- Chimera of Life -

Story Four: Uneasy Alliances

Chapter Ten

by Heartfire

***

They watched as the IA’s ‘cleaners’ took down the last traces of their camp, then the two groups turned to look at their leaders.

Ping glanced at Wufei and nodded, prompting him.

With a message in his eyes just for her, he faced their teams. “Let’s move out!”

…

They walked for days. Everyone was exhausted to the brink of unconsciousness, yet the two most affected were the lovers who were trying so hard to suppress their feelings. Physically, emotionally, and mentally tired.

They must go on, but if they do, they might end up a couple of men, and women, down. With a decision made, Ping walked to Wufei while he rested against a tree. With his eyes closed, he was the picture of utter relaxation.

Damn the man.

“Wufei. Let’s call it an early night for everyone. I think they deserve a break.”

Without even looking at her, he nodded. “Fine. Go ahead and tell them.”

Ping’s eyes went incredibly dull. Why wouldn’t he even look at her? “I… Fine.” She held up her head and anger blazed in her catlike eyes. “I’ll go and tell them.”

The moment he felt her move away, he opened his eyes. It had been harder and harder to stay aloof… why was her pull to him so strong? Her announcement was met with joy, but he stayed where he was. The sky turned black, everyone except for the two guards and Wufei were in their bags, sleeping. Why couldn’t he sleep? He’s tired, too…

With a heartfelt sigh, he grabbed his backpack and set up his own bed, then lay down on it. The whole place was pitch black, save for the light of the full moon. They didn’t dare to light a campfire as a precaution against their faceless enemy.

Wufei turned, twisted, and curled but he just couldn’t sleep. Finally, he took his pack, got some of his spare clothes out, twisted them then inserted it inside his sleeping bag. When the two guards weren’t looking he slipped out of camp and stayed within the shadows of the forest.

His feet took him to Ping’s sleeping bag and he saw the lump underneath. Wufei grimaced. ‘How was she able to sleep?! How could she sleep when I’m…’ He couldn’t finish it. Instead, with a heavy heart and shoulders slumped, he walked deeper inside the forest.

They passed a small pond before and Wufei had taken the men out so the women could bathe. He could almost picture her naked body swimming in it- “Stop it!” He slapped his cheek. He shouldn’t torture himself.

With his quick eyes, he noticed that he was near the edge of the forest, about to reach the pond then… he stopped. Sitting by the edge of the pond, was Ping. He was suddenly caught in a wave of indecision. Should he leave? Should he announce his presence?

At that moment, he heard a sigh and before he could hide, she stood up and turned. Their eyes met and stayed. He could hear his heart pound and she almost forgot to breathe.

“I thought you were asleep.” Was that all he could say?! Was that it?!

“I needed a breath of fresh air.” Ping’s voice faltered. She had slipped out of camp to think, but she couldn’t. All she wanted to do was to have him in her arms. How could that be? Why?

Wufei nodded. “Had enough?”

“Yes.” Ping answered as she gathered her thoughts around her and forced her feet to move, to walk back and escape this suffocating instance. She stopped just beside him, stared straight ahead then closed her eyes. “Good night, Wufei.”

She took a step forward then gasped when her wrist was suddenly encompassed in a vice like grip. Why did he stop her? It was the first time they touched since… had it been over two weeks? She didn’t dare turn around.

Wufei cursed himself but he couldn’t let her go. He turned to her and saw how her shoulders were so tense… how she was holding herself and he knew. “You couldn’t sleep, could you?”

Slowly, Ping turned to face him. Her eyes showed how tired she was as she shook her head. “No, Wufei… I couldn’t.” She saw how his eyes softened. He looked up to the moon then down at her again.

“Neither could I.” He wasn’t sure why he was saying these things but… it all feels so right. His hand traveled down her wrist to entwine their hands together. She hadn’t moved. In fact, her eyes were wide.

She couldn’t believe it! Ping looked down at their hands and suddenly felt tears prick her eyes when she looked back at Wufei.

A chilly breeze churned the leaves around them and she shivered in her small shirt and shorts. Wufei saw her slight action and he didn’t think twice as he took a step towards her then embraced her small body. “Cold?”

Ping shook her head as she leaned against his chest, loving the feel of him against her. “No… not anymore.” She felt that butterfly kiss on her hair and she nearly cried at its tenderness. “I missed you, Wufei…” His embrace and touch… How could she miss something this much when she had only experienced it in a brief moment of time?!

