Gundam Wing: Genesis Part 7
Madeleine frowned, a cute little crease marring her otherwise perfect forehead. They had managed to take out another half of a plant before they were spotted, and even then her incompetent people hadn't managed to catch anyone! Failure. I should have made that torture public!
Gunther Krabbe had actually been one of her best administrators, and she had regretted the need to kill him for that reason alone. None of the idiots she had left had anything comparing to his brilliance as a leader, just air between their ears.
Her eyes narrowed. A leader. Every group needs one. So who would be the leader among my enemies? The Peacecraft? Preventers? Or maybe the pilots...
And evil smile graced her face as she watched a suit lifting from the ground in a test flight. Who better to fight me than a bunch of terrorists? Of course they will be in the front lines... A shame that bitch has been silent on this issue. Madeleine firmly believed that any person, regardless of how they had been coerced into becoming a traitor, was the lowest scum of all, and therefore had nothing to hide. It therefore seriously vexed her that her contact hadn't told her who was in charge of the plans against her, nor indeed what those plans actually were.
She was scary when she was angry.
She watched the new suits going through their paces absently, trusting that her designers were sufficiently afraid of her that they would not let these machines fail. Her mind was still on her enemies- They need a strategist, someone who can at least attempt to predict my movements. Someone who knows Mobile Suit battle like he knows how to breathe.
Her face brightened into a smile, and she clapped her hands together excitedly. "They need Quatre Raberba Winner."
~*~
Howard and Rashid raced out to the two pilots as soon as the air lock was re-established in the gundam hangar. Both men grinned up at the pilots as they climbed down from Shenlong-Neo and Sandrock-Neo, wearing their own smiles, if small ones. Howard looked as excited as a small child. "Did you see those readings?! Incredible! These machines rock, yeah!"
Rashid contented himself in beaming at his Master's young lover and the silent Japanese man. It was part of their warrior code- they understood.
Heero and Trowa accompanied the two to the Main Operations Center and stood back to watch as the statistics from their mock battle came on display. Both young men felt elation in their minds as they read the streaming data- these suits were phenomenal!
Trowa felt a warm, happy feeling as he watched the safety meter for Sandrock. We've done well. They are ready- finally! Quatre is going to love this... It was something he knew all of them were secretly looking forward to- flying a Gundam again. It was something like trying to live on a farm somewhere after having been an astronaut- flying anything else, no matter how hi-tech and fast, was a bland, uneventful experience for a Gundam pilot.
Heero smiled at the taller young man. "Let's get cleaned up before we call them."
Trowa nodded his agreement, and the two left with more of a spring to their step than anyone had seen for almost two months. Rashid and Howard shared looks and fought to control their laughter- "Right! They just want to look good to see Duo and Quatre again! Damn kids!" Howard snorted.
~*~
Sally and Wufei both concealed grins as they took in the appearance of the other two pilots. Since they had left, neither Trowa nor Heero seemed to be paying attention to small details like sleep and proper nutrition, nor had they been attempting to conceal how haggard and worn they felt and looked.
Sally suspected that it was payback to the rest of them for getting to make the first moves against the enemy. She was probably right.
All the same, both looked refreshed, showered, fed and extremely happy with themselves. It could only mean one thing.
Duo, predictably, beat all of them to the statement. "They're done! Am I right? When do you guys get back here?"
Trowa gave his exuberant friend a smile. "Well, yes- we're just finishing up some fine-tuning, but the suits are ready."
"That's wonderful!" Sally bubbled, her eyes glinting with mirth as she watched the two couples suddenly looking rather uncomfortable- no doubt already considering what they would do to celebrate when they were together again. She was suddenly happy that the walls within the Research Center were sound-proofed. "How long should it take?"
Heero's eyes never left Duo's face. "A couple more days. We'll be leaving the suits with Howard until it is safe to bring them out. That sound okay?"
Quatre nodded, momentarily distracted from his thoughts of a nice, long night with Trowa by strategic considerations. "Yeah- we've been a little obvious about this place. Is it still secure out there?"
Trowa gave an affirmative nod. "No worries there- we finally found out where the stealth technology for the Sweepers came from." He darted a glance at Duo. "You should have shared- all of us like our toys!"
Duo winked back. "You do, do you? Why Trowa, I didn't know you and the Q-man were into that kind of thing! And here both of you look so innocent..."
"DUO!" Quatre gasped, trying not to laugh as hard as either Sally, Wufei or Heero were. "You are so bad..."
The braided man just smiled. "Heero likes me that way- deal with it."
"Hn. Damn straight."
Swallowing another laugh, Sally tried to look serious. "So... what's the plan, gentlemen?"
Quatre forced his mind to focus. "Well... I don't want anyone else to see all five of us here- it's too risky, since we have to be being watched by someone. How does... How about British Columbia? I've got another estate up there I haven't seen in years."
Heero and Trowa looked at each other before both turned back to the vid screens and nodded. "Sounds good," the Japanese man began, "but for safety... We'll need some kind of suits there. Just in case."
Duo's eyes narrowed. "What have you heard, Heero?"
Sally watched, intrigued, as the Japanese man's eyes narrowed in turn. "Nothing, but... Dumoulin has to know that we're on to her. Even if she doesn't know about the suits, she knows something. If I were her... I would want to get rid of risk factors before I began my revolution. Une and Relena would have to be fools to overlook the advantage the five of us present, even without Gundams."
All of them nodded, the playful mood disappearing as quickly as it had begun. It was true- they were a logical first line of defence, and there was still a leak out there that they knew they wouldn't find... Quatre's eyes were stormy. "Very well- I've got five jacked-up Tauruses. Will that do?"
Heero nodded, but his eyes strayed to his lover, who was chewing his lip. Duo turned to Quatre thoughtfully. "We'll have to leave a full security detail here, as well."
Sally laid a hand on the braided man's arm reassuringly. "Already covered, Duo. Don't sweat it, okay?"
He gave her a smile.
They all looked up, and smiles returned as an unspoken agreement was reached to pretend as though the threat didn't exist for at least a little while. Wufei said, "Well, so we'll see you in Canada in two days. Agreed?"
Heero gave a rather mysterious smile. "Mission accepted."
~*~
Relena gave Lady Une a blank look as the older woman finished her briefing. "They're already done? How did they manage it? Five suits like those..."
Une gave a slight smile. "When you have Quatre Raberba's resources, things happen quickly. The suits are being held at an undisclosed location until they are needed, or so I've been told."
Relena's incredulous look slid to the beginnings of a frown. "What do you mean?"
Une's smile was bittersweet. "It means we still have a leak, so they aren't talking."
Both had been using all their political clout to try and track down whoever it was that was still passing secrets on to the enemy, but to no avail. It was more than frustrating- by this point in time, it had them paranoid!
Relena grimaced. "We can't do this right if they can't trust us, Une."
Lady Une slumped forward, her hands resting on the tabletop as her head dropped forward. "I know, but I can't do a thing about it right now. I'm out of leads, Relena. I don't have a clue."
Relena simply nodded. "Well, at least we know something. Where are the guys now?"
Une shrugged. "Still in space, but they told me they'd be back on Earth shortly. Sally says the amount of sexual tension on that station is so charged that she's being worn out completely!" She gave a wry smile. "My heart bleeds for her- I never would have thought that Wufei would be such a handful."
Relena blushed at the unintended double-entendre. "So they will contact us, then."
Une shrugged. "I guess so."
~*~
Catherine Bloom looked up in surprise as she heard her name being called, but she smiled brightly when she saw Relena approaching her. "Miss Relena! It's nice of you to come to see me..."
Relena smiled back. "You've been stuffed up back here- I'm sorry I haven't made more time for you. But I have some news!"
Catherine's eyes lit up. "You heard from Trowa!"
