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"One and Only"Written By: Gypsie 1201 Pairings: 1x2, 3x4, 5x13, 6xN, R+1 Warnings: Angst, AU, Evil Relena, Fantasy, Language,
Lemon, OOC-ness, Romance, Sap, Slavery, Yaoi Rating: NC-17 Disclaimer: I don't own, just borrowing for a
while so please don't sue. Feedback: All is welcome and much appreciated. Summary: Little did Lord Heero Yuy know that a
simple bet made during a private card game among his closest friends
would change his life. However, whether the change is for the good
or the bad, remains to be seen. `…' thoughts "One and Only "
As he had expected, the journey to the village of the dragon clan took Wufei a little over four days to complete and was luckily uneventful. Waiting until well after nightfall, the young man was grateful that the majority of the warriors were still out searching for Duo since it made entering the village unseen much easier. In addition, the late hour guaranteed that most everyone else was either already asleep or soon to be which further lessened the chances he would be caught before he had accomplished his mission. Within a few minutes of entering the village, he arrived at the house he needed and upon seeing the darkness behind the windows, knew the person he sought was already asleep. Without further thought, he quickly jimmied the front door and entered the room beyond before turning to secure the door behind him. “Make one move and it might be your last.” a voice behind him said, causing him to snort in amusement although he remained motionless. “Not unless you’ve gotten better with that thing since the last time I saw you.” he said, amusement still present in his tone. “Now put that away, woman, before you hurt yourself.” “Wufei?” the voice asked in disbelief. “Who else would be sneaking into your house at this time at night?” he asked with another snort. Suddenly a lantern was lit, blinding him momentarily even though it was turned down low and when he could finally see again he turned around to find a woman of about his own age, maybe a year or two older, with blonde hair that was currently down from the two tight braids she normally kept it in. She stood about an inch shorter than his five foot eight and was dressed in a long nightgown that reached the floor. In her left hand was the aforementioned lantern and in the right she was holding a small crossbow, which was now pointed at the floor much to his relief. “It’s been awhile, Sally.” he said, with a small nod of his head. Stepping forward, Sally’s blue eyes were wide as she took in his appearance while her mind tried desperately to come up with a reason for him to be standing in her house at that time of night. It had been nearly a year and a half since the last time she had seen her childhood friend and in appearance, he had changed very little. His shoulder length black hair was pulled back in a tight ponytail at the nape of his neck, and while the form fitting black tunic and pants were different from the traditional clan clothing or constable uniforms that he normally wore, they could easily be explained by his need for stealth. However, she did see a glimmer in his eyes that had not been present since before his exile and she wondered what could have possibly happened to bring that sparkle back to his life. Feeling several, conflicting emotions flow through her at seeing him again, she stepped forward the last few feet that separated them and grasping onto one emotion within the storm to anchor herself; she drew back and hit him. “Are you crazy?” she hissed at him. “If the clan finds you here they’ll kill us both. You’d better have a damn good reason for coming back here.” “Dammit Sally, do you really think I’d come back if I didn’t?” he snapped, rubbing at his jaw where her fist had caught him while at the same time preparing for another since he could still see the fury boiling within her eyes. “You know very well this isn’t a good time, Fei. The elders are growing more frantic with each day that passes and there’s still no sign of Duo.” “That’s why I’m here.” Wufei stated causing Sally to look at him sharply, her eyes narrowed dangerously. “You know something about where he might be?” she asked but knew immediately from the look on his face that he was not going to tell her anything. “Dammit Chang, if you know anything about where he is or what happened to him, you have to tell the elders. The elves are preparing for war and if he isn’t returned soon there may not be a way to stop it.” “I can’t, Sally, not yet.” “Why?” she demanded. “Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t wake the elders right now and tell them you know something about Duo’s disappearance.” “Because he’s hurt, and if the elves were to see him in his current condition, there’s no way a war could be prevented.” Wufei said and suddenly the young healer realized exactly why he was there. “What’s wrong with him? Where is he?” Sally asked rapidly even as she began mentally to list the basic items she would need but Wufei raised his hand to stop the string of questions. “We don’t have the time to go into it right now, once we’re a safe distance from here…” “Wufei…” “Please Sally.” The man said and the sincerity in his eyes convinced the healer to concede. “Very well, let me get dressed then I’ll gather my supplies but I have to know something about what’s wrong to know what to pack.” “I can only tell you that it’s possible magic damage caused by limiters.” Wufei said and from the miserable look on his face, she knew there was much more to the story than the simple statement implied. Regardless, the knowledge that a person could intentionally subject someone as small as Duo to the effects of such a ruthless device caused her stomach to roll. Turning quickly, she hurried from the room to dress and pack. Within twenty minutes, she was ready, remembering to pack as lightly as possible knowing they not only had a long ride ahead of them but they still needed to leave the village undetected. Back in the room, she gave Wufei a nod and they quickly exited through the front door before disappearing into the dark. The trek back through the village to where he left the
