Disclaimer: none of the beautiful boys, be they Weiss or Gundam are my property.

A/N: Hakuen (white smoke); Gosai (yellow)

Thank you to all who read, enjoyed and/or reviewed this story. It's become one of my favorite pairings. Anyway, this is the last chapter for Duo and Ken. Hooray for happy endings!

Death and the Assassin

Chapter 12

You are cordially invited

To the wedding of

Duo Maxwell and Ken Hidaka

On May 1st

At 1p.m.

Sakura Park

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Ken knew things were going too well. Sooner or later he was going to see the dark side of getting married, and he was pretty sure he'd found it.

"No, I don't like that place. Too pretentious. What about Hakuen?"

"Too expensive."

"Le Petite Grille?"

"Booked."

Ken sighed and slumped back into the sofa. The wedding planning had been going really well and everything had been so easy. They obviously had a connection when it came to the flowers. One of his player's parents ran a greeting card/stationary store and gave them a great deal on invitations. They decided not to do the tuxedo thing and just wear nice suits. And they found a minister willing to marry them through Wufei. But for the life of them they couldn't find a place to hold the ceremony and/or reception.

"Is it too late to elope?"

Duo chuckled and looked up at his flustered fiancée from his position of the floor, sifting through possible wedding sites.

"Do you honestly think that we'd live through the honeymoon if we eloped? The only uncertainty would be who would kill us first. The group of assassins or the group of government sanctioned terrorists. Get real Ken."

"Why is this so hard? I mean, how difficult can it be to find a simple place to gather our friends that means something to us and get married?"

"Don't worry. We'll find a place."

Ken snorted and got up, heading into the kitchen to start dinner, wanting a distraction. Duo remained on the floor and thought about what Ken said. '…a simple place to gather our friends that means something to us...' He sat back on his hands and gave it some serious thought. A place that means something to us. Like….a soccer field. Ken spends as much time there as he does at home. And that's where we met. Or how about….yes! That's it!

"Hey Ken?" Duo came into the kitchen and grabbed Ken's wrist, pulling him out and to the front door. "I have an idea. Come with me."

"An idea about what?"

Ken knew he wasn't going to get an answer from the grinning man as they put their shoes on. He'd learned that when Duo had an idea, it was best to just go along. He wasn't going to tell you no matter how much you begged or whined. So they grabbed their coats, keys and helmets and left.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"So what do you think?"

"I think I love you." The pair were standing under a large gosai tree in Sakura Park. Ken looked over at his fiancée and couldn't resist. He latched onto him and kissed him deeply. "It's perfect. What made you think of this place?"

"You. You said you wanted someplace simple that meant something to us."

"Well, this certainly fits the bill."

"We can put the tent there and line up the chairs right here."

"What about music?"

Duo cringed. That had been the other brick wall they had hit. "Open to any and all suggestions."

"Well….a DJ is always the easiest way to go."

"Yeah."

"Not a fan of DJs?"

"Trowa and Quatre have me spoiled. I'm used to live music at parties. Between the two of them they play piano, violin, flute, guitar and oboe."

"Wow. Have them play."

"I wish."

"Oh well. We'll figure it out." Ken squeezed Duo tighter and rested his head on the man's shoulder. "Hey, since we're in town, let's stop by the Koneko and have dinner there."

"Sure. We need to tell the florists where the wedding's going to be, right?"

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

After eight months of planning, the big day had arrived. They'd gotten one of their favorite restaurants to cater and Trowa and Quatre had arranged for live music as a wedding gift, courtesy of six of Quatre's sisters. The guest list was small and included the likes of assassins, former terrorists, youth soccer players, one Chief of Police and an opera singer.

The weather had cooperated and they had a lovely spring day. Yohji and Wufei were the best men, with Trowa and Quatre's adopted daughter Nova, the flower girl.

The two lovers were standing under the blooming gosai tree along with the priest and their respective witnesses and recited their vows.

With these vows, I marry you. I join my life with yours; all that I am, all that I have, and all of my love, I truly and freely give to you.

