Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Lord of War ❯ Birthday Banquet ( Chapter 6 )

A/N: Just a quick shout out to my beta readers, Yaoilovertash and lady dea for their help! Luv Ya!

And Yaoifanguy06, to answer your question, beta readers are the wonderful people that proofread and give suggestions to your fanfics before you post them. : )


Chapter 06: Birthday Boy

The day passed with barely anything said between Duo and Heero, which was nothing new. He didn’t know where to start. It wasn’t exactly normal to walk up to someone and ask ‘So, what do you dream about?’, therefore Duo was at a loss. After a few hours of thinking he came to the conclusion that Heero and himself would have to be on better terms if he wanted to know the answer. Duo groaned at this realization at first, but after seeing Heero last night, and how worried he was about Sally…//he couldn’t be all that bad of a guy //. So, he decided that the next time they bumped paths, he would try and be friendly with the guy. However, the day was getting late and Heero had remained busy throughout the afternoon, first with the usual, then with Sally’s punishment.

Sally had been given lashings, behind closed doors, which Heero had closely monitored, as a result of her apparent insubordination. Duo figured that Heero would rather have gossip fly around about the severity of her punishment then have to actually do it; which Duo was grateful for. It was too weird having Sally depressed, let alone severely injured. He was still pissed at Heero about it, though. If he was so lordly, then what did it matter if he didn’t want to punish someone? Sally was his own goddamn servant, right? Duo brought this up to Phinneaus, who was still in Lorlia, and just got the same explanation he did last night. Even hearing it twice, he still thought it was bull-shit. //Oh well, whatever…// it’s not like he could change the ways of Lorlia, no matter how much more his own logic made sense.

The sun was beginning to set when Duo decided to go and see Sally. He had just made his way around the corner when he ducked back behind it, noticed Heero at the door to Sally’s room. Peaking back around, he saw Heero take a deep breath and knock on the door. No reply came, but Heero crept through the door anyway, like a guilty kid who knew he was trouble. //He should feel guilty//. As soon as Heero was in the room, Duo snuck over to the door that was cracked open and peered though.

Seeing her room in the day light, Duo noticed it was much bigger and more decorated than his own. She had a lot of her own possessions, which surprised him. He didn’t think servants had money to buy things. People here may call them ‘servants’, but they were still basically slaves. Their masters owned them in every way possible way, they weren’t paid, and it was not like they could quit. But, Duo figured, ‘slave’ was just too harsh a word for the rich, overindulgent Lorlians.

He could see Sally lying on her stomach on the bed, her face tearstained once again. She tried to get up when she noticed Heero in her room. She had lifted herself up a few inches when Heero held up his hand to stop her. “No, stay still.”

From where he was, Duo couldn’t see the wounds on her back, but he saw her flinch as she lay back down. He couldn’t blame her. Duo had gotten a few lashings back when he was younger for training. It was supposed to teach them how to function normally while they were in pain, so they could fight longer in a battle. Since a fight was usually won by the one left standing, his tribe believed stamina was the key element in a warriors training. Hence why Duo even lived through the wound he suffered about a week ago.

Heero sat on the edge of the bed and reached out to touch Sally’s shoulder, but withdrew his hand, like he was unsure he was allowed to. It was then Duo noticed that Heero’s other hand was grasping something. It looked like a small glass vial of some sort.

“Here.” Heero opened the vial in question and dabbled some of its contents on his fingers. He closed the vial as he gently lined the marks on Sally’s back with the substance. //Medicine…?//

Sally’s eyes widened as she looked at the vial. “But that’s…”

“I had Primitivus make it for me,” Heero said in a matter-of-fact tone as he lightly kept on applying the medicine. It was different than the stuff Sally had used on Duo. It was more watery and was white, not green. Plus, it didn’t look like it took too much to work, since Heero finished Sally’s whole back with just the small amount he had put on his fingertips. As he finished, Sally grabbed Heero’s arm and looked at the bandage he had in the crook of it. Her eyes were wide with surprise as she looked up at Heero. Duo’s eyes were wide with confusion. He hadn’t noticed that bandage last night. Why would you have a wound at the crook of your arm?

“That’s made with…” Sally trailed off. Duo frowned, //Just once, could people around here finish their sentences? Made with what, dammit?//. Heero got up and placed the vial on the small table next to Sally’s bed. “It should only take two to three days for it to heal. Just add a few drops of the medicine to your bath.”

Heero stood up to walk out the door as Duo scrambled to slip around the corner once again. Hearing the door close and Heero walking away, he sighed in relief. Who knows what the penalty was for eavesdropping around here.

Since Duo was now satisfied that Sally was okay, he made his way back to his room to whittle the last few hours of the day away in boredom. He flexed his biceps, testing the strength of his newly recovered shoulder, as he made it to his room. It had healed nicely, but his shoulder was starting to stiffen, since he had no way of exercising it. He tried to do stretches and such, but it wasn’t enough, he needed the feel of either a bow or a sword in his hand to really work the tightness out. He tried to do push-ups, but could only manage ten or so until his shoulder would begin to revolt against him. His reflexes and such were also beginning to slow and decay. This perpetual boredom joined with the trauma his body had gone through since the surprise attack a week ago was really starting to worry him. What if his body got to the point that he couldn’t be a warrior anymore? Lorlia was making him soft, and he couldn’t stand it.

Refusing to give in to self pity, Duo began to run through a few training exercises he could still remember from his early days. There wasn’t much room, so he could only do a few of the basic movements. Duo ran through the order of strikes in his head, closing his eyes and letting his body take over. His movements weren’t as fluid as they once were, but he was happy to feel that his muscles still held the memory of how the steps were supposed to go. As long as he at least had that, Duo knew he could recover.

Duo smiled to himself as he worked, proud to feel his body slowly starting to cooperate. The smile faded, however, as soon as he stubbed his toe on the bed post. “Ow, shit! Son of a bitch!”

“Perhaps you should try again outside.”

Duo whirled around and his eyes met Heero’s, who was leaning on the door frame.

“How long have you been there?”

“Long enough.” Heero pushed off the door frame and began to walk away as he motioned for Duo to follow him. Duo hated being treated like some dog that would come when it was called, but he really did want a place to train. Then, perhaps, boredom and self pity wouldn’t be the death of him. So, Duo grudgingly followed Heero as he walked towards the front of the house.

The memory of all the houses Duo had seen a few days ago flooded back into his mind. They had all been huge and finely decorated in Duo’s terms, but Heero’s…if he was second to only the Emperor…Duo could only guess. But now, they were heading out the front door where Duo could see the sun about to set on the horizon. He put his hand up to his forehead, blocking the suns rays as his eyes adjusted. Blinking a few times, Duo took in the sights around him, now understanding how powerful Heero must be.

