Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ A Matter of Good Sense -- Revised ❯ Tenderness ( Chapter 7 )

"Ho! Wait, wait ... steady 'er ... steady 'er... the other side .... Now you got it...."

The men jostled Trey's trunks out of his chamber, their voices vibrating with raucous energy despite the strenuous job. They advanced with their burden and Trey winced as yet another chest banged against the doorframe. The men swung round the corner and their voices faded, muffled now by the winding hall and the clatter of shoes on the stairs. Somewhere a door banged.

They were gone.

An oppressive silence settled around Trey, heavy with the weight of his thoughts. He rose from the desk and turned to the window. Two boys were playing in the courtyard below, darting among the moving bodies and the clutter of trunks in transit. Rossetti's insignia, scarlet and conspicuous, gleamed in the afternoon light but when Trey searched for the telltale colors of Eires he could find none. Wufei's trunks had not come down yet.

Trey paced, worried. What was the extent of the damage in Rossetti? How many had been hurt? Even as Heero had begun to tell him, he was summoned away by reports of another skirmish outside Rossetti's walls. Trey was forced to wait for a comprehensive report when he returned. One thing was clear, however: They must return immediately. Already, Trey had arranged a meeting with King Zechs in the hopes of securing more troops but he was tormented over Wufei and his condition. According to Trowa, he required at least two full days of rest before he could regain his strength, and even then Trey must always be at his side. Could he make the journey? Would Trey be placing him in jeopardy by insisting that they leave? Trey was inclined to leave Wufei in Eires to recuperate but how could he return with an Eirean army and not their warrior prince? Certainly King Zechs would provide him with the best of his soldiers, but Trey was no fool: The bond between Eires and Rossetti was too fresh. Mueller would be all too eager to sniff out any weaknesses among them; they must present a unified front or they would fail before the battle had even begun. He needed the guarantee of Eirean loyalty only Wufei's presence could bring. Most importantly, if what Quatre and Trowa had said was true, being apart from Trey would be just as detrimental for Wufei as the premature trip.

What to do, what to do? Trey prowled the corners of the room. Already he knew his husband well enough to be sure that Wufei would never reveal the fragility of his constitution -- would even go so far as to deny it to his own brother. If he chose to, they could leave and Trey would be free from blame. He sighed. Nominally at least, but, that was the coward's way and Trey was no coward. Even if it were in his power to do so, he refused to play the tyrant. Not after last night and the vows he had made this morning. He would never forgive himself if Wufei was hurt once again under his care.

Lover and enemy in one, that's what he was to Wufei, and if the prince had his way he would not be lover at all. The image of Wufei, rumpled with Trey's shirt trailing to his knees was burned into his memory. He had looked so vulnerable, so scared. Of course Wufei had run away when Heero barged in. Afterward, Trey had knocked on his door and a manservant had politely, but quite firmly, refused him, claiming that his master was abed.

Every way Trey turned it seemed he was doomed to failure.

"My Lord Rossetti." The rap on the door was followed by Heero's lean figure slipping into the room. The dark-haired commander moved toward him at the window and Trey noticed for the first time Heero's bloodshot eyes and his face lined with the haggardness of insomnia, reminding him that Heero had been monitoring the situation in Rossetti for far longer than the night it had taken for the news of the attack to reach them. He had never been more grateful for Heero's efficiency, but he was also aware of his commander's tendency to push himself beyond his limits. Trey would have to order some immediate rest and recuperation or else none of them would be fit for the journey ahead.

Trey hurried forward. "You're earlier than I expected. What is the news?"

"Seventy men hurt on the border of Ryanth," Heero's expression was grim, "and another thirty killed."

Trey's jaw clenched. "And the villagers?"

"The soldiers torched as they advanced until they were stopped by our men near Cidellia. We also have received reports," Heero paused, disgust transforming his normally stoic features, "that a number of women were assaulted. In addition, about fifteen families have lost their homes; the rest of the buildings received only minor structural damage. Fortunately, though the enemy drove the villagers out of their dwellings, it appears they were very careful not to inflict too many casualties. We have no civilian deaths and the grain stores were left intact. Chancellor Otto has sent word that the families are being temporarily housed on the Cidellia base until they can be resettled or relocated. Given the circumstances, he has taken the liberty of increasing the compensatory grant provided by law to 2000 raphas as an incentive for them to return to their homes and resume their livelihoods as quickly as possible. He thought you would approve."

Trey nodded. In addition to providing a flourishing crop , Ryanth was a key depot station and rest point on one of Rossetti's most important trade routes. It was therefore imperative that they begin the renovation and rebuilding process to minimize the effects of the ambush as soon as possible. Rossetti's livelihood was in its trade and it was precisely this kind of disruption that could wreak immeasurable damage if people began to panic and view the area as dangerous. They would need to reassure the residents of their safety and more difficult, some token was needed to prove to the merchants that their investments would be protected. Returning to Rossetti was no longer an option. Trey turned to Heero.

"This was clearly a warning to us. Besides the low number of civilian casualties, the pattern of the attack was too sporadic to have been a concerted effort. The next time we won't be so lucky. We cannot wait for another of these to act. We must plan our offensive right away. What is your sense from the men? Are they ready to fight?"

"They are." Heero frowned. "However, there is one small problem: We have no doubt that we were attacked by the Northern Kingdom. The combat techniques used against our soldiers and the pattern of the attack as a whole all are consistent with the battle of Lake Haca in which Mueller and his men ambushed our Eritranian ally some months ago. But there is one puzzling detail...."

Trey stiffened. "What is it?"

"The men who attacked Ryanth wore foreign colors and the insignias had been rubbed off their shields. No where was there sign of Mueller's black serpent. We cannot attack without inviting war of a kind never seen before in the two kingdoms. Even with Eires' help I am not sure that we could win."

"Damn that bastard!" Trey raked a hand through his hair. "I refuse to accept that we must simply sit by and allow this to happen. I have an appointment with King Zechs," he said to Heero. "Let me confer with him. Between the two of us we will repel Mueller's ambitions."

Heero bowed. "Then I shall return to my post--"

"No, get some rest. I need you at one hundred percent when we set out this evening."

"I am capable--"

Trey pierced Heero with a look. "That's an order, Heero."

The younger man's features visibly tightened. Heero's jaw clenched as he bowed stiffly, his back rigid with reluctant submission. "As you wish my lord." He slipped through the door and Trey followed close behind.

There was not a minute to waste.

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The juniper was in seed again. Wufei bent, tending the moist earth with his hands. He stared at the temple in the distance. Today, the familiar gables seemed particularly mournful. A sigh escaped Wufei. He would miss this place. The temple gardens had been a sanctuary for him and he had spent many afternoons meditating here, with only the plashing of the ducks in the pond to disturb him. Wufei thought on how much his life had changed. The young man he had been only a month ago -- confident in the road ahead of him -- could not be more of a stranger to Wufei now.

