26-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
Duo snorted with disbelief, glancing meaningfully around the room, the various bits of clothing and odd stains littering it. Shaking his head once, he turned back to Ripper, a wicked smile on his face as he jerked a thumb in Wufei's direction. "Next challenge. What's his?"
Wufei blinked and looked away, attempting to suppress a slight shudder.
Ripper smiled. "I'm sure he has quite a few," he said. "He does like to watch, that's pretty clear."
Heero whirled Duo around, clasping his arms behind him. "Then let's give him something to watch," he said. Moving Duo to the side of the couch, he leaned the long-haired pilot over the side of one arm. Smoothing Duo's flank with one of his hands, Heero presented the young pilot as a butcher presenting a fine cut of meat.
Duo shifted, pressing back against Heero's touch, feeling his pulse speed up and his blood begin to heat once again. Despite the ache from his own rough use earlier in the evening, he felt a shiver of anticipation race up his spine. Turning his head, he rested his cheek upon the couch and stared at Wufei, watching the other pilot.
Wufei pulled his legs up and tucked them around and under him. Licking his lips, he watched Heero display his "catch", his eyes roaming over both of them. "Yes," he said, his tone a bit breathy. "I like... to."
Ripper gazed fondly at the three. "I'm going to have to have some food sent in," he said thoughtfully. "And more drink... and lubricants... and toys..."
Heero nodded, sliding his hand over the curve of Duo's hip. "Toys," he said, in a deep, low tone.
Duo's eyes slipped closed, muscles trembling slightly at the tone of his lover's voice. Briefly, he wondered what he'd gotten himself in for, and if he'd manage to survive it. Lips curving up in a small smile, he decided he didn't care. It would be fun, no matter the outcome.
"Some cuffs would be nice," Heero said. Leaning down, he kissed the area he had just been stroking.
Rip made a detour to a cabinet and something metal, but covered with fur, dropped into Heero's hand. As an afterthought, the tall redhead touched a panel on the wall - the light came down a bit, supplemented by moving colored beams in a random pattern.
Duo felt and heard the sound of handcuffs snapped around his wrists. "That's better," Heero said, using both of his hands to smooth down Duo's hips and thighs.
Duo's eyes snapped open, head coming up in mild surprise before he could cover the reaction and relax back against the couch. "Thought you were gonna save that for when we got home," he managed, voice a little rough.
Wufei's eyes seemed to get larger. "Dress rehearsal?" he offered, his voice hoarse.
"Hn," Duo murmured, hands twisting a little in their restraints, testing them to distract himself from the warm pleasure that followed in the wake of Heero's hands.
Reaching up, Heero sank his fingers into Duo's thick hair. One by one, he unearthed the braided pilot's famous lock picks, tossing each one outside of his reach. "Can't have you slipping away, now," he said. Then he moved his hands down to Duo's thighs parting them slightly.
As he felt Heero's fingers burrow into his braid, Duo started to struggle, instinctively fighting the loss of the illusion of his security and freedom. Feeling Heero's hands upon him, concentrating on that low voice, Duo quieted, letting his eyes drift shut as he swallowed hard. "You said you'd bust my ass if I did, anyway," he observed quietly.
"That's right," Heero replied. He looked over at Wufei and winked. Then placing his middle finger into his mouth, he pulled it out slowly. Parting Duo a fraction more in back, Heero leaned forward and licked the small valley between the former Gundam pilot's hips.
Wufei shifted slightly, one hand straying to his mouth as he nibbled on a finger. The lowered lights helped the feeling of intimacy. Before he realized what was happening, Rip had moved behind the low-backed lounge chair, lifted Wufei with uncanny strength as if he were a doll, settled into the chair and placed Wufei in his lap.
The Chinese pilot started, but the arms around him were warm and supporting and a pair of hands stroked his shoulders and arms soothingly and in spite of himself, he relaxed back into the embrace.
The moist heat of Heero's tongue caught Duo off guard, a low moan escaping slightly parted lips. Hands tightened into fists, straining against the cuffs as he shifted against the couch, seeking friction for the aching hardness of his manhood. Eyes still tightly shut, Heero's name slipped from him in a quiet whisper.
Closing his eyes, Heero continued to taste Duo's flesh. Wetting his finger again, he moved back, inserting it slowly into the tiny opening. Feeling Duo's body clutch against his finger, Heero began moving it steadily in and out.
White teeth startling against darker flesh as Duo bit his lower lip, the touch of hand and bite of restraints firing his blood in a way that even started overwhelming the sharp ache of his body. Pleasure started replacing the pain in spite of his earlier abuse, or maybe even perhaps a little because of it. He was a little startled by the noises filling the room, soft moans of desire, little whimpers of need, and grew only more surprised as he realized the sounds were coming from *him*.
Wufei had gone from nibbling a finger to sucking on one. Rip moved his hands slowly over his skin, bending to lick and nibble a line along Wufei's neck. Wufei found it was difficult to think about what was happening, as he watched the two beautiful young men whom he loved, playing the exciting game before him.
