Sweetromance » alternate universe

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 Three

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 13:29:24 +0000

Table of contents for The Broken Seal

Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three

The Broken Seal
by Michalyn
Rating: MA

When Wufei woke the next morning, the rain had disappeared as though it had never been. A slice of brilliant blue sky peeked through the tiny window above his desk and sunlight poured onto his bed. For a moment, Wufei basked in the warmth, his mind pleasantly blank in the fuzzy aftermath of sleep. Yet, all too soon he remembered the previous night’s catastrophe. Wufei’s cheeks burned. What was he going to do? After … that … had happened, he’d left the two warriors downstairs and had hidden in his room for the rest of the night. Wufei had been afraid that Treize and Zechs would follow him, but luckily even their presumption did not extend that far. Soon after Wufei retired, they had fallen asleep on the makeshift bedding he’d given them. Now, twenty-four hours later, Wufei still did not know what to do about the two intruders in his living room.

That is, the two intruders who were supposed to be in his living room… Wufei frowned as he descended from the loft to the main room below. He looked about the room, but the only evidence of his guests was the neatly folded blankets stacked in the corner near the fireplace. Could they have gone to the village? Wufei fought down a surge of panic. They were guardians not demons right? If they went to the village there should be no problem, he tried to tell himself. People would wonder about their outdated dress but Dragon Glen was no stranger to travelers. As long as they suppressed their powers and did not breathe a word about being on the mountain everything should be fine.

Too bad he didn’t believe it.

Wufei ran to the door. A million scenarios ran through his head and none of them were good. As he passed the kitchen, he spotted his rune stones on the table. Wufei hesitated. Should he … or shouldn’t he? Hadn’t last night proven the stones were as good as useless? On a whim Wufei hurried to the table and stuffed the runes into his pocket. They might be useless but it was the only thing he had. He would need a miracle if Treize and Zechs were not what they claimed to be but he could only hope the gods were with him. Heart pounding, Wufei was just lifting the door latch when he was stopped by a string of blistering curses.

“God damn it, you insufferable beast! Come back here!”

There was the sound of footsteps followed by an incredible crash. Betsy bleated loudly and her bell clanged in a way that could only mean she was galloping about the yard.

Wufei blinked. What in the heavens was going on?

Whatever he had been expecting, nothing prepared Wufei for the sight that greeted him when he dashed outside.

At one corner of Betsy’s corral, a flustered-looking Treize was clutching an empty pail. Not ten feet away, Zechs was sprawled in the mud, his pristine robes soiled and his scarlet cloak twisted in the muck. Betsy, on the other side of the corral, eyed the two guardians warily.

“What’s all this rukus about so early in the morning? Can’t you two act civilized for once? What are you doing to Betsy and why is Zechs in the mud?” Wufei demanded.

“Damned ingrate,” Zechs growled, spitting out mud as he rose to his feet. “He’s just as bad as the goat.”

“What!?” Wufei was indignant. He glared at Zechs.

“I’m going inside, Treize,” Zechs said, igorning Wufei. “I’ve had enough of making a jackass of myself trying to milk that she-demon of a goat. And I refuse to add insult to injury by listening to this mageling’s tirade when we were only trying to help him. Maybe you’ll have better luck than I did.” The blond stalked off. His cloak slapped wetly against his legs, leaving unsightly smears against his pale skin.

Wufei turned to Treize. “What was that about?”

Treize sighed. “We woke up and thought we’d help with breakfast by getting the milk.” Treize nodded toward Betsy. “Obviously we did not succeed. I tried to milk her while Zechs held her but she would have none of it. Needless to say, in that kind of situation it does not help one’s pride to have the goat’s owner come out shouting imprecations. ”

“I was not shouting imprecations,” Wufei hissed. “I come downstairs and the first thing I hear is the two of you shouting and Betsy running about the yard as though her life depended on it. What was I supposed to think? If you’d only asked I would have told you that Betsy is extremely skittish. She’s very particular about who she will let milk her. The two of you as strangers would have never succeeded. You should have just left it to me.”