The faint tinkling of a bell reached him, signaling the end of temple services. By now the afternoon exercises were ended and the students gone home for the day. No one would be wandering these paths. He was alone save for the occasional straggler who, detained for not completing his katas, came running down the hill and nodding to Wufei as he flew past. Wufei recalled the practice rooms with their wooden floors rubbed smooth by the constant pounding of feet and the library, where he had spent many hours amidst the smells of ink and old books. Truly that was another life.

A sudden yearning to see his old master gripped him. Despite what his father said, Shinsen O was always kind to him and if perhaps he had left Wufei unprepared for certain aspects of life it was because neither of them could have anticipated the recent turn of events. No, Wufei could not hate him. He remembered how confused and miserable he had been when at fourteen his body had suddenly become an enemy. The night sweats, the fever, the heat within him that would not subside.... How could he have explained it to his father -- or even Quatre? No, it was too humiliating and then he had not yet met Trowa. Who could he turn to? He had always admired the Shenlong warriors for their grace, but most of all for their composure and discipline. "If only," Wufei thought, "I could become like them." He had gone to the temple....

By then he was used to being alone. If not the too-serious child who unsettled adults with his precocious questions, with his thin legs and sickly constitution, he was the playmate no-one wanted. Besides, the children jeered, he was funny-looking too. How could he expect them to play with a boy who had killed his Mama?" Gradually Wufei had sought his own paths, turning to his books and growing more and more introverted, despite his father's efforts to make him more sociable.

His greatest wish was to become strong.

Stern but kind, Shinsen O had guided him, and for the first time Wufei felt like he belonged to something greater. He had found his niche, a purpose of some sort, in the studies that pushed him both intellectually and physically. It wasn't all esoteric as his father suggested. He remembered one particularly difficult evening, when Shinsen O found him clenched in the torment of yet another of those pubescent spells. His temperature had risen, both from his internal fever and the ice-cold dunkings he had subjected himself to in an attempt to relieve a bodily arousal bordering on pain. That day, even his skin, Wufei recalled, seemed to ache. Shinsen O had found him shivering near the temple pond. Drawing the words out painfully from Wufei his master had admonished him. His katas were important tools but never meant to be used to the exclusion of everything else. Would a traveler leave the sunlit path before him to pursue a trail twisted with stones and fraught with bandits? Was not a key tenet of their study balance -- an understanding of the complementary nature of forces? Well then, the affliction must match the cure. It was only a matter of good sense.

Wufei was chastened. He relented.

Masturbation; Wufei grimaced. Even after he discovered the other boys had been exploring their bodies long before his own forays into the world of pleasure, Wufei had never been able to escape the taint of shame it left him with. He could not escape it, so he accepted it as an occasional but unpleasant duty, and if the price was escaping his body's treachery it was one he was willing to pay. With time the spells subsided. Except for a few recurrences here and there, for a while he was even able to forget that humiliating period of his life. When Trey arrived in Rossetti he had not experienced a spell in over a year.

But now.... To think that those days had returned was intolerable. Worst of all it was no longer enough to provide his own remedies. This time Trey must be witness to his shame as well.

Wufei supposed his father and brother thought him an idiot ignorant to the truth of his nature, but the circumstances of his birth had affected his life too deeply for Wufei not to have been curious about who he was and where he fitted in. From an early age he had read everything he could find on Eirean magic -- and specifically the nature of gifts. Just about the time he was entering the temple he began to suspect there might be a connection between his birth and the cycle of rejuvenation. He was lucky, for in the temple libraries was a wealth of information Wufei was unable to find elsewhere. In particular, the discipline's reverence for nature had led many of its scholars to investigate all things related to the goddess Airiah who governed rejuvenation and rebirth. But the more Wufei read the more horrified he became. The books spoke of sensual affinities and burning passion, but these were discordant sounds to Wufei's ear. How could he accept becoming a slave to his lusts after finally finding a home in order and discipline? No, he could not accept it. The books must be wrong, and if not somehow a mistake, he would leave nothing to chance. Wufei was determined not to become what he had read. He began to be grateful for his unattractiveness for he feared more than anything any association, any action that might awaken the beast within him. Better to repel than attract that kind of weakness.

Then Trey shattered everything.

Whenever Wufei thought of his engagement he was filled with loathing for Trey who had instigated it and most of all himself for being unable to prevent it. He had stopped blaming himself a long time ago for his mother's death, but sometimes in his darkest hours the strange events of his life made him wonder if he was not, as an enemy of Eires had once called him, the regurgitated poison of his mother's womb. Cursed never to belong or to find his own happiness....

Wufei didn't realize he was moving toward the temple until he was on the threshold of Shinsen O's study. He shook his head. What was he thinking? He did not belong here anymore. Since his engagement he had only spoken to the old man once -- to give him the news. And why should he visit? What could he say to the man who had invested his life's work in him only to be disappointed? Wufei frowned. It was past time he returned to his chambers. Already he'd pushed himself too much. He still felt a little weak....

"Wufei, is that you?"

Wufei hesitated, frozen with fear and shame and .... oh he didn't know what else.... He contemplated not turning around, but he couldn't bring himself to do it. Wufei bowed. "Shinsen O, I ... I came to say goodbye."

"Please, please, come in, my son." The old man ushered Wufei inside. He hurried to his desk. "I was worried when so much time had passed and I heard nothing from you. I'm glad , so glad you came." Shinsen O peered at him. "How have you been keeping up?"

"Well ... I ... that is .... Quite well, thank you."

"Oh? And what is this I hear of an illness last night?"

Word always traveled a little too quickly in the kingdom for Wufei's tastes. His jaw clenched. "It is nothing, I assure you. Just another spell." His voice trailed off.

His master's look was troubled. "They are back? I believed you had grown out of them."

"Yes, I thought so too, but it appears I was wrong." Unable to escape it and suddenly needing to unburden his soul to someone, Wufei explained the previous night's occurrences and Quatre's theories of his bond to Trey. He finished, struggling past the constriction in his throat. "Master, I ... I am so ... ashamed. To become this-- I am unworthy of your training."

