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"Banished"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: R Warnings: AU/Fantasy Adventure, Angst, fluff,
mention of lemon, sap, masturbation (once) Pairings: 1x2, 3x4, past 1x4 (one
time deal) Summary: When the Prince Regent is dethroned he and his captain discover a new and wondrous world.
"Banished" Ch 1
He marveled at the rolling green hills and lush countryside that was to be the realm of his banishment. It could have been much worse no doubt but his father had forbidden it. If Count Milliardo had had his way he would’ve found himself in a shack deep in the Okaidea Swamplands. The fact that his First was at his side and not hung in a cage by the roadside was also due to his sires benevolence. There had been far too many tears over the past few weeks. He managed a soft smile for his stern looking captain. No doubt it would take a very long time to rid his beautiful face of the guilt that had stolen the light from his eyes. It hadn’t been the striking young captain’s fault the prince had found himself captivated by the dark hared boy. He’d come to realize over the past couple of years that his fancy turned toward men instead of women, however, try as he might he couldn’t heal himself of this affliction. That’s how others saw him now, stricken by some unforgivable plight that would bring shame to his King and country. He had only his fathers love to thank for his good fortune. Good fortune indeed. As much as it pained him to be separated from his family and friends, he found his new situation more and more appealing. Being relieved of his responsibilities to the Kingdom was a blow. He’d spent his life preparing for the day he’d oversee the well being of his people. It was difficult to let it go while at the same time a relief to no longer bear the burdens of a nation. He smiled wryly, his bright blue/green eyes reflecting the sea of lush fields that surrounded his new home. For a moment he saw the expression mirrored on his stoic captain’s handsome face but it was, as always these days, a fleeting instant. His shy smile faded a touch in sympathy for the exotic boy he called his First in command. Even had he known the outcome he didn’t think he could had prevented himself from seducing the young soldier. He was just too beautiful. At this point he really wasn’t sure if Hiiro would ever be able to forgive himself for what he considered a heinous sin against both his country and his friend. Prince Quatre, on the other hand, knew in essence it was entirely his own fault. He had been the one to actively coerce the young captain into his bed. Then again, perhaps it was Count Milliardo’s doing. Whoever said he had to recruit such a fine, strong young man to be Quatre’s Number One? Looking at the beautiful landscape rolling by as the small township of Tatia drew ever closer he found his biggest regret lie only in his damaged friendship with the steely eyed boy at his side. He prayed that over time the wounds would heal for them both. His mood lightened as the jubilant sounds of celebration danced on the breeze. No doubt the people of his land would have prepared a grand welcome for the Prince. He was still apprehensive as to his reception. For all the kindness people could lavish on him openly the true test would come once the door’s closed. The reason for his banishment wasn’t public knowledge but it was pretty easy to figure out something was up. Would these people honestly welcome him? Only time would tell. For the moment, he would enjoy what gayety he could find. He’d be truly happy if anything at all could bring even a small smile to his captains dark blue eyes. Hiiro had sworn fealty to the Prince when he’d accepted his position. What had transpired between them had only strengthened that resolve. On the other hand, their physical relationship had ended the night it had begun and no amount of coercion would sway the exotic boy now. Quatre sighed inwardly. Hiiro’s eyes had become so cold since that night. ‘Look here,’ Hiiro nodded indicating a couple walking along the roadway ahead. The sight of them made Quatre smile. It looked as though the young man was totally