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"Aishiteru"Written By: t-shirt Disclaimer: Gundam Wing and its characters are
copyright to Sunrise, Bandai, Sotsu Agency, and associated parties.
I make no money with this fic. Rating: NC 17 Warnings: Angst, mention of NCS (brief), fluff,
nondescript lemon, mild language, AU Unbeta’ed Pairings: 1x2, 6xOC "Aishiteru" Ch 2 I woke the next morning to Sir Charles bursting into my room and promptly fell out of bed with a resounding thump on the floor. There was fire in his eyes in response to my laziness but it fled quickly leaving only mild curiosity behind while he asked, “Why are you naked?” I looked down to discover that I was, indeed, still naked and jerked the sheet off the bed to cover myself with the short explanation, “The night was warm.” “Is that why you’re lying in bed after sunrise?” he asked as his tempter returned. “Sorry,” I offered hurrying to get dressed. “You’ll feel the strap later,” he promised moving most of the air in the room when he turned as he was attired in partial steel armor. “For now Lord Marquise wishes to tour the lands surrounding the castle. Prepare our mounts and be quick about it!” “Hai!” I barked already bolting down the hall. I skidded to a halt when I saw Relena crossing the way ahead in a gown that took up most of the hall. She stopped to consider me but my mind was plagued with memories of Hiiro’s late night visit to my room so I detoured and headed outside via the kitchen. I had Marcus and the tall, white steed Lord Marquise had rode in on ready in short order but was unprepared for the way my insides flip flopped when Hiiro strode into the courtyard with Relena on his arm. He left her by the stair while he glared at me and went to saddle his war horse, Zero. The horse was larger even than Marcus and bad tempered enough to force him to tend to him himself as no one else could approach so I turned my attention back to my task and tried not to think about it. Sir Charles anger with me was evident in the way he ignored me while they spoke amiably amongst themselves going so far as to not even look at me when they mounted and headed for the gate and though I was concerned over his disappointment my mind went numb when Hiiro stepped Zero in front of me then dropped something in my hands before turning his glare toward his fellows and following along. I glanced nervously at the princess to find her eyes filled with a curious disappointment while she regarded the box in my hand then took the time to open it but I didn’t know how to feel when I saw the ring inside. It was Hiiro’s, I knew that as I had seen him wear it when he first arrived but he had since stopped. It didn’t make any sense at first because my heart wanted so much to believe he was making an offer but when I thought it through and considered the presence of the girl watching me so intently it felt more like a caller and leash. I looked to Relena again and saw the obsessive desire in her eyes, her curiosity over what lay within the box and her need to possess everything that was Hiiro brought a darkness to my soul that felt as if it would strip my bones bare then turned and set it on a barrel before I took my leave. She had recovered it before I was swallowed by the shadows in the stable but I saw the look of confusion on her face before she smiled and put the ring on her finger. My duties were light so I spent the day practicing fighting techniques and working my body hard enough to mask the uneasiness that resided inside me. It worked for the most part, at least until they returned in the late afternoon and I was forced to tend to the horses. Hiiro barely looked at me before taking Zero to his stall leaving me to suffer the disquieting attention of our resident prince. “No man’s squire should be so distracting,” Zechs commented when I came to take his horse forcing me to pause with the touch of his fingers on my arm. I was aware of the way Sir Charles eyes shifted crossly but he was honor bound to serve the royals in every way so he held his tongue. “I wouldn’t have thought such a lanky child would grow so fine.” “Thank you, your Majesty, but I am unworthy of such a compliment,” I replied trying to move away but he reached up to touch my chin and I froze. He looked me over intently for a moment then evenly intoned, “So fine,” and my skin flushed red. “You will join me after dinner tonight,” he commanded holding my gaze to ensure I understood the consequences of disobedience. “I wish to hear the story of your life.” “As you wish,” was all I could offer and avoided looking into the simmering expression on Sir Charles face while I headed for the stable but he scathing look in Hiiro’s eyes lashed at my soul. “I fear you’re in for a boring evening,” Sir Charles commented as they went inside. “He’s just a poor, orphan boy we took in some time back.” The information caused Zechs to stop and look back at the stable where I was watching from a shadow and ask, “Is there no one who is responsible for him