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"A Hidden Heart "Written By: Hemlock Inyx Disclaimer: This chick does not own any of the
Gundam Wing characters because they belong to Bandai and Sunrise.
I am borrowing them for this fict and will return them in good (if
somewhat sticky) condition.This fict is written out of love and not
for profit, don't sue. Thanks and enjoy! Rating: NC 17 Warnings: yaoi, lemon, midieval alternate universe,
some angst, violence Pairings: 5x2, 4xH, 13xS Summary: They called him Milliardo's Dragon. A warrior bold as the Chinese legend, his temper as fiery; Lord Chang Wufei was the prince's right hand. Men of power quaked at word of his arrival, for he was the sword to carry out Milliardo's judgement. 'Twas rumored he'd do any deed at the prince's bidding, avenge any slight to his master's name. Only Milliardo had the might to direct the Dragon's fury, to shape thr form of his vengeance. Or so the prince believed. But shrouded deep beneath that scaly hide, the dragon's true nature slumbered. Obscured by fire. Hidden from harm. Burried beyond reach of pain. Until he met him. The boy with the power to free the heart of the Dragon.
"A Hidden Heart "
Chapter 12 Wufei held Duo snug in his arms as they rode through the night. His comments about duty had silenced Duo completely, and once Wufei settled his cloak about them, Duo soon fell into a sound sleep. The fight and the sake, not to mention the kiss--and more he and Duo had shared, left Wufei feeling revitalized. The bruises he'd gained at Yuy's hands were nothing, especially after the balm of Duo's touch. Wufei wished he could push his mount to gallop, to carry them on their way with the speed of the wind. // Nataku only knows how much time we have before Milliardo sends someone after us.// At first Wufei couldn't decide where to take Duo. If he left him at Saint Winifred's, his situation would be the same as before. Wufei doubted Duo would endure that for long before he found a way to escape. And as much as he'd love to go home, Raven’s Crest wouldn't be safe. It might be a very long time before he returned there. If he ever did. All depended upon Milliardo's reaction to his disobedience. He needed to find Trowa, to learn if he'd discovered anything useful at the church. Perhaps then the question of where to take Duo would answer itself. Duo stirred in Wufei’s arms as the colorful rays of the rising sun glowed on his face, then jerked upright. "Dragon?" he asked, his voice urgent. "Yes." His body relaxed, and he nestled his head against Wufei’s shoulder with a sigh. "What are we doing?" Duo’s trust in him was gratifying, though he didn't know that he'd done much to earn it. Perhaps he was always like this. Wufei fought down a twinge of jealousy when he thought of Duo cuddled so sweetly in Yuy's arms. // Had he been?// "Duo. Wake up." He nudged Duo in the ribs with his fingertip. Duo squirmed, and a groan escaped his lips, before Duo’s eyes snapped open. "I am awake," he said with a glare. "Good. We've plans to make. I need you to think clearly." "I always do." Too bad he didn't, Wufei thought, noticing that Duo wouldn't meet his gaze. Perhaps Duo didn't, either. "Good." He scanned the area around them. "Do you need to stop?" A flush tinted Duo’s cheeks. "Please." Wufei helped him down and held Duo’s arm until he seemed steady on his feet. "Don't wander too far," Wufei cautioned as he headed for a thick clump of bushes. "I'm sure you don't want me to come looking for you." Wufei took care of his own needs, then removed a few handfuls of corn from his saddlebag for the horse. This mount was still new to him, a gift from his sister, Sally, and her husband, Treize. Sally had named it Mouse, of all things. He couldn't bring himself to call such a magnificent beast so ridiculous a name. He simply called it Horse, and would until he thought of something better. On this journey, the stallion had proven himself the tireless mount Treize had claimed. The German Lord was credited as a good judge of horseflesh; evidently his skill extended to training, as well. Wufei rubbed down the horse with a clump of dried grass, lavishing him with well-deserved praise. When he stepped back to toss the grass away, he found Duo standing at the horse's head, stroking his nose. "Have a care," he warned, moving quickly to Duo’s side. "He can be dangerous. He's not a pet, like a dog." Duo smiled as he continued to rub the beast's velvety muzzle. "But he's so gentle. What is his name?" Surprisingly, the animal seemed to enjoy the boy’s attention. // Of course, I’d enjoy it, too, if Duo was stroking me like that. If the beast tolerated it, where was the harm? // "It's ridiculous," Wufei said wryly. "My sister named him Mouse." "'It is a good name," he said. Duo murmured to