Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Duodin, Can I show you the world? ❯ Beloved ( Chapter 6 )

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 and get laid in the story! Double check with 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 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

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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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.

 

Chapter six:

Beloved

 

Looking at the five foot eight middle aged women of mixed descent, a person would not believe that this woman had ever lived a day in the robust town of Agrabah, but it is said to never judge a book by it cover. Among the dust and sand, Sally Po's Tavern, as known as Shangri-la as the locals called it, was a home away from home to the common folk of Agrabah. Born and raised in the quiet town, Sally Po happily lived among the thieves, vagabonds and other common people of inscrutable descent. Everyone knew her and because of this, her motto was “Even a lowlife needed to have a friend.”

 

The beautiful woman held power within her medium frame and was a welcome necessity for all the common folk. She became a caring mother for all the street urchins and healer for the sick and invalid. These were her people; she lived with them on a daily basis and she would die with them. Her nickname on the street was Queen Mother since she was a child at the end of the great wars and was considered an elder for this generation; Sally was even there on the day Duodin was conceived, bringing the whelp into the world from his deceased mother's womb and slapping the breath out of him. To this day, the brat has not shut up since. Therefore, when the beautiful yet wise elder of the town saw two mysteriously dressed merchants in tattered robes enter her tavern and approached her by giving her a familiar sign, Sally motioned the strangers to the back of her bar where her goods were located.

 

At the bar, a platinum black haired, dark purple-eyed beauty was humming a little ditty while cleaning some shot glasses. Her eyes had briefly seen the scene concerning her wife and the strangers and nodded once towards her daughter, who was serving the other patrons. As co-owner and wife of Sally, it was Noin's responsibility of handling the drinks at the counter. Her daughter, Hilde, had just stopped serving her customers. Hilde was a pretty lass with short bluish-black hair and impressive night eyes like her birth mother. Quietly, she walked and never said a word as she followed behind her other mother, Sally, to the storage shed. The moment the door closed and secured from busybodies, the hood of one of the strangers gently came down, followed by the bright smile of Duodin. The teenager's joy illuminated the room like the largest fire build for his adopted mother. “Hi, Mom! I'm home,” Duodin loudly exclaimed.

 

“Duodin, you fool,” Sally Po yelled before grabbing her impudent brat by his neck and clutched the boy hard against her large breasts. A few tears managed to escape from her happy eyes, while Duodin smiled inside her adoptive mother's grasp and just dealt with the mild suffocation. Duodin knew he had worried Sally; hugging his mother in return, to reassure her that he was okay. Sally pushed back from her wayward child and really looked at him. Duodin had grown a couple of inches during the last three months and the elder sighed in relief. When Duodin had disappeared, Sally fear for his life on a daily basis. Eventually, that teenager would be the death of her. One of these days, Sally was afraid that she would lose her little fox. Thinking about that would only bring her pain, so Sally pushed away those negative thoughts and focused on her son's return. Something jumped into her hair and Sally giggled, feeling Abu scurry about within her tousled mane. The little monkey loved to play with her braids. “Yes! You too, Abu! How are you, little one?” Sally replied, as she began rubbing the little monkey behind its ears. Abu purred happily in pleasure. “Ah! I found your weak spot, pumpkin.”

 

Duodin turned to Wufei and nodded once. Sally's attention centered on her son's companion as she watched Wufei pulled down his hood. Hilde, overjoyed by her adopted brother's return, began to blush a deep crimson and certain hormones awoke in surprise. “Uh, Duodin? Who's your friend?”

 

“Oh!” Duodin raised a hand politely, while the young man introduced Wufei to his family. “Wufei, this is my adopted mother, Sally Po. To my mother's left is this beautiful young woman, who happens to be my bratty younger sister, Hilde. Mom, Hil, this is Wufei. I saved him from Sharim, the apple vendor earlier today.”

 

“That jerk?” Hilde exclaimed, waving her pale hands frantically in the air before they settled onto her hips. “What did he try to do now? Stab some innocent kids with that piece of sword he inherited?”

 

“No,” Wufei's rich and deep voice quietly replied, “But close. He wanted my hands for a lethal transaction.” Velvet eyes bubbled with mirth before settling warmly on Duodin as Wufei spoke to Sally. “Your son here saved me. I'm eternally in his debt.”

 

Hilde felt herself blushing in spite of herself from the voice of the newcomer. The stranger's voice felt like melted caramel or warm cocoa inside of her and his looks were to die for--hair like black silk and eyes that glittered when the young man spoke. Wow! The stranger was breathtaking. Hilde had never met anyone that gorgeous except for her adopted brother. Her friends would be so jealous of her, especially that pain in the butt Bashawn who had a crush on her like forever. “Wow! How do you talk like that? It is so perfect. It sounds like you are from the palace or something.”

 

Violet eyes twinkled before a huge smirk crept on Duodin's face. “He is.”

 

Sally Po and Hilde stared at Duodin, dumbfounded, and then very slowly turned towards Wufei and back towards Duodin. “What?” They both exclaimed.

 

Duodin wanted to laugh but held it in. One of the reasons he was nicknamed Fox because of his mischievous nature and surprising his family was Duodin's specialty. “Wufei escaped this morning. I guess everything is not okay at the castle if castle's own people are trying to escape.” Duodin began to giggle when he really thought about it.”

 

Hilde did not think that was funny. Any issues going wrong with the castle would affect the people. “Oh, Duodin….”

 

Duodin caught the look that Hilde was giving him and frowned. “Hilde, don't start. You are so negative all the time. Everything is going to be fine because the royal family is going to straighten everything out. I betcha they are looking for Wufei because they're probably worried about him.” Duodin only stole to eat and only from people that deserved it. His kind heart would be the death of him, but the young thief did not care. The lithe theif then turned to the side, his arms crossing over his chest in frustration.

 

Wufei was listening attentively on every word uttered from Duodin's lips. The young thief believed in his family, morals the young prince believed in also. Duodin should be screaming, wanting to kill the royal family for the injustice done to his people--but watching him right now, where nothing was perfect with his life, this didn't stop the young thief from his dreams. It was in that moment, Wufei never felt more respect for anyone than he did for Duodin.

