~ * ~

Wufei helped Duo to lie on the small cot in the still room. He examined his back carefully and realized that Trowa had been extremely careful.

"Well, that’s a relief. You’re going to have some bruises but that’s all. Thank Nataku."

Duo sniffled softly. "Why, Master, why did he do that?"

Wufei ran a hand over his head. "Don’t call me master. If I explain it all now, I’ll only wind up ranting. You don’t need that. I’ll tend to you. Then I’m giving you some tea to make you sleep. I want you to rest . . . did you eat anything?"

Duo started to shrug but decided that wasn’t such a good idea. "Nothing was offered. I could do with a drink. I’m really thirsty."

"After I put this lotion on those stripes, I’ll make some tea. It’ll do you more good than plain water."

Wufei put a kettle on the hob and fetched the lotion.

He carefully spread it on Duo’s bruised back with gentle fingers. "There. You’ll feel better soon. And the tea is almost ready. The water is hot. I’ll pour it and get you some clean clothing."

Wufei efficiently poured water on the tea then left the room to get Duo some clean things to wear. Duo just lay on the cot and struggled to figure out how he should feel. He still loved Heero, but he was very angry at him. He wondered what he should do, or should he do anything.

"If I were you, I’d take my time about forgiving him." The soft voice from the door made Duo flinch, which hurt. He whimpered a little at the sting. "I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you. Where is Master Chang?"

"Right here, Prince Quatre." Wufei waited while Quatre got out of his way.
"Ah. How is your patient?"

"Bruised, sad, angry. How should he be? The injustice is unforgivable. But this silly soul will forgive him. Fool." Wufei gave Duo a fond look. "Don’t glare at me. Save it for your idiot master."
Duo thought for a moment. "If I don’t forgive him, he’ll just beat me again."

Quatre snorted. "I doubt that very much. Heero was never shown tenderness when he was a child, so he isn’t good at it. If you forgive him right away, he’ll never realize how much he hurt your heart. He’s too quick to anger. But you know that. He’s never had any consequences."

Duo settled carefully on his belly sighing loudly as Wufei began to pat more lotion on his bruised back. The gentle motion of Wufei’s fingers and the relief from pain, both mental and physical, let Duo relax. He thought carefully, weighing the consequences of his decision. He decided that things couldn’t be much worse. He sighed and allowed himself to drift off to sleep.

~ * ~

Quatre sat at Wufei’s work table and sipped at his tea. “Do you know who he is yet?”

Wufei shook his head. “No. But someone went to a lot of trouble to hide his identity. Yet there are clues. I’m just not sure what to make of them.”

Quatre rubbed at his forehead, “Well, see what else you can find out. Maybe scrying will tell you something.”

Wufei stiffened, face reddening, “I’m not that . . . I don’t . . .” He sighed. “Well, I do. I just can’t get used to your people’s attitude to magic and magery. If my people were to see the things I do now, they’d burn me alive.”

“Barbarians. Ignorant, hide bound barbarians. Just see what you can do. That’s all I ask.”

Wufei nodded jerkily. “I’ll try. I can’t promise anything but I’ll try.”

“That’s all I can ask. And watch out for Heero. He’s in for a nasty shock.” Quatre couldn’t help the tiny smirk on his lips.

“I hope it wakes our stiff backed king up. If it doesn’t, the entire kingdom is in for a hard time, until he does. If he ever will.”

Quatre puzzled this sentence out and nodded his agreement. “I’m afraid you’re right.”

Wufei poured more tea and sat contemplating their situation. Quatre frowned and picked at his lip.

~ * ~

Duo woke when Heero shook him gently by the shoulder. He started to stifle his moan then decided not to. He did mange not to be overly dramatic about it. Heero flinched like he’d been struck.

“Duo? Please wake up. I need to talk to you.”

Duo eased himself into a sitting position. “Yes, Master. Of course you may speak to your slave. This one is all ears.” Duo peeked at Heero from under his bangs. Heero looked horrified. Duo kept his satisfied smirk to himself.

“Duo! Please, don’t do that. I’m . . . sorry. Really. Please understand.”

“Oh, I do. I was punished for doing something I didn’t know I wasn’t supposed to do.”

Duo rolled over, turning his face to the wall, his back to Heero. He wriggled more comfortably into the mattress and announced that, unless Heero wanted him to get up and do something, he was going to sleep again.

Heero bowed his head, shoulders slumped, and settled in a chair near by. Wufei couldn’t help but notice that he’d picked a hard, straight backed wooden one.

Duo really did fall asleep, and sleep for most of the afternoon. When he woke, Heero was at his bedside with a tray.

