Disclaimers: I own nothing...
Warning: Het/Lemon later yaoi/lemon...
Duo and Wufei sat side by side underneath the tree, Wufei frowning contemptuously at nothing in particular….while Duo with his eyes closed and his head resting back against the tree sat beside him. Absently twirling his braid around his finger. Wufei paused in his glowering to stare at Duo. Feeling eyes on him Duo cracked open one eye and frowned at Wufei. " What?"
" Nothing….it's just Dasha used to do that…." He finally said. " And Shing would-"
" Hide in the shadows and watch…." Duo finished grinning.
" How'd you know?" Duo shrugged.
" I just do…that's why I always used to do this….." he said smiling mischievously, as he begin to unravel his braid, running his fingers through the mass of hair before pulling it over his shoulder, petting tendrils of it into place. " Shing loved my hair…Do you still love it?" Wufei resisted the urge to grab a handful of the teasing locks and bury his face in it like Shing used to.
" Why do you say that?" Wufei managed to ask. Never taking his eyes from where Duo was fingercombing his hair.
" Say what?" Duo asked, of it's own accord Wufei's hand began moving toward Duo's hair.
"You refer to yourself as Dasha so easily." Wufei said running his fingers over the surface of Duo's hair.
" That's because I am or rather was Dasha and you were Shing and Trowa was Theron and Quatre was Quella and Heero was Hye. No point in denying the past Wu. It happened we can't change it all we can do is learn from it." Duo shrugged and then smirked again. " Besides I looked pretty hot in that skirt thing didn't I?" Before he realized what he was doing Wufei nodded yes. Oh so you did notice eh?" Wufei blushed slightly, pulling his hand back from Duo's hair. Just in time to, Heero came into the glade glaring death at Wufei. Laying his hand on Duo's head.
" Come on we should all be inside soon." Nodding their agreement Wufei and Duo stood Duo with a bit of difficulty since Heero had found his braid and wrapped it around his hand. Sighing Duo let himself be tugged toward the cabin in silence…yeah right this is Duo were talking about.
" Heero come on let go! Don't pull so hard owowowowowowowowowoOW! Heero! That's attached to scalp you know! Scalp which is skin which really hurts when someone pulls hair!" Heero grunted but let go of Duo's hair. Pulling him against his side roughly.
" Sheesh Heero what's with all the huggies all of a sudden." Duo knew what was up but really wanted to hear Heero say it.
" Baka." He grunted pushing Duo into the cabin before him, closing the door he turned back to Wufei. " So you kept him from me in the past…I can see how I would have hurt him then…. But he's mine now. And I intend to keep him." Wufei arched a brow.
" If that's what you want Heero." He said walking up the stairs to the door. Pushing it open slightly. " But I suggest you work on how you express affection. I don't think dragging him back to your cave by his hair will keep him with you very long." Without another word Wufei walked into the cabin, followed immediately by a still glowering Heero. Who immediately went to stand beside a jabbering Duo.
" Hey Heero Quatre thinks he found this Sky guy on-"
" It's SKYE! With an E!" the voice cut in again.
" Sorry." Duo said.
" Hn." A bright flash of light filled the room again and silenced any other protest that might come.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Life two
Daniel turned the boy's slack body over with his toe. Sighing he looked down into the wide violet eyes…even semi-conscious they were still full of fear. Oh well at least this one had the right eye color. Turning away from the boy Daniel walked to his bed and lay down. Closing his eyes, familiar images danced on his lids. Since he was a child these images came to him, a young man with wide violet eyes and a long brown braid…. Running away from him always running. Daniel always felt a mixture of emotions when he saw this image. Love, anger at him for running away, and since he had become a man…passion. A burning need to have that boy…. How many nights had he spent touching himself at the thought of the nameless boy? Of course Daniel liked women…. He'd fantasize about them too…but they never excited him like his violet eyed angel. Looking down to the floor at the boy he had played with that evening he frowned. The boy couldn't take the place of his angel…he needed his angel. A gentle knock on his door brought him out of his daze. " Come in." he mumbled. The door creaked open and a blond head peeked in, dead gray eyes took in the room.
" Yes come in Marc, remove this…him." Daniel waved to the shaking boy on the floor. Marc looked at it indifferently.
" Yes My Lord." He murmured lifting the boy from the floor as gently as he could manage. Marc had been doing this for many years now, and a quick glance told him the boy would be dead by morning. Pausing in the doorway Marc turned toward his Master. " My Lord, your father wishes to inform you that your bride has arrived." Arching a brow Daniel turned toward his servant.
