Chapter 8

Heero searched for Wufei all day long while his servants mourned and scurried around trying to get the funeral together and the crowning as well. He could care less about the funeral or the crowning. All he was worried about was Wufei. The bandit had just disappeared out of thin air. Where could he be? Heero searched the entire palace and turned up with nothing. Of course, the palace was pretty big. But then Duo was also looking. Heero had bumped into the angry lord a few times while searching.

Heero was afraid Wufei had ran away back to the woods to his bandit friends but he knew that Wufei wouldn't risk getting his friends killed by running away. He had to be around somewhere! Hating himself with each hour of failure not being able to find Wufei, Heero was about to give up when he decided to check Wufei's room again.

Pushing open the door without much hope that the bandit would be there Heero was surprised and relieved to find Wufei seated at the window. He was dressed in men's clothing that hung on him a bit. One leg was pulled up close to his chest while the other dangled on the other side. The bandit's hair was left down and he was staring off at nothing. Or at least it seemed that way. Heero tried to read Wufei's expression but he came up with nothing. The bandit's handsome face was completely void of emotion.

"Wufei--"

"Princess Relena is a very beautiful girl, Heero," Wufei said softly as he turned and looked at Heero with icy black eyes. "And she's a princess. You two can get married and join the kingdoms, isn't that right?"

"Wufei, don't--"

"Please, Heero, you don't have to explain anything," Wufei said stiffly as he turned his towards the sky and watched as the sun slowly set, throwing the colors of its dying rays all over the darkening sky. He could already see the moon peeking out.

"Stop interrupting me, Wufei," Heero said in frustration. "Just let me explain. I have a good reason for what you saw."

"Just go away, Heero." Wufei's voice suddenly flooded with pain. "Just go away. I don't want to see or talk to you right now."

Heero wanted to grab Wufei and shake the man while trying to explain to him what had happened. But when he saw the deep pain reflecting in Wufei's eyes he couldn't move. All he could think about was he had caused that pain. But as quick as it came the pain disappeared from the velvet eyes and all was left was a cold, biting anger that was directed at Heero.

"Very well," Heero said, nodding stiffly. He turned around and left the room, each step shattering his heart further.

~*~

Wufei sat at the window for a long time, thinking things over. He thought over everything that had happened since he was captured by Heero. He wrapped his arms around his legs and rested his chin on his knee caps. He looked out at the dark sky and closed his eyes. He didn't know if Heero loved him or not. He had never heard the prince say so, although there was that time he thought he heard something last night but he was already fast asleep and couldn't be sure.

Of course what would Heero, a prince, have to do with him? He was just a bandit who he was using as a body guard and later on as a warm body in his bed while the princess was absent. That was the only reason Wufei's bandit mind could come up with. Why else would Heero take him into his bed but to conquer him and have a distraction while separated from Princess Relena?

The thought broke Wufei's heart. He didn't love the prince, or at least he wasn't sure, but he liked the prince a lot and it hurt that Heero didn't return his feelings. The prince was a damn good lover and it was horrible losing him.

Well, you had expected this, didn't you, Wufei? he asked himself. Yes, maybe he had expected such a thing. But what was done was done. Heero was a great lover but he couldn't dwell on that. There was no point in moping over him, he could always get another lover. If Heero ever released him from his sentence, he would be back with Tian again and his other on and off lovers. And everything would be back to normal and he wouldn't be alone anymore. He would always have someone to warm his bed.

But if that sounded like such a great plan, why was that horrible ache in his heart still there?

~*~

The next day Heero was surprised to find Wufei had actually showed up for breakfast. The bandit was all made up prettily in his woman's clothing although Heero missed seeing that manly body he had seen only a day ago. Wufei had such a wonderful body, a shame it was marred by the dresses and make up he wore.

"Good morning, Your Highness," Wufei said in a polite and restrained manner.

"Good morning, Lady Celeste," Heero replied as he eyed Wufei for a moment before he looked back down at his breakfast. He wondered how things were going to be like from here on. He had a pretty good feeling there would be another round of the silent treatment.

They ate in silence for a few minutes until Heero remembered something.

"My father is dead," he said, looking at Wufei with calm Prussian eyes. There was no point in getting excited about it. "It looks like you'll have to be on your guard from now on. My brother will arrive in the city in three days. Until then it's my responsibility to take care of everything."

Wufei was quiet for a moment as he stared at his plate and nudged at his food for a while. His face was passive yet his eyes shone with something Heero couldn't put his finger on. "I'm sorry to hear that." He looked up at Heero and his eyes revealed a bit of sympathy.

