Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Fates Intertwined: The Threads that Bind Us ❯ Chapter 1

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

Author Note: Good lord, I couldn't help it. This popped up out of no where and I was like, I have got to post this. It's a test to see if I should make something of it. Got some of it down, but I'm still not sure where it's going exactly.

Disclaimer: If I owned the gundam boys, the show would have gone a lot differently. However, I don't own it so I can only sulk and sigh and dream of such a thing.

Pairings: None definate yet, not sure if they'll be any. If there are they'll be random as the story moves along.

Warnings: Shounen ai, so there's boy love or at least attraction. As much as I try to keep them in character I usually end up failing, so OOC. It's Alternate Universe, which I always do. A bit bloody, but that's only in the fight scenes. Now move on, I got a fic to start here.

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"Watch where you're going punk!", a man cried out as he was knocked into by a passerby.

He turned to glare at a teenaged boy dressed in raggedy clothing. As raggedy as his clothes were, his hair and skin were clean, the former combed into a neat braid. The boy only offered him an innocent grin, scratching the back of his head in an almost nervous gesture.

"I'm sorry, man.", the teenager apologized, "Didn't see you there."

The man only huffed before turning to walk away, grumbling under his breath about street rats. As he left, the boy stuck his tongue out at him, pulling his other hand from behind his back to reveal a heavy looking coin purse resting in his palm. He sighed in satisfaction as he threw the purse into the air to catch it in his other hand. Life was sweet, especially when people wore their money so carelessly.

He began on his way, weaving through the busy streets of the bazaar, his hands working stealthily as he did so. He had managed another coin purse, a dagger and an apple. The apple he bit into, enjoying the fruit that was his breakfast and pocketed the purses. The dagger he tied to his waist; he was lucky to have acquired a weapon. It would give him reasonable defense until he was able to sell it.

He came to a quick halt as he collided with a burly body, his apple dropping to the ground as he steadied himself. It didn't take him long until he realized that he was being surrounded and his hand rested idly on the dagger.

"You are being the wanted theif.", the burly man began with a heavy accent, stroking his graying beard as he studied the boy in front of him.

"Yeah, how do you figure?", the boy asked, the surrounding men chuckling.

The first jabbed a thumb in the direction of a wall, and he followed it with his eyes. He was greeted by a wanted poster of himself with a grin on his face giving a victory sign, and he gave a nervous laugh. Okay, so maybe he was the wanted thief. The men laughed as well, much more darkly as they slinked closer to him on all sides.

"The wanted Duo.", the leader said, his hands rubbing together, "You are wanted dead or alive. There is special price on your head."

"Oh really?", Duo asked, wanting to keep the converstion going as long as possible, "How much am I worth?"

"Fifty pounds of gold.", the man provided.

Duo paused in thought. That was alot of gold, maybe he should turn himself in? He shook his head to clear it of the thought. He was pretty sure they wouldn't pay him.

"Fifty pounds, huh? That's not worth the effort, now is it?"

"That is only for head.", the man clarified, "The rest is worth one-hundred fifty pounds of gold."

Duo's eyes widened at the amount. Someone in the palace didn't like him. He became aware of the men around him once again and he nervously laughed as he tried to think of a way out of this. He was surrounded on both sides and he had no idea how he would get past any of these men. They were all large in stature and the one in front of him seemed to be the biggest. Perhaps he could manage to talk his way out of this.

"Okay guys, it's obvious you're being misled.", he told them, reaching to the wall and removing the wanted sign, "I mean there's no proof that I stole anything."

"That's him, the one who stole my apple!"

They all turned to where a man stood with an officer, pointing in Duo's direction with a reddened and angered face. Duo swore under his breath and the officer glared in his direction.

"You never steal, eh?"

"I never said that.", Duo corrected, "I said there was no proof. Besides, he could be talking about you. I mean you look pretty shady."

"I know it's him!", the stranger continued, "The one with the braid!"

The thugs turned to Duo again, an array of dark looks set on their faces as they chuckled to themselves. Well, this couldn't be good. He found that now the officer was heading in his direction, even as the thugs pulled in tighter to surround him. There had to be a way out of this, there just had to be.

"Alright, you got me.", Duo began, feigning defeat, "I'll go willingly."

