25-Jan-2002
Title: Tin Man's Journey
ExFam Authors:
RavynFyre - ravynfyre@hotmail.com , von - sablexo1@yahoo.com ,
bonnejeanne - bonnejeanne@yahoo.com
Category: yaoi, AU
Rating: NC-17 for graphic lemon content
Pairings: 1+2+5, Ripper
Spoilers: Series, Endless Waltz, Mission: Arcadia, Chasing the Crown, and all the Christmas fics
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 welcome, be they short or long. Feel free to send direct feedback to the authors.
Special Notes: Song lyrics used in this fic belong to America, and come from the song "Tin Man". Additionally:
1. Fans of the Ripper will be happy.
2. People who have a problem with threesomes, foursomes... will not be happy.
3. To paraphrase the great Tina Turner... some people like things nice, and easy. But this isn't nice... and easy. It's nice... and rough. I'm talking about the lemons contained therein. If this doesn't fit in with your world view of how Duo (and Heero) ought to act, sorry, but don't tell us about it.
WARNINGS: LEMON, multiple partners, light bonadage, blood, voyeurism, a little angst, some sap.*
*And Heero bruised his upper arm...
Sometimes late when things are real
And people share the gift of gab between themselves
Some are quick to take the bait
And catch the perfect prize that waits among the shelvesBut Oz never did give nothing to the Tin Man
That he didn't, didn't already have
Glancing up, Rip smiled. "Who needs qualifications with a good fake I.D.? And as for what did I do... almost nothing! That's why I love you sweet boys. It doesn't take so much after all, now does it?" His smile widened. "We had a nice bet going. Since you asked, I won. I hope he won't welsh on me."
The implication of dishonor might have been the trigger, or perhaps the person in question was already in action, in any case, a door they hadn't noticed in another part of the room opened and a familiar figure stepped through. Familiar and yet not. Dressed in a silk robe of red and black, his hair down, and something slightly different about his face, Wufei flashed a brief glance at the two pilots before his eyes resumed a deep examination of the carpet.
Heero smiled as he walked over to Wufei. Stopping in front of the Chinese pilot, he lifted the young man's face up with his fingers. "Hn," he remarked. "I like it," he added.
Wufei's cheeks were slightly flushed, but the crimson color on his lips was artifice, as was the dark line around his eyes.
Duo remained where he was, eyes absorbing the total picture of the Chinese youth appreciatively, licking his lips unconsciously. As his gaze tracked back up to Wufei's face, he felt his cheeks flush a little, abstract thoughts of his other lover's thoughts and opinions somehow different now when confronted by the flesh and blood reality. Appreciation and desire warred with the dark thing Rip had stirred up within him, and Duo suddenly felt... afraid. A moment later, the fear was washed away with a flash of guilt as he found himself wondering what it was costing the Chinese youth to be there before them.
Steeling his own nerves, Duo abandoned the safety of his place by the bar, padding across the carpet. Pausing before Wufei, he reached up fingers that trembled slightly, resting them against the Chinese youth's cheek, not trying to hide his own nervousness. "Next time I'll just keep my mouth shut," he offered in a soft whisper, a tentative ghost of an apologetic smile upon his lips. "And you can kick my ass for this when we get home... but you're very beautiful, Wufei," he continued, leaning forward to very gently brush his lips over Wufei's.
Wufei looked up when Heero lifted his chin, his eyes flashing quickly from Heero to Duo. Dark, and somehow larger with the makeup, the two pilots could see a mixture of emotions in his eyes from fear to embarrassment to mild shock, with a whole raft of other things beyond that.
His lips parted unconsciously under the light touch of Duo's mouth. He took a deep breath, looking down again, then back up. He swallowed. Lifted his chin stubbornly.
"I apologize," he said formally, his voice a bit huskier than normal. "For watching you. It was not honorable."
Heero looked down again, frowning. He was angry with himself for a number of reasons, not the least of which was for being partially responsible for placing Wufei in this position. "Gomen nasai," he said, softly.
Wufei's darkened lips set in a stubborn line. "You should not say that."
"Why not?" Duo asked.
"It is not appropriate," Wufei pronounced.
"Why not?" Duo repeated, accidentally letting a little of his frustration seep into his voice.
