I cross my heart and promise to...
Give all I've got to give to make all your dreams come true
In all the world you'll never find a love as true as mine
-Lyrics to 'I Cross My Heart' performed by George Strait
Crimson Bonds Part 38
Flashback
"I, Heero, take you, Duo, to be my beloved husband and Companion, to have and to hold you, to honor you, to treasure you, to be at your side in sorrow and in joy, in the good times, and in the bad, and to love and cherish you always. I promise you this from my heart, for all the days of my existence."
Though he had just recited the same vow by heart to his Vampire, Maxwell couldn't help the surreal feeling washing over him in hearing the heartfelt words spoken to him. Between the thickness in Yuy's voice and the shimmer in his cobalt-and-gold eyes, the braided Hybrid was nearly undone as tears rolled down his own face.
Clearing their throats, the marrying couple squeezed their joined hands and snickered nervously through their overwhelming emotions. Only radiating joy and love for each other, they had completely forgotten their audience as they remained the only centers in their words.
A familiar voice politely reminded with a chuckle, "And now for the rings." More soft laughter filled the air around as the soul mates jolted out of their distraction and gave their officiate sheepish grins before turning to their Best Man and Matron of Honor.
The corner of his lips curled up in an amused smirk, Wufei winked to his brother-in-law as he handed over the gold band with fair etches of eternity knots that wrapped its middle. Midi stood just behind the scaly Infected with a handkerchief raised to dab her eyes.
Mouthing a 'thank you' to Chang and grinning to his cousin, Duo turned back in time to catch Heero kissing Anna's damp cheek and whisper something into her ear while their shaking hands passed the band between them. The lilac-dressed redhead giggled, nodded and straightened herself as she wiped her fresh tears away. Trowa smiled warmly, squeezing her from behind.
Each yin-and-yang matching rings were slid into place to the promises of 'With this ring I thee wed.'
Smiling widely ahead of the newlyweds, Zechs ran a hand along the red trim of his black robe before opening his arms out and announcing clearly, "And so, by the power vested in me by the World Council, the Vampire Council and in God's witness, I now pronounce you as not only husbands to each other, but as permanently joined Vampire and Companion."
Their bodies vibrating with excitement as they stared deeply into each other's grinning gazes, the couple barely recognized Merquise informing them, "You may now kiss your Chosen," when Heero rushed in to close the distance and pulled Duo in for a scorching kiss that held nothing back... not that the Hybrid was about to let go unanswered in kind.
Applause, whistles and cheers were raised from the couple hundred guests as well as the bridal party. Over it all, Zechs laughed and waved his hands for enough of a lull to settle for him to announce, "Ladies and gentlemen, it is my great honor and privilege to present to you for the first time Mister Heero and Duo Yuy-Maxwell!"
Leaping to their feet, the seated crowd kicked up their loud ovation as the happy pair separated to link arms and walk back down the isle with beaming smiles on their faces and their family following close behind them.
At the end of the walkway, the Original turned on a dime to pull his Companion into a fierce hug that was instantly reciprocated. Burying his face into his partner's shoulder, Maxwell closed his eyes and clung on as tightly as he could as he heard a brokenly murmured, "I love you... so damned much."
For all of their close calls, heartbreak and struggles along the way of getting to this point in his existence, the Hybrid had finally found a sense of peace. And it was thanks mostly to his husband.
Husband. Duo snickered to himself. That was going to take a little getting used to, but he had a feeling that it wouldn't take too long to sink in that he was now married to easily the most remarkable creature he had ever come to know.
Gulping down the lump that had formed in his throat, the half-breed managed softly, "Love you too, Heero." They slipped back just enough for another meaningful kiss as the remainder of their Clan filtered into the garden.
At the sight of his sister when he and his Chosen parted to greet the rest of their family, Heero held her close and spun her around as they laughed and pecked each other's lips. "I can't tell you how excited I am for you, brother!" Anna exclaimed with her arms looped around his neck.
Once she was settled back down, the redhead focused on the braided Companion to smile, "And you-"
She shook her head when her voice cracked and new tears filled her eyes. "Thank you for making Heero so happy. You made today more than worth the wair for your coming along, Duo," she whispered as they hugged tightly, both of them mindful of the little bump of a stomach that the high-waist tulle skirt of her dress concealed.
