sweetestsurrender | { The AU meme }

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{ The AU meme }

Ever played out something and then later wondered "What if?" Ever wondered what it'd be like to play your character a different way, but didn't feel like making a full thing dedicated to it? Now's your chance to play it out!

Using RNG you'll roll 1-3 for the level of the change, and 1-6 for the change itself, or if you want, pick your own based on what you wanted to do.

1)  Small Change: The flap of a butterfly's wings can cause tsunami's on the other side of the world.

-1: "A minute too late"- What if you missed something by a minute, or more? You missed the big meeting, the girl, helping that person, all because you were too late, what happens next?
-2: "The nick of time"- Just like the first, only that instead of missing something you got, that if you got something you missed because you were either too late, or just messed up? Congratulations! Let's just hope it's what you really wanted.
-3: "A little too early"- One more, what if you showed up early? It's suppose to be a good thing, is it this time?
-4: "The other choice"- You had two choices, left or right, heads or tails, Coke or Pepsi, now you get to see what would have happened with the other choice.
-5: "Oops!"- You slipped up, and made a mistake. Is it bad, or a blessing in disguise?
-6: Wild card/Pick your own- Thought of a slight change that'd make all the difference, or had one you wanted to play? Here's your chance.

2)  Medium Change: Didn't really see that coming, did you?

-1: Turning point change- That one thing that would have turned things in your favor went against you, and vice versa. How will you handle this critical change?
-2: "A Razor's edge"- That one moment that could have went either way has gone the opposite way of before. Is this a good thing, or a bad thing?
-3: Crossroads- You reached a point in your life where you had several choices before you, now's the time to go down another road and see where it leads.
-4: The Road less traveled- "Two roads diverged in the woods, and I took the one less traveled" Will it make all the difference?
-5: Interference- Something blocked you from getting something you were going for. What do you do once the moment is gone?
-6: Wild Card/Pick your own-Thought of a medium change that'd make all the difference, or had one you wanted to play? Here's your chance.

3)  Large Change: Why do all the people here have goatee's?

-1: Good/Evil- Use to be a good guy? Welcome to the dark side, here's your cookie. Former bad guy? Hand over the cookie tray and join the side of good. How will the change of moral compass change you?
-2: A different person- You're now a completely different person, literally. Are you taller? Shorter? A robot? A pony? Powers? No powers? Your call.
-3: The other sex- Rule!63 is in effect. Now how does this effect your relationships with the other?
-4: A change in history- Something that happened in the past now has completely change or is now gone. One domino toppling the rest. Now that you've changed your past, how will it effect your future?
-5: Giving up- You walked away from something important to you? Do you regret it? Are you happy?
-6: Wild Card/Pick your own- Thought of a large change that'd make all the difference, or had one you wanted to play? Here's your chance.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

"Seem pretty sane to me. Even hiding who you are was for a reason. A damn good reason. I think of it like witness protection." The therapist could go suck it. Considering the shit they'd all been through, the things they'd done, Duo was amazed any of them could even pretend to be productive members of society.

She laughed softly, settling herself against him again, getting comfortable and letting out a soft hum. "Yes, but you've yet to deal with me when I've got a significant injury. She threatened me with five point restraints, then had to talk me down from the panic attack it gave me," she replied lightly. "At least you know where the landmines are buried."

"I think I can handle it." When she settled again, Duo wrapped his arms about her more securely. "Think I can handle you." They were all damaged in lots of different ways, but he was sure that together they could do a lot to help each other heal.

"I think that's the least of our worries," she agreed. "And the things that we do have to worry about, we'll figure out as they come." There was so much certainty in having him there, even the things that terrified her once weren't quite so intimidating, knowing he'd be there to face it with her.

And for the rest of the flight, she was calm and relaxed, right up until the attendant came by, letting them know to get ready for landing. She pulled herself out of his lap and lowered into her own seat to buckle in. "I'm a lot less drunk than I expected to be," she said, flashing him a sheepish little grin. "Probably for the best," especially when dealing with Quatre.