"My child, do not despair." In an uncommon show of affection Shinsen O patted Wufei's hand briefly. "There are many different kinds of calling, and though I had hoped to keep you here, I always knew you were meant for something special," he confessed. "Not all of us can stay cloistered in the protection of the temple. When a warrior is chosen he must follow even if it means leaving the Shenlong behind, and my dear Wufei, you have been chosen, make no mistake about it. Since the King's announcement of your betrothal I have spent many hours with my spirit in torment. You are my best student, Wufei and I don't expect another like you." The old man's eyes glistened with unaccustomed moisture. "These bones are old and I'll be hard pressed to find a replacement for temple master, but the goddess has willed it and so I must yield. I have my eye on the upcoming class and a few seem promising. Young Nabanko in particular has caught my eye. He works hard and already he's shown an amazing aptitude with the sutras. He is a bit shy, but then so were you at that age."

"You have much to contribute, Wufei," his master said. "Who better to introduce another culture to our ways and values, eh?" His eyes crinkled at the corners. "Perhaps the Shenlong will see a Rossettian sect some day." Shinsen O smiled at him and Wufei could not help a laugh of his own despite the sorrow in his breast.

"Come, I have something for you." Shinsen O went to his cabinet and produced a small square wrapped in brown paper; a folded sheet of parchment had been tacked to one of its corners.

"Ah," Wufei frowned quizzically. A gift? He peeled back the paper to reveal a small wooden box and his breath caught in his throat. The Nataku talisman.... Dating back hundreds of years, there were only two in all of Eires: one here in their temple, the other belonging to the sect of the southern province. The talismans were said to bring prosperity and protection to whoever held them, and over the years both sects had come to view them as temple guardians of sorts. Wufei's fingers trembled.

" This is--" He thrust it back toward the other man. "No. I cannot deprive the temple of its treasure. What will the students think?" Wufei shook his head when Shinsen O began to protest. "It is too precious. I cannot accept it."

The old man chuckled. "I am afraid you have no choice but to take it. The students will have my head if I return with their gift undelivered."

"Their....?" Wufei echoed.

"Why don't you read the note?"

Wufei unfolded the square of paper, bigger than the talisman box itself, and sure enough, it was crowded with the signatures of the students he had met and each name was accompanied by an anecdote of an experience with Wufei. Everyone had signed, from the men he had trained with since his boyhood, to the toddlers he had begun to teach last year. Some were light-hearted, others tongue-in-cheek and those from the youngest Wufei could think of as nothing other than sweet. Standing there with Shinsen O at his side and the parchment rough beneath his fingertips, it suddenly came to him that he had touched many lives. Wufei blinked. He hadn't realized.... All this time, he had never realized ... never realized that he was not alone -- that he had found friends.

Wufei's shoulders heaved.

"My child, my child, it is all right. Do not grieve. Of all the gifts I wanted to give you it was this you needed most: You have been appreciated." Shinsen O pointed to the elementary class's babyish scrawl, "Even loved. Your greatest fault, Wufei has always been that you are too hard on yourself. Remember, the Shenlong has never been about perfection, only harmony with nature, and within oneself. I only ask one thing of you today." Wufei's master searched his features. "Will you give me your word?"

Wufei's throat worked spasmodically. "Of ... of course."

"Whatever you are punishing yourself for -- forgive yourself, Wufei."

"I--" Wufei lowered his head. The words would not come.

Shinsen O touched his elbow. "Good, then walk an old man down to the palace."

Wufei had been sitting one of the low wooden chairs in front of the old man's desk. When he rose spots danced before his eyes and his head spun. He felt weak and walking down the path he had to lean on Shinsen O little. It should have bothered him.

This time, it didn't.

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"Emperor Rossetti, may I have a word with you?"

The muffled voice echoed beyond his door just as Trey was lacing up his boots. Not expecting any visitors, he frowned at the gentle rapping following the request. Damn it, he had been about to find Heero. His conversation with King Zechs had gone better than expected, though Trey could hardly deny that being Wufei's mate had made the King disposed to viewing his case more favorably. Rossetti would receive 100 cavalrymen and double the number of infantrymen. Eires was also providing a corps of some of the King's most skilful architects, bricklayers and engineers to assist with the rehabilitation efforts and with new fortifications. Even a few of Wufei's own Shenlong warriors were to join them. Trey was especially glad of this last addition, knowing how much it would mean to Wufei. The king of course was no fool either. Not only had he provided his son with a slice of home, but with Wufei's former position as prospective temple master, he had given him a personal guard as well. The mercurial Lord Maxwell was to head the Eirean force and would be permanently stationed with the rest of the army in Rossetti. Already he and Duo had begun discussing operational tactics and Trey was eager to confer with Heero and his men.

The rapping came again and the memory of Wufei, trembling in his arms filled Trey's vision. For a moment he entertained the notion that the young prince was on the other side of the door.... Then he came to his senses. With a laugh, Trey shook his head. He was fooling himself. Wufei had to truly not be feeling himself if Trey ever found him so agreeable.

"Just a moment please." Trey opened the door and indeed found an Eirean prince waiting for him. Just not the one he desired. His lips flattened.

"Prince Quatre."

Quatre stepped forward. His tone was pleasant and Trey found himself smoothly intercepted. "I am not here for an argument, Emperor Rossetti. Last night brought out the worst in all of us and I would hate for my brother to leave with me an enemy of his husband. I apologize for my rash words." Quatre's look was earnest.

The tension left Trey's shoulders. He offered his hand. "Thank you. I too apologize for any offense given."

Quatre smiled. "Indeed? Let us hope you do not rescind your offer after what I have to tell you. Come," he beckoned, moving toward the bed. "I have something for you."

Trey followed warily, noticing for the first time the parcel beneath Quatre's arm. Needless to say his previous experiences with the seer had not lent themselves to trust and he was not eager for any more esoteric revelations.

Quatre placed the parcel on the bed. He gestured. "Please...."

Trey did not budge. "I'm afraid I've missed something terribly important here. Should I have prepared a gift of my own?"

"Consider it a wedding present." Quatre was insistent. "Why don't you open it so I may explain?"

Trey grunted. He peeled away the tissue paper to reveal a finely embroidered robe. The deep blue fabric was softer than silk and just as delicate. Trey gently shook the gift out, following the bold stitching with amazed eyes. The mastery that had gone into making the garment was more than obvious and for a moment he was rendered speechless. He turned to Quatre. "Th--thank you, though I've done nothing to deserve something so precious."

Quatre looked up at him with large enigmatic eyes. "It is one of a pair," he revealed softly. "The other is Wufei's and it was given to him on the day of your arrival."

Trey stiffened. The chirping of the crickets at the window heralding the coming evening suddenly seemed very loud in the space between them. On the bed, the blue-dark robe fluttered moth-like in the breeze from the window. Trey suppressed a shiver. "You'll forgive me Prince Quatre," he interrupted, walking briskly to the window to mask his unease. He shut it with a bang. "If I'm not very patient. My men are waiting for my orders. What is it," Trey folded his arms, "that you have to tell me?"