"That... means a lot, sis," Maxwell muttered sincerely. "And thank you for taking such good care of him before I finally came around." He felt the Irish Vampire nod against his shoulder before they stepped aside long enough to dry their faces.
Wufei chuckled deeply, "Alright, everyone. No need for anymore tears now."
The half-hearted taunt was an especially humorous one to the others on account of the telling gleam he tried to hide from his onyx-and-gold eyes. Having to clear his throat, he said, "The crowd's going to start heading out, so we best get into the receiving line and get ready for the festivities."
Grateful to have his brother on task to keep his head out of the clouds, Duo's glowing smile returned as he and Heero hooked their arms together again to enjoy the remainder of what was sure to be a whirlwind of a reception.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Shortly following the ceremony, Anna was holding up a glass of champagne-colored blood as she stood at the wedding party's head table with a microphone in her free hand. "I guess that most girls wish that they could have a big brother. As an only child, I know I always did," she giggled. "More so, there was the longing to have someone who knew everything about me who was as much a best friend as they were family."
Gulping past her constricting throat, the redhead bit her lip as she looked over at the grinning couple to her right... focusing on the Original who wore a particularly nostalgic expression. "And there have only been a couple of times in my whole existence when I ever considered myself to be that lucky," the redhead went on.
"One of those times was the day I met my husband, Wufei," she beamed lovingly to her soul mate at Duo's right. Returning her tender smile, the scaly Infected winked. If anyone had caught it quick enough before he turned his head, they would have noted the hint of a mist in his onyx-and-gold-eyes.
Anna focused back on her Creator and murmured, "But the first time was when I officially met Heero after he turned me." Sniffling, she lowered her glass so that she could wipe away a stray tear as she said, "Not only had he saved me, but he gave me the greatest gift of a family... including a big brother that few people could ever hope to have."
That about did Yuy in as his own eyes watered over. Taking a shuddery breath, he propped an elbow up on the edge of the table and rested his head in its hand as he grinned up at his sister.
With a broken giggle, the Irish Infected shook her head to their audience, "Yes, I may be biased, but I have the honor of getting to see first-hand all of Heero's amazing qualities. We've been through a lot together and even at the hardest of times, he's always remained selfless, loyal and caring of others. The world really would be a better place if there were more like him in it."
"I also know how much my big brother was hoping for someone to complete his existence," Anna smirked as she looked to the braided Companion. "And I knew that whoever that person was, I just hoped that they appreciated being tied to Heero the way I always felt they should."
At the fresh mist in her eyes, she waved at them and continued, "More than that, I prayed that they would be everything that he needed and went on to compliment him. It was a pretty tall order for me to put on anyone... much less a person that I was pretty convinced couldn't possibly exist to be that perfect."
Maxwell laughed along with the crowd seated around. Snickering through the tears that he was brushing away, Yuy lightly nudged his husband.
Drawing a deep breath as the clamor settled down, Anna smiled, "The day that my family and I officially met Duo, he exceeded every expectation and prayer I've had for my brother in his Companion. He more than compliments and completes Heero, he brings out the best in him that even I hadn't had the chance to see before." Several 'aww's' and sentimental mutters spread through the guests.
Anna winked, declaring, "We couldn't be more proud to have you as a member of the family, little brother. Thank you for loving and being what parts in my best friend's existence I couldn't be. We all wish you both the best for the rest of your long time together."
Raising her glass, she toasted, "To Heero and Duo."
"To Heero and Duo!" came the cheer that filled the tent as the partakers held up their own drinks. Glasses chimed in their meeting and the newlyweds rose to their feet in the wake of a warm round of applause.
Descending upon his sister for a tight hug, Heero rained kisses on her face. "I love you, sister," he whispered by her ear. "Thank you for... hell.... everything."
Without hesitating, Anna replied, "It's been my pleasure." Reaching out, she pulled Duo into the embrace as they shared a quick peck on the lips. "And just a friendly reminder," she smirked to her official little brother, "you'll never have to spend another day of your existence alone."
Taken aback by how quickly everything had changed for him, it was almost too much for the Hybrid to process.
From being a forgotten orphan to now being a member of the most amazing family he could have dreamt up for himself, a tearful Maxwell latched onto his husband and sister as the rest of the Clan moved in to join the group hug.
