A Candle for the Future - (16/?)
Title: A Candle of the Future - Chapter 16/?
Author: Silverserpent
Pairings: 1x5
Rating: R
Warnings: yaoi, slash, swearing
Disclaimer: The characters are not mine. If you are not 18 you should not be reading this. You have been warned.
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Ch 16
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Heero hesitated as soon as he saw the flashes firing rapidly through the limousine’s open door. Maybe this was too much to handle. The suit was uncomfortable when he put it on and the tie was something that could so easily turn to a disadvantage. Someone could pull it and immediately start choking him...Who was the idiot that designed a piece of clothing that could cut off your air supply?
Wufei took one look at him and frowned, "Get out Yuy and come around to my side. Everything will be fine and stop looking like you’re about duck and run when Une is on the warpath about paper work."
Heero nodded and watched as Wufei gracefully slid out of the cars back seat. Taking that as his cue, Heero got out of the car rapidly and went around to the other side of the car. Standing next to Wufei he shut the door and turned to face the crowd.
It was similar to the red carpet shows that Duo liked to watch. There were people packed all around a barrier trying to snap a photo of every face that the new arrival gave. Further along the carpet were several people posing and a couple being interviewed by the camera men down the line.
Wufei stepped forward, which kicked Heero into motion. Just stick within a foot of Wufei's back. School the features to neutrality. Do not talk to anyone. He could do this.
People were yelling questions from all sides and pictures were being snapped constantly. Wufei just kept a slow steady pace with his small fake smile in place. He was the main attraction after all considering it was for him being an ambassador to the Asia Sector.
He stopped and Heero focused in at the object that was being thrust towards Wufei. His arm twitched as he was preparing to grab it before recognizing it as a microphone. There was a video camera recording them as well. Don't talk. He stepped an inch closer to Wufei’s shoulder.
The blonde woman holding the mic spoke in a loud highly annoying voice, "So Mr. Chang, You will soon be announced as the new ambassador to the Asia Sector are you excited?"
“Very. I have big plans for the Asia sector’s revitalization as well as the Earth Sphere’s overall reconstruction.”
She smiled at him and boldly continued pressing, “Yes, we do expect great things from you at your new post. Tell me, what would you say to the critics at this moment? Particularly the ones that say you are both too young and inexperienced to be suitable for such a position in government.”
Wufei, smiled his winning smile into the camera and answered in a slightly sugar-coated voice, “Well, I would ask them to look at my flourishing company, the unemployment rate that is now lower then it has been since before the war, and my popular support within the Asia Sector. If that does not convince them then they are going to have to simply watch my future actions and extrapolate their thoughts from there.”
The woman grinned and set her hand on Wufei’s shoulder. Heero felt slightly strained at that moment. He couldn’t possibly imagine being touched by a complete stranger at a bustling event such as this one, “Tell me Mr. Chang, are you currently seeing anyone?”
Wufei smirked, “Not that my personal life is any business of the publics, but no. Not at the moment.”
“Really?” The blonde woman motioned in front of the camera at Heero who looked directly at her, but did not move from next to Wufei, “Who might this handsome young blue-eyed gentleman be that is escorting you tonight?”
Wufei laid his hand on Heero’s shoulder, who tensed immediately at the contact in such an open location. If someone came out of the crowd his movement could be compromised. “This is my personal bodyguard and head of my security, Heero.” Wufei held on for two seconds longer before releasing him. “And I’m sorry to cut you short Ms., but I really must be going now. Have a good evening.”
“You as well Mr. Chang. Congratulations.”
“Thank you.” Wufei turned and continued to walk down the carpeted aisle. Heero stepped up behind him walking closely. Occasionally they both paused for a photograph as they headed into the giant auditorium, but Heero stayed as he was directed always within a foot of Wufei.
Finally they were inside, and the place was huge. There was a loud general buzz from the crowd sitting in the elaborately decorated auditorium of gold painted molding with deep red walls and velvet curtains. The stage was large and spacious with a podium standing directly front and center. Wufei led Heero to two open seats in the front row, where Heero sat down next to Wufei.
The seats were cushy. Almost uncomfortably so. Everything about this entire set up made him incredibly uneasy. The suit felt stiff on him and was definitely irregular. Wufei’s suit made him look like a politician ready to take on the world.
“Heero relax. This is not an Oz holding cell; it’s a celebratory event. I don’t need you to defend me. All I need you to do is sit here.” Heero nodded but still sat rigged. It was a good thing he was on the end of an aisle. Another person on his other side would have thrown him over the edge.
The lights dimmed in the massive auditorium and the ex-Ambassador Chao stepped up to the podium to give the opening preamble to welcoming Wufei.