Wufei felt a smile tilt his lips and joy burst in his heart. He stepped back to tilt her chin up and to look down at her. “Me too, Ping…” Too much. They were together for only a day and a half. It was not reasonable at all…

Her eyes glittered against the moonlight, and a wavering smile lifted her lips. “Can’t we have tonight?”

He had been wishing for the same thing and Wufei responded with an affectionate kiss on her expectant lips. Her hands went around his shoulders and he felt like shouting a victory. When she kissed him back, he felt like the luckiest man alive.

How they lay down onto the grass, he did not know, but he could remember every sigh that left her lips, every wonderful expression on her face, and every intimate parts of her body which he had been deprived of since that day, and so could she…

They held each other tight until the first rays of sunlight appeared against the horizon then, with renewed strength that came from within, they dressed, gave a parting kiss, and separately walked back to camp.

…

“Oh c’mon, you lazy bones!!! You’re falling behind! Hussle! Hussle!” Ping clapped her hands to the others, turned, and skip-walked in front of her troops.

All the girls looked at each other wearily and grumbled.

“Sheesh! She’s awfully chirpy today.”

“Too chirpy, if you ask me.”

“Wasn’t she been down on the dumps lately like, a few days ago? Now this?!”

“I think it’s that time of the month.”

“Well, we’re not the only one who’s having a hard time.”

Their eyes traveled to their right side, only to see Wufei, seemingly having a wonderful time yelling at his troops.

“What is wrong with you all!? You took a good rest yesterday! I could understand Blaksher’s condition but all of you suck today!!!”

All the women cringed and looked away as the men’s shoulders sagged some more, save for the last night’s patrolling officer, Blaksher. They know that the boys wouldn’t dare speak up, but they could see the confused and panicked looks the men gave each other and they could only sympathize from afar.

…

“Where’s the Commander?” Hackett asked his nearest teammate, too tired to run around and look for their missing leader.

Josh frowned. “I think he’s going over the route with Colonel Rossi.”

“Oh… Guess this can wait-”

“Rene?”

Hackett quickly turned at the soft voice and faced Christine, smiling softly. “Christine!” He couldn’t help the blush that erupted on his cheeks.

“Yes. Uh… Sam- Samantha- asked me to get your supply records so we can check how much we have left.”

“Y-yeah. Sure. I just finished it, actually… I was looking for the Commander.”

Christine nodded. “He’s with the Colonel, over there.” She pointed to the eastern side of their camp and Rene saw the huge map that covered their superiors.

“I see.” He looked around then pointed to the log that seemed private enough from both teams. “We could sit over there and talk.”

“Fine with me. Let’s go.”

The other men raised their eyebrows and mentally ‘hoorayed’ Rene, knowing that Commander Chang has ears sharper than bats, while the women all grinned conspiringly.

At the eastern side, far enough from the camp to have a private conversation, secluded enough with the help of the map in front of them, Wufei and Ping slowly drew away from each other, out of breath.

“Uh… we… we were talking about the warehouse…” Ping whispered while she slowly, as though magnetically attracted, leaned towards Wufei, just as did, and their lips met once again. “Should we…”

He couldn’t help himself as his free hand cupped her right breast and tweaked its nipple.

“… contact for supplies…?”

“Yeah…” Wufei’s lower teeth grazed against her thoroughly kissed, sensitized lips, and she sighed then pulled away.

 “Wufei… we have to stop. They’re awake. It’s the middle of the day.” With her free hand, she unwillingly took Wufei’s teasing hand away from her breast.

A sigh almost left Wufei’s lips before he willingly nodded, longingly looked at her lips, and then sadly glanced at the map that hid what they had been doing for the past couple of minutes. He lost control again. Damn him. But his self-recriminations stopped when he felt a butterfly kiss against his cheek. He turned and found Ping’s smiling face.

“I know… I want it, too…”

Her words brought a half smile on his face while he followed the urge to put an arm around her shoulders while she placed hers around his waist, then leaned her head against his chest.

“So,” Wufei cleared his throat. “We will make camp at the warehouse to wait for supplies.”

“We’ll contact them ASAP with the list.” Ping added with a nod.

“Right.”

