Title: Reawakened Beginnings Chapter 6

Author: Hakumei

Notes: I am deeply sorry it took me forever to get this chapter out and thank those who patiently waited for it to arrive. Halfway through writting this chapter, I got severe writer's block and as a result, I am not overly pleased with how this chapter turned out. Maybe it was better than I thought...I hope...I'm sorry if it sucks. Due to exams in mid April and working odd shifts for my summer job, like sometimes until a little after 2am, my creative mojo won't be flowing as well so it's going to take me some time to get things out. Which is not what I had planned because I've been on summer vacation since the end of April and I've been working a lot since then and blah, you don't need to hear me complain about my crappy life! I just hope I can write more! Thanks to those who have e-mailed me and reviewed, you did inspire me to continue this and I appreciate the feedback. Thankies!

Disclaimers: The Gundam boys don't belong to me, they never will. I'm a poor college kid so don't sue. You won't get much out of me save for maybe a few pennies. However, the plot does belong to me, I'm just borrowing the characters.

Pairings: 3+4, 1+?, 5+S, 1+S, 2+1, S+OC

Warnings: This fic definitely contains shounen ai, AU, OOC Heero and some historical fiction as well as archaeological terms. In this particular chapter there will be some mild language and possible innuendos. If there are any archaeological mistakes, forgive me, I am not an archaeologist and have a very basic knowledge of it because of a crash course I took in high school, watching Discovery and some episodes of "The Adventures of Jackie

Chan". If there is any mistakes (based on terminology) please feel free to correct me or tell me at: Hakumei@otakumail.com

Archived: Mentioned in my bio since ff.net doesn't like things advertised, the losers.

Dedication: To my Friend Angelina, and to the Bog People that were at the Museum of Civilization in Hull, Quebec.

On to the story!!!!

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Chapter 6

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The dishes had been cleaned and put away and the remainder of their supper had been wrapped in saran wrap and put into the fridge before Duo was ready to begin his tale, sitting on the couch, feeling Heero's anxious eyes on him as he carefully thought over his words on how to explain things. "What do you want to know?" he asked carefully, folding his hands in his lap, his eyes nervously looking at Heero.

"Everything about your life, what it was like?" Heero asked excitedly.

Duo bit his lip and nodded his head. "Make sure you are comfortable, this will definitely take a while."

Heero patted Duo's leg and smiled encouragingly as he motioned for Duo to continue with a hand. Duo took the chance to take in a deep breath, closing his eyes momentarily before reopening them and opening his mouth to speak. "My father was our village's leader and I was his first born son which meant I would be leader when he died. Boys were born few and far between and I was the youngest male born so far, the closest boy to my age was two years older than I and his name was Katrose (1). When I was born, everyone celebrated my birth, or so my mother told me. Her name was Lena (2) and she was a gift to my father, which I will later explain. I had five older sisters, I would have had two more sisters and one older brother but like most children in that era, they died from sickness. Most children who did survive were women because they were born more frequent so a male child was always considered a blessing among my people, even where my mother came from, near Bairu (3). My mother was not originally from where I was born and in fact was a gift to my father who had rescued her and her father from bandits. They had been traveling around the country, trading pottery, shells, beads and other things that could be of value to a mainlander. The bandits that had attacked my mother were attempting to rape her and had knocked her father unconscious, they had been lucky because my father had been meditating when he had heard the cries of help from my mother. He immediately went to rescue them and in return for saving both her and her father's life she was offered as a bride to my father who gladly accepted her into the clan. It was about four years later that I was born," Duo stated as he took in a breath to continue.

"My parents were proud of me when I was born and when I was barely four summers old, another boy was born into the clan - Roe."

Heero started at Duo for a moment. "Isn't that what you called me when you first saw me?"

Duo nodded in confirmation. "Yes. There is a reason for that. My people believed in what is called reincarnation and you are the very reincarnation of him. I can tell, you are both very similar in many ways, despite your differences. You're both, so quiet and secretive, yet always honest, loyal and caring towards those that you know. To put it mildly, your souls burn the same."

Heero chuckled as he leaned forward on the couch, "you think I'm the reincarnation of your former lover?"

Duo sat closer, the two had been inching closer to each other ever since Duo had begun his tale. "Yes," he said hissing out a breath. "Now let me continue," he said in a quiet commanding tone. "When Roe was born, his mother, who was my mother's best friend, smiled at me as she held her newborn son close to her chest. I had attended the birthing because my mother was there and didn't want to leave me behind since I was so young. Roe's mother told me that her son and I would become the best of friends. She even let me hold him, even if I was just a baby myself. I couldn't help but grin as the baby boy held onto my tiny fingers. He was so small! That was the beginning of my friendship with Roe. When he was able to walk and talk we were inseparable, despite him being so quiet and secretive compared to my usual talkative and gregarious self." Duo saw Heero watching him intensely, occasionally licking his lips.

