A/N: 2021 LET'S GOOOO! Begin Arc II!

So what does Arc II mean? Well, there's gonna be a change… In Arc I, the format of the chapters was 2 Duo chapters (first-person POV) followed by one Dear Heero chapter (third-person POV).

THIS WILL BE CHANGED FOR ARC II.

From this Arc on, it will follow an A-B-C format: A (one Duo-POV chapter), B (one Heero-POV chapter), and then C (limited third-person POV from one of the other characters). I decided to do it this way since there will be some plot-related things that Heero will be privy to but NOT Duo, and at some point, Duo's POV will be useless to the readers so lol

Chapter 19

The fight over what I would wear for Heero's homecoming had been brutal. By the end of it, both Kaori and Melissa had shed more than a fair amount of tears, Coralina smelled like an entire soap store, and Hilde looked as if she wanted to die right there in my closet. I very politely held my tongue (and tears) as they fussed and prodded over me, and then made sure to give them a very big and appreciative smile at their final product.

The outer layer was a dark violet kimono-like silk coat patterned with lilac flowers, long sleeves draped nearly to my knuckles when my arms were at rest by my sides. It hung snug on my shoulders, exposing the full width of my collarbone, above which rested the black pearl choker. The inner layer was a pearl pink chiffon dress that fell just past my knees, both the inner and outer layers cinched at my waist with a wide belt made of lilac-colored silk. White tights were tucked into equally white boots with silver heels.

Half of my hair was pulled into an intricately-woven braided bun, my bangs and loose strands framing my face. Looped within the braids was the diamond-encrusted silver rope hair ornament Heero had apparently gifted me at some point, and aside from it and the pearl choker, the only other piece of jewelry I wore was my wedding ring.

I was sincerely impressed – while the style was more opulent than what I preferred, it was obvious they'd tried to incorporate at least a little of my own personal preferences. They limited the number of accessories and acquiesced to the wearing of my favorite choker, and the heels on my boots were much shorter than previous ones. It was also surprisingly easy to move, and Melissa had even (conspiratorially) told me that I had pockets woven into the inner side of my sleeves.

I'd stored a few small pouches of peanuts in one pocket, pulling it out to snack on when I had the chance. Quatre gave me what felt like a very judgmental glance but I'd like to see him try to work off one bowl of consommé for his breakfast. (The servants had been worried I'd spoil my appetite for the dinner feast, so I was restricted to tea and what I'd labeled "the spirit of soup, but like, depressed.") Meilan just helped herself to some of the nuts.

Fortunately, we had been blessed with good weather for the day of Heero's arrival. It was a tradition for the household (both the Duchess and all the servants) to wait out front for the Duke's return after a long journey, the knights who had stayed behind lining the driveway up and scattered among the provincial capital's streets to ensure order among the citizens. What this meant was that once we'd received word that the Duke had reached town, we were all prettily lined up outside the front door as we set in to wait for the 30 minutes it would take the Duke's forces to arrive.

So… I ate some nuts.

"Why do you have so many pouches of nuts? Are you a squirrel?" Quatre bemoaned quietly. As close friends and allies of Heero, both he and Meilan were positioned on either side of me, only a step behind given our social positions. Howard was standing about a stone throw's away, in front of most of the household staff, though occasionally he sent me a long-suffering look every time I popped another peanut into my mouth. Hilde just contented herself with boring a hole into the back of my head, positioned several feet behind me holding Heero's gift.

"You sound jealous, Quat," I replied glibly. "Did you want some?"

"No thank you." Pause. "I don't believe Melissa meant she wanted you to hide away snacks in your sleeves when she told you about the pockets. I think you were supposed to store some pleasant-smelling satchels there instead."

I rolled my eyes. "First, I don't even need to wear those perfume satchels anymore after Gil finally perfected his perfume. I already smell like honey-apple," I said, then narrowed my eyes at the blonde in suspicion. "Second, how did you know Melissa's the one that told me about the pockets?"

Quatre hummed noncommittally. "She feels the most guilty every time she looks over here and sees you chewing on nuts," he answered.

I valiantly did not roll my eyes again at his subtle guilt-tripping, instead offering the last pouch of nuts to Mikhail who was standing adjacent to Meilan. With a very Hilde-like look, he took the pouch with a small thanks and popped a few nuts into his mouth.

Behind me, I heard Hilde sigh.

