"Shinigami’s Lot "

Written By: t-shirt

Disclaimer: I don't own Gundam Wing. Written for pleasure not profit.

Rating: NC 17

Warnings: AU/High School Gang War, Violence, blood, fighting, violent NCS (rape), language, Bastardized Hiiro (in the beginning), Evil Dr. J, Evil Relena, Prejudice, angst, OOC, Duo POV, humor believe it or not! and I'm told this one will give you a freakishly dark case of the warm fuzzies before its all over. >;^/

Pairings: 2+Hilde, 2+Solo, 2+4, 2+5, 1+3, Rx1 (unrequited), Mx5 (also unrequited), 5x13, 6x9, 3x4, SoloxCatherine, and yes! 1X2!!!! YeeAAaay!

Summary: A small town harbors big trouble as rival factions face off in a war seemingly bred of predjudice and ill content. While Hiiro's White Wing Gang tries to banish the gay community Duo does his best to protect those that have come to be known as 'Shinigami's Lot'. However, dark secrets and misunderstandings lead them on an inevitable path back to one another as old feelings refuse to fade and they discover a love that will ultimately survive.

"Shinigami’s Lot "

Chapter 4

When the weekend arrived, Duo began preparing for the black tie formal. His mother had rented him a tux and he’d spent the afternoon washing, combing and braiding his hair three different ways. It wasn’t really nerves that had him fidgeting as much as he was just trying to kill time. After much consideration, he finally decided on his usual braid and began to dress. He’d never worn a tux before, but it was mostly self-explanatory so he managed to get everything situated and looking proper before he went downstairs to face his Mother.

“Oh, Duo!” she exclaimed, fetching the camera off the counter. “You look divine!” she cooed, smothering him with smiles and flashes from the camera. He smiled dutifully and rolled his eyes when she made him lift his arms so she could check and make sure his cummerbund was properly fitted. She turned him around once then stopped and sobered, reaching out to touch his cheek. “Are sure about this?” she asked one last time. “You don’t have to go. We could make arrangements for a private interview.”

He smiled and kissed her fingers before batting a stray lock of hair from her face and turning to leave. He took a cab up Peremptory Hill, arriving fashionably late as always. He hadn’t made it all the way in the door when Quatre accosted him. The blond looked stunning in his black, formal attire and Duo couldn’t help a low, teasing whistle that left the blond boy blushing furiously.

“Duo, you’re such a tease,” he accused, pulling his friend into the grand ballroom. It was truly a sight to behold with its great crystal chandeliers and high windows. Large arched doors led out into a fine garden that was lit by hundreds of tiny white lights hidden in the bushes and trees. An orchestra played soft music that was easy to talk over and there was a buffet of appetizers and drinks set up along one wall. People came and went showing off their finery. Ladies in elaborate gowns clung to the arms of tightlipped men in pressed suites and starched shirts. Not at all what Duo would have considered a party but then he wasn’t there to have fun.

Quatre introduced him around to some of the people that would be assessing him, and if anyone noticed the blonds insistence on speaking for him, no one questioned it. They were speaking with the dean of one of the schools that had offered Duo a grant when the man suddenly changed the subject from scholarships to his daughter.

“Have you met my daughter, Lauren?” he asked with bright eyes.

Duo sipped his drink, smiled and shook his head.

“Oh, you must,” the man insisted, searching for a moment then motioning for a young woman to join them. “Lauren,” he greeted kissing her cheek.. “Lauren, this is Duo Maxwell. He’s a very good prospect for our aviator’s scholarship this year. Lauren is attending St. Bridgett’s academy; a fine finishing school near Chesterfield,” he puffed up.

Duo took the hand Lauren extended as she greeted him and squeezed it gently. She looked a bit disappointed he didn’t sweep down and nibble a knuckle or two but hey, such is life. He felt her eyes rake over him as he turned his gaze back toward her father.

“Yes, well,” he began not seeming to know what to think of either Duo’s silence or his apparent lack of interest in his daughter. “She’ll be going to Europe next summer to study as well…”

“My dear Mr. Cardington, I’m afraid your fighting a loosing battle,” a cool female voice drawled as Relena Darlian sidled up to join them. It was bad enough having to tolerate the grand socialites presence; the fact that she was hanging off Hiiro’s arm however, compounded the matter. Trowa was with them and took his customary place at Hiiro’s side. “I’m afraid he would be more interested in you than your daughter. Isn’t that right Mr. Maxwell?”

Duo smiled, but there was no happiness in it as Quatre came to his rescue once again. “I’ve heard the World Cup will be held in London next summer,” he said to Lauren. “Will you attend?”

“Yes,” Relena cut in, “I’m sure you’ll have no trouble acquiring a suitable escort for the event. Perhaps I could assist in introducing you to some of the available boys here. Normal boys. Perhaps Trowa could show you around?” she added with a cold glance at Duo.

He had managed to pretty much ignore Hiiro for the most part by pretending he was a tree. Not that far a stretch since he rarely moved and hardly ever spoke, but the boy’s insistence on staring openly at him was becoming unnerving.

“I beg your pardon?” Mr. Cardington returned, not understanding what the hell Relena was on about.

“Why, Duo?” the girl mockingly intoned. “Have you been leading poor Mr. Cardington to believe you’d be interested in his daughter? Last I heard your gay rights movement had stirred up some nasty business in town.”

“Gay rights?” Mr. Cardington asked.

“Yes,” Relena confirmed smiling triumphantly. “Beaten by a jealous, drunken lover wasn’t it?” she asked coolly taking a sip from her tall glass.

“Oh, my!” Cardington exclaimed. “Lauren,” he said, turning to his daughter. “Would you mind getting me another drink?” It was obvious the man didn’t want his child exposed to such talk. Duo felt the flushed heat of both embarrassment and anger flooding his face.

Relena smiled and added, “Mr. Barton? Please tell me you’re not going to allow this young lady to walk about unattended?”

Trowa’s expression remained, as ever, impassive. He held the socialites cool blue gaze a moment before relinquishing himself to Lauren’s hopeful gaze and walking away with her clinging to his arm.

