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"Halfway to Sublimity"Written By: Kaeru Shisho Disclaimer: I don't own any part of Gundam Wing
or its characters, nor do I make any monetary profit off this story. Rating: NC 17 Warnings: AU, male/male pairings, language Pairings: 1x2x1 Summary: When Duo moves to a new town on the river,
he meets a young man running the river and a rich boy who seems nice.
Maybe he'll settle down for awhile, or maybe not. "Halfway to Sublimity" Chapter Four Heero's POV Sunday morning sun burned through his eyelids. There was time to get the painting done if Duo would get a move on, Heero thought. He peered into the bedroom window and tapped. He could hear Duo moan as he slid an arm across the bed. "Cold, empty sheets means I'm up and out already, idiot," Heero muttered to the image on the other side of the glass. "Ah, shit," he heard Duo groan through the muffling pane. Heero rapped again at his window, this time more firmly. He pressed one hand to the glass, the other held a loaded paintbrush, and glared at the sleepy face. Duo flew to the sill, Heero backed away, and Duo shoved open the window. "'Ro?" That worked. "We should get the painting done. Goats are out. Coffee's made. Dog's hungry." And you're completely naked and gorgeous. "Oh! Oh, okay. I'll take care of the food and be out in a moment." "Clothes. Don't forget those." Now blush again. "Ah-" Duo looked down at his naked body and Heero watched the blood rush to his face as he snatched up blanket. "Right!" All right, indeed. Heero couldn't agree more. The night before had been just about as wonderful as he could have imagined, just about. He had never felt to so close to another person as he had while soaking with Duo. He had seen that perfectly formed, lean, fit body unclothed and nearly died, really, willing, and able, and gone to heaven and hell and back. Quite a trip and he hadn't left the confines of the tub. Although he had admired other boys, it had always been from afar. The other members of Odin's Traders had been men, too-old men, from a kid's perspective. Odin had protected him from their attentions, on a threat of death, so he was pure. His mind wasn't. He closed his eyes picturing the scene from the night before of Duo dressing boldly right before him! The flames reflected in his hair and along his rounded calves and thighs and illuminated his cock and balls. Ugh... That monstrously long hair and the feel of it's heavy, silky, softness in his hands... Brushing it smooth by the fire until Duo stretched out and drifted off to sleep had been amazing. He'd never touched another man in that manner, or felt the need to touch more. He hadn't, though. Instead, Heero had carried Duo to bed and climbed in beside him, leaving a respectable width of mattress between them, and, eventually, fallen asleep. When he woke up, curled around Duo's back, the temptation had been terrible to fondle and explore that lovely body-terrible and wrong! Heero flew out off the bed and out the door, away from that body which was driving him insane with desire. And now, there it was again, displayed before him on the other side of the glass, and then disappearing under the covers. Duo hadn't been so body conscious the night before, which meant... what now? There wasn't much to fix up, but the door and window trim needed a second coat. Heero out-voted him on the second coat for the railing and steps, but Duo put his foot down at a third coat. Heero was a workaholic to hide from his loneliness. He knew that. Maybe fate placed him here with Duo to find joy. He sincerely hoped the upbeat, gregarious Duo would come around to see it that way. "That's it! All work and no play makes Duo Maxwell a crabby boy." "Can't have that." Heero smiled and shook his head as he gave into Duo's desires. They had worked up to noon. Now they had to call it quits in order to clean up and get to the Watergardens' party on time. "We'll be late anyway," Heero told him as he slipped on his new clothes, making sure Duo noticed his assets before he covered them with the underwear. He wondered at his own performance. What was he doing? Would Duo think he was a lewd exhibitionist? "We didn't have to be," Duo groused as he re-plaited his hair more neatly a second time in the dingy living room mirror. His eyes were glued to the mirror, but Heero could see that they lingered on his image more than on Duo's own. But what did that really prove? Heero stretched his arms overhead, bending backwards, and then reaching for his shirt. More importantly, would Duo want him, a man, instead of a girl? Yeah, Duo watched that performance, too, but it didn't prove anything. How was he to tell if the handsome youth he was attracted to him or not? Duo seemed miffed now, so Heero ignored his mood and tied his shoes-two neat bows-- and said, "I'll get the goats harnessed and ready." "Goats? Oh, hell, I forgot about returning them. Do we have to?" Duo hopped about