Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Beautiful Dawn ❯ Chapter 27 ( Chapter 27 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
Thanks so much to everyone who reveiwed the previous chapter. I want to apologize for not being able to respond directly to those who sent me emails. Finals made it next to impossible to get much of anything done. I'm stilll trying to catch up on all my mail.


As promised, this is the longest chapter to date I think. Please enjoy. I hope to have the next one out very soon.



Standard disclaimers apply: I don't own Gundam Wing or its bishounen, nor am I making any monetary profit from this fic whatsoever.


Author: Michalyn (darling_162002@yahoo.com)
Pairings: 6x1, 13+5 ( possible 13x5 later), 3+4
General Warnings: AU ( the pilots are 18, Zechs and Treize are 23) yaoi, angst, sap, lemon
Archive: http://angelfire.com/gundam/asanctuary, http://raygunworks.net, http://www.gundam-wing-universe.net/
Rating: NC 17


Warnings for this chapter: I was in a lemony mood, but couldn't give one to Zechs and Heero *sigh* so Treize and Wufei and Trowa and Quatre ended up getting some action ^_^;; . 3x4 "limon", 13x5 LEMON and some angst.


Feedback: craved ^_^






Beautiful Dawn 27/?
by: Michalyn










Treize leaned back against his seat as he watched the dark mass of trees rush by. The air was cool and forest damp, blowing against his cheeks and gently ruffling his hair. He sighed. The road to Quatre's hideaway was marvelously smooth and the scenery numbingly picturesque. He'd been watching the same dark, broody, beautiful trees for the past two hours and he was thoroughly bored. Their blue convertible was the only car on the road for miles and he had not even the distraction of other motorists to break the monotony of their trip.

Wufei, however, seemed wonderfully content. The Chinese appeared taken with the solitude around him, and a small smile teased his lips as he deftly worked the gears of the car. Treize studied him, admiring the perfect profile and the raven-dark ponytail that fanned in the breeze. As usual, the silken strands were tightly pulled back and the ginger-haired man wanted nothing more than to snap that infuriating band and release the cool mass to his fingertips. The older man smiled. His Wufei was so beautiful, he thought lovingly. His gaze drifted lower to the golden, slender arms, rippling with muscle as they moved. The sight alone was enough to turn Treize's thoughts in a much more heated direction. Appreciatively, he lingered over the lean power of his lover's thighs as they rhythmically worked the pedals. The loose trousers Wufei wore did little to dim his knowledge of what lay beneath and the aristocrat licked his lips as he contemplated the enticing curve at Wufei's crotch.

"Stop it," Wufei admonished, not taking his eyes off the road.

Treize smiled slowly and sensuously. "Stop what?" he asked innocently.

Wufei grunted: a sound of open disbelief. "You're ogling," he said finally.

The taller man's grin broadened. Blue eyes flashed with heat. "And how else am I supposed to amuse myself?" he purred silkily. "We have miles and miles ahead of us, and frankly you're the most interesting thing I've seen so far."

The Chinese shot Treize a sidelong glance. " I believe there's a book in my backpack if you're interested?" Wufei offered hopefully.

Treize retrieved the book in question with a sigh. He thumbed dismissively through the pages then tossed the paperback onto the back seat. It landed with a thud on the leather seating and bounced to the ground.

"Treize!" Wufei protested as he watched his book roll to the floor through the rearview mirror. He scowled. "That was completely unnecessary."

The older man shrugged. " "Philosophies of the Eastern Mystics"?" Treize rolled his eyes. "We really need to get you some more * stimulating * literature, Dragon. That's hardly what I'd call vacation reading." His voice darkened. He leaned over to nibble at the soft lobe of Wufei's ear. A long finger traced the crease where the shorter man's thigh met his hip. "Pull over?" Treize pleaded huskily.

Wufei's fingers tightened almost painfully on the steering wheel. His breathing hitched and the car slowed almost to a halt. "Treize…"

"Hmm?" A large hand slipped between Wufei's thighs and cupped the cloth-covered bulge there possessively.

