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"Ellion"Written By: Vega-Lume Disclaimer: I do not own Gundam Wing. This series
and all characters original to it are licensed by Sunrise and Madman
Entertainment. I claim no ownership, nor do I profit in any way from
this fan work Rating: R Warnings: A/U, Angst, non-graphic NCS (under aged
– early teens), Yaoi, MPREG, death (no major characters), smidge
of citrus (non-graphic). Maybe squik, depending on how you look at
it (non-graphic descriptions of child birth and genitalia). Pairings: 1x2x1, 13xUne Summary: Set in a world where one mad man tries to rule all and destroy the last traces of magic, one young man must overcome a life filled with war and death in order to save those he holds dear. Notes: Lack of grammatical contractions is intentional. "Ellion - Book 1" Chapter 3
“Well hello Lieutenant Po, you are up bright and early,” the shopkeeper greeted. It was true; the sun was barely up when the Doctor rose from her bed. She wanted to get some clothing and breakfast for Heero before needing to start her other daily duties. “I am sure you have heard of the child Colonel Treize brought to us yesterday?” Sally asked as her eyes scanned the clothing the shop had available. “Yes, poor child. We knew little of the family, only the woman came to town from time to time and lived with her elderly father; no one even knew she had a child.” “How odd, why would she keep that a secret?” “The child had no father,” The shopkeeper
replied with a shrug and the Doctor frowned. “Yes Lieutenant,” the man answered hurriedly and quickly gathered a few garments for her to inspect. She selected a few light shirts and short trousers as the weather was still very warm and would remain so until well after the child got to Central Capital. As she looked over the available shoes she spotted something on a shelf that brought a smile to her face. “I will take that as well,” she said with a nod towards the item and the shopkeeper plucked it from the shelf and added it to the bundle of clothing. A price was quoted and paid and the Doctor was on her way a few moments later. She stayed with the child for an hour or so upon her return and made sure he ate something. He was quite and withdrawn, only speaking to ask where Treize was. Hoping to coax more of a response out of him she gifted him with the white plush rag-doll rabbit she had purchased from the market, he thanked her in a soft voice then when silent again. Not liking the idea of leaving him alone all day she decided to take the child with her while she completed her tasks. Sometime later Zechs stopped by and took Heero with him when he went to the tavern for lunch. It was there that Treize caught up with them, he did not want to tell him but he had gone back to Heero’s home early that morning and had brought back the bodies of his family so they could be buried in the graveyard in Shiore. After a long discussion with Une it was decided that it would be best Heero did not have to see the burial, but he should be allowed to see the graves, so after lunch Treize took him to the graveyard to say goodbye. The child stood beside the two fresh mounds of earth, his rabbit clutched tightly to his chest. “Why would they leave me?” he asked softly. “They did not want to,” Treize assured him gently. “There are some very bad people in the world that do not care who they hurt; those are the people that took your family from you. I will do everything I can to find and stop them.” The child sniffled and Treize scooped him up, he was sobbing in earnest by the time they returned to the inn. ~~~~ The next morning just as the men on night watch were being relieved, the first of the villagers were loaded into wagons for the long two day voyage to Capital City. Several soldiers accompanied them to protect them should there be any Ozlainian soldiers in the woods. “We are nearly ready to leave, Colonel,” Noin said as she made her way to her commanding officer. “Very good, we are well ahead of the planned departure time,” He replied then knelt to lower Heero, whom he had been holding, to the ground. The child stood beside him dressed in a simple homespun shirt and short trousers is hair tied back with a leather thong, looking very much like a boy now. “Heero, I would like you to go with Noin,”
he said, gently placing a hand on the child’s head. “I am
leaving with the last group and it will be several days before we
