Holy Moses, let us live in peace
Let us strive to find a way to make all hatred cease
There's a man over there,
What's his color I don't care
He's my brother let us live in peace... He's my brother let us live in peace
-Lyrics to 'Border Song' written and performed by Elton John
Crimson Ties Part 38
Trent rubbed his sweating hands together as he stepped up to the front door of the mansion on the middle of the street that he had pulled into. Judging by the number of cars parked in the semi-circle, there was already quite the crowd inside.
All the more eyes around to be wary of, keeping him on his toes to refrain from letting onto the emotions raging through him.
What lay before him now was a chance like none other. All that he had to do was announce his arrival and step into his place in history amongst the Hunters. He would be a wolf walking amongst his unknowing prey, learning their ways and the lay of their territory.
Releasing a deep breath that came out in a long cloud of vapor on the cold air, Trent raised his hand and pressed the doorbell. Before the last of the three muffled chimes died out, the door opened to reveal a tall Vampire who's face was half-covered by the fall of his hair. His dark eyes widening, the teenager fought the surprised gasp and fought the urge to ball his hands at his sides into fists.
A polite enough grin curled the Infected's lips as he stepped back, holding his free arm out and urged, "Come on in. You must be Trent. Your friends, Alex and Mueller, have been expecting you." Hearing his name come from the lips of the creature nearly sent the Hunter into a rage that he had to work to contain.
Clearing his throat, the junior forced a wide grin and bowed his head before he stepped inside of the estate. A redheaded Infected in a sparkling silver tank top, black heels and frilly purple skirt practically danced up to him help him out of his coat. "I'll take care of that for you," she said in a sing-song voice. Once she had the jacket, she moved for the closet to hang it.
Knocked off his guard by the hospitality shown him, Trent forced himself to focus on his task. Offering the Infected a rushed, 'thank you,' he followed the sounds of voices and music down the twinkling hallway into the main living room. Stepping through doorway, he froze and took in the wintry scene that had been created for the event.
Within a few minutes of the first guests arriving at the estate, Duo's celebration party was in full swing and the main gathering space was filling up. For the braided teenager's friends standing around, they were still wide-eyed and slacked jawed as they admired their surroundings.
The Vampires were all dressed in some of their finest clothes as they took the time to get to know their guests that were all a part of Maxwell's life so that they might understand them better. Father Maxwell and Sister Helen, being the easy-going people that they were, fit right in with the crowd by being brought in on the conversations taking place through the room.
Meanwhile, the stereo system continued to play an array of lighthearted music that included an occasional Christmas song in the mix to complete the feel for the festivities.
Finally coming out of his dazed stupor, Trent shook his head when he heard two familiar voices calling for him over the commotion. Scanning the few dozen faces around, he spotted his fellow juniors at the other end of the space waving him over. With a deep sigh of relief, he weaved his way to them.
"Hell of a place, huh?" Mueller laughed. Sipping from his cup of soda, he shook his head, "Duo is sure coming into a nice set up with the Vampires here."
Nodding, Alex said, "And everyone in his new family is really cool, too. They've already invited us over to visit whenever we want." He held up the empty plate in his hand, smirking, "The way Midi cooks, that's an invitation I'm not about to pass up. I think my mom's the best chef in the world, but she could learn a few things from that cousin of Maxwell's."
'Great.' Trent thought to himself. Already those monsters were working the charms that they'd used on Duo to sway him to their side on everyone else around him.
What he needed was to get away. He needed to search. There had to be weapons hidden somewhere in one of the three residences on the block. Hell, maybe all three mansions were holding secrets that needed to be exposed.
For the time being, though, the Hunter intended to lay low and be a gracious guest for as long as he was there... until the right opportunity arose for him to make a move to really studying his enemies' lair.
The whole party was a little overwhelming for Duo at first. He set himself to making sure that he saw everyone and had the chance to introduce his family to all of his friends. Thankfully, Heero never left his side. It made being the center of attention a lot easier to deal with since he had that anchor.