horses was only slightly more complicated with Sally but since she
knew a thing or two about staying hidden they managed to make it out
unseen. Once mounted up, they were quickly on their way as they chose
to ride for the remainder of the night as well as the next day, finally
stopping that night to setup camp. When the fire was burning and their
small meal consumed, Sally could wait no longer to learn the details
concerning the small elf’s condition. Looking at her briefly before feeding another piece of wood to the fire, he finally nodded knowing that she would need the information in order to treat Duo when they arrived so, sitting back comfortably, he commenced to relate the events leading to the elf’s arrival at Yuy Manor as well as what followed. “So, Heero and Trowa didn’t know he was an elf until after they got him home?” she asked when he finally finished. “No.” Wufei said. “And as soon as they knew, Yuy sent for me.” “What about the limiters?” “We don’t know. The trader was adamant that he’d only had Duo for a week before bringing him to Akrin and after my investigation was complete I couldn’t find any evidence that he was lying.” Wufei explained thoughtfully. “Once we arrive and you’ve gotten started repairing the damage, I plan on check out the area where the trader found him. Maybe I can find something that will lead us back to the person who originally kidnapped him.” “Healing his magic will not be easy, especially if what you’ve told me is true.” she warned. “I didn’t expect it to be, but I believe you’re more than capable of handling the situation.” “What’s that I hear?” she gasped dramatically. “Chang Wufei has faith in me, a mere woman, to accomplish such an important task?” “Don’t start.” he growled and crossed his arms over his chest. “That was a long time ago and you know damn well I’m not like that anymore. Besides,” he suddenly smirked. “healing should be a woman’s job anyways so it’s only logical for you to be the one.” “You’ve become a regular comedian, I see.” she deadpanned, her eyes narrowed at the young man sitting across from her; earning her a shrug as the smirk remained firmly in place. Breathing a sigh, she allowed her own smile to surface as she marveled at the differences between the angry boy she grew up with and the dark-eyed man he was now. “I’ll do what I can for him, Wufei. Hopefully it will be enough.” “Yes.” Wufei agreed, his normally somber attitude once again falling into place. “Besides, the sooner he’s healed, the sooner he can be returned to his father and maybe we can stop him from declaring war.” “Do you really think that’s a good idea?” she asked cautiously knowing that he could not possibly have heard the rumors or accusations that had been floating around the village for the last few months. “Returning him to his father, that is.” “What do you mean?” he asked, suddenly suspicious. “Think about it.” Sally explained. “Whoever kidnapped him had to have been an elf, whether they did it directly or allowed a human into the forest to do it for them; those are the only two options. Since the border wardens didn’t sense any humans in or near the forest at the time of his disappearance that only leaves the first choice, being that it was an elf who actually grabbed him.” “Surely the king realized this also and is taking steps to find the one responsible.” he said, feeling his anger grow at the thought that one of the small elf’s own people would have done this to him. “No, Wufei, he’s not and you’re still not thinking.” she said with a shake of her head. “On the days immediately before and after the coronation, only those elves of the highest rank were allowed anywhere near him, which leaves a very short list of possible kidnappers to choose from, leading many in the village, namely the elders, to believe it may actually have been Thomas who did it since he would have had the best opportunities.” “What?!” Wufei exclaimed and stood from where he was sitting by the fire. “That’s ridiculous! Why would his own father kidnap and sell him into slavery!” “I’m just telling you what the elders think.” Sally said calmly. “Well, it’s preposterous. He’d have nothing to gain from it and everything to lose. He’s Thomas’ only child for crying out loud, who else would he use as an heir?” the black-haired man said as he began to pace back and forth beside the fire. “Besides, if he truly wanted to keep Duo from ascending the throne, which I don’t believe for a minute, why wait until after the coronation when he had eighteen years to stop it by simply sending the boy away. The minute Duo was crowned though nothing short of death can stop him from becoming king when his father dies so if that was the plan, keeping him alive makes no sense.” “I’m well aware of all that,” Sally said patiently as she continued to explain. “but it still doesn’t change the fact that an elf was responsible for his disappearance. And even if his father didn’t do it then it had to have been another member of the elven nobility, which means that sending him back there would be too dangerous. That’s why the elders have decided that once he’s found, he’ll be kept at the village until the culprit or culprits can be found and punished.” “And how’s that different from keeping him in slavery? What if he wants to return home?” Wufei asked snidely. “Are they planning on keeping him locked up?” “I don’t know, Fei. I just know that it’s the clan’s responsibility to protect the elven monarchy and since Duo’s the next king, the elders plan