'...' thoughts
One and Only Part 18
"Heero." Quatre sighed irritably, his patience for the frantically pacing lord finally reaching it end. "Would you please sit down, you're wearing a hole in the carpet and you're making me nauseous."
"I'll sit down when he returns." the dark-haired lord murmured, not even looking at his friends while he continued walking from one end of the rather small sitting room to the other and back.
"He hasn't seen his father in over ten months and during that time; he's been through something very traumatic." Sally reminded him from her seat near the others. When they had returned from the courtyard after the elves' departure, she, Quatre, and Trowa decided to keep Heero company as they waited for Duo to return from his meeting with his father. It was also their hope that they would be able to keep the dark-haired lord calm during that time. Unfortunately, the pacing had started not fifteen minutes after their arrival and now, nearly three hours later, Heero was dangerously close to full-fledged panic.
"I know that, I just...."
"We know Heero." Trowa stated softly, his tone designed to calm his friend. "We're just as worried as you are."
Hanging his head with a sigh, Heero walked over to one of the chairs beside the table and collapsed into it. "I don't want him going through this alone."
"He's not alone Heero." Quatre reminded him. "He's with his father."
"Yes, and quite possibly the one person who put him in this situation in the first place." Heero snapped, regretting it almost immediately afterward at seeing his blonde friend flinch. "I'm sorry Quatre I'm just worried; I shouldn't be taking it out on you."
"It's alright. If it were me, I'd probably be the same." the blonde man said with a small smile as he looked sideways at his tall lover, knowing that despite what he just said, he would more than likely be far worse if it was Trowa.
"How exactly are they related any ways? Duo and Dermail." Trowa asked, deciding that taking their minds off the current situation might help calm everyone down.
"His mother." Sally provided immediately as she smiled gratefully at the auburn-haired man. "She was the second oldest child of four with Dermail being the oldest. That's why he inherited the family position in the nobility."
"What happened to his mother? I mean, he's mentioned that she passed away but not how." Quatre asked.
"She died giving birth to him." Heero said softly, his voice sounding tired, as the anger and frustration had drained away leaving only his anxieties in their place.
"Oh, poor Duo." the blonde doctor whispered.
"Yes, and unfortunately, he's always blamed himself for her death." Sally said with a sad shake of her head. "No one could make him see it any other way."
A sense of deep sadness settled over the waiting group following the braided healer's words but before anyone could say anything to lighten the mood, the door to Heero's chambers slowly swung open, admitting the object of their conversation, who was looking quite the worse for wear by that time. He was still dressed in the carefully prepared outfit he had taken such pains to assemble; knee high, black leather boots that laced up the back, over moderately tight pants also in black with a white, high-collared, long-sleeved shirt and a sleeveless black vest, reaching only to just past his hips, to top it off. However, by this time, the clothing was looking quite rumpled and the vest had come unbuttoned. It was his face though that caught their attention and seeing the tear stains on those soft cheeks and the grief-stricken look in his little lover's eyes, Heero immediately jumped from his seat and rushed to his side, managing to catch him as his knees seemed to give out underneath him.
"Duo!" the young lord cried as the elf literally fell into his arms. Instantly, the boy's arms wrapped firmly around the man, holding on desperately as he buried his face in Heero's chest, his thin body wracked by violent sobs. "What's wrong Duo. Please, talk to me." Heero said, his voice rising with panic.
"He said he w... wouldn't l... let me." Duo sobbed, his voice muffled. "He s... said I c... couldn't...."
"What Duo, what couldn't you do?"
"S... st... stay." the boy stuttered out through his sobs. "St... stay with you."
With a growing sense of dread in the pit of his stomach, Heero tightened his arms even further around the boy's thin body. "Who said you couldn't stay with me?"
"M... my f... father."
********************
In the darkness of the palace dungeons, Septim sat against the back wall of his small cell, contemplating what was to become of his life. He had been informed of the elves arrival only a few minutes ago and then left alone once again; no doubt to give him time to contemplate what his elf partner would have in store for him. Unfortunately for him, it worked all to well since he was so absorbed in his thoughts; he failed to notice the door to his cell creep open some time later, admitting a tall, robed figure.