The men were ready to spring forward but he stopped them with a raise of his hand, sighing in relief when they backed off just a bit.

"I only have one thing to say."

"And what you say, theif?", the leader asked.

They watched as Duo smiled, his eyes twinkling mischievously before he waved to them.

"Catch me if you can."

The men could do nothing but gawk as the boy managed a leap over them, landing on the ground gracefully before running off with his laughter and braid trailing behind him. They stood there stunned for the moment, trying to figure out just exactly how he had done such a feat. It was the voice of Duo's earlier accuser that pulled them from their stupor.

"He's getting away! Don't just stand there!"

With a frusted growl, the larger of the men pulled free his sword, the others following suit. With an array of cries they ran after the boy's trail, ready to catch their bounty. The officer and the civilian followed after them, having reason to chase after Duo themselves.

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Duo couldn't help but laugh as he ran down the streets and alleyways, aware that the men were chasing after him. He hadn't thought it would be so easy to escape, but he counted his blessings. He ducked into a large crack in the side of a building, watching as the men ran by. He couldn't help but grin as he slipped out of his hiding spot, watching the men round the corner and disappearing for the moment. He wasn't safe just yet, they would keep looking for him for quite a while.

He grunted as he collided into someone, falling to the ground in an ungraceful manner. What the hell was going on here? Didn't people watch where they were going now a days?

"I'm sorry, miss."

Duo bristled at the assumption of his being a girl, anger flaring as his mouth got ready to tell the man off. He was stopped however as he looked up at a boy, who was obviously a foreigner. Violet eyes took in the long robe like shirt and matching slacks, the material screaming 'aristocrat'. However, a glance at the sword that was held loosely in the boy's left hand corrected him. This boy was a fighter and if he played his cards right, he could gain his assistance.

The boy held a hand out for him and Duo smiled shyly, his lashes fluttering in a flirtatious manner. Hell, he had to admit he was oddly femine looking, why not use it to his advantage? As he was pulled off the ground, he lowered his head in a bashful manner, looking up at the stranger through his bangs.

"It's quite alright.", he assured him, his voice softer, "It's my fault I was in a hurry."

"Might I inquire as to where you were hurrying off to?", the boy asked, Duo noting the soft accent.

He was from further East, and even if Duo hadn't been sure, the dark sloed eyes and ebony hair was proof enough. It made him wonder just what exactly he had come traveling to the Middle Continent for. It would have to wait, he had to keep up his act.

"Oh, I couldn't burden you with my troubles.", Duo objected, his hands taking hold of his cheeks as if hiding a blush.

The gentleman only smiled at him, in which Duo could have sworn he nearly did blush, before offering him a bow.

"It would be my honor to aid a young woman in trouble.", the boy answered, taking Duo's hand to place a kiss to it, "What sort of man would I be to deny a beauty in need?"

Duo's eyes widened just the slightest as he manged to hold back a chuckle. This guy was seriously flirting with him and as much as he wanted to roll over and die of laughter, he didn't want to blow his cover. If he did say so himself, he was playing the role of damsel in distress quite well.

Their attention was drawn to the end of the street where Duo's bounty hunters now stood, swords unsheathed and crooked smiles on their lips. The familiar leader stepped forward and Duo mentally swore to himself. This couldn't be good.

"So we find you again.", the large man said as if greeting him, "We have business to finish, yes?"

As the burly man stepped forward, Duo rushed to his new defender, hiding behind him and holding onto him by the shoulders. The boy looked to him with a questioning frown and Duo pouted, hoping it would work.

"These bad men won't leave me alone.", he whimpered, buring his face into the boy's back, "They're trying to force me into paying them and since I have no money. . ."

He let his words trail off so that the boy could take the bait and he smirked as he did just that, the stranger's body tensing as he prepared himself to fight.

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Wufei had only just entered the city, having left home in order to train under a skilled master, when he collided with a young woman. A very boyish looking young woman, but he was raised to respect all women, boyish or otherwise. Having thrown her to the ground he offered his help and soon found she would need more of his help. Especially with these thugs following after her. What they were asking of her was unjust and he found it his duty to make sure that they were punished accordingly.

