Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ The Hidden Self ❯ Part 4 ( Chapter 4 )

Animal fic part 4

 

“So,” said Duo once Quatre had left them alone to get dressed. “Can you do a full transformation?”

 

“Yes,” replied Wufei looking away politely as he studied the garments he had been handed over. When Wufei was four years old he had found out he could do a Transformation to his animal form that included shifting all the clothes he was wearing as well, something only a high-level shifter could do. He had shown off to his mother the first chance he'd gotten and had been scolded harshly for it.

 

“Uh,” said Duo, and Wufei could see him wriggling from the corner of his eye as he tried to get into the tight jeans he had chosen from the cloth-rack. “Why don't you?”

 

“No reason really,” Wufei said evasively as he stepped into the slacks he had opted for. Now, looking back, Wufei could understand her reasons, but back then it was a different matter. All he could remember of that time was the joy of the occasion leaking out of him as he had sat, sobbing at his mother's feet. She had told him never to do that in the presence of any of the household members - if anyone was to find out he'd be sent away - though he was sure she meant worse. He could see now that his mother had been feeling extremely uneasy within the turbulent Change residence - a new concubine who had produced a kit in her first year before even the first wife had had her first litter. And a male kit at that, no matter what Lady Une said to downplay the significance. Added to the fact that none of the other wives had produced a male kit yet meant there was a chance of him being killed should he overstep his station. Especially when he started to show high-level shifting abilities that none of the legitimate children had.

 

“What's it like?” Duo persisted. “I can transform bits of clothes when I want to carry stuff with me but not all.”

 

“It's not that difficult,” Wufei said diplomatically. “If you can do a partial transformation, you can do a full one. You just need to practice.”

 

“Draws less attention if you just act weak,” Duo observed as he pulled on his t-shirt then dragged his braid out.

 

“Ah,” said Wufei, blushing guiltily, since he had been thinking the same thing. “It is difficult when you've got shoes and jewelry to shift.”

 

“Wouldn't know,” Duo said with a shrug. “No shoes and no put-ons to try it out.”

 

Wufei paused, wondering about his friend. He had no idea where he lived, if he had a place to live in or if he had any parents. All he suspected was that Duo mustn't have anything important to leave behind if he had been willing to run off with Wufei the moment he'd decided do something harebrained like elope with a blue-eyed mixed breed.

 

He opened his mouth to comment on it when Quatre popped into the cabin and nodded. “You guys ready? Then you'd better come `cause the guests are here.”

 

It was with real interest that Wufei watched Prince Milliardo Peacecraft strut up the ramp like a peacock, even though he was in his human form. Long blond hair, well shaped face - the visible part of it anyway and folds of fabric so perfect they must have been ironed on after he had put them on. Milliardo was a singularly good looking man who was…

 

“Why he wear stoooopid mask on face?” Duo demanded loudly as he hung onto Wufei's shoulder, breaking the moment.

 

“Oh, he's just going through one of his multiple identity crisis thingies,” Quatre said flippantly. “Hell, Zechs, take a seat and have a drink.”

 

“Heero,” said Zechs as if Winner hadn't spoken. “My sister is worried that you're acting too hastily. Have you thought this through?” He stopped, took at Wufei and Duo then looked back at Heero. “Do you know what you're about to get into with a total stranger?”

 

“One apple fizz coming up,” Quatre deadpanned. “Zechs that was not a very nice thing to say to Wufei and …”

 

“It's perfectly alright,” said the second figure that came strolling up the ramp. “The kitten always lands on his feet don't you?”

 

Wufei looked at the new addition, blushed and looked away. “Treize,” he said, feeling slightly uncomfortable at the sight of his weapons master. “What are you doing here?”

 

“Is he really wearing a mask?” Duo said forcefully, though he was playing with his braid nervously. Wufei had to look twice to confirm that indeed, his friend was fidgeting with his hair, which was a sign that he was not as collected as usual.

 

“It's because he does not want to be recognized as the prince,” Quatre said in a low voice, perhaps hoping Duo would shut up.

 

“As if that draws less attention,” Duo said insultingly, drawing Zechs' attention.

 

“And you are …” Zechs said finally, as if giving into the demands of a persistent child.

 

“I'm a squirrel, if you must know,” Duo said in a slightly louder-than-necessary voice, sticking up his chin in defiance.

