Disclaimer: All characters mentioned belong in the animé series Gundam Wing. The plot is taken from the book Midnight Pearls by Debbie Viguié. So ALL credit goes to her. Please don't sue me…?
This chappie centers on Heero and his princely life (with appearances of some more GW characters). A note of warning: if you don't like a totally OOC Heero, click the back button and never return. (n.n) Oh, there's also the appearance of some characters and hints of more yaoi goodness. Enjoy! Hopefully…
Summary: A mermaid story like never before. They say that the prince was bonded to a boy who was not what he appeared and that another boy who saved the kingdom vanished without a trace. Some said it was witchcraft. Some said it was only a legend. For those who knew the truth, it was magic… (eventual 3x4 and 1x2)
Replies to Reviews (Chapter 3):
Fairren Um, you want a spoiler? Gomen, but Trowa is gonna appear in the distant future known as Chapter 6! Don't worry, I'll try to make the chapters in between (which is only one now)a bit more interesting. Aww, and sorry for making Quatre-sama sad or something. I promise that he would be deliriously happy with his Trowa… in the end of this fic, ehehehe… Thanks SO much for being the first reviewer of chapter 3! Here's a box of assorted chocolates - which is strangely lacking a few pieces. (smiles sheepishly)
Romie You think so! You really think so! Wow, thanks! I think this tale is really cute too, discounting the fact that I am its author… (snickers) Here ya go! (gives Romie a box of assorted chocolate treats)
Crystal Ketchum Darklight Waaah! Gomen for updating just now! I should've posted this chapter yesterday, but I was at the mall, drinking frappe at Starbuck's with Elana-chan. (smiles sheepishly) Oh, Quatre isn't gonna marry any girl! He's for Trowa and Trowa is for him, ne? (waves a 3x4 Forever! banner) Thanks SO much for reviewing! (gives Crystal a colorful box of assorted sweets… with a few pieces missing) Oops… Ehehehe…
Shin-chan Their personalities are way too off for them to form a successful relationship, thus my love for 3x4 goes! I SO love them right now! (starts drooling at all the 3x4-suggestive pics she downloaded from the net) Heero and Duo make such a cute couple! Wai! Though the balance is tipped over to 3x4 for me this time. (hence the fact that this fic IS a 3x4) Thanks for the review! (gives Shin-chan a box of cookies – no bites, mind you)
Out of the Sea
By Ninetails
Chapter 3
Prince Heero walked into the castle. He couldn't help but cast a small smirk as a servant sweeping the floor only gave him a cursory glance. It used to be that his returns would cause almost as much of an uproar as his sudden disappearances. The alternately happy and frustrating days of childhood has passed though, and now no one seemed to care whether he came or went. Strangely, he sometimes missed the old days.
He made his way upstairs to his bedchamber. There, a frustrated servant, Wufei, was waiting for him. Heero almost smiled. At least someone still noticed his comings and goings. His humor faded quickly though, as Wufei promptly began lecturing him on how long it took someone to dress properly for a feast with guests such as the duke and that Heero should have shown up much earlier and with far less sand upon his person.
With a small grunt, Heero sat down on his bed. He surveyed the clothes that had been laid out for him. It was going to be a very formal evening. Sir Eoin, the duke of Dermail, and his son, Vanyel, were coming to dinner. Heero did not trust Sir Eoin. He had met the man thrice before and had disliked him more each time they'd met. "Has Sir Eoin arrived yet?
Wufei wrinkled his nose ever so slightly, his ebony eyes hardening slightly. Heero knew the servant did not like the duke any better than he did. Wufei also knew more than anyone else about the comings and goings at the castle. If there was news, he would have it.
"He arrived nearly an hour ago with his entourage."
"And?"
"A foul group, if I'd ever seen one. His servants are an ill-mannered lot. The duke swaggered in like he owned the castle. He doesn't show the proper amount of respect to your lord father."
"And his son? I understand he's earned quite a reputation for himself abroad as a knight."
"More like he's earned himself a reputation as a scoundrel."
Heero smirked. "Has Father said anything?"
Wufei shook his head. "Your father has his mind on other matters. He doesn't notice Sir Eoin's insolence."
"But you think he should?"
