, there is another room ready for you."

Heero was sitting on the bed, getting ready to strip down to boxers but when he heard that he tensed, pausing in removing his shoe. Duo, in turn, realized just what he was doing for the first time. /Krikey. Of course. Neither of them realize that I remember sleeping next to Heero on a regular basis. Damn. I think I need to tell Heero *exactly* what I remember about us before we go to sleep tonight. It's going to be eating at him otherwise./ In the meantime, however, he had to end this stalemate and set certain things straight. He turned back to Hilde, waving a hand to negate the idea of another bedroom. "Nah, that's okay. I always sleep with 'Ro. But thanks."

"Sure." Hilde gave him a thoughtful look before retreating, the door closing behind her. Okay, one land mine successfully removed. Duo shrugged off his shirt and jeans, leaving him in his boxers. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Heero stripping down to boxers as well before climbing into the bed. Taking this as a cue of sorts, Duo let his hair loose, shaking his head slightly to unravel the braid completely. Heero liked his hair loose. Maybe it would relax him a bit. Seeing that he had caught his boyfriend's attention, he climbed into the bed and curled up around him. In a move as natural to him as breathing, he put his head on Heero's shoulder, a leg over one thigh, and an arm over his chest. An arm went around his waist, hugging him tighter to the Asian, and Duo relaxed a little more. "Hey, 'Ro?"

"I'm listening."

"I think I need to tell you something. I remember quite a bit about us." Duo nuzzled against his chest briefly before resuming in a soft voice. "I remember the first time I had a nightmare, and how you stayed with me. I remember you ambushing me the first time we kissed, and getting caught by you when I was doing some 'research' on sex." Something that could have been a laugh rumbled in the chest under his ear, and Duo grinned. "Yeah, that was majorly embarrassing, although I liked the blowjob that I got because of all that. I also remember waking up in bed with you wearing nothing but my birthday suit and a sheet. I have to admit, I don't remember everything that's happened between us, but I know that we're lovers and not just friends with benefits or something."

Every ounce of uncertain tension in Heero's body disappeared like so much smoke. The other hand came to lift Duo's face up to his, letting him see the soft smile curving Heero's mouth. "Thank you. I needed to hear that."

"I know. I didn't want you to think you had to tip toe around me." Duo stretched to drop a kiss on Heero's mouth. "When I got the first cascade, I didn't remember all of this. It kinda happened in the second cascade. Otherwise I would have had Kushrenada pass along a different kind of message."

"The one you sent was fine," Heero assured him softly. He leaned down to kiss Duo tenderly. "Suki desu."

"Love you too." Duo returned, finally relaxing as he fell asleep on Heero's chest with a smile.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN: Home

The closer that they got to the school, the more nervous Duo became. He knew that he would start running into people that knew him, and could only cringe at the prospect of not recognizing friends or teachers. He'd have to tell his story over and over again...what there was to tell, that is. He didn't remember much of it, after all. Heero laced his fingers in with Duo's, giving him a comforting smile. "It will be fine," he reassured him softly. Duo made himself smile back, and tried to relax. One step at a time -- he just needed to take this one step at a time. Trowa had barely stopped the car when they were ambushed. It took Duo a second to recognize the blond teenager that was pulling him out of the car, but when the face did connect he lit up and enthusiastically hugged him. "Hey Q!"

Quatre hugged his friend hard, feeling almost weak with relief. Duo remembered him...he was alive, and well, and everything would surely be alright now. "You scared the shit out of me, Duo."

"My memory might be a little shaky, but I don't remember you being a potty mouth, Q-ball." Duo pulled back, giving him a quick scrutiny. "Sorry. You okay?"

"He's fine," Wufei added from just behind Duo. "We're both fine." Duo turned and gave the other teen a quick hug. "Hey 'Fei." "If there is anything I wish you'd forget, Maxwell, its all the nicknames you've thought up to slaughter my name."

Duo grinned at him. "Aw now Wuffikins, you know I do it just to bug you."

"Yes, I do." Losing his forced smile for a moment Wufei added quietly, "Just please don't disappear again. Keeping your lover and father from falling apart wasn't fun."

Duo nodded in understanding. "Thanks for keeping them together." "Anytime." Shaking himself out of it, he made himself smile and relax.

Quatre smiled at Wufei in understanding, before he turned back to Duo. "I'm glad to see you in one piece, Trowa didn't say much when he called. I asked my sister and Dr. Po to take a look at you and see if we can't figure out why you have this temporary amnesia." "That sounds great," Duo answered honestly. "This whole can't remember thing is really beginning to bug. I assume they're waiting for me?"

"Yup." Quatre tugged Duo into motion, leading the way into school. "Wufei and I are going to go talk to your teachers and gather up all of your assignments while you talk to my sister and Dr. Po, alright?"

Duo rolled his eyes. "Some friend you are."

Quatre grinned at him. "Misery likes company, Duo." They split ways at that point, Quatre and Wufei going one direction and Heero and Trowa following Duo into the school's hospital. As soon as Duo laid eyes on Sally, another cascade hit him. This one lasted much longer than the previous ones and left him shaking and panting for breath. Heero had caught him before he hit the floor and refused to let go even after Duo had regained his senses. All pleasantries were cut short after both Iria and Sally had witnessed that episode. They wanted to know the cause of these 'cascades' and they wanted the answer *now*. Iria took a blood sample from Duo before retreating to the small lab in the corner where she and Sally started running a variety of tests. Sally frowned at the blood work in front of her. "Iria, come here a moment."