Duo was very happy to keep Wufei in his lap for the rest of the flight. Even if one of his legs had fallen asleep, he wasn't going to complain. He did, however, almost dose off. He was just so comfortable and relaxed...

It was a disappointment when Wufei finally had to leave him. Reluctantly he let her go but gave a chuckled once she sat down. "Sorry, you can blame me for that. Maybe Quat'll be a bro and break out the fancy stuff?"

"I think I will blame you," she teased. "Being all comfortable and easing my nerves so I didn't even think about going up to the bar," she grinned, and reached out to slide her hand into his without even thinking about it. "I'm sure he'll want to celebrate, we can ask him for something nice and strong." But she'd be surprised if she ended up drunk anyway.

Snuggling up with Duo was a much more pleasant way to relax and unwind. And it was something she could do now, just about whenever she wanted. "This trip is going to be much more enjoyable than I'd anticipated," she decided lightly.

His hand was taken and Duo easily linked his fingers through hers and grinned over at her. He didn't mind being blamed if it was for that reason. It made him very happy to know she'd been comfortable enough to ease her nerves.

"Hah, nice and strong it is. Might not even have to ask." He chuckled, softly rubbing the back of Wufei's hand as he turned his head to look out the window to his right. "And we're going down. Almost time for the fun to start."

She hummed in agreement, crossing her legs at the ankle as she relaxed in her seat, settling into a position that let her see out the window with him, and watched as the ground got closer and closer, until they landed with a gentle little bump.

Then there were the arrival announcements about connecting flights and staying in your seat until the plane was parked, the local time and weather as they taxied to the terminal. She kept her hand in his the whole time, until they were cleared to get their things and leave, hopping out of her seat to hand him his bag and pull her own over her shoulder. "Well, here we go."

Everything went smoothly. Wufei's predictions had fallen through and Duo was glad for that. It was all well and good preparing for the worst case scenarios, but tempting fate was a risky business.

Once they were free to do so, Duo unbuckled himself and stood. Just in time to be handed his bag. He grinned, took it and waited for Wufei to get herself ready before he nodded. "Now or never." His smile widened and he followed the trickle of people down through the plane to the exit. It was only when he was out did he retrieve his phone to shoot off a quick text to Quatre to let him know they were there and make sure the car was waiting for them.

The text that came back included a location pin, of exactly where the car was parked. Wufei had Duo's hand again, weaving through the airport to the exits which were, of course, near the chaos of baggage claim. Which was when she realized another perk to first class -- if you had no checked luggage, there was no wait and baggage claim wasn't crowded yet. So it was easy to lead him out into the hot desert air.

"Did he say where the car is?" she asked, because while there was a limo section, it happened to be host to dozens of near-identical black cars, most of them long enough to be Quatre's.

Duo didn't even realise Wufei had his hand. It was becoming so natural now that it just happened and that was okay. All he could really do was grin broadly and let Wufei drag his ass all the way through the airport until they were outside.

He blinked and lifted his hand with his phone up, shielding his eyes from the glare of the sun. "Ah, too bright. What? Oh yeah, he did. Kind of." Hand lowered he looked at his phone and then the seat of cars, and then it was his turn to drag Wufei along as he navigated with his phone until he found the one with the pin. "This should be it. I hope. If not we're gonna piss someone off." He laughed and went to open the door, but not before knocking on the window, just to check.

She was happy to let him lead, weaving through the cars behind him. It was a good distraction from her nerves rearing their ugly head again.

And then they were at a car, knocking, and opening the door. And there were Trowa and Quatre, both of them obviously in good moods, with Quatre beaming like the sun itself. "Did you have a good flight?" he asked brightly, and it was obvious on his face the second he clocked that Wufei looked a great deal less like Wufei than he had been expecting.

Duo peered in, grinned and looked back at Wufei. "Guess you won. They're here." He laughed and went ahead and climbed into the limo, still all happy smiles as he sat his ass down with a sigh. "Flight wasn't bad. No bombs on the plane so I count that as a win for me!"