Quatre shot me a grateful look, blue eyes bright. "By the way, Your Grace, you look stunning today," he said, obviously throwing a compliment my way to soothe my now peanut-less self. Given that it was Quatre, though, it came across as utterly sincere.

"I think this is the most—pretty I've seen you," Meilan agreed. I wondered what word she'd replaced 'pretty' with.

I snorted. "Yes, it was four hours well-spent," I muttered. "Now I'm the prettiest lawn ornament out here."

I wasn't sure what Quatre was going to say in response to that – probably something sarcastic, he really needed a Snickers bar – a servant further down the road announced the arrival of the Duke. From what I understood, Heero would be approaching with a relatively small contingent; the bulk of the force would have either stayed back in town if that's where they lived, or headed towards the outer barracks where most of the soldiers slept. Their medics and non-fighting personnel (like cleaning servants and cooks) would have splintered off back with the soldiers.

The Duke's retinue would be his closest advisors (only Commander Barton and Master Chang at the moment, as Quatre was with me), a dozen or so high-ranked knights, and their squires. It was for these people (sans the squires who would leave for the barracks near the estate) and the Duke that tonight's dinner feast would be held.

Heart hammering in my chest, I unconsciously straightened my posture and turned my eyes towards the drive. I knew Heero's personality through his character in the novel, knew his looks through the portrait in the study; this image of him was combined with the one I'd learned through letters, which showed a man with a dry sense of humor and unexpected romanticism.

But people were different in person, weren't they?

Maybe once he saw my face in person, he'd be reminded of the man who had tormented him through a year of miserable marriage. Maybe after so much time away, he had gotten over whatever it was that had made him so lenient with other-me and was coming back to exact proper justice. After all, in the novel, Heero had returned as a widow – but here I was, still breathing despite the novel's best efforts.

"It's going to be okay, Your Grace," Quatre whispered to me in encouragement.

I clenched my hands into white-knuckled fists. Easy for you to say, your husband actually likes you!

"Don't worry, Your Grace," Meilan interjected. "If it gets to be too much, I'll just tell Wufei that I threw out his hydrangeas. That always gets him going."

And your relationship makes even less sense than mine!

"You'd start a fight with your husband just for me?" I couldn't help but ask her skeptically.

"I'd start a fight with Wufei just to pass the time."

I stared at her.

"ANNOUNCING THE RETURN OF HIS GRACE THE DUKE!"

I flinched and turned back around, eyes finally landing on the approaching procession. The dark blue banners of the Yuy ducal family were held proudly high on either side of the small force, the slow trot of the horses drawing ever closer to where we stood. It looked to be about 15 or so people, all atop decorated steeds proudly mantled in the armor of the Sanc Kingdom, the finer accessories marking them as from the Yuy province.

It was ridiculously easy to tell who were major characters in the novel.

Commander Trowa Barton was a tall, lithe man, with a sweep of auburn bangs that had a tendency to obscure at least one of his emerald green eyes at any given time. He was the kind of handsome that should have stood out in a crowd, but according to the novel, he was oft-overlooked when in the public eye. It seemed ludicrous to me now, because even compared to the fitness model types of my Duchess Guard, Commander Barton was leagues above them.

Master Chang Wufei was no slouch in the looks department either; silken black hair was pulled back into a strict ponytail, equally dark eyes set in an austerely handsome face. It was easy to imagine him as both the astute military advisor of the Duke and the flower-obsessed husband of Meilan.

Both of them paled in comparison to Heero Yuy.

Naturally-tousled dark brown hair framed a cuttingly beautiful face, his features more delicate than expected but any notion of fragility was shattered by the look in those Prussian blue eyes, which almost seemed to have a wild sort of sparkle to them. He was lean with muscle and tanned from his work battling it out under the sun, his very posture strict with both poise and grace.

I've never been sucker-punched so hard in the face by the epitomized image of a Male Lead.

"Oh fuck he's hot," fell from my lips without thinking.

Everyone around me audibly choked.

Behind me, Hilde heaved another sigh.

I had no time or clarity of thought for her exasperation. "Hilde, you never told me my husband looked like that," I hissed back at her. Is he even allowed to breathe the same mundane air as us mortal men?

"Coralina explained the Duke's appearance in-depth many times, Your Grace," Hilde responded. Then, continued a little more bitterly, "Many, many times."