 

Duodin's voice suddenly interrupted Wufei's thoughts. “So…have the kids arrived yet?”

 

“No, Duodin,” Sally Po quietly replied while dusting off one of her boxes, “but the caverns are done. It is beautiful down there.”

 

A black eyebrow arched into raven locks. “Caverns?” Wufei didn't even know Agrabah had caverns.

 

“Yes Fei. Can I call you Fei?” When Wufei nodded, Sally Po continued with her history lesson. “During the great wars, people fled underground to the safely of the earth. Deep in the ground are massive underground passageways older than time and some have existed even before the time of Ali Baba and his forty thieves. These are just some of the many stories from our heritage that was true.”

 

“I would love to hear about them,” Wufei replied. It was an experience to hear about his land's history from another point of view rather than read it from ancient text. This woman before him had experienced the wars first hand. Just listening to her could teach Wufei additional lessons on how to run the county. The mistakes of the past always gave lessons for the future. Sally Po smiled at the ebony haired young man's enthusiasm. “Maybe later when everything has settled down after we cleaned up everything, Wufei. Now,” She turned to Duodin. “Hakim will run the bar until everyone has settled into the caverns tonight.” Sally's smile broadened for her adopted child. “I'm just dying for tonight's entertainment.”

 

Hilde also giggled at her mother's exuberance. Tonight was a special occasion for their family. “Yes, the song is perfect and the dance steps are easy to follow. Anyone can catch on. Tonight is going to be a great party.”

 

One person didn't think so. The disapproval on Duodin's face had left him as quickly as he had shown it. Violet eyes strayed back to his companion and his fox ear pricked up in thought. “Wufei here is a dancer.”

 

Wufei jerked around so fast towards Duodin that he almost had whiplash. “Uh? No, I am not. Really….”

 

Duodin smirked mischievously at his companion. It was a perfect way to get even with the conceited bastard. “Stop being so modest, Wufei,” Duodin purred. A pale hand leisurely reached out and patted Wufei on his shoulder repeatedly in a friendly gesture. “To be around the crowned prince is an honor and you have to be talented to get that far. I should be jealous because you could probably teach me a few steps.”

 

Wufei blushed before swallowing deeply. His dark eyes had widened in shock from Duodin's accusation. If the young thief only knew what thoughts were running through Wufei's mind--he could teach Duodin various things if given the opportunity, very pleasurable things. Various teachers had educated the crown prince in his lifetime, even though, physically, Wufei was a virgin. Wufei cleared his throat, mentally fighting back the improper thoughts that continued racing through his mind before Wufei finally turned to Hilde. ”So, Duodin is dancing tonight? This should be a treat.” Wufei did not realize he was growling his words.

 

The effect was instantaneous. Duodin physically shivered with his knees knocking against each other. He quickly played it off, shaking his head to clear his thoughts to focus on the dance number for the night. Rubbing a hand up and down his left arm, Duodin tried to stop the goose bumps from forming. His anxiety was working overtime and, for the record, Duodin did not like this. Why did he feel like he was about to become Wufei's dinner? Things seem to happen around Wufei --like when the vagabond smiled at him. Why would Duodin's heart begin to race like the scurrying of lotus beetles against a decaying log or flutter like a bird soaring in the sky against his rib cage? These constant strange feelings penetrated his mind yet again and for the first time since his grandmother's death, Duodin never felt so unsure of his choices.

 

Hilde turned to Duodin to ask her adopted brother about something but paused in mid thought. Her brother was staring strangely at Wufei again. Duodin looked uncertain for a moment and whenever Wufei spoke, he seemed to be hanging off Wufei's every word. “Okay, that is just weird,” Hilde silently thought, still staring at the strange interaction between her brother and his companion. Hilde silently gasped, covering her mouth when she noticed her brother play with his braid. Duodin only did that mannerism when he was nervous about something and then he would start talking nonstop. “What does Duodin have to be nervous about?” she silently thought.

 

Sally clapped her hands together bringing everyone's attention back focused on her. “Okay guys. We might as well head underground. Duodin, your costume is wrapped up over there and as you know as soon as the ceremony is over….”

 

“Okay, I know I have to do the fertility dance.” Motioned shyly to Fei, Duodin shook his head negatively before he began asking any questions. Now was not the time to explain. “Come, Wufei! We're going underground.”

 

Sally Po smiled, when she went to the front and peeked out to signal Hakim and her wife of her departure to the underground tavern. Hilde, Duodin and Wufei followed behind the elder after she said her goodbyes. Sally then went to back to the stockroom, moving around some boxes and kneed to the floor. The teenagers gathered the items needed and returned to Sally Po's side wondering what she was doing. With a gentle sway of her hand, Sally pushed some of the sand away and pulled something from the floor. A swoosh sound was heard and the floor opened up to reveal a trapdoor. Smirking, Sally fiddled with the rope ladder that was adjacent within the hole and secured it before she slowly began to descend into the darkness.

 

Three sets of eyes stared into the dark hole before they heard Sally's call to follow. The teenagers looked at each other and then, one by one, they began to descend into the hole with Hilde going first, followed by Wufei and Duodin picking up the rear to close the trapdoor. It was dark in the cavern so Sally Po gave apt instructions so everything would be okay. The young people followed behind the older woman obediently and followed her instructions to a tee. Even though there was barely enough light to see your hand in front of face, the desert people could see since their eyes adjusted to these conditions on a daily basis. Sally recommended that everyone hold hands not to get lost.

 

Wufei took the initiative and quickly grasped Duodin's right hand firmly into his left hand, pulling the bewildered thief along. Duodin looked at Wufei in shock but did not say a word, his face flushed from embarrassment. Sally & Hilde snickered in stunned amusement because no one ever made Duodin blush like that. It seemed that someone had unconsciously claimed their Duodin and Mother and daughter were laughing at the two since they were witnesses to the birth of a new couple.