Wufei made a choked sound and his eyes bugged. They swerved dangerously towards the middle of the road and the scholar thanked the gods that it was so deserted. "Treize," he repeated, trying to keep his voice firm, despite the things that palm was doing to his nerves. "If you keep that up we're never going to get there," he said shakily.

Treize unbuckled the belt at his lover's waist with quick fingers, unbuttoned the single button, and then slowly eased down the zip. He bent and lovingly nuzzled Wufei's scented flesh through his briefs and the younger man trembled almost convulsively as he tried to keep his attention ahead of him. "Stop!" he gasped when Treize nipped at him teasingly. "We can't."

The ginger-haired man stopped in his ministrations long enough to regard his flushed and trembling lover. "And why is that?" he asked huskily. Treize glanced down knowingly then back up at Wufei. "Don't tell me you don't want to."

"Because…" Wufei reddened. "Anyone could see us!" he hissed.

"Love," Treize said almost exasperatedly. He had forgotten how reticent his fiancée could be. "We have not seen another car for miles - and we're on the outskirts of the Winner estate. I don't think anybody is going to walk in on us while I'm making love to you."

Wufei set his chin mulishly, but the wistful glance he cast at the older man spoke of his indecision. "I…"

Treize's eyes softened. He leaned over and gently kissed Wufei's cheek. "My shy little rose," he said tenderly. "No one's going to see your beauty but me."

Wufei scowled, protesting. "I'm not--"

The older man smiled as he gave his beauty one more kiss. "It's okay," he said just as tenderly. "I'll wait." His voiced deepened with anticipation. "But Quatre better have a room waiting for us."



~~~





Quatre looked anxiously up at Trowa. "Do you think they'll make it?" the small blonde asked, biting nervously at his bottom lip.

Trowa pulled his lover away from his perch at their bedroom balcony and into his arms. "Of course they'll make it," he quietly reassured Quatre. "It's early yet. Give them some time."

Quatre sighed. " I wish Heero had agreed to ride in with us," he said worriedly. " I know Duo will come in with Zechs, but how will he get here?" the blonde asked with a frown. "You know Heero doesn't have a car… And what if he doesn't want to stay when he finds out Zechs will be here? It was almost impossible to get him here - and he didn't even know Zechs would be coming."

The taller man led Quatre over to the bed. " If Heero says he'll be here," Trowa said convincingly, "Then he will." He kissed Quatre softly on his forehead. "Trust me."

Quatre finally nodded reluctantly. "I hope you're right…" he said slowly.

Trowa sat, smiling as he tugged Quatre forward by the belt of his robe to between his spread thighs. " I am," he agreed. Trowa nuzzled the smaller man's neck as his hands unraveled the knot at Quatre's slender waist. "Come," the emerald-eyed actor huskily commanded. Carefully, he guided his lover closer, until Quatre was spread across his lap, slim thighs straddling Trowa's own. Heatedly, his hands slid beneath the parted folds of the blonde's robe, caressing the smooth body beneath.

Quatre gasped, melting into him. Groaning and shuddering as Trowa lapped delicately at a pale nipple. His head lolled backwards and he gripped desperately at Trowa's broad shoulders. "Trowa--" he whimpered, as the auburn-haired man continued to kiss a burning path down his body. "W-what…about…the…others?"


"We have time," the taller man murmured erotically. A wild cry burst from Quatre's lips as slick fingers teased at his entrance, then smoothly slid inward. He moaned long and low, hips rolling sensuously forward to meet the knowing invaders.

"More," the blonde whispered urgently, pressing a blind face into Trowa's shoulder. He trembled. "Please…" he groaned.

Trowa smiled ferally against his lover's fragrant skin. "Of course."





~~~






It was late afternoon by the time Zechs and Duo pulled into the driveway. Just ahead of them, they could see Wufei and Treize unloading their bags from a sleek royal blue convertible. Duo grinned as he watched Treize lean in to whisper something in the Chinese's ear. The older man seemed ready to follow it up with something even more intimate, but thought better of it as he sensed the presence of the other two men behind him. Wufei appeared somewhat relieved, but there was no mistaking the scorching promise in Treize's eyes before he turned to greet their companions. His dark-haired lover followed close behind.

