Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Duodin, Can I show you the world? ❯ Oasis ( Chapter 5 )

Duodin, can I show you the world?

Disclaimer: Here we go again. *Pulls out checklist*--;;; Sparky does not own the GW boys or Aladdin. Check! Sparky wishes she did else she wouldn't have to type this damn disclaimer! Check again! Sparky must help Wufei escape from his prison of frustration and get laid in the story! Double check on an exclamation point! Okay…now about Disney….blah blah….They own the following version of the Aladdin….blah…blah…blah…but it has been retold so many different ways…who am I to complain? Any original characters that I create are mine to manipulate and can only be used with my permission. Blah…blah…you get the point.

Created: Friday, June 15, 2001

Revised: Friday, April 04, 2008

Warnings: Yaoi! Blah! Boys with boys doing marvelous things! Lemon, Angst, Romance, OOC, all the good stuff that makes a story proud.

Rating: There's actually a range? Wow! PG-NC17=NC-17 overall

Pairings/Groupings: 5x2, 6x3x 4, 1xM

Notes: This was supposed to be a Valentine fic but it sorta got out of hand!! HEHEE! Duo's very proud of me at the moment! *Duo bouncing in the background*

Criticism or comments?! Please email at dreamersisle@yahoo.com

 

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Previously from the last chapter:

 

“Oasis,” Wufei's smile dropped. “We're going to an oasis?”

 

Duodin glared at the stranger. “Didn't you hear me the first time when I said I had things to do?”

 

“Yes but….” Wufei muttered, worried his cover might be blow if he was clean again. Dammit! Why did he put himself into these situations?

 

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Chapter five: Oasis

 

Duo yawned from the floor, lying flat on his back. Wufei's rewriting of the Alladin was so interesting, he could not put it down but the relief of his shower slowly began to take its toll on him. Rather than get in his own bed, Duo yawned again and fell flat asleep on the carpet with the story held tightly in his hands. Knowing Duo would know if Wufei entered their bedroom, Wufei told Quatre he would remain underground until his boyfriend finished the story. Quatre looked at Wufei, not believing Wufei would go into hiding over a story. The sexy scholar explained that it was efficient for the story and asked Quatre not tell where he went, making it seem that Wufei was out on a mission or something. Quatre grinned. This story was getting more interesting by the seconds. Quatre glowed, wishing Wufei goodnight as he left his love struck companion alone, watching his sleeping lover on the monitors.

 

The next day, Duo woke up stretching his arms high overheard, rubbing at his large violet eyes. He was about to jump up to glomp his lover when he noticed a note on the bedspread. Quatre was going into town for some supplies and Wufei had gone on a quick mission. He would be back before the end of the week. Duo pouted. Valentines Day was at the end of the week. Wufei was acting very odd; he never left without telling him. Sighing, Duo got up to go to the bathroom, placing his story gently on the bed. Washing his face, Duo threw on a robe, he ran out of the room and down the stairs to get some breakfast. Duo grabbed a bowl, milk and cereal from the overhead cabinet and brought everything back upstairs to his room, determined to read more of his love story.

 

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After traveling over many rooftops, Duodin and his group of misfits were finally walking outside the boundaries of the town. Coming to end of a road, the group turned left, continuing onward walking southwest, crossing over small dunes of sand. Shinigami, Duodin's pet monkey and constant companion, was sitting quietly on her master's shoulders. The tail of the small beast, swung from side to side in a graceful pace, caressing Duodin's back in reassurance. Duodin wiped a drop of sweat off his brow as the group walked, looking briefly at Wufei, wrinkling his nose in disgust. There was a strange smell wafting off the vagabond, unique-a strange combination of musk, dirt, waste and oddly, flowers. Very odd for someone who escaped a palace…maybe Fei had to disguise himself for protection. “You totally need a bath, bub.”

 

Wufei rolled his eyes in annoyance but remained silent. Heero did a very thorough job on his disguise. Though Wufei's pride was yelling at him to retaliate, a confrontation with the bratty young man was not an option. If Wufei were to attack this idiot, he would still be in trouble because Wufei did not exactly know where he was. Then he was contemplating on whether he should tell this stranger the truth about himself. Yes, Duodin had saved his life, for which, Wufei was grateful. He would reward the young man immensely when he returned to the palace, but this little adventure of his had now turned dangerous. His own guardsmen were now after him because of some supposedly stolen apples and to make matters worse, the only person who knew that Wufei was outside of his palace was Heero.

 

Heero.

 

Wufei physically cringed. If Heero knew, what Wufei had done to escape the fate of getting his hands severed, the chocolate haired captain of the guard would be on the floor, rolling in tears. Even Heero would not be able to keep his cool composure. Wufei shook his head at the hilarity of the situation, but as funny as it seemed, there also had a dark side to his problems. “Damn! How can I be so stupid?” Wufei silently thought. If anything had happened to him, death was the only conclusion for Heero just by being his accomplice in this-too many lives affected. Poor Meiran, she would have been heartbroken if anything happened to Heero. Wufei had to keep reminding himself that his dreams for freedom were shared by another and this person was the only one who truly understood him like a part of his soul…. his twin soul.

