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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 Twenty-Six
Freezing air from the open window knifed his skin, but he didn't care. Treize was always up early, up at first light, when the world was waking. Cold as it was, rime on the panes, old snow still crusted at the roots of trees, stiff grass more like ice shards than pasture-still he loved it. Although he had to admit one of the reasons for this early hour was that he wouldn't have to see or talk to, or be seen or talked at by anyone. Especially today. Treize Khushrenada was flabbergasted, and oh so angry. "How had the evening gone so terribly wrong? It had started out so right, too. The lovely boys, the dinner, the lovely boys, the bath... with the roses... then there was that noisome Tsubarov with his non-existent machine. Teasing me with promises of a demonstration and then blaming the missing part on my other guests. And then skipping out like a thief in the night. He was Barton's idea. I knew never to trust one of those engineers with their far-fetched ideas. Take my money and run. Well, he took Barton's, too. Let him chase Tsubarov down!" "It had to Tsubarov. Even Winner couldn't have paid my staff enough to lie. His carriage was broken, just as he had said. Clearly, he and his pretty footman rode on to their business meeting on their horses. What became of Tsubarov's carriage and its load of crap? It had never even been there! My people attested to that! He and his marquis came by horseback. There never was any carriage or steam engine." "And my lovely treasures, artifacts collected at great cost to the taxpayers, lost, broken, shattered! My dear, dear things... I accused him of instigating the entire fiasco to cover up for the fact that his engine was behind schedule. Why, the damn thing probably had no hope in hell of working! He'd been working me, sucking me dry for months... There I was pouring money down a dry well ..." Treize's mind wandered into a filthy gutter, imagining a different outcome to the night. Two lovely boys working him, sucking him, and filling two lovely wells with his powerful seed... "That damned Tsubarov! He was the only one aware of both the engine and the party. Winner was there by accident and he's never involved with anything marginally illegal. Never get his pretty hands dirty, not that prissy bitch." "And not my lovely boys. They were there by my invitation. And I had them bathing in rose water and that sweet one with the braid couldn't keep his eyes off me. So sweet..." "But Tsubarov... the schemer, thinking he was so brilliant. Like he could outsmart the rest of us with his inventions! And he always had always been friendly with the guards. Obviously the two missing ones were in on it and took off. They'd better not think of returning!" Khushrenada did wonder how the engineer had arranged the natives on horseback to come barging through his house, scaring off his lovely boys. He didn't think Tsubarov had or knew how to use connections like those. "The Marquis! He's slimy enough. The two were in collusion together on this." He was glad to have thrown the engineer from his house. "I should have done it sooner, before the damn bastard had a chance to steal his plans. The nerve! Blaming me for losing them!" He slammed his hands on the table again and again. Ruined treasures! Ruined night of passion! Ruined plans all over! Everything ruined! A paper fluttered up and settled back down. His fuzzy brain took in the movement and noted that his seal and signature was on the bottom. "What's this?" As he read the document giving homosexuals equal rights under all Sanc Kingdom law, he remembered. He had a vision from the night before, and Quatre Winner's smug face hovered prominently. Treize had folded and he had folded hard. Why? His memories came in slices and slivers like scattered puzzle pieces; his drug-induced coma had left his recollections fragmented. He rubbed his eyes cursing under his breath at having overindulged the night before. Too much liquor led to miserable hangovers. Would he never learn? "I have Lady Une herself recovering in a sanatorium." Winner had said that, but it was Tsubarov's guilty face he saw. It was Tsubarov who had let the cat out of the bag. He must have contacted Winner using Une's whereabouts to gain his confidence. Winner wasn't a game player, but Tsubarov was. "Missing wife, attempted murder illegal use of funds...bootlegging -" Winner wasn't interested in any of that. He was too proper and above reproach. He was aboveboard. Hadn't he just come right out and said what he wanted-- hadn't he? He said he would dismiss it all for a ruling repealing the anti-homosexual laws. And then... Zechs Merquise's name came to mind. "Now there's another attractive man. What was his involvement in all this?" Treize could not recall, so it must not have been important. "Governor Khushrenada, I do want to make a deal. First, I want your signature approving this measure and your vow to see it pass the Duke's veto, if it should come to that. Second, I want you to denounce Dekim Barton and stop any