on one foot, forcing his foot into first one boot then switching noisily to the other. Heero grunted an affirmative and headed out the back door feeling good in the clothes, especially the black leather vest Duo had chosen for him. (o) "So now we got a dog and two fucking goats," Duo grumbled alongside Heero. Heero led the goats with Ruggles sitting proudly aboard the cart as if he was born to ride there. "Not really. The goats are both females," he paused fighting down a smile, "and the owner was right. Renting each week is expensive, and we are going to need the cart all summer." Duo narrowed his eyes. "I know they're girls. I can sex goats pretty good, what with those bags of milk hanging between their legs. My problem with them is just that. We gotta milk them!" "I'll do it, or better yet, I'll teach Todd." "Yeah?" "You're still not convinced." Heero wondered if Duo's touchy mood meant he required food. He offered him an apple. Duo drew a deep breath and let it out, and nabbed the offering in a split second. "Thanks, 'Ro." He bit, chewed, bit, and chewed more. Finally he settled into a less restive state and began talking. "I've never had dependents, ya know? Now, I've got these animals needing me to get back each day, or they die." Heero's eyes fell on Duo, searching his face to see if he was joking around or not. The guy was perplexing. "I'm here, remember? And when we can't be, well, we can pay Todd to check out the place every day. Feed the dog-" "Ruggles." "Yes, him." He liked it when Duo said the name, but felt ridiculous when he tried to say "Ruggles." Duo smiled and Heero returned it shyly. Sometimes he could believe that they would make a good team. Duo just made him feel so damned happy to be alive. He decided he would take his time getting to know Duo, since he'd never had a boyfriend and had no idea what that entailed anyway-- and that depended upon whether or not Duo wanted the same thing. "Yeah, okay solid point. Goats'll do. They, ah, serve a purpose. Aaaand the doggy was a good call, I think. Todd's dependable. But you're just totally awesome and indispensable." Duo flashed him a broad grin, which Heero knew was daring him to argue the compliment. Hardly, Heero thought to himself, flushed hotly, looked away, voicing his universal reply to most comments, "Hn," and wondered what he'd use to replace apples. It would be months until the current crop of apples were ripe. "Do you like peaches?" "Huh? Say what? Peaches? Where did that come from? Oh, well. Yeah, they're okay, not the fuzz, though. Plums are good." Heero entered "plums" on his list of fruit to look for at the market. He didn't think Duo's orchard had those. It might be too early, though. Duo was staring at him. "What's the matter? Peaches your fav? No matter. You know me, I'll eat anything, and I mean ANYTHING. I'll even eat a rat. You ever eat one? Heh, heh... Don't give me that look unless you've tried one!" Heero decided that he would find Duo plums if he had to travel south night and day for weeks. They entered the park-like setting of the Winner Watergardens estate walking slowly beneath overhanging cedar boughs, the trees soaring hundreds of feet overhead. Their path curled away from a willowed duck pond and across a rolling green edged with raised floral beds. Climbing roses cascaded down walls scenting the air and giving the finishing touch to a sublime summer afternoon. "These are nice," Duo said, pointing out flowers he liked. "You can ask Winner's gardener for cuttings," Heero said. "I'd get his permission first." "Cuttings? Like in cutting up his plants?" Heero shook his head. "Small samples to root and grow into new plants. Wouldn't be noticeable. Looks like your boy's out looking for you." "My...what? Oh." Duo punched Heero's hard shoulder in a friendly way. Heero smiled and defended himself with a block and returned with a punch that knocked Duo off balance for a moment. He liked how Duo could take teasing as well as dish it out. Relena never could. She couldn't fight, either. "Heya, Todd!" After an enthusiastic greeting, Todd determined straight away that it was his duty to take the animals away. "They need milking." Todd noticed that quickly. Heero though he caught a glimpse of sly thinking behind the boy's studied countenance. "Can you do that?" "Yeah... Do you want the milk?" "No." "You keepin' these then?" Todd scratched the nearest goat's neck, causing a jealous feud to start between them as the other goat demanded her fare share of attention. "Yeah, for the summer anyway." Duo smiled and shared the goat-scratching task, which brought on a whine from the neglected Ruggles. Heero scooped up the young dog in his arms and was rewarded with a wet tongue to his chin. He made a face that sent Duo into peals of loud laughter. When he settled down, Duo continued. "Wanna have a crack at milkin'em? You could keep the milk. Sell it or whatever." Todd beamed. "You betcha!" "Everyday," Heero intoned