“Cook sent you some supper. Please eat it. She’ll have my ass on a trencher if you don’t. And she said I don’t get to eat until you do. So please? I’m really hungry.”

Duo submitted to being fed his supper with obvious ill grace. Heero apologized again. Duo turned his back and went back to sleep.

Heero paced, fretting. He knew Duo was mad at him, but didn’t Duo understand that he had to maintain discipline. It was essential. He couldn’t be seen as weak. He couldn’t.

Duo listened to Heero pace and mutter. He wished that he could hear what Heero was saying.

Wufei finally ordered Heero to leave. He claimed that Heero was making it impossible for Duo to get his much needed rest. He also reminded Heero that he hadn’t eaten anything himself. Heero left with lagging steps and several longing backward looks.

~ * ~

“How long are you going to do this?”

Duo rolled over, stretched and yawned. “Until my back stops hurting. Or he apologizes twenty times. Whichever comes first.”

“Why twenty times?”

Duo got a puzzled look on his face. “I’m not sure. It just seems like a lucky number for apologies. Is there any tea? I’m thirsty. And I’m still hungry. That broth and cheese wasn’t enough.”

Wufei silently handed Duo a strip of jerky. Duo accepted it and nibbled on it for a moment.

“You understand what I’m doing?”

Wufei nodded. “It’s about time someone took him to task for things like this. He’s . . . I’m not sure how to put it.”

Duo shrugged winced and turned the wooden chair around to sit a straddle of it.

“He’s too young to be king. But he is. He wants to do a good job and he is. But he’s turned himself into some sort of autocratic automaton. He’s going to have to learn to bend or he’s going to break. He’s kind hearted, has good intentions and he tries so hard. I intend to teach him. . .” Duo nibbled on the jerky again and made a face. “Wufei? You said that I might remember things in bits and pieces. Or something might trigger a massive return of memories?”

Wufei nodded. “I did. Are you remembering anything?”

“Sort of. I had dreams while I was sleeping today. I’m not sure what they mean yet. But . . . if what I think is happening happens . . . I’m scared.”

Wufei nodded gently. “I’m sure you are. What a time for Heero to be an ass.”

Duo looked dejected. “Too right. I . . . wish. . .”

Wufei held up a hand, palm out in a ‘don’t’ gesture. “Don’t wish. It’s bad luck. Decide what you want then try for it.”

Duo shrugged, winced and frowned. “I’m not sure I want my memories back. What if they’re all bad. What if? Anchora! I could ‘what if’ until the cows come home. It won’t make any difference. What will be will be.”

Wufei nodded wisely and handed Duo a cup of tea. “Good. You’ve made up your mind to accept whatever comes. That’s good. Drink the tea. It should help your memory. And . . . a piece of advice . . .” Duo looked at Wufei over the cup of tea. “Make Heero earn your forgiveness. It won’t hurt him to grovel a bit. That pomade for your hair? It needs to be massaged in thoroughly.”

Duo smirked at Wufei who gave him a bland look back.

Heero returned later in the evening, apologized again and asked Duo if there was anything he wanted.

“I’m supposed to massage this into my scalp to help my hair grow back. But I hurt too much. You could do it if you wanted to.”

Heero took the proffered jar and opened it. The salve didn’t smell like much of anything. It was translucent and slightly green but other than the somewhat obnoxious color, it was inoffensive. Heero dipped out a bit and started to gently massage the stuff into Duo’s scalp. Duo stiffened then relaxed.

Heero did his best to make his massage good for Duo. Duo allowed Heero’s touch with well-disguised pleasure. He wasn’t about to let Heero off the hook just yet.

“Thank you master. This one is happy that master would lower himself . . .”

Heero snarled wordlessly and started to leave. Duo didn’t want that, but instead of calling Heero back, Duo followed him.

“Duo, you should stay with Wufei. You might need his . . . services. Go back.”

Duo stubbornly followed Heero into the keep and up to their quarters. He pulled the trundle bed out from under their bed and crawled under the covers. Heero watched him for a moment then sat down at his desk. He was trying to understand exactly what was wrong. He’d endured glares and grumbles from everyone he met. He sighed and decided to just take the bit in his teeth.

“Duo, everyone seems to think I’ve done something terrible. You’re better with people than I am. What is going on?”

Duo shifted around in the small cot, he didn’t remember it being this small. “You need to think about it. You can’t have one set of rules for nobles and another for commoners. You said so yourself. Think about what you’ve done. And don’t pester me. I’m still mad at you.” He flounced onto his back and gasped as the motion made the bruises throb. Heero sighed and turned back to his desk.

