They left immediately after the wedding, traveling by car through the countryside until they reached the cabin.  A simple place in Treize's home country, it was
perfect for the newly-wedded couple as neither had wanted anything fancy.  Even the drive was their choice as they'd chosen to take their time, most of it
spent in silence.  It took hours, but Heero wasn't the least bit tired and he enjoyed the way Duo rested against him.  The boy had been up late hours during
the past week and he was glad he could get some rest.  As he'd expected, the normally talkative boy had gotten quiet the moment they left the church behind
and he was obviously nervous.  Heero wasn't sure what the best way to handle him was, but there was supposed to be enough food in the cabin to last two
weeks and he thought if he distracted his husband, the rest would follow naturally.  

When they got there, Duo smiled and sat up slowly, hopping out of the car as he looked around.  As Heero had warned, it was a simple cabin and the forest
hadn't been culled back too far, so it seemed to surround the small building.  Cozy was the word that came to mind, and Duo didn't hesitate when the boy
opened the door, asking if he was going to come in.  He was still feeling jittery, but he wasn't the most calm person on normal days, so he didn't worry about it
too much.  The cabin was almost quaint compared to Heero's home, but the few pieces of furniture were hand-crafted and looked comfortable.  There was
even a small alcove that had been made into a kitchen and Duo moved toward the refridgerator with a small smile to Heero.

"I'm starving," Duo said, his eyes widening when he saw how much food was piled into the refridgerator.  "Wow, how long are we staying again?"

Smirking, Heero shut the door and moved to stand next to the boy.  "I guess they went all out.  Treize got the cabin, but Zechs took care of the food."

"Does he ever do anything without being so...extravagant?" Duo asked, still staring at the different dishes as he tried to figure out what was in them without
opening them.  Finally, he simply grabbed two and carried them to the table.  "Are you feeling picky?"   Heero raised an eyebrow and he grinned as he peeked
under the lid of a large pan.  "Well, this is some kind of meat...thing, but I don't know *what* this stuff is."  He frowned, peering warily at the pinkish-melon
colored substance in the bowl.

Joining the boy, Heero smirked as he looked over the food and pointed at the pink stuff.  "That's mashed potatoes."  Duo continued to stare at it, an eyebrow
raised.  "Really.  I think there's cheese or something that they mix in with it.  It's not bad tasting."  Looking to the pan, he nodded.  "You'll like that.  I don't know
the name for it, but it has beef and vegetables.  It's good and it shouldn't be hard to reheat."  

"Okay," Duo smiled.  "As long as there are pans," he took one off a hook over the stove and set it on one of the burners before picking up the bowl.  "I think I
can reheat this without burning anything.  Though I have to admit, it's been a while since I've cooked."

Lifting the large pan, Heero joined him at the stove.  "I've never cooked anything besides simple things.  I'm not picky about food.  That's why I never cared
what the food I eat is called."  It was strange to be talking for the sake of talking, but he found that it wasn't difficult.  Especially since Duo smiled at his words.  

"That's okay.  When I first ate with you guys, I didn't recognize half the food."  Stirring as he spoke, Duo marvelled at how nice it was to be cooking with the
cobalt-eyed boy.  Already, Heero had said more than he usually did in an hour and rather than question it, he decided to take advantage of it.  "I was
wondering, what do you plan to do?"

"About what?"

"I don't know, in general.  Zechs told me you were a mercanary but that you didn't fight any more.  What do you plan to do now?"

"I haven't decided," Heero said slowly.  Inside, he fumed at Zechs for his mouth and vowed to have a talk with the man.  It wasn't that he didn't want Duo to
know about his past, but the word mercenary had bad connotations to it.  While most were appropriate, he didn't like the thought of the long-haired boy seeing
him in such a bad light.  "With the money my parents left us, I don't actually have to work.  I just...didn't like not doing anything.  It seems wrong not to have to
work for things."