 

Wufei smiled, strangely empowered for some reason. The young prince did not understand his sudden possessive nature towards Duodin, but he mentally dared anyone to approach else suffer his wraith. A strange ache throbbed within him that was not there before and whenever Wufei had touched Duodin, he felt better. The disguised vagabond shook his head and reached out for Hilde's hand, causing the girl to join her brother embarrassment. This action did not pass Wufei's eyesight, nor was his mind was not on Hilde. Unconsciously, his fingers brushed over the hand on his left side and a warmth tingle felt. Piece of the life's puzzle was clicking together--Something was happening to him and Duodin. Could Wufei tell Duodin how he was truly feeling? The young disguised prince sighed. It was going to be a long night.

 

~***~

 

Castle: Relena's Secret Lab

 

The old parrot was walking rather swiftly on a gear shaped contraption. Gnarled claws walked along rods turning into a circle and the movement of the gears seemed to generate some type of power. There was a bubble on top of the contraption and sands were swirling within trying to form into something.

 

“Faster, Pagan!!”The vizier exclaimed.

 

“I'm running as fast as I can, Mistress.” The bird gasped, trying to catch its breath.

 

“Then run faster. I can't see!”

 

“I'm trying, mistress. Could you not have waited for a storm? There is one in the forecast.”

 

Relena glared at the decrepit bird. “Do you want to know what tonight feast will consist of if you don't start moving?”

 

Pargan squawked loudly and tried to move faster, his wings flapping while his master looked on with a crazed look on her face. Gleefully, Relena placed the sultan's precious ring on the bubble and waited for the streak of lightening to grow. Just as predicted, the sands within the crystal ball began to glow and swirl into a circle.

 

“Yes! That's it!” Relena cooed at the glowing sphere. “That's right, my darling. Reveal to me the one who can enter. Show me, dear crystal, and the one who can enter the cave of phenomenal wonder.” The sands swirled faster and faster until they shaped into the form of the Cave of Wonders. A lightening bolt flashed and the sand fell again to rise displaying a band of travelers to focus on the last two in the group. The black hair was a dead giveaway. “Wufei?” Relena shrieked. “What in Allah's name is he doing outside the castle and whom is he pulling?” The sands changed again, morphing into the Cave of Wonders for a background and the vision of a slender youth with a long braid bowing his head, pulled by the prince was overlaying it. Relena frowned before her smile spread across her face. “That boy with the braid, it has to be! That boy is the diamond in the rough. Pagan! Do you see? I have found him!”

 

Pargan was too busy trying to breathe must less listen to his insane master. He was afraid of the terrible scheme waiting for the royal family.

 

Relena tapped a finger against her chin in contemplation. “Hmmmnn, it's a shame. I don't want to bother Heero and his little problems.” Her eyes brightened when an idea popped into her head. “I know. I'll just go handle this myself. My personal guards will extend their warmest invitation to them. My boys are always sweet to guests.”

 

~***********~

 

After traveling in the dark for about 5 minutes, a bright light suddenly appeared at the end of the tunnel. Wufei blinked his dark chocolate eyes, readjusting to the light as a tear slowly felt down his cheek. The biggest smile bloomed on his handsome face in absolute wonder. Utopia underground--How in the world could this have existed under his nose? The young prince had never seen such beauty in its simplicity. Rocks encrusted overhead, glistening from the jewels embedded within the walls and delicate flowers hung everywhere. The heavy fragrance of spices was in the air and various foods were cooking over giant pits. Townspeople were scurrying about, doing assorted jobs and there was life like there was never before. It seemed that the whole town was underground decorating the underground cave.

 

“It's wonderful,” Wufei exclaimed. He could not take his eyes off the activities going on.

 

“You think so?” Hilde questioned, not really thinking it was enough. “It needs something to me.”

 

“Oh please,” Duodin began, looking around the area in amazement. “You're never satisfied. I think that it is gorgeous. Everyone did a fantastic job working together. I can't wait until Jaz and Leb see this.”

 

“We already did!”

 

Totally, off guard, Wufei nearly jumped out of his skin. He cautiously turned and came face to face with a very handsome young man about his height of six feet with pale green eyes, dark olive skin and curly black hair. Beside him, a striking young woman with long brown hair crowning her head stood as she looked at Wufei with curious ice blue eyes and delicate pale skin. The two young people giggled, happy to scare someone today.

 

Duodin smiled at his two best friends as he walked quietly over to hug them. “Hey guys. When did you get here?”

 

Before Duodin could touch him, Caleb had grabbed his best man first in a manly hug that soon caused the lithe thief to beg for air. “Hours ago, you runt…Like you were supposed to be!”

 

Sheepishly grinning and knowing he was in trouble, Duodin made no excuses. “Had a little bit of trouble…?”

 

Jasmine didn't give Caleb time to retaliate before she smacked him on the back of his head, earning a loud “Ouch” from her fiancé. The pale maiden then pushed Caleb out the way, so she could get her own hug. “Oh please.” She rolled her eyes while holding Duodin tightly against her. “Your middle name is trouble.” Jasmine pulled back and was about to say something else but was struck speechless. Directly to Duodin's left, as Jasmine turned, was someone she never met before. The intended bride-to-be blushed in spite of herself at the handsome newcomer. “Duodin, where are your manners. Introduce.”

 

A chestnut eyebrow arched suspiciously towards the intended couple before Duodin sighed and began the introduction. “Jaz, this is Wufei. Wufei, this is Jasmine and her intended, Caleb.”

 

Taking the maiden's hand, Wufei paid respect for Duodin's cherished friends. “Please to finally meet you,” Wufei kissed the pretty maiden's hand. He did not feel nauseous nor repulse as he usually was. Maybe because he knew the young maiden was not trying to eat him alive.

 

Judging by her current reaction, Jasmine had to clear her head when Wufei pulled back from her delicate hand. Comically, Jasmine shook her head to get it back in order. One hand went to her forehead, playfully swooning for effect. “And manners. I think I feel faint.”

 

“Er dude,” One chestnut eyebrow arched as Duodin was about to warn Wufei but Caleb stopped him. “Duodin, don't,” Caleb opened his mouth and showed a full set of teeth. Then he cracked his knuckles in symbolic protection for his intended mate. “Wufei and I, we have an understanding.”

