CHAPTER TWELVE:

The Arabian padded on bare feet across the cozy living space, a soft tune of happiness falling from his lips. Tightening the sash of the white bathrobe across his waist, he reached for the closed drapes and whipped them open with a flourish. A grin spread out upon his visage as the bright rays of sunshine filled the otherwise darkened room. It was going to be another glorious autumn day and he couldn’t wait to share it with…

“Morning to you, too,” came the husky whisper against his neck. This sent a bright flush of color to his face as warm lips trailed light kisses upon his skin. Trying to stifle a moan, he giggled and playfully swiped at the roaming hands on his lean waist. He spun around and grinned at the taller boy, his arms wrapping themselves around his neck to place a light kiss upon his lips.

“Morning, Trowa. How are you feeling this morning?”

A small smile crossed the junior’s face as his hands gripped the smaller boy against him tightly. “Good, thanks to you.” He chuckled softly at the blush that had crept up to the blond’s face again and not caring for the light yelp of surprise that burst out of his lover’s mouth, he carried the Arabian back into the bedroom. “We have some unfinished business to attend to,” he explained softly as he lay the frail-like creature onto the bed. Leaning forward to straddle the prone body, Trowa seized the moist warmth, nipping gently on Quatre’s lower lip, the low moans causing his arousal to throb painfully. And thankfully, since he was already nude, there would be no time wasted.

“Hmm…Trowa. I need you again…”

Trowa gasped as he felt Quatre buck against him and emitting a low growl of need, he brushed aside the soft cloth to thrust himself slowly into the heat that was his love. Minds ceased to exist as they melded as one. Grunts, pants and whimpers of delight and delirium filled the room as both boys worked themselves into a mind-blowing orgasm.

It was only after several minutes of trying to garner back some sense of orientation, that they finally hear the persistent knock on the door. They stared at each other blankly before Trowa quickly slid out of the sheets and reached for his bathrobe. He wondered what could possibly be the matter now. He prayed and hoped it wasn’t another complaint from another student. He really did not want to leave his current position. Giving a small smile of apology coupled with a kiss on his lover’s still swollen lips, he made his way to the door.

Lord knows he wasn’t expecting the face before him.

“Duo?!”

“Hiya, Trowa. What’s up? Is this a bad time? I can come back and use the bathroom later if you are too busy.”

Trowa could only stare in dumb amazement at the harried and clearly flustered boy before him. Duo’s braid was undone and his hair, a mass of chestnut, flowed around his t-shirt and shorts-clad body. That almost maniacal grin was on his face, but there was something different about the heir that he couldn’t quite place a finger on. Duo almost looked…content. Maybe the funeral had helped to get the loss out of his system. He was just about to invite Duo in, when the light patter of running footsteps stopped him.

“Duo?! Is that really you? What are you doing back here so early? I thought you were supposed to be coming in later on today?”

“Whoa, Q-man! Easy on the questions.” And raising an eyebrow, a cheeky smile came unto Duo’s face as he took in the two bathrobe covered boys. Faces flushed…where had he seen this picture before? And trying hard to squash down the memories of his time with Heero, he stifled his laughter and asked casually. “Sooooo…am I interrupting anything? I will just go on over to my room and sit on my own bed and wait until you guys finish what you were do…”

“Duo.”

Three pairs of eyes snapped around at the steady voice. Walking nonchalantly towards them, with what seemed to be clothes in his hands was none other than Heero Yuy. He was dressed in a casual blue shirt and dark pants, his hair looking freshly washed and eyes shining with something that Trowa and Quatre found hard to explain. Their jaws literally dropped as Heero nodded curtly to them, before turning his attention to the motionless boy beside them. And ignoring the gaping boys, he spoke directly to Duo.

“Would these do? I wasn’t sure if these were the ones you wanted.”

Red-faced and trying hard to control himself from drowning in those teasing blue depths, Duo ran his fingers across the clothes, his body tingling as their fingers brushed against each other. “Umm…they…they will do just fine,” he stuttered out weakly, accepting the clothes and cradling them to his chest as if hugging them that tight would stop the tremors that wracked through his body. Quatre and Trowa were completely forgotten as Heero gave a small smile before leaning forward to claim the parted lips before him. Duo closed his eyes and moaned softly as he felt Heero’s tongue slip into his mouth. His legs were just about to give way when those lips were quickly withdrawn. Whimpering in disappointment, another shiver of delight coursed through his body as Heero nipped his ear gently and whispered.

