Chapter 5

Wufei was smoothing down his outing dress--which was a pretty light blue dress with lace and pearls sewn into the bodice and skirt--when there was a cheerful knock on his door. He turned away from the mirror and smiled slightly when he realized that it was time for Duo to pick him up for the trip down to the city. He moved easily across the ground to the door and pulled it open to reveal a grinning Duo with a bouquet of buttercups in his hand.

"For you, Lady Celeste," he said, bowing slightly as he presented the bright bouquet to Wufei.

Wufei took the bouquet, smiling and blushing slightly for he had never received or given flowers before in his life. He looked down at them, searching his memory for what buttercups meant. Then he raised his eyebrow at Duo.

" 'What golden beauty is yours'? Really, Lord Duo," Wufei said teasingly as he stepped out of his room and closed the door behind him.

"But it's so true, Lady Celeste," Duo said, grinning as Wufei slipped his hand on to the crook of his arm.

Wufei merely smiled and held the bouquet close as they left the palace and began to walk down the front court to the carriage waiting to take them out to the city. He allowed Duo to help him into the carriage and sat down, placing the bouquet beside him as he smoothed down his dress. He was seriously starting to get annoyed wearing such a thing. He hated it. It was confining and offered none of the freedom that he found in a pair of pants. He glanced over to Duo in envy. Damn man doesn't know how lucky he is, he thought angrily.

"What do you want to do first when we go down to the city?" Duo asked as the carriage lurched and began to move out of the drive way.

"What do they offer in the city?" Wufei asked as he stared out of the window at the passing scenery.

"There's a fair today," Duo said, smiling. "I think you'll enjoy it. There'll be plenty of food and performances."

"Wonderful," Wufei said, nodding. "I'd enjoy that." He had been to a few fairs before and they were always tons of fun. He wondered if it was different from a woman's point of view. He turned his head when he noticed Duo was staring at him. He smiled slightly. "Is there something wrong, Lord Duo?"

"Oh, nothing, Lady Celeste. I'm merely enjoying your beauty," Duo said boldly while smiling a bit cockily at Wufei.

Wufei suddenly wanted to take the bouquet and whack Duo with it.

~*~

"What is this?" Wufei asked staring at the brown thing Duo was holding in his hand. "I'm suppose to eat that?"

"It's called chocolate, Lady Celeste, it's good," Duo said handing Wufei a piece. "Just try a little bit of it. I promise you, you'll love it."

"Chocolate?" Wufei repeated as he reached out and took the a small piece. "How did you come by with this?"

"Oh, people are always bringing it into Derrath. Good stuff I tell you," Duo said, nodding.

Wufei nodded and slipped the small sliver of chocolate into his mouth and chewed slowly. His eyes widened and he smiled at Duo while he tasted the chocolate melting in his mouth.

"This is wonderful," he agreed as he took another piece and popped it into his mouth and chewed. "A bit bitter but...It's good."

"I knew you'd like it," Duo said, beaming. He turned to the vendor. "I'd like a brick of it please."

"A brick?" Wufei repeated while he licked his lips free of chocolate.

"It's not as much as it sounds," Duo assured him as he took the neatly wrapped package from the man and paid him for the chocolate. "Here, for you."

Wufei smiled as he took the chocolate, thus adding to the many things Duo had already bought him. They had seen all the performances at the fair, tasted almost all the food, bought all sorts of things including a doll, a portrait of Wufei and colorful flower circlets. They were all carried by the two servants following them. Occasionally they ran back to the carriage to put all of the things in there before returning to Duo and Wufei, ready to carry more things that the Lord bought for Wufei.

"Now, what else can we do?" Duo mused out loud as he looked around the fair. "We've done about everything for the day."

"So, we go home?" Wufei asked as he glanced up at the sun and saw that it was starting to get pretty late. He had promised Heero he would return by dinner time.

"Of course not! The night has not begun yet! It's when it's night when it all gets better," Duo said, grinning. "There will be more exciting things to do when night falls."

"But--"

"Not buts," Duo said, shaking his head.

"I have to--"

"Oh, come on, Wufei, don't tell me that Prince has you on his beck and call?" Duo demanded, frowning.

Wufei scowled, anger welling up inside of him. He didn't know what to say. Heero did have him at his beck and call, and he hated it. He clenched his fists but he knew he couldn't disobey Heero. He couldn't risk his friends' lives like that.

"I'm sorry, Lord Duo, but I can't," Wufei said, shaking his head.

Duo sighed and nodded. "I understand. Come then, let's make the best of the day!"

~*~

Wufei sighed tiredly as he slid into his seat for dinner. He wanted to go back up to his room and go to sleep. All day Duo had dragged him all over the place and showed him every thing. He was constantly on his move and there was no rest whatsoever. And from all the fair food he wasn't all that hungry either. But he had to make his appearance, right? He had told Heero he would be there for dinner so here he was. He didn't do anything bad. He did everything right.