"Milliardo," Treize smiled charmingly. "And Duo. Wufei told me you were here, but it's good to see you in person," he greeted warmly. "How have you been?"

"Good," Duo nodded with a grin of his own. He placed a companionable arm around Wufei's shoulders. "But obviously not as good as you two," he chirped gleefully, much to Wufei's mortification. He waggled his eyebrows. "We definitely need to talk, Treize," he said teasingly. "In fact, I was just asking Wu the other day who--Oooff!

"Maxwell," Wufei ground out warningly, " I think you've said more than enough."

"Hey!!" Duo protested loudly, rubbing his sore stomach. "Not so rough!" He grinned evilly. "That's why you have Treize over there!" Quickly, the impish youth dodged behind the safety of Zechs' large form.

Wufei flushed, and a low growl began to bubble dangerously from his lips. "Kisama!"

Treize and Zechs exchanged amazed looks, and then promptly burst into laughter at the younger men's antics.

Treize snaked an arm about Wufei's waist and pulled him close, despite the other man's half-hearted attempts at resistance. "Come now, Dragon," he said coaxingly as he led his fiery beauty to the front door. "Let's go get settled in." He had more than one idea in mind on how to soothe a ruffled dragon, Treize thought with a flash of heat. He couldn't help smiling as Wufei crossed his arms and huffed indignantly. His Wu-chan was just too adorable. Of course, it wouldn't do to tell the younger man that, the ginger-haired man realized, so wisely, he kept his thoughts to himself. Behind them, he could hear Duo chortling with laughter and Zechs' unsuccessful attempts at hiding his own. Knocking at the door, it was not long before Quatre answered it and the men were ushered inside.

"Guys!" the blonde cried happily. " I'm so glad you made it!" Fiercely, he hugged Duo. " Duo, I'm so happy you're here."

Good-naturedly, Duo ruffled the blonde's hair. "Thanks Q." He smiled. "It's good being with you guys again." Instinctively, his gaze was drawn to Zechs. The older man however, seemed distracted. In fact he appeared to be looking for something - or someone - for he kept sneaking glances in the direction of the other rooms. Unsuccessful, he fell into a disappointed silence. Duo suppressed the spark of pain he felt. It didn't take much to realize who the blonde was looking for, and it was with some effort that he tugged his grin back into place and resumed his cheerful demeanor.

Quatre's eyes met his own, conveying their sympathy. Immediately the shorter man spurred into action, bustling the others about. "I'm so sorry guys," the blonde said sheepishly. "I haven't even taken your bags. He slapped his forehead for his forgetfulness. "Oh, and Trowa's in the kitchen working his magic. He'll be out in a second." Quatre turned to ring the servants' bell. "Let me ask Areef to help you with your stuff. I don't think we'll be able to manage it all on our own."

Treize raised a protesting hand. "I appreciate it Quatre," he said reassuringly, "But it's really not necessary." Wufei nodded as both men picked up their things. "I'm sure Chang and I will do just fine. Just tell us where to go."

Quatre bit his lip uncertainly. He glanced from Duo to Zechs. "Surely you two will need--"

"Nope!" Duo grinned and hefted his backpack on his shoulder. "I travel light."

"Likewise," Zechs concurred.

"Well, if you're sure…" Quatre temporized. "The bedrooms are on the second floor," he explained. Zechs, yours is the second door from the bathroom. Duo, you're at the end of the hall to the left-" Companionably he squeezed the brunette's hand. "Black sheets of course," he informed with a smile. "And Wu and Treize are on the opposite end." the Arabian sighed. "Are sure you guys won't need any help? I--"

Four voices all replied firmly in the negative and finally the blonde gave up. "Okay, okay," he agreed, raising a small palm. "I'll check with our chef," Quatre announced with a grin, " but dinner should be ready at about eight."