End Flashback
* * * * * *
Reeling back against the table that he had been strapped to, Duo's eyes were squeezed closed as he released a long, shrill scream of agony. The sensors taped down to every sensitive muscle of his exposed torso pulsed fibers of electro shocks that made the skin beneath them convulse along with the organs they covered.
No living would have been able to survive the hours of continuous torture... not many beings would have either for that matter. But then, Maxwell was no ordinary creature. His captors were aware of that. And they were enjoying every second of getting to learn exactly what he could endure.
"He is every bit as impressive as his brother," Doctor Berg commented, the awe dripping from his tone as he leaned over the observation tower's control panel for a better look at his writhing patient.
Glancing over to Septum at his right, he smirked, "Of course, that will continue to be put to the test over the next few weeks until I can safely say that he is up to the same speed as your Pet. Within a few months, my team and I will be able to oversee them together."
Millers kept his own eyes leering down at his prey as he nodded firmly. "Good. Any prospects that we may have in purchasers will want demonstrations of their abilities, so we will need to see that everything is in order," he stated, folding his arms across his chest.
"Leave no stone unturned, Doctor. They will want to know every little thing that makes these monsters tick. And I want every question they might have to be answered beyond any doubt and without hesitance."
Craning his head around to make sure he was given the doctor's full attention, the scientist warned, "We only get one shot to do this right. I want you to take all of the time you need to fully understand them. Don't rush a damn thing."
Berg bowed his head deeply as he reassured, "No need to worry, my friend. I will be thorough." A ruthless grin spreading across his face as he straightened, he snickered, "And I'll be enjoying every second of it. After all, not many scientific doctors can say that they have ever had an opportunity like this."
At that, Septum snorted. Oh, he was all too aware of how much the older man was going to enjoy himself. There always something a little... off with anyone who took unashamed pleasure in causing pain. Not that his employee was about to judge when even he looked forward to bringing every form of agony he could to his Pet.
"Now in regards to Anna, when will I be able to have my shot at her?" the doctor asked, a bushy eyebrow raising. "I am most curious to how she was able to conceive a brood of Vampires. Something tells me that her brother may have had a part in that mutation and I would like to learn what I can on her as well."
Millers nodded, waving nonchalantly in the air as he replied, "You'll have the chance soon enough. For now, I want all of your focus on Duo. Once you have a good start at him, feel free to take his sister in for your side experiments. When all of this is over and we have sold our prospects, Anna and Celeste will be expendable. Until then, do as you please."
Pausing, he smirked, "Then again, if you do happen to stumble upon something of interest to us in your research I expect to be notified immediately. Maybe we happened across an unexpected gem in the Irish lass to give her a stay of execution for the time being."
His mouth widening out to a splitting smile, the doctor chuckled deeply, "As promised, I will be thorough." Rubbing his hands together in anticipation, he added, "She and I will be... very well acquainted by the time this is all over."
A shudder ran up Septum's back in the wake of the almost lustful hint to his associate's sentiment. But he let it go, not really caring what methods were being planned for the Vampire. She was still, at the moment, an unnecessary spare for keeping his Pet rejuvenated for his treatments.
Duo had fallen unconscious during the conversation when the jolts had weaned off at last. Coldly, the researcher ordered, "Up the voltage."
Not needing to be told twice, Berg twisted a few control knobs as they watched their prey come alert in a blink with a raspy scream as he worked the best he could against the restraints holding his ankles and wrists down to the table.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Flashback
It would have been the understatement of the year for the Hybrid to consider the remainder of his wedding day and evening to have flown by.
Everything about the celebration that had carried on until the wee Shannon, Ireland hours had been as perfected and memorable as he had hoped it to be... however that was all but a distant dream now that he finally had his new husband to himself.
Sealing off their hotel master suite, Heero turned to give his Companion the mischievous smirk that never failed to make Duo's knees shake. They may have been intimate dozens of times over leading up to their big day, but there was definitely something different... more meaningful in the air for the two of them in the anticipation of consummating the vows that they had just taken.
There was a purposeful slowness in the way the Original approached his lover, their gazes never breaking. Swallowing roughly to dampen his parched throat, the Hybrid grinned nervously when their noses were inches shy of touching. The first kiss that Yuy moved in for was mind-blowing. A sharp whimper escaping him, Maxwell gripped the Infected and poured in every bit as much fire to the exchange.
