Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Bonds of Love ❯ Chapter 16
[ 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: 12.22.2002 | Pages: 2 | Words: 4.2K | Visits: 1.3K | Status: Work In Progress
Anime/Manga: Gundam Wing Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Drama / Hentai / Romance | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 12.22.2002 | Pages: 2 | Words: 4.2K | Visits: 1.3K | 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, M+5, will be 1x2
Warnings: shonen ai
Author: Arigatomina
Email: arigatoumina@hotmail.com
Complete Archive: www.geocities.com/arigatomina
Bonds of Love
Part 16
There was an extra face at the breakfast table the next morning, but it wasn't the one Duo had hoped to see. Despite Wufei's courteous attention, the boy was almost too distracted to appreciate it. His mind was consumed with bitter irritation, wondering how Heero had planned to do *anything* 'tomorrow' when he'd left early again. But he didn't let himself get too far along that train of thought. Wufei, at least, had kept his promise to see him before *he* left, and after a few moments of silent fuming, Duo found himself enjoying the company. Of course, it was easy to enjoy the breakfast when he got to watch his would-be suitor receive very obvious stares from the girl sitting across from him. That visible proof of affection just eased his guilt even more than Justin's little revelation the night before. And the black-haired captain didn't stay long enough to lower his spirits. He had to get back to work. This bit of news was delivered with a meaningful look to Duo, since the man definitely didn't seem to want his mother or relatives to know what he was doing. And it served to remind Duo that Heero had more important things to take care of then that odd message he'd delivered last night.
An hour after Wufei's departure found Duo back in the position he'd held the day before, and he'd just resigned himself to a long, if rather interesting, bout of embarrass-Wufei stories when Heero came back. It wasn't easy to hide his bright eyes, especially from Justin's interested stare, but Duo tried to. Luckily, Heero turned down the dark-haired young man's offer to go with them for a day on the town. Duo just kept quiet until they were out the door, nearly grinding through his tongue to keep himself from asking what they were going to do now that 'tomorrow' had finally arrived. Heero's dark eyes glittered so much he gave in the moment the door to the carriage closed behind them.
"Well," Duo said, his voice rising with just a hint of his earlier irritation mixed with excitement, "it's tomorrow."
"I noticed," Heero returned with a slight smirk. He made a show of shifting on the seat across from the boy, pressing his back into the side closest to the door. Duo frowned, but he raised an eyebrow before the longhaired boy could speak again. "Come here," he said softly, that smirk still curving his lips.
That tone immediately turned him wary, and Duo scowled, looking over the offered seat next to Heero with not a little bit of distaste. "Tell me what we're doing and I *might* think about it," he offered, folding his arms over his chest. "Otherwise, you can sit by yourself."
Heero's eyes sparked at the stubborn tone, and he sighed, shaking his head. "If you're so adverse to being near me, it might cause us some problems when we go before the Priest. He may get the impression you're being coerced." Violet eyes blinked at him, widening suddenly, and Heero let out a muffled laugh when the boy promptly darted over to the seat next to him, that lovely face turned on him with a bright glow.
"You're serious," Duo whispered, staring at the man's amused expression, "you really are serious, right? I mean, I know you're...that is...that *quickly*? How did you manage to get permission to-"
"Actually," Heero cut in, his demeanor clouding a bit, "this isn't proper according to England's rules. A lord cannot marry without his queen's permission, but here that isn't a problem. And once we return to England, I'm convinced I can smooth this over with the Queen. As for your question, I am serious, and it's easy to get a marriage license in this town. I simply mentioned the Hansa."
"Wufei-" Duo closed his mouth when Heero frowned at him, but his eyes expressed his misgivings well enough for the man to read clearly.
"Don't think of him today," Heero said, his tone strict. "We'll tell him after the marriage is finalized. I don't want anything interfering with my meeting with the Hansa, and as much as I respect Wufei's honor when it comes to friends, I wouldn't put anything past a man scorned."
Duo hadn't really thought of that, but he still shook his head. "This is going too far, though," he said softly, frowning down at his arms. "It's one thing not to tell him, but to run off and get married behind his back seems so...dirty."
The thought had not failed to pass through Heero's mind, and it did bother him to think of how very upset and angry Wufei was going to be when they told him the truth. But his meeting with the Hansa was integral to his own future, and especially now that he was going to actually marry the boy. He'd never be able to return to England without proof that he hadn't plotted an assassination of the queen, and Duo's already tarnished reputation would be doubly so if it was learned that the boy had married a renowned traitor. And that didn't even touch onto the possibility of finding Duo's father. All those things hinged on his being able to get into the Hansa, and one word from Wufei would be enough to eliminate his chances. Besides that, he didn't want Duo to be thinking of another man tonight. That reason held precedence above all the others. "Duo, I understand how you feel," he said slowly, catching the boy's eyes, "but believe me, this is the best way."