"When I was fourteen and Roe ten, I was supposed to go on my first big hunt to prove to my village I was a man, but I decided to wait four more years until Roe was of age so we could do it together. It was also around then that I discovered I had developed stronger feelings towards my friend, even if we were still both children. I knew when Roe would grow older that he would definitely be strong and handsome, he was always a beautiful look child anyway. Male-male relationships were not uncommon where I lived because hunting troupes would leave sometimes for weeks and would get frustrated without their wives around and would often take up a man and sleep with him. It often created a form of male bonding. But I was just a child and Roe was even more of a child than what I was. I also had more weight over my shoulders because as future clan leader I had to ensure the clan's survival and marry and have children. I could not be solely have an interest in a romantic relationship with my best friend. It could greatly affect our village if I didn't produce any children, so I kept my feelings for him secret, but strangely enough, my mother always knew."

Duo chuckled. "Ironic how mothers always seem to know almost everything about their children."

Heero shrugged. "I never was close with my birthparents so I would never know. Solo always took care of me."

Duo smiled weakly. "Things change. Anyway, back to the story. As Roe blossomed into a young man, my affections from him had grown stronger and by the time he was fourteen, my affections were that of love. I always managed to convince Roe to participate in my tricks and games - I liked to have fun and Roe always agreed to do almost anything with me, even if it was rather silly. When it was time for Roe's first hunt, my father was relieved because his firstborn son would now take on his responsibilities as a man and join Roe on his hunt. I remember everything so well..." Duo said, trailing off and remembering his past.

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~Flashback~

Duo grinned as he saw Roe come out of his hut, wearing his hunting clothes, the ones his very mother had made and dyed for him. His face, arms, chest, and back were covered with the traditional hunting paints, as he wore soft deerskin pants with a few designs painted on them. Duo's own body was covered with similar paints, his hair had been tied back in a loose braid, smiling as Roe gave him a brief timid smile as they walked out towards the forest together with their hunting equipment. The two young men were not permitted to return to the village until they caught decent game. Whey they finally reached the forest, Roe decided they should split up so that they could hunt with out worrying about the other.

Duo reluctantly left Roe's side, not wanting to part so suddenly, since he had been secretly hoping that they could work together as a team, but Roe being Roe, he liked to do things himself, quickly and efficiently. Roe took his duty as a clan member and preferred to follow tradition. It was very typical of Roe to follow direct orders instead of partnering up with Duo.

Duo grinned as his eyes caught freshly made deer tracks in the soft ground.

He stealthily followed the tracks and eventually came across a doe eating grass. He quickly hid himself, making sure the wind wasn't blowing in the deer's direction so that she wouldn't pick up Duo's scent, there was no wind and the air was dead. He crouched behind some bushes and waited for his moment of attack.

It was not ten minutes later when he heard Roe scream. His shout was definitely not a yell of cheer identifying that he had caught something. It was a yell of fear, making Duo's blood freeze. He quickly stood up, abandoning his hunt and ran in the direction of Roe's scream. Blood pumped through his veins as Duo came a cross a clearing and found Roe being attacked by a bear, its gigantic paw taking a swipe at Roe who looked so small and fragile compared to the large brown bear. Roe whimpered as he feebly tried to defend himself with his puny spear. A faint cry escaped Roe's lips as the bear's claw grazed his right arm, knocking the wooden spear out of his arms, causing the boy to stare up at the bear with huge frightened blue eyes.

At that moment Duo saw red. The bear didn't even hear Duo charging at him with full speed as he savagely attacked the bear with his spear. He only stopped when the bear fell dead on its side. Duo panted heavily as Roe looked up at him with his frightened eyes. Duo collapsed next to his friend and hugged him tightly, in a reassuring manner as he felt hot tears on his bare shoulder as the boy cried from shock. (4) Duo gently rubbed his back and mumbled soothing words to his frightened friend as the boy calmed down, his breathing regulated. Duo looked down and noticed that Roe had fallen asleep in his arms, causing the longhaired boy to smile as he gently lowered Roe to the ground. He decided that they would spend the evening there, as he gathered some wood to build up a fire and keep them warm. Tomorrow they would take the bear back to the village as proof of their hunt but right now, rest was needed. Duo lay next to Roe, bringing him close to him as he wrapped an arm around his waist so that he could snuggle closer and share body heat. He quickly fell asleep soon after, the fire occasionally crackling into the night.