"Are you all right? You look ready to fall asleep," Heero said quietly as he sat down beside Wufei and gave the man a slightly concerned expression.

He's probably worried whether or not I can stay awake long enough to protect him, Wufei thought sarcastically.

"I spent the whole day with Lord Duo, running around that fair, I'm not exactly in top condition, Your Highness," Wufei said with his most sweetest smile.

"Glad to see you smiling, Lady Celeste," Heero said, patting Wufei on the arm with an indulgent smile.

Wufei's eyes narrowed. He just wanted to take his wine and throw it into Heero's smug face. The damned prince sure deserved it! Gods, he'd like to see Heero lose his temper just once instead of keeping up that smug smile and cool exterior all the time. It was infuriating!

"I'm going to go out tomorrow into the country. You will accompany me," Heero said quietly as he unfolded his napkin and while looking at Wufei with an expectant expression.

"Why?" Wufei asked, cocking his head.

"I just wanted to have some free time to myself. I've been around these people for weeks. I need to breathe," Heero said honestly.

"But I thought you lived on the public," Wufei said mockingly as he lifted his wine and took an unlady like gulp. He licked his lips and held out his cup for more which was immediately filled.

"I can't always live on the public, Wufei," Heero said in quiet seriousness.

Wufei blinked. Heero hadn't called him Wufei since that damned prince named him 'Lady Celeste'. He stared at Heero for a long time. Maybe there was actually a personality underneath that shallow smile and laughter. He took another gulp and nodded at Heero.

"I see. Well, that makes perfect sense," he said softly.

Heero leaned in closer and whispered in Wufei's ear, "I would go alone but I do need my bodyguard around don't I?"

Wufei pulled back and stared at Heero for a moment, taking in the humorous glint in the Prussian eyes and the slight quirk in Heero's lips. His lips. Smooth, nicely shaped lips that probably had brushed against the flesh of almost every lady in court. Taking a deep breath, Wufei wondered why the hell was he having thoughts like this. He took another gulp of wine. He needed to clear his head.

~*~

Wufei sighed softly as he walked down the hall rapidly. He was tired. Tired, angry, frustrated and...something else. He was feeling trapped. He needed to be himself! He just couldn't play the part of Lady Celeste forever!! A few days and already he was going to go crazy! He hadn't been able to put on a single piece of men's clothing in days!! He could only stand so much!

He was passing by Heero's room when he noticed the door was slightly ajar. Apparently, someone had forgotten to close the door all the way. He stopped and turned back around, his mind racing. Then, with a mischievous smile, he looked up and down the hall before darting into the room. He closed the door softly behind him, still smiling as the excitement and fun of sneaking into Heero's room made itself known to him. He hadn't been able to do something naughty in a long time...

He was glad for the moonlight in the room that lit his way as he walked over to Heero's closet and threw it open. He searched around, pressing the shirts and breeches to his body trying to find the perfect fit. Of course Heero was taller than him but he knew he could find something that would fit.

And he did. After much searching he finally came up with a shirt and a pair of breeches with some boots just a little bit bigger than his own feet, but that was okay. Quickly, he stripped off all his clothing and happily pulled on the clothing, relishing on the feeling of having silk against his skin. And not dresses! No, men's clothing!

He smoothed down the fancy breeches, grinning like an idiot as he enjoyed the freedom of wearing such clothing again. He wanted to jump up and down and dance. Instead, he pulled open the window and looked down. There were some vines climbing up to the window. Stupid prince. This only allows an intruder easier access to his room! But nonetheless, Wufei was glad it was there. He quickly scrambled down the vines and jumped the last couple of feet.

Looking around to make sure there was no one around he began to walk around, loving the feeling of having his legs free from the stupid confines of those stupid skirts in that stupid room of his.

Running his fingers through his hair, ripping out all the ribbons and whatnot, he sighed happily as his hair fell free. He shoved all the ribbons into his pockets and used the dark red ribbon to tie back his hair.

Stretching, Wufei made his way down the pathway to the gardens. He had never been able to visit them. It would be nice to be around some greenery after all the noisy city crowds and the stone palaces. He grew up in the woods, he needed them. He just couldn't live in a place that didn't have greenery and trees and pure nature around him. Someday, when he finally gets away from the prince, he was going to run back to his home in the mountains and swear never to leave it ever again.

I'm not in a dress! I'm not in a dress! Wufei thought ecstatically as he walked around the garden, admiring the beautiful flowers and plants that grew all over the place. He walked over to a marble bench and laid down on the cold stone. He folded his hands behind his head and stared up at the beautiful sky. The moon had disappeared behind the clouds but the stars were sill visible. Beautiful things sparkling happily against the velvet silk of the sky.

