Title: Desert Rose Part V: Love Will Grow

Author: Sorceress Fantasia

Pairing: 1+2, 3+4, 5+M, 5+?, 13x6

Warnings: Slight angst, evil Relena and Hirde, unsympathetic Trieze, OC, slight crossover (just borrowing one chara from Chrono Cross)

Archive: http://www.gwaddiction.com/levlair/index3.htm

Disclaimers: I may own a lot of things, but the GW guys aren't included. So yeah, the characters do not belong to me. I'm just borrowing them for a little fun. Harle is a character taken from Squaresoft's Chrono Cross. She does not belong to me either. The song 'Love will Grow' is also property of Squaresoft.

"Wake up, sleepyhead! Wake up!"

He felt a playful finger poking at his ribs. Heero swiped the irritating finger away. Then he felt a slight nudge at his head. Sleepily, he flipped to face the other side. "Sc'am off an' le' me slee'…" He slurred. The person, not one to be deterred easily, continued his 'assault' on the poor drowsy boy. He leaned in close to Heero's ear and whispered.

"Wake up! C'mon! Wake up, Heero!" The soft melodious voice rang out. It dripped with mock anger and a hint of amusement, as though the person was expecting this to happen.

Heero groaned, oblivious to the command. The person raised his voice a little bit more, "Heero! Wake up now!"

The somnolent Heero buried his head under his pillow in a desperate attempt to get his forty winks. The other boy pouted, but not discouraged. He stalked off to the window, and pulled up the curtains that were keeping the offending light at bay. Suddenly, rays of light spilled forth into the dark room. Then the boy walked back to Heero's bedside and with a bit of effort, snatched the pillow from the still-sleeping boy. Heero immediately responded by draping an arm over his eyes to shield himself from the glare. "What the heck…" he uttered under his breath. He didn't even have a chance to realise what was happening before he was glomped by a hyper vivacious boy.

"C'mon wake up!" The boy jumped onto Heero gleefully, and shook him roughly by his shoulders. "Wake up!"

Heero felt his world move vigorously, as though experiencing an earthquake that he supposed would register an incredible 7.8 on the Richter Scale. He quickly shouted, "I'm awake! I'm awake! Trust me, I'm awake!" Slowly, as he felt his eyes adjust to the light, he opened the bright orbs. The first thing he saw were pools of endless amethyst staring back at him. They were filled with warmth and passion, so very tempting. For a moment, Heero thought he was still in dreamland, and that the beautiful boy in front of him was just a figment of his imagination. Then he noticed the radiant smile that was plastered firmly on his face which was enough to light up the entire room, as it did with his heart.

The angel spoke in a rich tenor voice, "Hello? Earth to Heero. Hello?" He waved one hand across Heero's line of vision in an attempt to see whether he was really awake.

Snapped out of his trance, Heero mumbled a slurred, "Ohay', Du'." Feeling the lack of rest, he tried to trifle a yawn that threatened to break out, but failed.

The braided prince smiled even wider. "Ohayo gozaimazu!" He chirped. Then his expression turned solemn. "How do you feel today? Are your injuries healing?"

Heero nodded. "Hai. Don't worry about it, Duo. I'm fine. The medication you gave me works wonderful. Besides, it's already been days since the attack. I don't hurt that much now."

"I'm glad to hear that." The braided prince let out a sigh of relief, and grinned, "I presume that you had a good night's sleep. You don't even want to get up!"

Heero nodded slightly again. "Hai. Pretty good. The bed's too comfortable."

Duo chuckled. "You have to. If you don't, your tummy's gonna go on strike." He joked as he poked his friend's stomach, then added, "By the way, I came to call you down for breakfast. You had better be quick. Don't forget sis' very strict about punctuality. If you're late, she'll clean up and you won't get to eat much. C'mon and go wash up already. As usual, I took a set of my own clothes here. Go wash up now. I'll wait for you here." Then he pulled Heero forcefully out of the bed and into the bathroom.

Ten minutes later, a fully dressed Heero stepped out of the washroom. He was dressed to kill. Duo whistled in appreciation.

"Wow! You look good."

"Arigatou."

