Title: Behind the Scenes 13/?

Author: C-Chan2 aka Neptunesdemon

Archive: WufeiDuoYaoiML

Category: Romance

Pairings: 2+5/5+2

Rating: PG-13

Spoilers: None

Warnings: Yaoi, OOC, AU.

xoxoxoxox

The air had seemed to grow tense with the blond's arrival, and Wufei's heart nearly stopped as he stared in wide-eyed disbelief at Quatre, who was now staring in the same manner at the braided actor. This couldn't be good. Why the hell didn't he remember that Quatre was there as well? Good gods, he had probably put Duo's life in danger.

Trowa merely sat himself at the kitchen's small table, arms crossing and refusing to play a part just yet. He did have a clue of what could possibly happen, such as his lover going bat-shit crazy and ripping the actor apart in his excitement, but he wanted to see Duo Maxwell suffer. At least, just a little bit. He'd step in before it became life threatening.

Duo wasn't so sure what was going on, but Trowa's nonchalance and Wufei's sudden fear made him a bit nervous. The newcomer that now stood across from him had him wondering even further, but he said nothing for the moment. In fact, no one really said anything at all.

"Oh my god." The blond breathed out again, blue-green eyes still locked on Duo. "You're. . . you're. . ."

It seemed he couldn't get past that, and the actor took it upon himself to help the guy out. It made sense now, he was probably a fan and Duo did like to cater to his fans.

"Hi." He started with a smile, the blond's eyes widening further. "I'm Duo Maxwell."

The next events had him unsure of what he should do. There seemed to be an inaudible break in the tension and soon Duo was watching Wufei bodily holding the blond back, whose innocent face now took on a psychotic look.

"Quatre, no! I won't let you!" His lover was growling out, arms holding the smaller and yet bigger than him, man at bay. "Control yourself damn it!"

"Let go of me!" The blond was suddenly screaming, trying his best to wrestle Wufei away from him. "You can't stop me! I want him! He's mine damn it! I've always wanted to meet him and I have to touch him! You let me touch him, damn it!"

Oh boy. So he was one of those fans, was he? Duo was glad for the fact that Wufei had come to his rescue. He loved his fans, but the obsessed ones were the trouble. A bit scared, he backed away further, nervous smile on his face as the blond continued to curse and shriek, fighting his way free of Wufei's hold. It would seem that his lover was losing steam, as the two were coming closer to him, and he contemplated making a run for it to Wufei's bedroom.

"Trowa!" Wufei was calling out, his body straining to hold the suddenly strong little blond. "Don't just sit there! Help me, damn it!"

Duo looked to the banged man, who merely sat with his eyes closed, as if slowly mulling over his decision. By this rate Duo would probably end up in the clutches of the fan boy before the bastard could make up his mind.

"Trowa!" Came Wufei's desperate voice, pulling both his friend's and the actor's attention to him.

Duo swore silently as Wufei was overpowered, and he backed into the wall as the blond came rushing forward. His eyes screwed shut as he waited for the impending contact, but he was forced to re-open them by the frustrated cry that nearly busted his eardrums.

"Okay, that's far enough, Quatre." Trowa muttered, his arms wrapped about a struggling and cursing blond.

"No, let me go, Trowa! It's not fair! I have to touch him! Please!" The man's rambling went on, even as he was lifted and hefted out of the kitchen kicking and screaming. "Trowa, no, you can't do this to me! Fei, you little bastard, you'll pay for this. Duo, I love you! I'm your biggest fan! I just want to touch you! Please!"

And then the blond was gone, leaving Duo to slump in relief with a heavy sigh, his heart hammering in his chest. Good god, he had never come that close to such an obsessed fan before. He had thought that he was going to lose his life.

"Duo?"

Wufei's voice had him looking to the Asian man, who seemed just as winded as he was, though he had actually done something physical. Rushing over, he pulled the smaller man close to him, checking him over to make sure that he hadn't been hurt for his sake.

"Baby, you okay?" He asked, the two jumping at the angry cry that came floating into the kitchen.

"Baby!" Came Quatre's voice from somewhere in the living room. "What does he mean baby! Wufei that little sl-"

The words were muffled soon after, mostly likely Trowa having covered his lover's mouth in order to stop the insult that was coming. Duo only sighed again, before he was resting his forehead against Wufei's, his lover groaning as he pulled himself closer to the actor.

"I'm so sorry." He apologized to the star, sloe eyes connecting with violet. "I should have remembered he was here. I should have told you so at least you would have had time to protect yourself."

"It's okay." Duo assured him with a grin and a shrug. "It was a bit scary, but I'm okay. How about I go and meet him properly?"

