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"Witness Protection"Written By: Snowdragonct Disclaimer: Don't own any part of Gundam Wing
or the characters, more's the pity. This is for fun...no profit involved. Rating: R Warnings: Warnings: AU , yaoi, swearing (lots),
some OOC (probably), violence, drugs, sex, a naughty Duo (i.e. he
has a potty mouth and is a bit, er, slutty)…if you are wedded
to the “pure, chaste” version of Duo, he might be a bit
dark and crude for your taste…ditto for the other characters
in here…hey, Quat’s a lawyer…how much lower could he
get? Pairings: 1X2 eventually, 3X4 also eventually, (past 2X3, 6X2) A/N: I’ll apologize in advance that Zechs is, well, deceased right from the start. I like him a lot, and there’ll be mention of him…but mostly in the form of discussing/investigating his murder. Sorry. Summary: When Zechs Merquise is found murdered,
detectives Heero Yuy and Wufei Chang are tasked with the unenviable
chore of keeping the only witness to the crime alive long enough to
testify against the leader of the Oz syndicate, Treize Khushrenada. "Witness Protection" Chapter Fifty Seven: Recess We made it back to Noventa’s office without mishap, and Duo immediately took off the tie and suit coat, tossing them over the back of the chair before slumping wearily into it. I found myself fighting to keep from reaching over to massage his shoulders, wanting to take just a little of the weary resignation off his face. Instead, I picked up the jacket and hung it on a coat rack by the door. “Would you like something to eat?” Wufei asked, sitting on the edge of the desk so he was facing my lover. Duo looked up with a wan smile. “Maybe after my stomach settles down a bit. Bein’ up there in front of the whole courtroom like that—kinda got it tied in knots.” Noventa gave a wry snort as he moved the files off his desk and into neat piles on the book shelf behind it. “Good thing you aren’t a lawyer, Maxwell. You haven’t got the nerves for it.” “Hey—he’s got more guts than any ten lawyers!” Chang barked out sharply, causing the D.A. to look over at him in surprise. “If you had to go through half the shit we waded through to get here—!” “Relax, detective,” soothed the attorney, eyebrows raised at my partner’s leap to Duo’s defense. “I merely meant that if being in front of an audience unsettles his stomach, it’s not the kind of career he’d be suited to.” Duo let loose a guffaw at that, laughing so hard he ended up doubled over in his seat. I caught on quickly, and shared a smirk with Wufei. “Um, counselor—Duo used to work at a strip club, y’know. Took his clothes off to music in front of a roomful of cheering, drooling men. I don’t think it’s the audience he has trouble with.” Noventa flushed slightly in realization, looking uncomfortably down at his files. “Well—yes—I knew that. I just—hadn’t given it much thought—in that way.” Duo wiped tears of hilarity off of his cheeks, gasping to regain his breath. “Ah, sorry boss,” he chuckled at the D.A. “Just—haven’t had a reason to laugh so hard in a while.” He got himself back under control and straightened, looking a lot less haggard. “I don’t mind bein’ looked at—it’s the way they look that makes the difference. Those folks in the court were looking for someone other than Duo Maxwell up there on the stand. And trying to be that person was what made it so hard.” The D.A. frowned at him, shaking his head. “But you are that person.” “Naw, I just put on a good show,” Duo contradicted him. “You heard how many times I had to check myself before I said the wrong thing.” It was Noventa’s turn to adopt a rather patronizing expression. “Just because you altered the language you used doesn’t mean you were anything other than yourself up there on the stand. You came across as a decent young man who witnessed a horrible crime and surmounted incredible odds to get here to testify. And you are.” Duo flashed me a wink and a grin. “Told you I liked this guy, Yuy. He’s a smooth-talker for sure.” His indigo eyes fixed a more serious gaze on the lawyer. “The only part you got wrong there was the word ‘decent.’ You’d be a lot closer if you’d said ‘indecent.’” Noventa snorted disparagingly. “Maxwell—do you honestly think you’re the worst witness I’ve ever had to present to a jury?” “Well—.” Duo hesitated, glancing at me for guidance. I just shook my head and smiled. “You have no idea the kind of low-life scum Mister Noventa has had to drag testimony out of. Duo, you were easy.” Indeed, I’d seen some court cases where Noventa had to walk a minefield of questions in order to avoid leaving an opening for some of his less reputable witnesses to say the wrong thing. By comparison, Duo really was easy to interview. He was bright and articulate, despite his lack of formal education. And he was gorgeous. I didn’t think anyone in the jury could have failed to see that. Between his looks and his natural charm, he could have had the jury eating out of his hand if he’d half tried. Sometimes he just didn’t realize how enchanting he could be. Lucky for us. “God, Yuy,” he drawled, yawning widely. “This guy’s almost got me believin’ him.” “Sorry to burst your bubble,” I chided. “But he’s right. You’re better than you give yourself credit for.” He grinned slyly. “That’s what I’ve got you and Chang around for—to keep my ego fed.” “Speaking of feeding you,” Wufei spoke up. “I’m going to see about rounding up some food. I thought perhaps a call to Winner might be in order. He could bring whatever kind of takeout you might like.” To my surprise, the D.A. didn’t argue against admitting Quatre to the restricted levels of the courthouse. In fact, he looked pleased at the suggestion. “While you see about Maxwell’s food, I could have a couple of security people move some couches in here from the lounge down the hall.” “Actually,” I cut in. “Why don’t we move Duo to the lounge? Keeping him in your office is a bit too predictable.” “Do you really think they’ll try something here in the courthouse?” “I’d put nothing past Khushrenada’s people.” “But I already testified,” Duo pointed out. “The harm is done, as far as Khushrenada cares.” “Yes, and no,” Noventa cautioned. “While you did point the finger at Khushrenada, I still have to present the forensic evidence to back your account of what happened. And while we’ve got some, it wouldn’t be enough to convict him without you.” “Yeah—but you already have me.” “We have your initial testimony. Tomorrow the defense will get to cross examine you. And they will try to make you look bad; they’ll want you to appear foolish and unreliable. They’ll bring up your criminal record, which you must downplay, as well as your troubled childhood and your career as a stripper.” He gave my lover a stern look. “You are not to react to any insults or digs, Maxwell. It will just play into their hands if you do.” “I can let a few snide remarks slide, counselor.” “Even if they accuse you of lying?” He gave a shrug. “’S not like I never have.” At the narrowing of Noventa’s eyes, he quickly added. “But I wasn’t lying up there today. That was absolutely what happened.” The D.A. gave a quick nod. “Just say it like that if they make such an accusation. Say that what you told the court was exactly what happened.” “I can do that,” Duo said with a relieved smile. His stomach growled loudly, and he rubbed a hand across it, looking a bit sheepish. “I guess maybe those butterflies have settled down enough that I could eat something after all.” “I’ll get right on it,” Wufei offered, tugging me aside with him towards the door. “Don’t tell Duo,” he said in a quick whisper. “But I’m going to see if Captain Po can arrange for Winner to bring the food up himself…and possibly Barton and Catherine.” “Oh—that’d be good,” I agreed, knowing how much Duo would enjoy the company of his friends. “And see if she can scrounge up a couple of blankets, and maybe some pillows.” “Chinese!” Duo called out. “Can you get Chinese food? I like that spicy chicken stuff with bits of broccoli, and the fried rice.” “I’ll get that,” Wufei told him. “What about you, Yuy?” “You know me, Chang. I’ll eat almost anything.” “Yes, but we’re not on a stakeout here. We actually have a choice.” I slapped him on the shoulder. “Just get a variety and we’ll all pass stuff around, assuming you can get permission for the others to join us.” “I’m sure I can.” Wufei smiled brightly. “I’m very persuasive, when I want to be.” He nipped out the door and I went back to Duo, reflecting that Chang must have never wanted to be persuasive before in his life. I sure as hell had never seen it. Noventa gathered some things into his briefcase, and snapped it shut. Then he looked across the desk at Duo. “I really should stay here tonight and make you practice responding to cross-examination…” he mused, chewing thoughtfully on his lower lip. Duo shook his