Disclaimer: Don't own the boys, never will etc.

Warnings: Some bad language, excuse my foul mouth. O.o

Tease Me - part 4

Static tension crackled around the room as each player glared furtively at one another. Suspicions ran high, emotions burned on adrenaline, oh yes- it was a deadly game. A hushed atmosphere misted through the airy kitchen, the music providing an eerily energetic beat to compensate for the lack of life among the four teens. Duo scrutinised his cards, scratching his neck as he stared at each one of his friends with the look of a wary gangster. An amused Gambit winked back at him, his heavy trench coat already shrugged off on the back of the chair where it hung lazily. Finely muscled biceps flexed under a taut black t-shirt, taunting an already distracted Duo. The braided youth redirected his reluctant gaze to his cards, a slow grin dragging across his face. This would definitely do. He titled back in his chair and yawned loudly. Heero quirked an eyebrow as Duos shit-eating grin grew larger.

"Alright, just show us."

"In all due time my good man," the violet-eyed youth chided, rechecking his hand. He plastered the cards triumphantly on the table as Heero growled impatiently, rubbing his hands together gleefully.

"Tadaa!"

Trowa leaned forward to inspect what Duo had just placed down and smirked softly. Following suit he placed his immaculately organised cards on the table, Gambit and Heero doing the same. Duos face fell as he saw each hand, the other three barely able to contain their laughter.

"Shit."

Heero smirked wickedly, cobalt eyes flashing with mirth. "We're not playing 'Go Fish' Duo, stop hoarding the pairs."

The aforementioned stuck out his tongue, scrunching his face into a grotesque image. "Yeah yeah, What do I take off now?"

"What is there left to take off?" Trowa threw in slyly from behind the safety of his glass.

Duo groaned, clambering to his feet where the other three could get a good look at him, arms spread out in a gesture to himself. A bright, cheery - If not cheesy - smile embedded itself on his features.

"Here we have me, the amazing Duo. He sports a stylish pair of cut-off trousers that rebelliously reach mid-calve. A torn t-shirt completes the ensemble, of course with an optional sock." He spun around, emphasising each garment with a flourish as the others repressed snickers. "Now gentlemen, the choice is yours!"

Three pairs of devilish eyes gazed at him and Trowa sat back innocently. "It's not up to me. Gambit?"

Duo flushed slightly at the decision, praying his trousers would stay. The crimson-eyed teen smirked, leaning back on the wooden chair as he stretched his arms over his head, his eyes flickering to a smug Heero.

"Well, I say de shirt goes…"

Duo heaved a sigh of relief,

"… but de rest is up t' Heero."

"What?!"

"He got de same score as me." Gambit replied cheekily at the crestfallen boy.

"But it's supposed to be only one thing I take off." He babbled desperately, clutching his beloved trousers.

"That's why I'm only going to take your sock."

The braided teen beamed at the Japanese youth as he pulled off his remaining sock, failing to notice Heero Yuys decidedly sinister expression. "Thanks Hee-chan."

"Don't mention it." He paused, catching Gambit and Trowas eye. "But I'll have to take the trousers too."

"Hey!"

A fraction of a smile crept on to his face. "As a penalty for cheating."

Duos mood instantly changed as he scowled angrily at his friend, hands resting on his hips. "I don't cheat."

Heero rolled his eyes, leaning back on the chair. "Duo I can see the ace sticking out of your pocket."

"It could be any ace."

"Just take them off."

"Alright." He grumbled loudly, struggling with his clothes as he tugged them off. Gambit grinned, clasping his hands behind his head again.

"C'mon, put some effort in t' it. I like my shows t' be lively."

Duo blushed sheepishly but played along with the red-haired teen. He unbuckled his belt, ripping it out slowly as he gyrated to the music and sashayed around Heero. He reached Gambit, pushing him back as he ripped his shirt over his head to expose his lean body and dragged a finger over a silver nipple ring seductively.

"Good enough for you Remy-babe?" He purred, opening his top buttons and shaking his trousers off. Heero shook his head, face turning red from repressed laughter, and glanced at a similar Trowa. He never expected this. Duo perched on Gambits knee, tongue running over the hoop encircling his lip and then bounced up with a lopsided grin.

"Happy now?"

A burst of boisterous laughter answered him.

"Drama queen."

He slowly cracked his middle finger up at Heero with a goofy grin. "Fuck you."

"I know you would." He replied not missing a beat. "Do you want to continue?"