"Are you insane?" Wufei almost hissed, a frown taken his face. "He'll skin you alive and tan it so that he could wear it and have you close to him."

"Fei-"

The face that Wufei gave him sent a shudder down his spin and he had to gulp, as he had a feeling that the Chinese man wasn't joking.

"Okay, I understand, but I still think we should go out there."

Wufei only sighed, before he was cursing under his breath, his hand taking Duo's in a tight grip.

"Fine." He muttered, Duo smiling at his lover's protectiveness. "But one wrong move and I'm putting you on the first plane to California for your own safety,"

"Of course."

They exited the kitchen, both warily looking to the couch where a squirming blond was seated atop his boyfriend's lap. Trowa had one arm securely wrapped about Quatre's waist, effectively locking his arms to his side in the process, the other arm had his hand clamped against the man's mouth, muffling the objections that were being spewed. He froze as the two came into his view, and Duo chanced smiling at him, though moving closer to Wufei for the protection.

"Hello, again." The star said, nearly shrinking under glowering sea-green eyes, even though they were directed to his and Wufei's linked hands.

"I can't let you go, but I will let you speak, but you have to be nice." Trowa warned his lover, who had stopped struggling for the moment and was breathing heavily after his efforts to escape. "One bad word and you lose the privilege, okay?"

The blond slowly nodded, and then Trowa risked removing his hand from his mouth. Surprisingly enough, he kept quiet for the moment, his eyes merely watching and taking in the sight of his greatest idol merely a few feet away from him. Then he was glaring at Wufei, who took a step back at the icy look that was directed to him.

"You lied." He started, his face holding a scowl. "You said you'd let me know whenever you met him again, and you never did. You broke your promise, Wufei, and you lied to me."

"Quatre, I'm sorry, but I didn't expect for this to happen." Wufei began to explain himself, Quatre turning away with a stubborn pout. "I would have told you, but for Duo's sake I had to keep quiet. I couldn't just let anyone know that he and I were dating."

That had Quatre's head snapping back to him, eyes wide and mouth falling open in utter disbelief.

"You're dating?" He asked breathlessly, unable to find his voice, almost sounding hurt. "You're dating Duo Maxwell?"

"It's true." Duo cut in, one shoulder shrugging and a coy smile directed to the stunned man. "I couldn't resist him."

"And you didn't think I should know!" Quatre demanded, eyes tearing a bit. "Wufei, I thought we were friends. You-"

"Uh, uh, uh." Trowa reprimanded, hand covering Quatre's mouth again to cut off his sharp tongue. "I said be nice. You can't insult him and be upset with him, knowing how much of a gossip you are."

"I am not!" He shouted out, having twisted his head to free his mouth. "I wouldn't have told anyone! Just you! And maybe Mary at work. . . and Justin. Oh, and maybe Marlene, but that's it! I wouldn't have said much after that!"

"See?" Trowa said with a roll of his eyes. "You word have told the biggest mouths at your company, and then Duo and Wufei would have no privacy."

"Wait, but he told you and not me?"

"No." Trowa said, almost sadly, his green eyes connecting with Wufei's. "I'm his best friend and I found out by accident."

"Okay, I'm sorry." Wufei suddenly said, pulling his hand free of Duo's hold to walk over to the window and stare out of it. Anything so that he didn't have to face his friend's accusing and hurt stares. "I was just scared, okay! I didn't want anyone to know because I didn't want to hurt Duo's career. And. . . I was ashamed of myself."

"Fei, what are you talking about?" Duo asked, moving closer to his lover.

He rested a hand on a slender shoulder, only to have it shrugged off, Wufei turning to look up at him with a solemn expression.

"I was ashamed." He said again, arms crossing over his chest to hug himself. "Don't you get it yet, Duo? I may love you and I enjoy our time together, but I'm ashamed of being the other woman. Of being the factor that could ruin you and break things beyond repair. I can't help it."

"Fei-"

"Oh my god, that's right!" Quatre suddenly burst out, cutting Duo off. "You're with Relena Dorian. You're cheating on her! Are you insane?"

"Quatre." His lover warned him, the blond pouting as a hand hovered over his lips in warning. "Be quiet love, and maybe I'll forgive you claiming to want another man while I'm still in the same room."

"But. . ." Quatre gasped, turning to look back at his lover with apologetic eyes. "I didn't mean it like that, I just. . . Trowa, I'm so sorry."

"It's okay, I understand." Trowa said, letting his lover go and leaning back into the couch. "How could I ever think to compare to the Duo Maxwell? I mean, I don't have a chance against him. It's okay, you can go and get him. I understand how you really feel about me."