Relena nodded, her own smile coming out as she watched the happy face across from hers. "Yes- they are all coming back to Earth soon. The project is done."
Catherine clasped her hands tightly as she fought to calm herself down- every minute she didn't know where Trowa was or what he was doing... it killed her, just as it had during the war. She was relieved to hear that he was safe! "When? Are they coming here? Can I see him?"
Relena shook her head sadly. "I'm afraid not yet- they haven't told us where they are or when they will be here as yet." She giggled suddenly. "If you ask me- there are two couples who want to take a nice, long time to get re-acquainted before they allow anyone else to occupy their time."
Cathy's eyes narrowed as she caught a small gleam of hostility in Relena's eyes. "Still thinking about Heero?"
Relena's smile was brittle. "I'd prefer not to talk about that, Catherine."
But the circus performer wasn't ready to back off, yet. "I know that, Relena, but listen to me. Stick with a person who loves you back. It hurts Dorothy to see you like this, and it makes Duo miserable. He's been through enough."
Relena snorted. "Right! He beat me- I lost to a street..."
Catherine's hand chopped through the air to stop Relena in mid-insult. "Don't say it- I don't want to hear it." She gave the Chancellor a searching look. "Let me tell you a secret, okay? There are very few people who know this, and the guys will probably kill me when they find out..."
She took a deep breath. "Heero... honestly loves Duo, and it has always been painfully evident to the rest of us. But... you know how he is the Perfect Soldier. His training came into direct competition with his feelings, and the result... He split in two- the Heero who loved Duo Maxwell and the emotionless soldier. Every now and then, the soldier would come out when he was with Duo and... He would end up beating up his lover, every now and then assaulting him sexually as well. Do you understand what I mean?"
Relena's face was pure white. "He... No. Heero would never do that!"
Catherine nodded. "No, Heero wouldn't, but the soldier would. It took almost killing Duo in one of his fits for it to really break through his mind. It was after the War was over- Duo tracked him down, and four months later..." She shuddered at the memory. "Wufei received a mayday call on one of the pilots' secret lines. By the time he reached his destination... Heero was gone, but Duo was there. He had apparently come to his senses in the middle of it and tried to give Duo the medical attention he needed. He stayed long enough to know that Braidy would survive it, and he took off. No one saw a sign of him from then until the day Genesis was tested."
The Chancellor was shaking her head in disbelief, as much as she recognised that Catherine was telling her the truth. "But... why would Duo accept that kind of treatment?"
Catherine sighed. "Most of that is for him to tell if he wants to, but I can tell you this much. He did it because he loves Heero and he was slowly helping the real Heero beat out the soldier. He was willing to make that sacrifice for it. Does that tell you anything?"
Relena was shocked, to say the least. She never would have suspected that the smiling pilot would have that kind of courage or depth, but it all fit, now that she thought about it. That kind of sacrifice... A bit like Dorothy allowing me to chase after Heero because I was an idiot. I can't begin to compare to that in his life, and only Dorothy has ever been willing to give up so much for me...
"Hey, you alright in there?" She shook her head as she realised that Cathy was waving a hand in front of her eyes and calling to her in such a joking tone.
Relena smiled at the other girl. "I needed to hear that, Catherine. Thank you."
Catherine smiled. "So leave them alone, okay? Either that, or Sally Po might get annoyed at you again..."
Relena blushed at the memory. "I thought I was going to die that night."
Both of them laughed, and the circus performer stood gracefully. "Now- show me how to get in touch with my miserable brother! He's been neglecting me for far too long!"
Relena stood as well. "I'm sorry, Cathy. Operational Security- they would probably try and kill me if I gave out the comm codes. I can pass on a message for you, though."
Catherine Bloom smiled brightly. "Yes- I suppose that will have to do, then."
~*~
Sirius smiled at the redheaded woman lounging on the low sofa in front of him. "I found him."
Madeleine immediately rewarded him with a breathtaking smile, impeccably painted lips drawing back over her perfect teeth in a way she knew made his heart beat double time. "I knew you would! Ah- the only person I can really trust with anything, mon ami! So..."
"So," Sirius repeated, sitting on the edge of the sofa and letting his eyes roam over her predatorily, "He's been on L4- at his research facility. He insists on overseeing this project personally, or so we've been told. I think he's there to ensure the safety of his team."
Madeleine sat up and tossed her hair over one shoulder casually. "Is there any way to get in there? Can we get to him?"
Sirius frowned slightly as he stared out into space. "The only way I can think of would be to send in a kamikaze. If someone gets arrested by the Preventers... We plant the explosives on him and detonate from a safe distance."
She shrugged her agreement. "I like that plan. You have done very well, Sirius."
He leaned closer to her and smiled as he placed a light kiss on her lips. "I aim to please."
~*~
Wufei smirked as he watched Duo throw his travel bag into the hatch with a bit more than his normal enthusiasm. Not that he didn't understand the other pilot's excitement- had he been separated from Sally for as long as Duo hadn't seen Heero, he would have been in much the same condition- but he couldn't help a small amount of teasing. "You bring the word 'rhino' to mind, Maxwell."
Duo shot him a weak glare. "Can it, Chinaman! You've been getting some, do I have to remind you? I have a right to be happy!"
Wufei's smirk got even more evil. "So is that all you're after Yuy for, then?"
Duo stuck out his tongue as he promptly relapsed into his Wartime personality. "I'd have to be blind, deaf, dumb and Chinese not to be hot over him, Wuffy!"
"I'm not retaliating not because I couldn't, but because doing so is beneath my dignity."
Duo laughed, his body describing a flawless pirouette in his exuberance. "Fine with me, Wu. Geez- where is Quatre? I wanna get out of here, already..."
Wufei rolled his eyes. "Still packing, baka. You know how he can be."
Duo snorted and clasped his hands, his face falling into an uncannily accurate imitation of Quatre's every gesture. "I just don't know- does Trowa prefer this pink shirt," he mimed holding up a hanger in his right hand, "or this one?" he finished, miming holding another hanger in his left.
Wufei tried to give his friend a stern look. "Be kind, Duo! I think it was you who once gave us a lecture on the importance of choosing the right clothes to litter the floor with."
Duo winked. "So I did- you're right Wu."
Sally finally made an appearance, leaning casually against the hatch of the small shuttle they were taking. "I must say I approve of your choice of apparel, Duo," she said with a smirk, drawing a jealous glare from her own boyfriend.
Duo was dressed head-to-toe in black, as was his wont, but he had definitely outdone himself this time. Instead of his normal black jeans, he was wearing a pair of well-tailored slacks, his black button down collarless shirt emphasising the build of his shoulders and his tapered, well-made body. Leaning closer to the momentarily still American, Sally could even make out a vague scent of cologne, mixing flawlessly with the lingering scent of shampoo. Damn! I may love my Wu, but I'm not blind!
Duo gave her a saucy smile. "So kind! My kinda woman!"
Sally and Wufei both burst out laughing at that last, outrageous statement.
~*~
"Stop right there! Don't move!"
The bomber froze and wiped his triumphant smile from his face. It can't possibly be this easy! Why didn't they think of this before?! He slowly put his hands in the air.
He was immediately surrounded by a group of five Preventers, men with cold eyes and skilled hands who first bound and then searched him. He smirked again- they would never find his explosives! Never- and the revolution would begin properly. With a bang.
~*~
Quatre finally made an appearance.
Duo couldn't help his laughter as he watched the little blond trying to move under the weight of the bag he'd packed. I don't get it- he was a pilot like the rest of us, right? So when did he forget what it meant to pack lightly? He jogged forward and reached out to grab one side of the bag.
Quatre gave him a relieved smile. "Sorry I took so long..."
Duo just grinned. "Hey- it happens, but let's get out of here now, okay?"
