Peacecraft smiled as he looked through his magic orb.

"So, Solo Churchill is dead. It happened sooner than I'd have expected. And now.. for the rest of my plan to come into play."

Evil laughter filled the room and died out as both the wicked man and his castle faded into the distance.

"Duo! Duo!" Quatre shouted through an open window, "Duo, I'm not kidding! Get in here!"

"Leave him alone." Wufei called numbly, "It isn't like he's gotten himself into trouble." Wufei sipped his coffee and turned the pages of his book.

Trowa came down the stairs, his eyes drawn into a scornful look, "What's going on down here?"

Quatre smiled at his friend came done the stairs of the cottage, "It's Duo. He's missing again."

"Oh for the love of..." Trowa let his voice trail off as he came into the front room and opened the door. "I guess I'll go look for him."

"Today's his sixteenth birthday, Trowa. We don't have to worry anymore. We finally get to drop the kid off with his parents and get on with our lives as accomplished bachelors."

"Wufei," Quatre turned sternly, "Until tomorrow's dawn Duo is still in danger. We're not taking any chances."

Wufei pushed his chair back and sighed, "Whatever. Listen, you two can worry about him all you want but I'm going to take a nap."

"As you wish. If Duo comes back here, be sure to see that he stays here." Trowa called as he and Quatre exited the door.

"Alright, alright. Get out of here."

The door closed. Wufei suppressed a chuckle as he half ran the rest of the way upstairs. He tapped on the top of the laundry basket, "The coast is clear."

The top of the hamper opened wide and a pair of boxers popped out. Wufei shook his head and pulled the underwear off the hidden head revealing long chestnut hair and two large amethyst eyes that blinked wildly at him. Wufei put his hands on his hips and forced a frown, "Exactly _why_did I have to trick them this time?" he asked.

The sixteen year old boy leapt out of the laundry and shook the static clinging socks from his shirt.

Duo smiled brightly, "Cause it's my birthday! Consider this your gift to me!"

"Not good enough."

"Alright then. Because...," Duo said cheerfully, "I want to go into the town again! Trowa-san and Quatre-sama would never let me go! While they're out looking in the forest, I can go shopping."

"You mean stealing, " Wufei said, crossing his arms over his chest, "You know I'm against this completely."

"Come on. You know I love ya like a brother! And I know you feel the same for me or you wouldn't have helped me. So just keep up the big brother act and keep "mom" and "dad" away for a few more hours. Okay?"

Wufei chuckled, "I hate you. You know that, don't you?"

Duo smiled and nodded, "But you'll keep them away, right?"

He sighed and waved the energetic boy away, "Yeah, yeah. Get going or I'll end up changing my mind."

Duo hugged Wufei tightly, much to the surprise of the other man, and ran down the stairs, "Arigato, Wu-chan! I'll never forget this! I owe ya big time!"

"Damn straight now get the hell out of here!" Wufei heard the door slam and smiled soundly to himself, "Just be careful and stay safe my little prince." he whispered to himself. Damn, the kid really had a tendency to grow on people. Duo hadn't been to wrong about their "family" roles either. Over the years it became very easy to determine and categorize the three of them into family roles. Quatre, the most effeminate of the three- just- fairy- men- who- just- happen- to- have- magical- powers- and- wings- but- are- in- no- way- effeminate- unless- you- count- the- blonde- one (thus the title change on the end) had become a mother to the growing boy, there to cook for him and take care of him. Trowa had become a fatherly figure, his seriousness and dedication to the assignment keeping him emotionally detached yet not without concern, however little it was. And himself.. Wufei smiled. A brother. He'd tried to do as Trowa had done. He'd tried to keep the child's smile from reaching his heart but he'd failed. In the end, he'd fallen in love.

What a twisted turn of fate. He was hired to keep the young prince from love and he ended up loving the prince. With a saddened frown now hung from his features, Wufei retreated to his room. Duo was sixteen and he'd be leaving them now. Would he ever think back to the past twelve years? Wufei didn't know. Could the prince ever return his feelings? Sadly, he knew that neither. Somehow, depression always seemed to make him sleepy. With a heavy heart, Wufei sank into his bed and slept soundlessly, tormented by dreams of a love which could never be.