" Bride?" he asked coolly. Marc suppressed a shiver, but continued on in monotone.
" Yes My Lord Lady Raine Hammond's." he said gently shifting the boy's weight. Daniel snorted.
"Very well then. When is the wedding, and do I even have to be there for it to be done."
" It is now Sir." Marc replied. Looking down at the boy in his arms, his breathing had become shallow and tight. Daniel arched a brow and nodded for Marc to leave. Bowing as best he could Marc left the room swiftly. He needed to get this boy to Manuel as soon as possible.
" Now he says." Snorting Daniel stood stretching the kinks out of his back, he looked down at his blood stained shirt and breeches. Smirking he headed for the door. " I mustn't be late for my own wedding!" he laughed.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~
Lady Raine Hammond and Lady Wind Hammond stood side by side. " Isn't this exciting Raine? " Raine turned to her twin and smiled brightly squeezing her arm.
" Yes, yes it is!" She answered. Wind looked at her sister with adoring eyes.
" Oh you are so lucky to be marrying Lord Lyonhart! He's so powerful, and rich! I'm so happy for you!" Wind said nearly bouncing with her excitement.
Raine bounced right beside her. " Yes very lucky! " She answered with a sigh. As images of their life together flashed through her mind. Even though she knew it was an arranged marriage, and that Lord Daniel didn't know anything of it. She still knew in her soul they would be happy together…Images of their children came to her mind then, pressing a hand to her chest Raine sighed again. Loud footsteps sounded in the hallway then, accompanied by loud voices and pleading. As well as maniacal laughter.
" Why Mother?! Don't you want my bride to see me as I truly am?" a voice nearly dripping with sarcasm said.
" Daniel please!" A woman's voice answered.
" Don't plead with him woman. Daniel I demand you to and change this instant or I-"
" Or you'll what?" The voice challenged. " Take away my title and fortune? Oops I have my own fortune you have no power over me old man." He answered laughing and continuing on.
Raine's smile had wavered a bit, but she held onto it bravely…until Lord Daniel stepped into the room. Gasping she put her fist against her lips, letting her sister pull her back against her. Lord Daniel flanked by his father and mother walked in the room toward her, dark brown eyes glaring into hers as he approached.
" Lady Raine." He said simply, his intense glare never leaving her face.
" My Lord." She answered simply. Daniel locked his hands behind his back and walked around her.
" Ah yes Lady Raine the prize mare of the Hammond household. Tell me do you prefer oats or hay." He asked.
Gasping Lady Raine turned to look at him. " What!"
" Well if you are to be my bride, I should at least know what to feed such a fine specimen for breeding as yourself."
Raine felt her face turn flame red. " I-I never-"
" Oh my I would hope you haven't then what would be the point of wedd-"
" Oh! You rude arrogant man!" She hissed storming towards the door pulling a still stunned Wind behind her.
Lord Daniel grinned and followed her. " Ah my fair Lady Raine tis only concern for my bride's wellbeing that I ask such things."
" Stand aside!" She hissed.
" Oh come now surely you can't be leaving already. Why you haven't even seen your stable yet, it's large and warm, lined with enough hay to keep even the most finicky of mares content. Surely you'd like to see-"
" Leave me alone!" She yelled, swiping a tear from her face as she walked. Lord Daniel laughed stepping in front of her.
" Now is that the way you talk to your future husband?" Daniel said clicking his tongue.
Lady Raine paused. " I wouldn't marry you if it was my father's dying wish! Even if the Lord God himself came down from Heaven and pointed a sword at my throat and demanded I marry you or face eternal damnation in a section of hell so horrible the devil himself cringes at it's mere mention. I'd still say no and face it all with my head held high and song in my heart!" Lady Raine said sharply.
Lord Daniel blinked in surprise. The girl had pluck. " Ok then no oats…it'll be fresh apples every day." He said with a smile. Running to stand in front of her again. " I'll even through in a nice old quilt to add to you-"
Raine's small hand made contact with Daniel's face sharply. " Arrogant dog! " She snapped. Stomping past the stunned Daniel.
Lord Lyonhart stood before Raine's exit. " I know my son is a bit crude but he is still a man and you have no place in-"
" Man or not he is still rude and vile. I will not allow anyone to speak to me in such a disrespectful manner. If you have a problem with what I did take it up with my father. I will neither apologize, nor relent what I did. He deserved it and he may well learn some respect from it. Now step aside Lord Lyonhart our business here is finished." She said evenly.
" Bravo! This one has pluck father." Daniel said his tone dangerously calm.
Lady Raine turned around to meet his gaze; she nearly shrunk away from the violent light within them.