"I see.  I thought maybe you worked so you wouldn't have to spend time with the children."  Heero looked up sharply, and Duo met his gaze evenly.  "I know
you care about them, but they probably reminded you of your responsibility.  And your parents."

"I...don't know how you can know so much."  

Smiling, Duo put an arm around the dark-haired boy's shoulders, leaning over as he pressed a quick kiss to Heero's cheek.  "I'm wise for my age, aren't I?"  
Smirking, he looked to the food and took the pan off the burner.  "No, I just notice things.  Plus the children tell me a lot.  Is that done yet?"

Heero nodded as he turned off the stove and got two plates out of the cabinet.  Getting some food, they sat at the table and ate in relative silence.  

* * *

"You know, I promised Quatre I'd talk to you about Trowa."

"Now?"  Frowning, Heero stared at the table a minute before sighing.  Having finished their dinner, they'd been sitting in silence for the past ten minutes and
he was enjoying simply watching the boy.  

"Come on, Heero, you know me.  I'm not used to being quiet.  Anyway, why not now?  We're not doing anything, besides, I figure you're going to get angry and
I'd rather it be now and not tommorow."

"I'm not going to get angry," Heero said slowly, "but I don't think you're going to change my mind.  I've been watching Quatre this last week and I've made up
my mind about him."  Glaring suddenly, Heero dropped his eyes to the clean tabletop.  "Do you know Rashid is almost as old as I am?  And Quatre...I really
didn't notice how much they've all aged."

"Heero?"

"You don't have to fight Quatre's battle for him, Duo.  When we get back I plan to talk to him myself."  

"Oh, I was just..."  Smiling, Duo shrugged.  "I'll leave you alone about it, but be warned.  If I don't like what you decide, you'll never hear the end of it."  Heero
raised an eyebrow and he grinned.  "Hey, at least I'm honest, right?"

"Yes."  The boy seemed at ease and Heero wondered if now wasn't the best time to approach him.  Admittedly eager, he didn't want to rush the boy and he
was willing to wait if necessary.  Still, Duo was generally outspoken and Heero wondered if the direct approach wouldn't be best.  Standing, he walked around
the table and leaned against it as he looked down at Duo.  "Are you ready for bed?"

"Huh?  I'm not tired."  Blinking when Heero flashed one of his rare smiles, Duo frowned.  

"Good."  Leaning down, Heero brushed his mouth over Duo's lips, wetting them with the tip of his tongue.  "Come to bed with me?"

"Okay..."  Smiling tentatively, Duo stood.  Then he laughed when Heero suddenly bent and lifted him into his arms.  "This is nice, I could get used to this."

Relieved by the boy's happy expression, Heero carried him into the cabin's only bedroom, pushing the door shut out of habit.  Crossing, he was pleased the
bed was made and he sat on it, holding Duo on his lap as he kissed him again.  Running his tongue over the boy's soft lips, he felt his previous impatience
melt away and he sighed when Duo's arms moved around his neck as the boy opened his mouth.  He tasted so sweet, reminiscent of the glass of wine they'd
had with dinner and he explored the boy's mouth slowly.  With one arm around the boy's waist, he trailed his other up Duo's shoulder, following the curve of his
arm to where his hands were behind Heero's neck.  Undoing the cuffs of Duo's long sleeves, he reached down and lifted him into his arms again as he
released his mouth.  

Looking up at Heero with passion-glazed eyes, Duo sighed as he rested his cheek against his husband's chest.  Any fear he might have had was soothed
away when the boy kissed his forehead, gentle fingers brushing his bangs away from his eyes.  Pulling back the blankets, Heero laid the boy onto the soft bed,
stretching out beside him before covering them both.  As much as he wanted to see what he was doing, he knew there'd be plenty of time to overcome any of
Duo's shyness and he was patient.  "You were beautiful today," he said softly, framing the boy's heart-shaped face with his hands as he kissed the boy's
mouth lightly.  With a sigh, Duo's gave entrance to him, his arms moving around him again as the boy kissed him back with tentative yet alluring brushes of his
tongue.  

