13-Oct-2001
Title: Chasing the Crown, an Extended Family Fic
ExFam Authors:
RavynFyre - ravynfyre@hotmail.com
von - sablexo1@yahoo.com
bonnejeanne - bonnejeanne@yahoo.com
*Special Guest Writer! Nixie the Pixie!*
Nixers - Nixerchan@aol.com
Category: yaoi, AU
Rating: NC-17 for now, that will change
Pairings: 1+2+5, 3+4
Spoilers: Series, Endless Waltz, Mission: Arcadia
Disclaimer: Gundam Wing characters and universe are the property of the copyright owners.
Kenny, Duan, Wufan, Tryan, Carter, Jack and the Ripper, and everything relating to Rip & Jack's universe are ours. No money being made here.
Feedback: Any and all comments, feedback, critiques welcome, be they short or long.
Please feel free to direct feedback to any or all of the authors!
WARNINGS: AU (Alternate Universe), Original Characters, LEMON in some sections. Kiddie-Angst.
As the door swung mostly closed once more after Duan slipped back out, Duo's eyes opened and he peered at the two beautiful young men sharing his bed. A slow, possessive little smile spread over his face as the false dawn light seeping between the curtains illuminated the sleeping pair. With the peaceful, youthful expressions on their faces, it was hard to imagine that they were highly trained and skilled combat veterans who'd been in the midst of a battle for all mankind less than 24 hours earlier.
Duo brushed his lips very gently across Heero's bare shoulder before sliding from the bed, calling upon all his talents as a sneak-thief to keep from awakening them both. Finding Heero's robe where the Japanese pilot had left it on the floor, Duo shrugged it on, smiling as he spotted the sash as well. Binding it around him, he paused at the doorway and glanced back.
As he watched, Heero rolled over closer to Wufei. Without opening his eyes, he slid an arm around Wufei's waist and settled into the warm spot vacated by Duo and continued to sleep.
Duo bit his lower lip, his heart tripping a little in his chest at the sight. God, but he had to be the *luckiest* person in the world. Slipping out the door before his body betrayed him any more than it already was, Duo padded across the suite to the children's door.
For a moment, he felt a stab of panic run through him as his eyes only picked out two small bodies still curled under the blankets. As he backed out and looked around, he spotted the other two out on the balcony and sighed with relief. His freshly antagonized protective instinct warred with his desire to give them privacy, eventually winning over the latter. Slipping over, he poked his head out, taking a deep breath of the morning air. "Morning, guys. Sleep okay?" he asked quietly.
"Hi Duo!" Duan called out, enthusiastically.
Kenny looked up at the same time. He smiled slightly. "Hi," he said.
Duo stepped out, kneeling down to gather them both into a tight hug. "Hi. You two okay?"
Duan giggled, hugging back. "Yeah," he offered. "You ok?"
"As long as you guys are safe, I'm great," Duo replied, squeezing them both again before rising back to his feet. "I was gonna grab a shower real quick before I woke Heero and Wufei up. Then maybe we could all go find some breakfast?" he suggested.
Kenny submitted to the hug stoically. "Sure, Duo," he answered softly.
"Sounds great to me," Duan replied.
The braided pilot looked down, eyes wandering over them both almost as if he was afraid to look away at first. He grinned suddenly and then ruffled their bangs, fingers pausing lovingly before returning to tug at the robe. "If you guys need to talk about anything... You know I'm here, right?"
Duan nodded. "Ok," he said.
Kenny nodded.
Duo smiled. "Okay. I'll quit buggin' ya now. Love you guys."
Kenny took Duo's hand for a moment. "And we're here too, Duo," he said quietly. "And we're going to stay."
Duo's fingers tightened around Kenny's. "Damned straight you are," he replied, his cheeks coloring as he realized how vehemently he'd spoken.
Coughing delicately, Duo offered them a sheepish grin. "I'll, uh... go get that shower now. Start thinking up your breakfast wish list, 'k?"
"I'm already there!" Duan said, the looked up at Duo. "Didja miss me?" he asked.
"Always kiddo. You miss me?" Duo replied.
"Always kiddo!" Duan answered, then scampered over and hugged Duo tightly.
The braided pilot smiled widely, stooping down to deposit a kiss atop Duan's head, shifting over to do the same to Kenny, before rising again. "Okay. I'll be back when I'm presentable," he said before slipping back through the doors into the suite.
A little while later, the bathroom door opened, Duo striding out amidst a cloud of steam. As he slipped the band around his newly braided, and still very damp, hair, he crossed over to the couch where he'd left Wufei's bag the night before. Retrieving the medication, he contemplated how much good the hot shower had done him, soothing away his morning stiffness and aches, and opted to wait on taking another dose of the capsules. Wufei, however, would need some, as no mere shower would sooth the ache of that shoulder, and it would probably do Heero some good too.
Crossing back to their bedroom door, he slipped through as quiet as a shadow, closing it behind him with the faintest of clicks. Heero was still stretched out next to Wufei, arm draped over the Chinese youth protectively. Duo pulled the sash free from the robe, letting it drop to the floor as he moved over to the bed. Setting the capsules on the table beside him, he settled to a seat on the edge of the bed, leaned over, and then brushed his lips softly over first Wufei's, and then Heero's. "This is a first," he said quietly. "The lazy American baka is up and about before you two."