Moving closer to Duo, Heero removed his finger. Reaching down, he felt his own cock hard and ready. Retrieving the bottle of lubricant that Rip had supplied when he left the cuffs, he poured a generous amount in his hands and coated his hardness. Lifting the bottle over Duo's rear, Heero poured the contents down the cleft of the braided pilot's rear, watching it flow down the small valley.
As the slickness dribbled down his body, Duo's helpless hands flexed and clenched, the tactile young man seeking contact however he could. His eyes fluttered open, widening a fraction as he saw Wufei ensconced upon Ripper's lap. He could feel his breath hitch in his lungs at the picture they made, at the sight he and Heero must be with that expression upon Wufei's face. Afraid of the power that look had over him, just like the power Heero possessed then, Duo clenched his eyes shut again, burying his face against the couch to muffle his roughened moans.
Wufei whimpered softly as Duo turned his face to the couch. The whimper turned into a gasp as one of the softly stroking hands on his skin moved around his waist and into his lap, capturing his rapidly swelling erection.
Licking his lips, Heero discarded the bottle and took his manhood into his hand again. Moving forward, he placed the head of his cock against the now slick opening. The picture of Wufei and Ripper was imprinted in his mind as he tilted his hips forward, feeling himself fill Duo. Placing his hands on Duo's hips, he felt the braided pilot's body slowly mold around his now aching flesh.
Arching back into the invasion, Duo raised up as far as Heero would allow, the long line of his throat spasming as he swallowed back a long moan. A thin trickle of crimson squeezed out from between the fingers of one hand as he clenched his fist tight enough for his nails to bite into his palm, parting the flesh. He could feel the dark thing coiled within him howling gleefully at the bruises he was probably giving himself by struggling against the cuffs, despite their fur covering. Howling gleefully, and then whispering ideas about when the tables could be turned. His lips twisted into an almost vicious grin, and he quit fighting the deep groans he'd been struggling to hold in.
Wufei moaned almost inaudibly as he watched Duo's face, then looked to Heero's, watched their bodies come tightly together... and felt the incredible stroking of clever fingers, milking his cock inescapably, sending waves of pleasure singing across his nerves. His hands moved restlessly, finally fastening on Rip's thighs spread to either side of his own. He felt the redhead's stiffness pressing against him from behind and lifted his hips slightly, secretly hoping it would be taken as an invitation.
Closing his eyes again, Heero tightened his fingers around Duo's hips a little more. Planting his feet squarely on the floor, he thrust inside Duo with an increasing and solid rhythm. Hearing Duo's moans drove him further over the brink, causing him to slam harder into Duo's body. After a few minutes, Heero felt himself near his peak and he grabbed Duo's waist thrusting hard up inside of him. He released in an unchecked cry, filling his lover over and over again.
It was maddening to be touched and yet unable to touch in return, to feel his hands, arms, shoulders, entire body strain against its confinement. Maddening, and yet exhilarating, especially with Heero filling him so completely, striking that spot within him that made sparks of rainbow colored light explode behind his eyelids with every thrust. The pleasure, as it built within him, felt like a vise around his heart, slowly choking off his breath, making his limbs tremble and tingle with desire and exhaustion. He thought he could hear Wufei not far off, but with his own pulse hammering in his ears, he couldn't be sure. Suddenly, Heero was crying out behind him, his essence flooding through Duo, exploding within him like liquid fire. It snatched Duo up, flinging him into a vortex of something too intense to be called mere joy, too wild to even be called passion. Tears squeezed out from his closed eyes, a harsh shout that mirrored Heero's bursting from him as he shuddered in his lover's grasp.
Wufei's eyes went wide as he watched and experienced the intensity of two thunderous climaxes shared by his lovers. His own need soared, rocking against the deft touch of Ripper's clever fingers, rubbing back into the taunting stiffness behind him. With a soft, slightly strangled sound, he lifted himself again, higher this time, his hands clenching demanding on Ripper's thighs. He heard a soft chuckle in his ear and then gasped in pleasure/pain as his body was invaded with relentless precision from behind. The heat inside exploded. Arching his neck, Wufei's eyes closed tightly as he felt Ripper's hands fasten around his hips, leaving his cock unattended. But the sensations battering him from inside were taking over, as the redhead's strong hands moved his body up and down in an increasing rhythm. Leaning forward, still blind, Wufei moaned as the thrusting inside pushed him to the edge and over. He cried out hoarsely, surrendering himself completely. He felt the flood of heat lapping within his constricted opening, falling forward only to be caught by stronger than human arms. A wet tongue licked his neck, cradling him as his body relaxed, completely spent.
Heero leaned over Duo's back, sliding his arms around him completely. "I missed you," he said, quietly. He then kissed Duo's bare shoulder.
Panting to catch his breath again, Duo turned his head, deep amethyst pools roaming over Heero's features. "I missed you, too," Duo murmured in reply. "I'll have to think of ways to make you miss me again," he continued with a small smile, voice dropping even softer as he went on, "I like this."