Quatre’s eyes sparkled as he took up his silent friend’s defense. “One would think such inane rumors would be summarily dismissed by anyone with any intelligence,” he stated, a small grin blossoming on his lips as the girl’s eyes hardened with the insult.

She recovered fairly quickly however, sighing as if she were bored with the entire subject as she countered, “Perhaps Mr. Maxwell would care to clarify?” Her eyes flicked to Hiiro for a moment, taking in his unblinking scrutiny of the long hared boy curiously. Her expression darkened, a shadow of evil intent invading her sky blue eyes. “Nothing to say Mr. Maxwell?” she purred. After a moment with no reply she pulled Hiiro closer and continued. “Oh yes, of course. Your refusal to speak. I do hope you’ve found a decent psychiatrist for your condition. Or perhaps you’re simply afraid of another beating if you reveal your story?”

Hiiro’s gaze had become so intense it was affecting the entire group. Duo got a wild hair and decided to turn the tables on him allowing a slow smile to spread on his lips, one that didn’t find his eyes as they bored into the cobalt stare of his rival. He paused a moment, holding his gaze before he gave a small, flirtatious wink and lifted his glass to tap against Hiiro’s in a gesture of a toast. Relena’s expression darkened further when Hiiro faltered and looked away.

Quatre had had enough. “If you must know. ‘Miss’ Relena. Duo was performing in an amateur talent show with several of his other classmates, myself included, when he was brutally raped and left for dead by some unnamed sleaze ball that should have his balls ripped off and fed to my dogs!”

Relena’s eyes hardened but she kept silent. Mr. Cardington was understandably shocked. Duo wasn’t too happy either but all in all the truth was the better of the two stories.

The blond socialite finally found her tongue. “Well,” she breathed softly looking out over the crowd, “I suppose when one associates with such people these things can happen. Hiiro,” she suddenly changed tactics. “Aren’t you on the list for one of Mr. Cardington’s grants?”

“Yes,” the man grabbed the chance for a change of subject “Mr. Yui isn’t it?”

“Please, call me Hiiro,” he offered taking the man’s hand in a firm handshake.

“Yes, I recall. Your scores were most impressive, young man.” He grinned.

Relena’s eyes narrowed slightly as a smug expression washed over her face and she glared at Duo grinning with satisfaction.

Quatre decided they’d had enough and should move on to someone else. “Mr. Cardington. If you’ll excuse us?”

“Of course, yes, yes. Very nice to meet you Mr. Umm Maxwell. Yes. Good luck, young man,” he said before turning back to his conversation with Hiiro.

Quatre tried to lift Duo’s spirits and Duo tried to respond but little seemed to matter to him anymore. Hiiro had taken it all away. His chance to fulfill his dream was only the last in a long line. If he lost the grants it would be the last thing Hiiro could take other than his life.

Quatre tied to stay with him but his duties pulled him away more and more throughout the night. Sometime later Duo found himself standing quietly on the veranda looking up at the silent stars. He could just make out the twinkling presence of L2, the colony of his birth. He recalled the slums that had once been his home. The cold streets he’d once roamed in search of food, water and shelter before Solo had found him and brought him to an elderly priest that had given him a home here on Earth. He remembered the day he’d met a chocolate-hared boy with amazing, cobalt blue eyes.

It was late before he realized the ballroom had emptied out, leaving only a few stragglers and diehard gossips milling around near the front door as they lingered in their preparation to depart. He didn’t see Quatre anywhere so he decided to wait a few more minutes so he could say goodnight. Once the others were gone, his duties would be over for the night. A short time later Quatre joined him, the hall seemed hollow and cold without all the people milling around making his footsteps ring out as he approached. The echoing sound died the moment his feet crossed the threshold and he stepped onto the gravely surface of the veranda.

“There you are,” he greeted, walking over to stand beside his friend. “I’d hoped you hadn’t left yet.” Duo smiled and looked back toward the sky. “I… I’m sorry I couldn’t stay with...”

Duo put his hand to the blond boy’s lips giving him a scolding look that clearly said, ‘Do not apologize to me.’

Quatre smiled and rolled his eyes softly. Looking at the spot in the sky Duo seemed to find so interesting, he suddenly realized something. “Do you have a ride home? I could have Abdul drive you. Its no trouble,” he added when Duo’s brow went up.

The braided boy considered a moment then nodded his agreement before returning his gaze to the velvet blanket above.

They were quiet for a time before Quatre finally worked up the nerve to say what was on his mind. “Why won’t you speak?”

Duo didn’t reply. He didn’t move or blink or hardly seem to be breathing.

Quatre’s face fell somber. “You can’t stay mute forever you know? I don’t understand why you keep your silence but you don’t have to talk about what happened. Just… talk.”

Duo stood still for a long moment before turning to face him; his brow drew together slowly as he opened his mouth but no sound would come. Hot tears swelled in his eyes reflecting the stars in the night sky as all the pain came crashing down on him once again.

He suddenly found himself in a fierce embrace as Quatre flung himself on him and held him tight. “Oh, Duo! I’m so sorry, so sorry,” he breathed as Duo returned the hug, burying his face deep in his shoulder.

“You people should be dragged out and shot,” a voice drawled from down the garden path.

The friends separated and looked toward the disturbance finding three boys strolling toward them with smug smiles, their lofty demeanor reeking of wealth. Duo didn’t recognize them and deduced that they must be students of St. Gabriel’s. They wore the loosened remnants of tux’s’ from the evening and stood a good head taller than either of the friends on the veranda.

“Shouldn’t you be out getting your fang’s sharpened, Trent?” Quatre shot at the boy in the lead.

“Careful, sunny boy,” the boy drawled with a hateful grin. “So, it’s true after all,” he said with a satisfied smile. “Winner Jr.’s a fucking fag,” he laughed with his school mates as he reached up toward Quatre’s face as if he were going to push his bangs aside. “Daddy’s little girl.”

Quatre slapped his hand away fuming with rage, his bright, cerulean eyes suddenly alight and glittering with untold energy. Duo stood silent, his eyes cold and lifeless and fixed on the impudent Trent.