then?” I saw the flash of indignant anger wash through Sir Charles eyes and heard the bold determination to see to my welfare was in his tone when he replied, “Only myself.” Zechs considered this then nodded and they went on their way. However, this meant I was left in the stable with Hiiro who turned on me the moment we were alone. “Duo.” “I have work to do,” I told him trying hard to keep the distress from my voice while I continued with my duties but he wasn’t listening, as usual, and hit me hard from behind wrapping me in his arms while pushing me against the fence in Marcus’ stall. “Stop,” I pleaded though he was already steeling my breath away. “Duo,” he hissed forcing his hand down the front of my pants to grip my stiffening cock while images of our night together rolled in my mind then I felt him press his firm intention into the crack of my ass and my mind wavered in the heat. I couldn’t concentrate or reconcile the need that was bubbling inside me so there was no resistance when he pushed my trousers down but before he could make good on his intention we heard Relena call his name. “Hiiro?” He jumped back almost to the opposite side of the stall leaving me to stew in my own juices while his girlfriend came abreast of the stall and blanched at what she saw. “Hiiro,” she repeated looking me over crossly then easing his way. “What’s going on here?” she asked more of me than him as she knew he wouldn’t understand the words but I understood her accusation when she inquired, “What have you done?” I didn’t get a chance to answer as she had clutched her hand to her chest which displayed the ring on her finger. The resultant fire in Hiiro’s eyes cut me in a way I was unfamiliar with when he saw it then Relena gasped when he seized her hand. “Highness?” Creole inquired coming in just then and approaching warily having heard the princess gasp but it was Hiiro who rattled off something to him in the islanders language while he forcibly removed the ring from her finger. “He wants to know how you came to have this,” he explained flashing a cautions glance my way. “I,” she stammered then looked to me also. I saw something clever sparkle in her gaze then she told them, “Duo delivered it to me.” Hiiro heard my name and apparently got the gist of it without translation. “I assumed it was a gift,” she smiled sweetly reaching for the ring but Hiiro closed his hand then his eyes and held perfectly still. When his eyes opened they were trained on me but there was nothing but rage in their depths then he strode out into the courtyard where we followed and watched helplessly while he heaved the trinket over the east wall. “Hiiro?!” Relena gasped scolding me with a dark glare but he didn’t look at either of us before storming away. Relena went after him leaving me to suffer the stinging barb alone when Creole revealed with concerned curiosity, “It was his mothers ring.” “His mothers?” I echoed feeling numb inside while I looked over the east wall. “She was killed in the raid when they took him,” he explained. The slavers killed her then captured him. It must have been the only thing he had left of his previous life and my heart ached like never before to think I had caused its loss but why did he give it to me in the first place? I didn’t understand but there was some part of me that entertained the thought that even if he were to wed the princess he might still hold me dear to his heart in some way. His actions seemed to indicate I was important to him no matter the consequence so I finished my duties then slipped away in the fading evening light to search the bushes beyond the east wall. However, no matter how hard I tried I couldn’t find the ring and soon it was too dark to even try. The smell of the meat we had hunted the day before cooking was thick in the air when I returned and found the feast was well under weigh. The bet had been forgotten in lieu of our unexpected guests so instead of serving the fare Hiiro and Sir Charles were sitting at the high table stuffing their gullet with the other elites. “Where have you been?” Sir Charles asked though his mood was light after drinking so much wine. I hid the dirt on my hands before Hiiro’s curious gaze could see and shrugged. “Well, sit down and have your fill,” he told me flashing a smile at a servant girl he often took an interest in. She blushed sweetly while I washed my hands with the water in a pitcher and filled a plate. I didn’t mean to look Hiiro’s way but my eyes just naturally shifted and when they did it was to find Relena scowling at the glare he was aiming my way. I didn’t understand why he was so angry with me and offered a contrite smile that shifted the darkness in his eyes but then I looked away and busied myself with the meal. I was almost finished and looking forward to being dismissed when Lord Marquise reminded me the evening was to be spent in his company. “Come,” he said as he stood calling Sir Charles attention. “We shall retire.” “I’ll join you,” Sir Charles attempted but his effort