“I guess we have to go back and get those reports.” She slowly moved away from Wufei only to find herself pulled back then intensely kissed. But before she could start making her moves, Wufei pulled away.

He looked at her then grinned proudly. “You look like you’ve been thoroughly kissed.”

Ping’s eyes slanted playfully, then she stomped her combat boots on his foot. She saw the slight widening of Wufei’s eyes then grinned innocently. “And you look as if you’re in pain.” She saw Wufei’s hands make a grab for her, but she quickly eluded them. With a triumphant smile over her shoulder, she walked away and waved her good bye. “See yah in camp!”

Wufei shook his head. Once again, he was assaulted with questions as to why he was attracted to her, why he acts so weirdly around her, and why in the world did he think it cute that she stepped on his foot! With a mutter, he pushed his hand into his pocket to bring his handkerchief out only to see that piece of cloth with Merian’s blood in his hand.

He sighed. Why did he suddenly feel guilty all of a sudden? Why was it that he never felt this way with Merian? “Merian…” Her whispered name was supposed to bring the memories that were his basis for emotional control, for his hard goals and morals that were a burden, but a burden freely accepted. Yet at that moment, he felt no burden, he felt no anger. Instead, he felt at peace and almost…joyous.

…

They were walking together, but neither one dared to look at each other.

“Kuriko.” Ping shouted without a glance behind her. Christine quickly jogged forward, with the map in her hands. “Are you sure that Erica was able to contact the base?” From the corner of her eyes, she saw Wufei nod, then-

“Hackett!”

“Yes sir!”

 The young man was suddenly beside Wufei and with half an ear trained on the men’s conversation, just like Wufei was doing while Ping gave orders and clarifications.

“Colonel Une confirmed for 0700 tomorrow, sir.” Hackett replied with a straight face.

“Good.”  Wufei turned to face Ping, “Colonel Rossi, distance check for coverage.”

Ping turned to him with a small, courteous smile. “We are right on time, Commander Chang. We will arrive at the destination at 1730 hours.”

With a quick nod to each other, they dismissed their subordinates and moved on, unaware of the looks everyone gave each other with the way the two commanders were working so… nicely together.

They decided to camp at the clearing ten minutes away from their target as a matter of precaution. Sticky, tired, and hungry, they finally reached their destination, had their scouts check the perimeters, and then started camp set ups.

Ping and Wufei’s eyes met and stayed, then they gave a quick, subtle nod. Nearly at the same time, they shouted their commands.

“Wilmore! Guillory!”

“Tarra! Samantha!”

The four snapped in attention. They didn’t need any more explanations with the obvious message from Ping’s and Wufei’s expressions. As they walked, northwest, Ping started to explain.

“We want to make sure that the whole section is secure. I want you to branch off while Commander Chang and I check the inside. Is that clear?”

The ‘Yes Ma’am’s’ and ‘Yes sir’s’ erupted. Ping and Wufei didn’t have to look back once again to know that the four started to silently communicate which direction they would like to take.

They saw the warehouse, a place where South India federal ground patrol could stop, rest, and communicate with the outside base, stark against the night sky, set with ten meters of space around, just enough for the small Kepter hewey that was going to bring in their supplies. Wufei suddenly placed a stopping hand on Ping’s shoulder and she instantly complied.

“What is it?” There was something in Wufei’s eyes… the slanted, wary look. She let her senses wander while a heightened feeling of expectation coursed through her veins.

Their subordinates all went into a ready position. Wufei couldn’t help that disturbing feeling that was making his skin crawl. “Something’s out there…”

The whispered words sent a chill up everyone’s spine. Ping turned to look at him and their eyes relayed each other’s message, then they looked behind and nodded. The six were about to disperse, when they heard something crack- a branch somewhere in the woods… somewhere near. Suddenly, the sound of shattering glass rang against the still night.

Before they knew what was happening, violent explosions erupted from the warehouse then they were all propelled into the air! Eyes closed, some collided with the trees while others were thrown on the ground, a few feet away.

Wufei, on his back, felt the ground shudder under him, that unmistakable aftereffect while Ping grimaced and forced back a cry. Heat seared against her skin, while her back ached from the force of impact against a tree. It hurt so much, but she must move. She opened her eyes and saw Wufei by her feet. He pushed himself up halfway just as she was able to control that aching pain against her back.