"The robes are an important part of the bonding ceremony." Quatre cast Trey a wary look. "I spoke to you last night of Wufei's gift and the fact that your kinahs are now aligning with each other. This is something that happens between all mated and cannot be avoided. As your kinahs become more closely aligned, Wufei will experience spells like the one he suffered last night with increasing frequency and intensity. As his mate it is likely that you will experience some variation of them as well." The prince's tone was matter-of-fact. "What I did not have time to explain is that the alignment is in preparation for the bonding ceremony." Quatre explained how the robes were crafted and the complementary colors that revealed two partners to be mates." I want you to know, however," he said to Trey, "that the natural affinities between your natures is only so important. It accounts most strongly for your physical attraction to each other, but if you and Wufei cannot grow to love each other through your mutual respect for each other and commitment to the relationship, it doesn't matter what color the robes are. The bonding ceremony will fail and no magic under the Eirean suns can change that."

Quatre pressed his lips together. "My greatest wish is for you and Wufei to find happiness in each other. However, I don't have to tell you that neither I nor my father desires Wufei to remain in a loveless marriage. If the bonding ceremony fails and Wufei wishes to return home we will ensure that he can do so immediately and any obligation between our kingdoms will end."

Trey raised an eyebrow. "Is that a threat?"

Quatre made an exasperated sound. "My lord, I am only stating a fact. The terms of the engagement were not secret to you when you agreed to them." Quatre's gaze was shrewd. "I am aware of the current situation in Rossetti and I understand your concern for your kingdom -- it is mine as well with my brother returning at your side -- but you must understand that my devotion lies with Wufei first and foremost. I will make no apologies for that."

Trey inclined his head at the reminder of his unequal status. It left him in a damn tenuous position, but Quatre was right: he had not entered into this with blinders on and could no more plead innocence than the king. Trey grimaced as a voice in the back of his mind reminded him guiltily that Wufei could not claim the same. "All right, tell me more about these robes," he demanded. "And what does the ceremony itself entail? Does a priestess need to be involved? Also, if Wufei and I are betrothed how does this differ from the wedding ceremony?"

"In Eires," Quatre answered, "there is no such thing as the type of official wedding ceremony you refer to. What need have we of such when the true test of the union is in the bonding ceremony? The joining of two mates is the most binding and inviolable union protected under Eirean law. Once a bonding ceremony succeeds, the couple is immediately recognized as inseparable. By its very nature the ceremony can only succeed between mates. It is for this reason that most marriages of convenience between Eireans and foreigners are cemented by contractual agreement sanctioned by the courts and not through the bonding ceremony. Similarly, two Eireans who know themselves not to be mates, do not request the robes. Instead, they enter only into a contract."

Trey was confused. "So right now Wufei and I are...?"

"If I am correct and you are mates, then you are already married. The bonding ceremony will only confirm it." Quatre shrugged. "If I am wrong, however, then you are merely betrothed. What happens afterward will be up to you. If the bonding ceremony fails and you still wish to remain together then you can be joined contractually."

Trey gave a harsh laugh, "Knowing how well loved I am by your brother, I suspect we may need neither robes nor contract." He shook his head at Quatre's look of consternation. "But I am interrupting. Please," Trey gestured, "continue.

"If you can love each other," Quatre emphasized, "the robes are special gifts. They will heighten and focus your essences at the time of the ceremony and make the completion of the bond possible. They will also protect you. Usually a coupleinstinctively knows when is the right time for the bond, but even then it is sometimes difficult to gauge when the kinahs are fully aligned. Whatever you do, do not attempt the bonding ceremony without first donning the robes," Quatre warned. "It is far better to use them unnecessarily than not at all."

Trey frowned. He was no more comfortable with this than with yesterday's revelations, but he was coming to realize when dealing with Eires it was better to accept than to question. "And what is so dire about not using them?"

"What is so dire, is that you risk displacing one or both of your essences. I have seen lovers fall into a coma never to wake again as a result. The worst case scenario is nothing short of death."

Trey was troubled. How could he promise to bring Wufei happiness if the very act that was supposed to bring them closer could endanger their lives? "Does Wufei know all of this?"

"All Eireans know it." Quatre laced his fingers together with a sigh. " As for what the ceremony entails...." Color rose in Quatre's cheeks. "I do not think either of you would welcome a priestess." Quatre's blush deepened at Trey's quizzical look. "You see, every ceremony is unique, as are the rituals required. It is an intensely personal exchange determined by the couple and I can no more give you specific details than I can tell you when it will take place. What I can tell you is that the ritual must correspond to the each partner's gifts. Since we know Wufei's gift and you overtly exhibit none...." Quatre gestured helplessly. "Your ritual must be sexual. It doesn't mean that you can't engage in any activity before the ceremony -- only that when it is time for the bond, Wufei's gift demands that the ritual be sensual in nature." He peered at Trey. "Now do you understand why it was so vital that I speak with you? Not only was it important that I give you the robe, but I am sure you have become well acquainted with my brother's stubbornness in your short time here, have you not? I could not trust Wufei to convey the information to you -- even despite the very serious consequences."

"Humph." Trey could well imagine. A sudden, hot, possessiveness seared through him and his lips quirked. "Is he truly that hard-headed?" he asked softly.

"Need you ask?" Quatre laughed, but just as quickly sobered "My brother is ... different. As a child he was very sensitive -- even more so than I-- but he suffered greatly for his different appearance and his kind nature.... His bark may be rough but his heart is kind. Wufei has had so little joy in his life that I want him to have the chance. Please," Quatre implored, "treat him gently. If you open your heart to him, you will never regret it." Moving to the bed to retrieve the robe, Quatre pressed it into Trey's hands. "If the bond is complete, you and Wufei will be joined in the most intimate and lasting way two people can ever be. There is nothing deeper. Surely that is worth the risk?"

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It was a subdued train that left Eires as the second sun was dipping below the horizon. A fog was settling around them, seeming to weigh down the already slow-moving caravans. There was little conversation among the men, though occasionally a valiant soul could be heard trying to rouse his comrades, only to have his voice dwindle to nothingness. Trey's man Heero, was farthest afield leading the train and to Wufei's right Sanref and Jeval, fellow Shenlong warriors kept pace with them. There were others behind as well. Wufei spied Lord Maxwell's braid and between his sect-mates and the rakish lord, he grudgingly admitted how grateful he was for their presence; it helped knowing he was not completely alone on this journey into the unfamiliar. No doubt it was what his father had intended.