Quatre sat stunned, torn between going after his idol or trying to repair his breaking relationship with his lover. It wasn't that Trowa didn't compare to Duo Maxwell, it was just that. . . he couldn't help it. But, it wasn't like he didn't love his boyfriend. He loved Trowa more than anything, no one else could compare to him. Not even. . .

His eyes widened as everything seemed to dawn on him, and he slowly stood, before he was looking to Duo, who was cowering behind Wufei, who seemed ready to defend his lover against any crazed attack the blond gave. It never came and instead Quatre was straddling Trowa's lap instead, his arms wrapped around the banged man's shoulder's his face buried in his neck as he held him close to him.

"I'm sorry, Trowa." He apologized, the sincerity heavy on his voice and said voice forced around lump in his throat. "I'm so sorry. I do love you, I do. You're the one that he can't compare to, it's just. . . it's just. . .Please don't break up with me!"

Trowa only sighed, before he was wrapping his arms about his lover, relieved to hear the words. He had been taking a risk letting his lover go, but he had to know where Quatre stood. He had been growing tired of this unhealthy obsession, and what better time to test it than with the object of his boyfriend's fan-boy desire?

"I'm not breaking up with you, Quatre." He told the man, who was now sniffling, his face staying hidden probably due to embarrassment from his tears. "I just want you to know that there's only so long that I'll compete for your affection. I love you, Quatre, but I won't have the feeling not be reciprocated. And I think you should give up this obsession."

"But-" The word was muffled, and cut off by Trowa.

"No buts, Quatre." The taller man said, hand raising to stroke blond locks. "I'm not saying you can't be a fan, but you can't let it rule your life."

He took Quatre's sniffling and arms tightening about him as agreement, and he let himself smile, his eyes looking up to the two who had been watching them.

"I think we should head to bed." He suggested. "We'll take the couch and you two can have the bed. We'll talk over breakfast. No more hiding."

The last line said was directed at Wufei, who only bit his lip and nodded in agreement. Trowa nodded as well, before he was shooing them off, wanting to give his lover and himself some privacy to correctly make amends.

Wufei easily led Duo off to the bedroom, closing the door behind them and turning to look at the braided celebrity. The two stood staring at each other in silence before it was finally broken, Duo taking the first step.

"Fei." He began, Wufei giving him his full attention. "Are you really ashamed of what we have?"

"Duo. . ."

"No, answer me." The braided star said, moving closer to grab Wufei by his shoulders. "What are you so ashamed of?"

"I can't keep repeating myself, Duo." Wufei said, his eyes narrowing on his lover's confused face. "You know what I'm talking about."

"And you know I said I'll handle it." Duo said, his hands cupping Wufei's face. "Don't you believe me?"

"It's hard to do so, after being promised so many times-"

"Fei, I promise you!" Duo sternly cut him off, his face holding a serious mask and his eyes staring deep into ebony pools. "I promise you, that I'll leave her. I promise to come out of hiding and I promise you that I love you. . . only you."

"Duo." Was all he was able to say, before his lips were caught in a kiss.

It was deep and it was as if Duo was sealing his promise with it. It made him weak in his knees and had his heart soaring in hope. He let his arms wrap around his lover, who pulled him closer as well, wanting the moment to last a bit longer.

"Only you." Duo was repeating for good measure as they pulled apart, their foreheads touching and still wrapped in each others arms.

"Sally's going to really hate me now." Wufei said with a smirk, and Duo only scoffed before he was cracking his own smile.

"She hates everyone that takes away my time from my career. She's a slave driver and a ball crusher."

"Duo."

"Well, she is!"

The actor lifted his head so he could press a kiss against his lover's forehead, before he was gently guiding him over to the bed, where they ended up snuggling on top of the blankets. A comfortable quiet settled between them, Duo running his hand through Wufei's loose locks as the smaller Asian man gently traced fingers over the hidden planes of his stomach and chest. The quiet didn't last long as the two paused to try and make out the noise that was now filtering in through the door.

Duo couldn't help the smirk as he recognized a moan and he looked to his lover, who seemed appalled at what they were now listening to.

"Are they really doing what I think they're doing?" The braided actor asked, Wufei cringing.

"Stop, don't remind me." He said trying to bury his head under his pillows. "Just help me try and block it out. I do not want to hear my two friends going at it."

Duo only laughed, pulling the pillow off of Wufei's head and smiling down at him.

"You know, there's only one way to block it out." He said, his lover looking up to him with a questioning look.

He was yelping out in protest when Duo was pushing him down into the mattress and straddling him with a lecherous grin set on his face.

"We'll just have to be louder."

"Duo!"

