*.....* denotes thought or internal struggle
~~~~ denotes scene breaks
------ denotes flashback
[1, 2, 3, 4...] denotes author's notes at end of fic

Society's Mirage Part 4
Naval Interlude

[aboard the Zero]

"OMAE O KOROSU!"

Howard winced and his upper body cringed at the sound of a fragile object hitting the side of the cabin wall, shattering upon impact. He mentally inventoried the items in Sheik Duo's royal cabin, sifting through the possible inanimate casualties. Sighing at the sheer overwhelming possibilities, he notched it up as another loss and gave his captain a baleful eye.

The young chief was currently sprawled in Howard's cabin, his lithe body draped over an ornate chair, a wet rag held firmly on his forehead. His eyes were closed, which meant he completely missed his first mate's glare, but that didn't mean he wasn't aware of his companion's mood.

Although a thick wooden panel served as a wall separating the two cabins, neither man had trouble hearing the irate prince in the next cabin. The imprisoned man was currently spending his time, as he had been doing since he had awakened, making his displeasure known to all. At first he had been using his voice, raising it as his temper grew worse. It had started with simple shouting and had quickly degraded into threats when his demands to be returned to Sank had gone ignored. After that, the young prince had taken to attacking anyone who had entered the cabin with all the objects at his disposal. Which basically meant anything that wasn't bolted down.

Howard stalked over to Duo's side, poking him in the shoulder as he said, "Aren't you going to see what your guest has destroyed this time?"

Duo groaned and removed the wet rag from his forehead to reveal a blossoming purple bruise on the pale skin. His violet eyes held a bit of mirth mixed with slight discomfort as he said wryly, "No, I don't think so. Last time I went into that cabin, my forehead met with a nasty surprise. I think I'll wait until he gets hungry enough to declare a temporary truce."

Howard sighed even as he dropped his body down into the other free chair. He closed his eyes for a brief moment, allowing the rocking of the ship to calm his frayed nerves, before he started on his lecture of the day. "What did you think his reaction was going to be, Duo? You kidnapped him and dragged him onto the high seas against his will. Did you think he was going to take that good-naturedly and shrug it off as a joke?"

Duo's tone became self-defensive as he protested, "I didn't think he was going to go berserk and start throwing things at me! Besides, I thought my natural charm and charisma would distract him," he added cheekily.

Howard rolled his eyes as he added, "And Allah help us when he learns what we did with the Wing."

Duo's face went solemn, his eyes losing a bit of his mirth. In a somber tone, he promised, "I'll make it up to him. He will have another once he has settled into his new life with me. He is mine now, and that is the end to the matter."

Howard's older face went impassive as he said, "What you've done is ruthless, Duo. What will happen to the young prince when you have tired of his company and send him home? His people will believe him dead."

"If I send him home," came the quiet response.

Howard's eyes widened as he allowed his surprise to show. "What do you mean by that, Duo?"

Duo raised his eyes to Howard, the seriousness in his amethyst depths plain to see. "I mean what I said, Howard. I don't think I will get tired of him, there's something more to this than even I understand. There's something within my grasp, and that is the reason that prompted me to take such barbaric actions to attain my desire."

"And what of his kingdom? He is the crown prince, after all."

"We'll cross that sea when we come to it."

~ ~ ~ ~

Prince Heero looked furiously around the cabin before flopping on a chair with a frustrated sigh. Despite having gone over the cabin with a fine-toothed comb, his search had yielded no secret passageways or escape routes from the gilded prison. The only way in or out was through the one heavy door, which was locked from the outside. He had carefully studied the door, trying to determine if he could jimmy it open, but it was no good. The door had two locks on it, one outside and one inside. Meaning that one could lock others out, or be locked in themselves. And even if he did lock it from the inside, he was sure that the cheeky sheik had the key.

The cabin's porthole offered no alternative solution. It opened, but the space was much too small for anything larger than a mere child to pass through, and it would have to be a very small child. All it provided was an opening to catch the breeze of the sea, but Heero had slammed it shut in a fit of rage, hoping to muffle the cheerful chattering of the Zero's crew. The cabin was becoming stuffy as time passed, but the prince was too stubborn to open the window again.

