The Not So Distant Future

Three months after Yoji's arrival...

"AAAAAH!"

Duo leapt from bed, startlet oft of blissful post-coital sleep. "What the hell?" He dashed into the bathroom, the source of the scream.
Yoji stared at the mirror poking the flesh around his eyes.
"Christ Kudoh! What the hell? I thought you was gettin' murdered or somethin'!"

Yoji turned around, a look of utter horror on his face, tears sparkling in his eyes. "...Crows... feet..."

"Huh?"

"I have... crows' feet..." his voice broke a tea tear slipped free. At that moment there was a clap of thunder and rain poured down.

Duo stared at the blond for a moment and stepped closer, "Dude, you have some gray hair too."

Yoji stared at Duo, mortified. He shoved past Duo and locked himself in the bedroom.

"Doh!" Duo smacked his forehead and went to the bedroom. He tried the door.

"Yoji let me in."

"No."

"Yoji, come on," the brunette pleaded.

"No."

"Yoooojiiiiii..." Duo tried his patented whine.

"Go away."

"Please?"

"Omae o kursosu," Yoji said in a flat tone.

"Don't do that Yotan! You sound just like Heero!" Duo insisted.

"Will it make you shut up?"

"Nope!" Duo chirped. "I'll make you coffee if you let me in."

"Make the coffee first," Yoji grumbled.

"Hai, hai," Duo said with resignation. "Geez, you tell a guy he's got some gray hair and he goes nuts," he muttered.

Yoji stuck his head out the door, "I heard that Maxwell."

Duo turned around with a grin and flew through the door before it could be slammed in his face. "Got ya ta open the door, didn't I?" he asked as he tackled Yoji. He sat on Yoji's chest, pinning the lanky man to the floor. He leaned down and nibbled Yoji's ear, whispering, "Makes ya even more sexy."

Yoji sniffed and tried to push Duo off. "I look like a fuckin' old man."

Duo crossed his arms over his chest and looked stern, "You do not. You look distinguished."

"Do too."

"No, you do not," Duo insisted.

"Yes I DO."

"Not."

"Do."

"Not!"

"YES I DO MAXWELL!"

Duo stood up, "Fine, think what you want KUDOH." He stormed into the kitchen.

Yoji slammed the door behind Duo and climbed back into bed, cocooning the silk sheets around his body. "Asuka, Asuka... Why's this happening to me? I'm too young to look distinguished."

Many minutes later there was a tentative knock at the door, "Yotan, may I come in?"

Yoji sighed loudly, "Do whatever you want Maxwell." He added in a mutter, "You always do."

Duo came in carrying two mugs of steaming coffee and set them down on the bedside table. He sat next to Yoji's turned form and stroked the blonde hair.
"You really are beautiful Yotan," he said quietly.

"I'm decrepit."

Duo chuckled softly and nuzzled the back of Yoji's neck, "A decrepit old man couldn't do the things you do."

Yoji's back stiffened, "You're making fun of me."

Duo sat up. "Quit being such a brat. Since when are looks that important anyway?"

"It's all I've got Duo! I can't do anything here. I'm useless."

"Yoji," Duo said softly. "I had no idea."

Yoji turned around looking sullen, "What do you think I do while you're out on missions?"

"Uhhh..."

"Exactly. Nothing. I sit here and smoke and drink and listen to music. I go out to clubs and smoke and drink some more. I'm bored outta my skull. Back in my own time I was at least doing something. I was cleaning the scum off the streets. Here, I'm nothing."
Duo looked down at Yoji thoughtfully. A grin spread across his lips and a sparkle lit his eyes.
"Duo," Yoji said in warning. "You've got that look again. It's like that time you tied me to the bed and used the peacock feather. What are you scheming this time?"

"Eureka! I've got it!" Duo beamed.

Yoji groaned, "Oh no. I'm not gonna like this am I?"

"Trust me."

"Aw shit. I'm in trouble. Spill it Maxwell," Yoji glared.

"In time my dear Yotan, in time. For now, drink your coffee. I'm gonna put a call in to Sally Po."

"Not that vampire again!" The assassin grasped the arm that had been bled by said vampire... err, doctor.