"I see you've effectively managed to ruin all of my plans." the tall elf stated, causing Septim to jump violently to his feet. However, the sudden movement caused the manacles he was wearing to become entangled and he fell flat on his face. Rolling quickly to his back, he managed to scramble to a halfway seated positioning as he prepared himself for an attack. "Pathetic! I should've known not to trust a human to handle something so important." Dermail sneered down at him. "You couldn't even control a small boy."
"I did have him under control dammit." the human yelled, finally managing to untangle his restraints but choosing to remain seated on the floor. "I don't know how he managed to escape."
"I've no desire to hear your excuses. You failed in what you were appointed to do and have now implicated me; that I cannot allow. My dear nephew's managed to avoid being alone or anywhere near me since our arrival, which means somewhere in his mind he believes you. And unfortunately, Thomas will not be far behind. Therefore, you've outlived your usefulness and I believe it's time you disappeared."
Feeling elated at the look of pure terror on the human's face, Dermail smiled cruelly before raising his right hand. Then chanting softly, he began the spell that would turn Septim into a pile of ash. However, before he could say more than a few words, he found a sword point at his throat, immediately halting the spell.
"I think that's far enough." Treize stated steadily, keeping his sword pressed firmly to the elf's jugular. "I must admit, I hadn't expected you to move this quickly, but I can't say I'm not relieved since this whole matter can now be wrapped up."
"You were using me as bait?!" Septim screeched indignantly.
"For what other reason would we've kept you alive this long?" the ginger-haired general said. "Now, my lord elf, if you'll back up slowly."
With infinite care and diligence, Treize walked Dermail out of the senator's cell before directing him to another only three doors away where he shoving him inside and swung the door shut, securing the bolt.
"You should know this cell has been fortified against any type of magic." Treize explained to the elf as he resheathed his sword. "You will not be able to escape in that manner."
"Thomas will not stand for this." Dermail sneered. "You have no reason for keeping me; just the ravings of a human against my own word. He will raze this city to the ground."
"We'll see about that." Treize said before turning and walking down the hallway, leaving his prisoners to the dark.
********************
Pacing the length of his sitting room once again, Heero's face was a mask of barely restrained fury. It had taken nearly an hour to calm the small elf and in the end, Sally finally resorted to fixing him a sleeping draught to accomplish it. Now, he lay sleeping fitfully in Heero's large bed.
"How dare he deny Duo this?" the blue-eyed man hissed.
"Maybe he doesn't understand the full circumstances surrounding your relationship." Quatre offered, trying his hardest to calm his friend before he did something he would regret later.
"What's there not to understand? I love him and he loves me."
"This is his only son, Heero." Sally stated.
"Not to mention the heir to his throne." Trowa added.
"So just because he's destined to be king, he has to give up his happiness?" Heero sneered, his anger and instincts to protect the violet-eyed elf giving his mind no room to see any other side of the story.
"Heero--"
"Dammit Quatre, I'm not giving him up."
"You may not have a choice." the blonde doctor sighed even as he wished he did not have to point out the obvious.
The softly spoken words from his friend hit Heero like a heated brand, stealing his breath and nearly driving him to his knees as the realization that Quatre was correct in his statement settled into his chaotic thoughts. However, the blue-eyed man knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that there was just no way he could live without the beautiful elf in his life. The mere thought of losing that bright smile and those shining violet eyes caused his heart to twist painfully in his chest. Therefore, using the need he felt for his lover to fortify his resolve, he turned toward the door and pulled it open.
"Heero, where're you going?" Trowa asked with no small amount of apprehension.
"I'm going to talk to him. Maybe I can get him to understand that what Duo and I have together is more than just a passing infatuation, but real love." Heero stated as he stalked out into the hall, not waiting for them to try talking him out of his decision.
********************
A few short minutes later, found Heero approaching the hallway that housed the elven rooms. Stopping at the end of the hallway, he allowed himself to visualize Duo as he had looked upon entering his room not more than an hour ago, instantly rekindling his anger and thus refortifying his resolve before stalking up to the door at the end of the hall and knocking loudly. When Thomas pulled it open only a moment later, looking obviously upset, the dark-haired man allowed himself to feel a small amount of satisfaction.
"What do you want?" Thomas snarled, recovering quickly from his shock at seeing the man by letting his own anger push back the anguish he felt over his argument with Duo.
"I want to know why?" Heero demanded with his head held high and his back straight; he refused to bow to a person who would upset his little love.
"I owe you no explanation and you have no right to ask. Not with the way you've poisoned my son's mind."