 

Wufei was not a stupid young man, he totally understood his sister. Her part of the scheme gave Meiran time to be alone to fulfill her own dream even for a little while, using the moment to express her feelings to the one she loved more than herself, without a crutch that was Wufei. Wufei knew his place, he was only Meiran's brother, her best friend but he could only protect her to a certain limit. Meiran needed privacy, to show Heero her heart; letting the young captain know whether she was married to someone else's, she would still belong to him. Fate had dealt the three children a terrible hand, the trials of being royalty and the outcome was turning bleak by the seconds. From each drop of a grain of sand falling through the hourglass of time, Meiran's yearnings for Heero increased by leaps and bounds. It was growing to a point, becoming increasingly harder to sit idly by and do nothing. Sixteen years of yearning for the shy captain was driving his beautiful sister to desperation and Wufei knew that they could not run away from their futures forever. Very soon, the sands of time would run out for them.

 

Out in the open country, Duodin usually he relied heavily on Shinigami's animal instinct. Now, Duodin's mind was elsewhere. He was not thinking about the other bandits or the pounding heat against his pale skin. The mind of the young thief was preoccupied with confusion about a certain arsehole near him. Why was he still helping the arrogant jerk that made fun of him yet smirked so seductively? Duodin did not understand what was wrong with him; his eyes favoring the vagabond, noticing how Wufei's steps were like liquid, graceful, each step had to have a meaning to it. Though he knew Wufei was poor like him, the vagabond still appeared….regal as his nimble feet stepped across the sand.

 

Duodin shook his head in annoyance. That was it. He was going stop this strange obsession right now. As soon as he finished the wedding and got Fei somewhere safe, Duodin was leaving the bastard. Duodin did not need any weird drama right now, not with that matchmaking fiasco happening tonight. He was not taking anyone's bull either, especially from a dark haired nutcase who happened to be cute. UGH!! There he goes again! Duodin was not going to go insane from this weird attraction to some bum. It was stupid; especially when all Duodin wanted was to get the dark haired meanie back for his last rude remark.

 

Shinigami sat quietly on Duodin's shoulder, all of her senses on alert. Being a mammal in the middle of an open desert was not her cup of tea, especially when other bandits were about. Her master rarely left the town and it had to be a special occasion for him to leave. Something was bothering her though. Why the heck were they still helping this stranger? They should have lost him in the town yet her master still was helping him. The little monkey did not like the way her master kept sneaking glances at the dirty thing either, why was her master suddenly agitated. Glaring at Wufei, Shinigami did not like this one bit.

 

The journey continued with Duodin's inner commentary was still affecting him. Violet orbs were cautiously strolling right back over to Wufei from the corners of eyes. The dark haired vagabond seemed to be very deep in his thoughts. Had to be the heat-Duodin hated when it was super hot, usually going underground until the humidity let up some. Shinigami was taking it easy on his shoulder, still attached to his hair and digging deeper into it. “Lucky girl, using me as a shade,” Duodin turned towards Wufei again, about to say something but stopped in mid breath to blow his fringe out of his face. It was time to leave things alone, leaving the dark haired lad to his contemplations since Duodin had some inner reflections of his own.

 

Damn his code of honor, there was supposed to be no honor among thieves but Duodin had to be the only idiot to think there was. “Damn him for his big heart and damn Wufei for calling him short” Duodin silently thought. The teasing words kept ringing repeatedly in his head and he was getting angrier by the seconds. He was not short, perfectly portioned for his height and weight. Everyone else was a giant in his book. Therefore, perfectly portioned to a slanted eyed giant, you would think said giant would look where he was going right. Wrong. Duodin felt a sharp pull on his hair followed by a loud screech in his ear as Shinigami pointed to something in the sand. The damn idiot was about to walk right on to a scorpion.

 

Scorpion?! Duo acted before he yelled, “FEI!”

 

“Huh?!” The rest of Wufei's words were lost to the wind because before he could place his next step on the sandy ground, the young prince abruptly shoved to the side. Dingy golden hands flailed aimlessly through the air, trying to grasp on to something for balance but the closest thing that Wufei was able to grab onto was the arm of one smart talking thief.

 

Duodin did not even think as he pushed Wufei out of the way. Shinigami quickly jumped off her master's shoulder; while the agile thief pulled, his dagger from his side pocket faster than you could blink, sending his blade flying through the air straight thru its mark. The final throes of the scorpion left the mini death dealer wiggling to its demise. Everything would have been fine if Wufei had not grabbed Duodin just as the dagger left his hand causing the two of them to fall into the sand into a massive heap.

 

Pulling his hair out of his face, Duodin spit sand out of his mouth in aggravation. His dagger hit its mark yet Duodin did not care about that before he exploded on Wufei. “By Allah, Are you dense or what?!”

 

Limps struggled to untangle themselves as Wufei came out of his daze, totally shocked from his current position. Duodin was lying directly on top of him in a compromising position, yelling at him while Wufei's legs were wide open, spread out. Confused and angry as hell, Duodin balanced himself between those outstretched thighs. Strands of black and chestnut hair fanned along the sand, side by side, while slanted dark chocolate eyes fell deeper and deeper into an angry violet storm. Heat slowly trailed up Wufei's face in embarrassment. “What?”

 

“Look down, you dolt!” Duodin yelled, grabbing the front of Wufei's ragged clothes so they were nose-to-nose, eye to eye.

