Silence Part 11
Wufei
I picked up the phone on the third ring. It was twenty-three after two. I should have been in the studio working out, but I daydreamed and compromised my schedule. As a result, I was abrupt in my greeting. The hesitant voice startled me.
It was Solo, sounding more than a little frightened. I tried to ignore the chill running up and down my spine, and kept my tone neutral, so as not to contribute to his fear.
Duo had not gone to work, he said. He had spent the day in his workroom, was still in there, and the smell of incense permeated the house. Solo didn't know what to do. I could feel the dark knot of anger building behind my eyes.
Incense. Jasmine, most likely. Duo favors that scent when he's casting. But he's never spent a whole day at it before. This is what those bastards have driven him to. No wonder Solo sounded frightened.
I told him that I would be there in forty-five minutes and asked if the workroom door was locked.
He didn't know. He wasn't supposed to bother Duo, so he hadn't tried it. He would, if I wanted him to, but I told him no, that it could wait until I got there.
~*~
Solo let me into the house, even though I have a key. He promptly attached himself to me like a limpet, nearly strangling me. I returned his hug and carried him into the living room to sit on the sofa. Sharing his father's high-octane personality, the boy craves affection and the warmth of others. I held him for a few minutes and talked quietly to him, explaining that I might be awhile with Duo. I suggested that he practice his exercises and then find some dinner and he said he would. I then attempted make good on my promise to handle it.
Duo has done this before, but never for longer than a couple of hours. I listened at the door for a few minutes, to the thrum of his voice. I couldn't hear the words, but the rhythm was familiar. I'd heard (or felt) the same murmur on at least two occasions.
The first was the time Heero succeeded in self-destructing. The second was after Trowa was lost during Quatre's period of insanity.
I don't know what he does in there. Intellectually, I don't want to know. I have little patience for superstition and religious ritual. I have respect for my ancestors and have always tried to live in a manner that would honor their memories, but the traditions of occidentals are confusing at best and ludicrous at worst.
Nevertheless, the rituals Duo performs seem to comfort him and may even be efficacious.
But it shouldn't take all damn day.
The door was locked, of course. Worried, I may have been, but I wasn't prepared to kick the door in. I've heard tales of what could happen when such things were interrupted, and though it all sounds like a very bad video script, I would rather not take a chance.
I sat on the landing and tried to meditate until Duo was ready to show himself.
~*~
Nearly an hour passed before the door opened.
Given the tales I've heard about "witches", "wizards" and "sorcerers", I might have expected creeping darkness, dank and dreadful odors and even a demon or two to follow Duo from the room.
Instead, the room behind him was as bright and cheerful as always, the only smell was of the jasmine incense and nothing supernatural accompanied my friend.
A damn good thing, I thought as Duo slumped against the doorframe wearily, staring at me. If anything unusual HAD appeared, with the mood I was in, I would have kicked the crap out of it and stuffed it back into whatever hell it crawled out of. Yes, I was worried.
Duo Yuy-Maxwell is the loveliest man I know. He has the pale translucent skin reminiscent of fine china. He burns rather than tanning and has spent his life under a layer of sunscreen. His pale freckles would be invisible on most people. In comparison, Quatre fairly glows with the appearance of robust good health.
Duo's vitality shines in his eyes, in the luster of his prized mane and in his strong and graceful movements. When he was fifteen, he was a cute, wide-eyed kid full of charm, sass and hormones. At seventeen, he was a hypnotic beauty with a glance that could stop a person in their tracks. At nineteen, he was the most sensual and breath-takingly gorgeous thing I'd ever seen.
Slumped in the doorway now, he was but a tattered shadow of that exquisite angel.
He looked like hell. And not any hell the Shinigami would care to frequent.
I got to my feet, staring back at him, looking deep into his forlorn violet eyes, unexpectedly shaken by his expression and the aura surrounding him.
"Duo," I said, and it came out as a croak, "what have you done?"