 

“Oh.” Zechs blinked. “That's … interesting.” He gave Duo a careful once over and then flicked his gaze to Wufei. “For a moment I was worried it was the mouthy one who caused Heero to act irrationally. Thank the Skies, it's not that bad.”

 

“Hay, yooo, what's wrong with me?” Duo demanded as he jumped into Zechs's personal space. “Birdbrain.”

 

“Nothing,” Zechs said with the air of someone who'd already dismissed Duo as unimportant.

 

Duo continued to scowl at Zechs who pointedly ignored him in favor of Wufei, studying him intently. “Cat?” he asked in a slightly amused voice making Wufei bristle while Duo slumped into the sofa with his arms crossed, pointedly looking away to show his displeasure at being ignored. While a part of Wufei wondered why Duo needed to be noticed he was also insulted that he was told he resembled nothing more than a common feline.

 

“I'm a puma,” Wufei hissed a little defensively.

 

Treize stepped forward to diffuse the situation. “I see you've done something wild for a change,” he said as he glided into the room stepping up from the ramp. He stopped in front of Wufei, scented the air and Wufei caught sight of a forked tongue* before it disappeared. “Still a virgin I see but that can be remedied…”

 

Wufei was jerked to the side so fast he could hear the `pop' of the vacuum forming where he had been, as Heero pulled him away from Treize. “Don't come near him,” Heero growled.

 

“Is he a cat?” Traize asked from Wufei as he took in Heero's appearance without a twitch. “I'd say you've made a good catch, kitten. Someone who can stand up to your temper by the look of it. This should be interesting.” He shifted his attention to Heero and nodded as if he was a casual acquaintance. “Heero Yuy, I presume. You've caused quite a stir.”

 

Heero did not look pleased with the comment though he did stare at the implacably dressed man for a little longer. “Treize Kushrenada,” he said softly in his usual nasal tone. “What brings you here? If you are here to take Wufei back…”

 

Treize held up a hand as if to appease Heero's anger. “I'm just here to see the kitten off,” he said. “Zechs and I have been childhood friends. I couldn't let him come alone.”

 

“I'm hardly likely to do anything drastic,” Zechs said as he walked over to Treize and handed him a glass of apple fizz. “My sister gives me a hysterical call about Heero eloping with a bit of tra…” he looked around at the inquiring gazes just waiting for him to put his foot in his mouth “…um -- you know and told me to bring him back.” He turned his attention to Wufei, who was still in Heero's clutches and nodded. “I'm sorry, we haven't been properly introduced. I'm Zechs Marquise,” he said and held out his hand.

 

“Chang Wufei,” Wufei said, shaking hands with him. Zech's palm was calloused and hard, not at all like his soft outward appearance, and Wufei had to reassess some of the impressions he'd gotten about the pretty boy.

 

“I must say,” Zechs said with a small apologetic smile. “I did not create a good first impression. My sister means the world to me and when she called me, sounding so distressed, I thought something big had happened.”

 

“You're damn lucky I ran into you,” Treize said with one of his teasing smiles Wufei was so familiar with. He had seen it countless times as he'd faced down the wrong end of Treize's rapier. “There you were, in the middle of the estate, flapping around like a headless chicken…”

 

“I resent that description,” Zechs said as he smiled back at Treize. “And I'm sorry if I shed any feathers on the upholstery.”

 

“That's to be expected,” said Treize. “So what will you do now?”

 

“My sister is somewhat spoiled,” Zechs admitted somewhat reluctantly, while to Wufei's left, Duo mumbled `somewhat' under his breath but continued to sulk in the corner. “And the situation doesn't seem as bad as I was led to believe. But, perhaps … Heero, a word with you, if I may.”

 

Heero seemed ready to drag Wufei with him to the private meeting but Wufei balked. “Why don't you go alone?” he said finally. “I think I'll stay here and wait it out.”

 

Heero turned around and looked over Wufei's shoulder at someone, forcing Wufei to crane his head as well. Behind him, leaning against the open doorway, stood Trowa, scowling at the world in general. “Look after him,” Heero told Trowa and got an answering nod. Wufei got the impression no matter how much he was disliked by Trowa, he would be looked after very well by the taller boy.

 

Once Zechs and Heero had moved to the next room, Treize looked at Wufei, then smirked. “There I was thinking you'd be marrying that nice girl and raising a litter by next year.”