 

Wufei glanced over to where he was last standing merely seconds ago and, in its place, the remains of a scorpion laid imbedded on a dagger, gleaming under the hot sun. Shinigami crawled causally over, poking the dead carcass in curiosity with one stubby finger. Wufei gasped as his dark eyes widened in realization, “You saved my life again.”

 

Duodin growled in displeasure. “Oh please! Just pay attention to where you're walking, will ya? I don't want to be no buzzard meat out here because of your stupidity.” Duodin looked out towards the desert. “Anything that can happen will if you are not careful, especially while out here on the open desert. Not being prepared can be your life.” Duodin grumbled a bit before he got up off Wufei's body. Dusting himself off, making sure he was okay, he helped Wufei to his feet-there was only some much you could do with sand. “Come.”

 

Without hesitation, Wufei grabbed Duodin's hand, standing up, following Duodin's example by dusted off his own rags. Shinigami just followed behind, scrutinizing Wufei behind his back. No,she still did not trust this stranger.

 

“The oasis is not far,” Duo began. He bent down, retrieving his dagger very carefully, not to scratch himself from the scorpion's stinger, “but we have to hurry. I have to get some desert flowers and other stuff before nightfall.“

 

“What's happening later, if I may be so bold?” Wufei asked curiously, as he continued to follow behind Duodin.

 

“A wedding,” Duodin replied, not looking back. “Two of my best friends are tying the knot. They have been together since children, everyone's helping.”

 

“That sounds…lovely.”

 

“Yes, Jasmine will finally be happy. No one can tell her where her heart belongs because she already knows.”

 

Wufei looked strangely at Duodin. “Does she?” he questioned. The young prince had so many questions to ask and did not know how to approach. His dark eyes focused on the longhaired bandit. Should Wufei ask Duodin, could he? Judging from the teenager's appearance Duodin seemed around Wufei's age, and was stunning for a male. Duodin probably would know. Wufei desperately needed answers and looking at the spunky thief, he did not have anyone else to ask. There were not many people his age at the castle except for Meiran and Heero. For some strange reason, the young prince wanted to know how Duodin would react or rather needed to know. The words left Wufei's mouth before he could stop them. “How did she know?”

 

“Huh?” Duodin looked up confused from Wufei's question before he turned fully around. “What was that?”

 

Wufei bit his bottom lip in embarrassment, taking a deep breath to calm himself, he quietly asked Duodin again. “How did she know?”

 

At first, Duodin did not understand the question, but as soon as the words cleared within Duodin's mind, he understood what Wufei was truly asking him, “About love, Wufei? Are you asking me how did she know or rather how did Jasmine know if her fiancé' was the one meant for her?”

 

Shyly, Wufei nodded rather than answer.

 

Duodin crossed his arms over his chest while leaning one hip to the side. “Oh! I don't know myself personally,” the young thief began, “but those two used to fight like cats and dogs growing up. Saleb would tease Jaz and she would retaliate in various ways. There was never a dull moment with those two. However, as we grew older, there was this glow Jasmine would get in her eyes when Saleb was in the room or when Sal would joke around with the guys. The number of times Jasmine's name would pop up in a conversation. Sneaky little looks and soft caresses, accidental bumping into each other for no reason-Little things, Wufei, lots of little things that Jasmine and Saleb never noticed yet everyone else saw right away.”

 

This discussion about Duodin's friends was becoming interesting to Wufei. Duodin's vivid narration about his adventures with his childhood friends was like looking through a crystal ball of the past. Wufei could envision the teasing remarks because of the past actions of Meiran and Heero. Those two would do the same thing. Occurrences of this nature happened all the time at the palace for as long as he could remember. Wufei could still feel the phantom of pain as he rubbed his arms reflexively from the many fights that occurred between him and his sister. Each battle scar held something dear to Wufei, he could still feel the punches in remembrance from his teasing.

 

One such incident resulted when he found Meiran practicing her kissing skills on one of her dolls. Heero, who was watching over her sister that day, was embarrassed for weeks. The young captain kept to himself after that, making sure he was alert, yet busy while in Meiran's presence. Heero did not want another moment like that to embarrass himself. There were also times when Wufei was very young; Heero guarded Meiran while she slept making sure no one entered her chambers. Heero would sleep on the floor by the entrance. “I think I understand a little,” Wufei said, “because the princess feels that way towards someone that she can't have.”

 

Duodin looked at Wufei. “Really?” His expression changed. “I totally forgot that you are a runaway slave. Your story sounds sad. Were you the suitor?”

 

“Hell no…” Wufei yelled in offense but stopped himself. It was a simple question. He didn't have to jump down Duodin's throat because the young man didn't know who he really was. Frowning, Wufei bowed his head in apology. “I mean, no. I'm sorry about that and I didn't mean to yell like that.”

 

“That's okay,” Duodin replied, in total understanding. “Judging from the way you jumped at me, she must be a special girl.”

 

Wufei stared blankly off to the side, deep into the vastness of the desert, not wanting to look at Duodin. He kept feeling like he had been here before as if the sands were calling to him. “Yes, she is,” Wufei softly replied, “I hate that she is being forced to marry against her will.”

 

Against her will? No one should be forced to do something of that nature against his or her will, not without the person's consent. “No one can force you to marry someone.”

