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"Halfway to Sublimity"Written By: Kaeru Shisho Disclaimer: I don't own any part of Gundam Wing
or its characters, nor do I make any monetary profit off this story. Rating: NC 17 Warnings: AU, male/male pairings, language Pairings: 1x2x1 Summary: When Duo moves to a new town on the river,
he meets a young man running the river and a rich boy who seems nice.
Maybe he'll settle down for awhile, or maybe not. "Halfway to Sublimity" Chapter Fifteen Duo, Heero, Duo, Heero, and a slapdash of Quatre to end it (POV)
"What am I supposed to do with this?" Duo asked. There was a touch of both incredulousness and teasing in his voice. Laid out on the table was the product of Quatre's cook's hard work, some of which, he knew, had been living and catching its own meal only a few hours earlier. "You're supposed to take a bite and tell me you like it," Quatre answered with a sweet smile. Duo had no doubt that the smile had more to do with the developing relationship between his friend, the lord of the manor, and the Cajun trader, a gambler at large. The lingering glances and touches they shared were a dead giveaway. Duo couldn't help but feel sad for them, though, knowing that only within the walls of his house were they safe to share their affection openly. Outside, the Cajun had to masquerade as Miss Claire to avoid recognition by Barton's gang. And, although this afforded the couple the option to hold hands, Quatre didn't want to draw attention their way. If Claire were too conspicuous, there would be expectations for her to attend parties and meet with other ladies of the gentry in town. Trowa recommended he keep a low profile, something with which he had a lifetime of practice. Duo watched Quatre's sweet smile grow as he demonstrated the use of the delicate-looking fork in his hand. With skill polished from years of training and habit, Quatre twisted and scooped out a bite of cheese covered crab claw. He lifted it to Trowa's mouth, who promptly opened up for him and smiled as he was fed the bite and chewed. "I can't believe you haven't eaten crab before, Duo," he said, shaking his head. "It's one of the greatest delicacies in the world." "I've eaten it once and it was with my hands, not a fucking fork and knife." "The point is to watch and learn. Imitate what I do. By the time Khushrenada meets you, you will be Lord Maxwell in manners as well as in name." Duo jabbed and one joint skidded off his plate and across the table. "Don't mind if do," Trowa said, and gamely added the crab piece to his own, uneaten pile. "Ahhh, shit!" Duo moaned. "I'll never get the gist of all this." "Yes, you will. Watch again. You want to impress Wufei and Heero with your technique when they get back, don't you?" "Yeah," but Duo was thinking of Heero only-- and other displays of physical dexterity. Duo did better with his next claw and he mastered snails in no time at all. Artichokes puzzled him, but stripping leaves and dipping them in drawn butter wasn't the agility test the crab legs had been. When the dinner lesson was over, they progressed to the next test. Quatre called in his head of staff. "Riven," he said to his butler. "Lord Maxwell hasn't much experience with servants. He needs practice learning their roles and boning up on his manners in general. Any ideas where to start?" "Dinner was a wise point to begin, Sir. I have found Lord Maxwell's manners quite refreshing in general, but I could speak with him in private concerning a quirk or two, if you would like?" "Yes, that would be helpful." Duo couldn't wait until his arm was healed sufficiently for him to join Heero. Working the river, load and unloading freight, even fighting pirates-it all gained significance since he'd been disabled. Now he waxed nostalgic, and dreamed of how he would welcome Heero back the next evening. (o) When Duo first suggested making dinner, Heero had balked at the idea. "I'll make dinner," he had said, but Duo wasn't having it. "It'll be more romantic if I cook for you," he had said. "I've just been prancing and dancing around all day playing Lord Maxwell. You've been working hard. Now relax." Breakfast for dinner isn't exactly an original idea. Breakfast in bed for dinner, however, was something Heero had never done, and it was oddly intriguing to him. Grits, something Trowa had introduced them both to, with bacon and eggs wouldn't have been his first