"Oh, do as you like," Wufei snapped, letting his frustration into *his* voice.
Heero placed a hand on Duo's arm. "It's ok," he said, in a tone meaning to calm the excitable American. "He is allowed."
Duo dropped his gaze, staring down at his toes for a moment, the fear back, and much different than what he felt before with Ripper. This fear was sharper somehow, more defined, lacking the heady punch of adrenaline. The weight of consequence settled on him, and that dark thing within him stayed silent. "Then I guess we're both dishonorable," he murmured softly, head tilting a little to one side as he unconsciously glanced at the window and beyond.
Wufei reached out and gave Duo's arm a little shake. "It's not the same," he said in a low voice. With barely a pause, he added, "And don't ask me why because it's just not." He looked up, his eyes seeking Heero's with an appeal for assistance.
"He sees us as a couple, a two-some and I suspect, himself as an addendum," Heero said, attempting to explain.
Wufei whirled on Heero. "Shut UP!" he snapped a little louder this time, eyes flashing. The effect with the darkened eyes, red lips, and swirling silk was quite theatrical, if unconsciously so.
Unnoticed next to the bar, Rip was grinning happily. He adored the drama.
Duo looked up sharply, blinking at the effect the angry dragon created, fight or flight kicking in at the sharp tone, and prodding the thing coiled within him. "Was it so terrible, then?" he asked, voice low, somewhere between a growl and a purr. "Watching? Did you want it for yourself? Or were you repulsed by how sick I really am?" His lips twisted up in a rueful little grin. "Even as terrified as I am of that... that sick part of me just wants to screw you into the floor. And the fact that you saw... just makes it clamor that much more for it"
Wufei whirled again, to Duo, something snapping inside. SMACK! His palm hit Duo's cheek, causing more noise than pain, though the sting was sharp.
"It was difficult!" he yelled through bared teeth. "You think you are sick? It was difficult to watch, but I did and you can't take it away from me now, no matter what you do!" Just as suddenly, the Chinese pilot turned around, his back to both of them but not before Duo saw a suspicious sparkle in those dark-lined eyes.
Heero's eyes widened at the sudden slap. Watching the Chinese pilot, he felt whatever emotions he had dissipate. Glancing back at Duo, he said nothing.
"Why? How?" Duo asked, his voice a bare whisper. "I don't- I don't understand."
Taking several breaths, Wufei turned back slowly. "I want to know everything," he said, his voice also low now. There was a throbbing intensity to the emotion in the words that was like a vow. "I must know everything. Even things I'm not supposed to know. Even things not meant for me. Don't try to understand. You would never show me these things. How else can I know them? I have to!"
"We saw them for the first time, together," Duo confessed. "They frighten me, Wufei. Because I never saw them before. I would have... I would have told you when we got back, if you hadn't been here."
"Would you?" the words slipped out unwillingly. Wufei's mouth set stubbornly. "Told but not shown. You'd go back to trying to be what you think you should be. And that's... almost harder to watch than this was."
Duo wished the words hurt worse than they did. Partly because the first accusation struck too close to the truth, to his own formless fears, and he wondered if maybe his courage wouldn't have failed him at the last. Partly because it seemed the only fitting punishment for ruining it all. Just like he'd been afraid of, he'd managed to kill something precious to him again. "If he hadn't been here, I wouldn't have shown Heero without telling him first, either."
"I know!" Wufei said. "That's why... I had to..." his words stopped and he looked at Duo, his eyes almost pleading for him to understand.
Heero, who had taken a step back, crossed his arms over his chest. Turning his head, he glanced over at Ripper, then back to Duo and Wufei. Looking up at his violet-eyed lover, he said, "What do you mean...we?"
"I was going to go back with you," Duo said quietly, looking down. "I've been running long enough."
"I never assumed you would be going back with me," Heero said.
"After that? Of course he was going to," Wufei exclaimed, voice cracking. "Yuy you can be so stupid!"
"Well, I guess I'm in great company, then," Heero replied, as his eyes flashed with sudden fury. "I should have just asked you to talk to Duo in the first place. You, he listens to."
"Stop it," Duo whispered, body gone rigid with tension as his head snapped up and gaze bouncing between the two. "Just fucking STOP IT! I ruined it, just like I knew I would! Do you have to fight with each other, too?!"