" Let us get the wedding underway." Lord Daniel said.
" No. I will not be ti-"
" And you wouldn't have to be either if you hadn't stuck me. I thought you were going to be another one of those daft girls who wilt and cry at my teasing. I dare say you've caught my interest Lady Raine…as well as my vengeance. You will marry me because you have no other choice." He said with a sneer.
Narrowing her eyes, Raine examined him closely. This was the man that moments ago she wanted to be wed too? The man, she knew she'd be happy with all her life…" You vile man." She said her voice barely above a whisper.
" Yes that maybe the case…but you are this vile man's wife."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Lady Raine Lyonhart, did her best to ignore the body moving above hers, closing her eyes tightly she desperately wished to be somewhere that wasn't here. Again the thought occurred to her to fight back, to say no. But she never did, it was just easier to let him do it and get it over with. Finally after what felt like an eternity, she heard him grunt and push inside her once more, the feeling of his seed inside her body made her feel sick. He fell on top of her with a satisfied huff.
Chuckling into the pillowcase. " Still didn't come dearest? He said snidely. Raine turned her head to the far wall and snorted.
" That would mean I enjoyed having you on top of me. You're done get off." She said.
Laughing again Daniel rolled off his wife. " Well if you like you can be on top." He smirked. "Ah not to worry love. Soon we'll have a heir and I won't have to return to your bed."
" Thank God."
" But of course I will return time and time again." He said with a smile turning onto his side to look at her. Raine turned her head away from him, staring instead at the flickering candle.
" And why is that? There are plenty of whores, and young widows, not to mention the married women of the court with wandering eyes. Any of them would be willing to part their legs for the future Lord of Lyonhart." She said her voice had taken on a more sarcastic hue since she'd wed him.
" Because my dear dear wife. They are not wed to me. You are." He said softly enjoying her shiver of disgust.
" Surely the notorious Daniel Lyonhart isn't concerned about fidelity." She said.
Daniel laughed and nipped her shoulder, rolling her toward him he cupped one of her breasts in his hand, absently fingering the nipple. " Fidelity? No…that's not a concern of mine." He whispered in her ear, pushing the blond locks out of his way, rolling the captured nipple between his fingers. He thrust his growing erection against her backside. " Because you my dear…" he said rolling her over, onto her back. Passing his tongue over her nipple. " You despise me." He said. Pushing her legs apart with his own, lowering his mouth to her other nipple, while rolling the other between two fingers. " You hated me on the day we were married." He said moving his lips to her abdomen. " And that hatred has only grown since we've married..." Daniel continued kissing down her chest swirling his tongue around her belly button. " And I can feel it every time I touch you…" moving down her body, he pressed her legs further apart. " How much I disgust you…" Reaching the tuft of blond hair between her legs. " If you had any idea how much it excites me…" he said pressing his face into the junction between her legs.
Raine gasped, and tried not to respond to the feel of his tongue against her body. " S-So all I'd have to do is want you an-and you'd mmmm leave me…leave me alone?" She gasped out, dismayed at how her body was responding to him.
Daniel lifted his face, from his task. Licking his lips he smirked. " Not hardly I know you'd be faking. I know you hate me Raine…Tell me you hate me…tell me I sicken you." He said swiping his tongue over the moist flesh.
Raine choked down a groan, and turned her face away.
Laughing Daniel went back to his task, drawing reluctant moans of pleasure from Raine.
" Ohh I hate you! I hate you!" Raine sobbed resisting the feeling building inside her.
Daniel only smiled, slipping his tongue inside the moist smooth opening, while running his hand up her chest to grip a nipple gently.
Raine arched into the touch still sobbing, her eternal hatred of her husband.
Finally when she was close to her peak, Daniel stopped and moved up her body. Passing his tongue over his lips. " You taste good dearest." He said.
Raine glared at him, her tear streaked face crimson with shame.
Settling between her legs Daniel pressed his body against hers. " You want to know what you taste like? " He asked smiling, rubbing his shaft between the folds of her sex. Without warning he leaned down and pressed his mouth to hers.
Raine resisted, trying to turn her face away. Iron fingers held her in place, prying her mouth open, Daniel forced his tongue into her mouth.
She bit him.
Jerking back with a curse, Daniel could taste his own blood mingling with the other tastes in his mouth. Looking down at Raine his glaring anger faded to all consuming lust. As he gazed into her hate filled eyes. She hated him, she despised him…Groaning Daniel buried his face in her neck. Reaching down with one hand, he guided himself into her. Pushing his hips forward he sat up just enough to look into her eyes. " Say you hate me." He demanded.