head. “Counselor—I’m wiped out right now. Even if we practiced every possible scenario, it wouldn’t stick.” He cocked his head to one side. “’Sides—you look kinda wiped out yourself.” I studied Noventa’s face, realizing the man had noticeable dark circles under his eyes, and a haggard look I’d never seen before. “You were really stressing out about us getting him here, weren’t you?” I asked quietly. He nodded, running a hand over his eyes. “As I said, the forensic evidence alone would not be enough. And I very much want to put Treize Khushrenada away for murder.” “Then we’re all on the same page,” I noted, getting an affirmative nod from Duo. “Good. Go ahead home, counselor. Get a good night’s rest, and we’ll try to do the same.” “All right. Let me show you to the lounge, and give you a list of emergency numbers, if there’s any trouble here tonight. Security’s tight, and there will be guards at all entrances and exits. Your Captain and Agent Alexander have people from both agencies here; whether it’s just a territorial dispute, or a lack of trust between organizations, that’s how they ended up settling the matter. Plus, there are regular courthouse security people.” He gave a derisive snort. “We’ve got security overseeing other security—a waste of resources—but it ensures there’s no opportunity for any one of them to try anything.” Duo smiled cheerfully at him. “Sure I’m worth all this trouble?” “You’re worth it,” Noventa admitted rather grudgingly, holding the door open for Duo and me to precede him. My lover grabbed his jacket and tie, and strutted rather cockily along, giving the lawyer a perfectly adorable little smirk as he passed. I made sure I was one step ahead of him, staying close enough to throw myself in front of a bullet, again, if necessary. And when we got to the room labeled “lounge,” I went in first and did a quick survey of the area. There were cupboards and a coffee machine in one corner—and I opened every single one, not caring if the D.A. thought I was paranoid. I’d be damned if I’d have someone leap out of a closet or cabinet at this late juncture. I checked the attached bathroom thoroughly, and even went so far as to open the refrigerator and the microwave oven. You just never knew where someone could hide a bomb. The lounge also had two long sofas, a coffee table, and three overstuffed chairs—plenty of places for us to stretch out and get some rest. “Anything I can get you before I leave?” asked Noventa, watching as Duo walked over and face-planted on the larger of the two couches. “I think Chang will see to our needs,” I told him. “I told him we could use a couple of blankets and pillows, if possible—but in a pinch, we’ve made do with less.” The D.A. gave me a long, assessing look. “I don’t believe I’ve said thank you for bringing my witness here safe and sound, have I?” He held out a hand. I smiled, shaking the proffered hand. “You’re very welcome.” He gave a curt nod, and headed out the door, and I pulled it closed, turning to see Duo on his back on the couch, giving me a sly smile. “Alone at last.” He sat up and held out a hand. I sauntered over to him, and leaned in to place a quick kiss on his lips. Then I pushed him against the back of the couch and went around behind it so I could settle my hands on his shoulders and massage the tight muscles. “I’ve wanted to do this for hours,” I admitted, loving the way he relaxed under my touch. “Mmm…I’ve wanted you to do that,” he concurred. “How are you holding up?” I asked quietly, hoping he’d play it straight and not try to put on a brave front for me. “I’m fuckin’ beat,” he sighed. “Just bein’ up there—seeing that smug little sneer on Khushrenada’s face—. It was hard.” “And you were great,” I reiterated. “You’ll be great tomorrow, too. Just try to be prepared for Septum or Tsubarov to pull something underhanded. They’re known for sly tricks and sleazy defense tactics.” “Great.” “Who else do you think would defend someone like Khushrenada?” I worked a little harder on his shoulders and he gave a groan of pleasure; so I leaned in to place a teasing kiss on the side of his neck. “How ‘bout I take your mind off it, hm?” “God, yes,” he hissed, tilting his head to give me further access. “You could make me forget my own name, ‘Ro. When you do stuff like that—.” “Like this?” I ran a hand down to his lap, enjoying the way he arched into my touch. “Wish we could just lock the door and have the rest of the