Their eyes met, a million and one messages relayed, then he was suddenly on his feet and she was finally able to move away from the tree. Wufei looked behind him, to that dark cloud of smoke that erupted within the cluster of trees, while Ping glanced at their four troop members, all slowly gathering back their wits.

The pungent air struck them and they nearly couldn’t breathe.

“Samantha! Tarra! Run back to the base and put them on Code Red! Tell Chris to contact the base!” Ping cried through a coughing fit. She only saw her two friends nod then ran towards the direction of their camp. She could hear Wufei give orders to the other two, and they dispersed also, then he was beside her. His eyes asked how she was and she could only nod.

“Can you make it?” He wants to ask if she was all right, but he couldn’t seem to bring himself to show his true concern, even after he saw that look of pain on her face when she was seemingly pinned against that tree… The mere thought that they were going to go inside that warehouse in a couple of minutes more… No. He shouldn’t think of it.

Once again, she nodded. “Let’s go.” There wasn’t anything else she could say. They were trained for this. Even if she hadn’t wanted to, even if a part of her would rather crawl under the warm comfort and security of her bed and just sleep, a part of her was obligated.

Side by side, they ran to the site and found what they were already expecting- a burning pile of rubble. The clearing was helping to contain the fire, but it wouldn’t be long…  Thoughts ran in their head- did the enemy think they were already inside? Or did they only mean to scare?

Something stunk… a sickening stench… Ping had to cover her nose with a portion of her shirt while Wufei tried to keep his best to look unaffected. Accidentally, he glanced down, then frowned… on the soft muddy ground where they stood, he saw shoe imprints… “Ping…”

Ping looked down, and saw. The three shoe prints were headed for the burning rubble…

Wufei bent down and touched the ground. “It’s recent.” He looked up and their eyes met. They both knew what it meant… someone went inside the warehouse…  maybe the one who blew it up… or the target… but either way, it meant that there was an enemy on the loose. An enemy they must find, and the target.

Suddenly, even with the roaring fire just in front of them, an eerie click came from within the shadows of the trees. Wufei’s eyes widened and even as he shouted, the hail of bullets came raining down on them!

“Ping! Get down!” He was already on his knees but he stopped as he saw her calculated look. Before he could do anything, she jumped high in the air, over him, and started cart wheeling to- “No!” Wufei scrambled to his feet, cursing her to the farthest gate of hell just as she disappeared where the flickering yellow orange lights of a machine gun echoed.

Ping’s eyes slanted as she aimed her foot against the nozzle. Why she did this stupid thing, she wasn’t truly sure, but she hadn’t wanted… she hadn’t wanted anyone to get hurt… especially Wufei…

The machine gun flew in the air then landed safely on the ground. Sweat dripped from Wufei’s forehead as he heard the sounds of grunts and gasps from within the trees. With the raging fire behind him, and Ping’s fight somewhere in front, he started to run to her…

Every blow he showered her felt like steel against flesh. She was used to blows, but this was hard, unyielding… and… nearly inhuman! The fighter, still clouded by shadows, was good. ‘Dammit…’

With a yell, she grabbed for the first opening she saw and her foot lashed out for the kill, aiming for that soft section on his neck, but the shadow just grabbed her foot mere inches from his neck and she saw his move before he could even apply it. Her mind screamed- ‘No!’ while her hands went up to cover her face with her arms, her eyes shut, prepared for pain, and yet… pain never came, then she was suddenly let go then pushed to the ground.

“Ping! Get out of here!”

She looked up from the ground, and saw… Wufei…

“Why don’t you think first before you make your decisions, you dumb woman!” Wufei shouted, glaring at the woman in front of him. He hadn’t seen the eyes, nor the face, but he saw the intent in their opponent’s actions. The man was about to deliver a fatal blow to Ping… and… if he was but a second too late… “Get out of here, now!”

Ping watched as Wufei fought against the man. He met each blow with one of his own… she could see it, a true fighter- the grace and lithe she had seen during his morning practices… so pronounced… but even while his command still rang in the air, she felt herself rise and attack from the side while Wufei and the shadow were locked in a block and a strike.

Her sweeping kick caught their opponent unaware and sent him sprawling to the light of the fire. A young man… healthy and strong… and with eyes as lifeless as those who were dead…

Ping nearly gasped. Wufei frowned, sensing what was wrong as clear as day, yet not knowing what it was. His hand grabbed for his gun, and he had it aimed for the man’s head even before anyone knew it… Then from his left and right, Wilmore and Guillory came from the trees, reports at the tip of their tongue, stilled as they saw both commanders in form. It only took them seconds to bring out their guns and aim.

