Disclaimer: The Gundam boys are not my property. But you probably already knew that, didn't you?
A/N: Ok, so I'm on the fence post when it comes to this chapter. I started it with the mindset of wanting a very personal exchange between Wufei and Heero as a result of Aoe-sensei, but the chapter ending up going waaaaaaay out there. So I've gone through and edited it at least five times and now I'm afraid I've sabotaged what I wanted to accomplish. But there are certain things I really do like about this chapter so…..oh well. You read it and let me know.
Mission: Chance
Chapter 7
Wufei and his sensei were immediately crowded by the students, all clamoring to offer their praise and admiration. Meanwhile, one of the older students led Heero into the back to change into a simple pair of fighting pants and tunic. When he re-entered the dojo, he saw Wufei and Aoe standing off in a far corner together. He couldn't hear what was being said for the noise of the students as they packed their bags to leave.
The conversation looked pretty important so Heero just leaned against the wall and began to play with the cloth belt synched around his waist while he waited. He would glance up every now and again to check on things. As he flicked his eyes up for another brief glimpse, he couldn't help but stare in wonder.
Aoe stood there, a kind smile on his face as he looked down at Wufei. He placed a hand on top of the ebony-haired head and that's when Heero saw the transformation. Gone was the strong, proud warrior know as Chang Wufei. In his place there now stood an unsure young boy, gazing up at his esteemed sensei looking for guidance. Heero couldn't believe his eyes. What could he possibly be saying to Wufei? I could tell they were very close, but Wufei seems upset about something.
Suddenly, Aoe looked to Heero, and with that same smile in place he bowed. Without thinking, Heero returned the gesture. Then Aoe turned back to face Wufei, saying a few more words and Heero could see the blush to Wufei's cheeks. Aoe chuckled and patted Wufei on the shoulder before leaving the dojo, leaving Heero and Wufei alone.
Heero had dropped his gaze back down to the belt he was fidgeting with and waited for Wufei. He didn't hear the approach, but he could feel Wufei's approaching presence and he wasn't surprised when the confident voice broke the silence.
"Let's go."
Heero looked up to see smiling onyx eyes and a very familiar smirk. Good. Whatever Aoe said didn't upset him too badly. Heero smiled and pushed off the wall joining Wufei as they headed towards the door.
"That was quite a display."
Wufei's smirk faltered as they walked outside towards the smaller building. It had taken him longer to escape the mob of students than he would have liked, and then his sensei had a few private words for him. But Heero didn't seem bothered by having to wait.
"Glad you enjoyed yourself."
They entered the small dojo and as Heero looked around, he noticed a large scroll hanging on the far wall. Before he could inquire, Wufei was kneeling in front of it, headed bowed as if paying his respects. Heero remained where he was, not wanting to interfere. He's always spoken of justice and honor. Heero shivered at the recalled memories of seeing and even fighting against Wufei during those impassioned moments. His strength of conviction, blazing in those eyes…..I've always been jealous of his passion.
Soon Wufei stood up and joined Heero, he looked mischievous, and Heero could feel his body come alive as the adrenaline rush joined his already growing desire for the man standing before him.
"Now it's our turn."
"I didn't study Kendo."
"Hmph." Wufei proceeded to remove his keikogi and toss it aside, revealing a tight black sleeveless shirt which was already showing signs of his exertion. "But you did study hand-to-hand combat."
"This is what you wanted to do for your birthday? Fight me?"
Onyx eyes glittered and Wufei's smile changed. It was no longer teasing and mischievous. It had an almost feral look and it sent Heero's heart racing and he could feel his blood coursing through his veins. Nothing gave him a charge like Wufei.
"Ground rules?"
Heero and Wufei backed away from each other, bodies tense, circling one another like twin predators.
"Nothing fatal."
Heero scoffed and Wufei chuckled.
"Anything else?"
"No biting."
"You're no fun."
Wufei felt his cheeks warm at the deep voice and hungry smile, despite himself. He and Heero were both very competitive creatures but their attraction to each other had added another, more exciting aspect to their rivalry. He could practically feel the air vibrate with electricity. This is what he had wanted for his birthday: The thrill of squaring off against the only man that could drive him to such a frenzied state.
"Since it's your birthday I'll let you have first strike."
Wufei stopped and studied the man across from him with narrowed onyx eyes. He only knew that Heero was proficient in hand-to-hand combat. He had no idea what style or disciplines he had studied. Experienced eyes noted his posture, and all aspects of his body, looking for small almost imperceptible signs of what Heero would do once attacked.