Mouse, too softly for Wufei to hear, then looked up at Wufei and smiled. "He likes it, I think." // Doesn't he know anything about horses? Maybe he doesn't. // Duo had told Wufei that his entire life had been spent within the church. // Most likely the largest animal he'd seen there was a cow. // But it was amazing to see Duo treat this war-beast as if he were as docile as some farmer's milk cow. Evidently the stallion's size didn't frighten him. // Does anything? // // I'd be better off to stop wondering about him, thinking about him. // But Wufei might as well tell his brain to cease working. Duo had managed to worm his way into his mind. Wufei couldn't make him leave; in all honesty, he wouldn't have, even if he could. "Come, we'll eat on the way," he told Duo. He rummaged in the saddlebag again and handed him a hunk of cheese and half a round of dark bread, then hoisted him onto Mouse's back. Once they were moving, Duo broke the cheese and bread into pieces for each of them, then handed Wufei his. "Are we going back to the Sank castle?" he asked before he bit into his share. "Are you crazy? Why would I free you from Yuy, only to turn you over to Milliardo again?" //Didn't he realize who had ordered the samurai to take him away? // // By Nataku, I am an idiot! I should have discovered where Yuy had been taking Duo. // It wouldn't have changed Wufei’s own plan--if he could call the unformed thoughts floating through his head a plan--but perhaps if he'd known, it would have given him a bit more information about Milliardo's intentions. // It is too late now. Or is it? // "Did Yuy mention where he was taking you?" "No. Just that I'd be safe there." Duo munched on his food for a moment, then asked, "Why wouldn't I be safe in Milliardo's castle--or anywhere else, for that matter? Safe from what? I almost wish I hadn't gone there." Duo looked up at Wufei from beneath his lashes. "Almost." Wufei fought against the temptation to lose himself in the depths of Duo's eyes, instead forcing himself to scan their surroundings until Duo returned his attention to his food. Silence reigned until they finished eating and Wufei nudged Mouse to a faster gait. "I believe that Milliardo is trying to keep you away from me." Duo turned to meet his gaze head-on, his violet eyes assessing. "Are you a threat to me, Dragon?" "I could be," he growled. "But I don't think that's why Milliardo wants to keep us apart. There's something about you he'd like to keep hidden--from me, at least. He doesn't usually act this way with me, but I've seen him do it to others often enough to recognize the signs. I just don't know why." "Whatever his reasons, I'm glad he didn't succeed. I didn't fear Heero, but I didn't trust him, either. I know you won't allow anyone to harm me," Duo said. "And I won't permit any harm to come to you." Startled, Wufei watched Duo’s expression. He could see that Duo meant what he'd said, although how he could protect him, Wufei did not know. Duo had heard his reputation--much of it exaggeration, true, but close enough to reality. "How is it you don't fear me?" "You are a good man, Dragon." Duo met his skeptical look with a smile. "I'm not stupid. I realize you've done things that would make most people shake with fear. But you don't frighten me--I know there's more to you than the deeds you've done. You did them for a reason, I imagine. A good reason. Who am I to question your judgment?" Wufei glanced away first. // How does he know these things? How does he know so much about me? // There were times when Wufei couldn't understand how anyone could bear to be in his presence, including his own flesh and blood. He didn't blame people for their reaction to him; he expected nothing less. But Duo's unquestioning loyalty and trust made him quake inside. // I don't deserve it, nor him. // It was past time he reminded himself of that fact. Perhaps he'd bring Duo to Maxwell Abby, Wufei decided, though not immediately. Milliardo might expect him to go to ground there with his cousin Hilde, or to Ashby with his sister Sally. But first he'd find a place to lie low for a while, until he had a chance to meet with Trowa. Only when armed with more information about this mystery youth--this boy who made the powerful Milliardo nervous, could he decide whether Duo might be a danger to the others. // The cave! // Well hidden in the remote hills, yet not too far from Ashby, Maxwell Abby and his own manor at Raven’s Crest, Wufei could think of no better place. It had served Sally and Treize well as a shelter after they were attacked by outlaws. Wufei would be able to track down Trowa, and obtain supplies from home. Best of all, no one but his family knew of it. // Duo will be safe there. // ~~~ (***) ~~~ Toad made his way through the passageway with ease, despite