Iria left her microscope and went to her, reading where Sally pointed. "That's...odd."

"His testosterone levels are somewhat low. What could account for it?"

"I'm not sure," Iria admitted. "Do you have any blood results to compare this to?"

"No," Sally admitted. "I've never had a reason for running a blood test on him. Heero?"

Heero shook his head in confusion. "I don't know. He's never been hurt that I know of, so I don't know anything about his medical history. Trowa?"

The cop shifted uneasily under their gazes. Of course, he knew *exactly* why Duo's testosterone levels were a little too low. Duo usually took pills to help balance him out, but of course he hadn't been taking them for the past several days. Trowa did not feel comfortable blurting out the reason, however. Duo shifted off the table and came closer to Trowa. "Tro?"

Trowa looked at him and debated with himself the best course of action. Should he drag Duo aside and explain? It would take quite the explanation, however. Trowa's continued silence and unease in turn affected Duo. What could possibly be in Duo's history that Trowa felt so uneasy about sharing? He didn't like the way this felt, and hugged himself tightly, searching Trowa's eyes in growing confusion and panic. Quatre burst into the room and instantly went to Duo. "What? What is it?"

Sally, Heero and Trowa looked at him in surprise. How had he known something was wrong? Coming forward, Sally caught his eye. "Quatre what in hell is going on here? It's obvious that you and Trowa know something, and that you're not about to share. But if it concerns Duo then we need to know!"

"I can't answer that, Dr. Po," Quatre refuted quietly. "I swore to Duo that I wouldn't tell anyone." Duo grabbed his arm. "Even me? Come on, Q, I don't remember right now and I need to know!"

Quatre's mouth worked, caught in a quandary. He turned to Trowa with a silent plea in his eyes. "I think I know of a way to sort this out," Trowa offered quietly. "Wait here a moment, Duo. I need to get something from my car. I think it will trigger your memory." "...okay."

Heero moved to Duo's side, taking a hand in his. His glare at Quatre was almost accusatory. Why did the blond know what he didn't? He and Duo were *lovers*, there shouldn't be any serious secrets between them. Quatre caught the look and winced. "I'm sorry, Heero. He didn't want you to know. He was scared of what might happen if you knew."

Duo felt guilty for even thinking like that, even if he had no idea (now) why he did. His glance at Heero was worried. "Duo." Heero cradled his face with both hands. "I have no idea what this is about, except if its something to do with Jay, but when you do remember again I want you to tell me. I love you, no matter what."

Duo nodded, feeling more afraid by the minute. "I will."

Heero nodded back, and passed a kiss over his temple before moving back a little. In five minutes Trowa was back, holding a thick manila folder. He offered it to Duo silently. Duo hesitantly raised his hands and accepted it, studying Trowa carefully as he did so. The cop's blank face offered no answers, and so his eyes fell to the folder in his hands. Slowly he flipped over the top flap, and caught a glimpse of what was inside. There was a picture there -- his face, but the body was definitely female under that tight shirt. Of course, that wasn't possible because he was male -- intense pain, restraints bit into the soft flesh of arms and ankles, the body twisting to escape, flash of light on metal, bandages, a face that mocked him as he tried to fight or flee -- Duo fell to his knees, screaming and clutching at his head, the file dropping and its contents scattering unnoticed on the floor. Quatre hit the floor in the next instant, Duo's pain hitting him like an oncoming freight train, and he screamed as Duo did, eyes screwed shut and both hands pressed to his heart. Wufei burst into the room, barely taking in the sight before he was at Quatre's side. Treize was right behind him, but froze just inside the door, taking in everything with narrowed eyes. Iria was next to Wufei in a heartbeat. "Get Quatre away from here! *Quickly*!"

Wufei didn't pause to demand explanations. He gathered up his lover in his arms and took off in a sprint, determined to not stop until Quatre was back with him. "What is going on?" Treize demanded of Trowa. Trowa gave him a brief glance, but his focus was on Duo. Heero was protectively holding his lover in his arms, jaw set. Everyone held their breath until Duo's eyes fluttered open. Tears were standing in them, and he reflexively brushed them away. "Duo?" Heero asked softly. "I'm okay." Duo pressed his face against Heero's chest, taking deep breaths. "I'm okay. Tro -- it's okay, you can tell them."

"Thanks." Trowa squeezed his shoulder in silent support before he looked up. "Treize, close the door."

The principal did as bid, and locked it for good measure before returning to Trowa's side. Trowa hesitated a moment. "Duo, do you want to tell Heero separately?"

Duo shook his head roughly. "Just tell them." His nerve would break if he tried to make this confession to his lover. "...alright. Roughly a year ago, Duo was kidnapped from the streets and taken to a highly secretive lab. A scientist by the name of Dr. J was doing experiments -- he had clients who wanted to be changed from one sex to another. In order to prove to them that he could do it, he took Duo or I should say who Duo used to be... Danae Maximilion."