"We've goget get you checked out. You are too young to look distinguished." Duo picked up the phone and made an appointment with Sally for that very afternoon.


Later, while Yoji was with Sally, Duo went to an appointment of his own.

"Hello Duo," Une greeted warmly as she rose from her desk.

"Hey Lady Une, how ya doin'?" They shook hands and sat down. I'm I'm doing just fine. How are you and Mr. Kudoh faring?"

"Actually, Yoji's the reason I'm here."

"Oh?" Une's interest was more than slightly piqued.

"Well, I've been thinking..."

"Uh oh," she chuckled amusedly.

"Lady Une, you wound me!" Duo clutched dramatically at his heart.

She smiled, "What did you have in mind Duo?"

"Yoji was an assassin and all, so I thought maybe we could make him a Preventer."

"That's an interesting proposition," her brown eyes had a thoughtful gleam to them.

"I know he'd need training and all, but he has got to be good. I mean, with what Wu's told us about Weiss and all, I thought he'd be a good addition to the team. 'Sides, he's bored and needs something to do."
"It's a good idea, but I'd like to run it by the rest of the team. Meet me in the conference room in ten minutes."

Duo leaped from his chair and came around the desk to hug Une, "You're the best!" the then bounced from the room.

Une, smiling at Duo's antics, left a message with Sally's secretary and called the other three pilots. o, so, since this was your idea, I'll let you introduce it to the others," she announced as soon as all were gathered.
"I think we should make Yoji a Preventer," the braided one stated.

"No," Heero said emphatically.

"You're being rash Heero," Trowa chastised gently.

"Explain your reasoning Maxwell," Wufei requested.

"He was an assassin with ante tte team, right? That means he has skills we can use on operations that don't involve bombing the shit outta some base."

"Succinctly, if not eloquently, stated," Wufei replied dryly.

"So wha'cha think?" Duo was practically bouncing in his seat.

"What about the aging?" Heero asked.

"How'd you know about that?" Duo's wide-open violet eyes and hanging jaw reflected his shock.

Heero almost looked smug, "I'm aware of everything that goes on at headquarters."

"That's what you like to think," Une muttered.

Duo snickered from behind his hands, while Trowa and Wufei were nt, nt, only the slight upturn of their lips betraying their amusement. Heero wore his customary glare.

After considerable discussion a decision was reached. Duo hurried to Sally's office to retrieve Yoji. "Welcome aboard Preventer Kudoh!" he greeted.

"Duo, what exactly have you been smoking?" Yoji asked with quirked eyebrow.

"Yoji! I'm being serious. I talked to Une and the others about it. The position is yours if you want it," Duo beamed.

"You little sne Yoj Yoji murmured as they exited the building and he lit a cigarette.

"Think about it and we can call Une in a few days," Duo suggested. "How'd it go with Sally?"

"She'll call when the test results come in. And she wants me to come in every other month to monitor the aging. She thinks it's connected to the time travel."

"Let's go pick up some Chinese on our way home!"

Yoji fixed him with a look, "What's with this Chinese fix lately?"

Duo shrugged, "Dunno. Just like Chinese I guess." He gave Yoji a lopsided
grin.

That night over dinner Yoji made his decision, "Let's call Une in the morning.

It's never too early to start, ne?"

"Alright! So," Duo smiled slyly. "How ya gonna thank me?"

Yoji lifted Duo's hand to his lips and murmured, "I can think of a few ways." He slid one slim digit between his lips and sucked gently. Duo bit his lower lip and sucked in a deep breath. Yoji's mouth was so warm and wet and that tongue... He shivered as he imagined the things that agile tongue could do.
Yoji slid the finger from his mouth and kissed Duo's palm, his tongue tracing the lines, down to the wrist, which he laved generously. He continued kissing up to the crook of Duo's elbow. His tongue swirled lightly over the tender flesh, eliciting a giggle from the braided man. Yoji then blew on the wet flesh, sending a shiver through Duo's body. The rolled-up sleeve of Duo's black shirt impeded his journey up Duo's arm. Yoji lifted his mouth from Duo's arm and moved it to Duo's lips for a deep, passion-stirring kiss, his tongue caressing every surface of Duo's mouth. His hands, meanwhile, unbuttoned the black shirt, revealing a slim, toned chest. He pushed the shirt off Duo's shoulders and took possession of the two buds of flesh, rolling them between thumb and forefinger. Duo gasped as his nipples were pinched and caressed. Yoji ended the kiss, to trail his lips over the other's smooth jaw to his ear. He ran his tongue around the shell and back to the lobe. Duo gasped as Yoji's teeth nipped the tender flesh.