“You should learn to respect your betters, queer,” the boy sneered. His hand suddenly lashing out and smacking Quatre so hard upside his head he staggered backward several steps.

Duo instantly lashed out, cracking the boy in the jaw with one crucial blow. He caught him by the front of his loosely buttoned, ruffled shirt while he was still off balance and jerked, pulling him forward hard, his knee crushing the boy’s gentiles before he let him slump slowly to the ground whimpering in pain.

Trent’s companions did not stand idly by but launched into action as well. The brown haired boy on his left raced forward, kicking Quatre in the stomach before the blond could regain his balance from Trent’s blow. The other shorter, sandy haired blond tried to punch Duo in the face as Trent crumbled to the ground, only to find the fist he’d thrown caught and wrenched painfully.

Duo’s back suddenly exploded in pain as someone landed a vicious kidney shot, bringing him to his knees. A hand buried itself in his hair and pulled hard, slamming his head against the solid ground, sending a cascade of sparkling stars through his vision. His heart hammered, his eyes widening as the memory of Hiiro’s blurry visage swam before his eyes. He struggled desperately to his feet, his lungs sucking for air as he realized it wasn’t a memory.

Hiiro moved to stand beside him as Duo scampered backward a few steps, his eyes searching for an escape route but finding only his blond friend being help captive by the boy with the brown hair. Duo stood perfectly still, his eyes darting to the shiny silver blade the boy was holding to his friend’s throat then back to Hiiro.

Hiiro looked at Trent and raised an eyebrow as if impressed then looked back to Duo with a grin. “You’re still here?” he asked evenly.

Duo’s eyes flashed on Quatre again. Hiiro smiled and glanced at the blond boy before taking a step toward Duo.The braided boy stiffened and readied himself to fight. He started fearfully at a grunt from Quatre as the boy holding him pressed the blade harder against his throat. Hiiro had paused when he tensed, but now smiled and took another step toward him, confident the violet-eyed boy knew the consequences of resistance.

Duo vibrated with the need to fight but let him come, his eyes fixing on Quatre’s as his nemesis walked around behind him and stepped up close to his back. Duo could feel the heat of his body as he leaned in close to his ear, his breath warming the soft, fleshy lobe as he softly intoned, “Now. How did this dance go?” before pulling his jacket halfway down his arms. He used the material to bind Duo’s arms just as he’d used his shirt to tie him when he’d raped him, then kicked him behind the knees, sending him crashing painfully to the ground. Jerking him into a kneeling position he grabbed his braid, wrapped it around his hand twice then buried his hand in the back of his hair, craning his neck and hissing in his ear, “I never gave you to him!”

Duo clenched his eyes shut. He couldn’t understand why the hell Hiiro kept saying that. Was it his fault his stepfather had been a pervert? What the hell had Duo done?! He hadn’t even known about the man’s perversion at the time. What the fuck did he do?! His eyes snapped open when Quatre let out a cry of pain.

Trent had managed to pull himself together and was standing in front of Quatre, pulling back for another vicious punch to the blonds pale face. Duo struggled but had no chance of freeing himself from Hiiro’s strong restrain as the boy brutally beat his friend. A hard hit to the eye split the skin, sending blood splattering to the ground. Another to the ribs left his friend in a coughing fit gasping for breath as he was kicked in the side of the head by a powerful roundhouse.

Duo knew Quatre was waning when his eyes glazed over. Much more could put him the hospital ...or worse. But there was little he could do. He wanted to cry out but his voice refused to obey. Hiiro held him tight, pulling him back against his chest, their cheeks pressed together as he forced him to watch the animalistic attack. He felt a tear roll down his cheek as a powerful blow to the chest ended with Quatre coughing up a trickle of blood. It ran down his chin as his head lolled from side to side in stark contrast to his pale skin.

“QUATRE!” a new voice shouted. A moment later Trowa bolted onto the veranda.

Trent turned to him, his breath heaving from his exertion as he chuckled. “Take over man. This little fucks tougher than he looks.” Then Trent’s world exploded in white stars and went abruptly black.

Trowa’s fist darted out smashing into the brown-hared boy’s face before Trent’s body hit the ground. Quatre fell unconscious as the tall boy’s foot came around and crashed into the brown-hared boy’s head sending him sprawling across the veranda. Hiiro shoved Duo knocking him to the ground as he stood up and took a step toward his Lieutenant. Trowa had Quatre in his arms, frantically looking him over and calling his name softly.

“Quatre? Oh gods, what have they done... Quatre? Wake up... please...”

“What they hell are you doing?” Hiiro demanded.

Trowa turned his eyes on his friend and for the first time they were not empty but bore the weight of his fury. “Why did you do this!?” he shouted. Duo had never known the boy to raise his voice before. He watched with intent interest as he struggled to sit up.

“What does it matter?!” Hiiro returned. “He’s one of them!”

Trowa took off his jacket and rolled it up to pillow the blonds head on before he stood and continued. “Don’t you even try to fuckin lie to me, Hiiro! THAT..” he shouted pointing at Duo “...is YOUR major malfunction. This isn’t about Quatre! You didn’t have to hurt him!”

“He’s a freak,” Hiiro said coolly, his cold glare settling on the tall boy. “They’re all the same.”

“You’ve lost it!” Trowa yelled. “You don’t even know what your fighting for anymore, do you!? It used to be a game! Something to get a rise outta him!” he pointed to Duo again, “But it’s gone to damn far! LOOK!” he shouted indicating the battered blond on the ground. “What did he ever do to you?! Huh!? What did he fucking do to deserve this?!”

“You’re crossing the line, Trowa” Hiiro warned, his tone an icy chill that matched the glacial gleam in his eyes.

“Don’t ever hurt him again,” Trowa returned in a deadly whisper mirroring his friends gaze.

The next ten seconds went by in slow motion. Trent had awakened and having found the dropped knife was kneeling over Quatre’s slowly rousing form. The blonds’ eyes went wide and he gasped softly when he saw the blade held above his chest.

Duo’s mouth dropped open as he struggled to gain his feet and Trowa’s head turned.

A strangled scream ripped from Duo’s throat, “NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!” as Trowa’s hand slipped beneath Hiiro’s jacket, seizing the pistol hidden there and raising it before he fired.