"Duo and Ken, you have stood here before god and these witnesses, declaring your love and dedication to each other. May god bless your union and may you live the rest of your days happy in your love."

Duo and Ken kissed to the applause of their friends.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"Duo, there's someone I'd like you to meet. This is Police Chief Takatori. Sir, this is Duo Maxwell."

"It's a pleasure to meet you sir. I'm sorry to say Ken's never mentioned knowing you. How do you two know each other?"

Persia chuckled as they shook hands. "I'm sure if you think real hard, you'll realize where Ken knows me from Duo."

"Ah, you're the cat lover."

"Indeed."

He stood there and admired the happy couple before him. From what he'd been told by Manx and what he found out through background checks, Duo Maxwell was perfect for Ken. He seemed to have a military past that was blocked against even his access which never meant anything good. But that didn't mean that the young man himself was bad. On the contrary, Persia could tell that he was a fine young man and he definitely made Ken happy. And that was the important thing.

"Well, I will extend my congratulations to you both and let you mingle among the rest of your guests." He reached out and hugged Ken to him, "I'm so happy for you son. I wish you all the happiness in the world."

"Thank you so much." Ken was blinking back tears when the two broke their hug and he quickly latched onto Duo's hand for support.

Duo bowed in respect as he addressed the Police Chief. "Thank you for everything you've done for Ken……and for me, sir."

"You're very welcome Duo."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Ken smiled as he looked down at the flower arrangement, lightly fingering the soft petals. The past few days he'd become increasingly worried about his friends and what their future held. He wasn't too worried about Omi because the kid was too damn smart not to succeed in anything he did. But Yohji and Aya were a different story. Would they be with Weiss for the rest of their lives? And just how long would their lives be if they stayed? Thank god I have Duo in my life. He loves me and he understands about my past.

Yohji had spied his best friend all by himself and walked over to see why the groom looked so thoughtful on his wedding day. He came up behind Ken who was distracted by a flower arrangement and wrapped his arms around his waist, squeezing tight.

"That's not the face of a happily married man Kenken." Ken smiled and pushed the worry from his mind as he turned around to face Yohji. "Is everything ok?"

"Yeah. Everything is wonderful."

"Good." Yohji put his arm around Ken's shoulders and the two stood there looking out over the crowd of people.

"Yohji….do you think you'll ever leave Weiss?"

The tall assassin kept his attention focused on the people before him as he thought how to answer Ken's question. He had thought about leaving Weiss. Many times as a matter of fact. But every time he thought about it, the only place he wanted to truly be was impossible to reach. He wanted a clean slate. He wanted a normal life and someone special to share it with. And he wanted a normal job where he didn't face the possibility of his death. But these things were just dreams. He'd never be able to wipe all the horrible things from his mind even if he could escape this life.

But just maybe, he'd be lucky enough to find someone who accepted the love of a tainted man. And maybe that love was going to cleanse him and give him the clean slate he so desired. Maybe….

"Yohji?"

"Hmmm? I'm sorry Kenken. I was just thinking about your question."

"And?"

The sly smile and glittering green eyes turned to him and Ken suddenly felt like everything was going to be ok. Nothing could stop that smile and nothing could extinguish the life that burned behind those eyes.

"No matter where I end up, I will always be your best friend Kenken and as far as I'm concerned, that's the only future I need."

Ken gazed at the smiling man who was becoming blurry and he threw his arms around his neck, holding tight.

"Thank you Yohji. Thank you for….being you and taking care….of me and…"

"Hey, that's my job." Yohji squeezed his eyes shut and tightened his grip on Ken as he fought back his own tears. "I love you Kenken and I just want you to be happy, ok?"

Ken didn't answer. He just nodded his head.

Duo caught the sight of the two best friends hugging and his heart melted. He knew Ken was worried about his friends and he tried to assuage the man's fears but they both knew the reality of the situation so all Duo could do was be there for him and listen to him and hold him as he spoke of his fears. He felt so helpless at those moments.