choice for a meal, but Heero knew how hard his lover worked to cook it for him. If the look on his face were a book, it would have told a story about a man who had an amorous plan. Heero was not so oblivious that he missed all Duo's hundreds of cues. He could tell how important it was to Duo that he carry out his plan, and he suspected that Duo's contentment this evening depended upon his ability to make him happy. As dramatic as it sounded to Heero, he read all of that when he looked into Duo's violet-blue, expressive eyes. His expression of longing mixed with anticipation was both hopeful and irresistible. He must have been taking begging lessons from Ruggles! Who was I to tell him no, Heero wondered? "Okay. Lead on." He smiled politely and let Duo romance him. Duo escorted him to their room and told him to stay put while he worked everything out. Duo fluffed the pillows and smoothed out the bedspread. He delivered their meal on a wide tray, which Heero recognized had originated from Quatre's kitchen. Heero tasted each item and pronounced them as, "Good." Duo smiled with satisfaction and ate his own meal with care. Not his usual wolfing down and wiping the plate clean with a hunk of bread, Heero noticed. He didn't want to ruin the moment and embarrass Duo with a thoughtless remark, so he said, "You've been working hard, too." It must have been the right thing to say, because Duo's eyes glittered and he nodded. When we were finished eating, Duo gathered up the dishes and was about to take them back down to the kitchen, but Heero stopped him. "Just leave it where it is," he said. "Let's cuddle instead." "Cuddle" was not Heero's usual choice of words either, but, once again, he had happened upon the right expression. Duo was at his side in an instant. Heero enclosed his warm, pliant body in his arms and heard him sigh before their lips met. They lost themselves in a long, sensual kiss, letting their hands explore each other's bodies. That was when it dawned on Heero that there was no uncharted territory for him to discover. His lips, his tongue, his hands. They'd all made intimate contact with every inch of Duo's being, and somehow, it was always perfect. Heero wondered if this was put the coda on their story. Nothing new meant boredom, didn't it? Wouldn't they now lose interest in one another? For some reason, though, it was different with Heero. As he did his circuit of Duo, revisiting all of those places, the spots he already knew, was like going home again. It was a comfortable place for him to be, and he was anxious to be there as much as he could. Very slowly, they each shed their clothes. As each article of clothing slipped from their bodies to the bed, then to the floor, their collective energies seemed to merge. Heero knew it wouldn't be long before they were one with each other. He wanted it. He tested Duo's willingness with his moans and suggestive moves. When Duo wrapped his legs around Heero's waist, clenched hard, and squeezed their groins together, Heero guessed Duo wanted more intimacy, too. Neither of them had to say a word. Heero lightly kissed Duo's face and mouth then brushed his lips and tongue down his neck. He lingered and suckled until Duo squirmed. "Mo-ore," Duo begged. Heero left his neck to pay special attention to each one of his hard nipples. His long tongue swirled slowly around each perimeter, and then he methodically consumed each one by sucking and using his tongue in the most pleasurable way he could imagine. As he attentively serviced Duo's sensitive nipples, he basked in the pleasure of Duo's scalp massage. He ran his fingers through Heero's thick head of hair and quietly moaned his delight. Heero finally abandoned his chest and slid to his protruding naval. When he raked his tongue across that erogenous zone, he elicited another strong moan from his willing lover and felt Duo's legs part further. "God... More..." Heero complied. The legs loosened their grip and Heero bent over Duo's manhood, while looking up at him eyes half-lidded. Duo returned a look of desire, which Heero couldn't resist. He waited no longer and swallowed the weeping erection in a single move. Duo thrashed around and bit his fist until he could hold out no longer and spent himself. From where he was, Heero figured that he could have easily entered Duo and he wouldn't have protested. Indeed, he seemed to need to be loved that night. Heero wasn't certain, though, that