Sweetromance » A Matter of Good Sense

Chapter Fourteen: Passion

Fri, 26 Dec 2008 20:14:12 +0000

Table of contents for A Matter of Good Sense

This story is dedicated to Lili for her kindness and her wonderful support. Thanks so much, my dear!

I make no claim to any of the Gundam Wing characters. This story is written for my, and hopefully others’ enjoyment and not for monetary profit.

This chapter is unbetaed so please excuse any mistakes

A Matter of Good Sense
by Michalyn
Chapter Fourteen: Passion

Notes: I’m sorry this chapter took so long. The past few months have been some of the hardest I’ve had in a long time. I’ve been quite sick and I just couldn’t find the energy or inspiration to write. Still, I have been looking forward to this chapter for a long while so I hope you’ll forgive me if it’s a little indulgent.

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Though they were more than halfway through autumn, the day was unseasonably warm. Treize wiped the sweat inching down his forehead with the corner of his sleeve. The cloak he’d worn earlier this morning was rolled into a tight bundle in front of him, rendered useless by the heat. Treize had just returned from his daily rounds and a sparring session with Heero. Tired, with the afternoon sun beating down on him and a half hour ride still between him and the palace, Treize was not eager to spend more time in the blistering heat. He was not the only one suffering; a lather of sweat foamed Porphyro’s flanks.

Treize veered off the path towards the shaded watering hole he knew was nearby to give the horse a drink. He dismounted, and as he moved to tether Porphyro to a tree, Treize suddenly realized he was not alone. There, on the eastern bank was Wufei’s own horse and beside it, the small familiar figure of Treize’s husband. Wufei had tossed his tunic onto the grass and he was bare-chested. He was left in loose trousers belted at the waist with a thick band of cloth. Just like Treize, it seemed Wufei had sought refuge from the heat and had abandoned the scorching palace courtyard where he usually practiced for the shade of the trees. He moved now in a series of lightning fast moves, which took Treize’s breath away.

Wufei struck out viciously at his invisible opponent. In the same fluid motion he spun off the ground in a roundhouse kick before landing and rapidly repeating a number of specialized jabs. Sweat poured down his back, forehead and chest, making his skin gleam with moisture but Wufei persisted, driving his body to the very limits of endurance and beyond. His braid slapped against his skin with each movement and dark silky wisps escaped his hair tie, clinging to his face in wet tendrils.

Treize’s only experience with Wufei’s training had not been a pleasant one and apart from the knowledge that it made his husband a dangerous man to contend with, he did not know much about the discipline the younger man so revered. He was not sure what he thought Wufei’s exercises entailed, but he had not anticipated such an exquisite display of skill and grace. Wufei’s movements were intricate and as rhythmic as a dancer’s. Treize found them beautiful. He watched transfixed, retreating to the shadows, lest he interrupt the choreography, or worse, chase his husband away.

Treize did not know how long he stood there, straining to catch every movement but Wufei finally stilled. The younger man was breathing heavily and he paused to take a drink from the water skin hanging from his saddle. Treize had hung back to avoid disturbing Wufei, but now that his husband was done, he was wary of giving him any more reason to mistrust him and he stepped forward to announce his presence.

He did not get very far.

On his side of the lake, completely unaware of Treize, Wufei was loosening his hair. He took off his shoes then his hands went to his belt.

Treize gasped as Wufei’s pants dropped around his ankles. His mouth went dry as Wufei unwound his loincloth and set it aside. All of Treize’s pent up desire from the past few weeks flared to life and he was instantly hard. He trembled, seized by a sudden fever. He knew he should turn away and leave but after being unable to even touch Wufei, seeing him like this was too much.

Wufei was even more beautiful than he remembered. His muscles were sleek and taut, his buttocks perfectly round and tight. The dark fall of his hair stirred in the sluggish breeze, caressing Wufei’s body just as Treize wished he could. When Wufei entered the lake, the water brushing up to his thighs, Treize couldn’t help looking there, following the ascent of the water to Wufei’s genitals.

Stifling a groan, Treize stepped out into the clearing. He was only a man, a man with human desires and his need for Wufei was a fire burning in his veins. It was not so much lust as a primal hunger to be with the man who filled his every waking thought and haunted his dreams. Was it so wrong to want to hold him? Treize did not think. He simply removed his own clothes and entered the lake.

For a moment, everything was still as Wufei bathed himself, leaning back to dip his hair in the water, but Treize’s splashing alerted him and he spun around.

“Treize! What are you doing here?” he growled.

” The same thing as you, I’d wager. It was hot so I stopped to give Porphyro a drink. I didn’t expect to find you here.”

Wufei flushed, crossing his arms in front of himself. He was obviously self-conscious and had put a marked distance between himself and Treize. He also sank lower in the water. “I’ll be out of here shortly,” he insisted, yet made no move to leave.

Treize guessed his dilemma and for the first time he was grateful for his husband’s shyness. Wufei would not willingly bathe with him, but getting out would mean exposing himself to Treize, which was even more intolerable from Wufei’s perspective. From Treize’s perspective, it meant a little more time with his husband, even though he might not be able to touch him. Treize swam closer.

“Don’t leave on my account. It’s beautiful out here and the lake is big enough for both of us, don’t you think?”

Wufei nodded stiffly and Treize sighed, his passion fading as he was confronted with the extent of his husband’s distaste for him.

“Relax, Kala. I won’t do anything you don’t want me to.”

Wufei swallowed; his jaw clenched for a moment. Finally, he said: “Where were you coming from when you stopped here? Have there been any new leads on the attack that occurred a few weeks ago?”

Treize was speechless for a moment. Wufei was actually making idle conversation with him? A warm feeling spread inside of him, inspired by the spark of hope burning in his breast.

“Ah,” he stammered, “I was training with Heero. As for the attack, unfortunately we’ve made no progress. We know it’s Mueller, but we’ve got nothing concrete we can use against him. That means all we can do is strengthen our defense. Right now, Heero and Lord Maxwell have been working with the soldiers to accomplish that. I visited the armory today and I can already see the improvements in the men’s techniques. Truth be told, I’m surprised at how well Yuy and Maxwell work together. An unlikely pair if I ever saw one, but they seem to have become friends.”

“Well, they are both fighting men and Duo was not born into the nobility. He has always preferred the company of soldiers to the court. They’re different but they may have more in common than meets the eye.”

“Yes, I suppose you’re quite right.” Treize cupped a handful of water and let it spill through his fingers. The droplets plopped into the water, creating a wave of intersecting ripples. “You seem to know Lord Maxwell very well,” he murmured, without looking up.

Wufei nodded, twisting the hank of his hair over his shoulder and squeezing the water from it. “I guess you could say we grew up together though we were never close as children. For a long time he was just one of the many orphans sold to the army, but he was skilled and quickly caught the attention of the captains. The courtiers noticed him too, but for a different reason altogether.” Wufei looked up. “Duo had stuck mostly to the soldiers quarters before that, but afterwards he became a familiar face around the palace as he was involved in one affair after another. I … I never thought of it until now but I don’t know how many of those were willing,” Wufei murmured, a frown darkening his brow.

Treize could just imagine. An orphaned boy did not have any power against a nobleman who set his eyes upon him, especially not when that nobleman could make or break his career at a single word. He turned to Wufei. “And now? Are you and he good friends?”

A rare smile played about Wufei’s lips. “Yes … yes I think we have become that,” he said softly.

“Is that so?” Something twisted inside of Treize. That smile said it all. He had guessed but had not wanted to believe that Wufei’s affections might belong to another. Was it already too late for them? Treize remembered the yearning he’d seen in Wufei’s face after they’d eaten dinner. That was not a look of a man in love with his rival, he told himself fiercely. He did not care how many noblemen Maxwell had bedded. Treize was not going to allow him to steal Wufei away from him. He would do whatever it took to make sure of that.

While Treize was lost in his musings, Wufei squeezed the excess water from his hair. “Well, I better go. I still need to review the minutes of this week’s council meeting,” he said.

“All right.” Treize was disappointed but he did not let it show. He turned away, allowing Wufei to exit without any awkwardness. Treize heard the younger man pause. Wufei murmured a soft “thank you” and then there was the splashing of the water as he headed towards the bank. Treize waited until he thought his husband was dressed before turning around once more so he could also leave the lake.

Wufei was already climbing onto his mount by the time Treize pulled on his clothes and the older man was surprised when Wufei did not ride away but instead waited for Treize to untether Porphyro.

“Should we ride back together?” he asked gruffly.

Treize’s eyebrows shot to his hairline. He leapt onto Porphyro in one smooth movement, his heart bursting with emotion. He wanted to tell Wufei that he would follow him to Eires and back if he asked him to but he didn’t. Instead, Treize rode up to Wufei with a smile. “Lead the way.”

Wufei nodded. He touched his heels to Nataku’s flank and led them out into the sunlight together.

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Later that evening, Treize found Wufei in the garden. In the weeks since their dinner together, it seemed his husband had begun spending more time outside, frequently taking his evening meals there as well. Sometimes Maxwell would join him, but most times Wufei was alone. He never visted during the day. It was only when night had fallen that he could be seen sitting amongst the flowers. Treize often watched him from the study window and though they were apart, the sight of Wufei wandering beneath his window gave Treize a sense of quiet companionship that was missing from their daily interactions.

Treize was still surprised at how much Wufei enjoyed Rossettian evenings. Even with all of Quatre’s talk about Wufei’s affinity for night, Treize could not imagine that anyone raised under Eires’ twin suns would be comfortable in darkness, and yet, Wufei sought it out like a long lost friend. Sometimes, when Treize looked up from his papers, he would find that he’d completely lost sight of him, for Wufei lingered where the shadows were deepest and he took shelter under the darkest eaves. It gave Treize pause. He didn’t trust magick but he had already accepted that he could not ignore it. If Wufei was indeed a child of darkness, what must it have been like to be born in a place that automatically denied such an essential part of himself? His husband was still a mystery to him, but every night Wufei spent in the garden gave Treize a little more insight into at least one part of his lover’s pain.

Tonight, though, Treize wasn’t content to watch. Something in the air called to him; or maybe it was just the memory of the lake which pushed him forward. Whatever it was, Treize found himself abandoning his papers (he could not concentrate anyway) and going downstairs. A little twilight gray still lingered in the sky so Wufei had not ventured far. He was sitting on one of the marble benches that dotted the well-manicured lawns. Treize was always hesitant to approach since he could not count on being welcomed. Right then Wufei looked so deep in thought that he began questioning whether he’d been too rash in deciding to disturb him. Treize was still hovering on the verge of indecision when Wufei turned his way.