"Hell, I'm down to my boxers. I'm in if everyone else is. Tro? You're lookin' chilled over there."

Trowa nodded, downing the end of his drink with a smirk. "At least I've only lost my jumper."

"Ha ha. It's not my fault I'm bad at this game."

"Technically it is."

"Well it's a good thing I'm not into technicalities." He retorted arrogantly. "Now let's play before I change my mind."

Gambit expertly shuffled the cards with a practised flourish. "Ready gentlemen?"

~*~*~*~*~

Christine lay sprawled over her double bed, chewing on the end of her pen thoughtfully. She flicked through the colourful pages of her diary, glancing over the old entries. Her sloping handwriting adorned each page, commenting on her love of the latest boyfriend. She narrowed her eyes. Or Duo, the shit-head. She turned to the back of the book, noticing the amount of passages that included his name in a furious scribe, and gazed at the hidden picture she had of her first real teenage love. A single emerald eye stared back at her unemotionally, the other obscured by a sweep of brown hair and she sighed. Trowa was everything she wanted, but he didn't seem to want her. She frowned and tossed a golden strand over her shoulder and revised her thoughts. Well, of course he wanted her, he was just too shy to do anything. He was always shy, especially when Duo first brought him home nearly four years ago. Infact that was the only thing Duo done that she agreed with, his other friend Heero was plain weird. And now she was starting to like his taste in friends. That new one Remy wasn't all too bad, he wasn't Trowa but he was responsive. She smirked to herself, twirling the pen deftly between her fingers. How much more responsive though…

A loud chorus of laughs wafted up from downstairs and she hopped off her bed curiously. It'd been like that since they kicked her out. Christine opened her door softly and padded down the stairs. She sidestepped the creaky floorboards and crept into the kitchen, her eyes widening at the scene.

For one, Trowa was sitting there with no shirt on and years of acrobatics had been kind to his body. They had been very generous infact. And then on the other hand, her half naked 17 year old brother was gambling in the house with that other weirdo without any permiss - oh my God, is that a piercing?!

"DUO! YOU'RE IN SO MUCH TROUBLE WHEN DAD FINDS OUT YOU PIERCED YOUR NIPPLE!!"

Duo involuntarily jumped, scattering the cards all over the table as Christine advanced furiously and stood accusingly infront of him.

"You know Dad hates that shit, he's gonna kill you!"

Duo pushed his chair back, drawing himself up to his full 5'6" height.

"The only way I'm getting in trouble is if you tell him," He smiled wryly, "and why would you want to do that dear sister?"

Christine put her hands on her hips stubbornly. "Give me a reason not to."

Duo narrowed his eyes. "Don't. you. Dare."

"Or what? If you hit me I'll tell." She clenched her jaw defiantly, "You can't go near me."

Duo closed the gap between them and glared at her. He knew his temper was rising and fought to control it.

"If you tell him, I will make you - "

"You'll make me do nothing!"

"CHRISTINE!" He pounded his fist on the table causing the glasses to clatter on to their sides. They rolled off the table and smashed noisily to the floor.

"Calm down Duo." Trowa interrupted standing up. He pulled his friend back and took Christine gently by the arm.

"It's best if you go back upstairs."

She jerked back angrily. "I don't have to do what you say."

"I know you don't," he replied softy, "But I don't want a fight to break out."

A debate ran through her head, weighing the pros and cons. Get in a fight with her stronger brother. Drag Trowa back to her room. She smiled slyly.

"Okay, whatever you want."

Heero watched on, astounded, replaying a conversation in his head from earlier. Trowa never did use force, he just asked nicely and a subdued Christine was returning to her room. Unfortunately with Trowa in tow, but that was a minor technicality. Duo rubbed the back of his neck.

"I'm going for some fresh air." He walked out the back door leaving Gambit and Heero alone in silence. Heero began clearing up the mess from the spilt glasses.

"He doesn' mind goin' outside in only de boxers?"

The Japanese teen grunted. "Not really. If it controls his temper then he doesn't mind."

"He has a bad temper?" He asked, genuinely surprised.

"Very bad, once you get him going anyway." He looked up at Gambit from beneath his unruly bangs. "How did you not notice? I thought the scene in the classroom was enough, then that thing with Christine might've given you a bigger hint."

He emptied shards of glass into the bin, using a brush and pan to sweep up the finer bits. "He does his best not to hurt anyone, though most of the people in school provoke him. Then other times I don't know if it really is him just itching to fight. Either way, it's better to stay out of his way when he's pissed."

