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"From the Shadows"Written By: Honor Disclaimers: The boys are not mine (curses!) however all the other characters are, and the story, and the idea, and my evil muse. You can have my evil muse. Pairings: 4x5 Spoilers: Nope Warnings: AU, soooo AU, maybe a hint of OOC, violence,
lemon, language, political scheming and fantasy elements. Oh, and
unicorns. ^_^ Rating: R Archived: Gundam Wing Diaries Betas: Velvet and Caitilin *emphasized* =thought= ::mental communication: :
" From the Shadows " Chapter 5 You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for him.
Duo had been Quatre’s partner for a month now, and he had to admit that being a part of the Hearken was pretty neat in some ways. He got to boss around Doms, learned knife work, how to ride (Quatre had been very insistent that he be able to ride under any condition and that Duo get over his fear of being around something fifty times his size), and traveled everywhere. His first task as a newly minted Hearken had been to straighten out the different policies on the orphanages. As Quatre had put it, “You see the problem, you fix it. That’s what it means to be Hearken. Call if you need help, kid.” He’d spent two weeks traveling everywhere, asking questions, and bugging Quatre into helping him. Once that had been largely taken care of (Duo still did spot checks in different areas to make sure that everyone was obeying the new rules) Quatre had thrown him head first into everything from border conflicts to diplomatic issues. This was the first day they’d had off in over three weeks…well, actually, Duo had it off. Quatre was talking to Chaelane at the moment about their last mission while Duo ran down to the kitchens to charm something to eat out of the head cook. The way to the kitchens (at least, the shortest route, there were many ways) went right past the Judicial Hall. Duo had been in there a grand total of two times, once to meet the Hearken working in there and the other time to consult with Zechs. The scholar was actually kind of nice, in a weird bookish way. He’d dummied the laws down so that a fourteen year old boy could understand them, then helped that same fourteen year old write up new ones with all the legal language that politicians seem to love so much. Duo darted inside the Hall, eyes scanning for a certain head of platinum blond hair. It wouldn’t hurt to stop by for a second, and ask if Zechs was hungry. The guy was such a bookworm; he sometimes forgot that eating was an important thing. Almost as soon as he cleared the door, he found him—Zechs was standing in the middle of the Hall, arguing with a clear and loud voice. “—that law has nothing to do with this issue. I request that the judges stop taking sentences out of context and twisting them to support their opinion.” Duo rolled his eyes. Never mind, there was no way he would be able to interrupt now. He’d go down to the kitchens and eat something, and check up on his fellow Hearken on the way back. As he walked back out of the Hall, his eyes fell on someone sitting just inside the doorway. Something about him just caught and held his eye for a second. Most people in Hain had dark hair, but this man’s hair was so black as to border on blue. His slanted dark eyes was very different as well. Chahiran, maybe. Duo put all of the observation skills Quatre had been pounding into him to use, just for the fun of it. Hm…the guy was Chahiran, probably around his early twenties. Very good looking, the ladies were probably hanging off him like bees to honey. The way he sat, so very straight and alert, was unusual. Duo was putting down money that the guy was a soldier of some sort. Especially with that huge sword resting against his thighs. There was no way to prove any of the deduction, of course, not without talking to him. Duo wasn’t willing to postpone lunch long enough to get into a conversation with a complete stranger. Shrugging it off, he darted back the way he had come and headed for the kitchens. + Ahh…a full stomach was a beautiful thing. Duo patted his happy tummy while grinning at the world in general. Things were just brighter when one had delicious food to digest. It had been nearly an hour since Duo had checked into the Hall. Zechs might have finished arguing the judges into submission by this point. Duo slipped inside again to check the situation. The Hall was even more crowded than usual. People