was in vane when Zechs merely informed him… “No need. Come,” he told me again forcing me to stand and follow him out. My gaze wandered nervously to Hiiro who was searing the back of Zechs’ head with his eyes and I swallowed the fear that he might actually assault a member of the royal household. He held his fury in check though, and I was soon in Zechs chambers wondering where I had taken a wrong turn. “Sit,” he instructed indicating the foot stool before the large chair he was nesting in. I obeyed though stiffly and sat expectantly before him but the uneasiness grew when he merely gazed upon me for a long moment. My jaw tensed when his eyes traveled down my body then back up again and I was instilled with the need to flee when he smiled. “You’re mother must have been very beautiful.” “I wouldn’t know,” I reminded him. “No,” he sighed sipping from his flask while his eyes took me in again. “How old are you?” “Sir Charles estimates me to be about seventeen.” Why was he so interested in me? “You have the look of a western native,” he commented studying my face intently which left me even more unsettled. “No matter,” he sighed. “Whatever your origin your beauty is unparalleled.” “You’re praise is too kind,” I argued dropping my gaze while my skin flushed and he laughed. “On the contrary,” he smiled leaning forward to touch my chin and raise my eyes so I had to look at him when he informed me, “You are a rare and wonderful treasure.” I didn’t know what to say so I held my tongue until he inquired, “Are you aware of the opportunities this attribute could offer?” I was but I didn’t dare speak it aloud. “I have to wonder,” he went on seeing the comprehension in my eyes. “Why would someone so obviously suited to an easy life choose the laborious and menacing career of a knight?” “Sir Charles sees my true worth,” I told him hoping he’d understand. “Beauty fades,” I reminded him. “But skill can ensure a life of bountiful richness. I want to be able to protect and provide for the people I love.” “And who do you love?” he asked easing closer to make an offer I was more and more uncomfortable with. “I…he,” I stammered leaning away until he chuckled and retreated. He was sitting back in his chair gazing at me amusedly before he commented, “You’re heart is already ensnared.” “I,” I flustered flashing on an image of Hiiro’s face but there was no denying it. “Yes.” “I should have enchanted you when you were young,” he laughed and I suddenly felt a lot better until he asked, “Does he know?” “What?” I gasped horrorstruck. “It’s not an uncommon story,” he shrugged taking a drink of his wine. “But Charles doesn’t seem the type to return your affection.” “No!” I barked so vehemently I fell off the stool and stumbled to my feet. “I would never…!” “Is he not to your liking?” he smirked. “Of course, not!” I snapped. “Then you do not love him?” “No! I mean…yes, but…” He was just sitting there snickering. “I am not in love with Sir Charles,” I stated clearly. “He’s a man after all.” “Oh, come now,” he waved me off. “It’s more than obvious you prefer a man’s touch,” he informed me and I blanched until he sighed, “Ease your mind. Such things are easily accepted in high society. If not why would I be so regularly tolerated?” His amusement eased my mind somewhat but I still felt compelled to point out, “You are the prince.” “Perhaps,” he considered agreeably motioning for me to sit on the couch beside him. “But my sovereignty in no way inhibits my ability to sympathize with you.” I was starting to actually like this guy. “Though I will admit the absence of the fear of being ridiculed is preferable. However, do you manage?” It was the strangest conversation I’d never encountered not only because he was the prince of our kingdom but he seemed obsessed with learning what it was like for a gay man to grow up in the common way. I had no choice but to comply as my natural tendency is honesty and he proved to be more than capable of wheedling whatever information he wanted from me. I kept the identity of my lover safely hidden claiming he was from a nearby village but he obviously didn’t believe the whole story. He let it lie when I refused to divulge anymore information on the matter and I discovered that we had talked through most of the night when I left. Regardless of the sleepless night I had duties to see to so I headed for my room for a change of clothes and was shocked to find Hiiro asleep in my bed. However, there was no time for retreat as the soft sound of the door opening alerted him to my presence then I was pinned by the weight of his stare. “Wait!” I gasped when he seized me and tossed me on the bed but he was already ripping at my clothes. “Don’t!” I growled trying to keep my voice down so we wouldn’t wake Sir Charles but he was in a fit and didn’t stop until I lay all but bare beneath him whereupon he jerked me this way and that as if inspecting my skin. “What’re you doing!?” I hissed trying to force my freedom and he stopped long enough to look at me then dove in