infatuated with the girl at his side. It occurred to the prince that perhaps he would have more success after the summer’s growth. Most girls preferred their suitors taller than themselves. His brown knit curiously as their horses long strides brought them closer. The boy had an oddly feminine laugh whereas the girl’s gate was rather on the stately side. It bothered him a little how his chest tightened when he looked at her. Thin hips and long brown hair pulled back into a thick rope of a braid. He’d never felt what it was like to be attracted to a girl before. It left him with an oddly disturbing feeling of uncertainty over his own identity. ‘Hee hee hee... oh my gods! Look! He’s here!’ the boy squealed under his breath taking the opportunity to duck his head shyly into the girls shoulder. Something was setting very oddly in the back of Quatre’s mind. Something just wasn’t quiet right about the pair. Something his captain had apparently missed since he was too busy staring at the girls ass to notice Quatre’s ponderings. The prince smiled openly at the flicker of light in the back of Hiiro’s eyes. As creepy as it was to think of the boy with another, especially a girl, he couldn’t help but wish some kindness for him. It was odd though, he’d never known Hiiro to show any interest in a female before more or less feel any himself. The puzzle was solved the moment the long haired figured turned around flashing a morning bright smile that could’ve sent the sun running for cover. ‘A boy!?’ Quatre hissed catching his canteen before it could slide from his suddenly limp fingers. A closer inspection proved the boy’s companion was actually a girl throwing his entire first impression of this land out of kilter. ‘Greetings Your Higness!’ the boy sang happily once again brushing his companion off as if she were a sticky weed. ‘There you are. I was afraid you’d run late,’ he said as they approached. ‘Um... yes,’ Quatre stammered still a little shocked by what he was seeing. ‘It was such a pleasant journey we took our time to enjoy the beauty of your land,’ he smiled feeling a warmth spread through him that refused to stop at his heart and ended up pooling in his crotch. ‘Allah Hiiro, have you ever seen anyone like him before?’ he whispered to his escort. ‘Hiiro?’ ‘I’m happy to hear that, Your Grace,’ the boy chuckled brushing the girl off his arm again as she whispered something in his ear and giggled madly. He couldn’t help but laugh himself at the joyous sound. ‘What it is?’ he asked wanting in on the joke. ‘I’m sorry, Sire,’ the boy gasped trying to keep his infectious exaltation under control as he danced about doing his best to free himself of the clinging girl. ‘She’s a bit over excited,’ he giggled clasping her hands at the wrists so she couldn’t grab him again. ‘What did she say?’ Quatre chuckled not really sure why but just the sound of the boys laugher made him feel a little drunk. ‘She wondered if all the Royal family were as handsome as you,’ the boy laughed loosing the battle with the insistent girl and tumbling back into the soft grasses at the roadside with her mercilessly tickling his ribs. Quatre laughed out loud and was halfway off his horse and on his way to join in the festivities before he felt Hiiro’s firm grip on his wrist staying his advance. The boy must have seen it as well because he called the playful fight to an abrupt end. ‘Ok... enough... come on… Hilde! This is no way to greet our Prince. Show some respect,’ the boy told her subduing her somewhat as he pulled them both from the grass. Quatre smiled again just looking at them all covered in bits of greenery and tousled by the tumble. He’d always envied the peasants for their freedom and now, with all that had happened, he longed for a taste of that freedom even more. ‘Your pardon, Sire,’ the boy smiled bowing low. ‘I am Duo,’ he introduced himself. ‘And this is my cousin Hilde. It is our great honor to welcome you to you’re new home,’ he said smoothly coming back up and smiling in such a way that Quatre felt an irresistible urge to jump on him and roll him around in the grass for awhile himself. He ended up settling for a heart felt, ‘Thank you.’ ‘Will you and your consort be visiting town or would you prefer to attend Tatia Keep and freshen up first?’ Duo asked. ‘Duo!’ the girl hissed poking her cousin in the ribs as Hiiro’s mount displayed his unrest at the statement and pawed the ground. ‘Consort?’ Quatre asked smoothly. Had the truth of his sins leaked out so quickly and spread even to this sublime region? ‘Hiiro is my captain and bodyguard,’ he explained. ‘Really?’ Duo mused stepping closer. ‘Well,’ he smiled. ‘If that’s the case then let me know if you require a more intimate companion. I’d be more than happy to help,’ he grinned reaching to touch the princes mounts soft dapple muzzle but he never got he chance to make contact as Hiiro suddenly spurred his huge white stallion forward knocking him back two steps as he positioned himself between Duo and Quatre and glared down at the long haired boy dangerously. ‘Hiiro, please!’ Quatre half barked half sighed. ‘I really don’t believe we have anything to fear from him?’ ‘Why did you offer yourself to him?’ Hiiro asked ignoring his charges objections. ‘What?’ Duo gasped taking another step back, his big, violet eyes flashing beautifully as he gazed up into the stormy blue depths of Hiiro’s stoic heart. ‘I… that’s not… I… didn’t,’ he managed to stammer as he pulled himself back together again. ‘There are many kind hearted maidens here that would be happy to…’ ‘But you assumed I was his lover,’ Hiiro insisted. ‘Hiiro,’ Quatre tried again already blushing deep red over the subject matter. ‘An honest mistake,’ Duo countered. ‘Why would you even think such a thing?’ Hiiro asked advancing on him slowly, his large steed stepping lively in an angled approach as it obeyed his will yet the boy remained steadfast and un-intimidated. ‘You’re of the same age and obviously familiar with each other. I certainly wouldn’t have thought the Prince’s First would be so young so it only stood to reason you must be his lover... wait... why are you asking so many questions?’ Duo smiled reaching out to touch the imposing horse as it drew near. ‘Unless there is some truth…’ ‘We are not lovers!’ Hiiro barked suddenly drawing his horse away so the boy couldn’t touch him anymore. ‘We’re both boy’s!’ he added irritated by his mounts reluctance to draw away from him. ‘Does that matter?’ Duo asked truly amused by the animal’s behavior. ‘You wouldn’t be shocked by such a thing?’ Quatre interjected. Duo sighed and glanced back as his cousin who was still hiding shyly behind him since the conversation took on a darker air. ‘No,’ he answered bluntly. ‘Perhaps a short visit to the Keep would be prudent,’ he added smiling softly again. ‘Your people are eager to welcome you, however, it may be best if you learned a little about Tatia before meeting the general population,’ he suggested. ‘That,’ Quatre barked before Hiiro could say anything more, ‘… would be nice. Thank you.’ Duo and Hilde gave the pair a winsome tour of what could be seen between the leading road to Tatia and Tatia Keep which stood on a hillside above the township. It was amazing how self sufficient these people were. They grew their own crops, tended their livestock and from what Duo had told them had little or no trade with any of their neighbors. It wasn’t that they were really that secluded from the rest of the world as much as they just seemed to like to keep to themselves. What trade existed took place at a farmers market that was held some five miles to the south of town in a small abandoned village that served as a flea market of sorts once a month. Tatia Keep brought an unexpected smile to Quatre’s lips. He had envisioned the small castle as a formidable fortress with high spires and impenetrable walls. It was quiet refreshing to find the open air courtyard and warmly lit stained glass windows that adorned the front walls of the main hall. For a keep it was shamefully exposed, like a glass figurine set into the hillside, but the Prince had no criticism for it. Whatever protection he needed he entrusted to his First. That fact made him feel more secure than a thousand rock walls ever could have. Several small boys came running out to meet them as they approached. Quatre smiled again thinking this was becoming a happy habit already when two of them bowled into Duo all but knocking him off his feet in their rush to hug his neck. ‘Whoa! Slow down!’ Duo laughed catching one in either arm. ‘Master Talon was looking for you last night!’ the sandy haired one called while a third took charge of Quatre and Hiiro’s horses. ‘Again?’ Duo asked setting them down, the crease in Hiiro’s forehead deepening as the boy flashed his violet eyes his way. ‘Yes,’ the child replied. ‘He said “I’ll have him this time! Fetch me my horse!”’ the boy mimicked what this Master Talon must have looked like brandishing his hand as if he held something. ‘Was he drunk?’ Duo asked softly tossing another coy smile at Hiiro. ‘Yep,’ the boy confirmed. ‘He passed out,’ the second boy told him laughing hysterically. ‘Like this,’ he added falling into the arms of his friend dramatically. ‘I see,’ Duo smiled ruffling the first boy’s hair. ‘I’ll attend him later. Right now we must welcome our new Lord,’ he smiled. ‘Prince Quatre?!’ the two breathed in awe staring open mouthed at the prince dismounted his steed. ‘At your service,’ the blond boy replied. ‘Oooh, no sir,’ the first boy replied kneeling down on one knee ‘We’re here to serve you,’ he added tilting his head up to look at his new master curiously. ‘Didn’t you know that?’ he said making Quatre chuckle deep in his chest. ‘I’m afraid there isn’t time for a proper bath,’ Duo informed them. ‘But you could rinse off in the fall if you like,’ he offered leading them towards the house while the boys tended their horses. ‘Fall?’ Quatre inquired. ‘Yes,’ Duo smiled looking quiet pleased about something. ‘It’s an invention of mine actually. There are a number of hot springs in the hills behind the Keep that I managed to tap into using hollowed out bamboo,’ he explained taking them down a flight of stairs. The room behind the door at the end of the hall was a veritable paradise. There was a deep tub in the center that smelled of clear, clean water, the air hung heavy with the scented moisture rising from its steaming surface and along the back wall a cascading water fall filled the room with a gentle song. There were sweet soaps and thick robes and the oddest array of deep pillows strewn all over the floor. ‘Sorry,’ Duo blushed rushing around to pick up the pillows and toss them into the big baskets that set in the corners. ‘Master Talon apparently had a rough night,’ he told them sheepishly. ‘Please, enjoy the fall. I’ll see about finding you some fresh clothes.’ ‘Allah be praised Hiiro are we still on Earth?’ Quatre sighed happily dropping his cloak. ‘This place is so wonderful. Why do you suppose Father never mentioned it before?’ ‘Every rose has thorns, My Liege,’ Hiiro replied turning around to face the door while he slipped off his shirt. ‘Aren’t you going to wash?’ the blond boy purred stepping up behind the stoic boy. ‘Later’ ‘But it looks so… enticing,’ Quatre said softly running his fingertips gently up Hiiro’s wrist and arm. It had been some time since his teenage wants had been addressed. Since the night he and Hiiro had… ‘I’ll wait outside,’ the exotic boy said firmly pulling away. ‘Oh, come on Hiiro,’ Quatre sighed in frustration. ‘We’re not in the capitol anymore.’ ‘………………………. Haven’t you had enough?’ Hiiro replied before closing the door behind him. ‘No,’ the blond boy pouted accepting his defeat once again. He really couldn’t blame him for his resistance. It was considerably irresponsible of him to keep antagonizing him but he was lonely and although he wasn’t really `in love` with the captain he did care for him a great deal not to mention there just wasn’t anyone else to… His thoughts wandered a moment, visions of Duo and his long brown braid wrapping tightly around them as they rolled around the royal bedchamber together but the truth was he really wasn’t any more his type than Hiiro. They were both drop dead gorgeous but deep in his heart something just wasn’t clicking. Still, the long haired boy had not appeared intimidated by the idea of two males having relations together so perhaps at some point they might at least experience one another. He sighed stepping under the warm water as his