 

Wufei turned questionably to Duodin. “Don't you know the law? The law mandates that a princess must marry a prince. The princess is not in love with a prince yet her twin brother will not allow anyone near her if she does not favor him or her. It is a miracle that no one has seen either him or her within these sixteen years that have past but that is a miracle within itself. All of this while under the protection of their father, the king.”

 

Duodin looked at Wufei oddly, shook his head in denial and then smiled out the desert. “I don't believe you. Besides, I bet that if they wanted, they could have the world in their hands.”

 

“Excuse me?” If Wufei had ears like a cat, they would have perked straight up.

 

“You heard me,” as Duodin began to explain while his hands gestured his words, “With all of their riches and the power that they would inherit, the prince and princess could help the people. I've lived in this town all my life, but I don't understand why the king is hurting his people like this. Taxes are being raised everyday but the common man barely has enough to sustain him or herself much less a family. Look at you and what you had to do today. You have just escaped this morning and in the range of a few hours have seen a large amount of the people's pain. You've seen the faces of some children, Wufei, especially those two you offered the apples to. Multiply that number by a thousand and you have our town.”

 

Thousands? Duodin had to be lying but looking at the seriousness of the thief's expression, why would he lie? Wufei didn't want to imagine thousands of people, his people, that he never knew suffering because of greed. This was not the first time that the true welfare of the people was brought up. Lady Relena told his father repeatedly that everything was fine in the kingdom and the townspeople were happy with their current living conditions. Lies! All lies. Wufei growled in irritation. That wretched vizier was too busy trying to get into his pants rather than care about the people. Lady Relena was going to pay when he got back to the palace.

 

But did Wufei want to go back? Was he willing to go back to his imprisonment? “But living at the palace is not all fun and games, Duodin,” Wufei replied, crossing his arms over his chest. “The prince and princess live everyday like rag dolls being told what to do or what clothing is appropriate for what occasion. To think for themselves is blasphemy and it is like they can not live for themselves. It was sickening to see them frustrated every day; just wanting to be free like a bird from their cage.”

 

“Cage?” Duodin was in shock. Wufei couldn't be telling the truth about the heirs to the throne. “How can you say something like that? How can anything as beautiful as the Magic Castle be a cage?” Duodin would never believe Wufei's words. “Living out here is a cage. Take me for example. Each day, I must fight to survive for another day. Every second is never my own because I must be aware at all times. I never know who is after me today or where I might find my next meal. In the palace, everyone is beautiful and there are servants and valets everywhere. From my home high about the city, I have a picture perfect view of the castle. It is like a glimpse of heaven for me.” Duodin turned towards the direction of the castle. “I can picture myself with the prince and princess drinking sweet tea from delicate cups just having a simple conversation. We would be eating delicate pastry as light as air off of golden plates and honey would be dripping from a fountain to taste and no child would starve ever…” Duodin stopped at his voice increased from his ranting and shook his head. “Let me stop daydreaming. I'm wasting time talking to you about this especially while in this intense heat. No more playing around. There's work to be done.”

 

Duodin didn't say another word as he worked to conserve his energy but he never noticed that his companion was now looking at him strangely in a new light.

 

~***~

 

Magic Castle

 

Princess Meiran was pissed as she stomped her way down the hall and towards her bedroom. Of all the days for her plans to finally come to fruition, Heero had to attend a damn meeting for security. Since she had helped the young captain with her twin's little trip, Meiran never told Heero of her ulterior motive for sending her brother out. Being a twin, she knew her brother knew of her plans. She had planned an outing for the entire day for just the two of them. First they would start off with a picnic and then a sword lesson…she really loved the sword lessons. She closed her eyes imagining the strong captain behind her, her back to his solid chest with his hot breath ghosting over her neck…

 

“Princess…”

 

“Huh?” Meiran looked up and groaned. Standing off to the side was Isis who was the head Lady of the maidens from Meiran's Lotus Court. The tall brunette with the green eyes had warned Meiran earlier about her dance lessons. The princess didn't understand it. What the heck did she need dance lessons for? She had already memorized all of the latest dances five times over, besides her mind was not on dance but finding Heero. “Isis, I don't have time for this. I've got to do something important…”

 

Isis smirked all knowingly. “Does this assignment have anything to do with a certain guard, my sultana?”

 

If Meiran's eyes could get any darker…they bugged out of their sockets instead. Her bedroom erupted into giggles the moment she entered the room followed closely by Isis. “Excuse me?”

 

Isis pursed her lips and stared Meiran down. She practically raised Meiran and her brother and thought of the two as her own. “Surely you didn't think you could fool us, princess?” For her age she still was youthful as Isis sashayed across the room, passing by the other maidens that were sitting on silk pillows. She paused, stopping directly in front of a eunuch. With his hands, the eunuch had a long thick stick craved with various symbols. With no expression on his face, he held out his hand to the maiden. “We've know for years about your infatuation for the dear captain and we want to help.”

 

“Help?!” Meiran's voice cracked though she didn't mean it to. Her personal maidens were crazy. Her own father would murder the lot of them if he knew where his daughter's mind was. She couldn't have their blood on her hands. “Isis, I don't know what you're speaking of…”

 

Isis was not about to back down. “Don't try to deny your feelings, young one. I know. Remember I was around when your mother was alive.”