 

Duodin just shook his head as he waited for the intended smack. Jasmine didn't disappoint as that little pale hand flew up at Caleb's head again for even attempting to threaten Wufei. Wufei was ignoring Caleb's words because technically, he did not really care, but he was enjoying the current entertainment. Jasmine was chasing Caleb around in circles and her fiancé was laughing at her while she did it, teasing her the whole time. Watching these two was as fun as watching Meiran and Heero fight. Jasmine finally caught her love and the two intended started to bicker playfully like a pair of hissing kittens. Their affection for each other was radiating from them like rays of sunlight. As he watched, Wufei saw Caleb brushed a stray strand of hair back from Jasmine's face. Instinctively, Wufei ran a hand through his own silken locks and pulling it back from his face. The silken threads just flowed wildly back over his face, secretly wishing someone would do that for him, to find someone to love him as deeply as that. While Duodin was snickering at his friends' antics, Wufei's dark chocolate eyes strayed back to Duodin.

 

“Well, I have to go prepare.” Jasmine rolled her eyes at her intended in a teasing way. As she began walking by, she reached over to grab Hilde unsuspectingly. The confused girl just blinked questionably at her friend. “Come on, you. We have to get dressed.” Jasmine lessened her grip on Hilde before pausing in mid pull and turning back to bow before Wufei respectably. At least one of them was going to have manners in their family. “It was very nice to meet you, Wufei. I'll see you later.” Hilde just smiled at Wufei and stumbled being dragged away behind the bride.

 

Caleb smirked, watching the gentle sway of his intended's hips. The damn girl could make him wrestle a camel he was so in love with her. “That woman is evil, I tell you.” Judging by Hilde's antics, Duodin's sister looked like she wanted to eat Wufei up with a fork. “Seems you've got an admirer, Wufei…”

 

“So it seems,” Wufei quietly replied. Caleb evilly smirked at what Wufei was doing. The young vagabond had not even taken a second glance at Hilde because his gaze was fixated on no other than Caleb's man of honor, Duodin. “Duodin, what are we going to do now?”

 

“Huh?” Duodin blushed, in spite of himself, caught off guard yet again. Damn his roaming eyes--His jumbled thoughts caught between tonight's events and Wufei's earlier actions. “Well, nothing else really to my knowledge. Everything is already prepared. Just relax for a bit, the ceremony starts in an hour.” He turned; he could not really look at Wufei now. “I have to go see Sally for a minute.”

 

Wufei calmly nodded as he watched the fluid movement of Duodin's hips sway as the lithe thief passed him and walked off. Caleb was grinning up a storm, the magnetic pull between those two was building as he was standing there watching grow. “Wow. I'm in shock.”

 

Wufei broke out of his trace and back toward Caleb. “Huh?”

 

Caleb causally crossed his arms over his chest. “This is the first time I've met you but somehow I feel like I've known you all my life. Usually when an admirer of Duodin approaches me, they run away like a rabbit on the hunt. I have kind of a reputation when it comes to protecting my family, if you know what I mean. It's odd with you, Wufei. I'm sensing many things from you even though none of them are bad.”

 

Sense? “Are you a seer?” Wufei questioned in curiosity. Something about this man was awful familiar.

 

“Naah,” Caleb shook his head negatively. “I'm just a good reader of people. My father always told me that all the time and for some weird reason, I know that I can trust you not to hurt Duodin.”

 

A light went off in Wufei's head and his dark eyes widened in astonishment. Now he knew where he recognized the lad before him. Back when he was a little boy of eight, there was a loyal captain to his father before Heero could be of age to take over. Shabaz Salam was his name. The tall regal man was always nice to him and his twin sister, always raising them high in the air to see the world from his strong shoulders. Wufei rubbed his own shoulder in remembrance. He remembered one night when he wanted to prank on one of his guardsman; he overheard a discussion between Relena and his father. The next day, there was an announcement to the royal court that Heero, who was eleven at the time, was in charge of the royal guard. The advisors went into an uproar and things had never been the same since. Wufei had never knew what happened to the man that was apart of his father's most loyal court or even the whereabouts of the man's family. It was like the entire family had disappeared off the face of the earth and now Wufei knew why. Over the years, Relena had played with the lives of so many people. Enough was enough. That wicked vizier would pay for her games as soon as he got back. When he became king, the kingdom was going to go through a total overhaul.

 

“I won't say anything, Wufei, but from the way me and Jaz saw from across the room, Duodin seems to have an interest for you,” Smiling from the look from Wufei's stunned face, Caleb shrugged as he continued. “How do I know? We grew up together. Duodin may appear to be kind but you have to remember that he is also a ruthless thief. Normally, he would have dumped you along the waste side if he did not give a damn. But something about you, both of you has been sneaking glances at each other since the moment you've entered the cavern.”

 

Wufei blushed.

 

Caleb shook his head, about to walk away before he remembered his manners. “I better get ready. You want to help me while Duodin finishes with his business?” Wufei, still blushing, nodded his head minutely before following behind Caleb. He did care what he did as long as he was busy.

 

Meanwhile, Duodin's own mind was a little preoccupied. Finalization of entertainment was underway. Sally was tuning up some instruments along with other members their band while her daughter rehearsed her movements with another man for the dance tonight. Hilde was singing; she had a beautiful voice that provided her with many admirers. With the young siren's voice accompanied by Duodin's dancing, it would be a very sultry night. Speaking of sultry, Sally thought it was very interesting watching her wayward children. Her two minds' was in the gutter especially her oldest that kept watching a dark haired god.