"You don't have to think of ways to make me miss you...baka," Heero said. Leaning back, he reached down to free Duo of the cuffs. Once they were unlocked, he saw the bruising and the blood and shook his head. "Come over here and sit down," he said. Glancing at Wufei and Rip, Heero smiled.
A wicked smile crossed Duo's lips as he flipped over, lying half on the couch now, rather than bent over it. Before Heero could move over to wherever "here" was, he tangled his legs in the Japanese youth's, upsetting his balance enough that Duo could reach out and yank Heero's hand, toppling him to sprawl atop him. "I'd rather stay here," he purred, kissing Heero happily. Glancing over at the other occupied chair, Duo's grin widened, absorbing the sight of the other two beautiful men sprawled there. "See? They look pretty comfy, too..."
Heero looked up at Duo. One eyebrow was arched ominously. "This is not ... comfy," Heero said. Strong hands pushed upwards and Duo found himself on the floor next to the sofa.
Wufei's eyelids barely flickered as he was lifted and lowered, freeing him from the man behind him. Rip looked down at Duo on the floor, grinning at his expression as he placed Wufei on the couch next to Heero.
Duo scowled half-heartedly at the redhead's grin, sticking his tongue out briefly before swaying to his feet. "Don't you ever get tired?" he asked.
Rip reached down, scooping Duo up easily and placing him on the couch as well, this time in a somewhat "comfier" position for all concerned. It was a pretty big couch.
Giving Duo a quick kiss, he said, "When I nap, I *nap*." Then he walked over to a cabinet and produced a blanket, shaking it out to cover the three now entwined pilots. He touched a control and the colored lights shut off.
"I'll have something to eat waiting for you when you wake up," he said, dropping a kiss onto each head - one, two, three.
"Housemother Ripper," Duo said, his soft snicker interrupted by a wide yawn.
"Be nice," Heero said, leaning his head on Wufei's shoulder. "He's a time traveler."
Rip grinned and patted Duo on the head like a puppy. Then the lights lowered a little more before the pilots felt everything begin to fade. In fact, Wufei was quite asleep even before.
The limo pulled up in front of the house with the big tree next to it. The house and yard looked very nice, and tame and domestic...
Inside the house, a whistle was heard from the attic. Hearing the pattern of the multiple notes, Carter jumped up and smiled happily. "There's a big black car outside - I think they're back," he said excitedly to Tryan, accidentally scattering a few pieces of the jigsaw puzzle they were working on.
Tryan scooped up Nanashi who mewed once in protest. "C'mon, let's go meet 'em!" he said, excitedly.
Duan looked up at Kenny. "What do you think?" he said, quietly.
Kenny was watching through the small attic window/peep hole he'd installed himself for surveillance. "I think... the limo looks like a Rip thing." He glanced at Duan and grinned. "I'm betting they're all in there." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a coin and placed it on the floor.
Duan frowned a little, then looked down at the coin. Reaching into his pocket, he removed a coin of his own. Looking up at Kenny, he placed it on the floor. "Ok, you're on," he said, hoping he'd lose. Based on a few things he knew about himself, he knew it could go either way and usually it wasn't the way he hoped.
Standing, Duan sighed deeply. "If you're right, I'll double ya," he said.
Kenny tilted his head, watching his best friend. After a moment, he said, "If I'm not right, you and me do a little search and capture mission, ok?"
Duan nodded. "Yeah," he said, heading out of the door.
Kenny took one more glance out the peephole. "Don't make me look bad, Heero," he said softly, before following Duan.
There's no place like home, Duo thought, staring through the tinted windows to the large house that he'd, despite his own half-baked fears, let become something impossibly more than just a home. "Are you sure I have to be Dorothy?" he asked Heero and Wufei, "I thought it was the Scarecrow who needed a brain..."
"Not this time," Heero said, squeezing Duo's knee. "So, what did you learn, Dorothy? Your name starts with a D and everything."
"You mean other than the fact that you're an amazing actor, you're as horny as a goat in heat, and that man never sleeps?" Duo asked, ticking each one off on his fingers before pointing towards the front of the car and a certain redhead who was probably grinning like a maniac.
Wufei sighed and opened the door on his side of the car. "I'm sure he learned a lot, Heero," he muttered. "I certainly did." The Chinese pilot's cheeks colored slightly leaving them wondering how they could still do that after the debacle that had just taken place in the many hours before. Wufei pause and favored the two with a slight grin over his shoulder. "And I intend to put it all to good use, by the way," he added. Stepping out, he gave the driver a glance and was blown a kiss in return.
Heero stretched, feeling tiny aches and fingerprints all over his body. "I look forward to it," he called out to Wufei. Moving to the glass partition in the car, he tapped on it politely.
The window slid back and a wide, white-toothed grin flashed at them. "Just a little head's up," Rip said. "You haven't been gone as long as you've been gone, if you get my drift. Wouldn't want the kiddoes to feel abandoned, would we?"
Heero shook his head, slowly. Leaning forward, he kissed Rip deeply. "Thank you... for everything," he said, giving him a small smile.