~ * ~

The next week was miserable for Heero. He knew better than to try to force Duo, not only had he recovered his strength and spirit, he’d recovered a monumental stubbornness. Heero wasn’t so sure he liked it just now.

He followed Duo around, ignoring everything else. He’d turned things over to Quatre and Trowa. Quatre had managed to get all the nobles in the area agreeing with each other and him in one court session. He’d also turned the training over to Trowa. His troopers seemed to be learning twice as fast as when he’d been training. Heero didn’t understand it at all. He glared fiercely at a page, who burst into tears and ran off.

Duo sighed. He had hoped a show of temper on his part would wake Heero up. But it didn’t look like it was working. He decided to stick it out for at least another few days. He stomped off to the stables and took Black out for a ride.

He worked with the horse, taking him through all the drills. He praised and petted him lavishly. Black responded happily, munching the treats Duo offered him.

They worked for over an hour then Duo took Black for a good canter through the upper meadow. He ignored the shadowing Heero firmly.

Duo dismounted and walked Black for a while. He needed to think and the peace of the meadow soothed his frazzled nerves. He was remembering more and more, but the bits and pieces didn’t make any sort of picture yet. But he knew one thing. He hadn’t done anything wrong. Someone had betrayed him for some reason he didn’t remember. He rubbed at his forehead where an ache was settling.

~ * ~

Heero met him at the stable doors and took Black’s reins, “I’ll tend him. There’s cold juice and some bread and cheese, if you want.”

Duo nodded and turned to the small table by the stable doors. The stable boys set it out when the weather was nice, using it to play cards and have meals.

The set out was nice. A coarse cloth covered the table. Set out on this was a trencher covered with thin slices of salt ham, cheese, bread and fruit. Duo settled on a stood, took his eating knife from his boot and started cutting an apple into slices. He put the slices on the bread, piled on some ham and a slice of cheese. He carefully mashed the bread around the edges to seal in the apple then he bit into it with relish. It was as good as he’d expected it to be.

Duo watched Heero tend Black as he ate his sandwich. Heero was gentle with the horse, tapping his shoulder or rump to get him to move, instead of slapping him. Heero curried the horse, covered him with a rug and led him into his stall. He turned Black in and came over to Duo.

“That looks good. Give me a bite?”

Duo clutched his sandwich to his chest protectively. He’d made the mistake of letting Heero have a ‘bite’, once. Heero’s idea of a bite was Duo’s idea of half a sandwich.

“Get your own. There’s plenty of stuff here.”

Heero gave the sandwich a long, hungry look. He didn’t so much want the sandwich as he wanted to put his lips where Duo’s had been. He realized that he was getting sappy, sighing he made his own meal.

Duo poured them both juice then rubbed irritably at his head. His old wound was aching and he was beginning to develop a throbbing in his temples.

Heero noticed the gesture and worried. Duo had been rubbing his head and obviously was in pain.

“Does your head hurt badly?”

Duo shook his head. “No, just a nagging ache. I’ll get Wufei to make me some tea.”

Heero bit at his lip for a moment. “I’ll make it for you, if you like. I’ll put honey in it. Come?”

Heero held out his hand.

Duo took the proffered hand and thought ‘I wish’ but kept his thoughts to himself.

Heero glanced at Duo from the corner of his eye, Duo studiously ignored him, walking calmly beside his master.

“Duo, I’m really sorry. You don’t understand how hard it is. If I slip even the least little bit, bad things happen. My last lover was assassinated. That’s why I wanted a slave instead of a free man. If . . . if I use a slave, how much influence could he have.” Heero hurried to reassure Duo. “Not that you don’t have a lot of influence, but that’s how they think. You’re safe from assassins I’m sure.”

Duo snorted. “I understand politics. I’m sure you mean well. But if someone wants to do nothing more than hurt you or punish you for some reason. I’m in danger. I . . . I’ve been in danger one way or another all my life. I know this. Things are starting to come . . . shit. . . I’m still mad at you.”

Duo tried to give Heero the cold shoulder but Heero tugged him into a warm embrace. “I’m sure you’re still angry with me. But . . .” Heero kissed Duo, slowly over coming his, admittedly half hearted, resistance. “I don’t want you to be. Tell me what I have to do to make up to you. Please. Pacchiri?”

Duo wanted to melt, especially at the nickname, but Heero hadn’t apologized twenty times yet and his back still hurt. The bruises were beginning to turn colors but they still complained at any pressure.

Heero tried to cuddle Duo but he managed to press on a deeper bruise, Duo flinched. “What? Duo, what is it”

“Don’t touch me just there. It’s still sore. Master Chang gave me some liniment for it. You could put it on if you would.”