agreements you have with him. Third, I want you to declare him an outlaw and have him and his followers brought to justice..." "And you will drop all charges? All charges?" "Yes. Forgive and forget, I say." And there was the feather-tipped pen and there was his autograph on the document. Well, that wasn't so bad, just a little deal, just a little legislation, but dismissing Dekim Barton? Now that would be terribly complex. Winner might have to wait on that promise. Just as his thoughts clarified around Winner, and how he hadn't always trusted the young man in some of their past dealings, his eyes settled on an envelope resting on the table. He liked fat envelopes, because they made him think of bribes. "Yes, how decent of Lord Maxwell to remember." He counted out the fat wad of bills, Duo's donation to 'the cause.' Very generous. "This could cover the replacement of many of my treasures. That nasty, blundering Tsubarov..." There was a hastily written note, too, and from Winner: "I'm supplementing Lord Maxwell's donation with a contribution of my own in the event that Duke Dermail needs further encouragement. As for our rather sudden departure, Mr. Chang and Lord Maxwell were afraid the worsening weather might snow us in, and begged me to apologize for leaving without saying thank you and good-bye. So, for my friends and myself, thank you for your gracious hospitality in spite of the awkward interruption." Signed, Quatre Raberba Winner. It all drew a smile from his lips. "What a thoughtful young man. And he introduced me to the exquisite braided boy. Sharing his paramour, if that was their relationship. Wasn't Winner engaged to some woman? Well, he was a little sneaky that way. A man after my heart, so to speak." His stomach rumbled as he started to move. The sour taste in his mouth made him think of Tsubarov. "Before I do anything else, I should be to do away with that rubbish and his smarmy little marquis, too, and at once!" Unfortunately, since both those men had disappeared in the early morning, it was too late for easy elimination of the guilty parties. Treize pulled from his pocket the crumpled note Tsubarov had left, blaming Winner for the theft of his demonstration engine and vowing to get it back "even if I must make a deal with the devil to do it!" Treize read this and snorted. "Dekim Barton will kill you, you scoundrel." Treize shook his head again, and then wished he hadn't as his stomach surged forth. (o) Naked, they gave each other the once over like all men do when they see other men naked. They were both lean, muscular, close to average height, and, more importantly to them, their cocks were about the same size, both slightly aroused. "I wish we were home," Duo confided to his best friend and lover. "Me, too." "This bed's okay and all, but what I could use is a long soak in our tub." He felt Heero adjust the bandage wrapped around his head. His body ached from strains and pulls from muscles he hadn't known he even had. "I-I don't know where to touch you. Everything looks painful." Duo smiled. "Not everything. Go lower. Lower. Ah, lower, 'Ro." "You want sex? Now?" "Make me forget." Duo's breath hitched as Heero continued to examine him, fiddling with bindings and dabbing on more medication. "It was generous of Chang to share his liniment with us, again. Your legs are healing already." Duo had taken the edge off with a smoke of one of Trowa's herbs. The effect so far was long lasting, but it hadn't blocked the worst of the back pain, covered the thrumming headache or, as he thought about it, taken away the general muscle pain. "I don't' wanna think." He was feeling light-headed, all was well with the world, and... whoa... he was floaty and strong hands were working over his leg muscles. "God, that's nice." "Just your lover doing his best to make you feel good." "Doing real good, 'Ro." "Roll over and I'll do your back." Duo rolled over on his side when a hand stopped his progress. "Oh, love, your back is too scratched up for a massage." Duo hesitated, loving the warm sound of Heero's voice calling him "love." "So...?" The corners of Heero's mouth turned up ever so slightly. Duo thought his partner's mouth was lovely, and had its uses, which ought to be employed about now, but what he mostly thought about was his legs. Those sinfully strong legs draped over his shoulders, while he pounded his ass. Duo liked topping; with Heero's dominant personality it was a real turn-on. Nevertheless, that was not going to happen, not with his knees so torn up from the cave experience. But, he could sure use the stress release about now. "Damn," he muttered in frustration. "So, lay back and enjoy." "Okay," Duo said, moving with Heero's gentle pushes. The tickle of the messy hair on his thighs started him chuckling, but he barked out a "God, yes!" the moment Heero's tongue swiped his erection. (o) The other couple had also escaped to their room, their objective evident on their eager faces. Wufei had no intention on checking on that pair, but Duo's injuries caused him some concern. Even though he had given Yuy some salve to treat the wounds, even though