"I consider it an even trade, my dear boy," Rip said, licking his lips.
Heero nodded, then climbed out of the car. Looking up at the house, especially the roof, he sighed deeply. "You coming?" he said to Duo without turning around.
"Yeah, just a sec," Duo replied. Leaning forward, Duo rested his crossed arms on the partition, grinning at Rip. "I still think you're a melodramatic bastard," he said cheerfully, his eyes darkening with gratitude. "Thanks for all the great ideas."
"Of course I am," Rip said, smiling cheerfully. "And you are most welcome. Don't forget to come back and visit again some time... whenever you feel *up* to it." The redhead snickered softly. Winking, he added, "Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain..."
Duo laughed, shaking his head before leaning forward to give Ripper a farewell kiss, sighing a little sadly when he finally broke away. "Make me wish I had some sort of comic book mutant healing factor or something to keep up with you," he muttered before shouldering his bag and sliding out the door after Heero. "Later Rip."
From inside the house, Kenny glanced out between the living room curtains and his eyes sparked as Duo climbed out behind Wufei and Heero. "Bingo," he said softly, giving his older version a hidden thumbs up.
"What are you guys..." Sallah said, walking into the room. She spotted the limo as it left the curb and the three figures coming up the walk. "Oh..." she said, nodding. With a small smile she adjourned to the kitchen to put on extra plates for lunch.
Wufan glanced over Kenny's shoulder out the window and smiled. He had been in the kitchen with Sallah and wondered what was going on. Seeing Wufei made him feel relieved, then Heero and finally Duo made him feel relaxed.
Looking around he saw Duan standing in the living room doorway. He could tell Duan was torn between two possible reactions. "Hey," he said, walking over to the little braided boy. "It's all of them."
Wide violet eyes looked up at Wufan and Duan nodded.
"Let's go get 'em," Wufan offered. "We can be cool about it later."
Carter bounced down the stairs happily. "Yeah!" he said to Wufan's last words.
Tryan didn't bother with formalities. He ran to the door and threw it open. "Hi guys!" he called out aiming his body at Heero.
"We make it back in time for food?" Heero asked, hugging the little powerhouse to him.
"Yep!" Tryan replied.
Carter bounced out the door in Tryan's wake and leapt at Duo's chest. "Hi!!"
Duo caught the little blond mid-leap, spinning them both around in a circle with a laugh as he hugged Carter tightly. "Yes, you are!" Duo agreed with a grin. "Hi!"
Carter giggled and hugged Duo around the neck, kissing him on the cheek. Then he scrambled down and went to tag Heero, and Wufei.
Duo smiled as he watched the exuberant little boy scramble down, then turned back towards the house, expression almost hesitant as he looked for Duan.
Duan watched Carter do what he did best... attack. He smiled a little when Duo picked the little blonde boy up and twirled him around. That was a good thing. All the while his focus was on Duo, trying to figure out what he could. He hadn't been gone that long, but Duan knew that stuff changed all the time.
Looking up at Duo, he found the older young man looking back at him. Suddenly, he couldn't move.
Heart in his throat, half afraid that he'd hurt things between them too badly to fix, Duo didn't even realize that he'd broken into a jog to cross the last few steps between he and Duan until he'd scooped the braided boy into his arms for a fierce hug. He had to remind himself to loosen his grip a little, so he didn't crush Duan, before finally being able to lean back and let his eyes wander over the boy's features. "Missed you so much, kiddo," he murmured for Duan's ears only. "Forgive me for being a bonehead?"
Duan hugged back as hard as he could. His brain tried hard to process Duo's words and put them in some kind of order. "Huh?" he managed.
A small smile tugged at Duo's mouth as he rested his forehead against Duan's. "Nevermind," Duo said quietly, happy for the returned hug. "I'm home. Not going anywhere."
Duan placed his hands on Duo's neck. "Don't say that," he said, frowning. He knew he was blowing a possible good thing, but he also knew that he'd be watching Duo forever to see if he would keep that promise. "... cause you don't know. And maybe you'll wanna go again. I don't know," he added, giving up trying to make any sense. Duo probably thought he was a goof anyways.
"If I go, then I'm takin' you with me, and we can go try and take over the world," Duo replied with a grin just for Duan. "Besides... I still have to introduce you to my old partner, someday," he continued, the playful grin finally slipping away to something more serious, more private as he went on, "But I understand. I love you Duan."
Duan blinked as his eyes suddenly filled. He frowned, looking down at Duo's collar with sudden interest. The offer sounded really good, but Duan knew deep down that it probably should just stay a dream. "That's ok, Duo. We don't have to take over the world. I love you, too," he said, sniffling. "I'm glad you came back. I know you weren't gone long, but I missed you. You think that's weird?"
Duo hugged the boy tightly again. "Too long," he murmured. "No. Not weird. I missed you, too."
Duan nodded. He felt different than he thought he would. "You went to see your old partner?" he said.