mind brought back images of Hiiro’s first reaction to the violet eyed boy. There was no way he was going to mess with that until he was very sure nothing was going to bloom so once again he found himself without a lover. Sometimes the irony of the world was just too much. When he exited the bathhouse wrapped in one of the luxurious robe that hung on the walls he found Hiiro standing as stoic as ever just outside the door with one of the servant boy’s doing his best to mimic the exotic boy’s steely eyed stance. Apparently, they’d found little to talk about but the way they looked standing there together brought the smile back to Quatre’s eyes. ‘Wow,’ the boy smiled wide eyed as he finally gave into temptation and turned his head to look at the young Prince. ‘You really are prettier than the Queen,’ he drawled in amazement. Hiiro barely moved but the boy found himself on one knee just the same ‘Show more respect to your prince,’ he told him sternly. ‘Oh, Hiiro lighten up,’ Quatre sighed. ‘Well, he is,’ the boy insisted defiantly. ‘Don’t be so fresh,’ Hiiro snapped. ‘What would a servant boy know of a man’s beauty anyway?’ ‘Oh, I think boys are much prettier than girls,’ the boy replied smiling up at them as he regained his feet. ‘I’m supposed to take you to Lord Duo’s chambers when you’re done,’ he added while Hiiro and Quatre exchanged curious glances. ‘Are ya done?’ he asked eyeing Hiiro’s lack of a robe. ‘Yes’ Quatre chuckled. ‘Hiiro wishes to bath properly later. Perhaps when your Lord Duo takes his. Lead on,’ he sniggered seeing the odd expression in his Firsts dark eyes. The halls of the Keep, if you really wanted to call it that, were unlike anything Quatre had dreamed. Open, airy windows adorned the walls, each set with a small lamp at the crest of the arch that had to light the place up like a Christmas tree from the valley below. He caught a glimpse of the front wall of the main hall as they passed by, the tall stained glass windows illuminated by the strong rays of the afternoon sun. It was all just so beautiful he could hardly believe a place like this existed. They were led down two sets of stairs, by what looked to be the kitchens and back up three more sets of stairs before the boy drew along side an intricately carved pair of double doors. Quatre and Hiiro alike were taken in by the gothic scene that looked to be a representation of a duel between the Arch Angel Gabriel and the Black angel Lucifer but upon closer inspection… perhaps they weren’t dueling after all? They just had time to share another curious glance over the oddly homoerotic relief when the boy pushed the doors open. ‘…stop it….’ The fact that a rather large, imposing looking man with dark armor and a heavy fur cloak had Duo pinned to the wall coupled with the words that fell from the long haired boys tongue had Hiiro’s sword drawn and at the back of the mans skull before either of them could move. ‘Release him,’ the blue eyed soldier demanded. ‘I’d do it quickly,’ Quatre warned upon the man’s hesitation. ‘Wait,’ Duo gasped pulling the man aside but Hiiro’s sword tip never backed down and now rested a mere inch from the startled man’s nose. ‘I meant no harm,’ the man smiled nervously lifting his hands in the air in surrender. ‘Put that away,’ Duo commanded trying to push the blade aside but it refused to cooperate. ‘He’s a friend,’ he went on nudging the reluctant sword slowly down. ‘He was attacking you,’ Hiiro pointed out. ‘Yes, well,’ Duo chuckled sighing in relief with his companion. ‘It’s a bad habit, granted, but hardly worth killing him over.’ ‘Duo?’ Quatre asked looking as if he’d just found the mother load. ‘What were you two doing?’ he asked point blank relishing the blush on Duo’s taupe cheeks. ‘I… umm…’ ‘Would you like to see it again?’ the man smiled stepping closer to the boy but he quickly found himself backing away again as Hiiro’s blade flashed in his face. ‘Calm down!’ he laughed nervously backing away further. ‘We have a relationship he and I,’ he told him. ‘Yeah,’ Duo huffed. ‘You chase, I run… that’s our relationship. Look,’ he added lowering Hiiro’s sword again. ‘If your gonna point that thing at everyone that makes a pass at me your gonna be one hell of a busy guy... Just... put it away, ok? He’s an idiot but he’s not dangerous.’ ‘He was… making a pass …?’ Hiiro asked looking a bit dumbfounded. ‘Yes,’ Duo confirmed. ‘Well... sort of. I mean he knows I won’t accept since he’s been doing it with no success for three years but…’ ‘Three years?’ Quatre gasped. ‘By Allah... you couldn’t have been more than thirteen!’ he gaffed tossing a very displeased glare at the thirty year old man. ‘My intentions are noble I assure you,’ the man said pulling himself up to his full height. ‘I have every intention of taking him as my bride.’ ‘Bride?!?!’ Hiiro gasped. ‘He’s a boy! He can’t be a bride!’ he snarled backing the man up a couple of more steps. ‘But… we… D...Duo?’ ‘Let’s try this again shall we?’ the long haired boy sighed. ‘Prince Quatre and the First Captain Hiiro, I would like to introduce Lord Talon. Administrator of Tatia Keep and your right hand man.’ ‘Forgive me, My Lord,’ Talon offered bowing low to the prince. ‘My behavior was inexcusable but please understand,’ he added standing back up and smiling at Duo adoringly. ‘I have only the purest of intentions towards Lord Duo.’ ‘I thought you said you wanted to…’ ‘Hush, boy!’ Talon snapped aiming a misplaced kick at the giggling house boy before he scampered out of the room. ‘Am I to understand that you are openly courting this young man?’ Quatre asked. ‘I’m afraid this is partly my fault,’ Duo told them motioning for them all to take a seat. ‘I was unaware that you were not informed of the nature of Tatia’s existence.’ ‘What nature do you mean?’ Quatre asked accepting the glass of juice Duo offered him. ‘It would appear your father felt it unwise to divulge specific information about our township but to put it bluntly most of the residents here are… different.’ ‘Homosexual,’ Talon smiled almost as if he wanted to get a rise out of the two newcomers. It worked. Quatre’s face turned as red as Hiiro’s was white. ‘I’m sorry for your misfortune,’ Duo sighed. ‘I realize being the Lord over such a place wouldn’t exactly be a prince’s first choice but…’ ‘No!’ Quatre barked a little too loudly. ‘No .. I… are you saying that you... you both… are gay?’ he asked feeling a very odd excitement growing inside him. How could this be? An entire town of people just like him? Where did they all come from? His head swam with questions. ‘Yes,’ Duo confirmed. ‘I’m sorry but…’ ‘We should leave here now,’ Hiiro broke in standing with Quatre’s arm firmly in his grasp. ‘Hiiro! Stop it!’ the prince growled struggling to free himself. ‘We can’t stay in this place,’ the exotic boy insisted. ‘Not you. Not like this,’ he told him firmly. ‘I won’t leave!’ the blond boy stated flatly jerking his arm free. ‘Don’t you see?’ he told him, his voice softening to a gently plea ‘It’s why Father sent me here. So I wouldn’t be different.’ ‘Hush!’ Hiiro snapped flashing a critical glance at their company. ‘I won’t!’ Quatre retorted looking every bit as regal as any king in history. ‘I’m gay, Hiiro. Deal with it!’ he snapped turning on his heal to face the others. ‘My apologies for my Firsts behavior but this much is true. My Father obviously sent me here for the same reason you and your people are here,’ he told them. ‘I had a feeling,’ Duo smiled. ‘Please understand that not all of our residents are like us,’ he went on. ‘But you’ll find that many live happily here. They come here for that purpose, because they can have open, healthy relationships without being shunned or ridiculed for it. I hope that this wont offend ... either of you,’ he said glancing at Hiiro again. ‘Is that why you brought them here first?’ Talon asked receiving a nod from the violet eyed boy. ‘I see… Prudent boy,’ he smiled. ‘Have you ever known a man?’ he asked earning him a glare from Hiiro that just about skinned his gizzard. ‘Umm yes... why do you ask?’ Quatre replied trying very hard not to laugh at the crimson blush on Hiiro’s face. ‘Then you shouldn’t be shocked by the public
display,’ Talon smiled. ‘It’s quiet common to witness
our coupled citizens openly adoring each other be they mixed or same
sex. With that said... shall we go to greet them?’
~ * ~ tbc... |