“Catch you later, koi.”

He could only nod numbly as he watched Heero walk away. Those hips swaying with an added touch of sensuality that almost made Duo pass out. He vaguely heard the heavy sound of something falling to the floor and spinning around sharply, he stared blankly at the sight before him.

Quatre had passed out.

~&~&~&~&~

“Gosh…is he still out?”

Trowa raised his head as he watched Duo step out of the shower, thankfully half dressed. “Yeah. I guess this came as a shock and surprise to him.” He snorted. “And to me too, to be honest.”

Duo chuckled and ran the towel through his hair, rubbing it vigorously to get the water out. He reached for the hair dryer and plugged it on, leaning against the wall as he did so. The dark slacks Heero had chosen for him clung to his hips like a second skin, his bare torso still holding the moisture from his bath. The smile lingered on his face as his lips tingled from the surprise kiss. He felt like singing. Damn! He was positively floating on air. Last night had been the most amazing experience in his young life. They had spent the remaining hours talking about everything and nothing. Finding pleasure in the little things that seemed trifling to others. He had made Heero smile again with his colorful jokes and to Duo that meant more to him than all of his wealth or prestige combined.

“If you can stopping grinning like a fool now, could you tell me what’s going on here?” Trowa asked with a hint of exasperation. His head whipped back around as a low moan was emitted from his partner’s lips.

Dark green eyes opened up slowly. “Tro…Trowa? What happened? I…I had the most…the most amazing and surprising dream. I dreamt that Duo had come back and that he and…and…Heero…kissed! Can you believe that?! Ha!” He ran shaky fingers through his hair. “That would be the day, huh?” And sitting upright, held steady by Trowa’s strong hands as he wobbled slightly, his eyes widened in disbelief at the low whirring sound behind him. Blinking, he stared at the neutral look on the older boy’s face. “Trowa?”

“It wasn’t a dream, Quatre. Duo is…”

“Hey, Q-man! Finally woke up I see.”

The blond spun around sharply and stared open-mouthed at the grinning American. “Duo!!”

“The one and only. How’s it going?”

“I saw…did you…Heero…he…was…”

Duo chuckled and switched the dryer off, his hand reaching for the brush and running it quickly through the long tresses. “Yup. You saw correctly. Heero and I are a…uh…couple.” His face heated up as he said the word, although his eyes blazed with feeling. His audience gasped and within seconds began to ask questions in rapid-fire succession.

“OKAY! Cool it! I will answer you all in due time. Speaking of which, how the hell did you two end up together?” By this time, he had begun fixing up his braid, curious violet eyes darting between the two blushing boys before him. Finally, Quatre cleared his throat and mumbled out…something.

“Sorry, Q-man. I don’t hear mumble-speak. You gotta make it louder.”

A sigh of exasperation and some more finger twiddling from Quatre. “I said we got together the night you left. We were talking and then…”

He paused and looked to Trowa for help. When none was forthcoming, he shrugged and smiled sheepishly. “We found out that we had a whole lot more in common than we would have liked. But that is not the issue here. The issue is that you and Heero are actually…dating?”

Duo almost lost his rhythm. “Dating?? No…I mean…”

Trowa interrupted. “Did you spend the night in his room?”

Twin cries of ‘Trowa?!’ caused him to shrug. “I only ask because I did a check-up of your quarters last night and you weren’t there, unless you came in at around five this morning, then I doubt you were in your room and besides you looked as if you had just been fucked senseless.”

This time the gasp came from Quatre as Duo threw back his head and laughed in glee. “How subtle, Captain Trowa. You were never one for putting things mildly, huh? You don’t seem to have done a bad job yourself. Quatre is positively glowing.”

This time both boys reddened with embarrassment as they shared a look together. Duo watched them share a small kiss and chuckled to himself. He had no need to feel envious. He had someone waiting for him. “Not to disturb you two lovebirds, but I have got me some breakfast to get. You guys coming down?”

Trowa nodded and rose to his feet. “Yes. We should be in the hall in about half an hour.” A whisper from Quatre caused him to clear his throat. “Umm…in an hour.”

