#2x5x2

It was a decision born out of convenience rather than deliberate want. His lease was coming to its end, and Duo’s extra room was then empty since Heero had moved out. Duo was desperate for a new roommate, so much that he promised Wufei no loud music after ten and showers no longer than fifteen minutes. Wufei accepted the offer despite knowing none of these promises would last more than three months. Unlike what most would think, he does like the company of others sometimes, even if said others have extremely long hair that clogs the shower drain every other day.

Still, Duo sometimes tests his patience, and today is one of those days.

“So waddya think?” he asks, holding two life-sized skeletons that are too close for Wufei’s comfort.

“I think you should put these back where they belong,” Wufei says, pushing the cart further down the aisle.

“Come on,” Duo lets out an elongated whine. He dashes towards the cart with the skeletons in tow, limbs dangling in the air. “Don’t you think they would look great by our front door?”

“Duo, we live in an apartment complex,” Wufei reminds him, still refusing to acknowledge the decorations as he moves towards the bedding section. He could use a new blanket this fall. “Remind me what happened last time you tried to leave your dirty boots out.”

“Listen, Mrs. Whiteman might have something against my choice in footwear,” Duo retorts, “but I’m sure she will enjoy a lil’ bit of seasonal joy!”

There’s a nice plaid fleece on sale, and Wufei doesn’t mind the emerald green color at all. He lists it in his notes app for later, and checks if there are any coupons available online. “If by seasonal joy you mean giving the woman a heart attack,” he finally says, “by all means, be my guest. But I’d rather not have to go to the police for a crime you committed knowingly.”

“Zhang Wufei,” Duo nails the pronunciation just to work his nerves, “you’re a Preventer. You’re literally the police of police.”

“I am. And that,” Wufei points to the skeletons with his eyes before walking away again, “will make you my target.”

“Don’t flatter me like that,” Duo calls out, turning on his heel and heading back to the Halloween decorations. “Take me out to dinner first!”