Heero grumbled, “Saucy boy” but went to get the liniment. When he returned, he found that Duo had shed his shirt and seated himself astraddle of a straight-backed chair. Heero winced at the bruising.

Trowa hadn’t cut Duo, but he’d not been gentle either. Heero decided that Trowa had used his best judgement and given Duo lashes hard enough to bruise heavily but not cut. This could have gotten him in trouble himself if Heero had meant for Duo to be punished more severely. Heero knew he was going to get a lecture from Trowa sooner or later. He sighed and poured some of the liniment into his palm.

He dipped his fingers into the cream thick liniment in the opposite palm and patted it onto one of the bruises. He was as gentle as he could be, but Duo still hissed softly. “I’m sorry. I know it hurts.”

Duo snorted then grumbled. “How would you know?”

“I wasn’t born to be king. In fact, no one on my side of the family had any hopes of the throne. Until the plague. The entire royal family was wiped out. But you . . . no, you probably don’t know.” Heero finished his explanation while he tended to Duo. At the end, Duo couldn’t help but shake his head.

“Well, I never. That’s terrible. How many people died in that plague?”

“There were three separate . . . waves, for lack of a better word. My kingdom lost almost half it’s population. It has left us wide open to invasion, and my throne isn’t that secure. There are several men who think they would be as good a king as me. But the council of elders has ratified my reign. It’s still a mess, but it’s getting better. Everyone acknowledges that I’m good strategist and I apply the things I learned on the battlefield to my reign. It’s just hard.”

“Any assassination attempts?”

“A few. I was shot at once, and I’ve been ambushed.”

Duo turned his head and smirked at Heero, completely forgetting he was angry. “How’d that go?”

“Not well . . . for them. I got in trouble with Trowa.”

“Why?”

Heero corked the bottle of liniment and snickered softly. “I forgot to leave one alive for questioning. He had a fit.”

“I don’t blame him.” Duo gave Heero a stern glare. “Next time, you leave one alive . . . at least long enough to question. Hear me?”

Heero ducked his head and mumbled. “Yeah, yeah. I hear you. Cheeky slave.”

Duo wanted to bop him one. “Don’t you understand? If you do get assassinated, the kingdom is in real trouble. If you’re the best there is . . . not that you’re not but . . . you’re too young to be king and . . . how old were you when you were crowned?”

Heero cleared his throat, embarrassed. “Fifteen.”

Duo frankly goggled at Heero. “And you’d already been in battles?”

“Well, sort of. My master went into battle. I was only a squire at the time. He was wounded and I had to protect him until the troopers could get to us. Then I was given a battle field promotion, knighted in the field. It just went on from there. By the time I was crowned I had a reputation and . . . things.”

Duo just sighed. “Well, that’s something. I’m not quite sure what. So . . .“

“And so you see. I can’t afford to be seen as weak. I have to maintain absolute control of . . . everything.”

“No, you don’t. You can show mercy. You can say ‘I was wrong’. People will respect you more if you can admit a fault than they will if you insist that you’re always right. You have to learn to bend or you will break. As sure as fire’s hot and snow’s cold. Inflexibility will cause you more trouble than anything else.”

Heero sighed. “I . . . have to think about that.” Heero stretched and yawned. “Come to bed. It’s getting late.”

Duo headed for the trundle bed, Heero didn’t bother to ask or plead with Duo, he just scooped him up and carried him to their bed. He put Duo in the bed and covered him up. Duo tossed the covers aside and started to climb out of the bed grumbling, “I forgot. I’m still mad at you.”

Heero put Duo back in the bed. “I don’t care if you are still mad at me. Stay in the bed. I’m not going to have you get sick from sleeping nearly on the floor. I won’t bother you, I swear it.”

Duo didn’t object to returning to Heero’s bed. He was sure that cot had shrunk somehow. Instead, he snuggled down and pulled the covers up to his chin, turning his back to Heero again.

Heero sighed and settled down to try to go to sleep. He wasn’t going to sleep well without Duo close to him. Duo did have a habit of wrapping himself around Heero while he slept, or Heero wound up wrapped around Duo. Heero wondered sleepily what was going to happen in the morning.

~ * ~

Duo woke with his nose in Heero’s neck. He eased away but was too late. “I’ve been awake for some little while. I was watching you sleep. Did you know that you wriggle your nose like a rabbit when you dream? What were you dreaming of?”

Duo grumbled, stretched and yawned. “Aaauuuummmm. I was dreaming of food. Mince pie, pork pie, apple pie and that wonderful chicken and root vegetable pie Cook makes. Yum. I’m hungry. We going to the kitchen for breakfast?”