 

“You and me both,” Wufei said with a grimace. “Though by the looks of it, the litter is still a possibility.”

 

There was a sudden sound behind him and he turned around swiftly to see Trowa move back, his face unreadable. Something Wufei had said seemed to have made and impact on him though what exactly, Wufei could not guess. He turned his attention back to Treize and asked the question he had been dying to know the answer to. “How's everyone taking my … desertion?”

 

“There's no need to be so harsh on yourself,” the older man said gently. “You weren't exactly treated well back home so this shouldn't have come unexpected.” He patted Wufei's shoulder and added, “You mother sends her love. She is glad you managed to do something for yourself, finally.”

 

“Thank you,” Wufei said, looking down at his feet to hide the relief in his eyes. His mother was fine, that was all he needed to know. “I suppose there'll be no more fencing lessons from now on.”

 

“Oh,” said Treize with a teasing smile. “Not with me perhaps but I heard that both Mr. Yuy and Mr. Winner are excellent fencers. You should be just fine with them. It's just that my reason for visiting your residence has been taken away so I have no excuse to pay my respects to your aunt anymore.”

 

“Lady Une?” Wufei said, jerking his head back up in surprise. "You're courting her?"

 

Behind Wufei, Duo made a gagging sound as he unashamedly eavesdropped on the conversation.

 

“She is a fine woman,” Treize said though his eyes implied he knew exactly what she was like. “She's a lot like you, you know? Same features, same temper and even the same farsighted eyes…”

 

“No thanks,” said Wufei scowling. “I really don't need to hear this.”

 

“Now kitten, you must…”

 

Wufei hissed in anger and Treize stopped though he looked more amused than alarmed by Wufei's reaction. But it seemed to have drawn Heero out of the inner room since he came as soon as he heard Wufei, followed by Zechs, who looked all too calm for one whose conversation must have been interrupted.

 

“What happened?” Heero asked as he looked from Wufei to Treize with suspicion.

 

“Nothing,” Wufei said, looking away. “Are we leaving now?”

 

“Where are you going?” Treize asked from Wufei and he froze, realizing that he had no idea as to where they were heading.

 

“We're going to our estate,” Quatre spoke up from behind Wufei. “Heero can hardly go back to Sanc at the moment since he's fallen out of favor with the Princess.”

 

“Do I detect a note of sarcasm when you refer to my sister?” Zechs asked a little dryly but also amused. Wufei realized that though the Winners were not aristocrats, they had almost the same social standing as the Peacecrafts did and the two regarded each other as equals.

 

“She is going to grow up to be fine Queen,” Quatre said diplomatically.

 

“Growing up being the keyword,” Trowa spoke - for the first time - from the doorway.

 

“Ah, Trowa,” said Zechs as if only noticing him now. “Going to the Winner estate as well?”

 

Of course,” Trowa grinned ferally. “There's always something to do for a wolf in a sheep pen.”

 

“Or a deer cage,” Zechs said blandly, making Quatre blush.

 

Wufei frowned at the exchange but was distracted as Treize kept his untouched glass on the center of the small coffee table and smiled. “I think we'll be taking our leave now,” he said then turned to Wufei. “Best of luck, kitten. Give me a call when you can.”

 

It was as if his last link with his home had been just torn away. As he stood there, hesitating, Treize smiled at him - so unlike his usual smirks - and patted Wufei on the shoulder. It was as close to a personal gesture as he had ever gotten from Treize for a moment he was sure he was going to burst into tears. It felt like good-bye and all of a sudden Wufei was feeling unsure of his decision when…

 

Duo gave a loud whoop and threw himself at Zechs. As the long haired blond stood stunned, the squirrel glomped him, “Now see bird-boy, what's wrong with a squirrel.”

 

As they all watched, Zechs brought up a hand and instead of pushing the long haired youth away, gave him a firm hug. “There's nothing wrong with the way you are…” he said and smiled as he drew back gracefully. “… for a long haired rodent.”

 

“Hey,” Duo's head jerked up, only to stop when he saw the teasing smile on Zechs' face.

 

“Drop by at my estate when you can,” Zechs told everyone, though his gaze seemed to linger on Duo slightly longer than necessary. “I'll be sure to show you a good time.” He made a full turn on his heels and walked down the ramp, leaving an open mouthed Duo behind.