Heero turned to Duo, hearing his words. "If it's necessary, then yes," Heero said. "And will *you* stop being a martyr!"
In almost the same breath, Wufei said, "We're not fighting!" And then when he heard Heero's speech, he added, "Yuy!"
Heero glared at Wufei, then turned to Duo again. "You didn't ruin anything!"
"That's right," Wufei's words almost stepped on the heels of Heero's, after he threw the Japanese boy a glare of, 'well, we weren't!' "What do you think is ruined? Are you mad that I was here? If not, then what is ruined? You are alive, Duo Maxwell. And I... we... love you..."
Duo went very still, like the sudden calm that descends after the whirlwind has passed. "I thought you were angry..."
Wufei scowled. "Well I... I was but...not..." His eyes blinked once in confusion. "You were saying things that... I look ridiculous in this costume and it isn't very easy to come in here like this..." His eyes dropped. "I apologize for losing my temper."
Heero scowled a little at Wufei and shook his head. "You're wrong. You look great," he said, then walked over to the bar.
Ripper held out an already prepared drink and placed it in Heero's hand.
Heero blinked at the proffered drink, then took it. "Thank you," he said. "Is it something that'll make me incredibly sorry I had it tomorrow?"
"Good chance of it," Rip nodded.
"Thanks," Heero said, then took a large swallow of the liquid.
Duo watched Heero walk away, then turned back to Wufei, reaching out a tentative hand to brush against the other's cheek again, trying to silently convey his acceptance of the apology, even though he didn't feel that it had been necessary. "He's right," Duo agreed, forcing himself to maintain eye contact, even though what he was about to say made him desperately wish he could hide from that penetrating ebony stare. "It wasn't easy looking up and seeing you there. Knowing that you saw, and not sure if it would matter... or if it wouldn't. Being afraid of either one... because it's an easy place to get into...but not nearly so easy to get out of. But being glad that you both saw... because now you know. And I'm not alone..."
Wufei listened closely to Duo's words, watching his face. "Of course it matters," he said quietly. "Because it is part of who you are. That is what I wanted to know. I will always want to know. Even when it's not my place to ask. Because I can't help it," Wufei finished, and moved forward, his mouth coming down on Duo's with a small explosion of suppressed passion.
Duo fell into the kiss with a burst of his own tightly coiled energy, hands coming up to cup Wufei's face as if he were afraid the boy would try and escape him. Finally releasing Wufei's mouth, but not the slightly gentler touch of hands on cheeks, Duo took a deep breath. "It is your place to ask. You're a part of this... us. We... I love you too, Wufei."
Heero felt the liquid warm his stomach. It had the effect of calming him as well. When he turned back, he saw Duo and Wufei kissing. The reaction in his body was immediate and strong. Taking a deep breath, he sat down on the sofa and downed the rest of the drink.
Wufei licked his lips, seeing the rouge on Duo's mouth. He was unaware of the effect his own slightly smudged mouth made. "Hai," he said, borrowing Heero's native response. Brushing a strand of hair back, he said, "Well... fine."
Throwing a glare at the redhead who lingered by the bar, he growled, "You have one of those for me?"
With a gracious if mischievous smile, Ripper strolled over to place a glass in Wufei's hand. He held a second one, with an inquiring look to Duo.
"You're such a melodramatic bastard, Rip," Duo said without malice, taking the glass with a shake of his head. Without giving the redhead a chance to respond, he walked over to the couch, kneeling before Heero and meeting his eyes. "No being insensible till you hear me out. I'm sorry. For so long... For so long it seemed like I killed everything I ever loved just by being there. It's made me look for it even when it's not there. I'll try to stop being a martyr," he said, all in a rush, before upending the glass and draining it.
Heero looked down at Duo and shrugged slightly. "I don't have the right to order you to do anything, Duo. I just got frustrated not being able to help you with this," he said. Then he laughed. "Now, I'm being a martyr. Just forget it. Be happy."
"Okay," Duo said simply, rising up a little to attack Heero with a kiss that mirrored the one he'd just shared with Wufei.
