31-Oct-2001
Title: A Chinese Ghost Story (A Frozen Colony Arc Treat)
Author: bonnejeanne and von sablexo1@yahoo.com,bonnejeanne@yahoo.com
Category: yaoi, pwp, sap
Rating: NC-17
Pairings: 1 + 2 + 5 (5x1, 1x2)
Spoilers: Series
WARNINGS: Lemon/Limey stuff.
Disclaimer: Gundam Wing characters and universe are the property of the copyright owners. Our stuff is ours. No money being made here.
As with all our fics, while our goal is to stay as in character as possible, any discrepancies are our mistakes.
Feedback: Any and all comments welcome, be they short or long.
NOTE: This story is set in the timeline of the Frozen Colony Arc, sometime after the end of Demons.
The title is borrowed from a 1987 Hong Kong movie directed by Siu-Tung Ching.
Heero figured it started the morning Wufei woke up with a sudden start, which brought Heero awake instantly. He opened his eyes to see the Chinese boy sitting straight up, his eyes wide, mouth open in a gasp, and bronze body beaded with perspiration. Wufei's chest moved with rapid breaths.
Beside Heero, Duo cracked an eyelid open, surveying the situation without making any outward signs of being awake. He watched Heero place a hand on Wufei's arm and was unsurprised when Wufei jerked slightly, then looked over at Heero with an immediate apology, muttered something about indigestion from Duo's cooking the night before, and left the bed for the bathroom, closing the door in an accepted signal that he'd prefer to be undisturbed in his morning 'meditations'.
Duo was unsurprised because as he figured it, it had started some weeks before.
"But I cooked last night," Heero murmured, frowning.
Duo gave up playing possum and leaned on his elbow, giving a slight smile to his Japanese lover. "But I make a much better excuse," he told Heero, finishing with a wide yawn.
"Excuse for what?" Heero asked, settling down beside Duo, his arm sliding around the braided boy's shoulders out of loving habit.
"For whatever it is he's trying not to acknowledge," Duo returned, kissing the underside of Heero's chin. "It's been going on for a little while. I've been biding my time about confronting him because you know what a private person he can be. I kinda thought whatever it was would either go away on its own, or become so obvious he'd *have* to tell us."
"But tell us what, Duo?" Heero's frown remained. He stroked his fingers through Duo's hair, the sensation calming him but he was too stubborn to let go of it and Duo knew it.
"Whatever it is that has him spooked."
Wufei stepped into the shower, setting the water temperature a little cooler than usual to help him snap out of the mood that had settled once his heart had stopped beating three times faster than normal speed. He had no worries about causing any inconvenience to his two lovers, since the big house Heero had bought on L2 had several bathrooms. He felt a little twinge of guilt for shutting the door, but Duo had insisted that Wufei must set his boundaries, and that there would be no slight or hurt feelings when he did so, and Wufei trusted the braided boy to speak the truth. Heero would be harder to deal with... the former Perfect Soldier was fiercely protective of his 'family'. To strangers or the casual acquaintance he might seem to be just as cool as he'd been during the war, but to those closest to him, it was very clear that the shell he'd acquired in his short childhood was the thick defense of a soul who felt a remarkable deep empathy for others, and had been forced to protect himself from it. Quatre had said that Heero was the Heart of Outer Space, and Wufei understood exactly what that meant, after all they had been through together.
Heero would want to know what was bothering him. And Wufei had no intention of sharing this. It was a lot more trouble than it was worth to try and evade the ever-direct Heero, but Wufei had a stubborn streak that matched, and possibly exceeded that of the Japanese Gundam pilot.
He quickly cleaned himself as he continued to argue mentally, attempting to take refuge in the simplest tactic of all - determinedly trying to think about something else.
All of a sudden he realized the water had turned ice cold, as a shock ran through his body. With a muffled yelp, he reached for the water temperature controls and tried to turn the hot water up, but the stream cascading over him remained icy and even seemed to get colder. He saw his breath come out in a puff of visible white.
Having no choice, he jumped out of the shower, grabbing a towel with shaking fingers. Glancing up, he saw his own reflection shivering in the large mirror over the sink. Scowling at the reflection, he suddenly realized he was seeing steam coming out of the open shower door. Impossible. Turning, he stuck his hand under the water and had to suppress a yell as his fingers were scalded. Snatching his hand out he glared at the shower, where the temp controls were turned all the way to hot, and near-boiling water was obediently pouring from the tap. His hands were red, not burned bad enough to be blistered, but the rest of his body was still freezing. He could feel the steam emerging from the shower, starting to warm him along with the cold tiles under his feet. The mirror began to fog over with condensation. As the reflected image began to blur, he suddenly saw something that caused the chill to return instantly. Indistinct in the fog-covered glass, a figure appeared to stand behind him. A little shorter than he was, but her headdress brought the figure's height to his level or a little above. He didn't have to see her clearly to know what she looked like. The blurred colors of the fogged-mirror image were rendered in his memory into detail. His hand shot forward to wipe the glass and confirm the image but as he wiped the fog away, the figure was gone as if it had never been there.
Wufei emerged from the bathroom looking even more disturbed than when he had gone in. He avoided looking towards the bed, grabbing clothes quickly and muttering something about going downstairs for a workout before disappearing from the room, leaving Duo and Heero on the bed staring after him. The last words out of his mouth sounded like something about getting the plumbing fixed.
"Well!" Duo blinked, sitting up fully. He tilted his head, looking after Wufei with a thoughtful expression.
Heero, who had folded his arms across his chest, frowned. "Hn," he remarked, looking at Duo. "He looks bad," he added, then glanced at the bathroom door. Moving off the bed, he headed towards the bath. "I'm checking the plumbing," he said over his shoulder.
Something was definitely up. As Heero inspected the bathroom, he made mental note that the shower that Wufei had apparently taken was a cold one, opposed to a relaxing warm one. Taking a deep breath and exhaling it, he frowned again, his hopes of finding some clue in the bath dashed.
"Well, everything seems standard in here," he called to Duo, then turned on the faucets. Cupping his hands under the water, he then splashed some on his face to begin his day.
The water felt refreshing, and as he reached for a towel to dry his face, he suddenly noticed a scent in the bathroom. He could not immediately place it, but it was sweet, like a flower. As he dried his face and looked up into the mirror over the sink, he suddenly saw, in the reflected image, the figure of a person standing behind him. It wasn't Duo, or Wufei, the only two people in the house to his knowledge. This was a girl - a young girl, perhaps fourteen? Her features were Asian and in fact reminded him somewhat of Wufei. She was dressed in a colorful and elaborate costume, with red silk embroidered robes, dangling earrings of jade, and an intricate headdress with dangling tassels and adornments. Her face was very pale, and her small mouth was painted red. Her wide eyes were lined with black, and they looked into his with an expression of tender sadness.