They lugged the heavy duffel to the cargo hold and tossed it in with a heave. Quatre turned, stretching his back deliberately as he looked back at the Station. He couldn't help feeling... Feeling as though something was wrong.
Duo wasn't hearing any of it, though. "Come on, already! We've been waiting for you for half of forever, you know! They're gonna beat us there..."
Quatre let himself be dragged onto the shuttle, but he pressed his nose against his reinforced window as they took off. Something was definitely wrong down there!
~*~
Preventer Chief Olivia Watson frowned at the arrest report in her hands. There was something strange about this one- most people at least appeared rattled when they got arrested, but this one... The report said that he was smiling.
Watson had been brought into the project by Sally Po- they had worked together many times in the past, and she knew that the doctor trusted her implicitly for her skill and intuition. Well, she was definitely getting some vibes from this case, and they weren't good ones! And Sally just left with Chang and Winner- just great! So this gets to be my judgement call!
She frowned as she walked down to the holding cell. The prisoner was staring back at her with a smile of glee on his face- it made Watson's blood go cold. "Soldier!"
Another Preventer was at her side instantly. "Yes, Ma'am?"
She never broke eye contact with the prisoner. "Has this man been thoroughly searched?"
The young man she was addressing shook his head. "No, Ma'am. He just got down here- they searched him when they caught him..."
But she wasn't listening- she was watching in growing alarm as confusion and a small amount of fear made its way into the prisoner's eyes at the very word 'searched.' She gave a small smile. "Search him now."
Olivia watched without a shred of pity as the man in the cell began to squirm, as though trying to get away from the young Preventer's hands. Still, the agent managed to grab hold of his shirt, only hoping to hold him steady- the material ripped.
Chief Watson's eyes went wide- liquid explosive packs were literally strapped to every inch of the man. Worse yet- each pack had a small, blinking mote on it- the explosives were armed and ready to go off. She slammed her hand into one of the comm links on the wall. "Get the explosives people down here NOW! And find Maxwell- we might need him!"
She turned back to the agent in the cell and the now trembling prisoner. "Get those off of him and have him put in solitary! Until more guards get here, you are not to let him out of your sight. Is that understood?"
The man saluted her sharply. "Yes, Ma'am!"
She turned and left quickly. Sally Po and the others had only just left- they would still be close enough... She hated to do it, but she needed to call them back.
~*~
Quatre looked up in shock as the shuttle began to turn in what was clearly an unscheduled manoeuvre. "What the hell?!" He jumped up from his seat and went forward.
The shuttle captain was not overly surprised when Quatre Winner walked in on him, and he began without preamble, "Sir, the Preventers have ordered us back to the base- there's some sort of problem back there, classified Code Red."
Quatre felt a shiver of annoyance and concern- he had felt something! Why had he let himself be dragged away? He shoved the pilot out of his place not unkindly. "You mind if I take the stick?"
The man was smart- he knew when to simply back off.
Quatre hit the comm quickly. "Wufei, Duo, one of you get up here ASAP. We're being ordered back to L4- I knew something was up!"
The door opened again in under three seconds- it was Duo. The braided man settled into the co-pilot's seat with practised ease. "Wu and Sally are trying to get in touch with their person back on the Facility. What kinda information we got?"
Quatre frowned as he examined the instruments and made a small course change- he was coming in very carefully. "Nothing, Duo. We don't know a thing."
~*~
Sally's usually calm eyes blazed with anger. "He was wearing what?!"
Watson's face reflected the emotions right back at her. "Liquid packs, Ma'am. We're trying to disarm the explosives right now, but no one has ever seen circuitry like this, and it's already live..."
Sally cursed under her breath as Wufei leaned forward and finally spoke up. "We've got an explosives expert on-board here who can figure out any circuitry there is."
"Maxwell's there? Good- we were looking for him..."
Sally gave a dry grin. "I've got to tell you about these guys some day, Olivia..."
The other woman rolled her eyes. "There are some things I'm pretty sure I don't want to know, Ma'am. What's your ETA?"
"Fifteen minutes- I need a priority landing clearance."
Watson smiled for the first time in their conversation. "Consider it done."
~*~
Sirius watched from his shuttle- the Research Station looked calm and peaceful from where he was. His glance drifted- Madeleine was watching the clock carefully. A bright smile bloomed over her face as she reached over and flicked open a detonation switch. Her finger hovered over the ignition button...
~*~
Duo automatically reached for the controls as he saw Quatre's eyes going vague- he had seen the blond going into a trance state to use the full capabilities of his space heart many times in the past.
Quatre let his mind wander out- he could feel it immediately. Someone... someone who was very happy to be causing a great deal of harm. Someone whose objective was to kill...
Aquamarine eyes snapped open and to full awareness. "Duo, turn us around NOW!" He wasn't surprised to find that the American was already doing so...
BANG!
They stared, horrified.
There had been a research station there mere seconds before- both men paid no attention as their shuttle was hit by the shockwave from the blast. Shock and horror- Duo felt his blood going cold as Quatre collapsed back into his seat, his eyes rolling up into his head, and he swore viciously, grabbing the controls and setting them on a stealth course away from the blast as quickly as possible. "Quatre! Quatre, you've got to snap out of this, man! Come on, Quatre!"
Bits of debris were flying, and Duo tried hard not to think of what they were as he reached for the comm control-
The door burst open, though, before he could toggle the switch. "Maxwell! What the hell just happened?!"
"Easy, Wu- we've got one destroyed research satellite, and Quatre- he was trying to reach out with his space heart and figure out what's out there- he was probably still connected when that thing blew, God dammit! He's out." Duo's face was a mask of rage and pain. "We're going to Earth- I want him back there, strapped in, and I don't want any arguments!"
Wufei shook his head. "But we have to stay and look for any..."
"There were no survivors!" Duo snapped angrily. "Did you see that explosion? What we have to do is get Quatre as far away from here as possible!"
Wufei stepped back a pace from the anger in his friend. "Those were his people, Duo..."
"And what if someone was trying to catch him in that blast, eh?" Duo's words chilled Wufei. "We didn't tell anyone we were leaving, did we? We. Are. Going. To. Earth." He bit off each word angrily.
Wufei didn't dare to argue the point any further- he scooped Quatre from his place and left quietly.
Duo took a second to try and calm the furious beating of his heart before he set the autopilot and reached for the small bag he had grabbed before joining Quatre in the cockpit. He opened it and pulled out his laptop- he had to call this in, and he was taking no chances. He was using the special, secure line.
The response was immediate- two screens flashed up in a matter of seconds, and Trowa spat out a loud "Jesus Fucking Christ!" just as Une exclaimed, "Thank God!"
Duo took a deep breath. "It's gone- someone blew the research centre. Care to take any bets on who 'someone' is?"
Trowa cut in, "Is Quatre okay? Where are you? Was anyone hurt?"
Duo locked eyes with Trowa. "We were a good enough distance away, but... Quatre was trying to sense out the attacker- I think he was still connected with a few people when that place blew. He'll be okay, man- he's just out right now."
Une broke in, "Tell me where you're going- I'll have a doctor there to meet you."
Duo shook his head. "I can't do that, Lady Une. We will contact you as soon as the team is assembled and ready. Just do me a favour? Find the God-damned leak and shoot him!" He cut that communication.
Trowa looked vaguely amused, now that he knew they were safe. "That was a little abrupt, Duo."
The braided boy sent a venomous glare in his friend's direction. "You aren't the one who just finished getting nearly blown up, Trowa, so stuff it! Where are you?"
The taller pilot spared a glance at a monitor. "We're about seventy minutes from the estate, already in the atmosphere. How about you?"
Duo frowned. "I'm estimating three hours, since I'm coming in on full stealth. Trowa, someone wanted him dead."
The other man nodded. "I know- I can see that. Heero wants to talk."
Duo felt relief flooding him. "Alright."