as if to kiss me but again I was bewildered when he sniffed at my mouth then turned me head this way and that. “Let go!” I demanded wondering if he’d lost his mind then looked up when he released me and understood. There was such relief in his eyes at having not found any evidence of abuse during the night my heart skipped a beat to think he’d worried over me. “Hiiro.” His name upon my lips drew him down to kiss me and I melted in his arms utterly incapable of turning him away. My voice rose up in a longing vibration when his hands dug under what remained of my clothes and rounded my ass pulling me hard into his hips and I felt, when he found my entrance dry and unused, the rumbling devotion of his desire course through his wide chest. A moment later he was working me and delving deep inside me while he used the seeping secretions of our bodies to ease the way of his intrusion. It was incredible the way he filled me up. I’d felt it so many times before but never had he drowned me so delightfully in his heat. I had known him to be as brutal as a beast or as gentle as a lamb when he came for me but this wasn’t about satisfying the ever present lust that simmered under his skin. By the time he finished with me I understood it wasn’t carnal need that had provoked him and kissed him sweetly to assure him I was untouched by any other hand. “Duo?” Hiiro fell off the other side of the bed thumping on the floor just as the door opened and spilled a tow headed knight into my room while I blushed and tried to look casual. “Yes?” Sir Charles blinked while he stood there looking adorably lost in his sleep shirt then creased a brow and inquired, “What happened to your clothes?” The fire on my cheeks betrayed me while I casually straightened myself out and lied, “I was just…changing.” He looked to me then the rumbled state of the bed and sniffed the air before rolling his eyes and commanding, “Enough! You’ve seen to your needs now come see to mine.” “Hai!” I barked jumping up while I finished putting my clothes back on right and followed with but a short glance back that revealed Hiiro was still safely hidden. It appeared our resident royals were in the mood for a show as I was instructed to help Sir Charles don his knight’s armor and prepare to compete. It would be more of a training exercise as there were no other knights nearby to offer their services so it was no wonder when Hiiro was asked to play the part. However, as I was the only proper squire available I was also responsible for preparing Hiiro and though I have done many things in relation to his fine body in the past I had never attempted to dress him in full steel. “Raise your arm,” I told him pushing the appendage upward when he didn’t understand but he merely moved it about and put it back to his side. “No,” I sighed trying again. “You have to hold it out so I can…” but again he moved it upward and around until it hung by his side. I stared at the side of his head for a moment in frustration until I noticed the smallest of smiles in the corner of his mouth and slapped him. “Be still,” I laughed becoming infected by his good humor while I strapped him in. He was in good spirits but was about to be pitted against one of the most powerful and skilled knights in our land which prompted me to glance at the lance leaning against the stable nervously. When I looked back he was grinning widely while his eyes sparkled then he snatched my scarf from around my neck and grabbed the lance before I could stop gapping. “Hiiro!” I hissed trying to take it back but he was dancing away and even under the weight of his armor easily evaded me until I was forced to retreat under the curious gazes of the assembled sovereignty. He wrapped it around his neck instead of tying it to the tip of his lance as I had feared and I dared to hope no one would understand the significance of the deed while I went to help Sir Charles mount. Creole spotted Hiiro though his aid was hardly needed since he wasn’t permitted the full armor of a knight. He wore only what would be needed to protect him during the game and mounted under his own power. Sir Charles was another matter as his armor was quite weighty so I helped push him into the saddle then backed away. “Hiiro!” Relena called from her seat waving a bright pink kerchief in the air but her face fell when he refused the gift and dropped his face plate in preparation for the match. “I fear his reluctance will undermine our cause,” Sir Charles sighed while I handed his lance to him. “Perhaps his heart is set on another,” I suggested doing a fine job of repressing the smile in my heart at the thought that it might be me. “What other?” he snorted. “There isn’t a maiden within a day’s ride that hasn’t tried to turn his head and he’s given no quarter.” “Maybe his heart longs for some other destiny,” I suggested. “Then he should state it clearly,” he snipped growing irritated by the topic. “Before the princess is irretrievably lost.” I backed away when he slapped his face plate down with