"Jealous?"

Duo chuckled and turned to see his own best friend standing there with two glasses of wine.

"Hardly. I get to do much more to him than that."

Wufei smirked as he offered a glass of wine. "Indeed."

"Plus, I have you." Duo took a sip of wine and went to stand next to Wufei, leaning his head on the man's shoulder. "Are you happy 'Fei?"

"What kind of question is that Maxwell?"

"A serious one. You haven't had anyone in your life for a long time."

"Just because you are married, doesn't mean you have to start marrying off your single friends. I happen to enjoy my single status and yes, I am happy." Wufei took a sip of wine and his eyes scanned the group of people before them, laughing and dancing. But there was someone missing. Where did he go?

"I just want you to be happy."

Wufei heard the quiet tone and knew he'd have to focus his attention on Duo and not the redhead he'd just spotted talking to Quatre. He put down his glass of wine and snaked his arm around Duo's waist.

"Listen to me Maxwell. I am happy. And one of the reasons I am happy is because you are happy. And if I ever become unhappy with my life, I promise to come see you right away so you can keep me from drinking myself stupid, quitting my job, cutting my hair and ending up under some tree reeking of alcohol and retching in the bushes. Ok?"

Duo would have been embarrassed if all those accusations weren't true and the results of horrible times in he and Ken's lives. Then he chuckled as he tried to picture Wufei doing any of those things. And Duo didn't even want to consider what would have to happen for his friend to do any of those things. He may have loosened up through the years, but there was no way the man's pride would allow him to do any of those weak things.

"Ok. Hey 'Fei?"

"Yes?"

"At the risk of getting sliced open….I just wanted to say….I mean I wanted to tell you…"

"I love you too Maxwell."

Duo stood up straight and gazed in wonder at his best friend. In all these years, the man had never put his feelings into words. He'd always known Wufei cared for him, but to hear him say it, when he himself was having difficulty….

"You're not going to cry now are you Maxwell?" Duo bit his bottom lip and shook his head. "Good. Now go help your husband. I do believe some gang of children is trying to kidnap him."

Duo looked over to see Ken surrounded by his soccer kids who were wrapping him up in what appeared to be a goal net while Yohji just stood there and laughed. He smiled at the sight and when he turned back to Wufei, the man was already walking away.

"'Fei!" As Wufei turned around, he was tackled to the ground by his best friend who was grinning from ear to ear as he straddled the prone man's hips.

"Gods damn it Maxwell!"

Duo leaned down and kissed Wufei on the cheek and whispered in his ear. "I love you 'Fei."

Before Wufei could say or do anything further, Duo was gone to rescue Ken. Wufei just lay there and stared up at the sky, blinking away the tears.

"You look like you could use a hand up."

Wufei turned to see Yohji smiling down at him, hand extended in assistance. Wufei accepted and allowed himself to be pulled up from the ground.

"Thank you." He started to brush himself off and make sure there weren't any stains as he grumbled under his breath about braided bakas and their lack of self control.

Yohji just chuckled and offered Wufei a glass of wine. "Here's to best friends. We didn't choose them, and we wouldn't trade them for anything in the world."

Wufei smirked and the two clinked glasses as they watched the mayhem of Ken and Duo versus a team of youth soccer players unfold.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Onyx eyes watched the redhead as he wandered the reception, staying to the outside of the crowd. He knew who the man was from the dinner party at Duo's and Ken's apartment. But he hadn't stayed long and Duo was unable to tell him anything about the redhead other than he used to be Ken's teammate and lover and he was usually withdrawn.

"Yeah. He kinda reminds me of Heero honestly."

"Interesting."

"Good luck if you're going to try talking to him."

And that's exactly what he was planning to do. He just had to find the perfect opening. He was sure that if approached randomly, Aya would flee without hearing a word he said. No, he had to stalk his prey carefully and be patient.

