Table of contents for A Matter of Good Sense

1. Prologue
2. Chapter One: An Impossible Proposal
3. Chapter Two: Dread
4. Chapter Three: Hidden Beauty
5. Chapter Four: Midnight Blooms
6. Chapter Five: Trial
7. Chapter Six: Temptation
8. Chapter Seven: Tenderness
9. Chapter Eight: Home
10. Chapter Nine: Discovery
11. Chapter Ten: Distrust
12. Chapter Eleven: Shadows
13. Chapter Twelve: Courtship
14. Chapter Thirteen: Lovers
15. Chapter Fourteen: Passion

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.

“I’m sorry, sir but I must say it again: Mr. Chang-Khushrenada gave explicit instructions that he was not to have any visitors.”

Treize crooked his finger at the hotel attendant as he leaned forward against the marble counter. “Do you have any idea who I am?” he asked calmly.

The young man drew himself up. “No sir, but it’s our policy—”

“I own the group which sets your damn policy,” Treize growled, sliding his driver’s license across the counter and watching the desk attendant’s eyes widen in alarm. “Now give me the bloody key.”

“Ye..yes … yes … Mr. Khushrenada sir!” The young man stammered, dropping the key like a hot potato into Treize’s palm.

Treize stalked to the elevator, muttering to himself about inept employees. In his heart he knew the desk attendant was just doing his job, but after searching for two days to find his errant husband, he had little time for niceties and even less patience for red tape. Treize drummed his fingers on the railing as the elevator began the interminable ascent to the fifteenth floor. Inside, he was clenched with desperation. No, what he felt was nothing so tame. What spurred Treize on was the naked fear of losing Wufei, of losing the one thing that gave his life meaning. Like any other couple they’d had their disagreements but this was the first time Treize truly feared for his marriage. How could something so well-intentioned have gone so terribly wrong?

Though Wufei had ultimately settled on a job teaching history and philosophy at the local university after his work with the Preventers, he always dreamed of publishing a multi-volume series on the history and culture of L5. It was a deeply personal undertaking in commemoration of his destroyed home and Treize had witnessed firsthand the emotional toll the writing of the first volume had taken on his husband.

There was no doubt the manuscript was wonderfully written and meticulously researched. Unfortunately, neither Wufei nor Treize anticipated the reluctance of the university and popluar presses to publish it. Even as the gundam pilots were outwardly revered as heroes, the subject of L5 was still a controversial one and a number of those linked to the colony’s demise still held important positions in the post-war government. Add to that Wufei’s equally controversial marriage to Treize and the book was doomed before the ink was even dry.

Of course, Wufei was devastated. He had quietly put the manuscript away but his pain was so palpable that Treize could not bear to see it. He had leaned heavily on some old enemies and called in favors from some friends. By the end of the month, Wufei had an offer for a book deal. From that moment on, he was the happiest Treize had ever seen him. His normally reserved husband was laughing more often; he developed a new spring in his step and his eyes shone with excitement. Wufei’s joy was his joy and Treize was prepared to do anything to keep that beautiful smile on Wufei’s face.

Then it all came crashing down. A new agent accidentally inquired about Treize in relation to a contract and the whole thing unraveled right before their eyes. Wufei had accused Treize of betrayal, manipulation, of being the cause of his people’s suffering in the first place … and the older man had lashed out with painful words of his own. When Treize returned from work the next evening, he found Wufei gone and a note stating simply that he needed time alone. There was no address, no other information about where he could reach him. All Treize had was Wufei’s cell phone number, which of course was useless to him since the younger man had turned his phone off.

At first, Treize vowed he would respect Wufei’s wishes, but after a week without a single email or call from Wufei—the loneliest most agonizing week of his life—he couldn’t bear it anymore. Two days of hunting had finally brought him here.