He lifted his hand and let it drop. "Everything I know how to do," he whispered. "If nothing changes..." He swallowed and began again as I touched his arm. "If nothing changes, then I... I have to accept... that he is lost to me."
Afraid that he was about to faint, I hooked my arm around his waist and pulled him close to me. The scent of jasmine hung heavily on his clothing and hair, but it was not unpleasant. He rested his head on my shoulder, one arm around my ribs, the other hand on my arm.
"I'm tired..." he sighed.
I rubbed his back, and touched my lips lightly to his forehead, and could think of no answer for him. Instead, I lifted him in my arms, again angry at how light he was. He still was not eating properly; wasting away from grief.
This frailty wasn't normal, even though he has always been fine-boned and slender. His lithe and fragile-seeming figure was the key to some of his best missions, I know.
Bigger, stronger, older adults tended to discount any threat from such a skinny and disarmingly wide-eyed kid. He triggered either lust or the protective instinct in most of the people he encountered. We pilots were not immune to his spell. Quatre went into protection mode whenever he felt something amiss in Duo's world (all the more reason for the absurdity of his unconscionable behavior now). Heero, Trowa and I were all swept away by varying degrees of lust. Trowa ran from it, terrified by memories or premonitions, throwing himself into the more comfortable warmth of Quatre's love. I was amazed by it, and hesitated too long in my confusion. Heero embraced it and leaped willingly into the fires of Shinigami's hell, and in the end, he was the only one possible for Duo.
I have never begrudged the love and passion between them, but I have sometimes wondered what would happen to Duo, mentally and emotionally, if he lost Heero forever. He had their son, of course, to raise and care for, but how far does a child's love go in replacing a partner?
For myself, yes, I love him deeply, but he is not free and may never be, so I am content to be a friend. Relationships are emotional mine fields and I have trod on far too many in my lifetime to be anxious to try again. But still, Duo is very precious to me...
I laid him on his bed and brought the comforter up to tuck around him, then sat on the bed beside him. "You should sleep; you're exhausted."
He nodded with a sigh. "How did you know?"
"Solo called me. He's all right now, but he was frightened. You've been in there all day."
He looked away as tears welled in his eyes. "Shit... I didn't realize... I thought I'd be finished before he got home..."
I did not intend to cast guilt; I drew him close to me and he laid his head on my leg. "Ah, Duo. Is there anything I can do to help you? Do you need to be alone? Do you need company?" I ran my fingers through his thick hair as he sighed heavily. "You know I'll help however I can. Please, baby; let me help."
It's a liberty, I know; I have no right to use such an endearment. But he is my friend and he responds to warmth and affection.
He edged closer and I drew him up into my arms, laying my cheek against his glossy hair.
"There is no help for me without Heero," he whispered. "Wufei... I need a favor... A really big favor..."
"Anything, Duo; anything at all." I shivered with a sudden chill. He must have felt it; he laid his hand on my chest over my heart. Automatically, I covered his hand with mine.
And felt something odd.
I looked at his hand and saw the threads of gauze at his wrist. My heart stopped for several beats. I pushed his sleeve back and stared at the gauze bandage wrapping his wrist, at the crimson staining.
"Duo," I said hoarsely, "what is this?"
He wouldn't look at me. "Payment..." he breathed finally.
"Payment?! What are you talking about?!"
"Blood payment... I don't believe in sacrifice... I pay my own debts..." He'd begun to cry softly. "It was the only thing left to me..."
I felt sick and furious, but I pushed it away, hugging him tightly against me. "Duo... You didn't... Oh... I... I'm sorry, baby. I didn't think you did that..." I muttered foolishly. "I... I'm sorry... It's not my place..."
"It's okay," he whispered. "I had to try, Wufei..."
He was warm in my arms; I relaxed against the pillows and held him for a long time, not speaking, trying not to think. Of course, he had to try, whatever it was that he did. Duo Maxwell would do no less, I reminded myself, stroking his auburn hair tenderly. He slept finally.