"Poisoned?!" Heero bellowed in disbelief as he felt cold fury build in his chest; no one belittled what he had with the braided elf. Just as he opened his mouth however to inform the chestnut-haired elf of just that fact, running feet could be heard approaching the set of rooms and a moment later, an elf guard rounded the corner, not stopping until he was directly in front of them.
"Your highness." he breathed as he bowed deeply. "You must come quickly, Lord Dermail has been arrested."
"What?!"
"They said he was trying to kill a human prisoner and that he admitted to having been the one to kidnap the crown prince before they stopped him."
His face growing darker, Thomas pushed past both Heero and the startled guard as he stalked down the hall. However, when he reached the end, he realized he did not know the way to where Dermail was being kept and stopped to allow the guard, who was following close at his heels, to take the lead. Fortunately for his temper and the people they passed along the way, they arrived at the stairs leading to the dungeons only a few minutes later, being met at the bottom by Treize and a small company of his men.
"I demand that Lord Dermail be released immediately!" Thomas instantly snapped at seeing the king's general.
"I'm sorry your highness." Treize intoned, giving a small bow. "But he's been arrested for attempted murder and even though the man whom he was trying to kill was a prisoner himself, human law does not permit such actions. Also, as my men and I were present outside of the cell just prior the murder attempt, we were privy to his confession concerning Prince Duo's kidnapping. Under those circumstances, I cannot release him."
For a moment, Thomas simply stared at the blue-eyed man, seething silently as he fought to bring himself under control enough to speak. "I wish to see him, now." he finally forced out through clenched teeth.
"Of course your highness. If you'll follow me."
Leading the group through the maze of hallways, Treize took them to the dank cell Dermail had been locked in not an hour before. By this time, the elf noble was pacing the floor of the small room, nearly beside himself in anger at being caught. However, at the sight of Thomas he quickly pulled himself up straight and glared indignantly at the human general before turning relieved eyes toward his king.
"Thomas, I'm forever thankful to see you. These barbarians are so desperate to shift the blame for Duo's kidnapping from their own kind, they're attempting to frame me." the elf stated, his face alight in outrage. However, as he spoke, the fingers of his right hand, which he was holding at his side, were moving unconsciously in complicated patterns and at seeing the movements, Thomas felt his heart sink and his anger deflate; knowing as he did that the patterns where for creating a defensive spell and only something Dermail did when extremely nervous, or lying.
"It's true isn't it?" he breathed, shifting his eyes back up to meet those of the other elf's who seemed to have finally realized what he had been doing. Feeling his previous deflated anger grow at the fake innocence written on that face he at one time trusted with his life, he took a step forward, his eyes narrowed to thin slits as he glared through the bars. "You took my son from me you lying bastard?!" he bellowed, causing Dermail to cringe slightly and thus providing the final bit of evidence.
"What're you saying Thomas?" Dermail asked, still trying to maintain his act. "You know I love Duo like my own; I would never do something to harm him."
"Do not lie; you don't have the ability to do it properly." Thomas intoned after bringing himself back under control. "As you are well aware; these actions are considered treason against the throne and carry the penalty of death. Since I do not feel like drawing it out, your punishment will be carried through tomorrow afternoon." he said before turning and walking away, Heero turning to follow as well.
"You can't do this to me." Dermail screamed. "I'm a member of the nobility; you can't make this decision without the others agreeing."
"Ten months." Thomas said softly, having stopped at the man's outburst. "You took my son and kept him away from me for ten months of pure hell and fear. You don't deserve a proper trial nor will the others disagree with my decision and it will therefore be carried forward as I have prescribed."
Then without further thought, the regal elf walked from the area, retracing his steps until he arrived at the stairs that led to the palace proper. Heero meanwhile followed at a respectful distance, knowing instinctively that it would be best to leave his argument with the elf for another time. Besides, at seeing the display of anger and anguish the elf king had just shown, he finally realized what he must have gone through over the last several months. However, with it came another realization, the realization that, by wanting to keep Duo with him, he was effectively taking the boy from his father once again.
Finally reaching the top of the stairs, Heero ruthlessly shoved the thoughts to the back of his mind as he watched Thomas and his guard head in the direction of their rooms before turning toward his own. Making the trip in as short a time as possible; he strode through the door to find Quatre sitting at the table sipping a cup of tea.