The farewells had affected him more than he anticipated Wufei brooded, remembering Trowa's and Quatre's gifts and well-wishes and his father's wet eyes. He wanted anger to hold onto instead of this bone-deep melancholy that left him aching and tired, yet, no matter how he tried, Wufei could muster none. How badly he wanted to feel betrayed, but as his family surrounded him with their advice and shaky laughter it was genuine sorrow Wufei had seen in their eyes. However hurtful their methods -- his father, Quatre, Trowa -- they truly believed they were doing what was best for him; Wufei did not doubt that. Of course, it did nothing for the wound festering within him, but then Wufei wasn't sure if they had put it there in the first place. Should that be enough for forgiveness? His heart seemed to think "yes".

Yet, Wufei wasn't sure of anything these days, least of all his heart. Somewhere a horse whinnied and he shivered, pulling his cloak tighter about him: This cursed damp seeped right through a body. He wondered how far till the next rest stop.... Trey's palm flattened against his belly, steadying him.

"Are you all right?" the older man rumbled against his ear and Wufei went rigid -- all too aware of Trey's broad chest behind him and the intimate sway of their hips as the horse ambled forward.

They were riding double. Certainly not by choice if Wufei could have avoided it, but even he had to admit he was in no condition to lead his skittish mare over the variable terrain ahead. Unlike the stallion he and Trey rode, she was not trained for battle and the extended journey would be enough of a strain on the mare rider less. It could not be helped. Wufei leaned forward, gripping the pommel till his knuckles turned white. But there was nowhere to go. Wufei tried not to think about it. He was bothered by the fact that much of his physical discomfort had lessened since he'd begun riding with Trey. Of course it meant nothing; who could predict the caprices of these spells? He was just out of sorts from all this upheaval. What else could it be after all?

"Wufei...?" Trey was leaning closer. This time his breath teased the whorls of Wufei's ear; it fanned against his cheek....

"I'm fine." Wufei snapped. "Must you bear down so oppressively? To the best of my knowledge, my hearing faculties are still intact ."

"Forgive me," Trey murmured stiffly, shifting away. "I did not mean to intrude."

Wufei sighed. "I'm fine ... fine," he repeated more softly. Thank you." He had not meant to be so terse, especially when for once, Trey seemed to have no ulterior motives. It was only... only the older man disconcerted him. It still took some getting used to -- this idea of marriage -- and Wufei had never been one for displays of affection -- in fact, bodily contact of any kind.... Still,he reminded himself, if he could not handle a simple horse ride how was he ever to endure living in close quarters with Trey? The other -- finer -- points of marriage Wufei preferred not to contemplate, or rather, he wished he could not, as his mind kept returning to certain distasteful paths. Wufei's fingers knotted. The fact was, he was nervous. What if Trey demanded consummation of their union tonight? Wufei could put him off, but for how long? He had no brother or father to shield him anymore and besides ... it was Trey's right. However much Wufei loathed it, could he in good conscience refuse what was a very real duty?

Wufei hoped he wouldn't have to discover the answer tonight.

They had been traveling for half a day before Trey ordered a rest. The train stopped near a shaded grove and the soldiers dismounted, leading their horses to a stream gurgling nearby. The air was soon split with the thudding of axes as the men began setting up camp. A page appeared at Porphyro's flank to lead the horse away and Trey and Wufei dismounted. Trey offered his arm but Wufei refused it, slipping from the saddle to find his own slice of quiet before the light faded. In the folds of his robes was a book of poems, secreted away for precisely this kind of opportunity. It was a slim volume, no wider than his palm but the worn edges revealed just how much Wufei enjoyed its yellowing pages. He would have to have the binding reinforced soon, Wufei realized, or else it would be nothing but a sheaf of old papers in his hands. Still, he would not have left it behind for the world. He anticipated needing a distraction from his thoughts -- particularly on this night.

The evening was cool and the wind whipped about Wufei's face as he trudged through the grasses. Away from the camp, where the jasmine grew the wildest, Wufei found the sanctuary he was looking for. Resting against the trunk of a massive oak, he delved into his book. They were far enough now from Eires that only one watery sun was visible over the trees, but like a sputtering candle it was enough to keep the night at bay. Wufei read in the dim light, squinting a little even through his glasses. While he pondered an enigmatic verse the wind frolicked about him, rustling through the bushes and lifting the hair away from his temples. It was pleasant feeling ... soothing ... lulling ... and the text swam before him on the page.... Wufei became aware of the heaviness of his limbs, the bone-deep tiredness that was the result of travel and the treachery of his body and he blinked, fighting his drooping eyelids. He couldn't be that tired.... Wufei yawned, the book tumbling from his fingers....

Could he...?

----------------------------

Wufei awoke with a start -- and the troubling presentiment that something had changed in his environment. He frowned as his groggy mind tried to make sense of the warmth at his back and along his side and the pleasant swaying of the ground beneath him.

Swaying...?

Wufei jerked upright. Or he attempted to.

Shifting Wufei's weight in his arms, Trey smiled down at him. "Ah, so you're awake."

"Put me down!"

"I shall in a moment. In the meanwhile--" Trey met Wufei's glare with a raised eyebrow of his own, "Let's not create a scene, hmm?"

Wufei peered over Trey's bicep, noticing for the first time the stares -- and worse, the knowing grins -- of the men as they walked past. Gods...! Was he to be robbed of all dignity? Wufei squeezed his eyes shut, burying his hot face in Trey's chest. He could feel the vibrations of the older man's laughter against his cheek and Wufei bristled.

"I fail to see what is so funny," he hissed, his voice muffled in the folds of Trey's shirt.

Trey shook his head. "Ah Wufei, what am I to do with you?"

He ducked into the tent that had been erected for them and lowered Wufei to the furs. It was spacious as befitted the master tent and there were fragrant rushes on the floor. Someone had also gone to the considerable trouble of having the tent constructed so that it was divided into three rough areas, each partitioned off from the other by a curtain. The first was a small sitting area with bright cushions piled on the floor and where a low table functioned as both desk and dining table; next to it was the sleeping area where Wufei lay against the luxurious furs. He shifted to his left and looked beyond the other curtain to the bathing area.Trey squatted beside him.

"Is this all right? I thought you might prefer it this way."

What Wufei would have liked best was to not have to share a tent at all, but he acknowledged that this was a grateful compromise which allowed him to maintain at least some privacy, though -- he noted with a grimace -- sharing a bed with Trey was unavoidable.

"I do; thank you," Wufei murmured and his gratitude was genuine. Trey had tucked Wufei's book into his waistband while he carried him and he set it on the table.

"How are you feeling? Shall I call for supper?"

Wufei nodded. He had been too anxious in Eires to down anything other than some tea and a bit of fruit, but between the lethargy that had invaded his limbs and his rumbling stomach, his body seemed to be demanding the succor that was its due. "Could you call for some water as well? I would like to take a bath."