the lack of light. Dark or light, it mattered not. He'd traversed these hidden corridors and stairs so many times the past few months, every detail remained etched upon his brain. He found it amazing how the mind and body could adapt themselves to any situation. When he considered the injuries that had resulted in his crippled state, he marveled that he'd survived at all. But the mind trapped within this hideous shell remained unchanged; if anything, it had grown sharper, more keen and alert. Only thus could he endure this taste of hell. He'd triumph in the end, show all his slow-witted kin how wrong they'd been to underestimate him. They were so stupid, they believed him dead. Couldn't they see what frequently stood right in front of them? How he wanted to laugh when they walked by him, looked past him, turned away from the ugly thing he'd become. He would laugh one day, when the tides of power turned and he regained all he'd lost and more. Skulking through the walls like a rat, listening to Milliardo’s plots and dreams. For endless months he'd waited, at times impatiently, for the proper opportunity to come along. And now he'd reap the rewards. He was so beautiful, the boy called Duo. Far more lovely, and more desirable to him, than the woman he'd nearly made his bride. He laughed, the near-silent sound rich with satisfaction. Aye, Duo would suit him better. Since he'd never left the church till now, Toad had little doubt of his innocence. The Samurai wouldn't touch him, for fear of Milliardo's anger, and Toad knew well that the Dragon had little to do with men. If only he'd had a chance... Toad shook off the old anger. It availed him nothing to think of what might have been. Instead, he must look to the future, to the boy Milliardo had protected so well all these years. How the prince would howl when he learned his plans were all for nothing. Toad would have the last laugh, when Duo was his. ~~~ (***) ~~~ Heero awoke to find bright sunlight blinding him. He closed his eyes quickly, but it didn't seem to matter. His skull still felt as though it had been pierced by a razor-sharp dagger. // Probably my own. // His hand and feet were numb, and his backside was cold and damp. //Where am I?// Heero forced one eye open a crack, just enough to catch a glimpse of his surroundings. What he saw made him damn the consequences and risk opening both eyes again. It felt as if a hammer kept pounding on his head, but he ignored the pain as memory came flooding back. Duo. And the Dragon. Trust Lord Chang to truss him up like a holiday goose around a spit! He tested the bindings tied about his wrists and ankles. Yes, he could break them, but not without skewering himself a thousand times, at least, on the thorny bush he sat wrapped around. Since he always appreciated a good joke, even when he was the butt of it, he had to chuckle at the picture he must present. He never would have imagined that the Dragon had a sense of humor. He hadn't seen any evidence of it in his time at Milliardo's court. Perhaps Duo made him laugh, made him more than a humorless man bent upon nothing but carrying out Milliardo's law. From what he'd seen of the boy, he was worth fighting for. Heero flexed his aching jaw and grimaced. // Hell, he was even worth a beating. Clearly, the Dragon thinks so; he'd taken his share of abuse in our battle. // //He must care for the boy deeply, to go against Milliardo's wishes. // In his admittedly brief acquaintance with the Dragon, Heero hadn't seen any sign that the Chineseman might defy his prince---or deny him anything. Heero slipped his hands free of the cord that bound them, heaving a huge sigh of relief. Perhaps it was just as well that Wufei had beaten him and taken the boy away. He would have remained safe in his care on their journey, but who could say what might have occurred once he handed Duo over at their destination? Milliardo hadn't seen fit to share his plans for the boy with Heero. He'd simply taken advantage of a convenient ally to perform a messy job. // Look at the situation I’ve gotten myself into! // Milliardo's promise of the trade concessions Heero had been seeking had sounded too good to be true. The "simple favor" the prince required of him in return had turned out to be anything but simple. Heero had come to Sank on his father's behalf, hoping for adventure; instead, he had discovered how slow and boring trade negotiations could be. Any chance that Milliardo would uphold his end of the bargain had disappeared the moment Heero lost possession of Duo. But he couldn't regret that he'd taken on the task. In fighting the Dragon, he'd finally gained what he'd wanted all his life. Excitement. Challenge. Adventure. All he had to do was convince the Dragon to take him on as one of his men. Heero looked up, then