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Roe woke up the next morning, snuggled up against something warm. He opened up his eyes and noticed that he was wrapped in Duo's arms, causing him to blush faintly. Duo cracked an eye open and smiled sleepily at Roe, "Hello sleepyhead, how are you?"

Roe shrugged. "I hurt and I am a disappointment to the clan," he said in a dejected tone as Duo stretched.

Duo shook his head, negatively. "You are no disappointment to the clan. It usually takes at least three men to kill a bear, let alone be smart enough to fight against one and live. Our clan will be proud that you lived, it shows that you are strong and promising." Duo explained to Roe who looked at him with despair.

"I only live because you saved me. Had it not been for you, I would never have lived. I am a failure. I expect these are our final days together," Roe said softly.

Duo watched Roe closely as he toyed with the end of his braid. "You are not a failure, get that idea out of your head. The only reason that bear is dead is because he did not expect my attack. Believe me Roe, as future clan leader, I will not let you be exiled and have you be forced to leave. You did fine! Had anyone else gone against a bear they would not have lived. Now, quit your worrying and turn around, you're tense." Duo said as he began to massage Roe's back. The boy practically melted to the touch, almost purring from Duo's ministrations. When Duo finished, Roe was leaning back against him wearing a content smile. Duo brought an arm around Roe, hugging him closely as he began to kiss roe's neck with feather-light kisses.

"Duo?"

"Mmm?" Duo inquired as he continued to kiss Roe's neck, not realizing what he was doing.

"Why are you kissing my neck?"

"Because...I...uh...never mind, Roe. We should find a way to carry this bear back." Duo said as he avoided the question, a faint blush tinting his cheeks. He blinked a couple of times when Roe suddenly turned in his arms and faced him, as the boy's blue eyes looked at him seriously.

"It's because you like me, isn't it?" Roe asked bluntly.

Duo looked down and stared at his hands. "Y-yes, I do." The longhaired young man said carefully. "I like you a lot, but how did you find out?"

Roe smiled. "I could tell by the way you act around me. Teah also told me...besides, I like you too."

"Oh? You do?" Duo asked, unsure as the silence dragged on before he clued in. He grinned before he leaned in and kissed Roe who enthusiastically returned the kiss. It was about an hour later they managed to somehow drag the bear back to the village, which had gladly welcomed the two young men back. It was several months later that the two boys had consummated their love for each other.

~End Flashback~

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"So Roe and you had...had...relations together?" Heero inquired as he stared intently at Duo, his soul seeming to hum with pleasure at the thought of being lovers with Duo.

Duo nodded his head, blushing a little at the memories of them together before he answered. "Yes."

"But wouldn't that complicate things for you and your clan?"

Duo shook his head negatively. "Yes and no, let me continue..."

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~Flashback~

~One Year Later After Duo and Roe's First Hunt~

It was a particularly warm day as Duo silently entered Roe's hut to check up on his best friend and lover. "Ready?"

Roe nodded his head silently as he finished tying the jade necklace his mother had given him earlier that morning. "Yes. Are you?"

Duo smiled. "Of course. I think my father is happy that I am finally marrying Hiidee. I think he was beginning to worry that I would never find a suitable wife. What about you?"

"The same. Father was glad I pursued Teah's hand in marriage. I do not want to marry though," Roe said adding a pout. "I want to marry you."

Duo grinned at Roe's confession and kissed him fully on his mouth before pulling away so they wouldn't be late for their dual wedding. "I want to marry you too, but you know that I cannot. It is my duty as future clan leader to produce children."

Roe accepted his fate, taking Duo's hand and walking towards Duo's father and the shamaness to perform each of their marital rites to their future brides.

~End Flashback~

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"But why would you and Roe not elope if you loved each other that much?" Heero asked curiously.

Due's eyebrows knitted together in confusion. "What do you mean?"

"Why didn't they just run away and live together and leave the clan?"

"Because we would be banished and that is a fate worse than death. We would most likely be hunted down and killed by clansmen or other members of different tribes once word got around. Our lives were strongly family-oriented and clan based. It is considered an insult and disappointment to the clan if we went against tradition. It was usually unheard of."

"Oh...that makes sense. Please, continue," Heero stated softly, piecing things together.

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~Flashback~

~6 years after Duo and Hiidee marry~

Roe smiled as he looked at the completed necklace he had been working on for Duo's birthday. It was made of copper beads, jade, and fox teeth. He was going to give it at Duo's birthday celebration and maybe later do some celebrating of their own at their secret cave. His son cooed gently in his crib next to where Roe sat causing him to pause in his inspection of the bauble and smile as he brought a hand and ruffled the baby's hair lovingly. His first wife Teah smiled at him as she picked up the baby boy and brought it to her breast so the baby could suckle and nurse.

