Apple Cider
by Michalyn
Rating: T/PG13

The door shut firmly, bringing with it a bit of autumn breeze. Wufei shivered as he unwound his scarf and hung it on the tall rack.

“Brr,” he smiled. “It’s cold out there.” Under his arm was tucked a small sheaf of papers.

Though they could easily live off Treize’s sizeable fortune, Wufei worked for a translation company on weekdays and sometimes in the evenings when Treize was away. They both understood that despite their love — perhaps even because of it — the younger man needed something to call his own: something to define himself by other than his relationship with the former general. And with Treize’s love at his side, it was enough for Wufei if his wealth lay in the simple distillation of words.

That’s what Treize had done for him: sifted through the pain, anger and confusion in his life, stripping away the excess until only something pure and shining remained.

As Treize rose and embraced him from behind, a different kind of shiver seized Wufei’s body. He felt warm and melting and yearning like all his muddled emotions had boiled to sweet syrup. Wufei sighed. Outside, the leaves danced against the window in vibrant splashes of color.

One particularly golden maple, reminded him of Treize’s hair.

———————————

It was so cold outside and so cozy inside that they decided to mull some apple cider. Treize added the cider and the cinnamon and Wufei tossed in the cloves and brown sugar. Together, jostling and giggling like schoolboys, they competed to put in the orange slices and the allspice. When they were done they’d used up twice the necessary ingredients — half of which had gone onto the floor.

As the pot simmered on the stovetop, they cleaned up in companionable silence.

When Wufei grabbed a cushion from the couch and settled in front of the fire, Treize hung back a little. He pretended to fuss with the cupboards and instead admired his lover.

Wufei was wearing a thick russet sweater that was actually Treize’s. The rich color complemented his warm complexion and there was a healthy, rosy flush to his cheeks. It seemed to Treize that Wufei was surrounded by a sweet freshness, like a crisp, clean breeze … and sure enough, Wufei had cleansed his own dark soul.

About a month ago Wufei had decided to let his hair grow out and already it reached past his shoulders. Thick and wavy, it shone darkly in the firelight, soft curls caressing Wufei’s chin and cheeks. That gentle curl had surprised them both. It was as if unrestrained by the terrors of war something had bloomed inside of Wufei and unfurled in those smooth, silky tendrils. To Treize it had been like being allowed an intimate glimpse of his lover: something startling and unexpected and beautiful, like falling in love all over again.

Somewhere a bird warbled wooingly to its mate. The trees trembled, shaking their burnished heads.

Gazing at the gentle curve of Wufei’ cheek and the swell of even softer lips, desire clamored within Treize.

Treize touched his lover’s shoulder. Wordlessly, he caressed Wufei’s palm and kissed the reddened tips of his fingers. He found that they still smelled like cloves.

Wufei’s dark eyes met his and they undressed each other right there in the golden blaze of the firelight.

When they reached for each other, their hands were both trembling.

Later, Treize and Wufei recalled the forgotten cider. Looking into the pot, they found that it had cooled to a pure golden richness. The color of life itself.

End

Bad Dream
by Michalyn
Warnings: 1+5, lime
Rating: M

“We need a new mattress,” Wufei said, folding his arms.

Heero was typing away on his laptop. He raised his head after a moment. “Why do we need a new mattress?”

“Because this one is killing my back. That’s the third time this week I’ve dreamt Oz was performing torture operations on my spine. If this continues I won’t be able to sit at my desk and I’ll let you speak to Une about my lack of productivity.”

Heero grunted. “I like this mattress. It has a comfortable little dip that conforms perfectly to my body.”

“It’s lumpy.”

“Comfy.”

“It needs to go.”

“Wufei, this is a Dreamspa mattress. I spent months researching every available product on the market and narrowed it down to this one. It is scientifically proven to lull you into dreams within minutes.

“Bad dreams,” Wufei scoffed.

Heero closed his laptop and approached his lover. He snuck behind Wufei and wrapped his arms around him. “I’ve had that mattress since the end of the war. It’s given me some of the best sleep of my life. I can’t get rid of it now,” he said persuasively. He kissed Wufei’s neck, hoping to sway his hot-tempered lover. His efforts though, were in vain. Wufei remained unconvinced.