Unbuttoning the boy's shirt as he kissed him, Heero slowly pushed it back, lifting his head so he could see the smooth skin he uncovered.  His eyes blazed and
he ducked his head, brushing his mouth over the boy's exposed neck as his hands ran back to the boy's shoulders.  Lifting Duo's back off the bed, he kissed
his lips as he took one of the boy's hands and slid the shirt off, the violet-eyed boy paying attention as he was lowered again.  Blushing at the way Heero's
cobalt eyes moved over him, Duo sighed when he was kissed yet again.  Then he felt palms running over his chest and he shivered slightly, his eyes snapping
open when they paused, fingers circling his nipples.  

Nudging Duo's chin up with his forehead, Heero sighed against the boy's neck.  "I've wanted to do this since the first time I saw you in that blasted tank-top.  I
knew your skin would be so soft."  A glance to the boy's flushed face showed his embarrassment, but his lips were curled in a small smile and Heero pinched
the boy's nipples lightly, rewarded with a startled expression and a small gasp.  Lowering his head, Heero took a detour into Duo's mouth before trailing his lips
back to the boy's neck.  Moving downward, brushed his tongue over Duo's right nipple, sucking on it as the boy flinched beneath him and gave another
gasping cry. He braced himself with one hand, his tongue circling the other nub as his hands massaged the light muscles of the American's flat stomach.  His
fingers undid the clasp to Duo's pants and he paused as he saw those violet eyes close, the boy's cheeks darker than ever from his blush.

"Duo?"  Lifting his head, he brushed a soft kiss over those parted lips, watching as Duo slowly looked up at him.  "Let me love you?  You're so beautiful, koi."

"Heero..."  Eyes widening at the soft quality to the boy's voice, Duo sighed.  "I'm yours," he whispered, kissing Heero's chin, "You're my husband."

Lifting the boy's hips as he pushed down the last of the boy's clothing, Heero paused to kiss him again, "There's no need for embarassment, Duo.  Everything
about you is beautiful."  

Despite his words, Duo couldn't stop his blush as the boy's hot eyes moved over him and he distracted himself as he realized Heero was still dressed.  "Aren't
you going to..."  Blinking, he touched the boy's chest lightly, pulling at his shirt and he gave a small smile when Heero immediately removed it.  Following the
curve of the boy's neck, he flushed as he gazed at him, not sure why the sight affected him so.

With slow movements, Heero undid his pants and pushed them down, pausing as Duo stared at him with wide eyes.  For a moment, the boy didn't move then
he jerked and his eyes flew away quickly causing Heero to give a tiny smile as he pulled the covers up again and kissed him.  "I love you," he whispered,
watching those averted eyes until they returned to him.

Sighing blissfully, Duo gave a small smile as he shook his head.  "I'll never tire of hearing you say that."

"I'll say it often then," Heero murmered, letting his hand travel down the boy until his fingers touched his length lightly and Duo gasped.  Curling his fingers
around the soft skin, he carressed it in a slow stroke, the long-haired boy pushing up against him with very wide eyes.  Tightening his hold as he felt the boy
harden, his own body reacted similarly and he leaned forward, mouth next to Duo's ear.  "Do you like this?  I don't want to do anything wrong, so tell me if you
don't like it."  The boy was silent, but he gave a breathless nod when their eyes met, causing Heero to give in to a pleased smirk.  Speeding his movements a
bit, he let the boy's low moan flow over him, loving the knowledge that he was responsible for it.  He didn't pause as he kissed the boy's chest and his hand
closed over him when he came with a shocked cry, violet eyes so wide they seemed to fill his face.