 

“That's right.” Another girl piped in coming over to Meiran's right side. This one's complexion was pale as snow with eyes and hair to match. “You must listen to Isis, Mei.” Asa replied. “Your lovemate is very beautiful. It is a pity about the law though. Couldn't you, for the time being and until you are betrothed, have a secret love?”

 

Meiran grumbled. “Look who we are talking about here, people. He will not allow it. Heero is very honorable. No matter what…we will both suffer.”

 

“Yes,” Another maiden by the name of Star said, “the way he stares at you.” Star fanned herself. “That man holds a passion so hot even I might be burned just being in the room. The intensity of his eyes, Mei, when you are in a room of many…He wants you so much.” Everyone in the room nodded in agreement. “He only sees you…”

 

“But he respects her, Star,” Tamia, a red head with honey almond eyes cut in. “His lust is always in check and he is deeply respected.” She crossed her arms over her chest in irritation. “I hate that law!”

 

~***~

 

“Huh?” Duo stopped. His bowl was empty lying on the floor beside the carpet when a message in the story told Duo to stop and get his laptop. Following the note to a tee, Duo got up from the floor and retrieved his laptop from where he had last left it. The screen jumped from sleep mode as he flipped the top. Smiling, he remembered he had shutdown the last time he used it. Someone had been in messing with his baby because the screensaver was on. What had his boyfriend done now?

 

“Now my love, open up the heart folder on your desk top.”

 

A chestnut brow arched as Duo saw the folder and click on to it as instructed. Various files were listed including something called playlist.doc. He clicked that one open and a list of songs were complied in order for the story. Their counterparts were in MP3 format for Duo to hear as he continued.

 

“Continue reading, lovely, but as you read I have highlighted the name of the song for you to hear while you read. Hope you are enjoying the story.”

 

Duo beamed as he played the first song.

 

Meanwhile, Wufei was smirking at Duo from his solitary self confinement enjoying the many expressions his story weaved from his lover.

 

~***~

 

Back in the Magic Castle, Princess Meiran was confused. She was in such a strange predicament. Usually when she felt confused like this, she would sing out her frustrations. She may have been a crowned princess, but she was also a girl…a girl with needs. “If you have my love and I gave you all my trust, would you comfort me?” Meiran's melancholy flowed through the words of her song. The rest of the maidens slowly began to rise sadly in understanding for the fate of their princess, each moving into their ranking position.

 

All of the maidens nodded. If the princess had to do a dance lesson, she might as well enjoy their company together while it lasted.

 

The next line was sung as the count stick dropped loudly against the stone floor. “And if somehow you know, that your love would be untrue, would you lie to me and call me baby.” The count stick dropped again and the dance began. Meiran continued to sing as she gyrated and twirled with silk flying into the air with her movement as she danced with her harem sisters. Her mind became lost into the words of the song.

 

Meanwhile, Heero had just finished his meeting with the guards, and sent them scouring the streets for any information of any strange occurrence in the town. The captain had to be aware secretly that everything was okay. He was making his way towards Meiran's rooms when he was stopped in the hallway by a pale jeweled hand. Holding in his grumble, Heero turned around and came face to face with Lady Relena. “Milady,” The captain bowed in respect.

 

“Captain,” Lady Relena nodded back in acknowledgement. “Have you seen Wufei? I have some documents that I need him to look over.”

 

Heero calmly stared Relena in her face and lied about Wufei's whereabouts. “His majesty is having his dance lessons and then defense lessons directly after, Milady.”

 

“Oh?” Lady Relena pouted prettily. She wanted to spend some time with the ebony haired god. Wufei was untouched territory that she lusted after. It was getting harder and harder just to control herself being in the same room with that beautiful specimen of a man. “I so wanted to spend some time with him. Since the prince is so busy, I can reschedule it for tomorrow. Yes. That is what I will do. Make sure you tell him that, won't you captain.”

 

Heero nodded.

 

“He is very mature for his age and so well rounded. It will be sad if he marries…”

 

A chocolate eyebrow arched. “If?” Heero thought silently. What was this witch up to now?

 

Sighing, Relena regained her composure and straightened her robes as if Heero wasn't standing there. When she did pay attention to the captain again, she shook her head in pity. “Such a pity for Meiran too… Good day to you, Captain.”

 

Heero watched as Lady Relena sashayed away, glaring at her while silently holding himself back from throwing a mercy dagger into the witch's back.

 

~***~

 

Back in the harem, Meiran was twirling around the room with silk veils in her hands and bells on her ankles. The lotus court was in awe at the princess's skills. The maidens were proud of their sultana and knew that should Meiran could out dance every female in the room. Only one person was better than the princess and that person was just as beautiful. That boy could do dances from the male and female point of view.

 

Isis just watched as Meiran continued to sing as she danced. Not a maiden in the room could not help but sympathize for the young heir.

 

Now if I give you me

this is how it's got to be:

first of all, I won't take you cheatin' on me

Tell me who can I trust

if I can't trust in you

and I refuse to let you play me for a fool

 

You said that we could possibly spend eternity

(See that's what you told me; that's what you said)

But if you want me you have to be fulfilling all my dreams

(If you really want me, babe)

 

If you had my love and I gave you all my trust

would you comfort me?

And if somehow you knew that your love would be untrue

would you lie to me and call me baby?