he had supervised the proper application, to a certain degree, and even though Duo's boyfriend certainly meant well, Yuy, Wufei felt, was no medic. "I had better check one last time to make certain Duo is resting comfortably. After all, he saved my honor and I owe him, at the very least, the fastest recovery possible." He was halfway to Heero and Duo's door, when he heard a shout from within. "That's Maxwell in pain. The fool can bend steel but can he be gentle with an injured man?" This angered Wufei and he grumbled beneath his breath as he prepared to bash open the door and tackle Heero to the floor, if necessary. "Yuy!" At the last moment, he heard breathy "'Ro...God..." moans through the solid wood door, which stayed his hand on the doorknob another fraction of a second. The moans that followed were all pleasure, causing the young man to blush with embarrassment and snatch his hand away as if it were burned. "Dear Buddha, thank you for delaying my entry. I vow to live a life that is worthy. Please, keep me strong," he muttered in supplication, and then stalked off. "Well, Yuy can attend to him now." He was the last one to bed. Wufei was also the first one up with the muted dawn. Another scattering of snow dusted the landscape. Wufei sipped tea and nibbled on a biscuit downstairs, wondering whether or not to rouse the others and, with the previous night's close encounter fresh on his mind, deciding to give them another hour. Duo in particular would benefit from the extra rest. The sky was gray and the wind cutting-- he did not think the weather looked particularly appealing for starting out on a hard ride, so he returned to his warm, soothing beverage and mused more. The plan was to ride home that day, possibly running into the wild woman, Ivy, and her native husband, if their getaway had been successful. The pair had done them a great service at the governor's with their destructive disturbance. Just the recollection of all the ruin, the shards of delicate glass skittering across the hardwood floor, brought a smile of satisfaction to his lips. Just compensation for the dishonor imposed upon Maxwell and himself. His smile faded though. Retribution or not, there would be hell to pay for in the future, he was sure. Treize would blame them all. He would not let them get away with trashing his home and stealing his treasure. This would bring Barton's mercenaries out of whatever hellhole they hid in and after their hides. At least Winner's plans included ridding them of most of the evidence. But that would bring little comfort of mind once Barton put a bullet through their heads. "We should leave, now," Wufei ground out between stress-clenched teeth. But Duo needs rest, the little voice in his head argued. He's a poor rider and in poor physical condition. What was worse, there were sure to be icy roads which would create a long and treacherous descent into the valley. They would be like ducks on a lake-easy targets. A few more hours and the ice might melt, making the ride safer, he decided. While the two couples kept to their own rooms, Wufei prowled the premises and asked the help if they had seen or heard about armed men nosing around. It was a good time to think. His instincts were excellent, he knew, and had been heightened by the excitement of the last few days, not numbed by the presence of a love interest. This made him the natural guard. Constant vigilance was required. "Someone must keep a level head in this outfit!" he snapped at no one in particular. He left the warmth of the inn to nose around the stable. Drawing a deep breath of the frosty air brought a new smile to his face. He was accustomed to and at home with snow, and hadn't realized how much he had missed the crisp chill and the clean concealment snow brought. L5 was in the far north and the snow-topped mountains were in perpetual winter. Alternatively, Sublimity was far enough south, and low enough in elevation, that snow was light and rare. Here in the Sanc mountains, a dusting came early in the season. It was nice. He imagined Hilde wrapped in Chinese fox with midnight blue lining, a winter coat of his mother's he always had admired. She would like his mother. "Now, why would I think such a thing?" he asked aloud. His parents wouldn't approve of such a forthright daughter-in-law, and Hilde wouldn't have understood his mother's position of servitude and repression in the household. For hundreds of years in L5, women lived under the rules set by an unwritten doctrine that said women weren't equal to men, because women were unworthy or incapable of a literary education. The 'from birth till death' subservience of women to men was considered so natural that it wasn't really needed to write it down in the first place. Women were lowly and weak, second-class humans. Period. Women were subject to their fathers and brothers. They had to obey them without question. After women got married conditions remained much the same, only instead of being subject to a father they were subject to their husbands absolutely and without question. A woman's main job was to produce sons, not pilot boats, fight