will be ready to go.” It had quickly become clear to Treize that Heero was indeed younger than he had first appeared to be. For reasons still unknown to them it seemed as if Heero’s family had tried to mask his true age by making him older than he truly was. In fact he seemed to get younger over the past two days, perhaps it was because he was allowed to act his true age? “No, it would ease my mind a great deal if you were to leave now, knowing that you were well looked after by Dorothy and Lucinda.” “I promise I will not get in the way, please let me stay with you,” Heero pleaded again, his voice wavering as he raised his arms, silently begging to be lifted and not caring that his rabbit had dropped to the ground. Noin tried to hide a smile as the Colonel began to crumble at Heero’s imploring gaze and trembling lip. With a long suffering sigh Treize relented, scooping up both child and rabbit. “Very well you may stay.” Noin chuckled lightly, “Pushover,” She teased and Treize smiled at her not bothering to deny it. “Please go to my home and inform Lucinda and Dorothy that I will be bringing Heero home with me and that we will be arriving a week or so after you.” “Of course, Sir,” She replied, moving to fetch Heero’s bag of new clothing and other belongings from her assigned wagon. After handing the items to Treize and Heero, she called out to the soldiers in her command and announced that they would be leaving soon and to recheck that they had not forgotten anything. Several voices acknowledged her, as family groups moved closer together and the villagers checked that nothing and no one had been forgotten. The families with very young, pregnant women and very old members were being moved first, had Salyn and Jay survived this was the group Heero would have been leaving with. Families with older children, any single women and unattached elderly were leaving the next morning, the single men the day after that and then finally Treize and his group, which would take the longest to prepare as they had the animals, trunks and large parcels, including Heero’s slightly singed cow. They would be transporting all of the large trunks, parcels and crates as well as some of the animals, many of which would be walking. The wagons would be heavy and difficult to guide through the thick trees especially with large animals trailing behind, so Treize allowed for an extra day or so, preferring to go cautiously rather than risking damage to a wagon as that would further slow them down. Noin left a short while later, leading the first wagon into the woods. The next morning Sally left leading the second group, followed the day after by Zechs who left with the last group of villagers. It took another three days to properly distribute and load the villagers’ belongings onto the wagons. Treize was exhausted, and the night before they left he slept deeply with Heero curled beside him, knowing he would not have the chance to fully rest again for some time. Dawn came and went and it was well into the afternoon before the group was finally ready to go, complications with the animals had delayed them greatly and many of them expressed their desire to simply leave the animals packed and set off in the morning as the day was hot and there were only a few hours of sun left, but Treize insisted they leave now for they should have left the day before and were already a full day behind schedule. He was greeted with reluctant acceptance save for Heero who for the first time since losing his mother seemed eager. “Ready to go?” The Colonel asked, ruffling Heero’s bangs. One of Heero’s hands was clutching the fabric of the Colonel’s trouser leg, a habit the child had quickly developed, clinging on whenever he was set down. As such, his feet had hardly touched the earth as all the soldiers seemed to want to carry him. “Yes sir,” The child replied with a serious expression and the Colonel laughed. “You heard the man, move out,” The soldiers scattered and climbed into the wagons. Lifting the child he settled him on the wagon bench and made sure his rabbit was safely with him before climbing up beside him. Pulling his wagon alongside Major Une, who would act as commander until Treize could return, he said, “Thank you for volunteering to stay behind Anne, I will return in six weeks unless something pressing should arise. Send a runner should anything come up before I can return.” “I will,” she replied then added softly, “Have a safe journey sir.” The Colonel smiled down at her and touched her cheek affectionately then snapped the reigns urging the mules pulling his wagon to move. With the late start Treize set a pace that was faster than he had planned with hopes of putting a fair bit of distance behind them before it became too dark to continue. When night began to descend several hours later Treize slowed and checked their location, they were moving better than he expected and had gone farther than he had hoped. Pleased with their progress the Colonel called for camp. “There is a clearing here, let us stop and rest for the night,” he called out loudly as he guided his wagon through the clearing. “Let the large animals rest and graze for now, just remember each person is in charge of their group of animals. Make sure you watch them carefully and round them up before you sleep.” A ripple of agreeing comments sounded through the clearing as the dozen soldiers moved to free their assigned group of livestock. After jumping down from his own wagon Treize lowered Heero to the ground. “Stay near where I can see you,” Treize cautioned, “I am not familiar with this area aside from the marked road, one could easily become lost if they were to stray too far from the path.” “I will stay close,” Heero agreed then wandered towards the back of their wagon where the animals were tied and loosened his cow, leading the animal to the grass. Smiling lightly, Treize pulled a bag from the wagon