Heero peered up at Duo through dark lashes. "What's... happened?" he asked sleepily, then yawned.
Wufei muttered something without opening his eyes and turned over, throwing and arm across Duo's legs.
"Hmm... Be careful where you aim that thing, 'Fei, unless you're prepared to deal with the consequences," Duo murmured with a wicked grin before regarding Heero. "What's happened? The sun's come up... The kids are waking up... I got naked and wet.. and alone," he complained with a wink. Bending down, he kissed Heero more deeply, tasting his lover with a long, lingering brush of lips and tongue.
"Mmm," Heero murmured, "That's... bad, Duo. Shouldn't be alone." Heero looked up at his lover with a small smile.
Duo returned the smile with one of his own, reaching over for a moment to trail his fingers down Heero's cheek. "That's why I came back here," he replied, before turning his attention down to Wufei. "Come on, 'Fei-koi... You gotta wake up enough to take some of your meds. Then you can go back to sleep," Duo urges, gently coaxing the Chinese pilot from sleep by massaging his uninjured shoulder with his free hand.
Wufei made another muffled, muttering noise and turned over. Then his eyes opened, looking up. He yawned, and sat up with a suppressed groan. Then he turned and slid his hands around Heero's face and kissed him thoroughly. Next he did the same action to Duo. Then he rolled off the side of the bed to his feet, pulling the sheet with him to wind around his hips, and trailed off in the direction of the bathroom.
Duo tossed Heero a wry look, his lips twitching with a suppressed grin. "Mental note to self: sleepy Dragons can be grumpy," he observed before sliding into Wufei's newly vacated spot beside Heero. Resting his palm atop one of the worse bruises on Heero's chest, Duo leaned forward and kissed him gently, withdrawing after a moment just far enough to murmur, "How do you feel?"
Heero watched Duo, observing him like a precious jewel. Sliding an arm around the braided pilot, he inclined his head towards him. "I feel... rested... peaceful. It's different," he said. "And what about you?"
"Relieved," Duo replied. He sighed a little as he shifted to gather Heero up against him in a tight hug. "Part of me's still wondering, though, if this is really it. We thought it was 'over' a few times before... I know it's gotta be, but... I'm cautious."
Heero looked down, thinking for a moment. "Things are always going to happen," he said. "That's natural. Maybe what we've done and with Rip and Jack's help, it doesn't have to get so crazy as it was before. Maybe we can work things out and not have to fight like that anymore."
The bedroom door opened as Wufei returned, still wearing the sheet but looking more awake. His hair was loose and damp as if he'd throw water on his face. Dropping the sheet once the door was mostly closed, he stretched and began collecting clothing from his bag.
"Wufei, Duo was wondering if this was it. Was it over... What do you think?" Heero asked.
Wufei brought the clothes over to the bed and sat cross-legged. He glanced from one to the other with a slight smile as he considered the question. "The boys' world," he said. "Arcadia? There was a Crown there, and it was destroyed, hm?"
Duo nodded, taking a moment to enjoy the sight. "So we were told."
Wufei nodded. "A nice place, but not a paradise. Or they would not have needed your help. So... something is over. But life... not over. And life will include struggle."
Heero listened carefully and nodded his assent. Leaning over, he kissed Duo's temple. "Agreed," he said.
Duo nodded thoughtfully, letting his eyes droop half-closed as he regarded them both. "Like I said," he commented with a small shrug, "I'm cautious. How's the shoulder 'Fei?"
"Not bad," Wufei said. He regarded the braided pilot. His dark eyes were very calm, and carried a kind of peace Duo had never seen in them before. "There is nothing wrong with caution."
Remembering Wufei's words on the shuttle about his clan's duty, and more specifically, Wufei's own duty, Duo smiled slowly. Opting not to comment on it, Duo merely nodded towards the table beside the bed. "Hm. I brought your stuff in for you, if you need it."
"Xie xie," Wufei answered. He looked at Heero and then back to Duo. "And what do you need, Duo-kun? And Hee-chan?" he pronounced the second nickname with a twitch of humor pulling at the corner of his mouth.
Prussian blue eyes looked up at Wufei. There was a small smile on Heero's lips in acknowledgement of the nickname. "Duo, first," Heero said, almost shyly.
Duo let his eyes drift all the way shut, reaching for Wufei's hand as he did so. "I already have more than I ever had any right to expect," he replied with a grin, pulling Wufei's hand up to his lips to kiss. "I'm just glad to see everyone safe... and happy..."
Heero observed Duo closely. A question hovered on his lips, and he debated with himself as to whether he should ask. Suddenly, he felt the pit of his stomach twist, but he knew that his nature would not allow him to take the easy road. "So, you're not feeling trapped?" he asked, looking up at both of his lovers, even as he berated himself inside for disturbing the fragile feeling of peace between them and inside himself.
Wufei tilted his head slightly, reassuring Heero with a single look that his peace was not so fragile as to be disturbed by the question. He also sensed that it was directed far more at the violet-eyed, braided youth, which simply affirmed his conviction that it would be Heero who would know the elusive American's unspoken currents.
