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"Consortium"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 Adventure, BEWARE THE FLUFFINMIESTER!
Hiiro POV, There might be a curse word here and thar. Oh and some
Lemony type stuff too. Pairings: 1x2, 3x4, 5+all Summary: In a world desperate for peace a prince’s
hand is promised in an attempt to unite the people and avert war.
However, the agreement is complicated when he comes of age and finally
meets his intended only to discover that the bride he had once dreamed
of is, in fact, a man. " Consortium" Chapter 2 I did not see nor hear from Duo again until our wedding day. I had half expected him not to come as I had only just convinced myself to attend. A full month had passed since his arrival and though I had made several attempts to contact him, each had been refuted without reply. It was blatantly obvious that if we were to achieve any small success with the merger it would be necessary for us to collaborate. His refusal to meet with me left me with more reservations than I could possibly address without seeing him face to face, so I was eager to have the ceremony over and done with in order to have a moment to clear the air between us. However, I had not been as prepared for his arrival as I had thought. I stood at my mother’s side, Trowa at my right hand as always, Wufei close by his side as Duo entered. My mind had played the scene time and again over the past few years, a flowing white gown veiling the delicate beauty that would henceforth become my wife. It was an oddly pleasant experience to find the beauty intact though he far exceeded any image my mind had ever conjured up. The gown was absent, replaced by heavy robes of deep crimson and black framing a face no man could possibly have discerned as anything but sublime. “If there was ever a negate cause to rally a harem it has just entered the chapel,” Wufei whispered to Trowa. “I would be happy to divulge any information necessary to aid in the seduction of such a creature,” Trowa commented quietly at my ear. “However, for the moment I believe the imitation of a cod fish is unbecoming of a King. Close your mouth.” I snapped it shut so fast Mother giggled under her breath and Trowa and Wufei laughed out loud. My regret for the gender of my mate washed greedily through my chest as my mind supplied me with the resplendent vision of what his children might be like. “My Lord,” he addressed me, the hard anger in his eyes softening as he strode forward until he began to resemble the blushing bride I had once fantasized about. “Master Duo,” I greeted having decided long ago that this would be an acceptable title leaving him both his dignity and self-respect. Howard, the man Duo had argued with on the day of his arrival, presented him to me as he would any bride but Duo refused to allow himself to be treated as such stepping up to my side, his head held high as he regarded the multitude that had turned out to witness the union. It was truly remarkable how easily he had been accepted as my partner and mate although it was unclear, as yet, how his nation was reacting to the news. All reports so far had apparently been favorable. The consortium would, after all, prevent the bloodshed of war by uniting our two lands. I could feel the heat of his ire during the ceremony and knew my fears had not been unfounded. He had agreed to the marriage in the best interest of the people, but he was clearly not happy about it. His words were clipped, best spoken in hushed tones, his vows of fidelity and fealty to the crown painful to hear. I knew even as he bound himself to me that the promises he made were unfounded by any true desire to offer them and it became clear that, as things stood, we would be no better off than when we resided on separate sides of the sea. He disappeared before the reception even began. It took me two hours to find him and when I did I wished to begin the day over and escape into the hills before my life could take its downward turn. Ten minutes later and I would have had nothing more than a note and new chambermaid to show for my wedding day. “Where are you going?” I demanded, seeing his servants loading what remained of his belongings onto a coach. “To the east,” he replied matter of factly. “Why?” How dare he decide such things on his own. “Look,” he sighed, turning to face my growing dismay with an ease I am not accustomed to. “We might have been forced into this ridiculous agreement, but there’s no reason we have to endure the mocking that will no doubt come from it.” “This is meant to be a partnership,” I reminded him, not at all sure why I was so angry over his lack of enthusiasm. “We can work together,” he smiled. “I like what you’ve got going on here. The governors back home are going to be very happy with what I’ve already learned. But there’s no way I’m living with you.” “That is your rightful place,” I snapped, shocking myself almost as much as I did him. “Like it or not you are