His protest was easily ignored and the rest of the night had the two couples disturbing the neighbors that surrounded Wufei's apartment.

xoxoxoxox

Zechs Marquise stepped out from the airport into the winter air, his shoulders hunching and his body immediately beginning to tremble. He hated the cold. It was one of the reasons that he chose to live in California, that and his work with celebrities meant he had to stay close to where they dwell. He was willing to travel for a good story, however, and at the moment that meant he was temporarily stationed here.

The wind blew and he felt like turning back to board the next plane back to Hollywood, but he grit his teeth and pulled his overcoat closer, ready to hail the first taxi that he saw. Luckily enough, there were plenty, and he and his lone suitcase was loaded and ready to go. His sources, or rather source, had been able to track Duo's flight and which hotel he had checked into. So he was on his way to his own, which was conveniently located a block from where the braided actor was staying.

His trip wasn't long and after paying his fare, he headed up to his room and settled himself in for a night's worth of work. The first thing he did was call up his source, the intern by the name of Joe, and had him relay Duo's room number. He ended up at a dead end as the man had no idea and said that it was handled so secretly that he couldn't even bribe the hotel staff. Zechs only cursed and reached for his carton of cigarettes, but was stopped by the no smoking plaque standing right by the phone. He could wait until he was outside.

"Alright, I'll get the information for myself. You're positive he checked in?"

"Yes." Came the answer from the other line, Zechs pulling out a cigarette to rest between his lips but not lighting it. "Though he left unattended and hasn't been back since."

"Anyone following him?" He then asked, patting his pockets in search of his lighter as he stood from where he sat on the bed.

"Too risky, but we are watching all entrances to the hotel to see if he brings anyone back with him."

"I doubt it. He's not stupid. Fine, I'll do my own snooping about and I'll get back to you." He announced, already needing his nicotine fix.

Joe said his goodbyes and then Zechs was preparing himself for the cold that would surely greet him outside. How he hated these new no smoking laws.

It didn't take him long to reach the lobby and head outside, and he silently cursed as he lit his cigarette before taking a long drag. He nerves felt calmer and the cold didn't bother him much as he focused on feeding his addiction. He should probably quit, but it was either this or go back to the drug he had been introduced to when he first entered the Hollywood scene.

Well, that was years ago when he had a dream of rock and roll, he'd grown up since then and besides he hated snow. All forms of it. As if to spite him, small flakes of white began to fall, and he glared at the crystallized water as he finished of his cigarette. Now he could go for a drink.

His cigarette butt was tossed and he started off down the block, hands already lighting another and then tucking away into his pockets. He had no idea why he found airing out celebrities' dirty laundry to be so enjoyable, but it was his job and he was good at it. Maybe he was bitter, a little jealous even, and wanted them to see that they were part of reality, too. Or, he could just be an asshole. He'd go with the latter, as it seemed to make much more sense to him.

He stopped just outside of the small hotel that was now housing one Duo Maxwell. It was obviously private owned so it meant a higher success rate of being discreet. He nodded to the doorman as he stepped inside, and headed for the small restaurant connected to the lobby. He seated himself close to the bar, and ordered a whiskey straight, and waited. Luckily enough, his smoking was allowed here, so he easily lit up another cigarette and welcomed the usual burn of smoke traveling down his throat.

He wasted twenty minutes of sipping at his room-temperature drink and chain smoking, when he was finally greeted with something worth listening to besides the minor league game on the big screen.

"Hey, I heard that some celebrity is staying in the hotel." A young waitress began to gossip with the bartender, another young woman that seemed as eager to gab as the next. "Is it true?"

"Yeah, Juan said he helped carry the bags of none other than the Duo Maxwell."

The waitress let out as low a squeal as she could, Zechs smirked as he received his confirmation and kept tuned in to the conversation.

"Oh, wow, I wish I could get a glimpse at him. He's so gorgeous." The waitress gushed. "Do you think he's here for a movie shoot?"

"Who knows." The bartender said with a shrug, idly wiping down the counter top. "All I know is that he left late last night and he hasn't been back since. I thought he was on a break from doing movies though, Entertainment Tonight said he was taking a break to spend time with his girlfriend."

"She's so lucky!" The waitress said with a pout. "I wish I was dating Duo Maxwell. Well, he has to be here on business then, since his girlfriend didn't come with him."

"I heard that he came here on a personal endeavor." The bartender said, he voice a bit lower so that Zechs had to strain to here. "Juan said he had been making calls on his cellphone while he was checking in. I think Duo Maxwell's got a lady on the side."

"No way!"

"Excuse me, miss!"

The two were interrupted as Zechs called for the waitress' attention, his hand holding up his now empty class. It was time to celebrate his small find.

"I'll have another whiskey, please." He ordered, a charming smile on his face. "This time make it a double."