Duo's eyes had flown open at the question, startled by it. He turned his head to peer into Heero's eyes, head cocked to on side in inquiry. "Trapped? Where did that come from?" he asked softly.
Heero inhaled deeply, letting the breath out slowly. Looking down, then back up, he said, "I ... When we were at Howard's retrieving HellsBane, he mentioned something about you settling down. I thought it bothered you."
Duo sighed, ducking his head down against Heero's shoulder as he answered. "This... having a family that doesn't... vanish on me thing... It takes a little getting used to," he temporized slowly. "Howard oughta know better than to ask me loaded questions like that when I'm keyed up. He's had to put up with me for longer than you have so far. One of these days, I promise, koibito... One of these days I'll get it through that perfect skull of yours that you're stuck with me, come Hell or high water." He looked up then, moving carefully as if he was afraid Heero would duck out of the way as he brushed his lips over Heero's face, eyelids, cheek, then finally lips.
Heero felt his muscles relax at the kiss, but his mind was still troubled. Reaching up, he looped a hand around the back of Duo's neck. Capturing the braided pilot there, he extended and turned the kiss into something deeper, more fierce. Leaning back, he looked into Duo's eyes. "I have no doubts about where you will be, koi. My mind is clear now. My focus is now on you and the rest of my family," Heero said, then released Duo from his grasp.
Wufei listened and watched the two, sensing the emotional ripples with acceptance, intent on gaining more insight into this relationship that was still finding its shape.
Duo regarded his Japanese lover for a long moment before nodding, a wan little smile on his lips. Turning his attention finally to Wufei, Duo grinned. "How 'bout you, 'Fei? Have we scared you enough yet?"
Wufei looked back calmly. "No," he said. "Of course, if I *were* afraid, my honor would require that I face it and stay."
Duo's eyes narrowed playfully. "After the past few nights with us, you've still got some honor left?" he asked incredulously, intentionally misinterpreting the word, "We haven't been trying hard enough, Hee-chan."
Heero looked from Duo to Wufei and shrugged. He then bowed towards Wufei, bringing his fist together with his palm in front of him. "Gomen nasai," he said.
Wufei shook his head. "Please, no," he said wryly. Looking from one to the other, he added, "It will be time to decide what you wish to do next. The children...should go home? Separating Wufan and Mei..."
Heero nodded. "I've been thinking about that. I think we should take them back. It will help stabilize them. I was also thinking of perhaps establishing a home here on Earth for them as well. That way, they can be close to Mei. It'll be hard, but the separation doesn't have to be a long one," Heero said. "Any thoughts?"
"I think... I think as hard as it might be, it may also be a good thing for a little while," Duo replied slowly, eyes unfocussed as he examined his thoughts. "Her whole world's just been tipped upside down. The distance might be good for a little while; fewer distractions." He shrugged then, shaking his head as he glanced at Wufei. "You know her best. But I agree with Heero. They need to be back home, soon."
Wufei nodded. He tilted his head. "What about... you are the expert in such things but what about another get together, like the cook-out, before leaving...?"
Heero's eyes widened and he nodded. "Excellent. I think it will be good for all of us. I'm hoping that Treize will prepare Mei for the transition enough so she doesn't feel displaced," he said, thinking. "Good idea, Fei," Heero said, angling his eyes mischievously towards the Chinese pilot as he *tested* out the nickname.
Duo kept his silence, merely grinning at the two of them with a nod of agreement.
Wufei lifted an eyebrow at Heero, but his expression was affectionate. He looked at Duo and shrugged. "You seem to be good at thinking of such diversions."
Duo's grin widened, and he folded his hands behind his head as he flopped back on the bed dramatically, robe flapping open. "Hey... We all gotta have our talents. Mine just happens to be creative new ways of wasting time and screwing off," he laughed.
Heero looked down at Duo and shook his head. "We'll keep that in mind," he said. Then, "Before I forget, which is very tempting," he added, as his eyes darted over Duo's reclining form. "... I think we should do this, talk about the kids and what we want to do, often. If I calculate correctly, we have about ten years with 'em, then who knows."
"Thinking ahead," Wufei murmured, glancing at Heero with a barely visible twinkle.
"Hai," Heero responded. "Long term campaign."
"Well," Duo replied, "I can think of one thing for sure that we need to do with them in the relatively near future..."
"De-briefing?" Heero asked.
"Breakfast," Duo corrected.
The heady scent of cinnamon clung to Dorothy's fingers as she gently shut the door between her and Relena's offices with a click. The Vice Minister had smiled quite gratefully as Dorothy brought her a cup of her favorite Viennese coffee, however, given the myriad, and *volume*, of voices trying to shout over one another throughout the conference call Relena was attempting to organize, (or should that be orchestrate) Dorothy was glad, yet again, that she was merely an Attaché.
Dorothy crossed to her desk, taking a moment to kick off her shoes and dig her toes into the plush carpet as she settled to a seat. Already her mind was sifting through a long list of things she could do for Relena that night to help the girl relax after such a chaotic day.