were crammed in like mice on a grain ship. Duo came to an abrupt halt only a foot inside the door, blocked from seeing anything else by a solid wall of people. He blew out a breath and debated with himself. Was it worth it to shove his way all the way through just to check to see if the Hearken team in here was hungry? …naw. After all, they knew where the kitchens were, right? Right. The door opened behind him, letting in more people. Duo turned and realized to his dismay that now he was going to have to push his way out. Okay, that cut it. This was the last time that he tried to do anything nice for anyone. “Do you want out?” Duo’s head snapped around to see who had spoken. It was the Chahiran he’d observed earlier, studying him with calm dark eyes. “Yeah.” “Follow me.” The man stood, proving to be taller than Duo had estimated, and firmly broke a trail for the youngest Hearken to the door. Duo nodded to the man as he stepped into the outer courtyard. “Thanks.” The Chahiran shrugged, as if to say ‘no thanks needed’ and turned to go back inside. “Hey, wait.” Duo caught his sleeve and tugged him back around. “You’ve been waiting here for a long time, right?” “…yes.” “Are you from Chahir?” Dark eyes narrowed slightly, and his stance shifted a bit until he was fully facing the small brunet. “Yes, I am.” “Why are you waiting to talk to the judges?” He hesitated for a moment, as if weighing whether it was wise to explain anything to a child. “I’m searching for someone. I need their permission to search within these borders.” “Oh.” Duo thought that over. The Judges were notoriously slow about deciding anything. And if you were searching for a person, it probably meant that speed was needed. “You’re gonna be here for a long time before you can get permission from them. Tell you what, you helped me out, so I’ll help you.” “And who are you, to offer your aid?” Duo fished out his seal and handed it over with a gamine smile. “Me? I’m Duo of the Hearken.” The seal was accepted in slow motion, and inspected with puzzled surprise. “I didn’t realize someone so young could be of the Hearken.” “Yeah, well, Q says that as long as I have the guts to tell people when they’re being stupid, he doesn’t care how old I am.” Duo took his seal back and slipped it into his pocket. “So what’s your name?” “Chang Wufei.” “You’re a soldier, right?” Duo just had to see how close he was. “I suppose you can say that.” Wufei was somewhat amused by this direct questioning. “I am the Second General of His Majesty’s forces.” Duo’s jaw dropped. “And you think I’m too young to be doing my job? You’re what, twenty-something? Generals are supposed to be old and bald!” Wufei’s usual calm expression cracked a little under a small smile. “You are certainly direct, Master Duo.” “Yeah, well, it’s in my job description, y’know?” Duo scratched his head. A general. Who would have figured? “Okay, General, follow me. I’ll get you to someone that can give you permission to search.” “Oh? Who?” “Chaelane, of course.” + Wufei followed the swinging braid with something like amused confusion. The day had started out so normally…actually; this whole search had started out normally enough by Sanguine standards. On his twenty-second birthday, two years ago, the craving had started to build. Wufei was sixteenth generation Sanguine, and he had known exactly what that feeling of hunger and restlessness had amounted to. He’d immediately informed his family, then turned in a formal document to his king that informed him of the situation. The Changs had been serving the Chahiran government in some form or capacity for nearly fourteen generations, so little explanation had been necessary. The approval for his search had been instantaneous and Wufei had set out only two days after his birthday. Two years he had searched all over Chahir, to no avail. Resigned, he had sent notice to his government, then traveled directly to Del’Hain in order to receive permission to search within their borders. His search had certainly taken a twist. There had been reports some three or four months ago about a new government agency created in Hain called Hearken. From what he had heard, the agency was doing an amazing job in keeping the Queen informed about everything within her borders. King Dermail had been following the development of the organization with interest, even going so far as to consult with his advisors about copying the idea and setting