She glowered at him silently for a moment, her face flashing with the lust that was finally taking her as well. " I won't give you the satisfaction." She growled.
Daniel shivered, pushing harder into her. Enjoying this new game…good she was going to fight this time. " Say it!" he hissed, lifting her hips off the bed.
" No!"
"Say it!" He groaned, feeling her legs wrap around him, an unconscious action he was sure, but it made his thrusts easier. " You know you want to. It's how you feel, you hate me…say it." He purred , listening to her increasing groans of pleasure. " Let it go Raine you want to say it, so say it…that doesn't mean you don't have to enjoy this…"
" No." Raine said her voice cracking slightly. A look of disgust formed on her face as her body began moving in time with Daniel's. " No…" She said.
Daniel leaned over his wife, his strokes getting shorter and more urgent. " That's alright. You don't have to say it…it's in your eyes. I can see it…I guess that'll have to do if you're going to be frigid." He smirked.
Raine's eyes snapped wide open burning with a new fire. " I hate you. I hate you! I hate you!" she yelled, even as her body responded to the urgency of Daniel's thrusts. " I hate you! I wish you were dead! Just so- Just so- Oh God please!" she groaned, her back arching against Daniel's chest, a low sob like sound came from her throat as a white hot pleasure tore through her body.
" Yes that's it! That's what I want! …That's what I like to hear from …you say it! Say it! It feels so good when you-" Pushing inside once more, a bright flash of light passed briefly behind his eyes, blinding him temporarily as he came inside his wife for the second time that evening. Collapsing in a boneless heap atop her. He slowly withdrew his satiated member and rolled to the side. " Mmm see how much better it is when you participate."
Rolling onto her side, Raine felt disgusted with her husband, her life, and herself. " Go away, please just go away." She sobbed softly into her pillow. He disgusted her, she hated him, and yet he still made her feel like that. She didn't understand it. Daniel yawned and stretched, looking at his wife's shaking shoulders he smirked.
" That's alright I think I'll sleep with my loving wife this evening." He said curling his arms around her. He could feel the disgust she felt rolling off her in waves. And he loved it, snuggling down closer to her back he fell asleep.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Delan was a strange boy. Isabel thought as she watched her son sitting by himself under a tree. Frowning Isabel watched as the neighbor girl approached her favorite son smiling. Delan looked up at her with a sweet expression, shaking his head no, he waved goodbye to the crestfallen girl, looking a little confused about her expression. Shrugging he went back to staring at the sky. Isabel sighed. Girls approached him, and they all met the same fate. Shaking her head, Isabel slapped on a smile. " Delan!" She called,
Instantly he turned to her voice and smiled. " Yes mom?" he said.
Isabel smiled, as strange as he was he was still a good boy. " Come inside!" She called.
Delan hopped to his feet immediately and ran to his mother's side, his shoulder length brown hair flapping behind him. He was such a good boy…why he didn't have a wife yet, Isabel did not know. He was a beautiful well-mannered boy...If not a little slow. Never without a smile on his face, unless he was hurt or unhappy. Not to mention he was truly beautiful. People were always saying how much like her he looked. Often this was followed with, why if we didn't know better we'd say he were your daughter. Pulling her son into a hug Isabel swiped his too long bangs out of his eyes.
" It's almost dinner time, your father is going to be home soon. And he's going to be bringing Sarah the baker's daughter with him." She said.
" What for?" Delan asked. Tilting his head to the side, his large innocent violet eyes bright with curiosity.
Isabel straightened his tunic. " To see if you like her of course. She may well be your bride as soon as the Lord says it's alright." She answered, " Now go get your brothers and then go get ready." She continued fussing with his appearance, flicking his curly brown hair over his shoulders.
Delan smiled, and left the house to go hunt down his little brothers.
" Such a nice boy. My Delan, he's going to make some woman very happy someday." She sighed moving to stir her pot.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Delan walked down the street his hands looped behind his back, smiling at the people who greeted him. Waving at the baker and his daughter as he went past them. Sarah blushed crimson and scurried back into the shop. Delan frowned and then shrugged before continuing on his way. His curly hair bouncing with each step he took.
" Deeeee~laaaaaaan! Oh Deeeeee~lan!" A girl's high pitched squeak called to him. Turning around with a bright smile Delan turned to meet his sister. The only sister he had…
" Hello Dera." He greeted her with a smile. Dera paused a few feet from him, her face a bright red flush, pushing the unruly brown hair out of her eyes, she smiled. Her gray eyes sparkling.
" Hi Delan!" She giggled then stopped suddenly her face going pale.
" What?" Delan asked.