Wufei dropped his eyes. "It is not my place to say what your father should do."
"And yet you will," Heero pushed. Yes, you will. And I bet father would listen too… quite eagerly.
Wufei paused for a moment, and Heero cocked his head to the side, patiently waiting for the insights of the other man. When Wufei spoke, it was in a hushed whisper. "I think your father should watch him closely. The duke's an ambitious man, and I wouldn't put much stock in his scruples."
"But he is my father's distant cousin," Heero protested.
"And as such would take the throne if something happened to your father, and to you."
Heero felt a shiver dance up his spine. Although Wufei was in touch with all that happened around the castle, he was not given to idle gossip. If he said a thing, it was reality.
Heero kept his own voice low as he answered, "Then I shall keep an eye on the duke for my father's sake."
He extended his hand to Wufei, and after a moment the (slightly) older man clasped it. they locked eyes, and a silent agreement passed between them. they would keep an eye on the duke, and protect the king at all costs.
Wufei released his hand, and Heero stood up. "Well, it's time to dress for dinner. We mustn't keep Father and the duke waiting."
"No, your Highness."
In short order, Heero was properly attired. What would Quatre say about his clothes? They were more elaborate than any the boy had ever seen him in. On the couple of occasions that Quatre had actually seen him in the village, he had worn simpler clothes, still regal, but not like those he wore when they were holding court.
He hoped Quatre would laugh and call him a gilded peacock, or smile and tell him he looked comely. More likely though, he would duck his head and refuse to look at him, unable to forget Heero's station - or his.
Quatre was so ethereal, and yet he did not know it. There was something unearthly about him, as though he were from a different world. When they were young he used to dream that Quatre was a fairy, or a spirit that would someday disappear into thin air. Now that they were older, he didn't know what to believe. He wasn't sure he believed in Fairy folk anymore, but he wasn't entirely convinced they weren't real. There were too many stories, too many unexplained happenings. The only thing he knew for sure was that there was more to Quatre than he himself knew.
He met his father as he walked out of his chambers. King Treize nodded at him. His father was still young since his late mother and him had a child quite early into their arranged marriage. They looked nothing alike though; his father had fiery hair and teal eyes. His frame was broad-shouldered and regal, a commanding presence, but Heero's was slightly lean and almost delicate.
Together they walked down the winding staircase that led to the main floor and the great hall. They crossed the threshold, and everyone inside the hall, including Sir Eoin, rose to their feet.
It looked like there would be nearly fifty people dining with them tonight. Aside from the duke and his son, there were knights, merchants, and a few other lesser nobles. Heero and his father arrived at the table and took their place at its head. Heero noted that Wufei was standing in his usual place, just behind and to the right of the king, in case he should need anything. Before sitting down, Treize gave the sable-haired man beside him a gentle smile, and Heero felt himself relax imperceptibly.
Everyone else sat down on the long benches on the sides of the table. A massive stone fireplace that ran nearly the length of the one wall cast light and heat into the room. A hanging candelabra above the center of the table and long taper candles placed at intervals down the center of the table provided the rest of the light.
As soon as they were seated, the servants appeared as if by magic, filling each cup with clarrey, a wine that Heero knew his father favored, with its mix of honey and spices. Then, serving maids from the kitchens appeared carrying trays of meats, fruits, and other sumptuous delicacies. The aroma filled the room, and Heero breathed deeply, enjoying the mixture of scents.
There were trays of spiced pear compote and plates of exotic fruits. There were legs of mutton and vegetables in vinegar. Flampoyntes were set before each guest, the pork and cheese pies decorated with pastry triangles. Various other meats and cheeses were present in abundance.
There was Sweet William, the fish that Quatre had shown him once that usually smelled of ammonia. Most wouldn't eat it, but their chef prided himself on having perfected a way to cook it that removed the odor. The result was a succulent dish that had an exotic flavor. Heero smiled to himself. Rashid was the only fisherman who caught Sweet William and he did so only for the castle's chef. It made Heero feel close to Quatre, somehow, to sit at his father 's table, and eat the fruits of the other Quatre's father's labor.
The most decadent dish was brought out last with a great flourish. Whole roasted chickens graced gold serving platters. Each was stuffed with meat, nuts, eggs, and spices and were glazed either green or gold. Balls of the stuffing were shaped like eggs around each chicken and were also painted either green or gold.