 

Said you want my love and you've got to have it all

but first there are some things you need to know

If you want to live with all I have to give

I need to feel true love or it's got to end, yeah

 

Meiran's song was so sad and described her yearnings for the shy captain. What would happen if she were to get her intended her love? Would her mate love only her and remain true to her or he be promiscuous with the other harem maidens? Even though it was a right by Allah, would her chosen lie just to please her? Could she ever trust him? Meiran refused to be anyone's puppet and she had dreams just like any other female her age. Every female wanted to love and have affection in return but her only vice was her title. She was the crown princess.

 

She never noticed the arrival of the Captain who had just entered the room from a secret passageway, a passageway only know to the certain guards and royalty. The song was slowly coming to the end.

 

I don't want you tryin' to get with me and I end up unhappy

(Don't need the hurt and I don't need the pain)

So before I do give myself to you

I have to know the truth

(If I spend my life with you)

 

Men were not really allowed in the lotus court, all but two…Wufei and Heero by demand of Meiran. Meiran wouldn't even let Lady Relena in her rooms. She didn't trust that witch and never would. Heero gasped loudly when he heard the words of the song Meiran was singing. He remember when he was younger, his own mother would sing that song yearning for the king whose heart belonged to the new queen. He didn't want to end up like his mother sadly wasting away while yearning for a love that would never come.

 

Meiran gasped, raising a hand to cover over her mouth in embarrassment. This was not the way she planned on telling Heero. Her dark chocolate eyes focused on Heero's Prussian blues and one look told Meiran more than she needed to know. Fire burnt in that storm, and yet pain reflected back towards her. The captain quickly excused himself from the room before he brought shame to his family's name. Meiran ran after him in pursuit, catching the young man before he turned the corner. “HEERO!”

 

Heero stopped in his tracks not moving a step further in his intended path, but he refused to turn around.

 

“Look at me, please!” Meiran pleaded. The tension in the empty hallway increased with each passing second.

 

Heero shook his head in denial. He couldn't do it. He knew the law and knew the consequences. But Meiran, beautiful, stubborn as a mule, Meiran would not take no for an answer. Heero gasped when he felt full breasts pressed warmly against his back. Silky golden arms wrapped around his torso like a warm blanket, holding him in place desperately. Heero didn't realize he was shivering within the embrace. “Your highness….”

 

“Meiran!” The princess yelled into Heero's back, sobbing as crystal tears slowly began flowing down her face. “Just Meiran to you, Heero. Only you! Even if I am betrothed to another, even if I am heavy with another man's seed, my soul only belongs to you.”

 

Heero shivered in shock. Though his heart was bursting with joy, Meiran's admission was forbidden. His life was now in jeopardy. But his fate was signed the moment his heart had been imprinted with her smile. Her name was burnt deep into his soul from the moment they met at children. Only Meiran could make him shiver and only she could make him ignore endless females all craving for his touch.

 

For the first time in Heero's life, he didn't have an answer.

 

~***~

 

Oasis

 

The desert, barren and desolate to the unschooled eye, but for the nomads who continuously traveled across the wasteland of heat and sweat, it was home. Within this land of barrenness and lost lives, two travelers continued their journey towards sanctuary. Wufei, the disguised crown prince, was soaking up the heat like a sponge while Duodin, a common thief, was complaining every five minutes about the heat. Wufei chuckled as he watched the smooth feline gait of his comrade. He could laugh at the brat. Duodin should be used to the heat. Wufei was used to being in the sun. He loved the outdoors because most of his time was spent in the sun anyway in one form or another. Heero had made sure of that, always keeping the crown prince in top form in all types of elements for his own protection.

 

“Okay, Wufei. Do you see it?”

 

Wufei nodded, raising a hand to shield his eyes from the glare of the sun. His line of sight was too anxious, and his demeanor was bouncing.

 

Purplish-blue orbs shrunk to slits glaring daggers at Wufei. Duodin wanted to smack him for being so happy. “I guess you like the view.” Duodin rolled his eyes and continued walking.

 

Wufei was speechless as they approached. The moment the vegetation came into view as they walked over another sand dune, Wufei was deaf and dumb as he planted his feet on fertile ground. Fertile ground? He was in the middle of a desert and after walking through all that sand…to come to a paradise. Palm trees were swaying from a light breeze that appeared out of nowhere and before him was a deep pool of water. Desert creatures were around the edge, drinking from the water as it was their last meal before skirting away because of the newcomers. It was just like Wufei had imagined it would be.

 

Duodin smirked at Wufei, snickering internally from his behavior. It was like the man never saw an oasis before. “So I guess you do like it.”

 

“That's an understatement, Duodin.” Wufei murmured. “It's breathtaking.”

 

Duodin chuckled for a moment before he began to disrobe. Just as the vest slip off to the ground, a gasp was heard behind him.

 

“Uh Duodin,” Wufei inquired nervously while slowly trying to stop the blush from creeping from his neck towards his ears. “What are you doing?”

 

“What does it look like I'm doing?” Duodin began to unwrap the band of fabric that served as a belt from around his waist.

 

“BUT…Bbut…um…” Wufei stuttered trying to stop his eyes from roaming over the pale sweaty back of the irritated thief. The young prince swallowed deeply. Duodin was very fit and for some odd reason, it was making Wufei nervous.