Heero twitched. His lover...used to be a girl? Duo caught the flinch and looked up at him in worry, but stayed silent. "That's why his testosterone levels are so low," Sally whispered in hushed understanding. "If he were still a girl, they would be normal. Duo, do you normally have a prescription to help with that?"

Duo just nodded once. "Duo got out of there somehow, and took his file with him to prove what had been going on. He came to me for help -- and I gave it. I wasn't able to catch J, obviously." Trowa smiled bitterly. "If I had, none of this would have happened. But his operations are rocky right now. I'll catch him this time." Heero didn't say a word as he stood, Duo still in his arms. He walked out of the room, and Duo didn't utter a sound of protest as he was carried out. They went into Sally's office, right off the medical ward, and closed the door. Heero sat Duo on the desk, and leaned right over him. "Why were you so afraid to tell me?"

Duo swallowed convulsively. "Come on, Heero, what did you expect me to say? 'Oh, by the way, I used to be a girl that's not a problem is it?'"

"The first time you started having nightmares would have been a good time to say something," Heero snapped back. "Looking back on it, I realize you told me only half the truth at that point -- you could have told me everything."

"And risked losing you?" Duo growled back. His nails bit into his palms, and his breathing was a little shaky. "No way!"

"When I say I love you," Heero parried quietly, "I don't add qualifications on to it. I love *you*."

Duo's eyes squeezed shut and he had a hard time swallowing back tears. "You are the only person who's ever loved me unconditionally. For the longest time I didn't understand what it meant and then...then I thought, what did it matter? I'm a guy now, and you seemed to like me that way. I just...Heero you can't tell me it doesn't weird you out!"

"It does," Heero admitted roughly. "A little. But the only thing that really bothers me is that you didn't tell me."

"I'm sorry," Duo rasped. He couldn't make himself meet Heero's eyes. "I know I screwed up."

Heero couldn't stand the look on that face. He jerked Duo against him, holding him in a crushing embrace. "Duo no baka," he whispered harshly. "I'm sorry...I'm so sorry..."

"Shh." Right now, he was so glad that Duo had gotten out of Jay's clutches alive, he could forgive his lover just about anything. He shifted his arms to kiss away the tears leaking from Duo's eyes. The body in his arms jerked on a laugh, then tilted to meet his mouth, kissing him desperately. Heero returned the desperation with tenderness, trying to show that knowing Duo's dark secret didn't alter anything between them. Slowly Duo settled into his arms, the kiss losing its desperate edge and becoming gentler, and content. Heero relaxed as Duo did. Duo smiled at him when the kiss was broken, a smile that Heero knew very well. That smile, more than anything, convinced him that the truly important things hadn't changed between them.

Wufei was on the opposite end of the school, near the pool when Quatre stopped shaking. Studying his face, Wufei sank onto a bench slowly, ready to get up and run again at the first sign of strain. Quatre was breathing deeply, body completely supported by Wufei. As the Asian teen watched in worry, a pair of blue eyes fluttered open. "Okay?"

Quatre nodded slightly. "Okay."

Wufei's arms tightened slightly. "What just happened, Quatre?"

Quatre froze for a moment. He had never mentioned anything about his ability to his lover, and even now wasn't sure how. Telling Duo had been different...the boy was obviously very open in all his views. Wufei wasn't the same, with his very strict heritage. Sometimes Quatre had been amazed that Wufei had even fallen for him in the first place. It was a miracle in its own right.

"Quatre."

There was no choice. Quatre would just have to trust that Wufei would be able to handle it. "I'm...an empath, Wufei."

Very slowly Wufei lifted Quatre up until he could look him in the eyes. "Say that again."

"I'm an empath," Quatre repeated, as neutrally as possible. "Why didn't you tell me?"

Quatre winced at the whisper of hurt in his lover's tone. "You...are a very private person in some ways. When people learn of my ability, they often feel that I am invading their privacy. I didn't want you to become uncomfortable with me."

Wufei's head slowly nodded as he accepted that it was a valid point. He could understand why Quatre had made the decision he had. "I think I understand, airen. However, you were wrong in your decision. You already own my heart -- there are no secrets in it, not from you."

Quatre drew him in tight, the embrace a possessive one. "I'm sorry," he whispered. Wufei held him just as firmly, letting out a cleansing breath. "Let it be forgotten. Tell me why you reacted the way you did."

"The memories Duo gained...were not pleasant. There was just so much pain I couldn't shut it out. Normally I only feel very strong emotions, but those were stronger than anything I've felt before." Quatre reconsidered that and corrected, "Well, except one."

It did not escape his notice that Quatre was blushing slightly. He arched an eyebrow. "What is the one?"

"Um...when we make love I always get very strong emotions from you."

Hm. That could explain why Quatre was so very responsive to him. Having an empath as a boyfriend apparently had a few...quirks. Quatre's blush became even more fierce. Ah...apparently he was emitting strong enough that his lover was picking up on it. Wufei forcefully dragged his mind out of the gutter. He could 'experiment' with his blond later. "And now?"

Quatre focused, eyes going slightly vague. "I think he's fine. No..." a small smile crept over his face. "More than fine. We should head back."

Reluctantly Wufei stood, setting the other on his feet. He still had a few hundred questions to ask, but Duo was the priority at the moment -- his questions could wait.