Tension flowed form both of them as they looked at each other for a moment. Heero said, "You're alive."
Duo tried for a smile. "Afraid so, Yuy. But the Centre's gone- all those people..."
Heero grimaced- he knew how that would affect his lover! "Duo- don't think about it right now. Your mission objective is to get to safety as soon as possible, is that clear?"
Duo allowed the old mind-set to sink in, and he ruthlessly drove the other thoughts from his mind. "Accepted. ETA three hours. Will keep you informed. I love you."
Heero smiled at the break in protocol, "I love you, too. Yuy out."
Duo sank back into his seat with a heavy sigh. This will never end. It will never end- God, I'm scared! I just wish...
"I'm scared," he whispered to the air, and then leaned back, as though waiting for an answer that he knew would never come.
~*~
Heero, Trowa and Rashid were waiting when the shuttle touched down smoothly and taxied in to a stop. All three rushed forward as the hatch opened-
Wufei emerged, carefully cradling a still sleeping form in his arms- he gave Heero a grateful look as the Japanese man held Trowa back long enough for Wufei to make it down the stairs with his burden. The two exchanged no more than a look before Quatre was handed over and Trowa turned and headed right back into the house.
Wufei dropped his head forward into his hands. "Nataku watch over us..."
Heero put a comforting hand on his friend's shoulder. "That bad?"
Wufei looked up- his face was drawn-looking and weary-eyed. "We had to leave- damn it all! Those were Preventers out there! Colleagues, friends..."
He looked Heero in the eye suddenly. "Get Duo off that shuttle, okay? Calm him down- I think he's ready to kill someone right now."
Heero dashed for the staircase, nodding to Sally as he went forward immediately to the cockpit area. His lover was still strapped into his seat, slumped over onto the control panels as though... The Japanese man squashed that thought viciously- he knew that Duo wasn't injured!
He approached carefully, sliding his hands onto Duo's shoulders and rubbing gently. "Are you okay, koibito?"
Duo's head came up slowly, and Heero felt concern slicing through him as he met glinting violet eyes- he had never seen Duo looking so seriously homicidal before. Is that the look I used to wear? No wonder I scared everyone away... "Duo, you've got to calm down."
The violet-eyed pilot let out a low laugh. "Calm down. Heh. God, Heero..." The anger seemed to melt out of Duo almost immediately, and Heero suddenly found his arms full of shaking young man as the American launched himself forward.
He cradled his lover against his chest carefully. "Shh... I'm right here, Duo. It will be okay, I'm here for you..."
Duo looked up and gave a trembling half smile that didn't reach his eyes. "I was scared, Heero. I was so scared..."
The Japanese man hauled his lover from the cockpit and down the stairs, all the while keeping one arm wrapped protectively around the young man's waist. Duo didn't seem to mind- in fact, he clung to Heero and buried his face in his shoulder, blindly following where he was led. He didn't even see how Heero waved Rashid away until later.
He finally looked up as he heard a door closing behind them and he felt Heero sitting him down on something soft. Strong, warm arms were around him, and Duo felt his shaking stopping as he simply allowed Heero to hold him. Gentle fingers raked through his bangs, and Duo smiled into his lover's cobalt blue eyes. "I wanted this to be a happy occasion, koi."
Heero's arms tightened around the other man. "You're alive. It is." He leaned his face into Duo's hair and inhaled deeply.
The violet-eyed young man felt a shiver run through him. "I suppose you're right, but all those people..."
Heero sat back and held Duo's shoulders so that their eyes met. "Listen to me carefully. The bitch beat us on that one. And now... We are going to even the score, Duo. We'll make her pay for every life she's destroying, and we'll get through this, okay?"
Duo nodded, his eyes wide and trusting. He reached out- his cool fingers trailed up over Heero's cheek and down over his jaw, and he leaned forward, gently pressing his lips to the other man's.
Heero's response was immediate- his arms tightened around Duo as he parted his lips, his tongue stroking over Duo's lips until they opened for him. The kiss was slow and gentle in its passion, but it quickly deepened in intensity as both young men felt their need crashing down on them, all the heady, powerful emotions of the past two months surfacing in their minds.
Duo broke the kiss and panted for breath as he leaned his forehead against Heero's. "I need you, Heero- being apart was Hell."
He got a light laugh in reply. "I know- for me, too. But now that you have me," his tongue flicked out to tease Duo's upper lip, "what are you going to do with me?"
Duo felt his own laughter coming back to him, and he smiled, willing himself to block out the tension and fear. "Anything you want me to do, love."
Heero's eyes lit with an unholy light. "I want you to make love to me. How's that?"
Duo's arms tightened around him until Heero found himself sitting in the other boy's lap. "Perfect, koibito. Absolutely perfect." He smiled once more before he kissed his lover deeply.
Heero moaned as those teasing lips moved down his throat and teeth grazed gently over his skin. He quickly lost himself in sensation as Duo continued kissing his way down his body, pulling his shirt off of him with sharp, precise movements as fingers traced over solid, warm muscle and soft skin. His own fingers fumbled with the buttons of Duo's shirt until he growled in frustration and simply tore the garment from its owner, buttons flying off in all directions.
Duo laughed as he allowed his shirt to be torn from his body. "I should have known better than to wear this! You didn't even tell me how wonderful I looked in it before you did that!"
Heero paused in his explorations of his lover's body and gave the young man a heated glance. "As fantastic as you looked in it, you look far tastier without it. Less talk." He claimed Duo's lips again in a kiss, straddling across the other man's lap.
Duo groaned as Heero's hips ground forward into his- his hands wandered down Heero's bare back and slid into his jeans, squeezing the tight butt he found there so that the Japanese man's pelvis thrust forward against his. It felt wonderful, and the sounds Heero was making...
He somehow got them turned around and slowly lowered Heero onto the bed, settling on top of his and between his legs with a needy whimper. Duo's hips bucked forward, and he watched in delight as Heero's eyes slid shut and a smile bloomed over that beloved face, the muscles in his torso tensing and flexing as he thrust back against his lover. Duo took another kiss as he began opening Heero's jeans.
Duo's hand was wrapped around his already hard and dripping erection, and Heero bucked mindlessly into his lover's touch. "God, Duo... I missed you so much..."
The heat on his chest disappeared, and the only warning Heero got was a throaty, "I bet you've missed this, too," before Duo engulfed his cock in his mouth to the base. The Japanese man cried out in surprise and delight, his ability to think disappearing as Duo's tongue danced over his flesh, stroking him as he felt the heat around his member contracting- Duo pulled back only to engulf him again in that sweet heat, sucking hard as he hummed deeply.
Heero's eyes flew open at the sensation and he moaned in complete abandon as he thrust into that talented mouth, his hands finding the end of the long braid and setting Duo's hair loose. He buried his hands in the warm silken hair, pressing Duo's mouth closer to him, his lips around him.
Duo's own erection was throbbing in its confines, and the long-haired young man reluctantly pulled back from Heero, hands flying to his belt as his mind focused on one thing- removing the last barriers between them. He wiggled out of his pants and boxers, his movements rubbing his own hardness against Heero's until his lover was practically crying in his need. "God, Duo- stop teasing me... Please..."
Duo pressed their bodies together as he took another kiss, moaning into Heero as he felt the other man's hands on his ass, kneading him, and one finger teasing at his entrance enticingly... He broke the kiss and smiled down at his lover. "Turn yourself over, Heero."
The sexy burr of the American's voice made every muscle in Heero's body tremble- he felt his cock throbbing almost painfully as he complied, his legs spread wide. He looked back over his shoulder, his eyes dark with lust. "Like this?"
Duo's eyes sparked in reply as he licked his lips. "Oh yes- precisely like that." His hands ran over Heero's back and buttocks gently, alternately massaging and tickling as he leaned forward and began to place a line of kisses down his lover's spine-
Heero was in sensory overload from the combined stimulation of Duo's hands, lips, tongue and hair, brushing over him, loving him, savouring him. He thought it couldn't possibly get better.