Heero slid his hand around the back of Duo's neck, holding him tightly. He returned the kiss measure for measure, not allowing Duo to move away. Taking the initiative, he broke the kiss, placing his lips against Duo's ear. "I will tell you what this has meant to me, later," he said.
Wufei downed the drink presented by Rip, freezing when the redhead reached up and wiped a little of the smeared lipstick from his cheek. Rip ignored the reaction, touching up the exotic image Wufei portrayed.
Duo nodded his agreement to Heero's promise, eyes fluttering a little closed as Heero's breath washed over his skin. Turning his head just the tiniest bit in his lover's grasp, he murmured almost inaudibly, "Would it be utterly tactless and crass for me to wonder if this bet of Ripper and Wufei's requires that he *stays* dressed like that?"
Heero's fingers tightened on Duo's neck, fractionally. "Perhaps you had better wonder what *I'm* planning on doing to you when you get home, instead. Omae o koruso, Duo Maxwell," he growled.
An anticipatory shiver raced up Duo's spine, making his heart thunder suddenly in his ears as a wicked smile overtook his lips before he fastened them upon Heero's once again.
Long fingers curled around Duo's thick braid, as Heero pulled the violet-eyed pilot's head back slowly. "You left Wufei standing over there by himself. You were kissing as I recall," he said, slowly. "I liked that. Do it some more."
Halfway through tossing down a refill provided by Rip, Wufei heard the last comment by Heero and choked slightly. Rip helpfully thumped his back between his shoulder blades.
Lips curving into a feral smile, Duo nodded before rising to his feet and stalking back over to Wufei. "Sounds like you don't get to get away with just watching anymore," Duo observed, reaching out to pluck the glass from Wufei's hand. Bringing it to his lips, he drained it dry, enjoying the warmth flooding through him. Reaching out with his free hand, he caught Wufei's chin and pulled him close. "If you don't want this, you'd better stop me now," he murmured.
"Hey!" Heero called out. "What's the problem? I didn't say ask or threaten. Kiss him," he said, leaning back against the sofa in true spectator form.
Wufei's cheeks were already flushed from the one and a half servings of Rip's concoction, on top of the high emotions of the previous exchange. He looked at Duo, his darkened, wide eyes looking charmingly vulnerable. Then something kindled in the ebony depths. "A Chang doesn't run," he said, his voice husky.
Rip plucked the empty glass from Duo's hand so smoothly he barely noticed.
Bringing his now empty hand up behind Wufei's neck, Duo leaned in, molding his body to Wufei's as his lips descended upon the Chinese youth's with predatory intent. The hand upon Wufei's chin slipped down, stroking through the red and black silk, coming to a rest upon Wufei's hip, holding him firmly flush against Duo. Shifting slightly, Duo turned them just enough to give Heero a better view, and then he tuned out everything but Wufei, letting himself drown in the other boy.
Wufei's eyes closed as he accepted Duo's kiss, sucking his tongue and stroking his own along its surface. His solid body curved to fit against Duo, his own hand pressing against the small of Duo's back, where he could feel the heavy braid of chestnut hair swing and brush his skin. He felt hot and the tiniest bit dizzy and leaned a little more against the other boy, feeling the contours of Duo's form against him through the smooth, thin silk. The sensation brought a muffled moan from his throat.
Rip sauntered around the area to the couch, sliding to a seat beside the Japanese boy.
"This is much better," Heero said, glancing over at Ripper. "Thank you for the opportunity."
Rip shrugged modestly. "Don't mention it."
Duo finally released Wufei's mouth, tilting his head to nip gently against his jaw, working his way slowly up to the lobe of Wufei's ear. Meanwhile, the hand upon the Chinese youth's hip slid up, curving around Wufei's body until Duo managed to find the opening of the robe and worm his hand under, pushing the thin silk off of Wufei's shoulders.
For a moment, Wufei tensed, his arms tightening around Duo as if trying to keep the robe from slipping any further down. His bared shoulders were smooth and seemed... a little shimmery. A second look confirmed that his skin was dusted with a fine coating of gold powder.
Heero smiled appreciatively. His left hand wandered up to his thigh, gently stroking it as he watched.