night to ourselves,” he sighed. “But I guess that’s out of the question.” Sadly, he was right. And how odd that his was the voice of reason. Chang would be back with our supper long before I could indulge in all I wanted to with my lover. I climbed over the back of the couch and drew him into my arms, knowing I might not get the chance again any time soon. “Listen, love. Much as I hate to bring up an unpleasant subject, we do need to talk about tomorrow.” He gave a whine of protest, trying to snuggle his head under my chin. “Don’t wanna.” “Yeah, but we have to—and I waited for Noventa to leave on purpose. He didn’t seem to pick up on the fact that in the hallway you called me your boyfriend. But Relena certainly did.” Duo looked up in alarm. “Is she going to make trouble for you—?” “Not right now,” I assured him. “She’s got troubles of her own.” I paused, not sure I wanted to bring it to Duo’s attention that Zechs’ sister had been the one to incite Khushrenada’s wrath and then turn around and let the bastard blackmail her into sabotaging our case. I heard a slight squeak and realized my arms had tightened painfully around Duo. “Need t’breathe, Yuy!” he gasped, taking a big gulp of air as I loosened my grip. “Sorry. I just—I think you shouldn’t mention anything to Noventa about knowing Relena was Zechs’ sister.” Duo snorted into my shirt. “Yeah, that’s a laugh—Zechs having relatives on the force.” His breathing stilled for a moment, and then he pushed back, looking up at me warily. “Was that why Khushrenada thought Zechs was going to the cops—why he killed him? Because someone saw him with her?” “I—don’t know,” I said hesitantly. Although I’d said pretty much the same thing to Relena, I didn’t want to confirm it for Duo. And I didn’t want to rule out other possibilities. “It may be that someone saw Zechs and Relena together—or it could have been something else entirely.” “Right,” he said in disbelief. “You an’ I both know Zechs Merquise wouldn’t have been meeting with any cops. So if Khushrenada thought he did—she’s the only reason.” “Probably.” “Fuckin’ bitch!” he stormed, getting up and pacing restlessly across the room. He turned to face me, eyes troubled. “What’s her problem anyway?” “I don’t know where to start,” I sighed. “But when she found out about her brother, she wanted to meet him. And as naïve as she sometimes is, I’m sure it never occurred to her that they’d be seen together, or that someone would know she worked at the precinct and read more into it than a simple lunch.” “They had lunch together?” I frowned at him and cocked my head. “How much did Zechs tell you about her, anyway?” “When he finally got me to listen, he said she was his sister and that she’d just found out he existed and wanted to meet him. That was it. He said she wouldn’t be back—that although she was family, they were far too different to even stay in touch.” Duo frowned thoughtfully. “He didn’t mention they’d gone out to lunch—that they spent that much time. I just thought she stopped by the penthouse.” “Does that bother you?” “Naw,” he shrugged. “Not really. I mean, since I know he was tellin’ the truth about who she was, I guess that’s all that matters.” “Well, if it’s any consolation, my boss has officers out looking for her. She tampered with evidence from the crime scene to hide the fact that she’d been there—and—she also was the one who leaked information on our whereabouts to Khushrenada.” His eyes widened, and his jaw dropped. “But why? Why would Zechs’ sister help the bastard who killed him?” “To hide the fact that Zechs Merquise was indirectly related to Chief Darlian.” I gave a shrug. “Apparently Une discovered the connection, and threatened to bring it to the attention of the media if Relena didn’t help them monitor Captain Po’s communications.” “Fuckin’ Hell!” Duo spat in frustration. “First she screws with me an’ Zechs—and makes it look like he sold out the syndicate—and then she helps the fuckers who killed him try to shut up the only witness!” I got up and walked over, putting my arms around him from behind. “Don’t dwell on it, love,” I whispered. “She’ll get what’s coming to her, I promise. Even being the Chief’s daughter won’t protect her from the charges we’ll be able to bring against her.” Duo sighed and relaxed back into me. “Good,” he murmured, sounding incredibly weary. “I just want this over with, ‘Ro. I want to know that Zechs can rest in peace, and that