 

“What can I say,” said Trowa softly. “The man's got style if nothing else.”

 

“He called me rodent,” Duo said, having found his voice a little late.

 

“He also promised you a good time,” Wufei said glumly. “So don't push it.”

 

“I can show you a good time,” Heero offered from behind Wufei making him jump like a scalded … well … cat.

 

“I'll pass,” he said as he sat on the closest chair to hide his reaction. “Can we get going now?”

 

@#$%^&*()_+~

 

Wufei sat in the co-pilot seat which was fun but it was rather daunting to learn that his future husba- er… boyfrie- er… ma- er… intended, was also a fully qualified pilot. He watched Heero handle the controls smoothly, working out what each gauge on the panel meant[I certainly hope it's not Heero who's just working them out as they go] as they flew towards their destination. One thing about Heero was that he did not seem to tire of Wufei's constant questioning. No matter how elementary his query, Heero would answer him patiently in his customary monotonous voice.

 

“So if this tells the humidity and this the wind speed, why is there another gauge here for the same thing. Back up?” Wufei asked.

 

“There's one for each engine,” Heero said without looking away from his seat. “The red one is for the overhead emergency engine, which is not in use now.”

 

“So, why don't you use the auto pilot?” Wufei asked.

 

“It's only a short flight,” Heero said with shrug, prompting Wufei to look at Heero for the first time. It was the first indirect answer he'd received from the other boy and he was amused.

 

“You like it,” he observed.

 

“Would you like to try?” Heero asked suddenly.

 

“What?” asked Wufei startled.

 

“I'll unlock the co-pilot controls now,” Heero told him. “Put your hands on the controls. You won't be able to change anything but you'll feel everything I'm doing.”

 

Wufei complied immediately, his fingers closing over the grips comfortably. He could immediately feel a difference, as if the entire ship was in his palm. He could feel the minute changes in wind-speed and thrust affecting their speed and direction. He looked at Heero, grinning in surprise. “I didn't think … the controls were this advanced.”

 

“You're getting a neural feed through the nerves in your palm,” Heero said smoothly. “I didn't want to overwhelm you by giving you the feel of a full body control.”

 

“It must feel amazing,” Wufei said, overwhelmed by the feel of such power under his command.

 

“It is,” Heero agreed with him and it was obvious there were real emotions in the tone. It made him sound more human and for a moment, when Wufei turned to look at him, his profile looked less tense. It was what made Wufei think that Heero would be more approachable.

 

“Hey, Heero, what did you mean by … you not being born but made?”

 

There was a long pause during which Wufei wondered if he'd overstepped him boundary when Heero spoke softly.

 

“I was a part of an experiment by Dr. J. to create the perfect soldier,” he said, his voice taking the recorded quality again. “The experiment was funded by Senator Darlian, who was working for the the regent of Sanc, ….. Peacecraft. I was raised in a lab and trained to perfection until the project was exposed by a co-worker in the lab by the name of Odin Lowe.” He looked at Wufei directly in the eye and shrugged. “I am the result of numerous genetic material from several subjects who had desirable traits being put together.”

 

Wufei was silent for a moment, digesting the information. He closed his eyes and tried to think rationally. Heero was not, according to him, a person but an amalgam of genetic material put together. A part of him cringed in disgust at the thought but another fraction of him recalled the way Heero had put his arms around Wufei - the warmth and the safety it had represented.

 

He opened his eyes and looked at Heero who was regarding him with a steady gaze, eyes half hidden by the bangs that fell over his forehead. This was the person Wufei had banked his future on, given up a perfect marriage and a secure life for. Heero was waiting for his reaction to the revelation, Wufei realized.

 

“Heero,” he said softly. “Can you switch to auto-pilot?”

 

Heero did it wordlessly, for a change. Instead of giving him an affirmative and waiting for Wufei to spell out word for word what he wanted from him, he stood up wordlessly. He walked up to Wufei and stood in front of him. “Do you want me to leave you alone?” he asked in a quiet voice.

 

“I want you to kiss me,” Wufei said as firmly as possible, though it was not very convincing, even to his ears.

 

There was a slightly bemused look on Heero's face as he said, “Yes, we should really get to that.”

 

* I don't know if pythons and all have forked tongues like ordinary snakes do. Just thought Treize should have one to go with his forked eye-brows. [according to google, they do]