“I am not sleeping on that thing for one more night,” Wufei warned, shaking Heero off to head to the bathroom. Heero followed him, admiring Wufei’s smooth skin and sleek body as he undressed. By the time Wufei was naked, Heero was thinking more about getting his lover onto the mattress again instead of away from it. He sidled up to Wufei and rubbed against him, letting him feel his erection. Even though Wufei kept his back firmly turned away, there was no mistaking the little shiver that ran through him. Heero smiled.

“Up for a quick round before your shower?” he purred.

“No. I have things to take care of,” Wufei grumbled.

“It’s Saturday. You can afford to be a little lazy.” Heero continued kissing and suckling Wufei’s neck. When he heard his lover gasp, his hands slipped around to tweak Wufei’s nipples. They were already hard. Not that he was surprised. Heero smirked, rolling the rigid points between his fingertips. Wufei moaned softly and Heero knew he had won. Still kissing Wufei, he deftly maneuvered them out of the bathroom and into the bedroom once again.

“I’m going to make you feel so good,” Heero growled. He pushed Wufei backwards until his knees hit the mattress. Wufei went down in a sprawl, Heero quickly leaning over him to cover his mouth with his own. Heero slipped a hand between Wufei’s legs and gently squeezed his cock.

“Heero!” Wufei twisted and cried out beneath him.

“Mmm?” Heero rumbled, increasing the pressure of his strokes. He rolled on top of Wufei and his lover made a tortured sound. “See? I told you I would make you feel good.” By now Heero’s own breath was coming fast and his erection pressed against the confines of his jeans. He shimmied out of his pants and rolled his hips against Wufei’s. Their cocks rubbed together, sending a burst of pleasure through Heero.

Wufei gave a deep groan. “Heero…wait.”

“I know … I know, we’ll get to the good part in a moment,” Heero reassured Wufei. He nuzzled his neck.

“No …” Wufei made a pained sound. “I mean stop. This feels good but I can’t. My back is killing me.”

“What?” For a moment Heero couldn’t make sense of what Wufei was saying. He gasped, struggling to bring his body under control. When he finally looked down he saw that sure enough, Wufei’s face was twisted not in pleasure but in a grimace of pain. Heero quickly rolled off his lover. “You mean…?”

Wufei nodded. “The mattress…” He groaned again.

Heero sighed. His erection had almost completely faded; the thought of Wufei in pain effectively killing any amorous intentions he might have harbored. This whole thing was like a bad dream. He wanted to pleasure Wufei not hurt him. Heero sighed again as he rose from the bed.

“Don’t move; I’ll get you one of those hot patches” he told Wufei soothingly. “Then, we better start looking at new beds.”

End

Table of contents for 30 Kisses

1. Game Night
2. The TV Installation Guy
3. The Coffee Shop
4. Say Ahh
5. Breath
6. Red
7. Handy Italian Phrases
8. Moment
9. Scandal
10. Yellow Daisies
11. Golden
12. The Road to Hell
13. The Road Home
14. Table No. 2
15. The New Couple
16. Kiss

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

Breath
by Michalyn
Pairing: Treize + Wufei
Rating: MA
For 30_kisses themes, #4, our distance and that person, and #10, 10

Notes: This fic started out as entirely something else, but the muses would not cooperate so I reworked it to a 30_kisses fic. Still not too sure how I feel about it, but I hope you enjoy. This is unbetaed, so please excuse any mistakes you find.

Treize set down his newspaper as Wufei tossed once more beneath the covers. His husband pummeled the pillow, making a frustrated sound as he turned onto his side.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.” Wufei sighed. “I just can’t seem to get comfortable” he muttered, the flicker of the TV illuminating his mussed hair and agitated features.

Treize spooned behind him on the bed and began kneading his shoulders. “Rough day?”

Wufei laced their fingers together. “A little,” he admitted after a moment. “What on earth made me think I could have a full time teaching job and still do my Master’s at the same time? My thesis is not going to be ready by the deadline, I just know it. Worse, I am convinced that the middle schoolers at the academy will be the death of me. What am I doing, Treize?” Wufei’s voice was muffled by the pillow. “Who am I fooling? I don’t know anything about teaching English as a second language, particularly to a bunch of pampered, snotty kids. Do you know what Yue Wan’s mother said to me today when I asked her why her daughter had not completed her homework for the third time this week?”

Treize made a questioning sound as he continued to massage the tense muscles along Wufei’s spine.