Duos tugged on the hem of Yoji's shirt, only to have the taller man grab his wrists and whisper in his ear, "Not tonight. This is my thank you."
Yoji released Duo's wrists and pushed the empty cartons of take-out Chinese food from the table. He then pulled Duo up and tugged off the remainder of his clothing. Duo eyed him quizzically, "What are you doing Yotan?"

Yoji smirked, "We haven't tried this room yet." He guided Duo to sit on the table and began a slow striptease. As each layer of clothing was pulled away, Yoji slid over to Duo and captured his lips in a hot kiss. He then slid away to remove another article of clothing. When he was, at last, fully naked he slid back to Duo and pressed him down on the table, stretching out over top of him.
Duo hissed as bare flesh made contact with bare flesh. Yoji's hands and lips seemed to be everywhere all at once, causing his body heat to rise, as well as his stiffening cock. Yoji trailed kisses down Duo's chest and abdomen, pausing when he came to the dark pubic hair. He then diverted his path to Duo's hip. "Yoji..." Duo groaned when Yoji's lips were not place where he wanted them.

"Hmm?" Yoji's breath tickled the inside of Duo's thigh.

"Please?" the brunette begged.

"Please what?" Yoji asked at the juncture of thigh and groin.

"Touch me," Duo begged in husky tones.

Yoji's mouth hovered over Duo's weeping erection, his hands ghosting over the tight thighs, "But I am."

"Pleasepleaseplease...moooorrre..."

Yoji grabbed a packet of Duck Sauce and ripped it open, coating a finger with some of the sauce. He slowly slid the finger into Duo's body, moving it teasingly in and out. "More," Duo groaned. Yoji complied and slid a second, sauoateoated finger in. He took Duo's cock into his mouth, swallowing only the tip, licking at the pre-cum seeping from the slit. "Tease," Duo panted and thrust his hips upward. Yoji eased his head back, not allowing Duo too far into his mouth. "Kudoh," Duo groaned. "Fuck me now!"

Yoji released Duo's cock and grinned, "Yes sir." He slid his fingers out of Duo's body, eliciting a moan from the braided one. The blonde ripped open another packet of Duck Sauce and coated his cock with it before easing into Duo's body. "Yoooji..." Duo moaned. "Fuckmefuckmefuckme," he panted.
Yoji let go of his self-control and pounded into Duo. He grabbed the other's cock and pumped in time to his thrusts. Both men moaned as their bodies moved together, creating the sweetest friction. "Yojiyojiyojiyoooooojiiiiii..." Duo moaned as he neared orgasm. Sensation rushed to the center of his being then exploded outward in a white rush, coating Yoji's hand and stomach.
Yoji felt the beginnings of his own orgasm as Duo's muscles tightened around his cock. He thrust a few more times after feeling Duo's release, then reached his own shuddering climax "Aaaaaaah...!" He lowered himself to Duo's side, and then pulled the brunette against him. "Thank you," he murmured breathlessly into Duo's ear.

Duo turned his head and gave Yoji a lazy kiss. "I gotta have good ideas more often," he smirked.

"Mm-hmm," Yoji answered sleepily. He sat up slowly and tugged on Duo's hand.

"I'm not going to sleep on the table." They walked into the bedroom and collapsed into the sheets together.


One year after Yoji's arrival...
Quatre approached Duo's office, pausing when he heard grunting coming from behind the closed door.

"Wait! Wait! My body doesn't bend like that!" Duo shouted.
Quatre's face blushed a very bright shade of red. He knocked tentatively on the door. "Are you decent?" he called.

"Unfortunately!" was the twin response from Yoji and Duo. Quatre entered the office to see Yoji and Duo tangled together on a Twister board.

"What's up Q?" Duo chirped.