Atop the marble staircase, Duo’s eyes were met with the most amazing fountain he had ever imagined, let alone seen. Placed in the middle of a circular path in front of the house, the fountain displayed Anehta*, Goddess of War, surrounded by three of her virgin priestesses, who were all kneeing her feet yet reaching with one hand each for their Goddess’s grace. They were all placed on a clear crystal pedestal that shined with the colors of the rainbow from the setting sun. Each priestess was pouring sparkling water out of shinning crystal pitchers with their other hand. The water cascading down around the crystal pedestal gave the effect that the figures were simply floating in air, like a true goddess would. The Goddess herself was reaching down to take the hand of one of her followers, but her face was looking upwards, towards her other hand, which held the black flame of power. It flickered with life, convincing Duo that it was undeniably a real flame most likely sustained by magic. Below the beautiful, yet powerful scene, jets of water sprayed upward from the pool around the pedestal. As Duo walked down the staircase, he could just make out the colorful fish swimming around in the pool of clear water. Reaching the fountain, he leaned over it to see the fish better and was surprised to see them swim up close to him instead of fluttering away like most fish did. Some were over a foot long, brightly decorated with gold, white and black spots that danced in the ripples of the water. He had never seen fish like that, before.

“They’re a fish called Koi,” Heero explained.

“Koi?”

“They use to be abundant around here, back during the time of the old language. But now…” Heero shook his head. “These are some of the few that are left.”

Looking up from the fountain, Duo surveyed the green and lush gardens of the grounds. Trees of plums, pears and cherries decorated the sides of the house and the staircase that he had just walked down, each heavy with their respective fruit. Short trees of hazelnuts and almonds decorated the rim of the circular walkway. The long road that connected the front gate with the circular path was lined with statues of various gods and simple (relatively at least) water decorations. The long road branched off in a few places, each marked with an iron arch covered in grape vines at its beginning.

Heero lightly touched Duo’s shoulder and nodded his head in the direction of the long walkway, then began to walk down it. Duo knew he should be annoyed that Heero was still treating him like a dog, but the quiet smile the man had on his face as he touched Duo’s shoulder silenced any thoughts of retaliation.

Following quietly behind Heero, Duo surveyed the rest of the grounds from the path as they walked. Each branch off of the pathway led to different structures and gardens on the grounds. They all looked like something that belonged in Naisyle Fields*, where the good spirits of men who once lived resided. Looking down one of the pathways, Duo recognized a temple dedicated to Anehta, which made sense; a temple to the Goddess of War on the lands of the Lord of War //fitting//.

Passing by two more branching walkways, Heero stopped in front of the third one and tuned around, facing Duo. Heero seemed to wait for Duo to make eye contact with him before looking down the walkway beside them. “You are free to go to any part of my estate except down this passage.”

Duo looked down it and saw nothing special. Just a small building…with strange architecture he had to admit. It was decorated with many colors; gold, red and black among them. Instead of the usual marble used for important buildings, this small building was made out of wood that made all kinds of intricate patterns along the bottom of the roof. The roof itself was strange, the way it curved outward on the ends and the color of it, dark red. The door of it was made up of crisscrossing wood and some type of paper in the holes. It was really weird, but it was still just a small building. Why wasn’t he allowed there? “Why?”

“It’s an old temple. One of the first structures ever built in Lorlia. It is an important piece of history and religion, so it is forbidden to outsiders.”

So it wasn’t his status this time, just the fact he wasn’t Lorlian that restricted him. He could understand that. Outsiders wouldn’t be welcome at their temples back it Belvoman either. Duo nodded in understanding and Heero led on.

A few more passages down, Heero turned and Duo followed him to a raised, covered practice arena.

# # # #

Heero saw Duo’s eyes light up at the sight of the practice ring and couldn’t help but smile. He liked that. He liked seeing that light it Duo’s eyes. That light was the reason Heero even gave Duo a second glance that day //well, one of the main reasons at least…//. Duo really was striking, a true rare and exotic creature. Anyone could see that. He was even more exotic because of his fighting skills, though Heero had yet to see them. Something that would be rectified soon, he hoped.

Heero watched as Duo made his way up the few steps to the practice arena and over to the weapons rack. Duo’s hand slid over the hilts of the practice swords, one by one, as if he was admiring a masterpiece. //He really has missed it//.

Leaving the swords, Duo opted for a training staff and plucked it off the rack. Stepping in the middle of the practice ring, Heero watched as Duo spun the staff skillfully around his body, striking and blocking in rhythm with his steps. The long braid swinging around him caught Heero’s eye, making him wonder what this show would be like with it loose and flowing around Duo’s body. Shaking that thought away, Heero tried to concentrate on his technique, rather than his smooth skin now beaded with sweat…//focus, dammit!//.

He really was very good, though his timing was off. That was understandable, though, considering the wound he had suffered only a week ago. But even with that, he was as good if not better than many of the commanders under even Heero’s control. He stood there and watched for a quite while until Duo remembered he was even there, not that he minded. Breathing a little hard, Duo leaned on his staff and smiled at Heero. A true, genuine smile, Heero noted. “Impressed?”

Heero shrugged as he scaled the few steps up towards Duo. “Not bad. You have skill, I must admit.”

Duo lifted an eyebrow and flipped his staff to point it at Heero. “Care to see how you measure up?”

“Maybe later, you’re still recovering.”

“Uh-huh, sure.” There was a sarcastic tone to his voice Heero couldn’t help but notice. Duo lowered the staff and took his place back in the middle of the ring. Heero watched as Duo set himself up in a beginning pose, then cocked a smile and beckoned Heero to make a move.

“I said perhaps later,” Heero sighed as he turned to leave. He really didn’t want to hurt him.

# # # #

Duo frowned as Heero walked away. Maybe he had been giving him too much credit. Maybe the whole Lord of War bit really was just a name, a station that had to be filled by the same family every generation. When he had first heard of Heero’s position, he thought that perhaps it meant he was the best fighter in the land. Thinking so, Duo had always wondered who would win in a fight, even admired him a little, though he wouldn’t have admitted then. True, he figured that since the guy was rich, he might not be amazing, but to walk away from a challenge…

Scowling, frustrated and obviously not thinking of the consequences, Duo swung the staff at Heero, aiming to side swipe his head. It was a mere inch away from its target when a hand came up and caught the staff, followed by cool blue eyes glaring at him from over a shoulder. Caught in surprise, and in those eyes, Duo just stood there for a moment until the staff was pulled out of his hands. Heero turned while spinning the staff, then rested it under his arm as he stared at Duo. He wasn’t angry, Duo could tell, just watching him intently, like any warrior would his enemy, he noted with a small swell of appreciation. So he wasn’t all talk…//good//.