and took out their evening meal of bread and cheese. They would eat
lightly for the duration of the trip because no one dared to light
a cooking fire for fear of drawing the attention of any Ozlainian
soldiers who may be nearby. Food in hand, the Colonel moved to join the group as they gathered together on the grass to eat. “Colonel, the kid needs more than that to eat, he is a growing boy,” Otto said ruffling Heero’s hair affectionately. The child had quickly become beloved to all the Hartoun soldiers, each seeing him like a sibling or a nephew. Treize looked at the small hunks of bread and cheese he had given the boy and mentally kicked himself. Of course Heero needed more, he was a young child used to eating his fill, not a grown man accustomed to light meals. He should have packed a little fruit or dry meat for the child. “Why not cook up some of the grain?” Sylvia suggested. “We have more than enough for all the animals.” “Yes, but not tonight. We can cook it at midday
when the fire is less likely to be seen, and make enough all at once
for him to eat at each break until we reach Capital City,” Treize
said. “Pass me that bowl please?” she held out an empty bowl they had used to the hold some cheese. Placing the bowl under the cow he milked her quickly with an ease born from a childhood spent on a farm. When he felt he had enough he passed the bowl to Heero, “Drink up.” “Thank you,” Heero smiled and took a sip of the rich warm milk. It did not take long for the day to catch up to him and Heero fell asleep before he even finished his milk. Untying the cow’s lead rope, Otto tended to the animal while Treize carried Heero over to the wagon and settled the child in for the night. Two soldiers stood watch while the others finished tending to their charges then moved off to sleep. It was still quite dark when they rose the next morning, dining again on bread and cheese before breaking camp and starting out for another long day. “Mister Treize, why is it so hot today?” Heero asked weakly just as the sun was reaching midday. Treize turned to look at the child for the first time in several hours and immediately called halt. “Sylvia, water!” He called out as he pulled Heero from the wagon. “Colonel, what is wrong?” Otto asked as he rounded the wagon in time to see Treize lower the child into the shade. “Sun sickness,” The Colonel replied as he pulled the boy’s shirt off. Otto gasped when Heero’s flushed face was reviled and rushed to help Sylvia with the water. As they set pails of water down Treize soaked Heero’s shirt in one then moved to drape it over the child’s head, “Sir, wait,” Sylvia called grasping the Colonel’s wrist. “We cannot cool him too quickly, it may make him worse.” Lowering his hand he turned to look at the woman then nodded in agreement, he knew that but his concern had overpowered his reason and he had forgotten. “Yes, you are right Sylvia. Please tend to him for me." Turning towards the man he said, "Otto, help me make some kind of shelter for him, we still have the rest of today and all of tomorrow at the very least, he cannot spend another day in the sun.” Otto nodded and Treize gave the wet shirt to Sylvia. “Are you feeling better?” Treize asked, gently touching Heero’s flushed cheek as he placed the child’s stuffed rabbit in his lap. “Yes, I am feeling much better,” he replied and picked up Roderick and hugged it to his chest. “Good, Sylvia is going to look after you for a little while and help you cool down, then we will have lunch.” Leaving the child, the Colonel left in search of Otto who had gone to speak with another soldier. “Sir, we have figured a way to make a shelter for Heero. We can move some of your crates to the other wagons. That will make some space behind the seat were Heero can lie in. We can throw a blanket over the top to keep out the sun.” He moved over to take a closer look at the Colonel’s wagon. “The seat is high enough that he should get a nice breeze under it.” “That should work just fine, let us take care of that now so we can have our midday meal and get back on the road. I would like to put a few more miles behind us before we break for the night.” The two soldiers agreed and they set to work moving the crates. Fortunately the majority of the crates in Treize’ wagon were personals and supplies so it was fairly easy to add one crate or trunk to each of the other five wagons making a space in the wagon which was then lined with a thick padding of blankets. “Is that enough space?” Otto asked as he eyed the space. “Should we remove another crate?” “That should be enough.” Treize replied, and
had lifted and held the child enough times over the past week that