Wufei took the pail from Treize and went over to Betsy. Murmuring soothingly to the nanny goat, he patted her on the flank then placed the bucket under her. Before long, the morning quiet was filled with the rhythmic drumming of her milk hitting the pail. When Wufei was done, he rose with the pail now filled with thick frothy milk. He raised an eyebrow as he walked past Treize.

“Now we can have breakfast,” he said.

————————————–

Wufei carried the milk inside with Treize follwing quietly behind him. He almost dropped the pail, however, when he entered the cottage and found Zech bathing in front of the fire. The blond’s wet hair clung to his neck in a gleaming swath. His large muscular body was ridiculously cramped in the wooden tub meant for Wufei’s smaller proportions. Yet, what should have been a comical sight was anything but as Wufei got quite the view of Zechs’ broad back and slick golden skin. Heat pooled in his belly. Wufei swallowed and hurried to the table, determined not to look at Zechs.

Treize of course had no such qualms. While Wufei was setting the milk down and fishing out an iron pot and some spices with which to make some porridge, he heard the General amble over to Zechs and begin murmuring to him. The gentle splashing sounds of Zechs washing himself as well as the men’s talking stopped for a moment and then resumed. Wufei did not allow himself to think about what might account for that significant pause. Instead he opened the kitchen window, grateful for the crisp air on his hot cheeks.

Wufei whistled for Nataku. The little dragon quickly answered, flapping over to Wufei and resting on his shoulder. She rubbed against his neck.

“There you are, girl. Have you eaten?” Wufei asked, petting Nataku’s scales.

The dragon made a contented sound and settled more comfortably against Wufei.

Wufei laughed. “I’ll take that as a yes then. Unless I can entice you with some of these?” He held out some of the prickly dragon fruit that had earned its name because dragons loved it so much.

Nataku gobbled the pieces up from Wufei, but not without butting her head worriedly against the bandages on his arms. The pain had eased so much from the wounds that Wufei had all but forgotten them. When he remembered that this was due to Zechs’ medicinal salve, Wufei felt a little guilty for having been so short with the blond earlier.

When Nataku was finished eating, she flew up to her favorite perch in the rafters above Wufei’s bedroom and promptly dozed off. Wufei returned to the ingredients he had been preparing for the porridge, hoping that Zechs would be done with his bath so he could use the fire. Deciding to wait a few minutes, just in case… Wufei headed towards the fireplace with his ingredients in hand.

Zechs and Treize were sitting together on the floor cushions. Zechs had wrapped himself in a blanket and since Wufei saw nothing of the blond’s soiled clothes, he guessed they had been washed and hung out to dry. It reminded him that the two guardians really only had the clothes on their backs; if their robes happened to get soiled, like in Zechs’ case, they were not left with many options.

Wufei frowned. Even his weekly laundry rounds would literally leave the two men naked. Wufei didn’t have much to spend, but it was probably wise to get Treize and Zechs some new clothes when Jared stopped by later in the day. Besides, more normal clothes would make the guardians a lot less conspicuous. Dressed as they were now, Wufei could not pass them off as simple travellers even if he wanted to.

Wufei placed the pot on the fire and poured some milk into it, followed by the oats and the spices he had taken from the pantry. He stirred the mixture as the aromas of cinnamon, brown sugar and nutmeg hovered deliciously in the air.

Treize sniffed. “What are you making?” he asked. Next to him, Zechs nodded. Both men seemed to have recovered from their foul moods.Wufei tried not to look at the way their bodies leaned into each other.

“Just some porridge for us.”

“Hmm, smells good. I didn’t know you had a talent for cooking, Elf,” Zechs rumbled.

“Elf?” Wufei raised an eyebrow.

“What?”

“What do you mean ‘what’?” Wufei growled and Treize laughed.

“I think he’s trying to tell us that he objects to being called tiny, Zechs.”

“Oh?” Zechs chuckled. “And why not? He doesn’t even come up to my chin.”

Wufei set his ladle down with a clang. “Keep that up and at least one of us will not be getting a meal. And that does not include me.”

