Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Bonds of Love ❯ Chapter 14
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: Arigatomina 
Anime/Manga: Gundam Wing Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Drama / Hentai / Romance | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 07.08.2002 | Pages: 2 | Words: 3.0K | Visits: 1.0K | Status: Work In Progress
Anime/Manga: Gundam Wing Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Drama / Hentai / Romance | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 07.08.2002 | Pages: 2 | Words: 3.0K | Visits: 1.0K | Status: Work In Progress
Author's Notes: This is a fusion with the book: So Worthy My Love by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss. While there will be no text reproduced here, the story line will follow the book's almost exactly, any changes made not too drastic.
Category: Yaoi, AU, Gundam Wing, fusion with a book
Pairings: 1+2, assumed 3x4/3+4, 5+2, will be 1x2
Warnings: shonen ai, hints of minor angst
Author: Arigatomina
Email: arigatoumina@hotmail.com
Complete Archive: www.geocities.com/arigatomina
Bonds of Love
Part 14
It was during the journey to Wufei's home that Duo realized he still had no idea where they were. He hadn't really thought about it, as the cold climate had been enough at the time, but he didn't even know what country they were in. They'd crossed the ocean, but he wasn't sure which direction they'd gone in, and at the time he hadn't thought to ask; he didn't think he'd get an answer if he did. Now, the lack of information gave him an excuse for conversation, and he employed it in order to dispel the tension in the carriage. From what Wufei had told him when they'd left the castle, the journey would take days. The thought was not an encouraging one.
"Where does your mother live?" Duo asked, leaning against the corner of the seat as he turned to look at the black-haired man beside him. Heero was seated across from them, but he didn't think he was up for conversation. The man had been cold since they'd left, and he didn't want to do anything that might rile him.
"In Drammen."
//Norway?// Blinking in surprise, Duo glanced at Heero for a moment before focusing on the man again. Wufei was describing the town, but he didn't pay that much attention to him. He was wondering why Heero had taken shelter in this country. It was so near England, but then, he had to admit that anyone searching for him would have difficulty on the snow-covered terrain.
The carriage was rocked by wind as they moved, and the sound drowned out the soft movement before and behind them. Wufei hadn't taken any chances with their safety, and while Duo wasn't sure where he'd gotten the men who accompanied them, they were obviously in his service. The man had gone all out, and he knew the guards and the luxurious carriage were for his sake. He seriously doubted if Heero and Wufei had taken guards with them on their previous trips. No, it had to be for him and that was one more reason for his already low spirits to plummet.
He didn't think he was using Wufei, at least, he didn't like to think that. In the beginning, he had genuinely enjoyed the man's attention. It was flattering, to think that someone as refined as Wufei would take interest in him. And he was so honorable in his intentions, Duo was certain he was a match his father would have been proud of. But he wouldn't marry him. He knew that, without a doubt, he just couldn't think how to tell the man. Wufei was sweet, but he was still a man filled with pride and he couldn't imagine him taking rejection easily. He didn't want to lose the man's friendship, but he didn't want to use him either. By toying with him, leading him on with his silence, he was hurting not just Wufei but Heero and himself as well.
Time passed slowly, but it did pass. While Duo didn't lift the furs to look out the window, Wufei had done so occasionally, calling to his men, so he knew they were making progress. On the most part, it was a matter of conserving heat and Duo wondered how the men on horseback were fairing. With Wufei pampering him, they had very warm wraps and blankets, but he doubted if the ones truly exposed had such comfort. Thinking of them, he helped to divert himself, but he was still relieved when they halted for the evening. Heero hadn't said more than two words so far, and Duo was glad to put some distance between them.
In keeping with his chivalry, Wufei led Duo to a tent of his own, before they went to the main one. This was a larger tent, with one wall open to the fire to allow for more heat as well as seating room. Upon inquiry, Duo learned that Wufei's men were supplementing their supplies as a few left to hunt. Their meal for the night was, however, a stew that the cook prepared for them. The man was also accompanying them on the journey although this was one convenience Duo didn't think was for him alone. He'd noticed that Wufei had particular tastes, and Heero had told him more than once that the man enjoyed fine cuisine. He had, of course, been speaking of something other than food, but it was true either way.