Duo cocked his head a little to one side, a look of rapt wonderment playing across his features as he gently stroked his fingertips against Wufei's shoulder, liking the way the dusting of gold complimented the Chinese pilot's naturally golden toned skin. Meeting Wufei's eyes, he continued pushing the robe down and away, as if unwrapping a precious gift, curious to see what else lay hidden under the thin silk.
At first Wufei resisted ever so slightly, but finally he gave up and let Duo pull the silk away. Underneath his body was dusted here and there with the gold powder. There was another, brighter glitter a little below his waist - a diamond-cut slender gold chain was looped around his waist, riding low, with a few dangling fobs spaced along it. As the robe dropped away, Duo saw that someone had painted an intricate design of a rearing dragon in iridescent pigments stretched along his left thigh and up across and around his hip. Wufei's feet were in sandals but as the robe dropped, they could see another thin gold chain was looped around his right ankle.
Rip sat back with an air of smug satisfaction as his artwork was displayed.
Heero looked over at Ripper and nodded. He had suspected that Rip had something to do with the enhanced visage of Wufei. "Excellent," he said.
Rip smiled and leaned close, whispering in Heero's ear. "Like to see what I could do with you?"
Heero's eyebrows rose as he turned to Rip in surprise. "Hai," he said, eagerly.
Rip smiled at the answer and nodded, stroking his long fingers along Heero's neck and shoulders soothingly.
Duo leaned in again, brushing his lips gently against Wufei's before letting his gaze wander over the other boy's body again, unable to help himself from appreciating the living canvas of the Chinese pilot. "That was a hell of a bet," he whispered, fingers almost reverently brushing down Wufei's chest. "And I thought you were beautiful before..." His voice trailed off, tongue darting out to moisten his lips as an expression of appreciation and lustful fire spread over his features.
The hot flush that was warming Wufei's cheeks spread across his body. Already stirring, his manhood began to rise in small jerks. Wufei lifted his head, taking refuge in forcing a proud posture.
Duo grinned, nodding to himself as he molded himself to Wufei again, tilting his head to continue where he'd left off before. Taking the lobe of Wufei's ear carefully between his teeth, he worried it, tongue stroking along the flesh. Fingertips of one hand danced down the gold hued skin of Wufei's chest, working lower until he barely brushed the firming flesh of Wufei's cock. His other hand took Wufei's, pressing the Chinese youth's fingers to Duo's hip and maneuvering it slowly across his abdomen, then lower until Wufei could clearly feel the freshly awakened arousal of Duo's manhood.
Wufei's fingers curled around the heated flesh, squeezing it gently even as he pushed his hips forward, his cock seeming to seek a place against Duo's palm. Duo could feel Wufei swallow hard, turning to let his own lips seek the skin of Duo's neck and shoulder.
A small growl of pleasure escaped Duo's lips, vibrating against the flesh of Wufei's jaw and throat. He wrapped his fingers around Wufei, returning the gesture, following it with a few slow pumps of his fist. His other hand slid along Wufei's arm, curling around the boy's body to cup the curve of Wufei's rear and give it a reassuring squeeze.
Closing his eyes, Wufei rocked in Duo's grip, his own touch on Duo's cock matching the rhythm. Considering the tension he'd been under, the current situation, and unknown factors like the intoxicant in his bloodstream, it didn't take very long before the Chinese boy gasped and began to shudder.
Watching as things progressed, Heero focused his attention on Duo and Wufei. Licking his lips, he reached down and began stroking himself, slowly.
Hand moving quickly to gather Wufei's essence, Duo glanced over his shoulder towards the couch. A slow, wicked smile curved his mouth as he watched Heero pleasuring himself. With deliberate intent, he raised his fingers to his lips, violet eyes locked onto Heero and Ripper as he licked them clean, still rocking his body against Wufei's.
Rip chuckled at the look Duo cast over. With a twinkle in his eye of wickedness, Ripper folded his long legs onto the floor and bent over Heero's lap, his fingers capturing the Japanese boy's flesh and his tongue reaching for the heated stiffness.
Heero gasped as a small smile formed on his lips. His breath deepened as he felt the tall redhead's fingers curl around him, the heat from his breath causing his cock to strain more. Looking back up, he took in the scene before him and felt his body flush with heat once again.