The procession stopped several yards from us in order to dismount, as it was considered rude to do so close to where I stood. The servants nearby moved forward to help, unpacking some packages tied to the horses as Heero and his men climbed off.

I briefly tore my eyes off of Heero in order to shoot Hilde an accusatory glare. "You think I retained anything about that? She described his eyes as 'a moonlit path to wilds unknown.' What the hell was I even supposed to make of that?"

Quatre wore a very complicated expression at that, but in contrast, Meilan looked like she'd prefer to be struck dead where she stood. I don't know why that gave me as much comfort as it did – probably because of something along the lines of 'misery loves company'. If I had to suffer the terrible shock of Heero's awe-inspiringly good looks, then no one was getting out unscathed.

Heero, and by extension also Commander Barton and Master Chang, turned in our direction. The Duke made a swift gesture with his hand and said something quietly to a nearby servant, who quickly darted to where some of the goods were being unloaded. Heero turned back, eyes obviously on me as he began to walk towards us.

"Oh my god, everyone shut up, he's coming over here!"

"You're the only one talking, Your Grace."

I was now too wired to respond to Meilan's dry comment. It honestly felt like my heart was going to jump right out of my chest, which didn't seem like a good thing. What the hell did they put in that consommé I had for breakfast, pure caffeine?

"Trowa!" Quatre abruptly called out beside me, every ounce of love and longing condensed into the man's name. I couldn't help but jump at the sudden noise – what the fuck, Quatre?

"Quatre," Trowa returned with a warm smile, eyes locked on his husband.

Quatre returned that smile with one of his own angelic ones. "Trowa…"

"Quatre…" Trowa never turned his eyes away.

I didn't have the same issue – I couldn't look away fast enough, the anxious tension in my body overcome by sheer second-hand embarrassment. They were really looking into each other's eyes and calling each other's names; I half-expected them to start running to each other in slow-motion any minute now.

"…Gross," Meilan complained, although it was hard to tell if this was in reaction to the Quatre-Trowa interaction or at Wufei finally locking eyes with her.

I didn't want to touch any of what was going on on either side of me with a ten-foot pole, so I affixed my eyes on to Heero desperately. He closed the distance between us with measured steps, his expression neither warm nor wary; it looked like it'd been cut from granite, unflinching and earnest.

I could feel everyone's eyes on us as Heero finally came to a stop before me.

"Welcome home," I told him softly with a shallow bow.

Heero stared at me.

Smile, smile!

"…I'm home."

Heero's voice was velvety warm, even when the words were delivered in an almost militaristic tone. His eyes flitted up-and-down my form, lingering for one long breath on my left hand. I glanced down to see what caught his interest, seeing only my wedding ring – a perfect match to the one he wore on his own left hand, although his had a large white diamond in place of the black diamond on my own.

I looked back at Heero. Did he think other-me had lost or sold it or something?

Heero's eyes met my own once again. He stood perfectly still, and it made me wonder if I was supposed to hug him. Lady Aurora had only stressed my placement in the yard and the appropriate homecoming gift I should have present during my latest etiquette lessons; aside from the customary "welcome home," what I was supposed to speak about was up in the air.

Oh, right, the homecoming gifts! "I got you a little something to welcome you back," I said hurriedly, a flush heating my cheeks unbidden.

I turned around and motioned Hilde forward; she stepped up followed by another maid behind her, both carefully holding red velvet cushions between their hands. Resting atop the cushion Hilde was holding was a white handkerchief, larger than the one I had gifted to Heero months ago and much more elaborate: within all four corners twined the fine embroidered design of ivy, matched in color to the background as if its curling leaves had been imprinted. The Yuy House Crest was embroidered in the dead center of the cloth, about the size of a grown man's hand, the house shield a familiar deep blue now that I've seen the color of Heero's eyes. Running along the edges of the entire handkerchief was an intricate dark violet lace, the color of which matched my initials etched in one far corner.

Someone made a small wheezing side nearby, but when I glanced in that direction, all I saw was Wufei glaring down at the handkerchief in palpable hostility. Like damn, I knew it wasn't the greatest, but I'd tried, okay?!

My eyes whipped back to Heero, who had been staring at it with slightly widened eyes. As he should have seen my last shoddy attempt at a handkerchief, I guess he was a little impressed I'd managed to improve this time around. After another moment, he reached one hand out to pick it up, which was when I finally noticed a slight trembling.

Shit! I shouldn't be surprised; naturally, after such a long ride home, he'd be exhausted! I needed to hurry this along.