he could tell that Heero would easily fit there with some space leftover. They rested in that place longer than they usually would, for Treize wanted to be absolutely sure Heero was recovered before setting out again. Dusk was a blessed relief making the Colonel wish they could travel at night. But the sliver of moon was not bright enough to guide them through the wooded areas. As it became too dark to continue, Treize called halt and a quick camp was set up again. They slept lightly and were off again at the first signs of light with hopes of having several miles behind them before the sun became unbearable again. It was nearing dusk on the third day when they finally reached the farthest edge of the Capitol of Hartou. Homes here were few as most of this land was for farming. Treize resisted waking the child until they were closer to Peacemillion, they were still several hours away from the palace and in this farm area there was not much to see. They traveled over the dark country back roads for some time before stopping at a small dairy on the very edge of Central City. The owners had offered their property to hold the animals of Shiore until the owners of the animals could collect them. It was there, just outside of Central City they stopped. “Heero, it is time to wake,” Treize called softly, giving the child a gentle shake. The boy woke with a start blinking owlishly in the dim evening light. “Where are we?” The boy asked as his guardian lifted him from the wagon. “Lucidonia Dairy. They supply most of the dairy for the city. They have offered space for the animals from Shiore.” Staying close to the Colonel, Heero watched as the soldiers quickly unloaded the animals and moved them to the safety of the barns and stables, only Heero’s cow remained with them, Treize’s home had no yard, as was true of many of the soldiers in the Hartoun army so the King had given them a large allotment on the palace grounds where they each had a small garden plot and could keep livestock. As there was no stall to keep it in yet, the beast’s new home would be the same stable and paddock where the soldier’s horses were kept. The personal belongings were left on the wagons to be covered and stored under guard inside Peacemillion’s gates. Over the next few days the villagers would be able to collect them. Once everything was secure Treize lifted the small boy
into the wagon again, which was still nearly full for his mostly had
held belongings and not animals. “It will take some time to unload
the wagons and get all of the parcels situated so I will take you
home first so you can meet Dorothy and Lucinda. I am sure they will
have something nice for you to eat.” It was well past the evening meal time when they reached the Colonel’s home. Warm light filled the windows of the small stone cottage. The savory aroma of the cooking food greeted them as Treize opened the door, they could hear sounds in another room and Heero, suddenly feeling shy he hid behind Treize, clutching Roderick tightly. “Dorothy, we are home,” He called out. A loud thump was heard followed by running foot falls. A young girl with long light blonde hair dashed into the room and threw herself into Treize’s arms. “Welcome home!” She laughed as the tall man lifted her into the air; he spun her once then set her down. “Dorothy, this is Heero,” The Colonel introduced holding a hand out for the child. Heero stepped forward slowly and took the Colonel’s hand. “Heero, this is my cousin Dorothy, and this is Lucinda,” Treize finished when the older woman stepped into the room. “Welcome home child,” The older woman said warmly and she knelt holding her arms open to him, shyness forgotten he fell into her comforting embrace, resting his cheek on the plump woman’s ample bosom. Rising with the child still in her arms Lucinda greeted her employer and said, “I know you must finish your work, but Dorothy and I would be pleased if you could join us in the evening meal.” “It is so late, why have you not eaten yet?” Treize asked of his young cousin. “We wanted to wait for you,” She chirped in
reply. “We knew you would be home tonight.” After the meal, Treize left to continue his work while his family settled in for the night. It was nearing dawn before the Colonel could return home. The house was quiet and still at rest when he fell into his own bed. It was not until he woke the later in the day that he realized that Heero’s bed had been placed in his room, nestled into a small alcove that usually held a large trunk of winter blankets. The small bed filled the alcove and the space had been curtained off for privacy. It made sense to place the boy there as Dorothy and Lucinda shared the other room in his small home. He thought he should look for a larger house but as the days passed Treize was hardly home, his position in the royal army demanding most of his time. Though Dorothy and Lucinda were used to it, Heero was not. Back in Shiore there was always someone around or something to do. Lucinda kept the home so well that there was nothing to help with. Bread and dairy products were delivered daily; even the laundry was collected, washed and returned. Three days a week Dorothy would go to the Palace to train with the royal cook, leaving Heero alone with nothing to do. Lucinda did what she could to entertain the child and set aside a small amount of time each evening to teach the boy his letters and numbers. It was not until Treize was to be sent back to the Ellion border that Dorothy began to take him to the Palace with her. Treize had arranged for the