Prussian blue eyes widened as Heero felt the towel slip from his hands. "Nani?" he said, softly, as he felt his heart speed up. As he continued to watch, the expression on the girl's face held him fast and did not allow him to bolt from the room as his good senses instructed him. "Meiran?" he said, hearing his voice whisper the name more than call it out.
The figure smiled slightly, and lifted one of her hands, folded in front of her, making a brief graceful gesture. Then the figure seemed to fade to transparency until it was gone.
Unaware that he was panting, Heero slowly turned around, not expecting the girl to still be there, but remaining cautious either way. Seeing no one, he then backed out of the bathroom...
... and into Duo, who was approaching the bathroom door, yawning, and rubbing his fingers over his bare stomach. "Hey! Traveling forward is usually better to avoid walking into people," he teased, catching Heero's shoulder. He saw the expression on Heero's face and his intelligent violet eyes sharpened. "What bit you?"
Heero felt himself bump into something solid. Duo's words didn't register right away, but when they did, he jumped, and spun around quickly. Grasping Duo's arms, he looked up into the amethyst eyes for a long moment, unable to form words. "Hn?" he said, finally.
Duo blinked quizzically. He darted a look over Heero's shoulder into the bathroom, half expecting to see a large boa constrictor, or a small mobile suit or something. Empty bathroom.
"Hee-chan! What's up?" he said, returning his gaze to Heero's face. He suddenly noticed that the fine hair on Heero's arms was standing up.
Heero nodded in answer to some un-asked question in his own head. He let go of one of Duo's arms to point towards the bathroom. "She was in there," he said, "Makes sense, now. I know why..." He then turned and looked at the empty bathroom, then back to Duo. "But ... but that's impossible."
Duo's mobile eyebrows rose at this recitation. He took Heero's arm firmly and drew him back over to the bed. Sitting him down and sitting beside him, he took Heero's hand and squeezed it.
"Okay, from the beginning, Heero," he said. With a slight quirk at the corner of his mouth, he added, "Report!"
Heero nodded again. "The bathroom appeared to be standard... normal.. no anomalies. I turned on the faucets to begin today's prep. Splashed water on my face and dried it with a towel. Glancing up, I noticed a figure in the mirror. Subject appeared to be a young, Asian... Chinese woman, formal dress, possibly bridal wear. Subject observed me with a somewhat sad expression. I acknowledged subject, calling her who she appeared to be... Chang Meiran. Subject smiled and offered greeting gesture... Subject then disappeared... unknown as to where. No evidence further found in bath. Extraction from bathroom completed," he said.
Duo's eyes widened larger and larger as Heero spoke. He looked at Heero in silence for a moment, then glanced back at the bathroom. Giving Heero's arm a little pat, he got up and walked back to the bathroom and stuck his head in, looking around. His nose twitched. He took a couple of sniffs, and then walked back over to Heero.
"There's no one in our bathroom, Hee-chan," he said with an odd little smile.
"Affirmative," Heero said, then looked up at Duo. "She's gone now."
Duo tilted his head. "Um hm." He smiled. "You missed something in your report. That is unless you've taken to wearing jasmine cologne..."
Heero frowned and nodded again. "The flower scent, yes," he agreed. "We have a ghost in our bathroom."
Duo grinned at Heero. "Hee-chan! I'm surprised at you! What would Dr. J say? Are you seriously suggesting the existence of something paranormal?"
Heero considered Duo's words for a moment. He was fairly certain of what he'd seen, but understood that there was not much evidence to back it up. "Hn," he remarked. "Maybe not... Go wash your face," he added.
Duo laughed. "Touché'," he remarked. His grin widened. "Well at least you're still thick about being teased. Wouldn't want to spoil *all* my fun would you? Hey, lover, remember who you are talking to? The guy who has books of demonology under our bed?" He gave Heero a little affectionate poke in the stomach. "I believe you. But I don't think she's confined to the bathroom."
Heero's eyes widened and a smile etched itself onto his features. "That's right!" he said, leaning over and cupping Duo's face in his hands. "You're the best person for this! So, what do we do?" he said, enthusiastically.
"Whoa, Venkman, what makes you think we need to do something?" Duo said, giving Heero a kiss on the tip of his nose. "Aren't you even gonna ask me why I think it's not just the bathroom? Oh never mind. I'll tell you - I've noticed the jasmine smell before, in other parts of the house. It's usually after Wufei has just left a room. For a while I thought he was going swishy on us and wearing perfume, but I checked and he's not." Duo plopped down on the bed and stretched out.
"I think I could have told you that," Heero said. "So, why is she following him?"
Duo shrugged. "Honestly? I have no idea. The real question is why is she now appearing to you... and maybe me if we count the jasmine scent. Have you noticed that Wu has been getting gradually grumpier for the last couple of weeks?"
Heero thought for a moment then said, "Yes." He stretched out beside Duo. "I thought he might be getting restless again... Wanderlust... it happens."
Duo's eyebrows shot up. He leaned over Heero and kissed a spot on the middle of his chest. "Oh it does, huh? Are you speaking from personal experience then?" He nipped the skin he'd just kissed and then looked up with a slightly challenging expression.
"I was remembering the last time," Heero said. "When he went to Zechs' place and got kidnapped. Maybe this is something different though."
Duo snorted. "That's wasn't wanderlust, that was just plain lust," he said with a wicked smile. "Plus his sense of honor, or duty, or whatever, which is about as big as his... well you know. I think this is different. Not that I don't expect him to leave us at some point - I'd be surprised if he didn't. But this isn't restlessness." He shook his head. Leaning back on his elbows, he stared up at the ceiling, thinking. "The problem is, here I have been doing my very best to get across the idea that he can have his own space, that there's room enough in the house for all of us, that he can have privacy whenever he wants it, yadda yadda.... so it would be rather hypocritical to suddenly pounce on him and demand an explanation, if you get my drift."
"Hn," Heero said. "Well, that cuts out my plan. You are right, though. I wonder how long it'll take him to crack and confide in us?"
Duo shuddered delicately. "I don't like the odds, Hee-chan," he said fervently. He shrugged. "I guess it might depend on what... *she* wants, if it is who you think it is, and what she is prepared to do to get it..."
"I don't exactly know how, but let's be prepared as much as we can. You think she might talk to me?" Heero asked.
Duo shrugged elaborately. "I have no idea," he answered, then leered. "*I* would talk to you - maybe she thinks you're cute, Hee-chan," he suggested. Then he grinned. Suddenly a very cunning expression flitted across his features. "Oooh... I have a very wicked idea..."
"What is it?" Heero asked, drawn into the expression on Duo's face. Duo was still the most beautiful person he'd known in his life.