Duo grinned. "Yer welcome." The braided prince capered to the door and flung it open. "Let's go down to the dining room now. I don't want them to wait."

The cobalt eye boy merely nodded, then allowed Duo to take him by his hand. Although he didn't like the idea of being treated like an idiot who didn't even know how to go to the dining room, he liked the physical contact. But that was something meant to be a secret.

*****

"Ohayo~!" Duo chirped.

"Ohayo." Heero said, with much less enthusiasm than Duo.

The three seated at the rectangular dining table were already digging into their simple breakfast that consisted of some toast, eggs, sausages and jugs of orange juice. The blonde boy sat at one side with Trowa, while Wufei sat alone on the other. Quatre smiled warmly and replied in all politeness.

"Good morning, Duo, Heero."

Wufei and Trowa both managed a soft but still audible good morning.

Pulling a chair, Duo flopped down onto his seat at the end of the table. He gestured for Heero to take the seat beside his. The cobalt-eyed youth sat down silently. As soon as his butt touched the chair, Duo poured out the orange juice into their glasses. Then they both started eating to their heart's content.

Suddenly, Duo lifted his head up from his plate and scanned the area. Nope. No sign of her anywhere. Now just where is that cute harlequin? "Hey guys. Did any of ya see Sis?" He asked with a mouth-full of sausage.

As if on cue, a familiar voice rang out, "Did anyone mention moi? Bonjour, monsieur Duo. You too, Heero." The jester walked into the room. Flitting across the room, she got to the table quickly and took her usual seat.

"Ohayo, Sis!"

She nodded. "Monsieur Duo, do you remember zat we have to pay our respectz to your mot'er after breakfast?"

Duo gulped down his glass of juice, then replied, "Yeah, I remember. Does he have to go too?" He pointed a finger at Heero's direction.

Harle answered as a matter-of-factly. "Of courze. Everyone sitting around zis table will have to go. It'z only polite to." Then she instructed the rest. "All of you, listen. Remember zat zis iz a formal occasion, so wear ze proper attire. Zen meet moi at ze gates of ze shrine. But do not enter before I do."

"Aye Captain!" Duo mock saluted. "As usual!"

Harle only smiled amusedly.

Then, Duo popped in another piece of the toast into his mouth and quickly gobbled it down. Immediately, he jumped out of his cushioned chair, and tugged at Heero's clothes. "Let's go to my room. I'll show you my wardrobe. Ya havta choose another set clothes. Something more formal!" Heero started running as well to keep up with the braided boy. As they dashed along the corridor, he allowed himself an unseen little smile.

As they disappeared from view, the rest at the table sweatdropped. They had known the prince for years, enough to know him inside out. Yet they had never seen this super eager and ardent side of him. At least not ever since their arrival here. That was good for their health though, they mused. Duo had shown more sides of him to Heero in a few days, then he had to the others in a few years.

Quatre tried to ease the situation with a little joke. "Heh, isn't this a good sign? Duo does like Heero a lot. Our hard work's paying off." He sallied.

"How true. He's never dragged *us* off like there's no tomorrow." Trowa remarked.

"Now that's a blessing. I would never want to be dragged off that way." Wufei quipped.

"Moi sentiments exactement."

Suddenly, Duo dashed back. He rushed to the table, and quickly grabbed another toast. "Sorry guys! But I'm still starving!" Then he immediately sped off at top speed again.

They sweatdropped again.

"Someone oughta give him a speeding ticket." Wufei uttered, and the rest just nodded.

*****

Everyone knelt down in front of the marble statue of the deceased queen, their heads bowed low in silent prayer. Heero looked at the others in mild confusion, then quickly lowered his head as well. Harle lifted her head to gaze at the sculpture. Slowly, she got to her feet. Fishing in her pocket, she dug out a cerulean gem. Staring at it for a moment more, she ambled to the altar and gingerly placed the beautiful jewel onto a golden platter.

"Moi queen," She murmured softly as she lay down the jewel, "Zis iz for you. Mon Trieze bought it juz for you." Harle paused, gathering her thoughts. "Anodder year haz passed, and your son iz a year older. Mon Duo haz matured, and become happier. W'at about you?" She muttered softly, barely audible. Then she nodded to Duo over her shoulders.