"Of course." Trey disappeared beyond the flap of the tent and returned shortly with a jug and a bowl of cherries. "Here." He poured water from the jug into an enamel cup and handed Wufei the cherries. "You can nibble on these while we wait."

The water was sharp and cold with a faintly metallic taste from the stream and Wufei swallowed it with relish. He bent his head as he plucked the cherries of their stems. Wufei was careful not to look at Trey. "You'll be joining me for dinner....?"

Trey kneeled at his side. "Would you like me to join you?" he asked softly, his gaze warm over Wufei's profile. His hand was resting on the furs next to Wufei's hip, near enough for Wufei to feel its heat, though Trey made no move to come closer. Wufei swallowed.

"No ... that is ... you may do as you please. I was only curious." Wufei stared at the bowl, meticulously separating the stained cherry pits from the uneaten fruit.

"Oh?" Trey's hand closed about his wrist, stilling the nervous tracking of his fingers. "Won't you look at me, Wufei?"

"Of course." Wufei rose on wobbly knees, slipping from Trey's grasp. He walked across the room and set the bowl down on the table. Keeping his back turned, he breathed deeply, struggling to suppress the wave of heat that had suddenly come over him. There was no nausea this time, just his heart thudding wildly in his chest. Wufei bit his lip as he faced Trey. "Was there something you needed?"

Trey stretched out, leaning back on his elbows to look up at Wufei. His eyes lingered over his features. "Should I be asking you that instead?"

"I do not know what you mean. I'm quite--"

"Wufei, did you ever intend to tell me about the robes?"

Wufei trembled. Damn Trey and his questions upon questions upon questions. Damn him for being so perceptive. He pressed a hand to his forehead. "I don't wish to discuss this," he said, his voice tapering warningly.

"All right." Trey's tone was amiable as he rose. "Then when shall we discuss it? Perhaps after you admit that right now you are suffering?"

Wufei's throat worked. He raised a hand to ward off Trey. "Leave me be, Rossetti."

"I'm not your enemy, Wufei. Let me help you."

"And how do you propose to help?" Wufei gritted. "I'm not stupefied any more, Trey. What would you have me do: surrender myself to your hands and this weakness? No doubt this is all rather convenient for you, but I think I preferred it when you were less noble. At least then you were honest."

Trey's expression was unreadable. "And what would you have me do, Prince Wufei? I know nothing of magick yet I have been charged with your happiness at the cost of my kingdom. I have always admitted I desire you, but I am not ashamed to also admit that I have more practical interests as well. So what must I do?" he demanded. "I'm given to understand that we are connected in a way that has precipitated your current state. You are passionate but prefer the fire within you to smoulder unattended." Trey spread his hands."I have made many mistakes since we met, Wufei but I am trying. I take this marriage seriously and I want to do better -- I know that I can. But only with your help, Wufei ... only with your help.... What is it that you need of me?" Trey asked, his gaze boring into Wufei's. "Instruct me and I shall do it, but don't ask me to give up without a fight. Let us at least try and if we must go our separate ways, then so be it."

When Wufei didn't speak, Trey sighed. "What is your aversion? Is it me or sex in general?"

Shocked, Wufei flinched, but Trey ploughed forward not giving him the chance to respond.

"That night in the library," The older man's chest heaved and his voice was low, tremulous. "The way you responded--" Trey shook his head and Wufei saw that his fists were clenched. "No, the problem is not sex. It must be only I who so repulse you." Trey whirled abruptly on his heel. "If you'll excuse me, prince, I have important business I must attend to."

Wufei sank to the pillows, weak with relief as Trey lifted the flap and disappeared into the evening. His temples throbbed and Wufei closed his eyes taking a shuddery breath. It had taken all his will power to remain standing while Trey pleaded his case. He had to do something about this and quickly. He knew he could not refuse Trey's help for long, but surely he could endure one night without subjecting himself to that ignoble fate? He would eat and then bathe. That would clear his senses. Wufei's eyes strayed to his book on the table but he found that he could not read it -- not without Trey crowding his thoughts. He remembered the warmth of Trey's arms as he carried him to the tent and Wufei told himself he was glad the older man was gone.

But when Trey did not return even after the servants brought in the food, Wufei's spirits faltered. He ate in silence, tormented by the pangs of his guilt. The heat within him had intensified and Wufei was stripped to his under robes, fingers trembling as he brought the fork to his mouth. Was he wrong to turn Trey away? Wufei bit his lip, beginning to doubt his own conviction in his ability to control the spells. Would it be so humiliating, he wondered, to welcome Trey into his bed? Wufei's cheeks flamed as he recalled the library incident Trey seemed to think so fondly of. Well, it had not been ... unpleasant and Trey had never hidden his lust for him, but Wufei was still troubled.

What would Trey require of him? Beyond his other reservations, Wufei admittedly did not know much about the ways of love and for once he wished he'd paid more attention to Lord Maxwell's ribald tales of his conquests. Of course, he had a rudimentary idea of what sex between two men entailed, but Wufei had serious doubts about how such a thing could be pleasurable for either partner. Wufei raised cool palms to his cheeks. Not that he was interested in pleasure in any case, he reminded himself firmly. His frown darkened. Besides, he had little faith in the desire Trey so boldly exhibited. He supposed the older man found it amusing to prove his mastery over his gauche and unattractive partner, but however much he might need Trey, Wufei would never submit to that.

He must deal with this on his own.

The page returned with his bath water and Wufei instructed him how to arrange his trunks so that his soap and other necessities were within reach and he could see to his toilet unaided. When the boy left, Wufei adjusted the temperature to his liking and disrobed. Drawing the curtain he loosened his hair and retrieved a muslin sachet from one of his traveling sacks. Trowa might be the healer, but Wufei knew a thing or two about herbs himself and he was fond of crafting his own small remedies. He dropped the sachet into the tub. Tonight his aim was relaxation. The little pouch contained dried vervain which he hoped would soothe his agitated nerves and allow him to sleep.

Wufei eased into the bath and leaned back, closing his eyes. The metal was pleasantly warm against his back, and the tub was large enough -- and he, just short enough -- to not have to worry about bending his knees and being uncomfortably cramped. By the time the water began to cool, Wufei's fingers were wrinkled and he emerged from the tub refreshed, if not cured.

His skin tended to dryness so he was careful rub lotion into his knees and elbows as he dressed. Trowa, who had something of a perfumer's nose claimed he had tailored the balm exactly to Wufei's chemistry. Among its ingredients was a heady combination of ambergris, rose, patchouli and even vetiver and almond milk. Personally Wufei thought the scent too lush to be remotely related to him, but while he might doubt Trowa's nose he couldn't argue with the balm's healing effects on his skin. Wufei found it indispensable and Trowa, being the friend that he was, had prepared a small supply to last him well past the winter months.