Treize left the elevator and wandered down the hall until he came to Wufei’s room. He slid the card-key into the lock, bracing himself for an immediate confrontation. Instead, he was greeted to the sound of the shower running and the sight of Wufei’s underwear and clothes laid out on the bed. Treize was used to seeing those clothes on their bed and something twisted inside of him. He locked the door behind him and approached the bed. Treize ran his fingers over the soft cotton of Wufei’s shirt. Unable to resist, he brought it to his face and inhaled deeply. Wufei’s fresh familar scent washed over him and Treize was overcome with the need to hold his husband again.

He didn’t think. He simply walked into the bathroom and flung the shower curtain aside.

Wufei’s face was tilted up to the spray as he smoothed the last of the shampoo from his hair. When Treize pushed the curtain away, he gave a startled shout, and spun towards him.

“Treize! What the hell are you doing here? I thought I told you—”

Treize didn’t give him a chance to finish. He simply turned off the water, picked Wufei up and carried him, sopping wet to the bedroom. He laid his husband on the bed and immediately rolled on top of him to prevent his escape, heedless of the water and his expensive suit. Wufei struggled beneath him.

“Let me go, Treize! You really do not want to make me any angrier than I am at the moment,” he growled.

“No. Not until we talk.”

“There’s nothing to talk about. I said I wanted some time to myself and I meant it. Why can’t you ever listen? If you’d respected my feelings from the beginning we wouldn’t even be here so please leave.”

Treize held onto Wufei, burying his face in the crook of his neck. “Don’t shut me out, Wufei. I… I can’t bear it. I can’t bear to lose you,” he murmured brokenly.

Wufei trembled. Slowly, his hands came to rest on Treize’s hair. There was pain in his own voice as he spoke. “I’m not trying to shut you out … I don’t know what I feel right now and I just need time to think. I … I can’t do that around you.”

“Why?”

“Because this was about more than just the book or what you did. I realized I never dealt with the fact of what you were during the war. I mean I knew … but deep down I see that I never truly forgave you or myself for what happened to Meiran, my clan….” Wufei shuddered. “You made me what I am and sometimes … sometimes I hate myself for loving you, Treize.”

Those words were a knife in Treize’s heart. He held Wufei to him until the tremors in the younger man’s body subsided. “Wufei … my darling Wufei … I want so much to tell you that I’m sorry, that I wish we’d never met but it would be a lie. If we had not we could not be here like this. I thought my death would set things right, but the fates had other plans for us.” Treize pressed Wufei’s hand to the scars on the side of his face.

“I am here Wufei. I don’t know how and I don’t know why but being here isn’t the same thing as living. You make me alive, Wufei. Don’t take that away from me.”

“Treize…” Wufei began, but Treize wouldn’t let him finish.

“No, don’t say it. Just tell me our love is enough. Tell me it’s enough, Wufei….” He rasped, sliding down Wufei’s body. He nuzzled his husband’s neck, causing Wufei to gasp.

Wufei closed his arms around Treize. His lips trembled but finally the words came:

“It’s enough, Treize. It’s enough.”

End

Notes: For Devil Chick whom I keep promising 6×5 smutfic but never seem to be able to deliver on.

“Chang, If I see you in the office tomorrow, you can forget about Thanksgiving dinner,” Sally warned Wufei.

“All right, all right, there is no need to belabor the point. I’ll keep work to a minimum this weekend,” Wufei promised his best friend as he leaned out of the car door. “Thanks for the ride, Po.”

“Good. And you’re welcome. Call me if you need anything.”

“I will.” Wufei waved as Sally pulled out of the parking lot and her car disappeared around the corner. He made his way up to his apartment with a sigh. Wufei was more tired than he cared to admit. His most recent Preventers’ mission had been particularly grueling and for once, Sally’s insistence had not been entirely unwelcome. He was exhausted. A weekend without any assignments seemed to be just what the doctor ordered. Wufei smiled to himself. Well, it was literally so, since the orders had come from Sally.