They ate as if they were still in the castle, and the cook produced a bottle of wine for them. Duo avoided this, not willing to imbibe and risk his tongue revealing himself, but he couldn't help but notice that both Wufei and Heero made up for his lack of thirst. It took a while before he was certain, but the two men seemed to be competing, almost as if Wufei were aware of Heero's interest in him. While he hoped that wasn't the case, the black-haired man had not said any such thing to him, so Duo was careful not to be the one to reveal it if he hadn't noticed. After all, he was as much to blame as Heero. Actually, he was more to blame since he had yet to tell Wufei what he felt, Heero obviously already knew.
The drinking binge seemed to end without a climax, and they sat in silence for a few moments before Wufei excused himself. Left with Heero, Duo kept his eyes glued to the fire, not wanting to incite conversation. But he'd never been one to sit still very long, and he finally looked away, gazing in the direction Wufei had gone.
"You should tell him," Heero said suddenly. "Tell him you don't love him."
Duo's eyes snapped to the man, and he paled before dropping his eyes just as quickly. There was nothing he could say to counter that, he knew he needed to tell Wufei. He just didn't want to.
"Unless I'm mistaken," Heero said softly, glaring at the boy's lowered eyes. "Maybe you've just been using me as a release, but I didn't imagine your reaction when we touched. You are young, Duo, but you know what you want, don't you." The boy looked away, and he had to clench his fists to keep from grabbing and shaking him. "If you really want Wufei, all you have to do is say so. But don't use him like this. If marriage is what it takes then say so."
Duo swallowed sharply, glancing up so he could search Heero's face. Those dark blue eyes were so intense he nearly flinched back, longing to put more space between them. It was hard to think, but he straightened his back with effort, glaring at Heero. "You're forgetting Relena. I won't be a replacement for *anyone*, especially her."
"You know nothing about how I feel for her. Her name is an excuse for you, you use it to deny what you're feeling." The boy blinked, and he nodded sharply. "I know more about you than you think. I know how concerned you are about your name, your father's honor. What do you think the people back in England are saying right now? You have to know that your name will be stripped of virtue whether you've lost yours or not. We stayed in the castle, you said yourself that the people will talk of that whether their accusations are true or not. I'm offering you protection from slander. And that without taking advantage of Wufei's kindness to you. We understand each other, don't we."
He was serious, and as far as Duo could tell he'd obviously thought things through. Heero was proposing to him, as unromantic as it was, and he grabbed his boots suddenly, pulling them on with rough jerks. "I have to think about this," he murmured, not looking at the man as he stood.
The boy had stepped toward the side of the open tent and Heero caught his arm quickly, glaring when Duo didn't meet his eyes. "What is there to think about?" he hissed, holding the boy's arms as he leaned close to him. "I know you feel the same way I do. Admit it."
"Heero, don't. I just need to think," Duo whispered, pulling at his arms. Heero jerked him closer till they were pressed together, and he glared, pushing against him. "Damnit, Heero, let go."
"Not until you admit it. You want me to make love to you. Every time we touch you are *just* as amorous as I am." Duo was shaking his head and Heero's glare darkened, his hand tightening on the boy's back.
"Don't talk like that," Duo said quietly, his anger draining away. The man hadn't said anything that wasn't true, but he had no right to force him into anything. A simple admission would be enough for Heero, but it wasn't for him. This wasn't just a conquest, it was his life they were talking about.
"Do you have any *idea* what you do to me?" Heero demanded, giving the slender boy a rough shake. "All I want to do is throw you down right here in the snow, anyone who sees be damned." Duo flinched as if he'd hit him, and he glared for a moment before dropping his own eyes. "I'm sorry," he said after a long silence. "You don't torment me on purpose, I know that. Duo? I'm sorry, I had no right to say that to you." Releasing his hold, he watched Duo's downcast eyes before taking the boy's hand. "I'll escort you, and you can have your privacy to...think."