Solo's appearance at the door brought me back to myself. I hooked a finger and he crept into the room.
"Is Daddy sick?" he whispered anxiously.
"He is very tired, Solo," I replied quietly. "He is sleeping. I think he would like to feel you close."
He climbed onto the bed and curled up against Duo's back. I spread the comforter over him and touched his dark hair lightly. His hair hasn't been cut in over two years; for a while he wore it in a ponytail. Recently Duo has been braiding it. It's startling to see this miniature Heero with Duo's braid.
~*~
I dozed, waking sometime later feeling oddly content. It took almost a minute for me to remember where I was and why. Duo lay snuggled against me, his head resting in the crook of my shoulder, arm flung over my ribs; I held him protectively. Somehow Solo had moved to my other side; warmth and a soft purring surrounded me. I basked in that glow for several minutes before my common sense awakened. I moved and Duo stirred, lifting his head and blinking in confusion.
"Wufei?" he murmured sleepily. "You're here... I thought I was dreaming..."
"Shhh... Go back to sleep."
But he pushed himself up, looking around the room. "What time is it?"
"Nearly nine."
"Crap! I need to make dinner for Solo." He swung himself off the bed before I could stop him.
"Duo, your son reheated last night's leftovers. He is not starving." I moved the comforter to reveal Solo, his head pillowed on my arm. Duo sagged in relief.
"Oh, Wufei..."
"Here, you put him to bed and I will make some dinner for us. We need to talk, Duo," I said as gently as possible.
He smiled wanly. "You take good care of us, Wufei. Don't you ever get sick of me? Of all my crisis?"
I sat up, scooping Solo up in my arms. He blinked and yawned. "I am not sick of you, don't even think that." I didn't intend to be sharp with him, but I heard it in my voice. I put Solo into his arms and touched his hair lightly. "I care about you. Both of you. All of you."
He smiled at me, this time a warm, winsome smile that made my heart swell. "Thanks, Wufei."
Solo rubbed his eyes. "Daddy," he murmured as Duo carried him into his room. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine, sweetie. Wufei said you had dinner."
"Yes. I reheated the veggie chow mein. It's good reheated, did you know that?"
"Sure do, darling. I practically lived on leftovers during the war."
I followed to stand in the doorway. Duo's interaction with his son is a beautiful thing to see. He somehow manages to be an authority figure while remaining a kid at heart.
"Scoot in and wash your face and brush your teeth, and I'll turn your bed down," said Duo with a grin. He looked around the room and spotted Sweetums on his perch. "There you are! C'mon down, lizzie," he laughed, draping the reptile over his shoulder. "Solo's going to bed."
"Duo, does he sleep with that creature?" I asked curiously.
Duo turned, stroking the reptile's frills gently. "I had him checked out by a vet. He seems to like Solo as much as Solo likes him."
I nodded as Solo burst into the room and collected his pet.
"Okay, darling, into bed. Oh, give Wufei a hug." He bounced across the room to fling one arm around my neck and whisper in my ear.
"Thank you, Wufei. I love you!"
"I love you, too," I whispered back.
I lingered for a few minutes as Duo talked softly.
"You know, I think I'll let Hilde handle the shop tomorrow. We haven't had a fun day in quite a while. How does a day at the park sound? We'll have pizza for lunch and play some games and go shopping and see Heero."
"That'd be great!" cried Solo.
"Okay then, that's what we'll do." He kissed his son's forehead.
In the hallway, Duo paused at his door. "I'm going to take a shower, do you mind?"
"Of course not. I said I'd make dinner. It'll be ready when you come down." I hesitated, noting that the weariness had returned to his violet eyes. "Bring your brush and I'll do your hair."
He blinked and smiled. "Thank you, Wufei."