" It's you." An unfamiliar voice said from behind him.
Spinning around Delan came face to face with a man he didn't know. Hostile brown eyes bore into his, black hair combed back from a pale face, glared down at him. " Who?" Delan asked smiling brightly, seeming to not notice the hostility rolling off the man in waves.
Suddenly the hostile eyes lost their menace and the face gentled for a moment, before he raised his eyes to Dera.
" And you are?" he said sharply resting a hand on Delan's shoulder…A rather possessive hand.
Dera swallowed hard.
" D-Dera…his sister." She answered shifting from one foot to the other. The man kept her pinned in his gaze for a bit longer then abruptly looked back to Delan.
" I see." He said shortly.
" So what's your name?!" Delan asked the man kindly, looking up into his face, he had to be a good half a foot taller than Delan.
The man smirked. Running his eyes over Delan's hair. " I'll see you around Delan." He said walking away.
Delan watched the man go pouting slightly. " What a strange man." Shrugging he turned back to a pale Dera. " Let's go get our brothers shall we?" he said smiling.
Dera nodded watching the man leave….she didn't trust him, and she really didn't like how he was looking at Delan, but it could wait.
~*~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~~~~*
Daniel smiled to himself as he walked away. At last, at long last he'd found him. A brief flash of memory passed through his mind to quick for him to grasp it. Shrugging it off he kept going. His violet eyed angel was close…and Daniel was determined he wasn't going to let him run away. No…he wasn't going to leave him, just as soon as he got hold of him…he'd never let him go.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
3 weeks later…..
Raine sat with her servants, making a tapestry and chatting with her ladies. It was times like these that made her happy. God knew since she'd been married to that monster happiness was a rarity indeed. A gentle smile touched her lips as a small movement inside her brought her from her gloomy thoughts. Yes she was with child…and free of that bastards touch for it's duration. Patting her slightly rounded stomach Raine marveled at the feel of the life inside her. No matter how much she despised Daniel she loved this child more. No matter what she'd already decided she'd protect it from Daniel at any costs. This was her baby, and she'd make certain that it was never hurt.
So caught up in her thoughts Raine didn't notice immediately the room had fallen silent. Raising her eyes Raine saw Daniel standing in the doorway. Frowning she arched a brow. " Yes?" She asked sharply.
Daniel only smiled and walked to her side, kneeling down he laid a hand on her stomach.
Raine firmly fought the instinct to smack the hand away.
" Can't a man come to bask in the glow of his wife's loving and gracious presence?" He asked sarcastically.
Raine smiled. " Of course and when you find that wife give her my regards." She answered.
Daniel smirked.
" Which reminds me my Lord. What are you doing to the north tower?" She asked conversationally.
Standing abruptly Daniel walked toward the door. " Nothing to worry your pretty little head over my dear." Stepping out of the room, he started whistling as he walked down the hallway.
Raine shuddered if he was this happy…it couldn't be good for someone else.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*
Delan sat on the stone bridge swinging his feet over the side, back and forth back and forth watching the water rush underneath him. He was so bored. Other boys his age were already apprentice work. Jerold was working under Harold the blacksmith, in Corban. Even Millard had found an apprenticeship under the baker in Hammond! But not Delan. Delan the son of the Lord Lyonhart's personal man. A high honor indeed, one that Delan being the oldest boy should have inherited for Lord Daniel Lyonhart…but for some reason his father had been handed down to Lord Daniel by Lord Lyonhart. He figured it must be because of his incompetence and Lord Daniel had refused to have him.
Delan's shoulders slumped, he must truly be a failure then if in the brief meeting he'd had with Lord Daniel had made the other boy hate him so. The strange thing was that he hadn't met Daniel more than once, and he hardly remembered the meeting it had been so long ago they were both mere children. All he remembered was brown eyes.
Well whatever he'd done it must have been horrid to be cast off like that. At least Manuel would come see him that night…
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*
Marc was worried, he didn't know why but something in the back of his mind kept him on edge. It was probably those alterations Lord Daniel was having done to the North Tower, Sanding the walls smooth filling the cracks. Having locks put on the only entrance and exit from the north tower. Having its garden repaired. That part of the keep hadn't been touched in near to 50 years. Ever since Lord Lianas Lyonhart was born, the North tower was where Lianas's Great grandfather…Daniel's Great great grandfather kept Lady Kendra his wife. The woman had gone mad shortly after giving birth to Lord Lianas's grandfather. He'd locked her in there until she'd finally scaled the wall naked as can be. How she scaled a 50-foot wall without anyone noticing was beyond him. Lord Lianas's grandfather had the place sealed.