Zechs made a placating gesture. “Beg pardon,” he murmured, but a smile hovered about his lips.

Wufei ignored him. Despite his threatening words, he set three bowls on a large wooden tray and ladled some porridge into each. Treize and Zechs accepted their portions gratefully and taking his own bowl, Wufei started to eat. He sat opposite the two men, occasionally glancing up to answer some odd question about the meal … or to sneak a glance at their continued touching. Zechs’ hand was resting casually upon Treize’s thigh and when a few strands of the blond’s hair fell into his face, Treize brushed them away without a thought.

Wufei didn’t want to stare but it was impossible not to. So rarely did he have the opportunity to observe visitors of any kind, much less two as different as these. He had read much about the … ways of men … but it was another thing entirely to observe a couple first hand, nevermind they were not really human. Besides, even he had to admit they were somewhat attractive. Not that it had any effect on him of course… Wufei quickly looked away when Treize glanced in his direction. They ate in a charged silence, though Wufei couldn’t fathom why it would be that way. He thought he felt the other men’s eyes on him, but when he looked up, they were focused on their own meals.

When they were finished, Wufei rose to gather up the bowls. “I’ll go wash up,” he began, but Treize stopped him. He reached out and encircled Wufei’s wrist.

“Don’t go. You’ve satisfied our hunger, now let us repay our debt. We haven’t forgotten the way you responded to us,” Treize husked. He bent his head to mouth the throbbing pulse point at Wufei’s wrist.

Wufei’s breath lodged in his throat. “That’s … that’s quite all right. It was just a simple meal,” he stammered. His heart was pounding so hard he could hear the blood rushing in his ears.

“You know, with that prickly attitude and all the protesting you do, a man might never guess how hotly you burn. This morning, in my anger, I almost forgot it, too. But I remember it very clearly now,” Zechs purred. He took Wufei’s free hand and in unison, he and Treize tugged on their captured limbs until Wufei toppled forward and landed between them on the cushions.

“What the—Wait a god damned minute!” Wufei struggled to get up. “We are not going through that again,” he said shakily. His eyes darted from Treize to Zechs.

“Why not? There’s no question of your desire for us,” Treize asked. Already, he was leaning close.

“Indeed.” Zechs’ hot breath bathed Wufei’s ear. “Stop fighting us, Elf. Yesterday, we barely had a chance to hold you. Now we have all the time in the world. Let us take you upstairs to that little bed of yours. Treize and I will undress you and show you what it really means to be bonded to us.”

—————————————————–

“What? Th…there’s no way that is going to happen!”

Wufei tried to rise but with Zechs’ lips brushing the sensitive rim of his ear, he just couldn’t seem to get his feet under him. The moment of hesitation was all Treize needed to close the distance between them.

“I really would like to know why you’re so afraid of this,” the older man whispered. “More than that, I want to know what we can do to ease your fears. Will you do that for us, Lovely? Will you tell us how to soothe you?”

Treize’s voice held a note of promise that sent heat spiralling through Wufei. He raised his hand to push Treize away but somehow his fingers ended up tangled in the other man’s tunic. Then, Treize was cupping the back of his head and kissing him soundly.

Wufei’s eyes fluttered closed. Warmth spread through his veins as Treize’s mouth latched onto the skin of his throat. Why couldn’t he resist this? It had to be magic … a sinister spell of some sort. How else could he explain the way his resolve melted beneath Zechs’ and Treize’s kisses like snow on a summer’s day? It had to be something powerful and arcane. Wufei was sure of it.

While Wufei’s thoughts jumbled together, Zechs’ large hand had settled on his knee. Slowly, slowly it slid upwards, and Wufei moaned as Zechs’ hand worked its way beneath his tunic. His cry was transformed to a desperate shout when Zechs fondled his burgeoning erection. The sensation was so unexpected, so electric that Wufei’s eyes flew wide open.

“Zechs…I…”

“Mmm….” Treize’s mouth covered Wufei’s and the older man drank in his cry, his lips brushing Wufei’s in gentle sweeps. “Such pretty sounds you make. I’d like to hear more.”