Aya was now talking with a tall blonde who was draped over him. Yohji. Ken's best man. Very entertaining. Very anti-Aya. Why is he putting up with Yohji? He doesn't strike me as the type to put up with such behavior. Or is he into the blonde? They say opposites attract. Of course, Wufei knew this theory to be bullshit. Opposites didn't attract. They collided and exploded and destroyed people.

As if on cue, Aya growled and elbowed Yohji in the ribs, causing the man to spill his drink on himself and Aya. The redhead stomped off and Wufei went in pursuit, his perfect opportunity making itself available.

"Don't rub it. You'll only make it worse." Aya looked up to see an Asian man with long back hair, matching black eyes and a beautiful smile. "Here. Use this and blot at the liquid."

Wufei offered his handkerchief to the confused redhead. Aya looked the man up and down quickly, pulling the name from his memory. "Thank you….Chang."

Wufei grimaced slightly at the use of his formal name. For some reason, he didn't want Aya to use his formal name. He wanted to hear that smooth baritone voice say his name. So he did something very uncharacteristic.

"Please, call me Wufei."

Aya just nodded and turned his attention to his jacket. Wufei watched the long slender fingers as they dabbed at the offending liquid. Then his attention moved upwards to the beautiful face, which was wearing a slight scowl. Adorable. Wisps of red hair were beginning to fall down, obscuring the beautiful face and now it was Wufei that was scowling.

"So. I understand that you and Ken used to be very…..close."

Aya's head snapped up and he glared at Wufei. Was Ken just blabbing about them to everyone now! Amethyst eyes narrowed at the smiling onyx eyes aimed at him. "We worked together at the Koneko and we were roommates."

"I see." Wufei looked out and admired the flowers scattered throughout the reception area before returning his attention to Aya. "Did you do the flowers for today?"

"Yes."

He handed the handkerchief back to Wufei, his eyes never leaving the dark-haired man.

"They're beautiful. It shows your appreciation of life and beauty."

"Hn."

"I had a friend who used to answer with that sound. And if I'm not mistaken, you're calling me a liar right now."

Amethyst eyes went wide in surprise and Wufei was delighted to see the faintest of pink on the shocked man's cheeks. He couldn't hold back the chuckle.

"So I'm not mistaken."

Wufei turned his face away from Aya and leaned against the table, taking a sip of his wine.

Aya studied Wufei's profile, so many questions swirling around in his head. Who is this man really? How much does he know about me? And why is my heart racing?

"If you want to believe yourself unworthy of life's beauty, then you shouldn't show the world the truth Aya."

"Who….who do you think you are?" Aya's voice was a harsh whisper as he moved in closer to Wufei, his fists clenched at his side. "You know nothing about me."

Wufei slowly turned his head to face Aya, their faces mere inches apart. "So tell me Aya."

Aya just glared at Wufei before scoffing and doing an about face to retreat to some remote part of the park. Wufei's smile lingered as he took another sip of wine. This hunt's not over yet Aya.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Wufei was enjoying himself immensely. For the past hour he had mingled among the wedding guests, chatting and laughing. He had spoken to Ken and Duo briefly before they were whisked away by some other well-wisher. He adored them together. You couldn't help but smile when you saw them together. And speaking of smiling….

Wufei also had the privilege of being watched by a pair of amethyst eyes for the past hour. Not that those eyes were smiling at him. They were narrowed, calculating his every move. It was Wufei who was smiling. He had Aya's attention.

Wufei ducked behind a tree on a rare occasion that Aya wasn't looking, and he stealthily made his way so he was behind the redhead. Then he slowly approached from behind, getting to within a foot of the assassin, whispering his desire so only Aya could hear.

"Dance with me Aya."

Aya gasped and whirled to see Wufei standing there, the smallest of smiles on his face, a hand outstretched. Aya was speechless. How did he manage to sneak up on me like that? And why is he asking me to dance? What's with the look on his face?