sternly. He set Ruggles on the round to run and sniff at their feet. "Sometimes we'll be gone overnight when we've got a double freight load to take back." The boy worked that concept over, his lips moving then pressing into a thin line before he spoke again. "So, you're gonna live there, too?" Heero nodded slowly. "Yes." "Buddy up, ya know?" Duo embellished in a language the boy seemed to understand, although Heero wasn't familiar with the term. "Oh, yeah. I share with my brothers, too. Okay. I can stop by twice a day. It's summer and I ain't got school. I'll do mail and check on the goats and play with Ruggles and milk'em and see that they're in at night and out in the morning." "And you can keep the milk and we'll pay you a sliver piece each week," Heero added. Todd's eyes widened to silver dollar size. "Yeah," he agreed. A proud grin spread to his boyish face and they all shook hands, sealing the deal. "Gotta go!" Todd ran off with the goats, the rattling cart, and the barking dog, leaving Duo and Heero the rest of the lovely walk to enjoy alone. The sun-warmed stones and walls were too much. The dogs and cats they passed were all sprawled in various states of drunken delight, the effect of the roses, the sun, and the glittering air beaming out signals to sleep, sleep, sleep. Heero wanted to say something to Duo, but didn't know what. He liked the way the day was turning out. He liked walking alongside Duo. He was glad they had all summer together and he could take his time deciding what to do about his feelings for Duo. When they reached the wide sweep of gravel road at the top of the rise, which opened to the grand entrance to the family residence, they found Ruggles. With the goats penned and safe, he had struck out on his own looking for action around the duck pond. He hadn't gone far, and collapsed by a stone pillar atop which lay curled an enormous, oafish cat, itself too lazy to do anything other than lay with its face on the hot rocks, furry arms clasping at the pillar. Dreaming of roses all. The magnificently carved door flew open and Quatre Winner dashed out, his hair gleaming like spun gold in the sunlight. "Duo!" Heero stepped aside providing him access to Duo. He hadn't stood this close to the Winner heir in years and he examined his features for familiar details. He was breathtakingly beautiful with flashing turquoise eyes and clothes in summer pastels which cost a mint just to keep clean. "Quat! Man, what a day, huh?" Duo said with a wide yawn, "In another minute, I'd be face down on the walkway with the dog. Howya doin'?" "Fine, great, actually, now that you're here. Where's- Ah, Mr. Yuy?" Heero thought Quatre looked puzzled, as if he didn't know whether or not to be glad to see the young Asian-featured man with the hardened eyes. Whichever, he was too polite to say anything rude to either of them, Heero decided. In a shock that rocked him out of his heat-induced haze, it occurred to him that possibly Quatre was attracted to Duo and had wanted him to himself, which meant he was very much an unwelcome visitor. A cog in Winner's wheelings and dealings was ruthlessly dealt with, or so he had heard. Heero shifted his feet uncomfortably at Duo's side and Quatre moved away from the door and gestured for them to enter the rotunda-like entry. The room was huge, shadowy, and high-ceilinged, devoid of seating, with gilt tables and mirrors for decoration. "Yeah, this is Heero Yuy," Duo continued unaffected by the prickly atmosphere. "You know each other, right? That's cool, then. He's taken me on to float freight with him and I'm sharing..." Duo hesitated all of a sudden. Heero looked away, guessing that Duo wasn't sure if Quatre would mind him sharing the house. It hadn't occurred to him that it would matter, but it hadn't occurred to him before that Quatre just might "like" Duo. Combine that with Heero's showing up unexpectedly, practically uninvited, and then being introduced as Duo's new roommate (as innocent as it was, up to now,) would make him a person most unwelcome. Duo then seemed to pick up on the strained feelings and so he altered what he'd been about to say, or so Heero thought. "...the boat docking area so we can save time connecting in the AM." Duo smiled and stood with his hands on his hips looking from Winner to Yuy. He clicked his tongue. "So, I'll let you two get reacquainted for a minute while I, ah... I need to find the, ah, facilities? There was one upstairs, I remember." "A WC? There is one even closer. Rashid!" he called over his shoulder to a towering dark man standing in the shadows. "Please, show Duo to the WC then bring him to the sunroom." He turned to his guests and said, "I have another friend due any minute. We'll have dinner when he arrives." (o) Heero watched Duo jog off, chattering cheerily with the much taller servant. Duo treated everyone the same, ignoring rank or position, as far as Heero could tell. Quatre waited a few steps away. Heero nodded