The man had pulled him close, and Duo frowned at Heero's neck, doing his best to hold onto his disagreement. Unfortunately, he seemed to have developed a weakness for the man's hands when they petted his hair like that. Shaking his head, he finally gave in and leaned against Heero, his lips easing out of their frown. "I think you're going to regret this, as much as I am," he muttered.
"I never thought you'd be so pessimistic," Heero murmured, his fingers digging into the thick beginnings of that long chestnut braid. He didn't want to muss it, but he couldn't resist. "This is supposed to be a happy day, don't you think so? How often do you get to marry someone you love?" The boy turned his head, cloudy violet eyes flicking up to him, and Heero brushed aside dark bangs with a small smile. "Don't think of anything unhappy, Duo. You're supposed to cherish this day. I know I will."
That simple statement sent Duo's mind to climbing in odd spirals. Why did Heero want to marry him? He'd already gone through this before, it was the lust, pure and simple. He knew that. He'd resigned himself to that. But his tenacious little mind was clutching that word, cherish. Heero would cherish this day, just like he would. Dark blue eyes were watching him with a warmth he would never have expected months before, and Duo moved suddenly. His hands shoved on the man's shoulders, and he shifted on the seat until he could press his lips against Heero's, not paying the least bit of mind at how the dark-eyed man blinked in surprise. The shock must have worn off quickly enough, because strong arms pulled him closer as Heero returned the kiss with just as much eagerness as he'd initiated it.
* * *
Duo had only seen one wedding, but he doubted even the ones in Drammen were usually so abrupt. If he hadn't been floating in an odd state of happiness and impatience, he might have been a bit irritated by how short the 'ceremony' was. The man said a few words, asked them a question or two, and then handed them a certificate that Heero immediately folded and placed inside his coat. And then it was over. The only thing noteworthy about the entire thing was the kiss, and that merely added to Duo's impatience. It didn't help any that Heero had kept dark and intense eyes on him throughout all of the old Priest's words. He wouldn't have been able to pay attention even if he'd cared. Heero's gaze made him burn so much he wondered how he'd managed to resist as long as he had. But he didn't actually have to wonder. He knew his new husband was going to cherish this day, and that was enough to satisfy him.
He wasn't actually certain what would come next, especially since there were no witnesses besides the Priest's hired man. In his experience, modeled after Relena's wedding, and not a thought he wanted to pause over, the ceremony was usually followed by a party, and then the eventual trip upstairs. They didn't even *have* an upstairs. This thought pushed at him when he found himself back in the carriage next to Heero, and he finally frowned at the man whose arm was wrapped warmly around him. "Where are we going?"
The tint of irritation and impatience in that soft voice made Heero's lips twitch, and he tugged on the boy's braid, brushing his lips before giving into his smile. "I've secured us a place not too far. It's popular, but the food is delicious, and their rooms are very clean." Duo blinked at him for a second before a light blush crept over his cheeks. Brushing his fingertips over that warmth, Heero shook his head. "I hope you can keep doing that all night long. It might prove interesting to see how long it takes to get past your shyness." The boy scowled suddenly, batting his hand away as his face darkened and Heero smirked.
"Shut up," Duo muttered, ducking his head against his husband's shoulder. It was odd how easily he thought of Heero as that, husband, but it seemed to come naturally. Thinking of the night to come, on the other hand, was not natural. Despite how close he'd come to jumping into the man's bed, especially the time he'd literally *fallen* into his bed, Duo couldn't help but be a little shy of his prospects. Except for their infrequent and interrupted encounters, he didn't know any more about marriage beds than he had when he'd escorted Relena to hers. That thought made his lips curve into a half smirk, half sneer, and he nuzzled Heero's neck, abruptly wrapping possessive arms around his mate. The love for her might have led Heero to England, but it certainly hadn't lasted very long.
The boy was squeezing him with surprising strength, and Heero blinked in surprise, looking down at the hidden face. "Duo?"
Rubbing his face against the man's neck, Duo huffed against the warm skin, his smirk turning into a hidden grin. "Mine." His husband let out a small laugh, and Duo echoed it, not lifting his head.
"I return those sentiments," Heero smirked, his arms pulling the boy closer against him. A soft, muffled 'humph,' answered him, and he sighed, tilting his head to look out the window. "And just so you know, Duo, you made a lovely bride."
Face red, Duo jerked back to glare at his husband, his hands clenching in the man's shirt. "You-"
Heero smirked, darting his head forward to cut off the boy's words with a lingering kiss. After a long moment, those eyes eased their glare, just a bit, and he pulled back with a small smile. "I couldn't have found a lovelier mate if I searched England over, that's all I meant."
Sniffing, Duo frowned before relaxing against his husband again, his face moving back into that warm nook on Heero's shoulder. "That *better* have been all you meant. Or you'll be staying at that hotel alone, count on it."
"I can't have that," Heero agreed, smirking when Duo nodded against him. "It would be a bad beginning for us."
"That's right," Duo murmured, turning his face a bit so his words weren't muffled. "And you don't want me remembering this place with a bad light, not with the trouble we're bound to have once we go back to England."