Trent jerked as the bullet lodged in his brain leaving a small hole in his forehead that trickled a small river of bright, red blood before the knife fell harmlessly from his limp hand to clatter to the stony ground. Slowly, he fell to the side, his head bouncing once before he finally lay still as the grave. No one moved. The night itself seemed to forget to breathe as the stale odor of sulfur filled the air. All was still and silent until the soft sound of crying gently rose.

Trowa dropped the gun on the ground and rushed to Quatre’s side, pulling him into his arms and brushing the tears from his cheeks. “Its alright ...I’ve got you… don’t cry...” he soothed. Quatre only sobbed harder and buried his head in his chest, letting himself be completely submerged in the safety of his arms. Trowa held him close and rocked him, his hand petting his hair as he continued to whisper gentle words of comfort.

“What the hell’s going on here?” a deep base asked as Rashid darted up the garden path. He stopped abruptly as he took in the scene. Duo sat with his arms bound in his coat; Trowa held Quatre’s battered body as he cried. Two boy’s lay on the ground unconscious and a third was dead from a gunshot wound to the head. Hiiro stood in the middle of it all looking quiet unruffled other than the blank expression in his eyes. Rashid didn’t wait for an explanation, immediately pulling his cell phone from his hip.

It took the rest of the night and half of the next day to sort it all out. Trowa was released into his own custody under the condition that he not leave town before his trial could take place. His freedom was granted only due to the fact that he’d been protecting Quatre’s life when he shot the boy. Quatre had two broken ribs and a cracked jaw, the remainder of his injuries being deep bruises and cuts that looked as bad as they felt. He was released from the hospital and sent home that afternoon under the pretence that he would be provided a home nurse. Hiiro had been placed on probation for his part in the beating but since he hadn’t actually done the deed it was more of a formality than anything else. Duo had regained his will to speak once his silence had been broken but kept his words few and concise just the same. He still refused to reveal that it had been Hiiro that had raped him.

Once he’d been released, he headed over to Quatre’s to check up on him. The Winner Mansion was huge with sprawling grounds and a tall, wrought iron gate with a voice box and coded keypad you had to buzz to get permission to enter. He pressed the button and gave his name. He’d only been there briefly once or twice with Quatre but they knew him well enough that they let him in.

Rashid answered the door with a smile and ushered him inside. “How are you feeling, Master Duo?” he asked kindly.

“Just, Duo,” the braided boy reminded the huge man. “I’ve been better. How’s Quatre?”

Rashid kept smiling even though it was small and pained “Better,” he replied. “He will be happy to see you are well.”

“Can I see him?” Duo asked.

“Of course. This way,” Rashid replied. He led him up a wide half-spiral staircase that circled the outer wall of the great room and down several halls until he stopped in front of a huge oak door and knocked.

“Yes?” Quatre’s muffled voice called through the door.

“Mast... uh… Duo is here to see you,” the big man replied.

“Oh good! Show him in,” the blond piped up.

Rashid smiled and opened the door, admitting Duo and shutting it behind him.

Duo stopped and stared for a moment, his eyes narrowing suspiciously as they browsed over Trowa’s form seated beside Quatre’s bed.

The blond looked nervously between the two before smiling brightly at Duo and beaming. “Trowa’s brought me the most unusual game,” he told him, holding out a deck of cards they’d apparently been playing with.

Duo looked at it, noticing the bright colors and oversized deck. He quirked an eyebrow and walked closer.

“It’s an Old Earth game called Uno. It’s quiet delightful, we should play sometime,” Quatre explained.

Duo flashed another uneasy glance at Trowa, causing Quatre to roll his eyes. “Duo,” the blond said in frustration. “The man saved my life. Give it a break.”

“You can’t blame him,” Trowa reasoned. “We’ve been at it for a long time.”

“Yes but...” Quatre tried to intervene.

Trowa cut him off by pressing his fingers to his lips which caught Duo off guard and made him step forward protectively. Trowa’s eyes flickered over him once before they returned to the pouting blond. “Give him time. Trust must be earned.”

Duo stood, still not knowing quite what to think as Trowa’s hand flattened out on Quatre’s cheek, his thumb running softly over the blonds full lower lip before retreating and sitting back in his chair.

Quatre just sat there a moment staring at the tall boy with stars sparkling in his eyes before he finally snapped out of it and turned his attention back to Duo. “It’s nice to hear your voice again,” he beamed.

Duo gave him a strange look as he sat down on the bed next to him. He flashed the look at Trowa and balked gently at the silly grin he found on the usually stoic boy’s face. His eyes flickered to Quatre and back again to find the grin had disappeared. He sighed and tried to get a grip.

“When will you be able to return to school?” he asked.

“Next week if my ribs heal well,” Quatre replied.

“I’ll pick up your assignments if you like,” Duo offered.

“Thanks,” Quatre replied before adding, “but Trowa’s already taking care of it.”

Duo started. He just couldn’t get used to the idea of Trowa Barton being anything but a threat. “Isn’t Hiiro gonna get pissy with you for this?” he asked.

Trowa shrugged, “I’m tired of his shit. It was never meant to go this far,” he told them.

“What’dya mean?” Duo queried suspiciously.

“Started out as just a game I guess,” Trowa informed them. “I don’t know,” he said distantly. “At first I thought he was just pissed at you for some reason and using the others to get to you. It seemed harmless enough until people started getting hurt. By then things had gotten out of hand and there seemed to be no easy way to bring it back under control.” His gaze turned to Quatre as he leaned in closer to him raising his hand to cup the boy’s head just under the ear. Duo noticed the way Quatre leaned into the touch and the small shiver that ran through the blond at the contact. “It was never about gays or straights for me,” he said caressing the soft cheek under his thumb. He looked into the huge blue/green eyes that glittered and flashed before him and voiced his softly spoken vow. “I’ll never let them hurt you again.”

Duo swallowed. He could see the truth in the tall boy’s green eyes. His head still refused to believe what his heart was telling him but at least half of him had caught up. “So you’re not his friend anymore?” Duo asked.