~*~
Duo brought his brush when he came downstairs. His hair was almost dry, but he had left it for me to brush and braid. I sat on the floor and he sat on a hassock. I began at the end of his shining hair, working my way gently upward. He lounged back on his hands sighing, purring, making any number of moans, squeaks and gasps of pleasure. Duo loves having his hair brushed and is not shy about expressing his gratitude. Heero used to spend hours immersed in the loving care of Duo's hair.
My attempt at braiding left something to be desired, but Duo didn't seem to care. Heading for the kitchen, he tickled my nose with the brush-end of his braid and laughed at my expression. A beautiful sound... I hope he laughs for Heero...
"Wufei," he said with a sigh. "I have to ask before I lose my nerve." We were having coffee ice cream for dessert.
"I didn't think such a thing was possible," I smiled.
He shrugged, his cheeks coloring. "Hey, I have my moments! Look how long it took for me to finally jump Heero!" We both laughed and then he sobered. "This is bigger than that." He met my gaze, holding it as he said quietly, "Wufei, would you be Solo's legal guardian if anything happens to me?"
I stared at him. "If anything..? Duo, what are you saying?"
He lifted his hand and let it drop. "I don't plan on going anywhere anytime soon, but... Well, neither did Heero. My lawyer is having a stroke because I don't have a will, so I thought, you know, that I'd better act like an adult and make arrangements... for Solo... Just in case."
My lips moved but no sound came out. The idea that he would ask me to care for his son, the light of his life, rendered me speechless. And the thought of Solo alone in the world without either of his adoring parents made me cold all over.
"Duo," I whispered, clutching his hand in mine, "I would be honored to take that responsibility, but you must swear to me that it will never be necessary!"
He squeezed my hand and relaxed in his chair. "No worries, Wufei. I want to be around to see my great-grandchildren. Thank you; he adores you, you know." He stifled a yawn; he was drooping again.
"And I love him." And you, my beautiful friend.
~*~
Duo assured me that he would be fine, so I left him at his bedroom door after checking on Solo.
The guestroom was beginning to feel like "mine", a rather disconcerting feeling in light of what had been happening.
Duo wanted me to raise his son if anything happened to him. Saying it silently to myself didn't make me any less astonished. Why would he ask me? Why would he ask anyone? Unless he had given up on Heero... But Duo would never do that. They had been through too many trials, too many near misses, too much hell to give up on each other.
But... If Heero died, did Duo intend to... to follow him..? That thought froze me in place in the middle of my shower. For a long moment, I could not catch my breath, and then I began to shake. He couldn't... He simply could not be considering such a thing! Common sense warred with black terror in my mind, until finally common sense managed to stomp the terror back into its rightful hole and slam the lid.
Duo would never do such a thing! He would never do that to his son! He was too conscious of his own shattered childhood to ever do such a horrid thing to his beautiful son!
It was only a precaution, I told myself firmly. His attorney was right; he should have a will for the sake of his business and to insure that his son received full benefit of that business. It was not the sort of thing that Duo would think of on his own, but it was right that he did it.
I could breathe again. And I would be delighted to be there for that charming child. My heart regained its proper rhythm. I finished my shower and went to bed. I had no dreams that I could recall.
I awoke at dawn with Duo in my arms.
~*~
My heart lurched and I let out a squeak of startlement. Duo was indeed tucked comfortably into my embrace, head on my shoulder, his hand resting lightly over my heart. But I don't sleepwalk. Was I dreaming? I touched his shoulder. No, he felt real...
Then how did he get here! No one has ever snuck up on me, let alone crawled into bed with me, without my knowing!
I looked around the room, trying not to disturb him. (Let me be truthful: I did not want him to wake, I did not want him to be embarrassed or angry. I did not want to let him go.) It was the guestroom. I had not, in some sudden deranged attack of nocturnal lust, gone to him. Some of my anxiety dissipated. I sighed, and laid my hand on his soft hair coiling his braid idly.