"Duo-"
"I'm not worrying about it," Duo said quickly, anticipating what his husband was going to say, "I was just thinking. My father was a close subject of the queen's. I'm sure that if I spoke to her on your behalf she wouldn't hold our marriage against us. Even if you get proof to clear your name, I've heard she gets angry when her vassals marry without permission, especially the male ones." The shoulders beneath him tensed a bit, and Duo smiled, rubbing his cheek against Heero's neck. "I'll bet she liked looking at you when you served, that just explains how angry and upset she was to think you were a traitor. I can just imagine how angry she'll be when she finds out I snatched you up."
"You certainly say that without the least bit of concern," Heero commented, "that's good. But don't think about England right now. I don't want you to think about anything but us, for the rest of this night. The future can wait."
"How romantic," Duo smiled, placing a quick pecking kiss on his husband's neck before snuggling comfortably against him. Heero sighed, and he curved his arms around the man's waist again, enjoying the easy contact. Moments passed pleasantly before he felt the hand on his back shift, just a bit, to rub small circles on him. It was just enough to send a tingling down his spine and Duo frowned, pulling back. "You're messing up my mood," he complained, blinking when Heero smirked at him. "Why would you want to do that?"
"Because," Heero said, tugging on that tantalizing braid. "I don't want you to fall asleep, and it's time to move this little...romance, to a more comfortable location. We're here."
Although Duo hadn't noticed the carriage coming to a stop, a quick look out the window proved the man's words and he straightened quickly, pressing wrinkles out of his clothes. His husband exited first, and Duo smiled when the man offered his arm, leading him into the building they'd halted in front of. It was odd to have Heero being so...courteous, but for some reason he rather liked it. It certainly helped that the man's expression wasn't the least bit mocking when he escorted him. He didn't really think of Heero as 'romantic,' so he put it down to the man's usual fondness of touching him. And he admitted, he had the same 'fondness.' He was almost disappointed when they were shown to a table and he lost that contact, sitting down across from his husband.
Appetizers were the first to be served to them, and Heero picked up one of the little bites with a thoughtful expression, catching Duo's eye. "You know, I still find myself with a preference for sweetmeats." Violet eyes widened as the boy remembered their past encounter, and Heero's eyes sparked in response. "From what I've noticed, you certainly have a sweet taste. I'd be willing to wager the rest of you tastes even sweeter."
A dark flush was creeping to his face at the man's bold words, but Duo managed to answer that challenge with a tiny smirk. "And what's the wager?" he asked, his voice only faltering a little.
"A night in my bed," Heero said, his expression solemn. The longhaired boy smiled and shook his head.
"I'll take that bet," Duo laughed, the blush easing, just a bit. "Because you'll never know if I *don't* spend a night in your bed." Dark blue eyes blinked at him and he smirked as he plucked up one of the appetizers and ate it, very slowly.
"Keep that up," Heero muttered, his voice soft, "and we won't make it through the meal."
"I'll keep that in mind," Duo teased, his face clearing as he relaxed in his chair. "Your...rutting appetites aside, I'm starved."
"You still think I'm a stag," Heero frowned, "don't you."
"Yes," Duo nodded, not looking away from his food, "but I think I like that about you." A short silence was followed by a low laugh and Duo smiled, shaking his head. "I really did have a lot worse things to call you that day," he commented. "I just couldn't think of them at the time."
"I understand completely," Heero murmured, his voice dropping as he caught Duo's wrist and took the bit of food from him. Eating it slowly, he enjoyed the way those violet eyes locked on his lips. "I was distracted myself."
Blinking quickly, Duo tore his gaze away to scowl at the remaining food. "I wasn't kidding about being hungry," he warned, pulling the plate closer to him, "so be good."
A quick response nearly made it past Heero's lips, but he bit down on it before it could. As passionate as the boy was, he was still far too innocent to make comments like that. Although, a smirk curved his lips as he though the comment to himself, and he knew Duo wouldn't have to worry about having his 'fill' before the night was over. It wasn't something to say in reassurance to a young boy like him, but the very thought was enough to make Heero quite impatient for the meal to be over. With that in mind, he hurried the waiter along with a quick, but dark glare. His eyes immediately softened when he turned them back to his husband, and he watched as the boy rapidly finished off the appetizers. Evidently, Duo hadn't eaten much for breakfast. But it was just as well that he ate plenty now, he'd need to conserve energy. Heero smiled again.
The food came in what Duo was sure had to be record time, but he didn't attack it nearly as quickly as he'd intended to. His husband had the oddest expression, and that small smile did something to his stomach, creating a little shiver of nervousness he didn't quite like. That expression on Heero's face just didn't bode well for him, of that he was certain. Still, the man nodded to the food and began eating his own. Nodding back, a tad warily, Duo noted that those dark blue eyes never left him as he ate. And that small, reappearing smile really did a number on his nerves to the point where he half-bolted his food, all the time wondering if he should have eaten slower and postponed the inevitable trip upstairs. The tension between him and that stare was enough that he ended up ducking his head a bit, eating with a focus he hadn't held since he was a little child. He'd just finished his meal when he felt that hot look shift from him, and he blinked in surprise to find Heero's expression one of pained irritation, those dark blue eyes focused on something beyond him.