"Well it just so happens that the calendar is with us... you may not be aware of this but there is an obscure Earth holiday coming up. Nobody on the Colonies celebrates it very much - our forbearers were no-nonsense, scientific types - idealistic in their own way but hardly superstitious. This holiday was very big in America particularly, though it was supposed to have European origins. It's called Halloween, or 'All Hallows Eve'. This was supposed to be a celebration of the Dead," Duo explained, with a slight tilt of his eyebrows. "It evolved into your basic family holiday where kids dressed up in costumes and people gave 'em candy, but the idea evolved from the kids pretending to be the spirits of the dead who were supposed to be roaming around that night, playing tricks on people who refused to give them acknowledgement and appease them with food and treats. It's your basic spooky holiday of all time!" he finished. "And it happens to be tomorrow night. What if I decide that I wanna celebrate this archaic ritual? It wouldn't be that unusual for me to do something crazy like that... and it might be just what we need to give him an excuse to spill... or, it could backfire on us totally and he might run screaming out of the house..."
Heero considered Duo's proposal. "If he runs, we can catch him. Let's do it. Just let me know what I can do," he said.
Duo nodded, his face taking on a thoughtful, if slightly scheming expression. "Got it. For the time being, just keep your eyes and ears, and nose open. Lemme know if you get any other signals from you know who. I need some time to ponder this before I make my master plan."
"Hai," Heero replied definitively.
Wufei went through his regular routine of warm-ups, tai chi, then katas and more strenuous martial arts forms. In fact he went through his usual routine twice, going full-out in an unconscious desire to wear himself out a little, as if hoping this would calm his nerves through simple exhaustion. Of course by the time he was done, he was both tired *and* sweaty, and needed a shower worse than before. However the idea of stepping into the bathroom was not very appealing.
Leaving the large workout room he wandered into the kitchen, drawn by the sound of Duo humming to himself as he bustled around putting together some breakfast items.
"Morning, Wu-chan," Duo called. "Want some tea?"
"Um, yes, thank you," Wufei said. It wasn't the first time Duo had made tea in the morning, he did it often enough since both his lovers seemed to enjoy drinking it and he'd learned to appreciate the relaxing comfort of a warm cup of something that was coffee. Wufei wandered over to the table and poured himself a cup from the teapot. His nose twitched and he placed the cup carefully on the table. "Duo..."
"Hmm?" Duo answered, setting a plate of toast on the table.
"This is... jasmine tea..."
Duo nodded, pouring some into a cup for himself. "Yeah, it is! For some reason I was in the mood for jasmine. Been thinking of it for some reason lately." He shrugged and sipped the tea, smiling at the pleasant taste. "Hee-chan," he greeted the Japanese boy as he entered the kitchen. "Want some tea this morning? And I've got toast, and the eggs are about ready."
"Yes, thank you," Heero said. He walked to the table and sat down. "Smells good."
Wufei's eyes darted from one of them to the other and then he sat down and sipped the tea gingerly. He seemed to sigh, accepting a plate and eggs, and settling down to eat breakfast.
Duo plopped down with his usual energy and chatted through the eggs and toast about various inconsequential things. Then he bounced off, saying that he needed to make some calls, check up on Howard, and run some errands. "If anyone can get a line on a real pumpkin, it'll be Howard," he mentioned as he left the kitchen. "Oh, just leave the dishes in the sink, I'll get 'em later!"
"Don't worry about the dishes Duo. I'll get 'em as soon as I finish checking the pipes down here," Heero said.
Wufei looked up and frowned. "The pipes?"
Heero nodded. "I checked the ones upstairs and now I'm checking these. Couldn't find anything wrong with 'em so far, though," he said, conversationally.
Wufei's cheeks darkened slightly. "Hn," he muttered. Then he got up, glancing at Heero speculatively. "Seemed ok upstairs to you?" He took his plate and dumped the uneaten food, then picked up Heero's empty plate and set them both in the sink.
"Hot was hot, cold was cold and no leaks or noises," Heero reported. "Of course, that doesn't mean anything. Sometimes it's the little beginning problems that are the hardest to diagnose," he added, with a shrug.
Wufei snorted softly. He walked over to where Heero was sitting and leaned on the table. "Um... have you had a shower yet, Heero?"
Heero looked into Wufei's dark eyes with a small smile on his face. "Not yet," he said, then leaned up and kissed Wufei's lips. "Are you offering to share?" he asked.
Wufei quickly covered the combination of relief and triumph and grabbed Heero's hand. "Yes," he answered quickly, and all but pulled Heero to his feet and headed for the door and the stairs.
Heero smiled, shaking his head a little as he followed. This was going to be fun.
Not quite running up the stairs, Wufei pulled Heero into the bedroom and began shedding his clothes in a rather un-Wufei-like manner. He wanted a shower, and Heero would be the perfect either protection, or witness, whichever, it was better than trying it alone.
Heero peeled off his clothes, hurrying to keep up with Wufei. Soon, he was completely naked and walked into the bathroom as though nothing had happened at all. Prussian blue eyes, however, scanned the area thoroughly and quickly before he turned on the taps for the shower. Stepping inside, he doused himself under the warm water and grabbed some soap. Taking a step back, he made room for Wufei.
Wufei stepped into the large shower enclosure cautiously, sighing with relief at the pleasantly warm water. He stepped under the spray, getting wet all over. This was a good plan, he thought, and smiled at the Japanese boy very close to him. Wufei acknowledged that Heero was every bit as beautiful as when he had first fallen in love with him during the war. In fact probably more so. No longer shy with the other boy who was now his lover - with either of them, in fact - Wufei took the soap from Heero and made a lather with it in his hands. The soap was one he had brought into the house, a Chinese soap that used seaweed for balancing the skin, which Duo had fallen in love with because of its rich lather, and the way it softened the skin. Wufei handed the round cake back to Heero and began using the lather in his hands to soap Heero's chest and shoulders, while looking into his eyes. He felt the tension in his body began to drain away.
Heero watched Wufei and after a moment, could see the Chinese pilot relax. The hands on his chest felt good and Heero lathered his own hands up. He set the soap down and moved closer to Wufei, placing his own hands on Wufei's waist. "This was a good idea," he said over the din of the water.
Wufei sighed and nodded. His hands continued to move over Heero's body - arms, waist and hips - as he leaned closer. "I should apologize to Duo," he murmured with a slightly wry expression.
"Oh yeah?" Heero asked, smoothing his hands over Wufei's back and hips. "What for?"
"Um... I think I insulted his cooking this morning," Wufei said, closing his eyes for a moment in pleasure. "I just didn't feel good... but that's no excuse for being rude."
Heero slid his arms around Wufei, pressing his body against his own. He chuckled a little, holding Wufei. "He said nothing about it later, so I doubt he was insulted. You don't feel good? Getting sick?" he asked.
Wufei mentally winced, realizing he'd stepped into that one. "I feel fine," he said, "I just needed a good workout. And a shower," he added, and reached down to soap Heero's private parts with slow fingers. Feeling the soft flesh react and harden in his hands, he continued to soap and lather it, sliding down to make sure and thoroughly clean the sac below as well. His mouth curved in a smile, as his body heated up in its own reaction.