“Treize?” He didn’t appear annoyed, merely puzzled.

Treize stepped forward. “Ah … well … my apologies for interrupting. I just thought… I saw you outside and it occurred to me how beautiful it was out here. I thought I would come to enjoy it a bit.” Treize cleared his throat and stammered. His last sentence was left hanging like a question. To his own ears he sounded foolish and uncertain. Had he really been reduced to such clumsiness? He could charm any man it seemed except the one who mattered. Treize was still berating himself and had already prepared himself for a rebuff when Wufei blinked and shrugged.

“Oh,” he murmured.

He didn’t make room for Treize on the bench beside him but he did not turn him away either. Treize decided to take his chances. “May I sit?” he asked quietly.

Wufei scooted over. Now that he was close, Treize could see that despite his cloak Wufei was shivering. It had cooled down since the afternoon but not nearly enough to be chilly. At least Treize did not think so. Whatever he felt though, he did not want Wufei to be uncomfortable.

“Kala, you are cold. Why don’t you go in? I’ll order some tea.”

Wufei waved him off. “No, it’ll pass.”

“But surely there is no point in freezing. I’ll have a blanket brought out at least. You can…”

“Treize, I’m not cold. It happens every night and every night it passes. I don’t want to go inside. Being out here helps.”

Treize’s lips parted in confusion, but then he noticed Wufei’s hands gripping the edge of the bench. They were white-knuckled with strain. Treize finally understood. He touched Wufei’s forehead and cursed. The younger man was burning up.

“Oh, Wufei,” he sighed. Why do you do this to yourself? Treize wanted to ask, but they’d traveled that road too many times before. He knew it would do no good. Instead he murmured, “You said every night. You mean you’ve gone through this every night since we … since we took separate beds?”

Wufei hesitated. Finally, he shrugged again.

Treize closed his eyes. “And you come here because…? I’ve seen you many times through the library window.”

Wufei seemed surprised at that. Treize hadn’t meant to spy and he hoped his husband was not angry.

Wufei was staring across the lawn. His face was hard to read in the shadows but there was an unmistakable weariness about him that spoke of how much the daily cycle of these episodes had taken out of him. “I come here because I have to. Because the darkness is the only thing that seems to help.”

“To help?”

“The pain,” Wufei said dully. He stood. “I should go.”

“No, wait!” Treize grabbed Wufei’s wrist and the smaller man visibly flinched. Treize dropped him as he had been burned.

“I’m sorry, does my touch also cause you pain?” Treize ground out, devastated. What hope was there for reconciliation when he could not even hold Wufei in his arms?

Wufei’s fists were clenched, his shoulders hunched as though shielding himself for a blow.

“Your touch … does not pain me,” he gritted. “But it makes it much more difficult afterwards so please, just don’t…. I have been trained all my life to deal with pain but every technique requires consistency. I cannot keep swinging from one extreme to the other. And with this it is not only the contrast that makes it difficult, the pain itself worsens after we cross paths—even through the most careless touch—only to break apart again.” Wufei shuddered. “I can’t anymore. I just can’t.”

Treize frowned, trying to make sense of this. “Contrast? But I….” he trailed off.

Treize didn’t need to finish. He suddenly got it. He understood with such clarity that it took his breath away. Heat burned through him and Treize was the one trembling.

“Are you saying…” he began hoarsely, “Are you saying that being apart from me causes you pain … and that even the smallest touch from me brings you pleasure?” Treize stood. “Is that the contrast you’re talking about? Is that why it is so painful for you when we run away from each other? Why you suffer like this every night?”

Treize thought of all the times he’d cornered Wufei, and tried to woo him with little touches and the simple nearness of his body. No wonder Wufei had bolted. Every mistrustful encounter between them magnified his suffering. Treize stared at Wufei, looking for the truth of his words. His husband’s eyes were wide with exposure and panic. Everything in his body language said he was ready to bolt yet again.

“No! Don’t run, Wufei please. I won’t do anything to hurt you again. I swear my life on it. You don’t believe me? I will get on my knees if that’s what it takes.” Treize’s knees sank into the soft earth, muddying the fine velvet and silk of his trousers.

“Stop.” Wufei’s voice was tortured. “I don’t want your shame or your anger. I’m tired of fighting, Treize. I just want peace.”

“Then come to me, Kala. You say you don’t want my shame but I hope you will accept my remorse. I am desperate because I have made mistakes and the only way to make it better is through your forgiveness. I don’t want to fight you anymore either, Wufei. We have had enough pain between us. I don’t know if it is the gods’ will or by magick but in my hands I hold something that I don’t even deserve. Let me start to earn it now, Wufei. Let me put an end to this suffering. Let me bring you not only pleasure, but friendship. I won’t embrace you and thrust you back into the cold.” Rising, Treize opened his arms. “Please, Wufei.”

Wufei’s throat worked. He took one faltering step towards Treize, then another. He stopped a handbreadth away, his yearning and fear and exhaustion etched into every line of his body. Treize made good on his promise. He closed that last space between them and enclosed Wufei in his arms.

The simple meeting of their bodies was like the brush of tinder suddenly ignited. A pulse so powerful surged between them that even Treize gasped. Wufei’s trembling intensified, shaking them both. He cried out softly and collapsed against Treize’s chest.

Treize picked him up and carried him up the stairs, all too aware of the most precious cargo he held in his arms.

“Come, Kala,” he whispered. “It’s time.”

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Treize strode past Wufei’s rooms and took them straight to the royal suite—their suite. Finally they were both back where they belonged. Once inside he locked the door. No one was to disturb them tonight; he didn’t care if all of Rossetti was burning. Treize set Wufei on his feet. He rubbed his back soothingly.

“Can you stand, Kala?”

“Yes,” Wufei answered, recovering a bit from the dazed trance he’d fallen into. He blinked and his gaze sharpened. Would he back out now? Treize wondered. In another time he would have swept Wufei up in his passion before he even had a moment to question anything. Now Treize searched Wufei’s features, making sure that what he saw there was what they both wanted.

“Kala, are you certain about this? We don’t have to do this tonight. If you want to leave, I will not stop you. If you just want to sleep in my arms until the pain subsides, I am here for that as well. It is your choice.”

Wufei shook his head. “No. I … I want this,” he said slowly.

Treize had to close his eyes to control the effect those words had on him. He grasped Wufei’s hand and brought it to his lips.

“Thank you, Wufei.”

Treize moved about the room, getting the things they needed. All the while he made light conversation and told teasing jokes to Wufei to help him relax. He’d heard the conviction in the younger man’s voice but Treize did not think his husband had changed so much as to have completely overcome his usual shyness. Wufei had not moved from where he stood and Treize was aware of his eyes following him about the room. He could almost hear his unspoken questions between them. No doubt he was wondering what Treize had in store for them this night.

Treize thought about the last and only time they’d been together. On the one hand the memory was as vivid as a brand. He remembered everything from Wufei’s scent to the light touch of his fingers upon his skin. On the other hand, it seemed so distant, like another life. Had Wufei enjoyed it? There had been hesitation, resistance and reluctant surrender. Treize had wanted to slowly cherish Wufei but what happened instead was something much more rushed. Tonight he would make up for not only that night, but all the empty nights, afternoons and mornings in between.

Treize sat on the nearby chair and pulled off his shoes. Piece by piece he shed his clothing until he was naked before Wufei. He could feel his husband’s hot eyes upon him, but when Treize met Wufei’s gaze, the younger man quickly looked away. Two spots of red colored his cheeks and Treize smiled.

“You can look all you want, Kala. This belongs to nobody but you. It doesn’t bother me; in fact it pleases me a great deal that you like what you see.” Treize brushed his hand over his chest, his stomach, the rising member between his legs.

Wufei’s gaze rested there. His lips were parted and his breath quickened. “I…” he began hoarsely. He trailed off, licking his lips.

“Yes,” Treize purred as though he understood Wufei’s unfinished sentence. He approached until he was standing close enough for Wufei to feel his body heat. “But it’s not fair for me to be the only one unclothed is it?” His gaze swept Wufei’s body. “I like looking too.”

Wufei’s eyes widened and his fingers instinctively tightened on his cloak, but he shook himself and began fumbling with the clasp. Treize stopped him.

“Let me.”

Color rose in Wufei’s cheeks but he nodded.

Treize parted the cloak and spread it on the bed. Its deep red lining gleamed in the candlelight and all Treize could think of was that he wanted to see Wufei against it in nothing but his bare skin. The idea inspired a tremor in him and Treize reminded himself that he had to go slowly.

He rubbed Wufei’s shoulders then pulled the heavy robes he wore over his head. Wufei was left in thin cotton trousers and the shoes on his feet. The latter were easily removed, but Treize did not take off Wufei’s pants just yet. He pulled his husband to him and kissed him. Wufei drew a sharp breath through his nose, then his lips parted and he let Treize inside.

Treize’s mouth was hot and seeking over Wufei’s but always gentle. He touched his tongue to Wufei’s and when the younger man shyly responded Treize groaned. Gods, he wanted so much tonight. Cupping the back of Wufei’s head, he pressed the younger man to him. Then his hands began roaming Wufei’s body.

Wufei was supple and smooth beneath his touch. He was small, almost delicately formed, but the corded power in his arms, chest and back told a story of strength as well as beauty. Treize mouthed the tender place beneath his ear and Wufei gasped. He followed the graceful curve of Wufei’s neck down to his chest. When Treize brushed his lips over one velvet nipple, Wufei jerked in his arms.

“Treize!”

“Hmm?” Treize mouthed the dusky peak, savoring the tiny cries that burst from Wufei. He circled the nipple with his tongue, wetting it and feeling it stiffen beneath his touch. Treize moaned. Wufei’s erection was pressed against his belly and Treize couldn’t help thinking of even more tantalizing flesh stiffening and responding to his caresses. Treize gathered Wufei up and brought him to the bed where he lay him on the cloak. He shook his head as his husband made a questioning sound.

“It’s all right, Kala. I’m here,” he murmured, stretching out next to Wufei. Treize’s erection was pressed against Wufei’s hip and he knew his husband was aware of it. He distracted Wufei by rubbing over his belly, hips and thighs. He dipped between Wufei’s legs and Wufei started.

“Shh, I’ll take care of it,” Treize cooed, soothing him with a kiss. Wufei’s thighs were tense and Treize kept rubbing and caressing him to relax him. He captured his lips again. “Undo your hair for me, Kala.”

While Wufei reached behind him to unwind the long silky braid, Treize molded his palm to the growing bulge between Wufei’s legs. Slowly he began stroking him.