The waitress nodded and in no time Zechs was being handed his drink. As she rested the the drink down, she didn't have time to pull away as Zechs gently caught he by the wrist.

"I hope I'm not being too bold." He said, blue eyes connecting with her wide brown. "My name's Zechs."

He took her hand in a shake, watching her face flare up in a blush at the contact and was glad to see he still had a way of swooning women. As he pulled his hand away, he watched the waitress stare down at her palm which now held a neatly folded bill, with one Ben Franklin printed on its surface.

"I'd like to have a chat with Juan."

xoxoxoxox

Wufei woke to the smell of coffee and bacon, which made his stomach growl and insist he wake for food. Slowly, he sat up in bed and looked beside him with a stretch. Duo was no where to be found, which meant he had to be in the kitchen. For someone that had his own food made for him, the actor sure did like to cook, and he did it well.

Noting that he'd be sought after soon, he stood from his bed and headed for the bathroom to relieve his screaming bladder and brush his teeth. He winced as his hind end protested and he silently cursed the braided idiot that he'd allowed to ravish him.

He reached the bathroom just as Quatre was exiting it, and he nodded his good morning to the blond who gave him a wary smile in return. His friend's lover then disappeared into the lone bedroom to change into whatever could fit him in Wufei's dresser. It wouldn't be hard, being as Quatre was close enough to Wufei in size. Maybe one size up in the measurement scale, but it was close enough to deal with until his clothes were washed and dried downstairs in the laundry facility.

Wufei was then ducking into the bathroom to start his morning routine, and in the kitchen one actor and one recently promoted advertising director were in the middle of making breakfast. To the untrained eye, it would seem as if things were normal, however, the tension was hard to miss.

As Duo reached for the eggs, Trowa grabbed it up instead and when the banged-man went after the whistling kettle, he was intercepted by the braided celebrity. Green eyes glared and violet eyes countered, the two stopping momentarily to confront the other.

"You and Fei seemed to have had a good night." Trowa began, his arms crossing over his chest.

"And you and your boyfriend seemed to have made up quickly."

"Of course, it's not like we were keeping our relationship hidden to the public and friends, as if it was something that could hurt me should it get out."

Duo couldn't help the laugh, his head shaking as he looked back at the taller man.

"You have just been waiting to confront me with this, haven't you?" He asked, his smile never fading and his own arms crossing. "Well, go on. Lay it on me."

"Oh, I've said nothing Wufei hasn't probably already told you." Trowa said with a smirk of his own. "But I'm sure he forgot to mention one thing. Before he was your lover, he was my friend, and I will be damned if you dare damage that. The day you ever hurt him, as I'm sure you will, remember that I'll still be there for him and you'll regret ever doing anything wrong toward him."

"And you remember that I'm his lover, as you yourself stated. So until I fail, which I can assure you will never happen, you realize that every laugh, every smile, every tear is mine. Or at least the majority of them are."

"Fine." Trowa grit out, his eyes narrowing, Duo returning the look.

"Fine."

"What's going on?"

The newcomer drew their attention, and then the two men where staring back at Wufei, who seemed the slightest bit curious and even unsure of what he was walking in on.

"Nothing much." Duo said, flashing a reassuring smile. "Tro and I were just getting better acquainted. Right?"

He looked to Trowa, who only smiled in Wufei's direction and was nodding in agreement.

"Of course." He stated, before he was reaching out to clap a hand on Duo's shoulder with a firm squeeze. it was a little too firm, but Duo was able to keep his face straight so Wufei wouldn't catch on. "We're becoming fast friends, Mr. Maxwell and I."

"Please." The actor said, the word also a silent plea that the man let go. "Call me Duo. How about we serve up this breakfast we've been working on?"

"Please do." Came Quatre's voice from the kitchen doorway. "I'm starving."

Trowa beckoned him forward, as Duo began dishing out servings onto plates, and welcomed his lover into his arms. He kissed the man a good morning greeting, before he was directing him to the table where they sat down just in time to be served.

"Okay, gentleman." Duo said, topping off everyone's breakfast with a cup of hot coffee, his own wake-up kiss planted on Wufei's lips as he passed him by. "Breakfast is served."

It wasn't long before Duo was seated at the table and the four of them were eating what had been prepared. As much as they expected it to be awkward, it wasn't that bad at all. So far, the most they endured was Quatre's questions, which he was eager to know the answers to. Wufei had only told him they'd discuss it after breakfast, but it seemed as if the blue-eyed man wasn't going to let up.

"Come on, Wufei." Quatre begged, his pouting lip quivering as if he were about to cry. "I just want to know when you two first kissed? It's not like I'm asking for the first time you slept together."