Wufei shivered, caught between Treize’s teasing mouth and Zechs’ stroking hand. The blond was rubbing over the crown of his erection in a hot circular motion that made Wufei’s entire body clench in ecstasy. He heard his ragged moans and the wild sound he made when Zechs embraced him even more tightly but he might as well have been listening to a stranger for all he could do to stop them. Wufei’s tunic was tugged over his head and he barely had a chance to catch his breath before he was lowered to the cushions and Treize and Zechs stretched out, forming a living wall on either side of him.

Their large bodies pressed against along Wufei’s sides, hot and demanding. Zechs and Treize were looking down at him with such expressions of hunger that Wufei couldn’t help feeling like a lamb thrown to the wolves.

Yet, for all their insistence, Treize’s hands smoothing over his belly were gentle, and the warm kiss Zechs placed on Wufei’s shoulder was meant more to soothe than to excite. Such ferocity and tenderness melded together ignited Wufei as never before. He was trembling, aflame with a desire he couldn’t suppress. Wufei stared at the rune mark over Treize’s heart. He wanted them, he realized with startling clarity. And if that sigil spoke true, Zechs and Treize were his. Would it be so terrible to give in?

Wufei reached out and twined his fingers with Zechs’. With his other hand, he grasped Treize and pulled him closer. “Please,” he groaned, unaware of the delicate arching of his body or the way his hips pressed against Zechs’s palm.

Zechs’ eyebrows shot to his hairline, the planes of his face sharpened by lust. A rough sound burst from him as he watched Wufei. On Wufei’s other side, Treize leaned in to kiss Wufei’s cheek.

“Oh my darling, you are not going to regret giving yourself to us,” he murmured huskily.

“No, ” Zechs agreed, hot breath washing over Wufei. His mouth hovered over one berry-dark nipple. The tiny bud puckered up, demanding attention. Zechs soothed Wufei, shaping his nipple upright with the changing textures of lips, teeth and tongue. Wufei cried out, his fingers tangling in Zechs’ hair. The blond braced a hand between Wufei’s shoulder blades, holding him arched while he feasted.

Wufei writhed and moaned. The pleasure only doubled as Treize bent to his other nipple and worried it between his teeth. Never lifting his head, Treize eased off Wufei’s leggings and Wufei’s swollen cock sprang free. The pink cap of him shone with wetness that spoke more of Wufei’s desire than any words could have.

“What a delicious little thing you are,” Treize moaned, touching a finger to that enticing slickness.

Wufei made an embarassed sound. “I…”

“You are. Delicious … delectable ….” Wufei sucked in his breath as Treize slid down his body. The General’s mouth hovered over his erection.

“Treize, wait. You shouldn’t….”

“Hush, hush. You’re sweeter than the finest honey.” Treize caressed Wufei’s hips; lifted him, spread him.

An uncontrollable shiver seized Wufei. He could only gasp as Zechs moved behind him and cradled him to his chest, easily supporting Wufei’s weight in his arms. Below, Treize held Wufei open. His thumb whispered between his cheeks, circling the furled entrance to his body.

“I was going to suck your pretty cock but I promised to kiss you here didn’t I?”

A rumbling sound bubbled from Zechs’ chest at Treize’s announcement. Wufei felt its vibrations all the way to his toes.

Treize began lowering his head. Wufei moaned. His body prickled with heat and he squeezed his eyes shut in anticipation of that forbidden caress. Surely Treize wouldn’t. That sort of thing was … he had to be teasing.

Yet, even as Wufei tried to tell himself that, the warmth of Treize’s breath fanned over him. Wufei cried out and twisted in Zechs’ arms, his emotions racing wildly between shock, desire and dread. If Treize noticed his distress, however he gave no sign of it. He only turned his head and licked Wufei just below the curve of one cheek, right where his ass met his leg. Wufei jerked.

“Please,” he moaned.