Duo would have been able to adjust to his invasion if he rushed things. Heero wanted Duo to thoroughly enjoy the love he had saved for him. "God, Heero!" Heero nodded and sucked on the fingers of his right hand. He used the lingering come in his mouth to wet them, preparing Duo for a larger intrusion. As each digit entered, Duo would tense up and give him a look of anticipation before settling back down. Heero stretched and stimulated him, one finger turned into two. Two fingers became three, and three fingers carried with them the promise for him of a satisfying night in bed. In the past, Duo had teased his entrance with lubricated fingers, hinting at more, but going no further. Heero didn't want him to have to always take the lead, but he had to let him, until now. As Duo had described anal sex, it sounded painful and naughty, but Duo assured him that with the right person it was all right. That hadn't contradicted Heero's feelings, though. He did a little investigative research on his last trip to Tumult with Wufei, barely avoided a tight situation, but had come away with a few tips. It was his turn to show his lover a thing or two. Heero left nothing to chance with Duo that night. He carefully lubricated his love with thick oil, eliciting deep, guttural groans of approval from him. Heero oiled his own arousal then paused to meet Duo's eyes. There was his reassuring smile, his silent invitation to take his most precious treasure. Trust. He was ready. "Oh, yeah, 'Ro." His love was tight around Heero's manhood. While he was adapting to their union, Heero shared a long kiss, setting the tempo for their passionate embrace. The heat of Duo's love was powerful; it was so intense that as Heero rested within him he could feel his pulse throbbing against the walls of his tightness. When Heero finally started to move, Duo's eyes rolled back in his head. Heero readjusted his legs and held on for dear life. His thoughts centered on pleasing him, but also selfishly indulged in the sweet center of his own passion. He aimed for Duo's pleasure hold and when he hit it, Duo screamed. Heero paused, searching his lover's face for some sign. "Did I hurt you?" Duo moaned and smiled. "No. You... no." Heero couldn't look at that expression of bliss, feel the pulsing heat, and maintain his composure. He frantically tried to hang on as nature took over. "Ahhh!" "Duo..." His own manhood screamed for release. So when Duo reached his second climax, the sight of his overflowing manhood combined with the contractions deep inside of him pushed Heero over the edge of his considerable control. Heero gave in to the pleasures of the moment and spent himself buried deep inside of his lover. When he pulled out, he shoved a towel under Duo's backside, wrapped him in his arms and covers. "Love you." "God, yes. Love you, too, Ro." And, satisfied, Heero drifted off into a deep slumber. Only to be re-awakened after a few minutes by Duo's hand smoothing his hair and his wide eyes studying his face. "Hmm?" "Been taking lessons?" Heero rolled the words around his head. There wasn't a shred of humor in Duo's question, but a hell of a lot of insecurity. They'd been sleeping apart when work took Heero away, and then when he returned suddenly he was sexually enlightened. Of course Duo would suspect him of infidelity! That he had to put a stop to that implication immediately! Heero shut his eyes and sighed. "I should have told you ahead of time what I'd done," Heero confessed. His eyes opened, but Duo looked away, let down. "Oh." "It's not what you might think, Duo. I didn't...do anything. I wouldn't with anyone but you. Believe me." Duo murmured, "I want to." "I paid two prostitutes to... demonstrate." "Huh?" Duo's narrow-eyed look was better than his hopeless one. Heero's hopes grew. "Lemme get this straight. You found male whores and paid them to fuck while you watched?" Heero nodded. Duo chuckled and then Heero knew everything would be okay. "Chang in on this, too?" "No!" Heero didn't hide his shock. "He was asleep. He had no idea what I was doing, or that I was out at all." Duo enveloped Heero in his arms. "That was a dangerous thing to do. Two of them, one of you, a pimp coulda added a third against you." Heero started. "You were there?" Duo rose up on an elbow. "No, but I'm aware, Heero. What happened!" "Nothing, baby," Heero cooed. He'd never used that tone of voice before, never felt the