 

When Duodin first walked in with Wufei, Sally Po's old bones did a sudden leap of joy. Who was this beautiful child? She had never seen him before in her life and Sally knew all of the desert children. Where did he come from? Duodin said Wufei was from the castle and from the way the young man acted, this had to be so. So many questions, but there were not much time to answer them in because of the wedding. Sally sighed but let it go. If Duodin trusted this stranger, then she would have to have faith in the boy. Now if she could just get him to focus. “Duodin…”

 

*~*~*~*~*~*~ *~~*~*~*

 

***Three hours later***

 

Time went by and the moon was high in the sky when all of the townspeople finally gather underground in the spacious cavern. Directly in the middle of the grotto, a huge fire was constructed. Ancient tubes, inserted into the ceiling like chimneys, so fresh air could circulate and to clear out smoke from the smoking food that began to cook within deep pits dug into the earth. Soon, the underground tavern was overflowing with life and packed full with townspeople and their goods. What little they had, the townspeople shared in abundance; the bakers, the fishermen, the butchers and every vendor put aside their competitive spirits and donated food for an event unlike any could image. Caleb's father had always looked out for his people and Caleb earned the respect like his father before him. Dressed regally in full soldier apparel, he proudly walked in his father's footsteps, as everyone wanted the lovers to begin on a positive note.

 

Wufei was currently sitting next to Duodin, who was dressed in a long flowing robe dyed the color of his eyes, along with the rest of the wedding party waiting for binding ceremony to begin. Soon, everyone one was silenced and the bride and her entourage entered the chamber. Jasmine was dressed in various silks with only her eyes exposed as she ushered by the women of the town to stand before Caleb. He stood proudly with his father's uniform and sword by his side-giving honor for his deceased father. The ceremony was beautiful as Caleb and Jasmine exchanged their wedding vows before the congregation of family. Caleb then led his new wife around the fire in a circle as tradition stated as the first woman followed her new husband into her new life for eternity. There was a double pleasure since the two were a love match and it made the event more special. The moment was tearful as some of the women cried from happiness.

 

It was long before the wedding ceremony was over and the reception began. Laughter soon vibrated off the walls for the new couple, loudly echoing throughout the caverns. Wufei had turned to the left to talk with Duodin and just realized that his companion was nowhere to found. He didn't even feel the other teenager leave. He looked around to see if he could find his missing friend.

 

“Attention, Everyone….”

 

Slowly, the noise level began to taper off and one by one all eyes were draw towards a platform constructed earlier. Sally Po was standing on the stage dressed in ceremony garb befitting the matron queen of her desert family. Her voice soon boomed throughout the room. “To the children of my ancestors, to each tribe of the sons and daughters of Allah the most high, I like to give salutations to all tonight.” The chant “Thank you” resounded off the walls by the townspeople in return and Sally continued with her presentation. “Tonight, before all, we are here to celebrate the joining of life for two of our most rambunctious brats that any town could ever deal with…to our Caleb and Jasmine. We are so proud of you two. “The couple blushed at the endearment. “After years of squabbling with each other, you've finally caught some sense.”

 

Jasmine squawked at that statement while everyone else in the community laughed. The hi-jinks of the two were legendary. There would be no one like Jasmine and Caleb. Caleb shook in his head in embarrassment.

 

“Anyway,” Sally Po continued, giggling along with everyone. “A couple of friends of yours have come up with a little treat for you. So, in your honor, we just want you to sit back and enjoy the show.” She bowed to the audience after everyone clapped in preparation for the event.

 

Sally walked over and grabbed a cyntar while Hilde with her short dark blue-black hair curled delicately against her skull into ringlets made her way to the stage. Anyone in the surrounding area moved back a little to give the dancers room, creating three paths throughout the room for the dancers to enter. Sally glanced slowly at Wufei. Earlier during the day, Caleb had taken Sally to the side and explained a couple of things including the little development between their little fox and Wufei. The tavern owner secretly smiled to herself. Poor Wufei, the poor guy didn't know that the ritual was also for Duodin being match for his future mate. Caleb and Sally agreed-Wufei was perfect from Duodin's description of his future. Wufei did not know what was in store for him and it didn't hurt to do a little matchmaking in the process.

 

Children ranging from six to fourteen slowly walked around the room and blew out tiny lamps of lights strategically placed along the walls so only the huge fire in the middle of the room illuminating the area. A mystic aura began to flow into the room and if you looked overhead, the natural crystals embedded in the wall caused the room to look like a sea of stars. Everyone was transfixed with the effect and the newly married couple gasped at its beauty. The effect was awe-inspiring like watching a piece of creation to begin.

 

All of the children soon ran back to the front of the cave and, one by one, walked up the step and climbed onto the stage, forming a large circle. Slowly, they walked around in a circle as if they were protecting something. The beat of a drum struck and the children stopped all movement. A little girl stood up with flowers in her hair and slowly bent to grasp something. Three more children helped her and soon, jet-black fabric slid off something; a cloaked figure was revealed from out from fabric confides to the audience, kneeling in reverence to the ground. The silent figure slowing rose, gracefully like a cat and waited for a motion of the drum.

 

Wufei gasped as the identity of the figure, while Caleb smirked sipping on his wine and nudging Wufei in his side. “He cleans up rather nicely, don't you think?” Wufei could only nod dumbly at the sight before him. Never in his sixteen years had he ever see such a sight as this. When Wufei and Duodin were at the oasis, Wufei thought he had never beheld anything more beautiful than the form of his rescuer. The young prince thought wrong. The lithe thief, the brat who irritated him to no end, was kneeling on a stage appeared dressed barely with anything but his hair. Long chestnut waves cascaded down pale rose colored shoulders and various flowers were weaved intricately through Duodin's tresses, tied with tiny golden ribbons.” The desert flowers Duodin had picked earlier at the oasis,” Wufei silently thought. Lithe yet muscular arms folded gracefully over each other, across a bare chest while long corded ribbons of golden silk secured tightly around on Duodin's upper arms and encrusted a tiny violet crystal. Violet crystals dangled loosely from Duodin's ears and a beautiful pendant hung low against his heart. Duodin was a vision to behold, as he seemed to glow within the room.