“She is too tired after shopping in the afternoon to complete her assignments.” Wufei’s shoulder’s rose. “And this from the student struggling most with reading! Her pronunciation is atrocious, even after all the work we’ve covered! Why am I even wasting my time?”

“Shh, shh. If you tense up like that, you’ll undo all my hard work.” Treize chuckled against Wufei’s neck. “Love, I know you want all your students to succeed, but you have to realize that half these kids will spend their lifetimes in transition between one school and the next because of their parents’ business trips. They have a tidy trust fund already secured and neither they nor their parents are particularly interested in whether they get good grades or not. To them, the academy is just a large daycare center and teachers like you, babysitters—but you don’t need me to tell you that,” Treize chided Wufei softly. “You know all of this. What’s really bothering you is that you’re getting down to the wire, are stressed and are beginning to needlessly second-guess yourself. If anyone can do this, Wufei, you can.”

Wufei’s voice was shaky. “I know. You are correct. I know you are right. It is just … this means so much to me. Being an ESOL teacher has always been my dream, because of my own experiences here as a student and….” Wufei swallowed. “Beyond the visa regulations and the rigmarole involved with the system, I cannot forget what my parents sacrificed to get me here.”

Wufei turned onto his back. “My father was a physician in Hunan before he met my mother. After he came here, he worked as a mechanic for ten years at Orange Grove gas station, Treize, because he could not master the language. Do you know what that does to a man’s sense of himself and his honor? That is why I chose this field. I do not want anyone to have to go through what he did, and to see these children squandering what he would have given anything to have—” Wufei’s voice was rough. “It is despicable, Treize. Despicable.”

It was Treize’s turn to sigh. “I understand, Love.” He kissed Wufei’s ear. “Why don’t you stay till the end of the semester and finish up your sociolinguistics program at the university? The academy pays well, but you’re disconnected from what really moves you. I think it’s time to move on. Why don’t you look into some public schools, or at least private institutions that are not as exclusive as Greenfield, that will allow you a closer connection with your students? A few hundred dollars more is not worth all of this anguish. It will eventually take its toll.

In fact,” Treize spanned Wufei’s stomach with his palm, “I’d say it already has. Of late, if you’re not stressed, then you’re bone tired. You have always been an early riser, but do not think I have not noticed how many nights this week you simply haven’t slept at all.” Trey placed a finger over Wufei’s lips, when the younger man opened his mouth to protest, “and napping on the couch between dinner and your studies is not sufficient. No wonder you have difficulty getting to sleep. You have thrown your sleep cycle completely off kilter.”

Wufei mumbled a weak protest but quickly subsided. Treize’s hand trailed down his stomach and slipped beneath the waistband of his pajamas. He nuzzled Wufei’s cheek.

“Can you remember the last time we had a night just to enjoy each other?”

“Nn…no.” Wufei shivered, glancing down.

Treize followed the younger man’s gaze to Wufei’s crotch. As his strokes picked up a steady rhythm, Treize could see the rippling of his knuckles under the silky material of Wufei’s pajama bottoms . Watching Wufei watch him was unbearably erotic and Treize groaned, thrusting aside the covers to get a better view.

Wufei moved languidly. Spreading his legs a little he pressed his lips against Treize’s. “Mmm … I’ve missed this. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to neglect you.” he panted, clutching at Treize until the material at Treize’s shoulders was bunched between his fingers. “I…” Wufei’s breath hitched.

Treize shook his head. “No need to apologize, my darling. I know how difficult it has been for you. To insist upon something so trivial at such a crucial time for you would be both thoughtless and ridiculous of me. Saying that I have not missed this, however, would make me a liar.”

“Oh?” Wufei smiled. “Then I cannot tell you how much I appreciate your honesty.”

“Ah, my Wufei, the things I have contemplated would even now make you blush.”

“I doubt that,” Wufei murmured, but he was already coloring. Treize laughed, pausing to kiss Wufei’s fingers.

“My Wufei, still so innocent.”

Wufei scowled, rising up on his elbows. “I hate it when you say that.”

Treize’s eyebrows shot upward. Wufei’s hair was escaping his ponytail and his petulant expression made him look even younger in the flickering light. Treize, however, valued his life enough to know it would be unwise to make that observation at the moment.

“But why?” Treize was mystified. “I do not mean it in any derrogatory sense. I find your shyness endearing.”