“You’re surrounded!” Wufei shouted even when he felt no surrender from the one in front of him… The enemy seemed like someone of their age… So young. The man was still on one knee, but his eyes were downcast…then his head snapped up, along with his arm. Wufei only saw the glitter of sharp blade before it disappeared, heading for- “Ping!”

Wufei half turned and saw that she had moved too late. As if in slow motion, her shirtsleeve ripped by the tip of the rotating blade, her skin slashed, and her blood erupted from the wound.

Her anguished cry was enough to tear his heart, and the look on her face…! “Ping!”

“Wufei! Look out!” Her gasp and wide, worried eyes made him turn and he saw another blade, heading right for his heart! Wufei quickly eluded it. Almost out of balance, Wufei glared at the phlegmatic enemy. His hands were shaking with so much anger, so much that he wanted to pull the trigger… but he wasn’t even given that chance as the enemy produced one last knife… then slit his throat…

Ping’s eyes widened and she quickly looked away even before the body touched the ground, but the three other men couldn’t look away…  Wufei felt confused glances upon him from his other two subordinates, but he himself had no answer to give… What could cause a person to just take life so… carelessly? He knew that drive, once. No care for oneself save for the mission… but this was different. The man, his eyes… they were different. Wufei forced his eyes to look away, and they fell on Ping, a hand clutched on her bleeding upper left arm, and he went to her.

“Sir! All clear around the other area…” Guillory’s voice, usually so cheerful, held that shock.

Wufei only nodded, his hands already tearing a piece of his shirt. “Make another round.” Even his voice had lost its haughty tone. Was it because that man’s suicide- he could only call it that- affected him so much?

“Yes sir.”

He heard them move away then he was alone with her. She wouldn’t even look at him in the eyes!

“I’ve seen so many deaths… but this one was… different…” Ping whispered, her voice held the chocked sobs and silent cries her heart was exuding.

Wufei could only nod. “Let me fix your wound.”

“Thank you…” Ping whispered as she felt his gentle touch on her arm. “It’s a light scratch. I’m fine.”

“You’re still bleeding.” Wufei countered, but he could already feel the numbing shock leave him, replaced by anger. “You are one damn, stupid onna!”

Ping gasped as her head snapped up to him. Then she saw… it… whatever it was that she couldn’t explain while he tended to her wound… She felt the tight knot on her wound and she grimaced, but she didn’t cry out. He was trying to punish her because of what she did, but… he had also been tender… He was worried for her, and more…

“Wufei…”

Her whisper was his undoing, as he grabbed her face with both his hands, then crushed her lips. “Don’t ever do that again you dumb woman!”

She kissed him back, and finally understood why she had been so reckless… It was bad… worse than she could have expected… She was in love with him…

…

“Wufei…?” Ping whispered with her hoarse voice as she offered her jug of water to him. He looked… horrible! Well, actually, everyone does, including those rescue operatives both the IA’s and Preventers sent from around the quadrant area to fight the fire that swallowed up a few miles of land.

Wufei readily accepted, thankful for the offer. He was thirsty and tired. His skin stung with burns and his hair was singed. His whole outfit barely showed the green under the black soot, and he knew that everyone was feeling just as bad as he was. “Were you sure you were able to drink enough?”

“Yes.” Ping nodded as she sat beside him on the grass. The forensic team had been scrounging the area, and the warehouse since three hours ago, as soon as the fire hazard was down. She was dreading the time when they would suddenly show up and give their reports.

He looked at her and saw the soot under her nose that almost looked like a moustache. She doesn’t look so great. In fact, she looked the worst today. Her very curly hair was damp and she had sported bruises and cuts all over her exposed arms and legs… “You look terrible.”

Ping’s head snapped to him and Wufei grinned inwardly at the sudden green flame that erupted in those catlike eyes. Women. They’re so easy to tease.

“You don’t look so good yourself!” And here she was trying to be nice, not telling him that he looked horrible! She shouldn’t have held her tongue and gotten it over with! With an angry huff, she stood up, intent to leave and hate him.