pirates, run businesses. They couldn't even inherit property. "I never wanted a woman to be my servant. I wanted...someone strong, someone confident, someone who cherished me-- Hilde." Then in a sudden leap of understanding, he blurted out, "Why would I ever wish to return to L5?" "Hey! You the one asking about Barton's men?" Wufei halted mid step, reeling in his imagination. "Yes, what do you know?" The stranger's eye wove between Wufei's pocket and the routes to flee to. Wufei withdrew an offering, and the man licked his lips. "He's movin' this way-- in the flesh, checking every inn and wayside as he goes." Wufei pressed a coin into the ragged man's hand. "Thank you." "Dangerous to go against them." "Yes, he is certainly persona non grata, so you should find cover. I can take care of myself." Wufei watched the man blink and nod and then skitter into the safety of an alleyway before he, too, dashed back toward the inn where his friends slept. He halted at the stables, barked orders, and passed around more coins for the five horses to be saddled post haste. He wondered how many bribes his friend Winner had dropped to silence Treize's help and get them this far. He flung open the front doors of the inn and flew upstairs to warn his comrades. "Winner! Yuy! He's on his way! Get up!" Wufei had slept in his clothes. He hadn't even unpacked, making him the only one with time to ready the horses. "Coming here?" came a muffled reply from Heero's room. "Barton's gang!" he barked. "The only route into town brings them to the front door. I'll be in back with the horses in two minutes. I suggest you exit via the windows." He waited only long enough to make sure all his comrades were up and moving, before he was a blur of action. Tossing his bag down the stairs left his hands free for balance as he slid the banister to the bottom. His feet barely touched the floor as he spun sharp left to the kitchen and out the servants' door to the stables. (o) In a flurry of activity and assorted curses, four naked young men dressed and packed. There was just enough time for Duo to shove the few important papers he had into Quatre's arms and push him toward Trowa. "Go! I'll buy you a couple minutes if he comes here. Go, now! 'Ro an' I'll catch up." The windows shook from the weight of a heavy door crashing open. "But...!" Quatre wanted to argue, but raised voices and heavy feet from the floor below meant Barton was here already. "Move!" Heero shoved him harder, leaving Duo to saunter down the stairs. "I need to find my ammunition." Duo wasn't waiting for Heero, who would stop him anyway; he struck out on his own agenda to buy them some escape time. At the landing on the staircase, he got his first glimpse of the mercenary. He had never seen Dekim Barton, but the good-looking, middle-aged brute with the wavy brown hair and day-old beard oozed the confidence only a boss man could. And when the man turned his hard gaze on him, he felt his skin crawl. His intensity radiated danger. Duo drew a deep breath and let it out slowly to calm his nerves. Well, look what I got myself into this time. Outta one squeeze and into another. He skipped down the stairs, humming a tune he remembered from the circus, and when he was certain he had the mercenary-leader's attention, he posed, looking brassy and a little put out. "God, wouldn't you know you'd be lurking about," Duo said loudly, letting them all know how close Barton was already. "What do you mean by that?" Barton asked. "You and the gov', close as stink on shit." "Who the hell are you?" Duo gestured grandly. "Lord Maxwell of L2, at your service. "L2? You must mean 'at my disposal' like the garbage you all are." Duo didn't take to insults well. He jumped and lit into the taller, heavier, far-better-armed man with little thought as to his own safety, or injuries. He got in a few good punches, too, before one of Dekim's men tore him off his boss, dragged him a few feet, shoved him against a wall, and pressed a knife to his throat. "No, don't kill him, not yet," Barton growled. "I'm thinking this joker with the braid knows something about steam engine plans, maybe thinking he can put one on a boat. Build a better river transport." The man holding him lifted the knife and Duo used the opportunity to jerk free and leap onto the stairs using the extra height to some advantage. "Steam engine?" Duo chortled through a lighting bolt of pain from his leg all the way up his spine. "Moving boats through the water with hot air? That's too stupid to even be a sentence." Barton pulled his revolver and stepped forward, backing Duo up the stairs. (o) Quatre heard Duo's voice rising above the others, knowing it was full of false bravado. He wouldn't waste any more time given him by his friend's brave act. He jammed half the remaining plans Duo had given him under his shirt and carried the other half to the open window, binding them in a silk shirt as he scuttled along. He was just in time to see Trowa, a few feet below the windowsill, balancing upon a clothesline tied between two trees. "Ready to catch if I throw these to you?" "Mais oui! I'll catch