Wufei fished out his keys, but in his exhaustion his hands were clumsy and he only succeeded in fumbling with the lock. Wufei cursed. Of all the times to be thwarted by something so ridiculous. All he wanted was a hot shower and a comfortable bed. Who needed dinner? He was planning on waking up in time for breakfast anyway. Wufei steadied his hand as he grasped the keys. Just as he was about to try the lock again the door opened.

Zechs leaned on the doorframe. “If you feel half as you battered as you look, I have my work cut out for me tonight,” he observed quietly. The blond was shirtless and barefoot, wearing low slung jeans.

Wufei let his hand drop to his side. “Zechs … oh… were you supposed to be here tonight?” he asked rubbing a hand over his eyes. Zechs had watched Wufei’s apartment while he was gone. Normally Sally would have taken on the duty but Zechs seemed the most sensible choice since lately he had been spending a lot more time at Wufei’s place—enough time to have been given his own key in fact. Wufei didn’t know what to call their relationship but that there was something between them beyond just sex was pretty clear. Still, they continued to be circumspect. So far, only the rest of the ex-pilots and Sally knew of the relationship and Wufei and Zechs liked it that way. Their jobs were hard enough without them providing fodder for the office gossip mill.

Zechs took Wufei’s duffel from him as he stepped inside. “No, I wasn’t supposed to be here but I thought you might need one of my massages.” Zechs leaned forward to capture Wufei’s lips. “Among other things…”

“Mmm… a massage sounds very good at the moment.” Wufei brushed his lips against Zechs’.

“Then why don’t you hop into the shower? Lie down on the bed when you’re done. Don’t bother to get dressed.”

“I can only promise a massage tonight just to let you know. I’m too sore for anything else. ”

“Then I’ll just have to get you nice and relaxed, won’t I?”

“Zechs…”

“Shower,” the blond said firmly, steering Wufei toward the hallway. “I’ll get you something to eat.”

Wufei sighed. “All right.” He trudged to the bathroom where he undressed then stepped under the hot spray. For a long time he remained like that, simply letting the hot water work its magic on his aching muscles but eventually Wufei lathered up and also washed his hair. When he was done he slipped into his bathrobe and padded into the bedroom. Zechs had already spread a large fluffy towel on the bed and the massage oils were on the nightstand. Wufei took off his robe and spread out on his stomach,. The room was pleasantly warm and while Wufei waited, he listened to the sounds of Zechs moving about the kitchen. Before long though, his recent shower and the soft bed beneath him combined to produce a lulling effect. Wufei pillowed his head on his arms and dozed lightly.

When he awoke, he found a cover thrown over his hips and Zechs sitting up next to him, redlining a report.

“Sorry, I must have dozed off,” he apologized, sheepishly.

“Nothing to be sorry about.” Zechs said, setting the report aside. “Think you’re up to some food?”

Wufei nodded.

Zechs rose and a moment later returned with a breakfast tray which held some pasta and a glass of white wine. He waited as Wufei settled against the pillows then set the tray in front of him. “Enjoy.”

“Thank you.” Wufei twirled some pasta around his fork and brought it to his lips. Now that he had begun to eat Wufei realized just how ravenous he was. It also helped that Zechs was a wonderful cook. The seasoned wine, broth and mushrooms in the creamy pasta sauce were just perfect. Wufei quickly made his way through the meal and he relaxed against the pillows with a contented sound.

“Good?” Zechs smiled.

“Very. The wine is excellent too.”

“You like it? It’s a new Riesling I found at the wine shoppe. I thought it was just right. Nice peachy undertones.”

“Mmm.” Wufei finished his glass. He started to get up to clear his plate away but Zechs stopped him. The blond whisked the tray from his fingers.

“I got it. You just sit back and relax.”

Wufei raised an eyebrow. “Since when do I need to be pampered?”

Zechs grinned. “Don’t worry; I’ll collect my payment later.” When he returned, he patted the middle of the bed. “Come here,” he said, indicating that Wufei should scoot over.

Wufei complied, rolling onto his side to face Zechs.

“Nope, on your tummy.”

“Tummy?” Wufei echoed.