Heero’s glare softened a bit and he grinned. “Impressed?”

Duo caught on and smiled. “Not bad. You have skill, I must admit.”

Heero’s grin widened as he tossed the staff back to him. Catching it with ease, Duo rested it over his shoulders and noted the sun’s place in the sky // past sunset, dammit//. He wouldn’t be able to practice here much longer.

Heero must have followed his gaze. “I’ll light the torches for you.”

Duo smiled back at him, for once not ashamed that he was starting to like him //starting to? Be honest with yourself, man. You thought he was fucking hot the moment you set eyes on him…literal sex on legs// his libido chided. Shaking the current train of thought out of his head, Duo smiled up at him. “Thanks.”

Heero nodded and said a small chant, bringing the torches around them to life. Gracing Duo with a quiet smile as he left, Heero headed off towards the house. Duo watched him disappear around the arch then began to work out the tightness in his shoulder. It felt good, having sweat rolling down his back again, the feel of a staff swinging around him, all of it. It bought him back to who he was again.

The moon was high up in the sky by the time Duo put the staff back in the rack and headed back to the house. Walking by the fountain once again, Duo saw fireflies dance above the water, teasing the fish below. After being out on the grounds, this whole place felt different to him. It felt more alive, more welcoming even. And Heero…Duo’s mind trailed off, remembering how easily he had caught the staff, and how happy Duo was that he did so. Not because of the punishment Duo would have received for striking a Lord, but that the Lord of War wasn’t just a name. Heero knew how to fight, and well from what Duo had seen from his reflexes.

Happy about his newly acquired information, he made his way up the stairs and to his room, stalling for a while outside Heero’s bed chamber. The lights were out, but Duo wondered if he was actually asleep or not. Deciding it better to go to his room than incur the punishment for entering a Lords chamber without their permission, he made his way to the servant wing of the house. He was about to walk in to his room when one of the servant girls stopped him. “You’re not going to Lord Yuy’s room? Tonight?”

Duo blinked and pointed at her. “Lydia, right?”

She smiled and nodded.

“What did you mean by ‘tonight’?”

“Tomorrow is Lord Yuy’s birthday, so I figured…”

//Ah// He had heard something about that before //wonder how old he is...//. “Well, he was asleep by the time I got back so--”

“I’ll go ask him,” Lydia cut him off as she scurried away. Duo rolled his eyes and slipped into is room to change for the night. Duo was surprised to see a basin with water in it and a cloth next to a light dinner on his dresser. He smiled; Heero must have told someone to have this ready for him. Grateful for the insight, Duo gave himself a quick cloth bath and changed. It wasn’t long after he had tied his toga when Lydia tapped on his door. “He said to bring your dinner and join him on the balcony.”

Though he wasn’t surprised that Heero was still awake, he was taken a little aback with the request. Quatre had told him that Lords only ate with their Aiko on rare occasions when they breakfasted together a few days ago. Then again, it was Heero’s birthday. Maybe birthdays are a big deal to Lorlians.

Gathering his tray, Duo made his way to Heero’s chamber and slipped through the vale of silk to the balcony. He stopped abruptly, almost dropping his tray, because of the sight before him. Heero sat near the balcony rail, his arm relaxed on it while he held a goblet of wine. His face was tipped up as he gazed at the half moon, its light defining his face with a soft glow. The haze of the moon also played lightly on his exposed chest and white toga. Legs crossed one knee over the other, and his feet bare, Heero reclined comfortably on his chair with a small table in front of him. Duo had to stop himself from drooling. Heero looked so regal yet so pure in the moonlight, all Duo could manage was to gulp and clear his throat since words were failing him. Heero looked over at him smiled lightly then nodded towards the chair opposite of him. Duo shook himself out of his reprieve and sat down. “Quatre would be angry.”

Heero grinned and poured himself some more wine. “Oh? Why?”

“I’m reinforcing your bad habit of staying up until all hours of the morning.”

“It’s not that late.”

“Yeah it is.” Than won him an almost smile. It looked good on him, //you mean sexy on him//. Duo tried to ignore that thought.

Heero took a sip of his wine and motioned towards Duo’s shoulder. “Feel better?”

Duo sighed and rotated his shoulder once. “A little. It’ll be a while until I’m back up to par.”

“You didn’t look that bad.”

“You also have not seen me in my prime…the opposite in fact,” Duo grumbled. He had been a wreck when he first came to Lorlia; an inch long cut on his forehead, an infected stab wound, jumbled memories and bruised wrists and ankles from struggling against the shackles. But now, sitting here, he was pretty comfortable…as long as he ignored the fact that the man sitting across from him owned him. But he decided that for now, or at least for tonight, he would act as if there were no sai rings around his wrists. When his situation wasn’t on his mind, he found Heero pretty intriguing //among other things…//.

Heero chuckled lightly at his earlier comment as Duo dipped a piece of bread into the small bowl of honey that came with his meal and popped it in his mouth. It was a rare treat for him, having honey. Duo’s tribe rarely went near bees to get it. It amazed Duo that such a small creature could kill a full grown man with one sting. It had happened one too many times back home, so people didn’t tempt fate any more. Savoring the sweet flavor, Duo readied another piece of bread for dipping.

“Let it sit.” Heero offered.

“Huh?”

“The bread. Let it sit in the honey for a while.”

Raising an eyebrow, Duo stilled his hand as he dipped the bread, then popped in his mouth. It was almost crunchy. It tasted like the…“It tastes almost like the honey comb.”

Heero nodded.

“How did you know that was my favorite part?”

“I didn’t. I just knew it was mine.”

Duo took a big piece of bread and let it soak even longer this time before eating it. His mouth was still full when he spoke. “Weh actually haf things in ‘ommon?”

Heero smirked, most likely at his obvious lack of table manners. “Some things.”

Duo finished off his dinner in more or less silence as Heero gazed at the moon once again. He looked so far off, staring up in the sky like that. Duo liked to star gaze too, but Heero’s eyes didn’t seem to leave the moon. “You like the moon?”

“Hn, sorry. What? Oh. Yes, I guess.” Heero was obviously not paying attention. “It just--it reminds me of the time.”

Duo finished off his water and attempted a conversation. “Your birthday is tomorrow, right?”

Heero nodded quietly.

“Do Lorlians do anything for birthdays?”