Heero bit at his lip. “Maybe. If Cook lets me. She’s pretty mad at me. But she’ll fall all over you, I’m sure.”

Duo smirked. “Cook loves me best.”

Heero pushed him over onto his side. Duo flopped bonelessly, snickering. “She does.”

“Does not!”

“Does too!”

“Not!”

“Too!”

Duo slithered around Heero and snatched up his trousers. Hopping on one foot he jammed the other into one leg, realized he had it in the wrong opening and corrected the mistake. But that over balanced him so he fell against the bed. Heero grabbed him and pulled. Duo squeaked, grabbed at his hand and twisted. They wound up facing with Duo kneeling on the floor and Heero flat on his stomach on the bed.

“I’m still mad at you. Let go.”

Heero let go. “How long are you going to stay mad at me? Please Duo, I’m really sorry. I . . . maybe I was too harsh? Or . . . something? I’m trying to understand, but no one explains.”

Duo took mercy on Heero, sort of. “I’ll stay mad until my back stops hurting. Or you apologize the appropriate number of times. Think about what everyone has said to you. If you really can’t figure it out, I’ll take another stab at explaining it.” Duo ran his hands through his hair, it seemed to be getting longer. “Now, I want breakfast, then I want a good ride. We could work out some too.”

Heero clambered out of bed and reached for his clothing. Duo snatched it out of his hands and helped him into it then he finished dressing himself.

“Come on. I’m starving.”

Heero followed Duo into the kitchen with some trepidation. He was right to be worried. The scullions ignored him carefully. Cook on the other hand, pointed to the table in the corner.

“Sit your self down there, young man. I have a few words for you. And you’ll either listen or not. But if not, you better have the stomach of a goat.”

Heero started to flare up at Cook, he was the king after all. Duo kicked him under the table, hissing, “You wanted an explanation of why people are angry. Shut up and listen.” Heero held his tongue and let Cook tell him off.

He listened to her carefully as she read him the riot act. He was too stiff, he didn’t listen to people, he lost his temper too easily, Heero winced at that one, he was too intimidating to his subordinates. As he listened to Cook, Heero realized that all the faults he found so disgusting in others he had himself. He wondered how he’d ever managed to remain king. He wondered if he was as good a king as he’d thought.

“Now, don’t look so down hearted. You’re a good boy, and a good ruler. You listen to your council and take their advice. But you can’t have one set of rules for one class and another for others. It’s not fair. And an unfair king is a bad king. You think about yourself, young man. And get your elbows off the table. I’m not having a savage eating at my table. Thankyouverymuch.”

Heero felt Duo put one finger under his chin and realized that he had actually let his jaw drop open. He knew he had a lot to think about.

~ * ~

Cook plopped plates before both Duo and Heero and Heero was glad to see that his wasn’t burnt or greasy. He also saw that Duo got more bacon, eggs and fruit than he did. He got more bread and oatmeal. He didn’t object. He actually liked oatmeal.

Duo ate quickly, stuffing his mouth with food and chewing vigorously. He washed his food down with milk never noticing that Heero had only water. Heero refrained from remark, meekly eating what he was given. He was just glad that he hadn’t gotten the rough side of Cook’s tongue. He’d been in the kitchen a few times when she’d berated some hapless scullion, reducing a grown man to tears in one case. Although Heero couldn’t blame her, he’d been careless with a knife and cut one of the other scullions. She’d ripped him to shreds with her tongue. Heero was delighted to avoid such a fate.

Heero took his plate and utensils to the wash basin and put them on the sideboard for the scullery maid to wash. Duo followed a moment later with his things then took both sets of dishes and rinsed them off. Wiping his hands on a nearby rag he turned and asked Heero if he wanted to come with him.

“Yes, where are you going?”

Duo headed for the door, saying over his shoulder, “we got so involved yesterday that I didn’t get that lotion for my head. I think it’s working. Come on. I want to catch Master Wufei before he goes into town.”

Heero looked worried. “Does he take someone with him?”

“Sometimes. Usually when the arms master catches him slipping out. Is he in danger somehow?”

Heero shrugged. “I’m not sure. The locals are ignorant and isolationistic. He’s a foreigner. I’d rather not take chances.”

Duo nodded wisely. “Better not. You never can tell what fearful people will do. Especially if they feel their loved ones are in danger. Come on, if we hurry, we’ll catch him. We can make sure he takes a guardsman with him.”

Heero followed Duo out the door and jogged along with him as they made their way to the converted stables. They managed to catch Wufei just as he was shutting his door. Heero frowned to see that he was alone.