Wufei flopped back against the pillows and flung an arm over his eyes. “You make me feel so young. I…it is dishonorable that the gap between our experiences should be so great. Every time we come together I am reminded that my knowledge in these matters is impoverished. It is not enough that I am pleasured. As your husband I should be able to bring you satisfaction as well.”

“And when have I ever been dissatisfied?” Treize shook his head, troubled by Wufei’s words. If he spoke of Wufei’s reticence it was always meant as an endearment. He never meant to prey upon the younger man’s insecurity and Treize told Wufei so.

“All right.” Wufei folded his arms. ” If you are so pleased, then tell me what I’m good at.”

Treize pulled Wufei into his arms, whispering in erotic detail just what he thought of his husband’s talents. By the time he was finished, Wufei was moving restlessly against him. Treize laughed. “I thought we weren’t trying to make you blush.”

“Treize…” Wufei gasped. “I’m serious. All right, how many lovers have you had?”

“Why should it matter?”

“Treize…” Wufei’s tone was ominous.

“Ten.”

“Is that the truth?”

Treize sighed. “My Love, believe me when I tell you we can gain nothing from this conversation. If you insist, then I will tell you, but my sexual history has been far from admirable. There is much I do not regret, but let it be enough that I have you now in my arms.” Treize’s hand dipped once again between Wufei’s legs. “Come, let me make love to you.”

Wufei’s hands fisted in Treize’s shirt. “That is exactly what I mean! Because even if it is only one lover, our distance and that person are related. Everything you learned about love-making with him—them—you bring to our bed, whereas I am always stuck at the starting point, never having gone further than the boundaries of our bedroom.”

“I see,” Treize said slowly, pierced by a sudden painful anxiety. “Are you saying you regret settling down so early? I know you did not have a chance to sow any wild oats before we married. Wufei … if you…”

“No!” Wufei was quick to interrupt him. “No, I’m not saying that at all. I’m happy with you. I just—”

“Then what is it? As I’ve said, I have never had any complaints about what we share in the bedroom, but if this is important to you then we must explore it. Are you saying that you want to be instructed? What is it you wish to learn?”

“I don’t know. I’m not sure myself.” Wufei’s breath fanned against Treize’s chest. “After the day I’ve had, It’s probably just nerves talking. Sometimes … sometimes though, I can’t help worrying that I do not know enough —that the gap between us is impossibly wide and I’ll never catch up. I’d … I’d hate for you to get bored with me, Treize.” Wufei whispered.

Treize’s heart clenched at the hesitant admission. How could Wufei doubt for a second the pull he held over him?

“Never.” Treize kissed Wufei’s face, his eyelids—the pulse throbbing in his throat. “I will never tire of you, my darling. Now, tomorrow—until I am old and gray—you will be the only one for me.” He pressed Wufei against the pillows, seeking out all the secret places on his husband’s body that made Wufei cry out and shiver beneath him. “Should I have a million past lovers, I won’t let you doubt me. If there is any space between us, I’ll erase it so that not even a hands-breadth remains.” Treize’s voice was fierce as he smiled down at Wufei.

“Be careful what you wish for.” He lowered his mouth to Wufei’s nipple. “When I am finished with you, you won’t be able to tell your heartbeat from mine … your breath from my breath.”

End

This story is dedicated to Ikari no Kawaii for being a sweetie and for pointing me to the inspiration for this fic.

Cherished
by Michalyn
Pairing: 13×6x5
Rating: MA for graphic lemon

“Let me take him.”

Milliardo made a soft sound of disagreement, careful not to jostle Wufei in his arms. “Hush, you’ll wake him.”

Treize stared at Wufei’s flushed cheeks and parted lips and smiled. “This is so unlike him. I cannot believe he actually fell asleep.” They passed the living room, and Treize paused to turn off the lamps as he followed Milliardo up the stairs. The other man stopped, waiting for him.

“That just goes to show how exhausted he is.” Milliardo grimaced, keeping his voice low. “Is it really necessary for him to work such late hours at the university? Surely other assistants do not keep his schedule.”

“Of course not, but you know how much this assistantship with the Philosophy Department means to Wufei. He’s determined to prove he’s worthy of further sponsorship so he can get into the PhD program. I suppose I can’t blame him, even if he is a bit too earnest.” Treize moved ahead of Milliardo to open the bedroom door. “Lovers or no, when he sets his mind on something, neither you nor I can convince him otherwise.”

