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"The Bulwark Contingency"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, Fluff, angst, sap…again,
TONS of sap! I can’t even convey the sappiness contained herein… you
might want waders O.o gloves at the very least. Mention of lemon Pairings: 1x2, 3x4, 5+2+ or … something… maybe
a little 5-1? rofl! Summary: Disturbing dreams lead a restless warrior on the adventure of a lifetime. Beta’ed by Mechante Fille ^-^ Art links: http://usera.imagecave.com/t-shirt/fanart/d_sketch_elf.jpg http://usera.imagecave.com/t-shirt/fanart/h_sketch_6_cg_mergjrevis.jpg
"The Bulwark Contingency" Ch 3 Morning dawned without the torment of dreams but he opened his eyes feeling strangely deprived. As Duo had promised the others were already working busily in their preparations to leave but he didn’t see the longhaired elf anywhere. A small boy with eyes that betrayed his youthful appearance had come to aid him supplying both he and his horse while his companions did the same. Duo was still absent when they mounted, Trowa behind Quatre on a huge war horse adorned in light armor and he on his usual mount and he feared for a moment the elf would decline to accompany them but his mind relaxed when he saw him stroll into their midst, his brow knitting crossly when Wufei turned up right on his heals. “We’re set for the road?” Duo smiled brightly. “All except you,” Quatre replied tolerantly. “Where have you been? We should have begun half an hour ago.” “Is it my fault he insists on sleeping in a tree?” Duo exclaimed. “Hai,” Wufei grinned unrepentantly tossing a glance at Hiiro when he added, “I’m afraid I was entirely to blame.” Hiiro’s brow creased tighter as an unhappy feeling banded around his bowls. “Then you can repent by hastening my duties,” Duo grinned demonically waving him forward. “You can’t be serious,” Wufei exclaimed in mock horror but did as he was bid and stepped forward. “We have time to make up,” the elf reminded him urging him on. “Something swift.” Hiiro felt himself rise from his saddled to stand in the stirrups as a protest rose in his throat when the changeling wavered and shifted and offered his stag’s back to Duo but became acutely aware that the elf had not so much as looked at him since his arrival when Duo hopped aboard and they sped away. “Follow the southern road!” Duo called back and then they were gone. “Who is he?” Hiiro demanded in his agitated state as he glared at the spot where they had vanished. “A… cousin,” Quatre sighed allowing Trowa to guide their mount forward as he added a quiet… “A very distant cousin.” In what seemed a remarkably short time the valley began to level off, the foliage to thin and the forest took on a familiar feeling once more. Trowa stayed close to his lover keeping him well hidden from prying eyes, his arms wrapped tightly around the blond and Hiiro tried not to notice when they whispered softly to one another or stole soft kisses when they thought he couldn’t see. He had moved ahead of them in an attempt to grant them a little more privacy as they were apparently having trouble keeping their darker desires under control when he noticed that the trail Duo and Wufei had left for them to follow was becoming more pronounced. Knowing it had to mean they were nearby he spurred his mount forward toward the scent of a stream, his gut tightening in anticipation of what he might find but when he emerged from the trees onto a small clearing he found only Duo drinking from the babbling brook. He was, unreasonably annoyed. “Where’s Wufei?” “Doing his job,” Duo replied curtly standing to draw one of the silver knives that were strapped to his thighs. Hiiro’s eyes glanced at the glinting blade before he dismounted and asked indignantly. “Does his job often include your riding him bareback?” “That is none of your concern!” Duo snapped twirling the knife so quickly before sheathing it Hiiro barely saw it happen but he displayed no wonder over the skill. “Perhaps your behavior last night would be of concern to him?!” Hiiro retorted but Duo’s eyes only calmed as his tone dropped to an even thread. “Certainly of more interest than you have for me.” “HIIRO!” The sound of Quatre’s frantic cry had Hiiro back on his horse and Duo diving into the trees before the great war horse the blond and his lover were riding barreled through the clearing. Hiiro reined in understanding the danger lie behind as they thundered through the stream, five men on horse back burst through the brush just as Wufei in the form of a the huge phoenix swooped from the sky. Hiiro drew his sword and faced the enemy head on but each time he struck the victim would fall or trip or loose