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"Taking Form "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: Angst, fluff, mild lemon, mention of
past, attempted NCS/violence Pairings: 1x2, 3x4 Summary: When his father’s comrade takes a new apprentice Master Hiiro discovers a level of emotion he had long ago left in the past. unbeta'ed "Taking Form " Ch 4
“Sir Von Heller!” Hiiro grinned clapping the Mayor on his broad shoulder. “I trust you are well on this fine, fine day?” “I… Well, yes,” Von Heller smiled nervously glancing warily at his staff. “You seem in bright spirits,” he observed as he allowed himself to be led down the hall to the archery range. “Have you ever seen a sky so blue?” Hiiro inquired stepping out into the late afternoon sunlight. “Umm…” “Is the world not a wondrous place?” the boy went on striding across the floor to retrieve his favorite bow. “Have they arrived yet?” he asked checking the weapon over. “Uh, They should be here shortly,” Von Heller replied cautiously. “Wonderful!” Hiiro chirped notching a shaft. THHHHWAP! Eyes grew wide at the execution of a perfect bulls-eye but Hiiro only grinned. “I’ll have time to warm up then,” he smiled notching another shaft. THHHHWAP! “He needs to warm up?” Chamers, the Mayors number one aid whispered softly as the second arrow quivered against the first. ** “That was a most impressive display young man,” Minister Darlian praised at the tea party following Hiiro’s demonstration. “Thank you,” the boy replied respectfully. “I’ve never seen such perfection,” Relena, the Ministers young daughter smiled coyly down the table at him. “Your words are too kind,” he replied coolly. He had taken an instant dislike to the girl but he knew that his feelings were tainted by the longing in her eyes. She had made it blatantly clear she liked him and he had no desire to encourage her. “Not at all!” Mr. Darlian enthused. “You’re a natural talent with a bow.” “Actually, he’s quiet as good with a gun as well,” Sir Von Heller smiled proudly. “Looks like you’re well on your way to a top spot at the academy this year,” Darlian added raising his cup to their young guest. “Thank you sir,” Hiiro replied avoiding Relena’s gaze. All he wanted to do was get back to the house and spend some time staring into Duo’s but the niceties must be observed. By the time he was free his need to be at Duo’s side drove him home at break neck speed. It was just a little bit scary how much he found he missed the longhaired youth in the short time they had been separated. How was he going to cope when it came time for him to attend three years of military school? “Duo?” “In here!” One look at the resplendent form of his loved one lifted a weight from Hiiro’s shoulders he hadn’t even known had descended on him and suddenly all that mire just didn’t matter anymore. “What are you painting?” he asked gliding effortlessly across the room but Duo pulled a clothe over the image before he could get a good look. “Its not … depressing again?” he asked cautiously. “No,” Duo chuckled. “Then why can’t I see?” “Because you haven’t kissed me yet,” Duo smiled then laughed at the dumbfounded expression that washed over Hiiro’s face. “Unless you’d rather not?” he grinned. “No!” Hiiro gasped suddenly breaking out of his daze. “I just… really? I can?” “You’ll have to if you want to see the painting,” Duo smiled. “With all my heart.” Slowly. Just take it slow. Don’t get crazy. It was all he could do to keep from snatching him into a crushing embrace but he managed a warm, gentle affection that left his senses tingling and his skin flushed with heat. The rosy glow on Duo’s face when he pulled away almost called him back again but his heart refused to allow him to push this too fast and loose his chance at forever. “Hiiro?” Duo softly intoned casting a spell so thick with desire it made Hiiro’s head spin. “Hm?” “I’m sorry.” “For what?” “I feel like I’m teasing you or something,” Duo confessed bringing an even deeper tint to his cheeks. “Do you plan on dumping me?” Hiiro asked gently tilting his head up so he could look into his eyes. “Of course not,” Duo laughed lightly. “Then it’s not teasing,” Hiiro reasoned brushing another gentle kiss along his lips. “I don’t mind waiting until your ready,” he told him relishing the way his kiss made him shiver in his arms. “Hiiro?” The tone of his voice when he