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"Worth the Risk"Disclaimer: I do not own Gundam Wing nor any of
its characters. I only own the original characters. And nobody's paying
me to write this. Rating: NC 17 Warnings: Angst, Lemon, Language, Violence Pairings: 1x2, 3x4, eventual 6x5. Summary: Wufei is instantly intrigued by the new
guy in town, but Zechs isn't making it easy on him. "Worth the Risk"
She smiled. “No complaints, detective Barton. She's ready for you.” Her eyes skimmed over the crowd behind him, narrowing slightly as they fell on Quatre. It was obvious there was a hint of curiosity in her eyes, but she knew better than to question things that weren't her business. “We'll wait out here,” Heero said, Duo and Quatre taking a seat on either side of him whilst Trowa and Wufei led Zechs into a sparsely but tastefully decorated office. His eyes fell on a woman standing by the window with brunette hair a little past her shoulders. She turned, brown eyes studying him before turning to the detectives. “How can I help you, gentlemen?” Wufei stepped forward. “Commander Une, I have the honor of introducing you to Zechs Merquise, also known as Crown Prince Milliardo Peacecraft of the Sanq kingdom.” Her eyes widened slightly and she moved to lean her hip against her desk. “If memory serves me, the royal family was supposedly murdered when Sanq was overthrown sixteen years ago.” Zechs tipped his head slightly. “My mother and father were, but my guards helped me to escape.” She folded her arms over her chest. “And your enemies discovered you were still alive?” “Yes,” he answered softly. “They found us in England.” “Us?” He took a breath. “I had... a bodyguard with me. He was killed.” Wufei rubbed his back, offering what comfort he could. Une noticed the action and raised an eyebrow. She moved around her desk and sat in her chair. “How exactly can I be of service to you?” “There's a man by the name of Tuberov. He's the one trying to find Zechs. He beat the hell out of Quatre as a threat if he didn't turn himself over.” Her lips pressed to a thin line. “Is Winner all right?” “Bruised, but he'll make it,” Trowa answered. “He's with Heero and Duo in the waiting room. We thought it would be safer if the six of us stayed together.” She nodded slowly, eyes moving back to Zechs. “Why exactly does this man want you dead?” He raised a shoulder. “I'm the son of his enemy, isn't that reason enough?” Her eyes narrowed. “You answer a question with a question. A classic evasion maneuver. Why would you hide something from someone you're asking for help from?” He sighed softly. “To protect them, myself, and many others who are innocent from harm.” He took a breath and stepped forward. “Ma'am, I'm sure you're a trustworthy person, otherwise Wufei wouldn't have come to you, but my secrets aren't solely mine.” She steepled her fingers under her chin. “Are these secrets of state?” “You could call them that, yes.” “What would be the repercussions if this man managed to capture you?” He shook his head. “I don't know the worst case scenario,” he answered honestly. “But, at the very least, a group of innocent people would be forced into slavery. I owe those people my allegiance and I can't allow such an atrocity to take place. If you can help, I'd very much appreciate it.” She leaned back in her seat, tapping her nails on the armrest of her chair. “What is it you'd like me to do, Mr. Merquise?” “He isn't here legally. Can you deport him and make it so he couldn't return?” She gazed at him silently for a moment before a small, slow smile raised the corners of her lips. “I can see easily what it is that made Treize fall for you.” Zechs started. “What?” Her smile grew. “I have worked with the elder Winner on several occasions. Some years back he contacted me and asked me to speak with Mr. Kushrenada.” Zechs felt as if the world was spinning crazily about him and sat in the chair opposite her desk. “Why?” “Treize was worried that you wouldn't be able to stay in Europe much longer. He wanted to begin the process that would allow you easy passage into the States.” She spread her hands. “Why do you think your move here went so smoothly?” He shook his head. “I thought...” Pale blue eyes narrowed. “What exactly did Treize tell you?” She shook her head. “Little more than what you have today. I understand working on a need to know basis.” She smirked. “Besides, I believe Chang has enough curiosity without the rest of us digging into your secrets. I'm sure he's managed to drag at least some of them out of you by now.” Zechs flushed slightly and Wufei's lips thinned to a fine line. “I'm not that bad.” Three pairs of eyes gazed at him with no small amount of amusement and he cleared his throat. “Anyway, what are you going to do to keep Zechs safe?” Une's humor faded slightly. “I think it would be best to put all of you into protective custody