Heero's eyelids drooped in total pleasure. His breath deepened as he felt Wufei's hands caress him. "Mmmm," he remarked, sliding his hands down over Wufei's shoulders. "Showers are good," he said, feeling his temperature rise.
Wufei smiled fully. "This one is," he answered. Moving even closer, he pressed his body along Heero's and kissed the Japanese boy deeply. His hand moved around Heero's waist and slid around his hips, soapy fingers running down into the cleft and rubbing back and forth along it.
Heero's mouth opened as he felt Wufei's fingers explore his body. Closing his eyes, he returned to the kiss, matching Wufei's movements with an increasing ferocity of his own. All thoughts took a back seat to Wufei and the both of them in the shower. Pressing his hips forward, Heero felt the length of Wufei's manhood contact his own with a wonderful friction. His hips moved in small circles of their own accord, seeking and finding the little shocks of pleasure. "Love you," he breathed, moving his mouth to Wufei's shoulder.
Wufei felt his heart give a small pang as his body tightened painfully. He kissed Heero's cheek, ear and neck as his hands kneaded the Japanese boy's hips. Taking a deep breath, he moved them both more under the water, washing off the soap. He reached for the shampoo on its rack and poured some into his hand, lathering Heero's thick mop of hair and then rinsing it. His own hair was easy to wash, the straight black silk shining wetly. Feeling much cleaner, a lot more comfortable, and very, very aroused, Wufei turned the water off and pulled Heero from the shower. Not bothering to leave the bathroom, Wufei urged Heero to his knees on the thick bathmat Duo insisted they have. He knelt beside Heero, one arm around his waist and reached behind him with the other hand, his fingers returning to stroke the puckered and now squeaky clean opening at the base of the cleft.
Heero's chest rose and fell faster as he felt Wufei's fingers. Looking up at the dark-eyed pilot, he licked his lips. "Next part of the workout," he said, feeling totally open and aroused. Reaching down, he curled his fingers around Wufei's cock, squeezing and caressing him with long strokes.
Wufei groaned softly, and his shaft rewarded Heero by weeping beads of clear fluid onto his fingers. Reaching up, and stretching for it, Wufei's hand managed to find the small tube resting on the counter with other toiletries. He flipped the cap open and coated his fingers with the slippery lubricant, dropping the tube back on the counter. Reach down, he pressed his coated fingered against Heero and into his tight opening, plunging deeply and rotating within to lubricate his inner surfaces thoroughly.
Heero shuddered, feeling the delicious intrusion. Leaning down, he closed his mouth over Wufei's manhood, taking him deep into his mouth. His hips rose as a result and he rocked back against Wufei's hand, wanting more.
Wufei gasped as he felt the warm, wet caress around his cock. His fingers thrust sharply into Heero's body in reaction, striking the sensitive spot within the other boy. Panting, Wufei managed to push Heero gently away from his lap so he could move around behind him. Placing the head of his shaft at Heero's entrance, he pushed in slowly. His hand, still a bit slippery with the lube, moved around to capture Heero's cock in slick fingers, stroking it even as he pushed deeper.
Heero stretched out a little against the floor as he felt Wufei fill him and caress him at the same time. Closing his eyes, he rocked back against his lover, feeling ever increasing waves of pleasure and desire wash over him. "Wufei," he sighed, completely captivated.
Wufei groaned deep in his chest, feeling the tight muscle squeezing his shaft. He began thrusting deeply into Heero, steadying him with one hand and stroking him with the other. It felt so good that his worries and fears were swept away in the physical/emotional wash of desire and fulfillment.
The two young men panted, kneeling on the thick mat, the mirror reflecting the erotic picture of their bodies moving together. The small room was filled with gasps and cries of pleasure.
"Oh Heero!" Wufei groaned, swept over the edge by waves after wave of pleasure, as he emptied himself deeply inside his lover. He felt shudders wash through the body in his arms and sticky fluid spattered his fingers and the floor.
Heero cried out, feeling his body release a few moments following Wufei. He inhaled breath after breath of fresh air into his lungs as his body began to quiet in Wufei's arms. Turning he stretched up to kiss Wufei deeply, then leaned his head against the Chinese pilot's chest.
Wufei's arms moved around Heero, squeezing him gently. He returned the kiss, and then kissed the unruly mass of hair on the top of Heero's head and he rested against him. Sighing, he felt his body relax completely. Resting back on his heels, he separated from Heero and then pulled them together. After a few moments of resting there with some content, Wufei turned on the warm water in the shower long enough to wet a small towel. He cleaned himself, and then gently cleaned Heero both front and rear. He wiped at the mat, wryly acknowledging Duo's wisdom in choosing a beige color for the thing. Taking a deep breath, he hugged Heero and kissed his shoulder. Looking up, his eyes strayed to the mirror, enjoying the view of his lover in his arms, and then he froze.
Heero felt the moment Wufei stiffened and looked up at him. "What?" he asked softly, then followed Wufei's gaze. Heero sniffed at the air to see if he could detect flowers.
Wufei's dark eyes were wide, fastened on the mirror. This time the figure reflected there, as if standing behind them, could be clearly seen without the fogging on the mirror of earlier. Her elaborate robes were ones he recognized - he could have drawn them in every detail, so familiar were they. The headdress with its tassels and curtain of beads did not obscure the expression on her face and he winced as he recognized it - as familiar, no, more so, than the heirloom costume she wore. She was scowling ferociously.
The scent of jasmine stole into the room. Looking at the mirror, Heero did not see what Wufei was staring at, but he felt something, a tickling across his nerves as if a cool breeze had somehow moved through the room.
Heero shivered slightly, then looked back up at Wufei. "What are you seeing?" he asked, with a frown.
Wufei started, looking quickly at Heero and then back. When his eyes returned to the mirror, she was gone. His arms tightened unconsciously around Heero, seeking comfort. Then his back stiffened. A strangely stubborn expression moved over his face. "Nothing," he said, almost growling. "Nothing, love." He hugged Heero fiercely and then stood up, pulling the Japanese boy with him.
Heero stood, watching Wufei. He had questions he wanted to ask, but at the last moment, he decided to let Duo's plan follow through. Moving closer, he hugged Wufei tightly. "Let's go to the bed," he said, taking Wufei's hand.
The Chinese boy squeezed his hand. "Duo's rubbing off on you," he said wryly. "You are getting very lazy these days, Heero," he chided, with a slight smile. He moved out of the bathroom and then smiled. "I'm getting dressed."
"Oh, I understand now," Heero said, following him out. "You destroy me in the shower, then get dressed and move out." Heero sighed, shaking his head like he'd seen Duo do a thousand times. "I feel so... cheap."
Wufei growled and backed Heero up to the wall. Pressing him back, he kissed the Japanese boy thoroughly. "That's right," he said, with a mock-scowl. "You're just a boy-toy. Stop complaining, it's just your fate."
Heero laughed. "I'll take it, then," he said.