Gasps of appreciation went up around the table at the sight of the poullaille farcie, and Heero smirked in satisfaction. In his experience, nothing was quite so impressive as a table laid with such exquisite food. He knew from his tutors that the meal was a symbol of the king's wealth and power, and should serve to humble the hearts of those present. His sharp blue eyes turned to the duke. Even Sir Eoin was impressed; Heero could see it in the way his eyes were riveted upon the chickens. Heero would have to remember to thank the chef later.
For half an hour the only sound was that of hungry men eating. Not for the first time since his mother had died almost ten years ago, Heero lamented a lady's touch at the table. His father had never remarried, and the only woman who had sat at the table in the past five years had been the occasional wife of a visiting noble or a distant relative visiting the family.
But ever since Wufei had come into their service four years ago, his father had gone out of his melancholy and reverted back into the same spirited man he knew his father to be.
Heero's thoughts drifted back to Quatre. He wondered what he'd be eating at his family's table. Not fish, he thought wryly. Even he knew of Quatre's distaste for the sea's bounty. He imagined the other man sitting at the table beside him. What would he try first? Heero yearned to have Quatre dine with him. He had never been able to show him the castle, though. He felt his cheeks warming with shame. For all Quatre's talks about the difference in their stations and his reluctance to speak with him in public, he was just as bad. He had never even spoken his name in front of his father.
"So, Prince Heero is of an age to be bonded."
Startled out of his thoughts, Heero looked up from his plate and glared at Sir Eoin.
King Treize nodded slowly. "Yes, he is."
"I imagine there are any number of eligible lords or ladies eager to be his consort. It must be hard to choose between them." The duke picked up his goblet and took a swallow. He set it back down on the table and with exaggerated nonchalance continued. "I have had several requests from young suitors for the hand of my own daughter, Samantha."
Heero glanced uneasily at his father. He noted that the king was looking at Wufei. Wufei shook his head ever so slightly, and the king turned back to face the duke.
Heero wasn't sure what the interchange between Wufei and his father meant, but he didn't want to risk finding out. He didn't like where the conversation seemed to be headed. "I'm sure one of them will make a fine husband for your daughter," he spoke up quickly. "Having them be the supplicants for her affection puts her in a position of power, and you, as well," he added pointedly.
The duke flushed. Heero had touched a nerve. If the duke asked another to bond with his daughter, it would put him in the weaker position, that of supplicant. The duke was sensitive enough to the subtleties of power to appreciate the difference, and to not enjoy being reminded of it. Heero was secretly relieved. There would be no talk of his betrothal tonight at least.
Heero turned his head away from the duke and caught sight of Vanyel, who had been quiet up until now, smiling wickedly. The smile did nothing to alleviate the crackling cold of his gray eyes. Heero met his eyes and was enraged to see arrogance, rage and hatred lurking in their crystal depths. A shiver slid up his spine, and the prince's cold gaze seemed to wither the other.
During the rest of the meal, Heero was more quiet than usual, watching and, in turn, being watched. It was unnerving and it was with relief that he excused himself at the end of the meal. Pleasantries and diplomacy never did agree with him.
He quickly climbed the stairs leading to the living quarters, eager to be alone with his thoughts. Inside his room, he strode to the window and stared out toward the sea and Quatre's home.
Of late he had found himself thinking more and more about him and often at the strangest times. Things were changing between them, in some subtle way that was hard to detect and even harder to understand. Maybe we've just grown up, and this is what it will feel like from now on.
He didn't know how long he'd been standing there before he heard a slight noise behind him. He turned around to see Wufei standing a respectful distance away. "What is it, Wufei?"
"Your father wishes to speak with you."
"What about?" Heero asked, at once suspicious and not entirely unperturbed.
Wufei just shrugged.
"Don't know or won't tell?"
The ghost of a smile touched Wufei's lips. "Perhaps a bit of both; he's in the throne room." With that, he turned and left, and Heero found his curiosity heightened even more.