“Suuuure.” Duo rolled his eyes and slipped into the black shirt, buttoning it up quickly and tucking it securely into the waistband of his pants. Running a finger through his bangs, he straightened up and grinned at his friends. “See you guys later.”

They nodded in unison and watched him leave the room with a wave and a wink, before turning around to glance at each other in confusion.

“Well…” Quatre began.

“I don’t even want to know. I just hope and pray that they know what they are doing.”

Quatre nodded gravely as he followed his partner into the bathroom. “Yeah…I really hope nothing happens. I have a really bad feeling about this.”

~&~&~&~&~

They had talked about it last night. Had spent almost an hour on it, to be exact. Do they announce their relationship to the world or just pretend like nothing was happening? Duo had winced at the second option. Having to go through the day pretending to hate Heero would do a number on him, especially seeing that they had every class together. The torture alone of not touching him was going to drive him insane. And although Heero had felt the same, they had both concluded that it was for the best.

But then again…

Heero had kissed him in front of Trowa and Quatre. Could that mean that he had had a change of heart? Was that a signal for it being okay to be affectionate in public? Duo doubted that. He knew that it had taken a lot of guts from Heero to do that this morning. At least, he was showing his closest friends that Duo was already taken. And by him, no less. Duo felt like gloating. His feet hardly touched the ground as he made his way towards the cafeteria. He hoped Heero would be there. Maybe they could share breakfast together. He hummed and smiled and grinned at those that hailed him in greeting. He teased the girls that lined the hallway. He felt awesome albeit a bit sore from the strenuous activities.

 Making the turn for the Maynard, he suddenly froze in place as he noticed the three serious-looking men dressed in suits standing at the end of the spacious room. His heart pounding fearfully in his chest, he wondered what could possibly be the problem. His eyes darted across the half-filled room. It was a Sunday, so only a few students were awake enough to make it to breakfast. There was no sign of the brown-haired boy. His heart rate sped up as he noticed the men turn around to face him. He licked his lips and clenched his hands into fists. He had to act cool. He was acting jumpy. It was as if he was guilty and all eyes were now pinned on him. Jeering, hateful and accusing eyes.

/ You dared to sleep with a Yuy! You will pay! /

He gripped the edge of his tray tightly. Where was Heero? What had they done to him? It was getting a bit hard to breathe now. He could feel his chest constricting painfully. What if they had come to take him away? What if Odin had heard about last night? What if they had sent Heero for a transfer to another school?!

Oh, God, no! I couldn’t…I just couldn’t!

The light hand on his shoulder sent him into a panicked frenzy and with those amazing reflexes, he spun around and punched whoever stood behind him. Only problem was, the punch never landed for the culprit had dodged it neatly. Finding his wrist suddenly encased in a tight grip and twisted painfully behind his back, Duo bucked and thrashed angrily against the person. “Goddammit! Let me go!”

“What in the world is wrong with you, Maxwell? I was just trying to call you.”

“Wu…Wufei?”

“Yes, Wufei,” the Chinese boy retorted, before letting Duo go. “You were just standing there like a zombie. What is your problem? And why are you back so early? I thought you were supposed to be…”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah. I came back early so bite me,” Duo grumbled bitterly as he rubbed his aching wrist. “You didn’t have to twist it so hard, you know.”

“Well, you looked zoned out, almost frightened. Is there something wrong?”

“No. Nothing. Why should anything be wrong?” Duo replied hastily as he made his way down the buffet line. Picking up anything that his hands could reach, he eyed the men again. They were still standing there and every once in a while, they would turn around to glance at him. Damn it! They were beginning to freak him out.

Trying to act as casual as he could, he asked Wufei flippantly. “So, who are the guys in the suits?”

Wufei stopped his selection process to stare at the men, before shrugging and dumping a load of sugar packets on his tray. “Don’t ask me. I came here a few minutes ago. I have no clue.”

“They are detectives.”

The two boys stared in mute curiosity as another student spoke up. “Detectives? What for?”

“Oh, nothing serious really. They just come here every year to do their standard checkup of the school. You know, bomb threats, rapes, crap like that.”

Duo could have hugged the boy. His relief was so great that he actually did drop his tray to hug…Wufei instead. This caused the Chinese boy to redden in embarrassment, earning a snicker from the American.

“Gosh, Wufei. How in the world does Meiran manage?”