"Day," Dorothy mused ruefully out loud. "Days. Weeks. It's always chaos. Oh Miss Relena," she sighed.
Well, whatever plans she came up with would invariably have to wait a little while. First they had the day to survive, and then whatever it was that Duo had hinted at for a final get-together before pilots and children spirited themselves off again.
So much to do.
She slipped her hand into the pocket of her dusky rose blazer, withdrawing the disk that Mister Bates had given her. Sitting up a little straighter in her chair, she inserted the disk into the slot on her console and amused herself with burying her toes in the carpet again while it cued up.
The disk held three files. They were named Readmefirst, Readmesecond, and Readmelater.
Dorothy smiled, shaking her head as she resisted the urge to read them, apparently, backwards.
The first file was not very long, but certainly comprehensive. Dorothy was familiar enough with legalese to figure out what it was after only a few minutes frowning in concentration. It was a legal document, which signed the ownership, full and complete of the business conglomerate known as Gemini Ltd. over to one Dorothy Catalonia to do with as she saw fit.
Dorothy keyed the document to the beginning and reread it several times, just to be certain that her eyes were not playing tricks on her. A slow, regretful smile spread over her face. "A challenge, then," she murmured, leaning forward to cup her chin in her hands, "A challenge to do something interesting enough to attract your attention again. Very well, Mister Bates." Closing the file down, she moved on to the next.
The second file was a letter.
"Dear Dorothy," it read. "Stop shaking your head. Our game is finished, and we have no more use for the business, but you do. It existed to support your Miss Relena, and so it may continue to do so. You will know best how that may be accomplished. If you chose to leave it intact, you will find it not so much trouble. Our people know how to run things with minimal direction, and they are all as devoted to your lady's cause as her most fervent supporters."
"For the simple purpose of filling in one or two gaps in that story you are going to write, there are some things you might enjoy knowing, while choosing to withhold them from your audience of readers, be it elite, or public. You may remember a conversation we had in your study. You asked me about the future we had seen, the one that ended not so brightly. There were two. This is our third trip back, and if the Crown has been destroyed, which it has, then the third time must indeed be the charm, as ironic a coincidence as that may be. On the first encounter, it seems that your race fell quickly, within months after the beginning of the war you have lived through. To change that end, a single piece was returned to the board: a young man lost in cold space, drifting without hope of rescue, after having been blasted by his fellow Gundam Pilot. Without his presence, what was your 'final battle' became final in a different way, as a young man's guilt at his own actions robbed him of the strength to fight and win. You know him - your opponent, Quatre Winner. Without the hope brought by the return of the Gundam pilot known as 03, Quatre Winner could not defeat you, Dorothy."
"But returning Trowa Barton from the emptiness of space was only enough to get you a little further. Ending the Eve War, the second great attack on your future came in the form of the daughter of a man lost in that war. Without her father's presence, and the chance of redemption, another Gundam pilot did not find his way to reach out to her. The Barton coup was defeated, but some years later, this young woman returned with the snake firmly twined around her spirit. It was a longer decay, but in the end just as final. And so a second piece had to be returned to the board."
"Now you know what I meant when I said a boy lost in a starfield, and a man in conflict. And the most amusing irony of all, is that we have no idea at all what difference those two things might have made, without the intervention of another event, as unexpected to us as anything that has happened to you. I mean the adoption of the children from our world. How refreshingly unpredictable this game has been. My fondness for it, and for the humans of your world, is almost unbecoming."
Dorothy could almost hear the amusement in the deep voice as she read the words.
"I you find you have other questions, keep them in mind. I can't say when we might be back to visit, let's keep it unpredictable, shall we? But back we shall be. Until then, enjoy yourself, Dorothy. As I have enjoyed you. -- Jack Nicholas Bates"
Dorothy settled back into her chair, tucking her long fingers around her elbows as she simply let her gaze wander absently over the words upon the screen. It was over. Well, at least this part of the game was over. There were always other innings, it would seem. She couldn't help but feel a little... disappointed at their departure, however. Yes, the company would continue to support Relena, but without the impetuous of e-mails, messages, and conversations with Mister Bates, it lacked it's previous joy.
Although, he did say they would be back.
She smiled. Oh what a wonderful paradox he could stir up. That history could pivot so gracefully upon the balance of a life here, a touch there, it both boggled and heartened her. So many lives, such infinite possibilities.
Their possibilities. Their future, whole and unblemished.
Her smile widened a little as she leaned forward to call up the final file. Despite the seeming finality of it all, she couldn't help but feel energized. So much new work to do, so many new...
"Possibilities," she murmured. "Enjoy myself, I shall, Mister Bates."
The final file, however, would not open. Instead, an error message popped up. Instead of the usual computer jargon for file corruption or something similar, the error message said, "Later means later. Try again when your partnership becomes something larger."
One carefully groomed brow quirked up in a faint mixture of puzzlement and amusement. She suddenly began wondering what else they might have seen on their foray into the not-so-bright future that preceded this final trip back for the pair. Opting not to clutter her mind with infinite guesses, Dorothy simply continued to smile, turning her attention towards the open garden doors.