Iria disappeared to make sure that Quatre was alright, leaving the others to deal with Duo and Heero. Treize peeked into the narrow window above Sally's office door. He couldn't see much more than Heero's back, and the crown of Duo's head, but the position made it obvious that everything was just fine and dandy between the couple. Grinning, the principal jumped off the chair lightly. "They're fine."

Trowa frowned in worry at the door. "Define 'fine'."

Treize arched an eyebrow at him. "They're giving each other a tonsillectomy."

Trowa flushed slightly. "Oh."

Sally relaxed at that and went back to the blood tests. "Then I'll get back to work." Treize took advantage of her distraction to drag Trowa out of the room and to the teacher's conference room right down the hall. When the door closed behind them, Trowa had the unmistakable impression that he was the mouse and Treize the cat. Treize turned to him, mouth just slightly set. "I can understand why you didn't talk to me about all of this, considering that it was obviously Duo's secret to tell."

Trowa relaxed slightly.

"*However*."

Trowa tensed right back up. "You could have mentioned quite a bit of his history without going into full detail." Trowa sighed, running a hand over the back of his neck in agitated movements. "I'm no good at half-truths. It felt too much like lying."

Treize accepted this with a thoughtful "Hmm" and let it drop. "Treize..." Trowa had woken up only when Treize had left for work (and that was because the man checked twenty times to make sure it was okay for him to leave before he could actually make it out the door) and nothing in the realm of gratitude had been expressed. Trowa felt that he must say something to acknowledge what Treize had done. Ever so lightly he touched fingertips to a firm jaw, and leaned in for a brief press of lips on lips. "Thank you."

Treize felt himself swallow hard. As brief as that kiss had been...it was the first time Trowa had ever touched him. "I should do things like that more often."

Trowa caught the hint. With a twinkle in his eye, he leaned in and this time kissed him with more than just a chaste touch. Mouths clinging, they slowly closed in until not even air could have slide between their bodies. "Ahem." Sally smirked in amusement when they jumped apart. "I thought you gentlemen might like to know our conclusions?"

Trowa flushed, wondering briefly why he felt like a teenager just caught screwing on the couch. He nodded, clearing his throat slightly. "Of course."

They all gravitated back into Sally's office, Quatre and Wufei appearing slightly flushed from their sprint across campus. The room was a little cramped by the time they had everyone settled, but no one complained. Iria and Sally exchanged glances, with Iria giving her an expansive 'after you' gesture. Sally nodded back and looked straight at Duo. "I've got only good news for you. They gave you a type of drug that erases memory. Its supposed to be used for shock therapy, but of course you were given large amounts of it. If you had been kept away from everything that was familiar for a month then you wouldn't remember anything of your life, so I'm glad you managed to escape when you did."

Iria picked up the explanation smoothly. "There's nothing dangerous about the drug, just a few side-effects. You might be tired the next week or so, or experience some minor headaches but that should be it. You'll continue to have your 'memory cascades', but that shouldn't last for more than the next six months or so and they'll taper off within about three months. Just don't walk anywhere alone, not until we're sure you're over this."

"He's not going anywhere alone at all until Jay is behind bars," Heero growled. Sally quirked an eyebrow at him but didn't comment. "Any questions?"

"Can I have a nap now?" Duo pleaded. "I feel like the floor of a New York taxi cab during rush hour." All things considered, neither doctor was surprised. "You're free to go," Iria assured him. "Heero, considered yourself excused from school today. We'll let you keep an eye on Duo."

Heero hadn't even bothered to worry about school. With an acknowledging nod he stood, taking one of Duo's hands in his. Trowa caught their attention and murmured softly, "Why don't we go back to my apartment? That way you don't run the risk of curious classmates dropping by your room." "Good idea," Duo agreed. Rest and relaxation was all he wanted.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN: Aftermath

After a week of cascades, Duo was developing a great deal of sympathy for anyone that had memory problems and epileptics. He had, on average, at least ten cascades a day and while that didn't actually do any harm (actually it did a world of good because he gained parts of his memory back) collapsing in front of your classmates meant attracting a lot of unwanted attention. Some people thought he was faking the 'spells' as they were wont to calling them, others thought he had some kind of disease and started avoiding him, and some were annoyingly sympathetic. Duo tried to be patient about it, but patience wasn't exactly one of his virtues. On Friday he and Quatre sprawled out under their favorite tree during lunch, waiting for their respective boyfriends to show up. Duo couldn't find any interest in his lunch and just picked at it moodily. Quatre paused and watched him, sandwich half to his mouth. "Something wrong, Duo?"

"Not really," Duo mumbled. "I just wish that there was a way to speed up this whole memory cascade thing."

"Hm." Quatre thought about that for a minute, rolling ideas around in his head. "You know...there might be."

Duo's head snapped around, ears perked. "What do you mean?"

"Well...actually, this is going to sound weird." Quatre considered it for a moment before shrugging. "It's just that you're a very musical person. You almost always had music around when you were doing something, or sometimes you were singing to yourself. I think if we went through some of your favorite songs, it would trigger a bunch of cascades. Wouldn't that speed up the process?"

A slow, brilliant smile grew over Duo's face. "Q-bean, you're a genius. Can you stick around after school?"