the people responsible for his death will get what they deserve.” “They will. I swear to you. I won’t rest until they do.” He turned to face me, sliding his arms up around my neck and kissing me so deeply that I felt like I could live forever on just that contact. I’d never felt so complete in my life. “I love you so much,” I breathed when he gave me a chance to. “I know. I can see it in your eyes—an’ feel it when you touch me,” he whispered. “It makes me feel fuckin’ invincible.” He drew back and looked very seriously at me. “You know if it hadn’t been for you, I’d have never been able to get through all this.” I smirked teasingly at him. “Sure you would. Chang could’ve kept you alive and on track.” “But he couldn’t have put all the pieces back together so I wanted to keep going. And he couldn’t have made me feel like there really is life after Zechs.” His eyes glowed warmly with affection and, obviously, love. “I have never been this happy my whole life, ‘Ro. Ever.” Well—if that wasn’t a humbling thing to hear. No one had ever suggested that being with me was the high point of their life. But hearing it from Duo reassured me that I wasn’t the only one who felt like they’d suddenly been handed everything they ever wanted. “When this is over, I’m going to make sure you stay just as happy for the rest of your life. Whatever it takes.” “It just takes you,” he said without missing a beat. “Oh, good God—!” came an exasperated voice from the door. “Don’t you ever stop with the sap?” Chang shoved the door wide, and walked in carrying a big paper bag. Close behind him were Winner, Barton, and of course, Catherine, each of them with arms full of supplies. Duo lit up at once, though he didn’t pull away from me to run greet them. And that was a wonderful feeling, too. “Hey—how’d you all get permission to come up here?” he asked brightly. “I’m your lawyer,” Quatre shrugged, setting down the six-pack he’d brought along. “And it didn’t take much coaxing to convince Captain Po that you’d be safer and happier with a few friends around this evening.” I ushered Duo over to the table, determined to see that he ate a decent meal. “I also brought you a change of clothes,” Quatre told him. “You’ll wear the same suit—but I brought clean socks and stuff.” Apparently he’d been busy, anticipating a chance to provide for his client. “Underwear, I hope,” Duo drawled snidely. “You forgot ‘em this morning.” “Sorry.” Trowa eyed Duo’s lap with a raised eyebrow. “Going commando, Shini?” “You know it. And trust me—it ain’t comfortable in these slacks.” “Well, feel free to get out of them,” Quatre suggested, pulling a pair of sweatpants out of one bag and tossing them to Duo. “I brought sweats and tee shirts for all three of you. I doubt that Noventa had time to consider such amenities. But Duo can’t sleep in the suit he’ll be wearing on the stand again, and I figure the two cops who got him here alive deserved better than to sleep in their clothes.” Damn, but the man was thoughtful. If he kept this up, I’d have to revise my opinion of lawyers even more. We took turns changing and washing up in the attached bathroom, and then settled in to eat, having had nothing since breakfast, when we’d all been too anxious and tense to stomach much of anything. “So—what was it like on the witness stand?” Catherine asked Duo, her concerned gaze on his face. I think she could see the fatigue etched across it as easily as I had. “Kinda uncomfortable,” he said around a mouthful of fried rice. “Between the judge lookin’ all serious and stern, and Khushrenada glaring at me, I felt like a bug under a microscope…a bug nobody liked.” “The jury seemed to like you,” Quatre noted. “Why d’you say that?” “Their expressions. When the court camera was on them, they seemed genuinely affected by your testimony.” “He’s right,” Wufei agreed. “I watched them, and there were several who seemed quite sympathetic. When you talked about the shooting and climbing out the window in the rain—I swear a couple of the women wanted to run over and hug you.” “I know I did,” I muttered, not looking up from my meal. Duo elbowed me, and when I looked up he dropped a quick kiss on my lips. “Love you, too,” he said teasingly. It seemed to be getting easier for him to say it—though I had a feeling I’d never grow tired of hearing it. I found myself grinning into my container of food. “Yes—the jury found you very believable,” Quatre assured Duo. “All