Wufei glanced around. The medics were checking his men and Ping’s squad, and enough trees surrounded them…  He reached out just in time to catch her balled hand, she turned and glared at him, her pout so obvious even under that soot covered face, then he had the pleasure to see her eyes widen when he suddenly tugged her and she fell on him.

Her face nearly collided against him, but thankfully, she was able to stop herself. She was on her hands and knees while Wufei was leaning back, a smug smile on his lips that just angered her some more. “Wufei-!”

His lips smothered Ping’s reproach and all the anger gave way to passion. Once again, they found comfort in each other’s arms… and heat that was greater than the fire they had just put out. Slowly, they moved away from each other, and he saw a mirror of his own feelings in her shining eyes.

“Don’t think that I’m not angry at you anymore.” Ping whispered dangerously, though not as determinedly.

Wufei just shrugged as his usual look covered his confusion. “Go get your wounds cleaned up.”

Without another word, Ping stood up and turned away. She felt guilty for wanting him at a time like this, but… Damn! Who could truly dictate their emotions? She was halfway to the clearing, of charred tree trunks and black grass, when she heard her name.

“Rossi…”

She didn’t turn around. At that moment, she was on the brink of wanting to make love with him and needing to be with her squad to help in any way.

Wufei saw her stop and for the life of him, he didn’t know why he even called her name except that… visions of her hard work, even with that cut on her left arm, came back to him. “You did good, Rossi…you did good.”

It was said in barely a whisper and in his usual indifferent tone, but his eyes made her heart sang. Tears, probably from the stinging smoke that still oozed from nature, came to her eyes and she only nodded curtly. “They’ll be finished with the others soon. Don’t forget to get your wounds cleaned up before infection sets in.”

Wufei nodded even if she couldn’t see. “I won’t.” She walked away the moment she heard her answer and he was left to brood. Half his mind tried to analyze what had happened today with the fire, while the other half tried to understand why he kept an eye out for her the whole time they fought fire. Why he made sure that he was always near her in case something happened… Why in the world he wanted to rush to her side when he saw her stop a painful look after a burning branch fell on her arm. And why in the world was he still attracted to her when she had a soot-made mustache!?

His hand automatically brought out his treasured token. Merian’s blood was dull against the dirty white, but it had always been bright before, at least, to him. Why was it dull now?

“Merian… I hate you women.” He grumbled under his breath as he slumped his shoulders.

“Commander Chang!”

The shout came where Ping disappeared to, and Wufei quickly straightened.

PJ came to view, his arm, from wrist to elbow, bandaged. It made him cringe that he had placed so much attention on Ping while so little to his own men… He was not like that. He wasn’t!

“Colonel Rossi asked for you to report to Lieutenant Grayson, sir!”

The medic… He should have known that she’d check up on him and remind him to go to the doctor. He hates it. Hates it so much when women puts their dang noses into his dang business… Yet, if he hates it so much, why was there that warm, happy feeling in his heart at the mere knowledge that she wants to make sure he was all right?

Not showing his train of thought, he stood up from the grass and started for the clearing. “Let’s go.”

…

He had felt her eyes at the back of his neck while Mike applied the last coat of salve on his arm, the bandage, and then he was done.

“There you go, Commander. If I remember your records correctly, you’re a fast healer.” The cheerful elderly doctor was met with a scary scowl, but having been in and out with patients of various temperaments, he just shrugged it off. “Make sure that you change your bandages.”

Wufei just grunted. Without turning around, he checked the quality of his half bandaged left arm. “Are you just going to stay there and lurk?”

Mike frowned, confused. “Excuse me?”

“He was talking to me, Mike.”

Her voice came from behind, just as he knew it would. He was pretty anxious to see how she looked like, with her wounds all dressed, hiding distinct red lashes of burn on her golden skin.

“Hey, Ping. I didn’t even see you there!” Mike gave a cheerful grin to her before he turned away to pack his supplies.

“I’m glad you didn’t give Mike any trouble, Commander.” She sat in front of him and nodded her approval at the Preventer’s doctor’s work. “I was almost hoping to hear Mike’s frustrated scream.”

“Not going to happen, Ping.” Mike answered as he ruffled her hair like a big brother would. “I’m used to him.”

Wufei nearly smiled at the pronounced grimace on Ping’s face.

“Stop that Mike! I’m not a kid anymore!”

“You looked like it when I was wrapping your wounds!” Mike countered cheerfully as he neared the door.