"The meeting's about to start," he announced. He glanced at Yoji, noticing the assassin's hair was mostly gray now.

The pilots and assassin met with Quatre, Une, and Sally. "The scientists are now working on the prototype of the time travel device," Quatre reported.
Yoji took the news with mixed emotions. On the one hand he didn't want to leave. He had come to care a great deal about Duo. But, Yoji knew he would never belong in this time period. Besides, he found that he missed his fellow assassins. It was a different, harder pair of violet eyes that haunted his dreams at night. His time here with Duo had shown him he no longer needed to hide behind the casual flings with strangers he couldn't bring home.
Duo unconsciously twisted the end of his braid when he heard the news. He knew that Yoji couldn't stay, but that knowledge didn't help. He had fallen for the green-eyed assassin. He plastered a smile onto his face, but it never touched his eyes. "Wow, that's great! Your team sure works fast."

"Yeah. Sooner I get home, the sooner I get rid of this gray hair," Yoji quipped.

"I still think it's sexy Yotan," Duo offered with a wink.

"Maxwell, keep the bedroom talk in the bedroom," Wufei warned gruffly. He had noticed Duo's reaction to the news. "Yoji's leaving will be difficult for him," he thought to himself.

"Ahem," Une cleared her throat. "If you gentlemen, and I use the term loosely, are finished, may we return to business?"

"Onna," Wufei growled.

"Just let it go Wu-man," Duo said good-naturedly. Wufei eyed the other pilot, but did as requested. There was business to conduct, after all.

Une then proceeded to hand out the assignments. Yoji was to travel to America to tout out a corrupt political leader who was trying to instigate his nation and others into rising up against the colonies. He still held a grudge against the colonists over the death of his brother in the Eve Wars. Unfortunately, there were those who listened and agreed with his unsound reasoning. Trowa and Heero were to provide support and run interference with the man's personal guards. Duo and Wufei were being sent to the L2 colony cluster to infiltrate a budding resistance group.

After filing the mission report Yoji stuck his head into Duo's office but the other man hadn't returned. He headed back to their shared apartment for a lonely night's sleep filled with visions of two violet eyed men.
That weekend Quatre and Trowa hosted a welcome back party for Zechs and Noin who had been working on the terraforming project over the last few years. When he arrived, the party was in full swing. Quatre, ever the perfect host, ushered

Yoji in and introduced him to a tall platinum blonde and the dark haired woman at his side.

"Yoji, I'd like you to meet the guests of honor, Zechs Merquise and Lucretia Noin."

"It's always a pleasure to make the acquaintance of a beautiful lady," Yoji smiled suavely as he raised Noin's hand to his lips. Zechs quirked an eyebrow amusedly. Yoji then turned to Zechs and took his hand, which he raised to his lips as he murmured, "And an even greater pleasure to make the acquaintance of a beautiful man."

"Be careful of this one Une, or you may have anotherize ize Kushrenada on your hands," Zechs chuckled. Zechs and Noin kept Yoji with them much of the evening, wrapped in light hearted conversation as they swapped stories of the project with his stories of the late twentieth century. Other guests drifted in and out of the circle to welcome back the pair and meet the new Preventer.
Later in the evening Une joined them, only to pull Yoji aside. "Kudoh, we need to get back to headquarters."

"What happened?" Yoji questioned, instantly catching the slight worry that seeped through her calm exterior.

"I'll explain in the car," she replied as she turned to make a beeline for Quatre. Yoji followed right behind as she bade a hasty farewell to their host. By the time they got out of the mansion, Sally had already brought the car around. After opening the passenger side door for Une, Yoji slid into the back.
"We're in the car. Explain," Yoji demanded.

"I got a call from HQ. Duo and Wufei are back, but Duo's not in good shape," she replied.

"Not in good shape? What does that mean? What went wrong?" he asked in a rush.

"We won't know until we get there Yoji, and speak to them," Sally replied placatingly.

He sighed heavily. "I know. I know."

***

"What happened?" Yoji quietly asked of the Chinese man sitting beside Duo's hospital bed.