“Don’t give me that sour face. I’m going to town. Did you need something? Duo’s not. . .” Wufei turned to Duo. “You’re well? There’s no complications?”

Duo eyed Wufei for a second. “I’m fine. I need the medicine for my hair. And I’d like to know what you think you’re doing going into town alone. Did Heero tell you to take a guard with you?”

Wufei made a face. “I’ll get the lotion. I put it aside when I realized you’d forgotten it. I knew you’d be here for it. And yes, he did, and no, I’m not. I don’t need a baby sitter. I’m a grown man. Besides. I don’t have problems here. People are grateful to me for caring for them and they respect my wizardry instead of fearing and hating it.”

Duo turned to Heero. “I thought . . .?”

Heero shook his head. “You should have seen him when I found him.” Wufei made an abortive motion but Heero just gazed at him for a long moment shutting him up before he could say anything. “I’m not about to go into that, it’s his story to tell. But I worry.”

Wufei shuddered slightly then bowed to Heero. “I don’t see the need, but if you’re that concerned I’ll take a man with me from now on.”

“I am that concerned, but more about the raiders than the townspeople. How would we get on if the raiders captured you? Not to mention the men I’d lose trying to get you back. You stiff-necked dragon.”

Wufei smiled slightly at Heero then handed Duo the lotion. “Here. Have him massage it in twice a day instead of once. And be sure to get plenty of meat. And cheese. You’ll need it.” He turned to leave, calling over his shoulder, “I’ll be sure to be careful. I wouldn’t want you to strain something.”

Heero shook his head. “Stupid man. He’s as stiff necked as they come.”

Duo nearly hurt himself trying not to laugh in Heero’s face.

~ * ~

Duo settled himself on the bench in the garden and sighed. The sun felt good on his face. Heero sat beside him and apologized again.

“I think I’m beginning to understand what the problem is. I need to think some more. But . . . I’m sorry Duo. I think I should have asked you more questions before I had you punished. I . . . don’t quite know what I think just yet but . . . I’ll make it right some how or other. If . . . when . . .”

Duo patted Heero’s shoulder and handed him the bottle of lotion. “You’re stammering. You just massage this in and think. Surely you can do both at the same time.”

Heero swatted Duo on the shoulder being careful to avoid any bruised areas. “Shush. I’m thinking.”

Duo obediently shushed and settled back to allow Heero access to his scalp. Heero massaged the lotion into Duo’s scalp.

He noticed that Duo’s hair was definitely longer than it had been just this morning.

“There, all done. Would you like to go riding now?”

Duo grumbled softly. “Don’t think so. Let’s go work out. I’m in the mood to thump you some.”

Heero shrugged. “If you really want, I’ll let you.”

Duo snorted, “Come on. I’ll show you.”

~ * ~

They wound up in the exercise yard, facing each other with practice swords in their hands.

Heero circled Duo carefully, Duo turned to keep facing him. Duo held his sword with a more practiced ease than Heero would have expected.

“You’re remembering more. You hold that sword like you were born with it in your hand.”

Duo flicked the tip of his sword back and forth, trying to distract Heero from his eyes. Eyes told where the sword would strike not the tip of the sword.

“I think I trained a lot. I remember bits and pieces.”

“You keep saying that. But what kind of bits and pieces?”

“Training, lots of it. And ceremonies, not sure what kind. Singing. And . . . sitting in judgment? On a throne, or at least a big chair.” Heero took a halfhearted swipe at Duo’s shin, withdrawing before the move was more than a hint. “Nah!” Duo back stepped just enough to get out of Heero’s immediate reach. “And sitting in meetings–for hours. And some hints of other things. Why would I remember stuff like that?”

Heero dodged a stab, skipping backwards himself. “Maybe your mind is trying to protect you still . . . just giving you innocuous memories first?”

“That’s a thought.” Duo took two quick steps forward, keeping the same foot first. He stepped up, then brought the back foot up to the heel of the front. “I’m wondering what I’m going to remember next. The bad thing is . . . I’m remembering so slowly.”

Heero slipped his sword under Duo’s and flicked it into a sharp circle. Duo disengaged and stepped back quickly to avoid losing his weapon. “You’ll remember as your mind allows. Don’t try to push it. You’ll only make things worse. Gotcha!” Heero smirked as Duo’s sword clattered on the floor. The return of Duo’s disengagement had failed.

“Well, that was good. Show me that move.”

Heero worked with Duo for a while, teaching him the move. Duo finally got it right and they settled on a bench with cool drinks and towels.

“It’s getting cooler.”