a growing hole in my heart. My gaze looked to Hiiro where my mind recognized the stoic figure he presented. He was strong and brave where he stood facing his foe and though it was merely a game the fire of determination burned brightly around him. His heart was pure, his intention noble and his will as steadfast as the sky and I realized as they spurred their steeds to motion he was supremely suited to his chosen career. He was a warrior through and through and I had no doubt as he thundered to meet his fate he would become a legend in his time. All who were present bore witness to his growing strength when the blow fell and Sir Charles nearly lost his seat. “HIIRO!” Relena shouted happily while she clapped her hands and danced about. Zechs had sat up in his chair in excitement clearly impressed while Sir Charles righted himself through no small amount of effort then turned an astonished gaze on Hiiro who had adopted a position of contrite moderation at the edge of the field. I could see the apology in his eyes and understood he hadn’t meant to hit him so hard but then he glanced at me and something thrummed so violently in my chest I stopped breathing. Had it done it…for me? The scarf around his neck was adjusted by this strong hand while he made his way back to his end of the track and I stood and watched utterly confounded by his behavior. He stopped when I rushed to his side and creased his brow angrily when I held out my hand but the pleading quality of my gaze and a quick glance at our noble caretaker clued him in. When he handed me the scarf there was disappointment in his eyes but he understood as well as I the repercussions of embarrassing Sir Charles in front of royalty. When next they rode the single minded determination had eased in his stride and the contest was more evenly matched. Sir Charles is an excellent competitor and can beat Hiiro more often than not under normal circumstances but it appeared when fighting for my honor he was sorely outclassed. There was a stringent sparkle in my blood that was quickly infecting me with the idea that his heart was mine alone. However, one look into the enchanted expression on Relena’s face brought it all home. My chest nearly cracked when I jerked around to look at Hiiro but he was utterly oblivious to my revelation. There was no way for us to be together. Sir Charles had made it clear. Either he would have to give good reason for rejecting the fair princess or accept his fate at her side. I felt an illness creep up inside me the likes of which I had never known when I realized the only way for him to avoid becoming a member of the royal house was to reveal our relationship which would essentially destroy everything he had worked for. It would also mean my dismissal and most likely a life of forced prostitution in a brothel which was something I knew he would never allow. “Duo!” I gasped when I saw Sir Charles seated on his horse before me wondering when the match had ended but Relena was standing beside where Creole was helping Hiiro dismount so it was obviously over. “What’s wrong with you?” he grumbled while I helped him down. “I,” but my voice betrayed me as tears fought to free themselves from my eyes. “If you’re ill see the healer,” he grumbled allowing me to unfasten his helmet. “Hai,” I replied but my mind was filled with a sorrow that made the conversation difficult to retain. I managed my duties by means of familiarity alone because I didn’t remember doing any of it when it was finished. Relena had retreated while Hiiro tended to Zero but the day was only half over. He would be required to spar with Sir Charles in a weapons demonstration and there would be a feast in the late afternoon but none of it was relevant in my mind. “Duo?” A desperation seized me when he called my name and all at once I was upon him. He balked while he glanced nervously outside but no one was watching and I was so intent on feasting on his mouth he pushed me deeper into the stable. I don’t know what came over me but I had no mind to worry over the problems it would cause. If only he could be beside me, if only I could feel his touch and revel in his passion everything would be alright. He granted my wish but forced me into the furthermost stall which was broken and unused where he laid me down and loved me blind. I didn’t want it to end but eventually he pushed our bodies past the point of no return but remained laying his weight on me like an anchor that I clung to fiercely. It was all too much and I couldn’t stop the tears that seeped from my eyes but they ebbed when he leaned down and kissed them away then smiled while he touched my face and whispered, “Aishiteru.” And I understood. It wasn’t a declaration of love he offered in the word. It was the undeniable inevitability that his heart would forever be bound to mine. The kiss I offered was filled with the same emotion but our time was cut short. There was a game to play after all so we straightened ourselves out and got on with it.
~ * ~ tbc... |