"Stay here.", he ordered the girl, his hand grabbing the hilt of his sword.

He stalked closer to the men, who watched him in befuddlement and growing impatience.

"Move along.", he ordered them, the burly leader stiffening.

From the small crowd of men, a better dressed man stepped forward, his eyes narrowing in on Wufei.

"Who are you to tell us what to do?", he questioned, "You're trying to protect a wanted criminal."

Wufei scoffed at that. How on earth could this young woman be a wanted criminal? How dare this man accuse her of such a thing? His grip tightened on his sword as his glare narrowed.

"My name is Chang Wufei.", he introduced himself, pulling his sword free and aiming it at the group of men, "And I protect those who are unjustly accused. This young lady does not deserve your wrath."

The men looked between each other quite confused, a few scratching their head, though frowns fitted every face.

"You not understand.", the burly thug tried to reason, pointing in Duo's direction, "Duo is more than mere thief."

Wufei didn't waver and he took a fighting stance, readying himself for battle. Criminal or not, this young woman did not deserve to be chased after by honorless men. Various growls, chuckles and a whimper from the merchant rose from the small group of seven as they themselves took fighting stances. It wasn't long before they were charging and Wufei lifted his sword to counter them.

The clanging of metal filled the empty alleyway, which was followed by a distraut scream as three of the men fell to the ground; two dead and one of them missing a hand. The remaining men, which was now lessened to four, watched wide eyed as the now handless man continued to scream in horror. He clutched his bleeding stub, eyes wide in pain as he rolled back and forth on the ground. Wufei stood from his crouch, deadly eyes staring in the men's direction and he lifted his now bloody sword with one hand to point it at them.

As he stepped forward, the men stumbled back cautiously and Wufei smirked at their hesitation. Behind him he could still feel Duo's presence and he risked looking back to send her off to safety.

"Stand clear, my lady.", he warned, unable to see Duo's shoulder slump at the words as he turned, "Things could get messy."

By now the burly leader had time to come to his senses again and he gave an angry yell as he rushed forward, his curved sword swinging for Wufei's head. He didn't have time to swing it down, since his arm was soon flying in the opposite direction. He stopped mid run, gawking at the air where his arm should have been. He then looked to the young man, who he hadn't even seen move, but now stood behind him.

It didn't hit him that his arm was truly gone until it fell to the ground, the sword clattering against the cobblestone. He was soon screaming like his fellow minion, falling to his knees as he tried deperately to stop what was left of his arm from bleeding. Wufei ignored the screaming men, his eyes narrowing in on the rest. His sword rose again and that was all it took to have them running away. All that was left was the well dressed man and the merchant who was crouched in a corner whimpering.

The former of the two stood trembling, his sword shaking in his hand as he held it up. Wufei stalked closer, his own sword now dripping blood onto the ground and the man whimpered as he backed away.

"As an officer of His Majesty I command you to stop.", the man ordered, his voice trembling, "You are hereby under arrest and will be punished to the full extent of the law."

Wufei did no such thing, moving closer even as the man held his sword out in an attempt to intimidate him.

"Please.", the man began, turning to begging, "Yeild or else-"

The man grunted in pain, his eyes widening as he heard metal slice into his flesh and he looked to where Wufei now stood before him. Face to face, Wufei stared at the man blankly, his sword buried in the man's thigh.

"Someone of authority should know better.", were his only words before he pulled his sword free.

The hilt of it came cracking down on the officer's head, the man crumpling to the floor unconcious. Ebony eyes closed as Wufei took in a deep breath to calm himself, but his body tensed at the presence of movement. With lightening quick speed, his hand was moving and then there was a surprised squeak followed by a hollow 'thunk'.

He opened his eyes and looked to where he had flung his throwing dagger, making his way to where the merchant tried to free himself. He was trapped by the collar of his shirt to a wooden mast of a cloth canopy's frame, making frantic sounds as the foreigner drew closer to him.

"Please, have mercy.", he begged as Wufei came to stand before him, "You don't understand. I didn't have anything to do with the gang, I only brought the officer. He stole from my stand and I only wanted him to pay for the apple."

Wufei grew rigid, his free hand tightening into a fist as the other tightened it's grip on the hilt of his sword. Slowly he sheathed his sword, his hands reaching to the part of his waist hidden by his shirt. Had the man just said he?