"Thank you, Quatre," Treize said with a smile. "We'll show ourselves up." Lovingly, he clasped Wufei's hand as they began to mount the stairs. The older man stopped abruptly in his ascent. He looked archly over at Wufei then turned to Duo and winked. "Duo, we shall talk later."








~~~




They found their room easily - a large, luxuriously furnished suite at the end of the hall. Treize put their bags down first, then returned to the door to close and lock it behind him. He wanted no interruptions until dinnertime.

Wufei was sullenly quiet, putting his bags down and arranging his belongings without a word. Afterwards, he didn't linger with Treize. Instead, he went out onto the suite's balcony and stared stubbornly out into the dusky evening.

Treize shrugged out of his shirt and kicked off his shoes. Sighing, he padded over to his prickly lover. The evening was cool and pleasant and the subtle perfume of wildflowers drifted over the wind to them. The manor's surroundings were thickly wooded, very much lending the sense of seclusion and intimacy. Treize embraced Wufei's stiff form from behind and rested his chin on the dark, silky head. Softly, he nuzzled a tender earlobe. "Am I forgiven yet, darling?" he asked huskily. There was a moment of silence and then Wufei sighed and relaxed into the arms holding him.

"Yes," quiet, almost too softly to be heard.

Treize smiled against the softness of Wufei's skin. Caressingly he ran his palms up and down the younger man's arms causing him to shiver. "Come back inside with me," the older man purred. "We have almost two hours before dinner…" Gently, Treize kissed Wufei's cheek. "You've been driving for the whole day--" A thread of steel crept into the sapphire eyed man's voice. " And let's not even talk about how hard you've been studying lately." He turned Wufei around to face him, cupping his lover's face between his palms as he peered seriously down at him. "Don't think I didn't notice those nights this week you stayed up working well into the morning."

Wufei scowled as he inwardly cursed. He had sworn the older man was sleeping. "I--"

"Sshh," Treize admonished. He ran a finger over the lush bow of Wufei's mouth. "It's alright Love, I understand. Why you punish yourself so, when it is totally unnecessary, I will never fathom. But," the tall aristocrat said firmly. " If I spy so much as one textbook here--" He glowered exaggeratingly, lowering his eyebrows darkly for effect. It coaxed a chuckle out of the surly Chinese and Treize grinned, hugging his small lover closer. " I'm going to make you relax if it's the last thing I do," he vowed. He tugged Wufei away from the balcony and into the bedroom. "And I know just how to start."

Willingly, Wufei followed; Duo and all his earlier embarrassment completely forgotten.

"Sit," Treize commanded as he led Wufei over to the bed. "Don't move a muscle. I'll be right back."

Wufei nodded, curious to discover what his partner was planning. Forgetting Treize's command, he began to remove his shoes just as the older man reemerged from the bathroom with a vial of scented oil.

"Tut, tut, tut, Dragon," Treize reprimanded. " I thought I asked you not to move."

"Pardon?" Wufei asked as he neatly set his right shoe next to his left. He wiggled his toes. "Oh," he murmured absently as Treize's words registered. " I forgot."

"Hmm," Treize set the vial on the bed-table and came to stand next to Wufei. "Distracted already, are we?" he teased. Deftly, he snapped the rubber band holding Wufei's hair and the dark locks tumbled forward to prettily frame the oval face. He tossed the broken elastic with a sound of satisfaction. " Damn infuriating things," Treize muttered, sinking his fingers into the softness of Wufei's hair. Slowly he began massaging. Treize savored the slide of cool strands over his skin. "Much better," he purred. Sensuously, he kneaded the tender scalp beneath, paying special attention to Wufei's temples and the sweet, wispy tendrils at the nape of his neck.

Wufei gave a shaky little sigh and literally melted under the touch, elbows bracing on his thighs and head bowing almost to his knees. The movement caused his hair to spill forward, exposing the slender curve of his neck to Treize's knowing touch. Deliberately, the older man traced the graceful tendons on either side of the slim column. Bending, he mouthed the delicate vertebrae, and tremors wracked his lover's frame. When he pulled away, Wufei's breathing was soft and tremulous. His hair was adorably mussed - his eyes dark and heavy lidded. The younger man regarded the older man with a dazed, almost sleepy expression as Treize knelt between his legs.