"Nah," Duo replied with a soft shake of his head. "I went..." he paused then, surprised when thoughts of the church didn't stir up the same sort of ache as it once did. "Went back to where I started out. Said good-bye to stuff I should have let go a long time ago. I've got more important stuff now," he said, giving Duan a quick squeeze.
Kenny leaned in the doorway, watching the older guys and especially watching Duo with Duan.
"Why don'tcha come inside and tell us all about it, Duo," Kenny said.
"Yeah, Duo," Heero said, patting Duo's shoulder. He reached up and ruffled Duan's hair before going to the doorway, and picking Kenny up. He carried the indigo-eyed child inside lengthwise without ceremony.
Kenny relaxed in Heero's grip, hanging under his arm. He tapped Heero's leg and looked up. "You got him," he said softly. Then he nodded approvingly. "Good going."
Heero looked down at Kenny and winked. "Mission accomplished," he said, quietly.
"Ninmou kanryou," Kenny agreed, pronouncing the words carefully.
Heero grinned proudly.
Wufan visually inspected Wufei from top to bottom. He then hugged the Chinese pilot tightly. "Welcome back," he said.
Wufei lifted the boy up and carried him along into the house. "Thank you," he said. "Everything ok? Any problems?"
"Everything is ok now that everyone is back and accounted for. There were no problems and you have come back in time for lunch. Since you look a little tired and maybe hungry, I'd say you came back just in time," he said. Then he hugged Wufei's neck. "I love you, you know."
Wufei stroked Wufan's back. "I love you, Wufan. Lunch sounds wonderful." Wufei blinked a few times to clear his vision of the slight blurriness as they walked into the kitchen.
He went over to Sallah with Wufan still in his arms, carefully not thinking about what he and the other two pilots had been doing for the last... was it two days? Three? But according the Rip it "hadn't happened yet"... another thing not to think about too much. Giving Sallah a kiss on the cheek he said, "I think Duo is going to be holding forth in the living room."
Sallah nodded. "That sounds fine," she said, "Just go and sit down. I'll bring lunch in there. It's good to have you guys back."
Still carrying Wufan, Wufei stepped back to the living room where the others were gathering.
"So where did you go, Duo?" Carter asked, plopping on the floor at Duo's feet.
Duo settled a little bit more comfortably, shifting Duan on his lap so he could see everyone. "To a place that used to be called Maxwell Church. It's where I got my name," he replied.
"So, what did you do? Was anybody there you knew?" Tryan said, as Nanashi the kitten jumped his lap and fell asleep.
Heero put Kenny down and sat down on the sofa.
Duo smiled a little sadly as she shook his head. "No one I knew. See... when I was your age, there was a Priest named Father Maxwell, and a nun named Sister Helen. They lived there and ran kinda a shelter. They'd take in kids like me who had no homes and try to find them homes. I was... They used to call me Maxwell's Little Demon, because I was such a bad kid. Father and Sister didn't mind, so I stayed with them." He paused, taking a deep breath and glancing absently towards where he'd left his bag. "One day, some soldiers came. Rebels who didn't like the government and stuff. Father asked them to leave, only they wouldn't unless someone stole them a mobile suit. I was afraid other soldiers would come and make trouble, so I left and stole a suit. When I came back... Those other soldiers *had* come. They destroyed the church. There was nothing left." He sighed a little then, arms around Duan tightening a little. "I went back to say goodbye. I've been holding on too tight for too long."
Kenny caught the glance Duo had made towards his bag and got up from where he'd been sitting at Heero's feet and picked up the bag, carrying it with characteristic care over to the braided youth and placing it next to him. He met Duo's look for a moment and then sat down again.
Carter's expressive face went through a series of expressions that mirrored the story, ending with wide-eyed concern.
Tryan gently stroked the little kitten's head and back, listening to Duo's tale. From what he could figure, Duo would make an excellent circus storyteller.
"Did you meet anyone or run into any danger?" Wufan asked.
"Then, or now?" Duo asked with a little grin. "Back then, I made sure to make myself into a nice little pain in the bad guys' backsides. This time," he continued, freeing one arm to fish in his bag to pull out a carefully wrapped flat object. "This time, I met a kid named Jonah. He'd been staying in what was left of the church. Seems he ran into this crazy guy named Ripper some time back, who told him to wait there for me. Jonah and I talked to some people, and now he has a home. But while he'd been staying at the church, he found this." Carefully unwrapping the cloth, Duo revealed the stained glass, holding it up for everyone. "It's probably the only piece left."
All of the little boys moved forward to look at the stained glass in Duo's hand. Duan kept as still as possible so he wouldn't do anything to make Duo lose his grip on it.
"Oooh, that's pretty," Duan said, then looked at Duo.
Duo smiled a little, nodding. "One day, I'm gonna try and draw a picture of what the whole thing looked like. This is just a piece." He paused then, as if struck with an obvious truth, glancing once around the room at them all. "And pieces are nice, you shouldn't forget them, but it's the big picture that's real important."
Heero smiled to himself as Duo spoke. "Hai," he agreed, knowing the words went beyond their cursory meaning.