"Heero, I've been looking all over for you! I have..." Wide violet eyes turned up to him, and Wufei halted suddenly, a dark cloud falling over his face. He hadn't thought who his 'friend' was with, the lowered head not seeming too worrisome. Now he understood why Heero had looked at him as if he were the last person he'd expected, or *wanted* to see. And the man's visible irritation didn't come close to matching the absolute violence raging inside him. Duo's guilty, shocked expression, Heero's malice, and their location all pointed to one thing. All of his certainties over his 'friend's' trustworthiness fell aside and he blanked his face, dark eyes falling to Heero. "I see I interrupted you," he said tightly, his hands falling on the back of Duo's chair. "How rude of me."
"Would you care to join us for lunch?" Heero asked, his own voice low with a match for the warning Wufei had given. "They have excellent food here."
"No," Wufei drawled, meeting the sparks sent from those dark blue eyes, "though I'm sure the *cuisine* is excellent. I have news for you, Heero. It seems your little ploy has worked wonders. Zechs wants to meet with you, and he's sent word all over the Hansa. I thought since we're *friends* that I should tell you myself, I wouldn't want to risk your missing the appointment. Unless, of course, you have other commitments?" His eyes darted to Duo's hair for a second before sparking at Heero.
Wide upset violet eyes were staring at him, and Heero glared for a second before pushing back from the table. "I take it the appointment is tonight?"
"Yes," Wufei said sharply, not quite frowning when the man immediately withdrew money for the bill. Heero had glared at him a second ago, and he'd been convinced he'd just interrupted a rendezvous between the two. He couldn't imagine the man bringing Duo here just for 'lunch,' but his 'friend' really didn't seem upset now. Those dark eyes had a hint of something that might have been resignation, but that could easily come from the proposed meeting. Wufei fought with his certainty and his sudden doubt, but both were discarded when Heero moved around the table and offered a hand to Duo. His glare returned immediately. "I can take him back," he offered, his tone tight, "I'm sure you'll want to keep your appointment."
"No," Heero said, his eyes glinting at Wufei, "that wouldn't be polite, now would it? I brought him here, the least I can do is see him home. I'll be back to discuss this in a few minutes." Dark black eyes burned into him, but Heero dropped his gaze, pulling Duo out of his chair. The boy's eyes were on the floor, but he didn't prod him to look up, taking Duo's arm and steering him past Wufei. The black-haired man remained near the table, and Heero led his husband out of the restaurant area without a word.
By the time Heero managed to call a carriage, Duo's eyes were burning fiercely, and he nearly leapt onto his husband once they were inside. "Heero," he managed, squeezing the man tight, "couldn't we have told him? He was so angry! He must have thought that we-that you-"
"This meeting will settle all of my dealings with the Hansa," Heero said quietly, holding tight to the upset boy. "Once this is assured, we can tell him. I can't risk his interfering with this out of jealous anger. I hate to interrupt our wedding day like this, you know I do, but there isn't any choice in the matter. I'm sorry, Duo, believe me."
"He just looked so...angry," Duo said, pressing his face into Heero's neck. "I never wanted to make him so angry, hurt. I don't care about myself, it's so wrong-how can I just go back to his mother's home like nothing happened?! He thinks we were going to...and we were..."
"But he doesn't know we're married," Heero reminded him, rubbing Duo's back gently, "and he doesn't blame you. For some reason he doesn't seem capable of blaming you. It's funny, actually. I've been friends with Wufei for so many years, and yet he's so very quick to doubt me. You have no need to be worried that his anger is directed at you, Duo, it's me who he sees as the bastard here."
"I don't want that either," Duo said, shoving back to stare up at his husband's solemn face. "Look what I've *done* to you both-years of friendship-"
"He'll calm down as soon as he learns we're married," Heero said, "after he spouts off about it for a week or so." Violet eyes frowned at him and he smirked, brushing at Duo's bangs. "He'll rant at me for a while, but eventually he *will* calm down, I promise. I just don't want him angry about anything he can *prove* until after tonight. And Duo? I *will* be back tonight. I'll send over the man I spoke to last night, the one who spotted someone resembling your father. You can occupy yourself with that while I deal with the Hansa. And after that, I'll come back and make you my husband in fact, as well as name."
* * *
TBC
--notes--
This part was a couple pages too short, but I'll add that to the next one, I figure this is a nice place to cut off for now. I know I promised I'd work on updating some other fics next, but I was trying to think of fic ideas for a Yami no Matsuei fic (I just saw the series) and for some reason I ended up working on this one. Gomen. I *really* am half-done with the next part of 'Dark Tournament,' and I still plan to update 'Into the Wild' after that. I just had to write on this while I had the motivation-
Short_attention_span
+
Real_life_distractions
=
My_greatest_weakness
[Equation to live by...]
