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"The Apprentice"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: AU, fantasy, Angst, fluff, sap, moderate
lemons (no it's not about the sex 8P) Pairings: 1x2, 3x4x5, past 1x3,
indication of future quintet at the end Summary: The Divine Wizard J offers an apprenticeship to his people for which Hiiro and Duo are most eager to compete. "The Apprentice"
Ch 4 “Duo!” “Yes?” the longhaired boy replied, glancing up to see Wufei walking toward him. “What’re you doing now?” Wufei asked, chuckling at the odd looking serpent wriggling around in Duo’s hand. “The rats are eating the corn,” Duo explained, holding the creature out over a small chasm in the air that provided a window to where he needed and suddenly the snake began to multiply. Wufei watched delightedly as hundreds of them dropped into the corn field and slithered away. “How will you control the snakes once the rats are gone?” “They cannot stomach rats,” Duo explained, letting the original snake fall before the rift began to close. “Once they have eaten one they’ll die.” “Your own ingenuity?” Wufei smirked. “A momentary alteration,” Duo explained. “You’re so damn beautiful when you’re being clever,” the raven haired boy grinned, swooping in to scoop him up by the waist. “Stop it!” Duo growled, smacking him with token rage. “Gods! You never change!” “Because you still refuse me,” Wufei laughed, forcing his way in to chew on his neck. Duo fought for a moment then sighed heavily, rolling his eyes in long suffering. “I’m not going to bed you,” he stated… again. “Then I will bed you,” Wufei reasoned, pushing him down toward the floor. “Fei!” Duo gasped, suddenly alarmed by his friend’s persistence. Wufei was crass and forward but he had never attempted to force the issue before. “Just once,” Wufei begged, hovering over him in the shadows of the small cavern. “Let me taste your lips and I will relent for a decade or more.” “You’re being an ass,” Duo grumbled, giving him the cheek. “How long will you deny yourself?” “Get off.” “You’re body responds so favorably to a man’s touch.” “Wufei!” “Just once….” “Ow! Shit!” Duo gasped, shielding his eyes as the darkness suddenly split with brilliant light. “Damn,” Wufei breathed slowly, rolling off his captive. “Hiiro?” Duo panted, quickly regaining his feet. “Are you all right?” Hiiro asked, eyeing Wufei with ill intent. “Fine,” the longhaired boy sighed, smoothing his clothes. “He was just…” “Trying to make him a man,” Wufei cut in amusedly as he got up. “Leave him alone,” Hiiro commanded. “I can take care of myself,” Duo snipped. “I see no reason why he should have to be alone,” Wufei reasoned. Hiiro’s eyes flicked to Duo’s then back again and Wufei smiled. “Not one of us would have a moment to ourselves if you had your way,” Duo grumbled. “You remind me of Quatre sometimes,” Wufei laughed. “He’s not like that,” Hiiro insisted. “Like what?” Wufei challenged, looking anything but amused by the comment. “He didn’t mean anything,” Duo cut in diplomatically. “Only that where Quatre willingly accepts those who come to him, Duo chooses to abstain,” Hiiro explained. “Has he ever accepted anyone but Trowa and myself?” Wufei argued. “He wants me,” Hiiro countered and instead of the anger Duo had expected he was stunned when the raven haired boy laughed. “He wants you to love him, you idiot,” he chuckled. “As he loves you.” “What has sex to do with one’s ability to express love?” Duo interjected. “I would be happy to show you if you would only allow it,” Wufei cooed, moving in to embrace him so quickly no one saw him move but the moment he was in place thunder cracked and in a flash of light he was bouncing off the far wall. “Hiiro!” Duo scolded. “Temperamental brat,” Wufei grumbled, dragging his smoldering ass from the floor. “You will respect his choice,” Hiiro stated quite clearly. Wufei brushed the smoke from his clothes, grumbling about the smell and how long it would take to clean his dragon hide boots before asking, “Have you ever looked into the eyes of a withering soul?” Duo glanced at Hiiro who stood with stoic pride in his stubbornness. “When Quatre first came here he was just a child,” Wufei explained. “His only joy was the aid we give the people below but his heart is so sensitive it just wasn’t enough.” A shadow passed through his ebony eyes before he turned them away. “When Trowa found him he was very near death.” “But we can’t die,” Duo gasped. “Given nothing but despair the soul will wither away even when the body remains,” Wufei sighed. “I had been looking for him for weeks to no avail. When Trowa showed up with him in hand J wept for joy and I slept for over a month. When I awoke the first thing I saw was Quatre’s vibrant eyes,” he smiled. “They were so full of life and joy and it took nothing more than a glance at Trowa to understand why.” “He jilted you for Trowa?” Duo wondered. “Oh no,” Wufei laughed. “He flatly refused me until well after he and Trowa fell in love.” “Then why?” “Trowa is an elf,” he explained. “And therefore not required to remain on the mountain to ensure his longevity. He also has family he longs to see from time to time but Quatre cannot travel with him. Sometimes his journeys take years, decades even and though it meant nothing more than a short while to Trowa, Quatre’s human mind recorded the passage of time and his heart became weary. When Trowa returned from a particularly long outing to find his lover cold and lacking in vibrant life he did the only thing he could to ensure he would never feel lonely again.” “He asked you to stand in for him?” Hiiro breathed disapprovingly. “He helped Quatre to realize that I want him to be happy,” Wufei smiled. “Perhaps it’s not possible to live with someone forever and not become engrossed in their every nuance,” he reasoned. “Once he understood my feelings for him were true the rest was easy,” he smiled. “If you truly love him you will honor his choice,” Hiiro stated. Wufei sighed heavily but turned to leave them in peace, stopping only long enough to comment, “I will never be content as long as he is lonely.”