Now Daniel was reopening it…for what he didn't know…but it couldn't be good. A brief image of his son flashed through his mind then. Unbidden a smile came to his lips. Ah his Delan. A beautiful boy he was not all that bright but beautiful.
The smile disappeared as he recalled Lord Daniel's first and last meeting with his son. Lord Daniel had been nice to him, showing him around the keep sharing his toys. Answering all the ridiculous questions Delan would throw at him. They were both merely children afterall…But something had bothered Marc about Daniel…he was too patient with Delan. He'd seen Daniel go into rages at his soup being too warm. He should have just been able to dismiss it as attraction. That was normal afterall. Marc himself had shared Lianas's bed on several occasions during their youth. But it seemed different somehow. Daniel seemed to be just a bit too friendly towards Delan. He touched him constantly. The child that had fits whenever his own mother tried to draw him into an embrace was allowing himself to be hugged and pulled around frequently. Daniel seemed to be fascinated with him, the brown braid his mother had insisted he wear. His violet eyes, often vacant with confusion.
It wasn't until later that afternoon that he'd seen what was bothering him. Lord William of the neighboring kingdom had come to ask a favor of Lord Lianas's. He'd brought his own sons along Samuel, a boy maybe a year older than Daniel, and his younger brother Manuel. Samuel and Manuel were sent to play with them. Delan being the naturally friendly child he was began playing with the boys as well…or tired to. Samuel was a handsome boy with blond hair and blue eyes a slight sun-kissed complexion…but on the inside…he was anything but handsome. Much like the other Lord's and Lord's to be's. He was arrogant, rude, and mean. Manuel on the other hand was of a darker complexion extremely shy and quiet. Immediately upon seeing Delan Samuel began to poke fun at him, mainly for his long hair…and feminine features.
Manuel had tried to hush his brother…he'd seemed rather smitten with Delan…
He was too focused on my son's face to notice Daniel at first. A particularly nasty comment from Samuel sent Delan into tears. The boy was always too sensitive…but the noise that came out of Daniel's throat scared the hell out of him. He'd turned to look at Daniel then, the fury written on his face was something he'd hoped to never see again. In a moment he'd launched himself at Samuel and started pummeling the boy. Three servants had rushed immediately to the scene trying to get Daniel off the boy and failing miserably. Manuel had moved to stand beside the extremely upset Delan pulling the boy close to his side.
Delan hadn't seemed to notice. He'd kept calling Daniel. Finally he'd pulled himself out of Manuel's grip and ran into the throng of people attempting to stop the fight. With his diminutive size it was easy for him to slip through. That was when Marc rushed forward. Damn what happened to the little Lords' he was more concerned about his own son. He'd reached the group just when it had went silent and the adults began to back away. He immediately thought the worst, Daniel had killed his son…but no that wasn't the case. When he got close enough to see…he saw Delan holding Daniel's upraised hand in his. Smiling softly at him. Daniel stared back a glazed look in his eyes. Standing slowly Delan guided Daniel to his feet and pulled him away from the laid out body of Samuel.
Marc saw how much control Delan had over Daniel's temper. That was a good thing, Daniel would need someone like Delan. He'd thought…but then Manuel had stepped closer to Delan asking if he was all right. The boy had touched Delan's cheek lightly with his fingertips.
Daniel's hand was on around his throat in an instant. Marc noticed the boy practically radiated possessiveness…the hand he'd had around Delan's arm tightened. Marc knew this by how Delan squirmed. The small whimper of pain was what saved Manuel's life. Daniel realized he was hurting Delan and let go of Manuel to see what he'd done.
Marc's unease had grown, he wanted nothing more than to grab his son and leave that place right then and there. But he'd waited…he had to. For the rest of the day Daniel had kept Delan at his side constantly. Samuel wisely enough when he regained consciousness decided not to upset Delan again. Manuel had remained silent following Daniel and Delan about at a safe distance. Just watching them.
Marc had been very uncomfortable by the end of the day…He'd tried to take his son home, Daniel had refused to part with him. He'd glared at Marc with such hatred. Like he was trying to take his very soul away.
Delan had quietly reassured him that he was Daniel's personal man now and that he'd be back. Daniel's eyes had lit up then.
" Mine?" He'd asked. The possessiveness gleaming in his eyes.
Marc shivered.
Delan had remained oblivious and nodded happily. " Yes your personal man!" He'd said cheerfully.
Daniel let go of him very reluctantly. " I'll see you tomorrow." He'd said watching as Marc led Delan away.