Duo nodded in acknowledgement. "Mother, how are you now? I'm another year older today, but… you are still as young as I remembered you." He paused, closing his violet orbs in reminiscence of better times. "And as the years pass, I'm going to get older, while you mother, is going to stay young like this forever. Always the beautiful mother in my memory." The braided prince smiled, and continued to talk to his mother about his current life, his father, the others, and the horses. Finally, he stopped, and fell silent.

Everyone else also said something to the late queen. Heero was the last to go.

"Your majesty…" He wavered, unsure of what to say next. "…arigatou." And he said nothing more.

****

As everyone filed out of the shrine, Duo quietly fell into step beside the dark haired peasant. He waited for the others to walk away, then glanced at his friend.

"What do you mean? Arigatou? What for? What did my mother do?"

Heero replied without hesitation, "For having a son like you."

The prince blinked. Then he chuckled, and stopped in his steps, clasping his hands in front of his chest in a silent prayer. "Whoever you are, and wherever you are, thanks for giving birth to Heero."

Heero's lips twitched faintly.

*****

"C'mon! There's no time to waste!" The white stallion chirped as he pranced into the library where everyone had stashed their presents. The rest sashayed casually to the table in the middle of the room where they settled down, and the horses stood beside their respective masters. Duo and Heero were the last to enter.

"Happy Birthday, Duo!" Everyone smiled widely as they gave their best wishes. Quatre quickly pushed in a trolley with a cake on top of it. Stopping in front of Duo, he prompted, "Make a wish, and blow the candles!"

Duo closed his eyes, and clasped his hands in front of his bosom. After several quiet moments, his eyes fluttered open and proceeded to blow the candles. Everyone clapped. "You're a year older today, Duo! What was your wish?"

"Can't tell ya, buddy! Or else it won't come true." Duo stuck his tongue out at the excited white stallion.

Carefully, Wufei handed the prince a knife to cut the cake. Soon, they polished off the creamy delight. But it wasn't over yet.

Duo smirked. "So… as usual?"

Quatre shook his head. "No, it's a little different this year. Our presents are hidden in this room, each in a different corner as usual. As for the eight different clues, they are all hidden in certain books instead of us telling you the clues straight away. We'll tell you which book it is, and the page number. But it's all up to you whether you remember where the book is."

The prince groaned, slapping his head. Then his eyes landed on the amused boy beside him. He hooked an arm around Heero's, beaming at him. "What yer laughing at? That does it! C'mon, Heero. You're gonna help me find them all."

Heero smiled faintly, then nodded.

Wing neighed, "We'll go first!"

"Yer not gonna give me a stack of hay like last year, are you?" Duo grimaced lightheartedly.

Sandrock laughed, "Of course not! 'Sides, we didn't actually give that hay to you. It was just a joke!"

"Okay, listen to this. Duo, our hint is between pages 60 and 61. The book is "The Little Prince" by Antoine de Saint-Exupery [1]. Let's see if you can find it." Nataku cajoled.

Duo took off to a shelf on the left-most corner of the library, where he started to scout for the book. Heero walked away to the other side to search. Within minutes, Duo pulled out the correct book with a wide grin.

"I knew it! I knew it was here! I just read it a few weeks ago!" He flipped through the book immediately and soon found a slip of paper. "Where fireflies gather." Duo read aloud. He wheeled around to face the horses. "Whaddya mean by this? We don't have fireflies in the library!"

They shrugged with a confident gleam in their eyes. Heero came up behind him. "Fireflies… Could it be the darkest part of the library?"

Duo snapped his fingers. "That's right!" Then he grabbed Heero's wrist and dragged him to a dark corner. There, he was amazed to see a dim, but warm cozy light seeping through the murkiness. "Wow… this thing… it's beautiful…" He wheezed, admiring the beauty. The lamp was shaped in the form of a drooping bellflower, as though waiting for its chance to bloom. Duo turned to Heero with a smile, and leaned forward to embrace his friend. "Thanks!"

Heero blushed faintly, but returned the embrace. Standing up, they strolled back to where the others were.