up his own agency. Wufei had thought the idea had merit. He had just never imagined that a child could be Hearken. Maybe it would behoove him to do a bit of digging while they walked. “I’ve heard that an unco by the name of Quatre started the Hearken.” “Yup.” Duo twisted a bit to grin up at him. “I’m his partner.” “I thought the Hearken worked in groups of three.” Wufei processed this information with a raised eyebrow. Was this boy Quatre’s partner because of his age? “Yeah, most of ‘em. Quatre hasn’t found anyone else that he likes to be Hearken, so we only have eleven people right now—whoa!” As Duo rounded the corner he abruptly ducked to the side and flattened himself against a wall. Before Wufei could register why, a thin body slammed directly into him. Automatically his hands came up to brace against the shoulders, but Wufei didn't really notice that. A corner of his soul leaped up and shouted exultantly Aha! There you are! I’ve been looking everywhere for you! The force of the emotion nearly robbed him of any breath. Finally…after two years of searching, finally… “Sorry!” The body under his hands bounced back, and a head of thick blond hair rose to reveal deep turquoise eyes and a rueful smile. “I’m bad about running in the halls. I didn’t bruise you did I?” Wufei booted his brain back into gear and lowered his hands. “No.” “Ah, good.” “Hey General, let me introduce ya.” Duo pushed away from the wall, giving him a strange scrutiny as he did so. “This is Quatre Raberba Winner of the Hearken. Quatre, this is General Chang Wufei of Chahir.” This was Quatre? Dear gods, of all the people for it to be… The sheer number of ways this was going to complicate his life rose up like a black tide in the back of Wufei’s mind. He shoved it back angrily and focused on not looking like an idiot. “Pleasure.” Quatre inclined his head politely, but his eyes were alert with curiosity. “The pleasure is mine, General. Why are you here, if you don’t mind my asking?” “I’m looking for someone,” Wufei responded quietly. =And I’ve found him.= “Oh? So you’re seeking permission to look within our borders?” Quatre waited for the confirming nod before continuing. “Ah. Well, Chaelane is in her garden at the moment. I was going that direction myself. I’ll lead you to her.” “Hey!” Duo objected. “I was going to lead him to Chaelane.” Quatre twisted slightly to look at him. “Really? And why is that?” “Cause, he did me a favor. I’m paying him back.” “Well, don’t let me steal your thunder,” Quatre murmured with a twinkle in his eyes. “By all means, continue. Do you mind if I tag along? Seeing as we’re going in the same direction?” Duo rolled his eyes. “And you call me the brat. Fine, let’s go.” Grumpily, he started retracing his steps before taking a different hallway that led more toward the center of the palace. Wufei fell into step beside Quatre, trying the whole time to keep his eyes and hands to himself, with a calm expression on his face. Damn but the man was handsome. Wufei wanted to put the label ‘beautiful’ on him, even though Quatre was male. =I didn’t think I’d be so strongly attracted like this…curses, I’m getting turned on just looking at him, this is bad.= In an effort to cool down his libido, Wufei forced his mind to think of the political ramifications. Of all people for it to be…his mind almost balked at the whole situation. How on earth was he going to resolve this? And what was he going to say to Chaelane? The young queen was not going to be happy about his announcement, that was certain. “So who are you looking for?” Quatre inquired, tilting his head up to look at the taller Chahiran. At that moment, he made a snap decision to play ignorant for a while longer, just until he could formulate the right approach. “I don’t know.” A blond eyebrow crinkled up in a dubious line. “You’re looking for someone and you don’t know who they are?” “I’m Sanguine,” Wufei explained neutrally. “…uh-huh. At this point I should explain that I’ve only been on this world for about six months and I don’t know everything yet. What’s Sanguine?” Wufei mentally groaned. Rain and drought! He didn’t even know what Sanguine was? Why did all of this have to be so bloody complicated? “Quatre, you don’t know what Sanguine is?” Duo blurted out in surprise. He spun around to walk backwards, eyeing his partner in resignation. “Geez, everybody knows what Sanguine is.” “Okay, well have everybody explain it to me then,” Quatre