The two moved past the campfire, not noticing that they were being watched closely by one of the guards. The man followed them with his eyes until the pair disappeared into the dark woods, then he turned to find Wufei. It was clear to him that the Captain's associate was making a play on Duo, in direct violation of the claim the man had made. Wufei had been very blunt as to his intentions, and he wasn't about to let him be cuckolded.
Duo's boots sank in the deep snow, and he held back a shiver, as they weren't made for the weather. But he hadn't planned on hiking, and he had no intention of complaining. The fact that Heero held his hand firmly made him less inclined to speak, and he was consumed with frustration as well as a little hopelessness. The man's words had struck painfully, so crude yet he couldn't fault Heero for his honesty or his bluntness. He didn't really need to think to know that Heero's offer of marriage had a bad taint to it. The man wanted him for purely carnal reasons, and in return he would have Heero's name and the questionable protection of it. Despite that, he knew that he wouldn't hold out for long if Heero continued to ask him. His weakness was humiliating.
Finding a suitable clearing, Heero relinquished his hold, watching as Duo stood for a moment without looking at him. Then the boy took a step away and he moved forward suddenly, pulling him into a tight embrace. Duo was still at first, but he slowly relaxed, and he could feel the tension draining out of him. Heero's eyes stayed on the boy's forehead, and he sighed when violet eyes finally looked up at him. "Duo..."
A sharp call startled them, and Duo jumped back with flushed cheeks as he recognized Wufei's voice. He didn't have to speak to know that Heero was furious, and the man dropped his arms with a dull glare. But he couldn't just let Wufei find them like that, he had to tell him personally, he couldn't let him find out by catching them together. It was too horrible. His eyes grew moist when Heero wouldn't meet his gaze, and he turned quickly, trudging off into the trees. He felt dirtier for hiding than he would have for holding still, but he couldn't help but do it.
Heero's eyes flicked up when Wufei moved into the clearing, and he took in the man's anger with a blank expression. As far as he was concerned, Wufei had every right to be furious, but he didn't care at the moment. The man opened his mouth, no doubt to curse at him, and Heero waved a hand at Duo's footprints, looking away. "He should be back shortly," he said, his voice cold.
"I will wait for him," Wufei said, his voice just as dark. "Thank you for seeing to his welfare, but there is no need for you to wait."
"Fine."
He watched Heero leave, and Wufei's eyes narrowed till they were dark slits. It wasn't as if he were surprised, not really. After all, he'd been aware of the fact that Heero's eyes had been lingering longer on the lovely boy. But the man had gone too far, taking him off into the night. He had respect for Heero as a person, but as a man he knew his friend took first and thought later. There was no way he trusted him alone with Duo, especially since Heero had made no claim on the boy. His was a commitment, given outright, but his rival hadn't said a single word. Even if Duo decided not to marry him, he would *not* allow the boy to be dishonored by anyone, certainly not Heero.
The air was cold and tart, and Wufei didn't have long to wait before Duo came into the clearing. Those bright eyes were wary enough for him to know without a doubt that he had come just in time. The boy looked guilty, but he kept his own expression clear as he moved to him with a proprietary demeanor. "Duo." The smile he was given was so forced he wanted to glare. But he didn't blame him, Duo wasn't aware of Heero's prowess, he didn't have a defense. "Your boots are soaked," he said suddenly, frowning down at the boy's feet.
"What?" Blinking, Duo gave a soft sigh, relieved that the man hadn't railed at him for his indiscretion. If Wufei had any idea what was going on between Heero and him he gave no evidence. "I didn't realize they were so susceptible to water. But it's all right. I'll just change them as soon as I get to my tent."
"I could carry you back," Wufei said slowly, watching the boy's face.
"No!" The man raised an eyebrow at him, and Duo flushed, shaking his head. "I mean, it really isn't necessary. After all, they're already wet."