Duo entered the crowded roads of the town with a sly smile on his face. He loved the exhilaration of going against Quatre-sama and Trowa-san orders. It was always, "Stay out of town." or "Don't go beyond the briar patch". Sometimes, they were real weird about silly things like that. For the most part of his life, he'd seen no one but the three men he lived with. The first time he'd met a stranger in the wheat fields had sent him screaming! At least Wufei had been kind enough to explain things to him. He should have known there would be other people in the world. Duo dodged a cart and ambled quickly towards some expensive looking merchandise in the store windows. It was wrong to steal. He knew that. But it wasn't every day that he turned sixteen. The store clerk would surely have invited him to take anything he wanted if he knew it. With that, Duo entered the store. What to take.. uh.. give to himself? He wasn't much on jewelry so he quickly passed that isle. Next was bake goods and he was sure he'd already be getting a cake from Quatre-sama. No need to spoil his appetite. Next were toys like slingshots and rubber band guns. He was sixteen though today and far to old for toys... well...er.. maybe he could hold off on growing up till tomorrow. He reached out a hand towards the toys before him and saw a seven-year-old rush up beside him to marvel at the same things.

"Wow! Look at those! Hey Mister. do you know how much they are?"

Duo looked around and sweat dropped when he realized the only 'Mister.' around was himself, "Uh.. no can't say that I do."

On second though. Maybe I will grow up today. Leaving the toy isle, Duo came across the hair and cosmetics row. His hands immediately went for his long braid. He wasn't so sure about the cosmetics but he could certainly go for something better than the piece of twine that held this hair in its customary fashion. Mind made up, Duo stepped quickly down the row till the hair bobbles came into view. Reds, pinks, greens... none of which were quite his style. A single, medium sized black one with the gold cross charm was very appealing though. Very. His eyes glazed over at he beautiful sight, his mind already picturing how fitting it would look at the end of his braid. He took it in hand and smiled before slipping it into his pocket. Shopping complete, Duo though as he whistled a happy tune and made his way towards the door.

"Hey, you didn't pay for that!" someone shouted angrily.

Duo turned to see the store manager glaring at him. Oopse...

Duo didn't bother to reply. Instead, he dashed toward the opened store door and into the roads... only to end up face to face with a horse.

"Neeeeaah!"

"Ahhh!"

Duo fell backwards to the ground, starring up as the horse reared, threatening to trample him where he stood.

"Easy, easy!" the rider shouted, pulling back on the reins hard enough to pull the horse to the side and away from the fallen boy. The man took off his feathered hat and looked down at the stranger he'd almost run over.

"Thank goodness you caught him!" someone shouted. The man turned to see a storeowner shouting furiously, "Thief! How dare you think to steel from me!"

A thief, eh? "What has he stolen?" the man asked.

The store owner looked curiously at him, "Why don't you ask him!"

Duo's face felt hot and he ducked his head between his shoulder, "It's just a hair tie." he said, pulling it out of his pocket and showing it to all who gathered around.

The man on the horse frowned, "Is that all?" he took out a gold coin and flipped it toward the store owner, "This should take care of the hair tie."

"Yes, but he's still going to pay for his crime. Your money doesn't change the fact that he stole it."

"It's because of the King Darlian that you people are made to suffer poverty in the first place. This boy wouldn't be in the position to steal such novelties like hair ties if King Churchill were still in charge over these lands."

A collective gasp rang though the growing crowd.

"Hm," he ignored the response to his words and looked to the boy on the ground, extended his hand to him, "Well? Are you going to get up or not?"

Duo accepted his hand and pulled himself to his feet, wrapping his arms around the other's neck as soon as his feet were planted beneath him, "Thank you!"

The store owner was aghast and pointed a finger at the man with the horse, "Just who do you think you are, speaking such blasphemy!"

The man still locked in Duo's arms turned his stony face towards him "I am Prince Heero of the Yuy Kingdom."

Duo blinked like mad, unable to believe his ears, and let go of the prince's neck. A Prince had just saved his hide? Wow! Talk about your lucky day! If things keep going like this, maybe I'll get to keep the pretty hair tie!

"I'm sorry, your highness," the owner said as he bowed, "I didn't recognize you."

Heero nodded but was concentrating on pulling the strange young man off him. He turned his head and was suddenly frozen. Those eyes.... he'd seen them somewhere before. He knew it. But where?

"Um... Thank for uh.. savin' me! The name's Duo."

Duo? How odd... yet familiar as well. Why did he feel he knew this boy?

"Yes, well, would you mind letting me go?" Heero asked, emotionlessly.

Duo blushed and let go of the man, looking to his hand where the tie lay still clutched, 'Well.. uh.. here." he said, handing it to him.

Heero looked at the outstretched hand, "What do I need that for?"

"You bought it."

"Only because I almost killed you. My debt is now repaid. Besides, I've no need for it.. as I see you do." he said, noting the long chestnut braid that hung over the boys back.

Duo smiled, "So I can keep it?"

The store owner seemed to tense but kept his protest to himself.

"Hm." Heero said, which Duo took for a yes and quickly tied the gift in place.