That had Wufei nearly chocking as a stray piece of toast that had taken the chance to escape down his windpipe as he gasped in from Quatre's statement. Duo took to patting his back, and Trowa gently glared at his lover in a reprimanding way. The blond only pouted further, before returning to his breakfast, still curious and wanting his answer.

"You okay, babe?" Duo asked the Asian man once he had cleared his windpipe.

"Yeah, I'm fine." Wufei responded, reaching for his coffee and taking a sip. "He just caught me off guard is all."

"Well, what I'd like to know is why you didn't trust me enough to keep this thing you two have a secret?" Trowa cut in, not looking up from his breakfast. "I mean, I thought we'd stopped keeping secrets from each other since high school, Fei?"

Wufei's eyes looked to Trowa, who had finally looked up, green eyes reflecting the hurt and misunderstanding to his best friend. The guilt and regret was slowly beginning to eat away at him, and Wufei pulled in a deep breath to steady himself. He had to wonder if Quatre had gotten his puppy dog look from Trowa. It wasn't as prominent and obvious as the blond's act, but the taller man had a knack for getting what he wanted through a look.

"Look, he did it to protect me, alright?" Duo cut in, taking away Wufei's attempt to redeem himself. "He was just worried about anyone knowing about me. Besides, it's not like he planned this from the start. He actually didn't want this to happen."

"You actually tried to resist Duo Maxwell?" Quatre's mouth had nearly dropped open in disbelief, wide eyes looking to Wufei in complete shock. "Why? What's wrong with you?"

"Nothing is wrong with me, Quatre." Wufei said with an aggravated sigh, trying his best to stomach his eggs. He wasn't feeling too hungry anymore. "It's just that I knew the position he was in, I knew he was in a relationship, and I knew that publicly he was heterosexual."

"So, Duo, you're bisexual?" Trowa quickly asked, his eyes turning to the braided star.

The actor merely sighed, taking a bite of bacon, chewing and swallowing, before he was looking up at his newest rival. He knew that he and Trowa were going to be on shaky ground and there was a chance that the two would never grow to like each other. The man seemed to hold a grudge against him. He couldn't blame him. To Trowa it probably seemed as if the celebrity was taking the two things he held dear from him.

First, it had been his boyfriend, who had an unhealthy obsession and idol worship. Now it was his best friend, which the two seemed ridiculously close even for just friends. Duo was sure if Quatre wasn't in the picture and he had never met Wufei, the two would have eventually eloped. Hell, it could still happen. Though, he wasn't petty and there'd be no way he'd stand in the way of their friendship due to his own suspicion and insecurities.

"Well, Trowa, I'm someone who's finally coming to terms with what he really wants." Duo finally responded, his right hand reaching for Wufei's under the table. "I don't think of love as a man or woman. It's an emotion that leads me to the one person who can make me feel that this is who've I been searching for. This is why I live, why I breathe, why I carry on. Wufei's being a man has nothing to do with it, because I fell in love with who he is. Had he been a woman I'd still love him. Hell, had he been an alien with three heads I'd still love him. I've never felt this way with anyone, so utterly complete, and figured it has to be love."

Wufei couldn't respond as Duo looked to him, his eyes shining in a way that the Asian man had seen before but was too scared to read into. The actor gave him a smile, a genuine, true smile. It was one that reveled just how happy and content, as well as how true his words were and for once, Wufei didn't want to shy away from it.

"I love you, Wufei." Duo professed, his smile broadening as he felt Wufei's finger's close around his tightly. "Until the day I die, and even after that, I'll always love you."

Trowa couldn't help but study Wufei's face, and as the shock from Duo's statement wore off, he could see his friend's relief and insecurities wash away. The small smile that followed was enough to prove to Trowa that it was what Wufei had wanted to know right from the start and had finally gotten to hear. He finally was able to not feel so angry, a bit hurt still, but he could manage. All he had ever wanted was to see Wufei happy, and now he was.

The three were startled by the sniffle that broke the moment, and three pair of eyes looked to Quatre, who was trying his best not to cry. Wufei looked to the blond in disbelief, his face frowning as Quatre tried to duck his head to hide his face.

"Quatre, are you. . . crying?"

"No!" The blond half sobbed, and Trowa couldn't help but laugh.

"You're such a sucker for sappy romance, Quatre." The banged man said, pulling his lover into a hug with a smile.

"No, I'm not!" His boyfriend objected, though he welcomed the embrace. "It's just so beautiful to see other people in love. I can't help it."

"You're so unbelievably adorable sometimes, you know that?" Trowa said with another small laugh. "I'm surprised I haven't developed diabetes from you."

"Or an aneurysm." Wufei muttered, hiding the statement behind a forkful of eggs.