and fell in beside him. They climbed to the second story, entering a bright, cheery room with comfortable wicker furniture upholstered in a dainty yellow and blue plaid with contrasting orange and white floral arrangements flooding the end tables. "You weren't the person I was expecting," Quatre said bluntly, yet in a manner Heero considered to be cautious. "Who were you expecting him to bring?" "A young woman named Hilde. From what he'd said, I inferred she was his wife. And from the daily notes he and I exchanged, I sensed a feeling of longing. She was the first person he wrote to when he arrived and she sent him a letter, after which he wrote me to say he was bringing someone today." Quatre folded his arms across his chest and looked out over the balcony to the grounds beyond. Heero moved to observe what it was that suddenly drew the other young man's interest. To his delight, Duo appeared outside beating his arms, while Ruggles bounced around. The yipping carried to the balcony. Heero didn't know what to say. "He's not married. They're just friends, from what he's told me." "And so are you?" "Friends? I'd like to think so. Business partners certainly. Yes." Quatre turned to meet Heero's gaze straight on. "I still sense the longing in him. When I didn't see Hilde, I assumed he missed her." "He didn't tell you that," Heero asserted. "Oh, no," Quatre said with a light chuckle. "Never! Not a word, but he doesn't need to. When Duo walks around the yard, his body's an entire conversation." They both stared out over the vista, listening in with their eyes. To Heero, Duo appeared "happy." "I wonder why he's outside. Rashid surely didn't show him out." "Maybe he didn't like your plumbing." Quatre gave Heero the queerest expression. "You mean indoor plumbing. Surely they have that in Serendipity, besides he used the WC when he stayed here before." "Yes, it's everywhere now, except for the remote homes, and our cabin." Quatre's eyes widen with new knowledge. "You're sharing the cabin!" "Does that pose a problem?" "N-no, but it explains why Duo's so much changed from when I last saw him. So, you're...? Oh, my." "His cabin mate. Yes." In a tiny cabin with one bed. "Then you are friends?" Heero nodded slowly. Quatre sighed. "Lucky guy," he said, but he didn't say whom he meant. "Yeah-" Heero was about to say more when Quatre gasped then laughed. "Oh dear! I'd better go help. My other guest has arrived, and I didn't prepare him to meet Duo." "Why would someone need preparation to meet Duo? He's a very likable guy." "Because I invited Chang Wufei." Quatre and Heero shared knowing glances. "The school teacher who arrived last fall?" "Yes." "He's a snob," Heero said curtly. "He was the most respectable person I could think of to invite to meet the new 'couple' moving into my cabin. Sally Po was called away at the last minute to assist at a birthing." Quatre stood. "Excuse me. You may stay here if you like or come with me and protect our friend." Heero dipped his chin and followed Quatre out of the sunroom. He felt sad for the other young man, who with all his wealth lived alone. Heero knew he had turned down the marriage proposal linking the wealthy Winner family to the princess of Sanc. He knew Quatre was a homosexual, and now Quatre knew, or suspected, he was, too, if he hadn't already known before. Would Quatre keep that knowledge secret? Heero felt a rising horror inside his chest. What if Quatre was not a man of honor and chose to tell Duo and the schoolteacher what he had just learned? Had he misinterpreted Duo's signals? Would he be mad because he'd kept his homosexuality a secret? What kind of a ruckus would that Chang guy make over it? Heero had not betrayed the Winner boy to anyone when he had had his chances in the past. Quatre stopped at the doorway and met Heero's eyes with a penetrating gaze as if he sensed Heero's roiling emotions. "Your secret is safe with me. You trusted me enough to be honest before, and it wasn't misplaced, I can assure you. Believe it or not, I can be as principled a man as you." "Hn," Heero grunted. Quatre smiled. "I guess I have my work cut out for me, proving my worth." Heero had nothing to say. He nodded curtly and Quatre dipped his chin acknowledging their mutual understanding. As he continued to follow Quatre back outside, Heero mused about their common tie, wondering if the other young man was even aware of it. Their tie was Relena Darlian, princess of the Kingdom of Sanc. Relena was raised by her father and grew up on an ever grander royal-family estate south of the Watergardens in Sublimity, and not in Sanc Royal, where her step-brother lived with his mother. Princess Relena had become Heero's confident by a chance meeting when they were only ten or eleven. He had saved her honor, more than her life, in a silly boating accident. Quatre may even have been present at the time, but Heero didn't remember him. Relena and Heero, however, became secret friends