Wufei swayed against Duo, his touch even more demanding. As if finding it difficult to keep his feet, the Chinese pilot slipped to his knees, his half-lidded eyes fastening on the movement of his hand on Duo's cock. He licked his lips, leaning closer.
A small sound, caught somewhere between helpless whimper and demanding growl, slipped from Duo's lips. He buried his fingers in the black silk of Wufei's hair, tearing his gaze away from the couch for a moment to glance down, violet eyes flashing. "Wufei... please..." he murmured, his other hand moving to loosely cover Wufei's grip on his cock.
Duo's answer was immediate, as his erection was enclosed in a hot, wet, and very active mouth. Wufei focused all his energy on devouring Duo's cock as if he were starving.
A long, low moan rose from the pit of Duo's stomach, filling the room with the sound. His eyes slipped closed and head dropped down as if he were unable to hold it up anymore. The moist sounds from below him, an echo of them coming from the couch, seemed to set Duo's blood on fire, and for a moment, he had to consciously think about not letting his knees fold up under him. And then his climax struck, and all he could think of was the tight, wet pressure of Wufei's mouth, and the seemingly unending wave of pleasure that rolled him under like an ocean wave.
Heero found himself the recipient of a very talented and experienced mouth as Rip licked, stroked and sucked his cock with the occasional flash of an edge of sharp teeth just long enough to drive his adrenaline skywards.
Gripping the material of the sofa, Heero felt his body shudder and release. Wave after wave of pleasure moved over his senses as he found himself melting under Ripper's manipulations. Moments later, he slid his fingers into Rip's thick red hair, leaning down for a deep kiss.
Wufei swallowed Duo's essence, licking every trace of it from his flesh. Looking up, he held the diminishing erection against his cheek and smiled at the expression of completion on Duo's flushed face.
Duo took a deep, shuddering breath, fingers almost absently carding through the soft fall of Wufei's hair as he struggled to learn to breathe again. Slowly blinking his eyes open, he took in the smile upon Wufei's face, a mirror of it spreading across his own features as his free hand gently stroked over the Chinese boy's cheek. Sliding his fingertips under Wufei's chin, he urged the pilot to his feet, swooping in to seize his lips for a deep kiss, tasting himself for a long moment. Breaking apart with a soft murmur of thanks, he turned them both towards the sofa, draping his arms a little possessively around Wufei's waist as they watched the pair sitting across the room.
Leaning back, Rip wiped a little liquid from the corner of his mouth with a fingertip, and then licked it clean. Resting one arm across Heero's thigh, he looked over his shoulder at Duo and winked.
Duo chuckled softly, nodding in return as his fingers continued trailing slowly in abstract patterns against Wufei's stomach.
Heero took a few deep breaths, resting against the sofa. "Hey Rip," he said, "Think I can ever get that good, or is it just a matter of experience and time?"
Rip laughed. He favored Heero with a wicked smile. "Oh, I think you could get quite good. If you ever get bored, let me know - we could make a lot of money together."
Duo blinked, something dark sliding behind his eyes for a moment before he stuffed it down. "Something tells me I missed a lot with that 'visit' of yours," he observed.
Rip got to his feet. "Rrrooooaawwrrr," he said, wandering over to Duo.
Duo's chin came up as Rip approached. "Doing what?" he asked, gaze flickering to Heero for a second before returning to the redhead.
Rip continued to approach until he was very close. "Nothing he didn't want to do," he said. "The payoff would more than double if you want to join in."
Heero stood and moved to stand next to Ripper. "What's the problem here?" he asked, looking down at Duo.
Duo quirked up a brow, a small, wry grin on his lips. "Other than Rip being obscure and infuriating? As Usual? Not much."
Heero shrugged. "It's his way," he said, leaning over to kiss Wufei. "You look wonderful," he whispered against the Chinese pilot's ear.
Wufei sighed and wrapped his arms around Heero's body for a long hug. "I feel silly like this," he confided. But he was obviously a *lot* more relaxed than before.
"I know," Heero said, hugging back.
Duo smiled slightly before shifting over to catch Ripper's mouth for a kiss. "Have fun?" he asked as he pulled away.
Rip nodded happily. "Quite a lot! How about you?" he grinned.