"You bet."

Heero wasn't as sure about Quatre's idea, but he was willing to at least try it. He knew just how much the situation was frustrating Duo, and it wasn't just because of a pop history quiz earlier that day. Duo needed to feel that he was in control of his life again, and Heero was willing to support him in any way to gain that confidence again. Quatre had run home after school to pick up his cd case before running back. He was flipping through it as he came into the dorm room, obviously intent on finding a particular cd. He grinned in triumph before taking the cd out and popping into Duo's stereo. Wufei was quite used to Quatre just taking charge under certain circumstances and made himself comfortable on Heero's bed. Heero was propped up comfortably on Duo's bed, with Duo leaning back against his boyfriend's chest, completely at ease. From the stereo came the soft strains of a piano. Duo sat up a little, frowning as he stared at the cd player. The music was very familiar, but he couldn't quite place it...

/Some say love, it is a razor that leaves your soul to bleed.../

The memory abruptly clicked into place. Duo had sung this to Heero, in the music room one day with Quatre playing accompaniment. With the memory came others -- joining choir, singing with a group, dancing with Heero in their room, teaching Quatre how to dance and both of their boyfriends jealous with their proximity. Duo blinked up at a concerned pair of Prussian blue eyes. "Hey. Another cascade?"

Heero nodded wordlessly. "Alright?"

"Peachy keen," Duo assured him brightly while sitting up. "Q, this apparently works. I remember you playing this for me so I could sing it to Heero. And I remember bits of being in choir, and teaching you how to dance and stuff. I think you're onto something. Put something else in."

Heero was pleased with the progress, but he didn't like seeing Duo overwhelmed and clutching at his head either. "Maybe we should do this slowly?"

"Naw, I'm fine." Duo kissed his boyfriend to distract him while Quatre put in another cd and cued it up to the right song. He'd found a method of bringing memories back quickly, and by golly he was going to take advantage of it.

Duo stared at the slip of paper in his hands again, but it really did say 'counseling room'. What he couldn't figure out was why. With a shrug he pushed the door open and stuck his head in. "Ah...somebody wants to see me?"

The only occupant in the room was a rather pretty woman in her late twenties, rather nicely dressed in a sundress, hair up and a tad too much makeup on. She flashed him a fake, professional smile and waved him forward. "You're Duo, right? Duo Maxwell?"

"Yeah," he answered absently. Okay, what was up with this chick? She had 'social worker' written all over her. And since he knew that Trowa was his legal guardian, there was no chance of him going back into the system. "Sit down, please." To sit or not to sit, that was the question. Jumping out the window to avoid Fake and Blonde seemed like a better option, but he was rather curious as to why she was there in the first place. So he sat in the chair across from her. It did not escape his notice that all the other chairs in the room had been stacked against the wall or moved so that they faced the other direction. Her smile went up a notch, fully displaying white teeth. "Good. I'm Elizabeth Janine Franklin. Most people just call me Elizabeth."

Duo made a mental note to refer to her only as Janie. "I'm a psychiatrist, specializing in teenage trauma. There's a concern that after your kidnapping, you might be feeling a little unbalanced, especially with the loss of memory. I don't want you to feel pressured to answer me but I do want you to talk and let me help you work through everything."

...uh-huh. Suuure. Duo didn't buy this for a second. Social Services wanted to keep tabs on him and she was the spy. "Look, I know this is part of your job and all, but I really don't need help." Especially from you, he wanted to say but it was probably a good idea to play it polite. "I have people that I can talk to, if I feel like talking, and I'm getting my memory back pretty fast. There's still some holes, sure, but its nothing major. My only problem is when I have a pop quiz in history or something and that I think I can handle." Janie's smile went brittle. "Now, Duo, you can't honestly expect me to believe that, can you? You were kidnapped, brain washed, and without a memory for days."

Duo was beginning to lose his patience. "Yeah, I was kidnapped and out cold through most of it. When I did wake up, I had a pinprick in my arm from the drug they used to wipe out my memory?that doesn't count as 'brainwashing' to me. I was only without a memory for about six hours?I started getting things back by that point. Hard to go through, sure, but I've been through worse." A lot worse. "And as you can see, I've come through it without a problem. So no, Janie, I'm just peachy and I don't need no shrink messing with my head." It was already messed up enough without her help. Although it might be fun to let her peek inside his head...of course, she'd need therapy herself afterwards...hm, decisions, decisions. Her painted lips pursed, rather unattractively. "I am not here to 'mess with your head' I'm here to help you. You have no one here that can really understand what you've been through." Violet eyes narrowed, a dangerous light playing in them. "You don't have a clue what you're talking about, lady." "I have been trained --"

"That's bullshit to living through it, and you know it. As for your comment about no one understanding what I went through...that's bullshit too. I have a father that nearly worked himself into the ground trying to figure out where I'd gone, a lover that nearly went insane when he realized what had happened to me, two good friends that did everything in their power to keep my family from falling apart during the whole ordeal, and two doctors that know more about my 'situation' than you can ever hope to know. I don't need your pompous attitude, your arrogance, or your *help*." "You talk to me," Janie gritted out, "or they'll bring in someone else that will force you to talk." Duo gave her the bird and stood. "Swivel on it." Janie's mouth dropped in shock. Duo secretly delighted in that expression -- heaven knows that was the only time she had actually paid attention to him -- and walked out. *Damn* that felt good! Hm. Maybe yelling at shrinks was therapeutic. Whistling to himself, he went back to biology with a bounce in his step and a possum grin on his face.

