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

Wufei giggled again, and nodded in agreement when Duo asked for a bit of privacy, instead turning her attention to Trowa and asking after his circus folk.

"Of course," Quatre agreed, getting to his feet and leading Duo inside, to a sitting room near the garden. It was close enough that they'd be easy to find, but not so close as to be easily overheard. "I've copies of all those tabloids in my office, but I can't imagine she wouldn't have expected something like that to happen. Her being a woman does explain a few of the stranger headlines, though."

Duo kept on smiling all the way to that sitting room. Once there he lost the smile and took himself over to sit down in one of the chairs with a sigh.

"Probably not. Tell me the worst, Quat? What're they saying? Anything we can dispute?" None of this was supposed to cause more stress for Wufei. It was supposed to have minimised it. So if there was anything he could actually do to stop any of this he would.

Quatre lifted both brows, leaning against his desk and folding his arms over his chest. "I'm sure there is, but without Wufei's input it's hard to tell. They're calling her an Empress in some of them, they're trying to dig into your past -- don't be surprised if we have to dodge some paparazzi while you're here."

He paused, sizing Duo up again for a long moment. "You do know she'll find out eventually, right? Chinese social media is filled with it, and even if she's not on the networks, we both know Sally is."

"Yeah, those Elders of hers called her an Empress too." He quirked an odd little smile Quatres way. "Feel like I'm in one of those bodice ripper romance books. Royalty slumming it with the stable hand or somethin." He couldn't help laughing but Quatre's next words caused him to sigh and nod. He'd expected them to go digging into his own life. They'd have a time of it. He wasn't a stupid guy. His history was out there but there was also enough false information to muddy the waters. A failsafe he'd put into place years ago.

"Don't worry, I'm not gonna keep it from her forever. Tomorrow we can let her know. She deserves at least one day and night being happy and carefree around you guys."

Quatre hummed, nodding along with a serious expression. "Yes, I can see that. It's not like you're a war hero or anything. Just an entirely average space rat with entirely too much hair. You know, if you put some mousse in it, rip your shirt open and convince her to swoon, it'd be a perfect cover shot." He cracked a grin, and nodded when Duo promised to tell her the next day.

Then he lowered his arms, leaning back against the desk and doing his very best 'innocent little brother' act. "So how did you tell her?"

Duo snorted a laugh. Yeah he could see it himself and that made it worse somehow.

"How did I tell her what?" Duo asked, matching that 'innocent' act with one of his own. Quatre was better at it. He just naturally had that look about him.

"Oh, you know," it was a struggle, a real struggle not to roll his eyes right then. "The fact that you're completely head over heels for her. Smitten. Uselessly, disgustingly, undeniably in love. I'm getting cooties, all the way over here."

The innocence was gone and in its place was a sad sort of smile. Duo just shook his head, sighed and leaned back to look up at the ceiling.

"I've not said it. Not in so many words... Think I might've let on I'd liked her even back during the war. But she doesn't live me, Quat. She likes me well enough, but she's told me herself that she doesn't feel the same way for me I feel for her. And it's fine." His eyes fell closed. "It's not gonna stop me from doing this. Even if feelings weren't involved, knowing how long she'd been hiding, what she'd have to do to get those old guys off her back, I kinda have to do this."

Now Duo looked over at Quatre, his expression determined. "You've seen how happy she is now just being her. So we don't tell her, yeah? This is one thing she doesn't need to know. She doesn't need to know I've loved her from the start. She doesn't need to know how much. I'm happy just like this." just being beside her, watching her joy, watching her finally able to spread her wings, was good enough for Duo.

Both his brows went up, but he listened patiently until Duo was done, a little smile playing at his lips. "I can feel how happy she is. It's like sitting next to a sun, and it's even brighter when she looks at you," he replied with a warm chuckle. "It's not my business to tell her what you feel, but Duo... don't assume she thinks of you the same way you think of yourself."

He pushed off the desk, coming over to give one of Duo's feet a kick. "If you start doing something stupid, don't think I'm above flying out there and kicking your butt."