“She manages just fine, Maxwell. Now let me go!”

Quickly finding a table for themselves, they waved in unison as they noticed Trowa and Quatre walk into the room. Before long, the four boys sat around the circular table, laughing and chatting away. The men in the corner forgotten, Duo felt more relaxed. So relaxed in fact, that he never noticed the figure approaching them or the sudden silence that befell the table.

“And so I said to the guy…what’s the matter? Can’t get it up for your girlfriend?” He burst out into laughter at his own joke before he noticed his silent companions. “What?!”

“Sorry for interrupting,” came the familiar calm voice that sent Duo into a mass of trembling nerves. Spinning around sharply, he stared into dual pools of sparkling blue.

“He…Heero?” he muttered out softly, the sudden urge to hug and perhaps give the brown-haired boy another kiss, causing him to tighten his grip on his bottle of juice. “What…?”

Heero shifted his stance and nodded in acknowledgement at the other curious observers from the table and indeed the room. He swallowed tightly as his gaze focused on the eyes of the one he worshipped. He had to do this. He couldn’t lose his nerve now. Gripping the tray within his grasp even tighter, he asked smoothly.

“I was wondering if…” He cleared his throat and sought for another way to place his request. “I saw you all eating and I was wondering if you wouldn’t mind me joining you.” There! He had said it and now for the rejection. He refused to mention that he had been envious of their easy camaraderie ever since he walked into the room earlier. He would never be as outgoing as the other boy, but at least, he could try to blend in a little bit more. Duo had tried to make him see that last night as well.

His thoughts were quickly broken as that dizzying grin spread out upon the heart-shaped face. “Sure, you can join us! Can’t he, guys?”

Trowa and Quatre nodded enthusiastically, while Wufei sat stumped with his sandwich still hanging somewhere in mid-air. The Chinese boy watched in shock as Heero thanked them softly and made himself comfortable right next to Duo. His sharp eyes noticed the small look that was exchanged and the accompanying blush for both, before he could finally regain his vocal cords. Dropping his sandwich to his plate, he leaned forward and with a frown on his face, he asked curtly.

“Okay. Can someone please explain…this to me?!”

Heero focused his attention on his cereal, leaving the talking to Duo. He would have found it hard to speak anyway as Duo was making him weak just by brushing his hands against his thighs. He tried to control his trembling as he listened to that smooth voice explain, as best he could, the events that had occurred. Leaving out the sex part, Duo stated plainly that they had both decided to work out their differences and that was that.

None of the others bought it.

As for the rest of the room, a low hum was slowly heard as word of Heero Yuy and Duo Maxwell having breakfast together. On the same table. Sitting next to each other. TALKING NORMALLY. Spread like wildfire. Naturally, both boys ignored the buzz and instead tried to concentrate on not passing out or running out of there to find the nearest empty room to satiate their overzealous hormones.

“Hey, guys!”

“Hey, Julie! What’s up?”

The green-eyed girl smiled at the boys and held out a flyer. “For you all.” She passed one out to each boy and watched as they read the brightly colored paper.

“Annual Halloween Bash,” Quatre read out slowly. “What has this…?”

“Precisely!” Julie enthused. “Every year, there is a Halloween party that is held in the grand ballroom. I mean, I hear it is huge. Right, Trowa?”

All eyes trained themselves upon the junior. “Yes. Everyone is expected to dress up in their finest costumes and the best dressed couple or person is awarded a prize of some sort.”

“Nice,” Duo crooned. “Sign me up!”

“Me, too!” Quatre jumped in, excitement brimming in his voice. “You will be there, won’t you, Trowa?” Smiling at the nod, he turned to Wufei. “Are you coming?”

Wufei was just about to shake his head when he noticed the teasing look on Duo’s face. Knowing that the American was about to make fun of him in some crude way, he blurted out sharply. “I’m in.”

“Cool!” Julie clapped her hands together. “You are coming right, Heero?”

Heero hated parties. But Duo was going and he had no intentions of leaving his beautiful mate alone in a room filled with ogling admirers. “I will be there.”

“Awesome! Now, remember, guys. Dress appropriately!” And with a final wave, she danced off to hand out some more to the other occupants of the room.

“What day is this thing anyway?” Wufei asked, as he rose to his feet to clear up his eating area.