That question finally got Heero to pull his eyes from the sky and sit up. Heero looked at him in surprise. “Of course. Birthdays are largely celebrated [1]. Especially this one.”

“What’s so special about this one?”

“I’m turning the legal age of an adult.”

Duo blinked at him. //He wasn’t considered an adult? Looks legal to me…// “How old are you?”

Heero furrowed his eyebrows and leaned back in his chair again. “I’ll be seventeen.”

“That’s a little late, isn’t it?” Duo was considered an adult at thirteen in his tribe.

“No. My position involves a lot of knowledge, experience and leadership skills, which take time to achieve.”

“But, you’re already doing the job. Have been for years, right?”

“I haven’t had to shoulder the entirety of my position as of now. I’ve had help. After tomorrow, I will take up all my duties.”

“Huh.” Duo watched as Heero took another drink of wine and laid the cup down on the small table between them. With Heero’s arm extended, Duo saw a dark bruise and a red marks in a circle in the middle of the crook of his arm. //He must have taken that bandage off…//. Not even thinking about it, Duo leaned foreword and put his hand around Heero’s wrist so he couldn’t withdraw his arm. “Where is this from?”

Heero blinked at him. “What?”

Duo traced the bruise with his other hand, innocently feeling how smooth his skin was, and looked up at him. “This.”

Heero has a distinct blush on his cheeks as he pulled away. “It’s nothing.”

“Oh?” Duo cocked an eyebrow at him, making it clear that he wasn’t buying it.

Heero sighed deeply. “The potion that I had Phinneaus make needed blood to complete. The crook of the arm is among one of the easiest places to withdraw it.”

That was pretty normal for powerful spells, but Duo eyed the bruise with curiosity. It looked like the process must have been painful, if it created that deep of a bruise. “Wouldn’t it be easier just to cut yourself or something?”

“Yes, but the potion requires an exact amount of blood. Just cutting yourself is too…well, messy, for lack of a better word.”

Duo nodded in understanding then stopped abruptly. “You knew I was--”

“Eavesdropping? Yes.”

Duo soaked in this information as Heero smirked yet again and got up to make his way back into the bed chamber. //He never does anything…// Duo stammered in his head. If walking into a wrong building was enough to get lashings, certainly there was some type of punishment for eavesdropping on a Lord.

Deciding to ignore it for now, Duo reveled in the fact that today was relatively a good day. He got to work out, feel fresh wind on his face again, and was slowly starting to think that maybe him thinking Heero was fucking hot wasn’t such a bad thing…just the truth. That thought was ground further in when he got up and walked in to the bed chamber to see Heero already dozing. Duo liked him like that. In bed, he wasn’t the powerful Lord of War…just a normal guy //my age// that looked damn good in the moonlight.

Smiling, Duo crawled into bed and drifted off to sleep. But like clockwork, Heero woke from a dream a few hours later, stirring Duo as he did so. It was true that Duo really did want to know what the man saw in his dreams, but he knew that they would have to be on better terms if he ever wanted to get it out of him. He was working his way there and even enjoying it a little.

Eyeing him as he stared at the moon once again, Duo finally noticed how confused he really was now. At first, he refused to give in to the servitude that he was forced into. And when he found out that he was suppose to be Heero’s plaything, he stubbornly made sure to hate him. But, the longer he was here and the more he learned about Heero, the more his original train of thought lessened, until he found himself trying to be friends with him. It’s true that if he did try and fuck him, Duo would still fight tooth and nail, but he didn’t hate the man. The opposite really, he was finally admitting to himself. It was his pride that kept him from allowing himself to entertain thoughts of them in bed. If he did give in, one way or the other, he could never go home.

A while had passed as Duo was in thought and Heero finally climbed back into bed and fell back asleep. Knowing that if he wanted the answers to the riddle that was Heero it would take time, Duo fell back asleep with him, and found himself welcoming another day of discoveries.

# # # #

Heero awoke to the sound of celebration from outside beyond the balcony. Groaning in protest, he rolled over and buried his head amongst the pillows. He heard a growl from Duo and felt him shift in a similar fashion. At least he wasn’t the only one annoyed of the before noon drinking. Besides, why the hell are they…//oh, right//. Today was his birthday. A cause for every man to celebrate //more like an excuse//. Lorlians did love to party. Heero lifted his head from the pillows and blinked bleary eyed at the light peering through the shades around his bed. Another shout could be heard from outside as he glared in its direction. Grumbling to himself, Heero sat up to stretch as a sight caught his eye.

Duo lay on his stomach with his hair tussled around him and a light smile on his face as he burrowed deeper into the pillows, desperate to stay in his dreams. The sheets were down to his waist, leaving his silken back exposed for Heero’s enjoyment. //By the gods, he is beautiful//. It was beyond him how such a strong willed, gifted fighter could be so beautiful without loosing his masculinity. However it was done, Duo accomplished it well. Even with the long hair he didn’t look feminine, just exotic. And those amethyst eyes…Heero blushed despite himself. What he wouldn’t give to just simply have his way with Duo. But he was better than that, and he did promise him he would never take him without permission. He wasn’t so fucked up that night that he didn’t remember that.

Sighing inwardly, Heero crawled out of bed and slipped on a robe. He heard a stirring from the bed but didn’t turn around as he headed out to the balcony where he was met by a crowd of people below. The cheer was deafening as he came into view of the public. There were various yells, from just plain screaming to shouts of ‘happy birthday’ could be heard. Heero waited patiently for the screaming to die down then comically put is finger in his ear as if he were cleaning it out. “Good morning to you all as well!”

Heero smiled quietly as the crowd laughed light-heartedly. He wasn’t usually a very out going man, but for his people and for the sake of the day, he could manage. As the laughing dulled a young girl spoke up. “It is already noon, my Lord!”

Heero was about to reply when Duo came traipsing out from the bed chamber, still half asleep. “What’s all the--whoa!”

Duo stood and blinked at the crowd as his cheeks turned a defining red as he noticed what this must look like.

“Ah, so that is why you were still asleep my Lord,” and older man shouted up at them, causing Duo to blush even harder as the crowd exploded in a roar of laughter.

Heero just leaned on the balcony rail and covered his eyes with his hand as he shook his head, smiling and trying not to laugh. He forgot how easy going Lorlians could be on a holiday. Still smiling, Heero slid his hand from his eyes down to cover his mouth and looked at Duo, who obviously was hoping this was dream. He stayed in his dumbstruck awe as Heero put his hands up to silence everyone. “Thank you for visiting me on this festive occasion. It warms me to see you all on this day and I hope that today will be a day to remember…or not, depending on how much you drink!”