The cabin was spacious enough, well decorated and lavish, befitting the usual occupants. The furniture was top of the line in regards to craftsmanship, the best silks and satins adorning it. The largest piece of furniture in the room was the bed, one object that Heero had stayed clear of, especially after he realized the bedding contained the sheik's unique scent. In the few days he had remained captive aboard the Zero, he had spent his uncomfortable nights in one of the chairs, the crick in his neck and back attesting to his sleepless evenings.

Heero glared down at himself, aware that there was nothing he could do in his current situation. He was a prisoner, held by someone he had thought he could trust as an ally and diplomat. Unfortunately, the enigmatic Manasian representative was as impulsive as he was cheerful. He had refused to take no for an answer and had merely taken what he wanted, regardless of the impact or the results. Heero's frown darkened as his mind began promising dark retribution on the braided leader.

As it was, Heero was so outraged at his current situation that he would have happily used his sword to escape from this ship, but he had not had the foresight to take the weapon with him aboard the Wing. And even if he had, he was sure that Duo would have removed that from his person as soon as he was kidnapped, just like he did with his clothing.

He tersely plucked at the billowy sleeve of his shirt, his fingers itching to tear the fabric from his skin. It wasn't that the shirt wasn't excellent quality, it was actually one of the best, but it was the fact that it came from Duo, the sheik of Manasia. Even the clothing he was to wear was to be issued by his captor and that fact rankled the proud prince as much as his enforced captivity. However, the sheik had made it abundantly clear: wear the clothing he provided or go around naked.

Duo had been sure to let Heero know he wouldn't mind his unclothed status, but Heero wasn't having any of that. The sheik had taken the clothing Heero had been abducted in, which really didn't matter because it hadn't been a favored outfit, and then had cheerfully pointed to a dresser full of clothes he intended Heero to wear. Amongst the items had been articles of clothing unfamiliar to the Hane prince, but ones he had seen Duo wear briefly during the formal audience with Relena. Heero assumed the clothing was native to Manasia, and since Duo obviously intended him to wear the clothing later, it seemed logical to assume that was their final destination.

Heero's brow wrinkled as he thought to himself, trying to remember the few facts he had picked up about Manasia. As far as he could remember, it was mainly a desert kingdom, with only a handful of ports around the seaside borders. It would be foreign to him, as Hane was mainly a sea-faring kingdom and Sank's lands were rich with forests and green landscape.

Perhaps there were more clues in this cabin. The cabin was definitely used by the royal personage on the ship, but currently it was Heero's prison and Duo was spending his nights elsewhere, especially after Heero had thrown the vase at him. Actually, the perimeter of the cabin was littered with the shattered and broken remains of several objects, all having been thrown during Heero's fits of rage over the past few days. The latest victim had been a flask that had previously held water, and Heero had thrown it in an attempt to get a reaction from his jailers.

Heero turned to the desk in front of him, sifting through the piles of papers he had left undisturbed. He searched carefully, but turned up nothing more than a few reports and descriptions all pertaining to Sank. Letting out a frustrated huff, Heero scanned the cabin again, his eyes lighting on the bedside stand. He noted a drawer that had previously gone unnoticed and decided there might be something worthwhile it in.

Stalking over to the stand, he yanked open the drawer to reveal its contents. His eyes darkened with confusion as he saw only a painted portrait of two young men. Heero picked up the framed picture, holding it up so the light from the porthole revealed the painted image. One of the men was obviously a younger version of Sheik Duo, the trademark braid and grin giving it away. The other one remained a mystery to the young prince, the identity indeterminable from the picture alone.

*I wonder who this is,* Heero thought as he mulled over the possibilities.

"That was my brother, Solo," came the quiet answer to his unvoiced question. In surprise, Heero whirled around to see Sheik Duo quietly closing and locking the cabin door. The other man had managed to enter the cabin, catching Heero unaware. Caught off guard, Heero remained still and silent as Duo crossed the room to him and took the picture from his hand.