"It doesn't matter. What does matter is that the throne is protected," Heero said firmly as he shoved some eggs into his mouth and swallowed some coffee.

"Of course. That's what I'm here for," Wufei said coldly.

Heero checked his anger and remained silent. He wasn't going to start a fight with Wufei. If he wanted to find a way to talk some sense with the bandit he had to be civil about it. Screaming at each other like a pair of wolves wasn't going to do it.

After eating quietly for a few minutes Wufei excused himself and left the breakfast table. Heero sat there, tapping his fork gently against the side of his plate. Then he growled angrily and stood up, pushing his chair back and making it tip over. He turned and stormed out of the room. Who ever told him to associate with a bandit?? Impossible people to deal with!

~*~

Three Days Later...

Heero waited patiently in the middle of the courtyard dressed in one of his best suits with his hands clasped behind his back in a serious manner. His hair was combed neatly, almost taming his wild hair. Almost. The gates were pulled open and his brother and his men rode through in a great procession. Prince Trowa came to a halt a few feet away from his younger brother and dismounted, his cape flowing behind him grandly.

"Heero," Trowa said as he walked up to his brother and nodded calmly. He looked tired and there were some shadows under his eyes, the only indications that his father's death actually bothered him some.

"Trowa," Heero returned in the same manner [1]. He also looked a bit tired but it was from dealing with everything around the palace what with the mourning country and the servants trying to get everything done. Even with Quatre's help it wasn't that easy when half of the servants continuously went up to him and asked him the most idiotic questions. He had half a mind to throw them into the dungeon for stupidity. And to top it off Wufei wasn't helping at all. He just stood there and followed Heero around to protect him but that was about it. He doesn't even try to start a conversation to keep Heero from going crazy.

All of the people around the courtyard held their breath, wondering what was going to happen next. They knew both brothers weren't exactly affectionate with each other and their relationship as brother and brother were most strange. Never had they seen the two actually show each other some sort of affection but the country knew that they were close somehow.

Then Trowa stepped forward and hugged his brother. Heero returned to the hug and they stayed like that briefly before pulling apart.

"Are all the preparations ready?" Trowa asked in an almost business-like manner as he pulled off his gloves and regarded his younger brother warmly.

"Almost. Come inside and get settled. Then we'll discuss what is needed," Heero said as he motioned for the servants to go help the men that had been with Trowa on the journey back to the city. Then he gestured for his older brother to follow him and they went inside the palace.

Trowa was pleased to see that everything was in order and he could see some sort of preparation for the funeral. He was tired but he was glad to see his brother and his home again. He had missed it while away learning to be king. Now he was back and acting like a king was something of the past during his studies. He was going to be king.

"How is everything?" Trowa asked quietly as they headed for the hall where all the royal members bedchambers were. Trowa wondered if his bedroom looked the same as he had last seen it two years ago.

"Everything is as it should be. The funeral preparations are almost finished and we'll have it as soon as it you want it," Heero explained. "And the crowning ceremony will happen a few days right after it."

"Good. I want this to move fast. We don't want any greedy cousins trying to get their hands on the throne, now can we?" Trowa said, nodding.

"Of course not."

They fell silent, merely enjoying each other's company until they reached Trowa's apartment.

"I'll see you downstairs, Trowa?" Heero asked.

Trowa nodded and entered his room. It had been a long time and he wanted to get comfortable before became king.

~*~

"Lady Celeste!"

Wufei turned around and blinked as he watched Duo walk quickly towards him. The lord looked a bit distressed and worried. What was the matter?

"I'm so glad you're all right! I haven't seen you in days," Duo said as he caught up to Wufei and stood beside him. He reached out and placed his hand on Wufei's arm. "Are you all right? I mean...What with Prince Heero and Princess Relena..."

Ah, so that's what he was worried about. "I'm fine, Duo, really I am. It's nothing really," Wufei said calmly.

"Are you sure?"

"Of course I'm sure. I'm not some delicate...woman who can break over something like that. I know Heero wasn't meant for me," Wufei said softly.

Duo's heart broke over the broken expression on Lady Celeste's face [2]. He really liked the girl and to see her this heart broken over Heero...Well, he wouldn't have it!

"Come on, Prince Trowa has just returned and Prince Heero will be too busy dealing with his brother to notice your disappearance. Let's say we go down to the city again, hmm?" Duo suggested brightly.