Wufei arched up with a hoarse cry. His fists were clenched and his body was trembling with strain. Treize’s hand moved once more and Wufei shuddered and moaned like a man in torment. His hair tangled about his face as he turned his head away. He tried to roll onto his side but Treize prevented him. All the while the older man kept touching Wufei, caressing those sensitive places to bring his lover even more pleasure.

“Treize … don’t…” Wufei pleaded, writhing against the cloak.

Treize pulled his hand away with a frown. “What? Talk to me, Kala.”

“I … it’s been too long,” Wufei explained in a small voice. “I’m going to….” he trailed off, reddening with embarrassment.

Relief washed through Treize. So that’s what this was all about. He laughed, brushing the hair away from Wufei’s face. “You silly, sweet boy. Do you think I care that you’re about to come?” Treize spooned behind Wufei and tightened his arms around him. “I’ll tell you the truth,” he whispered in Wufei’s ear. “It makes me hotter to know that I’ve barely touched you and you’re already like this.” His hand slipped between Wufei’s legs again. “That you’re so close so soon means that you want me … that your body has missed me just that much.”

Treize nudged Wufei’s thighs wider and increased the pace of his strokes. He kissed his lover’s neck and murmured scorching praises in his ear about how beautiful he was and how long he had waited to hold him like this. Treize told Wufei that he had dreamt of him and then he whispered what he had fantasized doing to him. By the time he was done Wufei was pleading and writhing in his arms. Treize relished those hungry sounds. The delicious feel of Wufei’s body pressed against his only made him want to fan the flames of his husband’s passion even higher.

So Treize did.

He’d kept his strokes even before but now he circled the head of Wufei’s cock, focusing all of his attention there. It was over before Wufei’s moan was even past his lips. The telltale shudders and growing dampness beneath his hand told Treize that Wufei had orgasmed. He purred.

“Lovely; now lets see what you’ve gifted us with.”

Treize tugged down Wufei’s trousers and the clinging cotton drawers beneath until finally his husband was as he’d imagined him, naked against the crimson cloak and his dark hair wild around him. Wufei’s belly was spattered with come and before his husband could protest, Treize was leaning over to capture every drop. Wufei made a surprised noise and moved hotly in Treize’s arms. He was trying to close his legs but Treize only held him open and lavished more attention on his sensitive inner thighs until Wufei was twisting and shivering in his grasp. When Treize moved higher up, his name broke on Wufei’s lips.

“Ah! Treize! What are you—?”

“I’m kissing your sweet cock,” Treize said baldly.

He dipped lower to nuzzle Wufei’s balls, inhaling the delicate musk of his arousal. Wufei smelled of soap and heat and the elusive hint of something much wilder. It set Treize aflame. His mouth widened to take in the sensitive sac. He worshipped Wufei, bathing the velvety flesh with his tongue. Every time Wufei cried out, he unerringly followed him, suckling and laving until Wufei began to come apart in his hands. His husband’s small body bucked and strained, but Treize held him in place, never letting him escape the sweet onslaught. Just when it seemed Wufei might come again, he lifted his head, leaving the younger man reeling.

Wufei moaned. He clutched at Treize’s head. The older man could feel the tension running through his husband’s body. Wufei seemed caught on the edge of desire, lured by the call of pleasure but not sure what to do with it now that he was here. Treize looked up and saw the uncertainty in Wufei’s eyes for what it was.

“There’s no going back after this, Wufei. For either of us. Let yourself go. I’m here to catch you.”

Wufei nodded. Trembling, he lay back and let Treize pleasure him. His legs twitched then squeezed around Treize.

Treize barely felt it. He was a man at a feast except there was no way he could ever have enough of this particular indulgence. He took the weeping tip of Wufei’s cock between his lips and worked the blind opening there. The shout Wufei gave was so raw, so wild that Treize had to do it again.

Wufei started to reach for him but Treize stopped him. While he was still hovering on the brink of another wave of pleasure Treize reached for the richly scented balm he’d placed nearby. He dipped between Wufei’s cheeks and his fingers brushed over the entrance to his body.

Wufei gasped.

Treize smiled as he gently began rubbing around the little bud. He chuckled as he felt the helpless tightening of his husband’s body whenever he tried to press in. “Does it feel good or are you trying to keep me out?” he teased.

Wufei was shaking his head. His eyes were glazed over with pleasure. “What’s … Tr…Treize … I don’t understand… It wasn’t like this before.”

“Before?” Treize croaked, his own gaze trained hungrily to Wufei’s face. The look of need he saw there nearly undid him.

“Yes … the first time.” Wufei was panting.

A low sound rumbled from Treize’s throat. ” That no longer exists. Forget the past, forget yesterday. The only thing that matters is now,” he murmured as his finger pushed into Wufei.

Wufei stiffened at that first invasion but Treize was patient. After all, he had waited weeks for this. And no matter what battles raged in Wufei’s head, his body clearly hungered. Wufei’s slender cock was deeply flushed and as Treize’s fingers probed, finding the source of his pleasure, a pearly drop quickly beaded at the tip.

A raw cry of defeat burst from Wufei’s lips. His limbs softened. His hips lifted off the bed and began a sinuous rhythm.

Treize watched, transfixed. His throat was parched as his gaze was drawn to Wufei’s smooth belly, the silken line of his hips, the play of muscle as he responded to each caress. Treize had never seen him like this, not even in his dreams.

Wufei must have felt his gaze for his eyes fluttered open. They locked with Treize’s. A wave of heat seemed to pass between them. Wufei’s legs parted, baring himself completely to Treize’s gaze and his touch. His own boldness shocked him and Wufei whimpered. He didn’t seem to understand this sudden fire any more than Treize did and he tried to tell him so.

Treize only shook his head and smiled. His hands were shaking as he pressed a finger to Wufei’s lips. “You’re beautiful, Wufei. Let me make love to you.”

Treize held Wufei to him. Propping a pillow beneath his husband’s hips, he slid into him. Wufei’s tight little body surrounded him, the sweetest most sensuous vise he had ever felt. It was deeper than completion. Treize was finally home.

They made love many times that night and Wufei’s passion bloomed with every caress. Right before Treize’s eyes the knot of fear and resistance unfurled leaving only heat and a passion so scorching it left him weak. Wufei didn’t just match him, he consumed Treize.

When it was all over they collapsed against the mattress. The candles had burned out. There was nothing between them except their own labored breaths and the velvet cover of night. Treize was still breathless. He shakily reached across the bed to grasp Wufei’s hand but his husband wouldn’t let him.

Instead, Wufei closed the distance between them and wrapped his arms around Treize’s chest.

————————————————

The next few days passed by like a dream for Wufei. He had never expected it but he was happy.

The nights spent with Treize had led to the start of a tentative friendship. Of course there were still awkward moments and some lingering mistrust between them but when Wufei allowed himself to relax, he found that he genuinely enjoyed the older man’s company. Treize was charming and funny (though his humor tended to the ribald side) and Wufei discovered Treize had as voracious an appetite for knowledge as he did.

To Wufei, they came together best in a meeting of the minds. Treize, on the other hand, thought differently. He loved their heated debates and was eager to bring Wufei this rare text or the other, but his most lavish praise was reserved for when they were behind closed doors. It was embarrassing and thrilling at the same time. The things Treize said to him….

Wufei flushed and brought a hand up to the high silk collar of his tunic. It hid a purplish love bite. The memory of this morning’s lovemaking rose unbidden and Wufei took a shaky breath. If he continued like this, he was never going to finish his paperwork before dinner.

Re-wetting the nib of his pen, he forced himself to focus on the rolls of parchment, but even so his mind wandered. Wufei found his gaze being drawn to the window and outside where evening was swiftly approaching. He was just cursing himself for transcribing a sentence twice when Treize entered the study.

“I take it things are not progressing smoothly?” The older man chuckled.

“No. I can’t seem to concentrate,” Wufei huffed. Of course he was careful to keep the source of his distraction to himself.

“Oh? Anything I can help with?”

“I doubt it.” Wufei sighed.

“Try me.”

Treize moved around the desk and came to stand behind Wufei. His fingers grazed beneath Wufei’s collar. “Maybe you just need a break.”

Wufei shivered at the light stroking of Treize’s fingers across his skin. “No… I shouldn’t. I really need to get this done.”

“You’re so tense,” Treize murmured as if Wufei had not spoken. His hands moved down and began kneading Wufei’s shoulders. “Take a break; take a break. You know this isn’t going to go to the archives this evening and the pages have been dismissed for the day.” Treize’s fingers skilfully unknotted a particularly tense muscle and Wufei groaned.

“Feel good?”

Wufei hesitated but there was no use denying it when his body was already melting into the chair. He slumped forward. “Yes,” he admitted on a gust of breath.

Treize groaned too. “I came to invite you to go to the night market with me but maybe we should go upstairs instead.”

“Night market?”

“Mm hmm. I realized I never took the time to show you the city myself and it is most beautiful at night.” Treize kissed Wufei softly. “Just like you.”

Wufei’s cheeks warmed. “I’d like to go.” He had only seen the city that one time with Duo when he first arrived. He had been too busy to go out since.

“Good. I’ll ask Yuy and Maxwell to accompany us. We’ll need to change into something a little less conspicuous though.”

“Of course.”

“Shall we go then?”

Wufei nodded and rose. As soon as he was out of his seat, Treize bent and deftly scooped him up.

“What are you doing?” Wufei growled.

“It’s not dark outside yet. We still have time for a little play don’t we?” Treize’s lips found the pulse at Wufei’s throat.

“No we don’t. I’m bathing before we leave.”

“No problem. I can help with that too,” Treize purred, moving briskly down the hall and taking the stairs two at a time. He bent to brush his mouth against Wufei’s. The kiss deepened and Wufei moaned in Treize’s arms.

“Are you sure we won’t miss anything?”

“We won’t miss anything,” Treize assured him as he closed the bedroom door behind them. “The city never sleeps.”

“All right but you can put me down, you know,” Wufei pointed out.

“I can, but I prefer not to. Besides, I know you enjoy it despite your protests.” Treize grinned as Wufei squawked a denial. The color in his cheeks told the real story, though. Treize cradled him even more closely to his chest. “It’s nice to be pampered sometimes, isn’t it?”

Wufei was not sure how to answer that. “I’m not used to being pampered,” he murmured.

“Then we’ll have to remedy that immediately.”

Unlike the room in which Wufei had previously slept, the royal suite had an adjoining bathing chamber. They headed there now. Once inside, Treize finally set Wufei on his feet.