That wasn't the end of it, of course. Duo would have been rather disappointed if it had been. The next shrink was a rather stocky man in his middle forties, black hair and beady black eyes. This time, they were in the counseling room right off the Principal's office. Heero went with him, settling in a chair just outside the door. That made Duo feel a little better about the upcoming battle. He walked in, an unhappy set to his mouth. "Yo."

The man stood politely. "I'm Bernard Constanza. Sit down, Duo."

Duo immediately dubbed him as 'Bernie'. "Look, I already told Miss Elizabeth Janine that I have no intention of talking to you people."

Bernie ignored him and walked around the table in the center of the room to close the door. Duo heard the tell-tale *snick* as the door locked and groaned. Apparently, they weren't going to give him the option of walking out this time. Fortunately for him, his lover knew how to pick locks...Duo swallowed a grin and slumped into a chair. "Okay, give me your spiel." "There is no spiel, I simply want to help you."

"You're barking up the wrong tree, man." Duo shook his head wearily. "I wish you people would pay attention the first time. I Don't Need You. I have people I can talk to, if I need it and really I don't need it. I've been through worse, and come out on top."

"Duo," Bernie began with a persuasive tone, "you've been through a very traumatic event?"

"No arguments on that," Duo agreed with a roll of his eyes. "But you don't get what I'm saying. It's okay. I got kidnapped, I escaped, and I'm back where I'm supposed to be. It'd probably be a different story if I were raped or something, but as it was the only thing they did was stick a needle in my arm and tried to wipe my memories away. That I'm handling. So I don't need you guys, okay? Just check me off the list and go find someone else to pester."

Bernie blew out his breath. "Duo, we must have a psychological evaluation."

"I just gave it to you. I'm A-Okay. End of story."

Bernie grasped his professionalism with both hands and tried again. "Just tell me the story from the beginning."

"You already know the story!" Duo shot back, losing all patience. "Look, I don't want to go through this all over again okay?"

"That's the problem, Duo. You're not facing what happened to you, you're just burying it."

"The hell I am!" Duo snapped back. He came out of the chair so fast it tilted and hit the floor with a crash. "I face it every time my lover has a nightmare that he can't find me, and wakes us both up. I face it whenever I see someone or do something, and a cascade of memories hits me so hard I'm shaking and disoriented for five minutes. Believe me, doc, I'm facing it just fine and dandy! What you can't seem to accept is that I'm doing it without *you* and that I don't need *you*!"

Bernie pursed his lips, just like Janie did. Maybe they taught that in Shrink School. "Who told you that you have a lover?"

"...excuse me?"

"You've referred to her several times now, in this session and the one with Elizabeth. Who told you that you were her lover?"

"*His* name is Heero Yuy and no one told me. I remembered that one on my own." Bernie's frown became more pronounced. "Can you really be sure those memories are accurate? We have no idea what happened to you while you were gone, Duo."

"I remembered Heero the same way I remembered about Trowa, and Quatre and Wufei and I can guarantee you that they are real memories! The only one trying to screw with my head is you, Doc and I don't care for it!"

Outside, Heero listened attentively as the volume level steadily rose. It finally got to the point where Heero could make out the gist of Duo's words. "*His* name?Heero Yuy and no one told me. I remembered...on my own." Why was Duo telling him that? Was their relationship coming under question? Uneasy at what he was hearing, Heero stood and looked at the door. He didn't like the idea of leaving Duo in there alone. "I remembered Heero the same way I remembered?Trowa...Quatre and Wufei and I can guarantee you...real memories! The only one trying to screw with my head is you, Doc and I don't care for it!"

Okay, that did it. Duo was very upset if he could be heard that clearly. Heero grasped the door handle with every intention of going in there, only to realize it was locked. What the *hell*! With a snarl he yanked the door knob, breaking it. No one was going to keep him from getting to Duo.

Duo heard the door knob rattle and grinned viciously. "Now you've done it. It was a bad idea to lock the door, Bernie."

"That door is going to stay locked until you answer my questions and really talk to me, Duo." There was a definite threat mixed in with those words. "Yeah, that's what you think," Duo snorted. *snap*

Bernie watched with floundering surprise when a rather short teenage boy walked into the room. The new boy went immediately to Duo, touching his cheek while his eyes studied the other carefully. Duo nuzzled into the touch, smiling brilliantly. This had to be the lover Duo referred to...what was his name...Heero. He even looked like he was mostly Japanese, although his hair was a dark brown instead of black and he had brilliant blue eyes instead of brown. Heero relaxed slightly when he realized Duo was alright. He gave a dark glare at the other man in the room. "We're done here."

Bernie recovered himself and blinked into focus. "You're Heero, aren't you?"

Heero ignored him completely. "Duo?"