"Fei!" His lover scolded him, as Quatre turned to glare. "Be nice."

Trowa let Quatre go so that he could turn back to his breakfast, his eyes looking to the two across from him, who were still holding hands.

"Okay, so what's the game plan?" He asked them, catching his friend off guard. "You two getting married and running off into the sunset?"

"Well, I was thinking more along the line of racquetball." Duo announced, and Wufei blanched just a bit.

"You really do play racquetball." Quatre lowly said in amazement, and the actor nodded.

"Yup, and I proclaim we have a lovers match off."

"Duo, do you think-"

"I'm in." Trowa cut Wufei's protest off, the Chinese man glaring at is friend who now held a competitive gleam to his eye. "Losing team pays for dinner, winner's choice of restaurant."

"Trowa, I don't think-"

"Deal!" The actor agreed, this time cutting of Quatre.

His right hand released Wufei's so that he could hold it out over the table, and it was met with a firm and challenging grip as Trowa took it. The two shook and the deal was sealed, and Quatre and Wufei looked to each other with the same disgruntled look. Today was going to be one hell of a day.

xoxoxoxox

Zechs Merquise merely whistled to himself as he sat in the waiting area of his own hotel, comfortably situated on one of the plush and fashionable couches provided. His looked down at the watch on his wrist, before his whistling stopped. He should be here any minute now.

"Mr. Merquise?"

The timid and nervous voice had him looking up and to his left, and he smiled as he recognized the bellhop known as Juan.

"Please, sit down, Juan." He invited, gesturing to the couch across from where he sat, divided by a simply detailed coffee table. "You look like you could use a rest."

The young man sat stiffly, his eyes looking about nervously and his fingers twitching. A shoulder bag was hanging off of his left shoulder, and occasionally he would fix the strap, as if it was constantly slipping.

Zechs knew that boy was nervous, especially after doing what the journalist had asked him to do. It wasn't only the boy's credibility that was at stake, he was risking his job as well. Well, his line of work called for sacrifices. True, they weren't his own, but they were sacrifices none the less.

"I hope you don't mind that we get straight to business?" He asked the bellhop, who slowly shook his head. "So, what goodies did you bring me?"

Juan took another slow look around, not that anyone was paying any attention to them, just to be sure. Then he was removing the shoulder bag and resting it on the coffee table in front of them. When the bag was opened, he pulled out a small, leather bound organizer and held it out for Zechs.

The journalist looked at it with a raised brow, before he was sighing and reaching forward for it. When he took it, he unzipped the sides and opened it, not surprised to see that it was just what it turned out to be.

"Is this all you have for me?" He questioned, already bored but flipping through the pages any way. He stopped at a date marked off for a movie shoot the actor was due for in the near future. He'd make a note. Readers loved behind the scenes kind of junk.

"Well, you didn't really specify what I should be looking for." Juan said in his small voice, his face a bit crestfallen at having disappointed the man. "There wasn't much besides that and there were no signs that he had company. I don't even think he's been back to his room yet."

Zechs only made a sound that could have been a grunt, and continued to look through the book. There was nothing but more shoots, interviews, even a date with Relena. He sighed then, not bothering to look up at the young man.

"Well, Juan, I hardly think this is deserving of the full grand. How about I give you a hundred for your time?"

"What?" The bellhop could only gasp out, his eyes widening slightly. "But I thought. . . you said I could get a thousand if I brought you something."

"Of course I did." Zechs said, glancing up quickly to the young bellhop, who held a look of betrayal. "But that was if you brought me something good. This is junk, useful, but still junk. I-"

His words stopped as he glanced back down and his eyes met with something very interesting. He couldn't help the smile the longer he looked at it, and finally he felt that his search wasn't in vain.

"Well, Juan, I believe I owe you an apology." He said, the bellhop brightening.

"Really?"

"Oh, yes." He said, his smile widening. "For what you found you deserve full payment."

His hands lifted the small sleeve of photo paper, the ones taken at the small booths in a mall or carnival. The line of photos had Duo Maxwell and a young man beside him. It was series of pictures that were enough to tell that this was no friend, especially the last picture where the two were in a kiss.

"You see." He said turning the picture for the gentleman to see, his smiling eyes holding a somewhat evil glint. "You've brought me gold."

xoxoxoxox

"CUT!"

Heero sighed in relief as the scene was finally done, and that he had made it through the end. If he had to do one more back flip, followed by a roundhouse kick, ending in a horse stance sequence, he'd judo chop the damn director.