Wufei smiled brilliantly. He kissed Heero again, leaning his forehead against his. "I love you, Heero Yuy," he said simply. Then he gave Heero a pat on the side of his hip, and brief leer, a 'la Duo, and moved back to get his clothes.
Heero sighed and went to get his clothes as well. He was still very concerned about Wufei. Duo, guys, I'm counting on you, he thought.
Wufei dressed quickly, and left the room, giving Heero a smile and a quick hug before leaving. He disappeared for a while, leaving Heero to his own devices.
Duo bounced up the stairs and into the room not long after. He saw Heero dressing in his second set of clothes for the day, looked into the bathroom and made a loud derisive noise, picking up towels and straightening the mat. "Geez, I'm just a maid around here! You guys sneak off, have some fun - without inviting me - and I get to pick up the mess. I want a raise!"
Strong arms grabbed Duo from behind as Heero pulled him against his chest. "Not a problem," he said, lifting the braided pilot up off the floor and tossing him on the bed. Heero dropped down beside him. "How's that?"
Grinning widely, Duo turned on his side and pushed his body against Heero's. "Well I had something a little more localized in mind, but that will do for starters," he said. Tilting his head, he gazed at Heero inquiringly. "How's our boy? And... um... am I sniffing the tea from downstairs or have we had another..."
Leaning down, Heero kissed Duo deeply. "Our boy is, umm, freaked out," he said. "The aroma of jasmine is from the most recent visit from the other side. I couldn't see anything, but Wufei looked as though... well, like he'd seen a ghost. He was shaken."
Duo's eyes widened. "Really? So soon? Man, she's really laying it on thick. Hmmm.... When was this, before, during... or after?" Duo asked, one eyebrow arching to fill in the unspoken article.
"I was going to ask you about that," Heero replied. "It was after. Do you think she's jealous?"
Duo considered. "Um... I suppose it's possible," he said slowly, with a hint of doubt. "That would suck. But I don't know if we have enough evidence to draw that conclusion yet. She didn't seem... mad at you when you saw her this morning, did she?"
Heero shook his head. "No," he said. "In fact, she smiled at me after I called her name."
"Hmm," Duo pronounced. He shrugged. "I don't think we have enough info. But you are doing a fine job of collecting evidence," he added, kissing Heero thoroughly.
Heero closed his eyes, leaning Duo back against the bed as they kissed. A short time later, he looked down at Duo. "Thank you," he said, "But I have no idea what I'm doing. So far, I've taken a shower and had some fun. Maybe it's something between them. I don't know."
Duo grinned. "You are mastering the fine art of being in the right place at the right time," he assured his lover. "Keep doing that! This is escalating rapidly. Oh, hey, guess what? Howard found me a pumpkin!"
"Great!" Heero said, enthusiastically. "So, where does the pumpkin fit in? I know a little about it. We carve it up, right?"
Nodding happily, Duo pinched Heero's rear. "We take out the seeds and the flesh and turn it into a lantern by carving a scary face on it, and putting a candle inside. It's way cool! And since you are pretty good in the kitchen, my sexy Hee-chan, you are more than welcome to make anything you want out of the flesh - pie, cookies, soup, whatever. And this afternoon you can help me decorate the house. Meanwhile, we keep an eye on Wu-baby."
"Sounds like a plan. And what do we do if she comes back?" Heero asked, mentally ticking off Duo's list of what can be done with pumpkin meat. He wanted to get this right.
"We pay very close attention!" Duo answered easily. "And if he hasn't popped by tomorrow, I try the last straw... I insist on a Halloween séance for fun!"
"A séance? You know how to do one of those?" Heero asked.
Duo grinned wickedly. "Are you *kidding*? Do I know how to do one of those? Oh yes, my dear sweet Hee-chan. Hell, my life has practically been one long séance for years! The trick is making sure we get who we want and don't offend anyone else who might be wandering around."
Heero looked down at Duo and nodded. "All right. Sounds like we're a go," he said. Then he bent down and kissed Duo's neck.
Duo sighed and leaned up into the caress. "Oh yeah... we're a go all right," he growled with a soft chuckle. "Come on, Hee-chan, when *aren't* we a 'go'?" he added with a wink. Pushing Heero over on his back he climbed on top of him and began kissing his neck hotly.
Heero closed his eyes with a small smile as he felt Duo's mouth against his neck. His hands moved around Duo's back and slid lower until they cupped the braided pilot's rear. "Do you really think I'm just a boy toy?" he asked, squeezing Duo.
Duo chuckled, tickling the skin of Heero's neck. "Oh yeah!" he agreed enthusiastically. "But where on earth did you hear that term?" He squirmed where he was straddling Heero, rubbing his pelvis against his lover.
"Mmm," Heero murmured. "I said I felt cheap and Wufei said I was just a boy toy."
Duo laughed delightedly. He kissed Heero deeply. "And so you are," he said nodding sagely. "In fact you are the most gorgeous boy toy I have ever seen," he said, and sighed. "Too bad Wufei wore you out before I got here," he added.
A second later, Duo found himself on his back against the bed with Heero above him. "Yeah, but you're waking me up," he said, bending down to kiss Duo savagely. Heero's hands explored the outline of Duo's body as he moved against him from above. Parting Duo's thighs with one leg, Heero reached down and curled his fingers around the bulge in Duo's pants, squeezing him for maximum pleasure.
Duo gasped and looked up from his new position on his back. His grin widened. "I do love it when Wufei has been having his way with you... it makes you so... frisky," he said. His eyes closed as Heero's strong fingers squeezed him. "Ooh, you are going to kill me one day, you know that?" He arched his back and pressed up against Heero. His clever fingers began plucking at the fastenings of Heero's shirt and pants.
"As often as I can," Heero said, unfastening Duo's pants as well. Looking down at his lover, Heero allowed himself to become lost in Duo's violet eyes. Suddenly, he frowned. "Duo, do you think she's been watching us?" he asked.
Blinking, Duo looked up, then his lips curved in a wicked smile. "I have no idea, Hee-chan, but if you minded an audience, um... well it's a bit late for that. Oh hell, let the poor girl have her jollies if she likes to watch..."
Heero smiled again. He opened the front of Duo's pants and reached inside carefully exposing the braided pilot's manhood. "You have a point there, Duo," he said, then bent down and took Duo into his mouth.
"Ooooh," Duo gasped, feeling the heat as Heero swallowed him slowly. "B-boy toy! Definitely!" His hands raked gently through Heero's thick locks as his hips tensed. "Oh Heero..."
Heero took his time tasting Duo's firming flesh. Reaching underneath his chin, he caressed the soft sac, feeling himself harden as Duo moved in his arms. All thoughts of ghosts and demons aside, he used his free hand to wriggle out of his jeans.
Duo moaned softly, his hips rocking as he enjoyed the wonderful sensations Heero was creating in his body. His hands wandered over whatever part of Heero he could reach, feeling the smooth skin and firm muscle of his lover's body. Feeling his arousal escalate, he pleaded softly. "Heero.... want you!"