called the name hit Hiiro body and soul as if he had been stuck by lightening. He wanted him. Duo wanted him! He knew it down deep in his soul. All he had to do was take him so no one was more surprised than Hiiro when… “What’s the painting about?” spilled from his throat. He knew he had done the right thing the moment Duo’s eyes cleared of passions fog and he turned beat red and pulled away. He wasn’t ready to take it to the next level yet and Hiiro took a long, silent breath and thanked whatever gods had been guiding him in that moment. The breath turned into a choking gasp when the cloth was raised however. “You don’t like it?” Duo asked inspecting his work. “Wh… what the hell?” Hiiro stammered gazing upon the image Duo had painted of the falls only now it contained the naked visage of their neighbor and the one and only male Winner heir! “How the hell did Quatre get in there?!” he gasped blushing to the roots of his hair at the sight of the petite blond boy bathing nude in the falls. “You know him?” Duo inquired clearly thunderstruck by the information. “That’s Quatre Rabarba Winner!” Hiiro informed him. “The only son of the most …” “Oh, gods in Heaven,” Duo suddenly went pale. “You did not just say he’s a Winner. I thought he was some farm boy or something!” “How did he get into your painting?” Hiiro persisted. “Well, he’s he one that decided to take a shower while I was painting the falls!” Duo retorted loading his brush with white paint. “Wait a minute!” Hiiro snapped snagging his wrist. “You can’t just ruin it!” “The hell I can’t!” Duo countered. “No, listen.” What was he supposed to do? “Just leave it for now ok? We’ll figure out what to do about it later but you can’t just paint over it, ok?” “Why not?’ Damn but he looked good even when he sulked. “Because it’s a piece of you, that’s why,” Hiiro explained. “Then there are pieces of me all over the planet,” Duo chuckled. “And I treasure each and every one.” Hiiro’s heartfelt words were enough to stay Duo’s hand but he refused to put the pout away. “Fine,” he agreed. “But you better think of something fast because I’m not about to offend someone like Quatre Winner by flashing his nude body all over the place without his consent.” “We’ll think of something,” Hiiro smiled pulling the cloth back down over the image. “I didn’t know you knew him,” Duo grumbled rinsing out his brush. “Apparently, I don’t know him as well as I thought I did,” Hiiro laughed blushing softly once again at the memory of the slight blond boy’s gleaming image bathing in the soft shower of sunlight and amber rain. Damn. ** “Wufei, welcome,” J smiled offering his one good hand to the Chinese boy in greeting. “Good evening sir,” Wufei replied. “Professor,” he nodded to G who returned the sentiment. “Thank you, William,” their guest smiled allowing the boy to take his long, white overcoat. “Would you like something to drink?” William asked in his most professional tone. “Yes, thank you.” Wufei tried to tone down the grin as the boy suddenly scurried off like a mouse to fetch his glass. “He’s improved.” “Middi has been tutoring him,” J chuckled. “And to whom do we credit Hiiro’s sudden change in attitude?” Wufei smirked but before J could respond the boy in question called a greeting. “Wufei!” Hiiro smiled coming to meet them. “So glad you could come.” “Am I the first to arrive?” Wufei asked glancing around. “Yes,” Hiiro replied. “So if you gentleman will excuse us,” he added tugging on his friends shirt sleeve. “Don’t shoot anything!” J called after them. “Where are we going?” Wufei laughed finding himself infected by the oddly uncharacteristic good nature of his stoic friend. “You should be well informed before the Barton’s arrive,” Hiiro smiled. “Am I to know what I should be educated in?” Wufei chuckled stepping through the door Hiiro had opened for him. His blue-eyed companion paused to savor the smirk that nestled on his lips when Wufei’s feet went still and his jaw dropped open. “Good evening,” Duo smiled standing from the large easy chair he had been resting in. Hiiro took a long slow breath and patted himself on the back again for his choice of the dark blue suit Duo was wearing. Or was the suit wearing Duo? It was hard to tell the difference. “Wufei?” “Hn?” “Close your mouth,” Hiiro snickered ushering his now blushing guest into the room. “It is a boy?’ Wufei hissed nervously. “Sh!” Hiiro chuckled loving the light mantel their antic’s was causing on Duo’s skin. “Chang Wufei,” he said formally once they were within a comfortable range. “This is Duo Maxwell. Professor G’s newest student and apprentice.” “Apprentice?” Wufei gasped only just remembering to offer his hand. His eyes dropped to Duo’s fingers as the soft, slender appendages gently grasped his own. “Incredible.” “Just a tag along really,” Duo replied modestly. “You are the one thing that gives the word artist any true meaning,” Hiiro smiled proudly and a very loud bell suddenly rang in Wufei’s mind. “In that case,” he smiled stepping uncomfortably closer to the longhaired youth. “I do hope you intend to show me all of your work?” “Well, I haven’t really done much since I arrived,” Duo stammered. “We would be glad to,” Hiiro interjected slipping boldly between the two. The glare he offered his smirking Chinese friend cleared up any doubt Wufei might have harbored about the true nature of his feelings for this beauteous boy. “May we join you?” a boisterous voice suddenly broke through as the door opened and admitted what could only be the Barton assembly. “General Barton! Of course,” Hiiro smiled. “Please, come in and make yourselves at home. William!” “Y.. yessir?” the boy in question stuttered as he tried desperately not to spill Wufei’s drink where it teetered on his silver tray. “Bring a bottle of wine for our guests.” “Yes, Master Hiiro,” William grunted through clenched teeth suddenly springing back to life and dashing off the moment Wufei accepted his glass. “He’s getting better,” General Barton exclaimed, his smile widening considerably as his eyes lighted on Duo’s pink tinged face. “And who might this be?’ “Duo Maxwell,” Duo piped up before Hiiro could do the honors. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, sir,” the boy added offering the large man an amiable smile. “The pleasures all mine,” the man returned then suddenly bellowed, “Trowa! You’re G’s new boy right?” he asked in a more civil tone. “His apprentice,” Hiiro corrected noting the door open and closed as the man’s tall, auburn haired son entered and faded into view. Hiiro offered him their usual silent greeting, which was returned until the boy’s emerald eyes suddenly caught sight of Duo and paused to size him up. “Come in, boy,” Barton grumbled dragging his reluctant offspring further into the room. “I want you to meet Duo Maxwell. He’s G’s new bo.. apprentice,” he amended grinning apologetically at the glare that suddenly sprang to life in Hiiro’s eyes. “It’s nice to meet you,” Duo smiled but the green-eyed boy merely stood and watched him intently. “He doesn’t speak,” Hiiro whispered quietly in Duo’s ear. “You can’t talk?” Duo asked frankly sending a nervous ripple through the room. “Man, that sucks. How do you tell people what you want?” he asked. Hiiro was preparing to apologize on Duo’s behalf when the unthinkable happened and Trowa cracked a smile. In all the time he had known the boy he had never seen him smile even once. Trowa hadn’t spoken or smiled since he had witnessed the tragic death of his mother when he was five so this was no small achievement! It was Duo! There was no other explanation! “Trowa?” Barton quietly intoned watching in amazement as his son reached to take Duo’s hand and bent to lay a small kiss gently upon it. “Where is William with the wine?” Hiiro interjected brushing conveniently between the two and effectively freeing Duo’s hand from Trowa’s embrace. The blush that graced the longhaired boys face when Trowa’s eyes once again met his brought another smile to the taller boy’s lips as well as an audible snigger from Wufei. “Better tell him to bring two,” J advised leading G and, to Hiiro’s astonishment, Mr. Robert and Quatre Winner in his wake. The sudden lump in Hiiro’s throat was buried under his concern for Duo when the boy’s glass suddenly hit the floor. “Are you alright?” Wufei asked being the closest one to the suddenly pale boy. “Shit.” “Hiiro?” J inquired disapprovingly. “Hm? Oh, sorry,” Hiiro smiled. “Welcome, of course,” he smiled. “I didn’t realize you would be joining us.” “I’m afraid we were unaware of your dinner party when we decided to pay a visit,” Mr. Winner explained. “But your father was so insistently gracious we couldn’t possible turn down his invitation to stay once we had arrived,” Quatre smiled glancing twice at Trowa who was still smiling softly. “Would you excuse me for a minute?” Duo suddenly piped up heading for the door while Wufei worked on cleaning up his dropped glass. “You’re Duo right?” Quatre smiled, his brow crinkling curiously when Duo turned bright red and refused to look him in the eye. “Yes,” he replied edging closer to the door. “I’ve heard a lot about you,” the blond went on. “Perhaps you could show us some of your work this evening?’ “NO!” Duo snapped frantically tossing a pleading glance at Hiiro. “He doesn’t really have anything finished yet,” Hiiro rose to the occasion. “Does it matter?” Barton inquired sounding as if he too, were sorely disappointed in the lack of artistic wares to view. “Well, I just don’t like showing …” “If you would follow me please,” Middi called from the door where she looked very proper in her little maid’s uniform. “Your dinner is served,” she informed them formally before bowing out again. There was little Duo or Hiiro could do at that point but follow along. There was no way Quatre or his father could see the painting during dinner anyway so Hiiro did his best to calm his agitated houseguest and figure out a way to hide it before anyone could get a peek. Dinner went well giving Wufei his moment to shine and by the time desert was cleared away General Barton had offered to write him a recommendation along with Hiiro’s. Duo’s introduction to the group was also a main topic of conversation in which he proved agile and cunning in his ability to charm their guests. Even Hiiro was impressed with his understanding of the complicated strategies he commented on. There were several moments during the meal that Duo failed to tame the wild rose that blossomed on his cheeks at Hiiro’s intensely affectionate gaze and more than once Wufei managed to get a snicker out of Trowa with nothing more than a well timed glance. All of this had put the older members of the group in a dubiously good mood and by the time they were on their second after dinner cocktail in the lounge after dinner things were starting to get a bit loud. “Hwa ha ha ha!! I’ll wager a hundred credits on that one my good Doctor!” Barton laughed heartily. “I’m afraid you underestimate the team,” Quatre smiled. “Hiiro has taken the crown the past four years running,” G grinned. “Yeees,” the big man chortled. “I recall a certain young Japanese boy finagling his way behind our front line last year,” he smiled giving Hiiro a wink. “But this year will be different!” he insisted draining his cup of brandy again. “Sounds like you’ve got an ace,” Duo smiled evenly from behind his own glass. “Of spades,” Barton grinned clapping Trowa on the shoulder. The boy hardly seemed to move other than his eyes going from Duo to Hiiro to Quatre before a slow smile crept onto his lips. “I didn’t realize you were interested in joining the academy,” Quatre commented. “Perhaps father could write you a recommendation as well,” he offered gracing the green eyed boy with a gentle smile. “That’s the spirit!” Barton enthused. “Where is that tyrant of a sire of yours anyway?” Duo’s head snapped around suddenly to stare at Hiiro who was looking at him with much the same expression of alarm before both boys suddenly dashed from the room. Their worst fears were confirmed when they tumbled into the studio and found Mr. Winner, J and G standing in a semicircle staring at the painting of Quatre. “I can explain!” Duo barked rushing into the room. “It was all a misunderstanding,” Hiiro added. “I was under the impression you had only met my son tonight?” Mr. Winner asked. Duo shrank back under the disapproving tone but refused to hang his head. “I did,” he informed him. “Duo,” G questioned. “What on earth possessed you to paint such a thing?” “He only painted what he saw,” Hiiro interjected in Duo’s defense then stifled the outcry of pain when Duo stomped on his foot. “You painted this after seeing my son bathing in the falls?” Mr. Winner wondered aloud. “It’s my mistake,” the longhaired boy spoke up. “I’ll take full responsibility for it.” Whatever Mr. Winner was about to say died on the breeze when a small gasp came from the door and everyone turned to see Quatre standing there as pink faced as a clam with one hand over his mouth and eyes as big as the ocean. “Come here, son,” his father instructed. “You see what happens when you continually disregard my advice to abandon your spritely ways?” “Quatre, I’m really sorry,” Duo offered. “I didn’t know who you were. I’ll paint over it right away.” “What?’ Quatre asked in alarm. “Paint over it?” “Well, we certainly can’t have this laying about can we?” Mr. Winner chuckled. “Leave it alone.” The entire room went deathly still as all heads turned to regard the tall boy whose strangely monotone tenor had not been heard in over ten years. “What did you just say?” General Barton asked pushing past his son into the room. “He said leave it alone,” J smiled. “I heard what he said!” Barton snipped. “Trowa?” “It doesn’t matter,” Duo sighed. “I should never have painted this without Quatre’s consent.” “I like it.” “Trowa?” Barton grinned staring in wonder at his once silent son. “You’re damn wordy all of a sudden,” Duo grumbled heading for his paints. “What are you doing?” Quatre breathed glancing first at Trowa then his father. “I’m going to get rid of it once and for all,” Duo informed him. “Wait!” General Barton barked. “Don’t destroy it. Please,” he begged. “Trowa? Tell me what you want, son,” he encouraged in the tone of a desperate parent. “Sorry, but it’s not his call,” Duo interjected. “Wait.” Mr. Winner’s brow furrowed deeply at his sons request but Quatre stood his ground. “It’s not so bad is it?” he smiled. “I mean, it’s not like you can see anything that would make it vulgar or anything.” “You can’t be serious!” he father gasped. “Well,” the boy grimaced turning back to study his likeness. “It’s kind of an honor to be portrayed so beautifully isn’t it?” “It is a lovely piece,” G nodded. “It would fetch a handsome price on the open market no doubt.” “What?! Open market! You mean have that thing out there for the whole world to see!?” Mr. Winner exclaimed. “That’s not going to happen!” Duo barked. “I want it.” “Trowa?” Barton breathed again. “Name your price,” the tall boy demanded. “It’s not for…” “It’s yours,” Quatre cut Duo off with a grin fit to blind the sun. “Quatre,” Duo gasped. “Well, it is of me isn’t it?” the blond reasoned. “And you did paint it without permission. Why shouldn’t I be the one to decide its fate?” “Yes, but…” ”I wont have a naked picture of you hung up for the world to gape at,” Mr. Winner piped up. “We’ll hang it in the den!” General Barton bargained enthusiastically. “No one but our family and closest friends will ever see it.” “Quatre, I can’t,” Duo shook his head solemnly. “Duo, please,” the blond boy entreated taking him by the arms and moving close to his ear where he whispered. “Let me do this. Please. I love him.” Duo’s breath hissed inward in surprise at the declaration, his eyes darting to Trowa before they came to light on Hiiro’s impassive expression. A small smile graced his lips before he drew his gaze back to Trowa and dropped the gavel. “It’s yours.” “Duo!” G gasped. “What about your fee?” “This is not an acceptable arrangement!” Winner grumbled. “Oh, let the boy have his way,” J laughed. “I would be happy to pay the fee,” Barton grinned stepping forward. “Thank you,” Quatre whispered softly gracing Duo’s cheek with a tender kiss. “Make sure it’s not in vain,” the longhaired boy smiled including Trowa in the moment with a poignant stare. When all was said and done Quatre managed to bully his father into agreeing to the arrangement. General Barton insisted on paying twice the asking price for the painting and found three different ways to force Trowa to speak before the transaction was done. Wufei spent a good deal of time at Hiiro’s side simply watching the event unfold and Quatre didn’t seem to be able to stop whispering in Duo’s ear. Once the excitement wore off and their guests began preparing to leave Hiiro took a more forward interest in taking Quatre’s place at Duo’s side. “You are pure magic,” he chuckled daring to slip his arms about Duo’s waist from behind once the door closed behind the elder members of the group. “Oh yeah,” Duo laughed rolling his eyes until Quatre’s soft exclamation cut the air. “Hiiro?” “What?’ the Master of the house asked as if in challenge as he pulled Duo even closer and grinned at his pinking cheeks. “I,” the blond began but then glanced at Trowa and grinned. “Nothing.” “Are you sure you’re not pregnant?” Wufei chortled just before he was knocked clean off his feet by a rocketing throw pillow.
~ * ~ tbc... |