“Fitting for little boys who don’t take proper care of themselves, don’t you think?” Zechs teased. He kissed Wufei’s forehead gently. “Now stop second-guessing me and turn over.”

Wufei did as he was asked. Instead of Zechs reaching for the massage oils as he expected, however, the other man rubbed his hands over Wufei’s arms, his back, his legs… He carefully turned over each limb, fingering each new scratch or bruise Wufei had sustained from the mission. “Not too bad, although you’ll be sore in the morning,” he murmured. “Luckily I can help with that.”

Wufei sighed as Zechs combed his fingers through his hair and kissed the nape of his neck. “I hope so. The one good thing that came out of this mission is that we can finally get some more funding to monitor the L42 cluster. Things have been going unchecked in that region for far too long. Almost half of the gangs are made up of ex-soldiers who lost their families and their homes to the war and I think this recent spate of violence finally convinced the higher-ups that something had to be done. Not that Une hasn’t been saying it all along….”

“Of course not,” Zechs rumbled, “That would actually require them to be proactive and listen to their people on the ground.”

Wufei snorted. “True.”

“Hmm, well I’m glad to have you back in one piece, minx,” Zechs said, trailing kisses down Wufei’s spine. His hot breath and soft lips made Wufei shiver. At the base of Wufei’s spine, Zechs’ tongue darted into the dimples above his hipbones. He cupped Wufei’s ass, kneading and spreading him gently and Wufei jumped when one of Zechs’ fingers slid between his cheeks.

“Zechs … I’m quite sure I don’t have any injuries there.” Wufei’s voice was wry.

“Positive?” Zechs teased. His voice darkened as he traced Wufei with his thumb.

Wufei gave a soft cry as pleasure spiralled from that point.

“Good boy,” Zechs purred.

“So this is what you had in mind? Taking advantage of a weary soldier by luring him with false promises of massages?” Wufei accused.

“Oh I’ll massage you all right … starting with this lovely little hole,” Zechs promised. He parted Wufei’s cheeks and pressed a kiss against his entrance. “Mmm.”

“Jesus!” Wufei’s entire body stiffened for a moment before he shuddered. Zechs’ tongue was circling him wetly and Wufei’s fingers twisted in the sheets. His body heaved. He couldn’t help the way his hips rocked backward or the way he clenched up every time Zechs’ tongue swept over him. When he spasmed yet again, Zechs paused.

“You know you’re only prolonging this. Not that I mind in the least,” he said idly, hot tongue darting against Wufei’s tightened hole. Zechs worked Wufei over, pressing just the tip of his tongue inside. Wufei cried out. His head was spinning from the sensations Zechs was arousing in him. The blond’s’ teasing had awakened his erection and it throbbed against his belly, demanding attention.

Zechs slipped a hand beneath Wufei’s hips and tugged him onto his knees. When Wufei scrabbled to support himself, Zechs tutted. He placed a hand on Wufei’s lower back and pushed him down so that his ass was in the air and he could only support himself on his elbows. “That’s far enough, thanks.”

Wufei trembled as he was completely exposed. “Zechs…”

“Spread your knees further apart.”

Wufei whimpered and shifted gingerly. His body thrummed with anticipation as he waited for Zechs’ caress. A hundred possible scenarios ran through Wufei’s head and the only constant was his knowledge that whatever Zechs chose would be exquiste torture for him. When it came to the bedroom, Wufei had early discovered that Zechs made it his expressed purpose to drown him with pleasure.

“So pretty,” Zechs breathed. “Look at you. All flushed and trembling just for me. Wufei do you have any idea how sexy you are?” He reached between Wufei’s legs and rubbed his cock. “Now that you’re nice and relaxed we can get to the main course.”

“If this is your idea of resting remind me to never find out what the opposite is,” Wufei groaned, arching sinuously as Zechs’ thumb circled the head of his cock.