“Soon, soon, Elf,” Zechs purred. “Treize is going to make you feel—”

Whatever Zechs had been about to say was interrupted by a sudden loud rapping at the door. An urgent voice echoed beyond the wood: “Master Wufei? Master Wufei are you there?”

———————————

“Oh god!” Wufei bolted to his feet. He straightened his tunic and scrambled into his leggings. What in heaven’s name was he doing? What if it were one of the village elders? The window on the opposite wall was open and wide enough to offer a clear view of the mountain road. Wufei had always used it to keep an eye on anyone who might be coming up the path. Now the sight alone turned his knees to water. What if they had been seen? It was bad enough to have to explain how two strangers had materialized in his home; but to be caught doing … that with them— Wufei made a choked sound. His life would be over.

“Elf?” Treize began.

“Don’t say anything! Just hide yourselves somewhere!” Wufei hissed, scurrying to the door as the knocking became even louder. He took one last deep breath and smoothed a hand over his hair. Then, he slowly opened the door. He found the village merchant waiting on the other side.

“Jared! Ah … good day. You’re a bit early aren’t you?”

“Oh you’re here, Master Wufei. I thought you might have gone up to the temple. Folks in the village thought they saw an explosion of some kind up here last night during the storm. The elders thought I should come earlier to make sure you were okay. Seems like the mountain got the brunt of that bad weather. Is everything all right?”

“Yes, yes of course,” Wufei stammered. “Please thank everyone for their concern, though.” He stared at Jared, searching his expression for anything that might indicate he’d seen them on his way to the cottage. When Jared’s smile remained eager and open, Wufei inwardly let out a sigh of relief. He didn’t know what he would have done if Jared had seen him with Zechs and Treize.

“And the explosion?” Jared probed, searching Wufei’s features.

“Ah … lightning struck the temple,” Wufei replied. “There was some damage, but nothing I couldn’t fix with a spell or two, myself,” he quickly amended.

The merchant smiled shyly. “I’m relieved. I … we were worried that you might have been hurt all alone up here.”

Wufei flushed. “Oh no. I’m quite fine, thank you. Please let the village know that there is nothing to worry about.”

“I’ll do that. Well, now that I know everything’s fine, I’ve brought you some mail and I have some new candles that I think you might like. They’re real beeswax not tallow, so they burn nice and clean. I got a good deal on them from an Arcadian merchant and since you’re the only one here learned enough to need good light for reading, I thought I’d show them to you first.” Jared ducked his head. “If you’re interested I can give you a nice discount.”

“Real beeswax?” Wufei repeated. The candles probably cost more than they were worth, but he had to admit he was tempted. He often read late into the evening and his spectacles could only help him so much in the weak light of the tallow candles he owned.

“Yup. They’re the real thing, honest.”

“Well…” Wufei bit his lip. “Let me get my regular supplies first and I’ll see how much I have left over.”

Jared nodded and pulled out another satchel. He looked meaningfully at Wufei as he waited for him to open the door. He needed to use the table to measure out the goods. Normally, it would not have been a problem. Normally, though Wufei did not have two powerful guardians for roommates. If Jared had not seen Zechs and Treize before, there was no way he could miss them once he was inside. Wufei stalled, blocking the entryway with his body. What now?

“Master Wufei?” Jared was still balancing the heavy satchel between his palms.

“Ah … yes … please come in.” Wufei took a deep breath and inched the door open. A thousand excuses raced through his head to explain Treize’s and Zechs’ presence to Jared but he couldn’t think of anything that would make sense. All he could be certain of was that as soon as the merchant stepped inside, his life as he knew it would be over. Wufei’s heart was in his throat as the door swung open to reveal his living room.

It was empty.

Wufei’s knees fairly buckled with relief. He didn’t know where the guardians had gone or how they’d managed it, but he could kiss them both for being so prudent. “Why don’t we go into the kitchen?” he quickly suggested to Jared and guided him to the table.

“All right.” Jared spread his supplies out, waiting for Wufei to make his selections.

Wufei cleared his throat. “I’d like to buy a little more flour and rice than I usually do. And do you have any of that salted meat you brought last time?”