parried dryly. “Sanguine are people with…a cursed blessing, I guess you could call it.” Wufei felt like shaking his head. Even if he was Sanguine, it felt awkward having to put it into words. He’d never had to before—everyone had already known what it meant. “When we reach an age of maturity, we are consumed with the desire to find our life partner.” Quatre was watching him with a serious expression on his face. “I get the feeling that there’s more to it than just that.” “There is,” Wufei acknowledged quietly. “It’s like a hunger that we cannot satisfy until we find that person. And we know who they are almost instantly.” “How do you know?” “It varies. Sometimes upon sight, sometimes we have to touch them.” Quatre accepted this with a nod. “Hm. Sounds like a mixed blessing to me. I assume you searched your country first? That must have taken some time.” “Two years.” Quatre nearly tripped over his own feet. “You’ve been putting up with that kind of compulsory feeling for two years?! Ye little gods, that would have driven me nuts!” Wufei let his wintry smile be his response. “Here we go!” Duo pushed open two sliding doors and stepped through. His cheerful voice rang out into the greenery, “Hey Lowan, you busy?” “If it means more work, yes I am!” a young female voice called back grouchily. “Naw, I brought something tall and handsome to introduce!” Duo caroled with an evil smile. Wufei gave the boy a dirty look. He was tired of fighting off women, and dealing with a young infatuated queen was not on his fantasy list. Duo grinned back cheekily and quickly scampered out of range. Biting back a sigh, the general followed the stoned pathway as it weaved its way around rosebushes and manicured flowerbeds. It was a small garden to be sure, but filled almost to bursting with plants, probably in an effort to hide the palace walls. The path led directly to a small courtyard with padded basket chairs. In one of those chairs sat a perfect porcelain doll—or that was Wufei’s first impression. Intellectually he knew that it had to be the young queen, but she was so perfectly dressed like a doll that it was hard to shake off the mental notion. “Lowan, this is General Chang Wufei.” Duo gestured to his queen with a slightly mocking bow. “General, Queen Chaelane.” “A pleasure to meet you, General.” Chaelane dimpled up at him prettily, the hint of stars sparkling in her eyes. Wufei took her reaction like a man and carefully didn’t groan as he bowed to her. “It is an honor to meet you, Lowan.” “Be seated, please.” She saw him settled next to her before giving Quatre a slightly vexed look. “Quatre, do you need something?” “Besides more sleep and more people?” Quatre shrugged off her dark glare with a good humored smile. “I was actually going to update you on a few things, but it can wait until you hear the general’s request. I’ll just sit here—” he sank into a chair beside Wufei “—and look decorative.” Chaelane didn’t trust that innocent look from either Duo or Quatre one bit, but she could hardly refute it in front of company. Turning on her smile once more she directed her full attention onto the general. “What can I do for you, General Chang?” “I request permission to search within your borders.” “Ah.” She folded her hands daintily in her lap. Something within her expression changed, making it more mature—she was the queen now instead of some young girl. “I must know of your purpose, Lon General.” “I am Sanguine,” Wufei explained succinctly. The Queen aspect instantly vaporized. “Really? That’s so romantic! How long have you been looking?” Wufei personally didn’t see anything ‘romantic’ about this situation, but managed not to roll his eyes. “Two years, Lowan.” “Oh my, that’s a very long time.” She wasn’t particularly saddened by this however. Apparently extended searching added more romance to the whole situation. “By all means, search within my borders. I only request that I meet the person you are fated for.” Considering who that was, Wufei didn’t have any choice in the matter. “Of course Lowan,” he murmured with a half-bow. The door to the garden opened and a voice called out “Lowan?” Chaelane wilted slightly in her chair. “Drats. He found me.” Quatre rubbed a smile from his lips before calling out, “We’re in the far corner, Wyrack!” “Quatre, it’s not nice to tattle on your queen’s whereabouts,” Chaelane pouted. A pair of turquoise eyes was sparkling madly, and Quatre didn’t bother