Gambit chewed on his lip, shuffling the gathered deck absentmindedly before pocketing them. "Thanks for the advice, mon ami."

Heero shrugged, replacing the brush in the press under the sink, a mischievous glint ghosted over his face. "Not a problem, just think of it as friendly help for… handling Duo."

He barely waited for the reaction and started gathering up the piles of clothes, flinging Trowas jumper at a confused Gambit. "Mind that, I've to rescue him in a moment."

Before he could move any further, the door crashed open and Duo whirled in. Strands of chestnut had worked free of its braid and hung around his flushed face.

"Shitshitshitshit my parents are home, where's my clothes?!"

He grabbed the jeans and t-shirt offered by Heero, pulling the shirt over his incriminating piercings first and then awkwardly tugging on his trousers. His parents walked in the door just as he was fumbling with his belt. They appeared not to notice and his mother kissed him lightly on the cheek.

"Hello Duo dear, how was your dinner?" She fixed her dark hair, smoothing out her skirt.

He grinned breathlessly. "… fine…"

She glanced uneasily at Gambit standing behind Heero as her husband hung the car keys on the rack. She didn't really approve of his friends, the Japanese one was always so rude and the other was a bit reclusive. They should be out having fun with the popular ones, not stuck in the dark listening to trash. Now there was this tall one… and his eyes… burning red…

"Is this a new friend of yours?"

"Oh yeah, this is Remy."

His mother smiled vacantly as Gambit stepped forward, shaking her hand. "Bonjour, please' t' meet you."

Her exterior lightened at the accent. "Are you French?"

"Non, not entirely. I come from New Orleans - a French speakin' district."

Her face wavered with uncertainty, still wary of the newcomer. She'd have to give more thought to him. Her husband came up behind her wrapping an arm around her waist. He was a middle-aged man with greying hair and an athletic physique.

"Sorry Janet, who's this?"

"Oh Brad, this is Duos friend Remy." He offered his hand cheerfully, scrutinising his son's new accomplice. He nodded curtly to himself. Another layabout.

"That's nice. Where's Christine?"

Duo shrugged, not seeing Heeros panicked reaction. "In her room, I think."

"Thanks." He turned, making his way to the stairs while Heero frantically tried to catch Duos attention. The braided teen failed to notice his friend and frowned in confusion s Heero began mouthing a message to him.

What? Too … wide? Too … way? Fuck, Trowa!

"Dad!"

"Yes Duo?" He paused, his foot on the bottom step.

"I need your help."

"With what?"

He looked questioningly to Heero who shrugged. He sidled with feigned embarrassment to his Dad.

"It's … um, kinda a guy problem." He explained in a hushed whisper. It wasn't exactly a lie either, just slightly misleading. He did infact have a guy problem and it was standing next to Heero running it's fingers through it's auburn hair with a small grin on his face. It wasn't something he's tell his father so…

"Duo, could you get me some logs for the fire first."

Janet smile warmly, filling the kettle with water. He hesitated. "But it's nice out."

Her once pleasant façade took on a bitter edge. "Can't you do as you're told?"

The violet-eyed teen glanced at the door. Brad had already disappeared , his footsteps falling lightly on the carpeted stairs. The creaked slightly as he rounded the curve on the final flight. He had to get him away from Christine's room or else Trowa would probably end up getting arrested - if his parents had their way. Then there'd be trouble for him too. As far as they could see, he let one of his friends go p to his little sisters room and take his clothes off - with less than noble intentions no doubt.

"It's okay, I'll get de firewood for you." Gambit took the kettle from Janet's hands with a charming smile and guided her to the table.

"Rest now, I tink your son has very important matters to attend to, non?" He nodded to Duo who turned on his heel and pounded up the stairs two at a time. He rounded the bend and saw Brad open Christine's door.

"Dad!"

He paused warily, interests obviously not lying with his adoptive son. "Yes Duo?"

"Can I talk to you, it's really urgent."

The door creaked open a further inch.

"Can't it wait?"

"I don't think so."

Brad looked at his pleading son and finally gave in with an indifferent sigh. The door slid shut again and Duo wiped the mental sweat drops. Trowa was safe. Brad began to fiddle with his watch, adjusting the time.

"Now what do - "

A loud scream and crash erupted from Christine's room. Brad whipped around and ran to his daughters help. Duo remained on the landing, nervously fidgeting with the end of his braid. A hiss of surprise floated into his hearing followed by a silence and he paled. He knew Christine had a habit of trying things on with Trowa - not that she ever succeeded. But the future was looking bad for his friend.