anyt'ing you t'ow at me, including yourself." "Aren't you impertinent this morning?" Quatre laughed and tossed the paper roll out the window, directing it at his cheeky lover. "Brrr..." Trowa snagged the bundle out of the air (like a future professional football player would snare a pass.) "I'll be back fo' you, love," Trowa promised. Quatre watched, biting his tongue so not to cry out with worry, as his lithe friend tiptoed twenty feet along the line, executed a perfect "10" dismount at the end, and then darted across the courtyard to where he could see Wufei arriving with all their horses. "Hurry," Quatre whispered prayer-like. He could hear Duo's voice again, getting closer. It sounded like he was at the top of the stairs. "Keep your hands off me unless you're paying for the privilege!" Duo snapped. "You won't mind if we search your rooms?" came Barton's snarling reply. "'Course I would! None of it's your business." Next thing Quatre knew, Heero was racing into the room with the few belongings he had gathered and pitched them out the window. "You're next. Go!" Quatre balanced on the sill, sitting with his legs dangling until Trowa returned to the clothesline and reached up. "C'mon, mon ami, I'll get you down. Take my hands." Quatre looked down. From his standpoint, it was a long way to the ground. A long way to fall. He would probably die or break many, many bones. Now, for the spoiled rich boy to follow instructions like that took a huge leap of faith, but seeing as it was the man he'd come to love and trust with his life, he clasped those sure and steady tanned hands and left his perch. He was on a rope, then in a pair of sinewy arms. "Hold on. Wrap your legs 'round me. Close and snug!" No, he wasn't going to have to do the tight rope alone, Trowa was carrying him across it. How did he keep his balance? "Grab onto dis trellis and climb down. You can do dat, non?" "Y-yes, I'm fine." And he was, Quatre was pleased to find. He found his footing and tricky handholds, jumping the last few feet to the ground. He ran the distance to the horses, joining Wufei and mounting upon his horse seconds before Trowa reached his steed. The acrobat leapt atop his horse, carrying the belongings Heero had pitched out the window. When Quatre looked back, he could see Heero silhouetted against the window. He counted him knock out three men. "We should go back and help them!" "Wait," Trowa said, his eyes pleading. "Give them another minute." Then Duo appeared, distinguished by the long swinging braid. Quatre guessed one of them must have tied a last bit of rope to something, because next he observed Duo slithering down the rope to the ground. "Where's Heero? Oh, Heero! Hurry! Don't try and kill him alone!" Quatre prayed again. But he hadn't seen Heero since Duo started down the rope. Suddenly, it was Dekim Barton he saw near the window. "Oh no!" Where was Heero? And Duo, he had just melted away. Wufei grunted something and nudged his horse forward, pulling Duo and Heero's rides along. "You can't leave them!" Quatre cried out. "He's not. Look, over dere." Quatre looked where Trowa pointed to the corner of the building; two figures, one limping, appeared. Wufei rode to meet them. "He musta left out de side window." "He's hurt!" It took Wufei and Duo both struggling to get Heero onto his horse and Wufei to help Duo onto his. "Let's ride," Trowa said. Quatre urged his mount ahead, drawing alongside Heero just as shots rang out overhead. Heero was in obvious pain and having difficulty holding the reins. "I've got your horse, Heero. You just hold onto the mane. We have to go fast." One curt nod and Heero dropped the reins and gripped the pommel with one hand and the mane with the other. Wufei led, pounding a path across the wide courtyard, looking side-to-side searching for the safest route to the back road out onto the main road. Behind them rode Trowa alongside Duo. Bullets pinged off rocks all behind them. Once, Quatre felt the wind of one flying by his head, and then they were out of range; that is, until the gang caught up to them! Wufei and Quatre and placed their escape route well, though, and they raced along a little-used path at a good clip. Barton's gang would take the main road, a better surface for speed. Quatre hoped their high-breed, well-rested steeds would out distance the worn mercenaries horses and buy them extra time. And for awhile, it did. Five grueling, heart-stopping minutes later, Quatre heard faraway shots and the thunder of hooves beating the frosty ground. How could they fend off their pursuers, he wondered? Wufei had his sword at his side, but that wouldn't help at far range. He heard Heero grunt and looked over as Heero twisted around and took aim. He was an excellent shot, but what was one man against so many others? The hunters were not yet in sight. Heero turned back and grasped the pommel with his free hand. Sweat poured off his brow in spite of the cold, and Quatre worried about his injury. It had to be his leg. Then Wufei let out a shout, wheeling around his horse, and tearing off into what Quatre thought was a clump of trees. He and Heero