He left his chambers and made his way toward the throne room – further proof that whatever it was had to be somewhat serious, else they would have met in his father's chambers. When he reached the room, he found his father standing, staring out a window, much as Heero had just been doing upstairs. His hand clutched a single stem of rose, its scarlet beauty pervading through the gloom. Silently Heero joined him, and together they stared out into the darkness.
Without turning toward him, his father spoke. "You did well in speaking to the duke tonight. You discouraged him from his purpose and saved him the embarrassment of rejection."
"I couldn't bond with his daughter."
King Treize turned to look at him. "You've met her?"
"No, I'm sure she's a lovely young lady. It's her father I have a problem with."
The king nodded. "So I noticed."
"I don't trust him, Father. There's something insincere about him."
"As opposed to all the courtiers?" his father asked with faint humor in his eyes.
Heero couldn't help but smile back. "I see your point. Speaking frankly for a moment though, I think the duke is dangerous."
His father put a hand on his shoulder. "Leave the duke for me to worry about. You need to be concerning yourself with other matters."
"What?" Heero asked cautiously.
"Bonding. The duke was right about that, at least. It's time you take a mate."
Heero pulled back. "But, Father! - "
"No, I've left you alone for a long time – too long. It's my fault. I wanted you to enjoy your life before you had to take up the burden of your position. Well, the time has long past come. You need to step up to your responsibilities as prince and future king of Arad Doman. And the first responsibility you must take up is being bonded. In this I am immovable."
"But… who?"
"On that question I am a little more flexible. Do you know why I never remarried?"
The question caught Heero off guard. He shook his head.
His father's voice dropped to a whisper. "Because I truly loved your mother. We two were fortunate, more so than most others. I would wish that kind of happiness for you."
Heero didn't know what to say. Naked pain danced in King Treize's eyes. His father ran his fingers through the velvet petals of the rose, before caressing it to his cheek. He always said that Wufei reminded him of a rose; delicate, thorny, and absolutely beautiful. Suddenly, he felt an overwhelming gratitude for the presence of Wufei in his father's life. After a moment, the king continued in a husky voice.
"I'm prepared to help you in whatever way I can. I could throw a ball and invite all the eligible youth of this kingdom and the surrounding ones to attend…"
Heero wrinkled his nose. "No, thank you, Father. I think I just have to figure this out for myself."
"Well, whatever you're going to do, do it quickly, else I shall be forced to choose for you."
"And who would you choose?"
"The Lady Natasha."
The Lady Natasha was six years Heero's senior and still unbonded, with good reason. The lady had a pleasant face and a nice form, but it was when she opened her mouth that others fled. It wasn't just that she had a voice that brayed like a mule, it was that with her word choice, she more often resembled that creature than any other. She was not only prone to saying the wrong thing at the wrong time, she was also critical of everything, and her opinion was freely shared with all.
"Father! Anyone but her!" Heero protested with ill-concealed dismay.
The king raised an eyebrow. "Really? You would prefer the duke's daughter?"
"No," answered Heero quietly.
His father nodded once and then turned to stare back out the window, the rose still clutched in his hand. The interview was over. Heero stood only a few moments more before leaving quietly. He was sure that his muted footsteps on the floor were completely drowned out by the pounding of his heart.
Wufei was entering his chamber with a fresh pitcher of water when Heero arrived back there. The other man lifted a black eyebrow upon seeing him. Heero threw himself in the bed as Wufei placed the pitcher on a table across the room.
"Will there be anything else, Your Highness?"
Heero stayed silent as he glanced at Wufei. The servant had always been a friend and confidant, something of a brother to him.
"He wants me to bond."
Wufei didn't say anything.
"You knew that's what he wanted to speak with me about, didn't you?"
"I had my suspicions."
"What am I going to do? All the royal children and noble people I've met have bored me to tears. I can't imagine happiness trapped in a relationship with one of them."
"I'm sure there are other possibilities."
"Who?"
"What about your little friend from the village?"
Heero felt the color drain from his face as he sat upright. "How do you know about him?"
Wufei actually laughed, his severe features softening to reveal the attractive youth that he was. "Highness, please, I've known about him for years."
"My father?"
"Knows nothing about him. Still, I think he would understand. Your mother was not your grandfather's first choice for a daughter-in-law, or so I've heard."
