Part 3

            “Quatre, I shouldn’t be meeting you.” Duo complained to his boss. “What if others see us together?” He looked around. Nobody should be around at this hour, but he just needed to make sure.

            “I know, I know.” Quatre nodded, “But I was worried about you. Now you are not only involved with Meiran Yang, you are practically deceiving Wufei Chang. What if he discover your true identity is a reporter?”

            “Nah, he won’t if I am careful.” Duo shrugged it off, “He trusts me. He even let me tagged along for the business dealings he went to these few weeks. I have lots of insider information. My article is going to rock!”

            “I just wished you live long enough to see that happened.” Quatre sighed, “What exactly is the deal between you and Meiran?”

            “Sorry boss. Can’t tell you. Just wait for my article, okay?”

            “Alright.” Quatre agreed, “By the way, how’s this young master Chang like as a person?”

            “See, even you are interested!” Duo grinned, “You wouldn’t believe it. Wufei was a total jerk in the beginning; arrogant, rude, always looking down on everybody… But once you get to know him, you would be truly surprised. He is not half as bad as most people thought he is.”

            “Sound like you are quite fond of the guy.” Quatre commented, carefully hiding the pang of fear he felt. He never told Duo that he had empathy. When Duo talked about his opinion on Wufei, the feeling projected was adoration, and something close to love.

What if Duo fell in love with Wufei? The frightening thought strikes Quatre.

Master Chang would definitely not allow his son to have an affair with a guy. Just like my father. Quatre thought bitterly.

            “Quatre, are you okay?”

            “Ya, I am fine.” Quatre decided he was worrying too much. Duo was doing this partly for Meiran; no way he would be attracted to a guy.

            “If there’s nothing else, I better get back.”

            “Wait!” Quatre hurriedly stopped him, and blurted out. “Duo, do you know if Zech has anybody? WELL, you know… wife, girlfriend, boyfriend?” The blonde blushed under Duo’s amused scrutinize.

            “That’s the true reason you want to meet me today, huh? I didn’t know you swing that way.” Duo teased, “No. He is quite alone.”

            “Great.” Quatre was embarrassed but couldn’t help the relief smile on his face, “I just want to make sure. I really like him…”

            “Then go after him, baby.” Duo laughed, “By the way, I never asked you, how did you end up in Shanghai?”

            “My father is a successful businessman. One day he found me messing around with a guy. He was really mad and attempted to lock me up. I ran away with Rashid’s help, and came here, a totally new place, starting to live on my own.” 

            “It must be difficult.” Duo was amazed by the courage Quatre had.

            “Yes, as you could have imagine, I never had to worry about money or supporting myself before. But I would rather be poor but free. Now that I am independent, I can live my life the way I choose to.” Quatre smiled.

##

            Duo was on his way back to Chang residency. The meeting with Quatre was brief, and he knew Wufei had a business meeting tonight. But he wanted to hurry back. He had no intention of raising any suspicion in case Wufei returned home early.

A group of men were walking towards his direction.

            “… … You wouldn’t believe how heartless these whores are! I have given her so much money in the past. Just this once, I asked for ‘free service’ and she refused!”

            “Come ‘on, Bai, who asked you to spend all your money before the month is over?”

            “I didn’t spend all of it. Some jerk stole my moneybag. If I ever see that kid again, I’m going to skin him alive … hey, watch’ where you’re going!” The big guy named Bai grumbled as he collided with Duo. He took a look at Duo and a huge grin formed on his scarred face, “It’s you! You are the bastard that stole my money at the ship dock!”

            Oh oh! Duo blocked the first blow but he was also attacked from behind. Clearly outnumbered, he didn’t last long in the fight before he was taken down.

            “So, what’re you going to do with him?” One of them asked Bai as the braided boy struggled against two men holding him.

            “Well, he is the one that stole my money, causing me to be ‘rejected’ by whores. Haven’t you heard? When there’s no whore, a boy will do! And this one is actually quite pretty!” Bai grinned lustfully as he approached his prey.

            “We are having a go after you, Bai.” The group of men laughed.

            “Of course. All of you are very welcomed, but after me, okay!” Bai reached for Duo.

            With his lips pulled back over gritted teeth, Duo twisted and kicked against the men while they held him tight by his arms and hair. Bai unbuckled Duo’s belt and tore open the buttons.

“You bastard! You will burn in hell!” Duo screamed curses at Bai.

“You didn’t think this will happen when you steal my money, did you? I would have gone to a whore instead if I have the money!” Bai laughed as he yanked and pulled Duo’s pants down his legs, stripping them inside out over his feet. The two holding Duo jerked his head back by his braid to let their pal put his lips on him. Pawing Duo with one hand, Bai unfastened his own pants with the other. His pants dropped, freeing his erection. His leg forced the boy’s thighs open, and he moved in between.

            “You better stop that!” A furious voice interrupted what Bai was going to do.

            That sounded like Wufei.

Duo tried to look through his swollen eyes. Trickles of blood blurred his vision, making him unable to see clearly. He heard Bai laughing loudly.