One of Rossetti’s many technological marvels was its sophisticated plumbing system. Wufei had never seen anything like it. For those who could afford it, baths could be outfitted with hot and cold running water. The royal bath was no exception. Hidden jets pulsed beneath the vast pool, keeping it pleasantly warm. A fine mist of steam rose from the water, warming the mosaic tile beneath their feet.

While Wufei admired the vast chamber, Treize had begun undressing. Wufei jumped a little when the older man’s body pressed against his back. He could feel the heat of his husband’s body even through his robes and Wufei shivered a little. He was still shocked by the desire that coursed through him every time he and Treize touched.

If Treize felt Wufei’s tremor, he didn’t say anything. Instead he rubbed his hands up and down Wufei’s arms in a slow mesmerizing movement. His breath ghosted over the sensitive shell of Wufei’s ear.

“Why don’t we take these robes off, hmm?”

Wufei swallowed but nodded and as had become a ritual between them, as soon as he started unclasping the robe, Treize took over the task himself. In the older man’s hands, even this was transformed into a caress. Treize’s fingers followed in the wake of the parted cloth until the robes were pooled about Wufei’s ankles and Wufei was trembling from his husband’s gentle but focused touch.

“Treize?”

“Hmm?” Treize had smoothed his hands over Wufei’s hair and was now undoing his braid.

Wufei shifted from one foot to the other. He still was not quite used to being naked with his husband and between that and the way Treize’s slightest touch seemed to set his body humming Wufei was left feeling a little overwhelmed.

“I’m … can we go into the water?”

“I’m sorry, my love. Are you cold?”

Wufei bit his lip and shook his head.

Somehow, Treize understood.

“Are you self-conscious because we’re together like this?” he murmured huskily.

Wufei hesitated then nodded.

“You have no reason to be self-conscious. I’ve told you how beautiful you are, haven’t I? Every part of you.” Treize mouthed the tender skin at the nape of Wufei’s neck, causing him to shiver again. He didn’t stop there, but traced the groove of Wufei’s spine all the way down to the dimple above his buttocks.

“Yes, but…” Wufei gasped and rose on tiptoe, his back involuntarily arching. When he said Treize’s name this time, it was a plea.

Treize only kept moving downwards, licking, nipping and kissing the salt from Wufei’s skin.

Wufei remembered the same caress from the first night he and Treize shared a tent, but he had been so fevered, so caught up in the moment then that the evening had seemed little more than a blur of pleasure, acute but indistinct. Now however, Wufei was fully awake and in complete possession of his senses. The decadence of what Treize was doing to him … the fact that it felt good….

Wufei gave a startled cry and froze in Treize’s grasp. Treize’s tongue was—-Wufei gave another helpless cry.

“What are you doing?”

“Something I’ve wanted to do all day,” Treize rumbled happily.

He was kneeling behind Wufei with the younger man’s cheeks cupped in his hands. Treize kneaded and spread the firm globes while his tongue licked along the crease, pausing only to find the furled entrance to Wufei’s body. He probed the tight sphincter, savoring Wufei’s squirming and even wilder cries.

“Oh gods … the bath… I haven’t washed….” Wufei tried to wriggle away but Treize’s large hands held him in place.

“I’ll help you wash later. Now I want to taste you just like I have in my dreams.” Treize’s hot breath and silken lips teased over delicate flesh as he spoke. He probed Wufei again.

“Mm. I dreamed you came from this alone and that when I was done, I licked your sweet seed from your thighs. Do you think you could do that, Kala? Could you come from just my tongue against your tight little hole?”

The sensations swirling through Wufei were already enough to set him ablaze. Treize’s scorching words added to them sent him reeling. Wufei’s knees buckled and he would have fallen if not for Treize’s strength behind him.

Treize laughed and effortlessly supported him. He didn’t pause when Wufei cried out nor did he stop when shudders wracked his frame. Wufei felt a familiar tension building in him and before he could even think, he orgasmed, his semen splattering against the tile. Mortified at having come so quickly, he tried to pull away.

Treize wouldn’t let him. “Where do you think you’re going?” The older man’s voice fairly vibrated with pleasure. “You just wonderfully fulfilled my fantasy. You can’t run away before I complete it.”

“Complete it?” Wufei groaned.

“Oh yes.” Treize shimmied down Wufei’s body and as promised he began licking the splatters from his stomach and thighs.

As Treize stood and enclosed Wufei in his arms, the hard insistence of his erection pressed against Wufei’s belly. That Treize wanted him that badly…. Wufei still found it impossible to believe.

Gods, how was he ever going to get used to this?

Treize extended his palm and Wufei had no choice but to take it. They entered the water together and it was safe to say not much washing was done until well afterwards.

————————————————

By the time Treize and Wufei met Duo and Heero at the stables, Wufei was feeling a little weak-kneed and rather dazed. The things Treize had done…. He could barely look at his husband without his cheeks warming. At least it was too dark for anyone to notice. Wufei frowned and forced himself to focus. He had to get a hold of himself.

“My Lords, the horses are ready,” Duo told them. Next to him, Heero nodded. The men had tethered four horses: their own, Porphryo and Shenlong, but Treize turned to Wufei.

“Will you ride with me?” he asked. “It will be easier to show you the city that way.”

Treize gazed at Wufei. Even in the faint glow of the lanterns the unspoken sentiment between them was clear. Treize also wanted to ride double so he could hold him.

Wufei knew he shouldn’t. He was a skilled rider and it was the proper thing to do. The old Wufei would have never allowed it, yet he found himself agreeing anyway.

Wufei was self-conscious as Treize mounted Poryphro and gave him a boost, but neither Duo nor Heero batted an eyelash. Heero merely took Shenlong back to the stable hand with instructions to return her to her stall. The two soldiers mounted, flanking Wufei and Treize as they ambled out of the courtyard. They were leaving through a secret passageway used only by Treize and they emerged at a cobbled alley just behind the fish market. Wufei wrinkled his nose. Well that would certainly clear anyone’s head.

Once in the market, Duo and Heero left their protective formation around Wufei and Treize and dismounted. They led their horses away and it was a testament to their skill that in no time they’d blended with the crowd. Of course, Wufei and Treize were both armed but it was reassuring to know that they had backup should they need it. However, with their inconspicuous clothes, and unhurried manner, they didn’t draw any undue attention. Wufei was even surprised to find that they were not the only lovers riding double. In fact the practice seemed quite commonplace. Such a thing would have been rare in Eires.

As they moved deeper into the market Wufei began to relax. The entire place was alive with scents, sounds and colors he had never experienced before. Fragrant smoke wafted up from the tightly packed stalls. One man was making golden pastries stuffed with meat, peas and spices. The rich aroma was so tempting that Wufei asked Treize to stop so he could buy some.

“Thank you, sir!” The young man beamed as he wrapped two of the pastries in brown paper and handed them to Wufei. “Can I offer you a drink?”

Wufei was about to refuse but Treize reached around the saddle and offered the man their water skin.

“Please,” he requested.

The vendor returned the flask brimming with spiced wine. Treize took a swig and offered some to Wufei. The younger man hesitated then took a sip. When he tried to return it Treize shook his head.

“Drink a little more.”

“Treize, I don’t have a good head for this,” Wufei protested.

“Just a bit. To warm your insides.”

Wufei sighed but he drank more of the wine. He rested against Treize as its warmth pooled in his belly. The air had finally turned a little sharp and Treize drew his cloak about them.

“Perfect,” Treize rumbled.

“Hmm?” Wufei murmured, mesmerized by a twirling dancer just a few steps ahead of them. Her skin was dusted with gold and it caught the glow of the lanterns, making her seem like an extension of the fire itself. The heartbeat of the drums vibrated in the air, deep, powerful and as sensual as the woman who flowed to the beat. Wufei found himself moved in a way he could not describe.

“Marvelous isn’t she?” Treize settled Wufei more comfortably against him. Beneath the cloak, his hands smoothed up and down Wufei’s arms.

Wufei strained to look at Treize over his shoulder but in the dark, his husband’s expression was unreadable. “Treize … what?”

Treize made a soft sound against Wufei’s neck. He was nuzzling the skin there causing a shiver to race through Wufei.

Before Wufei knew what was happening, Treize’s hand had slipped under his tunic. Beneath the concealing folds of the cloak his callused fingers stroked Wufei’s nipples.

Wufei gave a soft cry and jerked against the older man. “Treize!”

“No one can see us.” Treize’s voice was mesmerizing as he tweaked one small bud, causing sensation to shoot through Wufei.

“You can’t. I can’t—” Wufei gasped as Treize’s hands moved lower.

“Isn’t it exciting knowing I can make you come right here and none of these people would be any wiser? Don’t you want me to?” Treize bent closer to whisper hotly in Wufei’s ear even as his hands continued stroking and caressing.

Treize’s words were scorchingly explicit and Wufei shuddered delicately. He was breathless from shock, excitement and unexpected pleasure. Suddenly the entire market had narrowed to the warmth of Treize’s body against his and the words being murmured in his ear.

“I am so lucky to have you,” Treize whispered. “I will prove to you that I’m worthy of your trust, however long it takes.”

Treize’s words roused a storm of conflicting feelings in Wufei. Part of him was still wary; another part questioned whether Treize cared enough for him to even want to earn his trust, while yet another part of him, the part that responded so easily to Treize’s touch remembered Treize’s gentleness and the reverence with which he’d caressed Wufei’s body only hours ago. Surely that counted for something? Wufei didn’t know what would happen tomorrow or even the day after but when looked into Treize’s eyes for the first time he felt something he had not felt since he left Eires:

Hope.

They moved forward in a charged but companionable silence and Treize only broke it when they passed by a weaver’s stall. His eyes were fixed on a cloth of incredibly fine weave. Treize leaned closer to rub it between his fingers. The wool was light and strong. It was just the sort of thing to wear now that summer’s warmth was fleeing. But that was not what caught Treize’s attention. He bought a generous length of the material and placed it in Wufei’s hands.

It was a familiar symbolic red.

Treize had not forgotten.

Wufei closed his eyes. The ceremony was never far from his mind but tonight especially it was not difficult to imagine what it involved. Yet, the prospect no longer seemed so unpleasant. Beneath the cloak, Wufei squeezed Treize’s hand.

Treize grasped Wufei’s hand and brought it to his lips. “Kala,” he murmured and the endearment held such weight, such meaning that Wufei couldn’t speak.

The world stilled and in that moment something changed between them. The old wounds and the bitter pain of the past seemed to fade. Wufei felt it flowing out of him like a balm. He twisted to look at Treize. He had meant to say something but instead he found himself reaching for his husband and drawing him down to him. Their lips met and then Wufei knew nothing else.