his seat and tumble to the ground until he finally realized it was Duo who was thwarting his attempts to win the battle. “What the hell are you doing!?!” he bellowed swinging his blade wide to keep from being thrashed by the surrounding men. “You can’t kill them!” Duo shouted. “It would have been nice if someone would have mentioned that!!” “I just did!” Duo quipped shin snipping another of the horses and grinning when it’s rider flew off into the bushes. Meanwhile, Wufei had managed to get his claws into several of them taking them high above the fight and dropping them one by one into the river. Hiiro finally understood and switched from trying to behead his foes to simply disarming them while Duo utterly humiliated many by cutting draw strings on breeches, causing them to slam into one another as he dodged and even mooning one then laughing uproariously when he smacked his head into a tree branch knocking himself senseless. The fray was over much faster than Hiiro would have liked as he had found he was quite enjoying himself but the enemy had decided to retreat and save what was left of their dignity. Hiiro laughed leaning back into Duo’s shoulder as he chided the remnants of their attackers off the field. “You’re a hundred years to early to best us!” Duo chuckled airily, the adrenaline still pumping heavily through his veins. “If that’s the best they’ve got you’ll hardly need me,” Hiiro laughed. “I think you scared a couple of them out of their first born,” Duo giggled turning to face him. “They wouldn’t have had the chance to have children if you hadn’t stopped me,” Hiiro smiled but upon seeing the firelight that sparkled in Duo’s eyes the smile faded and the longhaired elf suddenly frowned and took a step back when he saw the pure determination in Hiiro’s eyes. He wanted to say something to the elf though he had no idea what and before he could articulate anything that seemed like halfway intelligent a thick column of fire scorched the ground right beside them. “Damn it, Wufei!” Duo shouted as the retreating phoenix. “Well done,” Quatre praised as Trowa trotted them into the clearing. “You should have told me these men were your friends,” Hiiro scolded without hesitation. “I might have killed any one of them.” Quatre looked suitably horrified for a moment before smiling his apology. “Forgive me. I suppose it never crossed my mind that you would be willing to go that far.” “I have accepted the duty of your protection,” Hiiro reminded him. “I will do whatever is necessary to fulfill that contract.” “Then perhaps you would be so kind as to find us a safe place to lunch,” the blond smiled. “I fear if we don’t eat soon I might die of hunger.” Duo laughed while Hiiro grinned and Quatre took a long, deep breath when Trowa leaned forward and whispered something in his ear. The intimacy between the couple was becoming uncomfortable as they coddled and caressed each other more and more openly as the journey wore on. By the time Hiiro was satisfied that they had put enough ground behind them to warrant a safe stop to eat they were locked in an embrace slowly kissing each other. It was obvious he wasn’t the only one the behavior bothered as Wufei had rejoined them choosing to walk as a man by Duo’s side but neither he nor the elf said a word about the growing affection in their companions. “We can stop here to eat,” Hiiro finally said more to break up the make out session than out of any hunger. “Trowa?” Quatre breathed but the taller boy only kissed him again turning his body more so that he could take him in his arms as they continued to ride right on through the clearing and into the woods beyond. “You shouldn’t wander off alone!” Hiiro advised turning to Duo for support only to find both he and Wufei moving off in separate directions. “Where are you going?” “Keep a sharp eye,” Wufei instructed flanking the blond and his lover on the east. “They’ll be a while,” Duo smiled moving off to the west. Were they insane? Did they actually expect him to stand there and guard the couple’s fornication? It seemed so as the two disappeared fully intent on doing just that. It was the strangest adventure he had ever been on but he’d given his word so he hunkered down and did his job. Blessedly, nothing happened during the time the couple was… busy which left him time to build a fire and heat some of the wrapped fish and bread before Wufei reappeared. “Are they… returning?” Hiiro asked thinking hard about his wording. “Momentarily,” Wufei smirked helping himself to a roll of fish. “You eat meat?” It seemed odd considering. “All creatures must survive,” he replied. “Then you’re more human than beast,” Hiiro surmised. “I am not… human,” Wufei