shook his head at the sight of his gear draped over the branches above his head. Evidently the Dragon didn't intend his escape to be too easy. If Lord Chang wanted a head start on him, he had it. But in the long run, it would not matter. Heero would find him. He trusted the Dragon to get Duo away, to keep him safe. Heero had done as Milliardo asked, so far as he was able. But he had no intention of collecting on the favor Milliardo now owed him. Now he would do whatever he could to help the Dragon keep Duo safe. From everyone. ~~~ (***) ~~~ Wufei pushed Mouse as hard as he dared, considering that the poor beast carried a double burden. At times, rough terrain kept them to a walk, but they managed to cover a remarkable distance in spite of it. He estimated it might be several days before they reached the cave, especially since he planned to avoid settled areas. The farther they remained from civilization, the better their chance of evading Milliardo' s men. Wufei knew it was only a matter of time before Heero freed himself and returned to the Sank castle to report that he'd lost possession of Duo; even if the Samurai didn't go to Milliardo right away, there was always the risk that the prince might learn that Wufei hadn't gone to Relena's castle. Wufei looked down at Duo's hair, savoring the way the setting sun gilded the chestnut stands. He dropped a light kiss on the top of his head--scarcely touching him--and settled Duo’s sleeping body more comfortably in his arms. Wufei couldn't imagine what it took for Duo to remain so uncomplaining. His sister Sally would have nagged him to death if he'd dared to drag her across northern Sank at this headlong pace, and he'd have deserved every word. Wufei was no gentleman, he knew it well, but he did what he had to do. What good were courtly manners if you were dead? Since the light was fading, he dismounted, carrying Duo with him, and placed him on his cloak under a tree while he tethered Mouse, then scouted the area for a site to make camp for the night. A stream flowed nearby, and deadwood enough for a small fire lay scattered beneath the trees. He gathered boughs and built a small shelter before Duo stirred. He appeared confused for a moment, but then he caught sight of Wufei watching him and smiled. "How could you let me sleep when there was so much to do?" he asked, attempting to rise. One of his legs buckled beneath him, but he reached for the tree trunk beside him, pulled himself up and leaned back against it. "'It is unfair for you to do all the work. You must be weary. Sit and rest, milord. I'll prepare our food." "There's precious little to prepare," Wufei told him. He came to Duo’s side and urged him to sit, but he would have none of it. "I set some snares, so perhaps we'll catch a rabbit before we starve." He dropped down on the cloak, leaving plenty of space for Duo beside him as he lounged there. Though he appeared reluctant, Duo sat down on the edge of the material. "Come, I've bread and cheese." He shook his head. "No, you eat it. I'm not used to eating much, anyway." Wufei picked up his hand and slapped a piece of bread onto it. "I was joking, Duo. There's nothing to cook right now, but we've enough food. You needn't go hungry," he told him, exasperated by his self-sacrifice. Duo nibbled at the crust, but seemed uneasy. "What's wrong?" Wufei asked. "Are you worried about spending the night here? I'll make sure you're safe." Tossing aside the bread, Duo leaned toward him. "I made the trek from Saint Winifred's to the Sank castle by myself." The flush on Duo’s cheeks—as hot as his voice sounded. "Do you think I'd be concerned about something so unimportant as that?" Wufei felt properly chastened. He hadn't meant to insult the boy’s courage. // Nataku knows, I’ve seen evidence of it often enough.// But it had been a valid concern. "Then what is it?" Duo reached out and placed his hand along Wufei’s jaw absently running his fingers over his smooth, bronze skin. Wufei clenched his teeth against his body's immediate reaction, but he didn't push that caressing hand away. "I'm worried about you." Duo lowered his gaze to a spot somewhere in the vicinity of his chest. "You shouldn't have come after me, Wufei. I must be exceptionally thick-skulled, for I didn't think of this till now. But Milliardo will be very angry that you took me from Heero, won't he? That night in your room, I could see that he wanted you to have nothing to do with me." Wufei had hoped Duo wouldn't realize that, at least not so soon. But he didn't regret a thing he'd done, nor a moment of the time he'd spent with him. "It's not your concern," he said evenly. Duo straightened and moved his hand away from Wufei’s face. "How can you say that? You should send me back to Sank immediately, or at least take me back