————————

A few feet away, Duo nudged Heero. “Think we should give the lovers some privacy?” he mused.

Heero grunted. “Here.”

“Huh?”

Duo looked over and was surprised to find Heero holding a jeweled-toned cloth of his own. There was a stubborn set to his features and a fierce look in his eyes that said he would not be outdone even by an Emperor.

Duo’s eyes widened. Then he flushed with pleasure.

Heero’s cloth was of a rougher hew and weft but its bold pattern—purple and sapphire threads intertwined—had a beauty and roughness that was more to his taste. He’d received a lot of gifts in his lifetime, many expensive, but in one breath Heero showed him how meaningless they were compared to this one simple gift. They had no special ceremony to perform and no magical mandate from the gods but that was just as well. They were going to forge their own destiny anyway.

Duo reached over and linked his hand in Heero’s.

They stayed joined for a space of a breath, then they were back to being soldiers. Up ahead, Prince Wufei and Emperor Rossetti were moving again and once again Heero and Duo blended with the shadows. They followed the lovers deeper into the crowd and the sounds of the market embraced them as the whole of Rossetti seemed to come alive in a celebration of laughter, love and life.

Previous in series

Chapter Thirteen: Lovers

Sat, 28 Jun 2008 21:50:41 +0000

Table of contents for A Matter of Good Sense

A Matter of Good Sense
by Michalyn
Chapter Thirteen

Heero rubbed the soft strands of Duo’s hair between his fingers. His lover was asleep and in a rare moment of vulnerability, he appeared completely relaxed. Duo’s hair was tangled about him and Heero brushed the silky lock draped over the other man’s hip. It slipped away to reveal a pale scar, one of many on Duo’s leanly muscled body. He had as many as Heero did and Heero thought them beautiful silent testaments to his lover’s resilience and strength.

Everything about Duo was beautiful though, Heero thought with a smirk. His eyes lingered over Duo’s features. He had been surprised when Duo first stumbled in on him that day by the river but Heero had taken in those molten purple eyes and the even more telling bulge in Duo’s breeches and after that … well … never let it be said that Heero was one to let an opportunity slip by him. The sex was good, amazing, mind-blowing, but they were both pleasantly surprised to find they were compatible in other ways as well. Duo didn’t seem bothered by Heero’s gruffness or his quietness and Heero understood the shadows behind Duo’s smile.

Heero could not ask for more. He worried though. How long could they stay together? Lately, Emperor Rossetti had been troubled and the cause was obvious. It seemed the closer Heero and Duo became, the more Emperor Rossetti and Prince Wufei drifted apart. If things should not work out, Heero’s and Duo’s loyalties would be divided. Heero was not religious. In fact, the only thing he had ever believed in was his own sword arm. Until Duo that is. Now he blindly sent up a plea to the gods, the ancestors, the forces of nature—whatever power that might exist—to allow them the sliver of happiness they’d found in an otherwise dark world.

As he pondered, Duo stirred. He blinked drowsily and yawned. “Hey, lover,” he greeted, his voice husky with sleep.

“Hey, yourself,” Heero said gruffly. He kept stroking Duo’s hair.

Duo smiled. “Why the long face so early in the morning? His face darkened a little. “I had some not-so-fun dreams. Did … did I attack you again?”

“Idiot,” Heero growled, seeing Duo’s expression. He rolled on top of the other man, pinning him to the mattress. “You did but…” Heero quickly interrupted before Duo could apologize, “that’s nothing. Just a little occupational hazard.” Heero cracked a smile. “I was just thinking. Probably too much.”

“Thinking? About what?” You looked pretty intense just now.”

“About this…” Heero smoothed his hand down Duo’s torso. As always he marveled at the frission of electricity that seemed to flow between them whenever they touched. Heero kept moving lower until he found what he really wanted. He stroked Duo, even as he bent to capture his lover’s lips.

“Liar,” Duo groaned, already arching hungrily into Heero’s caress.

“Mmm. What are you going to do about it?”

Duo wrestled Heero until he’d reversed their positions. He grinned. “How about this?”

“Hmph. I think I like the sound of that,” Heero purred, already pulling Duo closer. If he had any lingering worries, he let them rest for now. Besides, with their future so uncertain they might as well enjoy every moment to the full.

———————

Wufei propped his chin on his hand as he scribbled onto the parchment. Five more rolls rested beside him and those were only the ones he had completed. A box of many more papers awaited his attention. Now that he was part of the council, he was back to his usual volume of work. There was still so much to learn but Wufei was grateful for the work. It was interesting and it kept him busy. Usually by the time he left his office, practiced with Meiran and finished his own exercises, the day had slipped through his fingers.

For the past few nights, Wufei had eaten a quiet dinner alone and had gone to bed early. Occasionally Duo kept him company but after the trauma his friend had suffered because of the shadows, Wufei had granted Duo the evening off. He was used to being alone, but even in Eires Wufei spent most of his free time at the temple. It meant that even when he was not actively socializing, he was at least surrounded by the voices of the students.

No matter how difficult things were, whenever he was at the temple he had a sense of belonging to something bigger than himself. It was hard to recreate that in a new place. Of course, if Wufei wanted company there was always the main dining room but that was where Treize ate and Wufei did not feel any more inclined to suffer through the awkward silence that punctuated their meals any more than he was sure Treize did. The less they saw of each other the better really. If they could not love passionately then the least they could do was stay out of each other’s way.

The niggling problem of the robes and the mating ceremony was always at the back of Wufei’s mind, especially since his symptoms continued to persist, though with much less intensity than before. Wufei did not know if this was because living with Treize, he was always near the older man and Treize’s balancing energy helped him despite the fact that they did not get along or because of his discovery of his true power and his attempts to control it. Three days after the shadows had attacked Duo, Wufei could no longer deny that the dangerous appendages belonged to him. That didn’t mean he had any more insight into how to deal with it just yet, however.

Wufei sighed, setting aside his pen and ink. Sunlight spilled onto the desk from the window and he could see the verdant green of the gardens. What a beautiful day. It reminded him of the late summer days he spent reading in the palace gardens as a boy. He’d fallen asleep on the warm stone benches more times than he could count. The maids always scolded him claiming that he’d get sunburned but Wufei never listened. Besides, Quatre was the one who blistered easily, not him. No matter how many times he was reprimanded he always went back to his favorite place. Wufei sighed once more as a wave of nostalgia washed over him. He was just picking up his pen again when someone knocked softly on the door.

“Come in,” Wufei called, thinking it was one of the pages bringing the ledger he had requested. When the person did not enter, Wufei repeated his request, this time more loudly. Still, no one stepped forward. The soft knocking only came again after a moment. Wufei made an exasperated sound and moved towards the door. He pulled it open. “Yes?” he barked.

“Kala.” Treize stepped forward, staring down at Wufei. He was carrying a large parcel.

Wufei immediately stiffened. “Excuse me. I did not realize this room was in use. I’ll get my things.” Wufei turned on his heel and began gathering up his papers.

“Kala, wait, please. I don’t need the room and I’m not here to disturb your work. Please don’t leave. A moment of your time is all I ask.”

Wufei hesitated; he remained facing the desk. “For what?” he ground out.

“An apology.” Treize’s footsteps moved closer. “I … I’ve spent a long time thinking and it’s made me realize some things about myself that aren’t easy to swallow, but are true all the same. I’ve been manipulative and selfish and have abused whatever little trust you had in me as your husband. You are right: my behavior has been despicable and I have no excuse for it except to say that I would like the chance to try again–to be the kind of man you would want to spend the rest of your life with. I…” Treize trailed off. “Please, Wufei, let me try again. Let us try again. I know we can make this work.”

Wufei’s throat worked soundlessly. He finally spun around. “Why? You’re not the only one who has been thinking. You’ve always been good with words, Treize but it’s the actions that don’t follow up.” Wufei rubbed his eyes, suddenly feeling very weary. “No … that’s not entirely fair. I know I’ve also contributed to this but I don’t know how to be different and maybe we should stop deluding ourselves and accept that we’re just not compatible. Forget robes, forget fate, forget whatever age-old prophecy all the seers in the world spout. There are times to fight and there are times to just … let go.”

“No, Kala I refuse to believe that,” Treize insisted, his eyes burning into Wufei’s. “Despite everything that’s happened I still think there is something between us. Even before I knew of any prophecy, I thought you were the most beautiful man in the world.”

Wufei’s eyes widened. He shook his head. “Treize…”

Treize reached for Wufei, then pulled his hand back with visible effort. “I won’t push you but just think about it, please. I’ll be waiting, however long it takes.”

Wufei started to say something but Treize quickly interrupted him.

“Please, Wufei.”

Wufei finally relented. He nodded.

“Thank you. You don’t know how much this means to me, Wufei. I know it might be presumptuous, but I brought something for you.” Treize extended the parcel he had been holding up until this point. It was carefully wrapped in gilded paper.

Wufei balked. “I said I would think about it; there’s no need to buy me off with expensive gifts. Those things mean nothing to me,” he said sharply.

“I’m not trying to buy you off, Kala. I just want to show you how important you are to me. You said yourself that actions matter, not words. Then allow me to prove my sincerity with this gift. ”

Wufei pressed his lips together. He still wasn’t sure if he wanted to accept anything from Treize at this point. The pleading look in the older man’s eyes though was hard to ignore. Wufei took the gift but he made no move to open it. Treize seemed to understand.

“It’s all right, Kala. You can open it whenever you feel comfortable. I promised I wouldn’t overstay my welcome so I’ll take my leave now.” Treize paused as he turned to go. “Thank you for listening to me, Wufei.”

Wufei did not say anything. When Treize left he brought the gift to his desk and rested it next to his papers. Slumping into his seat, Wufei buried his face in his hands.

———————

Wufei did not move for a long time after Treize left. The gift lay before him, but he could not bring himself to open it. He had a sense that opening it would mean he had accepted it, that he was somehow indebted to Treize, and that was the last thing Wufei wanted. Yet … he couldn’t help feeling there was something different this time about Treize’s words. Oh, he was extravagant as ever with his flattery but that was something Wufei was both used to and consistently ignored. Claims about his supposed beauty did nothing to move him, but the look in Treize’s eyes had, if only a little. For the first time Wufei had sensed true sincerity in the other man and that made Wufei feel … something. It was neither hope nor affection, but whatever he felt was enough to make Wufei uncertain.

Wufei gingerly slid the gift across the desk, his hands hesitating over the fine wrapping. Was it worth it? He was so afraid of allowing himself to feel anything for Treize, only to be disappointed all over again.