informed him distastefully. “You appear to value the similar things.” The changeling smiled knowingly and blinked some hidden set of eyelids that moved sideways over his black iris’s as he replied, “Some things are easily cherished.” “You are so full of shit,” Duo commented dropping from a limb overhead. “And you are not half as cleaver as you think you are,” Wufei grinned. “I scented you five minutes ago.” “Maybe it wasn’t you I was attempting to observe.” Hiiro’s head snapped up but before his question could be spoken Trowa and Quatre stepped into view. They were just as intimately connected as before their… foray into the brush but each wore the satisfied glow of rapture achieved. Hiiro blushed just to look at them as they wandered almost unknowingly into the clearing. Trowa had tended their mount and proceeded to ensconce his lover in a thick pile of blankets he’d taken from one of the saddle bags before fetching him food and drink and all but hand feeding him his lunch. Duo and Wufei did their best to completely ignore the odd behavior but Hiiro couldn’t help steeling glances as they nibbled each others fingertips and stole brief kisses between bites. “Want to help me refill the canteens?” Duo suddenly asked getting up with three half full ones in his hands. Hiiro started to decline as it wasn’t really necessary but the expression in Duo’s eyes revealed the trip wasn’t really to quench his thirst. The elf waited until they were a good distance from the others before he spoke. “You really shouldn’t stare,” he chuckled. “Was I?” Hiiro gasped softly truly unaware he had been that obvious. “Just a little,” Duo shrugged. “Don’t begrudge them their indulgences,” he advised, his tone sounding wispy and frail when he added, “They have so little time.” “But Quatre seems so young,” Hiiro countered glancing back in confusion. Duo paused seeming very sad all of a sudden and when he spoke all the humor had bled from his usually bright tone when he proclaimed, “They will not survive.” “I won’t let him die.” The promise brought the smile back to Duo’s lips but it was a tolerant expression that held no real faith in the claim. “They should have a number of years together,” Hiiro assured him. Again Duo smiled but there was little of his usual light in it. “Years,” he snorted softly as they stopped by a trickling creek. “We judge the passing of time by decades,” he commented bending to fill the canteens. “They’re so in love,” Hiiro commented gazing back toward their companions. “How will Trowa cope after he…” Duo stood capping off his wares before looking him straight in the eye and explaining, “He will die with him.” “Suicide?” Hiiro gasped softly. “Personal choice.” The silence grew between them until Hiiro could no longer contain the question dancing on his tongue. “Is that a common practice?” “No,” the elf replied. “Giving ones heart to a human is a foolish endeavor we elves avoid at all costs.” “Then why?” Hiiro blurted stepping forward. “Don’t,” Duo gasped moving back. “Was it just a game?” The pain that shown in his eyes flustered the elf to the point he almost stepped into the creek. “What difference would it make?” Duo snipped anxiously. “Your rejection was easily understood.” “Rejecti…” Hiiro began shaking his head in disbelief. “Rejection?” he repeated nodding now as Duo starred cautiously as if ready to bolt. “How could I possibly have taken you seriously?” he asked. “Why would you even consider such a relationship with a man who won’t live one tenth as long as you?” “I tried to reason that out myself,” Duo shrugged meekly seeming embarrassed by the confession. “But when you came…” “I still have your cross,” Hiiro reminded him stepping closer yet. “I know,” the elf breathed softly. “You’re a man,” Hiiro commented drinking in the soft mantle that had risen to Duo’s checks. “Yes.” “And an elf.” “Undeniable.” Hiiro leaned forward, his hands coming to touch the sides of Duo’s face, his eyes drifting lazily closed as he breathed deeply of his scent and soaked in the erotic energy that pulsed in his flesh as he asked. “Then why can’t I make myself stop?” Duo hissed loudly as the canteens clattered to the ground when Hiiro’s mouth enveloped his. Soft moans of deepest pleasure escaped his throat begging the warrior to deepen the connection and soon his long arms came to embrace the strong body before him. When Hiiro felt his surrender something base and ferocious broke loose in his crawl and he gathered him close using his entire body to hopelessly intoxicate the slender elf until quite suddenly there came a vicious roar and they both jumped, Hiiro automatically tucking Duo behind him as he drew his sword and faced an enormous