you have to do tomorrow is keep your cool and not let Tsubarov goad you into saying too much. Keep your answers short and simple.” “Yeah, Noventa said the same thing,” Duo told him. “And he said they’ll try to make me look bad or lose my temper. But I won’t.” I glanced up to see Wufei frown a bit doubtfully. “Don’t underestimate Tsubarov, Maxwell. He’s brutal on cross-examination.” Oh. Now that he mentioned it, I recalled a trial several months back, when Chang and I had been testifying against a drug dealer. Tsubarov had forced Chang to practically accuse me of police brutality while on the stand. And though my partner had staunchly tried to defend my use of excessive force, in the end the jury let the guy walk—or should I say “hobble on crutches?” Yeah, I’d been a bit overzealous on that one. But even so, the guy had been guilty as sin. And Tsubarov got him a free pass, because I hadn’t followed procedure. Chang hadn’t talked to me for a week, and even now he cast a rather accusing gaze at me. “Sorry,” I muttered, for perhaps the hundredth time on that subject. “Hm?” Duo looked between us, frowning in confusion. “Chang once got picked apart on the stand by Tsubarov because I broke a perp’s leg,” I admitted. Duo’s quick glance slipped back to my partner. “Aw—did the big, bad defense attorney make Wuffers cry?” “No, he did not!” Wufei said crisply. “But he made me admit that Yuy was too rough with a drug-dealing lowlife who deserved whatever he got. And he twisted my words until it sounded like the opposite of what I was trying to say. He’s a snake, Maxwell. Be careful.” Quatre nodded in agreement. “I don’t want to scare you, Duo. But Tsubarov is not to be underestimated.” “Okay,” Duo conceded. “I’ll watch what I say. I’ll do my best to not let him get to me.” “That’s all you can do,” the blonde agreed. “All right—change of subject!” Trowa spoke up suddenly. “Duo doesn’t need to dwell on tomorrow. How about we discuss whether any of you took pictures of him once you had him dressed up?” “Ah, no,” I admitted. “No pictures.” Duo glared at his ex-lover. “Not everyone’s a perv like you, Tro’.” “And besides,” Wufei threw in with an innocent look on his face. “We didn’t have a camera—although maybe we could get the security tapes from the courthouse—.” “I am not a perv,” asserted Trowa, returning Duo’s glare. Then he smirked irrepressibly. “Well, no more than you are. But, fuck—you look good in a dress!” The indigo eyes narrowed. “Maybe you would, too. I think next time you should wear the sequins and lace.” Quatre eyed Trowa speculatively, and then shook his head. “No, Duo. I’m pretty sure Trowa just hasn’t got the curves for it.” Trowa looked slightly affronted, and interestingly enough, Duo looked even more affronted. “If you’re tryin’ to say I’m built like a girl, Winner—.” “No! You just—looked really nice as one.” “Some day—,” Duo threatened, shaking a spork in Winner’s direction. Trowa interrupted them, a faint pout on his lips. “Why wouldn’t I look nice?” Quatre had to backpedal rapidly, trying to explain how his lover’s long, lean build just wouldn’t fill out a skirt in the same way, while Duo kept butting in to insist that he did not have wider hips than the acrobat. Chang and I exchanged a smile across the table, glad that the good-natured teasing was relieving the stressful atmosphere. “We did it, Yuy. We got here,” he said with a broad and genuine smile. “So we did.” I let my gaze drop to the hand Catherine had looped possessively around my partner’s arm, and gave him a small nod of approval. We were almost done with our meals before I knew it, the pleasant banter providing a level of stress relief I wouldn’t have thought simple companionship could offer. It was amazing to me that for the first time in my life, I was enjoying being part of a group. And I owed all that to Duo. “Fortune cookie time!” he sang out happily, grabbing a fistful of plastic-wrapped cookies from the last takeout bag, and passing them out. “Maxwell—those are totally bogus,” Wufei said with a bit of a sneer. “You know they’re mass-produced, right? It’s inconceivable that any fortune you get in one of them could actually be meaningful.” “Maybe not to you, Wuffers. But I’ve got a secret for making them all more interesting.” Trowa was smirking again, obviously knowing what Duo was talking about. “And what’s your big secret?” asked my partner, rolling his eyes at Duo’s antics. “Simple. You