"O-One more thing too!" I stammered out, swiftly turning around and grabbing the second present from the other maid's cushion. I pushed it into Heero's free hand, the other one still gingerly holding his new handkerchief.

I was surprised by how warm his hand was. It was easy to fall into the thinking of Heero as some book character (or maybe more accurately now, some kind of actor or celebrity) given that blindingly pretty face of his, but the feeling of his calloused fingertips grazing my palm as I handed over the gift sent a shock up my arm and down my spine.

I pulled back my hand and tried to smooth over the jerky movement with a wide smile, but my face felt on fire the entire time. It didn't help that everyone around us kept silently watching like Heero and I were the latest episode of the hottest and most controversial series drama.

Heero opened his hand to see what was inside: a fist-sized golden brooch, delicately arched wings stretching out from a tightly coiled braid made of twining silver-and-gold. At the time when I had commissioned it, I thought it would be a cute call-back to the Yuy wedding rings.

Looking at the strange expression on Heero's face, I'm not sure he felt the same way. In fact, he just kept staring at me, one hand holding the handkerchief, the other hand holding the brooch. I almost wanted to put something on top of his head too, just to see if he'd continue doing an admirable job acting like a shelving unit. Did he fall asleep standing up with his eyes open?

Heero blinked, fingers seeming to involuntarily close over both gifts as he blinked at me. "…Thank you," he finally managed out, a little breathlessly. I kindly did not call him out on his daytime, eyes-open dozing; the poor thing must be exhausted.

"…Duo," Heero started, stopped, and then stared at me again. "…Husband."

I smiled at him in an encouraging manner, empathizing with him completely – I'd also experienced those days of too little sleep, my communication skills eroded to only keywords and long pauses. Thank god my finals were never verbal exams. "Yeah, Heero?"

Somewhere in the periphery, Trowa sucked in a harsh breath. Which was weird, but who knew what he and Quatre were doing. I resolutely did not look away from Heero's searching gaze, because at least looking at his pretty face was less likely to mentally scar me.

"I…" Come on, 'Ro, you can do it! Your bed is not far once we get this welcome out of the way! "I also… Got you a present."

I blinked. "Oh, the bird sculpture?" I recalled the thing he mentioned in his letters. I wonder where I should put it…

…sounds like a problem for Hilde.

"No," Heero replied swiftly, then paused. "Wait, yes?"

I patted him consolingly on the arm. It's alright, buddy, we've all been there… I could practically taste the abomination that was three different energy drinks mixed with coffee that I'd desperately consumed during Finals week on the tip of my tongue even now.

The gesture seemed to short-circuit Heero, as his mouth clamped shut and he froze. He must have fallen asleep again. Nice biceps though, I could feel the muscles under my hand; it was quite obvious that despite the pretty face, he'd firmly planted himself out of the realm of the dainty and delicate dandy.

"Your Grace," Trowa coughed quietly.

I pulled my hand away as if burned. Not that I'd been doing anything inappropriate, of course; I'd only been giving Heero some encouraging handpats! I only let the touch linger a bit longer because I was appreciating the fine results of Heero's workout routine. It was for science!

Heero, jolted out of his trance by Trowa's voice, turned around and gestured for the servant he'd spoken to earlier. The man rushed forward quickly, handing over whatever he'd been carrying that I couldn't see as Heero's back blocked it from view.

I stared at Heero's back in (scientific!) appreciation. Nice butt…

Heero turned back to face me, holding a bouquet of red and white flowers. "This is for you," he managed out, his facial expression very calm but his everything else stilted. "White carnations. Red tulips. Fresh cut."

Are you a receipt, Heero?

"Th-Thank you," I said, taking the rather large bouquet from him. Lady Aurora never mentioned I'd be getting a homecoming gift in return. Or is this supposed to be a souvenir?

Suddenly, I was viscerally reminded of my own letters to him: …All this talk of your spring return had planted the idea in my head of many beautiful flowers well within reach upon your homecoming…

Did…Did Heero get me flowers just because I complained that the flowers hadn't bloomed yet in the estate?

Holy shit-! This guy really is a male lead!

A hot flush swept over my face, and I knew immediately I must have turned beet red. I was definitely five seconds away from melting into a puddle of goo; I buried my face in the blooms so that I didn't have to look at anybody.