Treize stroked lightly up and down Wufei's thighs. "Starting to feel a little more relaxed?" he asked knowingly.

Wufei smiled fuzzily, nodding as Treize rocked back on his heels and stood.

"Good." The older man smiled. "Now off with those clothes."

Wufei regarded his blue-eyed partner warily, but did as he was told. He stripped down to his briefs, pausing -much to Treize's exasperation - to deposit his shirt and trousers in the nearby laundry hamper. When he returned, Treize nodded towards the bed. "On the bed Love." He frowned when Wufei lifted the sheets. "Not under the covers please."

Treize crawled onto the mattress, his eyes sparking with heat as he admired Wufei's golden skin, his slender form and the dark cloud of hair fanning against the sheets. The demure white briefs made him smile and he paused to kiss Wufei's cheek. "Are you cold, Love?" he asked hoarsely, remembering Wufei's earlier movements.

Wufei shook his head wordlessly.

"Excellent," Treize husked, tapered fingers hooking in the stretchy band of Wufei's briefs. Slowly he eased the garment down, effortlessly lifting the younger man to complete the task. His eyes blazed at the beauty he uncovered and Wufei heatedly returned his gaze, his breathing already heightened in anticipation.

Treize kissed each knee, tongue dipping between the joints and upwards to the seam of Wufei's closed thighs. "Open for me," he commanded lovingly. He followed the dark line with a long finger. "-Please."

Wufei seemed to hesitate. The faintest tint of a blush covered his cheeks, but he did not deny Treize. Could not deny him. -Even as he bent his knees - each slow movement exposing him fully and intimately to his lover's eyes. Embarrassment warred with arousal and lost. Heat pooled and gathered. His flesh stirred and quickened, throbbing in a deep, heavy rhythm that was as ancient as the restless, languid rocking of his hips.

Treize's eyes darkened at the erotic supplication; nostrils flaring as the musky, heady scent of Wufei's arousal perfumed the air. A guttural growl escaped him. He pulled away from his beautiful lover and a sensual, teasing grin transformed his features.

"Is there something you want, Dragon?"

Wufei groaned, even as the color in his cheeks intensified. "Bastard," he hissed, fingers clenching in the sheets. "You know what I want."

Treize's grin broadened as his own flesh leapt with need. "Indeed?" he asked impishly. "I don't believe I do." He bent and blew teasingly against the tiny rosette of Wufei's entrance. Catlike, he lapped playfully at the sweet pucker. "Perhaps you should tell me."

Wufei whimpered and shuddered, hips arching ever so slightly off the mattress. "Treize--" he pleaded voice rising almost to a whine.

"Hmm?" Treize inquired airily. Soothingly, he kissed the bony points of Wufei's hipbones, even as he firmly lowered his lover's trembling form back onto the bed. He nuzzled Wufei's erection and the smaller man gasped and twisted in his hands.

"Treize please--"

A slender finger traced the shadowed cleft between Wufei's buttocks and then sensuously pressed inward. When Treize circled the tiny opening hidden between the firm globes, the Chinese arched like a strung bow. He groaned.

The aristocrat leaned forward and captured Wufei's lips with his own. He nipped at his lover's lower lip. "Are you shy, dragonling?" the ginger-haired man cajoled between kisses. Meanwhile, a single fingertip probed shallowly below. Meaningfully, he looked into Wufei's dark eyes. "You, know I'll always take care of you." The large man pulled away and smiled impishly. "But, only if you ask very nicely."

When Wufei growled in frustration, Treize chuckled, delighted. Despite his own arousal, the older man was enjoying the game immensely. Deliberately, he removed his own clothing and resumed his position carefully away from his needy lover. He watched as the emotions played across Wufei's face - the war between the beauty's innate reserve and his passion clearly visible.