to hide his smirk. “He’s hardly your enemy, Lowan.” Wyrack appeared at that moment, giving no sign that he’d overheard any comments regarding himself. He bowed to his queen, nodded at Quatre and Duo in acknowledgement, and then turned his full attention to Wufei. Quatre stood smoothly to do the introductions. “Wyrack, this is General Chang Wufei of Chahir. Lon General, this is Wyrack.” Wufei stood so that he and Wyrack could exchange bows. “What brings you to Hain, General?” Wyrack inquired with a slightly edged inquiry. “I am Sanguine, Wyrack.” “He’s been given permission to search in Hain for his life partner,” Chaelane piped up with that teenage girl romanticism still clinging to her. “I see,” Wyrack murmured thoughtfully. His eyes narrowed on Wufei before a flicker of surprise darted over his face. “Forgive the impertinence, but I must verify this. If you will come with me for a moment?” Chaelane glowered at the sorcerer in ill-temper. “Wyrack, is that necessary?” “It is always necessary to validate the truth by at least one witness, Lowan,” Quatre interjected calmly. “Did you not originally call me here for that exact reason?” Chaelane shot him a dark look, but was unable to refute the logic and kept her mouth shut. Wyrack cast Quatre a grateful look before leading the general to the far corner of the garden, making sure they could not be overheard. The country of Chahir forbade any use of magic, even healing magic, so Wufei had no idea what test he was about to go under to prove his identity. He just hoped it wouldn’t be degrading or painful. “What do you need me to do, Wyrack?” “Tell the truth,” Wyrack replied. He turned to fully face the general, his authority not dimmed in the slightest even if he were somewhat overshadowed by the younger (and physically more imposing) young man. “I can see quite clearly that you are Sanguine, General. I don’t need to put you under any kind of test to verify that. But I have seen Sanguine before that are searching…and mated. I know the difference.” Wufei looked away under those knowing eyes. His secret was out already, it seemed. “Yes. I…don’t need to continue the search.” “Who is it?” Wyrack demanded in an intense whisper. “…Quatre.” The old sorcerer nearly fell over in shock. “WHAT?!” Wincing slightly, Wufei looked around to make sure that no one was going to come investigate that yell. “I know,” he growled back. “Believe me, the full implications of this aren’t lost to me, but…it’s Quatre. I know its Quatre.” “In recorded history, only two of the chosen mates for Sanguine were male,” Wyrack muttered to himself in despair. “Why couldn’t you be destined for someone female at least?” Taking a deep breath he shook himself back into being composed. “Alright, I know you have no choice in the matter. We don’t have much more time, so I’ll give you some facts to work off of. We’ll talk more in depth later tonight. One, it is extremely unwise to tell anyone else about this just yet. It’s not just Chaelane’s reaction you need to worry about—it’s Quatre’s. He hates being pushed into anything, or the idea of ‘fate’ for that matter. If you tried to tell him anything about this right now, he’d likely dig in his heels and you’d have an uphill battle on your hands.” This time Wufei didn’t subdue the groan. He let his head fall into one hand and fought the urge to start cursing. “What do you suggest?” “Time. And a lot of exposure. Quatre is one of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet. I don’t think he’s met anyone that he automatically dislikes—except arrogant lords—so your chances of getting closer to him are quite good.” Wyrack cast a glance over Wufei’s shoulder, shifting with slight anxiety. “We’ve taken too long. Let’s go back, and just follow my lead.” Not seeing any other choice in the matter, Wufei nodded and fell into step with him on the way back. “Just for reference—what could you supposedly do to verify I am Sanguine?” he muttered. “Put a truth spell on you. There’s a wind fairy that I call to do the job, and she shakes her head whenever you speak a lie. However, she’s shy, which is why I do it away from a group of people.” Wyrack fell silent as he judged that they were too close to say anything more at that point. Besides, he needed those ten seconds to think up a plan. “Well?” Chaelane called. “He was telling the truth, wasn’t he?” “Yes, Lowan, he was,” Wyrack responded neutrally. “I’ve spoken with him on the matter, and we’ve thought up a plan. Quatre, would you be willing to accept Chang as a quasi member of your team?” Quatre blinked at this unexpected question. “I have no protests to offer, but…are you sure?” He turned to face Wufei, head cocked slightly. “Wouldn’t we slow you down?” “A little, perhaps,” Wufei acknowledged. =Or you would, if I were actually still searching.