"Thanks guys! This lamp's gorgeous!" The prince exclaimed.

The horses smiled to each other in satisfaction. "It's called the Firefly Lamp, named so for its ability to light up automatically in darkness. The light may not be very bright, but it's enough to you to see." Heavyarms explained.

"This thing's gonna keep you cozy at night." Shini winked.

Setting down the lamp at the table, Duo and Heero went for the second clue. This one took much longer, for Duo couldn't remember ever reading the book. He even bypassed the shelf three times! Luckily, observant Heero was there to help.

"What's this, Trowa?" Duo inquired, looking into the mirror.

The said boy uncrossed his arms, and pointed at his present which was currently in Duo's hands. "This is the Moon Mirror. It allows one to catch glimpses of the person's past and, under the right conditions, his future as well. However, I do not know what the conditions are."

"I see. Thanks for the gift. It's pretty."

Next they found Quatre's present. It was a portrait of Duo.

"Ya gotta be kidding. It doesn't even look anything close to me!" Duo exclaimed. The portrait was one of Duo with angel wings wrapped around him. Feathers surrounded him in the air, and his chestnut tresses were loose and buoyant. Those endless pools of amethyst glowed in a mystical manner, and he wore an enigmatic grin. The figure exuded nothing but seraph and sensuality. "It's too beautiful to be me!"

"Why not? You *are* beautiful; it's just that you never noticed." Quatre retorted good-naturedly.

As the rest quipped in randomly, Heero was certain of the answer. That figure in the painting was beautiful, but still, that wasn't Duo. The real Duo was even more beautiful than that. Even Quatre's skilful hands couldn't catch his effulgence. Just as he was pondering, Duo suddenly whirled around.

"Saa! What do you think, Heero?"

"…I think you're more divine than the painting." He answered truthfully.

Duo blushed. "Do you… really think so?"

Affirmative nod.

Duo blushed harder. He quickly asked for the next hint and scampered off. Heero went with him.

Wufei snickered. "Quatre? Did you see the expression on Duo's face?"

"Yeah?"

"Paint me a picture of that. It's classic!" He japed, invoking the others to laugh.

Trowa's silent laughter subsided as he noted, "But that is proof that Heero likes Duo very much. Isn't that a good thing?"

"Indeed."

*****

Duo felt the redness in his cheeks burning in the proximity of Heero. Finally, curiosity got the better of him. "Am I really that good looking?"

"Yes you are, Duo. You are more alluring than anyone I have ever met." He replied without hesitation.

The prince felt warmth oozing into his heart. But… "Are you saying this because I'm a prince? As a flattery?"

Heero looked at him sincerely in his eyes. "No, Duo. I'm saying this as a man. I don't know what the others think, but in my eyes, you are that heavenly. Always that attractive."

"… … …" Duo was at a loss for words.

*****

Soon, another present was uncovered.

"It's the Tome of Magic, Duo. I thought that maybe you could learn some more advanced spells to help pass time." Wufei elucidated.

And soon, they also found Relena and Hirde's present. Duo winced. Where did Hirde get the idea that he would enjoy soaking his lustrous locks in some gruel that smelled like durian? Eww. And Relena still didn't quite catch his numerous hints that he disliked pink.

Trieze's present was an especially delicate one. It was a watch adorned with tiny sparkles of jewels. Duo was exceptionally gentle with this one gift, smiling like an idiot as he held it in his hands and admired the pocket watch.

A great amount of time had passed before Duo and Heero were able to locate the last present which was given by Harle. And when they found it, both were shock to say the least. A most exquisite and dainty pendent hung loosely from one slender golden chain. The pendent was in the shape of a rose bud. It would have been more beautiful if it were in full bloom, but the closed petals mystified those looking at it.

"Sis… this pendent… it's dazzling!"

Harle smiled. "I'm glad you like it. Keep zis well." Then on second thoughts, she added. "Do you know why zis iz golden? It'z becauze it representz ze sand of ze desert. A single roze in a vast desert… Just like you, Mon Duo."

"Desert… rose?" Duo echoed.