Trowa was sat beside Quatre, long legs stretched out, one arm draped lazily across the back of the seat. He was clearly seeing the same as Quatre but the fact Duo wasn't mentioning it was puzzling. Where they supposed to ignore the elephant in the room and act nothing out of the ordinary was happening? Alright.

"So what you're saying...is that the in-flight entertainment was lacking?" Trowa asked casually, smiling when his comment caused Duo to laugh.

"That's exactly what I'm saying, Tro!" Duo answered cheerfully. He'd be happy if the entertainment sucked on the way back too!

Wufei slid into the car after him, shaking her head a little. "A lesser woman might take that as an insult," she said lightly, sliding into the seat next to Duo and offering them both a slightly sheepish smile. "As I'm sure you can see, I've been keeping a bit of a secret," she gestured at herself.

"Yes, I'd say so," Quatre laughed. "I hope not because you worried about our opinions."

"No, no, it was mostly to save face, and after the war, to avoid marriage," and her hand was back in Duo's without even thinking about it. "I thought you deserved to be told in person."

It took Duo a second and then he was laughing. "Oops?" He gave his own sheepish smile, though aimed at Wufei as she sat down beside him. A smile that warmed when his hand was taken again, and he pulled it into his lap, holding it between the both of his.

"Avoid it, until now." Duo added and turned his attention back to Trowa and Quatre. To Quatre he gave a rather pointed look, one that promised he'd talk with him later, but for now he'd be keeping up appearances.

"Just to be clear." Trowa ventured. "This is something you were born with and not a recent change?" Not that he would judge, but it would clear a few things up. To the second bombshell he offered a kind smile. "And congratulations."

Wufei flushed darkly at Trowa's question, but nodded. "Most of what you know is true, I was married to Wufei at 14, and he died a few months later defending me. I took his name when I came to earth, both to honor him and ensure that anyone the Barton Foundation had sent ahead would get what they were expecting."

She smiled as she leaned into Duo's side a bit more. "And after the war, it was to prevent myself being married off to a stranger. At least until I found someone to marry on my own," and she slid her thumb over the back of Duo's hand.

Quatre gave Duo a Look right back, but smiled warmly. "Well, I'm glad things have worked out. I suppose it's a good thing we cleared our schedules -- we can celebrate properly now."

There was a hint of sorrow in Trowa's eyes while listening to Wufei's explanation, but it was hidden away when he looked to the side to Quatre. "Your foresight was spot on." He looked back with a small, but happy smile. "The marriage of two good friends is always worth celebrating."

Duo understood the look. Knowing why Wufei did what she did kind of hurt. They'd all had their problems. But none of them had lost a partner to the war. None of them had been forced to go that deeply undercover and for so long just to protect themselves. It was cruel and it was unjust and Duo was glad he was able to help her break out and be herself.

"Still lots to work out. But for now, this is what's happening." He grinned. "Hope this celebration includes getting us wasted, Quat! You owe me!"

Wufei smiled warmly, nodding in agreement. "I could definitely use a drink. It's been a difficult week, and I actually intend to use this vacation as vacation for once."

"Well, in that case, I'll have to take you to the beach," Quatre grinned. "And you'll be getting wasted in style. I've booked a few restaurant reservations for dinners while you're here, but I can change them to let the two of you have a bit of privacy, if you'd like."

Which had Wufei's brows lifting. "Really?" she blurted before she could stop herself. Quatre Winner? Butting out of anything, ever? She shot Duo a look that said either Quatre had gone mad or someone had sat down and talked to him about being overbearing since the last time she'd seen him.

Duo only gave her a brief glance and a flash of a grin before his attention went back to the other couple.

"How about we split the difference? We'd like to do the tourist thing, see the sights, spend time together. But hanging out with you guys isn't outta the question either." His grin widened. "And its only fair since you've taken the time off too. You guys need to have fun, right, Tro?"

"Exactly right, Duo." Trowa replied with a quiet chuckle.