Milliardo sighed. “How well do I know it. I never doubt for a minute that he loves us, but I can’t help thinking this triangle of ours propels him to be even more conventional in his external life. It’s as though he has to prove to himself that rigidity will somehow balance out whatever excesses he thinks our love affords him.” Milliardo shook his head again. “But that is also why we love him, no?”

“Hmm,” Treize leaned forward and their lips met. Wedged between their bodies, Wufei made a murmuring sound and Treize’s mouth spread into a grin.

“Come, let’s get him ready for bed.”

Wufei blinked, registering many things at once as he came to slow consciousness—the glow of the single lamp at his bedside, the pungency of burning incense and incredible living heat at his back and at his side—made all the more vivid by the fact that he was naked. Wufei’s eyes widened, all grogginess fled. His hair was loose and when he tried to jerk himself upright, strong arms held him in place.

“Off so soon?” Treize’s hot breath fanned against his ear. “Milliardo, I do believe he is trying to leave us after we went to all this trouble.” Next to Wufei, Milliardo prowled closer, his unbound hair a gleaming mass over his shoulders.

“Tut, tut, so ungrateful,” he purred. Milliardo’s eyes, burning azure, locked with Wufei’s. “We can’t have that now, can we, Treize?”

Wufei swallowed audibly, trying to rally his defenses. How on earth had he allowed himself to become so befuddled that he had fallen asleep at his desk? Surely he was not napping so long that his lovers would have worried and felt the need to check on him? Wufei strained to read the digits on the clock near the bed. He swore. After 1 AM. He had overdone it. Wufei struggled to find his voice.

“All right, perhaps I did extend my shift a little more than necessary, but I see no reason—”

“Feet, or chest, Milliardo?”

“I’ll take the lower half, thanks.”

“Ge…gentlemen—oh gods!” Wufei gasped as Milliardo grasped each of his ankles and with slow deliberation spread him. A hot flush burned through Wufei’s body and he gave one last desperate attempt at flight, spurred by a tumble of panic and fevered excitement.

They weren’t going to… His thoughts tangled together. They wouldn’t … had never actually teamed up on him. Wufei’s entire body shuddered as he contemplated the possibilities ahead of him. In that moment, even he could not have said whether it was from arousal or fear. His eyes darted from Milliardo, to Treize’s arm locked about his waist. They were always careful with him, knew he didn’t like to lose control. It wasn’t that he feared it … not quite … perhaps a little … but… Wufei’s train of thought crumbled as Milliardo moved closer.

The older man’s weight pressed into the mattress. He did not caress Wufei. Instead, he curled Wufei’s heels back onto his hips and simply looked at him.

Wufei’s knees caved. Or rather, they attempted to. He would have succeeded if Treize had not chosen that moment to assist Milliardo by looping his arms behind Wufei’s knees. Wufei made a strangled sound, shielding himself with his hands. It was not so much that he was shy as he knew his own sensitivity. The vulnerability of the pose could only mean exquisite torture for him and that shared knowledge was as palpable among them as the fragrant smoke curling in the air. Under the intensity of Milliardo’s gaze, every instinct of Wufei’s could but demand escape.

Milliardo contemplated him, grinning. “It’s quite pointless to hide, Wufei. Why don’t you just relax and accept your punishment? I promise you won’t regret it.”

Wufei’s hands were trembling, but he still managed to let out an exasperated breath. “You promise punishment and expect me to relax? I know you, Peacecraft and your form of punishment, it’s…” Wufei flushed, unable to finish.

“My form of punishment?” Milliardo’s breath bathed Wufei’s knuckles. It was the only warning he would get before the heat of the blond’s tongue delved between the grooves of Wufei’s fingers, probing to the more delicate flesh beneath. Wufei’s hands jerked and his and Milliardo’s moans rose in unison.

Treize chuckled. “Delicious, isn’t he?”

“Mmm,” Milliardo nuzzled Wufei’s scrotum. “Exquisite.”

The pads of his fingers found the silken flesh of Wufei’s perineum and began rubbing in a lazy circular motion—just enough to sensitize but not nearly enough to apply the pressure Wufei needed most. A fine sheen of perspiration broke over his skin as pleasure bloomed and burst. His voice, as muddled as his senses, caught on a sound that was neither moan nor curse. Wufei’s fingers twisted in the sheets, his head lolling against Treize’s shoulder. He saw the fire in Milliardo’s eyes and Wufei bit his lip hard, refusing to be bested.