need to reassure and protect anyone before. He'd never been in love or loved like this before. "I learned what I needed and got out intact. I just wanted to do something, to show you, to love you better." With Duo buried in his arms, Heero felt as if he'd been transformed from a baser animal to something fine and worthy. He'd attained manhood at last. Sublimity achieved. "You loved me good, 'Ro. Just fine." "Only you." "Yeah, only me." He laughed softly in Heero's ear. "Now who's the idiot?" (0) When the workmen first came, the days were suddenly noisy and lumber rose in piles outside the front porch. Weeks of building had converted the neat, orderly piles into new ones of refuse. But today, when Wufei met Duo and Heero at their house, he pointed out that it was cleaned up. "The place is taking shape?" "It is. We'll give you the grand tour another time," Heero said, determined to get the meeting with Khushrenada over with. "You think Quatre can afford all this and build boats, too?" Duo asked. "That chest of gold bullion wasn't enough to convince you? Winner has enough money to keep Buddha knows how many plates in the air," Wufei replied. "Khushrenada can, too. Don't worry, though. Winner has support from L4 even Treize cannot fathom." Heero parted from the other pair just within the gates to the Winner estate. It had been agreed upon that he and Trowa, Miss Claire, and Miss Hilde were best kept out of this meeting. They would remain near at hand, just in case. Heero took the path to the rear entrance, while Wufei and Duo continued on to the front. Duo hesitated, uncertainly gripping his heart at the last second. Could he perform well enough to fool the governor? He was just L2 street scum, after all. He caught Wufei's sidelong glance. "I look okay?" "Lord Maxwell, you wear your title well. I'll knock." Rashid was handling door duty, and bowed to let them pass. Duo walked through the open front door with an authoritative stride. "You know how to make an entrance," Wufei said as an aside. "And I know when to make an exit." Duo flashed him a smile and winked. "Just wait and see." "Let's get this over with then," Wufei said and moved quickly through the foyer to where Quatre and Treize Khushrenada awaited them. Governor Khushrenada did not so much occupy the room as grace it. In that way he reminded Duo of Zechs Merquise with that old world money, charm, and elegance. Wearing a beautifully tailored charcoal suit, he was handsome, cool and calm-a presence he no doubt had mastered to control his forces and voting public. Duo thought he must fill his female contingents with both hope and despair, that he was at once so accessible and yet forever inaccessible. Men, too, but they'd most likely experience hostility, both because they hated him and couldn't be like him. "Hi," Duo greeted him. He smiled his world-beater of a smile and stuck out a hand. Treize shook his hand with a firm shake. "Lord Maxwell. My pleasure." Quatre moved between them all, expertly directing the conversation, making certain his objectives were met, and ensuring the scam was a success. Seeing his friend in this professional light, impressed Duo. Generally, Quatre appeared soft, kindly, and sweet-natured, but he had a firm hand, a razor-sharp mind, and something else that Duo felt rather than observed, but he wasn't sure if it was a good thing or not. Wufei, Quatre and Treize took the conversation to another level and there it hung, out of Duo's reach. Unable to join in the lofty discussion, Duo played spectator and studied the governor. Very handsome, he thought, but with eyes that hunted Wufei, chasing after the Chinese scholar as he circled the room. He reminded Duo of an eagle, talons hidden beneath his fine feathers, analyzing his prey's movements for some vulnerability. And then the sharp-eyed man rested his gaze on him. "Truth posits provability, doesn't it?" Treize had spoken and Duo just looked at him, feeling as thick as the planks making up the flooring in his new addition. What was he talking about? "Of course it does," Treize continued. "Just as the incompleteness proof proves something unprovable." "That's gotta be on the bleeding edge of--," Duo said. "-Paradoxical, sir," Wufei supplied for him. It wasn't what Duo was going to say, but that was probably for the best. Treize's face lit up. "You are absolutely right. Remember what's called the 'Liar's Paradox'?" "Vaguely." That was