Panting, Heero lifted his head. He leaned down and kissed Duo deeply once more as his hands reached towards the night stand. Breaking the kiss, he moved over Duo once again. He opened the tube of lubricant, smearing some on Duo's hand and some in his own. He then brought the violet-eyed pilot's hand to his own firm flesh. Feeling Duo's fingers curl around him, Heero smiled in pure pleasure as he did the same to his lover. He then slid his slick fingers lower, finding the small puckered opening in Duo's body. Moving his fingers inside of Duo, Heero looked back down at his expression, drinking in the sight.
Duo stroked Heero's hard flesh longingly with slick fingers. Feeling Heero probing him, he moved his legs further apart, bending his knees. Licking his lips, he looked up at his lover, his eyes wide with desire. "Yess..." he purred.
Heero's Prussian blue eyes widened momentarily as he removed his fingers and positioned himself at Duo's entrance. Moving his hips forward, he slowly entered his lover. feeling Duo's body form around him. "Mine," he said possessively, moving his hands around and underneath Duo's thighs.
Arching his back, Duo closed his eyes as he felt Heero sinking deeply into him. The familiar stretch and adjustment came quickly and he tightened around his lover snugly. Rocking his hips upwards, he stroking his hand over Heero's chest. "Mine," he murmured throatily. "My boy toy..."
Without protest, Heero began rocking inside of Duo's body. Holding on to Duo, he allowed himself the luxury of enjoying himself. Whatever he had been through in the past, Heero now understood one important lesson. Nothing is more important that the ones you love and expressing that is both a gift and vital. Feeling the perspiration form on his brow and all over Heero moved relishing each moment.
Each impact of his lover's body sent a sharp wave of pleasure through Duo's body. Each one seemed to lift him higher, thrill his body more deeply. His hands closed over Heero's arms and he held on as he felt the movement of his lover push him over the edge, lighting off an explosion within that left him shuddering and gasping. His body tightened and he rocked his hips upward, and felt Heero too begin to experience his climax.
Holding nothing back, Heero felt his body tense and release deep inside of Duo. After a few moments, he moved down to the bed and gathered Duo in his arms. He then kissed his braided lover deeply and settled beside him. "I think I like this boy toy thing," he said.
Duo wound his arms around Heero's neck and returned the kiss passionately. "I think I like having one," he grinned. "Or being had. Whatever... it's all good!"
Lying back for a little while, he basked in the warmth of snuggling close beside Heero. Then they heard the bell that signaled someone approaching the front door.
"Oh heck, I bet that's my pumpkin," Duo groaned softly. He kissed Heero's nose and then scrambled up, pulling his clothes together quickly. One more quick but wet kiss, and then he ran down the stairs to answer the door, his cheeks flushed and his expression quite happy.
Heero closed his eyes for a moment, then scrambled up himself. Pulling his pants back on, he dashed down the stairs to join Duo in what he called the pumpkin mutilation.
As Heero headed after Duo, he heard something coming from the room down the hall that belonged to Wufei. They each had a room for themselves, though they often converged in the "big room" as Duo named the largest bedroom, and Wufei spent time in his room reading, or meditating, or doing other things. What caught Heero's ear was the sound of Wufei's voice, coming from the room.
Changing course, Heero headed for Wufei's room. He had no intention of disturbing him if Wufei wanted privacy, but he wanted to make sure that the Chinese pilot was all right.
As Heero neared Wufei's room, he noticed the door was only half closed. The truth was that Wufei had closed it, but it had come open and swung back several inches. Perhaps there was a draft in the house.
Through the half-open door, Heero glimpsed Wufei walking back and forth, pacing, and occasionally raising his arms in gesture. He was talking aloud.
"...and you can just stop this behavior! It's disgraceful of you to frighten my friends... how do you know he wasn't frightened? Anyone would be frightened! You never had any manners, but you have really gone too far!"
There was a silence, broken only by Wufei's pacing. He stopped, abruptly, as if reacting to something. His voice rose again. "Just give me some peace, woman! Why must you insist on having your way?" Then Heero saw Wufei cross in front of the door again and drop to his knees, his voice dropping to a much softer tone that was both sad and entreating. The words came out slowly. "But... I'm not ready. Yes, I am happy. But I'm not ready yet, Mei... please..."
Raising his hand to tap on the door, Heero caught himself and stopped. Even though he wanted to rush into the room, take Wufei in his arms and hold him, he resisted. Whatever was going on, Heero knew that Wufei would have to be the one to make the decision to share. Quietly, he moved away from the door and walked downstairs to find Duo.
Duo was sitting on the kitchen table, contemplating a very large pumpkin, with a long sharp knife in his hand and an evil glint in his eye.
Heero walked into the kitchen and sat down. Reaching over, he tapped the pumpkin with a finger. "So, what's next?" he said, noticing the knife in Duo's hand.
Duo looked up and smiled at Heero, then tilted his head. "Something up, Hee-chan?" he asked, noting the thoughtful expression in Heero's deep blue eyes.
"Hn," Heero remarked. "Wufei's upstairs. It sounded like he was arguing with Meiran. I think you're right, Duo. I think it's going to be up to him to make the next move. Maybe the séance ceremony can help."
The braided one contemplated Heero for a moment. Then he smiled. "These family quarrels," he mentioned, shaking his head. "Okay, Hee-chan... we carve up this large squash, and I've collected materials to decorate the house with. When Wufei pokes his nose downstairs we inform him of the impending celebration. Maybe we can tell some ghost stories tonight to get in the mood..." he said, his violet eyes twinkling.
"Okay," Heero agreed. "But I only know one ghost story and it's real recent," he said, wondering how Duo was going to carve the pumpkin.
Duo chuckled. "Don't worry, we'll figure something out," he said. "Okay, first we cut around the top, so we can get the seeds and meat out..."
Wufei came downstairs some time later to find Heero standing on a chair, helping Duo drape black streamers and little strings of bats around the ceiling. On the table was a large orange gourd, with a face carved into it, hollowed out, with a candle inside. The candle flickered, causing the light to glow through the eyes and nose and mouth of the pumpkin's face.
"What..." Wufei began, somewhat startled.
"It's a Jack-o-Lantern, Wufei!" Duo said happily. "It's for Halloween! You know, All Hallow's Eve, the old Earth holiday? I was in the mood for a celebration and this one is very cool. Hee-chan's going to make us some special dishes and we're going to stay up and watch old scary movies and maybe even tell ghost stories! And tomorrow we can play Trick or Treat," he added with a wicked smile.
"Halloween?" Wufei repeated, his face blank. "Ghost... stories...?" He swallowed. "Uh... sure, Duo," he managed. "Why not. Is there something you'd like me to do to help?"