Clothes melted away so quickly and easily it was as though they had been cut off. Flesh met flesh until their conjoined bodies collapsed onto the king-sized bed. Gasping when they broke apart at last, the Companion stared up at his grinning Vampire as he breathed, "Duo..."
A quick dip of Heero's head proceed the delicious bite of his fangs to banish all other thoughts.
End Flashback
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Whimpering on the table, the Maxwell continued to replay one of his happiest moments of his entire existence to block out the terrible reality he had been thrown into.
* * * * * *
Just beyond the sprawling stretch of estate that was the Rosshe Mubarak Clan, four Infected stood by amidst the flanking hills of sand and rock.
Having to say goodbye once to his children at such a trying time for them was bad enough for Wufei and he was not up for a second round. Appreciating that dilemma, the remainder of his original family members stayed behind with him out of support.
But there was still one more farewell that needed to happen.
Reluctantly releasing the scaly Infected, Midi held his face in her hands and leaned in to peck his lips. "Please be careful out there, cousin," she urged as she rested their foreheads together. "I know how badly you want to find Duo and Anna but don't put yourself in harms way by rushing into things. Remember your training about keeping your head."
Snickering, Chang smirked, "Yes, little mother." He leaned back to kiss her cheek and whispered, "Thank you for looking after the kids for me."
"It's my pleasure," the Latin Infected smiled sincerely. Biting her lip, she turned towards Heero and opened her arms again. "And you watch yourself out there as well, dear."
The Original sighed as they embraced tightly and vowed, "I will. And we'll be in touch every chance we get to keep you posted on how things are progressing." Feeling his cousin's head nod against his shoulder, he kissed her temple and took a few steps back so that she could have a moment with her husband.
Barton pulled the matron of the Clan into an intense hug and claimed her lips in a passionate kiss. As they finally came up a long moment later, he smirked, "Thank you for accepting my leave so that I can keep an eye on these two."
Grinning, Midi returned the rueful smile. "Like I would ever allow you to not be a part of the case. This is our family. And though I could not love another creature as much as I do you, I would have tossed you out on your rear."
Unable to help their chuckles, Heero and Wufei shook their heads and remained a few feet off to give their loved ones enough privacy in their parting. That comment was not made idly. Their sweet little mother would have been true in seeing that her Chosen was doing everything he could in the investigation until Duo and Anna were returned home.
Trowa chortled along with his cousins as he engaged himself in another embrace with his wife for good measure.
"I love you," he murmured by her ear. "Try to not fret yourself too much. Not that my saying such a thing will stop you from cleaning Rosshe's home from top to bottom while we're gone." Snorting, he added, "Hell, I wouldn't be surprised if you didn't sweep up every grain of sand in this dessert by the time we come back."
Yuy and Chang could not keep their defenses up any longer as their heads fell back with laughter as the snickering Latin Original was swatted in the arm for that one.
Try as she did to look offended, Midi's smile and the clearing of her throat to mask the start of a giggle gave her amusement away.
Standing on her tiptoes, she kissed her lover soundly and lowered her head at the first signs of a shimmer in her gold-and-brown eyes. "All my love, dear ones," she breathed before she became a blur of herself that kicked up a trail of dust in her dash for the estate.
Content as he was to watch his soul mate enter the safety of their friends' home, Barton's heart was heavy with the realization that they were likely going to be parted for quite some time.
Just as his cousins had begun to move in on him, the three Vampires jumped at the sudden ringing that pierced the silence. Quickly removing his cell phone from his pocket, Heero answered the call to be picked up through its speaker. On the screen, the face of a particularly concerned Companion appeared.
A small grin tugging at his mouth, the Japanese Infected greeted kindly, "Crystal. Thank you, again, for your inside knowledge of the registration upload. Here we thought that we would be sitting for a few days at home before we could move on with the search for the rest of our family."
The blonde staring back smiled sadly, "Well, you can really thank the likes of Nancy McAdams and her followers for pushing the upload to be compiled ahead of schedule." Her frown returning, she stated, "I was just calling with some pretty unsettling news that I figured out on my end here in the capital."
Leaning closer to the screen, she all but whispered, "We have a serious problem. I'm more than convinced that there's a mole involved with the whole kidnapping operation who is working for the government."
TBC...
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