Maybe he'd had a nightmare, or been lonely, both logical possibilities given the day he'd had, although it still didn't answer my question of how he got here without waking me.
I sighed again and shifted to a more comfortable position, realizing as I did that Duo was not actually "in bed" with me. He had brought the comforter from his bed and made a nest for himself on top of the bed. That fact was also of great relief to me; I sleep in my skin, as does Duo. There are some temptations better left alone. I would not care to explain such to Heero Yuy.
I rubbed the backs of my fingers against his cheek, murmuring gently, "Duo? Baby? Are you all right?"
He snurggled and muttered something unintelligible as he nuzzled my collarbone. His slender fingers curled on my chest. "H'ro..." he sighed. "Whazza..?"
"I'm sorry, Duo," I whispered regretfully. "Not Heero, just me."
"Huh?" He raised his head. His violet eyes were confused. "Wu..." He sat up sharply. "Wufei!" His lower lip trembling slightly, he said sadly, "Oh, yeah... It's not a fuckin' nightmare... Is it?"
I pushed myself up to lean against the pillows. "I'm sorry. I wish it were."
He pulled the comforter up, hugging it tightly around his shoulders with a corner draped over his head. "Me too."
"Duo, you know I'm happy to help however I can," I began carefully, "but I thought you were okay by yourself last night."
"I thought I was too," he breathed. "I was so damned tired... until I got into bed. I couldn't turn off. My brain just kept going round and round until I thought I was gonna scream. So I did what I always do now, I imposed on you."
I tugged gently on a strand of his auburn hair. "Stop that. I meant, how did you get here without waking me? Have my reflexes gotten that bad?"
He smirked at me, hiding under the comforter. "I'm Shinigami, remember?"
I couldn't help it; I snorted. "And that means what?"
"It means Death goes everywhere on little Duo feet," he grinned.
Running and hiding again, I smiled. When Duo could make a joke, he had to be feeling better. Much as he'd startled me, I couldn't be upset. Obviously, he needed to be next to someone; I was just grateful it was me.
"What time is it?" he asked, stretching.
"About six."
"In the morning?" he gasped, eyes popping.
"Of course, in the morning. Do you want to get up or sleep a while longer?"
"Do you mind if I sleep a little more?" He turned those brilliant eyes on me and I knew I should have been more specific.
I accepted my role gracefully, though, and followed his lead. "No, I don't mind."
He lay down next to me and wrapped both arms around me. "Okay. You're nice and warm."
I sighed and tucked the comforter around him. "You are still a baka, Duo."
"Love me anyway?" he grinned.
"Of course I do."
~*~
We played on the swings at the park and went down the slide and around on the carousel. We paddled boats on the lake and threw saucers. Duo found a grassy hill and threw himself headlong down it, closely followed by Solo. They fetched up in a heap at the bottom, laughing like a pair of lunatics. I sat at the top and shook my head. What a pair!
We had popcorn and ice cream and fed the animals in the petting zoo. We ate Hawaiian pizza for lunch and Duo and Solo shared a gigantic chocolate milk shake for dessert.
I haven't seen Duo so happy in years. For those few hours he was the smirking, giggling, manic baka-boy who had driven me to distraction during the war. He called me "Wu-man" and I let him, smiling inwardly at the look of astonishment on Solo's face.
We took turns carrying Solo; I even hoisted Duo onto my shoulders for a bit, until he nearly dumped us both with his thrashing about. I grabbed his legs and swung him forward until he was hanging upside-down, laughing like a loon and trying to keep his braid off the pavement. I flipped him up and he landed on his feet like any feline, then grabbed me in a bear hug.
"Oh, man! I haven't done that in ages!" He stepped back, and arranged his braid and bangs and reached for Solo's hand. I could only smile at him. He was bright, happy and enthusiastic, the way he used to be. The way he should be, forever.
"Cut back on your work," I said lightly. "Come and practice with me more often. It'll be good for you."