The men roared in laughter as the girls giggled, making Heero’s heart lighter than it had been in a while.

# # # #

Duo could feel the deep color in his cheeks spread to his whole face and his heartbeat quicken as the crowd continued laughing. He was happy that Heero silenced them and made his little speech, otherwise he might have resorted to hiding behind him, he admitted, much to his own horror. How come he could stand up to torture and not even flinch, but the idea of being in front of all these people with them thinking that he was sleeping with Heero made him want to run and hide? Perhaps it was the whole embarrassment thing. But, it usually didn’t bother him…much to many peoples’ annoyance, Duo noted. Whatever the reason, Duo sighed inwardly as he felt his heart settle and the color in his face recede.

Finally calm enough, Duo watched as Heero addressed the people. They all looked happy, especially all the kids who were running in circles down below giggling “Happy birthday Lord Yuy!” in unison. He smiled and moved his gaze to Heero, and what he saw made him smile even wider. You could see his appreciation of the people below shining in his eyes. There was a true kindness in that look. He had the type of look that every civilization would kill to see in the eyes of their leader. It’s true that the guy wasn’t smiling broadly and waving with enthusiasm, but anyone can fake that. No, the look he had was purely from his heart and made Duo understand why the people cared for him so much. “You look happy.”

Heero turned to him and lifted an eyebrow. “I do?”

“Um-hum.”

Duo caught a small blush on his face before Heero turned away and addressed the people once again. “I am sure everyone in my House has things set up in the square, so if you will…”

Everyone cheered some more as they headed towards the square and Duo followed Heero back into the bed chamber. “Duo, find Sally so she can help you pick out the right clothing.”

“Right clothing? You mean…” Duo looked at him in surprise and relief. Was it possible he might actually get to do something today? He had been so bored lately that any news of leaving the House was good news.

Heero nodded. “You’re coming. Today is a busy day for us. Lots of places to be in one day.” He was about to walk away, but turned around suddenly to face Duo again. “So…watch how much you drink.”

Duo thought back to the night Heero came back completely sloshed and held back all the smart ass comments that were flooding into his mind. They might be getting along a little better now, but Duo was pretty sure that Heero wasn’t ready for the real him just yet. Which made him think…“Will we see Quatre?”

“Of course. He and Trowa will probably be running around with us, knowing them.”

Duo smiled at that. Not only was he getting out today, but he was actually going to have someone to talk with…well, someone he actually wanted to talk with, that is. Tricieus had offered a few times to come over and keep Duo company and ‘talk’, but Duo declined gratefully. Talking and gossiping are two different things, something Tricieus must not have learned, and Duo didn’t fell like hearing about what kinks belonged to which Lord, //no thank you!//.

Heero gathered a few glass bottles filled with various liquids from one of the boxes on top of the dresser and headed off towards his bathing room as Duo made his way to Sally’s room and paused at the door. Would Sally be up to helping him after yesterday? Duo didn’t blame her in the least if not and knocked lightly on the door, waiting for a reply. When none came, he pushed the door open slightly and discovered she was not in her room. Discouraged, Duo decided to just try and dress himself. It couldn’t be that hard, he would just pick the most expensive-looking thing in his dresser and put it on. But as he got to his room, he noticed his own door was wide open. Confused, Duo peeked around the doorway and saw Sally rummaging through his drawers. “Hey, um…you sure you’re up to…”

Sally looked up and smiled. “I feel fine! Heero underestimated the power of the potion. It was made with his blood, after all.”

Lifting an eyebrow, Duo decided not to argue and sat on the bed, watching Sally as she started throwing clothes on the floor, apparently dismissing them for the party. “I know it’s in here. Where the hell–ah, finally!”

Sally held up the toga triumphantly. It was knee length and a pure white, embroidered in silver and dark blue with slits on both sides of it. Setting it down, Sally then pulled out the throw to go with it. It was the same dark blue as the embroidery with a silver shoulder clasp to pin it to the toga. The end of the throw that would hang in the back was elegantly embroidered with silver and white thread. The sandals that went with it were also silver and the straps would go up to just under his knees once laced up. All in all, this toga was beyond expensive. Not that he wanted to admit it, but he loved being pampered…a guilty pleasure of his, but this was, was…“Wow.”

“I thought it was perfect for you. The color will really bring out your eyes. I saw it and just had to buy it.”

“Whoa, whoa, wait. You mean you bought it…for me?” Duo gawked at her. How the hell did she afford that?

She shook her head. “No, I told Heero about it and he gave me the money to buy it. For you.” She emphasized those last words. “Go bathe and then come back. I’ll help you get ready.”

Still eyeing the toga, Duo slipped out and went to the bath.

# # # #

Heero bathed and dressed quickly then made his way to the square where almost everyone was there to meet him. Quatre and Trowa came running up, already pink-faced and laughing from the alcohol they must have already consumed. “Happy birthday!”

“Perhaps too happy. How much have you two drank already?”

Trowa shrugged. “We lost count. Where is Duo?”

“I told Sally to bring him to the banquet, otherwise we might get separated.” Heero noted the commotion of the square. It was beyond crowded, and loud. The children were running around in groups playing tag and chasing dogs while mothers looked on in delight. Musicians were playing their hearts out in the middle of the square surrounded by dancers. A lot of the men were playing in contests to determine who was the strongest while others worked on wooing women into dancing. People were just everywhere, drinking, dancing, laughing and just having a plain good time.

Lost in the sea of people, Heero barely noticed when Phinneaus clapped him on the shoulder. “Hey! Happy birthday!”

“Fin!” Heero immediately felt guilty. “Sorry I haven’t--”

“Nah, don’t worry about it. You’ve been busy, I know that. Hey, let’s go grab some wine!”

Not even waiting for Heero’s reply, Phinneaus yanked him over to the wine cart. Remembering his own advice, Heero only drank one goblet of wine while at the square and then made his way to Primitivus’s house with Quatre, Trowa and Phinneaus lagging behind.

They were greeted with an explosion of applause and cheering as they entered the banquet hall. Heero shook hands with more people than he could remember and was patted on the back so many times that he was sure he was going to have a bruise before he got to a table and sat down. Sighing in relief, he grabbed a piece of cantaloupe and began to eat it until the Aiko’s entrance was announced. He dropped the piece fruit at the sight before him. Duo looked amazing. The blue, white and silver toga and throw that he was wearing made his eyes shine like amethyst jewels //beautiful…//. His hair was in its usual style, but had ribbons of blue braided into it as well. Silver rings, one on each of the biceps of his arms, accentuated his strength and glinted in the sunlight as he moved, making his way towards Heero.