"Where's everyone else?" he asked.
"They went looking for you, hoping to stop you from getting yourself arrested."
Having the dignity to blush at the blonde's words, Heero took the seat across from him before looking over his shoulder toward the archway that led to his bedroom.
"Is he--"
"Still asleep." Quatre said with a sigh. "What're you going to do Heero? I mean, if his father refuses to allow him to stay, can you do anything to stop it?"
"I don't know." Heero said, his previous thought returning before he squashed them once again. "I just know I can't let him walk away without a fight."
"Maybe those are the best words to use in this situation." the blue-eyed doctor said with a pointed look. "After all, we still have no idea whether Thomas'll declare war or not."
"I know Quatre." the dark-haired man sighed. "But I love him."
"Unfortunately, my friend, sometimes love just isn't enough."
********************
The following afternoon, as Thomas had promised, Lord Dermail was removed from his cell by a company of elves who were to carry out his punishment. Standing tall and proud at the top of a raised platform in the courtyard, the elf king personally stated the elf's crimes for all to hear before naming the punishment. Then he watched solemnly as the elf company carried out the spell, each one chanting in harmony with their neighbor. Brightly colored lights swirled throughout the courtyard followed a few seconds later by a bright flash. When the king's eyes readjusted, the elf noble was gone, only a patch of steaming ground proof of where he had been standing.
Remaining motionless, Thomas listened absently as murmurs drifted through the disbursing crowd, his senses tuned solely to the one presence that was absent. He had not seen his son since their disastrous meeting the previous day and his feeling of dread was growing with each day. Finally, once the courtyard was empty, he turned back toward the palace, seeing King Peacecraft standing on the steps awaiting his arrival. Knowing what he needed to do but also knowing Duo might never forgive him for it, he headed directly for the human king.
********************
Waking early the next morning, Heero found himself smiling peacefully down at the chestnut covered head that rested on his chest; the small elf's breathing still deep and smooth. Gently, so as not to wake him, the blue-eyed man began running his hands through Duo's hair, removing some of the tangles as he went. Their lovemaking the night before had been wild and passionate, which had caused the braid to come undone and while Heero would never complain about the mass of silk, the tangles generated by such activities could be difficult to remove.
With his hand still continuing their task, the dark-haired lord allowed his thoughts to fall back to the previous evening. As the time for Lord Dermail's execution approached, Duo had become more and more agitated; not able to sit still for more than a moment's time. When asked if he wanted to attend, he had been very adamant about not wanting to witness it mainly because he still considered the elf his uncle but also because he could not bring himself to face his father yet. Then, when the hour finally arrived, he had turned to Heero and asked him to make love to him, something the blue-eyed lord was more than happy to do, but the seeming desperation with which the elf performed the act worried him. Now, in the light of morning, he wondered what the day would hold and as it turned out, he did not have to wait long to find out.
They were just finishing their breakfast when a messenger arrived with a note for the violet-eyed elf from his father, requesting a meeting. Feeling obligated to put their misunderstanding behind them so they could possibly talk about what had happened, Duo accepted, promising Heero he would return within an hour's time no matter the outcome. Only a few minutes after the violet-eyed boy's departure though, the dark-haired lord found himself pacing uncontrollably yet again and nearly bowled Wufei over when the man entered his room without knocking.
"Wufei what--"
"Peacecraft wants to see you." the constable interrupted. "And he said it was important so you are not to say no."
"I was waiting for Duo...." Heero started but seeing the shifting of the other man's eyes at the mention of the little elf, he narrowed his eyes. "This has to do with him, doesn't it?"
Holding up a hand to quiet any further questions, Wufei looked his friend in the eye, feeling his stomach knot at the anguish and anger he saw brewing in their Prussian depths. "I don't know what he wants with you but yes, I believe it has something to do with Duo. If it'll help, I'll wait here in your stead and tell him you've been called away when he returns."
"Thanks Wufei, I appreciate it." Heero said as he ran a hand through his hair. In truth, he only just barely caught the words the other man spoke, his mind churning chaotically as he tried to figure out what Zechs could possibly want to discuss with him. Finally shaking himself from his thoughts, knowing he would not be able to guess and that if he wanted to be there when Duo returned, he needed to be on his way. Giving the dark-eyed man a nod, he pulled the door open and walked from the room.