He was wrong.
Duo grinned to himself as his lips continued down over Heero's superbly muscled butt, teeth nipping alternately with swift, teasing swipes of his tongue as he slowly worked his way lower. Heated breath poured over the other pilot's sensitive skin as he whispered, "Exactly like this..."
Heero cried out, his hands fisting in the comforter as Duo's tongue snaked out to swipe over his entrance- he had never felt anything like that! That probing hot, wet, clever tongue touching him there... He began to thrust his hips against the bed mindlessly with each caress, each lick, each fleeting hot breath... "God, Duo, you're killing me! Please..."
Heero moaned as a finger penetrated him, slick with his lover's saliva. "Please what, Heero?"
The Japanese man writhed as that probing finger found his prostate and began to gently thrust against it. "Please... stop teasing and take me, dammit!"
"Patience, love..." Duo whispered as he reached for a tube of lubricant from where he knew it would be, in the bedside table- it made him happy that Heero had had extra time to unpack their belongings. He prepared Heero carefully, trying desperately to ignore the throbbing of his own hardness- he was always extremely careful on the rare occasions that Heero gave him this gift! Even if it hurt, because it felt so good...
He could feel his self-control slipping, and Duo quickly rubbed his own cock with the lubricant and slipped between Heero's spread thighs, moaning as he rubbed against the other man's firm, beautiful butt... "God, Heero, I love you..." His eyes rolled back in his head and he moaned as he slowly, carefully, thrust forward and into the pleading Japanese man.
Heero was very aware of his submissive position and it turned him on terribly to do this for Duo- he hissed in pleasure as he was slowly impaled and filled, pressing back and impaling himself further on the rigid, hot flesh invading him. "Yessss... God, Duo, yes!"
He could feel the heat of a body pressed against him as Duo's cock sank into his body completely, lips grazing the back of his neck as Duo's arms wrapped around him in a show of how much he was loved and treasured. It felt so good to be filled, to be taken... "Duo... ai shiteru..."
Duo waited, as much as it was killing him, until Heero's butt wiggled against him impatiently. He panted with need as he withdrew and plunged back in, harder this time, and aiming for the right spot-
"DUO! God- Duo, please, more..." He smiled, his eyes slipping closed as he built a steady rhythm, each thrust rocking the prone man against the bed beneath him, rubbing his trapped hardness ruthlessly between his body and the quilt.
Heero trembled with each magnificent invasion of his body- Duo was hitting his prostate with each thrust, sending his mind reeling in pleasure, heat gathering and pulsing in his cock, his own voice crying out in ecstasy and ringing in his ears. As Duo's hand wrapped around him and began pumping him roughly in time with his thrusts, it was too much.
They climaxed together, both men crying out as they came. Duo pressed his face into the back of Heero's neck, panting brokenly as his orgasm seared his mind and body in its intensity, the moist, hot feeling of Heero's climax on his hand. It was too much- it was too wonderful, and he shuddered hard as the words Heero was repeating over and over again finally registered in his ears- "Duo... I love you so much..."
Duo barely had the strength to disengage himself from his lover's body before he collapsed next to him, one arm still wrapped tightly around the other man's heaving torso. "Heero... my Heero, all mine..."
The Japanese man was recovering slowly, and he became aware of the warm presence of a body against his- Duo's body. He reached over and pulled the other man's slight form against his own, kissing the still passion- flushed face over and over.
It was quite a few moments before they pulled back again, both smiling gently into the other's eyes. Heero reached over and brushed a few strands of Duo's hair back from his face. "I was very worried about you. Duo... you... I need you, Duo. Like I need air- I need you."
Tears filled Duo's eyes. He didn't know what to say- he had never expected Heero to say such a thing to him, as much as he has hoped for it... He reached for Heero's hand and twined their fingers together as he pulled it to his lips to kiss it.
His smiled was trembling, but he had never felt so good! "I love you so much..."
Heero put a finger across Duo's lips and simply smiled at him as Duo's eyes widened and softened. He pulled the long-haired beauty tight against his chest and kissed his forehead. "Let's get a little rest, okay? We'll have to clean up later, but I just want to hold you..."
Duo laughed brightly as he settled comfortably against his koi. "I see no problems with that plan, Heero."
~*~
Dorothy jumped from her limousine and sprinted the stairs towards Relena's office, the awful news still ringing in her ears. The reporters had tried to sound honestly concerned- "There is still no news of the whereabouts of multi-billionaire Quatre Raberba Winner, since the bombing and destruction of his L4-based research center, developing among other things what was to be the Dome for the projected Mars project. Our prayers go out to the families of the victims of this cowardly attack, but one must ask- why this target? Why at this time, and what will it mean for the Mars Project? Chancellor Relena Peacecraft has been silent on the matter so far."
She couldn't help her anger. They didn't deserve to die like that! None of them did! Still fuming, she burst through the double doors-
Relena was sitting at her desk with her face in her hands, sobbing, while the telephone rang away.
Dorothy's anger faded instantly as she watched- she darted across the room as quickly as she could and yanked the telephone from its cradle. Relena's head came up just in time to see her pull the cord on her vid phone. "Dorothy!" she exclaimed. She stood and hugged the girl close. "Thank God you're here! Thank God!"
Dorothy stroked Relena's back gently for a moment before tilting the other woman's chin so their eyes met. "Relena, tell me- has anyone heard from them? They were going to be coming to Earth..."
Relena smiled happily. "They had already left- Duo contacted Lady Une minutes after the blast, and Wufei called back about an hour ago. They left, but they had been heading back when it blew- they had been called back so Duo could disarm the bomb."
Dorothy's face was drawn in concern. "Are they really okay? Does Catherine know yet?"
Relena went pale the next second. "Oh God- I've been so busy here! I totally forgot about poor Cathy! Dor, could you..."
The blonde woman gave her lover a gentle smile as she brushed back a stray strand of hair. "Of course- don't worry about it, okay?"
Relena smiled and, in a rare show of affection, leaned closer to plant a light kiss on Dorothy's lips. "I'm lucky to have someone like you."
Dorothy's eyes clouded suspiciously, but she didn't reply. Turning with a final smile, she quietly left the office.
~*~
Une was quickly losing patience.
Howard glared at her, nonetheless. "For the last time, Lady, the answer is no! Is that word really so hard to understand?"
She glared right back. "Damn you, Howard! I'm not out to kill them! I need to verify that they're in a safe place!"
Howard smirked back at her. "And if you can't find them, what makes you think anyone else will be able to?"
She sighed heavily. "There is a leak somewhere- for all we know, it's one of their people, though it could easily be one of mine! I need to know where they are!"
Howard shook his head resolutely. "That's the reason why I can't tell you, okay? I promised the guys, and that was my kid that almost got his ass blown up..."
Une's hands balled into fists. "Howard, I realise that you care about Duo like your son, but think about it like this. Until they choose to disclose their location, we won't be able to give them back-up, if they get sniffed out, by some strange chance, and you* will be too far away to do a damned thing."
"Fuck you, Lady!" Howard exclaimed. "That's playing dirty, and you know it! They can take care of themselves, so get over yourself! Or do I have to remind you of how thoroughly they defeated OZ five years ago?"
She refused to take anymore of it! "Howard, if you do not tell me what I want to hear, I will be forced to place you under arrest for obstruction of justice."
He laughed at her. "Go ahead! You'll have to find me first- and that won't be easy! Besides, I have the suits, remember? Forget it- I'm sure you have something better to do with your time than make idle threats."
~*~
Catherine's lips trembled as she stared up into Dorothy's composed visage. "I need to talk to my brother! I have to, Dorothy! Please- let me contact him! I have to know if they are really okay!"