The door to the next office opened with a soft tap. "Dorothy...?"
Tearing her eyes away from the cheerful splash of yellow gold sunlight across the neutral tones of her floor, Dorothy pivoted towards the door, automatically standing up and fishing for her shoes with her bare feet. "Yes?"
Relena ducked her head in. "Do you think you have time later to do a visit with me? I was scheduled before all this to visit an orphanage later today and they called to ask... they were so sweet, saying they were sure I'd be too busy... I want to go..."
"Have I ever refused you?" Dorothy replied, kicking her shoes out of the way to cross the room and take Relena's hands in her own.
Relena blushed slightly and shook her head. "Dorothy... have you ever thought... have you ever wanted..." her fair skin darkened a little more and then she said, "Um, nevermind. So you'll go, good."
Using her grip on Relena's hands, Dorothy pulled the young woman through the doorway and into a tight embrace.
Surprised, Relena returned the embrace, resting her chin on Dorothy's shoulder. "Are you all right?"
"I'm fine," Dorothy replied, suddenly breaking into a bright chuckle. "More than fine. I feel as if... as if I've just awakened from a long, dark night." She pulled away just enough to stare thoughtfully into Relena's eyes, a wan little expression flitting over her lips. "I'm glad. I wish it hadn't had to happen as it did, but I'm glad... that I was here. With you."
Relena leaned back, her eyes widened quizzically. "What does it mean?" she asked softly.
"It means..." Dorothy's voice trailed off. She suddenly broke away, throwing her arms in the air as she twirled around in a circle, laughing and acting not at all like the carefully cultured and controlled young woman she usually carried herself as, and everything at all like a young girl of her teenage years should. Dancing back to Relena, she reached out and grabbed her hand, spinning her about for a moment as well before halting them both with another hug.
"It doesn't mean anything more than 'I love you', Relena," she finally replied, brushing her lips over the wheat-haired girl's cheek. "And our future awaits." She took a deep breath, letting it out again with an explosive sigh. "I learned something up there, you know... On the moon."
Relena laughed, squeezing Dorothy's hand. "That's... good?"
Dorothy smiled mischievously as she nodded. "I learned that if you don't ask, then it's a guarantee that you won't receive," she continued, glancing once more to the open doorway and the sun-gilt day beyond. Turning back, she stood on tiptoe to lean over and rest her head upon Relena's shoulder near enough to whisper, "Because the answer... is 'yes'."
Relena hugged the blond girl tightly. "Oh Dorothy," she said softly, stroking her hair. Then she leaned back. "You are absolutely right. If we just have the courage to ask... so, um, I... Dorothy, have you ever thought about making a home for a child who... who needs one?"
Dorothy laughed quietly, her expression smoothing once more into accustomed amusement. "The halls here will seem so empty when they leave. Besides... I daresay Mei would like having someone to stir up trouble with when your dear brother and Treize visit us," she commented.
Relena beamed and hugged Dorothy enthusiastically. She simply nodded, but the expression in her eyes was filled with love and happiness, directed quite specifically to the one she held close.
"My dear Miss Relena," Dorothy said quietly, happily absorbing the attention and returning it as best she was able. "From respected diplomat to hooligan to maternal dreams, all in the space of a week." She wrapped her arms tightly around the Vice Minister, gathering her in close. "Your fathers would be proud," she whispered.
"I think they would approve of my choice," Relena answered, brushing Dorothy's cheek with a light kiss. She sighed happily. "I know I have to get back to work, but things will quiet down soon. And we'll have time, Dorothy..."
Dorothy nodded. "I have faith," she replied simply.
The outing had begun with a walk in the woods, a visit to the stables and kennels, and ended with a night time bonfire on the beach, because the boys wanted to see the ocean again before leaving Earth. Instead of swimming, they opted for wading and a seashell hunt, and Pargan had engineered a fish fry at the location of the bonfire. Marshmallows, of course, were mandatory.
Quatre managed to coax Trowa into joining him this time, violin and flute, and then he surprised the kids by presenting them each, Mei included, with a harmonica. He even had spares for the older folk. A brief music lesson ensued which kept everyone enthralled and laughing for quite a while.
Some yards away, a pair of silhouettes strolled along a ridge, watching the group from a distance. It was a pleasing picture, even to two self-styled 'bad boys'.
"Charming," the shorter of the two commented, his deep voice cool but not without a hint of satisfied affection.
"Almost unbearably so," the taller figure grinned merrily.
Heero glanced up and caught sight of the two. Standing, he quietly slipped away heading in their direction, with Duo a step or two behind.
"Hi," he said, looking up at the pair. "Why don't you join us?"
Two pairs of eyes focused on the two pilots. "...mmm, perhaps," Jack said noncommittally. He studied Heero, nodded as if to himself, then turned the same regard to Duo.
"Looking for another dance?" Rip inquired with a wicked twinkle in his mad brown eyes.
Heero smiled , shaking his head. "I still haven't recovered from the last one," he said.
"You aren't supposed to, love," Rip returned. He glanced at Duo and raised one wicked eyebrow inquiringly. "Even the set?"
"Even? Is it possible with you two?" Duo returned with a matching expression, or at least his closest facsimile.