Duo just scowled and lightly kicked back at Quatre's foot.

"Quat. She told me. I'm not assuming. I'm not being an idiot here. If she actually loved me back..." Duo didn't know. He'd be happy. Happier than he ever knew he could be. He smiled softly. "Believe me. I'm not gonna do anything stupid."

"Yes, because she hasn't been repressing herself for years. I'm sure she's very in touch with her emotions," Quatre replied dryly, giving his head a little shake and smiling at Duo. "At any rate, I'm glad you're both happy. I'll bring out the tabloids tomorrow and we can find out how she wants to approach it. Shall we head back?"

Duo didn't argue. How could he. On one hand Quatre was right. But on the other... "I'm not gonna assume. She'll tell me how she feels. If it changes one day, I'll be the happiest guy alive. If not... I can do my best to keep her happy."

He pushed himself to his feet then and smiled gratefully. "Thanks, Quat. Just give us tonight and we can deal with the reporters tomorrow." He threw an arm around Quatre's shoulders. "But tell me. Seriously. Are we crazy for doing this?" he'd like at least one person on his side here.

Quatre hummed as he nodded in agreement. "Can't argue with that," he conceded, sliding his arm around Duo's waist when the arm landed on his shoulders. "Oh, you're absolutely crazy, but I think it's the kind of crazy that makes everyone scratch their heads when it works out perfectly. So, exactly your brand," he grinned.

In the garden, Wufei had been supplied with something fruity in a tall glass with a little umbrella and chunk of pineapple hanging off the rim. She was just taking a first sip, humming in approval as the alcohol hit her tongue. "That was one thing I never understood. Why does the stuff that taste good have to be considered girly? Do you know how fast I could get drunk on this?"

"Good. Just so long as it's the right kinda crazy." Duo nodded, completely serious. If it was on brand for him then it was fine, it made sense. He just didn't want his friends thinking ill of him. Or of them. It could easily be seen as someone being taken advantage of and that just wasn't the case. Or jumping in to something too soon that they would regret. But Duo knew he wasn't going to regret this.

Together he and Quatre left the room and headed back out to the garden in time to catch what Wufei said. Duo had to laugh.

"Because girls are sweet and men are bitter. Or something." With a light pat of Quatre's shoulder, he broke away and returned to his seat beside Wufei. "I never did buy into gendered drinks. Like what you like. I've known women who can drink guys under the table and this one buff Sweeper who loves a cosmopolitan." Duo grinned. "The day someone calls him out on it is a day I wanna be there to see."

"If anyone has concerns, just tell them you've my blessing," Quatre replied simply, and grinned at Wufei. "I see you're enjoying Auda's new hobby. He knows how to make them strong enough to knock even Heero on his ass."

Wufei hummed in approval. "Then you can expect to see me well and truly drunk at least once on this little vacation," she flashed a grin, and offered Duo the drink to give it a taste. It was just a run of the mill pina colada, without very much rum, but it was clearly delightful in her book.

Duo took the offered drink and had a sip. Then made a face and handed it back with a laugh. "Coconut. You like that stuff?" He didn't mind fruity drinks but coconut was so damn strong. Still, he was more than happy to get well and truly wasted on this trip of theirs. Though probably not tonight. He was looking forward to heading out to the night market.

"Nothing wrong with coconut. You need to expand your palate, Duo." Trowa also had a pina colada in his hand. He had decided to join Wufei in her 'girly drink'. He deliberately took a drink from his straw and raised both brows, daring Duo to say something. But Duo just laughed at him.

Wufei laughed at Duo's face. "I do," she replied warmly, taking another sip. "I think it's a little better toasted, but with the pineapple it's quite good," and the rum didn't hurt, either.

"I'm sure we can tempt him into some baclava at the night market," Quatre suggested, coming up to drape himself over Trowa's shoulders. "Maybe get him to try a little camel meat..."

That suggestion had Wufei pulling a face.