Offering their most sincere congratulations and setting wrapped presents for the couple under the massive Christmas tree, the attendees took up glasses of an array of beverages as well as some of the delectable food that had been set out for them.
When it was clear that everything was in order, the Infected took a moment to stand back and relax after all of their efforts as they watched the large group from the living room doorway.
Midi sighed deeply in relief as she sagged heavily against her husband. Running a hand over her floor-length emerald dress and her hair back in a half-up do, she rested her head on Trowa's shoulder. "Well, I've had nothing but compliments over the food and decorations," she smiled.
"You doubted that you would?" Barton snorted, raising an eyebrow. Shaking his head, he complimented, "I meant it when I said that you outdid yourself this time even though you've pulled some amazing things over the years, love." He was rewarded with a brilliant grin and a sound kiss for that.
Dressed in a traditional Chinese top of deep blue silk and black pants, Wufei led Treize, Lady Une and their family in following their arrival. Also wearing only the nicest of clothes, the Council members bowed their heads to their friends and hosts in greeting.
Staring into the living room, Zechs marveled aloud, "Absolutely remarkable, Midi and Relena. Not that I ever had a doubt that you would have this event be anything less."
Trowa flashed his humble bride an 'I told you' smirk before they stepped up to their friends to welcome them with handshakes and embraces.
Relena looked exquisite with her hair curled and her perfect figure draped by a long satin, lilac halter dress with embroidered flowers along the trim.
But the most beautiful part of her was the glowing smile she had... which was most likely in place thanks to a certain blonde scientist who came up to compliment on how lovely she looked.
As the Council delegates headed into the room in their fine attire, many of the conversations that had been taking place came to a halt as the guests openly gaped in surprise at the famous faces. Raising his hand, Treize snickered, "Please don't pay us any mind, everyone. We're all friends here."
Covering his mouth with his wine glass, Alex muttered under his breath, "Holy shit. Maxwell's in with the Khushrenada's and Merquise's." Equally stunned, Mueller could only manage a shallow nod.
Trent, however, was nearly blown over in panic. And that panic quickly gave into a fiery anger. This... was a terrible complication.
Duo and his so-called family were linked to the heads of the Vampire Council?! If anything were to happen to Yuy or any Vampire clan, there would be a search for the ones responsible to the fullest extent under the highest authority. The band of Hunters would be exposed and they would be become the hunted until there was no one left standing.
In one feel swoop, Maxwell's Vampires had become untouchable.
Fuck!
Spotting one familiar living amongst the crowd, Lady Une approached her for a tight embrace. "This is a small world, dear," she chuckled softly. "I do hope that your father and grandfather are enjoying the break in their Senate meetings."
"That they are," the girl giggled when she pulled back. Nudging her braided friend, she chided, "You never told me that you were friends with these wonderful Vampires, Duo. They've been friends of my family for a long time now."
Maxwell shrugged, "I just figured that they might appreciate their privacy, considering how they almost never have any except for their down time." Khushrenada gave him an appreciative wink and pat to the back as the comfortable discussions rose through the room again.
Just as the atmosphere settled, a certain chill settled over Heero's family when Meiran entered the house.
Wearing a short, ice-blue crushed velvet dress that left little of her body to the imagination, the beauty's hair fell loosely in waves to cascade around her as she walked past the Barton's and Chang's without so much as a glance on her way into the living room.
Following her with his narrowing eyes as she navigated through the crowd that couldn't help but look on her, Trowa murmured, "She has been awful quiet lately."
Wufei, his own golden eyes locked on her, growled lowly, "Yea. I've noticed that, too."
At that, Quatre leaned towards the Vampires, frowning, "Forgive me for not understanding why none of you are very thrilled, but isn't it a good thing that she hasn't been meddling?"
Lightly patting the scientist's back, Relena smiled sadly, "Fortunately for you, you have not been exposed to my cousin long enough to understand." The corners of her mouth shifting as her concern washed over her face, she stated, "A quiet Meiran is even more dangerous than a troublesome Meiran."