Wufei thought sadly as he breathed in the crisp, cool night air. He closed his eyes, tempted to just fall asleep right there. He missed sleeping out in the open rather being trapped underneath the stone roofs of the palace. Ugly place. What monarch would want to live in such a place, really, when there was the trees, plants and warmth of nature all around them? This is why I don't like rich people, Wufei confirmed.

It was starting to get late and Wufei realized he had to get back to Heero's room and change back into his dress before Heero got back. He got to his feet and moved swiftly through the darkness, a life as a bandit giving him the skill to move silently even through the most dry leaves in the forest. Since this was just concrete, it made it easier. He easily climbed the vines and slipped into the warm room. He changed back into his dress and gathered up the prince's clothing. Looking down at the small pile Wufei smiled as an idea entered his mind. Heero had so many clothes...He wouldn't miss some of it.

Sensibly reasoning with himself, Wufei bundled up the clothing tightly and slipped out of the room. He made sure no one was around before darting down the hall to his own room. He closed the door behind him, his smile wicked and his eyes dancing with amusement. He was tired of being trapped to doing the "right" things. It was wonderful to finally make some mischief. Stealing the country's prince's clothing is something to do.

Grinning happily, Wufei walked over to his closet and threw it open. He shoved the clothing to the very back of the closet, planning on wearing those sometime soon when he could find time alone to do so.

Feeling very satisfied with himself, Wufei changed into the damned night gown and went to sleep. In fact, he slept better than he had ever slept in a while...

~*~

In Sank...

"How dare he!! He leaves for Oz and comes back only to be latched on by some slut! He promised he would keep me as his lover! And what does he do? Turn right away and take another whore into his bed! The bastard!" Relena raged furiously in front of her mirror as her lady braided her hair.

"Princess Relena, maybe it's best if you just leave it alone," Dorothy said softly. "Prince Heero isn't for you, Princess. You know his reputation as a rake."

"Of course I know, Dorothy, but I don't care! I want him," Relena said firmly. "And what I want I get. All I have to do is make my appearance to Heero again and everything will be back to normal. He'll dump this slut of a lady and come back to me, I know it."

"What if the prince only wants you because of your body? Don't you want him to love you instead of hate you for trapping him in some sort of marriage." Dorothy was worried about her princess. She didn't want Relena to do anything stupid and throw away her life. She knew perfectly well that Relena would be miserable with Heero but the princess of Sank didn't seem to see it that way.

"He will learn to love me, Dorothy. I care for him and when he realizes that all will be well. He only needs to be encouraged," Relena said confidently as Dorothy finished braiding her hair. "Help me get dressed. Father is away and Zechs is too busy attending to business while he's away."

"Princess--"

"Dorothy, help me get dressed." Relena stood up with a determined glint in her eyes. "I will win him, Dorothy. No matter what, he belongs to me."

Dorothy nodded. "Yes, Princess."

~*~

Back in Derrath...

"Where is your brother now?" Wufei asked as they road slowly down the dirt path through the country side.

"He's in another country studying to be a better king. Once my father dies he'll return and take up the crown," Heero explained.

"And when that happens you're to have to deal with jealous cousins ready to snatch the crown away," Wufei said matter-of-factly.

"Exactly."

"You're brother has proper protection, doesn't he?"

"Tons of men surround him every day. We won't risk anything while the country is balancing on a slim thread."

"Do you love your father?" Wufei adjusted slightly on the side saddle and scowled. He hated sitting on a side saddle.

"He's my father," Heero said with a slight shrug.

"What's that suppose to mean?"

"He was never there for me or my brother, Wufei. He was always away or doing something. Our mother died when I was only two years old. She was the only warmth we knew and after that was gone we were raised by nurses and teachers," Heero said quietly.

"It must have been hard," Wufei said, nodding. He understood the feeling of being totally abandoned. He had been abandoned by his family when he was 3-years-old and they didn't have enough money to take care of him. He was the youngest so there was no arguments when it came to getting rid of him. His elder brothers weren't that sympathetic when he was left in the woods to live or die depending on what he did or who found him. He was found, naturally, by a bandit while on a hunt. After that, his whole life was devoted to being a bandit. He forgot about his family, there was no point in trying to remember.

"It wasn't that bad. I entertained myself and my brother was always busy trying to make himself a better leader. We always went our own ways," Heero told him.

"Entertain yourself, huh?" Wufei asked with an amused smile. "I wonder how you did that."

Heero laughed.

"It wasn't very hard when you have girls and women throwing themselves in front of you every where you went," he said cheerfully.

Wufei merely gave Heero a dry look.

"Oh, don't tell me you're a virgin," Heero said, smirking.

"Of course not," Wufei said easily. "I'm a bandit. If I was still a virgin I'd be a disgrace. Bandits have a reputation to be a lecherous and rakish as possible while also being able to steal from the crown prince himself." he added mentally, remembering the clothing he had snatched from Heero's closet.