"Right after you, babe." "Hn." Tangling his fingers in with Duo's, he led his lover out of the room, paying no heed to the calls to wait. Duo leaned in close to whisper, "You've just earned lots of kinky sex." "I didn't like the sound of what was going on," Heero returned in a low voice. "I figured as much. You have such a way with doors, lover. Although I must confess I had expected you to pick the lock."

Heero shrugged. "Breaking it was more expedient." "No complaints from me!" "We might want to consider talking to Trowa about this," Heero offered with a troubled glance over his shoulder. "He can put a stop to them."

"Yeah, you're right. Let's call him when we get back to our room."

Duo had never gone fishing before, only seen it on television. Despite this, he was gaining a new insight for how worms might feel as they were slid onto a metal hook in order to capture a fish. Being bait was a scary and somewhat painful experience. And to think he volunteered for it. That just had to prove that he was crazy. A week ago, when they were discussing this, it had seemed like such a sensible solution. Trowa hadn't managed to pin Jay down, but he did have a tip that Jay was back in town, just in hiding. Heero had confirmed that someone, at least, was monitoring Duo because he kept finding bugs in their room. Trowa had at first tried to trace them back to their source, but that had taken too long and the area was always clear by the time the cops arrived. Duo was unhappy about all the restrictions that were suddenly added to his life, Heero was unhappy about Duo being in danger and Trowa was quietly steaming that he couldn't seem to lay hands on Jay. The three of them had sat down to discuss options, and come up with a plan. Duo looked around at the deserted park, looking strange and a little eerie in the dark. He was huddled in a jacket he'd borrowed from Heero, and there was a small mic clipped inside the collar that let him talk to Trowa and the other cops hidden out of sight. Knowing he could call for help if he got into trouble made him feel a little better, but he would have felt a lot better if he'd had a gun so he could just shoot Jay on sight. Trowa had firmly vetoed the idea of a gun, so Duo was stuck with just the mic. Duo was slowly walking along the concrete paths in the park, eyes darting nervously in every direction, trying to see the attack before it came. If it came. "Who's bright idea was this again?" he muttered into the mic.

"Yours," Heero's voice growled back. Duo winced. Heero had protested -- loudly and fervently -- when this plan had been thought up. He still hadn't been happy about it even with the added security. Duo made a mental note to himself to give his boyfriend lots of kinky sex to get back on his good side, after all of this was over. A dark man-shaped shadow shot out from behind a tree, grabbing Duo roughly by the arm. After that first moment of surprise Duo dropped down quickly to a crouch and lashed out with one foot, catching his attacker in the knee. The man let out a yelp of pain and crumpled to the ground, clutching at his knee and hissing in discomfort. Duo rapidly backpedaled out of reach. "Guys, get here now!"

Before Duo could blink there were at least three cops, including Trowa, surrounding him. Heero was with them, drawing Duo away and tucking him into his side with one arm around his waist. Duo was drawing in deep breaths, trying to slow the adrenaline rush. As he watched his attacker was cuffed and read his rights. "Barton." Duo jerked when that voice came over the radio. He'd almost forgotten he was tied into the police band. The female voice was unfamiliar to him, but Trowa recognized it and turned away, focusing on the radio. "What is it, Noin?"

"We've got Jay. He was waiting in a van just outside the park."

Duo crowed in victory, hugging Heero hard around the neck and laughing. Trowa was smiling watching the two teens even as he answered. "Good work. Wrap him up for me, Noin."

"Sure thing. Do us all a favor and call your boyfriend, would you? He made us swear to tell him when it was all over."

Trowa blushed furiously at the *knowing* tone in Noin's voice. The embarrassed flush spread to his ears when he heard people snickering around him. Damn Noin. The woman lived to embarrass him. Giving everyone a glare he snapped out, "Let's wrap this up people. We don't have all night."

"If I had something that hot waiting for me, I'd be anxious to go too!" someone called out to Trowa. Trowa groaned and lifted his eyes to the heavens. Apparently, he was just not going to live this one down. "Hey, Tro," Duo called. "Can we go yet?"

Thankful for the diversion, Trowa tossed his cellphone over. "Call Treize and tell him it's safe to come get you guys now."

"Cool." Duo flipped the phone over and called Treize. "Hey Treize? Yeah, its over. The good guys won, the bad guys are cuffed, and I really need a pizza with all the toppings, with a chocolate pie on the side." Trowa had no idea what Treize responded with, but whatever it was made Duo smirk. "Oh by all means, come and get us. Everyone here is just *dying* to know what Tro's boyfriend looks like."

With a glare at the smirking teen, Trowa direly promised himself to do something nasty to Duo later. =====EPILOGUE=====

Laughter rang through the large room as the Christmas tunes filled the air. Stories of past exploits and embarrassment were flung back and forth and the rather large gathering of people just laughed, enjoying each other.

Duo looked around at the friends and family he had around him and sighed happily. He felt Heero give him a squeeze as he felt him move and he tipped his head back to give him short kiss before going back to his contemplation, taking a sip of his cup of cocoa.