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Duo barely had time to run before he felt himself falling to the ground, his feet having been caught by a whip. Where the hell had this guy been hiding it and why did he carry so many weapons? He cried out as he was dragged along the ground, grunting as he came to a stop and a foot landed none to gently atop his chet. He stared up into ebony eyes that were now glaring down at him and he offered him a smile, hoping that he wasn't in too much trouble.

He watched as the newcomer freed the merchant, handing the man a few coins in redemption for his stolen apple. With a clumsy bow and a hurried thank you, the man ran off, leaving the two alone in the alleyway.

"You're a boy?", the dark-haired boy questioned with a growl.

Duo only shrugged with a nervous laugh.

"You lied to me!", the boy cried.

Duo jumped as the dagger imbedded itself in the ground, inches away from his head. Even though he should have been scared to death, he only glared up defiantely at Wufei.

"Hey, watch where you're throwing that thing!", he objected, pushing Wufei's foot off of him, "And I didn't lie to you. You're the one who assumed I was a girl, I just never corrected you."

Wufei pulled his whip free from Duo, only to encicle it around the boy as he sat up. After pulling his dagger free, he dragged Duo to a standing position with his arms now trapped at his sides.

"It's still as bad as lying.", the boy hissed, pulling the whip tighter so that Duo gasped as he was squeezed, "I should kill you for your deception."

"Whoa, wait a second.", Duo tried to argue, his voice breathless, "You didn't have to help me."

"You asked me to!", Wufei screamed pulling tighter.

By now Duo was struggling to breathe and he felt that at any moment he'd pass out due to loss of air. He tried to answer, but no sound emerged and it seemed Wufei noticed. The whip slackened and Duo took in a gasp of air, his lungs burning slightly as he did so.

"Hey.", he panted, violet eyes burning up into ebony, "So I asked for help. You could have just said no. Then again that wouldn't have been very honorable now would it?"

Wufei glowered at his captive before he was turning away, pulling on the whip and coaxing Duo to follow. Duo stumbled along behind him, trying his best to not fall and wondering where exactly the boy was leading him.

"Where the hell are you taking me?", he asked, trying to find a way to slip free.

He was bound pretty well though, and it would seem that there was no way he was getting free from any of this. Who the hell did this guy think he was?

"I'm taking you to the palace.", Wufei finally answered, "I intend to turn you in to the authorities."

Duo blanched for a moment, his struggles doubling as he was dragged through the bazaar. They were given odd stares and they both ignored it. He couldn't let Wufei take him to the palace. Who knew what they'd do to him there? The officer had been right, he wasn't your everyday theif. He was quite the professional and had even tried to steal from the palace once. However, the same night he had entered the palace hadn't turned out so great. He was wanted for both attempted robbery and something he hadn't even done. Well. . .he had intended to. . but he didn't do it, so it didn't count.

"You can't take me there!", he objected, his fighting calmed for the moment, "Do you know what they'll do to me? Hello, wanted criminal here! Besides, I'm pretty sure word has gotten around with what you did."

He watched as Wufei stopped to look back at him, an eyebrow raised in question.

"And just what exactly did I do?"

Duo huffed haughtily, a smirk taking his lips as he looked back at his captor.

"Did you not just mindlessly murder, mutilate and harm some men back there? Not to mention you attacked an officer which is a major no-no around here."

"You're the reason that I did it!", Wufei cried, his ebony eyes narrowing.

"And I'm flattered.", Duo answered with a smile, "Really I am, but I just thought you should know. You turn me in and you'll be turning yourself in as well."

He paused to cockily admire his work, as Wufei had dropped his angry scowl to frown in contemplation. He knew the boy wouldn't take the chance and he patiently waited for the whip wrapped around him to loosen. It never happened however and he shuddered as Wufei offered him a dark glare.

"That's just the risk I'll have to take.", was all he muttered before he was leading Duo off again.

Said braided theif groaned as the palace came into view. This was not his day.