"Maybe I will," he grinned. "If you'll let me call you Wu-man," he said slyly.
I wrapped my arm around his shoulders. "Where did you learn these bribery tactics? Solo, keep an eye on your father; you'll learn a lot about getting your own way." I whispered in his ear, "Only, only, if you do it quietly where no one else can hear." I tugged on his braid affectionately. "Deal?"
"Deal," he grinned, and snaked his arm around my waist.
In the shopping district, we made a brief stop at Duo's attorney's office. I had to read a sheaf of hardcopy documents and sign or initial in a dozen places. Duo signed everything twice and even Solo had to sign his approval, which he did with enthusiasm. Each of us received a disk copy and a hardcopy, and several others were archived with Duo's will, in the attorney's files and with the L2 Document Registry.
Walking out, Duo squeezed my hand briefly. "Thanks, Wufei. I feel a lot better now."
"You're welcome, Duo, and I'm glad you feel better."
~*~
Back at the house, Duo had another request for me.
"I know I've played hell with your schedule the past couple of weeks, and I'm really sorry for that."
"Duo..."
"Let me get this out, Wufei, okay? Then you can smack me around."
I raised one eyebrow and held my tongue.
He was putting the dinner dishes away, not actually looking at me. "I'm gonna try to pull myself together and not be such a pain in the ass. I have responsibilities; I can't be having the vapors every time I have a bad dream, or something reminds me, or someone says something. I was a fuckin' Gundam pilot; a terrorist, an assassin. I was damn good at what I did. Yesterday I did something I promised Heero I would never do again. I did it for love, for him, for us, but it may not change anything. If it does work, then to hell with all the rest! I'll have my Wingman back and nothing else will matter. If it doesn't, then I'll live the rest of my life with the knowledge that I broke a promise to the man I love.
"I am who I am, Wufei. I am Duo Maxwell and I am Shinigami and I have to be what I am." He turned to look at me, and his violet eyes were brighter than I had ever seen them. "Will you do me one last favor before I let you have your life back? Will you stay with Solo tonight? I am going out."
I blinked, then I said, "Of course I will stay with him. On the condition that I hear not another word about you disrupting my life. I wouldn't have a life, if it hadn't been for you and Heero." I slapped the table. "Damn it, Duo! You know bloody damn well that the only reason I started the school was because you and Heero cared enough to yank me out of that room and drag me here! I owe you both! I owe you more than I can ever repay! These past few weeks are but a drop in the ocean! I love you! I love Solo! I love Heero! Accept it, Maxwell; somebody besides Heero thinks the stars shine as your halo! Now stop whining!" I realized I was yelling and shut up. He stared at me, blinking and biting his lower lip.
"Okay," he said faintly.
"Good!" I snapped. "And as for the dojo, Rowan and Mei Ling are perfectly capable of running things while I'm gone. I don't keep them on just because of their good looks, you know."
"Yes, sir," he agreed meekly, but I saw the sparkle in his eyes that said he was humoring me. I let it go.
"Where are you going?" I asked instead.
"I can't say, because I don't know yet."
Dammit, he was doing it again! Just as he had during the war. Vanishing without warning or explanation, only to reappear hours or days later as if nothing had happened. He drove us all crazy with worry, but not once did he ever offer an explanation beyond "Oh, just out." And just as I had then, I wanted now to grab him by the shoulders and shake him until his perfect white teeth rattled.
A hand to my eyes, I sighed. "I'm too old for this," I muttered. "Okay. Go where you must, do what you will. Just be safe."
"I will," he smiled.
~*~
I didn't know how to feel. I had admitted to myself, finally, that I love him. If Heero had been killed outright, I would have waited a decent interval and begun courting him. It seemed as if every touch of his hand, every smile and every happy word just pushed me closer to that conclusion. But Heero Yuy was still very much alive, and like Duo, I believed in my heart and in my mind that he was not brain dead. And yet, I wanted Duo and he needed someone. He was not a cat who walked by himself, for all of his independence and strong will.