 

Duodin turned around just as his pants fell off, leaving him in some thin cloth barely covering his genital, which he would take off in the water. “Hello? What are you standing around for?! Take em off!”

 

If Wufei could get any redder…, “That's okay…”

 

“Oh no,” Duodin yelled. “You are not accompanying me to a wedding smelling like camel dung! I'll rip every piece of clothing off you if I have to.

 

Wufei blushed even redder. He didn't have a problem with nudity…it was just striping in front of Duodin. Heero saw him naked all the time but this was a different scenario. If Wufei truly thought about that…he would let Duodin strip him just to let the thief touch him. It was weird, like some tug of war between them. There was a tension slowly building between them like lightening hitting the sand and the young prince didn't understand why. He had never felt like this in his life.

 

Duodin shook his head. He didn't understand Wufei at all. What person wouldn't want to be clean? He hated being dirty but it was a fact of life. The situation he was placed daily left him with no other choice but tonight was special. He made a promise to Jasmine and he was going to keep it. It would be a long time before he danced like he would tonight and he was going to give those two a treat that would last a lifetime.

 

Shinigami was alert and sitting on guard watching Duodin's clothes so that wasn't the problem. “To hell with him!” Duodin thought. Pulling the string from the end of his braid, Duodin ran into the water taking a flying leap.

 

Wufei frowned. There was no way of him getting out of this. Duodin was already in the water washing, with his back turned from Wufei. The little beast of a monkey was glaring at Wufei like she wanted a piece out of him, daring him to attempt anything under her watchful eyes. Chocolate eyes widened when Shinigami started sharpening her claws. Wufei grumbled. “Might as well get it over with...” Piece by piece a drop of tattered material fell along the floor until Wufei was standing almost nude in his undergarments.

 

Shinigami's eyes popped out of their sockets.

 

Rolling his eyes, Wufei ignored the little beast and walked calmly over into the water as slowly as possible to get used to the temperature of the water. He was also praying the cold water cool down his awakening libido since he was trying to ignore Duodin. Moving further into the water until he was waist deep, the prince stopped when he found a nice spot to sit in the water and submerged up to his neck. The water wasn't as cold as he told but it was lovely. It felt good against his skin and much better that the heated baths at home. No scented oils in the water making him feel like a female. The water smelled earthy and pure, like he was being reborn. Meiran was going to freak when he told her.

 

Though Duodin was happy to be born in the desert, he loved water as if he was a fish. He was also happy that Wufei finally was in the water. There was no way he was taking that jerk anywhere the way he smelt, especially to a wedding. That would be an embarrassment. The street urchin hummed to himself as he scrubbed his chest, armpits and neck with the special moss that grew from the bottom on this pond's floor. He dived the moment he entered since he knew the place so well. Long strands of chestnut were floating loosely on the surface like a curtain of pure colored silk.

 

It was comfortable and relaxing just sitting back and closing your eyes to meditate. Wufei had dived into the water a couple of times to get used to his surroundings and was now relaxing. He was determined not to look in Duodin's direction but his curiosity of how the other person looked when wet was getting the better of him. Why was he afraid of looking at a common thief? This was Duodin. This was not how a crown prince was supposed to act even if said prince was undercover. Sighing, Wufei opened his eyes and changed a look at his companion…and lost his damn mind.

 

With ebony silken strands falling into his face, Wufei's velvet eyes were mere specks within his eye sockets. He pushed his hair back to get a closer look to see that he wasn't dreaming. Duodin was currently scrubbing his hair but from where Wufei was looking he could have sworn he was looking a the back of a beautiful woman. Though there were a few scars on Duodin's back, Wufei thought Duodin was beautiful. Wufei was still trying to figure out how Duodin kept his pale complexion after living all his life in the desert. The thief had skin that reminded Wufei of the flowers in his sister's room, small and delicate yet resilient to the chaotic weather. He totally forgot the name of them but his sister looked those flowers. It was like Duodin was a field of flowers, different facets of strength.

 

The thief's back was shapely yet strong and curved so deliciously into upside down heart. Wufei was terrified to see front of the young man if his back look like that. Duodin's crown achievement was his hair. Though it was wet, it was such a breathtaking sight. Wufei had many carpets in his home, weaved by the most skillful artisan but Allah is the master. This simple thief's hair when it was wet was more precious that any jewel that Wufei had seen. It was literally changing colors while in the water on the surface of the water from various combinations of reds, browns and golds-colors of sunsets and the land itself. If Duodin was to turn at that moment, Wufei might have apologized for his behavior because the cold water was not doing anything to help the way he felt at the moment.

 

Meanwhile, Duodin was getting frustrated. He was trying to stop the soap from going into his eyes. He hated feeling vulnerable like this. Time was working against them and his hair was only half clean. He didn't want to do it but he needed help. “Wufei, I need you a sec.”

 

Wufei swallowed real hard. He didn't really want to move from his side of the pool but Duodin pleaded again, he slowly maneuvered over to Duodin's side. “Yes?”

 

“My hair,” Duodin began not turning, “I'll never finish getting it clean if I take too much time on it. I need you to scrub soap in it while I do my front, please? I usually have Hild come with me on these outing but there wasn't time to get him to come with us.”