Heero eyed the sky, “Yes, it is. I was only supposed to stay here two weeks. But I’ve been here . . . nearly six months. I never understood why my father insisted I come up here. The estate has been in the family for a long time, but I could just as easily have hired a seneschal to take care of it all. It wouldn’t have been in such a mess every year if . . . well, that’s neither here nor there. I didn’t, and they won’t, and that’s it.”

Duo sighed. “Perhaps your father knew that you’d have a heavy burden to bear, maybe he hoped that you’d get a bit of rest if you came up here. It didn’t work but maybe.”

Heero nodded, “I think you’re right. But . . . if I hadn’t agreed to come up here. I’d never have found you, you’d have died.”

Duo bit at his lip, remembering. “I know. I . . . damnit. You’ve made me forget again.”

Heero smirked at Duo. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Do too.”

Heero shrugged, keeping an innocent expression on his face.

“Wart!”

Duo picked up the practice swords and put them away. “I’m still mad at you.”

Heero caught Duo by the waist. “Please don’t be. I . . . I understand that what I did was wrong. I’m still not exactly sure why, but I’m willing to accede that it was.”

Duo wriggled away from Heero. “I’m not forgiving you until you figure it all out. On your own.”

“Why do I have to figure it out on my own? It would be so much easier if you just explained it.”

“Yes, it would. But you’ll do better to figure it out on your own. You’ll remember the lesson better.”

Heero just pouted like a four year old, sticking out his lower lip and scrunching up his face. Duo forcibly resisted the urge to kiss him breathless.

~ * ~

Heero followed Duo down the stairs into the great hall. Duo knew that Heero was suffering from his coldness, but he hardened his heart and strengthened his resolve. If Heero was to really learn anything, he had to figure it out himself.

Duo led Heero through the great hall and into the court yard. He’d sent for their horses earlier because he knew that they would be riding sooner or later.

The stable boy met them with a smile and handed the reins to them. Heero mounted quickly, springing into the saddle from a flat start. Duo copied the move with lithe grace. They set the horses into motion, riding knee to knee. Heero realized, with some pleasure, that Duo was physically well. He looked strong, his skin smooth and tight. His hair was now lustrous and long enough that he’d tied it back with a bit of ribbon. Duo turned his head to gaze at Heero. His eyes alight with his pleasure.

“Would you like to work on some passes, or just ride?”

Heero thought for a moment. “I think just ride. I really don’t feel like working too hard.”

Duo looked around then shuddered. “I . . . brrrrr. Goose walked on my grave.”

“Are you all right? What’s wrong? What goose?”

Duo shrugged. “It’s just an expression. I just got a cold chill. I . . . Heero, you’ll probably think I’m crazy, but. . . we need to go armed.”

Heero just shrugged. “If you think we should I’ll send for some weapons. Sword? What else?”

Duo thought for a moment. “Light armor. Just ring, I think.”

Heero tugged gently on the reins and turned his horse around, Black obligingly followed.

They returned to the courtyard and Heero issued orders that they both should be brought mail, swords, targes and daggers.

When the armor and weapons arrived, Duo helped Heero into his custom-made ring mail. When he turned to see what had been brought for him, he was pleased to see a complete suit of ring mail and the necessary under garments. Heero smiled at him and announced, “I was saving this for later, but you might as well have it now.”

Duo allowed a guardsman to play squire for him and was soon clad in the gleaming ring mail. The tabard was black without coat of arms or sigil. The belt was black, studded with silver and the hanging rings were polished steel. He hung the sword from his belt and stuck the dagger in his boot. The targ would hang from his saddle.

They remounted the horses and headed out again. Duo felt much better going armed, not only for the safety of having a sword at hand, but also that Heero trusted him enough to allow him one.

They rode for a while in silence then Heero started questioning Duo. Just casual questions about what he remembered. Duo knew that Heero had something up his sleeve, but he didn’t mind. Heero would never intentionally harm him. Duo knew that. Even though he was angry at Heero for punishing him, he still loved him and knew that he hadn’t meant to hurt him like he had.

The pain of his body soon faded, but his heart still hurt. And he was going to make sure that Heero realized that.

“Heero?”

“Hn.”

“Have you figured out why I’m angry yet?”

“I think so. But I need to think about it some more. I am sorry, you know. I’m not just saying that to get back in your good graces. I seem to do nothing but hurt your feelings.”

Duo smiled. “You’re figuring out things. That’s good. After you figure out what you did, you have to figure out what to do about it.”

“I know. I don’t like feeling like this. Please make up with me. I’ll think really hard.”

Duo turned his head to gaze into Heero’s eyes. He looked so sad that Duo didn’t have the heart to be cold to him anymore.