"It's all right," Heero whispered, kissing the boy as he used the slick evidence of the boy's pleasure to prepare him.  "This might hurt a little."  Duo jerked as he
slid a finger into him, and he paused as he kissed away the boy's aprehensions.  Then he moved again and the boy gasped as he found the right spot,
leading him to carress it until the violet-eyed American gave a thick moan.  Taking his time, he widened the boy carefully, not proceeding until Duo arched up
against him.  Withdrawing his fingers, he pushed into him, letting out a muffled moan as he was sheathed in exquisite tightness and he halted.  Duo's small
whimper tore at his heart and he kissed his closed eyes, "It will...get better," he whispered, wincing at the way the boy tightened around him as he adjusted, "I
promise..."  Duo nodded and he closed his hand around the boy's length, stroking it quickly until the boy moaned.

With painful slowness, he pushed into him further until he was embedded in the boy and he lifted Duo's hips as he pressed against him, touching the right
spot.  Gasping roughly, the long-haired boy blinked at Heero then suddenly lifted his head as he pressed their mouths together.  Kissing him, Heero moved,
pulling out of him a bit before entering him again.  Duo's head moved back against the bed and he bent to taste the smooth neck curved beneath him as he
looked over the boy's closed eyes, watching for any sign of pain before he moved.  Withdrawing again, he was more forceful as the boy's hips rose to meet
him and they fell into the ancient art of love-making as they moved together.

This was what he'd imagined heaven to be, and while their movements caused a slow uncomfortable burn, each time Heero filled him he was consumed in an
exquisite fire.  Thought fell back as Duo felt lips move over his and he opened his mouth, looking into Heero's beautiful eyes.  Moaning into the boy's mouth,
he closed his eyes as the pleasure overwhelmed him, seeming to increase without bounds.

They came together, their moans muffled by their kiss and Heero pulled the boy up against him as he slowly calmed.  With exhausted eyes, he gazed at Duo's
flushed face, brushing his lips over the boy's cheeks before carressing his mouth gently.  "Ai shiteru Duo, zutto."  A sigh was his only response, but he smiled
at the pleased note in it and held Duo close, content with the boy in his arms.  Pressing a kiss to the head hidden against his neck, his eyes closed as Duo
curled against him.

* * *

"Bastard."  Treize glared out the window as he watched the man walk to his car.  "What does he plan to accomplish?  Coming here while Heero's gone.  As if
we'd tell them where he went."

"We probably should get in touch with him," Zechs muttered, arms folded over his chest as he sat behind Heero's desk.  "I know he'd want to know but..."

"It's his honeymoon.  We'll just keep them at bay until he returns.  The real problem is keeping this from the children.  They don't need to worry about this, not
now."  Turning, Treize frowned.  "Rashid notices everything, he's been asking questions."

"Oh, you can tell *him*, just make sure the others don't get wind of it.  I don't think there's any reason to worry just yet, though.  OZ knows Heero just got
married, they'll be expecting him to be gone for a while."  In fact, it had been less than a week since the wedding, but that meant Heero would be back within
another week. As much as he tried to act otherwise, he was worried too.  The soldiers who accompanied the general had sent threatening glances around, not
caring if their gaze fell on one of the men or a passing child.

"Zechs, that's easier said than done.  They've seen Tuberov, he's come every day, four days straight.  They don't have anything to do, it's natural for them to
be curious.  What we need is something to keep them occupied.  And I have just the thing."  Smiling wryly, Treize nodded when the blonde man raised an
eyebrow.  "We'll enter them into the contest."

"You know Heero said no to that," Zechs reminded him, smirking.  "Let me guess, you'd already signed them up when you meantioned it, hadn't you."

"Maybe."

* * *

"Quatre?"  Knocking very lightly, Wufei's black eyes scanned the hall, watching for Zechs or Treize.  That would be all he needed.  While he normally enjoyed
teasing his brother about his secret boyfriend, he'd given it up as Quatre had become reticent since Heero and Duo's departure.  He knew there hadn't been
any more midnight meetings and he'd taken to keeping a watch out just in case.  As much as he liked to tease the boy, he didn't like seeing Quatre so
depressed.  Turning the doorknob, he sighed in relief as he found the door unlocked and he entered the room quietly.  