Wufei cocked his head to the side and almost said no. But when he looked up he saw Princess Relena walking down the hall towards them. The snobby princess was so deep in her thoughts she didn't see either Duo or him. Perfect.

"I'd love to go. Let's hurry so we can have a good time," he said as he led Duo away from Princess Relena's direction and headed down another hall. He knew it was cowardice to run from Relena but he just didn't want to have to deal with her. It would be too much trouble and a waste of time.

"What do you want to do first when we go into the city?" Duo asked as they walked out to the stables where the horses were waiting for them.

"Oh, anywhere. I just want to get away from here for a while," Wufei said, smiling slightly. Like forever.

~*~

For the rest of the day Heero was busy trying to get his brother settled in and the details of the funeral. And because he was so busy he had lost track of Wufei sometime or another. Relena had tried to get him alone several times but he just pushed her away and told her to go home. He had more important things to do than deal with that princess. What was wrong with her??

Sighing heavily, Heero made his way to his bedroom and collapsed onto his bed. He was so tired! He had been working all day and barely got any kind of rest or break. He had eaten his lunch while walking around giving people instructions and filling Trowa in on everything that had happened so far, which was a lot since his brother had been away for years.

Now he was finally able to get some rest but his mind flitted back to Wufei. He had to find that bandit and get him to listen to him. He needed to explain everything so it could all be okay again. He wanted Wufei so badly right now. If only he could just hold the bandit for a little while, everything would be all right again.

Sitting up, Heero rubbed his eyes and decided to start groveling for forgiveness right now. Then he would have one less thing to worry about and everything wouldn't seem so crappy. Wufei always made him happy when he needed to be cheered up.

Leaving his room and heading for Wufei's, Heero was glad he didn't bump into Relena. Maybe she took his advice and actually went home! He almost smiled at that thought. Relena gone, he and Wufei back together....Hmmm, everything would be almost perfect afterwards!

Knocking on the door of Wufei's room Heero waited patiently for the door to open. When it didn't he knocked hard and longer. After a while he finally gave up on knocking and opened the door. When he stepped in he was surprised to find that it was empty. The bed was completely made and not a thing was out of place. And Wufei wasn't there. Where could Wufei have gone? He should be in bed by now.

Frowning, Heero walked over to the chair in the corner and sat down. He would just have to wait for Wufei to come back.

~*~

"Thank you, Duo, for giving me such great time. I...Thank you," Wufei said, not really sure what to actually say. He truly was grateful to Duo for helping him forget about Heero for just a little while but he never was good at 'thank yous'.

"Well, it was my pleasure," Duo said, patting Wufei on the hand. "I wanted to help you."

Wufei smiled warmly and leaned in to give Duo a quick peck on the cheek. He blushed slightly and nodded again before disappearing into his room. He took a deep breath and tried to calm the hard thudding of his heart against his rib cage. He hadn't really meant to do that but...It was nice. And Duo was nice too.

"Where have you been?" a cold voice asked from the corner of his room.

Wufei bit back a startled cry and blinked rapidly. He clenched his hands into a fist, ready to hit the person who had invaded his personal space.

"Who's there? Get out of my room," he snarled quietly.

Suddenly Heero stepped into the moonlight pouring out from the window.

Wufei almost lost his lunch. He swallowed hard and wished he could disappear. He had stayed out too late...Waay too late. Oh shit, why is he even here to begin with?? I thought we weren't really on speaking terms...!!

"Uh...Hello, Heero," Wufei managed. "What are you doing here?"

"Where have you been, Wufei? You've been gone for quite a while, haven't you?" Heero asked quietly as he walked closer to Wufei.

"I...Duo invited me out to the city," Wufei admitted. He figured there was no point in lying and getting himself into deeper shit. If Heero wanted to punish him, fine. If not, then he just wished the prince would leave him alone and go back to his princess who was probably warming his bed for him.

"You aren't allowed off the palace without my permission. It's part of your sentence," Heero said coldly.

"I know...But you were so busy..." Wufei sighed and threw up his arms. "What was I suppose to do? I was bored, I wanted to get away and you were too busy and I didn't want to bother you. And I'm back, aren't I?"

"You're not suppose to disobey me, Wufei," Heero said angrily.

"I'm sorry! This is probably the first time I've done that so let it go," Wufei shouted. He had just had to enough! First, he was captured and thrown in a dress to be Heero's body guard, then he ends up liking Heero and sleeping with him, and now Relena and this. There was only so much he could take! "Just leave me alone, Heero! I'm doing what you asked me to! Isn't that enough?"