He wasn't sure, but the boy's embarrassment seemed more than a result of shyness. While he preferred to see Heero as the stalker, he was not blind and he searched Duo's face. The boy had never once admitted to feelings similar to his own, and he hadn't fooled himself into believing that he felt the same as he did. But he hadn't yet turned down his advances. Duo looked decidedly uncomfortable now, and he wondered if his guilt was for more than being caught alone with Heero. He wasn't a fool, but Wufei did not jump to conclusions either. If Duo was playing a game with him, he would have sensed it. At best, the boy had seemed confused lately, and he thought that to be a sign of indecision. It was a case he was making, he was playing the suitor, and he had no intention of stopping until he received a blatant answer. "I can't have you catching a cold," he commented, watching as Duo shifted. "Unless my touch bothers you?"
"I..." Duo's mouth went dry and he dropped his eyes, holding his arms close to him. This was his chance to tell him, all he had to do was answer honestly, but all he wanted to do was run away. Those dark eyes were so direct, he couldn't stand the thought of hurting him. He'd never imagined Wufei as being vulnerable, but he looked so open, as if completely unaware that he was moments away from rejection. "Wufei..."
He heard him before the man came into sight, and Wufei's hands curled into fists as he turned to glare at Heero. Whether Duo had been about to accept his offer or not, obviously he wouldn't have the chance. His *friend* wasn't giving him a chance. The horse slowed a bit as it broke the clearing, and Wufei folded his arms over his chest, stepping back as he knew what the man intended. Sure enough, Heero slowed enough to reach a hand down to Duo, swinging the boy up in front of him. Dark hooded eyes met his for a brief moment and he raised an eyebrow, wondering if the man was going to be blunt.
"I thought I would take him back," Heero said sharply, aware of Wufei's questioning glare. "He's not dressed for the cold." The black-haired man turned away from him, and he wheeled his horse back, kneeing it into a canter without another word. Duo was seated half across his lap and he wrapped an arm around the boy's waist, not slowing until a reasonable distance was between them and Wufei. "I'm sorry again, Duo. I admit, I was jealous. I don't want him touching you." The boy's head was bowed, so he couldn't see his expression, but he knew he might have just made an enemy of a long-time friend. "Duo, if you love him, if you really do, tell me before it's too late. I can't keep this charade up any longer."
* * *
TBC
Category: Yaoi, AU, Gundam Wing, fusion with a book
Pairings: 1+2, assumed 3x4/3+4, 5+2, will be 1x2
Warnings: shonen ai, hints of minor angst
Author: Arigatomina
Email: arigatoumina@hotmail.com
Complete Archive: www.geocities.com/arigatomina
Bonds of Love
Part 14
It was during the journey to Wufei's home that Duo realized he still had no idea where they were. He hadn't really thought about it, as the cold climate had been enough at the time, but he didn't even know what country they were in. They'd crossed the ocean, but he wasn't sure which direction they'd gone in, and at the time he hadn't thought to ask; he didn't think he'd get an answer if he did. Now, the lack of information gave him an excuse for conversation, and he employed it in order to dispel the tension in the carriage. From what Wufei had told him when they'd left the castle, the journey would take days. The thought was not an encouraging one.
"Where does your mother live?" Duo asked, leaning against the corner of the seat as he turned to look at the black-haired man beside him. Heero was seated across from them, but he didn't think he was up for conversation. The man had been cold since they'd left, and he didn't want to do anything that might rile him.
"In Drammen."
//Norway?// Blinking in surprise, Duo glanced at Heero for a moment before focusing on the man again. Wufei was describing the town, but he didn't pay that much attention to him. He was wondering why Heero had taken shelter in this country. It was so near England, but then, he had to admit that anyone searching for him would have difficulty on the snow-covered terrain.
The carriage was rocked by wind as they moved, and the sound drowned out the soft movement before and behind them. Wufei hadn't taken any chances with their safety, and while Duo wasn't sure where he'd gotten the men who accompanied them, they were obviously in his service. The man had gone all out, and he knew the guards and the luxurious carriage were for his sake. He seriously doubted if Heero and Wufei had taken guards with them on their previous trips. No, it had to be for him and that was one more reason for his already low spirits to plummet.