Slowly, holding Wufei's eyes, he dragged a thumb over the weeping slit of the younger man's arousal and Wufei bucked, moaning like a man in torment. Lightly, Treize stroked Wufei's shaft and kissed the tight, velvet sacs beneath. Purposefully, he reached for the vial and poured slick oil over his fingers. "Do you ache, my Wufei?" he whispered lovingly.

Wufei seemed beyond coherence. His eyes were tightly shut, his limbs trembling with want. Slowly, he nodded. Treize leaned forward and nibbled gently at a puckered nipple. He suckled at the tiny peak, wringing more sweet cries from Wufei as he lovingly rolled its partner between thumb and forefinger. "Do you want me to soothe you?"

Wufei managed to shoot him a murderous glare. "Damn you, you bastard!" he snarled breathlessly. A stream of incoherent Chinese bubbled from his lips. "When I--" His voice splintered to a groan as the older man began stroking him in a slow, firm rhythm.

Treize laughed, low and deep. "Are you going to harm me, little dragon?" he teased. "Do you want to punish me?" Wufei's head thrashed against the pillow as heatedly, the older man continued to torment him, fingering the sensitive ridge where the plum-shaped head of his arousal met aching shaft. Treize slid downwards, burying his face between the slender thighs. "Is this what you wanted, Lover?" he asked, voice rough with need. He braced one golden leg over his shoulder, and bent, slowly enveloping Wufei' sex in his mouth. In the same movement a long finger pressed smoothly into Wufei's passage, doubling the assault.

The scholar lost all sense of time and place. His world was centered between his legs. He knew only lust and heat, the deep, wet suction of Treize's mouth and the merciless pressure on that place deep inside him that set his every nerve on fire. Passion consumed him. Wild, husky ululations spilled from his throat as he hovered in a kind torturous ecstasy between Treize's stroking mouth and his tormenting fingers. He shuddered convulsively. "Treize!" Abruptly climax hit, exploding across his senses, each silky pulse drawing a cry from him.

Treize pulled away, watching as ecstasy transformed his dark beauty. When every pulse was spent, he savored the release, slowly licking his lover clean of the creamy splatterings. Wufei sighed, too mindless from pleasure to care.

The aristocrat pulled his fiancée into his arms. He held him against his own naked body as tenderly; he smoothed dark strands away from Wufei's forehead. "Love you," he whispered heatedly.

The younger man leaned up and placed a trembling kiss against Treize's lips. Finally when he could speak, he said huskily. "Khushrenada, you are evil."

Treize smiled and kissed Wufei passionately. The ginger-haired man pretended to sigh wearily. "Yes, well it seems my work is never done," he said mischievously. He rolled over, pinning the smaller man beneath him. Roughly, he kneaded the Chinese's firm behind. "Vanquishing Dragons is such * hard* work," he said, eyes twinkling. Sensuously, he rocked his hips. "Don't you agree?"

Wufei chuckled softly, burying his face against the warmth of Treize's neck. "Perhaps you can teach me some day," he parried.

Treize pulled back to stare down at his lover with warm, blue eyes. "I believe I shall." His hands slid below to tease at Wufei's entrance. "I have been praised for my long * reach *.

Wufei clutched tightly at the broad shoulders. "Truly?" he asked shakily.

"Truly," Treize replied solemnly. Carefully, he prepared his own shaft and Wufei's entrance. He lifted the slender hips, slid slowly into sleek tightness and began thrusting at a leisurely pace. "But," he continued breathily, his hands roaming the lithe body beneath him. " I must admit I am rather fond of the prickly creatures-ah!" He groaned as Wufei rocked upwards, nipping sharply at his shoulder in reprimand. Heedless, Treize chuckled. He began to increase the speed of his thrusts. "The Chang-species is especially tasty."

Wufei reddened. This time, he bit well and truly into the older man's shoulder.

"Ach!! So that's how you want to play hmm?"

Wufei's eyes widened as strong hands moved to position his hips at a very specific angle. " Treize, I don't think -ahhh! P-p-please!!"

"Uh, uh." Treize grinned. Sinuously, he pistoned his hips forward." I take this Dragon slaying job of mine, very seriously."