Heero grinned at Wufei. "So, you've had experience."

"Naturally."

"How many women have you taken?" Heero asked, wondering if the other man had done as many as he had. It was always nice to find out if anyone could really compete with him.

"Women?" Wufei almost laughed out loud. "I don't bed women."

Heero raised an eyebrow, looking completely intrigued with a sparkle of amusement in his cobalt eyes. "Really?"

"They're so weak," Wufei said, waving his hand dismissively. "I don't like weak people. I prefer strong, capable people."

"So, you like to be dominated?"

Wufei snorted. "Hardly. I always try to be on top."

"So, you're telling me you've never been conquered?"

Wufei glanced at Heero coolly. "What would you know, Prince Heero? You only bed women."

"Oh, who said?"

Wufei turned to Heero in genuine surprise. "You've actually had men in your bed?"

"I was never specific about my preferences, Wufei," Heero said, his eyes dancing while a smirk pulled at the corners of his lips. He was enjoying this conversation immensely. He could never have this sort of conversation with Quatre or any of his friends. They would just turn red and look at him strangely. But with Wufei...The bandit had no modesty at all!

"Indeed," Wufei murmured, nodding. "Well, I guess I never took you as that sort of man."

"What kind of man did you take me for, then?"

"You wouldn't want me to repeat what I honestly think of you," Wufei said, smirking. "But for one thing, I believe you're a total bastard."

"A bastard? You're not afraid of me at all, are you?"

"Why should I be?" Wufei asked, looking completely perplexed. "Yes, you're the prince, and yes you have my friends lives in your hands but it doesn't mean I have to be afraid of you."

Heero decided not to comment on that. "Come on, there's a stream near-by. I believe our horses are starting to get tired."

Wufei nodded in agreement and followed Heero to said stream. They unsaddled their horses and allowed the creatures to do as they pleased while they settled themselves underneath a shaded tree and watched.

Heero glanced side long over to Wufei, almost smiling when he took in the sweet look of peacefulness on the other man's face. He had to admit, Wufei was one of the most beautiful man he had ever known. And not only was he beautiful he had spirit and personality and Heero liked that. In fact, he liked it a lot.

"Why are you so happy?" Heero asked softly.

"Because I'm back where I belong," Wufei replied honestly.

"And where's that?"

"With nature," Wufei murmured as he looked around, his heart warm and full while he took in the beautiful life that the woods grass and plant life offered to him. Coming out here wasn't a bad idea at all... He sighed happily without knowing it and continued to take in the beautiful scenery. He just wanted to let everything go and return to the mountains, but he knew he couldn't do that. Not when he had his punishment keeping him back.

Without really realizing what he was doing, Heero leaned closer over to Wufei and gently took the other boy's chin in his hand and pressed his lips over Wufei's.

Gasping, Wufei tried to pull away but he couldn't. Heero had a pretty good grip on his face. He was shocked out of his mind when he realized that Heero kissing him wasn't at all that bad. In fact, it actually felt nice. His eyes slid closed on their own accord and he didn't realized he had opened his mouth to Heero's tongue until he felt said tongue begin to explore his mouth.

Pushing down on Wufei gently, Heero smoothly eased the other man down on to the grassy floor and continued to kiss him. He cursed the stupid riding habit, pushing it aside as he slid over Wufei's taut body while kissing the other man the whole time.

Wufei wanted to pull away so badly but the prince had such a grip on him. He had no idea his body would respond like this to Heero's touch, no idea at all. He had thought he hated this debauching son of an idiot of a prince. But obviously, his body said otherwise.

Finally, Heero pulled away.

Wufei's immediate response was to push him off and punch him as hard as he could. He glared furiously at Heero and punched the prince on the chest again, causing Heero to gasp and choke.

"What was that for!?"

"Why did you kiss me?" Wufei hissed as he struggled to his feet.

"I don't know!" the prince choked out as he stood up as well.

"You don't know??"

"I like you all right, is that enough?"

"No! I never gave you permission to kiss me!"

"You did afterwards," Heero remarked dryly as he rubbed his slightly sore chest. He winced. "You throw a hard punch."

Wufei threw up his hands and attempted to hit Heero again but this time the prince caught the fist.

"Let me go," Wufei hissed, finding the sudden deja vu unnerving. He had been in this position before when he tried to escape only to run smack right into Heero.

"What's wrong?" Heero demanded while holding on to Wufei.

"Oh, nothing," Wufei said sarcastically. "Only that I'm being held against my will!"

Heero shook his head and released Wufei. "Fine. Come on, the horses are probably well rested by now. Let's head back."

Wufei merely glared at Heero before stalking past the prince to retrieve his horse. He hated this. He wanted to go back home.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Oy, finished!