 

A strum of a chord put Duodin's body into motion and the children continued to sit while Duodin twisted and arched around them. Long glowing legs bent while pointing to the heaven as pale hands rose in a dance of worship. Wufei held his breath as tiny golden bells rang on Duodin's ankles and his feet were bare. Softly, music flowed with a slow beat growing slowly with each step of Duodin's foot along the floor. In essence, Duodin's body language was following each note and describing a tale just using his body as the instrument. Hilde narrated each scene that was a story of the love between Jasmine and Caleb as retold to the townspeople. Each word from Hilde helped convene Duodin's movements from the outside looking in, a story of love forged from the harshness of the desert and the blessing of Allah. From these two, the seeds of forever blossomed-they would live a long life.

 

Caleb tried to watch the presentation but watching Wufei's reactions was so much better. The newly married man kept nudging his new wife to look at their enraptured companion. Wufei could not help himself. He never felt more aroused about someone in his life and he desperately needed Duodin in the worse way. His heart was racing and though he was controlling his breathing by hidden techniques, his pulse continued weaving every direction except slow. Wufei had stopped drinking wine because of this, preferring cold water in lieu of it. The vagabond kept squirming around in his seat, trying to meditate but losing hope of it working when hundreds of people were around when you was aroused.

 

Wufei was not the only one in trouble. Duodin had to block Wufei from his mind so he could concentrate on his dance steps. His priority was on the well-being of his friends and it was crucial to do everything right for Jasmine and Caleb's future happiness. Everything was going as planned and Duodin had made sure not to look at Wufei, not until this was all over. Duodin did not want Wufei to see his shame, matched with someone else. When the final note was completed, Duodin did a turn and fell to the floor dramatically again in total reverence to his lord. There was a hush in the cavern and the only sounds were the deep breathing of a sweating fox. Slowly, a torrent of clapping echoed throughout the room and Duodin smiled, catching his breath against the ground. The little thief chanced a lookup and before him was a stand ovation from his family. Everyone was proud of the performance by their little fox.

 

It was truly a beautiful dance and Sally wiped a tear from her eye as she walked back on the stage to talk.. Duodin was looking down on the floor just as the rules of the dance mandated while the children were led off the stage. Now it was time for the true test of his will as the ceremony was incomplete. Now as the second part as his duty dictated his next actions though he did not believe it in, Wufei's earlier words about the princess struck a cord in his heart. Denial was a bitch but Duodin was not going down without fighting. It was bad enough he had to suffer though a stupid matchmaking game that he wanted no part in but had to keep with tradition. For future luck for Caleb and Jasmine, he would do it. Duodin would just change the game a little. Stupid traditions did not always come true for couples so why should he keep up with it for appearance sake.

 

Dozens of hands hid Wufei's view but dark eyes continued to stare at the kneeling figure on the stage. Wufei made a decision in that instant. If his sister felt the way he felt now, then Wufei did not think he would be able to return to the palace especially without Duodin.

 

“Didn't I tell you he was amazing, Wufei?” Caleb teased, smirking when he got no response from the dark hair vagabond. He was going to gain a brother in law before the night was out. “You look so lost, my friend.”

 

Wufei just nodded his head, dumbfounded, still looking at Duodin's kneeling form.

 

Shaking his head, Caleb patted Wufei on the back. “And you shall be found.”

 

Wufei had barely heard him before he turned to Caleb. “Huh?”

 

Caleb turned back to the fire. “Trust me, Wufei. Duodin is in a little fix. There was a reason why he stayed away and now with you here. You might be able to save his life tonight. I've got a little job for you and whe I tell you to run, you better run straight to Duodin. Don't lose sight of him for one minute anytime tonight.”

 

Confused, Wufei stared at Caleb and then turned back to Sally. Something was very wrong about tonight and Wufei was determined to find out.

 

Sally waved everyone to hush as she spoke. “As you know, our young Duodin has finally reached of age and as with tradition; he must be helped across the threshold of manhood. Will all eligible bachelors please come to the front please?”

 

Before another word was uttered, six young men around Duodin's age were slowly approached the stage. Jasmine got up, grabbed a startled Wufei by his collar and literally dragged the surprised young man by the waist of his belt to the front of the line. Duodin blushed when he saw jet-black hair fall to the ground within his eyesight. As with tradition, he was still kneeling on the floor before the seven males.

 

Jasmine did not leave off the stage immediately though. She paused to speak to Wufei since he was the newcomer. Grabbed him by the front of Wufei's shirt, she broke down the entire ceremony as quickly as possible. “This isn't some silly tradition in our town. This is a matchmaking ceremony. Caleb and I went through this cursed event and now it is Duodin's turn. That is the reason for Duodin's disappearance for three months.”

 

One of the participants was about to say something but one look from Jasmine shut him up in one go. Jasmine focused her eyes back on Wufei, pleading his case. “Duodin didn't want to participate at all but town law mandates that he must. His family didn't want him to be exiled from the town. Everyone in the village understands this and now you know.” Jasmine then took both of Wufei's hands into her and lowered her voice so only Wufei could hear her. “You have to save him. If you want him for your own, then you had better grab him and hold on tight, Wufei. I don't know you very well…actually I don't know you at all but for some odd reason…you are perfect for him. You are what our people call a diamond in the rough. Please protect him, Wufei.” Jasmine then walked away from Wufei, ignoring the catcalls of some of the other participants who were growling from the favoritism shown to the dark haired vagabond.

 

Wufei swallowed hard. There was a mission before him. He did not know what he had to do but he was determined to get Duodin…at any cost.

 

Sally spoke loudly to the young men standing before her. “Now as you know, the young men's arms will be tied behind their backs to make it even and no weapons gentlemen. Caleb, get up here.” The newly made husband stood up and walked towards Sally, grinned evilly at the gentlemen who made comments towards his wife. He would talk to them after his honeymoon. Sally shook her head from Caleb's behavior. “Caleb is just here to make sure no foul play is amiss, young ones. Now, as with tradition, Duodin's virginity for the victor and my child will be bonded body and soul to that person. No cheating, gentlemen. Remember, only the pure of heart are allowed to touch him.” Sally bowed to everyone and walked back to take her place with the other musicians.