Hiiro watched him go with silent concern growing on his brow then turned to Duo to ask, “Are you lonely?” Duo blushed so brightly Hiiro was taken aback but he wasn’t about to let him get away. “Duo! Wait!” he exclaimed, catching him by the arm before he could bolt. “Please… tell me,” he coaxed, turning him so he could look into his eyes but he refused to cooperate, keeping them on the ground. “I don’t want you to wither away.” “I’m fine.” “You’re trembling.” “So what?” Duo snipped, making a half hearted attempt to escape. “I’ll stay with you,” Hiiro promised. Duo laughed in spite of it all. “You’re always with me anyway.” Hiiro let go as if he’d been burned and Duo laughed at the gaping look on his face. “What? You thought I didn’t know?” “I didn’t mean to…” “I know,” the longhaired boy nodded. “Duo,” Hiiro began feeling the swell of emotions he’d kept long tethered breaking free. “Why do you keep turning Trowa away?” Duo asked so softly it was merely a whisper. “Because you…” Hiiro began, suddenly unsure of the answer but the look in Duo’s eyes demanded the truth. “I know he keeps trying to coax you back into his bed,” Duo confessed. “Why do you refuse him?” “I didn’t want you to be…” “Alone?” Duo smiled, chuckling lightly when Hiiro nodded. “I’m sorry,” Hiiro breathed. “Maybe it was stupid but…” “It’s funny,” Duo laughed. “You did without for three hundred years just to keep me company?” Hiiro’s face heated up but he managed a small smile until Duo suddenly asked, “Why?” “Because I love you,” he replied in all seriousness. Duo’s mirth slowly faded until he stood quietly staring at him. “I always have,” Hiiro confessed. “You mean… like Trowa?” Duo asked, licking suddenly dry lips. “Yes,” Hiiro replied, stepping closer. “And no,” he went on; feeling a thrill at the way Duo’s chest began to move more rapidly. “I’ve never felt for anyone the way I feel for you,” he told him, daring to lay a gentle kiss in the corner of his mouth. Duo breathed in deeply as his eyes slowly closed and a rushing heat warmed him through and through. “Hiiro…” “It’s ok,” Hiiro soothed, forcing some distance between them but he could only manage half an inch. “I understand how you feel,” he breathed, swallowing the lump in his throat. “Your dream is everything to you.” “Not… everything,” Duo whispered, closing the distance and suddenly the cavern lit like a supernova star. Duo jumped back so fast Hiiro almost fell into the space where he’d been. Duo gaped in wide eyed wonder as Hiiro’s body shimmered and sparked with saffron heat. “What was that?” Duo gasped, watching warily as the illumination slowly began to fade. “S…sorry,” Hiiro panted softly, showing great effort in controlling his gift. “What happened?” Duo asked, approaching cautiously as the light dripped from Hiiro’s arms and legs, congealing into rivulets of pure gold that slowly flowed around his form. “Guess I got a little over excited,” Hiiro grinned sheepishly. “I didn’t hurt you, did I?” “No,” Duo chuckled, coming close enough to catch some drops of the golden light on his fingertips. “You really are amazing,” he smiled, watching the strange beauty of it cling to his hand and move gently up his palm. “Duo?” Hiiro spoke softly, reaching to grasp his hand and draw his gaze. “All I want is for you to be happy,” he told him, pulling him closer. “Just tell me what to do,” he begged, laying a small kiss on his lips. Duo’s eyes slowly fell shut as he breathed in the warmth of Hiiro’s sun kissed body and felt the shifting tide inside him as he slowly opened himself to him. The shadows along the walls reached out to mingle with the light as they kissed; their substance and validity growing ever more present as they embraced the tendrils of light as Hiiro’s arms eagerly embraced Duo. “I believe I could make you happy,” Hiiro breathed, holding his face in his hands. “If you’ll only trust me.” Duo swallowed and opened his eyes, gazing intently into Hiiro’s so he could see the truth of his words when he replied, “I do.” Hiiro smiled brightly and tugged him away, down the corridor and out of the caverns that housed the doorways to the rest of the world. They lived high on the mountain top, each with their own personal space but Hiiro had chosen an area as close to Duo as possible and that is where they went. As expected, his perch had developed over the years into somewhat of shrine, complete with the pillars and emblazoned scroll work that had been popular in his homeland during his life among men but Hiiro didn’t care what it looked like as he ushered Duo through and laid him comfortably on a pile of pillows where he usually slept. “That’s new,” Duo smiled, indicating a golden cart filled with many small bottles and containers of different sizes and colors. “Taking up a new hobby?” “It’s not mine,” Hiiro replied, moving