*****

Seated in his bathtub, Duo scooped up a handful of bubbles and gently blew them into the air. There was nothing he enjoyed more than a relaxing bubble bath. As he played around with the bubbles, his mind pondered on Harle's words. Him? A rose in a vast desert? What did she mean? Her next words were just as cryptic.

'One day, zat rose s'all bloom and lead uz into a new world. I am waiting for zat day to come, Monsieur Duo.'

Bloom? Was she calling him a blooming idiot? Nah, can't be. Then what? Duo couldn't understand at all.

And the way she looked at him as she spoke… it unsettled him in a way thunderstorms could not. It wasn't the type that he would go screaming in terror. It was the type you couldn't even scream because you'd lost your voice.

Duo would wait. Wait patiently for the day the rose would 'bloom'. Somehow, he knew it wasn't far away.

*****

Dressed in his most elegant attire, Duo descended the few steps that separated him from Heero. He smiled radiantly, and Heero smiled back. Playfully, Duo did a little curtsey and latched onto his friend.

"Come. They are waiting for us in the dining room."

Dinner immediately commenced. Duo and Heero were seated at the two ends of a long table, but not long enough to keep their hearts flying to the other. The others stood a bit further, each holding an instrument. Quatre a violin, Trowa a flute, Harle a triangle, and Wufei was at the grand piano. Some of the monsters in the castle also lent a helping hand and played various other instruments. They played song after song, granting the room a tranquil atmosphere. The horses clattered their hooves on the ground softly, acting as the percussion. Shini and Sandrock were exceptions from the great orchestra. They filed in gingerly, bringing in baskets of food that hung at their sides of their saddles.

The sumptuous meal quickly ended as Duo led the astounded boy into the grand ballroom, laughing all the way. The room was beautifully decorated, courtesy of Harle and Quatre. The crystal lamps that hung from the ceiling shimmered romantically. Marble tiles, white pillars, high painted ceiling. The room was ideal for a wonderful night of dancing.

As Duo and Heero flitted into the room, the others followed. They quickly settled down at one corner, and prepared for their next song for the night. Harle gave them the signal to start, and the boys strummed up their gig. The music blended harmoniously into the night, as though the stars and moon were singing. It was soft at first, gradually growing in volume to bring out the atmosphere. The five horses trotted gently into the ballroom and quietly settled down beside the musicians. They listened on attentively as the melody continued.

Duo delicately led Heero's arm onto his waist, and the other on his shoulder. He wrapped his own arms around the boy's neck. Slowly, with careful steps, they swayed to the lovely music. Their eyes met and locked.

Heero almost couldn't breathe. Duo was ravishing, gorgeous, enchanting, bewitching… No! Those words couldn't do him justice. Duo's beauty could not be described with mere words. His beauty was to be felt with the heart. No artist could capture his radiance; no photographs could relive his exuberance. Only when one was with Duo could one feel his true beauty. His heart, his soul, his everything. Everything of Duo Maxwell was a sight to behold and never to be forgotten. And when Duo smiled, Heero almost died.

Duo found himself gazing into pools of cobalt blue that knew no end. Yet on the surface, he could see the glittery reflection of himself. Seeing himself through someone's eyes… From the few days that Heero had arrived, Duo felt himself pulled towards the strange boy everyday by an unknown force. A force that told him he could no longer leave him alone. It was like he was drowning in a pool of confusion, and Heero was his only lifeline that let him stay connected to the real world. But he had only been with him for a few days! Feelings know no boundaries, he reasoned. A companion, a friend, and perhaps something more. Duo smiled.

Harle looked at the two drowning in their fantasies. At least they were thinking of each other, but there were no actions taken. She would have to take it into her own hands. The jester girl turned back to her companions and nodded. The boys and their horses nodded in affirmation. Plan B starting.

The euphonious symphony continued, but the song slowly switched over to an even slower, more romantic tune. Wing started the ball rolling. With his mind-linking powers, he induced an imaginary setting for the two. At the gardens of the palace, the place where they both loved so much. Blooming flowers released their fragrance, the aroma scenting the night. Stars glowed in the skies above them, shining down upon them. The two danced slowly, all the while gazing into the other's beautiful orbs.