"Never know unless you try," the redhead asserted smugly.
Duo snickered softly. "Something that you seem to have an extraordinary talent in," he replied with a grin. "Can I take a raincheck? Think I've got enough on my plate for now," Duo continued, tossing a glance back at the fire where the children were still gathered.
With an exaggerated sigh, Rip bowed from the waist. Then he glanced at the group by the fire, sharp eyes picking out Wufei sitting next to Wufan and Sallah. "Plate... yes..." he murmured with a chuckle.
Duo's eyes narrowed with mischievous amusement, though he offered no comment. After a long moment, the smile faded a little, and he turned to glance back towards the fire. "They get to stay here for a while, right?" he asked in a soft, toneless voice.
"As long as they choose," Jack answered, with a slight smile. "There may come a day when they'll have a chance to return. But even then, it will be a choice."
Heero's shoulder's relaxed a bit more and he nodded. He felt relieved. "And the guns?" he asked.
Rip laughed. "They seem to like you," he commented.
"We like them, too," Heero replied. Another thought occurred to him and he folded his arms. "They changed," he said. "How were they able to defeat the Cobra?"
"And you wouldn't happen to know why mine tried talking to me in Bible verse, would you?" Duo added, violet gaze bouncing between the two.
"At a guess, it found something it could relate to," Jack drawled. "And they didn't defeat the Cobra - you did. How they were able to help... I suppose it is what they were meant to do. The instruments never *told* us they were only taking us to places where a Crown existed. The gun came from the same place the instruments did - from the same source. I suppose you could say they seem to have an agenda..."
"Hn," Heero remarked, glancing back at Duo.
"So... Won't they be needed back there again?" Duo asked slowly.
Ripper shrugged. "If they are, they'll find their way. We've no desire to become co-dependent to a couple of alien toys... or lesser angels."
"And the instruments are...." Duo said, his voice trailing off inquiringly as a small grin spread over his lips.
"Useful," Jack replied, painted lips curving slightly.
"Uh huh," Duo murmured, shaking his head slightly. "Lesser angels?"
"Oh surely you've guessed the origins of the Serpent Crown? Would there not then be opposition?" Jack drawled. "No... I suppose it's too ironic to think of it as an ancient family quarrel."
Heero thought for a moment and nodded. "Makes sense actually. Good versus evil," he said, looking back at Duo.
Duo snorted, shaking his head before turning his attention back to the two Travelers. "So now what? You off to find another one to torment? Or you gonna stick around for a while?"
"Wait and see," Rip grinned. "Any preferences?"
"I'd say stick around," Heero said, "We should be able to keep you amused, at least with the kids."
Jack snorted softly. Rip laughed. "Perhaps the next time you go trick or treating, you'll find a haunted house that *you* find more amusing," he suggested.
Heero smiled fully, then bowed. "I'll look forward to it," he said.
Becoming a bit more serious, Heero looked from Ripper to Jack again. "I want to thank you both again. I had no idea how involved this was going to get, but I'm grateful for the opportunity," he said.
Duo nodded in agreement, his gaze instinctively sliding back towards the fire and the small silhouettes there.
"You gratitude is misplaced," Jack remarked. "You've done several unexpected things. Nothing else could have kept our interest. It was a good game. What you won, you keep." The blond lifted his hand and Heero found himself leaning forward to kiss the green-eyed man. At the same moment, Duo felt Rip's long arms wrap around his waist from behind and the redhead slipped around him. He felt a heated kiss on his neck. Then Heero moved back, blinking, and a soft chuckle in Duo's ear seemed to fade. Once again, the two were alone.
Duo reached out, wrapping one arm around Heero's waist and pulling him in closer. "Ya know... Life's gonna seem almost dull without those two around," he observed with a wry grin.
Heero completed the circle by sliding his arms around Duo's neck. For a moment, he simply looked into Duo's eyes. Then, he moved forward and kissed Duo, deeply. After a short while, he broke the kiss and held on to Duo. "No, it won't," he said.
Duo smiled, warmth lighting his violet eyes from within as he regarded his lover with that expression reserved only for Heero. "I stand corrected," he murmured, leaning forward to claim Heero's lips once again. Tightening his arms about the Japanese pilot briefly, he slowly withdrew, although he maintained his hold on Heero's near hand as he turned back towards the fire. "Thank you, koibito," he whispered.
"What for?" Heero said, as they moved back to join the others.
"For staying. For being strong enough to kill Shinigami," Duo replied softly. "For being the man I love."
Heero thought for a moment, turning Duo's words over in his mind. "You're welcome," he said, squeezing Duo's hand.
It was quiet after the shuttle with the pilots and the boys left Earth for the Colony. Mei had known it would be quiet. And she had things to keep her busy. Helping her father decide where to stay, going with Lady Une to check out a new school, visiting the Preventers with Zechs, visiting a home for war orphans with Relena and Dorothy. The next several days seemed to pass quickly. However she was being watched closely by all of the adults in her immediate circle. Lady Une had a particular. almost mysterious smile when she delivered a small package to Mei one afternoon. It was a vid disk, packaged for special delivery from space.