"Yes, but she was from a noble family." Heero shook his head, noting the pained look on the other's sooty eyes, before it was masked in indifference. "This is insanity, anyway. Quatre is my best friend.""
Wufei raised an eyebrow. "Many bonds have been based on less than that."
"Do you really think Father would approve?"
Wufei was silent for a moment. "He might, and he might not. The thing is, though, he's not so much eager that you have a bondmate as that you have an heir."
Heero nodded. "I figured that was what he was thinking. He was just being polite by not mentioning 'bonded' and 'child' in the same sentence." He looked at Wufei. The other man was possessed of keen insight, not only into people, but also into situations and events.
"What would you do?" Heero asked.
Wufei looked at him kindly, his face once again softening upon seeing his almost distressed look, something in his ebony eyes telling Heero that he was thinking of someone as he spoke. "I'd follow my heart."
The next morning, watery sunlight shone through Heero's window. He had barely slept all night, falling asleep in the dark hour before the dawn. The only thing he was sure about was that he had to talk to Quatre, and soon.
His clothes had already been laid out for him, and he dressed quickly. He hoped he would see Quatre when he went to the village. He grimaced. Even if he was able to see him, talking to him would prove a different challenge.
When he entered the Hall, he found Vanyel eating breakfast alone. The marquis looked up, stood, and bowed. Heero nodded and kept walking. He was in no mood for idle chatter.
"Highness, if I may have a moment of your time."
Heero groaned and considered what would happen if he just kept walking. He measured the distance to the door and wondered if he could feign deafness. He had vowed to keep an eye on the duke, though, and that included watching his son. He turned and gave the other man a glare. "What is it, Vanyel?"
"I was actually wanting your advice on something."
Heero's eyebrows shot up in surprise. He wouldn't have thought that Vanyel would want his advice on anything. Intrigued, he asked, "What about?"
"Potential bonded. Or to be more precise, a lad."
Now Heero was really bewildered. "Go on."
"I have fallen in love with a young man and I wanted to ask his father for permission to bond with him."
"A noble endeavor, I'm sure. Where does the difficulty lie?"
"The young man in question is common born – a peasant, to put it bluntly."
"I see," Heero replied slowly. "And you're worried about bonding him and the possible repercussions?"
"Yes, Highness, I am."
"Do you love him?" Heero asked, privately astonished that he and Vanyel should have more in common than he would have thought.
"I do."
"Then do not worry. My father might not be happy, but he will not hinder your union with this man."
"Your father has always seemed to be to be very benevolent and respectful of all, regardless of their station," Vanyel noted with a hint of condescending in his tone.
"Yes, he is," Heero answered, a bit more wary. "I've always admired him for that."
"As is to be expected. Now, if my own father will prove as understanding, all should be well."
"Yes, let us hope for understanding from both of our fathers," Heero remarked, knowing Vanyel could not know he would be asking it for both of them. Heero nodded his head. "I will see you at dinner."
Vanyel bowed, and Heero headed for the door. Once he reached it, he turned back around. "Vanyel, when you have proposed to your intended, bring him back to the castle so that he might prepare adequately for your bonding."
"You are too gracious, Your Highness," Vanyel said, bowing once more.
Nodding, Heero left the room. If he could help Vanyel, he must be able to help himself.
TBC
Author's Notes:
Major OOCness for Heero! I mean, HIM, believing in FAIRIES! Mr. I'm-a-perfect-soldier-and-I-only-believe-the-data-I-acquire-from-my-laptop-Yuy is actually giving in to flights of fancy…. This is totally unbearable (and unreal). So you all can go back and never read this fic again. ehehehe…
As for their ages… well… let's just say that Wufei is a bit older to remedy his and Treize's age gap… even a little bit. And I'm taking the liberty of making Treize's age 30 something. Having a son Heero's age is bound to make him relatively old, ne? Oh, and what's up with Wufei being a servant? Let's just say he plays a major role in the last chapters. … Did you catch the hint(smirks)? Strangely enough, typing this fic made me hungry… anyone ever notice how I like to put too much ellipses in anything I write?
Info on the food used would follow shortly (meaning a week or 10)
Oh, and for the people who are wondering when the 3x4 and 1x2 action is coming, look for it at chapter 6. Ja!