"Considering defeat before we even start, Wufei?"
That little comment was all it took to ignite the dragon. Wufei launched himself at Heero, striking hard and fast. He punched and kicked as Heero blocked and dodged, Wufei backing Heero up, step-by-step.
Heero knew he would be in for an intense fight. He hadn't studied martial arts that much and most of his fighting abilities had just developed through the years as he found himself entangled in one fight after another. His body, he had come to learn, was naturally predisposed to fighting so he was capable of easily adjusting to any fighting style. But Wufei, to the best of his knowledge, was a martial arts master and just as adept at adjusting his style to any situation.
Heero looked for an opening and saw a chance to put some distance between them. As he ducked a shot to his head, he tucked in tightly, rolling past Wufei and coming up several feet away. But his window of opportunity wasn't open for very long because Wufei had turned and was already advancing.
"You can't escape from me that easily."
"I have no intentions of escaping you, Wufei."
The arrogance and innuendo only fueled Wufei's desire to fight even more and he came after Heero again with the same fierce determination. That's right. It's too late for escape. We're both caught now, aren't we Heero?
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Heero found the situation amusingly familiar. He lay there staring up at the ceiling, catching his breath and wondering just how many bruises he would have in the morning. A smirk curved his lips and he turned his head to gaze at the equally panting and no doubt sore man next to him.
"So is that what you had in mind?"
Wufei turned his head and smiled at Heero. "And then some. Thank you."
Heero brought a hand up and brushed some errant hair that was sticking to Wufei's forehead away so he had an unobstructed view of those onyx eyes he wanted to drown in so desperately.
"May I ask you something personal?"
Wufei's brow furrowed for just a moment and his smile faded. He thought they had become close enough to forgo such politeness. "Of course."
"What were you and Aoe talking about before he left?"
Now Wufei understood why Heero asked. This isn't just about me. He's being respectful of Aoe-sensei. He closed his eyes and turned his head so he was facing the ceiling again.
"He was just being Aoe-sensei."
Heero heard the wistful, sad tone to Wufei's voice and he wasn't going to inquire any further, but Wufei continued on his own.
"He's always looked out for me as if I were his own son. Even now. He never judged or asked any questions when I showed up on his doorstep seeking sanctuary. He just smiled and welcomed me home."
"He sounds like a very honorable man."
"He is."
"He is very precious to you."
"Yes."
"And he's precious to me as well."
Wufei's eyes sprung open but he didn't look at Heero. He couldn't. He had too many emotions flowing through him right now. This whole day was becoming one big wave of intense emotions: Lust, pride, fealty, the fire of battle and a realization of love. His sensei's words came flooding back to him:
"He is strong and wise and I can see the same fire within him that I see in you. But that fire will not burn you, so you do not need to fear it. He will make you stronger. And I can see the love you have for each other. I approve, Master Chang."
Heero could see his words shocked Wufei and it looked as if he was caught in some sort of memory, seeing something beyond his scope of vision, so he continued, hoping his words would bring Wufei back to him.
"He protected you and had a strong influence in molding you into the person you are today. For that, I am most grateful."
"Heero…."
Heero heard the normally confident voice become thick with emotion and he cursed himself for letting it get this far. He hadn't meant for it to get this serious, really. It's his birthday. He should be smiling and happy. He swiftly leaned over and gave Wufei a peck on the check before standing up and stretching. Heero grimaced at his body's protest.
"Damn, Chang, next year I'm just going to buy you a sweater."
Wufei was just staring up at Heero, trying to catch up with the shift in gears. And as he saw Heero's face twist in pain and heard his words, he couldn't help but chuckle as he pushed himself up onto his elbows.
"You don't think we'll kill each other by then?"
"We're too evenly matched."
Wufei saw the cerulean eyes dancing and he caught Heero's meaning loud and clear. He was thinking of the future. Their future. We do compliment each other. And the attraction is there. And yes, the love is there too.
"….But that fire will not burn you….."
"I agree."
Wufei stood up and managed to stifle any and all signs of pain. I can't show him I'm in pain because then he'll win. Ugh, this is going to be a long drive home.
To be continued…..
Quick note:
To Chatona: Yeah, I figured you couldn't see their faces through the helmets but I had a difficult time for some reason depicting the change in their faces if no one could actually see their faces so I left it. I'm glad you're diggin' the story and thanks for the kind words!