A wild sense of excitement filled her, making her stomach all fluttery like when Wufan had kissed her before. She gave Une a quick, tight hug of thanks, before politely excusing herself and all but racing off to play the disk.
Lady Une smiled, watching Mei scamper off. She looked up at Treize. "A message from L2," she explained.
The ginger-haired man nodded, a small, bemused smile crossing his lips. He glanced towards where the red-headed whirlwind had vanished, smile widening a fraction, before offering Lady Une his hand. "Care to join me for a cup of tea?" he asked, indicating the other end of the residence to give his daughter a little privacy.
"Yes, of course," Lady Une replied, taking his hand and moving with him. She gave Treize a little pat on the arm, silently congratulating him for his thoughtfulness.
The screen flickered to life and Mei saw Wufan sitting with his hands in his lap. He bowed first, then smiled. "Hi Mei! I hope you are doing well. We're all okay over here," he began. Then, looking around, he continued, "I miss you a lot. I liked it at the Sanq Mansion. It was fun! Heero says that once we get all rested and stuff, we'll get to come back sometime.
Anyway, I decided to make this vid and tell you some of the stuff that's going on over here," he added, then looked around again.
There was a sudden blur that crossed in front of the camera, followed by another. Then a voice off to the side said, "Hey, he's doing it now." Kenny appeared, not a blur this time, with Duan next to him. "Is that the thing for Mei?"
"Yeah," Wufan said, "Oh good. You guys can help. Let's do a tour around the house so she can see what it looks like."
Mei giggled, covering her mouth with one hand as she watched the three boys.
"Hn," Kenny remarked affirmatively. He looked at the camera and his mouth curved slightly. "Hey. Mei," he said, ducking his head. Then he disappeared and his voice came from the side as the picture moved slightly. "I'll take the camera. Hey Duan, remember this camera?"
Duan's face appeared on the screen, giggling. "Yeah," he said, then looked into the lens. "Hey Mei! How's it goin?!" he called out, then went to stand next to Wufan.
"Come on," Wufan said. "Mei, this is the living room where we all kinda hang out and play video games," he said, pointing around.
Her blue eyes dutifully scanned the places he pointed out, though she was happiest when he and Duan were in the frame. She sighed softly, suddenly glad that it was a vid disk that she could replay whenever she missed them all. Idly, she wondered if her father or Zechs would get sick of seeing it...
Picking out a couple of titles of the video games that Wufan had briefly pointed to, Mei decided to ask Treize if she could get them too, so that way she could play them with the boys when next they saw each other. It would be nice to try and hold her own against them.
Duan and Wufan appeared on the screen again, heading down a hallway. "This room is Wufei's room," Duan explained pointing to a door.
"He's outside, right now, working on his motorcycle," Wufan explained. "We'll go out in a minute so he can say hi to you too."
Wufei had a motorcycle? Mei's eyes grew large at the prospect. She hoped that one of these days they would get to go visit the boys on the colony, then maybe she could convince Wufei into taking her for a ride. She giggled to herself, remembering how he'd piloted his Gundam, and wondering if he piloted everything like that.
"And this is the kitchen," Duan said, opening the kitchen door as the moved. "We're not allowed to bring explosives in or run around. This is Sallah's area," he explained.
Wufan nodded.
The irreverent part of Mei's brain idly wondered if that meant Wufan had to take his pants off before going into the kitchen. She burst into giggles again.
"Here is the backdoor," Wufan said, opening it up. "And that is the big tree. We climb it and it reaches way up past the roof of the house. It's fun," he said.
"Ok," Wufan said, reappearing on the screen. "We're going upstairs now," he said and took off for that direction. As they traveled, Mei saw Heero up ahead.
"Hey, Heero," Duan called out. "Say hi to Mei."
Heero turned towards the camera and waved. "Hn, hi Mei," he said, as the camera moved by.
"That's good," Wufan called out, taking the stairs. "We'll get a group shot, at the end."
"Good thinking," Duan called as they bounded upstairs.
Wufan appeared again. "Ok, this is Heero and Duo's room," he said, still moving. "And this is Ma's room. She's taking a nap though."
A little ahead, Mei could see Duan pushing open the door to another room. "That's our room," he called out. "Me and Kenny's room."
Kenny's voice back from off camera. "Mine's on top," he said as the camera was pointed at the bunk beds.
Suddenly, the camera showed another room, and Mei saw Tryan teaching Carter how to do handstands.
"That's Carter and Tryan. You remember them, dontcha?" Duan's voice said.
Mei giggled again, remembering that Tryan still had to teach her a bunch of that acrobatic stuff. She pulled her legs up against her chest, resting her chin on her knees as she watched Carter, smiling widely.
The little blond did a handstand and waved, falling over. "Hi Mei!" he giggled from the floor.
"Hi Mei!" Tryan called out and waved too. "I'm still gonna teach you this stuff, too."
"Oh yeah," Duan said, coming into view. "I'm still looking for you some...tools, Mei." he said, winking.
She couldn't contain the pleased, and eager, "Ooooo!" She'd have to ask him when they talked next if there was anything she could try and track down for him Earthside in thanks.