“Welcome everyone. Tonight is a special event to…” Heero tuned him out. He was insignificant in this crowd. There were several exits and entrances and several high profile dignitaries that made this event the perfect target for assassins and bombs. Over a thousand people were behind them and his back itched with the knowledge and not being able to turn around.
A hand landed on his knee and he flinched slightly. It’s was Wufei’s hand. Wufei leaned in close to his ear, “Your leg was twitching and jumping. Calm down Heero. Everything will be fine in less then an hour.” Wufei pulled his hand back, holding Heero’s gaze for a brief second before turning his attention back to the stage.
Heero continued to stare, mesmerized by Wufei’s profile. He was so calm and confident and something in that brief gaze made him willing to relax slightly. Trusting Wufei’s words, Heero began attempting to forget the thousand people behind him. There was tight security and metal detectors at all the entrances. Wufei was right; there was no reason to be tense.
“Here he is.” Ambassador Chao was done, now Wufei was heading to the stage. Wufei rose gracefully amidst the applause and smiled broadly for the cameras that had been focused on him all night. Taking to the podium it was time for his speech. He was calm and looked determined, “Thank you all for selecting me as your next Ambassador to the Asia Sector…”
As he spoke there was silence over the crowd and everyone watched his every gesture. Wufei was truly charismatic when he needed to be. He spoke strongly and with conviction that captivated most. Hell, it echoed back to the first time he yelled at the other pilots. His features of course helped as he was considered to be one of the ESUN’s top bachelors according to the media feeds. Such dark eyes and hair. It was no wonder he was first selected to be the traditionalist movement’s ideal model.
The crowd was clapping, time to move on to the reception.
-------
The reception was not as suffocating and mind-numbing as it could have been. Relena was there, as was Quatre. Wufei was currently talking in the corner with Wufei rather closely and Relena was currently chatting with Heero.
Relena was doing fine, running the world from behind the scenes, but having people constantly thrust her into the spot light. She was much more mature then her war-time days and had admitted during the night that she had gotten over her crush on Heero, though he would always have a special place in her heart.
Heero accepted the statement and kept conversation brief, giving minimal answers when it was appropriate and watching Wufei the entire time. He didn’t know what he was supposed to be waiting for. Ten minutes ago Wufei had told Heero to stay with Relena and wait instead of following within a foot of him as he had been doing throughout the evening. Heero accepted the turn of events, but still didn’t know what he was supposed to be waiting for. Relena kept glancing at them out of the corner of her eye as well.
Suddenly she smirked deviously, it was a strange sight and Heero stared eyes riveted on her usually calm face. “Okay that’s the signal.” she whispered. Heero glanced over. Quatre had his hand on Wufei’s shoulder. Heero looked back at Relena with eyebrow quirked. She giggled, “This is so much fun! Like espionage! Okay, you go over there, cut in between those two and remove Quatre’s hand. From there grab Wufei’s right hand with your own and put your left hand on his lower back and guide him out onto the terrace. Got it?” Heero nodded and she winked before moving off to talk to other guests.
Heero passed quickly through the crows towards the two standing near the edge. The cameras were still following Wufei’s every action as he stood talking closely with Quatre. Heero frowned at the sight…the media could be so intrusive when there was nothing at all to report on. Heero did as he was told, scowl still on his face as the cameras flashed. He removed Quatre’s hand and cut in, taking Wufei away leading him by his hand and a soft push on his lower back.
Once they were out in the open air of the terrace and no one else was around Heero turned to Wufei who was looking at the star-filled sky. “Relena knows?” Heero grunted.
Wufei smirked at the deprecating tone, “Only occasionally.”
Heero was silent again looking at Wufei’s profile as he stared off into the distance; he seemed both peaceful and brooding at the same time. It was an odd contradiction that seemed to occur quite often around Wufei now days.
Heero spoke again, “What was the point of me taking you away?” Wufei turned to look at Heero, but did not appear to be seeing him.
“To cause a black mark on my seemingly spotless record.”
Wufei’s appearance was causing a sense of sadness in Heero. “I don’t understand.” Almost a heavy concern.
Wufei smirked, eyes refocusing on Heero’s face, “You wouldn’t would you?” Heero frowned at the offhanded remark, while Wufei glanced at his watch. Wufei’s voice brightened a little, “It is two am. Too early for a politician of my stature to go home, but I don’t mind. Let’s go Yuy. I’ll race you back to the limo, but we can’t be seen.”
Heero scowled at the sudden shift in conversation, “But the only exit is back through the ballroom.”
Wufei’s eyes glittered as he pushed up the sleeves of his two thousand dollar suit. He snickered, “Oh, come on now Yuy. Use a little imagination.”
With that Wufei propelled himself over the barrier and dropped ten feet below onto the soft dew covered grass and pelted off into the night.
Heero acted quickly vaulting over the barrier, and bolting after him, smirking as he went. If it was a challenge Wufei wanted it was a challenge he would get.