Duo laughed, reaching out to brush his hands over Heero and Wufei's bare thighs. "Well, it certainly hasn't been boring so far," he said with a little snicker. "We *had* to have missed a lot in Arcadia, because I have no idea how they could manage to keep up with you there, otherwise," Duo continued, shaking his head.
Rip laughed. "You *did* miss a lot," he said. "Like the cable broadcasts of Mayor Shane being chased around the city by yours truly. It was about seven years old when you visited, but a perennial favorite."
"My bad," Heero said, quietly.
"Your bad?" Duo replied. "How's that?"
"Had it not been for the large stick up my butt at the time, we might have seen much more." Heero replied.
"Large stick?" Duo asked, a wicked light in his amethyst eyes as he turned and wandered over to the bar for a bottle of water, an intentional sway in his gait. "I thought that was *me* there..."
"Hn," Heero remarked.
Wufei listened to the exchange and smiled slightly. Stretching, he threw himself onto a large lounge chair nearby.
"Can I get you a drink, or something?" Heero asked, Wufei.
"I think I've had enough for a little while," Wufei answered quickly.
Rip grinned and perched on the arm of the couch. "Now that we're all friends..." he said, "Would you be interested in staying for the weekend?"
"Will there be some form of sleep involved in this equation somewhere?" Duo asked wryly.
"I imagine you'll pass out eventually," Rip grinned.
Heero looked up at Ripper. "Sure," he said, "Sounds like fun. As long as we can get back before the kids miss us, I'm in."
"I can get you back before you've left, if it weren't too disturbing," Rip said with a chuckle.
"Which just makes me wonder how long I've been gone," Duo replied, eyeing Heero and Wufei for a moment before grinning. "Ditto. 'Fei?"
Wufei glared at Duo mildly. "Think you're getting rid of me now? I don't think so."
Heero opened his mouth to answer the question, then stopped. "Did you find it?" he asked Duo.
"Find it?" Duo echoed, cocking his head as he drained half the bottle of water he'd retrieved.
"What you were looking for when you left," Heero said.
"You were both right there all along," Duo replied. "More like the idiot woke up."
Heero looked over at Wufei. "He had to learn it for himself," he said.
Wufei rolled his eyes. "Does that make me the lion or the scarecrow?"
"I have no idea, but I'm sure I'm Toto," Heero said, evenly.
"Well, since you've got the mane, and Ripper's got the axe..." Duo said, grinning at the redhead.
"That makes *you* Dorothy," Heero said.
"Wouldn't be the first time I've cross-dressed," Duo replied, batting his eyelashes coquettishly as he affected a geisha bow and a falsetto giggle.
Prussian blue eyes locked on to Duo as he spoke. He remembered looking up the stairway at Halloween and seeing the *geisha* being escorted down. "Hn," he said, "Yeah."
"So... a weekend in Oz before heading back to Kansas?" Rip suggested.
"Auntie Em, Auntie Em..." Duo replied with a laugh.
Heero walked over to Duo at the bar. He slid his arms around the violet-eyed pilot and kissed him deeply. "Okay," he said, "You had your chance to wander. Leave me and Fei again like that and we're both gonna bust your butt."
Wufei nodded. "I told Yuy he should have dragged you home and handcuffed you to the bed," he mentioned.
"A suggestion that I'm still tossing around as a possibility when you get back. We'll just tell the kids you don't feel good. Caught a cold on the road, right Wufei?" Heero said.
Wufei smiled and nodded solemnly.
Violet gaze bounced from one to the other as they spoke, a flash of something anticipatory in the depths of it. Raising his hand to his forehead as if checking his temperature, Duo pantomimed a couple of coughs, eyeing his lovers challengingly.
"I knew you had potential," Ripper said proudly.
"Can I get paid for this?" Heero asked, curiously.
Rip grinned. "It depends - are you willing to sell it?"
Heero smiled, glancing at Duo and Wufei. "I'm thinking about it," he said.
"What's with all this sudden interest in money? We're not that poor, are we?" Duo asked.
Rip chuckled, giving Heero a kiss on the neck. "It seems we found a latent turn-on for the Perfect Soldier."
"You seem to have a talent for finding those," Duo replied.
Rip bowed modestly.
"He's talented like that," Heero said. "So, how do we get this party weekend thing started?"
TBC
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