"You should pay more attention to Roweena you know? You haven't paid much attention to her since she bore you a son. She is getting jealous of your relationship with Duo, husband." Teah warned.

"I know, but you know I cannot stand that woman. I should never have helped her father cross the forest. I would never have gotten her as a gift and wife if I didn't," Roe said adding a sigh.

Teah smiled. "She never had the chance to live in the same clan and watch you grow up as friends with Duo. I accept your relationship with him fully, as long as you treat me with respect and have me fulfill my duties as a wife."

Roe stood up and smiled at Teah, placing the necklace he had made in a pouch attached to his pants as he grabbed a lock of Teah's long white-blonde hair with this thumb and index fingers and caressed it lovingly before kissing her cheek. "How ever did I get lucky in receiving a wife as understanding as you? Why can't Roweena be like you?"

Teah removed the baby from her breast and proceeded to burp the infant. "Because Roweena is jealous and desires to be first in your eyes. She will never understand what true love is because she has never felt it."

Roe smiled and was about to say more but the baby started to cry. Teah brought a hand near the baby's rear and chuckled. "He's wet himself. I must go and change him. Go and see Duo, I am sure he waits for you," Teah said adding a wink as she placed the baby gently on their bedding to change him. Roe smiled as he exited their hovel in pursuit of finding Duo.

Roe had soon found Duo sitting around the fire as the day showed signs of slowly fading into night. Roe reached into his pouch and handed Duo his gift, causing Duo to gasp and smile. "It's beautiful!" he exclaimed happily as he grabbed Roe into a hug, patting him on the back. "Did you make it yourself?"

Roe nodded, the corners of his mouth curving upwards into a smile from the praise he received from Duo. "Yes, I made it just for you."

Duo's eyes sparkled as he grabbed Roe's hands, leading him away from the crowd and walked towards the path. "I will cherish it forever!" The two had begun their trek towards their secret cave, unaware of Roweena's watchful eyes as she managed to push some rocks, creating the very avalanche that killed Duo and caused Roe to slowly die of devastation.

~End Flashback~

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"And that's all I remember," Duo said softly, tears brimming the corner of his eyes. He had not expected Heero to hug him tightly, nor expect him to kiss him deeply.

"Heero?" Duo asked hesitantly as he watched Heero's eyes sparkle.

"I understand now...I will protect you my Duo," Heero said softly. Duo's heart cried out with joy as he grabbed Heero and kissed him passionately, the first of many that night as Duo understood that Heero now accepted him for who he was. That night many cries of passion occurred as the two lovers reunited for the first time in a long time.

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TBC...? (Of course!!)

1 - That's Quatre *smirk*

2 - Lena, actually pronounced "Ley-nah" is German for "Helen," well, that's what they call my grandmother who is from Germany and is named Helen in

English. The mail she always gets says: 'Libe Lena' rather, Dear Helen...I could be wrong...but I thought it suited the fic, and no, it has NOTHING to do with Relena

3 - I stated Bairu earlier in one of the previous chapters. It's where

Duo's mom is from, and would be situated in present day Europe.

4 - You'd be scared shitless too if you were nearly mauled by a bear. Those guys can be nasty when you disrupt their peace or are hungry. Remember...Smokey The Bear Says, Don't play with fire...er...matches... _ Wait...it was Only You Can Prevent Forest Fires...D'oh!

Thanks to my those who reviewed and have waited patiently:

Yume Maxwell-Yuy

CobaltPrincess

Elle-FaTe2x1

HououKishou

Wyn G. Aarden - my wonderful beta reader!

CSMars

Teira

Kyra

archer of chaos

Zuzanny

Emily Hato

Fay Maxwellyuy

x1-TaKeN-oVeR

To those who emailed me:

dreamer

Cat

and others who have conned me into writing more!

Once again, sorry for my tardiness and delay on this fic, I hope you all enjoyed reading this chapter.

Lastly, as I stated before, I was going to take a toll for whoever wanted a lemon, the votes were unanimous, there is one, but like I said earlier, not by me. It means I have to write one...Oro...I'm not very good at those. Fortunately I've got someone who will aide me. Yaye!

Any questions or comments can be e-mailed to me at: Hakumei@otakumail.com any flames will be laughed at and promptly trashed where it rightfully belongs. If anyone wants to draw pictures I don't mind, I'd like to see what you can come up with, especially with Solo and Duo!!! I'm sorry the chapter wasn't long but school and work caught up with me and bit me in the ass. I'll try to be as quick as I can, posting stuff. I also know the chapter is short. I have a reason for that _ But you don't want to hear it....heh. Oh REVIEW PLEASE! I love them!