He didn't think he was using Wufei, at least, he didn't like to think that. In the beginning, he had genuinely enjoyed the man's attention. It was flattering, to think that someone as refined as Wufei would take interest in him. And he was so honorable in his intentions, Duo was certain he was a match his father would have been proud of. But he wouldn't marry him. He knew that, without a doubt, he just couldn't think how to tell the man. Wufei was sweet, but he was still a man filled with pride and he couldn't imagine him taking rejection easily. He didn't want to lose the man's friendship, but he didn't want to use him either. By toying with him, leading him on with his silence, he was hurting not just Wufei but Heero and himself as well.
Time passed slowly, but it did pass. While Duo didn't lift the furs to look out the window, Wufei had done so occasionally, calling to his men, so he knew they were making progress. On the most part, it was a matter of conserving heat and Duo wondered how the men on horseback were fairing. With Wufei pampering him, they had very warm wraps and blankets, but he doubted if the ones truly exposed had such comfort. Thinking of them, he helped to divert himself, but he was still relieved when they halted for the evening. Heero hadn't said more than two words so far, and Duo was glad to put some distance between them.
In keeping with his chivalry, Wufei led Duo to a tent of his own, before they went to the main one. This was a larger tent, with one wall open to the fire to allow for more heat as well as seating room. Upon inquiry, Duo learned that Wufei's men were supplementing their supplies as a few left to hunt. Their meal for the night was, however, a stew that the cook prepared for them. The man was also accompanying them on the journey although this was one convenience Duo didn't think was for him alone. He'd noticed that Wufei had particular tastes, and Heero had told him more than once that the man enjoyed fine cuisine. He had, of course, been speaking of something other than food, but it was true either way.
They ate as if they were still in the castle, and the cook produced a bottle of wine for them. Duo avoided this, not willing to imbibe and risk his tongue revealing himself, but he couldn't help but notice that both Wufei and Heero made up for his lack of thirst. It took a while before he was certain, but the two men seemed to be competing, almost as if Wufei were aware of Heero's interest in him. While he hoped that wasn't the case, the black-haired man had not said any such thing to him, so Duo was careful not to be the one to reveal it if he hadn't noticed. After all, he was as much to blame as Heero. Actually, he was more to blame since he had yet to tell Wufei what he felt, Heero obviously already knew.
The drinking binge seemed to end without a climax, and they sat in silence for a few moments before Wufei excused himself. Left with Heero, Duo kept his eyes glued to the fire, not wanting to incite conversation. But he'd never been one to sit still very long, and he finally looked away, gazing in the direction Wufei had gone.
"You should tell him," Heero said suddenly. "Tell him you don't love him."
Duo's eyes snapped to the man, and he paled before dropping his eyes just as quickly. There was nothing he could say to counter that, he knew he needed to tell Wufei. He just didn't want to.
"Unless I'm mistaken," Heero said softly, glaring at the boy's lowered eyes. "Maybe you've just been using me as a release, but I didn't imagine your reaction when we touched. You are young, Duo, but you know what you want, don't you." The boy looked away, and he had to clench his fists to keep from grabbing and shaking him. "If you really want Wufei, all you have to do is say so. But don't use him like this. If marriage is what it takes then say so."
Duo swallowed sharply, glancing up so he could search Heero's face. Those dark blue eyes were so intense he nearly flinched back, longing to put more space between them. It was hard to think, but he straightened his back with effort, glaring at Heero. "You're forgetting Relena. I won't be a replacement for *anyone*, especially her."
"You know nothing about how I feel for her. Her name is an excuse for you, you use it to deny what you're feeling." The boy blinked, and he nodded sharply. "I know more about you than you think. I know how concerned you are about your name, your father's honor. What do you think the people back in England are saying right now? You have to know that your name will be stripped of virtue whether you've lost yours or not. We stayed in the castle, you said yourself that the people will talk of that whether their accusations are true or not. I'm offering you protection from slander. And that without taking advantage of Wufei's kindness to you. We understand each other, don't we."