He watched silently as the sheik ran a tapered finger down the length of glass protecting the detailed painting, the cheerful face wistful. "He was two years older than me and the rightful ruler of Shinigami. However, he was lost at sea four years ago and I became the new sheik."

Duo didn't elaborate any further and Heero knew from personal experience not to pry into what was so clearly a melancholy subject. He watched silently as Duo replaced the portrait into the drawer and shut it with a decisive gesture. When the young man turned around, his lively smile was firmly in place and a twinkle back in his eye.

"Well, if you've calmed down a bit, I've brought dinner with me."

Heero turned to the direction Duo pointed in, noting the covered tray that lay on the desktop. Heero ignored the savory smells that wafted from the tray and turned back to face Duo, only to find the braid-toting man had moved away to open the porthole window.

"There, much better," Duo commented even as he turned to face Heero.

Heero crossed his arms over his chest defensively, a frown covering his face. The taller man merely quirked an eyebrow at his stubbornness, but Heero quickly spoke his thoughts. "Take me back to Sank, immediately Duo."

Duo sighed and moved past Heero to uncover their lunch. As he set out the two plates fully loaded with meat and potatoes, he answered, "No, I'm afraid I can't do that."

Heero's temper exploded, as it had been doing a lot over these past few days, and he started shouting, "Why not?! I don't understand why you're doing this!"

"I would go to any lengths to obtain what I desire, Heero. And what I currently want is you," came the reply.

"Damn you!" Heero spat, "I'm not some plaything you can toy around with to your heart's content! This isn't some game where you can simply take and move pieces around to your satisfaction!"

Duo turned his full attention to the ranting prince, his eyes calm and unruffled. "You're right, Heero, this isn't a game. I agree that you aren't a toy to be pushed around, but I want you very badly. And since you wouldn't give me the time of day in Sank, I have decided to take you on an impromptu vacation to my homeland, where we will have no outside distractions and can get to know each other to our heart's content."

Flustered by the amount of sincere emotion in Duo's eyes, not to mention the sudden fluttering that had taken up residence in his stomach, Heero quickly turned his gaze away. Under his breath he muttered, "Why me? I don't see why you're doing this and why you won't take me home."

Duo quickly strode over to Heero's side, his slim hand reaching for the turned chin. Using firm, yet gentle pressure, he turned Heero's face in his direction, forcing the young prince to meet his gaze. With quiet sincerity, he said, "I am taking you home."

Horrified by the sudden wave of heat rushing to his face, Heero jerked his chin out of Duo's grasp and stalked over to the table. He threw himself into a chair and steadfastly ignored the other man. Duo chuckled to himself, but let the other man go, only to follow him. He placed one of the plates and utensils in front of Heero, while asking, "Wine?"

Heero's gaze darted up to him for one brief second before jerking away. However, he gave one small nod of assent before he returned to ignoring the sheik, and Duo experienced a small prick of satisfaction. Heero was behaving himself much better today so Duo felt that he was making progress, despite the earlier tantrum.

Duo moved over to the liquor cabinet of his quarters, taking two, high-quality crystal glasses from the case and a bottle of fine red wine. Pouring a liberal amount of the crimson liquid, he re-corked the bottle and picked up the glasses. He placed one goblet before Heero and then took his own to his seat, across the desk from his silent companion. Taking a sip, he watched as Heero lifted his fork and began playing with his food.

He could feel the questions rolling in Heero's mind and he was not disappointed. Heero lifted his head to look at his companion, his dark blue gaze taking in Duo's appearance. The eyes winced slightly as they fell on the dark bruise on Duo's forehead, knowledge of the source of that contusion known. His gaze darted back to his plate, focusing on the hearty food that had suddenly lost its appeal. Despite his current outrage at his situation, Heero hadn't really meant to cause physical harm to his captor and he was sorry. But he wasn't about to let him know that.