Heero tried to say something, but his mouth went dry, almost causing him to cough from the strain.

Duo tipped his head and smiled. “What?”

“N-Nothing!” Heero said a bit too quickly for his own liking. Clearing his head, Heero stood up and circled Duo, inspecting his outfit. “It looks like Sally had fun.”

# # # #

Duo held up his own hair for display, noting the ribbons braided into in. “What makes you think that?”

Heero chuckled at the sarcastic comment as he motioned for him to sit down. Duo eyed all the food on the long table in front of them. He had never seen so much, let alone it presented this way. There were elegant dishes of fruit and vegetables, many of which he had never seen before. They were all set up to look like things; from the simple shape of a flower to elaborate designs that only an artist could have thought of. Along with the fruit and vegetable platters, fresh bread loaves, some even still steaming, and cheeses made up a few of the platters. The rest of the refreshments consisted of wine jugs constantly being emptied by the partygoers. Shaking his head in disbelief at the amount of food, he noticed there were even more platters of food on other smaller tables. Also around were tanks of fish, still alive and swimming, instead of cooked and on a platter as Duo had expected.

“It seems the main course isn’t quite done yet,” Heero commented, causing Duo to look back at him in shock.

“You mean there’s more?!” Duo’s voiced almost cracked.

A cheery voice came from behind him. “Of course!”

Duo turned around and smiled, seeing the blonde and his stoic husband walking up to them. Quatre sat down beside him and popped a grape in his mouth as he talked. “There isn’t even any meat out yet. Primitivus likes to do things in steps. Right now is just snacking.”

“Snack?” Duo couldn’t help but gawk at them. “This is a snack?”

“Probably hard for you to comprehend,” Trowa stated. “Lorlians have a thing for banquets. Flashy ones at that.”

Duo lifted his eyebrows at the entertainment that was dancing around the room in revealing clothes and the amount of wine that was being consumed. “Didn’t notice.”

Than earned him a quiet smile from Trowa.

Gazing at all the food and commotion, it took Duo a while to notice that Heero was talking to him and he had to ask him to repeat what he said. “I said, perhaps we should pick our dinner.”

“Pick?”

“Yes, the tanks.” Heero motioned over to the still swimming fish.

Duo eyed them and noticed there were people with nets beside them. “You mean you pick the fish you want to eat?”

Heero and the others stood up. “Exactly, this way you get what you want and it’s fresh.”

Duo was about to follow them over when he spotted one of the fish that was taken out earlier flopping around in a waterless jar on the table. “Why…” Duo pointed over at it and Heero followed his direction with his eyes.

“Ah, that is…well…some people like to watch the fish die as a sort of entertainment [2]. Personally, I don’t see what is so entertaining…” Heero shrugged. “But, to each his own as they say.”

Duo furrowed his eyebrows at the sight. “I don’t have to, do I?”

Much to his relief, Heero shook his head. “They only do it if you ask now days.”

They made their way over to one of the tanks and Duo chose a mean looking sturgeon for his meal. As they sat back down, the main doors of the hall opened and new platters of even more food came in. Duo’s mouth watered as trays of duck, lamb, beef, chicken and goat crossed his path…the smells were intoxicating. He scrimped a piece of each kind of meat as the platter was sat down in front of him. They tasted as good as they smelled; seasoned with spices he had never tasted before.

While Duo was enjoying all the new tastes and smells, he could see Heero picking at the fruit platter out of the corner of his eye. Almost every time he saw the man eat, he was eating fruit. “You like fruit a lot, don’t you?”

Quatre laughed. “You’ve noticed? You should see him when watermelon is in season, its all he eats!”

Heero blushed a little. “I eat other things.”

“He says while he stuffs a cherry in his mouth.” Quatre retorted. Heero was about to comment when the doors opened yet again, but this time, all the Lords stood up and lined the walkway. As a man walked in, they all bowed very low to the ground, everyone around Duo was bowing low as well. Duo opted to just hide behind one of the large fruit displays. When the man sat down in the chair at the front of the room, every one chanted, “Hail the Emperor Ikkaku!”

Duo peeked around the fruit display as the Emperor addressed the group. “Heero, come up to see me. Everyone else, back to the celebration!”

With his word, everyone went back to their business. Duo found Heero in the crowd and watched as he made his way up to the Emperor, bowing yet again when he reached him. Some words passed between them before Heero came back and sat down once again. Their fish that they picked out earlier came back to them and they ate while watching the performers. Quatre and Trowa finished eating before them and disappeared into the crowd.

Tricieus appeared suddenly beside Duo. “Enjoying the party?” Then, as if just noticing that Heero was there, Tricieus flustered a bi then bowed low to the ground. “Happy birthday, Lord Yuy.”

Heero looked up from his food. “Tricieus, right? You have been helping Duo with his training, correct?”

Duo could tell the man was blushing from how pink the back of his ears were becoming. Not even lifting his head, Tricieus nodded in reply. “Yes, Lord Yuy.”

Heero’s blue eyes smiled. “Ah, thank you for your help. I hope he wasn’t too much trouble.”

“Of course not Lord Yuy!” The man’s forehead didn’t leave the ground. Heero looked as if he were about to say something when his name was called from across the room.

“I am being summoned,” Heero sighed. “You two enjoy yourselves.”

With that, Heero left him alone with Tricieus, who finally looked up.

“He’s even better looking close up.” Tricieus mumbled, mainly to himself.

“Is he?” Duo couldn’t help but interject, making Tricieus blush. From what Duo was seeing in the crowd, Heero really was one of the best looking, say for Trowa and Quatre, who had disappeared. The Emperor wasn’t bad looking, but he wasn’t good looking either, that was for damn sure. Peoples’ clothing was standing out more than any of their looks were in this party, but then again there was a lot of silver, gold, and jewels being worn. One thing Duo could say about Lorlians, most of them were pretty plain looking. That ailment made the beautiful people in this kingdom stand out even more so.

Duo felt a tug on his braid as Tricieus inspected it. “You look great!”

Duo smiled from the compliment. //Yes I do, of I can say so myself. Enough to make Heero stutter at least// Duo reminisced. He had actually made Heero Yuy stutter. He was quite proud of himself.

Tricieus got up motioned for him to follow as he led Duo over to where most of the Aiko were sitting. All of them gave him a warm greeting, but the fact that he wasn’t being pulled down to sit by a skinny, charismatic boy didn’t escape his notice. “Where’s Illinus?”

“He’s a little…tired.” One of the Aiko smiled.

“Humph, it’s his own fault.” Another snorted.

“What is?” Duo interjected. He couldn’t imagine Illinus doing anything wrong; the boy worshipped the ground his Lord walked on.