Trowa's smile brightened as he lifted his head and pressed a warm kiss to Quatre's cheek then he lifted his free hand up to lightly stroke his fingers down his arm. "Interesting choices, my love. But I think we can do better."

"The hell? You guys know I'll try anything once!" Duo laughed. "It's how I know if I'll like something." And how he knew coconut wasn't one of those things he liked. It was why he didn't pull a face when camel meat was mentioned. He'd already tried some weird things so decided to prove it. "Can't be any worse than horse or shark, right? What about kangaroo?"

Quatre hummed. "I'm not sure they'd have kangaroo at the night market, but I'm sure I could get some flown in. If you want to try the really interesting stuff, though, we'll have to go for aphrodisiacs," he flashed a cheeky little grin.

With a shake of her head, Wufei smiled, blush dusting across her cheeks. "Well, it sounds unappealing, but so did most meat before I tried it for the first time. We used hydroponic methods on my colony, so outside holidays our only meat was fish." And even that had tasted wildly different from the fish on earth, that had a much more varied diet. She took a long drink from her relatively small glass.

"If you guys wanna knock down aphrodisiacs more power to you. You come near me with an oyster and I'm kickin the shins out from under you!" Duo didn't know what kind of aphrodisiacs Quatre was talking about but he did give the little shit a dirty look for bringing it up. Not cool, Quat. Not cool.

"Don't worry about it." He turned his attention to Wufei, his smile warm. "We can hit the dessert stalls instead."

Quatre laughed, flashing Duo a little grin. "What, you don't like chocolate?" he teased, perching his chin atop Trowa's head. He wasn't often in a position where he was taller than his lover, so he was taking full advantage.

With a warm hum, Wufei stirred her drink with the straw, then plucked up the pineapple chunk and took a bite. "That sounds lovely," she decided lightly. "And you don't actually believe those things work, do you?" she asked, glancing in Duo's direction with more than a little amusement.

Trowa was perfectly happy with Quatre being above him. He continued running his hand slowly up and down his arm though. But in the end his hand found Quatre's and threaded with those long, pale fingers to hold it.

"Chocolate is an aphrodisiac? Learned somethin new I guess! Uhh nah, I don't think they work." Duo grinned merrily. "I just hate oysters. Tried one a few years back, came right up again. Did it for a dare. I lost." And he was glad he'd lost. They'd been nasty.

"I don't think I'd like oysters, either," Wufei admitted. "I prefer my meat to be cooked."

"Well, that rules out the tartare," Quatre laughed, fingers tangling with Trowa's as a happy warmth settled in him. It was hard not to feel that way, with so much happiness in the room. "Shall we go? The market should be opening soon."

Wufei hummed, downing the rest of her drink and offering Duo the rest of the pineapple chunk. "I ate the part that tasted like coconut," she promised him.

"Got something else in common!" Duo answered cheerfully. He wasn't even that keen on sushi, but it was a bit more edible than oysters. Then he was offered Wufei's slice of pineapple and he gave a broad grin and took it and happily placed the juicy piece of fruit into his mouth. Even if it had coconut flavour he would have accepted it since Wufei had offered it. "Mm, pretty good!"

"Now I'm ready!" Duo, having finished the pineapple, got himself to his feet. Naturally he then held his hand out to Wufei, his smile knowing. He was fully aware of what he was doing. Without her hand in his, it was starting to feel strange.

Trowa tilted his head up to smile warmly at Quatre. Having him so close, he couldn't help himself. He reached up a hand to slide behind his head and pulled him down toward him just that extra inch to press a kiss to his lips. "... Now we can go."

She smiled warmly as she took Duo's hand, getting to her feet and stepping close. Everything had changed so much and so quickly, but the feeling of her hand in his made her feel stable and anchored, reassured her that all these changes really were for the better.

Quatre returned Trowa's kiss with a soft smile, letting himself melt a little more into the gesture and grinning when the kiss broke. "See, when you do that, it's like you're trying to convince me to stay," he teased, but pulled away enough that Trowa could get up. "The night market is close enough for us to walk, if you don't mind. It'll cool down pretty quickly once the sun sets."

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