"Maybe you can put it one of those boxes like at the museum. That way it doesn't get broken," Tryan offered.
Duo smiled again, nodding. "Maybe. We'll figure something out," he replied, setting it atop its wrappings on the table beside where he sat. Duo blinked a little, as if recalling his place. "I guess Ripper had been expecting me to show up there, because he'd left a note with Jonah on where to find him. I went to see him, and that's where I met up with Heero and Wufei. We talked and stuff."
"Hn," Kenny remarked, glancing approvingly at Heero and Wufei.
"It's good to have you back, Duo," Sallah said. Standing, she walked over and kissed Duo's cheek. "You guys should eat something though."
Duo actually flushed a little at Sallah's attention, before nodding vigorously. "Good idea. I know I'm starving." He glanced around at them all again. "I'm glad to be home. I missed everyone."
"We missed you too, Duo," Tryan said.
"Yes, we did," Wufan added, scurrying over to hug Duo's neck.
Duan looked up at Duo and smiled. He leaned back and sighed, feeling a lot better than he did before. "Hey Duo," he said.
"Yeah, kiddo?" Duo replied, staring down at the young boy, glad to see the smile.
"Didja miss me?" he asked, with a mischievous twinkle in his eye.
Duo grinned widely. "Always, kiddo," he replied dutifully. "Didja miss me?"
"Always, kiddo," Duan replied. "Let's eat!"
~Epilogue~
The kids had been sent upstairs to wash and get to bed, Sallah had retired to her room with a bodice-ripper and some strawberries and cream, and the three older males were sprawled loosely around the playroom, finally able to relax and show how beat they were after a couple of hours of attempting to keep the kids from getting big heads over their video game capabilities.
Duo stretched back into the embrace of the chair he was flopped upon, listening to his spine crack and groan with a rueful little grin at the memory of how he'd earned most of that stiffness. Letting his eyes drift almost closed, he examined his lovers through his lashes, a comfortable sort of warmth filling him. "It's weird, ya know?" he observed cryptically, clasping his hands behind his head.
"What?" Heero asked, watching Duo closely.
"For some reason, after I met you guys, I always kinda pictured something like this. Families, I mean. It seemed... right, or something. Thing is, I never really saw it for myself until Arcadia," Duo answered.
"Hn," Heero replied.
"You're joking," Wufei said, unable to picture anyone imagining "family" around any of the pilots except perhaps Quatre. He pulled the elastic out of his hair and blew a strand out of his face.
Duo smiled, refraining from voicing how cute that action was. "Okay, maybe not quite so domestic, maybe a little bit closer to teaching special pupils in a mountain retreat somewhere, but yeah."
Heero removed his shirt and stretched out on the sofa. He noted Wufei's loosed locks, but said nothing.
Duo let his eyes drift open a little more, admiring the two young Asian teens in such uncharacteristic sprawls. He felt his lips curve up in an appreciative smile. "Which reminds me, in a roundabout fashion," he said, sighing as he pulled himself upright. "Got some stuff for you two."
Heero looked up inquiringly. "What?" he asked.
"You'll just have to wait here and find out," Duo replied with a saucy grin before rising to his feet. "Be right back." Without waiting for an answer, he bounded up the stairs, presumably to their room, only to return a few minutes later with a smallish box in his hand, and his bag slung over his shoulder. Setting the bag carefully on the end of the Sofa where Heero was seated, Duo took the box and turned towards Wufei.
"I've had this for a bit. Actually, I've had both your things for a bit, but... Anyway, don't ask how Howard found enough to do it. He just did. But I was thinking that... Well, the kids all have theirs, and I know how you and Mei clicked... So I thought maybe... here," Duo said, thrusting the box into Wufei's hands. Nestled inside in a fold of red silk was a small dagger, sharp as the wind, with an oddly green tint to the gundanium blade. The hilt had been done in a jade green color, with a pommel stone that, had they been side by side, would have been an identical match for the red one in the hilt of the knife Duo had given Wufan.
Wufei ran his fingertip along the blade, a slight frown on his lips. He looked up at Duo quickly. "This is a bit like..." He stopped, shaking his head. Unlikely. No, impossible.
As if reading those thoughts, Duo merely smiled enigmatically. "Like I said. Don't ask." His smile faded away, and he looked a little bit more unsure now. "I wasn't sure if... If it would be anything you might be interested in."
Wufei's eyes seemed to look into Duo's for a long moment. Then he looked down, brushing the blade lightly again before folding the silk back over it and closing the box. "You had this made... for me to give to Mariemeia?"
Duo nodded. "I probably should have asked first," he said, "But I was trying to surprise you. I've had it for a little bit. I tucked it away so you wouldn't find it before Christmas, and I..." He looked down then, a sheepish expression playing briefly across his face. "I uh, forgot I'd stashed it in all the rush and stuff."
Wufei listened while Duo babbled without answering his question, then leaned forward, stilling the nod by taking Duo's chin in his fingers. "Xie xie," he said simply, when Duo shut his mouth. Then he leaned even closer and touched his lips to Duo's.