"Explain yourself Christine."

Duo flinched. Brad sounded extraordinarily calm, but it was the kind of calm found before the storm. He heard his sister sniff tearfully.

"Sorry daddy, he dropped in and I couldn't do anything."

Duo bit his fist furiously. The lying BITCH!

" - wouldn't leave, I tried daddy!" She sobbed hysterically, "I really did!"

Christine was really in for it this time. She pulled some bad pranks in her time, but this was the worst. You don't go near someone's friends.

"I'm so so sorry daddy, I threw the lamp but he still stayed!"

"Sshhh, it's okay sweetie. Don't worry about the lamp."

Duo paused in the middle of his mental tirade. His dad was taking it relatively well.

"He's probably more afraid of you than you are of him."

Well, that's true, though not something Brad would say about someone allegedly messing about with his daughter. He hazarded a look into the room, peering around the door anxiously. Trowa was nowhere in sight, but Christine was huddled on her bed with Brads arms around her soothingly. Duos mouth worked wordlessly in puzzlement. He managed to get something out eventually.

"What's going on here?"

His dad looked up, still rocking the blond back and forth.

"Spider - big one."

Spider? Then… where's Trowa? He padded back down the stairs to the kitchen where his mother was engaged in deep conversation with Gambit. Heero skulked in the corner with Trowas jumper neatly wrapped under his arm. He raised an eyebrow curiously and Duo shook his head I confusion. Janet turned around in concern.

"Was that a scream I heard?"

"Christine saw a spider." Duo answered in monotone.

"She's still afraid?" She faced Gambit conversationally. "She's always been afraid, ever since one crawled into her cot when she was a baby. Oh, I never thought she'd get over it."

She patted Gambits arm and laughed. "I'm sure a big strong boy like you isn't afraid of spiders."

He grasped her fingers jokingly, "Non, I'm afraid of nothin'."

Janet beamed at him. "Duo dear, you never told me how mannerly your friend is. You should learn something from him."

Gambit smirked. "Don' worry, I will teach him plenty." His crimson eyes glinted impishly at Duo who stood behind his mother.

"That would be lovely Dear, wouldn't it?"

"Yes, splendid." He replied dryly. A slight movement by the window caught his attention and he strolled nonchalantly to the door and motioned for Heero to follow.

"Back in a minute."

"That's nice dear."

She wasn't even listening.

"I think she has a new favourite." Heero jerked his head in the direction of the closed door.

Duo cringed, walking to the garage where they couldn't be seen from the kitchen window. "Why is he all flirty with my mother?! I mean, c'mon she's ancient!"

"I don't know. Look. Let's find Trowa."

"Right. Tro? You there?"

"I've your clothes." Heero added."

Trowa stealthily dropped off the garage roof behind them, shivering in the cool night air.

"Where's all the scratches come from?"

"I landed in the rose bush when I jumped out the window." He gingerly put on his jumper, wincing as the deeper cuts were pulled apart in the movement.

"You jumped out of a two storey window?"

"I didn't see any other alternative."

Heero offered him his jacket, "Did you break anything?"

"Besides the rose bush?" He shrugged, "It doesn't feel like it, but I thinks I'll go home anyway. I've to eat my dinner before I go for a flute lesson too, parents don't like me leaving food no matter how much I eat."

"Isn't it a little late for flute?"

"I've a practise lesson before my exams and whenever the teacher is free is when my extra lesson is. I've till eleven to make it."

Duo jogged back to the house. "But that's an hour away." He knocked on the door, beckoning for Gambit.

"I need to digest, I can't play on a full stomach."

"Tro, you're playing an instrument not swimming."

Trowa sighed, not used to the amount of conversation he was going through. "You breath using your diaphragm for a wind instrument. Having a full stomach makes it worse because it's constantly being pushed and moved by the diaphragm."[1]

Duo pursed his lips, hugging the doorjamb as Gambit opened the door. "O~h, learn something new everyday. Hey Mom, can I walk Trowa home?"

"Trowas here? Why doesn't he come in?"

"He has flute lessons in an hour and has to have another dinner first. He can't play on a full stomach." He stated matter-of-factly.

Janet smile blankly at him, "Alright dear, be careful. Bye Remy, come back again!"

Gambit nodded, joining his new friends as they walked down the darkening drive in a sombre mood. Trowa and Heero paired up, pacing ahead.

