rDisclaimer: I don't own Gundam Wing or Sailor Moon. La.
It was only three months since Jadeite had first met the perfect soldier when the younger man came again to his commander's attention. One fairly normal day, his second-in-command approached him, as friend, more than a subordinate.
"You remember, Jade, about that assassination plot that the Royal Family discovered among their guards?"
"I remember, a full half either fired or executed, and not a man among them from the city guards."
"Well, they need replacements, and as you said, the men who have come from your ranks have been unwaveringly loyal. So they're looking to recruit out of us more than the army."
Jadeite sighed. This happened a lot. Technically, the men he led were under the Royal Guard; as commander, he was only captain under the generals who controlled palace security. This meant the other ranks pulled a lot of his best men out, and he usually went through a whole new regime of lieutenants every year or so. The officer handed him a list.
"I've looked over reports, and the list that the palace wants to come up to the hill, and created a new roll of officers for you. With your approval of course, sir."
"Thank you, Morgan. Do the other men know?"
"No, most of them will expect it, but none have been given official notices."
"Tell each man who will be leaving, and each man who will be acquiring a new rank. I'm sure your choices are fine. You're a good man, Morgan, and the guard will miss you."
"You know, Cap' n , you're not so bad yourself. Someday you'll get your call too." Morgan punched him lightly on the shoulder, laughing at a long lasting joke the two shared.
"I like it right where I am." Jadeite smiled at his own, much mocked angst at being 'held down' at captain of the guard for so long when he had risen to the position in a mere four years, "But you're not done working for me yet, so get to it, Lieutenant."
Morgan exited the room, and Jadeite looked down the list. Ten 2nd Lieutenants were in charge of units with 20 men in them, and appointed two sergeants from among those men. Two 1st Lieutenants served directly under Jadeite; these two appointments were no surprise. The two men had been in the guard for long services, and had always proved sensible and trustworthy, ready for command. Farther down the list, many of the other names were relatively unfamiliar, since so much recruiting had occurred. The fifth name down, Jadeite's eyes halted on a name. Hero Yuy. He could still remember the day he had first seen the boy, only a season ago. After he had gotten his senses back on that memorable day, he checked the lists for the boy's name, and kept track of him in records and reports sent to his by his Lieutenants. So far, he seemed very noteworthy. He had always received praise when evaluated, was chosen as Sergeant after only two months in the service, and now he was one of the top men in the guard. Simply incredible…Jadeite signed the list, and sat back in his chair to start writing the official notices.
()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()
Hero walked silently towards the mess hall that stood in the center of the ring of barracks. His life here was good. Not exactly happy, but good. His work suited him, his wounds were well-tended, and the food was fresh and plentiful, if not gourmet. Quickly promoted to sergeant, he was respected even by the older men that served under him. Still, he was startled as he felt a tap on his shoulder. Most of his comrades were loyal and jovial, but saw that Hero wanted no companionship, and kept their distance. Well-trained, he only jumped a little, and turned quickly to see the man who now walked in step with him.
"Hero Yuy, one moment I hire you with strong recommendations, and the next, they tell me you're to be made Lieutenant."
Hero himself barely heard the man's words. He had learned much about Captain Jadeite Deraine since that first meeting. The tall blond man was both liked and respected by all, as an incredible fighter, as well as a leader who could sway the hearts of men. Hero, however, was awed by, more than the man's words or reputation, his incredible physical presence. Jadeite was confident and proud, with strength and wit just exuding from his glowing skin. The pale golden hair forming a halo in the sunlight combined with those infinitely deep blue eyes – the man was, to Hero, no more man than he was angel. Somehow, he ripped his mind out of reverie to reply, if only in a stutter.
"I'm n-n-not sure what you're talking a-b-b-bout."
"All my officers are being called up to the palace, so you're to take over your unit. Here's your official promotion."
Both men stopped as Jadeite offered Hero the ribbon-bound scroll. Jadeite smiled in an attempt at something like camraderie or friendship with the younger soldier. He noticed the boy's hesitation to accept the promotion, briefly wondering why he wasn't more enthusiastic about it as the others always were. Then, as Hero finally reached out to receive the offering, their fingers touched, and time seemed to freeze for each. Jadeite panicked – dear god, the kid's touch was like lightning, Jade thought as joyous shivers ran up and down his spine, and the world seemed to spin around the two of them. He gulped as he shifted his gaze from their barely touching hands to those more-than-and-less-than-blue Prussian eyes, sinking slowly into them until he trembled with confusion. Before he knew it though, Hero pulled the paper away, making swiftly for the mess hall, his original destination. The moment had ended, both relief and disappointment swirling underneath Jadeite's wavy blond locks.
A/N: **sniff** how cute! Hii-chan stuttering! Alright, if anyone's still reading this, we might as well make a few things clear. This will probably be very OOC, and very fluffy, because there's nothing like shounen-ai! I might even put Rei in here. Which will make things interesting. I'm actually thinking of making it a series…shittenou/pilots…ooh, Endymion and Duo could be so cute!