Author: Silverserpent
Pairings: 1x5
Rating: R
Warnings: yaoi, slash, swearing
Disclaimer: The characters are not mine. If you are not 18 you should not be reading this. You have been warned.
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Ch 16
________________________________________________________________________________
Heero hesitated as soon as he saw the flashes firing rapidly through the limousine’s open door. Maybe this was too much to handle. The suit was uncomfortable when he put it on and the tie was something that could so easily turn to a disadvantage. Someone could pull it and immediately start choking him...Who was the idiot that designed a piece of clothing that could cut off your air supply?
Wufei took one look at him and frowned, "Get out Yuy and come around to my side. Everything will be fine and stop looking like you’re about duck and run when Une is on the warpath about paper work."
Heero nodded and watched as Wufei gracefully slid out of the cars back seat. Taking that as his cue, Heero got out of the car rapidly and went around to the other side of the car. Standing next to Wufei he shut the door and turned to face the crowd.
It was similar to the red carpet shows that Duo liked to watch. There were people packed all around a barrier trying to snap a photo of every face that the new arrival gave. Further along the carpet were several people posing and a couple being interviewed by the camera men down the line.
Wufei stepped forward, which kicked Heero into motion. Just stick within a foot of Wufei's back. School the features to neutrality. Do not talk to anyone. He could do this.
People were yelling questions from all sides and pictures were being snapped constantly. Wufei just kept a slow steady pace with his small fake smile in place. He was the main attraction after all considering it was for him being an ambassador to the Asia Sector.
He stopped and Heero focused in at the object that was being thrust towards Wufei. His arm twitched as he was preparing to grab it before recognizing it as a microphone. There was a video camera recording them as well. Don't talk. He stepped an inch closer to Wufei’s shoulder.
The blonde woman holding the mic spoke in a loud highly annoying voice, "So Mr. Chang, You will soon be announced as the new ambassador to the Asia Sector are you excited?"
“Very. I have big plans for the Asia sector’s revitalization as well as the Earth Sphere’s overall reconstruction.”
She smiled at him and boldly continued pressing, “Yes, we do expect great things from you at your new post. Tell me, what would you say to the critics at this moment? Particularly the ones that say you are both too young and inexperienced to be suitable for such a position in government.”
Wufei, smiled his winning smile into the camera and answered in a slightly sugar-coated voice, “Well, I would ask them to look at my flourishing company, the unemployment rate that is now lower then it has been since before the war, and my popular support within the Asia Sector. If that does not convince them then they are going to have to simply watch my future actions and extrapolate their thoughts from there.”
The woman grinned and set her hand on Wufei’s shoulder. Heero felt slightly strained at that moment. He couldn’t possibly imagine being touched by a complete stranger at a bustling event such as this one, “Tell me Mr. Chang, are you currently seeing anyone?”
Wufei smirked, “Not that my personal life is any business of the publics, but no. Not at the moment.”
“Really?” The blonde woman motioned in front of the camera at Heero who looked directly at her, but did not move from next to Wufei, “Who might this handsome young blue-eyed gentleman be that is escorting you tonight?”
Wufei laid his hand on Heero’s shoulder, who tensed immediately at the contact in such an open location. If someone came out of the crowd his movement could be compromised. “This is my personal bodyguard and head of my security, Heero.” Wufei held on for two seconds longer before releasing him. “And I’m sorry to cut you short Ms., but I really must be going now. Have a good evening.”
“You as well Mr. Chang. Congratulations.”
“Thank you.” Wufei turned and continued to walk down the carpeted aisle. Heero stepped up behind him walking closely. Occasionally they both paused for a photograph as they headed into the giant auditorium, but Heero stayed as he was directed always within a foot of Wufei.
Finally they were inside, and the place was huge. There was a loud general buzz from the crowd sitting in the elaborately decorated auditorium of gold painted molding with deep red walls and velvet curtains. The stage was large and spacious with a podium standing directly front and center. Wufei led Heero to two open seats in the front row, where Heero sat down next to Wufei.
The seats were cushy. Almost uncomfortably so. Everything about this entire set up made him incredibly uneasy. The suit felt stiff on him and was definitely irregular. Wufei’s suit made him look like a politician ready to take on the world.
“Heero relax. This is not an Oz holding cell; it’s a celebratory event. I don’t need you to defend me. All I need you to do is sit here.” Heero nodded but still sat rigged. It was a good thing he was on the end of an aisle. Another person on his other side would have thrown him over the edge.
The lights dimmed in the massive auditorium and the ex-Ambassador Chao stepped up to the podium to give the opening preamble to welcoming Wufei.
“Welcome everyone. Tonight is a special event to…” Heero tuned him out. He was insignificant in this crowd. There were several exits and entrances and several high profile dignitaries that made this event the perfect target for assassins and bombs. Over a thousand people were behind them and his back itched with the knowledge and not being able to turn around.