Heero picked up his own glass, taking a large gulp of the heady liquid despite internal warnings. One voice warned not to imbibe too much, for fear of becoming tipsy, while the other warned not to imbibe at all, since his tolerance level for alcohol was pathetic at best. Heero ignored both voices and continued to drink, trying to gain false courage, much to the amused observation of his chaperon.

The glass was nearly empty before Heero set it down, the silence between the two men still strained. Duo paused in his own eating to rise and fetch the bottle of wine from the cabinet, bringing it over to the table. He quietly refilled Heero's glass and set the bottle down on the table before resuming his seat.

"Are you trying to get me drunk?" came the accusation.

Duo merely smirked and said mockingly, "I trust you know your own limit."

Heero's eyes narrowed and he picked up his glass, taking another swallow as if in defiance. He managed to swallow a few bites of his roast beef and potatoes, but for the main part he lounged in his seat with his wineglass, watching his captor.

Perhaps it was the wine talking, or maybe his curiosity had finally gotten the better of him, but Heero had to ask. His curiosity was getting the better of him and the few glasses of wine he had consumed by now loosened his tongue. "How can you want someone who doesn't want you back?"

Duo swallowed his mouthful before answering, "Are you sure you know what you want? Besides, there are few things in life that cannot be changed."

"I will not change, I promise you," Heero swore vehemently.

Duo merely smile indulgently, as one would with a stubborn child, and said, "We shall see."

The meal progressed in silence until a sudden knock on the door interrupted them. Duo sighed and stood up, crossing the room to answer the summons. As he opened the door, a young sailor looked up at him and said, "I'm sorry for disturbing you, Your Highness, but Howard is requesting your presence on deck. There is a ship off of the port side heading for us."

Duo frowned and said, "Very well, tell Howard I'll be up in a moment."

"Yes, milord." The cabin boy bowed to Duo before turning around to return from whence he came. Duo glanced over at the silent prince and smiled apologetically at him.

"I seem to be needed for the moment, Heero. Finish eating and I will send someone to clear the plates away later. We will talk when I return." With that, Duo turned around and departed the cabin, closing the door behind him. Heero sat still, numbly watching him go, the soft click of the lock falling into place barely registering in his hearing.

Heero watched the closed door for a few moments more before glancing out the porthole. He noted the gathering darkness and debated whether or not to light a lamp. He assumed he would be left alone again, once night fell, as he had been for the past several evenings. Where the sheik spent his nights, Heero didn't know nor did he truly care.

A sudden yawn caught Heero unaware and he felt a sudden lassitude creep over him. Due to the wine he had consumed, Heero felt his nerves begin to loosen, his guard relaxed. The tension of the past few days seemed to drain from his body as he sleepily closed his eyes and succumbed to exhaustion.

~ ~ ~ ~

Duo moved onto the deck of the ship, heading for the helm where Howard was calmly overseeing the steering of the Zero through the smooth waters. The low murmurs of the cruiser's crew were gently blending with the flapping of the overhead sails as they went about their daily duties. The high sea wind gently ruffled Duo's bangs, his braid swaying in the breeze.

Nodding to one of the burly shipmates, Duo directed him back to his cabin to clear away the dining plates. He turned his attention to his first mate, noting that Howard was peering through a spyglass at a ship in the distance. Duo couldn't tell any details of the vessel, so he waited until Howard had finished his observations.

Howard sighed and lowered the glass from his eyes, turning to face the sheik. Duo quirked an eyebrow and asked, "Well, my friend?"

"It's not from the Sank Kingdom, Duo, if that was what you were going to ask. It's flying a flag bearing the Romefeller seal."

Duo hissed his displeasure as he spat out, "Dermail."

Howard nodded, noting that Duo shared most of the world's opinion on the elderly ruler of the Romefeller kingdom. Those that dealt with Duke Dermail on an everyday basis had learned to hide their distaste for the tyrannical ruler, but those, like Duo and his cousins, who rarely interacted with the man, did nothing to conceal their disgust.

"Do you think his ship just happens to be this far south of Romefeller or does it look like it's pursuing us?"