Slipping a nightshirt over his head, Wufei wondered when he would see his friend again. Perhaps when things settled down he would send word that Trowa should visit. Wufei smiled. He would look forward to it.

He called the servants to empty the tub and read while he waited. They came and went and still Trey had not returned. Outside, the noise of the camp settled to the quiet murmuring of a few soldiers seated round the fire.

Soon that faded as well....

Wufei stared at the empty furs behind the parted curtain and reminded himself how grateful he was to have gotten his wish: He would sleep alone tonight. Somehow, though, the thought did not give him as much satisfaction as he expected.

Wufei crawled under the furs and blew out the candle.

And if there was a bit of loneliness in his heart ... well ... he did not think on it much.

----------------------------------

Wiping cloth and a bit of soap in hand, Duo stumbled through the tangle of reeds that led to the stream. He was amazingly tired, because of the travel, of course, but mostly because of the dreams that had plagued him all last night. Dreams haunted by enigmatic blue eyes and dark, unruly hair. Duo blew a gust of air past his lips. Already he’d found a new object for his lust. Unfortunately for him, however, Rossetti’s head guard appeared quite depressingly immune to the Maxwell charm.

It wasn’t often that someone left so lasting an impression on him in so short a time. In fact, Duo prided himself on easily snaring pretty things – and just as easily tossing them back. But Yuy wasn’t pretty, an inner voice was quick to point out. Intense, sexy, predatory even -- Duo indulged in a sensual shudder -- but pretty, no. The man had somehow gotten under his skin and for the first time in his life, Duo couldn't seem to turn his back. What was more alarming, he found he didn’t want to turn away. The thought brought a groan to Duo's lips as he pushed aside another scratchy branch.

“Maxwell, you're getting sof--” Duo froze, inches from brushing aside the last obscuring reeds. Familiar heat gathered, rushing south. He bit back a moan. Strike that. Things were becoming very hard, very quickly.

Not five feet from where he was hidden, a very wet, very naked Heero Yuy emerged from the water. Duo swallowed against a suddenly dry throat. Damn, damn, damn. It should be a fucking crime for one man to be built like that.

Droplets shivered against Heero’s skin, swirling in erotic patterns over lean muscle. And with Heero's back facing him, Duo was allowed a lengthy perusal of Yuy’s broad back and tight, perfect buttocks. Duo moaned softly, his palms instinctively clenching and unclenching in a cupping motion. Heero’s hair was gently matted, the dark crop rendered almost black by the water. It curled at the base of his neck, drawing the eye inexorably downwards along the deep groove of his spine to his buttocks and the tantalizing crease between. Duo’s gaze lingered – caressed -- before moving from Heero's hips to the guard’s long, powerful thighs and bulging calves -- and back up again. Duo shuddered, his erection demanding attention within the confines of his trousers even as he willed Heero to turn around. He wanted to see Heero’s chest, wanted to know what his nipples looked like -- wanted to know if the hair between his thighs was the same riotous nest as the one on his head…. Duo leaned forward, every limb, every pore straining with need.

“Dammit Yuy,” Duo was whispering under his breath -- biting his lip as another wave of lust surged through him.“Turn around." Heero bent to retrieve his discarded clothes. Duo’s eyes widened. Heero had turned just enough to gift him with a glimpse of tight pectoral muscles and a pebbled nipple. He moved closer against the branches, kneeled forward and …..

*CRACK*

The sound of breaking branches spilt the air as Duo lost his balance and tumbled forward....

Right at Heero’s feet.

Duo stared up into unreadable blue eyes. This was bad. This was very very bad.

----------------------------------

Trey struggled with his shirt. It tangled about his neck and he cursed, stumbling a little. So he'd drunk a little too much, but damn it -- Trey flung the shirt in the direction of the cushions -- he was justified. What more was he supposed to do? Was he to get on his knees and plead for Wufei's favor for the safety of his kingdom? Was he to clutch at his robes and beg him to take him into his bed? Trey let his belt clatter to the floor. To hell with the Eireans and their ultimatums. Wasn't he allowed some pride as well? Wufei's caustic words and his mistrust would have been easier to bear if he had not been trying his damnedest to please the little brat. To think he'd actually felt remorse for the way the engagement had been conducted. Trey's shoes fell with a heavy thunk and he kicked off his pants, perversely not making any effort to be quiet. If he could find no sleep, why should the man who was the cause of his restlessness have untroubled dreams? Trey stifled a bitter laugh as he lit a candle and yanked back the curtain. He could hear Wufei's soft breathing.

His husband slept on, undisturbed.

Trey stared, his anger abruptly gone from him, leaving a hollow place where it had been. Even now Wufei was rejecting him -- could not be bothered to acknowledge him even in this most basic way. Trey sighed. Why was the thought of Wufei leaving so painful to him? Was it merely because of Rossetti? Even with the withdrawal of Eirean aid, shouldn't he be grateful they had discovered their incompatibility before the two kingdoms were so entwined that the loss to Rossetti would be irreparable? After all, if Wufei decided to return home now, it would leave Trey free to form other alliances with not much time lost in the interim. There was another offer from the King of Ayers that Trey did not doubt still stood, and if not eager, the bride was willing. Trey recalled the princess: a pale, pretty thing with golden hair and cowed eyes and he grimaced. There would be no dereliction of duty by this girl, and yet ... yet.... Trey thought of Wufei's defiance, his determination ... and a wave of longing shuddered through him. Trey panted, his head spinning as he kneeled at the edge of the furs. Something was clamoring within him and he could not fight it; he could only give in to the brand that had seared his body, leaving him aching.

As Trey moved closer, the candle cast a rosy glow over Wufei's features. He lay facing Trey, one hand pillowed under his cheek. Wufei's lips were parted and the curve of his shoulder was visible just above the furs. Trey's heart pounded. How beautiful he was with the soft, dark rope of his hair draped over his shoulder. Trey could not tear his eyes away. He set the candle aside and leaned close. Wufei's scent filled his senses: rose and patchouli and some voluptuous essence as elusive as the prince himself. The younger man's knees were drawn to his chest and Trey could see the bulky shape they made under the covers. Peeling back the furs, heat flared in his loins. More than Wufei's soft skin, or the bud-like mouth Trey longed to kiss, it was the sight of Wufei's rounded knees drawn close to his belly that made the blood race in his veins. There, in that small space behind the curtain he could not escape Wufei's heady perfume. It clung to him, teasing his nostrils and filling his lungs with fire. Trey stared at those perfect little knees and tortured himself wondering at what warmer, earthier scents the shadowed places between those lean thighs hid. His head was pounding. Gods how was he to endure this? To yearn so acutely and never be fulfilled....