Wufei sighed heavind gnd glared half-heartedly at the unconscious and badly beaten Preventer. "The baka hid me when some guards found us in the computer room. They took him into custody and interrogated him. I'm sure it was his glib tongue which resulted in most of the damage," Wufei snorted and shook his head. "I got him out as soon as I could. Broken ribs and arm, bruises all over the place." He shook his head again, "He should have let me be taken, then he wouldn't be such a mess." He glared almost angrily at Duo.

Yoji looked over at Wufei, his PI instincts telling him there was more to the Chinese man's anger, but he was too upset to figure it out at the moment. "You got him out alive, that's the important thing Wufei," he said seriously, conveying his relief and thanks in his look. Wufei nodded in agreement. Yoji smiled, "Besides, this gives him another tale of glory, surviving the scum of the Universe."

Wufei chuckled softly. "And the baka will certairegaregale us with the tale many times over, each time the strength and number of the guards will grow." Yoji chuckled along with him.

"Wha's so funny?" Duo murmured thickly as his eyes slowly slid open to half-mast.

"You Lover," Yoji smiled down at Duo and affectionately ran his hand over the chestnut tresses.

Wufei watched the tender glances that were exchanged and felt a tightening in his chest. But he staunchly swallowed the emotion, not allowing it to rise any further.
o's o's nose wrinkled up in an expression of disdain. "I get no respect. Makin' fun of a dyin' man. Sheesh."
Wufei lifted an eyebrow. "It'll take more than a few knocks on that thick skull of yours to kill you."

"No respect," Duo muttered tiredly.

"Go back to sleep Duo," Yoji ordered softly. "And you go home and rest," he said as Wufei yawned hugely.

The months following Duo's recovery passed quickly for Yoji and Duo. When they weren't on missions, they spent time alone or with the other Preventers. One particular evening they went to meet up with Wufei and Trowa and Quatre for dinner. The Chinese man called to report that he'd be a little late, but that he would be there.

"Wonder what's keepin' the Wu-man?" Duo mused aloud.

"Work, most likely," Quatre replied. "You know how meticulous he is about his reports."

"Maybe he's picking up that sexy vampire as a date," Yoji joked with a waggle of his eyebrows.

"Vampire?" Trowa quirked an eyebrow.

"Sally Po," Duo replied with a chuckle. "Nah, she's not his type."

"Who do you think is his type?" Quatre questioned.

"Not women," Yoji murmured softly, causing Trowa to chuckle. Yoji had spent the last few months watching how Wufei interacted with Duo. On the surface, his treatment was no different than that towards others. But, if one looked at Wufei's eyes, one could see a softness there. He smiled more readily, although it was quickly smothered. And at moments when he did not know he was being observed, there was a quiet longing in Wufei's eyes. "Nothing," Yoji replied.
Duo shrugged before launching into a lengthy description, the tail-end of which Wufei caught as he approached the table. "She'd have to be able to put up with all that 'onna' stuff and the justice rants. And that temper of his... Maybe we could set him up with one of your sisters Quat!"

"Maxwell, you could not be more wrong. Had I known my love life would be the topic of conversation, I would not have wasted my time in coming here," Wufei then turned on his heel and stalked off, his back ramrod straight.

"Aw shit. I'll be right back," Duo announced as he followed after his friend.

"Wufei! Wait!" he called. He reached out and grabbed Wufei's arm as they left the restaurant.

"What do you want Maxwell?" Wufei tugged out of the other's grip.

"I'm sorry Wufei. I didn't mean to offend you. I only wanted to help," Duo sighed and looked up at Wufei with large eyes. "It's just that you seem so lonely sometimes..."

"I need neither your pity nor your help. I am perfectly capable of finding a man on my own." Underneath the sharp anger was a sadness which betrayed his words.

Duo's jaw dropped, "What?!"

Wufei narrowed his eyes and muttered, "Nothing."

"You said 'man'!" Duo's eyes widened to the size of dinner plates.

"That's none of your concern," the Chinese man snapped.

"What about Meiran?" the braided one was clearly befuddled.

"Drop it."

A slow smile spread across Duo's face, "Well, well, well..."

"Maxwell," Wufei growled.

"It's dropped," Duo's grin seemed contradictory to the hands raised in a gee ofe of defeat.