on doing whatever they have to, to keep him safe.” she stated although the lack of conviction in her tone belied her words. “That’s bullshit and you know it. He’s safer with Yuy than those snakes any day.” Wufei hissed but a flicker of something through his eyes caught her attention. “There’s something you’re not telling me isn’t there?” Sally asked and when he instantly tensed before turning away, she felt her apprehension rise. Getting to her feet so she could meet him eye to eye, she grabbed him by the arm and forced him to look at her. “Dammit Wufei this is no time for secrets. I need to know what the hell is going on.” “They are becoming.. close.” Wufei finally admitted, his head dropping until his chin was almost resting in his chest. “They being…?” “Duo and Yuy.” “And what exactly do you mean by close.” she asked cautiously. “I mean exactly what I said.” Wufei stated before jerking his arm out of her hold and turning away once again. He was silent for several minutes and Sally was preparing to push the subject when he sighed before finally turning to look at her. “Duo doesn’t trust anyone else, at least not the way he trusts Yuy, and literally cannot let the man out of his sight for more than an hour before he starts getting anxious. It doesn’t matter who’s with him or where he is, when he reaches that hour time limit he’ll search through the house almost franticly until he finds the man. He also allows him to brush his hair and you know how important that is to him, Sally. No one, not even his own father was allowed to touch his hair when he was younger and even now. But Yuy seems to have unspoken permission and spends more time brushing it than Duo does. “I think you’re overreacting. You said it yourself earlier, it’s just a reaction to the person he sees as his rescuer.” she explained. “Yes, that’s what we all thought at first. But now, after watching them over the last few months, I’m not so sure.” Wufei said with a shake of his head as he once again sat down beside the fire. After a moment, Sally joined him. “Remember I told you that he hadn’t spoken?” “Yes.” She said and had to suppress a shiver. “The thought of Duo not talking is just not right.” “I know.” Wufei sighed. “Well, just a few days before I left, he finally said his first words in months but as far as I know he hasn’t said anything else. The words he did say though were to Yuy and no one else.” “Just a coincidence, he is living with the man after all.” “No, Sal, it’s more than that, I know it is. I’ve seen the way that Yuy looks at Duo and there’s definitely something in his eyes. And while his protectiveness can be easily explained, the possessiveness he sometimes shows can’t.” Wufei said. “I’ve also seen the way that Duo will smile when the man’s name is mentioned. Or if he’s been out of the room even for just a moment, Duo’s whole face seems to light up at seeing him when he returns.” “If what you’re saying’s true, then there’s no way we can leave him there, Wufei. Heero’s human, not to mention a member of the nobility, if the elves found out that their prince was…” Sally trailed off at seeing the pained look that crossed the dark-eyed man’s face and realized there was still more to the situation than she knew. “Wufei, please, let me help.” “Yuy.. Heero’s my friend and I want to see him happy, something he’s not been in a very long time. During these last few months though, Duo’s managed to give him that and the last thing I want to do is take it away again.” Wufei said sadly. “While just being with Heero has help Duo to put at least some of what happened behind him and I fear removing him will cause him to slide back into that quiet, fearful little boy I saw huddled on the floor that first day.” “But what else can we do?” Sally asked quietly, finally realizing just how difficult their decision really was. “I did a lot of thinking on my way to the village to get you and while most of what I came up with was either impossible or impractical, I think there’s a chance that we can keep them together.” “Glad to see you can still use that head of yours for something worthwhile.” Sally joked lightly. “Ha ha, very funny.” he sneered but chose to ignore the barb and instead accepted the tension release for what it was. “There’s no guarantee the elves won’t still declaring war or just take Duo back on their own, but I think it’s worth a try. I just can’t sit by and let them be torn apart without a fight; it’s not in my nature.” “Ok, so what’s the big plan?” she asked eagerly. “It’s not a plan.” Wufei explained. “Remember what you said just a minute ago about Heero being a member of the nobility? Well, that’s not entirely true. In fact, the Yuy family is considered the highest-ranking family in the senate and even though that doesn’t give him any more influence than the other members have, it does carry one major difference. Being that until the king and queen conceive an heir, Heero is the next in line to the throne.” “You mean to tell me that if King Peacecraft dies before having a male child then Heero will be the next king?” Sally asked, slightly astonished. “Yes.” Wufei answered simply. For a while, Sally could only sit and stare at the young man across from her as she tried to figure out how the information would help them to keep two possible lovers together. However, nothing seemed to fit right and she finally realized that there must be something else he had not told her about that would also work in their favor. Instead of asking him about it though, she found herself studying the man who, at one time, had been one of her closest friends until the clan elders found out about his hidden activities and had him exiled. Remembering that day brought the heartache back and with it, a conversation she had had with Duo not long after. “Have you told him, Fei?” she asked quietly. “Told