= “However, think of it this way; if you were a Hainan citizen, and you saw a single armed Chahiran wandering around with no obvious purpose, what conclusion would you draw?” “…that he was up to no good,” Quatre was forced to admit. “I see your point. Well then, allow me to play tour guide! Welcome to the team, Wufei.” + Great good gods, but this place was crawling with women! Wufei had been ambushed by more women in one evening than he could count (after a certain point, his mind refused to count anymore just out of self-defense) and the evening was far from over. Chaelane had invited him to sit with her at the main table during dinner, indicating that he sit just to her right. Wufei suspected that Wyrack had made the suggestion, because the seating arrangement had put him right next to Quatre. Being seated at the main table had one advantage—the women couldn’t ambush him during a formal dinner. Wufei relaxed slightly for the first time that day. “You look worn out, Wufei,” Quatre murmured to him with a quick glance. “Dodging women takes energy,” Wufei grumbled back under his breath. Quatre’s eyes were sparkling with dry humor. “Ah. Well, don’t worry about that too much. We’re leaving early tomorrow morning, leaving all the harpies behind.” Tomorrow morning? Wufei smiled in genuine relief. “Good. Where are we heading?” “All over, actually. There are three different provinces that we’ve had no problems with in the past six months. It’s got my suspicions stirred up. No one can be THAT good. I think they’re up to something so I’m going to poke around a bit and see who jumps first.” Playing Inspector General, eh? Wufei nodded in approval. It was what he would have done, in Quatre’s position. “Understood. Which direction are we heading?” Quatre took a sip from his cup before answering. “South.” Wufei sighed. Curses, he had been hoping they were heading back up north. Quatre noted the slightly disappointed look and quirked an eyebrow. “You don’t want to go south?” “I’m not used to such heat,” Wufei admitted quietly. “I was hoping for cooler climates.” “Ah.” Quatre spread his hands helplessly. “I know how you feel. My country is much the same, very cool in comparison to this place. Unfortunately, we have to go south.” Yes…that’s right. Quatre wasn’t from this country either. Actually, now that Wufei was actually paying attention, Quatre didn’t look like any race that he had seen before. “Where do you hail from?” “Elfoure.” Wufei’s head snapped around so fast it nearly broke off. “From the Moon?!” “Aye.” Quatre gave him a searching look, shifting in his seat so he was facing the Chahiran. “You know of it?” “I was taught something about it as a child. No one on this world really knows that much.” Quatre’s intense study didn’t ease. “Just that you know where it is speaks of a very thorough education. Only two others knew where my homeland was, and Wyrack is one of those two. Tell me, Wufei. Are you nobly born?” “In…a way.” Wufei paused to really consider it for the first time in his life. “We are a very old house, if not a spectacularly wealthy one. We have served the government of Chahir for generations.” “Hm.” Quatre studied him out of the corner of his eye, and then smiled slightly. “That explains a few things. You were too comfortable with the nobility to be just a common soldier.” Wufei wasn’t quite sure how to respond to that, and he wasn’t given a chance. The formal dinner was served, and a main floor entertainment was brought in that limited conversation. In fact, he didn’t get a chance to talk to Quatre for the rest of the night. Almost as soon as dinner was over, he was surrounded on all sides by interfering women. Wyrack rescued him after a small century of this torture and pulled him firmly away from the main crowds. Wufei followed the sorcerer gratefully to the secluded study and closed the thick oak door firmly behind him. Only then did he let out a sigh of relief. Blessed silence. Wyrack motioned him toward a chair, which Wufei sank into. “Let’s talk this situation out more thoroughly.” Right now, he