Dorothy shook her head. "I can't do that, Cathy, I'm sorry. I'm not even really supposed to know what the comm codes are- Relena, well, was just a bit sloppy with them!"
"Please, Dorothy," Catherine pleaded. "Please- I have to see them with my own eyes. Please."
Dorothy stared at the other woman in obvious indecision. A tear slipped down Cathy's face.
Cursing herself silently, Dorothy nodded. "Fine, but only for a moment, okay?"
Catherine dashed her tears away and gave the other girl a trembling smile. "Very well- that will do."
~*~
Sally felt immensely guilty as she knocked on the door of Quatre and Trowa's suite. "Trowa?"
The door opened softly and the acrobat stepped out into the hallway, careful not to make a sound as he shut the door behind him. "Sorry- Quatre's still asleep. What is it?"
She gave him a small smile. "Your sister has called for you."
It took a moment for it to register on his face, but then he looked confused. "I never gave her the contact number..."
Sally's eyes snapped. "Dorothy did, and she's not even supposed to have it. Will you take the call?"
Trowa's face darkened in anger for a moment- someone out there was handing out information, and his Quatre had almost been killed as a result of it... He looked back up, his calm restored. "Yes, but Sally- will you stay with him, please? He should not wake up from an episode alone."
She surprised Trowa by giving him a quick hug. "Of course I will. Now go- Wufei has the call in the situation room." She smiled at him one more time as she opened the door and slipped into the darkened room, making little shooing motions at him.
Trowa's return smile faded immediately, though, as he walked down the hallway with a stride like a stalking tiger. Everywhere we turn, there's another security breach, another person in the loop who doesn't belong there! Even if it's my sister... Damn it- she's got to learn that we can take care of ourselves!
What was truly bothering him, though, more than anything else, was the fact that no one could find their traitor. That made it someone really good, someone that no one would ever suspect. And his sister had just unwittingly added her name to the list of people who were potential security leaks. Half of his mind was berating him for even thinking about suspecting Cathy, but the other half... The other half was governed by the paranoia that had saved all their lives countless times over the years, and he was more inclined to listen to that half.
Wufei looked up as he entered the room. "How's Quatre?"
The ex-mercenary's eyes swung up to meet Wufei's. "Still asleep, but okay." He slid behind the vid monitor without another word.
His eyes were hard as he stared at his sister. "You should not have called here, Cathy."
She was smiling at him, though. "Trowa! Thank goodness! I had to see you and make sure all of you are okay..."
Trowa interrupted, "We are fine, Cathy, and I appreciate your concern, but don't call here again. This is a security risk."
Her smile faded. "I'm just worried..."
He interrupted again, "I know, and I'm sorry. I worry about you, too, but this is more important than you or I."
"Everyone's speculating about it. Quatre needs to make some sort of statement, and soon."
Trowa sighed. "I figured as much- thanks, Cathy. Sorry I've been short with you, but this is serious. You shouldn't call again."
Her eyes sparkled with tears. "I don't like it! I don't, but okay. Fine- I won't. I promise." She smiled. "I love you, baby brother."
He smiled back gently. "Me, too. Out." He cut the connection.
Wufei commented from across the room, "I want to know who gave her the comm information."
Trowa didn't look up. "Dorothy. I don't know how she got it."
"Damn them! And they wonder why we aren't talking to them!" Wufei's fist slammed on the table top. "We were almost back to the satellite..."
Trowa's eyes were cold and emotionless as they swung up to meet Wufei's. "We need to start looking ourselves, Wufei. Running checks on every single person who had come into contact with any privileged information. Everyone- including Relena, Une, Dorothy and my sister."
Wufei nodded, though the pain he felt at the thought of being betrayed by someone so close was evident in his eyes. "Right. Let's include Sally, as well, then." He flinched as the words came out, and his gaze dropped to the floor.
He was surprised as Trowa's hand squeezed his shoulder. "I know it hurts- it isn't her, but we have to."
Wufei nodded, looking up as soon as he was composed. "I know. I'll get right on it."
Trowa spared his friend a smile before he left- he wanted to be there when Quatre woke.
~*~
Madeleine watched the news reports with amused eyes. Everyone wanted to know what had happened to the Winner heir, and it seemed like no one knew a thing. What beautiful chaos! Fantastic...
She switched off the television with a scowl, though. They had to be sure of it- good enemies had the annoying habit of surviving when you most wanted them dead, and she was certain that Quatre Winner was one of the best enemies she could look for. And if he survived that... We will be enemies more than ever.
She toggled the comm switch that connected her to Sirius and waited for the man to answer, "Yes?"
"I want you to find out where all the pilots are- if they're dead, what they're doing if they're not- I want to know everything."
There was a pregnant pause before his voice came back. "Certainly, Mado."
She nodded to the wall and returned to her seat, sinking into it as she allowed herself.
to smile. It was a perfect moment- there was world-wide chaos as everyone searched for Quatre Winner, the Mars Project was crumbling and Genesis was destroyed- apart from her copy, of course.
It was time to begin the New Order.
~*~
Wherever he was, it was warm and comfortable, and that suited Quatre perfectly.
He was having a hard time remembering- something bad had happened, but it was far away and he really didn't want to think about bad things, did he? Not when it was so warm...
There were arms wrapped around him- strong, long arms. And a specific scent- he hadn't been close enough to catch a whiff of it for a little over two months, but he would have recognized it anywhere. It was the scent of safety and love- it was Trowa's scent.
He burrowed in closer to what he could now identify as Trowa's body, his mind blessedly blank. He was slightly curious at how he ended up in bed with his lover, when the last thing he remembered was being in space with Duo and Wufei, but that was where the bad thing was...
The arms tightened around him and lips brushed the top of his head. "It's okay, Quatre, I'm here. Just wake up for me, okay?"
He sounds worried! What have I done now... He's worried about me- wake up? How long have I been asleep? Ever since... "Allah! No- it can't be!" He started awake with a heavy jolt, the only thing keeping him in the bed being Trowa's arms, wrapped around him securely.
Quatre shivered as he sank back against the comforting solidity of his lover. "Trowa... how long?"
The other pilot slid around him until they were eye to eye. "About five hours since you landed- you had a three-hour flight before that, though. How do you feel?"
Fists clenched, Quatre's eyes were stormy and harsh in his face. "I want to kill that bitch! IF SHE WANTS ME DEAD, SHE CAN DAMNED WELL COME AND GET ME, HERSELF!"
Trowa caught hold of the fists and gently pried them open. "Quatre, you have to calm down..."
The blond locked eyes with his lover. "Trowa, I could feel her thoughts when she pushed that button. Psycho, freak-ass punk bitch was after me! She killed an entire station full of people to get at me, and she missed! They're all dead because of me!"
Trowa gripped Quatre's shoulders tightly. "They're dead because of her, Quatre. You can't help being who you are, so stop this!" I've never heard him curse like that! Oh God...
Quatre grimaced. "She fucked up the Mars Project, too. Literally millions of credits went into the stuff on that satellite- the Senate's gonna freak, even if we admit that we have other copies of Genesis to work from..."
"Stop this, Quatre..."
The blond continued, though, "There's no way they'll approve paying for all that twice! We barely got them to approve it the first time! Mars..."
SLAP!
Quatre reeled from the contact- Trowa hadn't hit him hard, but it was enough to snap him out of it. They stared at each other for a moment. The taller man gently stroked the cheek he'd just hit. "I'm sorry, Quatre."
Aquamarine eyes filled with tears. "Oh no- don't be! Allah- Trowa..." He grabbed hold of the other man and pulled him in for a tight hug, burying his face in his shoulder and neck. "Damn her to Hell for doing this to us all..."