Wufei snorted a laugh when Ping’s eyes blazed.

“I did not!”

“Whatever you say, Colonel! After all, I’m just a humble Lieutenant.” Mike waved before he stepped out of the helicopter.

“Just be happy you’re a Preventer, Mike! If you were an IA, you’d be demoted!!!” She didn’t finish her words and grumbled instead.

“You’re acting like one right now, Rossi.” Wufei couldn’t help the tease that left his mouth, acquiring him Ping’s glare.

“I am not!” Ping nearly screamed as she stuck out her tongue at him, completely contradicting what she said.

Wufei couldn’t help himself and before she could pull back, he had her in his arms, his lips on hers. She couldn’t stop as her hands slipped to the back of his neck to pull him down, but he stopped a breath away, just close enough to nip at her and hold her at the edge of expectation as he flicked his tongue over her lips. He was torturing himself, doing this, but he wants to be gentle with her, after going through such a harsh day. Besides, he’s still in control… he just wants to see if… if she’s okay.

He smiled when she tried to pull him down, but he resisted, and instead, he moved his lips away to touch her neck, her shoulders… down to her left arm where a new bandage reside in place of the small piece from his torn shirt. “Does it still hurt?”

Wufei kissed the bandage and Ping felt her heart just burst. How could he be so gentle when he was such a hard headed, pain in the ass man a little while ago? She doesn’t want him to know how she feels, and to cover that fact, she trapped his face with her hands then pulled him up.

“You’re the one who’s going to be hurting if you don’t start kissing me properly.” She whispered dangerously before she crushed his lips with hers to both punish and reward.

Her mouth was sweet against his and filled him more with desire. Abandoning more control than he had ever done so within the dangerous area of many eyes and ears, a hand slid around her lower waist to lightly touch her bottom, while the other grazed her breasts. They clung greedily against each other, driving each other mad with each stroke, each touch, each breath… when a loud clearing of a throat told them that they were not alone.

Both quickly pulled away from each other as though electrified, and their eyes met Mike’s dark blue ones. With an eyebrow raised, he gave one last clouded look over the two, and then started to walk to the makeshift table behind Ping.

“I forgot something.” Mike’s cheerful voice jarred Ping’s and Wufei’s shocked mind. Wufei’s eyes turned a glare towards him while Ping could only look at Mike’s helplessly.

“By the way, F-team is about to come in here to have a chat with you both. I suggest, as your doctor, to put a little distance in between.”

“Mike-”

Wufei’s dangerous voice was overturned by Ping’s soft ones. “Mike, you won’t tell on us, will you?”

Mike faced them once again, a bottle in hand, to observe what they don’t know. If their secret was revealed… those two would have a lot to fight against. But, he likes this frizz haired girl, and he admires Wufei so… he grinned. “My patients have their rights to privacy… I’m a married man, you know… I know these things happen. Besides, both of you are old enough.” With one last wave, he alighted from the helicopter.

Ping glanced at Wufei and saw his shaking fisted hands. It hurt her to see him fighting it so, but she will not show it to him. “Don’t worry… I don’t think that Mike will tell…”

He couldn’t believe it! He had been caught… with her! Not in control… he was ready to take her right there and then… he couldn’t stop himself! He is so angry with himself… so very angry.

“Wufei…?” Ping whispered, wanting to touch him, but knowing that she shouldn’t, she could only sigh. She understood, but it was all so frustrating! Why couldn’t he… Why was it so shameful for him?!

“Commander Chang, Colonel Rossi. We need to talk to both of you…”

Two men in full white uniform, slowly took off their gloves as they waited for the two superiors to invite them inside the helicopter. Wufei nodded just as Ping did, and they entered.

She had always wondered how people in their area of expertise not become disgusted with the things they see… She couldn’t even look at that man’s body! The mere thought sent shivers down her spine.

“Subject A appears to be completely normal. There were no traces of drugs, or any device on his body.” The taller of the two said, rather coldly while Ping gripped her hands together.

“What did you find in the area?” She asked, her voice strong, though she was trembling inside. She was probably more tired than she thought…

This time, the two men looked at each other anxiously and Wufei’s eyebrow rose.

“Well? Colonel Rossi asked you a question.” His voice was as hard and cold as ever before. His previous confusion and anger, now like embanked tongues of fire.