"Where exactly d'you live?"

Gambit shoved his hands into his pockets. "Not far from here, cher. On de next block."

Duo smiled slowly, nodding his head as he started to cross the road after his other two friends. "I'll be seein' you around then."

Gambit wrapped his trenchcoat around his lithe figure, walking backwards for a few paces. "Oui, mon cher. Au 'revoir."

His crimson orbs pierced through the dusk one final time before he swung around, taking wide strides down the path. Duo pulled on the end of his braid as he stood in the middle of the deserted road. He'd only met the other teen that morning and he already felt some attachment that he couldn't explain, he had something that inevitably drew Duo closer. But in the short time he knew him, he'd seen him act the same with just about everyone else. It was getting confusing. Maybe Gambit wasn't that interested in him afterall. He shook his head, breaking into a run to catch up with Heero and Trowa.

"Hey wait up!"

He draped an arm around Heero, wheezing loudly, clutching his left arm theatrically.

"Don't let me die man, I haven't lived long enough!"

Heero lifted him easily across his shoulders. "I didn't think you were that out of shape."

Duo spluttered a bit for effect. "I'm not, I'm just lazy. But now that I'm here - WESTWARD HO my good man!"

He smacked the Japanese teen across the ass. Heero grunted, jostling him on to his more uncomfortable shoulder blade.

"Oi, watch the goods Hee-chan!"

"There's not much to watch."

"Hey! Did you hear that Tro? He's insulting my livelihood!"

Trowa buried his chin in his sweater. "Don't drag me into this."

"Ah, but how can I not drag you into this?" He wagged his finger. "Contemplate these wise words my friend and you shall find enlightenment."

"You can not drag me onto it by not including me."

Duo nodded thoughtfully, stroking his chin. "I see the golden path has favoured you. In that case, I must face the ways of evil alone to achieve inner peace."

He grabbed Heeros belt, reaching down the back of his jeans for his boxers and pulled. Heero yelped, dumping a giggling Duo on the ground and pounced on him. He kneeled on his friends arms with much difficulty, hands already delving down his trousers to exact his revenge. Duo squirmed feebly, his deep laughter echoing in the alleyway.

"Could you have at lest picked a better place to lump my bones Hee-chan?"

"Shut up, I'm nearly done."

"That's what they all saaaaaaaoooww!"

Heero smirked and stood up, dusting himself up. "Now I feel better."

Duo groaned. "We gotta get you a man Hee-chan."

"Who says I'm interested in men?"

"Fine, women."

Heero offered him a hand. "Truce?"

Duo awkwardly pulled himself to his feet. "Sure. Let's get Trowa home before he throws a hissy fit."

"I'm fine here." The green-eyed teen interjected. "Just wondering how one little person can be so loud."

"Hey! Is this a pick on me day?"

He hobbled a few paces before wincing and rearranging his underwear. "Now I know how Aaron feels when he wears his trousers."

"I'm starting to think you have an unhealthy obsession with Aaron."

"No I don't. He can't stay away from me, I'm so irresistible."

"Shut up."

~*~*~*~*~

Trowa followed the low sound of the television into the front room where his older sister Cathy was sprawled on a couch watching a comedy. She giggled at intervals.

"What are you watching?"

She craned her neck to see her brother. "Never mind the buzzcocks, Best ever.[2]" She turned the volume down, finding it difficult to hear what Trowa was saying.

"Your dinner's on the table if you want it. If you're not going to eat it I'll have it for breakfast."

He tugged on his jumper. "You have it, I'm not hungry."

"Thanks."

He turned and padded gracefully up the stairs to his room.

"Oh yeah, Trowa!" Cathys voice floated up to him, "A letter came for you today, it's on your bed."

He paused on the top step. A letter? He didn't know anyone who sent letters. He continued to his room and found a pristine envelope perched on his covers. His gaze flickered over the slanted handwriting that still gave no clue to who sent it. He turned the envelope over, carefully tearing the seal and found a single page barely covered in writing. He read over the small font curiously, his expression beginning to soften. A rare genuine smile overtook his normally stoic features as he folded the letter, placing it in his pocket.

Quatre's coming back.

______________________________________________

Anybody catch the ode to the Rocky Horror? Sorry for the delay, had no access to the computer for a while.

[1] yes, I have experienced this first hand with a flute. I feel seasick after I play with a full stomach.

[2] English comedy/quiz with Bill Bailey, Phil Jupitus and mark Lamarr. Twas the funniest.