Title: Written in Blood
Author: AstroKender
Pairings: 5x2, 3+4
Rating: action/mystery
Warnings: Slight Duo torture
Spoilers: None.
Notes: Takes place after the Eve Wars of Endless Waltz. Everyone works for the Preventers.
Disclaimers: I own nothing...not even my computer. So obviously GW isn't mine. Don't sue.
Lunch was a quick one as the two rushed to get dressed and to the office. Luckily they worked the late shift today or Une would have had their hides. Duo rushed into the workroom, swiftly tucking his shirt in and adjusting his tie. WuFei walked behind him sedately, uniform pristine as always. Mental note: partner thinks eating spaghetti is a definite turn on. He chuckled. At least he didn't have to worry about any remaining sauce hiding in the corners of his mouth; WuFei had searched thoroughly.
"Hey Q-man!" Duo greeted the blonde. "Ya getting off soon?"
The Arab smiled at him cheerfully. "In a half hour. Just finishing up some minor paperwork."
Duo limped over to him, mindful of his injured leg. "And Trowa too?" Quatre giggled and nodded. The American grinned and slapped him on the back good naturedly, making his way to the break room.
"Maxwell, wait!"
Duo turned and looked at WuFei. "Ne, Wu?"
"You forgot these." WuFei handed the braided pilot a bottle of orange pills. "Before the day's over you'll probably need one. I'm going to go check out a couple of leads, you stay in the office and do some research on that poison."
Duo nodded. "Sure Wuffie." When did I mention the poison to him? His brow furrowed in thought. A callused hand gently caressed his face and Duo looked up into warm obsidian eyes.
"Don't strain yourself today, okay Duo? And stay off that leg."
Duo blushed, totally aware of a bewildered Quatre ogling a few feet away, and nodded. WuFei gave him a warm smile and one last caress before he departed. Ignoring the wide-eyed blonde, Duo limped into the break room. Of course that didn't stop the Arab.
Quatre followed him like a puppy, eyes narrowed. Suddenly he gasped and grabbed Duo by the arm, dragging him into the closet.
"You had sex!"
Duo rolled his eyes. "Naw, really?"
Quatre turned around in the small space and started idly straightening the cleaning supplies. "Well, you needn't be so rude about it." Duo grinned and leaned against the door.
"Sarcasm is just one of the many services I offer."
Quatre snorted delicately. "It seems to be the only thing your mouth is capable of." Duo's eyes widened in mock horror.
"I'll have you know my mouth has many talents!"
Quatre whirled around and pressed up against the braided pilot, his breath hot in Duo's ear. "I remember..." The American blushed hard and Quatre giggled, giving him a hug.
"So was it good? Was it his first time with another man? How many times have you done it?"
Duo blushed harder and stammered for a reply when the closet door was yanked open and both boys came tumbling out and into warm and steadying arms. Trowa looked down at his burden, his face neutral.
"Yes, no, and twice."
Duo gasped and looked up into those twinkling green eyes. "How did you know?" Trowa grinned.
"I just talked to WuFei." He gently pulled the two boys upright.
Duo rolled his eyes and made his way over to the table. Quatre remained snuggled into the Latin boy's embrace.
"So how did you get WuFei to talk?" The blonde said, looking curiously up at his lover.
"Simple. I told him it was dishonorable to tell a co-worker to blow off and mind his own business. It helped that he was in an exceptionally good mood."
Duo snorted and plopped down in a chair. "I wonder who his first was?" He propped his legs up on the table and suddenly winced. Maybe that hadn't been the best of ideas, he thought, as blood slowly seeped through his bandage and began to darken his slacks. Luckily he was wearing black today, and it wouldn't be so noticeable.
But two people undoubtedly noticed. Quatre pulled away from Trowa and rushed over. He placed one pale white hand gently against Duo's leg. It came away wet and stained crimson.
"Duo...?" Aquamarine eyes shined with worry. Trowa stepped up behind him.
"I called Sally Po. She should be up in a few minutes." Duo groaned.
"Aw, Tro! Why didja go and do that for?"
The Latin boy squatted down so he could look at the American at eye level. "That leg needs medical attention. A simple bandage isn't going to cut it. I just hope you haven't let it get infected."