Category: Yaoi, AU, Gundam Wing, fusion with a book
Pairings: 1+2, assumed 3x4/3+4, 5+2, M+5, will be 1x2
Warnings: shonen ai
Author: Arigatomina
Email: arigatoumina@hotmail.com
Complete Archive: www.geocities.com/arigatomina
Bonds of Love
Part 16
There was an extra face at the breakfast table the next morning, but it wasn't the one Duo had hoped to see. Despite Wufei's courteous attention, the boy was almost too distracted to appreciate it. His mind was consumed with bitter irritation, wondering how Heero had planned to do *anything* 'tomorrow' when he'd left early again. But he didn't let himself get too far along that train of thought. Wufei, at least, had kept his promise to see him before *he* left, and after a few moments of silent fuming, Duo found himself enjoying the company. Of course, it was easy to enjoy the breakfast when he got to watch his would-be suitor receive very obvious stares from the girl sitting across from him. That visible proof of affection just eased his guilt even more than Justin's little revelation the night before. And the black-haired captain didn't stay long enough to lower his spirits. He had to get back to work. This bit of news was delivered with a meaningful look to Duo, since the man definitely didn't seem to want his mother or relatives to know what he was doing. And it served to remind Duo that Heero had more important things to take care of then that odd message he'd delivered last night.
An hour after Wufei's departure found Duo back in the position he'd held the day before, and he'd just resigned himself to a long, if rather interesting, bout of embarrass-Wufei stories when Heero came back. It wasn't easy to hide his bright eyes, especially from Justin's interested stare, but Duo tried to. Luckily, Heero turned down the dark-haired young man's offer to go with them for a day on the town. Duo just kept quiet until they were out the door, nearly grinding through his tongue to keep himself from asking what they were going to do now that 'tomorrow' had finally arrived. Heero's dark eyes glittered so much he gave in the moment the door to the carriage closed behind them.
"Well," Duo said, his voice rising with just a hint of his earlier irritation mixed with excitement, "it's tomorrow."
"I noticed," Heero returned with a slight smirk. He made a show of shifting on the seat across from the boy, pressing his back into the side closest to the door. Duo frowned, but he raised an eyebrow before the longhaired boy could speak again. "Come here," he said softly, that smirk still curving his lips.
That tone immediately turned him wary, and Duo scowled, looking over the offered seat next to Heero with not a little bit of distaste. "Tell me what we're doing and I *might* think about it," he offered, folding his arms over his chest. "Otherwise, you can sit by yourself."
Heero's eyes sparked at the stubborn tone, and he sighed, shaking his head. "If you're so adverse to being near me, it might cause us some problems when we go before the Priest. He may get the impression you're being coerced." Violet eyes blinked at him, widening suddenly, and Heero let out a muffled laugh when the boy promptly darted over to the seat next to him, that lovely face turned on him with a bright glow.
"You're serious," Duo whispered, staring at the man's amused expression, "you really are serious, right? I mean, I know you're...that is...that *quickly*? How did you manage to get permission to-"
"Actually," Heero cut in, his demeanor clouding a bit, "this isn't proper according to England's rules. A lord cannot marry without his queen's permission, but here that isn't a problem. And once we return to England, I'm convinced I can smooth this over with the Queen. As for your question, I am serious, and it's easy to get a marriage license in this town. I simply mentioned the Hansa."
"Wufei-" Duo closed his mouth when Heero frowned at him, but his eyes expressed his misgivings well enough for the man to read clearly.
"Don't think of him today," Heero said, his tone strict. "We'll tell him after the marriage is finalized. I don't want anything interfering with my meeting with the Hansa, and as much as I respect Wufei's honor when it comes to friends, I wouldn't put anything past a man scorned."
Duo hadn't really thought of that, but he still shook his head. "This is going too far, though," he said softly, frowning down at his arms. "It's one thing not to tell him, but to run off and get married behind his back seems so...dirty."
The thought had not failed to pass through Heero's mind, and it did bother him to think of how very upset and angry Wufei was going to be when they told him the truth. But his meeting with the Hansa was integral to his own future, and especially now that he was going to actually marry the boy. He'd never be able to return to England without proof that he hadn't plotted an assassination of the queen, and Duo's already tarnished reputation would be doubly so if it was learned that the boy had married a renowned traitor. And that didn't even touch onto the possibility of finding Duo's father. All those things hinged on his being able to get into the Hansa, and one word from Wufei would be enough to eliminate his chances. Besides that, he didn't want Duo to be thinking of another man tonight. That reason held precedence above all the others. "Duo, I understand how you feel," he said slowly, catching the boy's eyes, "but believe me, this is the best way."
The man had pulled him close, and Duo frowned at Heero's neck, doing his best to hold onto his disagreement. Unfortunately, he seemed to have developed a weakness for the man's hands when they petted his hair like that. Shaking his head, he finally gave in and leaned against Heero, his lips easing out of their frown. "I think you're going to regret this, as much as I am," he muttered.