until Tuberov is apprehended and shipped off the continent.” She picked up her phone. “Nancy.” “Yes, Ma'am?” “I want Otto and Noin in my office immediately.” “Of course.” Wufei frowned.. “We're capable of protecting ourselves. If you could just give us a location to hide in, I'm sure we can keep Zechs safe until this is over.” She raised an eyebrow. “You came for me to help, so let me do my job, Chang.” ****** “Well?” “They've left the FBI and are headed out of town.” Tuberov ground his teeth. “Where are they going?” He shook his head. “We don't know yet. There were several cars that left at the same time as they did. We're trying to figure out now which vehicles are decoys and which one holds Peacecraft.” “Find them, Marcus. I don't care who you have to kill, I want Peacecraft!” He slammed his clenched fist on his desk. Marcus jumped slightly and bowed. “Yes, sir.” ****** Zechs leaned against the door frame of the safe house, staring out at the backyard and the wall that surrounded the estate. A small, unkempt garden lay to the east of the yard, bringing back old memories of his childhood. ------ “Come here, Milliardo.” He caught the baseball he'd been tossing in the air and moved around the rose bush where his father was kneeling. He squatted beside him, arms resting on his knees. “What is it?” “See this bud?” The small child nodded. “It didn't bloom like the others.” The older man smiled, eyes twinkling. “Would you like to see it bloom?” Pale blue eyes widened. “You can do that?” “Watch.” Awe spread over the young boy's face as the petals unfolded and the pitiful bud flourished into a beautiful rose. “How'd you do that?” He chuckled. “You can do it, too.” He bounced excitedly. “How? Show me.” ------ Zechs shook off the memory and glanced over his shoulder briefly to find the others busy preparing lunch. He pushed through the door and moved toward the garden. As a child he'd felt excitement every time his father had summoned him for their private lessons. After Sanq's fall, he'd felt too much fear to even attempt trying it. But now that he'd tapped into that well again, he ached to use it. He knelt beside the weed-infested soil and centered himself as his father had taught him. Slowly, the weeds retreated and the soil became rich with the nutrients it had been lacking. Fatigue began to set in and he sat back on his heels, taking a moment to look over the garden. “I'd be careful if I were you.” He jumped and looked over his shoulder. “Heero, you scared me.” The Japanese man knelt beside him, taking in the changes in the garden. “Our bodyguards don't know you can do that, a fact you were adamant about,” he stated quietly, giving the blond a pointed look. He sighed. “I know. I just... couldn't seem to help myself.” Heero looked back to the garden. “It's amazing,” he breathed softly. “If the world had that ability, we could end hunger.” Zechs' face became pained. “If there were enough left who could do it, you'd be right.” He swallowed. “They're dying, Heero. I doubt they'll still be around in a hundred years or so. If it was something that could be taught, I would gladly train others.” His eyes narrowed. “But I can't. I can't do anything but help them stay safe for as long as possible.” “What is the name of the country?” “They have no actual name. They... they call themselves dryads.” Heero raised an eyebrow and Zechs chuckled. “No, they don't believe they're mythical creatures, they're very much human. They adopted the term from mythology.” He shrugged. “Who knows? Perhaps the legend was based off of them.” Heero tilted his head to the side. “Can you do anything besides affect plants?” He shook his head. “Some can call rain. I didn't reach that level in my training and it's dangerous to mess with weather if you don't know what you're doing.” Heero frowned. “Why?” Zechs stood, stretching his arms over his head. “The weather system is intricately connected. Without careful planning, you could cause a drought in one region and a string of thunderstorms in another.” “Hey guys!” They looked over to see Duo leaning out of the back door. “Lunch is ready!” Zechs looked down to Heero. “He makes sure to never miss a meal, doesn't he?” Heero stood. “He missed enough as a child to never take food for granted.” Zechs frowned. “I thought you grew up together.” “No, we met when we were fourteen.” “How did you meet?” Dark blue eyes narrowed and Heero glanced to the side. “I'd rather not talk about it.” Zechs watched the Asian walk away and sighed. He followed Heero into the kitchen and offered Wufei a small smile as he sat next to him. “Everything all right?” Wufei asked. “Yes. I was just looking at the garden out back.” His eyes glanced briefly to the bodyguards in the living room, huddled together as they discussed plans to keep their charges safe. “I think I want to work in it while we're here.” Quatre chewed his lip, Heero