 

Moreover, the matchmaking of Duodin, the desert fox began…

 

~****~

 

***Winner Mansion, Duo and Wufei's bedroom***

 

Back in reality, Duo blushed from the words. His boyfriend sure had a way with drama. A person losing their virginity at a matchmaking ceremony was a little drastic, if not, extreme, “Sheesh, I need to talk.” A notation appeared on the paper and Duodin checked the list. His finger led him to a Britney Spear number. Duo almost gagged at the name until he actually heard the music.

 

~****~

 

***Underground Caverns***

 

A loud yell erupted through the cavern, “It's a dance thing,” and this, in turn, was announcing the start of the matchmaking ceremony. Another yell bellowed around the cavern and an announcer named Abdul yelled, “Boys and girls listen to Mr. Abdul.”

 

The seven bachelors including Wufei shuffled in place as they stood in line to the back of Duodin. Duodin was bowing in reverence on the ground until one note struck from the drum, alerting the lithe dancer to slither to a standing state. With each beat of the drum, the bachelors behind Duodin stood transfixed as narrow yet curved hips started to move with a life of their own. As spoken from Duodin earlier, he would be the one who chose. The game was afoot while Sally and Malek started to sing the first stanza of the song.

 

“He was looking,

Said he wanna hook up

But she don't wanna hook up

Told her, just go, go”

 

Duodin waved his arms in air like a snake while Abdul yelled, “go,” to Sally and Malek's words.

 

“And then she look and said she wanna hook up

He really wanna hook up,

Told him, let's go”

 

Hilde took over and made it her own, gyrated her hips along with the music to get everyone bouncing along with Duodin.

 

“Baby I can't believe everything

Your body makes me wanna do.

And the way that you move on the floor

Now I think I'm in love with you”

 

“You're in love with me?” Abdul replied right back to Hilde. Hilde smirked along with Abdul as they worked the words of the song.

 

“Grab my waist,

Wanna get with the rhythm and that move you do, do

Switch my hips on the floor

Baby, slow to keep up with you”

 

While Hilde was on the stage, grabbing her waist and following the words of the song, Duodin was busy on the stage performing. Duodin walked shyly around in a corner, the heel of his foot securing against the stage. Nimble fingers caressed over a sweating body, Duodin touching himself, making sure every single eye was on him. Violet jewels focused on one person, the one who made him react at the drop of a stone. Wufei was just like him…these other guys along the line were nothing to him and Duodin had just realize that fact in the instant he stood up. The lithe thief wanted Wufei to be the one and Duodin had to make Wufei see him…he had to make that beautiful man his. So what is a boy to do with a job like that? Duodin smirked internally because there was only one logical answer. He must become the bait for the perfect catch. Every word was now used for the song, Duodin would grab it for his own. He wrapped his hands around his own waist and switched his hips in figures so perfect that all seven of the bachelors had wet spots in the front of their pants.

 

Back it up now, na

Bump your rump na

Grab my waist na

Work it out now, na

Grab my shoulder

Pick it up now, na

Take it lower

To the floor, na

 

Duodin moves with the music as he danced across the stage, swinging hips in a circular motion and making sure that he was shaking his buttocks in his dance of enticement. Seven sets of eyes followed the direction of his hips, as the silks covering his backside were wrapped around his hips flowed fluidly around him. Every sway of Duodin's hips was seductively with him giving the illusion of a fox's tail while the length of Duodin's chestnut mane added to the effect. Wufei avidly watched as Duodin wrapped his arms around his own waist in a caress, hugging himself while, at the same time, slithering his perfect form like a snake from side to side so sexually that all the bachelors were pacing in places like caged animals.

 

“Get up, baby,

We can drop a little somethin'

Ride it, baby,

We can do a little somethin'

Take out, baby

Wanna get a little somethin'

You know baby,

Let's hook up a little something”

 

Duodin kept his seductive dance going, keeping in constant time with the beat. He knew that he could dance his butt off and the dancing teenager kept swaying his hips from side to side with every action he did. Duodin's right hand caressed gently across his collarbone, grabbing his left shoulder to the beat before he raised his left arm in the air and gyrated straight to the ground, taking his time coming back up. The young bachelors were all impressed and it began to show in their actions, trying to break their ropes free to grab at the tasty treat. Drool was dropping down off one teenager's mouth. “Wow,” a redhead said. “He's very agile.” His rivals all nodded in agreement.

 

“Baby, I can't believe everything

That I feel when I dance with you

Feel the small of my back to the breath on my neck

With the move you do

Put your body

Gotta get my body up right next to you

Move the party

Gotta rock the part until they're over you”

 

Hilde was grooving with Abdul on the stage, gyrating her own hips against him while her adopted brother, Duodin was twirling around, quickly spinning and sashaying across the dance floor in front the young men and sizing each one up with just a glance. Hungry stares followed in his wake and when Duodin came to the last young man, he stopped to flip his hair over his shoulder while caressing his curve of his lower back while he pulled his long hair over his shoulder. The agile thief caressed his neck revealing the baby soft hair at the base of his neck. Duodin spun again and when he stopped, he gyrated to the ground and slowly yet seductively back up again.

 

“Back it up now

Bump your rump now

Grab my waist now

Work it out now

Grab my shoulder

Pick it up now

Take it lower

To the floor now”

 

Out of the audience, belly dancers ranging of different ages started to sway their hips in sync to the beat as they danced their way to the center of the room. Three aisles filled with dancing girls and each one was dancing in unison coming into scene while Duodin continued to dance.

 

“Back it up now

Bump your rump now

Grab my waist now

Work it out now

Grab my shoulder

Pick it up now

Take it lower

To the floor now”

 

Soon, all the young maidens were in step with the lithe fox and the audience was happily clapping along. Wufei was amazed at the presentation and it was a sight to behold from the way Duodin had choreographed this show.

 

“Boy, I can't explain

What you do to me

My whole world has changed

I live in a fantasy

Tonight, I'm in the mood

Please take me by your hand

I wanna get in your groove

So, baby, take me there

 

Abdul came out with a horn to stop everyone in his or her place. Duodin was now was hiding among the dancing girls. Wufei then remembered what Caleb had instructed earlier about to never take his eyes of Duodin for one second and just realized his mistake. The time had come for the town's littlest thief to choose from these seven sturdy men. “Everybody, get up now,” Abdul yelled to alert the crowd. “And pass it on! Come on a move now! Everybody dance!” The audience started to rise from the floor from the simple command and soon everyone started to dance along.