He was serious, and as far as Duo could tell he'd obviously thought things through. Heero was proposing to him, as unromantic as it was, and he grabbed his boots suddenly, pulling them on with rough jerks. "I have to think about this," he murmured, not looking at the man as he stood.
The boy had stepped toward the side of the open tent and Heero caught his arm quickly, glaring when Duo didn't meet his eyes. "What is there to think about?" he hissed, holding the boy's arms as he leaned close to him. "I know you feel the same way I do. Admit it."
"Heero, don't. I just need to think," Duo whispered, pulling at his arms. Heero jerked him closer till they were pressed together, and he glared, pushing against him. "Damnit, Heero, let go."
"Not until you admit it. You want me to make love to you. Every time we touch you are *just* as amorous as I am." Duo was shaking his head and Heero's glare darkened, his hand tightening on the boy's back.
"Don't talk like that," Duo said quietly, his anger draining away. The man hadn't said anything that wasn't true, but he had no right to force him into anything. A simple admission would be enough for Heero, but it wasn't for him. This wasn't just a conquest, it was his life they were talking about.
"Do you have any *idea* what you do to me?" Heero demanded, giving the slender boy a rough shake. "All I want to do is throw you down right here in the snow, anyone who sees be damned." Duo flinched as if he'd hit him, and he glared for a moment before dropping his own eyes. "I'm sorry," he said after a long silence. "You don't torment me on purpose, I know that. Duo? I'm sorry, I had no right to say that to you." Releasing his hold, he watched Duo's downcast eyes before taking the boy's hand. "I'll escort you, and you can have your privacy to...think."
The two moved past the campfire, not noticing that they were being watched closely by one of the guards. The man followed them with his eyes until the pair disappeared into the dark woods, then he turned to find Wufei. It was clear to him that the Captain's associate was making a play on Duo, in direct violation of the claim the man had made. Wufei had been very blunt as to his intentions, and he wasn't about to let him be cuckolded.
Duo's boots sank in the deep snow, and he held back a shiver, as they weren't made for the weather. But he hadn't planned on hiking, and he had no intention of complaining. The fact that Heero held his hand firmly made him less inclined to speak, and he was consumed with frustration as well as a little hopelessness. The man's words had struck painfully, so crude yet he couldn't fault Heero for his honesty or his bluntness. He didn't really need to think to know that Heero's offer of marriage had a bad taint to it. The man wanted him for purely carnal reasons, and in return he would have Heero's name and the questionable protection of it. Despite that, he knew that he wouldn't hold out for long if Heero continued to ask him. His weakness was humiliating.
Finding a suitable clearing, Heero relinquished his hold, watching as Duo stood for a moment without looking at him. Then the boy took a step away and he moved forward suddenly, pulling him into a tight embrace. Duo was still at first, but he slowly relaxed, and he could feel the tension draining out of him. Heero's eyes stayed on the boy's forehead, and he sighed when violet eyes finally looked up at him. "Duo..."
A sharp call startled them, and Duo jumped back with flushed cheeks as he recognized Wufei's voice. He didn't have to speak to know that Heero was furious, and the man dropped his arms with a dull glare. But he couldn't just let Wufei find them like that, he had to tell him personally, he couldn't let him find out by catching them together. It was too horrible. His eyes grew moist when Heero wouldn't meet his gaze, and he turned quickly, trudging off into the trees. He felt dirtier for hiding than he would have for holding still, but he couldn't help but do it.
Heero's eyes flicked up when Wufei moved into the clearing, and he took in the man's anger with a blank expression. As far as he was concerned, Wufei had every right to be furious, but he didn't care at the moment. The man opened his mouth, no doubt to curse at him, and Heero waved a hand at Duo's footprints, looking away. "He should be back shortly," he said, his voice cold.