A short time later, he was being shown into the king's private chambers where he found Zechs sitting on the sofa, staring out the window. However, at hearing him enter, the king turned and watched him walk over to stand before him, bowing deeply. "You sent for me your highness?"
"Sit down Heero." Zechs said softly, his tone of voice causing the hackles on Heero's neck to rise. Despite his growing sense of fear though, he sat in the chair directly across from his king.
Looking at the man who he considered a dear friend, Zechs felt his heart lay heavy in his chest, knowing the information he was about to give would more than likely tear him apart.
"Heero." Zechs started still speaking softly. "I met with Thomas this morning concerning his intentions in regards to our country. He has agreed that we were not to blame for what happened to Duo and has stated he would not march against us for it."
Finally looking away from the blue eyes that he could see were starting to fracture, Zechs stared down at his clasped hands as he continued. "However, he has stated that, with no exception, Duo will be returning with him and will receive no further contact from you or the others."
Without even realizing what he was doing, Heero had stood from his seat, his face falling into a mask of disbelief as the blonde king spoke. Then, without a word, he turned toward the door with the clear intention of leaving.
"I can't let you disobey this Heero." Zechs said, also standing and straightening himself before placing a hand on the other man's shoulder. "Thomas has inferred that if you have any further contact with his son he will declare war. You can't stop this Heero."
"So I just let him go?" came the choked reply as Heero shrugged the man's hand off.
"For now." Zechs stated, his face showing his own turmoil and wanting to give the blue-eyed lord something to hold onto, he continued softly, "You have to believe that in time you'll be together."
"I don't know if I can do that."
"I'm sorry Heero, but you have no other choice."
Giving a curt nod of his head, indicating he understood the man's threat; if he tried to disregard the order, he would be arrested, Heero then stalking across the room, pulling the door open and disappearing through the opening.
Once free of the king's chambers, the dark-haired lord moved at a flat run through the palace, his only coherent thought was to return to his chambers and await his little lover's return. However, upon his arrival, he was met by a very distraught Quatre who seemed completely beside himself.
"Oh Heero!" the blonde sobbed as he rushed to embrace his blue-eyed friend. Still not comprehending exactly what was going on, he looked toward Trowa who was now standing on his other side.
"They arrived just after you left and took all of Duo's things." the auburn-haired man stated. "Wufei came to get us as soon as they started but we couldn't stop them."
"Duo...?" Heero choked out.
With a shake of his head Trowa indicated that the longhaired elf was not present during the ransacking of his chambers.
"He's gone Heero." Quatre whispered, tightening his hold as he felt Heero's legs give out. "I'm so sorry."
********************
Five days later found Heero on the sofa in the sitting room where he had collapsed after receiving the news that Duo's things had been taken away. By this time, both Quatre and Trowa were his constant companions since their attempt to move him to their chambers failed; they could both see that he was having trouble remaining in his own. However, Heero refused every offer and only just managed to put down what little food he was forced to eat in order to remain healthy. During that time, he had not seen nor heard anything from his braided love and as time progressed, the wear began to show as his hope dimmed.
Therefore, it was to a desolate and anguished man that Wufei came on that rainy morning, his heart aching for his friend. "Heero." he said softly as he sat beside him, giving Quatre a pointed look where he was standing just inside the bedroom archway. "The elves are leaving in a short while."
Receiving no answer, the young constable sighed heavily. "I thought you might want to go down to the courtyard to see them off." he continued.
"I can't." came the whispered reply.
"Why not? I doubt either Zechs or Thomas would deny you a chance to say goodbye to him."
"That's just it, I can't say goodbye. I can't stand there and watch him leave knowing I may never see him again." the dark-haired lord said, a solitary tear trekking down his cheek, startling Wufei by its appearance; not once in the last five days had the man cried even though at times he looked like he was very close.
"It's not forever." Wufei stated.
"How can you know that?"
"Because the two of you belong together. In time Thomas will realize it."
"And if he doesn't?"
The answer to that question could be seen sitting in front of him. Heero was slowly wasting away and in time would fade completely, something he was aware was happening to the small elf as well. The constable knew without saying that if they were not reunited soon, neither of them would survive the separation and knowing Heero already knew this for himself, Wufei simply reached over and placed his hand on his friend's shoulder, giving it a squeeze before he stood and walked from the room, leaving him to the blonde doctor's tender mercies.
TBC...
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