I'd never felt so relieved as I did when I'd gotten Delan out of that boy's clutches. Marc had gone to Lord Lianas that night and begged him not to let Delan be assigned to Daniel. That he'd take his son's place if necessary. Lianas had refused. Marc had known nothing good would come of Daniel's obsession of Delan…and so that night for the first time since his marriage to Isabel…Marc laid with the Lord thus achieving his son's freedom…but at the cost of many other lives…He'd misjudged Daniel's obsession. The boy took to other boys who resembled Delan…apparently they didn't resemble him enough…They weren't Delan…and he'd hurt them for not being so.
Marc looked at the workers hurrying back and forth from the north tower busily doing their various assignments. Marc felt someone watching him then, turning his head he met the eyes of Lord Daniel smirking at him dangerously.
" Good day Marc." He'd said then before walking past him.
Marc nodded his consent…but he knew it wasn't going to be a good day…
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*
4 weeks later….
It was ready, Daniel said walking through the north tower, he had the place decorated with the finest furs and silks he could get his hands on, the bed was an exquisite structure of the finest redwood, filmy violet curtains hung from the canopy. The animal skins he'd had placed on the floor kept his footsteps from echoing. Walking out of the room he wandered around the sitting room, it was perfect as well, the fireplace blazed keeping the room warm. Chairs and old-fashioned Greek couches adorned the room, his father had scoffed at him sending away for such foolishness but he'd ignored him. Eventually his wandering led him to the dining room abject to the sitting room. The small table sat in the center of the room two chairs on either side…after all that's all that was needed.
Making his way to the narrow staircase he walked down it to the base floor, a large room with nothing in it but another table and a fireplace. Delan could decide what he wanted in there later. Opening the door, he walked outside to the garden smiling at what had been done to it. A cheerful fountain bubbled in the center of it. The rest was green and flowers as far as the eye could see. Tall hedges and rows upon rows of flowers gave this effect. Turning around in the center of it all Daniel smiled at the smooth gray stone that surrounded the entire thing. Everything was perfect…it was all ready, a safe beautiful little world for his beautiful little angel…Now all that he needed was his angel.
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Delan smiled at Manuel. " So what did you want to talk to me about Manuel?" He asked with a smile.
Manuel returned the smile. He'd wanted to ask Delan this for a very long time. " I-"
He paused watching Delan tilt his head to the side.
" I-"
" Yes Manuel?" Delan prompted.
Manuel opened his mouth to sputter something out when another voice interrupted him.
" Ah there you are Manuel! My father is looking for you!"
Manuel turned in time to see Daniel approach him.
" I'm rather busy right now can it wait Daniel?"
Daniel's face darkened as he observed how closely Manuel was sitting to the object of his affection.
" He said it was a rather urgent matter."
" But-"
" Daniel?" Delan said tilting his head to the side.
Both boys were silent watching him.
" Lord Daniel Lyonhart?" Delan asked.
Daniel smiled. His angel remembered him. " Yes that would be me." He answered.
Delan's face fell and he looked down at his lap. " Oh. Then you'd better go Manuel…it was nice seeing you again." Delan tried to smile standing abruptly he started off down the street.
Manuel watched him go silently, then turned to look at Daniel once before heading back to the keep.
Daniel frowned. His angel was unhappy. Indeed he was the reason his angel was unhappy. Glancing back once he made sure Manuel was out of sight before going after Delan.
" Delan." He called. Delan paused looking back at him.
" Yes Lord Daniel?" Delan said looking up at Daniel.
" Tell me something Delan…Who is your father?"
Delan blinked. " Your servant Marc…since you didn't want me."
Daniel's eyes narrowed. " Didn't want you?" He asked cautiously.
Delan nodded. " I musta did something really wrong for you to demand I never return to the keep and that I stay out of your sight forever…" Delan paused then his eyes widened.
" Oh I'm sorry! You said you didn't want to see me I'll go now."
Before Delan could move Daniel grabbed his arm. " I never said that Delan."
" But papa said-"
" He lied." Daniel watched the gentle face before him crumble. A wave of rage surged through him knowing that he had caused it…Well Delan deserved the truth. " I never said anything like that. I loved having you around, I've missed you." He whispered.
Delan smiled slightly. " You have?"
" Yes….now why don't you come back to the keep with me." A grin spread across Daniel's face. One that would put anyone who wasn't Delan on guard.
" But pa-"
" Won't mind…you said once that you were mine."
Delan smiled proudly. " Yes I'm your personal servant!" The smile wilted. " Or at least I was supposed to be. But-"
" Your father took you away from me." Daniel finished. " But that's alright…come with me now."