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The royal vizier stood beside the sultan, a yawn breaking free as a man before them rambled on about. . .cabbages? Maybe it was rhubarbs? Who cared! It was horrifically boring and quite frankly, Treize wished to be anywhere but here at the moment. He took to picking at the trimming of his robes and he stiffled another yawn, his blues eyes looking around the room for anything to catch his interest.

Said interest was caught as the heir to the throne walked in, dressed in white, gold trimmed royal garb. His aquamarine eyes glimmered and his golden curls haloed his smiling face as it shimmered in the sunlight. Treize was transfixed with the sight, unable to pull away from the young prince as he drew closer.

He wasn't attracted to the boy, well at least not in a sexual manner(or so he hoped). The boy had this affect on everyone he came across; he was just that beautiful. Treize was unaware that he was being called, that is until the sultan tapped him on his shoulder.

"Your Majesty?"

"What do you think we should do about this shortage of chick peas?", the sultan asked, his face holding obvious amusement.

Treize missed it completely, as his eyes were still focused on the boy who had stopped at the bird cages to pay attention to the brightly colored birds inside. He came around as the sultan repeated the question. Chick peas? His forked brows came together in a frown. What was he talking about?

"My lord?", the farmer called, pulling Treize's attention to him, "What of my farming troubles?"

In truth, Treize could care less of what became of the man's blasted chick peas crop. However, it was his duty to at least pretend that he was interested. Unfortunately, he had no answer for the man.

"I'll shall think of something.", he told the farmer, "When I have found a solution, I'll send word for you. Until then."

The man bowed to him with a thanks and Treize only waved him away, not bothering to watch him leave. His eyes were centered onto the prince, who was once again heading in their direction. The boy smiled brighter as he reached them and Treize returned it, unaware of the sultan's beguiled smirk.

"Hello, Treize.", the boy greeted, "How are you this morning?"

"Good morning, Your Highness.", the man replied, his smile growing larger, "I'm fine, and you?"

"I'm actually quite happy.", the prince answered with a wistful sigh, "It's such a beautiful day today."

The boy turned to the sultan then, the man smiling at his son gently.

"Father, could I perhaps go for walk around the bazaar?", he asked carefully.

Treize cringed at the question. There was no way that the sultan would allow the prince out there, it was hard enough getting the man to let the prince leave his room, let alone palace grounds. Especially after the incident that occured a month ago. He watched the sultan frown and he knew the answer before the man could give it.

"Absolutely not."

"Father, please.", the boy begged, his face falling in disappointment, "I promise I'll take a guard with me. I just want a day outside."

"It's not safe.", the man argued.

He looked to Treize for assitance in the matter and the vizier could only shrug. He himself didn't like the idea of the prince mingling amongst the commoners, but he also knew that the boy desired some sort of freedom. He had been trapped behind palace walls for quite a while.

"Surely you understand, Treize.", the prince turned to him, his lips pouting.

Treize's heart nearly stopped at the sight and he turned away, clearing his throat to hide his now flushed state.

"Perhaps, Your Majesty, Quatre can be allowed a day from the palace.", he suggested in favor of the prince, "Just this once."

The sultan only sighed, looking to his son who offered him the best puppy dog look he could muster. He smiled softly as it brought memories of his late wife, who had passed when the prince was still young. He groaned in defeat, nodding once and laughing as his son latched onto him in a hug.

"However, you'll take four guards with you.", the sultan ordered, Quatre eagerly nodding, "And Treize as well."

The man choked, though he was neither eating nor drinking, at the words. The prince came to gently tap him on the back and he calmed soon enough, thanking the boy before looking to the sultan. Was the man seriously sending him out there?

"Your Majesty?", he questioned, the man merely smiling at him, "Are you sure that you don't need me here?"

The sultan only laughed, waving Treize's concern aside as if it were nothing.

"I'm quite sure that I can make decisions on my own. I can survive a few hours without you."

His eyes narrowed slyly and Treize stiffened. Why was the king looking at them like that?

"Besides it would give you some time to know my son better.", he said matter-of-factly, "You'll be advising him once he's king."

"Yes, Your Majesty.", Treize answered somewhat reluctantly.

"Don't worry, Traize.", the prince said in reassuarance, "We'll have fun. You'll see."

The smile on the prince's face raised Treize's spirit and he offered a smile back. Maybe it wouldn't be all that bad.