“Wow~ Wow~ Look how lucky we are tonight. Cutie, why don’t you join us?”

“How dare you speak that way to me! I ordered you to release him immediately.”

“Who do you think you are, kid?”

            “I am Wufei Chang of Dragon Group. How dare you disobey my order! Let him go at once.”

            “Yeah, right! Then I’m Master Chang, your ~daddy~ ” Bai laughed, deliberately reaching out to caress Duo’s cheeks. 

Wufei’s hand swept up sharply and snatched Bai’s wrist, pulling the hand away from Duo. There was a dangerous look in his eyes, one that wasn’t lost to Bai and the men holding Duo.

            “Don’t. Touch. Him.”

            To emphasize his point, Wufei increased his strength on the wrist he was holding.

“Ah~” Bai wailed as his bones snapped. “Attack him!”

“Hn!” Wufei snorted and released Bai, as he dodged the attacks from two big guys easily, then counter-attacked, sending them sprawling to the ground.

“Hey cutie! Surrender or I will cut him opened!”

Wufei turned around and saw one of the men had his knife against Duo’s throat. Uncertainty and concern flashed through his eyes.

He took an involuntary step back when Bai moved in front of him, but made no move to attack.

“Bastard!” Bai was sweating in pain from the broken bone, “Now you will pay for this!” He reached with his good hand and Wufei blocked his touch automatically. The other man shouted at him, “Do you want your friend to die?!” And Wufei slowly lowered his arm.

“Good boy!” Bai grabbed Wufei’s chin roughly. This time Wufei didn’t pull away as he saw the sharp metal being tightened against Duo’s throat.

“I want you to suck me!” Bai ordered, forcing Wufei’s lips opened. “Suck me or he died.”

“No, Wufei! Don’t do it!” Duo shouted. Wufei couldn’t take an insult like that!

I can’t let Duo died, but I can’t … I can’t … do that either! Wufei looked at Duo, and then at the bastard in front of him. He was saved from the dilemma when a commanding voice interrupted them.

“What’s going on here?”

“Master Zhu!” Bai and other men quickly bowed as the man appearing in front of them was their leader. “Look what this little bastard did to us! We are all under Tiger Group. He hurt us, that’s a disrespect towards you, Master Zhu.” Bai quickly explained.

Zhu had the surprise of his life when he saw Wufei.

“Young master Chang, why are you here?”

Duo felt the men tightened their holds on him involuntarily in fright and he wanted to laugh. Yeah, now let’s see what’s the results of insulting young master Chang!

“Master Zhu? What are you talking about? This is the young master of … of…” Bai shuddered as realization hit him.

Zhu slapped him across his face, sending him sprawling to the ground.

            “Young master Chang, please forgive me for the behavior of my subordinates.” Zhu bowed to Wufei.

            “Your subordinates!” Wufei spoke with barely contained anger, “Your subordinates attacked my friend, and he wants ME to suck him! Your Tiger Group is under Dragon Group’s command! What do you say to that!”

            Zhu pulled out his dagger and threw it to Bai. “Slit your throat yourself, or Tiger Group’s rule for offending a superior, skinning alive, will be applied!”

            Bai’s hands shook. He couldn’t believe how things had turned out. Picking up the dagger, he suddenly ducked towards Wufei, hoping to take Wufei hostage. Wufei caught him effortlessly and returned the knife into his heart.

            Wufei stared at the dead body for a second before turning his anger towards the one that threatened Duo’s life.

            “Please… Forgive me… I didn’t know…” The man had long dropped his weapon, and now he knelt on the floor, begging for mercy. 

            His pitiful pleadings turned into fearful whimpers when he felt a cold metal flat against the site of his neck. The scene of fresh blood from his friend terrorized him as he felt the sharp edge that could easily cut his throat open. He trembled helplessly as the knife traveled down to his chest, pausing slightly at where his heart was, as if Wufei was contemplating the choice of cutting his heart out, before moving all the way down and rest against his manhood.

            “Please … no…” The man was shivering.

            “Did you do more than beat him up?” Wufei hissed against his ear.

 “NO! I swear, no! You stopped all of us in time! Don’t hurt me! Not there!” the man begged in earnest as he felt the blade cutting slightly into his flesh.

“Hn!” Wufei threw the bloody dagger onto the floor.

The two holding Duo didn’t wait for a command. They released Duo instantly, and the boy slumped forward. Wufei was right there to support him.

“I trust that you will punish them, Zhu?” Wufei asked.

“Yes, Young master Chang.” Zhu bowed again. “Should I get a car for you?”

Wufei nodded with irritation. “Of course! Can’t you see my friend here is limping seriously on his side! Do you expect him to walk!”

“I’m sorry.” Zhu shuddered as he thought of the consequences of tonight’s event. “I will get the car immediately.”

Without another word, Wufei scooped Duo into his arms.

“Let’s get you back.” He said in a soft voice.

*****

            Once again Duo ended up on Wufei’s bed.    