Trowa withdrew his hand once more leaving the blond a bit rattled and short of breath before he answered. “Of course I am.” Both Duo and Quatre looked sharply at him but he only shrugged. “He’s my friend. I don’t turn my back on friends just because their confused or in pain.”

“In pain?” Duo scoffed. “He’s the one intent on breakin’ every ones neck!”

Trowa sighed lightly and tried to explain. “He’s really a great guy. I don’t know what he has against you but whatever it is it’s eating him alive. He was a different person when we met. Now…” he shook his head. “I don’t know? It’s like he’s dying inside. What happened between you two?”

“He found out I was gay and turned on me like a rabid wolf, that’s what!” Duo snapped.

“Turned on you?” Quatre asked.

Duo paused not really wanting to go into it but he felt he owed the blond some kind of explanation as to why he’d been beaten with in an inch of his life. He stood and went to the window, looking out at the manicured grounds and the sparkling pool. “We were best friends until he found out I was gay” he told them. He paused for a moment trying to hold the memory at bay before he finally gave in. “He caught me kissing my date good night,” he snorted softly. “My first date… first kiss for that matter” he paused. “He just about killed the guy and kicked my ass royally, then told me to get outta town… outta his life…” his eyes glazed over as the memories danced in his mind. “He’s been trying to run me out ever since,” he finished turning back to face them.

“Oh, Duo,” Quatre exclaimed as tears welled up in his bruised eyes.

Duo smiled, the blond was so sensitive sometimes. “Relax Quatre. It’s ok,” he told him. “It was along time ago.”

“Still,” the blond said softly.

“Well” Trowa interjected. “It still doesn’t make any sense. This whole gay thing is a joke. I’ve seen him be perfectly friendly with other gays before. He’s only like this with you and your friends.”

“Figures!” Duo spat. He sat on the bed again and dropped his head in his hands scrubbing his eyes with his palms. “Gods,” he groaned dejectedly. “What did I do wrong?”

“You didn’t do anything,” Quatre comforted. “I don’t understand any of this but I know it is not your fault. Whatever his problem is, it’s something he needs to deal with. Not you.”

Duo raised his head and looked at Trowa for a moment. A sudden thought entered his head as he remembered his words from earlier. ‘I don’t turn my back on my friends.’ “Maybe I’ve been goin’ about this all wrong,” he said thoughtfully. They both looked at him as if asking for an explanation. “If he’s hurting as much as you say he is. Then it’d be my duty as his friend to find out why, wouldn’t ya think?”

Trowa’s lips curled slightly into a small smile but Quatre seemed ready to explode in a scolding fit at what that statement seemed to imply.

“What the hell are you saying!?” he exclaimed. “You shouldn’t go anywhere near him! He’s dangerous Duo! You know he’d just as soon stick a knife in your ba…”

“What other choice do I have!?” Duo suddenly snapped. “He’s never gonna quit if I don’t do something!” he shouted.

“He fucking raped you, Duo!”

Duo’s next words died in his throat. He wanted to deny it, wanted to scream, wanted to slap the blond for having guessed his secret, but instead he just sat motionless and stared.

“Oh, gods,” Trowa breathed. “Is that true?” he asked in shock.

Duo didn’t answer but kept his eyes locked with Quatre’s.

“Is it?” Trowa asked again, his voice hardening as he spoke.

Violet eyes dropped slowly to the mattress as Duo nodded his confirmation.

“Fuck,” Trowa exclaimed softly.

They were quiet for a moment while everyone tried to collect their thoughts then Trowa spoke up again. “Why didn’t you turn him in?”

“What’s the point?” Duo asked softly.

“The point is he fucking raped you!” Quatre growled in exasperation. “He should be punished for that!”

“It doesn’t matter now,” Duo said. “It’s too late to run crying to the cops. I don’t wanna live through that scene.”

“That would explain why he shut down after that night,” Trowa said softly.

“Shut down?” Duo asked.

Trowa nodded. “He quit talking at all for awhile. Shit,” he exclaimed as if something just clicked. “That’s why he kept following you around too I’ll bet. Maybe he wanted to make sure you weren’t gonna tell anyone.”

“He followed me?”

“Yeah,” Trowa confirmed. “He just kept finding a spot where he could see you and staring. You caught him at it a couple of times.”

Duo nodded, remembering the staring contests at school. “Well, at least it makes a little more since now,” he surmised. “If it’s just me he hates that would explain why he was able to rape me and not hate himself for being a fag bastard like he’s always tellin me I am.”

“I don’t get it,” Quatre said. “I’ve been trying to work it out. I thought maybe he meant to demean you by forcing on you what he hated you for but it still doesn’t make any sense. Why would he rape you? That would prove him to be the very thing he’s accusing you of.” A light suddenly lit up in Quatre’s eyes. “Unless... Unless he’s gay too!”

“What!?” Duo gasped in shock. It had never occurred to him before.

“Possible,” Trowa offered thoughtfully.

“Wait,” Duo stated holding up one hand. “You’re saying Hiiro hates me because ‘he’s’ gay? Not me?”

“It’s a possibility,” Trowa reasoned. “Some people have a very difficult time coming out, don’t they?”

“Well yeah, I suppose,” Duo had to agree. “But come on! I’ve known this guy since the third grade. He’s never shown the slightest interest in another guy.”

“He’s never shown the slightest interest in a girl either come to think of it,” Trowa mused.

“He has a girlfriend!” Duo countered.

“Yes. But I’ve never even seen him kiss her,” the green-eyed boy argued. “And it’s not for lack of her trying mind you. She fawns all over him anytime they’re alone.”

Duo didn’t have a counter for that. “Even if he was gay it still wouldn’t explain why he hates me so much. You said yourself he doesn’t seem to have a problem with other gays.” There. That made sense.

“No, but it gives us somewhere to start,” Trowa grinned.

“You can’t be serious!” Quatre burst out. “You can’t do this, Duo! He’ll hurt you again if you go anywhere near him!”

“He won’t have to,” Trowa informed them. “I’ll go have a talk with him.” Quatre looked as if he were going to object to that as well, but Trowa cut him off by gagging him with his fingertips again. “I’ll be fine,” he told the agitated blond. “He’s not going to hurt me.”