Taking a deep breath, Wufei carefully unwrapped the present, which was quite heavy. He was half expecting some extravagant outfit or worse, jewelry, so when Wufei peeled back the paper to reveal the worn leather binding, his heart stopped. In one glance he had recognized the age-old insignia of the Shenlong and the book’s title. Wufei lifted the volume with trembling hands. He flipped it over to the rear end paper and there, in fading script was the secret Shenlong verse that proved its authenticity. How could it be? The best Shenlong scholars had searched for years to find the Lotus Manual. How could it now be in his hands?

There were six canons of the Shenlong discipline, each dealing with a different aspect of the philosophy and practice. Expanding upon the canons were fifteen lesser texts. The most important and radical of these was the Lotus Manual. Written just 100 cycles before Wufei’s birth, it was also the most recent of the philosophies. Claiming to have the vision for the future of the Shenlong, not only did the Lotus Manual introduce complex new techniques, but it called for a fundamental rethinking of the foundational philosophies. It had been lost, however, during King Quinze’s rule in a war with one of the tribal kingdoms.

At that moment, to say Wufei was stunned could not even begin to describe what he was feeling. Where by the gods had Treize found it? How had he even known what it was? Did he even realize what he had given Wufei? But of course he had, Wufei chided himself. This was Treize after all. The man was anything if not deliberate and given the tension between them it was clear he had gone to much trouble to get the book. Wufei did not even want to think of what it might have cost.

His instinctive reaction was to return it. He could not accept something of this value from Treize. Yet, even as Wufei thought so, he rebelled against it. He had one of the most valuable pieces of Shenlong history in his possession. He would be a fool not to treasure it with his life. If he accepted it, however, what would that mean for his relationship with Treize? Wufei did not want to give the older man the wrong impression.

When he was honest with himself, Wufei admitted that perhaps he did feel something for Treize but he didn’t know if it was enough to save their marriage and the last thing he needed was for Treize to think he somehow had him in his power. Experience had taught Wufei that that only led to misery. But what was he supposed to do now? How should he handle this?

Wufei stared at the book. Finally, he pulled out a fresh sheet of parchment and began composing a letter to Shinsen O.

———————

Treize’s heart was pounding as he left the study. Once he was out of earshot, he released a tremulous cheer. That had gone much better than he expected. True, Wufei had not opened the gift, but he had accepted it and with the younger man, even the smallest blessings counted.

For the first time in a long time, Treize was filled with hope. So often he was frustrated or exasperated with Wufei that had forgotten the few tender moments they’d had together. The memories of those bright times returned to Treize now and he was filled with yearning. He remembered the first evening they’d spent in Rossetti and how they had read together in bed. Wufei had not fought or closed himself off from him then, even through the racier passages. No, he’d surprised Treize with a biting humor and wit and an endearing shyness. It brought home to Treize the depth of what he had lost.

Where would they be now if he had been honest with Wufei? Certainly they would not be sleeping in separate beds. Treize sighed. Determined, he shook himself out of his dark thoughts. Looking to the past was useless. The future was all that mattered. And not just any future, Treize reminded himself, but one with Wufei in it. Yes, that was the only outcome which was acceptable. Treize hurried down the stairs to summon the steward. This was no time to be entertaining thoughts of defeat. He had a dinner to plan and a husband to woo. With any luck, he’d be one step closer to winning Wufei before the night was over.

———————

“All right, one more kata and then we’re done for the day,” Wufei announced, nodding at Meiran.

“Aww, already? Can’t we do a few more exercises, Master Wufei?”

“No, that’s enough.” Wufei shook his head, though he understood Meiran’s eagerness. The girl was truly gifted. In just a few short days she had mastered techniques that others took months to perfect. When he thought how good she might become, a quiver of excitement ran through Wufei. He had finally found a student whom he believed could surpass him. She was a prodigy and he too was tempted to push her further, to see how high she could fly, but Wufei knew it was better not to do too much too soon, especially in these initial stages.

Though it might not seem that way to Meiran, they were progressing quite rapidly. However, the katas were stressful on the joints and muscles, even more so as the techniques became more complex. Wufei, ever mindful of Meiran’s young age, was careful not to overburden her childish limbs. That meant shorter exercises and interweaving a lot more strength training than Meiran would have liked. She was hotheaded and proud and initially complained loudly about things going too slowly but after being forced into yet more strength training as a form of discipline, she now quietly, if not meekly deferred to Wufei’s better judgment.

Wufei never showed it, but he greatly enjoyed those flares of temper. Meiran was spirited and strong willed and those were important qualities in a warrior. He wanted to teach her enough control so that she was not impulsive, but not so much that it quenched the fire within her. Besides, it reminded Wufei of his own hot tempered ways when he first started training. Reflecting on it now Wufei saw that he had focused too much on suppressing his temper instead of channeling it and he hoped to help Meiran avoid that mistake. He went up to the little girl who was very reluctantly putting away the wooden staff she had been practicing with.

“Come on, hurry put the staff and weights away. I have something for you.”

“For me?” Meiran tossed the training materials in a haphazard pile and hurried back to Wufei. She was practically vibrating with excitement.

Wufei didn’t have to say anything. He merely folded his arms and Meiran slinked back to tidy up the pile. “Good, now this is what I wanted to give you,” he told her when she was done. “If you’re to master the Sheelokata, you’ll need to start understanding more of the philosophy behind it. I would like to teach you the Eirean language as well as the specific old forms that appear in Shenlong texts. Here is the first list of characters that I want you to memorize,” Wufei said gruffly, as he handed Meiran the roll of parchment.

“That means I’m officially your student now, doesn’t it? I knew I could convince you!” Meiran whooped, eagerly grabbing the paper. She grinned, not deterred in the least by Wufei’s formidable expression.

Wufei cleared his throat. “In any case, you’ll have a new schedule starting tomorrow: We’ll spend the first hour with the language lessons, and the remaining time will be for your usual training. Is that clear?”

“Yes, Master Wufei.”

“Good. Then you’re dismissed for today.”

“Thanks, Master Wufei.” Meiran bowed and gathered up her things.

As usual, Wufei saw her off, then he headed back to the palace, his good mood fading the closer he got to the entrance. With Meiran’s training completed and Duo gone for the evening, it seemed he would find little joy here tonight. Wufei slowly ascended the staircase to his bedroom. The letter he’d written Shinsen O was on his mind as he undressed and entered the bath which was waiting for him. Unlike the room he had shared with Treize, this one did not have an adjacent bathing chamber so a tub had to be brought in on mornings and evenings.

In the end, Wufei had decided to keep the book. At the same time, he felt compelled to return it to its rightful place in Eires. It did not seem right to keep something so important to himself. That was why he’d written Shinsen O. He hoped to read the manual and send it off to the temple shortly afterwards where all Shenlong students could benefit from its wisdom.

Wufei left the tub and dressed. When he was almost done, he was startled by the sound of a servant knocking on his door to beg an audience. Wufei smoothed his clothes and his hair, then went to find out why he was needed.

“Yes?” Wufei inquired as he opened the door. The servant bowed deeply.

“Prince Wufei, I come with a dinner invitation from Emperor Rossetti.”

“Dinner invitation?”

“Yes, my lord. Emperor Rossetti would like to know if you would do him the pleasure of joining him this evening.”

Wufei instinctively began to refuse when he remembered the Lotus Manual. No matter how suspicious he was of Treize’s intentions, the older man had given him something precious and he was honor bound to at least thank him. Pressing his lips together, Wufei nodded. “Tell Emperor Rossetti I shall be there shortly.”

“Yes, my lord.” The servant bowed once more and left.

Wufei squared his shoulders. Taking a deep breath, he headed to the dining room.

Treize was seated at the dining table when Wufei arrived, but there was no food prepared. Wufei sighed. He was such a fool. For a moment, he’d actually begun to give Treize the benefit of the doubt. He should have known better than to take anything the older man said at face value. As Wufei warily approached, Treize looked up. He must have seen something in Wufei’s expression, for he stood quickly.

“Kala, I’m so glad you could join me. Come, dinner is waiting in the garden.”

In the garden? Wufei raised an eyebrow as he was led outside. A small table had been placed beneath the rose trellis and even in the glow of the candle lanterns the pink and white blooms were gorgeous. Wufei was used to the extravagances of the ruling class but the plates and goblets crafted from stained hand-blown glass took even his breath away. The silverware was also of a delicate filigree. It was all so lavish, so intimate that Wufei did not know how to react. And that was not even speaking of the food itself. Clearly Treize wanted to make an impression.

“Kala? Won’t you join me?” Treize asked Wufei who was still poised on the patio step.

“Ah … pardon me,” Wufei murmured, gingerly taking his seat at the table.

“Here, let me pour you some wine.” Treize filled his own goblet then reached over to begin filling Wufei’s. “Shall I propose a small toast?”

“Look, Treize. I don’t want to give you the wrong idea—” Wufei blurted, interrupting him.

Treize set his goblet back down. “Oh?” he asked softly.

“Yes … I only came to thank you for the book. It … it means a lot to be able to restore such an important part of history to the Shenlong.”

Treize smiled. “I’m happy I could find it for you. And as to getting the wrong impression, it does not matter to me why you decided to come, only that you did. I meant what I said this morning, Kala.”

“Please don’t call me that,” Wufei, said exasperatedly, looking away from Treize’s warm gaze.

“You mean ‘Kala’? Why?”

‘Because I’m not your lover’ Wufei wanted to scream. Instead he shook his head and murmured, “There was a time when it might have been appropriate, but we are far from that point right now. These endearments … they are empty.”

“Only if we let them.”

“Treize—”

“I have missed you, Wufei.” Treize’s eyes reflected the candlelight. His expression was filled with such naked yearning that Wufei would have pulled away if not for Treize’s hand sliding over his. Wufei’s fingers jerked, then stilled. “I’ve missed you, Kala,” Treize repeated, bringing Wufei’s hand to his lips. His kissed his trembling fingers and the pulse throbbing in Wufei’s wrist before gently releasing him.

Wufei stared at Treize in the flickering light, unable to speak. His throat was dry and his heart was pounding so hard that he could not catch his breath. He closed his eyes. Why, after all that happened did he still respond to this man?

“Because we are meant for each other,” Treize insisted huskily.

Wufei started; he flushed. Had he said that out loud? He was sure he hadn’t. Wufei rose. “I … I should go…”

Treize shot to his feet. “Please, Wufei, don’t leave. Is this really so terrible? I promised that I would not force you or hurt you and I meant that. Something made you come here tonight and I refuse to believe it was just a sense of obligation about an old book. I don’t think you believe it either. Give us a chance, Wufei. I know we can make this work.”