Trowa's grip tightened again. "She failed, Quatre. You, and Wufei and Duo, as well, are still alive. We need to make sure it stays that way."
Quatre pulled back. "I'm sorry- some welcome back! I haven't seen you in two months and I'm a wreck now!" He gave a small smile. "I just wanted to see you..."
Trowa smiled back. "I know- me, too. I missed you." He kissed Quatre's forehead and gently pulled both of them back to a horizontal position, cradling the other man in his arms.
The blond young man sighed. "They must be looking for some sign of me. Are they?"
Trowa nodded against his shoulder. "The Press is going wild- yeah." He pressed a kiss into the other man's neck. "We're going to have to go public sometime soon. As soon as possible."
He was thoroughly surprised when the blond's face changed in less than a second, though. Quatre kissed him thoroughly and deeply, tongues dancing and sending waves of heat through him. The blond pulled back with a small smile. "I missed you, Trowa. I screwed this all up, didn't I?"
"You didn't- she did, but I'm not going to bother and try to top your name for her- it's another thing for us to make her pay for when we finally meet," Trowa said, fingers running down Quatre's back soothingly.
"All I wanted was to get back down here and make love to you for hours," Quatre whispered, arching into the light touches with a look of regret, mixed with longing and love.
Trowa smiled. "You'll get that chance- after you inform 29 sisters and a world full of admirers that you're still alive. After that, you're mine to do what I please with."
Quatre arched an eyebrow. "You promise?"
The other man let out a small laugh. "Promise- we'll take the rest of the day off and leave it all to the others- they'll survive without us. I think."
Quatre kissed his lover gently, lovingly. "I must have been good in my past life to get you."
Trowa finally smirked outright. "I'll help you make up for that later."
~*~
"Relena! You've got to see this! Now!" Dorothy exclaimed as she ran through the door of the Chancellor's office, out of breath.
Relena looked up from her paperwork in shock. "Dorothy! What..."
The other woman waved for silence as she lunged for the television remote and quickly stabbed it on to the right channel. "This is what."
Relena turned to look-
Quatre Raberba Winner stood in front of his desk, properly attired in a black suit and somber tie- a quick glance showed that the other four pilots stood behind the desk, like an honour guard. The blond began, "Ladies and gentlemen of the Earth Sphere, good evening. You are all, by now, aware of the immense tragedy that took place today on an L4 research satellite. I thank all of you who have worried about my own well being, but I want to clarify the events, so that those who have lost loved ones today will understand what has happened, in the hopes that it can lesson their pain and loss.
"Satellite Z249778 was the primary research and development facility for the Genesis shield, part of the Mars Project. The project was approved by the Earth Sphere Senate over two months ago, yet there was still much opposition to it. This morning..." He stopped to take a breath, and both women leaned closer to the television screen. "This morning, a man posing as a protester got himself arrested by the Preventer team that was in charge of the physical security of the satellite- in truth, he was a bomber on a suicide mission. The bomb was made of liquid explosive packs, strapped to his body. At the time of the incident, I was on a private shuttle, heading to Earth for an important business meeting- I was called back, along with one of my bodyguards, to address the bomb and attempt to disarm it. We were sadly too late.
"It has been imperative for me to stay in an undisclosed location, due to what my personal guard and the Preventers call a serious assassination threat. I apologize for taking so long to break my silence, and I apologize in particular to the families of the people on Z249778. They were victims of a cowardly attack, whether on myself, the Mars Project, or on the Earth Sphere government itself. They did not deserve to die."
Quatre took a deep breath. "Furthermore, I refuse to allow this setback to alter or deter either my own life or the Project in any way! Winner Enterprises will rebuild what was lost, though we can never make up for the immense scientific talent and knowledge that was lost today. This Project will go forward! And it will stand as a monument to the courage and tragedy that we have all faced today.
"To whoever is responsible for this atrocity," both women imagined they saw his lips twitch slightly, "I say this. I will not surrender, and I will not let you win, and you have my word on that. Thank you all and good evening." The feed cut back to a normal news program.
Dorothy felt a great sense of glee as she turned to face her girlfriend with a smile. Good for you, Quatre. And you will beat her- I'm sure of it! As only you five can... "Can you believe he did that?"
Relena's mouth was still open in shock. "He... that was a direct challenge to Madeleine Dumoulin, wasn't it?"
Dorothy nodded. "Oh yes- she declared war on him, personally, by doing that. I wonder if she has any clue what she's gotten into. And won't this be amusing to watch!"
Relena shot a glare in the other woman's direction. "We've been over this before, Dor. Their luck will run out someday- lots of people are going to die, and those five are putting it on the line again."
Dorothy had the grace to look subdued by the thought. "There are capable of doing this, Relena- they are the best, as you well know. Don't sell them short."
Relena snorted. "Sometimes I think you're still enjoying this too much."
Dorothy simply shrugged.
~*~
Wufei and Sally both moved as the camera blinked off again, and the Chinese man said, "We should contact Preventers headquarters now directly- tell Une what has been happening here..."
Trowa took hold of Quatre's hand and squeezed. "You don't need us for that, do you?"
Wufei shook his head. "I suppose not. We will have a lot of Preventer business to go through." He looked over with a glint in his eye. "Go on- we'll meet up for a logistics session later."
He was rewarded with twin smiles of gratitude before the two pilots left, and he turned to Duo and Heero. "How about you two? Holding up alright?"
Heero nodded. "Hai- we're both fine now. How can we help?"
As Sally approached, they took seats around the table. It was going to be a very long, difficult few hours.
~*~
Sirius tried very hard not to back away as Madeleine's eyes narrowed in anger. "We missed him- we missed all of them! Damn it all- why didn't we know he was leaving?"
Green eyes swiveled and fixed on his face with laser-like precision, glittering in anger. "I don't want to hear that you haven't been able to find them, Sirius. I don't want to see your face until you have found them. I don't want any more excuses. Do you understand that?"
He nodded, his mouth dry as he eyed her blood-red nails.
She turned back to the news report- the pilots had broken into the signal from some remote location- there would be no finding them by the signal they used! The shuttle had disappeared from all the scopes during the explosion- But Maxwell is supposed to be some sort of stealth expert, so that should not be a surprise. Damn them!
She watched them carefully as she froze the screen- the message was carefully crafted. Yes- all five were alive and well. All five were angry. They had something planned- it was all there, if she could just catch a bit of luck and find out what it was...
She flicked her remote and stared as the screen went blank. Quatre Winner had risen to her challenge, and she knew he would not be an easy enemy to beat. In fact, she gave herself about a forty percent chance, given the advantage of their Genesis-class suits. Maybe even a fifty percent chance.
It was slim, but it would have to be enough.
And one thing was for certain- her spy was going to talk, even if it killed her!
~*~
As soon as the door to their room closed behind them, Quatre was in Trowa's arms, his face buried in the other young man's broad chest. Trowa took the opportunity to simply enjoy the warm feeling of Quatre against him- he lowered his face into the Arab's blond hair. "She's singled you out, love."
Quatre's reply was muffled by Trowa's shirt. "I know." He moved so that he could look the green-eyed man in the face. "And all of you, by extension."
Trowa made no comment as he stripped the shorter man's jacket away, followed quickly by the tie and button down shirt. He steered Quatre towards the large bed and gave a simple command- "Lie down on your stomach."
The blond complied, wondering just what this was about. He could feel the bed shifting as another body joined his, seated across his legs-
Trowa did not miss the slight tremor that passed through his lover as he began to knead his tense back. He worked slowly, carefully, intent on pulling some of the tension out of him, and he frowned in concentration as he worked. He had never seen Quatre so angry or driven- at least, not since the Zero incident. That thought scared the ex-mercenary. He never wanted to go through something like that again!
"How does that feel, koi?" he asked softly, his nimble fingers working up Quatre's neck and into the short, soft blond hair.