"When she's quiet, that usually means she's contemplating something," Anna hissed softly. Leaning back against the stair railing, her glaring eyes watched her least favorite Infected closely. "I don't like it," she sighed deeply.
Shoulders relaxing, Peacecraft turned to her friends and announced softly, "Meiran informed my family earlier today that she plans on taking an extended holiday before the week is out. She claims that it's so that she can have some long-overdue time to herself."
Relief washed over the clan at the information; all but one. Blinking her wary, gold-and-blue eyes in surprise, Anna's eyes remained on the raven-haired immortal as she put on her best smile and mingled with the guests that she passed.
With a hand over her chest, Midi grinned widely, "Oh, thank goodness for that. We'll have some time without having to worry about her. And the time away might do wonders in helping her let go of her infatuation towards Heero. She could come back a changed Vampire."
Even if Meiran was finally coming to terms that she would never be Yuy's Chosen, she would never be able to undo the things that she had said and done in the past against the family. But if she could at least no longer be considered a threat against Duo... well, that was a huge step in the right direction for all involved.
"I just had to offer you both congratulations," the striking Infected beamed as she neared Heero and Duo. Opening her arms, she wrapped them tightly around the dumbstruck mortal. Violet eyes widened and snapped to lock with the shocked cobalt eyes watching the display.
Gently pecking the teenager's cheek, Meiran held his hands tightly in hers as she smiled, "You both make quite the handsome pair and I could not be happier for the two of you for finally finding each other." Still reeling, the Japanese Vampire was too taken aback to return the embrace she gave him.
Winking when she stepped back, she told the human, "I look forward to making up for lost time in getting to know you better when I return from the leave that I will be taking in a few days. You have my most sincere apologies for being so distant towards you all this time. It was very caddy and spoiled of me."
Duo and Heero exchanged surprised glances, neither really processing how they should proceed given the unexpected behavior from the raven-haired vixen. Shaking his braided head, the living grinned, "Uh... t-thanks, Meiran. coming from you, that means a lot." A quiet hum drifting from her, the Infected nodded and turned on her heels to return to Treize and Lady Une.
The second she was out of Vampire's earshot range, Maxwell leaned towards his bonded and whispered anxiously, "Do you believe any of that performance?"
"Not even for a second," Heero replied in a hush that was all but covered by the commotion around them, his gold-and-cobalt eyes glaring at Meiran's retreating back.
Drawing a deep breath, he calmed as he met his Other's gaze. "But, we shouldn't complain since it means she's not about to be a bother to us for some time. It'll be nice to not have to worry about her on top of everything else that's going on."
That was something Duo was not about to argue. Between the Rogues and whatever was causing the extra level of security around him and Quatre, the last thing any of them needed in addition to all of that was Meiran when she had her sights on Heero.
From the corner of his eye, the braided mortal caught Trent making a fast exit from the living room to head down the hall towards the back of the house. "I have something I need to take care of, 'Ro," he announced as he looked back to his Vampire. "I'll be back in a minute." Without even thinking about it, he leaned in to give Yuy a quick kiss on his cheek.
Blinking in shock, the Infected smiled, "Okay. I'll be here." That said, he moved to rejoin Father Maxwell and Sister Helen. Seeing how naturally Heero fell in place with his 'parents' when they were reunited... how all of his family was getting along with his human friends, Duo's heart warmed as a wide grin lit his face.
That happiness faded into worry when the teenager stepped out of the room. When he turned into the hallway, he just caught a glimpse Trent in his retreat towards the empty back porch.
Setting foot onto the enclosed patio that was glowing with Christmas lights, the junior ran a hand through his short, brown locks as he hissed, "Fuck.... Fuck. Fuck. Fuck!" Hands clenched into tight fists, he paced the floor, his breath coming in strained pants.
Before his eyes, everything had gone to hell on him. Now he would have to explain to Hilde how there was nothing that they could do in striking this group of Vampires. Somehow, they were going to have to come to deal with their presence in the community.