"Thanks again! Wow, a birthday present from a prince! How lucky can a guy get!" Duo smiled and waved to the storeowner, "I'll see ya later! Maybe I'll bring money next time!" he shouted over his shoulder as he headed into the woods.

"If you come near my store again, I'll hang you by that ridiculous braid!"

Duo turned and stuck his tongue out at the man with one lower eye lid pulled down.

Prince Heero, who now sat uncomfortably atop his horse, shook his head at the scene, "I'll escort him home and make sure his parents are well aware of your warning."

The store owner bowed to him and reentered his store, mumbling curses under his breath.

Duo, on the other hand, was mortified beyond words. Quatre and Trowa could NOT know about this! He'd be better off in jail.. or dead! "Uh.. listen, that's great and all but.. um.. that's not such a good idea." Duo said as he walked backwards, away from the prince. Heero road beside him slowly, "And why not?"

"I.. uh.. haven't any parents."

Heero raised a skeptical brow, "Hm?"

"I'm an orphan. Really." Duo found himself walking forward now, the town behind the two of them and the trees separating them from both his home, "So.. uh... there really isn't a reason for you to come all the way to the glenn just to see me home."

Heero was silent.

"...Yeah. Okay. I'm going to take that as a 'I understand now get out of here' silence and do just that. Sayonara!" Duo ran from the horse ridding prince and turned to see no change in the man's speed or direction. Guess the guy really didn't want to follow me home. Pity. He's kinda cute.... not that I'm gay or anything though!! No.. uh.. yeah. Duo ran all the way to the edge of the glenn where the wheat grew tall and wild. Looking both ways to make sure neither Quatre or Trowa were near, Duo quickly scurried towards his house. In no time at all he was back in his comfortable surroundings and free of the strange prince.

"Well?"

Duo turned, his eyes focusing on Trowa and Quatre who sat in front of the door, neither looking very pleased with him. Oh shit...

"Where have you been?" Trowa asked, his gaze stern and unfeeling.

Duo gulped, "Um.. in the forest, hiding in the trees."

Quatre turned to Trowa, "I told you, didn't I? I knew he was doing this on purpose!"

Trowa shook his head, "We searched every part of the forest and didn't see you once."

"Give me a little more credit! I'm better at sneaking around than you think!" Sneaking out is probably a more appropriate term...

Duo prayed he hadn't heard a horse in the background but the sounds of the stallion were heard again. Quatre looked around, questioningly.

"Uh.. I just remembered... I forgot to thresh the wheat this morning! I'll go do that right now!"

Trowa and Quatre looked at him oddly, "Since when have you been so eager to do your chores?"

Since there's a guy on a horse outside whose going to get me in trouble if I don't get out there and stop him. "Well, being my birthday and all, I thought it was time for me to become more responsible!" Not exactly a lie. I did pass up that rubber band gun after all.

"Being your birthday and all, I think you can forget your chores for one day," Quatre said sweetly.

Oh no.... don't go soft on me now! "No, I really need to do my chores."

Trowa shook his head, "I don't want you to thresh the wheat today, Duo. I want you to stay inside."

Not you too! "NO!"

Trowa and Quatre looked startled and Wufei appeared from above the stairs suddenly, gulping at the sight below.

Duo blushed and smiled, "I mean.. no. Heh heh.. my mind's made up. I'll be done in a minute." Duo grabbed his scythe shaped tool and marched out the door, quickly shutting it before anyone could see past and to the man in the distance. Duo ran towards him, seeing a shadow of a smile on Heero's face at his distress.

"What the hell are you doing?!" he shouted, waving the sharp object in hand.

Heero stepped back cautiously, having dismounted, "You said you lived in the glenn so I came to the glenn."

"Wha- Why are you here? I told you I don't have any parents for you to rat on me to."

Heero shrugged, "I didn't come here to 'rat' on you. I just followed my emotions and they lead me to follow you. You reminded me of someone."

Duo smiled, confused, "Huh... you still didn't answer my question. What are you doing here?" he asked, pointing his tool in Heero's face.

"Your name's Duo, right?"

Duo's mouth dropped in surprise, "Are you oblivious to the fact you have a potentially deadly weapon being waved in your face?"

Heero pushed it to the side and moved closer to Duo, eyes focused on his, "I don't know any Duo's. Strange name."

"Hello!? Are you paying any attention to me at all?"

Heero grabbed Duo's braid and sneered, "Are you listening to me?"

Okay, recap. This guys a prince who saved me in town and is now practically interrogating me cause I have a funny name... can I add that he's incredibly good looking? Not that I'm gay or anything.... um.. yeah.

"I'm listening. I'm listening. Yeah, Duo. Duo Maxwell. I run, I hide, but I never lie."