to Saint Winifred's. I cannot begin to guess what Milliardo intends for me, but I don't want you involved. I don't want him to blame you for helping me. For some reason, he sees me as a threat. Why else would he continue to lock me away?" "The first time was my decision. I could have lodged you in the castle, I suppose, though I really didn't have any place for you, but I sent you to the cell, as I would have a grown man who'd done what you had." "I knew that. And I expected no less, when I decided to scale the wall." Duo’s face looked soft and forgiving in the firelight. "It was a risk I chose to take. But the other time---we both know he was the one who sent me into the vaults." he slid closer and touched Wufei’s face again. "And you cannot deny how angry he was, Wufei. Although I'd never seen him before, it was clear to me he was not pleased to have you interfere." Trying to ignore the heat flowing between them, Wufei laid his hand over Duo’s and held it still. Instead, he traced a fingertip over the outline of Wufei’s lips. Wufei sat up swiftly. "Are you doing that on purpose?" he snarled. "What?" Duo looked confused--and adorable. "Touching me---tempting me." Wufei grabbed his hand and held it tight. "Do you realize what it does to me when someone so beautiful touches me, pets me?" "I meant no harm" "The harm will be to you, Duo, if you continue. Do you think I'm made of stone?" Wufei asked as he released him. "You would never harm me! How dare you say that!" Duo reached out to him again, but didn't touch. "I thought you liked it when I touched you." "Yes, I like it," Wufei admitted. "Far too much." He took Duo’s hand in his once more. "Don't you understand what comes after the kissing, the touching? By Nataku, Duo, if you keep that up, you're apt to find yourself flat on your back with me between your legs before you even realize what I'm about." It was difficult to see his expression in the firelight, but Wufei didn't think he understood. Otherwise, he'd have moved as far away from him as he could by now. "I want you, Duo, as a normal man would want a woman. Feel what you do to me." He pushed Duo’s hand down, pressing his palm over his erection. // Perhaps this will shock him into keeping his distance. If it doesn't kill me first. // Wufei knew he'd made a mistake even before Duo moved his fingers, shaping Wufei’s aching hardness in an innocent caress. Innocent or not, that simple touch threatened to send him over the edge. Wufei hadn't felt so near to spilling his seed with so little provocation since the first time he had sex. "I didn't realize," Duo said, wriggling his fingers again. Wufei bit back a groan and pressed Duo’s fingers tighter around him. Then, sighing in frustration, Wufei shoved Duo’s hand away and turned his back on him, resting his forehead on his updrawn knees and gulping for air. "I must be mad," he growled. Duo moved closer to Wufei and laid his cheek against his bowed back. "I'm sorry," he whispered. Slowly, lest he push him away, Duo wrapped his arms around Wufei’s torso and held him. "You must think me a naive fool." Wufei permitted Duo’s embrace; indeed, it seemed to Duo he welcomed it, for he brought his hand up to touch his arm where it wrapped about his chest. Wufei’s breathing had slowed, and his body no longer felt rigid with tension. "And now you know I'm a crude one," he said, turning into Duo’s arms. He drew back a bit, until their chests barely touched. "Forgive me. I just wanted you to understand how it is for a me--and a you, too, I'd imagine," // Was that possible? Could Wufei turn this achy, hot feeling into….that? // "Do you think so?" Duo cringed at the eagerness in her voice. Wufei must have heard it, too, for he looked him sternly in the eye. "Perhaps. But don't ask me to show you, for I'll not do it. I don't know how I've withstood the temptation to make you mine." Duo felt oddly pleased by Wufei’s admission. And curious, as well. // Just how much could Wufei withstand? // The question brought a flush to Duo’s entire body as he remembered the feel of Wufei enclosed within his fingers. He'd never have imagined being this initimate with another man could be so exciting. But now that Duo knew, Wufei tempted him even more. Wufei rolled away from him and took up one of his saddlebags. "I'm going to sit in the stream for a while." It seemed a strange thing to do, and Duo wondered at the laughter he heard in Wufei’s voice. "Perhaps it will calm me. Don't go anywhere," he ordered, heading into the trees. Duo lay back on the cloak, absently drawing the edges about him. He felt cold now, without Wufei beside him. How could Wufei think he'd leave, when Duo could imagine no place he'd rather be than with the Dragon? Besides, where did Wufei think he'd go? Duo had no place to go to. ~ * ~ |