A hand landed on his knee and he flinched slightly. It’s was Wufei’s hand. Wufei leaned in close to his ear, “Your leg was twitching and jumping. Calm down Heero. Everything will be fine in less then an hour.” Wufei pulled his hand back, holding Heero’s gaze for a brief second before turning his attention back to the stage.
Heero continued to stare, mesmerized by Wufei’s profile. He was so calm and confident and something in that brief gaze made him willing to relax slightly. Trusting Wufei’s words, Heero began attempting to forget the thousand people behind him. There was tight security and metal detectors at all the entrances. Wufei was right; there was no reason to be tense.
“Here he is.” Ambassador Chao was done, now Wufei was heading to the stage. Wufei rose gracefully amidst the applause and smiled broadly for the cameras that had been focused on him all night. Taking to the podium it was time for his speech. He was calm and looked determined, “Thank you all for selecting me as your next Ambassador to the Asia Sector…”
As he spoke there was silence over the crowd and everyone watched his every gesture. Wufei was truly charismatic when he needed to be. He spoke strongly and with conviction that captivated most. Hell, it echoed back to the first time he yelled at the other pilots. His features of course helped as he was considered to be one of the ESUN’s top bachelors according to the media feeds. Such dark eyes and hair. It was no wonder he was first selected to be the traditionalist movement’s ideal model.
The crowd was clapping, time to move on to the reception.
-------
The reception was not as suffocating and mind-numbing as it could have been. Relena was there, as was Quatre. Wufei was currently talking in the corner with Wufei rather closely and Relena was currently chatting with Heero.
Relena was doing fine, running the world from behind the scenes, but having people constantly thrust her into the spot light. She was much more mature then her war-time days and had admitted during the night that she had gotten over her crush on Heero, though he would always have a special place in her heart.
Heero accepted the statement and kept conversation brief, giving minimal answers when it was appropriate and watching Wufei the entire time. He didn’t know what he was supposed to be waiting for. Ten minutes ago Wufei had told Heero to stay with Relena and wait instead of following within a foot of him as he had been doing throughout the evening. Heero accepted the turn of events, but still didn’t know what he was supposed to be waiting for. Relena kept glancing at them out of the corner of her eye as well.
Suddenly she smirked deviously, it was a strange sight and Heero stared eyes riveted on her usually calm face. “Okay that’s the signal.” she whispered. Heero glanced over. Quatre had his hand on Wufei’s shoulder. Heero looked back at Relena with eyebrow quirked. She giggled, “This is so much fun! Like espionage! Okay, you go over there, cut in between those two and remove Quatre’s hand. From there grab Wufei’s right hand with your own and put your left hand on his lower back and guide him out onto the terrace. Got it?” Heero nodded and she winked before moving off to talk to other guests.
Heero passed quickly through the crows towards the two standing near the edge. The cameras were still following Wufei’s every action as he stood talking closely with Quatre. Heero frowned at the sight…the media could be so intrusive when there was nothing at all to report on. Heero did as he was told, scowl still on his face as the cameras flashed. He removed Quatre’s hand and cut in, taking Wufei away leading him by his hand and a soft push on his lower back.
Once they were out in the open air of the terrace and no one else was around Heero turned to Wufei who was looking at the star-filled sky. “Relena knows?” Heero grunted.
Wufei smirked at the deprecating tone, “Only occasionally.”
Heero was silent again looking at Wufei’s profile as he stared off into the distance; he seemed both peaceful and brooding at the same time. It was an odd contradiction that seemed to occur quite often around Wufei now days.
Heero spoke again, “What was the point of me taking you away?” Wufei turned to look at Heero, but did not appear to be seeing him.
“To cause a black mark on my seemingly spotless record.”
Wufei’s appearance was causing a sense of sadness in Heero. “I don’t understand.” Almost a heavy concern.
Wufei smirked, eyes refocusing on Heero’s face, “You wouldn’t would you?” Heero frowned at the offhanded remark, while Wufei glanced at his watch. Wufei’s voice brightened a little, “It is two am. Too early for a politician of my stature to go home, but I don’t mind. Let’s go Yuy. I’ll race you back to the limo, but we can’t be seen.”
Heero scowled at the sudden shift in conversation, “But the only exit is back through the ballroom.”
Wufei’s eyes glittered as he pushed up the sleeves of his two thousand dollar suit. He snickered, “Oh, come on now Yuy. Use a little imagination.”
With that Wufei propelled himself over the barrier and dropped ten feet below onto the soft dew covered grass and pelted off into the night.
Heero acted quickly vaulting over the barrier, and bolting after him, smirking as he went. If it was a challenge Wufei wanted it was a challenge he would get.