Duo had told her so many times to trust him about Quatre. He wasn't a stupid man. He could be enthusiastic and wanted to help his friends but he did know when yo back off. But Duo also knew he probably had a million questions and Duo wished he could answer them. He really wished he could ask about those tabloids but Wufei was relaxed. Duo thought maybe it was something for tomorrow.

Unless...

"Is This a private beach you're taking us to?" Duo asked then, followed by a laugh. "I didn't think of beaches when I packed. I've not a damn thing to wear!"

Quatre laughed warmly at them both. "Well, I'm sure we have some spare swim trunks and if not, there are plenty of shops here," he said lightly as the limo eased into motion. "Or do you want to flash us all?"

"I brought a suit -- I went on a bit of a shopping spree this week, now that I'm free to wear what I like," Wufei gave the hem of her sundress a little tug. "Though if we're going to be out in the sun, I should get a hat." She was more than a little amazed that Quatre was restraining himself so much, but it was a pleasant sort of surprised.

"And of course we've plenty of sunscreen, but there are indoor beaches, as well," Quatre said lightly, crossing his legs at the ankle. "I look forward to seeing you let loose a little."

Duo smirked. "In your dreams, blondie."

"Ahem." Trowa raised a brow and pointedly lifted an arm and draped it across Quatre's shoulders in an almost possessive move. Which it would have been had anyone else been in the limo. As it was, Duo just burst out laughing.

"Your dreams too, Tro." He amended teasingly.

"Thank you." Trowa replied with a slight incline of his head and a quiet smile.

Still amused, Duo gave his attention to Wufei with a wide smile. "You thought to bring a swim suit? Coulda give me a heads up! But... I think you'd look cute in a hat." Maybe one of those big floppy straw types to go with the equally cute summer dress? Duo was feeling pretty damn good. His laughter and smiles were easy, his body language relaxed and at ease. "Lookin forward to you letting loose too." He said in agreement with Quatre.

Wufei snorted at all of them, humming in agreement. "Well, I thought you already had enough on your mind. So I might've packed a pair for you, too," or they'd been her old ones, that she'd never used and wasn't even sure why she owned. What was she going to do, go to the beach in a tee shirt? Hope her binder didn't show through when the shirt got wet?

"I'll get one of the big, floppy straw ones so I really look like a tourist," she teased. "And leave the sunscreen too thick on my nose. Really lean into the stereotype and shout at you all in Mandarin when you goof off in the sand."

Quatre laughed, one of his hands lifting to lace his fingers with those on the hand Trowa had draped across his shoulder. "And fancy drinks in pineapples and coconuts, with the little umbrellas?" he suggested with a grin.

"Can you read my mind?" He gave her a suspicious look, eyes narrowed. It was one thing for her to have thought about bringing him bathing gear, which he would totally wear so long as they weren't a pair of speedos, but to have had the same thoughts as him? "... I was just thinking of one of those floppy straw hats... You pokin in my mind, Wu?" Duo was very much trying not to laugh.

"Can you hear an echo?" Trowa asked innocently, his smile warming when Quatre took his hand. He softly began brushing his thumb across his knuckles slowly.

"Oi! For that I demand TWO umbrellas in my coconut AND a bendy straw!" Duo shot back with a glare. A glare that totally wasn't a glare because he was laughing too much for it to have had any kind of effect.

She let out a bright laugh. "I think we both know it'd look good," she countered with a grin. "No mind-poking over here, pilot's honor."

"You know, I think I am," Quatre grinned. "It's almost like they're a couple. Never saw that coming, not in a million years," he was terrible, absolutely terrible at looking innocent. At least to people who knew him well.

"Yeah, you'd look good." Duo agreed with a warm smile. He knew she hadn't been, they'd just been on the same wavelength when thinking of hats that would go well with her dress. And, of course, would just look good on her.

"You're lucky I don't have anythin to throw at you, Quat." Duo, the adult that he was, stuck out his tongue instead.

Trowa just laughed, but he had to agree. "You do look good together."

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