Wufei could see the turmoil in the amethyst eyes and so he took the lead, fearful that the redhead would bolt as soon as he came to his senses. He reached out and gently enfolded Aya's hand in his, pulling him closer. He knew better than to take him out on the dance floor. The reserved man would never stand for it. But here, away from everyone…

Wufei stepped into Aya and put his other hand around the assassin's waist, gently swaying to the music. Aya was still stiff against him and he leaned in, whispering into the man's ear.

"It's just a dance. I'm not going to bite you."

He didn't pull back to look at the conflicted assassin. He just continued to dance with him, waiting for him to finally speak. Or run away. Or kill him.

"W-why….are you doing this?"

"Because I wanted to dance. And you were standing here all by yourself."

"You haven't danced all night."

Wufei chuckled and pulled back to look the redhead in the eye.

"Have you been watching me Aya?"

Aya felt his cheeks getting warm and he looked away. Damn him! He knew all along I'd been watching him. Now what? He closed his eyes, trying to figure out what to do when he heard the smooth whispered voice again.

"Aya, if you find dancing with me that repulsive, just say so and I'll leave you alone."

Repulsive? This isn't repulsive. It's…..nice. "I…" Aya sighed in defeat. "Just one dance." I'll just dance with him and be done with this madness!

"Thank you Aya."

As the two men swayed slowly to the music, Wufei felt Aya gradually relax. And to add to Wufei's surprise and pleasure, Aya turned his head back to face him and brought his free hand up to rest on Wufei's bicep. Wufei hesitantly let go of Aya's hand and placed it around his waist so now he was practically hugging the man. He heard Aya's breath hitch slightly but the redhead not only brought his other hand up, but laced his hands behind Wufei's neck.

Now it was Wufei's turn to blush. He leaned his head in so their cheeks were barely brushing together. Wufei closed his eyes and focused on Aya. He was radiating heat like no other human Wufei had ever met and it felt so good. And when he inhaled his mind began to swim from the exotic spicy scent of the assassin.

The music eventually stopped and Wufei reluctantly stepped back from Aya, leaving his hands on the assassin's hips for as long as possible.

"Thank you for the dance Aya" He gave Aya a slight bow. "Perhaps we can do this again sometime."

Amethyst eyes studied the man before him and for reasons he couldn't understand, he found himself agreeing with the proposal. "That would be…...acceptable." He returned Wufei's bow and the slightest of smiles ghosted across his lips before he walked off.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Ken and Duo sat together at the table, smiling and looking out over the remaining people as they danced, talked and laughed. The reception had begun to wind down and soon they would leave for their hotel room and tomorrow morning, their honeymoon.

"I'm so happy Hidaka."

Ken kissed Duo and spoke against his lips. "Me too."

"Hey, have you seen Wufei? I wanted to make sure to see him before we left."

"Can't say that I have. But he has to be around here somewhere."

The two newlyweds craned their necks as they searched for the quiet novelist. Suddenly, Ken spotted the man and he couldn't believe what he was seeing.

"Holy shit."

"What?"

"He's…Wufei's dancing with Aya."

Duo looked over to where Ken was gazing in awe and found his best friend dancing with the reclusive redhead.

"Well….that's a good thing, right?"

Ken turned to Duo with a big smile on his face. "That's a very good thing. Aya shies away from physical contact with his closest friends. And yet he's dancing with Wufei who isn't more than a passing acquaintance. That's wonderful. I wonder what he did to get Aya to dance with him?"

"'Fei is frightening when it comes to getting his way. He doesn't use force or yell. He charms the hell out of you or mesmerizes you with his eyes."

"You sound like you've fallen prey to him before."

"Many times."

"I'll have to take lessons."

Duo wrapped his arms around Ken's waist and leaned in to give him a quick kiss on the cheek before settling his chin on the man's shoulder.

"Trust me Ken. You don't need lessons from him. I'll do anything you ask of me."

"Promise?"

"I do."

"Oh yeah. Me too."

The End.

I know, I went off on a little tangent with Wufei and Aya but the pairing intrigued me and I'm working on a story revolving around their relationship stemming from this encounter. It's called Dragon's Desire.