Heero startled, "Duo—"

"Wufei," Meilan interjected, suddenly and loudly. "I threw out your hydrangeas!"

"YOU WHAT-?!"

I stepped back as Wufei launched into a furious tirade, nearly every word snapped out in what had to be his and Meilan's native tongue, although Meilan was snipping back just as quickly. It was enough of a distraction that Heero actually stopped and looked away from me, although he kept glancing back like he was just waiting to resume whatever we'd been doing.

"We should all head inside and take a rest," Quatre suggested in a tone that conveyed this was actually more of an order after Wufei's rant finally wound down. The blonde extricated himself from Trowa – when had they started hugging? – and moved between me and Heero, looking at the latter with his non-expression.

"Your Grace," he started, then glanced at Trowa and Wufei in turn, silently including them. "I apologize for my haste, but there is something I must speak to you about. Immediately."

Quatre looked back at me, silently letting me know exactly what he meant: time to let the cat out of the bag. It had been discussed thoroughly over the past week, after all, when and how Heero and the others would be told about my 'amnesia'. They'd never been told anything while away, as Hilde and the others were wary of the security of letters and also didn't want to cause Heero undue stress, so we had all waited for their return. Now that they'd finally arrived, we had to figure out who was doing what when it came to breaking the news.

Quatre had stepped up, reasoning out that as Heero's close friend, he should be the one. I figured that was best since Quatre knew him better, and I'd be in the same room anyway. I didn't really factor in Heero being dead on his feet the entire time, but maybe it wouldn't be a long conversation.

Now all three men looked alarmed.

"Yes," I started quickly. "I need to pop these bad boys in a vase anyway!"

Their heads whipped around to stare at me. "Bad boys?" Wufei echoed dubiously.

"Shut up, you have no room to judge, you talk to your stupid flowers," Meilan shot out in my defense.

"Woman-!"

Quatre completely ignored them, turning my way and smiling at me. Very brightly.

I squinted a bit.

…Yes, there was definitely a thin layer of threat in that smile. I bet if he'd eaten some peanuts earlier, he wouldn't be nearly as cranky now.

Hilde politely took the bouquet from me, muttering something about finding that vase and not exactly fleeing but definitely leaving faster than she usually would. I eyed her back in envy, wishing I could follow her and be definitively not here.

I turned back around; Heero was still staring at me.

"…Let's have some coffee, shall we?"

The Duke's study was similar to my own, if slightly bigger and oriented more towards battle. Maps of the continent replaced where the Sanc Kingdom map hung in my own study, and the portrait in Heero's looked to be of his late father, the former Duke Odin Lowe Yuy. The increase in space allowed a larger lounge area, consisting of a large coffee table with two couches and two armchairs around it, along with a six-person meeting table that had been left empty for this past year.

Heero had technically led the way in, although we passed through the doorway arm-in-arm as manners dictated he should escort me. It took a minute to get moving after he'd offered me his arm though, Heero having frozen as I accepted his offer. Luckily the servants worked fast, and by the time we'd arrived in the study and Heero stopped bluescreening, coffee was served. Hopefully that would wake him up.

No one quite knew what level of professionalism this conversation needed, as only half of us actually knew what it was about and the other half was still staring at me like they were waiting for me to announce I'd irrevocably devastated the Yuy province. I took a seat on one of the lounge sofas, Meilan rushing to sit beside me and glower at both her husband and mine; Quatre took one of the armchairs, conveniently the one closest to me, as if it wasn't obvious enough that I was being cushioned in preparation for this talk.

In my humble opinion, Heero was the one who needed the cushioning.

Trowa stood awkwardly next to where Quatre sat, on the side furthest from me. Wufei shot Meilan an exasperated look but also refused to sit, loitering in the space between the lounge area and Heero's desk. Heero glanced at his desk, then at the extra armchair, then just gave up and stood near Wufei.

"I assume this meeting is about His Grace the Duchess," Wufei started, after a good minute or so of everyone sipping their coffee and avoiding speaking.

Meilan scowled. "Why do you immediately assume it's about the Duchess?!"

Even I stared at her for that. "But Meilan, it is about me…" I can't believe she was even more confrontational with Wufei present!

"Is everything alright?" That was Heero, who was looking at me with still no expression. His tone also sounded a bit clipped, and I wondered if that was because of the lack of sleep or just his personality. I guess it made sense that the male leading be the brooding type.