Duo seemed to relax into the contact, a flash of relief in his violet gaze. "I have something else, for you, but it's in my bag," he said softly when he drew back.
Wufei leaned back and simply waited, his hand curled protectively over the box in his lap.
Stepping back over to the couch, he pulled open the bag again, fishing inside for a moment before letting out a triumphant little "Ah ha!" and withdrawing a flat package that had been carefully wrapped in protective paper. "I've been trying to find this for a long time. It was pure chance that I happened across it while I was killing time before I went to the church a couple of days ago," he explained, kneeling beside where Heero sat on the couch. Schooling his expression so that it wasn't *too* hopeful, he handed the slim, book-shaped package to Heero and waited.
Heero looked down at the package in his hand and then back up at Duo. "Arigato," he said, quietly.
He opened it, seeing a thin book, obviously care worn. Opening the book, Heero stopped. His eyes moved quickly over the words written there and then looked back up at Duo. "Duo, this is..." he said, then leaned over and kissed him quickly.
"This is Heero Yuy's diary," Heero said to Wufei.
Wufei blinked, his eyebrows lifting. He shot a look at Duo that was half incredulous and half admiration.
Beaming happily at Heero's reaction, Duo leaned forward and brushed his lips over Heero's again. "I knew it'd be worth it," he said quietly.
Heero slid his arm around Duo's waist and pulled him closer. "It's more than worth it. It's humbling. I'm very honored, koibito," he said, kissing Duo deeply this time.
"I'm the one who's honored, Hee-koi," Duo replied a little breathlessly as they broke apart. "I've got two great guys who went hunting for me, even though I was being a baka."
"You're worth it," Heero said.
Duo merely smiled in answer, neither agreeing, nor refuting the claim, before turning to rummage back into his bag. A moment later, he withdrew a handful of dark blue fabric that Heero had the sneaking suspicion he recognized. As Duo started unfolding it, the Japanese pilot's guess was confirmed; it was one of Heero's own shirts. Noting the scrutiny, Duo grinned sheepishly. "A reminder of what I was coming home for," he explained quietly.
Turning back to Wufei, Duo's expression became a little sad. "I was trying to find something as cool for you, but I ran out of time," he admitted. "I've had this for a while. Since the first Eve War, actually. Found it in some Ozzie's private collection while I was on a mission. It was just too pretty to leave behind. Dunno why I kept it for so long, but when you moved in with us, I remembered I had it. It just reminded me so strongly of you. I was gonna give this to you at Christmas, too, but..." Duo shrugged, nodding at the box in Wufei's hands. "I stashed it with that. I found it again when I packed, and it still reminds me of you. I took it with me, like Heero's shirt, to remind me, keep me focused. I wanted to give it to you when I got back. Sorry about the anticlimactic wrapping," he apologized, finally unfolding the last bit of Heero's shirt to reveal a beautifully carved jade figure. The dragon's two heads curled back over itself, each scale and whisker so beautifully detailed, that it seemed the defiant dragon would leap to life any second. Watching Wufei a little shyly, he held it out in his cupped hands.
Wufei stared at the jade dragon, his hands moving to take it unconsciously. There was something about the stillness of his expression that told Duo there was more to it than a pretty jade piece. Taking it, he ran his hands over the object, turning it over several times. Finally, he inverted it and ran his fingertips along the base, finding a small carved character.
Duo watched Wufei carefully, brow creased a little with concern at the Chinese youth's stillness. "I don't read characters that well, yet. I kept wanting to ask you what it meant," he said, studying Wufei closely.
Wufei pushed the object into Duo's hands and got up, walking out of the room abruptly. They heard a soft thump as he opened the door to his room and another little thump as the door hit the wall.
Duo's eyes widened, brows vacationing into his hairline as he shot a look at Heero and then followed the Chinese pilot at a swift walk. "'Fei?" he called, apprehension coloring his voice.
Heero placed the diary carefully in the bookcase as he followed Duo to Wufei's door.
The Chinese youth was kneeling in his room, beside a trunk that Duo had never seen opened. He held a faded picture in his hands. Sensing and hearing Duo behind him, he got to his feet and crossed the room to face the braided boy. He held the picture for a moment and then lifted it up for Duo, and Heero behind him, to see. The picture showed a small group of people dressed in traditional Mandarin robes standing in front of some structure. The central figure was an ancient woman, flanked by several adults, and two pre-adolescents. They were standing near a small fountain shaped like a waterfall, and at a central point in the fountain, a jade carving could be seen proudly displayed. It was the carving Duo held in his hands, or an exact replica.
Violet eyes blinked in surprise, glancing down at the piece in his hands before looking back up at Wufei. "This is..."
"I was given this piece to bring to Earth," Wufei said, his voice oddly unemotional. "There was no other way to finance my war."
Duo stared down at the picture again, fingertips reaching out to almost brush against the two youngest individuals. "When did you stop wearing glasses?" he asked, and then looked up sharply at Wufei as he recognized the other child. "That's Meiran..."