Duo-speak for 'not at all.' "Take the sentence 'I am a liar.' That sentence is true only if it's false. If you say you're lying, then you're not, from which it follows that you are, and so on and so on." "So, are you, ah, sir?" Duo asked. At last the conversation was back in a territory he understood. He wasn't stupid, but Duo was not well educated enough to complete with the governor's higher realms. "I am a politician. I don't always work with provable situations. Laws and rules aren't always binding." "But aren't judgments based on laws?" Wufei asked. "Yes, but the judges wield a certain amount of latitude." "Does that make you a liar, then, governor?" Duo repeated. "You are a persistent, Lord Maxwell, and impatient." "I've got stick-to-itiveness; Chang's got the short fuse." For a moment, Duo considered giving the self-righteous governor the finger, what Wufei called his "digitus impudicus," but then to his surprise, Quatre shimmied up to his side, invading his space, and whispered into his ear,"He likes boys." Fingers, Quatre's, he hoped, slithered around his waist. His act made certain to advertise Duo's sexual orientation, something he wasn't thrilled to have promoted."Play nice, Duo," Quatre said aloud. Duo had his snappy comeback on the tip of his tongue,when Treize's expression changed. The smug smile turned lascivious, and Duo felt fingers stroke his braid. Not Quatre's fingers this time. "You know that 'small talk' can be about spirituality or politics, and 'important issues' can be about... hair." Duo coughed. "Run that by me again?" He stepped backwards, dragging his tail behind him, and caught a glimpse of Wufei. His lips were pressed into a thin line and his face pale. How aware of Treize's nature was he? How? What was it Quatre had said? He likes boys? Had Wufei been one of his conquests after losing a sparring match? Duo's mind reeled with the possibilities, missing, again, most of what was being said. "-and I can offer protection for you. Anonymity. You are a homosexual, which can be tricky business in these parts, haven't you found?" Here was a subject best served cold-- like revenge. Duo froze in place. "I'm very broadminded. Many men serve me from wide-ranging kingdoms and speaking multiple tongues. I have the ability to speak more than one language, which makes me 'bi'," but then Treize jokingly clarified, "'-lingual.'" "Then you know how sex complicates things," Duo said, staring at Quatre while he said it. "So?" Treize chuckled and straightened his shoulders. "I find it all amusing." "Yeah, hysterical." Duo could be entertaining, though. He knew a few military jokes he was sure the governor hadn't heard. "I guess you're right. I mean, soldiers who aren't afraid of guns, capture, mutilation, torture or death say they are afraid of faggots. That means homosexuals shouldn't be used as soldiers; they should be used as weapons!" Treize roared his approval. "There's a married guy somewhere who is terrified of a cheap slut like you, Lord Maxwell." Duo's hands fisted; Wufei hissed. Quatre stepped in to explain. "Duo, you are aware that being called a 'cheap slut' isn't actually an insult? In this connotation?" "All your friends do not have to 'get along,' Quatre." Duo barely opened his mouth. He could talk with his teeth bared. "Duo here was thinking of offering you a sizeable donation," Quatre said. He turned toward Khushrenada, whose mouth had fallen open. "Why, Lord Maxwell, you've left someone totally speechless." That didn't last for long. Quatre handled the exact amount, and since it was his money, Duo let him do the negotiations. Immediately Treize extended a hand to shake and an invitation to dinner. Wufei and Duo accepted, Duo both, and Quatre excused himself from the dinner with a breezy "business engagement" excuse. With no chance to make more of the meeting, as well as a long ride home in the offing, the governor prepared to leave. "When throwing a party, Mr. Winner, you know how to put out quite a spread. Sometimes after the party, too." Whether or not the insinuation was true, Quatre showed no emotion and answered, "Not any more." "Then the rumors are true? You are marrying? I didn't believe what I'd heard. I considered you to be a confirmed...bachelor." Quatre shrugged and added in simple terms, "Your roommate can be your roommate and not your 'roommate'." "Ah, isn't that the truth. Well, Master Winner, I've had a profitable