I was still caught between the rock and the hard place. I would never abandon him, but the conflict in my soul was a pain far greater than any physical wound had ever been. I have endured loss, the deaths of Meiran, Treize, Zechs; and to a lesser degree my broken relationships with Sally, Rowan and Scarletti. This pain is so much more. This pain is for Duo and Solo and Heero, as well as myself. This pain is for my future and theirs; for the things unsaid, and the things we all knew.
Dammit. I wanted Duo to be happy. I wanted Heero to live. And I was loath to lose the place I held in Duo's life now. I wanted him, but... But he could never be mine...
And I wanted his God to give him what he wanted, what he needed, and lift the cold fog from his shoulders. I wanted her to give him back the smile that Heero loved.
~*~
I was reading in the living room when Duo came downstairs. He wore one of his "party" costumes, the clothing he favored for bars and clubs. This one consisted of leather jeans, a snug leather vest, leather gloves, a silk shirt with dagged sleeves and Cuban heeled boots, all in his trademark black. His long sleeves completely hid the discreet bandages at his wrists. His clothing wasn't unusual, although I hadn't expected him to be barhopping; it was the cosmetics he wore that caused me to sit up and take notice.
The eyeliner, mascara and bands of color were an eerie reminder of some of his missions involving the slimy underbelly of civilization. It also reminded me of how powerfully seductive he could be with very little effort. He looked femme, but he looked dangerous as well.
"Where are you going dressed like that?" I blurted out.
He lifted his shoulders and one eyebrow. "Just out."
He stepped forward and laid a gloved hand lightly against my cheek and kissed the corner of my mouth. With that gesture I noticed the scent of jasmine and the luminescence of his amethyst eyes and shivered slightly.
In that moment, I was offered a chance. Looking into his gorgeous eyes I knew, in a way I couldn't begin to explain, that I could take him in my arms and carry him upstairs and make love to him, with no guilt, no recriminations, no hurt feelings or anger. I could have my heart's desire and no one would condemn or confront me. Thoughts, visions and fantasies all swirled about me, pulling me closer to the fires of Duo Maxwell.
But as I had in the beginning, I hesitated uncertainly. He wasn't free. He belonged to someone, someone I loved and admired and considered my friend. I couldn't betray that friendship. I couldn't betray the trust Duo had in me.
And the moment passed.
Duo gave me a smile of such sweetness that for an instant I feared for his safety wherever he was going.
"Duo, are you going into danger?" I demanded hoarsely.
He fluttered his darkened lashes at me. "I am Shinigami; I bring danger with me. I need to be what I am, Wufei; for a little while."
I swallowed, knowing I couldn't stop him. I'd lost any opportunity of distracting him when I refused Shinigami's offer. I nodded instead. "Okay. Just... just try to be back by breakfast," I said quietly.
He grinned at me, eyes flashing. "Of course! Don't wait up for me." He kissed my cheek again and was gone before I could gather my shattered thoughts.
~*~
"Wufei. I told you not to wait up for me!"
The whispered words awakened me from dire dreams. I sat up sharply from where I lay on the sofa and almost bumped my head on his chin. "Duo! You're back!"
"Nah," he smiled. "I'm just a fig leaf of your magnification. Of course, I'm back. I promised I'd be back before breakfast."
"What time is it?" He'd done it again; snuck up on me unawares. How the hell does he do that?! "Are you okay?"
"It's a few minutes after three and I'm fine. I'm dead-beat tired, but I'm fine." He kissed my forehead. "I'm going to bed. So should you; it's gotta be more comfortable than that sofa."
I relaxed. He was back, he was safe and he was making jokes again. "Right behind you, Duo."
He chuckled lightly. "Duo? Not yet, my friend."
I opened my mouth, then shut it again. Did I really need to understand? No, not really...
TBC...
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