He would not beg.

A pale eyebrow rose. “So that’s how you want to play it? A little higher, please, Treize.”

“You bastards!” Wufei swore as Treize lifted him, but it was useless.

Milliardo’s thumb caressed his entrance. Not pressing or demanding, but stroking around the ring of muscle with care and for all Wufei’s determination, he could not help the delicate spasm that seized him. Milliardo smiled knowingly at the seeking movement and embarrassed, Wufei turned his face away.

“Sweet, sweet, Wufei, your body knows what it wants,” Milliardo purred, circling Wufei again. He buried his face between Wufei’s thighs, dipping below his testicles to bestow upon him the most intimate of kisses.

“No—” Wufei shook, a man in torment. Milliardo’s lips were soft and moist and the heat of his mouth hid the vivid probe of his tongue. He continued to taste Wufei, alternating broad, flat swipes with more pointed caresses, and Wufei writhed, suddenly grateful for Treize’s hands behind his knees, for he was sure he could not have held them up himself. His chest was heaving and though Wufei had not begged yet, cries burst from his lips to be absorbed by the canopied bed.

Treize made a rumbling sound of pleasure; he kissed Wufei’s hot cheek, soothing him. “Have you tormented him enough, dear Milliardo? As lovely as the view is from here, I have some treats of my own.”

“Ah.” Milliardo released him, as did Treize. Wufei made a feeble protest, but he was lifted and resettled, this time in the cradle of Milliardo’s arms. The blond cupped him behind his neck and for the first time that night their lips met. Milliardo’s hands tangled in Wufei’s hair but though his movements were passionate, they were never rough. Milliardo sought out the warmth of Wufei’s scalp, stroking the fine hairs at his temple and at the nape of his neck. Wufei clung to him, shivering with the heat Milliardo had awakened in him.

“Gods,” Treize moaned, “if only you could see yourselves.”

Wufei tried to follow him, but Milliardo was kissing him again and Treize disappeared at the edges of his vision, his weight dipping off the bed, moving, Wufei guessed as he heard Treize open a drawer, to retrieve the lubricant they kept there. His heart thudded.

“Come, come, aren’t you going to share?” Treize returned. He smiled, taking first Milliardo’s lips and then Wufei’s. He was thorough and Wufei closed his eyes as the warm slide of Treize’s tongue turned his bones to honey. All the while, Milliardo soothed and caressed him, the tips of his fingers trailing up and down Wufei’s arms until goose pimples broke over his skin. Wufei could feel the heat of Treize’s body as the older man settled between his thighs, but any defense he might have presented was toppled as Milliardo kissed him again. For all their gentleness, however, both men seemed determined to ignore his erection, and Wufei, desperate for relief, decided to take the job in hand himself.

“No, no that is mine.” Treize swatted Wufei away. Immediately, Milliardo laced their fingers together, eliminating any possibility of rebellion.

“Wufei,” Treize breathed over Wufei’s erection, “I think we need to re-examine your work schedule.”

Wufei’s eyes widened. In these situations, it was best to appeal to reason. “Now Treize,” he began shakily, “I’ve admitted I was remiss. Surely there’s no need for such underhanded methods?” Wufei held his breath.

“Milliardo do you consider this underhanded?”

“Oh not at all, Treize, not in the least.”

“That’s good,” Treize’s lips spread, “for I plan to be quite direct.” He rubbed over the sensitive crown of Wufei’s erection, and a shout broke from Wufei. He shuddered, slumping in Milliardo’s arms.

“Ah,” Treize did not cease his torment, “I love this part of you best.” Milliardo rumbled his approval as Treize lifted fingers wet with Wufei’s own excitement. “Do you need us that badly, my darling?”

Wufei groaned as heat burst over him. He closed his eyes, mortified and damnably more excited as Treize continued to whisper shocking things to him.
While Milliardo used touch, it was most often Treize who brought this talk to the bedroom. He had realized early on that, ingrown, bookish creature that Wufei was, an intimate suggestion or sensual turn of phrase could leave him as weak-kneed as a caress. He used that knowledge now to his advantage, calling more sweet pulses from Wufei.