He didn't ask for the main role in a half-assed, American-made karate film, but he hadn't been doing much work lately and he was bored. That and the part had originally wanted Duo Maxwell, but as the American did not know martial arts and refused to even attempt a crash course in training, Sally had pitched the idea of using the Heero Yuy. In the Hollywood world, he was quickly becoming the next Jackie Chan or Jet Li, but of Japanese decent. He didn't mind, it brought in the money, and besides, he was still moderately famous in Japan. His fame was growing there, too, with his success in the US.

"Good take, Heero." The videographer complimented him, and he nodded his thanks.

He accepted the bottle of water and towel that a gopher handed to him, taking a long drink and draping the towel over his shoulders. He watched as Sally finally came over from where she had been standing beside the director, and he let her reach out and wipe away the sweat from his brow with the towel.

"If only I was always your agent, slash assistant, slash publicist." She said with a smile, before it turned into a frown. "You actually listen."

"Heero, next fight scene in ten."

Heero groaned, but waved his acknowledgment to the director's assistant, before he was walking over to the long table set up with food to feed the crew and actors. Sally followed him and put together a cup of coffee for herself, as Heero made himself a plate of fruit.

"So, you gonna tell me where he is?" She asked suddenly, her blue eyes looking to Heero with a knowing glare.

"What does it matter, Sally?" He questioned in retaliation, not bothering to look back at her as he took to leaning against the table and eating his fruit.

"He's ruining everything I ever did for him." She answered calmly, sipping at her coffee slowly and methodically. "He has no idea what could be lost. His life, his career-"

"Your paycheck."

Heero's blunt interruption had her glaring at the Japanese actor, who had yet to even look up from his damned fruit.

"Yeah, can't forget about that." She said sourly, though in the back of her mind that's exactly what she was thinking about.

Heero sighed, rolling his head to clear the kinks from his neck before he was finishing off the little fruit he had left and finally turning to look at the older women next to him.

"If it makes him happy, what do you care?"

"Why are you defending him?" She asked, her eyes narrowed.

"Because I'm his friend, and I want to see him happy."

"Even if it's not with you? Aren't you bitter?"

"I don't see what that has anything to do with this." Heero said, his muscles tensing. "Nor do I think this is the place to bring up that particular subject."

"I don't understand you celebrities." Sally said with a scoff. "You have it made and then you screw it up. What was the point then if you'll just lose it all in the end?"

"Because we'll be damned if we have to go on suffering so that people like you could make a living!" Heero snapped in a low voice, though their rising tension was gaining them a couple of onlookers. "Your greed should never be the reason why I have to suffer and pretend to be what 'the public' is happy with. Now if you'll excuse me, I have another fight scene to shoot."

Sally watched him storm off towards his dressing room, her jaw clenched in irritation. She was not greedy, she was just concerned. She didn't want her hard work to all be for nothing. And if Duo, and even Heero, was too stupid to see that, then she supposed that she had no choice but to let them have their rude awakening.

Her cellphone rang, and she pulled it out of her pocket and looked to the small screen displaying the caller. Her face took a frown as she saw the name, before she was answering it and holding the phone to her ear.

"This is Sally." The few moments of silence was due to her listening to the caller respond. "Yes, I know it's you Relena and no, I'm not with Duo."

The next few words had her nearly dropping her cup and she had to quickly rest it down on the table, still managing to spill some over the cheap plastic tablecloth.

"How do you know he's in New York?" She questioned, listening to the actress babble away. Her teeth grit as Relena told her the last thing she wanted to hear, and she swore under her breath. "Don't do anything without me, I'm on my way."

She hung up her phone and was fighting her way through the crew to the exit, when she was stopped by a hold on her arm. She spun to meet Heero, who was looking at her with a frown and a look that questioned her need to hurry.

"I hope you and your friend are happy." She told him, her voice holding a sharp tone. "Because the last person you'd ever want in your business now knows about Duo's little fling."

"What?" Heero asked confused, and Sally offered him a bitter smile.

"Zechs Marquise knows about Duo's little boy toy." She said low enough so that no nosy interns could snoop. "And by this time tomorrow, so will all of Hollywood. I hope your happiness is enough to pull you through this one."

She pulled free of Heero's grip and then left, leaving the stunned actor gaping at the space where she had been standing. When the words finally sank in, Heero couldn't help the anger that built inside of his chest.

"Fuck!" Was all he could shout, startling those around him as his fist connected with a prop wall.

Though this wasn't what he should be angry with, because with the way things were progressing, it could only get worse.

T.B.C.

I know, don't start screaming at me, even though you have every right to be angry. I get easily side-tracked and then I easily lose motivation, which is hard to start up again. It's been over a year, but I finally got the next chapter up. I sincerely apologize and I hope you forgive me. I completely understand if you don't. All reviews are welcome and I hope to not take so long with the following chapter(s). Thank you.