Quatre sighed happily as he readily allowed himself to be pulled into the relaxing massage. He was well aware of how his lover was feeling and what he was worried about, and it scared him, as well. He was determined, though- it would not happen! He would keep his control! "Better every second, love. So much better..."
Trowa eased off of him, and Quatre slowly made his by now extremely relaxed body turn- the green-eyed man was watching him with a small smile on his lips. "A penny for your thoughts, Trowa."
The other man's eyes glistened. "Just thinking how wonderful you are. How lucky we both are."
Quatre snuggled closer. "How about what you're really thinking of?"
Trowa snorted- he should have known better! "Well, we'll catch the bitch, blow her sky high and grow old together. How's that?"
The blond laughed. "I think I like your plan! How about this," he leaned in for a light kiss, "We begin 'Operation Kill Madeleine' in about two hours... and I'm all yours until then?"
Trowa's arms tightened, and Quatre was quite suddenly pinned under the taller man's full weight. "Now that's a plan." He brushed his lips over Quatre's softly once, then kissed him possessively.
The Arabian's lips parted eagerly and he moaned as an active, skilled tongue danced into his mouth, sparring with his own as the arms around him tightened. His hands worked up into Trowa's hair and then down over his broad shoulders, fingertips teasing over the back of his neck.
Trowa pulled back with a smile. "Do you have any idea how often I watched that video, Cat?" The blond moaned as quick fingers worked the fastenings of his pants and slipped inside to stroke him. "You looked so good on me..."
Lips teased over the sensitive skin of Quatre's throat, and it was all he could do to respond, "Huh-hope you watched... at least as often... as I did. Oh, Trowa..."
The green-eyed young man had less than a second of warning in the playful glint of his lover's eyes before he found himself flipped onto his back. The young blond was hovering just over him, a picture of sex with his heaving chest and bright eyes in such a flushed face. Trowa's whole body quivered as a wet tongue began tracing patterns down his torso, deliberately missing the spots he wanted touched the most. The blond was yanking his pants off without him even realizing that they had been unfastened, strong hands working their way back up over his thighs as that teasing mouth worked its slow way down. "Quatre..."
Aquamarine eyes met his and sparkled with mirth as a wet tongue danced across the tip of his straining erection. "I love you, Trowa." Lapping at the tip one more time, Quatre caught and captured Trowa's gaze as his lips parted and he slowly lowered his head.
He couldn't hold that gaze for long, watching as Quatre's mouth descended over him- Trowa's eyes slipped closed as a groan of pleasure escaped his pursed lips. "Oh God- Quatre... feels so good..."
The blond's body was reacting to the sounds his lover was making- he sucked two fingers into his mouth and made sure they were well coated with saliva before he reached down his body to prepare himself-
Trowa's eyes opened, and he nearly cried out at the erotic picture his lover presented. Quatre pulled back at the sharp intake of air, and their eyes met again as the Arabian crawled up over Trowa. They kissed again, both groaning with need as freed erections came into contact and skin rubbed against hot skin.
The green-eyed man reached blindly to the bedside table drawer and the familiar tube it concealed, breathless as their lips separated again and he quickly unscrewed the top. Smearing his fingers with the lube, he reached between them and watched his partner's face intently as he pressed first one, then another finger into him. Quatre's face lit up as he bucked back against the intruding fingers. "Allah! Trowa, I want you..."
The taller man rolled them over and quickly lifted Quatre's legs, so that his knees rested at Trowa's shoulders. Nearly trembling with his desire, he thrust forward, penetrating Quatre with one, fast thrust.
The blond cried out in pleasure laced with pain- "Trowa! Oh God..."
He was encased in throbbing, powerful heat and pressure, he sensation rendering him completely blind to everything but the young man whose body he was taking. Trowa hissed in pleasure as he pulled out and sheathed himself yet again, smiling in smug pleasure as he angled the thrust perfectly and Quatre cried out his name, hands tightening on his forearms.
Quatre felt all his senses overloading as each thrust hit his special sot with pinpoint accuracy. His mind was on fire- "Please... Trowa, I have to..."
A hand obligingly wrapped itself around his own straining cock, and he screamed as the other man began to pump him roughly, in time with each thrust. It felt so good, and he was so close...
Trowa's mind melted as he felt and heard Quatre going incoherent in pleasure- the small blond was panting out words in a number of languages, calling out something in Arabic and thrusting hard into his hand, his voice ringing in the taller man's mind-
Quatre's eyes shot open, but he saw nothing- blinding hot pleasure seared his entire body as he came, his insides clamping down on Trowa's cock-
"QUATRE!" Trowa screamed- his orgasm washed over him like a gale as his body emptied its essence into his lover, his head thrown back as he gave one last thrust into that divine tight heat-
He barely had the presence of mind to roll somewhat to the side as he collapsed onto the bed, landing in a sticky, panting heap of sweaty limbs on top of his lover.
Trowa's arms were tight around him. Quatre smiled up at the ceiling as he gradually began to breath evenly. Trowa withdrew from his body, and the two shared a soft smile for a moment.
The Arabian man brushed Trowa's long bangs back from his face as he leaned forward for a kiss. "That was fantastic, koi," he breathed as they pulled apart again.
Trowa's hands shifted on his backside as the green-eyed man smiled. "I missed you so much, Quatre. I'm not letting you out of my sight again!"
"I'll hold you to that promise, Trowa," Quatre whispered back, settling in against Trowa's chest. "And don't you dare leave me alone with a sex-deprived Duo ever again!"
Trowa's expression changed in an instant to one of anger. "He didn't..."
Quatre laughed. "No! Of course not! But damn- when he doesn't have a way of working all that energy off..."
"Poor Heero!" They both burst out laughing.
As Quatre calmed down, though, he heaved a sigh. "This is where we belong. You'll stay with me... right?"
"Right."
"Forever?"
Trowa smiled as he kissed the blond head and hugged his lover's smaller form tighter. "Forever and then some."
~*~
Wufei looked up in surprise as Heero called him over. Standing, he wiped his hands on his trousers as he approached the other man and leaned over to see what the Japanese was pointing to on his monitor.
Heero took a deep breath. "There- the same signature as the MacNair call," he said, pointing to one voice print identification from a list. "Madeleine Dumoulin called and left a message for someone shortly after she spoke with the Senator."
Wufei frowned. "Who? Can we trace..."
Heero frowned in turn. "I'm afraid not- the call was routed through the inner system so that we'd have to look through individual message archives for all employees- how many are there?"
The Chinese pilot groaned. "Over two thousand. Damn."
"Still," Heero continued, "it gives us a starting point. And just maybe... we could smoke the snitch out."
Wufei looked up at that idea. "It has to be someone within the Senate- or at least Relena's entourage..."
Heero shook his head. "It doesn't matter who it is, at this point. All that matters... if we feed them faulty data, we can use this to our advantage."
They both fell silent. Heero eyed the other man's frown with compassion in his eyes. "I'm sorry about your teammates. I know it must have irked you to leave them like that."
Wufei shook his head. "No- Duo was right. We had to go, run like cowards..."
"If only we had known where she was and we'd been there with our suits..." Heero growled.
But Wufei's eyes had lit at the small sentence and he jumped back to his own workstation, stabbing at the keyboard furiously. Heero followed confusedly. "Wufei?"
The Chinese man didn't look back over his shoulder as he talked. "Those explosives- they were set with a remote detonator. I'd have to check the call log from Watson to be sure, but I could have sworn she said they were on some sort of short distance remote. That means that the person who set that all off was close by. Close enough- Damn- I should have thought of this! Close enough for Quatre to sense, as well!"
He continued typing as he fumed. "Our shuttle got away, but Duo was hardly looking for anything else after that! There must have been another shuttle that survived that blast- and that shuttle was holding our enemies!"
TBC...
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