“So lovely,” Treize sighed. “I do believe I shall have a taste.”

Treize’s mouth surrounded him. Even as Wufei tried to absorb the sensation, the older man was circling his entrance, teasing him with warm slick fingers, slipping deftly in. Wufei cried out; a sound devoid of restraint or coherence. No words, just an unadulterated expression of need and a demand for fulfillment in a language as formless as desire itself.

Milliardo’s breath was hot against Wufei ear. He whispered endearments, tender admonishments, hot naked words that brought a fever to Wufei’s skin. Wufei’s hips rocked in an urgent rhythm as Treize, deliberately coy, stroked his passage — now withdrawing, now caressing, now reaching deep within Wufei to ignite the node of pleasure that left him helpless in Milliardo’s arms.

Still there was no release in sight. While Treize suckled and stroked him, Milliardo plucked a livewire of pleasure that twanged from Wufei’s nipples to his loins. Ecstasy refracted, doubled, magnified. When Wufei moaned, Treize and Milliardo murmured to him. They would extract not just his pleasure, they promised, but his full surrender.

Hemmed in as he was by one lover’s cradling arms and the other’s darkened eyes, Wufei could only imagine the wanton picture they must make. He was distantly aware that later, after the fire of passion had cooled, he would probably be embarrassed to recall it, yet, for now, Milliardo’s and Treize’s touches were soft upon him and beyond the physical pleasure, they told Wufei with hands, fingers and hot, seeking mouths that they loved him, wanted him—that he was impossibly cherished.

Wufei’s vow was forgotten and he pleaded yes, he wanted it, yes he felt good, yes he promised not to give them such a worry again, yes he would take better care of himself….

Yes he loved them.

Treize and Milliardo were attentive lovers but even they could only test so far the limits of their endurance. They slipped beneath the blankets, Treize curled into Milliardo, curled into Wufei. Three unlikely kittens encircled by the weave of their affection. Treize and Milliardo domesticated, taking in the straggler that was Wufei.

This was a great bone of contention among them. Milliardo and Treize claimed that Wufei still saw himself as an outsider, that he did not believe in the strength of their love. Wufei protested. How could he explain to the two men? It was not that he doubted their love but sometimes, watching Treize’s arm on Milliardo’s or the way Wufei would find them curled together on the couch when he came home from the library, he could not help but wonder about that nebulous period they jokingly referred to as “the time before Wufei.” For Milliardo and Treize, Wufei knew the phrase meant that his presence was something sweet and momentous, but three was an odd number in every sense. Wufei was reminded that he was an enhancement, an embellishment to an already stable foundation. In the beginning, he had vowed to protect himself. He would demand no more than he was given and take no more than he received. Wufei had not anticipated that the two men would ask nothing of him and give him all their love in return. So, if he pushed himself too hard or worked a little too late, perhaps it was because he was desperately trying to develop another foundation for himself. Perhaps he was afraid that now that he had lost himself to them he would lose them.

Afterwards, when they had showered and returned to bed, Wufei waited until his lovers were asleep, then padded downstairs. He found his glasses on the coffee table and he moved to the study with them. He could not find the paper he had been working on in the office, though he was sure Treize and Milliardo would have taken care to gather it among his things. Wufei settled instead with the next week’s reading, but his eyes kept burning and he could not forget the image of Milliardo and Treize snuggled together upstairs. He enjoyed nights like the one they had just spent, knew Treize and Milliardo took special pleasure in them, but sometimes it was enough for Wufei to simply watch Treize and Milliardo make love. In these moments he was most aware of the deep current that ran between them, the perfect rhythm that Wufei in these six months had disrupted.

He would have never guessed love was such a bittersweet thing.

“Admiration is for strangers,” Milliardo had told him once, not long after they had met. “Love us, curse us, remember Treize’s vanity and the way I always forget to return the cap to the toothpaste.” Wufei was still not sure what he meant. He had tried … was trying…. Wufei rubbed his eyes. It was hard to hear over fear.

He did not tell Milliardo and Treize, but two months ago he began looking at apartments. He found a nice place on Oak Avenue with a view of the university and the trees in the park, red with autumn leaves. Wufei had thought it the fitting backdrop to an ending. He had paid the deposit but could not forget Milliardo and Treize. Trying to do so only produced a pain so searing it immobilized him. In the end, the landlady got impatient. Wufei would make no commitment and the deposit was forfeited.