and she developed a serious case of puppy love. When one day she promised to marry him, Heero threatened to put a stop to their meetings. He was only twelve and romance was "icky," but to his credit he had been smart enough to know that a marriage between a princess and a river rat was impossible and told her so. "That's a ridiculous thing to say," he had said. Yes, it was harsh, but truthful. And as much as that truth had hurt her, she grew to value Heero's company and advice for what it was-friendship. So, when she was informed that she should be affianced to the Winner heir, Heero was the first person she sought out. "He's a good match," Heero had told her. "He's nice and everyone says he's good-looking." "You don't?" Heero most certainly did find the delicate, blond Quatre Winner "good-looking", and at the age of thirteen that was his newest problem. As the other boys working for Odin were salivating over girls, he was internally drooling over boys. He determined from the way the "late starters" were treated, not to mention the "pervert faggots," that his personal preferences were not a good subject to discuss with anyone. "You will like him, Relena. Everyone says he's a terrific guy." And that was all Heero would allow himself to say, or he might give himself away with effusive talk. She was satisfied with her fate until her first private meeting with Quatre, where he revealed his attraction to boys, not girls. She felt terribly sorry for the pretty young man and promised to keep his secret. She and Quatre concocted a story of "unsuitability" between them and the proposal was canceled. Next, she had to tell Heero of her new fate. Heero remembered that day for several reasons. "I'm not getting married," Relena told him, "but you must swear on our friendship never to reveal Quatre's secret to anyone." Heero swore a river rat oath never to reveal Quatre's secret, which was his as well. His mind racked up stacks of unfinished thoughts at the revelation; in particular, that he wasn't alone! He could never forget how understanding Relena was, even sympathetic towards Quatre's "condition". She impressed him enormously with her noble spirit, so much so that he decided to reveal his own secret. Heero admitted that he "suffered" from the same "bent" sexual persuasion. She had looked pale to him, and couldn't stay to talk longer, but she had assured him his secret was safe with her. The following day he and another of Odin Lowe's river boys took a load to Tumult, and when they returned their home was gone and comrades dead or missing. Heero Yuy's secure life changed from that moment on. Still, what cemented that moment in time in his mind most of all, though, was the fact that he hadn't seen or spoken to Relena since he told her he was attracted to other boys, and would never ever be attracted to girls, including her. He missed the friendship with Relena, and he certainly could have used a friend following the loss of his home and "family", especially Odin Lowe. He had adapted in the end to a dangerous, hostile world, but now, he hoped he had found a new special friendship and family all in wrapped up in the one person called Duo Maxwell. Heero was pretty sure that Duo was homosexual, too. He didn't think he had misread the lingering looks or misinterpreted his insinuating comments. Duo was cautious, though, as he should be. He was new in town, but had already befriended the Winner boy and himself. But how could he be absolutely certain? Heero smirked knowingly. He had given Duo an eyeful while bathing. They were partners at work and now shared a house. It shouldn't take much to let Duo know that he was interested in an intimate relationship as well. Courage, maybe. Heero could be brave. But now, Heero felt the need to move faster, before Winner won over Duo's attention. The stuffy school teacher, Chang Wufei, was another obstacle altogether. Two more opposing personalities Heero couldn't imagine. He wasn't at all certain that Duo could befriend that man, but didn't care either. At least Chang wouldn't be competing for Duo's heart. (o) Heero and Quatre stepped outside in time to see Duo dancing with his untidy-looking, runty dog, his long braid whipping past his ass, and he his voice loud, whooping and hollering. Heero figured that Duo had escaped Rashid's clutches to let them sort out their issues without him in the middle, and now he was playing the game "Who can leap the highest?" with Ruggles. From the corner of his eyes, he caught sight of a figure riding up on a fine, black horse and dismount. Duo, he saw, stopped his game, straightened his shirt, and turned toward the stranger, smile in place. Heero felt a sting of jealousy because of that smile. Obviously, Duo was delighted to see that newcomer was a handsome young man with a fantastic build. "Hiya!" Duo greeted him. "Oh, dear," Quatre said. "We'd better hurry." Heero thought Duo could handle himself just fine, until he witnessed the