Zechs nipped one cheek, just above where Wufei’s ass met his leg. Wufei heard the snap of a cap, then his lover’s slick fingers were pressing into him. “If this is your way of not wanting to find out, then I can’t wait to have you really excited,” Zechs countered, his voice velvety with buried amusement. Unerringly, he found Wufei’s sweet spot and rubbed that sensitive node, igniting a fire in Wufei that went to the marrow of his bones.

Wufei shouted and sagged forward. His body had long since stopped being his and now moved to Zechs’ finely orchestrated tune. Sweat broke over his body; his hips undulated. God … god … god. Only Zechs could do this to him. Only Zechs made him burn with this hunger. Wufei gave a ragged cry as Zechs’ fingers returned, stretching and caressing him in the same movement.

“Hmm, exactly like that, darling.” Zechs’ breath fanned against his ear. His large body covered Wufei’s, surrounding him … embracing him… caging him. Zechs slowly rocked his hips, rubbing the broad head of his cock over Wufei’s entrance.

The sensation alone was almost enough to undo Wufei. He jerked back against Zechs, thighs trembling. “Fuck me,” he moaned.

Zechs laughed, a deep subterranean sound. “As you wish.”

He wrapped an arm about Wufei’s waist and pressed forward, thrusting slowly and deeply into him. Zechs kept that inexorable rhythm, all the while murmuring scorching praises in Wufei’s ear—how tight he was … how perfect … how he loved the gentle contracting of Wufei’s muscles around his cock that brought him so much pleasure … how he loved the wild sounds that were even now spilling from Wufei’s throat.

As for Wufei, he responded in the only way he could, with broken cries and the passionate movements of his body. He fumbled between his legs, stroking his cock hard and fast, desperate for the release Zechs seemed determined to keep from him with his languid thrusting. Their harsh panting filled the room and Wufei could feel the tension building in Zechs’ body despite his best efforts to prolong their lovemaking. By then, Wufei was already at his limit and when Zechs’ thrusts became shorter, the movement of his hips more disjointed, Wufei shuddered, exploding into his palm. He called Zechs’ name.

“Wufei…” Zechs growled and then he too was hurtling over the edge. They slumped together heavily on the bed, Zechs’ weight pinning him to the mattress. That definitely was not going to help his aching muscles in the morning, but for now, Wufei was too gloriously sated to protest anything about the way his and Zechs’ bodies fitted together.

In time, their breathing slowed. Still murmuring tenderly to him, Zechs kissed the back of Wufei’s neck before pulling out. Wufei gave a soft moan as they were disentangled. His thighs were sticky and they were lying in a rather unsightly wet spot, but neither of them seemed to care.

Zechs pulled Wufei into his arms. “Think I’ve exhausted you enough to get you a full night’s sleep?” he whispered, brushing his lips over Wufei’s temple.

Wufei sighed and burrowed deeper into Zechs’ arms. “So you had a noble purpose after all?” he joked around a yawn.

“No but if the ends justify the means….” Zechs chuckled.

“Hmph.” Wufei’s eyelids drooped. “Zechs?”

“Mmm?”

“Thanks.”

Zechs’ arms tightened around Wufei. “Believe me, it was my pleasure.”

“I’m sure,” Wufei said drolly.

Zechs laughed and kissed Wufei again. “Ah … I just realized there was one more thing I forgot to say.”

“What is it?” Wufei shifted to peer up at his lover.

Zechs’ eyes were filled with tenderness as bent to capture Wufei’s lips. “Welcome home.”

Table of contents for A Matter of Good Sense

1. Prologue
2. Chapter One: An Impossible Proposal
3. Chapter Two: Dread
4. Chapter Three: Hidden Beauty
5. Chapter Four: Midnight Blooms
6. Chapter Five: Trial
7. Chapter Six: Temptation
8. Chapter Seven: Tenderness
9. Chapter Eight: Home
10. Chapter Nine: Discovery
11. Chapter Ten: Distrust
12. Chapter Eleven: Shadows
13. Chapter Twelve: Courtship
14. Chapter Thirteen: Lovers
15. Chapter Fourteen: Passion

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.