 

An ebony eyebrow went up questionably. Wufei didn't like the idea of some female in Duodin's hair much less his body. “Oh?” Wufe found himself reply rather sarcastically “I though you came by yourself?”

 

“I usually do,” Duodin replied still scrubbing no catching the strange tone in Wufei's voice. He still had not see Wufei clean yet. “But the last time I came here with Hilde was when her parents were married. I didn't dance then. Saleb did. It's my turn now because Jasmine and Saleb are now the next. Someone will do it for me when I am married.”

 

Wufei was in deep thought with that one. Someone marry Duodin? That thought wasn't sitting well for Wufei. Weird. Sighing, the prince moved closer to Duodin's back. The smell of herbs began to intoxicate his sense but he calmed his nerves before he spoke. “I must tell you, Duodin. I've seen when the prince has his hair washed but I've never seen colorings like this…“ Golden fingers threaded through thick strands, separating and trying to analyst their depth while rubbing the soapy herb through the mass.

 

The moment those golden fingers went through his hair, Duodin moaned in delight. The last person to touch his hair and Shinigami did not count was Hilde because they were his family. To Duodin and from what he was told from his grandmother, their hair was sacred and blessed by the gods. That was how his grandmother knew he had a gift. All seers from their family had the strange color with the pale highlights but they were all female. It seemed that Duodin was the last of his kind. Hilde would follow Duodin's instruction but doing what Wufei was doing right now was weird. “Mmm, Wufei. You have good hands.”

 

Wufei swallowed. He didn't want to response else his voice wouldn't sound like he wanted to. The cold water was doing nothing to the spark burning within him and his libido for the first time was desiring something or rather someone. After years of running from princesses of different titles, the lonely prince felt a connection though his interest didn't know yet.

 

Before long, Duodin's hair was sparklingly clean from Wufei's helpful hands and he had finished washing. When he finally turned around to thank Wufei, the spunky thief was thunderstruck. Large violet eyes were doubling in size.

 

Wufei was staring back at Duodin shyly wondering what was going on within that inquisitive mind. He could see the Duodin was in shock.

 

Duodin was speechless. Never in his lifetime had he seen anything more perfect or beautiful that the being before him. Who the hell was this? Wet glossy black hair, large velvet eyes…Wufei? Was this Wufei? Pain in his neck, the bastard Wufei? Duodin thought the captain Heero Yuy was cute but Fei…this simple vagabond was marriage material. Wufei's dark coloring complimented his and it made Duodin crave something, something he didn't think he could. Duodin suddenly licked his lips, his mouth dry. He felt so thirsty though he was waist deep in cool water. Violet eyes memorized every feature into his memory. Dark hair, dark exotic eyes, golden skin like rich honey and his muscles were lovely. Praise Allah for his sight but Fei was just too beautiful for a mere slave. He had to be a concubine or dancer or something.

 

Dark eyes blinked at his companion. “Are you okay, Duodin?”

 

“Huh?” Duodin blinked in confusion.

 

“You're staring.”

 

“Oh?” Duodin turned quietly around to wring his hair over his shoulder. “Sorry about that. I guess we better hurry. I have to stop to get some better clothes from the underground tavern and then we're off.” Duodin slowly left the water shocked into silence.

 

Wufei looked on the silent thief worried. Duodin usually had a wisecrack waiting. “Are you sure you're okay?”

 

The smile didn't quite meet Duodin's eyes as he responded nervously. “Yeah. Come on, we have to hurry.”

 

“Now that's a first.” Wufei shrugged his shoulders and was about to put his infested rags back on when Duodin stooped him.

 

“No!” Duodin yelled. “I'm taking you to get some clothes.” Duodin panicked for a minute and then stopped as an idea blossomed on his face. He ran towards the back of the tree, counting as he walked and stopped in front of a certain palm tree. Falling to his knees, he began digging deeply into the sand. Wufei watched as the thief dug deep into the ground and pulled something out, some type of parcel wrapped in a blanket. Duodin with parcel in hand ran back over to Wufei and offered him the package. “Here.” Duodin offered, “These were my father's.”

 

Wufei's chocolate eyes bungled out. “Your father's?”

 

Duodin blushed. “Yeah. It's not big deal. I can't fit them anyway. Oddly, I'm shaped like my mother.”

 

Wufei was not going to response to that. He was too caught up behind the meaning of the gift. “Duodin…”

 

The fringe from Duodin's chestnut bang covered over his eyes. “It's nothing, just helping out a friend.” Duodin quietly rose and grabbed what was left from the parcel, wrapped it up tight and secure. Duodin then pulled his loose hair over his shoulder and began to quickly braid it as he walked away. “Just tell me when you're dressed.”

 

Wufei watched as Duodin walked a little bit to give the teenager some privacy. With heart racing deep in his chest and clothes against his chest, Wufei's velvety dark brown eyes never left the back of retreating thief's form.

 

TBC

 

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Author's notes: Wow! I'm done! My cousin and the rest of my family think I'm crazy. But that is normal. You try being the only female in an apartment full of testosterone me talking about my fixation with Duo and Wufei. The conversions could make a damn story! They are hilarious.

 

Next chapter: Scheming vizers, fiesty family members, an underground world and sexy dancing? That can only mean one thing!! It's time to party! Duodin and Wufei are about to lose damn minds and hearts! Stay tuned for “Beloved.”