add the words ‘in bed’ after the fortune.” My lover quickly unwrapped his cookie and broke it, pulling out the slip of paper before popping the halves of the cookie into his mouth. “See—?” he mumbled between crunches. “Mine says: Everybody feels lucky for having you as a friend.” “—in bed!” he and Trowa cried out together, bursting into delighted laughter. “Wow—that’s perfect for you!” Trowa teased. “What’s yours?” Duo asked him. Trowa hastily broke into his own fortune, chuckling as he read the slip. “Your dreams will come true.” “—in bed,” Duo added helpfully. “Wow—lucky sonofabitch.” He eyed me speculatively. “How ‘bout yours, ‘Ro? We gettin’ lucky any time soon?” I sighed, reluctantly opening my cookie and pulling out the little slip of paper. “You will convict Treize Khushrenada of first degree murder,” I read with a totally straight face. Duo did a double-take before he realized the joke, and then he burst out laughing, along with everyone else. “Shit, ‘Ro! Add the words ‘in bed’ at the end! It’s hilarious!” I had to admit, convicting Treize Khushrenada of first degree murder—in bed—was kind of amusing. And while I contemplated that, Duo yanked the paper from my fingers and read it out loud. “You should be able to undertake and complete anything.” He grinned wickedly. “Damn straight!” He didn’t even have to bother adding “in bed.” Catherine’s cookie said “A woman’s thinking is quicker than her actions,” which elicited a merciless ribbing from both Duo and Trowa. And Chang’s fortune was “Trust your intuition. The universe is guiding your life.” In bed? I wasn’t sure I saw the point to that one. Why would the universe care what you did in bed? But it made us all laugh some more. Quatre’s fortune was “Take the chance while you still have the choice,” which certainly seemed to fit the kind of luck that had brought him together with Trowa. And after we’d all opened our cookies and joked about the fortunes and what adding the phrase “in bed” seemed to do to them, we spread out around the room. Duo and I were on one couch, while Wufei and Catherine took another, and Quatre and Trowa settled on the floor by the coffee table, bringing out a deck of cards to start a game that involved slapping a hand down on the pile of cards whenever a jack was turned up. It didn’t take long at all before Duo was stretched out with his head in my lap, snoring peacefully while the others carried on their quiet activities. But the moment Quatre realized he was down for the count, he stood and gathered up the cards. “I think we should be going,” he whispered, nodding towards Trowa and Catherine. I nodded back, carefully slipping out from under Duo, and tucking a pillow under his head. “Will you be back in the morning?” “As soon as court resumes. Your Captain was kind enough to get us passes for inside the courtroom.” “Duo will like that,” I said with confidence, sure he’d find it a pleasant surprise to have a few friends that close at hand during his cross-examination. And I thanked the lawyer for his efforts as I showed our three guests to the door and locked it securely behind them. Wufei was wrapping up the last of the takeout when I pattered over to the kitchen area in my stocking feet. “I’ll take first watch,” he volunteered. “I think you should stay close to Duo. He’ll sleep better.” “Is there a blanket in one of those bags Winner brought along?” “As a matter of fact, there is.” He went and pulled it out, while I crunched up the empties and stuffed them into the trash. I found myself holding a leftover fortune cookie, and couldn’t resist popping it open to find the message. “The pleasure of what we enjoy is lost by wanting more,” I read quietly. Wufei raised an eyebrow and smirked at me. “—in bed?” I smirked back. “Doesn’t matter with that one. I have all I could ever want. So I guess I won’t lose the pleasure of what I enjoy.” My gaze slid over to my slumbering lover. “Go keep him warm,” said my partner, giving me a firm shove in that direction. “He’ll need to be at his best in the morning.” He didn’t have to tell me twice. I shook out the blanket and spread it over Duo, tucking him in against the back of the couch and easing in next to him. It was a bit crowded, but judging from the way Duo snuggled up to my back and wrapped an arm around my waist, sighing against the nape of my neck, he didn’t mind the close quarters. I know I didn’t, and I was asleep within minutes.
tbc... |