The shorter of the two, obviously the more experienced, stepped forward. “There were two bodies found within the area. Both are completely burned.”

“How far away from each other?” Wufei asked as he pushed the bandage on his arm in a way that wouldn’t make him want to scratch it.

“Not very far at all, sir.”

“They were actually… holding each other.”

“Holding each other?” Ping swallowed as she felt her mouth become cottony. Were those two innocent victims? Or were they someone who was supposed to die because of a crime? “Please explain.”

“They were hugging. Probably the other was protecting the smaller bodied one.” The taller inserted.

“We have to bring them back to the lab to be able to verify whose body they were. Though I’m a bit afraid that we won’t have any records of them.”

Before Wufei could say anything, Ping stood up with a determined look. “I want to see the bodies.” She doesn’t know why, but… the mere fact that the bodies were holding each other, protecting… it tugged something different in her. The man they had fought earlier that day would never have done such a thing, He was too lifeless and cold, and yet those two… “I want to see them.”

The two doctors nodded. “Follow us, Colonel.”

Wufei, feeling forgotten, angrily stood up and followed the group as they stepped out of the helicopter to go to one of the other five helicopters around the scene. The firefighters were converged in the area with two helicopters and Mike seeing to them, the next few yards showed tired looking pilots, and the last one was deserted with two black bags on the ground…

He saw Ping’s steps falter, but she kept her head high in the air and didn’t stop. It was confusing. Why in the world does she need to see the bodies? They reached the zipped bags with a note attached to them and Ping drew in a deep breath. The two leaned beside the one to her left, and she followed. She had never seen a burnt body before…

The sound of the bags being unzipped was like a foreboding song, and then the air around them suddenly stunk in a completely different manner. She looked down and she felt her stomach churn. Her hands went to her lips to clamp them, to stop whatever it was that was going to come out of her lips.

They seemed as if in so much pain, yet the way the arms were wrapped around each other… trust…

She suddenly couldn’t breathe. She could see black spots with her vision… she tried to keep afloat. She will not. She will not faint like a… like a- with a muffled cry, Ping turned around and ran to the opposite direction.

Her subordinates all looked at her in bewilderment, and Wufei… couldn’t understand but- “No. Stop.” He heard himself mutter when he saw two of Ping’s friends start for the direction she had ran off to. They looked at him with anger, as if he was making them do something they do not want to… or maybe he was. He had been with the IA’s long enough to see their deep loyalty thrive through friendship. “I’ll go.” He’ll go… He wants to be the one to comfort her.

He walked sedately to where she disappeared to, but when he was sure that the trees and shadows covered him, his pace became faster. He didn’t know which direction she had gone off to-

Wufei stopped. He could hear something…  Trusting his instincts, he moved to his left and followed the sound. It didn’t take him long to find her. She was huddled at the base of one tree, on her knees and… retching and sobbing at the same time.

He didn’t talk. Instead, he quickly moved beside her, and with his right hand, started to stroke her back.

“Get away from me…”

Ping’s mutter before she threw up again rattled him, but he didn’t move. Why? Why must he leave her when she was like this? “No. I won’t.”

“Leave me alone! I don’t want you to see me like… this…” She gasped then that gagging sound she made wrenched his heart. He hates to see weak women… how often had he said that to her? If she even wants him to feel more inclined to her, other than sexually, then she does not want him to see her like this. ‘It isn’t fair. It isn’t fair! It’s just not fair!!!’ She mentally screamed and more tears appeared in her eyes. Finally, tiredly, she curled over her knees and wrapped her hands around herself.

She looked as if she was carrying the whole world on her shoulders… as if she was so depressed and troubled. He couldn’t understand why, but he doesn’t want to leave her side. He wants to be there for her. It shook him, confused him, but right now, Ping needs him… and he will concentrate on that need… He will sort his feelings out later.

Without a word, Wufei wrapped his arms around her body to at least bring comfort. She tried to struggle at first, but it was a short one, and she finally let him hold her as he wanted to. “Weak onna…”

His voice was soft and without a hint of reprimand, but the words… Ping stilled in his embrace. She was about to push him away when she felt a kiss on her hair, completely confusing her. His actions conflicted with his words… the way his firm embrace held her… the way he pressed his cheek against her hair after that butterfly kiss… She could only mentally sigh his name as she finally gave up her struggles and let him comfort her with his touch.