It was agony.

Trey let his hand rest on Wufei's hip. Pull Wufei closer ... or push him away...? His fingers tightened. Wufei shifted, murmuring in his sleep, and like a man in torment Trey groaned. His body heaved, wracked by another shudder. He did not know how long he stayed with his palm molded to Wufei's hip or when the pressure of his fingers changed, but suddenly Wufei was no longer asleep. He stirred.

"Hmm ... what...?" Wufei's words were muffled around a yawn.

Trey snatched his hand away, digging his fingers into the furs instead. He could barely breathe as he waited ... dreaded ... hoped Wufei would speak to him, touch him -- something ... anything.... Trey lay trembling, singed in equal degree by his passion and his turmoil.

"Rossetti?"

Wufei was frowning, no doubt ready for a confrontation, but Trey was in no condition to do battle in any case. He knew only the throbbing in his veins and the heat of Wufei's body next to him. Were these the spells Quatre had spoken so reverently of? If so Trey owed Wufei a debt of admiration for enduring worse than this alone. Trey was aroused to the point of pain and yet nothing was as painful as the knowledge of the gulf between himself and Wufei. He gasped as another arrow of heat shot through him. No, it was not admiration he felt for Wufei, but resentment for condemning them to this solitary suffering when the cure lay in each other's arms.

"Trey?" Wufei inched closer; this time his voice held a note of concern.

Trey turned his head and even amidst his misery he couldn't help musing that he never expected to see worry for him on those features. "I suppose," Trey thought mirthlessly, "I should be grateful for this."

"Are you all right; shall I call a healer?"

Wufei was hovering over him and sweat broke out over Trey's body as the younger man pressed a hand to his forehead. Trey was clenching his teeth so hard his molars ached. The gods must find their amusement in his suffering. Knowing that he repulsed Wufei, knowing the younger man would never open his arms to him.... To have Wufei touch him even so innocently only intensified Trey's torture. Yet,the one time he might have welcomed Wufei's aloofness the young man seemed determined to drive him insane with a myriad of soft touches to his hair, and face and neck as Wufei tested his fever like her mother with her babe. Where had this gentleness come from? Trey struggled to read the expression in Wufei's lowered gaze. Was he truly alone in his fire or was Wufei, after a lifetime of denial merely better at hiding his?

They were mates. Were they not meant to burn together?

He noticed the color in Wufei's cheeks and the awkward way Wufei held himself even as he tended to Trey. And Trey saw too, that though carefully controlled, his husband's breathing was shallow. Wufei leaned over again and the gaping neck of his nightshirt allowed Trey to glimpse a tiny nipple, budded tight as though from a lover's mouth.

"Trey?" Wufei reached for him and Trey flung his hand away.

"Stay away," Trey gritted. "If you hate me so much that you prefer to suffer alone even now, then let me find my own peace. The gods as my witness I won't be charged with your unhappiness ever again, prince."

Wufei turned his face away. "I ... don't ... hate you."

"Wufei ... Wufei," Trey groaned, "I am only a man. Don't torment me ... don't torment me. There is only so much I can endure. Be with me or cast me aside. I cannot live in this limbo."

Wufei was silent as he lifted the furs and turned onto his side away from him. Not a word was spoken between them.

Pained twisted through Trey but he smiled. It was a decision. He knew where he stood. Tomorrow there would be arrangements to make. What would he do on his first day as a free man? Trey's jaw clenched. Perhaps a celebration was in order. After a season of unfulfilled desire, he was of a mind to become quite intimate with the bottom of his cup. He laughed bitterly. "Thank you, Wufei I--"

Inch by slow inch, Wufei closed the space between them. Keeping his back to Trey,he dragged the furs with him, stopping only when he was pressed against Trey's chest. "I don't hate you." he repeated tremulously. "I don't hate you."

Trey's breath lodged in his throat. He could not speak and so he kissed Wufei's cheek, his throat, the trembling fingers clutching the furs as he unwound Wufei's braid. At the first touch of his lips against Wufei's skin, they both gasped as a wave of heat surged between them, skipping from Wufei to Trey and doubling back again. Wufei's hair tumbled into his hands and Trey buried his face in its coolness, trying to catch his breath. Moving downwards, he rubbed his cheek against Wufei's belly, tracing the subtle scents of his body from his navel to the fragrant places below. Trey sighed, infusing himself with Wufei's essence. When his fingers closed about the hem of Wufei's nightshirt, Wufei's eyes scrunched shut and hot color blossomed under his skin. Trey smoothed the cotton up Wufei's thighs. Didn't he know he was beautiful? Trey would show him. When the nightshirt was hiked above Wufei's hips, Trey moved between his thighs.

"Trey ... Trey ... Trey I don't think ... what are you...?" Wufei's voice rose in alarm. His thighs tensed but Trey held him open. He nuzzled Wufei's scrotum. Carelly, carefully, delicate as a cat, he laved the velvet sacs, already drawn tight with need. Did Wufei ache? Then Trey would soothe him. He took Wufei into his mouth and Wufei arched up, throat working soundlessly. His fingers clenched in Trey's hair but Trey barely noticed the prickling pain. He caressed the sensitive skin between Wufei's balls and anus. The blood was pounding in his ears and Trey lingered, tantalized by the promise in the supple curves of Wufei's buttocks. Trey caressed him. Parted the warm globes to reveal the bud nestled between.

Wufei jerked in his hands but became wondrously pliant, releasing a long, low moan at the first, vivd probe of Trey's tongue. The transformation from rigidity to voluptuous response as Wufei surrendered to his passion was delicious to behold, and groaning, Trey increased his attentions. Wufei was making soft, urgent sounds and his hips strained against Trey's hands holding him in place. Trey looked up and saw there were little tears glittering at the corners of his eyes. Pain or pleasure...? Pleasure, Trey willed it. He would make it so.

He had neglected Wufei's erection, but he returned to it now with the devotion of a supplicant. Pressing his mouth over the soft, wet crown Trey teased the blind little opening there. Wufei twisted and the cry that erupted from his throat was sweeter than any music Trey had heard and would hear since. To know that Wufei desired him -- needed him.... Gods.... It was more than he could have ever hoped for.

Trey focused on Wufei's exquisite flavor and the intimate press of him against the insides of his mouth. He had moved no more than four times over Wufei's shaft when the younger man's release burst over his tongue. Even more shocking was the spasm that seized Trey. He came, sullying his pants like an untrained schoolboy. He moved to cradle Wufei and his husband allowed himself to be shifted, lying boneless along Trey's side.

The candle gutted as Trey reached for Wufei's hand.

They lay stunned, panting in the darkness.