~~~




Heero trudged wearily up to the mansion. A day of work, endless walking and bus hopping had left him drained. Added to that was the emotional strain of the recent days and this morning's visit to J's grave. Quatre and Trowa had offered to pick him up, but Heero had refused and it was the latter errand that had determined his decision. He owed Jeremiah the loyalty he had failed to give him in life, the brunette reasoned. The least he could do was to fulfill that duty in death. He had asked his friends to go on without him.

Heero was depressed and bone tired and now that he had arrived, seriously beginning to question his acceptance of Quatre's invitation. What business had he here anyway? Heero wondered bitterly. What right had he to these men's friendship when he could contribute nothing to their happiness? Softly, the brunette sighed. Still, it was too late to turn around now he realized. And with his body protesting so loudly, he would not be able to make the trip back even if he wanted to. It was weakness, but undeniable nonetheless. He needed to rest.

Heero knocked softly at the door as he glanced at his watch. It was almost midnight. He hoped that Quatre and Trowa hadn't already retired for the evening, but he knew it was probable. When no answer was forthcoming, Heero shrugged. Listlessly he began to arrange a makeshift bed on the porch. His backpack, he used as a pillow. So much for a restful night…

A shaft of light spilled onto the floorboards. Slender feet approached and a figure bent to peer at him.

"Heero?" Trowa helped the shorter man to his feet. "Come in," he said quietly. "I'll get you something to eat."




~~~




Silently, Trowa watched the brunette eat. Heero made no attempt at conversation as he picked half-heartedly at his meal. To the lithe actor the brunette seemed a ghost of himself. Trowa didn't ask any questions. He didn't need to. The dark circles bracketing Heero's s blue eyes told the whole story. The toll of the past few days weighed heavily on the shorter man's shoulders and the taller man knew better than to press him any further - despite his concern for his friend. Heero was running himself ragged, Trowa thought disapprovingly. If the brunette continued this way, the green-eyed man predicted, it wouldn't be long before his already strained reserves began to unravel. Tomorrow, when Heero was rested and hopefully in somewhat better spirits, he meant to have a serious talk with him.

Patiently, Trowa waited until the other man had finished his meal to break the silence between them. He stood and hefted Heero's backpack onto his own shoulder before the brunette could protest. "Follow me," Trowa said softly. "I'll show you to your room."

Numbly, Heero complied, too tired to think of anything beyond the comforts of a soft bed. They padded down the darkened hall and Trowa led him up the stairs and to a room near the bathroom. The other man left him after returning his bag and wishing him a good night.

Gratefully, Heero closed the door behind him and rested his few belongings on a nearby chair. The bed, with its crisp blue sheets and fluffy pillows beckoned him, but the brunette demurred. Instead, he shrugged out of his clothes and into the robe his hosts had provided. With his toothbrush tucked away in his pocket he moved silently to the bathroom. All was quiet but for his own careful footsteps and the faint murmurings coming from one of the rooms towards the other end of the hall. Light seeped under the door from the room next to him, indicating that it's occupant was also awake.

Quickly, he slipped into the bathroom, showered and brushed his teeth. Bleary eyed, he returned to his room, pausing just long enough to lock his door and remove his robe before he collapsed onto the bed. His last thought before surrendering to unconsciousness was wish for deep *permanent * sleep.

He knew he would never be so lucky.






~~~



Zechs tossed in bed, punching the pillows irritably for yet another time as he tried to get comfortable. An exasperated sound gusted past his lips. He couldn't sleep. Every time he closed his eyes visions of a certain beautiful brunette rose behind his eyelids. He had hoped that Heero would be here and had been bitterly disappointed to discover the younger man's absence. Their last conversation echoed in his ears and Zechs sighed. Was there really any hope of Heero forgiving him? He had to believe there was - for his own sake. But what if he was wrong? Perhaps Heero could never be happy with him. Perhaps he * couldn't * make Heero happy. The thought disturbed him, and the blonde sat up, running a frustrated hand through his hair. Wearily, he rested his head against the headboard. He had to stop doing this to himself, he vowed. What was it Treize had said? That Heero would only truly be his when he came to him on his own? Zechs pondered for a moment, turning the advice over in his mind. It gave him some little comfort. He had meant every last word he had said to Heero that day in the cafeteria. He * would * do things right this time. And maybe, just maybe-Gods he * hoped *, this time his beauty would come to him. Then he would never let him go.