Duo bounced down from the small ladder energetically - and somewhat dangerously. "Sure! One of the traditions is dressing up in costumes! I have some ideas but nothing concrete yet. I was thinking maybe of dressing Heero up as a samurai, and maybe you as a Mandarin lord, and me of course, as Shinigami, but maybe you have some ideas?"
Wufei blinked and then looked thoughtful. "I'll see what I can come up with," he acknowledged, and then a smile stole across his face. Duo was always coming up with the strangest things... but they were usually interesting things, and he found he usually enjoyed them. This one was a bit... well the timing was... but the enthusiastic expression on Duo's face and the slight smile on Heero's gave him a sense of pleasant warmth. I've been so difficult lately, he thought. But they never seem to mind.
However he hardly dared to hope this particular activity would proceed without any disturbances of the kind he'd experienced that morning. It was way too much to hope for.
Heero inspected the platter of food with the precision of a general inspecting his troops. He mentally ticked off the list of items not only for their nutritional value, but for overall presentation and theme. The two pumpkin pies were decorated with a generous helping of whipped cream topping and the pumpkin tempura looked mouth watering and inviting. He had a small selection of popcorn balls, some Strained Eyeballs made from hardboiled eggs, Graveyard Cups made of chocolate pudding, chocolate cookies and gummi worms and steamed spinach dumplings to keep them from going into total sugar shock.
As Heero surveyed his creations, he began to have an odd feeling that something was missing. It wasn't complete somehow. It was a vague but mildly disturbing sensation, and one that Heero was unused to. His eyes moved over the dishes, he realized he was detecting an aroma that was not from any of the food he'd prepared. It was somewhat spicy and distinct, yet at the same time oddly elusive.
Frowning, Heero looked around the kitchen. His eyes kept returning to the food, almost daring anything or entity to harm his hard work. He sniffed again, then began walking around the area to see if he could detect where the spice was coming from.
The scent eluded him, and seemed to fade as if like a memory. He was suddenly aware of the stillness in the room, and then felt a tingle down his back. Turning, he saw what seemed to be a shadow standing in the corner of the kitchen. As he focused on it, the shadow lightened, and seemed to fade into the figure of the young girl he had seen in the mirror upstairs. She was transparent, unlike her image in the mirror which had seemed solid, as if she were standing right behind him. Again, her face seemed to hold an expression of sadness, and even entreaty.
Heero felt his heart race once again, but this time he found it was controllable. He bowed to the apparition. "Welcome Chang Meiran," he said. "How may I help you?"
Her expressing shifted slightly, and seemed to become even more beseeching. She lifted her hands, and he could see that in them she seemed to hold out a serving dish which held round objects. The scent he had detected returned, as if coming from the insubstantial dish and its contents. Her lips moved but Heero could not hear any sound. She mouthed words, a short phrase, her dark eyes shining.
Heero watched her, trying to decipher her meaning.
'Help me...' her lips shaped the words. 'Help him... let go....'
Heero looked at the young woman and nodded. "I will help you. I understand now," he said, and then bowed deeply in respect.
Her expression softened and her image faded until Heero found himself looking at the corner of the kitchen wall.
Taking a deep breath, Heero turned back to his food. Without thinking, he pulled an extra plate from the cupboard and added it to the serving plates he had prepared for the three of them. He had something in mind to do and he hoped that it would work. It wasn't big, but an addition to Duo's plans.
He now understood the conversation that Wufei was having earlier. Thinking about all that had happened to the Chinese pilot, the destruction of his people, the death of his wife, it was easy for Heero to understand why he would want to hold on to whatever was left to him. As he gathered a small vase and placed a few flowers from the garden into it, Heero also began understanding the deeper meaning of the night. A small smile lit his face as he thought, Duo's right again. Time to hold vigil. Time to release. Time to honor. Moving to the incense dish, Heero selected something appropriate to add to the decorations. He chose Jasmine for Meiran, a truly noble woman.
After taking over helping with the decorations so Heero could get started in the kitchen, Wufei spent the afternoon hanging cobwebs and arranging what Duo referred to as 'mood lighting'. He actually found himself getting into it. The colors of the 'season' appealed to him - he liked rich, dramatic shades. In the course of the decorating, he got into a discussion with Duo about folklore and legends surrounding the dead and other aspects of the supernatural.
Upon being told that in China, vampires pursued their victims by hopping, Duo's comment was, "No way!"
So Wufei found some old vid disks of movies he'd been quite fond of as a child, and the two settled in the main living room with a copy of something called, "Mr. Vampire". It was a great success. Duo rolled on the floor upon seeing the hopping vampires and eventually started imitating them.
Hopping into the kitchen with his arms outstretched, he called out to Heero in a hollow, spooky voice, "I'm coming for you, Hee-chan!"
Heero's eyes narrowed as he saw Duo hopping towards him. He inhaled deeply, then held his breath.
Duo snickered, and then looked around blankly. "Where'd he go?" He hopped around the kitchen as if Heero were invisible, and sniffed. Then he said, "Oh fuck it, I dunno where he went but these cookies smell great... who needs blood!" And with that, he pilfered a cookie and dashed out of the kitchen.
"K'so!" Duo heard behind the kitchen door. Covering his mouth, Heero laughed.
Wufei shook his head, unable to suppress a chuckle at Duo's antics. If Heero was almost done in the kitchen then according to Duo's timetable, they should begin getting dressed in their costumes. This thought brought a silent groan from the Chinese pilot. Heading up the stairs, he tried to figure out what he could put on that would satisfy the requirement.
Passing Duo's room, he noticed the door was closed, which was pretty unusual. Probably wanted to reveal his costume with an entrance. Wufei went to his own room, wondering if he still had any old stolen OZ uniforms or anything. Upon opening his door, he saw something laid across his bed. The sight stopped him, and then he came in and quickly closed the door.
The robe lay across the bed, its embroidery still rich and bright. Beside it, the red sash, and on the floor the red shoes, and the cap decorated with withered cypress leaves completed the ensemble.
Throwing himself into a chair, Wufei stared at the outfit. It should not have been here. It should have been burned to cinders along with his colony. He knew without having to examine it closely that the robe was the same one he'd worn when he was fourteen. It wouldn't fit him now, nor would the shoes. He could see the mark on the left one where he'd repeatedly scuffed his feet in his boredom and nervousness that day.
How did it get here... why was it here...
But Wufei really didn't need to know the answer. He knew. He knew the answer would make no sense.
Heero heard a tap on the door of the 'big' bedroom, and Duo's voice came through the door. "You dressed? Can I come in?"
"Yes, and I think as about as dressed as I'm going to get," Heero replied.
The door open and Duo slipped into the room. He was wearing a black bodysuit that clung to him in all the right places. His face was white and he had dark circles around his eyes and red 'rims' painted around them. His hair was unbound but he had used spray gel to get it to hang in wavy tendrils. In one hand he had a 'scythe' made out of a long dowel painted black and a silver plastic scythe blade affixed to it. "Boo!" he said with a grin.