“How can you be sure?” Duo asked.

“Well, I’ll kick his ass for one,” Trowa grinned. “And it’s not me he’s really angry with. I’ll give him a few days to cool off. It’ll be fine,” he insisted.

“Why are you doin’ this?” Duo asked suspiciously.

Trowa’s emerald eyes once again caught Quatre’s gaze. The blond was instantly a prisoner, his own cerulean orbs glittering with untamed emotion as the tall boys hand slipped down his jaw, laced into the back of his hair and gently pulled him closer.

“Because,” Trowa softly intoned as he neared the blonds suddenly trembling lips, his own chest filled with a million butterflies that set his fingertips to tingling., “…suddenly…” he whispered as Quatre’s hands fisted in the sheet, his head tilting as his eyes slid half shut. “...I understand,” he finished as he kissed him.

Quatre let out a soft moan that sounded remarkably like a cats purr and had an even more remarkable effect on Trowa as he leaned into the kiss, pushing the blond slowly back on his pillow.

Duo stared in shock. He’d suspected as much but he didn’t dare believe it till now. “Oh,” he said intelligently as Trowa proceeded to squash the delirious blond into the bed. “Umm.. guys?” the braided boy said as little moans began to rise from the couple.

Quatre’s hands reached up and wrapped around Trowa’s neck, ensuring he wouldn’t be leaving anytime soon, and dragging him down on top of him. Trowa not only allowed this but slipped in beside the blond, making sure he didn’t put any pressure on his injured ribs as he sidled up as close as possible. Duo felt a hot flush rise to his cheeks. The couple didn’t seem to be pulling any punches as open-mouthed kisses led into roaming hands.

“Uh. I’m ...just gonna go,” Duo said shortly. “You’re busy n’ all.” He stood and walked to the door. “Umm I’ll ...call you later.” Neither of them seemed to even know he was still in the room. Duo’s assessment of his young blond friend changed a little as Trowa’s shirt suddenly disappeared, the tall boy’s hand fisted in the sheet as he pulled it back to revel the blonds softly surging body.

Duo lifted a brow in amazement as he opened the door. He couldn’t help one glance back inside before closing the door. Trowa had moved on top of his friend holding himself up so as to not put any pressure on his ribs but pressing against him just the same as he supped slowly on his eager mouth. Duo had to pause outside for a moment. He shook his head and ran his hands threw his bangs, discovering that he was damp with perspiration and blushing. A sudden thought hit him, and he forced himself to open the door slightly; just enough to reach his hand in and push the lock as louder groans filled the air then pulled it shut again.

He let himself out but paused again once outside the gate to stare at the house. Reality had definitely shifted. He thought of Hiiro and the possibility that he might be gay. He remembered the gentle kiss he’d shared with the stoic boy before he’d raped him and the tender kisses afterward and decided the idea had merit. It certainly wouldn’t explain the depth of the Japanese boy’s hatred for him but at least it was something. He walked home with a new spring in his step. He didn’t feel so lost anymore and one of his best friends was currently getting his cherry popped! Life wasn’t so bad after all. He had a plan; a mission and tomorrow they’d put that plan into action. ‘Operation Hiiro’ was about to begin.

**

Wufei walked down the long isle, the only illumination being the large torches high along the fifty-foot walls. His black slippers made no sound on the hard stone floor as he passed by huge pillars engraved with the images of his family heritage. Scenes of great battles with men and beasts alike littered the marble surfaces. Candles burned in every corner of the room paying homage to whatever spirit the worshiper had prayed to that day as he swept anxiously through the hall.

The cool night breeze brushed along his heated skin ruffling the folds of his billowy white pants as his mind danced with visions of promises as yet unrealized on this particular night. The corners of his mouth curled slightly; his mind lost in a daydream of things to come. He approached the great arched doorway with a spring in his step and a song in his heart, all of which came to a crashing halt the moment his eyes met hers.

Meilan stepped from the shadows, her dark eyes hard and accusing. She looked resplendent in her long silk gown embroidered with lotus blossoms, her silken hair tied into two pig tales and wrapped in ribbon. She stood for a moment as he stopped and regarded her cautiously.

“You’re going to him,” she stated coldly.

Wufei said nothing, pausing for only a moment longer before resuming his steps with renewed purpose.

“Coward,” she accused.

He stopped and turned to face her, his hands clasped sternly behind his back. “Go home, Meilan. There is nothing for you here,” he said simply.

“You are here,” she replied hopefully. “Stay?” she suggested softly, walking closer to him.

“I am not the reason you wish to stay,” he informed her. He’d figured out some time ago that her true aspirations lay in the conquest of power. Her goal was to be the wife of the Master of the Great Dragon Clan.

“Don’t sell yourself short,” she purred opening her small silk purse to draw out a tube of dark red lipstick and a small mirror. She opened the mirror and looked in it while she spread the creamy color over her full, round lips. Her dark eyes drifted over him appraisingly once, “You’re a very handsome man, Wufei,” she said dropping the mirror back in the pouch and stepping closer. She stood so her face was close to his, her dark lashes pulled down over smoldering eyes as she slowly parted her lips and purred. “I could please you. If you’ll let me.”

He steeled himself and tried not to get angry. None of this was really her fault after all. She’d thought herself to be wed to prince that would bed her so she could bring him sons and further the Chang lineage as they ruled side by side. It was a pretty dream; he just couldn’t grant her wish.

“This is what I am,” he said simply.

She smiled and raised her hand as if to stroke his cheek as she leaned in and whispered, “But you could be so much more.”

Her wrist suddenly wrenched in pain as it was snapped up in his steely grip. She winced and stepped away, her small silk purse falling to the floor, spilling its contents across the stone surface as he applied a bit of pressure to further demonstrate his disapproval.

“I will not be less than who I am for you or anyone else,” he ground out in a low growl before releasing her.

She favored her arm and glared at him, fire dancing in her eyes as her expression set in stone. “What will you be for him then!?” she spat. “His concubine!? His woman!?”