Slipping across the room silently, he leaned over the bed, placing a hand over the blonde boy's mouth.  "It's me."  Wide eyes glinted in the dark and he didn't
let go until the boy nodded.  "Quatre, Trowa's outside."

Gasping, Quatre sat up quickly, only pausing to put on his shoes and throw on a coat.  "Thank you, Wufei.  Really."  The black-haired boy nodded slowly,
watching as he pushed up his window and climbed out.  He'd scaled the tressle so many times it might as well have been a ladder and he was on the ground in
seconds.  Looking around, he couldn't see anyone and he didn't wait as he nearly ran to the gazebo.  As he got nearer, he could see the tall shadow and he
smiled as he recognized the boy, pausing in the doorway.  "Trowa," he said a little out of breath, "I was afraid you wouldn't come back."

Turning slowly, Trowa's eyes moved over the boy and he flinched when Quatre wrapped his arms around him and pressed his face to his chest.  He couldn't
stop his hands from touching the boy's back as he lowered his head, breathing into the boy's soft blonde hair.  

Stepping back a bit, Quatre looked up at the green-eyed boy sadly, taking in his seemingly emotionless expression.  "Trowa, I'm so sorry about Heero.  I don't
know what he said to you, but--"

"It doesn't matter."  Releasing the boy, Trowa stepped back sharply, eyes narrowing as he gazed over Quatre's shoulder.  "That's not why I'm here.  OZ is
planning to force your brother to fight for them.  They plan to get him as soon as he comes back.  I just came to warn you."

"Thank you, Trowa, but why did you wait so long to come see me?  I've missed you.  I was beginning to think you didn't...that is..."

"Quatre..."  Closing his eyes, Trowa turned suddenly.  "I have to go now."

"What?  Why?  You just got here."  Eyes widening, Quatre caught him quickly.  "Trowa, what's wrong?"  Staring up at him, he could feel the muscles under his
hand tensing as he held the tall boy's arm.  Trowa hadn't looked at him, his green eyes directed straight forward, but Quatre could see that his jaw was
clenched.  "Please, tell me?  Whatever he said, you know I love you."

"I don't--"  Meeting the boy's wide eyes, Trowa stopped.  He simply couldn't lie to the boy.  "We can't see each other anymore."  He tried to leave, but Quatre
grabbed his arm in a surprisingly strong grip and he closed his eyes against the pain that surged through him.  "It's over, Quatre."

"No!  You don't mean that, I *know* you don't.  Trowa, we talked about this, remember?"  His breath caught in his throat and he shoved it down as he jerked on
the boy's arm.  "Forget whatever he said, he doesn't know you."  Trowa pulled away from him and he blinked back tears as the boy turned, glaring at him.  
"Trowa..."

"He was right.   He didn't say anything that wasn't true."  Letting out a slow breath, Trowa tore his eyes away from the boy's pale face, unable to look at him.  
"It's over."

"It can't be," Quatre whispered, shaking his head.  "I won't let it be.  We were supposed to run away if this happened.  You said...you wouldn't leave me."

"I lied."  He didn't glance back as he left the shelter of the gazebo and his pace was steady as he crossed the lawn.  He should have run, as the boy caught his
arm again.

"You can't!  I won't let you."  Gasping, Quatre held on when the boy tried to pull away.  "Trowa please?  You promised you'd--"

"Let go!"  Ripping his arm away, he choked as the blonde boy was knocked to the ground, watching tears slip down from his pale blue-green eyes as Quatre
stared at him in disbelief.  "Qua--"  Closing his mouth, he turned and ran, knowing he couldn't stand there and watch the boy cry.  

"Trowa!?"  His vision blurred as the boy disappeared from sight and he moaned, a hand clenching over his burning chest.  "Trowa...don't.  Don't go..."  The
boy was gone, but it didn't matter as he clamped another hand over his heart, gasping from the pain.  "Oh God--don't go!  Come back...please..."  Sobbing
roughly, he choked as his throat closed on him, "D-don't leave me...please don't leave me..."

.-.

PART 15

.-.

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