The two returned to the table and a new topic of conversation was raised.
"I spoke with the lead scientist on the time travel project and he reported that the device is moving towards its final testing stage. It should be good to go in six to eight months. You get to go home soon Yoji," Quatre smiled warmly.
Yoji forced a smile, "That's great Quatre." He flagged down the waiter, "Another drink please."

"Make that two," Duo added. The rest of dinner was a quiet affair as each man slipped into his own thoughts.

"Home," Yoji mused silently. "Back to Aya and the flower shop. Omi's genki smile. Aya's eyes. Ken's goofiness. Aya's aloofness. Home... back to being alone. He threw back the last of his whisky.

"Life goes on Maxwell," Duo thought to himself. "Not like it's the first time you've had to say goodbye. You knew this was coming." He stared down into his drink, then threw on his trademark grin andan can cracking jokes.

Wufei silently watched the braided American, knowing the jokes for the mask that they were, seeing the sadness in those violet depths. He cursed the fates that had brought Kudoh Yoji into their midst.
***

Yoji and Duo spent their final night together alone in the apartment. They had a candlelit Italian dinner, complete with red wine and soft music. After they finished eating, Yoji rose and went to Duo. He took the shorter man's hands into his own and pulled Duo up into his arms. Duo nestled his head on Yoji's shoulder as Yoji led them in a gentle, swaying dance. Yoji's cheek rested against Duo's silken tresses. For once, both were silent. As the song drew to its conclusion, Yoji tilted Duo's head up and covered the sweet lips with his own.

Duo broke the kiss and pressed his forehead against Yoji's shoulder. He began to speak quietly and rapidly, his voice trembling just a bit. "Yoji, I'm so glad I knew you. I found myself wishing I had never met you when Quat told us the news that the project was almost done. But then, I thought of all the good times we had." He paused and looked up with an amazed expression, "I think I even fell in love with you."

"Duo..." Yoji breathed quietly as he lay a hand against Duo's cheek. The violet eyed man snuggled into the touch. "I didn't think it was right for a man like me, who has so much blood on his hands to give or receive love, but..."

"But, my hands are just as bloody. Why shouldn't we love, though?" Duo demanded.

Yoji sighed, "I know. Thank you." He smiled softly, sadly down at Duo before reclaiming his lips. They retreated to the bedroom for one final night of tender love making.

The next morning Yoji left the apartment in silence. They had said their goodbyes the previous night and anymore would be too painful. Wufei picked Yoji up and drove him to the lab.

"Take care of him," Yoji requested in all seriousness before he exited the car.
"I will," Wufei replied just as seriously. Yoji closed the door then went into the building.

When Yoji awoke, the sun was shining brightly... right in his eyes. He blinked a few times and looked around. "What the hell?" he muttered. His head was foggy. The last thing he remembered wai gii giving the instructions. He ran his fingers through his hair and rose. "Itai," he winced as he stood. Every joint in his body was stiff and sore. "Must've been the blast?" he mused as he eyed the rubble that was once a building. "Whes evs everyone?" he asked aloud. "And where's my damn phone?" He rummaged through his pockets and produced said item. He found the number of a taxi company he had stored on the phone for those evenings when he was too inebriated to drive home.

"Hello!" Omi's greeting rang out, there was a forced edge to the cheerfulness.

"Can it bishonen," Yoji snapped. "What's the big idea leavin' me out in the middle of nowhere all night?"

"Hey! Who do you think you are? Leave Omi alone," Ken growled as he hovered protectively by Omi's side.

"If you're not here to make a purchase, get out," Aya ordered gruffly.

"What's with you guys?" Yoji grumped as he lit up a cigarette.

"No smoking!" Aya ordered.

"Fuck off Fujimiya. I'll smoke if I damn well want to. You would too if you had the kind of day I've had!" He sprawled out in a chair at the arranging table. "Oi! Ken, go get me a cup of coffee. My head's fuzzy."

"Y-Yoji-kun?" Omi murmured disbelievingly.

"Who else would if be?" he muttered crossly.

"Yoji-kun!" Omi flew across the shop and threw himself against Yoji with a sob.

"Hey, hey. It's ok bishonen." Yoji put his arms around Omi awkwardly.
Aya decided it was time to close shop before the ravenous fan girls got out of school.