"No! That's not enough!" Heero snapped. He ran his fingers through his hair and sighed heavily. This was NOT how he wanted. Not at all!

"Then what is?" Wufei demanded, dark eyes flashing in the darkness.

Heero stared at Wufei for a long time. Then he shook his head. "You know what? Forget it! The funeral is in a week. Make sure you're there just in case anything happens."

"I'll be there. Don't worry, I said I was going to be your bodyguard so I'll be your bodyguard," Wufei said, shrugging as he walked past Heero to the closet. Then he began to strip out of the dress.

Heero turned and blinked as he watched Wufei's golden body slowly being revealed to him as the bandit peeled away at the articles of clothing. Then mentally cursing at himself, he turned around and left the room, closing the door with a loud bang.

Wufei stood there for a long time, half undressed. Then he quickly ripped off the clothing and grabbed the men's shirt in the back. He pulled it on and it dropped down to his thighs. Comfortable, he turned and climbed into bed. As he laid down on the soft, cool covers he found himself suddenly very upset. He sighed and buried his face in the pillow and swallowed back the painful lump in his throat. Clutching at the sheets, Wufei laid there for a long time before he finally nodded off.

~*~

For the whole entire week Wufei spent most of his time doing nothing but staying either in his room or going out into the garden. Apparently Princess Relena still hadn't left since he spotted her a few times while on his slow walks. He wondered where she stayed or if she had a room in the palace where she stayed before going to entertain Heero in the night.

Sometimes he went with Heero when his protection was needed but so far no one tried anything and everything was relatively safe. He had met Prince Trowa and found he liked the prince, he was almost just like Heero except he lacked in the obstinate category. He was very agreeable and Wufei found he had many intelligent conversations with the prince. Well, after Prince Trowa was told he was a man of course. When Prince Trowa had thought he was a woman, it was very infuriating because the prince kept on speaking politely and kept treating him like an onna. Sure, he was suppose to be an onna but he hated it when he had to deal with the soft, simple language and the compliments always thrown his way. It was sickening.

Obviously he and Heero weren't really on good speaking terms but at least they were civilized towards each other. If they weren't, Wufei feared what would happen. Would they break out into a full out tavern-like brawl over something tedious? He was happy it didn't happen and didn't want to know if it would happen.

Although, it pained him every time he saw Heero speaking with a lady who was attempting to be sympathetic but was only finding a wonderful opportunity to flirt with the "mourning prince". Of course Wufei knew that Heero was barely the mourning prince. More like the stressed out prince.

When the funeral came about Wufei found a black dress laid out on his bed after another day of exploring the palace and walking through the garden. He had dressed in his men's clothing and was breathing a little hard. A guard had decided that he didn't recognize him around the palace and tried to stop him but he ran. Luckily, he knew the palace fairly well and had searched out great hiding places. After giving the guard a good chase, he hid up in the ceiling until the guard was gone. Then he dropped from his hiding place and made his way back to his room. He hadn't had such fun in a long time and he loved it.

Now he was sweaty and in need of a bath. Tomorrow would be the funeral and he needed to be ready and on his guard. That meant he was going to have to be well rested. Well, at least he got some good exercise and a little training to brush up in his reflexes during the chase. He walked into an adjoining room and smiled grateful as he stripped out of his clothing and slid into the hot bath. He washed slowly, enjoying every single moment of the hot water washing over his limbs. Then he dressed in some night clothes he had stolen from a noble's room. The man wouldn't miss it. He had plenty already and Wufei had cleverly taken only the oldest one that wouldn't be missed.

The black dress was hung up and he was soon snuggled underneath the covers. He laid there, staring up at the canopy cover while his mind continued to think. His body had long relaxed and he felt wonderful, his body molding against the soft bed underneath him. His long hair was loose and spread around his pillow and he felt completely at ease.

Without warning or reason he suddenly missed Heero. They had only lain for one night but he missed Heero's warm body next to his. He sighed heavily and turned around and stared at the open window. Then closing his eyes, he willed himself to sleep. It was going to be a big day tomorrow and he wasn't going to waste his time thinking stupid things and lagging in his job. One mistake might cost Heero his life.

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

This was a decidedly boring chapter...*sweatdrop* Eer, well, it'll get better in the next one!

[1] Stoic people, ne? --.--;;

[2] It's soo hard trying to get Wufei's name and sex down when writing...Oy!!