“Last night,” Tricieus began, “he was in our Lords chamber giving him a hand job when he asked my Lord about how the hunt was going for Celestial Gifts.”

“You can’t blame the kid for something he’s interested in,” an Aiko retorted in Illinus’s defense.

“He didn’t sound that interested when I talked to him,” Duo interjected, remembering how Illinus called it ‘useless talk’.

“He didn’t use to be, but ever since people in his village started getting sick…” That was all Duo needed to understand. If that were happening to him, Duo would want to know how the search was going too.

“Yeah, well, all of us know that’s a sore subject when it comes to our Lord. They’re nearly impossible to find.” Tricieus sighed, “Suffice to say, he got our Lord in a bad mood and was trying to get him out of it all night.”

“All night?” Duo blinked.

Tricieus nodded. “Hence why he’s so tired…and sore, and not here.”

An older Aiko shook his head in annoyance. “People need to learn to take care of themselves and stop relying on other people’s magic to save them.”

“Calm down, Kinlet. It’s just human nature to look for an easy way out, that’s all.”

“But still,” Kinlet argued. “Bringing a Celestial Gift here to die just to fix your problems is wrong.”

Duo’s head shot up. “Die?!”

“Yeah, a Celestial Gift dies after using their main ability…I figured you of all people knew that.”

“It’s true that I’ve met one and he did save my village, but I didn’t know he died because of it.” Duo’s stomach did a flip. So that was why the man disappeared; not because he was humble but because he--Duo shoved the thought out of his mind for the moment and ignored the strange looks he was getting from the other Aiko. “So Lorlia knows a lot about Celestial Gifts?”

“More than most places,” Tricieus nodded. “Hey Duo, what do you know about Celacents?”

That was an odd question. Celacents, which was short for Celestial Adjacent, were said to have the power of all five different Celestial Gifts. Kind of like a super Celestial Gift, that was why they were said to be the adjacents of the Gods. But, only little kids believed in that myth. “Yeah, I’ve heard the legend. Why? Is you Lord looking for those too?”

Duo said that with a mocking tone, but they all took him seriously. “Wouldn’t you be?”

Stumped on what to say, Duo was glad to see a familiar head of blonde hair across the room. “Excuse me, I need to say hello to someone.”

Ignoring the following stares of the Aiko, Duo made his way over to Quatre just in time to see him and Trowa duck behind a curtain. Duo was about to follow when he heard some voices just beyond the other side of the curtain //Did they stop behind the curtain?//.

“Sshh, stop it Trowa! We’ll get caught!” Okay, that was Quatre, who was definitely slurring his words.

“Then cover you mouth, love.” And that was Trowa, but his voice sounded a little deeper than normal. Most likely he was drunk too.

Duo heard a few gasps. “No, Trowa don’t--Oh Gods!”

Trowa didn’t say anything back that was audible.

Duo, his curiosity getting the better of him, popped his head through the curtain…then right back out, his face blazing red at what he thought he saw. Making sure he wasn’t just misreading things, Duo slipped his head through again. Trowa was kneeling on the floor in front of Quatre, who was leaning on the wall, his toga hiked up, hand over his mouth and his eyes closed, while Trowa’s head bobbed between Quatre’s legs. Quatre’s head was thrown back in ecstasy as he tried to muffle his cries with little effect, while Trowa made humming sounds. It took a bit to register what he was seeing, but no, Trowa was definitely giving Quatre head. He couldn’t help but stare, his eyes wide, while Trowa sucked the blonde off, the sight stirring Duo’s nether regions as he felt himself harden.

Finally snapping back to himself, Duo returned to his side of the curtain and stood in front of it, hoping he could ward off anyone who tried to go through it. It was the least he could do, considering how nice Quatre had been to him, but the sucking noises and airy gasps coming from Quatre were starting to get the better of him. Thinking of the most un-sexual things he could, Duo stayed by the curtain, just praying they would finish soon.

Duo had to deflect two people by the time he finally heard a high pitch squeal from Quatre and the sucking noises stop. Sighing a breath of relief, Duo was about to walk away when he heard Quatre whisper on the other side. “Your turn, love.”

Duo resisted the urge to smack his head on the nearest wall. Of course Quatre would be a good lover and reciprocate //dammit all to hell!//. Duo heard the start of Trowa’s throaty moans when Heero walked up to him. //Shit!//

“Have you seen Quatre and Trowa?”

//Of all the questions in the world// Duo groaned. “Um, no…I haven’t. You?”

Heero lifted an eyebrow. “No. Why else would I ask you?”

An unnatural laugh was all Duo could get out as a reply. Why, oh why, did he have to be such a bad liar?

“Duo?”

“They’re behind this curtain sucking each other off.” Well, he didn’t lie worth shit, so he might as well try the truth, right? Not like anyone would--

“Ah, not surprised.”

Duo stared at him, dumbstruck and at a loss for words.

“Come with me, my Lord Emperor wishes to meet you.” Heero smirked, “And don’t worry; people are too drunk to care if they walk in on them.”

“What about Quatre and Trowa?”

“They don’t even care when they’re sober.”

Duo couldn’t help but smile and follow Heero towards the Emperor. Who knew Quatre was such a wild thing?

Weaving through the crowd, he made his way with Heero to the table of the Emperor. Sally hadn’t prepared him for this. All she had told him was how to address the other lords, but the Emperor…//I should just offer to take my own head off now//. Duo was beyond tense when the Emperor looked up and finally noticed him. The feeling didn’t waver either as he felt the Emperor’s eyes on him, studying his mercilessly.

Until what felt like forever, Duo could finally let out a sigh of relief as the Emperor broke his piercing gaze to turn to Heero. “So, this is your Aiko, eh? I have to admit he’s an exotic one.”

Heero bowed slightly. “Yes, this is Duo, my Lord.”

“Phinneaus bought him?”

“Are you saying you don’t like my taste, my Lord Emperor?” A familiar voice chimed in. Duo turned around to find Phinneaus right behind him; obviously drunk and maybe even swaying a bit because of it. But, drunk or not, Phinneaus kneeled down and kissed the ring on the Emperor’s hand before he stood up and bowed yet again before he spoke again. “I am sorry if I am intruding.”

“Of course not, Phinneaus.” The Emperor smiled, “and I do like your style.”

“I’m honored.”

Duo listened as the three talked amongst one another, picking up things about them as they went. From the conversation, Duo learned that Phinneaus and Heero used to be inseparable, and many thought he would become Heero’s Aiko, until Phinneaus moved away and married a woman named Antonia, who was now pregnant. Duo was surprised to find out that the Emperor knew Phinneaus pretty well, despite their huge distance in class.