first moments of the greeting. Chang Wufei halted in front on Duo and looked at the outstretched hand with contempt. "I left my horse with the stable boy already. What do you want?" "Uh, from you? Nothing. I'm a bud of Quat's here for dinner. Name's Duo Maxwell." He rubbed his palms on his pant legs and smiled at Wufei's souring expression. "Make sure Duo keeps his distance from me. I dislike small, smelly animals." Duo looked down at Ruggles. "Ah, you got that all wrong. I'm Duo and his name's Ruggles, just to set the record straight." Wufei stared at Duo as if he might become a dog in time. They were saved by the arrival of Quatre and Heero; the former greeted the Chinese man in a formal but friendly way, while the latter muscled his way to Duo's side. If the arrogant guy found him over-protective toward Duo, for a new friend, then so be it, Heero thought with satisfaction. He looked forward to matching his Japanese-style fighting technique with what he's heard was Chang's superb Chinese Kung-Fu. Meanwhile, Winner was leading them all past the entry to his estate, talking enthusiastically about the weather, his excitement about their company, and other topics Heero had no interest in. "Champagne everyone," Quatre giggled. "I want to make a toast to our new friendship." With the excellent champagne bubbling to feathery heights, the tension broke. Duo remarked after downing his first glass, "You know, I'm feeling this already. If I don't get some food in me I'll be woofled good!" Heero guessed Chang had a smart rejoinder to make, and started to say something, but Winner leaped in first, saying, "He's right. I'm starving anyway." Chang's lips pressed into a line of disappointment, causing Heero to sniff as he hid a snide smile. He liked this moneyed Quatre Winner guy immensely. Heero heard Duo's gasp as he entered the lavishly decorated dining room. The floor was inlaid, the door frames marble, the gilt mirrors enormous. A massive crystal chandelier hung over the table set for four, but which could easily accommodate two dozen people. The silver and crystal glittered and the crisp, white linen napkins glowed upon the gleaming dark wood tabletop. "Man-" Duo said. "Why don't you take this seat," Quatre indicated one beside his, "and Heero can take the one across from you, all right?" Chang hesitated before marching around the table to take the chair opposite Winner. Heero assumed he usually sat a Winner's elbow at gatherings of their associates, whoever they were. Quatre beckoned to a servant and the man jumped to action. Food appeared in copious quantities. Heero perused the menu, which had been handwritten in beautiful calligraphy, and shook his head thinking that the food would be too rich for Duo and him. He wanted to warn Duo surreptitiously, but could find no way to do so without drawing attention to himself. He didn't want to embarrass Duo. Duo's eyes darted from the silverware to the footman to the glittering lights completely enraptured by the decorations. "Feel free to just pick and choose what you want. I wasn't sure what you preferred so there's a wide assortment of dishes," Quatre said to the room at large. "Thanks," Heero said, loading the remark with all the meaning he could. Quatre met his eyes and smiled. "I usually only sample the courses. If I actually ate everything that was served me, I'd be too wide to pass through the doors!" Duo nodded, and Heero hoped he understood what Quatre was delicately trying to tell him. Wufei commented, "The sauces are too rich for my tastes." "But you like them for all that!" Quatre said, laughing at his dour friend's expense. Heero watched the footman offer a silver tray to Wufei, who declined the course-out of spite, Heero thought to himself. At the Chinese man's side, Duo picked at the slice of bird on his plate, eyes wide marveling at the amount of food he had been offered, and would be offered if the small, scripted menu card was anything to go by. Thus far they had been offered, for a starter: Oeufs de caille en aspic et caviar, a choice of two soups, Potage St-Germaine or Consommé Madrilene-this one clear and simple and Wufei's choice, followed by Canard Braise Aux Olives served with potato croquettes. Tournedos aux morilles followed the duck, after which everyone took a rest and cleansed the palate with Punch Rosé. Next, they tucked into Cailles aux cerises, the little quails swimming in cherry and brandy sauce. According to the menu card there were three more courses yet to come: Asperges printanieres with hollandaise; Macedoine de fruits and Moules à la Marinière. Conversation was minimal and as dry as the wine. As each course was accompanied by a superb wine Heero did not know which would fail first, his bladder, his liver, or his stomach. "So you run freight up and down the river?" Quatre asked politely. Heero swallowed his bite. "Yes." "I know hundreds travel upon our Rogue River a year." "As we all know," Wufei cut in, "as the