who, what?” he blinked, confused at the sudden topic change. “Told Duo why you left, the real reason.” she explained. “You know I can’t do that.” “And why not? I mean, I can understand why you didn’t want to try and explain it to a ten year old, but he’s eighteen now and if what you’re telling me is true, then he’s more than old enough to know.” “He doesn’t need to, that’s why.” Wufei growled. “Dammit Chang, he does too need to know.” Sally said, her anger clearly showing on her face. “He thinks you abandoned him. That it’s his fault you left.” “What?” he asked, his face draining of color. “He thought you didn’t want him around anymore so you decided to leave the village altogether to get away from him. That’s why he didn’t come back after you left. He thought that if you saw he wasn’t there, you’d change your mind.” “That’s ridiculous.” Wufei stated, but the tightness in his chest increase with each statement she made. “You know what he thought of himself. How the other elven kids treated him just because of who his father was and what happened to his mother.” she said softly. “How do you know all this?” he asked. “I happened to catch him one day about a month later sneaking around the outskirts. When I asked him why he didn’t just come in as always, he told me. I tried to explain to him that it wasn’t your choice to leave, but he didn’t believe me.” Sally said. “You’re the only one he’ll believe the explanation from.” “Dammit!” Wufei snapped. “None of this should have ever happened. If I’d just married Meiran like they wanted me to…” “You both would have been absolutely miserable.” Sally finished for him. “Meiran had no more interest in marrying you than you had in marrying her. Hell, Fei, she saw you more as a brother than a husband and you know it.” “I know.” the man sighed as a painful expression came over his face. “But Chin…” “Chin,” Sally said with a shake of her head. “You were too good for him. I just wish you’d seen it before everything that happened.” “Why didn’t you tell me?” “I did remember? You specifically told me to mind my own business.” She said with a knowing smile that faded as quickly as it came. “But when he turned his back on you and said that you…” “Don’t Sally,” Wufei said quickly, cutting her off before she could remind him of the painful event. “Just let it stay in the past, where it belongs.” “Ok, but one day we’re going to have to talk about it you know.” she stated. “I know, just not tonight.” “We should probably get some sleep anyways. There’s still a long way before we arrive at Akrin and I have a feeling we’re going to need all the rest we can get between now and then.” “Unfortunately.” Wufei said sadly once again thinking about the small elf he had left behind. “Duo wasn’t too happy about my leaving and the sooner we get back the better.” “I imagine.” she smiled. “And you still have to explain to me how Heero being the next in line for the throne plays in with keeping the two of them together.” “Tomorrow.” he promised and with that, the two of them settled down for the night. However, just before Wufei drifted off to sleep, images from the day, eight years ago, when he was force to leave his home and a certain braided whirlwind ran through his mind. FLASHBACK “Fei!” the black-haired boy of fifteen heard as he was walking down the road that would eventually lead him away from his home. “Fei, wait! Please!” Turning back, the teenager saw a small elf running toward him. The boy’s usually neat braid of hair was tattered to the point that more hair now hung loose around him than was still secured and it seemed to stream out behind him in long waves. Smiling sadly to himself at realizing he was going to be able to say goodbye to the boy even after the elders had forbidden him from doing so, he waited for the elf’s small legs to carry him the distance. When the boy finally stopped in front of him, he immediately stooped over, bracing his hands on his knees as he tried to catch his breath. “Where…” the boy gasped. “Where are.. you going? Is it.. another hunt?” “No, Duo.” The taller boy said sadly. “There’s no hunt this time.” “But,” the elf finally looked up at him, his violet eyes large and questioning. “if it’s not a hunt, then why are you leaving the village?” “It’s just something I have to do, that’s all.” Wufei said with a shrug, trying desperately to keep his emotions in check. He would not give the elders the satisfaction of seeing how much he was hurting. “When are you coming back?” Taking a deep breath and steeling himself for what he was about to do, he turned away from the small face before uttering the words he had up until that point not even confessed to himself. “I’m not.” “But,” the elf said again and the slight hitch to the small voice nearly drove Wufei to his knees. “I’m sure we’ll see each other again someday, Duo. Until then, take care.” Wufei said and knowing he could not stay any longer without breaking down he started walking away. He did not get far though before two small hands grabbed his arm and held on fast. “Please, don’t leave. I promise I’ll be good, just don’t leave me.” The boy begged, the sound of tears plainly evident but the dark-eyed boy refused to look knowing he would not be able to bear the sight. “I’m sorry, Duo, but I can’t. Goodbye.” He said and quickly pried his arm out of the slight hands before continuing down the road. Not once did he look back as he walked out of the village and away from the only life he had ever known, not when he heard Duo begin to sob behind him or when he heard the small elf turn and run back toward the forest that was his home. Instead, he continued walking even as he felt his heart shatter for in truth, Wufei did not hold out any real hope of ever seeing his home or the boy who had become brother to him ever again.
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