Heero let go of his braid and sat down on the grass, "I feel like I know you. Your eyes... I've never met anyone with violet eyes before. Only once..." Heero's thought trailed off.

Duo sighed and sat on the ground as well, "What happened to this person? Why do you think I'm them?"

Heero shook his head, "I don't think you're him. You just remind me of him for some reason. Your braid ... those eyes.. He died when I was very young."

Duo gasped, uncertain as to how else to react. This guy who he hardly knew was pouring out his heart to him! Duo rested a hand on his shoulder and leaned in to kiss his cheek. Heero's eyes fluttered wide at the soft touch of his lips. When the feather light touch left him, he looked at the hand and then at Duo, his eyes narrowed in their customary style, "What are you doing?"

Duo sighed, "Someone once told me that a kiss can make everything feel better. I don't know why I just remembered that." he felt uneasy under those prussian eyes, "Guess I shouldn't have done that, huh?"

Heero's face softened slightly, "You really are a lot like him. Back in the streets, when you hugged me.... Solo did that once. He said, "Thank you."... just like you did."

Duo fluttered his eyes, "Solo? His name was Solo?"

Heero nodded, "Yeah. Solo Churchill. They say his death was an omen of things to come. That year, the king and queen died and the noble family the Darlian's took over. From that day on, poverty and unhappiness spread over the land. It never stopped me. Everyday till I was ten.. I went to the castle and asked if Solo could come out and play." he turned towards Duo, a frown on his face, "Well? Can I get a kiss for that story too?"

Duo was speechless. Oh my God.. did he just....he did! Duo blushed and leaned in to kiss the prince again, on the other cheek. This was getting.. a little weird but he wasn't about to complain.

Heero gave half a smile, "So, what about you? Why did you steal that hair tie? There's plenty of more expensive thing in the store to risk your freedom on."

Duo nodded, "I didn't need anything expensive. I've got all I need."

"Except for a pretty hair tie?"

"Except that." Duo nodded, feeling more comfortable in the stranger's presence.

Heero pulled at some wheat stalks with his hands, "You said you're an orphan. Do you know anything about your family?"

"Nope," Duo said with a smile, "Never really cared to find out. I live with some great guys and have since before I can remember. They're all the family I need."

"Some.. guys?" Heero asked. What was this, some kind of out of sight gay resort?

Duo seemed to fallow his train of thought, "Oh no! No no no no no! It's not like that! Well... I don't know about Quatre, the slightly effeminate one... What is prate anyways?"

Heero shrugged his shoulders, "I don't know."

"DUO!"

The said boy jumped to his feet, "Shit! It's him! Shit shit shit!"

Heero watched his new.. friend?.. jump around frantically, "They can't find you here!" Duo whispered.

"Why not?"

"Cause I'm not allowed to meet people!"

Heero raised a brow skeptically, "That's.. odd."

"That's why I snuck into town and why you can NEVER come to my house!"

"So, you don't want to see me again?" Heero asked, sounding slightly hurt.

Duo opened his mouth and shut it promptly. Did he want to see him again? Hell yeah! He was absolutely gorgeous and there was just something about him! He wasn't gay though or anything... um.. yeah. "No, no I do. Just not here."

Heero stood and mounted his horse, "Tonight I'm holding a party. Can you come?"

Duo shook his head, "I told you. I'm not aloud to go anywhere where there's people."

"Like town?" Heero asked jokingly, his face never breaking through the mask of scorn.

Duo got the hint, "Okay.. yeah.. I'll try to sneak out." Heero pulled on the reins and turned his horse around.

"Oi, Heero?"

The prince turned his head, "Hm?"

Duo looked at his feet, "Um... why did you tell me all those things about you.. and let me kiss you?"

Heero smiled, "Something in your eyes made me know I could trust you. And I once believed that a kiss could make anything feel better too."

Duo smiled and watched as the prince road off.

"DUO!"

He sighed and grabbed his things before turning towards the house, "I'm right here!" he shouted, making his way back towards the house, wondering how he would explain how in all the time he'd been outside, he'd not cut a single strand of wheat.

A lone raven leaned over the tall branches of a tree overlooking the forest glenn and the fresh patch of grass stumbled upon by a royal stallion. Prince Yuy and... Golden eyes glared at the retreating boy with the long braid. Solo? The raven cawed loudly, disbelief and surprise ringing in its head. The great Peacecraft would be interested in learning of this twist of fate. He'd once foretold of a forbidden love between Yuy and Churchill, a secret he'd kept to himself. His spells, his curses, all in order to prevent this match. It interfered with his plans. But now.... Peacecraft would be very interested in learning about this. Yes, indeed. The raven left it's perch and flew on towards the south, towards it's masters dark kingdom.