/Who knew that an orphan experiment would end up with so much? I'm...I'm blessed, that's what I am./ He smiled as he looked over to where Kyo Yuy was in deep conversation with Trowa and Treize. Heero's dad had indeed liked him. His ribs still felt a little sore from the man's bear hug. Duo chuckled at himself. He had been terrified, not really knowing what the Captain of the USS Logical would think of him despite Heero's reassurances. All of those doubts had flown clear out the window. Who would have doubts when the man who his Heero would undoubtedly look like in twenty years was so cool? Even after telling him what had gone on and what Duo really had been. He had only hugged the braided boy all the tighter. Oh, yeah, and he had been officially adopted by Trowa and was now the proud owner of two last names. Duo Maxwell-Barton. He shivered in glee and shared a smile with the cop as he looked over at him.

Looking around again, Duo smiled at Quatre where he sat next to Wufei, talking with Wufei's parents and Iria. Wufei's parents had welcomed Quatre with open arms when they found out his real relationship with their son, for which Wufei was thankful. His grandmother hadn't taken it well, but Wufei had faith she would come around. Who wouldn't given Quatre's cuteness? Besides, Quatre could charm a snake when he put his mind to it. Wufei's grandmother had met her match, she just didn't know it yet. Duo sighed. Oh yeah, Cat's dad. The evil bastard. He had effectively disowned the little blond once he found out, but while Quatre was devastated, he was determined to get on with his life. He had found love and wasn't about to let it go, no matter what his father or anyone else thought. Duo just cheered him on.

For Duo, all was right in his world and it couldn't get any better than now. He had a family that loved him, Jay was behind bars for life, and he couldn't ask for more. Even Treize had finally broken down Trowa's barriers and they were now living together. It was wonderful. He no longer felt like a shattered mirror.

Having been lost in his thoughts, Duo was startled when he felt Heero slip out from behind him and looked up. "Ro? Where you goin'?"

Heero smiled and put a finger to his lips before turning back to the room.

"Everyone? Everyone! Can I have your attention please?"

The noise soon came down to a manageable level as Duo watched Heero curiously. He was fidgeting. Not much, but just enough to let Duo know he was nervous about something. He perked up as Heero began to speak once he had the room's attention.

"Um, well, we all know it's been an interesting last six months with all that's gone on," there were loud snorts of laughter and agreement with that understatement, "But we all came through it better off than we ever thought."

Again there was laughter as Trieze pulled Trowa closer as did Wufei with Quatre. Heero smiled down at Duo and continued.

"I know I have been blessed to come to know this wonderful person who sits beside me, one Duo Maxwell-Barton. He came through so much and remained true to himself. No matter what was thrown at him, he met it and surpassed it," Heero stretched out his hand and Duo took it, still confused as to the purpose of Heero's speech. Heero pulled him up off the couch and next to him. "Duo may not have liked some of the adventures we went through," Duo snorted as the others stifled their laughter, "but he loved other ones." Here Heero turned to look at him and smiled at him, "And I'm hoping that he'll go on another adventure, with me."

Duo's confusion mounted as Heero went to one knee before him, still holding his hand. He heard someone gasp, but didn't pay any attention as Heero reached into the pocket of his jeans and came out with a dark blue velvet box and snapped it open before holding it up. The white gold and silver eternity rings sparked as the lights bounced off of them.

/Oh. My. God./

"Duo, I love you more than life itself. You're my heart and soul and I know we wouldn't be able to do this until we're out of school, but...Would you please marry me? Onegai?"

Legs going out from underneath him, Duo dropped to the couch, stunned. /Oh my God. Did he --? He asked --?/ Duo couldn't control his thoughts and his mouth opened and closed, trying to find something, anything to say. Heero was starting to look worried, he really should say something.

"Duo? Daijou bu? Please say something."

"You...you..." Duo struggled to wrap his mind around the fact that Heero had just asked him to become his wife...husband. "You really..."

Heero smiled and reached up to cup his cheek in his hand, staring earnestly into his eyes. "Yes. Really."

Duo launched. He and Heero collapsed to the floor as Heero caught him.

"Oh God! Yes! Yes!"

The previously quiet room erupted in cheers as Duo landed on Heero's chest, smiling brilliantly. Heero's smile matched his.

"You really love me," Duo whispered amidst the noise.

Heero leaned up and caught his lips in a brief, but tender kiss before pulling back. "Always."

Duo glowed.

Later that night, they lay in their bed quietly cuddling. Duo, lying across Heero in his favorite position, was still amazed at the intense tenderness with which Heero had made love to him. It had surpassed anything they had done before. Duo knew it could only get better. He had been so wrong earlier.

Heero tilted his head to look at the boy on his chest, smoothing back a lock of chestnut. "Duo? What are you thinking about so intently?"

Duo shifted to look at his lover and soon-to-be husband, smiling. "I was just thinking about how wrong I was earlier."

"Oh?" Heero frowned lightly and drew up Duo's left hand, kissing the band around his finger. "About what, koi?"

Violet eyes met blue as Duo twined their hands together and tenderly kissed Heero before pulling back slightly, only a breath between them.

"I said it couldn't get any better. But it can. Our reflections are perfect, Ro. My world is simply... Perfect."

Heero smiled and pulled him back down for a kiss that would last a lifetime.

Their world was indeed Perfect.

STORY NOTES

Chapter Four Notes:
Footnote: In Hopkaido (and every other martial arts I've seen) when you've been sparring with someone, and you are pinned then you tap the mattress twice to indicate that you yield, their hold hurts, and get off already!