Wufei was half turned away, his fists clenched at his sides. Slowly he returned to the table and Treize made a sound of gratitude.

They ate the rest of the meal in silence with the sound of the crickets filling the air and the roses spilling their lingering perfume into the night.

———————

After all the plates were cleared away, Treize walked Wufei back to the foyer. It was late and all was quiet except for the faint sounds of the remaining servants moving about the kitchen. They stopped beneath the large candle-lit chandelier and Wufei took a deep breath.

“Thank you … for the book … and the dinner,” he murmured, giving a small bow. The dinner had been awkward. Too much had passed between them and they’d drifted so far apart that neither had known what to say to each other. Every word was a potential weapon and so they both retreated to the safety of silence. Yet, for all of that it had not been a complete failure. The food was delicious, the garden even more beautiful and whatever else could be said, Treize had clearly put a lot of effort into the entire thing. Wufei could appreciate that at least.

Treize stepped closer with a smile. “Again, thank you for joining me. I hope you’ll consider spending time with me again.”

Wufei started to say something but Treize pressed a finger to his lips.

“Shh … don’t say yes or no right now. Just think about it, Kala.”

Wufei’s lashes lowered; he nodded.

Treize searched his features. He lifted his hand and when Wufei did not pull away, he gently tilted his face upwards. “Kala … forgive me for asking this but how are you feeling? You moved away and I worry…” the older man trailed off.

There was no mistaking what Treize was asking and Wufei flushed at having the matter of the fever spells brought up so openly. “I’m fine,” he muttered.

“All right … all right. That wasn’t a challenge. I only wanted to make sure that you were well,” Treize cooed when Wufei began to pull away. He hesitated. “I know the idea may seem repulsive to you right now, but if you should need me in that way, I am here.”

“Thank you but no. That won’t be necessary. I … I’m sure I’ll think of something.”

“I’m sure you will but it doesn’t have to be that way, Wufei. I can ensure both your comfort and your pleasure if you’ll let me.”

Wufei was supremely uncomfortable with his conversation. He didn’t like the fluttery feeling in his stomach and at that moment he only wanted to leave the husky promises in Treize’s voice and return to the safety of his room. This time, when he stepped away, Treize did not stop him.

“Sorry, I … I have to go,” Wufei blurted, bowing again and turning on his heel.

“Good night, Kala,” Treize called as Wufei took the stairs two at a time.

Wufei barely heard him. He rushed to his bedroom and locked the door behind him, his heart pounding in his chest.

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Chapter Twelve: Courtship

Sat, 28 Jun 2008 20:28:26 +0000

Table of contents for A Matter of Good Sense

A Matter of Good Sense
by Michalyn
Chapter Twelve

Wufei stumbled and Duo rushed to his side. “Prince Wufei? Are you okay? What the fuck was that?”

Wufei rubbed his eyes, shielding them from the piercing sun. His head was pounding and he felt like he had just been pummeled by a ton of bricks. What the devil just happened? Wufei frowned, struggling to remember.

He had been fighting those ghastly black limbs when they rushed towards Duo. Wufei had felt such rage, such helplessness as the shadows curled around Duo’s neck and lifted him off the grass. At that moment, all he could think of was that he couldn’t allow Duo to die. Not when they’d finally become friends. A searing pain had burned through Wufei’s chest then, like something inside of him had broken free. He’d shouted something. The next thing he knew he was free of the tentacles coiled around him. Everything that occurred afterwards happened in a blur. He didn’t have time to think. It was as if he was being guided by some natural instinct, some unseen power. Even though all of his attacks had failed before, he suddenly knew that he could stop the shadows. In fact, as he moved towards Duo it was almost as if … as if they were listening to him. Oh gods. Wufei stared at his hands in horror. “No, it can’t be,” he whispered.

But what if it was? Last night, he’d felt something happen when he’d used Grandmother Long’s technique. Whatever it was had been strong enough to make him collapse, so much so that even Treize had been alarmed. Wufei thought he had failed because felt no connection to water, but what if that was not his ability at all? No matter how much he might resemble her people, he was not of Meiran’s clan. There was no reason his power should manifest itself in the same way as theirs. What did he know about himself? What was the one thing that was the source of all his pain? He was a child of midnight. Those tentacles had coalesced from the shadows. Didn’t that mean they belonged to him?

Wufei’s thoughts raced. He wanted to deny it, but the more he thought about, it the more the evidence seemed to stare him in the face. He suddenly remembered something. Last night, when he’d thought about blowing out the candles they’d abruptly gutted. Later, he could have sworn he’d felt something cool brushing his cheek. It had felt exactly like the touch of those things that had attacked them today. Or attacked Duo… They had twined around Wufei, but had never really hurt him. When he called out to them, they had obeyed him. Wufei made a pained sound. He had hoped to become strong with Grandmother Long’s training. Now he seemed doomed to become weaker.

“Prince Wufei! Prince Wufei! Are you listening to me?” Duo who had been trying to get Wufei’s attention up to this point became more agitated. His voice was frantic as he grabbed Wufei by the shoulders and shook him.

Wufei turned dazedly to his friend. “Duo … you saw what happened didn’t you?”

Duo didn’t answer but leaned to peer into Wufei’s eyes. He waved his hand in front of them.

“What are you doing?” Wufei growled.

“Oh man, you’re all right.” Duo let out a relieved breath. “I thought those things had taken over you or something.”

“Taken over me?”

“Yeah, I was convinced I was done for and then suddenly I could breathe again. I looked up and your eyes had gone blank. It was pretty scary. You were sucking those things into your hand. I couldn’t believe it. How did you do that?”

“I … I don’t know,” Wufei stammered. That was what he needed to find out and immediately. If he did not learn how to control this soon, who knew the destruction it could wreak.

“How can you not know? You mentioned that you thought it was a spell. Are you saying that thing was controlling you? If that’s the case then we need to get you to a mage right away. Who knows what effects it is having even now?”

“No!”

“No? Prince Wufei…”

“I’m not being controlled.” Wufei swallowed. “That thing, it’s not some kind of spell or external power. I think … I think it belongs to me.”

“What?” If not for the angry bruises around Duo’s throat from where the shadows had gripped him and the hoarseness of his voice even now, the expression on his face would have been funny. As it was, Wufei could find little humor in the situation.

Wufei nodded slowly. Taking a deep breath he described to Duo what Quatre had told him and everything that had happened since he’d arrived in Rossetti. Wufei explained Grandmother Long’s technique and how he thought the shadows might be the latent power Quatre had spoken of. The only thing he left out was his argument with Treize and the more … sexual … aspects of his “gift”. That was too embarrassing to even speak of. “I was not sure at first but if you think about it, you were the only one they attacked.” Wufei finished.

“Hmm, it does seem to be the only thing that makes sense,” Duo agreed, though he seemed equally as worried as Wufei.

“Yes.”

“You know, I’d always wondered,” Duo murmured. He shook his head. “Don’t take this the wrong way but I have always had this … thing … for feeling out people. Like I get a vibe from them or I can sense their energy. It makes no sense but it’s saved my ass a thousand times on the battlefield. Call it instinct or a sixth sense or whatever. From the first time I met you, though I thought there was something a little weird about you.”

Wufei frowned. “Weird? In what way?”

“Well, you were always intense but I always got the feeling that you were out-of-step somehow. I could never put my finger on it but it seemed like you were hiding in some way. That and…” Duo abruptly laughed.

“What?” Wufei demanded.

“Ah … it’s nothing.” Duo coughed and Wufei grew suspicious.

“Lord Maxwell, I just saved your life and shared with you information that I’ve entrusted with no one else. Surely whatever it is you’re so reluctant to reveal cannot be worse than that,” he barked.

“Sorry, you’re right. It’s just this is not exactly the sort of thing a man tells his superior.”

Wufei raised an eyebrow.

“Okay … okay. You know how this instinct of mine has saved me in combat? Well, it’s also helped me off the battlefield. I can usually tell if someone is … ah… fun and even though you were always so dour I always thought you’d be hot in bed.” Duo had the grace to look sheepish.

Wufei choked. Heat suffused his face and traveled down to his neck. “Next time you’re hemming and hawing, remind me to leave well enough alone,” he gritted.

“Sorry.”

Wufei sighed.

“So what do we do now?”

“I don’t know. I need more time to think about this and come up with a coherent plan. If I’m right about this being my power then I have to find an effective way of channeling it,” Wufei answered.

“All right.” Duo nodded. “You know where to find me if you need my help.”

“Thanks. Oh and Duo? Just one more thing. No matter what happens you can’t tell Treize about any of this. Not until I figure it out.”

Duo looked skeptical. “I don’t know, Wufei. I’m not sure what the connection is between what Quatre told you and the thing that attacked us but this stuff only started happening since you met Emperor Rossetti right?” Duo frowned. “I’m not going to lie. There have been a few rumors that things aren’t going so well between the two of you and the last thing I want is to get in the middle of a lovers’ quarrel but maybe this is something you should include Emperor Rossetti on.” Something in Wufei’s look must have shown how much he didn’t like that idea because Duo raised his hand defensively. “Of course I could be totally wrong, but I think it’s worth a try.”

“No!” Wufei shouted, panicked. He took a deep breath and tried again more calmly. “No. This is no business of Treize’s. This conversation is never to reach his ears, understand?”

Duo looked like he was about to argue but he pressed his lips together. He nodded. “Yeah, I completely understand.”

————————

Treize roughly splashed water on his face and stared at himself in the mirror. His eyes were red from lack of sleep. He also had a headache he’d been unable to shake since morning. Maybe Wufei’s attack had shaken something loose, he tried to joke with himself but failed. Treize grimaced. There was nothing to laugh about when every day his husband was drifting farther and farther away from him. He had spent all night thinking about his relationship with Wufei and no matter how he looked at it, things were going terribly wrong. He had to figure out what to do. And there was something else niggling at the back of Treize’s mind. He didn’t want to think about it but the image kept replaying itself in his head: Wufei and Duo, together in the courtyard, Duo smoothing his hands over Wufei’s silken black hair. The most painful part though was Wufei’s expression. He had been smiling, his expression warm and open. Smiling, when all Treize had been ever been able to squeeze out of him was a grimace.