Yoji's puzzlement lasted only a short time as Omi explained that three weeks had passed since the mission and he, Kudoh Yoji, had been missing until now. Ken then brought out a mirror. The last thing Yoji saw before he passed out was gray hair and wrinkles...

Yoji was poked and prodded by Kritiker's doctors, but they were unable to determine the seemingly sudden aging. He was kept off active duty for the time being.

After two weeks had passed, Yoji noticed there was less gray in his hair. Over those weeks he had little sleep. Playful violet eyes and a chestnut braid haunted his sleeping hours, along with a deep sadness and profound sense of loss that didn't dissipate fully with the rosy fingers of dawn.

He stayed in the back of the shop, out of sight of the girls. He had little desire for any to see him in his current condition. One afternoon Aya came to the back to check on Yoji, as had become his habit. He arrived in time to see Yoji throw down the arrangement he was working with and walk out the back door. Aya followed the blond out.

"Damn hands are too stiff," Yoji muttered.

Aya took one golden hued hand into his own porcelain pale hands and began to massage it gently. "You didn't sleep again last night," he stated quietly.

"Sorry to keep you up," Yoji murmured.

"You didn't."

"Ah." The blond sighed heavily and suddenly found himself babbling about the dreams and the loneliness that wouldn't leave him. "It's like Asuka... only worse because I just don't know what happened. I feel like I lost someone important, but I don't know who... Eyes like yours, but more playful." He sighed again and rested his head wearily on Aya's shoulder.

The red head twined his fingers with Yoji's and slid an arm around the thin frame. "You're here now and that is what's important," he murmured as he rested his cheek against Yoji's hair.
***

Three days after Yoji's departure Duo had not yet shown either hide or hair at Preventers HQ. Wufei took it upon himself to check on the braided baka. "I made a promise, that is all," he reasoned to himself, then snorted. "If you believe that Chang, you're a bigger idiot than Maxwell." When he arrived, the apartment was in shambles. There were empty beer cans and liquor bottles strewn all over the floor. Duo was passed out on the sofa, face down. One arm hung off the edge, a nearly empty bottle of Jack Daniels on the floor by his hand.

"Maxwell, wake up," Wufei commanded.

"G'way," Duo muttered.

"The hard way then," Wufei said and picked Duo up.

"Pu' me down," Duo protested weakly.

"I will," Wufei assured the braided one, then dumped him in the bath tub and turned on the shower head full blast on the coldest setting. "Clean yourself up and get dressed," Wufei ordered. "Then come to the kitchen." He left the bathroom accompanied by Duo's cursing.

Duo appeared in the kitchen thirty minutes later, clean and dressed, but looking exhausted, drawn, and pale. "Head hurts," he muttered.

Wufei set down a glass of... something that resembled a shake. "Drink this, it'll get rid of the hang over."

"I dunno," Duo eyed the glass warily.

"Fine then, keep the headache. If you haven't begun vomiting yet, I'm sure you will soon. The bile will burn your throat nicely. And seeing as you've probably not eaten in several days, the dry heaves will be a nice accompaniment."

"Alright, alright already. You convinced me," Duo muttered. Wufei's back was turned, so the American missed the smile of satisfaction that briefly crossed Wufei's features. Duo quickly chugged down the concoction.

"I suspect you'll want this," Wufei set a mug of coffee in front of Duo.

"Thanks," he replied quietly.

"Come out to the balcony. Fresh air and sunshine will be good for you."
Duo, too wrapped up in his misery to care where he brooded, followed Wufei out to the balcony. They sat down in silence. Duo stared off into the distance, and after a time, a single tear slipped down his cheek. "Big boys don't cry," he muttered to no one in particular as he dashed away the tear with the back of his hand.

"Big boys may not, but sometimes a grown man does," Wufei replied quietly. Duo looked over at Wufei, heartbreak painted across his features. "I know what it is to lose one you love," the Chinese man said quietly.

Duo sighed. "It hurts Wufei. It just hurts."

"I know Duo," Wufei replied quietly as he brushed away a few stray tears of his own. After a long moment, Wufei noticed the silent waterfall pouring down Duo's face. He covered Duo's hand with one of his own and they sat in silence.

End