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Wufei entered the palace gates, aware of the stares that he received as he dragged an unwilling Duo behind him. They were soon met by two guards, there to guide them to the sulten and Wufei obediently followed. He paused as four other guards made their way past them, a veiled carrier on their shoulders. He could see through the sheer fabric that there were two people inside, the wind blowing so that he could peek in. He was met by smiling aquamarine eyes and he couldn't help but stare, catching a glimpse of golden strands.

"You know you're drooling."

Duo's voice brought his attention back to the braided thief and Wufei stormed off after their escorts with a snarl. He ignored Duo's swearing as the boy nearly stumbled, slowing only after he caught up with the guards. He looked back over his shoulder to where the carrier was now leaving the palace gates and he couldn't help but wonder just who was hidden behind the veils.

"The Golden Prince.", Duo provided with a knowing smile, as if reading his mind, "Pretty little thing isn't he? I tell you he's more trouble than he's worth. I should know."

Wufei only raised an eyebrow at Duo's words, but didn't pry any further. He was sure that he didn't want to know. In a few moments they had reached the throne room and were standing before the sultan. Before Wufei could even introduce himself, the man stood from his throne with an angered face, his eyes narrowing onto the braided bandit.

"You!", he snarled, his finger pointing.

Wufei heard Duo give a nervous laugh and he merely scoffed, wondering what the boy was going to say to try and get himself out of this one.

"Your Majesty.", the boy greeted, "Long time no see, ne?"

As the man stalked closer, Wufei was aware of Duo's gulp and he couldn't help it as he grew just a bit more curious. Now in front of the two, the monarch gave a nod of gratitude in Wufei's direction.

"Thank you, stranger.", he offered gratefully, his eyes turning to Duo again, "You've helped to capture this kingdom's most notorious villian."

"Would you neccessarily call me a villian?", Duo questioned, "Or notorious for that matter?"

"Silence!", the man bellowed before beckoning his guards forward.

Wufei unraveled the boy from his whip and the guards took hold of him, Duo wincing as heavy shackles were placed around his wrist.

"You shall be awarded as promised.", the king began, returning to his throne.

"I do not wish for money.", Wufei declined, "I only wish that justice be served accordingly."

"Are you sure? The price I'm offering is one hundred and fifty pounds of gold."

Wufei nearly toppled at the price, his eyes looking to Duo in sheer awe. What on earth could he have possibly done to receive such a high price on his head? He declined once again, the king nodding in understanding. Then he was commanding that Duo be taken away and Wufei watched as he left, violet eyes glaring back at him in contempt. When he was gone his gaze returned to the king, who was stroking his beard in a contemplative manner.

"May I ask your name, young traveler? I can tell you are not from these lands."

Before Wufei could even begin, the doors to the throne room opened and a guard carrying an injured officer strolled in. Wufei's eyes widened and his stomach sank as he recognized the face. This would not end well.

"Your Majesty-"

"That's him!", the guard was cut off as the officer lifted his head, pointing a finger accusingly, "That's the one who attacked me!"

Ebony eyes returned to the sultan, who was standing from his throne again, this time his scowl aimed at Wufei. It wasn't long before Wufei was taken prisoner, his own wrists bound in heavy shackles as he was pushed onto his knees before the king.

"Did you think that bringing in a bounty would protect you from your own crimes?", the sultan asked him, his voice fitted with disgust, " It is a crime to attack an officer. Take him away to the dungeons, he shall await his punishment there."

Wufei didn't object as he was dragged away. Of course how could he, he had been warned after all.

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Duo smiled smugly as he hung by his wrists, arms stretched above his head, against the grimy wall of the dungeon. On his right was a skeleton and to his left a rotting corpse, but it didn't bother him. He was in a chipper mood; he had company. On the opposite wall and in the same position hung Wufei, seeker of justice. Duo couldn't help but laugh at the irony. He was given a snarl and he only beamed brighter, unfazed at the threat.

"So, how does it feel to be a hero?", he asked, his grin widening as Wufei growled.

"Oh, shut up."

T.B.C.

Yes well there is a plot line somewhere in this fic o' mine, I just really wanted to post it and see what you thought. Well toodles, I might post a next chapter depending if people want it or not.