was craving this man’s information and wisdom. Wufei felt very much out of his depth. Never before had he heard of a Sanguine put into a situation like this one. “By all means. How much does the Hearken rest on Quatre?” “As much as we depend upon the clouds in the sky for rain,” Wyrack grumbled with a sharp look. “I don’t know what you’ve heard, but Quatre is not just the founder of this organization. He is the keystone of it.” His head inclined to show that he understood, while the wheels spun madly in his head. Taking Quatre away from Hain, and the Hearken, was not going to be easy. Wufei knew what kind of energy and drive it must have taken to create anything in a government. Quatre had pulled off an enormous feat, and a part of Wufei hated taking that away from him. “There’s something else that you should be aware of.” Something about the sorcerer’s tone made Wufei look up sharply. “And what would that be?” “Quatre is a magic user.” All of the blood just drained from Wufei’s face. Magic was forbidden in his country, to the point that anyone with magic abilities was executed. To take Quatre back to Chahir was tantamount to giving a death sentence. There was only one option left for Wufei. “I can’t return to Chahir.” Wyrack nodded in solemn agreement. “You can’t. Quatre wouldn’t survive in your country—and you wouldn’t survive his death.” That was the simple truth. Once bonded, a Sanguine did not outlive his mate by more than a few hours. Wufei just couldn’t sit still under these revelations and rose to pace back and forth before the window in agitation. Ever since he was a child, he had tried to imagine what a life would be like once he’d found his soul mate. Never, in his wildest imaginations, had he dreamed that it would require for so much sacrifice on his part. He would have to leave behind home, legacy, and his position in order to stay with Quatre. Was it worth it? Or would he be the first Sanguine left miserable in his partnering? “I do not pretend to know everything about the Sanguine.” Wyrack was watching him with troubled eyes, looking far older than his years by moonlight. “Only you can decide. Is having Quatre worth it?” “Do you know what happens when a Sanguine does not bond with their mate?” Wufei turned his head, pinning the other man in place with his eyes. “We go insane. Literally. I’ve seen it once, and it isn’t a pretty sight. I have no wish to have that fate. Besides—” he took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. “I must believe that the gods cannot be so cruel as to take me away from my home without reason. I must believe that having Quatre will more than compensate for the sacrifice.” “You are a strong man, Chang Wufei.” Wyrack rose and clapped him on the shoulder, a smile starting to blossom on his face. “I think you will find the happiness you dreamed of. Quatre is a stubborn man, but a very good one. I’ve never met someone as honest as he is, and if I may say so, he is very entertaining to be around. You never know what he’s going to come up with next. Your life with him, I can promise you, will never be boring.” There was a suspicious gleam in those blue eyes that Wufei didn’t quite trust. “…that is not entirely comforting.” Wyrack grinned at him, but offered no other opinion. “Now, it’s late and we both need sleep. Take things one day at a time with Quatre, and I can promise startling results. Just one more question, if you would for an old man’s curiosity. Have you ever found other men attractive or thought your partner would be male?” Wufei blinked. Had he considered that possibility? “No.” “Ah. Then you’ll probably have trouble adapting to thinking of Quatre as attractive.” “Anyone who can’t see how beautiful he is needs their eyes checked.” Wufei snapped his mouth shut on the sentence, but it was too late to take the words back now. Dammit, the man knew which buttons to push. Faced with that amused visage, it was hard not to blush and squirm. Clearing his throat slightly he offered a bow and a good night and escaped as expeditiously as possible. ~*~*~*~ Footnote for Caitilin: Why Chaelane and not Relena?
Relena has too much history with her, too much baggage. I didn't want
that association with my queen. Besides, Relena is fairly level headed
when it comes to politics (just really immature when it comes to guys…*groan*)
and Chaelane isn't. She's just naïve all over.
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