and Trowa exchanged glances, and Duo gaped. “What do you mean 'work in it'?” the braided man asked quietly. He raised an eyebrow. “I mean planting flowers and tending them.” He smirked. “Maybe I'll even plant some vegetables. You could help, if you like.” Duo popped a fry in his mouth and leaned back in his chair, a grin forming on his face. “I'm always up for learning new things.” “Research?” He shrugged. “In my experience, it's more believable to write what you know.” Zechs sipped his tea, gazing at Duo over the rim of his cup. “So, how exactly did you do research for the fifth chapter of 'Staking Claim'?” Duo choked on his french fry and double over coughing. Quatre covered his mouth and Trowa threw his head back with a howling laugh. When Duo caught his breath, he glared at the others. “That was my first book, written under an alias. How the hell did you know I wrote it?” “Wufei.” Violet eyes shot to the Chinese man. “I thought you threw it away.” He shook his head. “I keep it in my nightstand in case I want to read a little smut before going to sleep.” “What?” He shrugged. “Well, the storyline was lacking, but the sex was very erotic and well-written.” He quirked an eyebrow. “Personal experience? Or was is some fantasy of yours?” It was Heero's turn to choke and he left the table with the excuse of wanting to check in with their guards. Quatre flushed slightly. “Oh dear.” He leaned toward Duo. “Which one of you was Clark based on?” Duo's eyes flicked to the living room and the others jaws dropped. Wufei cleared his throat. “I always figured... well, that Heero was top.” He shrugged. “We swap. Depends on the mood.” “Duo!” He leaned back and looked toward Heero. “Yes, love?” “You better not be discussing our sex life!” “But they were curious.” Heero appeared in the doorway, crossing his arms over his chest. “The sofa here isn't really all that comfortable, you know.” Duo grunted. “Says the disgruntled housewife.” Heero's face darkened and he turned, storming up the stairs. Duo grimaced and stood. “Sorry guys.” Quatre gripped his arm, concern clear in his eyes. “Is everything all right between you two?” Duo grinned. “You know us, Quat, we always land on our feet.” He pulled free and went upstairs, knocking lightly on the door to their room. “Can I come in, Heero?” A low sigh drifted through the door. “Yeah.” He stepped in and closed the door, staring at his lover's back as Heero gazed out the window. “What am I missing here?” Heero rubbed his upper arms and took a slow breath. “Why did you have to talk to them about private stuff?” Duo stepped behind Heero and wrapped his arms around his lover's waist, resting his chin on his shoulder. “Heero, we always talk about shit like that. Besides, you helped me write that book and had no problems with it getting published.” “No one knew certain parts were based on reality.” Duo sighed. “We've made out in front of countless people at the bar and discussed shit in detail with the others, it's never bothered you before. Is that really the problem, or is there something else bothering you?” He tensed slightly. “Duo,” he began on a whisper, “I have a bad feeling about this.” He tightened his hold. “We've been in dangerous situations before, and we've got plenty of people to protect us.” He shook his head. “I'm not worried about you and me.” He turned in Duo's arms and met his lover's eyes. “I'm worried about Wufei.” Duo leaned back slightly, a frown growing between his brows. “Wufei can take care of himself.” He raised an eyebrow. “What happened with Kevin almost killed him, Duo, and he wasn't nearly so infatuated with Kevin as he is with Zechs.” Duo understood Heero's feelings about Wufei. The detective had fought for them and helped them live legal and respectable lives. If it weren't for him, there was a good chance they'd either still be on the streets or in jail, and there was no telling where the kids they were trying to help would be. Neither of them wanted to see him go through pain like he had after Kevin was killed ever again. “Heero, he isn't infatuated with Zechs. He loves him.” The Japanese man frowned. “They haven't known each other very long. I doubt-” “He's in love, Heero, I'd bet my braid on it. I know it may seem kinda quick, but Trowa and Quatre fell faster and you never questioned it.” Heero pulled from Duo's arms and sat on the edge of the bed. “I really don't like this, then. If something happened to Zechs...” He trailed off, not needing to finish the sentence. Duo nodded and knelt in front of his lover. “Then we make sure nothing ever does. I don't want to lose Wufei any more than you do.” He smiled. “Besides, I like Zechs. I think he's good for 'Fei.” Heero had to agree. It had been a long time since they'd seen the Chinese man so happy. He just hated that everything had to be so complicated. TBC...
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