“Lean over.”

Heero leaned toward Duo. Duo wrapped his hand around to back of Heero’s head and pulled him gently toward him. The horses sidled closer at the press of knees. Duo kissed Heero slowly caressing his lips with his own.

“You’re forgiven. Don’t forget. I still expect you to figure everything out. If you ask me a straight question, I’ll answer it. And not, why are you angry.”

Heero sighed. “Well, that pikes that wheel. Where do you want to ride? We’re just headed for the river.”

Duo nodded. “I like to ride by the river. It’s nice there. Shady and cool and there’s a place where we could swim.”

“Swim?”

“Well, sure. You can swim, can’t you?”

Heero nodded, gazing at the horizon. “I can swim. I’m no fish. More like a barge. But I get there.”

Duo snickered. “I’ve seen most knights swim. Not good. I like to swim.”

“Since when? I don’t remember you swimming.”

“Haven’t since I got here, nor for a while before. But that’s one of the things I remember. I like to swim.”

Heero didn’t know whether to dismount drag Duo from his saddle and kiss him senseless or cheer himself hoarse. He managed to reply sensibly instead.

They rode in silence for a few moments.

“Duo, what else do you remember?”

“I remember . . . discussing strategy and tactics . . . with someone. And playing chess. I like cheese and apples. I don’t like white wine, or pears. My hair has some . . . significance. They kept it short to humiliate me. I broke a vow? A promise? Something . . . when I let them cut it.”

Heero interrupted, “I don’t think whoever you made the vow to would hold you responsible. You couldn’t stop them.”

Duo shuddered. “No, I couldn’t but that doesn’t make it any easier.” He brightened “but it’s getting long again. That lotion is really working. I think it grew at least two inches over night. But it makes me hungry. I wonder why.”

“Food is fuel. You need food to grow. If your hair grows fast, you’re hungrier than normal.”

“That makes sense.” Duo turned his head, he thought he’d heard something. “I . . . did you hear something?”

Heero listened carefully for a moment. “No. Might be a deer or rabbit.”

Duo let his instincts take over. He closed his eyes and waited, there: a sharp crackling noise. The whistle of the arrow ended in the thunk of said arrow into the targ he’d snatched from his saddle.

Duo threw the targ on the ground and wheeled Black, setting him rump to nose with Heero’s chestnut. Heero didn’t bother to look for what had made the noise, if it was important Duo would tell him. He kept watch over his half of the circle and let Duo keep track of his half. They nudged the horses to keep them moving in a circle, wheeling on one point.

Swords drawn, daggers in hand, reins in their mouths, neither of them looked weak. In fact they looked like exactly what they were, strong fierce young warriors, ready to defend themselves from anything.

The attack came with a rush of bodies. The attackers were obviously mercenaries. Their mismatched armor and weapons showed hard wear and poor care. These men were the dregs of their profession. Their attack was met with a strange ululating cry from Duo and an equally fierce battle cry from Heero. The horses squealed in concert and the battle was on.

The first wave didn’t last long, twin slashing swords ended lives with quick efficiency. Rearing horses ended more with hard blows of iron shod hooves.

The second wave had a little better luck, one of the attackers managed to crawl under the hooves of both horses and flip Duo out of the saddle. Duo hit the ground hard, air rushing out of his lungs in a whoosh. He didn’t lose his sword so the man who’d managed to get his shoulder under Duo’s stirrup didn’t last long enough to gloat.

Heero screamed in futile fury when he saw Duo fall, he was fully engaged with his attackers and couldn’t get to Duo. He nearly took a dagger in the leg he was so distracted. But he got himself together and fed the mercenary a length of steel for his troubles. As his horse wheeled and reared, protecting him from attack he lost sight of Duo.

Black stood over Duo until he got to his feet. Duo scrambled up as fast as he could, grabbing a stirrup to pull himself up. His horse stood still, waiting for him to mount the saddle again. Instead Duo stared at his bloody hand as if he’d never seen it before.

Heero finished off his last opponent and looked for Duo. At first he didn’t see him standing on the opposite side of Black. When he did, all he could do was curse. Duo looked dazed. Heero dismounted, kicking out of his stirrup hurriedly.

“Duo! Love! What . . . where are you hurt? Let me see.”

Duo turned to Heero, holding out one bloody hand. It trembled slightly.

“I remember. I know who I am. Holy Anchora.”

“Duo . . . you remember?”

Duos’ knees buckled and he headed for an unpleasant impact with the ground. Heero caught him and heaved him over his saddle. He looked around.

“Dammit, Trowa’s going to be pissed again.”