A muffled sound interrupted his thoughts. He paused, listening carefully in the darkness. When it was not immediately repeated, Zechs dismissed it as his imagination. Thoroughly awake by now, he rose from bed, seeking out his robe in the dimness around him. If sleep was going to be elusive, he reasoned, then he might as well get something to eat. Vaguely, the tall man recalled Trowa mentioning something about leftovers in the fridge. His stomach growled softly, and the large blonde shook his head with a chuckle. It seemed the prospect of food was definitely worth investigating.

He headed towards the door, stopping abruptly when the soft thud was repeated. It sounded like the shutting of a door. --Perhaps the bathroom? Zechs puzzled. He shook his head. No, it was too close, the aristocrat reasoned. Trowa and Quatre were upstairs, he knew, Treize and Wufei too far away at the other end of the hall - and Duo, soundly asleep. The braided man had retired not long after dinner. Milliardo frowned as he trailed back towards the direction of the sound, stopping in front of the closed door that led to the closet. There were two in his room, and having brought only a few things on the trip, he hadn't needed this one after unpacking his things. But Zechs could have sworn that the noise had come came from here. He pressed his ear against the cool wood and listened. This time, a barely discernible shuffling reached his ears, followed by faint creaking. Intrigued, the blonde pursed his lips. Slowly, his hand covered the cool knob. He twisted, and easily it swung open, a draft of cool air washing over his bare chest and feet. He followed it, stepping inside, wishing for a flashlight as he peered curiously around. Zechs stumbled, trembling at the sight before him…

This was no closet. It was a room. The room right next to his, and oh gods-Zechs braced himself against the wooden frame. Roughly, he rubbed at his eyes. Either his imagination was working over time or this was some sort of wonderful, * torturous* dream. His heart thudded in his chest as he approached the bed. That form, that beautiful, beautiful form… Zechs' limbs felt weak as he knelt beside the large bed, the blood in his ears pounding in a swelling crescendo. He couldn't believe his eyes, but there was no mistaking the sight before him. No mistaking the sweet curve of that cheek, the softness of those lips--Heero. *His * Heero. A thousand thoughts ran through his brain, but he forced himself to be sensible. If Heero was here there was a reason for it. And the most obvious was probably the truest: Quatre and Trowa had invited him, he had accepted and had probably come in only recently after everyone had gone to bed. But that was the most the blonde could guess at. Did Heero know he was here? Zechs glanced back at the door leading to his room. Dare he assume that Trowa and Quatre had intended this? Or was he wrong?

Zechs stared at the figure on the bed. Heero lay on his stomach in a circle of moonlight, soft breaths whispering from his slightly parted lips. Azure eyes closed. Zechs' hands clenched convulsively. The brunette was naked, a robe thrown carelessly over his hips as though half shrugged out of in the act of falling into bed. Fire filled the aristocrat's veins as his gaze swept over his ex-lover. Want, need, love, yearning-All swirled within him. The need to touch the younger man was too strong to ignore. Desperately, he stretched out his hand. Lightly, he brushed the petal-soft cheek with his fingertips. Zechs bent, placing a trembling, * burning * kiss in the center of the small palm upraised towards him. Tremulously he waited, breath coming in harsh pants and echoing in the room around him. -The thought of Heero awakening filling him at once with anticipation and fear. The blonde stood. With barely suppressed need, he carefully eased back the shielding robe. Heero's skin gleamed like spilt milk in the moon-glow. Light and shadow caressed him, hugging sweet, muscular curves. Zechs leaned closer, aching to kiss all that shadowed velvet…

Without warning, Heero stirred, shifting restlessly against the sheets. Zechs snatched his hand back, stumbling backwards. He fled, disappearing through the open portal as though the demons of his own heart were after him.