boy to be watched by the stable master, he was too young to train with the man but as the stable master had young ones of his own he did not mind watching the lad. Though he was away, Treize wrote often. His letters carried along with official notifications intended for King Howard and left in the kitchen for Dorothy to retrieve. To Heero the stable was just as boring as the cottage had been; the stable master’s children were much older and always playing games that did not include him unless it was to use him as a reason to laugh. To Heero, these games were never fun so he spent much of his time avoiding them. For most of each day he sat inside and did nothing but age. His one highlight aside from hearing a letter was when he joined Dorothy in the kitchen to have his midday meal. The cook was fond of him and always made sure to leave him a sweet roll from the morning meal as a treat. As the summer began to cool, letters from Treize came less frequently. Other soldiers he had befriended sent letters as well, a letter from either Zechs or Noin nearly always arrived with a letter from Treize, and from time to time one would arrive from Sally or Une as well. Heero had been in Central City for nearly six months and winter was just setting in. The morning dawned gloomy and wet with more than a hint of snow in the air. It was shortly after they broke their fast when lady nature kept her promise and the snow began to fall. Donning sweaters, mufflers and heavy coats the two young members of the Colonel’s family made their way to Peacemillion. They parted ways shortly after they were greeted by the guards at the gate, Dorothy heading to the kitchen while Heero went to the stables. It was well past morning meal when the cook announced that she needed to go to the marketplace and see why an order had not arrived yet. This was not the first time Dorothy had been left alone though it did not happen often. “Hello Dorothy,” A young voice called from an open doorway mere moments after the plump woman left as if the speaker had been lying in wait for the cook to leave. “What are you doing here?” The girl hissed under her breath as she rushed to the boy. “You know you are not supposed to be down here, I could get in trouble.” “Maybe with the cook, but mother and father would make it right.” “That is not answering my question,” she stated in exasperation with her hands on her hips. “Come play with me,” The boy replied, tugging the girl’s arm. “I need to work, the cook will be angry if I left,” she explained patiently, this was a discussion they had had before. “But there is no one else for me to play with now that cousin Relena has gone home to Tropria, and mother wants me to stay inside today,” the boy pouted. Sighing deeply the girl began to cave under the imploring
gaze of the young boy when a thought struck her. “I know of someone
who you can play with. I will be right back, stay here.” “Heero, come with me,” Dorothy called out startling the boy. “Is it meal time already?” The boy was sure he had not slept that long. “No, there is someone I would like you to meet.” Grasping the boy’s hand she led him back to the kitchen. She found the other boy sitting at the table with a half eaten carrot sticking out of his mouth. “Here,” Dorothy said pushing Heero towards the other boy. “I have found someone for you to play with.” “Thank you Dorothy,” The boy called out, leaving the carrot on the table he grabbed Heero’s arm, pulling him from the room. “What? Wait!” Heero cried as the older boy led him up several flights of stairs and down a few servant passageways. The room they finally stopped in left Heero blinking in awe. It was large, nearly as large as Treize’s whole house and an unbelievably grand riot of gold and red and so bright from the light pouring through the tall windows it seemed to glow. The floor was plush and soft underfoot, covered entirely with thick rugs. There was a large bed between two windows, heavily dressed with downy covers and cushions, enclosed in deep red drapes. The large store fireplace filled the room with warmth. “This is my sleeping room,” The boy said, leading Heero to another door, “And this is my playroom.” There were things everywhere. On the floor and tables, even hanging from the ceiling, though most looked untouched; pushed along the walls to make more space in the middle of the room. “I have never seen so many toys,” Heero said softly as he looked around the room. “Mother and Father are always giving me things,” The other boy replied. “I give a lot of it away. I would rather have someone to play with then all of this.” “Is there no one else for you to play with?” Heero asked as he wandered deeper into the room. “No, my parents are afraid of me making friends with the wrong people I think,” The older boy frowned, and then said. “Other than you and Dorothy I have no friends.” “What name should I call you?” The other boy laughed lightly, “just Duo, and you?” “Heero,” He replied with a smile. “Here, give me your coat,” Duo said, holding his hand out. “It is too warm to play inside with coats on.” Setting Roderick down gently on the lid of a trunk, Heero pulled