"Shadows of The Past" Pg 10

Disclaimer/Notes: I do not own Gundam Wing or any of it's wonderful character, they are owned by some rich guy.
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Heero's eyes flicked open under bright moonlight. His body stiffed as the events of earlier ran through his head. As he was about to sit up he realized a strong pair of arms held him tightly.

Look who's finally awake I was getting worried about you, a voice cracked.

Where are we? What happened to...? Heero was unable to finish his sentence.

Some where safe, there was an explosion at that House destroying it.

Everyone inside... what happened to them?

Heero turned around in the arms. His eyes met a pair of soft blue ones. His heart almost jumped out of his chest as his arms moved quickly to fall around a neck. He tried so hard to hold back his tears.

It's going to be fine Heero.

Milliardo you're alive...

Yes Duo saved us just before the explosion.

He transferred us out of the House, Milliardo explained as he hugged the boy. Then he appeared here with you unconscious in his arms.

Oh Milliardo I'm so glad you're alive. Where is everyone? Heero pulled tighter into Milliardo's embrace.

Scouting for the ones who did this and securing the area. I stayed here with you. They should be back shortly.

Heero continued to hug the older man the man he felt was like a father. Soon he would see Kieandra as well. But Duo... I was so... selfish and he saved everyone...'

I'm sorry about running away, Heero apologized.

Don't be how is one supposed to react to news like that, Milliardo comforted him, I'm actually glad you did. Who knows what would have happened? Maybe we all would have died. At least with you not in the House I knew you were safe. Although I was worried when we appeared here and then Duo should up with you in his arms.

Oh god... Milliardo I don't ever want you to leave me.

I won't as long as I can. Milliardo pulled the youth into in his body even more, making this promise one he never wanted to break.

~*~*~*~*~

Trowa stood on the edge of a large cliff, an icy wind whipping around him, pulling at him to move back. Smoke still bellowed up from where the House had once stood. God we could have died if it weren't for Duo. He saved up even after everything that we said about him. Even after we jumped on him, after I disgraced him by calling him an ugly word like demon. He is far kinder then I have been. How can I face him now? I... I'm a awful being not deserving of my gifts.'

Trowa are you up here? a soft voice called breaking his thoughts.

Trowa what's wrong? A small hand rested on his shoulder as he turned to face his blonde lover.

I'm... I'm an awful being, Trowa sputtered.

No you're not you just didn't understand. None of us did and some of us still don't, Quatre reassured him. Quatre slipped his hand in Trowa's larger on squeezing to make sure his lover believed him.

Trowa he forgave up, he understands even if we don't quite yet. Soon you'll not think that way. Please listen to me, trust me! Quatre again squeezed Trowa's hand.

Oh Quatre I love you so much! Trowa sighed pulling the blonde to him.

As I love you more then life. Now lets finish collecting wood and securing the area. I want to check on Heero. Quatre nipped at the taller man's neck.

You're right. Lets go, Trowa led the way off the cliff his hand still held firmly in Quatre's.

Making their way back to their encampment they saw their prince lying in Milliardo's arms. He was moving trying to get closer to the long haired man. He must be happy to see Milliardo alive. Quatre's right it's a father/son relationship. Where is Duo?'

They dropped the wood they carried getting the attention of the two sitting on the ground.

It's secure, Trowa reported.

I'm glad you both are alright, Heero spoke looking up at the two mages.

As we are of you. To se you awake pleases us, Quatre replied softly.

They settled down and built a warm fire. With it blazing they waited for Duo's return.

~*~*~*~*~

A figure approached the camp it wasn't alone either. Milliardo perked up his attention drawn to the figures as was Quatre and Trowa's. With the fire still burning strongly it reached out for the shadows. The figures stepped into the light. A sigh of relief was carried between the three works of light as Heero jumped to his feet. Running recklessly he met with a large body. Falling backwards a laugh escaped his lips as his arms clung to the body on him.

Kieandra... my beauty... I'm so happy you are here safe. Heero laughed his face being attacked by a loving aggressive tongue. The tigerdo returned the sentiments lovingly. Heero didn't want to get out from under her. Then she stepped off as a hand shooed her away. Milliardo picked Heero up off the ground. They sat back down at the large tee they had been sitting under the whole time. Kieandra curled up beside Heero as close as she could get.

Milliardo asked Duo who sat down on the other side of the fire.

Nothing... couldn't find a damn thing! his voice carried a tone of anger.

It's fine at least you tried, Quatre assured him.

I know... I just wanted to get them now...

We know, we all feel the same. Trowa sighed.

Maybe we should get some sleep before dawn breaks. The fire will burn all night, Quatre suggested.

That's a good idea, Milliardo agreed.

As everyone was settling down to get a few hours of sleep Heero crawled over to Duo.

Yes Heero? Duo whispered as not to wake anyone already asleep.