The camera moved once again and Wufan appeared. "This is my room," he said, "Sometimes, I sleep with the other guys, but mostly in here." He then shrugged as if it wasn't a big deal.
Her brow creased slightly, an irrational stab of jealousy shooting through her momentarily before she shrugged it off. Well, at least he didn't have to sleep by himself if he didn't want to. That was good.
"Now out here is a staircase that goes up to the attic. There's a room up there that we used to not be able to get to. Carter used to go in there. Ripper and Jack used it as their room, before. It was a secret," Wufan explained.
"Yeah, you could only get to it by climbing out the window and crawling up to the roof by the tree," Duan said.
That sounded like a lot of fun. Mei found herself wondering if her father had ever climbed trees, and if he could teach her how.
Wufan nodded. "We have no idea how the staircase got there. It wasn't there before," he said.
Duan nodded.
"Magic," Mei murmured, remembering the tall redhead and the book that became a bracelet. Rip and Jack could probably do just about anything.
"Now, we're gonna take you downstairs and see if we can find Wufei," Wufan said, leading the way.
The next thing Mei saw was another door opening into what looked like a fairly large garage. There were two motorcycles and one truck. At one of the motorcycles, Mei saw the familiar shape of Wufei.
"Um, sifu," Wufan said, "We're making a vid for Mei. You want to say hi to her?"
Wufei looked up, and wiped his hands on a rag. "Ni hao, Mei," Wufei said with a slight smile. "I hope you are well."
Mei smiled widely, scrambling for the remote. Finding it, she froze the image, punching in a quick command to send the still shot to the computer in the other room so she could print it out and put it up with the rest of her pictures of family and friends. Once the image was safely on its way, she settled back into her spot and hit play again.
"Did you get it fixed?" Wufan asked, looking at the motorcycle.
"Wasn't broken," Wufei replied. "Was tuning it up," he explained. "You show her Duo's toy?" he nodded to the big Harley on the other side of the garage.
Wufan shook his head. "Thanks, that's a good idea," he said. "Ok, this is Duo's antique motorcycle. It's a Harley, very distinguished. It's also very loud."
"Distinguished?" a familiar voice called from off camera a few moments before a very dark blur bounced into view. Duo laid a hand on the teardrop shaped gas tank of the big bike, looking at it fondly before addressing the camera. "Distinguished? Sounds too responsible for this bad boy. Hi Mei! Camera working out okay for ya guys?"
"Camera's good, Duo," Kenny's voice came. "Miss Dorothy got a good one. Hey Fan, group shot?"
"Right," Wufan said. "Ok, everyone come inside for a minute and we can all say goodbye to Mei together."
The next scene that Mei saw on the vid was of everyone together. Sallah was there also. "Okay, so this is all for now, Mei. We'll be talking to you, and tell everyone we said hi there. Bye for now," Wufan said, and got everyone to wave to the camera... even Kenny.
Mei smiled widely, grabbing the remote and pausing it again to send another still shot off to the computer for print-out.
There was a moment or two of darkness, then Wufan's face appeared again. "I hope you liked that," he said, "You take care and I'll write you." He smiled. "See ya next time, Mei."
Then, the screen went dark again.
She started it playing again, pausing it before Wufan bowed at the very beginning for one last screen capture. Then she ejected the disk and very carefully tucked it back into its case.
Liked it? It was perfect. Now, no matter when she felt lonely, she'd have them to cheer her up again. Wufan was so smart. She'd have to steal the idea when she and papa and Zechs all finally settled in some place for good. Until then, they could write. And call - she still had their comm code.
She smiled, hugging the disk to her chest. She hoped it wouldn't be too long before the next one came. Maybe she'd even have one of her own done by then to send back. Nodding happily to herself, she skipped off to find her Father and the Lady.
And when the time came to make her own disk to send back, maybe Miss Dorothy could help her find a good camera to use.
Chasing The Crown
I built a wall in China, I sank an ocean liner
I've wrecked homes, I've burned thrones, chasing the crown
I've put thorns in your feet, I spread plague in the streets
I've sprung traps, confused maps, chasing the crown
I'm chasing the crown till he bites the apple
I was licking my lips till his Son come down
I'm chasing the crown, the crown, I'm chasing the crown
I'm taking a turn in the right direction
By leaving his soul in the lost and found
I'm chasing the crown, I'm chasing the crown
I saw the tea float in Boston, I saw the live wire shock them
I made them float, I made them drown, chasing the crown
I laid the desert sands, I froze the polar caps
Well, they'd dry out, and I'd shout "Hey I'm chasing the crown"
I'm chasing the crown till he bites the apple
I was licking my lips till his Son come down
I'm chasing the crown, the crown, I'm chasing the crown
I'm taking a turn in the right direction
By leaving his soul in the lost and found
I'm chasing the crown, I'm chasing the crown
Music by Elton John, Lyrics by Bernie Taupin
Available on the album 21 At 33
© 1980 Big Pig Music Limited
~Owari~
Please feel free to direct feedback to any or all of the authors!
ravynfyre@hotmail.com,
sablexo1@yahoo.com,
bonnejeanne@yahoo.com, Nixerchan@aol.com.