his warm coat and sweater off so his new friend could set them aside, and was surprised to hear Duo’s shocked exclamation of “Wow! Your hair is as long as mine.” As he pulled a gleaming chestnut braid from where it had been tucked into his shirt as an effort to conceal himself when he sneaked down to the kitchen. “I have never worn my hair that way,” Heero remarked, touching the shining hair. “Turn around,” Duo instructed, Heero did as asked and was pleased a few moments later when his own dark brown hair fell in a neat braid over his shoulder. “Hold the end or it will unravel, I will find something to tie it with.” The older boy dashed back into the sleeping room and returned with a few leather thongs like the one he wore in his own hair. Taking the end he started to tie the end off when the thong snapped. “Darn,” Duo cursed and Heero jumped slightly. “Sorry, these things are always breaking, that is why I brought two,” Duo quickly explained and moment later he tied the braid off and handed it back. “Thank you,” Heero said and wandered over to the trunk to get Roderick. “May I?” Duo asked, holding his hand out for the rabbit, Heero hesitated for a second before passing the toy to his friend. Duo examined the soft white rabbit for a moment then a huge grin spread across his face, gently he twisted the floppy ears together and tied them loosely with the broken thong, then handed him back to his owner. The ‘braid’ would not hold for long, it was not meant to. But the laugh that came from Heero’s lips was worth the silly gesture and unable to help himself, Duo pulled his new friend into a one armed hug then led him over to a low table that sat near the fireplace. “Have you ever played checkers?” Duo asked after the boy took a moment to examine the braid. “No, I have not played many games. It is hard?” Duo beamed, “Not at all, here let me show you.” They played right through lunch, not noticing the late hour until his mother suddenly came into his room unannounced. “Thank the Mother,” she breathed with a hand pressed to her breast. “I did not know Your Majesty, I swear!” The guard that had been placed at Duo’s door cried then with a gulp and a salute, he greeted the Colonel that was now standing before him. “Papa!” Heero shouted and dashed into Treize’s arms. “Duo,” His mother scolded angrily. “The guards have been tearing the palace apart since lunch looking for that child,” she said with a gesture to Heero. “How on Earth did you manage to get him up here without anyone seeing you?” “The servant passage above the kitchen,” He replied sheepishly. “That would explain how Dorothy knew,” Treize said with a sigh and pulled Heero back a little to look into his face. “I was so worried, I stopped by the stables to surprise you and the stable master was in a panic.” “I am sorry,” Heero whispered, lowering his eyes. Treize sighed and pulled the child closer, kissing his forehead. “You did nothing wrong,” his papa assured him. “Dorothy told me she took you from the stables and did not think to tell anyone. She has already apologized and everything is alright.” “Well, I too must say I am relieved you are unharmed,” Queen Eliza said and she patted Heero’s back. It was clear to her that the child was still upset that he had worried everyone. “I am sorry too,” Duo said, holding out Roderick so Heero could take him. “Now that everything has been cleared up I would like to formally invite Master Heero to come and spend his days with my son,” Queen Eliza said and Duo’s face lit up in delight, “Unless he would rather stay with the stable master?” “No, please papa can I come here instead?” “Of course,” Treize replied with a smile. “But now it is time for dinner and we really must go, so go fetch your coat.” He set the child down and watched as the two friends ran to the other side of the room where Heero’s coat had been lying. Duo held Roderick while Heero put on his sweater and coat, then gave the rabbit back as they walked back to where their parents were waiting. “Thank you, Your Majesty,” Treize said sincerely and held Heero’s hand as they walked through the halls of Peacemillion. “No thanks are necessary,” she assured him. “Just have Dorothy bring him to the kitchen with her each morning he wishes to visit and a guard will escort him to wherever Duo is at the time.” “Does that mean lessons too?” Duo asked with
a frown and his mother nodded. “He may absolutely take lessons with Master O, if that is what you wish. I am sure Duo would be more diligent in his studies if he had a companion,” His mother said and Duo tried to hide his embarrassed smile. “How does that sound?” Treize asked, looking into Heero’s upturned face. “Would you like to come here and have lessons with Prince Duo’s tutor?” “Yes, please!” the child replied enthusiastically and the Colonel laughed. “Then in it is settled. Heero will come to the kitchen with Dorothy each day.” ~*~*~*~* The next day Heero arrived bright and early with Dorothy, even though it was not a day Dorothy worked. “Good morning dears,” the cook greeted the two youngsters in her kitchen. She knew all about arrangement and a few moments later with a sweet