my mate…” “Whoa! Wait a minute!” he gasped, laughing as he backed away and I suddenly had the urge to shake him. “You expect us to live together?” he asked incredulously. “Like a real couple?” “We are the people’s one chance at peace,” I reminded him. “This partnership will not survive if it is forced to begin at such a distance.” “I might be your partner but I’m damn well not your wife!” he snipped. “There’s no way I’m living with a man.” “You will remain in my house as my partner and mate,” I commanded, and though I pride myself on that ability he seemed less than impressed. “I realize how hard this is,” I tried a different tact. “It’s no different for me but we must build the consortium on a foundation of mutual trust. That cannot be achieved over distance.” “Listen to him,” Quatre, the blond boy that had accompanied him upon his arrival smiled softly and I felt the discontent in the room drop by ten degrees. Who this boy was, was unclear as of yet due to the fact that he kept himself in closed quarters most of the time but it was clear that Duo held his council in high regard. “I’m not sharing a room with him,” Duo sighed and I found myself smiling in a way that left me feeling oddly lightheaded. ** “No way in hell!” “Don’t tell me you didn’t realize your duties as the King’s betrothed,” Wufei sniggered, making me want to bash the left side of his face in. I had only just convinced Duo to stay, the last thing I needed was for Wufei and Trowa to start in on him. “Betrothed my ass,” Duo retorted, gulping another full glass of wine. “There’s no way I’m sleeping in the same bed with another guy.” “It is customary for the wedded couple to consummate the marriage,” Trowa grinned. “Consummate this,” Duo replied, accentuating the comment with a firm grip to his groin, his poise dropping a notch when my flirtatious Lieutenant grinned and quietly responded… “Gladly.” “Beware,” Wufei laughed. “Master Duo is a sovereign of the realm now. You’re advances could be considered high treason.” “You’re into guys?” Duo asked bluntly and Trowa managed to spew red wine all over the lot of us while Wufei doubled up with laugher. “Stable boys to be more precise,” I jibed, hoping to use Trowa’s eccentric desires to ease the tension of our own situation. “Is that common here?” Duo asked, tossing a wary glance my way. “Only among those with emerald eyes,” Wufei chuckled while Trowa caught his breath. “Where’s Quatre?” Duo asked, looking around the crowd for his companion and I felt something unpleasant stir inside me. “Lurking in the corner by the food,” Trowa informed us and I wondered for a moment how he had known since he hadn’t bothered to look before the tell tale gleam in those brilliant eyes of his revealed more than a latent interest in the blond boy’s whereabouts. Hn. “We should turn in,” Duo commented, making note of Quatre’s position. “We?” I found myself questioning, feeling none too friendly toward the young blond all of a sudden. “You said you would not share quarters with another man.” “Quatre is no ordinary man,” was the only response I was offered before my betrothed excused himself and went to gather his companion and leave. “Alas, the shame of it,” Trowa sighed sadly. “Jilted for another on his wedding night,” Wufei solemnly agreed and I took great pleasure in sweeping his feet from beneath him as I departed. Duo insisted that Quatre be allowed to live with him in the palace, bringing insult to injury over the entire `I refuse to live with a man` issue. Did he not realize the slight blond was as male as any man in my court? Admittedly, he was a sensitive creature who had easily won the affection of the staff but that in no way deprived him of his masculinity. By the end of the second week I found myself in an ill temper as I was forced to endure the chiding of my friends while Duo made a home for himself with Quatre by his side. They were, for the most part, inseparable and the more comfortable they became in their new home, spending time eating, reading and even sleeping in the same chamber together, the more the entire situation was starting to piss me off. Trowa had assisted me with the day’s audience that morning, which proved to be a prudent measure as my discontent had surfaced in my management of the petty affairs of state. Thankfully, my Lieutenant has no qualms about stepping in to ensure the tables of justice are evenly weighed. Duo, on the other hand, simply sat quietly and watched, his head periodically dipping close to Quatre’s ear to consult him over this or that and the squabbling between commoners suddenly became more incredibly annoying than ever before. “…not like a hog knows the difference between barley and hay!” the merchant snarled at his opponent. “You tricked me!” the farmer snapped back. “My son’s honor is at stake Your Highness! How could I possibly accept a hay fed animal as dowry for his daughter?” “Then give her back,” I sighed heavily, not really caring about the affronted expressions