            “Duo, how are you feeling?” Wufei hovered over him worriedly, after helping to bandage Duo’s injury. “There’s no doctor at this hour. But I’m sure my family doctor, Dr. Ting, won’t refuse to come by…”

            “Wufei, I’m fine.” Duo tried to give the concerned boy a reassuring smile. He wasn’t that well, but he will live. He wanted to be alone with Wufei after tonight’s event.

            “How did you happen to be there and save me, Wufei?”

            “My meeting was canceled. I came home but you weren’t here. Somehow I had a bad feeling, and I just need to look for you.”

            “Sixth sense, huh?” Duo smiled, “I’m glad you find me. Or else, I will probably be raped and then killed.”

            It was then he noticed Wufei was shaking.

            “Wufei, what’s wrong?” Duo tried to sit up from the bed.

            Wufei flung himself at him. Duo felt the wetness against his chest and realized Wufei was crying. He patted the normally proud warrior awkwardly on the back, murmuring soothing words.

            “You could have been dead, idiot!” Wufei forced the tears to stop. Releasing Duo, he tried to regain his composure. “And I … I … killed a man!”

            “What?” Duo was totally stunned, by both of Wufei’s comments. He didn’t expect Wufei to care for him that much, nor did he expect to hear that ‘killing’ was a big deal to the young master of Dragon Group. “Haven’t you killed before?”

            “Why are you so surprised?” Wufei snarled. “So that’s what you think of me, huh? Just because I’m the son of a crime lord, doesn’t mean that I am a murderer!” He stepped away from the bed towards the door in anger. He knew how others think of him. But somehow, he had expected differently from Duo. Knowing Duo’s low opinion towards him hurt.

            “Wufei!” Duo chased after the leaving boy, and nearly fell off the bed.

            “Idiot!” Wufei scolded as he hurriedly helped the injured boy settled down. “What are you doing?”

            “I didn’t think negatively of you. You are the most honorable person I have ever met.” Duo held Wufei’s hand tightly, refusing to let the other boy pulled away. It was important to explain this to Wufei. “I had killed before, to protect myself. I kept seeing blood on my hands for the next couple of months, and everything smelled and tasted like blood. I got my life back only after I met Zech, a social worker and psychologist, who made it clear to me that my action was not murder but self-defense.”

            Wufei nodded and looked away. “I couldn’t get the image of him staring at me with hatred out of my head.”

            Duo cupped Wufei’s face gently, placing a tentative kiss on his lips.

            “I will make you forget.” Duo murmured against Wufei’s ear before he let his passion for the other boy took over.

##

            Dawn.

            Duo looked at the boy snuggling close to him. He was amazed how sweet and gentle Wufei looked when he was asleep. Duo started counting the long eyelashes of his lover and the desire to take him again was overwhelming.

            I couldn’t believe it. I slept with the young master of Dragon Group, and he… it was his first time. He didn’t even have experience with women before. A total innocent when it came to sex… I had imagined him to be a frequent guest of brothels in Shanghai. I was wrong, just like so many of my initial views towards him… …

            Wufei’s eyelashes flickered as he started to wake up.

            “Looks like you missed your martial arts training. It’s already 6a.m.” Duo nibbled against his ears.

            “What?” Wufei moaned and cracked open an eye to look at the clock. “Ah~ Forget it! I don’t think I’m in any shape to practice this morning anyway.” Blushing, he continued, “Your ‘strength’ makes one wondered if you are really injured last night.”

            “Sorry. I should have been gentler.” Duo apologized, kissing him again. “You’re irresistible; I just forgot to hold back.”

            Wufei laid his head on his arm, shifting until he and Duo were looking at each other eye to eye.

            “What’s going to happen next?”

            Duo didn’t have an answer.

            “You are the young master of Dragon Group. Your father is not going to agree…”

            Wufei cut him off, “You don’t have to take him into account. I just want to know …” Inhaling sharply, he asked, “If you want to be together with me?”

            “Yes.” Duo whispered. “Oh yes.”

*****

            “What do you mean the deal between us is off?” Meiran stared at Duo intently.

            “Well, you want me to dig up the dark secrets of Wufei, published it and ruined his reputation. I’m sorry, I couldn’t and wouldn’t do it.”

            “Couldn’t and wouldn’t?”

            “Couldn’t because I didn’t find any dark side. Wufei didn’t have a dark side. And even if there was one, I wouldn’t betray him.”

            “What did he do to you to inspire such loyalty?” Meiran shook her head in disbelief.

            Duo merely smiled at her question.

            “Oh my gosh!” Meiran suddenly recognized that smile of total happiness, and the reason behind the fierce loyalty, “You are in love with him?”
            “Well, to be exact, we are in love with each other.” Duo admitted.

            “This couldn’t be!” Meiran yelled, “You like me.”

            “Liked.” Duo corrected, “I had a crush on you. But with Wufei, it’s love.”

            Meiran continued to stare at him in disbelief.

            “Sorry, but Wufei is waiting for me. I have to go!” Duo bit Meiran goodbye.

            Meiran finally recovered from her shock.

            “Duo, you won’t get away with going back on a deal with ME, and having an affair with MY fiancée!”