day. Until we meet again, gentlemen?" Treize smiled and left. When Khushrenada's carriage had carried him safely away, Duo exploded. "You could have warned me!" "Actually, I just received that important information from... an informant." "Wufei!" "Not I! I may have had some suspicions, but he never made a pass at me." "He watched your every move," Duo said. "Every time you turned your back on him, I think he considered it an opportunity." "Why you--!" Wufei was about to throttle his friend, when they were torn apart by Heero and Quatre. Hilde slapped her boyfriend on the face and Quatre punched Duo in the jaw. Trowa did his best to block Quatre from Duo's left hook, taking a bruise to the gut for love. Heero soundly slammed each fighter to the ground, stopping only at Hilde. "That's it!" Heero growled. "Treize is gone. You did what you set out to do. You have an invitation to his place. Remember what this is all about." Hilde and Wufei were whispering together, making up, Duo supposed from the contrite looks on both their faces. Trowa sank into a chair and massaged his stomach. Heero, nostrils flaring, muscles flexing, glared at everyone, Quatre in particular. Duo watched as his lover symbolically rattled his protective shackles, ready to restrain the entire group if they didn't settle down. Diplomat that he was, Quatre waved the white flag first. "Thank you, Heero. We lost sight of what we had accomplished and got caught up in the moment." "Youused Duo. I'm not accustomed to your kind of friendship," Heero said. "I'm sorry," Quatre said. Duo thought Quatre sounded sincere, was sincere. "In particular, I'm sorry, Duo, that I wasn't able to warn you sooner." "Yeah, well you did warn me, but, damn, did ya have to out me, too?" "It speeded things up. He needed a reason to accept the money and it was the best I could do." "That was your best? Man, Quat, you're mind must be awfully crowded up there." "It is. Why don't we all have a drink together and I'll explain about state of the art bridge building. Zechs spent all morning here going over-" "Ah, ha!" Duo shouted. "Your informant was Zechs! Of course, they grew up together. I should have guessed. Why hadn't he told you that before?" "I don't know," Quatre admitted, frowning. "I'll think about that. Anyway, for now, let's drink to friendship. Miss Hilde, I'm sorry you must go so soon. Promise me you'll come back for another visit very soon." She rubbed a hand over Wufei's arm. "Thank you. I'd like that very much. I do have work to see to, but then, if I've got a ride, I'll come back." "You have a ride," Heero and Wufei said at the same time. And they were all back on board together again. The ship wasn't in immediate danger of sinking; the leaks had been patched. Friends, comrades, and lovers all. The ride, however, was a little shakier than it had been. (o) Two days later, Wufei and Heero returned Hilde to her home in Serendipity. They also loaded and unloaded freight, but at the end of the afternoon they had to leave. The days were shortening already at summer's end. They would make it back at dusk at best. They had to eat, though, so Heero chose one of a half dozen bars on the street Hilde insisted they visit. It was the least rough-looking one. No loud noises and shouts could be heard as they entered. The place was crowded. Smoke hung in the air like a dropped ceiling. Fighting seemed to be a cottage industry; mostly, men fought out of frustration and anger at their unemployed plight. But, there were no fights this afternoon. "We'll never get served in time before I dry up and blow away," Hilde sighed. "We should just go back to my house and see if there's anything there." "Nonsense," Wufei said with a snort. "I'll be back momentarily." "I don't know why you insist on hitting the dives in the worst part of town." Heero stared at Hilde, asking, "Don't you want a more comfortable, safer life?" "Of course. My mattress is stuffed with excess cash, practically overflowing. I just can't decide on a decorative style." "You have money. You've told us so. Is it the poor-little-pirate-hunter life you lead that makes you so sarcastic?" Hilde appeared to like that image; she laughed in a high trill. "May I ask why you wanna know?" "You just have." "Oooh, who's all sarcastic now?" "Be serious." She frowned. "Better?" Heero looked away, perturbed by her. He missed Duo and that irritated him, too. "You asking me if I'm hoping