on their faces. “Perhaps, we should have a look at the hog?” Trowa interjected patiently and my dander flared when the sound of Duo’s quiet chuckle sounded in the air. “You have something to say?” I shot at him but his smile only grew wider. “You appear out of sorts,” he replied. “Bold words from a man who apparently has nothing to offer but criticism,” I snapped, biting the inside of my lip when Quatre leaned in to whisper something softly in his ear. “I wouldn’t think my assistance would be necessary to deal with an underfed hog.” “It would appear your assistance is unnecessary in many affairs,” I countered smoothly, very much enjoying the fact that the words had finally wiped that silly grin from his face. “Prudence requires a time of study before one can offer any intelligent alteration,” he intoned. “Then allow your pet to speak for you,” I sighed tiredly, waving a dismissive hand at the lot of them. “He appears to a have plenty to say.”“S…Sire,” the merchant stammered. “If you please, our contest?” “It would be wiser to resolve the debate amongst yourselves,” Duo smiled coolly and I felt a shiver run straight down my spine. “Fair law would appear to be at the mercy of your King’s evil temper this day.” “B… but, Your Highness,” the farmer interjected, pulling a sorry looking sow along by the ear. “Look here, you see? Thin as a broomstick as I have said…” “You’ve starved her half to death!” the merchant gasped. “Highness, I have had her nigh on to a week…” “Long enough for her to wither away!” “No properly fed hog could grow this forlorn in less than a fortnight!” “Enough!” I barked and silence reigned. I was pleased to note that even Duo’s eyes had responded to the command and latched onto the idea hatching in my brain. Letting the smugness in my soul slip out to take up residence in my expression I smiled and relaxed as I said, “You decide.” And as I had expected, Quatre instantly leaned toward his ear. “By all means speak,” I preempted his council loudly, drawing both a cross gaze from Duo and what I could only be surmise as a calculating one from Quatre before he smiled and quietly retreated. “Come now,” I prodded arrogantly. “Let us all hear the wisdom of Master Duo’s beloved jewel.” My plan had only half worked, causing Duo’s face to turn an angry red; however, Quatre not only remained sublimely composed, he seemed rather amused as he smiled and turned his attention to the squabbling men. “Return her,” he told the farmer who looked at him uncertainly. “If within one month she is not presented to you in satisfactory condition the dowry will be paid in a fair monetary exchange.” “Pay him!?” the merchant snorted. “Deliver what you have promised or make good retribution,” Quatre smiled and even I felt the wave of contentment that washed through the room as the two men nodded dumbly and took their leave. “He could charm the stars from the heavens,” Trowa whispered in my ear and I can’t say I had it in me to disagree. “Is it often your custom to allow courtiers to manage your affairs?” Duo growled softly. “Only when their Masters refuse to honor their duty.” “My aide was never your intention!” “My intention is to rule justly in peace and harmony!” I spat back, rising to my feet. “A task I had hoped to share with a loving partner!” “Then you are a fool to have married a man!” he snapped, standing to face me head on. “Man or woman!” I roared, “Respect and admiration are not contingent upon designation! What has gender got to do with love!?!” “I…! W…what?” The wily minx had lost his wind. Yes! “Do you believe I care any less for Trowa simply because he is a man!?” I persisted, thoroughly enjoying the sudden confusion in his eyes. “That I am incapable of holding Wufei dear to my heart for the lack of breasts?!” His gaze dropped then darted about in consideration. “Trust is born only from experience, something your elusiveness has undermined from the start!” I could see by his expression that he understood what I was saying and decided to press the issue. “Enough of this game,” I stated firmly, squaring my shoulders as I gazed into his eyes. “You will move into my chambers tonight,” I commanded, adding, “Quatre may remain in the rooms you now occupy,” before he could spit out whatever venomous words were throttling him. It was in me to gloat over the moment but I found I couldn’t really enjoy the thought as his mouth slowly closed and his eyes dropped sadly to the floor. I knew he would obey in that moment though for the life of me I couldn’t figure out why I felt as if I had lost the argument. “If you will excuse us,” he said quietly, offering me a shallow bow before leading Quatre out, presumably to move his things. “A bold move, Your Highness,” Wufei grinned in my ear. “Aye,” Trowa added in the other. “But I wonder… is he aware your chambers hold only one bed?” “Shut up.” I only half heard their teasing laughter as the truth of the statement ran rampant in my mind. What in the name of Heaven had I done? ~ * ~ |