Thank you, Heero whispered back.

I knew how important they were, Duo replied with a yawn. As Heero was about to crawl back over to Milliardo, who was already sleeping, and Kieandra, who waited for him, Duo stopped him, Heero will you sleep here near me?

Heero looked at the braided youth,

Lying down near Duo's arm he closed his eyes. Just before sleep claimed him he felt two warm bodies move closer to his. He felt safe lying there.

Duo slipped his arm around Heero's waist as he scooted closer to the beautiful prince. Kieandra took position on the other side. A smile graced both youth's lips and Kieandra purred.

~*~*~*~*~

Daylight shone over the land as the suns began to rise. The first of them to wake was the gentle blonde. His eyes blinked open and looking into his lover's soft face. Looking around the camp he spotted the three cuddled close together. Nudging Trowa gently, emerald eyes opened to look at him.

Quatre whispered sifting his eyes to the trio.

What's this? Trowa asked no one in particular.

Yeah wonder how that happened.

Could ask?

That's rude!

Sorry it was just a suggestion.

What's the commotion? a tired voice asked joining their conversation.

Just before Milliardo opened his eyes Duo's body disappeared from beside Heero. Both Trowa and Quatre blinked as he reappeared standing by a tree wide awake.

I see you guys are awake, Duo said his voice chipper.

Uh yeah, Quatre stood up pulling Trowa with him. All except those two.

Let em sleep. Well Heero anyway Kieandra is awake she just doesn't want to move, Duo said walking up to the pair.

Shouldn't we leave here though? Trowa asked using his fingers to comb his hair.

I'll carry him til he wakes on his own, Milliardo offered walking over to the pair. Kneeling beside Heero he collected the youth into his arms and stood up. This caused Kieandra to jump up.

Told you, Duo supplied as they started walking.

The walk was full of simple chatter until Heero's head rolled away from Millirado's chest.

Wakey wakey sleeping beauty, Milliardo slightly teased as Heero's eyes opened. He quickly looked around startled.

Why are we... why are you? Heero asked confused.

We decided to move on and let you sleep. So I have been carrying you under watchful eyes. Milliardo told the prince putting him down on his own two feet.

Oh. You didn't have to let me sleep, Heero told them.

I told them to let you continue sleeping, Duo supplied for the group.

You went through a lot yesterday. You needed the extra sleep.

So stop complaining already! Duo joked lightly punching his arm in fun.

I... wasn't.

With the last word Duo continued walking making the others catch up to him. Kieandra took her place beside Heero's right leg keeping pace with him. Heero's fingertips just barely touched her fur. Causing it to fluff then smooth at the middle of her back.

Duo's braid swung lightly behind him as he walked ahead of the group. Trowa and Quatre strolled behind him hand in hand. Milliardo kept pace beside Heero on his left. He stole glances at the youth then looked at Duo's back. It seemed Heero's attention was fully on Duo. I wonder what that is about? I might have to ask him.' Milliardo thought silently.

They walked unsure of just where they were going. Right now they knew they just needed to keep moving. Whoever was behind the destruction of the House would not give up so easily. They all knew these people were not stupid, in no way could they be defined that way. Look at what they had already accomplished. What they needed to learn was who it was and why they were doing it.

~*~*~*~*~

A couple miles ahead is a small village, Quatre reported recognizing the area around them.

Oh good! We can get some supplies and food, Duo cheered.

But we have no money it was lost at the House, Trowa reminded to enthusiastic youth.

You we do. Duo smiled reaching into his pocket. Pulling out a handful of gold coins.

Duo where did you get that? Quatre asked skeptical.

My pocket.

You made them, didn't you? Milliardo asked flatly.

Why work with powers like mine?

But the economy, Quatre sighed.

It won't mind a few added coins, really. Trust me.

everyone else agreed in a hopeless sigh.

Don't worry so much. I do thing disguises are in order though.

Trowa wondered.

Um... the prince of our lands is standing right there, Duo said pointing at Heero as they stopped to talk about this.

No one knows what he looks like. That has been kept a secret form the public, Milliardo told them.

Still better be safe then sorry is my motto, Duo said with a laugh.

Why do we need them? Quatre asked.

If anyone of us are recognized that would just give it away to whoever is after us. We don't know who they are and until we do we need to be careful. They could be in every city across the continent waiting for us to just waltz into town.

When he says it that way he does have a point. We don't need to draw attention to ourselves, Trowa agreed.

Yes I guess you're right, Quatre also agreed seeing the situation in this new light.

Fine I can see your point. Milliardo conceded his consent in the matter.

Duo asked causing all eyes to turn to him.

He asked startled.

Disguises? Have you even been listening? Just say yes, Duo walked over to him.

Um... yes, Heero spoke unsure.

Alright we go in the guise of masks, Duo said patting Heero's shoulder gently.

He still looked confused and lost standing there with them.

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