Quatre looked to me, silently asking permission to be the one to start. I nodded – better him than me. Knowing myself, I'd probably slip and say something stupid again.

"Do you remember the report we received about the fire in the greenhouse?" Quatre asked, turning back to Heero. It was clear from his tone that he already knew the answer, but he waited for Heero to nod anyway. "Howard mentioned that though His Grace the Duchess had no permanent injuries, there were some temporary conditions."

I snorted. Temporary, indeed…

Heero seemed to subconsciously move a step closer. "Am I to assume that whatever these conditions are, they are no longer considered temporary?" His dark gaze fell on me once more in assessment, as if he could try and discern these changes with nothing but a look. His eyes stopped on my pearl choker and stayed there.

"Yes," Quatre replied. "At this point, we can assume they are permanent..."

Wufei opened his mouth, clearly about to ask for more information – but honestly, this was taking too damn long.

"I have amnesia," I interjected, soundly cutting off Wufei. Why was Quatre beating around the bush? I never would have expected this angelic little blonde to enjoy the drama of the moment so much.

Wufei stopped, as did both Heero and Trowa. My statement cued another round of stares which I didn't get to wallow in because then Quatre turned to me and gave me a wounded look, like he couldn't believe I'd just taken the wind out of his sails.

"You were taking too long," I told him defensively. "You've got to rip it off quickly, like a Band-Aid."

Meilan's eyebrows scrunched together in confusion. "What's a band-aid?"

"Like a bandage but smaller and easier to use," I replied, mentally jotting down another thing I'd have to hurriedly invent and convince everyone I'd learned about from a friend of a friend. "Anyway—"

Meilan looked horrified. "Why would you rip off a bandage?!"

"No, it's okay, it's supposed to be ripped off—"

"Will that not cause the injury to worsen?!"

"The injury should have already healed!"

"So why are you wearing a bandage then?!"

"No, it's not for like big injuries, it's for things like paper cuts!"

"Why aRE YOU WEARING A BANDAGE FOR A PAPER CUT?!"

"LET ME LIVE MY LIFE, MEILAN!"

"Your Grace, Lady Meilan," Quatre interrupted, then stopped because there was no polite way to tell us to shut up.

I ignored the guilt that exasperated look on Quatre's face invoked. I wasn't falling for his guilt trips again!

"What do you mean," Wufei finally spoke, the words practically hissed out. "He has amnesia?!"

Meilan scoffed, "Do you not know what the word 'amnesia' means, Wufei?"

Bold words from the girl that demanded I must know something after she'd learned about it.

"Woman—"

"Essentially it means I forgot, uh, everything," I hurriedly explained. I didn't have to worry too much about trying to convince these three I had genuine amnesia; Quatre was the litmus test for them, after all. As long as Quatre was convinced, he'd convince the rest of them. "After I'd first woken up after the fire, I didn't remember anything but my name. Some bits and pieces came back to me a couple of weeks later – I knew I was married to Heero, and I remembered a bit about what I…did… But that was it. I had to re-learn everything else."

"What came back?"

The voice was surprising – I think this was the first time Trowa actually addressed me directly. I blinked at him. "What?"

"Your Grace mentioned 'some bits and pieces came back' – what were they?" the tall brunet clarified.

I opened my mouth to reply, ready to essentially give the same spiel I'd given to Quatre, but said blonde interrupted me and took over. "His Grace recalled vague points about his conduct, such as his mismanagement of the Yuy estate and his extramarital affairs," he explained. "The finer details were provided by Miss Hilde and Howard, or through other avenues as needed."

"He made an itemized list and then fixed each one," Meilan put in. "He's also the one that found the iron ore mine near Aoba-ku, discovered the corruption in Ishigaki, and helped put an end to the human trafficking ring here in the provincial capital—"

I shoved her coffee cup at her, cheeks flaming. With the way Meilan phrased it, she made it sound like I was some kind of hero when really I was just tripping into trouble (on purpose!) and getting my ass saved by the others. It was so embarrassing!

"It was nothing! I just happened to have some good luck, and really, the knights and Meilan did all the work in Aoba-ku and Ishigaki, and Quatre handled the trafficking ring here! I just happened to be in the right place at the right time is all!"

"You developed the 'steam engine'," Meilan pointed out acerbically.

I glared at her. "Do you want only mont blanc for the next month at our tea parties? Is that it?" I whispered to her threateningly.

"Stop using cakes to threaten me!"