lion. “Back off, Wufei!” Duo shouted but the changeling paid him no heed circling with amber eyes set on Hiiro’s throat. “I will make you stop,” he growled darting in but hissing and spitting as he was forced to retreat to keep from being sliced open by Hiiro’s blade. “It’s to late!” Duo shouted. “I won’t let him take you!” the lion roared lunging again but Hiiro pivoted and dumped him in the stream. “If you love him then honor his choice!” Hiiro reasoned backing cautiously away as Wufei pulled himself from the creek. “Love?” Wufei laughed. “What do you know of love?” he snarled swatting at his enemies blade. “I know!” Duo yelled determinedly. “NO!” the lion rasped in utter denial. “I will not watch you die for the sake of a humans heart!” “Kill him and my heart will have already ceased to beat!” Wufei stilled instantly turning his huge head to stare blankly at the stubborn set of Duo’s jaw and Hiiro dropped his sword. “Do you mean that?” the warrior asked reverently. “I…” Duo began glancing uncertainly at Wufei as he repeated as kindly as he could manage. “It’s already too late.” “Duo… please,” Wufei begged changing from lion to his human form in less than the few steps it took to bring him to the elf’s side. “Consider what you’re saying…” “I was lost the first time my mind touched his,” Duo confessed, his tone full of compassion and apology but Wufei looked utterly devastated regardless of his attempts. “Wufei… I’m sorry… Wufei!” But the cry fell on deaf ears as the changeling shifted into his phoenix form and fled. “Duo?” The elf watched until the firebird was nothing but a speck in the sky before he finally sighed. “Will he be ok?” Hiiro asked going to his side. “I don’t know,” Duo admitted. “He’s lost so much in his life.” “Is there no one else?” Hiiro asked feeling saddened by Duo’s loss. “He is neither human or elf,” Duo explained. “Not even I can comprehend how many loved ones he has seen returned to the Earth.” Hiiro gazed into the sky and wondered about a creature so ancient not even an elf could comprehend its origins. “I’m sorry for his pain,” he offered laying his hands on Duo’s shoulders. “When the time comes… he will heal,” Duo sighed turning in his arms. “As he has so many times before.” The words only made Hiiro feel worse about what had happened but there was little he could do about it. What was done was done; he could no sooner deny his growing feelings for Duo than deny his own name. Given how strongly his heart had attached itself in so short a time he wasn’t so sure the changeling would heal so easily. “Duo?” he called softly as the bands around his chest tightened with the sudden presence in his arms. “Sorry,” the elf chuckled pushing away. “This all must be a little confusing for you.” “Of this I am certain,” Hiiro explained pulling him back against his chest, his hand coming up to brush gently along Duo’s quivering jaw as he opened his mouth and drew him inside himself with the warmth of his kiss. The sleek, elfin form beneath his hands begged for his touch but he allowed himself only the rich feeling of letting his palm slip down the into the small of his back as he drew him closer before releasing him. “Hiiro,” Duo hissed tightly wrapping him up as he reclaimed his lips and though the warrior hissed and hungrily returned the kiss he managed to pull away. “I gave my word,” he breathed, his words pleading and unresolved as Duo nodded drunkenly and backed away. “I’m sorry,” Hiiro told him needed him to understand. “Were it not for my duties…” “I know,” Duo smiled shaking off the fog in his brain. “It’s probably better to stop this now anyway.” “Wait,” Hiiro entreated. “I… “ “I should go find Wufei,” Duo smiled. “And you have a duty to fulfill.” Hiiro stood silently and watched him walk away unable to find the words to convey the storm of emotions he had caused in his heart. Duo could very easily make him the happiest man alive for the rest of his life, so easily in fact that he was seriously contemplating attaching himself to him permanently but the knowledge that no matter how long his life remained Duo would invariably be left alone simmered in his mind. His face would still be just as beautiful when Hiiro’s was dry and withered with age. His eyes would continue to sparkle when Hiiro’s had long since dimmed and winked out and his heart ached to think of the beautiful elf morning his lost human lover for hundreds of years. He returned to the clearing with a heavy heart and found himself wondering if leaving Duo to Wufei would be kinder. He had seen the pain of loss in the changeling’s eyes. The thought of causing Duo that sort of pain was a cross he wasn’t sure he was willing to bear. ~ * ~ tbc... |