"You're going to wear a hole in the boards," a voice deadpanned, snapping Trent to a halt as he looked back with a startled gasp to find Duo leaning against the door frame. Arms crossed, the braided teenager stepped onto the deck and stood before one of the large bay windows to stare out at the lit hills behind the mansion.
Nervously rubbing the back of his neck, Trent wondered how much his classmate had picked up from him. Shit! Nothing about this night was going as planned!
Taking a deep breath, Maxwell continued to gaze ahead as he commented, "You never did ask me why my opinion of Vampires changed as quickly as it did. Maybe it might help you out, too. Otherwise, we won't be able to stay friends if you're so intent on hating my family."
Heart hammering in his chest, the other teenager felt sweat forming on his brow and neck. Swallowing roughly, he stammered in a whisper, "H-how did you know?"
Duo chuckled quietly and peered over his shoulder to meet the gaze on him as he shrugged, "Takes one to know one. I picked up on the subtle clues. You'd fight a snarl anytime I mentioned Heero. Anytime you brought him up, it was never by his fist name, only 'Yuy' or 'that Vampire.'
Against his better judgment, Trent allowed some of his rage to show as he met the glare and snapped, "Those damned walking dead don't have a place amongst us living! I don't know what the hell they did to you that you're not thinking right anymore, but-"
Whatever else he'd planned to say was silent when he suddenly found himself slammed back against the wall with such a force that he was nearly winded. Eyes enlarged in fear, he shivered against the fiery gaze on him.
"Keep your voice down!" Duo ordered in a harsh grit through his clenched teeth. Releasing his arms that had been pinned the junior in place, he stepped back a couple paces. "They didn't do anything to me," he insisted. "And it's not some mystical bond that's keeping me here. I volunteered to be here because I wanted to be here."
The anger seeping from him, he sighed and shook his braided head, "I was like you... convinced that Vampires were incapable of real feelings or thoughts that didn't constantly revolve around themselves."
Biting his lip, Maxwell frowned deeply, "I was wrong. They're just like us in more ways than I could ever imagine. They're kind and compassionate, just looking for acceptance the way any one of our kind would in this world."
Slowly coming down from his surprise, Trent righted himself and mentally shook off the pain from having been knocked up against the wall behind him. Regaining some of his fire, he bit out, "There are monsters amongst them, you know."
"Every bit as much as there are amongst humans," Duo retorted, the edge back in his voice. "Don't forget that there are mortals who kill, rape and steal. It doesn't mean that we all should be put in the same category with them."
Opening and closing his mouth, the Hunter finally gave up on finding an argument when there was none he could pose against that sentiment.
With a deep sigh, Maxwell stated, "Look, I still want to be your friend, Trent. And we can still get along, so long as you at the very least try to give Heero and the others a chance. There's not a bad drop of blood in any of them. And if you knew the things that they and so many other Vampires are doing for us without asking for anything in return..."
He stopped himself, shaking his head again.
Resting a hand on the junior's shoulder, the braided youth stated, "I know what you have against them isn't an easy thing to overcome." The corner of his mouth curled upward as he continued, "But as a wise 'little mother' told me, it's a lot easier to hate than it is to love. If you put a little effort in actually understanding which you despise so much, you could be surprised."
Violet eyes narrowing, Duo tightened his hold on the other boy's shoulder to add in a warning growl, "And don't think that I haven't picked up on how you've been looking around as if your scoping the place. Now that I know Hunters are out there, I had better never find out that you have any intention of hurting my family."
Leaning close to the stunned junior, he breathed by his ear, "And if you do know any others, you make sure they know that this clan is off limits... not only because of their tie to the Council, but because of their link to me. If any harm came to a single one of them, I'll take matters into my own hands to make sure that everyone involved is repaid."
Eyes nearly bulging from their sockets, Trent had to make a couple of attempts before he could swallow past his constricting throat. His thoughts were swirling, trying hard to process everything along with his rampant emotions.
Duo's friendly smile returned as he straightened himself. Patting his classmate's back, he urged, "Hate needs to end somewhere, man. It'd be a hell of a nicer world if we could all just get along peacefully." That said, he left the porch to give the other living and his thoughts their space.