Delan looked up in Daniel's eyes and frowned…he looked so lonely. Nodding Delan allowed Daniel to lead him away. Pausing once. " I need to go get-"
" You don't need anything I can give you everything you'll ever need…"
Nodding again Delan let himself be lead away.
A lone figure stepped out of the shadows then, watching them depart.
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Dera was frantic. She'd tried to follow Lord Daniel and her brother but she couldn't keep up. Daniel moved so fast and when he got on his horse…it would take at least 30 minutes for Dera to get to the keep. That was 30 minutes she didn't have.
The look on Daniel's face when he…shaking her head Dera continued on the road.
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Delan walked around the garden looking at all the bright colors.
Daniel stayed close behind him. Patting the key in his pocket he smiled triumphantly. He had his angel…for good this time.
" Lord Daniel it's beautiful!" He said turning to smile at Daniel.
Daniel's breath caught, finally those eyes were fixed on him again. Smiling at him…no one else would see that smile he swore. No one would take him away this time. " It's just Daniel Delan…and do you like it?" He asked.
Delan laughed and sprinted off toward a row of hedges.
Daniel frowned. " Delan!"
Delan paused behind one of the hedges peaking his head around the side giggling.
Daniel smiled with relief, he wasn't running away…he was playing. With a grunt he took off after him. He'd never played this game with anyone but his angel before…that was so long ago. A light tap on his shoulder brought his attention behind him. Delan stood there giggling at him. Daniel could feel the familiar stirrings of passion inside him at the sight of the flushed face before him…no he couldn't not right now…not their first time.
Forcing a smile Daniel took Delan's arm again leading him to the tower…his new home.
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Marc knew something was wrong…he could feel it. What it was he didn't know exactly, but somehow he'd found himself outside the gateway to the north tower. Frowning he noted it was closed and three hulking guards stood on either side of it. Three guards he did not know…and he'd been at the keep his entire life.
" Excuse me…"
" Nobody goes in or out the north tower but Lord Daniel and whomever he takes with him." One of them spoke up.
" I see…is Lord Daniel in there?"
The guards looked at each other and nodded.
Marc swallowed hard. " Did he go in alone?"
The guards smirked.
" No he had a pretty little thing on his arm."
Marc could feel the color leaving his face. " W-what did she look like?"
" He. He had longish brown hair and strange colored eyes they were purple or something like that…"
Marc knew he was going to be sick. " Do you know the person's name?"
" Yeah he was calling him Delan."
Gulping Marc turned on his heel and fled down the hallway…Daniel had gotten him…despite everything Marc had done Daniel had gotten him.
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Delan sat on the floor watching Daniel expectantly. Being a personal servant he discovered was pretty easy. Although he wasn't entirely comfortable about the way Daniel was looking at him but that was ok he didn't mind.
" Delan do you like it here?" Delan looked around the large bedroom and smiled.
" Yes I do! Is this your chambers?" He asked.
Daniel moved to sit on the floor beside him. " No beloved it's yours…" he answered passing his fingers over Delan's cheek.
Delan looked slightly confused but he didn't mind the touch…it actually felt rather nice to be touched like that.
" Mine?"
" Yes yours." Daniel confirmed moving closer to Delan placing a light kiss on his nose.
Delan smiled. " I've never had my own bedchamber before." He said standing up and walking over to the bed. Daniel watched for a moment before following him. Strangely enough he had him and he knew he had him, but that didn't take away the ache he felt. He still wanted him…and he wanted him now.
" Well you do now." He said running his fingers lightly up Delan's back.
Delan turned slightly to smile at him.
Seeing this as an invitation Daniel grabbed him by his waist and pushed him down on the bed, flipping him onto his back he pressed his mouth against Delan's hard.
Delan let out a frightened gasp and started thrashing beneath him. Daniel pulled away looking down into the wide violet eyes beneath him.
Swallowing hard he started to apologize. Delan scooted out from under him and towards the other end of the bed. He looked so scared…scared of him…
Not knowing what to do Daniel reached out to him almost desperately. " Delan please…I'm sorry…" He couldn't handle seeing the fear in his angel's eyes. He never wanted to hurt him…he loved him…he need him. That's how he found himself doing something he'd never done in his life. Begging. " Delan don't…please don't…I-"
Delan began to relax a little…
" I'd never hurt you angel…I just need you…"
Delan's eyes softened from fear to warmth, extending his arms to Daniel.
Daniel immediately moved across the bed, wrapping his arms around his angel he rested his head in his lap. A wave of peace washed over him, it was like finding the one thing he'd been missing for so long. He sighed when he felt fingers running through his hair. At last he was whole.
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