"I never thought you'd be so pessimistic," Heero murmured, his fingers digging into the thick beginnings of that long chestnut braid. He didn't want to muss it, but he couldn't resist. "This is supposed to be a happy day, don't you think so? How often do you get to marry someone you love?" The boy turned his head, cloudy violet eyes flicking up to him, and Heero brushed aside dark bangs with a small smile. "Don't think of anything unhappy, Duo. You're supposed to cherish this day. I know I will."
That simple statement sent Duo's mind to climbing in odd spirals. Why did Heero want to marry him? He'd already gone through this before, it was the lust, pure and simple. He knew that. He'd resigned himself to that. But his tenacious little mind was clutching that word, cherish. Heero would cherish this day, just like he would. Dark blue eyes were watching him with a warmth he would never have expected months before, and Duo moved suddenly. His hands shoved on the man's shoulders, and he shifted on the seat until he could press his lips against Heero's, not paying the least bit of mind at how the dark-eyed man blinked in surprise. The shock must have worn off quickly enough, because strong arms pulled him closer as Heero returned the kiss with just as much eagerness as he'd initiated it.
* * *
Duo had only seen one wedding, but he doubted even the ones in Drammen were usually so abrupt. If he hadn't been floating in an odd state of happiness and impatience, he might have been a bit irritated by how short the 'ceremony' was. The man said a few words, asked them a question or two, and then handed them a certificate that Heero immediately folded and placed inside his coat. And then it was over. The only thing noteworthy about the entire thing was the kiss, and that merely added to Duo's impatience. It didn't help any that Heero had kept dark and intense eyes on him throughout all of the old Priest's words. He wouldn't have been able to pay attention even if he'd cared. Heero's gaze made him burn so much he wondered how he'd managed to resist as long as he had. But he didn't actually have to wonder. He knew his new husband was going to cherish this day, and that was enough to satisfy him.
He wasn't actually certain what would come next, especially since there were no witnesses besides the Priest's hired man. In his experience, modeled after Relena's wedding, and not a thought he wanted to pause over, the ceremony was usually followed by a party, and then the eventual trip upstairs. They didn't even *have* an upstairs. This thought pushed at him when he found himself back in the carriage next to Heero, and he finally frowned at the man whose arm was wrapped warmly around him. "Where are we going?"
The tint of irritation and impatience in that soft voice made Heero's lips twitch, and he tugged on the boy's braid, brushing his lips before giving into his smile. "I've secured us a place not too far. It's popular, but the food is delicious, and their rooms are very clean." Duo blinked at him for a second before a light blush crept over his cheeks. Brushing his fingertips over that warmth, Heero shook his head. "I hope you can keep doing that all night long. It might prove interesting to see how long it takes to get past your shyness." The boy scowled suddenly, batting his hand away as his face darkened and Heero smirked.
"Shut up," Duo muttered, ducking his head against his husband's shoulder. It was odd how easily he thought of Heero as that, husband, but it seemed to come naturally. Thinking of the night to come, on the other hand, was not natural. Despite how close he'd come to jumping into the man's bed, especially the time he'd literally *fallen* into his bed, Duo couldn't help but be a little shy of his prospects. Except for their infrequent and interrupted encounters, he didn't know any more about marriage beds than he had when he'd escorted Relena to hers. That thought made his lips curve into a half smirk, half sneer, and he nuzzled Heero's neck, abruptly wrapping possessive arms around his mate. The love for her might have led Heero to England, but it certainly hadn't lasted very long.
The boy was squeezing him with surprising strength, and Heero blinked in surprise, looking down at the hidden face. "Duo?"
Rubbing his face against the man's neck, Duo huffed against the warm skin, his smirk turning into a hidden grin. "Mine." His husband let out a small laugh, and Duo echoed it, not lifting his head.
"I return those sentiments," Heero smirked, his arms pulling the boy closer against him. A soft, muffled 'humph,' answered him, and he sighed, tilting his head to look out the window. "And just so you know, Duo, you made a lovely bride."
Face red, Duo jerked back to glare at his husband, his hands clenching in the man's shirt. "You-"
Heero smirked, darting his head forward to cut off the boy's words with a lingering kiss. After a long moment, those eyes eased their glare, just a bit, and he pulled back with a small smile. "I couldn't have found a lovelier mate if I searched England over, that's all I meant."
Sniffing, Duo frowned before relaxing against his husband again, his face moving back into that warm nook on Heero's shoulder. "That *better* have been all you meant. Or you'll be staying at that hotel alone, count on it."
"I can't have that," Heero agreed, smirking when Duo nodded against him. "It would be a bad beginning for us."
"That's right," Duo murmured, turning his face a bit so his words weren't muffled. "And you don't want me remembering this place with a bad light, not with the trouble we're bound to have once we go back to England."