"I will wait for him," Wufei said, his voice just as dark. "Thank you for seeing to his welfare, but there is no need for you to wait."
"Fine."
He watched Heero leave, and Wufei's eyes narrowed till they were dark slits. It wasn't as if he were surprised, not really. After all, he'd been aware of the fact that Heero's eyes had been lingering longer on the lovely boy. But the man had gone too far, taking him off into the night. He had respect for Heero as a person, but as a man he knew his friend took first and thought later. There was no way he trusted him alone with Duo, especially since Heero had made no claim on the boy. His was a commitment, given outright, but his rival hadn't said a single word. Even if Duo decided not to marry him, he would *not* allow the boy to be dishonored by anyone, certainly not Heero.
The air was cold and tart, and Wufei didn't have long to wait before Duo came into the clearing. Those bright eyes were wary enough for him to know without a doubt that he had come just in time. The boy looked guilty, but he kept his own expression clear as he moved to him with a proprietary demeanor. "Duo." The smile he was given was so forced he wanted to glare. But he didn't blame him, Duo wasn't aware of Heero's prowess, he didn't have a defense. "Your boots are soaked," he said suddenly, frowning down at the boy's feet.
"What?" Blinking, Duo gave a soft sigh, relieved that the man hadn't railed at him for his indiscretion. If Wufei had any idea what was going on between Heero and him he gave no evidence. "I didn't realize they were so susceptible to water. But it's all right. I'll just change them as soon as I get to my tent."
"I could carry you back," Wufei said slowly, watching the boy's face.
"No!" The man raised an eyebrow at him, and Duo flushed, shaking his head. "I mean, it really isn't necessary. After all, they're already wet."
He wasn't sure, but the boy's embarrassment seemed more than a result of shyness. While he preferred to see Heero as the stalker, he was not blind and he searched Duo's face. The boy had never once admitted to feelings similar to his own, and he hadn't fooled himself into believing that he felt the same as he did. But he hadn't yet turned down his advances. Duo looked decidedly uncomfortable now, and he wondered if his guilt was for more than being caught alone with Heero. He wasn't a fool, but Wufei did not jump to conclusions either. If Duo was playing a game with him, he would have sensed it. At best, the boy had seemed confused lately, and he thought that to be a sign of indecision. It was a case he was making, he was playing the suitor, and he had no intention of stopping until he received a blatant answer. "I can't have you catching a cold," he commented, watching as Duo shifted. "Unless my touch bothers you?"
"I..." Duo's mouth went dry and he dropped his eyes, holding his arms close to him. This was his chance to tell him, all he had to do was answer honestly, but all he wanted to do was run away. Those dark eyes were so direct, he couldn't stand the thought of hurting him. He'd never imagined Wufei as being vulnerable, but he looked so open, as if completely unaware that he was moments away from rejection. "Wufei..."
He heard him before the man came into sight, and Wufei's hands curled into fists as he turned to glare at Heero. Whether Duo had been about to accept his offer or not, obviously he wouldn't have the chance. His *friend* wasn't giving him a chance. The horse slowed a bit as it broke the clearing, and Wufei folded his arms over his chest, stepping back as he knew what the man intended. Sure enough, Heero slowed enough to reach a hand down to Duo, swinging the boy up in front of him. Dark hooded eyes met his for a brief moment and he raised an eyebrow, wondering if the man was going to be blunt.
"I thought I would take him back," Heero said sharply, aware of Wufei's questioning glare. "He's not dressed for the cold." The black-haired man turned away from him, and he wheeled his horse back, kneeing it into a canter without another word. Duo was seated half across his lap and he wrapped an arm around the boy's waist, not slowing until a reasonable distance was between them and Wufei. "I'm sorry again, Duo. I admit, I was jealous. I don't want him touching you." The boy's head was bowed, so he couldn't see his expression, but he knew he might have just made an enemy of a long-time friend. "Duo, if you love him, if you really do, tell me before it's too late. I can't keep this charade up any longer."
* * *
TBC