He stood for a moment, his eyes downcast in thought. The girl really had no clue. She couldn’t be jealous of him out of love, he knew that. It had to be that his love affair with Treize was a blow to her ego. His eyes raked over the spilled contents of her purse coming to rest on a bit of silver shining amongst the lipstick, mirror and handkerchief. Curious he bent down to pick it up.

Suddenly she bent and started snatching her things away, beginning with the small object his hand had almost reached. She stood and shoved it all back in her purse and glared at him. “I agreed to a proper marriage with a proper husband,” she growled. “You are nothing but a coward too weak to even want to bed your own wife!”

He said nothing for a moment then she squeaked softly as his hand darted out and snatched her purse away. Her eyes dropped to the silk pouch, a vein in her temple began to throb as fear flooded her black eyes. “You’re right,” she said, suddenly backing away from him. “There is nothing here for me. You are nothing!” she cried then turned to storm from the room.

“Hold,!” he commanded stopping her dead in her tracks. He opened the pouch and turned it over his hand until a small metal hexagon fell into his palm. His brow drew together as his mind recognized the bit of steel as the top half of a key. He shut his eyes as his fingers curled around the tell tale evidence of her crime. When his eyes opened they were devoid of anything that could be construed as human compassion. “Come here,” he commanded coldly, his tone baring no room for disobedience. She stood for a moment longer before she steeled herself and turned to walk back and face him.

He simply asked. “Who?”

“I don’t know what your tal… Ahh!” she reeled from the force of the backhanded blow. Her face came back with eyes round in shock as she clasp her busied cheek.

“Do not lie to me,” he told her flatly then repeated the original question. “Who?”

Her eyes set cold when she answered, “I don’t know.”

He raised his hand to strike her again but she cringed and barked “Hiiro!... Hiiro Yui.”

His eyes widened. That didn’t make sense, but he lowered his hand just the same. “What you have done is unforgivable. You have dishonored yourself and my name,” he said evenly.

She rounded on him again, her eyes spitting furiously. “YOU are unworthy of this hou… UNN!” he slapped her again drawing blood from her ruby red lips. When she turned to him, she stepped back, confronted by the weight his righteous damnation.

“You will leave this place,” he told her smoothly.

“No,” she whispered disbelievingly and was rewarded by another brutal blow that knocked her to her knees. She wiped the blood from her mouth and turned pleading eyes on him. “Please,” she begged. “You can’t send me awa... Ahhh!”

“SILENCE!” he roared as he hit her again, this time causing her to fall flat on her face. He stood over her waiting to see if she would try to rise; his fury making him almost wish that she would so he could belt her again.

She lay facing the floor, the blood from her lip dripping onto the hard stone. After a moment she lifted her eyes to look at him. “Wife beater,” she accused and he quirked a brow. Her dark eyes reflected the fact that her mind was working very fast before she finally said, “I’ll have you arrested for this. It’s against the law to beat your wife in this country.”

He looked thoughtful for a moment, then bent down and hauled her up by the hair. She screamed and cowered in his grasp, not daring to look him in the eye.

“You are my wife,” he told her. “And therefore a member of the Dragon Clan. We are a separate nation from those around us no matter where we settle and therefore are not susceptible to any law not ordained by the Clan itself.” He put his mouth close to her ear as he hissed. “I own you. Perhaps a proper punishment would be your pretty little head on a platter?”

Her eyes grew wide as that information reality sank in. She knew something of what he was talking about, but this had never occurred to her and she began to cry. “P… please… I… I meant no harm,” she squeaked as he shook her hard. “Truly!” she cried. “I… I thought he was merely going to beat him up like they are always doing to each other!” she rattled off through her sobs.

He tossed her to the floor and stared down his nose at her, his proud visage illuminated by the eternal flames of his ancestors behind him. She gazed up at him and saw for the first time the Prince of the Dragon Clan in all his righteous glory. Slowly, she began to comprehend the true meaning of nobility as his black diamond eyes rained down their dark determination. She laid herself flat on the floor, her hands stretched out above her head, palms flat, face turned to the cold stone beneath her.

“Forgive me,” she sobbed. “I did not understand his true intentions. I swear to you on the graves of the forefathers. I will never defy you again. Please, please don’t send me away. My family will send me to the mines if you send me back.”

He knew it to be true. If he sent her back in disgrace she’d be forced to work in her families gem mines for the rest of her life. It seemed like a cruel punishment if she was telling the truth, but she still had to be punished. The life she would be living if he allowed her to stay wasn’t exactly without its trials as well, but it would hardly suffice as punishment. He let her lay there in silence for awhile until he thought it through.

After a time during which she obediently laid silent in her prone position, he delivered his judgment. “You may stay,” he said. She gasped and started to rise until he sternly added, “However,” whereupon she lay back down and awaited the rest. “You will take a job of my choosing and make a formal apology to Duo for what you have done.” Her body tensed but she said nothing. “Tomorrow, your things will be removed from my chambers and taken to the south end where you will live out your days among us.” The south end wasn’t exactly servant’s quarters but it was a far cry from the palace. “I will give you one year to prove your worth,” he told her coldly. “Do not fail,” he warned before turning and leaving her spread out on the citadel floor.

**

It was with a heavy heart that Wufei entered his lover’s home. Treize called happily from the kitchen when he heard the door shut.

“In here!” he chimed. “Thought I’d make us a …snack?” he said as he took in Wufei’s dejected demeanor. “What happened?” he asked, suddenly concerned.

“Meilan was at least partially responsible for Duo’s rape,” he said flatly falling into the deep couch.

“What?” Treize breathed horrorstruck. He moved to sit next to his lover, his expression one of utter shock. “How can that be? What happened?”

Wufei tossed him the broken key. He stared at it a moment before he looked up and laid his hand on Wufei’s knee. “Are you alright?” he asked.

The boy nodded sadly. “I’ve punished her and sent her to live in Master O’s pavilion. She’s to make a formal apology to Duo. She swears she knew nothing of the intent to rape.”

Treize’s blue eyes lit up in spite of the grave news. “Am I to understand you’re no longer to share a bed with her?” he asked a little too brightly, a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.

Wufei rolled his eyes but had to fight the grin anyway.