to make a safer, more stable life with your friend, Wufei? Is that what you're wondering, honey?" She didn't wait for him to answer, which he wouldn't anyway. "He hasn't asked, but if he does, I'd be a damn fool not to." She took up both of Heero's hands in hers. It drew his eyes to hers. "I kin tell you know what it's like to be in love. I see it blossoming between you and your man, so you know something of what I'm feeling. I know we hardly know one another, and have so little in common, but I believe I can make Wufei Chang happy. I know he can make me happy. You understand?" "Yes." That Heero understood. When you fell in love, it didn't have to make sense to anyone else. Then he noticed a familiar, undesirable face as a man entered the crowded building, and beyond him was the girl from Barton's gang. Heero caught Wufei's eyes as the man returned, clutching three beers in his hands. He signaled his friend with a sharp tilt of his head and continued to watch the dangerous pair through his bangs. "What is it?" Wufei asked while scanning the room. "Near the door. I believe it's the spy Trowa is hiding from." "Middie? You mean that pirate or gang girl? You see her?" Wufei made a job of setting the glasses on the table, turning to look without making it known he was doing so. "That's her. What about him? Do you recognize him?" "Him? Your questions more and more seem to be coming out of some continuing conversation with yourself." "The man at the table with her." Wufei bit off each word with an irritable edge. "She is seated with a man." "Sogran," Hilde supplied. "A real scum of the earth." "A few days ago I saw him running a boat past Sublimity on his way, I assumed, to Tumult." Heero sipped his drink. "He is bad news." "It's time for you to go, I know, honey." Hilde took Wufei by the arm and pulled him along. "We'll be just a few minutes," she said to Heero over her shoulder. "Meet you at the boat." Heero paid the tab and left to wend his own way to where his boat was harbored. The Rogue River, fretted with sunlight, moved so slowly it seemed still. He passed a line of little shops, jewelers', goldsmiths', that looked as if they'd been there forever, passed down from father to son for years. It was a pleasure to walk on old stone, to look at old gold, to breathe old air. It was especially nice to be alone awhile. He wasn't good with people and Wufei and Hilde had jarred his nerves throughout the entire trip. It was obvious that they didn't want to part, so why hadn't Wufei done something about it? Wufei was excellent help on the boat, extremely generous and hardworking, but he wasn't a substitute for Duo. Wufei Chang was not as easy for him to get along with, especially when he was being a lovesick fool. Heero chose a glove shop and entered. A lady instantly offered him assistance and found him buttery soft but tough work gloves in two sizes and colors. Heero chose two of each color in the medium size, paid, and left. Wufei could use a pair of his own for the trip home. A thank you gift. And Duo, he hoped, would see his gift of new gloves as a symbol. Soon he'd be well enough to rejoin him at the helm. Soon, Duo would be at his side and they would work together again. It would be good for Duo to get away from Quatre and his scheming ways. It was at that moment Heero decided that he would be a part of the mission to steal the plans. He could no longer trust Winner to ensure Duo's safety, especially around that pervert, Khushrenada. Sure, Chang would be there, but so would he and Heero would make sure that Barton was, too. No matter what shape his leg was in, Heero would make certain he was a part of the infiltration team. Winner might discount Duo's life, but not the Cajun's. He smiled, content with his solution to any potential Winner issues at last, and walked on. He stopped every now and then to look at the Rogue and its tranquil passage. He held the gloves against his face, feeling comforted, and thought random thoughts of home. (0) Heero returned home to chaos. He and Wufei could hear the shouting from off shore. As they ran from the dock, they saw the carriages, including the sheriff's paddy wagon and Quatre's. "If you don't settle down, Mr. Maxwell, you'll be in handcuffs, too!" Sheriff Trant Clark threatened. Heero ran faster. Wufei was right on his heels. Quatre's face was the color of crushed red currents. He had to be as mad as hell, Heero guessed. What