toward the cart curiously. When he picked up the first bottle the scent bade him sample it and he smiled as he slowly inhaled the delicate aroma. “What is it?” Duo asked, stretching out on the pillows. Hiiro turned a sly grin on him and revealed, “A gift from our brothers,” bringing the cart closer before handing Duo the bottle. “Oil?” Duo mused, sniffing it with casual interest. “Why would they…” he began then flushed bright pink. “How could they have known?!” “Perhaps we should ask them when we’ve finished sampling them,” Hiiro suggested, taking the bottle back and smiling wickedly as he poured it slowly onto Duo’s exposed stomach. “I’m sure any one of them would be happy to explain in minute detail.” “With props and visuals I’m sure,” Duo laughed. “This could take awhile,” he grinned stretching out as Hiiro knelt between his legs. “I have duties to see to,” he grinned when Hiiro reached for a second container. “I’ll make sure you’re free before the spring equinox,” Hiiro promised, smiling when Duo’s dark clothing quivered and disappeared. “The autumn leaves have yet to fall,” Duo grinned, rocking his hips. Hiiro leered hungrily at the tempting display and sent sparks into the air that formed a vibrant shell around them, blocking out the rest of the world completely while they explored their new found intimacy. ** Hiiro smiled knowing he must surrender and deliver his lover back into the world but he couldn’t bring himself to lower the shield when he slept so peacefully by his side. The passage of time was irrelevant to them save for the necessity of measuring the brief lives of the people they had chosen to serve. He knew how important they were to Duo as he felt the same affection in his own heart but even with the promise of everlasting togetherness it seemed sacrilegious to miss even one moment he could spend by his side. His smile softened when Duo shifted and his heart swelled as he watched vibrant violet eyes flutter open. “Welcome back,” he greeted, gently kissing his brow. “Mmmm,” Duo moaned happily as he rolled over and stretched hugely. “Hungry?” Hiiro smiled. “Mm, a bit,” Duo nodded, scooting over so Hiiro could conjure their meal. Just a moment more… that’s all he asked. Duo took a biscuit and curled up in his lap, savoring both the food and the warm feeling of Hiiro’s body as he nibbled slowly but the bread fell from his lips unfinished and Hiiro knew the time had come. “The equinox is at hand,” Duo sighed. Hiiro nodded his understanding, wrapping him up in a gentle hug and kissing his hair. “Would you like to come to the temple with me?” Duo asked, smiling at his lover’s happy nod. “Do you think J will be angry?” he asked as the shield that had protected them from outside interference quivered for the first time in months and began to dissipate. “That was entirely unfair.” “Geez!” Duo jumped the rest of the way into Hiiro’s lap at the sound of Wufei’s sullen tone. “What in the hell are you doing here!?” “I’ve been waiting for you to hatch,” the raven haired boy grinned, crawling arrogantly into the pillows. “Get out,” Hiiro snipped, pulling the covers around his disgruntled lover. “You’ve no better greeting than that after abandoning us for four months?” Wufei grumbled, curling into a sullen ball. “I had to cover for you both, you know.” “Where’s Quatre?” Duo wondered. “At this very moment,” Wufei grinned evilly, resuming his trek among the pillows toward them. “He is no doubt huddled beneath Trowa but we could join them if you like…uf!” Hiiro smirked, liking the sound of Duo’s laugher very much as Wufei dragged himself from the floor some ten feet away and grumbled, “Selfish skave.” “Hiiro,” Duo chuckled, admonishing lightly, “Be nice. You know he means well.” “I know very well what he means to do,” Hiiro laughed, chucking one of the empty bottles laying beside the bedding at him. Wufei caught it with ease, turning an impish gaze on them. “I see you enjoyed the gifts,” he smiled, inhaling the lingering scent on the glass. “There’s more if you’d like me to demonstrate.” “You’re incorrigible,” Duo shook his head but Hiiro’s ears perked up. “What flavor?” “Hiiro?” Duo gasped. “I can conjure whatever you like,” Wufei smiled excitedly as he headed for them again. “He’s offered to demonstrate,” Hiiro smiled wickedly as the shield began to form around the three of them. For a moment Duo simply stared at his lover in shock then comprehension sparkled in his eyes as his lips slowly curled and Wufei stopped dead in his tracks. “So he did,” Duo replied, turning demonic eyes upon the raven haired boy as purple smoke began to pool at the corners of his eyes. “Wait,” Wufei stuttered, going pale as the shield closed over top of them and he realized it was already much too late. owari :)
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