But, what interested him most was the weird vibe between the Emperor and Heero. It was obvious that they got along and all, but there was some sort of undercurrent between them that caused Heero to blush and even stumble over himself. In a word, Heero looked uncomfortable, but most likely from the fact that it wasn’t just him and the Emperor talking, but that Duo and Phinneaus were listening in. Duo caught on to this because of the amount of times Heero tried to dismiss either him or Phinneaus, which were all forted by the Emperor, who just called them back.

They were finally released from the Emperor’s presence when Lady Hortensia asked to speak with him. Heero looked delighted to get away. “Thank the Gods Hortensia showed up.”

“Who is she?” Duo asked, looking back at the Emperor as they walked away.

Phinneaus jerked his thumb in the woman’s direction. “She’s the middle daughter of the House of Humanities. Her parents are trying to court her off to the Emperor.”

//Ah, so that’s the woman Tricieus was talking about// She wasn’t bad looking, but she was too unsure of herself for Duo’s tastes. Then again, he grew up in a place where some women could beat him at arm wrestling, or at least tried.

Thinking back on his conversation with Tricieus, Duo remembered something he couldn’t help but bring up, if only to see Yuy’s reaction. “So, where’s her little sister that I hear follows you around?”

Phinneaus broke out laughing while Heero stopped abruptly and turned around. “S-She’s…um…”

A young woman with light brown hair and blazing light blue eyes walked up behind Heero, smiling. “He already succeeded in losing her.”

“Lady Relena?” Heero blinked at her, his face obviously redder than wished it was. Duo looked at the woman, curious to know who she was. A higher up, he could tell, by the way she stood and the air about her. She seemed to notice Duo’s questioning eyes and answered them. “My name is Relena Ikkaku, younger sister to the Emperor Ikkaku. And you?”

“Duo, um…” He let go of his pride and finished the sentence, “Aiko to Lord Yuy.”

Relena smiled brightly at him then turned to Heero. “So this is your Aiko?”

Heero nodded politely then Relena turned her attentions back to Duo and Phinneaus. “You two don’t mind if I steal Heero for a while, do you?”

Phinneaus shook his head them hooked and thumb towards a curtain covered exit. “Nah, Duo and I will go get some air.”

With that, Phinneaus grabbed Duo by the arm and lead him through the curtain which hid a balcony. They both leaned on the railing and scanned the scenery for a while before Phinneaus broke the silence. “I almost feel sorry for him.”

Duo turned his head sideways to look at Phinneaus. “Who?”

“Heero, of course.” He turned around and leaned against the railing, his elbows resting on the stone surface. “Not only does he have Junia after him, but Relena thinks he’s good marriage material as well. He’s not really interested in either of them, though. He’s just too damn polite and quiet to say so.”

That didn’t surprise Duo much. Heero would be his number one option too, if he lived here in Lorlia.

“Welp, I’m still hungry.” Phinneaus yawned. “I’m going to get more food. Wanna come?”

Duo gawked at the man. How could he still be hungry after all of that? “Nah, I’ll just stay out here.”

“Suit yourself,” Phinneaus shrugged and walked back into the banquet hall. Duo sighed to himself and concentrated on the horizon, trying to gauge how far away from home he was. Lorlia really was like a whole different world, a richer world, but a different world. One person’s home was as big as Duo’s whole village here.

“Enjoying the view?”

Duo turned around to see a man he didn’t know smiling at him. Not knowing how to address the man, Duo stayed quiet as he walked up to the balcony edge and leaned on the railing in the same manner Duo was.

“Not sure what to say, I take it?”

Duo still didn’t answer.

“I’m Primitivus, the Lord of this house. And you’re Duo, correct?”

Finally on some ground he could stand up on, Duo nodded. “Yes, Lord Primitivus.” This was the asshole that not even Quatre really likes. They just stood in silence for a bit, while Duo willed the man to leave soon.

“We talked here as well, you know.”

Duo looked up, confused. “Sorry?”

“Heero and I, after I caught that woman in the Royal Court.”

//Oh, right// this was the guy who caught Sally. And what did he mean by ‘that woman’? “You mean Sally.” It was a statement, not a question, and Duo made sure he got that, no matter what punishment he may receive for mouthing off. He may be in this man’s home, where what he said was law, but Duo wasn’t going to let him talk about Sally like that.

“Yes, her.” Primitivus seemed un-phased by Duo’s comment. “Yuy came right over here as soon as he took her home. It was strange. I had never seen Heero so compliant. Basically said he would do anything to keep me quiet.”

His tone was condescending and he wore a smirk on his face. Duo furrowed his brow, pissed to all hell to hear this man talk about Heero that way. Deciding it was between decking the ass or walking away, Duo walked away, therefore keeping his head for at least another day.

He had taken a few steps towards the curtain by the time Primitivus grabbed his wrist, making him stop. If this were any other man, any other place, Duo could have punched the guy, kicked him for good measure and walked away. But here, he wouldn’t get three steps without being caught. So, not turning around to face the man was the most defiant Duo could get in this situation.

He heard Primitivus chuckle behind him. “Well, even an outsider like you gets angry when his Lord is insulted.”

Duo turned around, intent to at least yell at the man until he saw the ferial glint in eyes. It made Duo’s blood run cold. Shaking his wrist from the mans grasp was all he could muster as he stood there, locked in that gaze.

“He told me to name it,” Primitivus smiled as he slowly backed Duo sideways towards the wall. “Anything I wanted, so long as I told everyone I found the woman outside the Royal Court and not in it.”

Duo’s back was to the wall as his eyes darted around, looking for a route of escape. He found one, he could get away, but there was something about the man’s stare that rooted Duo’s feet to the ground. Trying to move with all his strength, Duo managed to step sideways, only to be stopped by Primitivus’s arm as he put his palms on the wall, one on each side of Duo’s head. “Do you know what I said I wanted, Duo? Since he said I could have anything?”

The man was bearing over him, only a few inches from his face. Duo’s heart raced and his nerves froze, limiting his movements. For the first time in his life Duo was stuck…and he was scared.

“Do you?” Primitivus questioned again.

Duo shook his head slightly, his eyes never leaving Primitivus’s.

“I said I wanted you.”



TBC…
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I know, I’m mean. Sorry. Please review and I’ll try and update a lot faster this time, I promise!

* Can you figure out how I got these names? I’ll give you a cookie if you do!

[1] – Romans really were notorious for throwing huge birthday parties.

[2] – Believe it or not, they actually did do this in ancient Rome during banquets for entertainment.