"Duo-"
"I'm not worrying about it," Duo said quickly, anticipating what his husband was going to say, "I was just thinking. My father was a close subject of the queen's. I'm sure that if I spoke to her on your behalf she wouldn't hold our marriage against us. Even if you get proof to clear your name, I've heard she gets angry when her vassals marry without permission, especially the male ones." The shoulders beneath him tensed a bit, and Duo smiled, rubbing his cheek against Heero's neck. "I'll bet she liked looking at you when you served, that just explains how angry and upset she was to think you were a traitor. I can just imagine how angry she'll be when she finds out I snatched you up."
"You certainly say that without the least bit of concern," Heero commented, "that's good. But don't think about England right now. I don't want you to think about anything but us, for the rest of this night. The future can wait."
"How romantic," Duo smiled, placing a quick pecking kiss on his husband's neck before snuggling comfortably against him. Heero sighed, and he curved his arms around the man's waist again, enjoying the easy contact. Moments passed pleasantly before he felt the hand on his back shift, just a bit, to rub small circles on him. It was just enough to send a tingling down his spine and Duo frowned, pulling back. "You're messing up my mood," he complained, blinking when Heero smirked at him. "Why would you want to do that?"
"Because," Heero said, tugging on that tantalizing braid. "I don't want you to fall asleep, and it's time to move this little...romance, to a more comfortable location. We're here."
Although Duo hadn't noticed the carriage coming to a stop, a quick look out the window proved the man's words and he straightened quickly, pressing wrinkles out of his clothes. His husband exited first, and Duo smiled when the man offered his arm, leading him into the building they'd halted in front of. It was odd to have Heero being so...courteous, but for some reason he rather liked it. It certainly helped that the man's expression wasn't the least bit mocking when he escorted him. He didn't really think of Heero as 'romantic,' so he put it down to the man's usual fondness of touching him. And he admitted, he had the same 'fondness.' He was almost disappointed when they were shown to a table and he lost that contact, sitting down across from his husband.
Appetizers were the first to be served to them, and Heero picked up one of the little bites with a thoughtful expression, catching Duo's eye. "You know, I still find myself with a preference for sweetmeats." Violet eyes widened as the boy remembered their past encounter, and Heero's eyes sparked in response. "From what I've noticed, you certainly have a sweet taste. I'd be willing to wager the rest of you tastes even sweeter."
A dark flush was creeping to his face at the man's bold words, but Duo managed to answer that challenge with a tiny smirk. "And what's the wager?" he asked, his voice only faltering a little.
"A night in my bed," Heero said, his expression solemn. The longhaired boy smiled and shook his head.
"I'll take that bet," Duo laughed, the blush easing, just a bit. "Because you'll never know if I *don't* spend a night in your bed." Dark blue eyes blinked at him and he smirked as he plucked up one of the appetizers and ate it, very slowly.
"Keep that up," Heero muttered, his voice soft, "and we won't make it through the meal."
"I'll keep that in mind," Duo teased, his face clearing as he relaxed in his chair. "Your...rutting appetites aside, I'm starved."
"You still think I'm a stag," Heero frowned, "don't you."
"Yes," Duo nodded, not looking away from his food, "but I think I like that about you." A short silence was followed by a low laugh and Duo smiled, shaking his head. "I really did have a lot worse things to call you that day," he commented. "I just couldn't think of them at the time."
"I understand completely," Heero murmured, his voice dropping as he caught Duo's wrist and took the bit of food from him. Eating it slowly, he enjoyed the way those violet eyes locked on his lips. "I was distracted myself."
Blinking quickly, Duo tore his gaze away to scowl at the remaining food. "I wasn't kidding about being hungry," he warned, pulling the plate closer to him, "so be good."
A quick response nearly made it past Heero's lips, but he bit down on it before it could. As passionate as the boy was, he was still far too innocent to make comments like that. Although, a smirk curved his lips as he though the comment to himself, and he knew Duo wouldn't have to worry about having his 'fill' before the night was over. It wasn't something to say in reassurance to a young boy like him, but the very thought was enough to make Heero quite impatient for the meal to be over. With that in mind, he hurried the waiter along with a quick, but dark glare. His eyes immediately softened when he turned them back to his husband, and he watched as the boy rapidly finished off the appetizers. Evidently, Duo hadn't eaten much for breakfast. But it was just as well that he ate plenty now, he'd need to conserve energy. Heero smiled again.
The food came in what Duo was sure had to be record time, but he didn't attack it nearly as quickly as he'd intended to. His husband had the oddest expression, and that small smile did something to his stomach, creating a little shiver of nervousness he didn't quite like. That expression on Heero's face just didn't bode well for him, of that he was certain. Still, the man nodded to the food and began eating his own. Nodding back, a tad warily, Duo noted that those dark blue eyes never left him as he ate. And that small, reappearing smile really did a number on his nerves to the point where he half-bolted his food, all the time wondering if he should have eaten slower and postponed the inevitable trip upstairs. The tension between him and that stare was enough that he ended up ducking his head a bit, eating with a focus he hadn't held since he was a little child. He'd just finished his meal when he felt that hot look shift from him, and he blinked in surprise to find Heero's expression one of pained irritation, those dark blue eyes focused on something beyond him.