roll in his hand, Heero was escorted up to rooms where Duo took his lessons each morning. “Welcome,” an older man greeted when they arrived. The escort nodded once to the instructor then left the two alone. “I am Master O and I will be your teacher. For now please sit and eat while we wait for his Highness, then we will see what you know and where to start.” “Yes sir,” Heero replied and sat where the instructor gestured, then began nibbling nervously at the iced bun the cook had given him, his free had moving to his pocket where his fingers stroked Roderick’s ear. Heero only managed half of the sweet when Duo appeared and the prince beamed when he saw him. He had not expected to see him today as he knew Dorothy did not work in the kitchen this day. “Master Heero has been quite patient,” Master O stated and Duo’s smile faded. Though Master O would never come right out and scold him for being late, he was clearly pointing out they had been waiting some time for him to arrive. “I apologize,” Duo said sincerely. “I will try to be on time from now on.” O nodded, accepting the apology. “Take out your parchment and practice your handwriting while I work with Heero for a while.” “Yes sir,” Duo replied and set out a sheet of parchment and uncapped his ink before dipping a pen into it then began writing on the paper. Without a word, O moved the abandoned iced bun from Heero’s table to his own desk, trading it for slate board and some chalk. While Duo wrote, the instructor had Heero write down letters, numbers, and simple sums on the slate, pleased to find that he was already well on his way to being a fine student. He listened well and seemed eager once his initial nervousness faded. He was also very close to Duo, academic wise, indicating he was quite bright and had had competent teacher before him. Having both students at roughly the same level made it easier on the instructor as he was able to teach them the same lessons at the same time. Their lessons ended each day at lunch time, allowing the new friends several hours afterwards to play before Heero went home for supper. ~*~*~*~* As the New Year began, winter warmed and melted into spring and Roderick found a new, permanent home on a shelf in the playroom as the two friends found new games to play out in the fresh air. Duo’s parents were pleased with the friendship and encouraged it, going so far as to ask Treize to allow Heero to live at the Palace. The request was refused when Heero said he wanted to stay at home with Dorothy and Lucinda. However living apart did nothing to stop them from spending nearly every waking hour together. Even on days when Treize was home, Heero found a few hours to visit his friend, often joining Treize on his visits to Peacemillion, his father dropping him of on his way to a meeting and picking him up again when it was time to go home. Many seasons passed and the Kingdom of Hartou stood strong and peaceful. All though there were continual attacks on the outer villages and along the borders of Ellion, the Hartoun army managed to defend them and drive Ozlain forces back, deeper into Ellion as they continually reclaimed and reinforced their borders against the threat. Because of the random attacks King Howard kept his army on alert fearing that Ozlain may simply be testing their strength. The boys however were oblivious of the tension in the Palace and the army. Dorothy now at the age of eighteen continued to work in the kitchen; the cook had been so pleased with her that she was now found in the kitchen every day. Lucinda retired as the Colonel’s house keeper as she really was no longer needed, Heero already spent every day with his friend the Prince and he continued to take lesions from O, learning more advanced academics, and when not in class the boys were often found with the officers of the army learning to ride horses and to fight properly. Noin enjoyed teaching the boys and though to them they were just playing fun solider games, she was following her orders from Treize and making sure the boys could protect themselves in the event that they needed to. At thirteen Heero had begun to grow into a very handsome person though some of his features hinted at femininity to look at his physical shape there was no doubt he was male, as he aged Sally continued to trend to his needs. Fearing that he may develop the way females did, the doctor had taken him aside and explained to him what happened when females matured. To Heero’s relief there had been no signs he was changing that way. It was clear to the doctor that the youth was going to continue to look and mature masculinely. Duo, who was well into his sixteenth year, had also become quite handsome. Many pretty young girls in and around Peacemillion had begun to fawn over him, much to the young Prince’s annoyance. Heero often found it amusing when a girl would flutter around his friend provocatively and Duo would just roll his eyes and turn to smile at Heero. Winter was upon them again. It had arrived suddenly
and much earlier than usual; so many people were caught unprepared,
trapped in their homes with not enough wood or food to sustain them.