“Sorry… ahem… sorry,” Treize stammered, forcing his features into something a little more appropriately dismal.

Wufei reached out and grabbed the front of his polo shirt, pulling him down for a kiss. “Is that all you care about?” he asked when he’d gotten what he wanted.

“Of course not,” Treize grinned. “But it is a wonderful side effect,” he admitting, claiming a kiss of his own. The simple action quickly turned into a tonsil hunt until Wufei pushed his lover away and sniffed at the air. “What’s burning?”

“Oh, shit!” the man exclaimed, jumping up and rushing into the kitchen.

Wufei laughed and got up. Sometimes his lover was just too damn cute. When he entered the kitchen he found him pulling a tray of crispy looking cookies from the oven.

“Charcoal chip?” he teased, looking them over as Treize slid them off the cookie sheet onto the clean counter.

“Very funny,” Treize groused. “I think they’re alright,” he said uncertainly, looking over the blackened bits of dough.

Wufei leaned over his shoulder, breaking off a small piece that left the white counter speckled with black crumbs and popped it in his mouth. “Agg! Grods!” he exclaimed running for the fridge. He grabbed the milk and turned it up, drinking huge gulps straight from the carton. “What the hell was that?” he demanded when he regained his senses.

“Burnt,” Treize replied.

Wufei chortled. “Duh. What the hell was it ‘supposed’ to be?”

“Tofu sandies,” the man answered with a straight face picking one up and nibbling the least black area he could find.

Wufei stared at him dumbfounded. Once the shock wore off, he chuckled and went to embrace his tall lover. “Thank you,” he said sweetly, stealing a chaste little kiss.

Treize grinned and pulled him close, “Thank me again?”

Wufei’s face lit with an evil light as he leaned in and took him in a deep kiss. He let his tongue roll past the velvet rim of his mouth to delve deep into the warm, wet cavern eliciting a deep-throated groan from the taller man. By the time he pulled away Treize’s eyes had glazed over,he looked a little dizzy and he had a huge grin plastered on his face.

“Remind me to bake more often,” he said softly, stealing another little kiss. When he looked into his lover’s dark eyes, the need there gripped his heart. He didn’t understand it at first, but it quickly dawned on him that the slight Chinese boy had had a very rough night. Slipping an arm around his slender waist, he brushed his fingertips softly along Wufei’s cheek then brought their mouths together in a kiss that spoke of the deepest love and affection. Wufei groaned and drank in the offering as Treize’s strong arm tightened, and with one hard snap, the boy found himself cradled in his lover’s sound embrace. The Chinese boy groaned quietly as he was carried swiftly to the bedroom and laid gently on the bed, his tall lover never once surrendering the boy’s soft lips.

He whimpered expectantly as Treize’s long fingered hand invaded his clothes. His hands worked of their own accord, pulling the man’s shirt up and over his head. The hard plains of his lover’s chest proving too tempting a delight to ignore, he bent and kissed the heated skin, stopping to nibble one pert nipple as his pants found a new home on the floor. Treize hissed, pulling back and guiding the boy’s mouth up to draw from the sweet nectar within as he pulled his shirt from his body. Wufei heard his shoes hit the floor and reached to assist him with his pants, but Treize already had it under control and finished the job himself. A moment later they were rolling in each other’s arms revealing in the passionate heat.

Treize broke the kiss long enough to retrieve the lube from the nightstand. When he looked back he felt his breath catch. Wufei’s black eyes swam before him; a testament to the spirit that lived within. He was struck with the poetic image of the deepest thunder being somehow captured by the summer sun and let his gaze rake down the boy’s slender body, the perfect form and firm musculature of a true warrior meeting his hungry gaze.

“My God, you’re beautiful,” he breathed, bringing his gaze back to the eyes that held his heart and soul in their depths.

Wufei smiled, softly touching his face. “I love you,” he said, bringing him down for another kiss. The overwhelming emotion those three, tiny words caused in his lover were echoed in his renewed vigor to reclaim the boy’s body and soul. Wufei moaned his approval with each new sensation coaxing him ever more urgently to hurry and complete their union.

He hissed and held him tight as he felt himself being filled up, stretched in a way that brought mind numbing pleasure as pain laced waves of rapture permeated his flesh. A moment later they were rocking in timeless rhythm, an ancient dance guiding them to a place where time stood still and nothing mattered but the feel of flesh on flesh and the warmth that they shared.

Treize groaned, feeding on the boy’s neck and shoulders; relishing the feel of his undulating body as it writhed beneath him. He stopped and looked into the passion-flushed face of the one he loved. Dark eyes slipped close as Wufei’s head arched back into the pillow in ecstasy, drawing a throaty growl of appreciation from Treize.

“Damn,” Treize softly exclaimed, fighting to hold back the relentless pressure that pushed him ever closer to fruition. “You’re so perfect. Gods you ca... cant be real……….. shi… Wufei?!” he hissed softly.

The boy didn’t speak; he couldn’t form words at that moment in time, his mind having been blanketed in the heavy fog of desire. He let his feelings be known as he wrapped his legs around his lover’s hips, pulling him further inside his body as his fingers dug into the flesh of his upper arms.

“Ahh! Damn…” Treize exclaimed as he complied with his demands and increased his efforts. The bed rocked under their combined assault, creaking and groaning its complaints as they teetered closer to oblivion.

Suddenly Wufei cried out and clung to him as he was racked with great quakes of rippling energy. Treize quickly followed him into the abyss; rolling to the side and holding his shaking body close as they rode the cataclysm over the edge. He held him for a long time before finally pulling back and kissing his lips. He was pleased to find the boy mildly catatonic and chuckled softly as his head lolled back with a small smile on his lips. He separated from him, using his shirt to clean them up before pulling the exotic boy into his arms and settling down. Wufei gave a great sigh of contentment as he pillowed his head on the man’s broad chest and snuggled in, all thoughts of Meilan, his clan and Duo wiped from his mind for the moment as he drifted off into a blissful sleep. Treize felt his breathing even out and kissed his head softly just once before letting himself join his young lover in the quiet realm of midnight dreams.

Chapter 5

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