"Heero, I've been looking all over for you! I have..." Wide violet eyes turned up to him, and Wufei halted suddenly, a dark cloud falling over his face. He hadn't thought who his 'friend' was with, the lowered head not seeming too worrisome. Now he understood why Heero had looked at him as if he were the last person he'd expected, or *wanted* to see. And the man's visible irritation didn't come close to matching the absolute violence raging inside him. Duo's guilty, shocked expression, Heero's malice, and their location all pointed to one thing. All of his certainties over his 'friend's' trustworthiness fell aside and he blanked his face, dark eyes falling to Heero. "I see I interrupted you," he said tightly, his hands falling on the back of Duo's chair. "How rude of me."
"Would you care to join us for lunch?" Heero asked, his own voice low with a match for the warning Wufei had given. "They have excellent food here."
"No," Wufei drawled, meeting the sparks sent from those dark blue eyes, "though I'm sure the *cuisine* is excellent. I have news for you, Heero. It seems your little ploy has worked wonders. Zechs wants to meet with you, and he's sent word all over the Hansa. I thought since we're *friends* that I should tell you myself, I wouldn't want to risk your missing the appointment. Unless, of course, you have other commitments?" His eyes darted to Duo's hair for a second before sparking at Heero.
Wide upset violet eyes were staring at him, and Heero glared for a second before pushing back from the table. "I take it the appointment is tonight?"
"Yes," Wufei said sharply, not quite frowning when the man immediately withdrew money for the bill. Heero had glared at him a second ago, and he'd been convinced he'd just interrupted a rendezvous between the two. He couldn't imagine the man bringing Duo here just for 'lunch,' but his 'friend' really didn't seem upset now. Those dark eyes had a hint of something that might have been resignation, but that could easily come from the proposed meeting. Wufei fought with his certainty and his sudden doubt, but both were discarded when Heero moved around the table and offered a hand to Duo. His glare returned immediately. "I can take him back," he offered, his tone tight, "I'm sure you'll want to keep your appointment."
"No," Heero said, his eyes glinting at Wufei, "that wouldn't be polite, now would it? I brought him here, the least I can do is see him home. I'll be back to discuss this in a few minutes." Dark black eyes burned into him, but Heero dropped his gaze, pulling Duo out of his chair. The boy's eyes were on the floor, but he didn't prod him to look up, taking Duo's arm and steering him past Wufei. The black-haired man remained near the table, and Heero led his husband out of the restaurant area without a word.
By the time Heero managed to call a carriage, Duo's eyes were burning fiercely, and he nearly leapt onto his husband once they were inside. "Heero," he managed, squeezing the man tight, "couldn't we have told him? He was so angry! He must have thought that we-that you-"
"This meeting will settle all of my dealings with the Hansa," Heero said quietly, holding tight to the upset boy. "Once this is assured, we can tell him. I can't risk his interfering with this out of jealous anger. I hate to interrupt our wedding day like this, you know I do, but there isn't any choice in the matter. I'm sorry, Duo, believe me."
"He just looked so...angry," Duo said, pressing his face into Heero's neck. "I never wanted to make him so angry, hurt. I don't care about myself, it's so wrong-how can I just go back to his mother's home like nothing happened?! He thinks we were going to...and we were..."
"But he doesn't know we're married," Heero reminded him, rubbing Duo's back gently, "and he doesn't blame you. For some reason he doesn't seem capable of blaming you. It's funny, actually. I've been friends with Wufei for so many years, and yet he's so very quick to doubt me. You have no need to be worried that his anger is directed at you, Duo, it's me who he sees as the bastard here."
"I don't want that either," Duo said, shoving back to stare up at his husband's solemn face. "Look what I've *done* to you both-years of friendship-"
"He'll calm down as soon as he learns we're married," Heero said, "after he spouts off about it for a week or so." Violet eyes frowned at him and he smirked, brushing at Duo's bangs. "He'll rant at me for a while, but eventually he *will* calm down, I promise. I just don't want him angry about anything he can *prove* until after tonight. And Duo? I *will* be back tonight. I'll send over the man I spoke to last night, the one who spotted someone resembling your father. You can occupy yourself with that while I deal with the Hansa. And after that, I'll come back and make you my husband in fact, as well as name."
* * *
TBC
--notes--
This part was a couple pages too short, but I'll add that to the next one, I figure this is a nice place to cut off for now. I know I promised I'd work on updating some other fics next, but I was trying to think of fic ideas for a Yami no Matsuei fic (I just saw the series) and for some reason I ended up working on this one. Gomen. I *really* am half-done with the next part of 'Dark Tournament,' and I still plan to update 'Into the Wild' after that. I just had to write on this while I had the motivation-
Short_attention_span
+
Real_life_distractions
=
My_greatest_weakness
[Equation to live by...]