Wufei took a breath and released it. He glanced at the picture and shook his head, placing it on the table beside his futon. Looking back up at Duo, and said, "You still have the damndest luck, Maxwell." Then he took the jade carving from Duo's hands, and placed it on top of the picture. The next moment, he embraced the violet-eyed boy tightly, closing his eyes briefly before opening them to acknowledge Heero standing close by.
"I know," Duo replied simply, folding his arms around Wufei tightly. Just having Heero, Wufei, and the kids attested to that.
Wufei released Duo and then picked up the jade carving, looking at it again. With a little shrug of apology, he drew the two pilots back into the big family room, and carefully placed the carving on a shelf there.
Duo suddenly stifled an almost nervous chuckle. "And here I was afraid it wasn't as 'cool' as Heero's gift," he murmured to himself, still just a little mystified at how it turned out.
Wufei simply shook his head, still a bit too overcome with a kind of shock to say a great deal about it.
Taking one of each of their hands in his own, Duo led them both over to the sofa, settling into the center and pulling them down beside him. "Thank you," he said quietly, settling in contentedly. "That's what those were supposed to mean. Thank you."
Heero nodded, glancing over at Wufei. He noticed the contented countenance of his lover and sighed. Duo was back. He was home.
Without missing a beat, he reached up and took Duo's wrist. "Wufei," he said, then pulled Duo over his lap, holding the braided pilot down securely.
Without missing a beat, Wufei held Duo's legs across his knees so the braided pilot was caught.
Looking down at Duo straddled across his lap, Heero smiled. He smoothed Duo's hair and then down his back and over his rear like a cat owner with his favorite feline. "Duo-koi," he said, quietly. "You ran away from home, taking my shirt as a reminder to return. That's sweet. However, it's time for your punishment."
Duo spluttered for a moment, struggling half-heartedly against his imprisonment. "I thought that's what the cuffs and stuff over the least few days was for," he replied weakly.
"Uh-uh," Heero purred, still stroking Duo slowly. "That was fun stuff. This is ... disciplinary action," he added, then slid his fingers into the back of Duo's pants. "Wufei could you give me a hand here? You can test Mei's knife on this," he said.
Wufei smiled and leaned over obligingly, but instead of using Mei's knife, he simply pulled the one Duo had concealed in the back waistband. Duo felt a tug and heard material protest and then felt air on the skin of his butt.
"Arigato," Heero said, with a polite little bow to Wufei. He smoothed his hand over Duo's hips, smiling at the perfect curves.
Duo bit back a startled squawk as yet another pair of pants was sacrificed, and this time, by his own weapon. He squirmed as he felt Heero's hand against his skin. "But... the kids... and Sallah," he protested.
"Ah, yes," Heero said. Reaching behind him, he took his shirt from the back of the sofa and twisted it. He then tied it around Duo's mouth, securing it at the back of his head. "Thanks for reminding me. Wouldn't want to disturb the kids and Sallah. They're very tired, I imagine. They were very, very worried about you, you know."
Wufei attempted to keep a straight face through this. "Stop wasting time, Yuy," he managed to say gruffly.
"You're right, Wufei," Heero said, leaning down to Duo's ear. "This is gonna sting a little, but it's your reminder," he said, then swatted Duo on the rear with his hand.
Heero's shirt managed to muffle most of the surprised yelp, although Duo began squirming more earnestly against the other two pilots.
Heero gave Duo a few more swats, then leaned down again and kissed the curve of one of Duo's hips. "Bad Duo," he said, then untied the shirt.
Wufei stopped trying to suppress the grin and patted the slightly reddened flesh. His pants were uncomfortably tight but it was well worth the discomfort.
As first Heero's lips, and then Wufei's hand brushed against him, Duo whimpered softly, but not in pain. He was suddenly glad Wufei had done him the service of making his jeans roomier. "Is there any way to redeem myself?"
Heero looked over at Wufei. "I think it's possible, right?" he asked Wufei.
Wufei considered. "Yeeesssss..." he said, stretching the word out thoughtfully. "However, I suggest we adjourn from this area. In fact, it might be a good idea for you and Duo to stay downstairs tonight... in my room." He smiled. "For the sake of not waking up the kids."
Duo grinned happily to himself, tucking his head a little bit further down so that neither Heero nor Wufei would see. "If you think so..." he said, letting his voice trail off with feigned uncertainty.
Heero nodded. "That works," he said. "C'mon Dorothy."
As Duo was dragged into Wufei's room and the doorway shut firmly behind him, he called out softly, "Oh Aunti Em, there's no place like home!"
No, Oz never did give nothing to the Tin Man
That he didn't, didn't already have
And Cause never was the reason for the evening
Or the tropic of Sir GalahadSo please believe in me...
~owari~
*"Tin Man" lyric/song by America
Please feel free to direct feedback to any or all of the authors!
ravynfyre@hotmail.com,
sablexo1@yahoo.com,
bonnejeanne@yahoo.com.