Collapsing back against the wall, Trent released the breath that he had been holding. His hands reaching up, he covered his face with his hands to pull himself together enough to make it through the rest of the party.
Just a couple more hours before he would be free to take in everything that had unfolded... how all of his best laid plans had come undone. It was all too much to handle right then...
...and it was all too overwhelming a thought to even try to consider that perhaps he had been wrong for so many years now.
* * * * * *
When it was nearing the end of the celebration, Midi had called all of the guests to take up the seats in the living room. Begrudgingly, Trent joined Alex and Mueller in standing behind one of the sofas as he prepared himself for whatever sick ritual the Infected had in store.
Standing along with his wife and cousins by the Christmas tree, Trowa smiled to Heero and Duo seated at the smaller couch across from him. "Because this is such an important night for all of us as a family, Midi, Wufei, Anna and I decided to officially welcome Duo in as the last of our unit with a gift from all of us."
His violet eyes widening as excited murmurs spread throughout the room, Maxwell turned to Heero. Blinking, his Vampire shrugged in a silent way of saying that he hadn't expected this, either.
Barton turned and nodded to his redheaded cousin. "And it's only fitting that his new sister do the honors," he said quietly, holding an arm out to her so that she would have the floor.
The grin on her face spreading further across her face, the Irish Infected took a deep breath and stepped forward with a small box wrapped in gold foil and a matching ribbon tied into a bow at the top. When his wife hesitated at having all of the eyes around fall on her, Wufei reached forward to rub her back reassuringly.
Lowering her head and snickering, Anna shook her head. As small tears filled her eyes, she giggled brokenly, "Sorry. This is just something that we've all been waiting a long... long time for."
Soft laughter filled the air and Duo was already struggling to keep his own eyes from misting over, biting his lip in the effort while Heero wrapped an arm around his shoulders.
Quickly collecting herself again, the redhead's head snapped back up as she focused on the braided teenager. "We had no idea what we could possibly give you when you've given us so much; for one you saved Heero-" At the crack and the soft whimper that escaped her voice, Yuy swallowed roughly as his eyes began to water.
Clearing her throat as her tears fell freely, Anna managed softly with a warm smile, "And you've also already proven to be a wonderful addition to the family."
Duo drew a deep, shaky breath and returned her smile as she approached with the gift to hold it out to him. "Thank you," he breathed sincerely to his siblings and cousins.
Holding up the present, he smirked, "But you know you really didn't have to. I wasn't supposed to cry tonight." Another round of laughter rolled through the small crowd while several eyes watching were wiped dry as he carefully pulled the ribbon free.
Slowly opening the lid of the gold box, the living gasped sharply at the sight of the glass, drop-shaped pendant inside. The round base of the trinket was filled with a shifting fluid of deep crimson. With a trembling hand, he carefully held the top of the charm to lift it for everyone to see.
When the red fluid captured the light, it changed pure white and cast in rays of a rainbow of dazzling colors. "That bulb holds a drop of blood from the four of us," Anna explained quietly to the quiet mutterings of awe from the guests.
Shrugging when her little brother's shimmering eyes met hers, she smiled and shrugged, "Now you can always keep a little piece of all of us with you-" It was all she was able to get out before Maxwell sprang to his feet and wrapped his arms around her waist in a tight embrace.
Happy tears still running down her face, the redhead's head fell back as she laughed at the 'attack.' Crossing her legs and bending them when she was twirled around, she held onto Duo's neck tightly as the rest of their family neared.
Carefully lowering the redhead as his friends applauded and cheered, the teenager worked swiftly to pull his gold chain out from the confines of his turtleneck and undid the clasp. Sliding his new pendant on to have it slide beside his cross, he held it up in the light to marvel at the dazzling, colorful display it created.
Taking the time to thank Trowa, Wufei and Midi with embraces and whispers of profound appreciation, Duo was ever more sure of his decision to join their ranks. He couldn't have asked, or hoped for, more loving creatures in the rest of what would be his extended life...
And life, for a nice change, was wonderful.
TBC...
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