Duo winced, leaning over his injured leg. "Now why would I go and do a thing like that?" He snarled through clenched teeth.
"Because you are stubborn and pigheaded. And to proud to admit when you're hurt, just like all the other Gundam pilots I know." A new voice chimed in.
Duo looked up through watery eyes at Sally Po. "You're one to talk. If you looked up pigheaded in the dictionary, it would undeniably have your picture."
"Why Duo, I didn't know you knew how to use a dictionary!"
The American glared at the sandy haired woman. "Ha ha. T'so funny I forgot to laugh."
Sally smiled and knelt next to him, opening her med kit. "From now on, no more transit service. You can come to my office like a normal person."
"Feh. If it wasn't for Mr. Worry Wart here, you wouldn't even been called."
"Well I'm glad he did. When did this happen Duo? WuFei didn't tell me you were injured. Drop your pants."
Duo's eyes bulged. "What?"
"You heard me. Drop 'em."
With a long suffering sigh and the help from his to grinning companions, Duo did as he was told. Sally's eyes narrowed at the blood-soaked bandage. Grabbing a pair of surgery scissors, she quickly cut off the sodden cloth. Upon viewing the wound, she let out a low whistle.
"This should have had stitches."
Duo winced involuntarily at her gently probing. "So I was told."
"So this happened during the explosion?" Wearily, the American nodded.
Quatre came up behind him and gave him a gentle hug. "I'm so sorry you lost your home, Duo. If there is anything I can do..."
Duo waved him off, suddenly dog-tired. "I'm fine. Just glad I got the important thing out before it blew." He scratched his head. "Though, now I need a new jacket."
"What 'important thing'" Trowa asked, taking a seat across from him.
Duo reached into his pocket and pulled out the small answering machine tape. Seeing their looks of confusion, he sighed. "I'll tell you about it later. Right now I need to call Heero." He looked down at where Sally Po was dutifully stitching up his leg. "That is, if Miss Needle Happy lets me go." She ignored him with a smirk.
"Thank Allah Heero took that later flight." Quatre exclaimed. "He must have been doing something at the office that got him sidetracked."
"Whatever it was, it saved his life." Trowa peered thoughtfully at Duo.
"Well. I'm all done." Sally stood. "You can put your pants back on now."
"Great. Just when I was getting comfortable." Duo said as he examined the pristine white bandage covering his leg.
"Thirty-two stitches. Be more careful Duo, okay?"
Duo looked up at her, shrugging back into his slacks. "Oh yeah, like I meant to get my house blown up." Sally shook her head and gave his arm a squeeze.
"I can get you some pain pills if you need them."
Duo shook his head. "I've got the ones you gave WuFei." Sally's brow furrowed and she opened her mouth to speak when her beeper went off. She sighed.
"It's the trainees again. Someone probably shot themselves in the foot. I'll check on your leg in about a week, till then try to stay off of it."
Duo saluted. "Yes Ma'am!" Sally rolled her eyes and left.
The American looked at his two remaining friends. "You guys don't have to stay ya know. Your off know, go have some fun or screw like bunnies or something."
Quatre looked at him worriedly. "Are you sure?"
"Yeah. Go on, get outta here."
The blond got up and swiftly moved to the sink. Filling a small cup full of water, he brought it back to Duo. "Take your pain pills at least."
Duo grumbled and dug through his pocket, coming up with the small orange pill bottle. He popped two capsules into his mouth and washed it down with water. He opened his mouth to show Quatre that he really swallowed them.
The Arab smiled and motioned for Trowa to go. "Goodnight Duo." He called over his shoulder.
"Night Q-man." He smiled up at Trowa who gently squeezed his shoulder. The two left and he sat by himself in the suddenly too empty break room. Suddenly wishing WuFei was there; he got up and limped into the workroom. It was two o'clock. He still had eight hours till his shift was over.
"Might as well be productive." He said to himself.
Gently easing himself behind his desk, he turned on his computer. Pulling out his keyboard he found a small yellow memo sticker.
Call me. Important. H.
Scratching his head, Duo reached for the phone.
End Part Twelve
(:./astrokender/written12)