impressed Heero was how reasonable and controlled Quatre's voice was, under the circumstances. "I'm sure Duo will behave himself if you remove the manacles from Mr. Barton and leave him in my care. Call it house arrest, but let him stay at my place. As you can tell, he's injured and requires medical care." "What's going on ?!" Chang demanded. "This asshole's arresting Trowa for the murder of Barton's men!" Duo nearly burst from the grip two officers had on his arms. A third joined them. "Barton's men? He hasn't been out of the house for weeks? What nonsense is this? I demand an explanation!" Chang was in Trant's face now. "The pirates!" Duo shouted. "This is all a misunderstanding," Heero said. He removed all trace of emotion when he said that. He found it often got him more attention. "Which we'll work out downtown." Trant jerked his head to the side. "Take him!" He poked Wufei in the chest. "Get outta my way or I'll have you locked up for ... for... police interference." Trowa limped off, his leg dragging, but the sheriff didn't seem care if it had been amputated to the knee. Quatre squeezed in under Trowa's shoulder, wrapped an arm around his waist, and half carried him along. "We'll settle this, Trowa. I promise." Unfortunately, the warrant for Trowa's arrest was longer than even Winner's considerable influence could abridge. Gambling, cheating at gambling, bribery, robbery filled out the rap sheet, just after murder. "Who trumped up these charges?" Wufei demanded. "You his lawyer or something now, Mr. Chang?" the sheriff asked. Wufei looked to Trowa who looked to Quatre. It was Quatre who spoke up. "Yes." Trant grumbled, but scanned the paperwork. "Filed it yesterday. Took awhile to locate you, Mr. Barton. Let's see... Says here her name's Middie Barton." "She bust into my house and wrecked it looking for him," Duo shouted. "She's got some vendetta against him, can't ya see?!" Of course he couldn't. The sheriff only knew what he knew, and the rap sheet was pretty detailed. Duo vowed to get her himself and wring her neck or bring her back to face the wrath of Duo Maxwell. Trowa let out a moan and eased himself down in a chair, crossed his long legs, and shook his head in wonder. It was hard to believe that such a low, soft voice could hold such a cutting edge. "Leave her out of it." It came out between a hiss and a whisper. "But Trowa, she has to drop these charges!" Quatre cried out. "Just who is this girl, your sister?" Trant asked Trowa. "Middie is the adopted daughter of Dekim Barton," he said. "She is...was... I don't know... was in love with me. I didn't feel the same way and when I ran away, she... I can't believe she'd go this far, though." "A woman scorned," Trant said as if that explained it all. "She'll have to show for the trial. If she don't, I'll drop it all. If she does, well, that's for the judge. Wufei argued to have Trowa released, and lost. L5 law wasn't identical to the city-state of Sanc. Trowa would have to remain in jail until charges were dropped or until his trial. Nothing any of them said could change the facts, and so, they watched as Trowa was carried to a cell and locked behind bars. (o) Wufei chose to stay with him, although Quatre had so far ignored his presence. He agreed that he was in no shape to return home and brood alone, but that was all he could do. His mind had shut down. He fretted away in a world of his own, while somewhere in the background he was mindful of Wufei's grumblings as he examined book after book. He was researching the Winner's extensive law collection, searching for precedents, leads, anything he could use-- of that Quatre was aware. It was on the fringes of his consciousness. Quatre drank his tea, looking towards the window but not through it. He felt he had stepped back as one might from one of those thresholds painted by one of those Great Masters where nothing lies beyond the open door but the tall blue sky or bottomless sea-unknown, unending blue. He folded his arms hard against his chest. His throat was killing him; it was as bad as the strep throat he'd had that one time. Don't cry. Think. Quatre realized how much he needed his friends to lean on. He regretted not having valued Duo and Heero as they deserved. So this was his penance? Losing the one he cherished more than anyone else? Then he would have to make it up to them. To everyone.
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