 

“The bodies keep shaking

(Wanna get) My body keeps shaking

Better get your butt out here baby

Come on lets go

 

Duodin popped up again only to disappear again into the crowd. Wufei spotted that hair color a mile away as the maidens did their job of confusion by twirling around, playing a game of cat and mouse with the bachelors.

 

So do how you do it

(Drop it down) Bend over get to it

(Make it pop) Back down to the ground

Pick it up, let it go”

 

Faster and faster Duodin crawled; listening carefully to Hilde's chanted word s and popping up from the ground like a jack in the box when he felt that the coast was clear. One such pop up gave Wufei the chance he needed to spot his prey again, just from the tip of Duodin's chestnut hair. Bonds still secured behind his back, Wufei gritted his teeth and ran into the direction of the last spot Duodin was at. The dark hair vagabond/ prince prayed that he would make it in time.

 

“The bodies keep shaking

(Wanna get) My body keeps shaking

Better get your butt out here baby

Come on lets go

So do how you do it

(Drop it down) Bend over get to it

(Make it pop) Back down to the ground

Pick it up, let it go”

 

Duodin growled before he finally stopped in place where he is at as he kneeled to the floor. Dammit! He was cautious, not be followed by anyone but sure, as his middle name was life, there was someone in front of him. The person before him has to be either a bachelor or a maiden. If it is a maiden, he will remain untouched since he did not swing that way. If it is a bachelor….then his virginity would belong to that person.

 

“Don't stop,

Jus get, get on the floor

Butt drops,

Hips pop, poppin' for sure”

 

Duodin could cut the tension like a knife. He chanced a look at the feet. Dammit! A guy was standing before him. The teenager did not want to look up. This was so not going to be his night tonight. He would have to lose his virginity to a stranger!! This was so not fair.

 

“Who's got, got it,

Get it some more

One time, two times, three times we go”

 

The music was counting down and time had run out for our spunky thief. Duodin, swallowed once and lifted his eyes slowly upward to meet his fate. Right before violet eyes reached the mid section of the stranger, Duodin's chin stopped from progressing by satin fingers slowly caressing along it. Confused violet eyes finally looked up and widened in astonishment. Standing before him, panting as if he had ran a marathon, stood Wufei. Duodin could not believe he was seeing this. Wufei continued to bring the feisty vagabond who stole his heart closer to his face so he could just look at Duodin. Duodin and Wufei just stared at each other not listening to anyone but the sound of their own hearts.

 

Back it up now

Bump your rump now

Grab my waist now

Work it out now

Grab my shoulder

Pick it up now

Take it lower

To the floor now

 

Slowly but firmly, Wufei placed both of his hands on Duodin's rounded hips. The violet-eyed thief shivered yet his eyes never strayed from Wufei's dark orbs. Duodin felt himself fall deeper into the taller man's dark eyes. Warm chocolate glowed into his violet eyes, communication by unspoken words between them. Skillful fingertips shyly etched a path from Wufei's clothed chest to his face and Wufei felt seduced by Duodin's simple spell. Golden hands rose to tighten around a narrow waist, caressing everything in it path.

 

Duodin trembled, his breathing growing hotter as he tried to press himself closer to Wufei. He could feel both of their arousal throbbing between them but all Wufei could do was moan at the closeness. “Wufei” Duodin's soft voice whispered before a single kiss pressed against his forehead to silence him.

 

“Shh.” Wufei whispered against his soft skin. “You don't have to hell me, Duodin. We have many things in common.”

 

Large expressive eyes widened twice their size. Wufei wanted him too. Allah, be blessed. It was a true miracle. Duodin had finally met his soul mate.

 

Back it up now

Bump your rump now

Grab my waist now

Work it out now

Grab my shoulder

Pick it up now

Take it lower

To the floor now

 

Wufei spun Duodin around so fast; Duodin was shocked out of his head. The same dance of seduction that Duodin was doing to Wufei, the dark haired vagabond turned it up a notch by gyrating to ground behind Duodin. Loud catcalls erupted and Wufei soon had Duodin speechless and craving a piece of one mysterious vagabond in the most desperate of way. The silks covering Duodin's groin area were barely doing their job and luckily, Duodin's hair was long enough to cover him. Wufei just grinned pleased with his reaction. Wufei's muscular form jumped and spun around Duodin like a powerful animal and fluidly copied each of Duodin's early steps. The crowd was soon shouting, “Challenge,” and Duodin smirked, and his anxiety of their future endeavors for the night were forgotten as he battled his chosen mate.

 

“Get up, baby,

We can drop a little somethin'

Ride it, baby,

We can do a little somethin'

Take out, baby

Wanna get a little somethin'

You know baby,

Let's hook up a little something”

 

Caleb and Jasmine were cuddling with other each other by the fire, silently watching Wufei and Duodin. The rest of the townspeople was laughing and dancing along and finally enjoying themselves. Each movement between Duodin and his symbolic mate seemed to enhance the steps of the other. “I think a miracle has been created, my love.” Jasmine quietly murmured against her new husband's neck. Caleb nodded his head in agreement.

 

Back it up now

Bump your rump now

Grab my waist now

Work it out now

Grab my shoulder

Pick it up now

Take it lower

To the floor now

 

The dancing and merry making continued deep into the night and on until the next morning. No one questioned the disappearance of Duodin and his vagabond escort but from the glow Sally saw on her adopted son's face, she Duodin would disappear for a while.

 

~***~

 

~*Winner Mansion*~

 

Duo fanned himself while his boyfriend and best friend were in a secret room deep underground laughing over a control panel.

 

TBC

 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

 

Author notes: YIPEE!! Finally this is done!! Right before classes begin for the new college semester!! I know I could finish this if I really applied myself. Listening repeatedly to music lyrics to get the dance scene right! Then I had to argue constantly with my beta! You just don't know. This is the unbetaed version. There will be a better version as soon as he finishes.