Treize walked back to his chamber and began changing into his clothes. Beneath his pain and the confusion of his thoughts was a dark thread of jealously but also determination. He’d messed up; there was no other way to put it, but he wasn’t about to let Maxwell steal his husband from right under his nose. Treize didn’t care if they were the best of friends or that Duo was the finest soldier in Eires. He would do whatever it took to win Wufei over and this time he wouldn’t overwhelm Wufei or force him into a corner. That approach had obviously had disastrous consequences. Treize rapidly paced the room, his boots ringing on the stone floor. What must he do to win Wufei’s love? How could he prove to the younger man that he was worthy of his trust? Treize still did not have the answer but he was beginning to form a plan. First, though, he needed to get a few things. Treize grabbed his cloak and hurried down the hall.

The doors had been flung open as the maids aired and cleaned the rooms and as he approached, he caught faint snatches of the women’s conversation as they bustled on with their chores. He thought he heard mention of ‘Prince Wufei’ and he slowed down to listen.

“…was empty,” a soft voice finished.

“Eh? You mean they’re sleeping in separate beds?”

“Hush, Eloise! You’re too damn loud. What if someone hears us?. But yes, I clean the master’s room every day and the prince is no longer in there. Syphus told me he helped move Prince Wufei’s boxes to the red room with the terrace.” The maid’s voice dropped another few decibels. “Far as I can tell, they haven’t been together in that way either. At least not since they came back from Eires.”

“Breneth, them’s dangerous words…” A gruffer older female voice warned.

“But I’m only saying!”

“You already said more than enough. Better stop that talk immediately. You and I both know there ain’t no marriage without a consummation and if there ain’t no marriage … well I won’t be the one to say what folk out there will talk about the emperor. You’d be wise to close your eyes and your ears—and that big mouth of yours too.”

“It’s only natural for people to wonder, Alice,” Breneth grumbled. “He gave us the vote. Don’t we have a right to say as we please? I got two young’uns to feed and I’ve got to make sure I have my faith in the right person. How can I trust anyone to feed my family that can’t get a little thing like Prince Wufei into his bed?”

“Breneth!” There was the sound of someone being soundly boxed, followed by indignant cries, but by then Treize had already moved on. His hands were shaking. He had to win Wufei over. Too much was at stake.

————————

Wufei was still deeply troubled by the incident in the garden and his conversation with Duo, but he was forced to put both aside as he hurried to Senate Hall, the center of Rossetti’s political activity. He’d only had a moment to change after leaving his friend. Wufei served on Treize’s foreign advisory council and he attended the daily meetings where everything from Rossetti’s trade agreements to its border security was discussed. It was one of the few aspects of Rossettian life Wufei found invigorating. He was comfortable among the diplomats and learned men, and for now at least, as a newcomer, he was one step removed from the political machinations and court rivalries that were so common in Eires. It would be impossible to avoid them but Wufei was doing his best to not become enmeshed with the most obvious sycophants.

Wufei smoothed his robes as he entered the hall, which was a cacophony of voices. At his entrance, they immediately hushed to a murmur and Wufei nodded curtly to the group before taking his seat. The only unpleasant part was that despite his protestations that he would prefer to sit among the rest of the men like any other civil servant, his chair had been placed on the dais right next to Treize’s.

To Wufei, Rossettian government was a curious mix of old and new. Treize’s innovation and vision were visible in every aspect, and it was exciting watching the new forms of organization and procedures at work. At the same time, the old and new often conflicted with or contradicted each other and Wufei wasn’t sure how much of that was due to the inevitable growing pains associated with any new venture and how much was irreconcilable.

Rossetti’s government was organized in three concentric circles, with power becoming more concentrated the closer one got to the center. The outer and largest “ring” was the representative chamber made up of officials from each of Rossetti’s twenty-five provinces. Each of the provinces was allowed to elect two officials to the chamber. The second “ring” was the council of twenty five elders, each nominated from the provinces. Finally there was the “Circle of Ten” of which Wufei was a part. This was the Emperor’s hand-picked set of advisors who often held Rossetti’s most important offices. Of course, at the very top of it all stood the Emperor who had veto power over any decisions made at the lower levels.

In uneasy relation to the whole structure was the court. Unlike in Eires, where the king and his court were the center of political activity, in Rossetti, it was an apolitical structure—at least in theory. In actuality, it was the marketplace for peddling influence, and access to the lower chamber and council was next to impossible without influence in the court. The council of elders was minimally affected by the ebb and flow of court intrigues but it was much more important for the chamber of representatives. For the ambitious young politicians who sought its seats, Treize’s implicit approval greatly increased one’s chances of being elected. Wufei knew Rossetti’s practices were no worse than those of Eires; far from it in fact. Rossetti was more open, more efficient, more egalitarian than Eirean society in almost every way. After Treize’s rough treatment of him, however, a sulky voice in Wufei’s head couldn’t help pointing out that it was just typical of the older man to claim to be sharing power while doing everything to make sure it was concentrated in himself.

Wufei waited as the page dispensed with the regular formalities and minor “housekeeping” announcements. These rarely pertained to Treize so he usually came in after the introductions were made. When over a half hour had passed, and Treize still did not appear, however, the room became restless. Wufei frowned. Treize was never late. No one said anything but the looks on everyone’s faces showed they all feared the same thing: that King Mueller and his Northern Army were up to no good again. Assuming that if Rossetti’s forces had tangled with the northern army, wherever Treize was, his captain would be with him, Wufei was just about to summon Duo to seek out the emperor and Heero, when Treize scurried in, his cloak flying behind him. He was flushed and he looked like he had just returned from a vigorous horse ride.

“My apologies, my apologies to all!” Treize called, taking his seat. “There’s no cause for alarm. I was unexpectedly detained with a personal matter.”

A palpable sigh of relief went through the hall. Once the excitement died down, the advisor from Pernath stood and the proceedings began as usual. Treize had barely glanced at him when he entered, but throughout the entire session, Wufei felt the weight of the older man’s eyes on him, burning into him with uncommon intensity.

Wufei’s expression darkened.

What was Treize up to now?

————————

When Wufei returned to his rooms, he found a letter from Eires waiting for him. Already troubled by the day’s events, confused by Treize’s behavior and just plain exhausted, he approached the roll of parchment warily. Wufei unrolled the missive and sat at his desk. His heart clenched when he saw his father’s familiar writing. “My Dearest, Son…” it began and for a moment that greeting alone caused pain to flitter through Wufei. If King Zechs had written though, he knew it was important. There was no avoiding what was inside. “My Dearest Son,” Wufei began again:

I hope you will forgive me for taking Trowa’s place but when he told me you had written to him asking about the mage-fire project, I wanted to respond to you personally as your king, and as your father.

Wufei, our second sun has climbed in its orbit since you left for Rossetti and yet I receive no word from you except polite greetings and official announcements. You say that you are well and enjoying your new home, yet there are rumors even here in Eires that there is little love lost between you and your husband. I know you are angry at me and your brother but I remain convinced that you do not belong in the cloister. Yet, even my conviction is not enough to condone Rossetti’s mistreatment of you. You are my most precious son and Eires always protects its own. Tell me the truth of this matter and I will abide by your word. If Rossetti has insulted you, then he has insulted Eires and the price will be his life. Entrust your response to no one but my personal spy, Magreth, who will contact you through Lord Maxwell in about three Rossettian weeks. I will believe your word only. If I do not receive a response from you, I will assume that Magreth has been intercepted and Eires will march on Rossetti.

Regarding the mage-fire weapons, our scientists have perfected the technology. I have answered your questions about the specifications below, but I am hesitant to send such powerful weapons to Rossetti unless I am sure of your happiness there. I eagerly await your word…

His father then went on to describe the weapons in more detail and the fact that a single mage-fire gun had the equivalent power of ten traditional fire bombs. Currently a single Eirean military unit specialized in the use of the weapons, but they were being integrated into all of Eires’ forces. Wufei continued reading, but by then, the technical descriptions barely registered over the frantic noise of his thoughts. The fact was he wasn’t happy. He did not want a war but what if he could explain things to his father in a way that could avoid needless destruction?

What if, after all this madness, he could finally come home?

————————

The gift had been almost impossible to find but Treize finally unearthed it at a tiny market far from Rossetti’s capital. The bent old woman who sold the book to him had seemed as old as the tome itself. What was more, in her voice he could still detect the soft Eirean syllables he heard in Wufei’s own dignified tones. That had been Treize’s first clue that he had stumbled onto a real treasure.

Treize had never taken much interest in Wufei’s martial arts training but he did know it was very important to Wufei and having been on the receiving end of that training, he also understood its effectiveness. Thus, when Treize heard that someone had spotted what appeared to be one of the missing canons of Eirean martial arts, he was determined to find it. What better gift to begin his courtship of Wufei with? Considering how strained things were between them, Treize knew he needed something that would be impossible for Wufei to reject. If he could get Wufei to soften just a little, maybe there was a chance for him to prove to his husband that he could change. If Wufei shut him out, no amount of wooing would make a difference.

It was a gamble but the stakes were too high to ignore. Treize had been late to the advisory council because it had taken time to contact the empire’s leading historical scholar and have him verify the authenticity of the piece. And it was real all right. The old scholar had almost wept when he discovered what he held in his hands. The sight had filled Treize with tremulous hope. If the old man was so moved and he was a Rossettian, what would Wufei’s reaction be?

Treize carefully unwrapped the book from its paper. Its worn leather binding was smooth to the touch. Treize sent up a prayer to the gods. If this did not work, he did not know what else would. Beside him were other more conventional gifts: perfumed oils, silken robes and exotic sweets. These would come next as slowly, slowly he tried to find a place in Wufei’s heart.

Treize sighed, rubbing his temples. Even though he’d taken the white willow bark recommended by the physician, the headache which had plagued him all day only seemed to have intensified. Treize rose with the gift, thinking to bring it to Wufei immediately, but the sudden sharp pain lancing through his head forced him to reconsider. He set the book aside and staggered to the bed. When he leaned forward, two bright drops of blood spattered the pristine sheets. Bringing his hand to his face, he discovered the warm trickle of blood down his nose. Treize frowned. What in Rossetti…? He hadn’t had a nosebleed since he was a boy. The stress of the past few days must be getting to him.

Puzzled, and still murmuring to himself, Treize went to the bathroom to wash his hands and make a wet compress. He supposed the gift could wait one more night. He would get some rest, then he would see to this matter of courtship.

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Down the hall, Wufei slept fitfully. His eyes tracked feverishly behind their closed lids and he mumbled under his breath. A soft breeze stirred the curtains, revealing the golden moon. The wind tickled his face, cooling the sweat on his brow. From out of the darkness something moved. The shadows swayed and coalesced. Rushing towards the bed, they circled Wufei, soothing him. He gave a shuddery sigh and the furrow on his brow eased.

He slept.

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