"It's too soon to tell. If it is chasing after us, it'll be at least ten hours before it catches up, even if the tide and wind go against us. The Zero is one of the fastest ships around."

Duo nodded to himself, his eyes watching the tiny speck in the distance. He idly noted the darkening horizon, the setting sun sitting on the water's edge casting a red-orange hue on everything it touched. Muttering under his breath, he said, "It'll be around dawn or so."

Howard nodded silently, waiting for Duo to come to a decision. He didn't have long to wait as the sheik turned his gaze to his friend. "Keep an eye on it as long as you can. Tell the crew to not light any lanterns that aren't absolutely necessary and let me know when it comes within cannon range. If it is chasing us, we'll show it that the gun mounts aren't merely for show."

"Aye sir," came the reply.

"I'm going to get some sleep while I can," the sheik replied. Duo nodded once more to his first mate and then turned to head back to his cabin to say goodnight to his lovely captive.

~ ~ ~ ~

Upon entering, Duo noted that the cabin had fallen into shadows. It seemed that Heero had neglected to light the lamps. He carefully looked around in the growing darkness, until he could vaguely make out Heero's form where he had left him. Sighing, Duo performed the task of lighting the candle on the bedside table and then turned to face his companion. What he saw nearly made him melt inside at the sweetness of it.

Heero had curled up in his chair, his knees tucked into his body, his head resting on his folded hands. Although he was definitely larger than a child, the large chair seemed to swallow the prince, making his pose innocent and pure.

Not wishing to wake him, Duo carefully made his way over to the sleeping prince, quietly observing him undaunted for the first time in days. The young man's face was slightly flushed, whether from sleep or the wine consumed at dinner Duo didn't know. His unruly bangs flopped in his face, the longish ends of his hair curling around the nape of his neck where it had broken free of his ponytail.

Duo felt a strange tenderness sweep through his heart, forcing him to struggle against the urge to sweep Heero away somewhere safe and keep him there. Shaking his head, Duo bent down and lifted the sleeping man in his arms, careful not to disturb him. He made his way carefully to the large bed and lay his burden down, gently maneuvering him so he could pull down the covers.

Acting like a valet, Duo knelt down to slip the boots off of Heero's feet, allowing them to fall to the floor. He reached up with deft hands and unbuttoned the soft shirt, gently pulling it off of Heero's torso. He gave a grin of appreciation as Heero's tight abs, stomach, and well-defined chest were his for the viewing, but he clucked his tongue against his inner cheek, reminding himself to be patient. He reached behind Heero's head to untie his hair band, allowing the soft strands to be free and spread over the pillow. He stretched his arm a bit and pulled the covers back up over Heero's half-naked body, intent on leaving him to dream after bestowing a rather chaste kiss on the sleeping man's forehead.

However, a soft pressure on the back of his head stopped Duo in his tracks, and he looked back to see the end of his braid clutched tightly in Heero's hand. Somehow, the prince had grabbed a hold of his hair and it didn't look like he was going to let it go anytime soon.

Duo stood in the quiet cabin, indecisive for a long moment. Finally he shrugged and grinned, his decision made. Staying careful to ensure his braid didn't become twisted, Duo sat on the edge of the bed and removed his own boots, allowing them to fall to the floor near Heero's. Shrugging off his black satin shirt, he left his own breeches on as well, not wishing to be caught completely naked if Heero should awaken before him.

He eased his lengthy body beneath the cool sheets after pausing to snuff out the candle. The cabin was plunged into total darkness and Duo felt a sweet lassitude crawl over him. Yawning, he reached out to enfold Heero in his arms, gratified that the young prince didn't twist away. In fact, the sleeping man merely gave an endearing snuffle in his slumber and then snuggled closer to the sheik.

*I could get very used to this,* thought Duo, before he closed his eyes. And for the first time in over four years, Duo fell into an easy sleep, dreaming of a bright future.

TBC...

ne, are people still reading this one? *chibi eyes* please let me know...

 

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