“In about two weeks.” Duo replied, as he too got up. “I gotta think of something cool to wear. Last Halloween I went as Spawn.”

“Spawn????”

The five boys dropped their trash into the bin and slowly made their way out of the room. Duo stared incredulously at Quatre’s question.

“You mean you haven’t heard of Spawn? Damn! He is the greatest super hero that ever lived! I mean he is like…”

And with inward groans, the other four boys subjected themselves to listening to the long rant on the qualities of the dark Super Hero.

~&~&~&~&~&~

Relena held the small black book tighter to her chest as the car made its way down the long driveway towards the girls’ dorm. She stared blindly out of the window, her mind whirling with thoughts of all she had read and heard today.

/ In that book, you will find things you should never see. /

Why had she accepted it? Why would Helen entrust her with such a thing? She was scared. Downright frightened. If word ever got out that she held a book that could bring down the most powerful man in the world or indeed amongst the colonies, goodness knew what would happen to her. Was she doing the right thing? She had to be. She was doing it in their best interests. She was doing it to protect the boy she loved and for the boy he loved.

She stared at the faded Maxwell insignia on the dark cover. A book filled with secrets, hopes and dreams. A book filled with words that had burned right through her soul. A book that had caused her to cry with the vehement words of hate and love. A love lost. A love gained. A love that was meant to be. A love that would never be.

Dear, dear, Uncle David. You are so secure in your power now, that you have lost sight of what really matters to you. If only things had been different…

“Here we are, Miss Peacecraft.”

“Thank you, Big Bill. I will send out  your love to Duo.”

“You do that, Miss Peacecraft. You take care now.”

She nodded and smiled as she waved at the disappearing car. Sighing deeply, she picked up her carryall bag and almost screamed as a group of girls gathered around her in gushy welcomes. Fighting the urge to kick them out of her way, she dutifully placed the smile on her face and replied at all the right places. God, she needed a shower.

“Relena! Thank goodness you are here! Excuse me, girls! Coming through!”

And before either of them or even Relena could think, she felt herself being propelled inside the building and towards her room. “What…?”

“Hey, couldn’t leave you out there with all your adoring fans. They would have eaten you alive.”

Relena chuckled and hugged the other girl. “Thanks a  lot, Julie. I really owe you one.”

“Whatcha got there?” She asked flippantly as she sat upon the large bed. She picked up the black book and was stumped into mute silence as it was quickly snatched away from her hands. “Umm…sorry. I didn’t know it was that important to you.”

Relena sighed and sat down beside her. Her face weary with fatigue and stress. “I am sorry. I am just a bit frazzled and overwhelmed with different things right now. I hope you understand.”

“Of course I do. You have been through a lot and here I am about to bug you to death.” She stood up and began to make her way out of the room. “I will allow you to get your rest.”

“Wait!”

“Huh?”

“How is Duo? I haven’t seen him since yesterday.”

Julie pursed her lips. “I saw him this morning at breakfast and wouldn’t you believe it. He was having breakfast with Heero. Both of them. Together! You should have seen the looks on everyone’s face. Shock is an understatement.”

“So, they are going out publicly now?”

“I wouldn’t say that. Although I did see them walking towards the stables together…” She shrugged and stared at the wistful look on the other girl’s face. “What is it, Relena? I know I am not the closest friend in the world, but you can trust me, you know.”

Relena stared at the green-eyed girl in thought. She needed to confide in someone. The secret alone threatened to make her insane.

“Do you promise never to tell another soul about this? Promise me, Julie. I am about to do something that might change the course of history…for better or worse.”

Julie nodded gravely and came back to sit beside the now trembling girl. “Does this have anything to do with them?”

Relena nodded and hugged the book tighter to her. “This book…this book contains all of David Maxwell’s thoughts, experiences and hopes. It contains things that could break him. Ruin his reputation. Destroy his name and his family’s prestige.”

A whispered ‘Oh,my god’ spilled out of Julie’s lips.

Relena nodded again and stood up abruptly. She paced to the window and stared mutely at the falling evening sky. Spinning back around sharply, she pinned determined blue eyes upon the silent girl. And in a voice as steady as ever, she spoke out loudly and clearly.

“I am going to show this book to Heero and Duo. I will let them see and read for themselves. And then….and then, we will let Fate decide.”