Sanc Kingdom continues its great expansion to the West, it depends on the waterways for transportation for the people, goods and information. The rivers provide the only practical means of transporting supplies and commerce from coastal settlements into the interior settlements. Unfortunately, river traffic is limited to slow routes. Flatboat and keelboat journeys require a considerable amount of time to travel the rivers." "Well, they're better than trapper canoes," Duo said. "Better than crappy rafts some use." "Not much," Wufei said. Heero set his fork on his plate. "Flatboats carry larger loads than the canoe, and they are more solidly built than rafts and have a short, raised side to secure the cargo. Canoes are only practical for one man with a load of furs traversing narrow waterways. And rafts are just worthless." "Unsafe, too," Duo added. He might have said more but his mouth was full and Heero was signaling him to "shut up." Wufei tackled the subject with his usual venomous style. "The flatboat was been designated as 'the boat that never comes back.' It is broken up at the end of its journey and the lumber used for building houses, furniture, even chicken coops, I suppose. The crew must then either walk or ride a horse back." "The older designs, but not the ones running now," Heero said. He wasn't interested in starting a heated argument, but he wasn't about to let the incorrectly informed "teacher" criticize his livelihood. "I think it's time for brandy," Quatre announced as much to his guests as to his servants. When the last course had been cleared away, largely uneaten, the four men retired to the wood-paneled library for brandy. The room was laid out in the manner of a Sanc gentleman's club: oak-paneled walls hung with stirring prints of sea battles and ships. The main room was carpeted with a deep blue rug, framed in a wide, wine colored border and furnished with comfortable red sofas, and balanced with blue upholstered, rosewood Empire-style chairs and overstuffed armchairs upholstered in shades of light green, red and gold. Over the fireplace hung an oil portrait of the Duke Dermail, reigning over the hearth as he did the entire Sanc kingdom, including Sublimity and his palace in Serenity. Recessed into the wall to the left of the portrait was a large alcove containing the bar. Large open windows provided access to an enclosed private garden. Quatre settled into a high-back, needlepoint upholstered chair, a snifter of brandy in his hand. Wufei had settled on a leather sofa against the far wall with his glass, while Duo had chosen a most uncomfortable over-stuffed chair flanking the fireplace, doing more swirling of his drink than tasting. Heero refused a brandy and a chair, preferring to stand where he could watch everyone. "I think I shall be candid," Quatre began. "Even though I haven't known Heero well or Duo long, I sense that I can trust you all. For the benefit of Duo, I'll like to begin with saying that I am a homosexual. I live with this in secret, but not in shame." Duo set his glass on a side table. "No shit?" "That's right," Quatre said calmly. "I put this out there to get the ball rolling. I want us to all be good friends. I think we should start with honesty." "It can get you killed," Duo said. "'Course, maybe you can buy safety. Something like that leaks out on the loading dock and a guy like...well... a guy could find himself floating on the river face down, if you get my drift?" Quatre smiled. "Yes, I do. But you don't mind?" "Me? About you? Ah, no. Not a bit." Heero was surprised when Chang spoke up. "I prefer the company of men. Women are weak, demanding, and mostly in the way." "As you can tell," Quatre said, "my friend here is very understanding and extremely discrete." "You're lovers?!" Duo blurted out. Wufei's eyes flashed in alarm. "Absolutely not!" "Wufei, why not tell Duo and Heero about yourself?" Quatre suggested. Wufei drew himself up to his full, and limited, height and smoothed his shirt. "I live at Marble Manor and run the school. There's just the one. Mornings for the youngest, afternoons for the advanced." "We should go by there. I should show you around," said Quatre. "It's quite lovely." "It can't possibly be 'lovely', Quat," Duo said. "Not the school. He meant Marble Manor," Wufei snapped. "I know," Duo said. Heero could only imagine he said that to irritate the proud Chang. "So, you're a teacher?" "I'm a scholar and writer." "Ohhhh. You write stories?" "Some. I also write essays on research I'm not going to discuss with you." "Oh, okay. Can I read one of your books, then?" Duo was pushing. "They are not for everybody. My stories are intricately interwoven and thematic." "Wufei," Quatre stepped in before things got nasty, "don't be so supercilious. Your pulled-back hair is wound far more tightly than your stories' plots." Heero thought that Duo would laugh himself into asphyxiation.
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