Heero turned around and stopped. His eyes locked on Duo with great appreciation. "Take me now," he said, with a leer. His hair was fashioned in the manner of the Samurai as were his robes. He also wore the traditional make-up, giving him a grand and frightening appearance. On his feet, he had the traditional sandals. He moved towards the ghastly figure of Shinigami with measured steps.
Duo looked his lover over with appreciation. "Gorgeous," he sighed. "Did I have a good idea, or what?" Lifting Heero's hand, he planted a kiss on the palm.
"You had a wonderful idea," Heero said, sliding his hand along Duo's side. He then pulled Shinigami against him. "I *really* like the look," he added.
Duo grinned widely. Then he studied Heero. "So how do you think it's going?"
"Well," Heero said, "I think this is going well. One thing. While I was cooking, I received a visit from Meiran. She wants us to help Wufei, Duo. I think you can understand when I say that it's time for her to go. I think we can help Wufei see that."
Duo smiled thoughtfully. "Yeah, I can understand that. I also understand it ain't easy. But Wufei is an amazing guy. I wonder if he'll really needs much more help..." Shrugging, he took Heero's hand. "I'm starving and ready to raid your kitchen, oh Samurai Chef!"
Heero stood a little taller. "Come," he said. "Food awaits."
Opening the door, he led Duo out.
Going downstairs, the Grim Reaper (or the Merry Reaper as Duo preferred to style himself) and the Samurai set the low table in the Japanese-style dining room, bringing out the food and plates. Duo lit incense and checked all the candles, and put some inspirational music on the sound system. He was just about to call upstairs when Wufei entered the room.
The Chinese youth had dressed himself entirely in white, not the traditional Chinese garments they'd seen him wear back in the war, but a simple pair of white pants and a sleeveless white tunic. But across his shoulder he wore a brilliant red sash of fine silk. His expression was serious, and a little restrained. However he greeted his two lovers with a smile and bowed in appreciation at their appearances.
Heero returned the bow, then swept his arm out in a grand gesture over the food. "In the manner of my people.... EAT!" he commanded.
Even Wufei grinned at that pronouncement and Duo replied with an enthusiastic, "Sugoi!"
The food was passed around and eaten with appreciation. "If I'd had any idea how good pumpkin tempura was, I'd have had Howard get me ten of those things," Duo sighed, patting his tummy contentedly.
Heero smiled to himself and filled the extra dish with food. Then he sat back and glanced over at Wufei and Duo. "You honor me, koi," he said to Duo.
Wufei murmured his agreement, but his eyes were drawn to the plate of sweet buns. He picked one up and looked at it for a long moment before biting in. Then he finished the bun and sighed. Looking at Heero, he simply smiled and shook his head.
Glancing at the extra place Heero had set, he looked from one to the other. "Four plates?"
Duo answered. "That's another tradition, Wufei - the extra place is for any guests we may have who have crossed over... or to put it more precisely, who are crossing over tonight. You see in Celtic tradition, this is when those who have died cross the threshold to what they called the Summerland. And it's also the time when those who have crossed over in previous years can return for the night to visit."
Wufei looked down at his plate. Then he looked up at Duo and Heero. "I need to tell you something," he said slowly.
"All right," Heero said, settling down with a sweet bun.
Duo smiled. "Sure, Wufei," he said quietly.
Wufei studied his plate for another moment. "I don't know if you have noticed anything..." he began, and then he glanced at Heero with a gleam in his dark eyes. "But I have been having.... I have been..." He stopped and took a breath. "I know you won't think I'm crazy..." he began again, and faltered. "At least..."
Restlessly he got up from the table and paced a little. His hand unconsciously stroked the red silk sash and then he turned.
The air in the room seemed to move and the candles flickered. The temperature seemed to drop a few degrees. As the candle flames wavered, shadows in the room danced and then Wufei looked up, his eyes fixing on a place just beyond the table.
Duo looked where Wufei's attention was fixed and his eyes widened, but he said nothing.
Heero looked up as well. He then stood up and bowed deeply to the presence in the room.
She stood just beyond the table, her figure a little transparent but more substantial than she had been in the kitchen. Her expression was calm.
Wufei started a little when Heero bowed, and his eyes moved from Heero to Duo, who was looking at the apparition as well, with an expression of calm curiosity.
Wufei's eyes moved back to her and his expression became a little sad.
"She wants to go," he said very softly. His chin was set stubbornly and it was evident that he was still resisting.
"Yes," Heero said, quietly. "But, you will have her with you always."
Wufei looked at Heero. "I know," he said, he voice near a whisper.
Duo stood up and moved beside Wufei. "Do you know *why* she wants to go now?"
Wufei looked up, and his expression made it clear that he hadn't really considered that question. He'd just been hanging on, not wanting to give up this precious connection to his past.
The figure moved closer, and her lips moved. They all heard a whisper of sound that was nearly inaudible. Heero read her lips, and somehow Duo understood the message as well.
'Because you don't need me anymore.'
A bead of crystal formed at the corner of Wufei's dark eyes, and trailed down silently. He shook his head in fierce negation. "I'll always need you..."
The figure seemed to take on an expression as stubborn as his. In fact, she scowled. The air in the room chilled a little more and the candles flickered wildly. The hanging decorations fluttered.
"Uh... excuse me," Duo said, holding his hand out placatingly. "I can see why this has been going on now," he added with a touch of humor. Turning back to Wufei, he placed a hand on his arm.
"Give!" he said, his voice coaxing. "It's not like a door that closes and never opens again. And Wufei... you *don't* need her. Not like you did before. Understand?"
Wufei's scowl deepened, and then he took a deep breath. He looked up at Meiran, who stared back al him, then he glanced around at the flickering candles and the fluttering decorations. "You just have to have your way, don't you?" he said suddenly.
'Of course,' she replied, and then smiled.
Taking a deep breath, Wufei slowly smiled back.
"Very well," he said formally. Then he bowed deeply. Slipping a hand into the red sash, he removed something he had placed there.
It was a lock of dark hair, tied with a red ribbon.
Turning to the table that held the incense and candles, Wufei knelt, and then passed the lock of hair through the flame of a candle, and place the burning strands on the incense burner.
For a moment they all smelled the odor of burning hair, but it faded and then was replaced with a strong, sweet scent of jasmine. Bowing again, Wufei said softly, "Good bye, Change Meiran. Xie xie. Wo ai ni."
The figure smiled and the expression made her young face very beautiful. She turned to Duo and Heero and blew each of them a kiss. Then her form faded until it was gone.
The chill seemed to dissipate and the candles steadied.
Duo put his arms around Wufei and hugged him tightly.
Heero moved closer and sighed. "I'll get the wine," he said, kissing both Wufei and Duo, before heading for the kitchen.
~owari~
Please feel free to direct feedback to the authors!
sablexo1@yahoo.com,
bonnejeanne@yahoo.com.