"I will when it stops working!"

Wufei's eyes had snapped over to his wife. "Woman, what the hell were you doing in Ishigaki?"

"Helping the weak, as Nataku willed!" Meilan proclaimed.

"You were supposed to stay at home!"

She scoffed, "Ishigaki is within the Yuy province, which means it's part of our home."

"Why would you follow along with one of the Duchess's whims like that?!"

I frowned. Whims? Getting rid of that corrupt governor was a necessity, not a whim!

Meilan matched my expression, unhappy gaze on Wufei. "The corruption in Ishigaki compelled action," she corrected the man. "His Grace the Duchess learned the same thing from traders in town as I did, but we made independent decisions to do something about it - and only met by chance in Ishigaki."

Wufei turned a rudely disbelieving look on me. "And why did you decide to go down there yourself, Your Grace?"

"…It seemed like something a Duchess should do," I told him. I had no idea why he was so angry about this, but I guess he was just worried over Meilan. Or something, who knew with those two. I glanced over at Quatre, hoping for some help – but the blonde wasn't even looking our direction, shrewd eyes instead turned in Heero's direction.

I followed Quatre's gaze. Come to think of it, Heero had been oddly quiet for a while now; I really hoped he didn't fall asleep again. Heero looked – well, he didn't look sleepy, but he certainly didn't seem to be hearing anything the rest of us had been saying.

Wufei didn't seem to have even noticed, voice coming out snappish and sarcastic. "And what exactly did the Duchess hope to accomplish that our knights couldn't—"

"Enough."

Wufei's mouth snapped closed. I couldn't help but stiffen at the tone; it had been so authoritative and on edge, as if Heero's perfectly-maintained control was the only thing keeping him from violence. Immediately the others straightened into military stances, instinctively soldiers at the sound of Heero's command.

Heero didn't acknowledge them. He moved silently towards where we sat, ignoring the others and eyes locked somewhere just past my shoulders. It was only when he came to a stop before me did he turn his gaze to match my wide eyes, offering me a hand.

After a moment, I took it and stood. His hand gently closed around mine as he bowed his head. "I apologize for all the harm you suffered in my absence, Duchess," he said lowly. "My intention has always been to keep you safe and healthy. I am so sorry I have not been able to do either."

I paled. "Heero, no—That's not—" That's not your fault! Other-me really didn't deserve that kind of devotion! The words were trapped in my throat though, and remained there when I glimpsed Quatre surreptitiously shaking his head behind Heero. Clearly Heero wasn't up to hearing my reasoning at the moment.

"I am sorry to ask you this after you've kindly provided us a warm welcome as well," Heero continued. "But I'd like a moment to speak with my advisors. If you have something else to take care of in the meanwhile, I would be honored to escort you to the dinner feast later tonight."

A dismissal, then. I understood why though – Heero wanted a moment to chat alone with his besties about this new issue I'd become, and he couldn't feel comfortable doing so if I was in the room gawking at him. I tried to smile at him in understanding, but I think it came out a bit wan as his fingers tightened around mine and then relaxed, a seemingly subconscious gesture.

"Uh, yeah, of course," I agreed. "I'll just go and, um, make sure Morris isn't overdoing it on the pickled meat again."

Heero released my hand, nodding once with a vaguely strained expression on his face. He turned searing eyes on Meilan. "Lady Meilan, if you wouldn't mind keeping the Duchess company?"

It was obviously not a request. This was clearly a boys-only event – ladies and dandies excluded. Meilan didn't argue though, instead looping her arm through mine and leading me out of the room with quick steps.

I chanced a look back as we passed through the doors. Heero was watching us leave – no, he was watching me, eyes once more locked on my neck.

The door closed behind us, and we were off.

A/N: Duo initially wasn't going to say (out loud) "he's hot" but by popular demand, I decided he could have some public embarrassment. As a treat.

Also, Wufei at some point: my wife is a bitch and I love her so much

Heero's description of "...any notion of fragility was shattered by the look in those Prussian blue eyes, which almost seemed to have a wild sort of sparkle to them..." was a nod to his description in a magazine, so I don't want to hear one complaint about it. It was too good a chance to pass up.

Flower meanings:

-Ivy: friendship (what Duo was going for); fidelity, marriage (what Lady Aurora did not say but heavily implied)

-White carnations: innocence, pure love

-Red tulips: passion, love

Please be kind and drop a review! :)