Next up was Shinigami. With the aid of the enchanted necklace Harle gave, she too induced her own illusionary world. Duo and Heero found themselves dancing in the skies. Glamorous stars sparkled all around them. Heero found himself wanting Duo when he saw Duo's face highlighted by the dim lights. Duo thought the same. The scene was moving, and suddenly, they were beside the silvery wheel. Harle called upon her own powers to help this time. With a little spell, the moon glowed even more brightly. Suddenly, a rain of shooting stars went whizzing pass them.

One by one, the horses conjured up various illusions, each magically enchanting, for the two dancing figures. Slowly, but surely, the two were sinking into a sea of emotions and neither of them wanted to get out. Ever. As long as they were together…

Finally, they were back at the ballroom. Harle snapped her fingers once, and the lights slowly dimmed. She snapped once more, and the lights stopped dimming and maintained the darkness. In the duskiness, all they could see were each other. As though that was what they lived for. Passionate violets met burning cobalt.

Seeing the effects of their meddling, the symphony played their final song. Putting down her triangle, Harle stepped forward. It was time for the grand finale. With a rich alto voice, Harle joined in the sweet melody.

Love will grow.
And nothing comes in the way.
It's true that love is here to stay.
All we have to do is to face tomorrow.
Love will grow.
There's no need to run and hide.
It's true we've always been so slow.
Should I tell you now what's been burning inside?

Darling, strange days are over.
Fears and tears, they're all gone.
This is the very beginning.
Now the world is meant for you and me.

Love will grow.
There's one thing I'm sure of now.
I know that we'll give no more sighs.
Love is to us true-blue and there's no sorrow.
Love will grow.
Come what may, we'll never part.
Let's hold on tight to dreams of ours,

even though we've still got a long way to go.

Darling, strange days are over.
Fears and tears, they're all gone.
This is the very beginning.
Now the world is meant for you and me.

The song was climbing to its climax. Their hearts rose several notches. Duo and Heero felt their hearts swell at the pure bliss of being together.

See how the day has just broken,
Oh so fresh from the world.
See how the brand-new sun's coming up.
Let it now shine on me,
Shine on you!

Suddenly losing control, Heero found himself leaning in. Duo met him halfway. Their lips touched, and parted in surprise of the wave of sensations that ran through their bodies in that split second of contact. However, when their eyes met again, they knew what they wanted. Lips touched once more, and tongues meshed together. They ignored the tingling sensation and bolts of thrills running through them as they leaned in even closer. As their bodies brushed against each other, they moaned into their kiss.

Love will grow.
And nothing comes in the way.
It's true that love is here to stay.
All we have to do is to face tomorrow.

The music came to a halt. But the two boys were totally oblivious to it. They continued to kiss as though nobody else were around. Smirking knowingly, Harle and Quatre motioned for the others to file out quietly.

*****

Duo meandered to the balcony overseeing the gargantuan garden he so loved. Heero followed silently. The stillness of the air brought the chirping of mating crickets up to their level. Celestial beings shone high up in the dark night skies.

"Heero… did that kiss… mean anything?" Duo gazed up into the brilliant night sky, unwilling to face his friend- or something more?- lest he saw anything that told him otherwise.

"…yes, Duo… it does." Heero assured. "It means that… I love you."

Heero's voice caressed Duo's face like a whisper on the wind. He turned around slowly, tears welling up in his eyes. "You love me…? But… what about her? Didn't you say that are in love with someone that night?"

The dark haired boy took a step forward, and gingerly brushed away Duo's tears. "Baka."

Duo's head snapped up, caught in a deep frown.

Heero's hands fondled his cheeks with a smile in his eyes. "That someone is you, Duo. It's you that I love."

The braided boy bit his lips as all his doubts fled him. He leaned into Heero's warm embrace, feeling truly happy, the first in a long time. "I love you too."

Unbeknownst to both, the rose pendent Harle gave Duo had started to bloom, its petals opening a little.

Sorceress Fantasia @ 6th June 2001

Last revised 8th June 2001

Author's notes:Yea! Another chapter done! Thanks for all the encouragement you readers have given me!

[1] "The Little Prince" by Antoine de Saint-Exupery: It's a really good book. Go read it if you haven't.