Treize had wed Anne the previous spring but she was still posted in
Shiore, so the Colonel divided his time between the Capital City and
the small village. He had been called away again because Une, now
heavily pregnant would be returning to Central City to have the baby
so Treize had gone to escort her home, because of this Heero and Dorothy
had been trapped in the cottage alone for nearly three days before
Zechs had managed to get them out. Despite the poor weather, Treize and Anne managed to make it through the mess and arrived safely back at the city a few days later, and though they were offered a place to stay in Peacemillion with Heero and Dorothy, Une decided to stay at the cottage, away from busy Palace life. The winter proved to be the worst they had seen in many years and snow sat in drifts several feet deep, the city had almost completely shut down as it had quickly become impossible to travel through. It was at this time Anne delivered their daughter, Mariemaia and Dorothy left the Palace to help tend the baby while Heero stayed behind under the direct wish of King Howard. Living together for several weeks while winter ragged on Duo started to see his friend in a way he had not before. The way his body moved when he walked, his smiles and the shine of his impossibly blue eyes had started to make the Prince’s body react in new and embarrassing ways. One morning found Duo waking, pressed against his friend, gasping lightly as wetness spread through his pants. The other boy was awake and watching him curiously. “I… I am sorry Heero,” Duo stammered his face flushing crimson. Heero only smiled at him in gentle understanding. When a doctor teaches you the facts of life she leaves nothing out. Heero knew what was happening with his friend, and understood that it often happened in sleep and without choice. Though he had yet to experience it himself he found it surprisingly exciting to watch Duo. “What does it feel like?” Heero asked quietly. “Your face, sometimes you looked in pain. Other times it looked like pleasure.” Still flushed the Prince blinked at his friend and said, “I do not know how it feels exactly, I only remember how it feels when I wake but it does feel good, very good.” “Do you like me Duo? The way those girls like you?” “No,” Duo answered quickly then at the flash of sadness on his friends face he added. “Those girls only like me because I am the Prince, the way I feel for you is much stronger. You are my best friend and you are very dear to me.” Heero’s smile shone brighter than the sun and Duo, unable to help himself closed the distance between them placing a light kiss on Heero’s lips. “I think I have fallen in love with you,” Duo whispered and Heero’s heart warmed. “I think I love you too,” He replied and returned the kiss. ~*~*~*~*~ “Must you go?” Duo asked as he watched Heero don his coat. He had only come for lunch and was leaving already. The weather had improved greatly a few weeks back so Heero had moved back into the cottage with his family. “I promised Mother I would help with Mari today,” Heero replied, reminding Duo that he had said that once before. The Prince sighed, “Will you come back for supper?” Heero’s eyes moved as he glanced at the window to see the falling snow, “I do not know. It is not fair to Mother if I keep running off.” “I miss you,” Duo said and Heero crumbled. “I miss you too,” He frowned and Duo could see the warring emotions on Heero’s face, at length he said, “very well, I will ask Mother if I can stay the night.” It took all of Duo’s self control not to shout a ‘huzzah’, but he could not keep the smile from spreading across his face. Heero smiled in return and leaned to kiss his mouth lightly. “I will try to be back by supper.” “I will let everyone know to expect you,” Duo replied as they stepped through the door of the playroom and into the hall. In the kitchen he watched as Heero wrapped his scarf around his face and fought the longing to lean in and kiss him goodbye. What they shared was new and special and though Duo was certain his parents would not disapprove they wanted to keep things just between themselves for now. However, that did not crush Duo’s desire to climb to the highest tower in Peacemillion and shout out to whoever would listen that he was in love with Heero.
TBC
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