“Sure thing. How much more of each would you like?”

“Well I was thinking…”

“Ah! Wait, I almost forgot!” Jared interrupted before Wufei could finish. He handed him a small bundle. “I have some letters for you.”

“Is that so? Thanks.” Wufei didn’t get many visitors but he maintained regular contact with a number of scholars in the outside world. They kept him up-to-date on the latest developments in the world of magick and Wufei in turn shared the fruits of his own studies with them. He published occasional articles, mostly about Dragon Glen’s tradition of magick and the pieces were an additional source of income that he was quite grateful for.

In fact, a few of his articles had been so well received that he’d gotten a number of requests from other mages who wanted to come to Dragon Glen to learn more from him. Wufei always turned them down. Not because the elders would forbid it; quite the contrary. They welcomed the prestige such guests afforded. It was impractical for Wufei to ever leave the mountain because of his role as guardian but they had no objection to a visitor who would be an aid to his duties. No, Wufei simply wasn’t interested in spending the time or energy necessary preparing for a visiting scholar. There was the matter of requesting permission from the elders … finding lodging … transportation … suitable clothing for the temple rituals….

Wufei froze. Wait a minute. Food … clothing … shelter … and the fire festival was coming up…. It was a gamble. Should he risk it? Wufei turned to Jared.

“Jared, I think I’ll be buying some tunics and leggings from you. I need good quality items but nothing too expensive. Oh and they need to be in a large size.” Wufei bit his lip. A plan was slowly forming in his head and with a little luck, he thought it just might work.
—————————————————

“Here, try these on.” Wufei put the bundle of clothes on the table.

Treize and Milliardo walked over and examined the tunics, leggings and folded cloaks. “What are these?” Zechs asked.

“Clothes. Contemporary clothes,” Wufei told him. “If this is going to work, we need to start by making the two of look like the rest of us. Right now you stick out like sore thumbs in those old military outfits.”

“Old? These were cutting edge when we were sealed away,” Treize murmured, fingering the soft wool of his cloak.

“Unfortunately, the only thing they’re on the edge of right now, is history. No one is going to believe you and Zechs are visiting scholars if you come dressed in battle armor from 1000 years ago. Go on, try on the outfits. I think I bought the right size but I’m not sure. If they don’t fit, I’ll need to send for Jared to replace them.”

“All right.” Treize’s cloak dropped to the floor. Beside him, Zechs was already pulling his tunic over his head. Wufei quickly turned around.

“Are you done?” he ground out after a moment.

“Yes, I think so,” Treize mumured slowly. “Wait, Zechs, can you help me with this belt? You seem to have done a marvelous job with yours.”

Zechs grunted and Wufei heard the soft rustling of cloth as the blond helped his partner put himself to rights.

“All right, what do you think?” Treize asked.

Wufei turned around and his breath deserted him. Treize and Zechs looked… Wufei swallowed, unable to speak. The clothes were a perfect fit.

He had bought the typical outfit worn by learned men for Trezie and Zechs: soft belted tunics, leggings and supple ankle boots. Long cloaks completed the ensemble. Treize was wearing a royal blue tunic with contrasting black leggings. His cloak echoed the color of his tunic but in a rich navy that made his eyes appear startlingly blue against the warmth of his complexion. For Zechs’ part, he had abandoned his scarlet uniform for something much more subtle: cloak, tunic and leggings were of the deepest black. With his golden hair and pale skin the effect was breathtaking. Both men looked intelligent, elegant, and painfully attractive. If Wufei had thought them beautiful before, seeing them in modern clothing brought the point home now with heart-stopping force.

“Is something wrong? Did we not put them on correctly?” Zechs asked frowning.

“No … no… they fit perfectly,” Wufei murmured, sitting heavily at the table. Now all he had to do was figure out how to convince everyone that Zechs and Treize were scholars visiting for the fire festival. But that wasn’t Wufei’s only problem. There were other things he had to worry about. Like how long could he stay in close quarters with these very masculine, very attractive men and still keep his wits—and his virtue—about him.

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