followed the abrupt change in direction. From Heero's slumped back and grey complexion, Quatre knew he was in bad shape, and getting worse. He was at a loss for a plan and hoped his friend was leading them to a hiding place. Seeing Ivy and Great Eagle astride their circus horses made his heart leap. His lover and Duo joined the small cluster of friends on horseback partially screened by the clump of trees, questions on the tip of everyone's tongue. Ivy spoke in hushed tones. "Heard Barton's gang was closing in and we came to see if you could use some help." "No shit! "You are outstanding people after my own heart, but Heero's hurt!" Duo cried out. "We can't outrun Barton." "I-I agree. Heero can't ride much further," Quatre pointed out, although Heero was grunting his difference of opinion. "We'll have to make a last stand here, unless you have a more defensible spot in mind?" "Better than that!" the big native said. "Lots better, in fact!" Ivy smiled. "Catherine's got a circus caravan you can ride in. We'll disguise the horses with some foo-fa." A horse-drawn wagon covered with a brightly painted, wooden structure, akin to a house on wheels, situated so that is was half-hidden a few yards deeper in the trees. The wagon rocked slightly, and then the door at the back flew open with a crash, sending the mustard-colored, wooden shutters to clattering. Catherine waved to the gathering and stood back as Great Eagle carried a pissed-off Heero to the caravan. Once stretched out, Heero was covered with blankets. After the native exited, Duo hopped in followed by Wufei and Quatre. Trowa remained outside a little longer, and Quatre watched him assist Ivy and Great Eagle as they attached plumed hats to the horses' heads and ribbons, bells and other circus paraphernalia over their shoulders. It took only a minute to complete the disguises, and then Trowa ducked inside the caravan. While Duo fussed over Heero, the caravan started rolling. "There's costumes in the trunks. Trowa, show them where," Catherine said. "You do dat. Yuy's doin' somet'ing stupid." "You can't set your own leg!" Duo whined. "We'll get you to a doc and let him... Ah, Jeez...holy shit! 'Ro...that's...ugh..." Wufei dug through his medicine bag looking for drugs, possibly, Quatre shrieked, and Trowa took a swing and punched Heero hard, knocking him out. "Trowa!" "It was de fastest way to get him to stop." Everyone was talking at once until Catherine's shrill voice carried over the top. "Shut up! Get into costumes now!" Quatre helped with the costuming, while Duo and Trowa continued to grumble and hiss at one another. "Getcher hands off him. If 'Ro's gonna look like a sick clown, it's gonna me that makes him look like that." "Even if I'm the better make-up artist?" "Even if you claimed to be the Almighty himself!" "Shut up!" Catherine shouted again. "I'll do it. You boys settle down and mind yourselves like you other two gentlemanly friends. The caravan tossed them side to side as it hit some rough road. "Who's steering this thing?" Duo asked. "Great Eagle and Ivy is up front, too, I expect." Catherine met Trowa's eyes. "If we get stopped--" "You mean when," Duo stuck in. Her eyes remained on Trowa. "I want you and me at the door." She turned and looked directly at Quatre. "You, and the others keep a low profile. Even in those outfits he might guess who you are." Quatre didn't see many possibilities in the tight space. "Should we hide in the other beds?" "Beds" was stretching what were more like narrow, hard, wooden benches that ran the length of the caravan. Above them, attached to the wagon sides, were shelves loaded with blankets and boxes. "That would be fine." "Whoa!" Duo gasped as he looked inside another trunk. "I didn't expect to find a pretty girl like you with an army load of ammo and guns hidden onboard." "If you need weapons, go ahead." They did, examining the assemblage of guns and rifles and loading their choices. "Heero is asleep," Wufei pronounced. "I recommend Duo lie down with him and rest. You have a back injury that will worsen with the abuse you are inflicting upon yourself." "You can protect Heero better that way, too," Quatre put in helpfully. "'Kay." Duo let out a great sigh. "Nothing better to do anyway." Quatre eyes soften as he watched Wufei and Duo converse, his affection for his friends bursting out into a wide grin. He was proud of how compassionate and sensitive the once arrogant man had become. "Stop that," Wufei grumbled and stared down Quatre, "and help me prepare places to conceal ourselves." "As you wish." Quatre chuckled, but didn't push his friend further. Now was not the time. After a little rearranging, they passed the time in silence. Bumping over the uneven road caused the riders to jostle uncomfortably into one another's shoulders and legs, but no one complained. No one even spoke; they waited. "Hear dat?" Trowa tensed. "Dat's no owl 'round here." "You're right. It's Great Eagle's warning to us. Take cover!" Catherine squeezed around Wufei and Quatre so that she and Trowa formed a barrier at the doorway.
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