What was he to do? What would become of him? Wufei did not want to leave Treize’s and Milliardo’s embrace but he was terrified of how much he needed them, their love—this home they had built together. Shouldn’t he find his own place? Shouldn’t he find his own direction or was he finally ready as he had done tonight, to give himself over to their care?

Wufei’s thoughts raced until his head pounded and his heart ached. As always he emerged with no answers. He could find no right, no wrong, no shining path to the future or a clear end. He had only the simple equation of his love for Milliardo and Treize and the agony of a life without them. Wufei sighed.

Exhausted, he put down the book, turned off the lights and decided to return upstairs.

End

Table of contents for 30 Kisses

1. Game Night
2. The TV Installation Guy
3. The Coffee Shop
4. Say Ahh
5. Breath
6. Red
7. Handy Italian Phrases
8. Moment
9. Scandal
10. Yellow Daisies
11. Golden
12. The Road to Hell
13. The Road Home
14. Table No. 2
15. The New Couple
16. Kiss

I don’t own Treize and Wufei, though I sorely wish I did.

Game Night
by Michalyn
Warnings: 13+5, mentions of 1+2, sap, fluff
Notes: For 30_kisses #9, dash and #16, invincible/unrivaled.

Mmm, something smells delicious,” Treize purred as he walked into the kitchen.

Wufei nodded. “Thanks, I’m making chili burgers tonight.”

“Oh?” Treize asked, surprised. “What inspired that choice?” Because of his martial arts training, Wufei was always very careful to eat well-balanced meals. He usually preferred traditional Chinese food and when not eating his favorites he leaned more towards fine dining than fast food. It didn’t hurt of course that he was an excellent cook. Treize was sure he’d eaten more equisite food since they were married than he had in all his previous years combined. Still, even his cultured husband couldn’t resist the lure of junk food. Wufei went through chocolates and peach cobbler ice cream faster than anyone he knew and pizza was one of his favorite comfort foods.

“Tonight’s game night, remember? Duo will be here at about eight to give me another lesson,” Wufei replied as Treize peered over his shoulder to look at the spicy mixture of ground beef, onions and chili beans he was stirring.

“Ah, the fine art of American football as taught by Duo Maxwell.” Treize grinned. Wufei had convinced his best friend to take brush painting classes with him and in return, Duo’s price had been that Wufei learn about the game which traced its roots back to pre-colony United States. All of these lessons were supposed to culminate in a single pivotal event Duo excitedly referred to as the Super Bowl. Treize didn’t have the faintest idea what he was talking about, but he was quite amused by the whole thing. He only wished he was home more nights to see it. Unfortunately, football night was the one night of the week Treize had to meet his editor so he was usually back long after the game ended. Watching Wufei prepare though, was almost as much fun as being there himself. Duo had insisted that Wufei wear the jersey of the team they were cheering and Treize thought Wufei looked adorable in the uncharacteristic outfit.

Tonight, however, Treize was in luck. He had submitted the final draft of his manuscript and now all that remained was for him to await his editor’s comments. He had to admit he was looking forward to his first game night with Duo and Wufei. He was sure it would be an unforgettable experience.

“So how many lessons does that make anyway?” Treize asked, trailing Wufei about the kitchen.

“Hmm … three including today, I think.” Wufei held up a spoonful of chili for Treize to taste. “Good?”

“Delicious. Maybe a dash more chili powder?”

“Okay.”

“Is there anything special I should do for this enlightening event?”

Wufei laughed. “No, just sit back and enjoy. Believe me, between the game and Duo, we’ll have all the entertainment we need. There’s required after-game analysis too you know.”

“I see,” Treize mused. “Sounds like a lot of fun though I admit I’m surprised you’re enjoying it so much.”

Wufei shrugged. “It’s not too bad … plus I know how much Duo hates eating alone when Yuy is on a long assignment.”

Now that Wufei mentioned it, Treize realized that Wufei’s brush painting lessons and game night conveniently spanned the six weeks Heero would be on a classified Preventers mission somewhere in the L10 cluster. Treize couldn’t help grinning. He pulled Wufei close.

“You old softie,” he teased, gently kissing his husband’s forehead. “So that’s what this is all about. Not that I’m surprised. I know firsthand about your heart of gold.”

“Stop talking nonsense,” Wufei grumbled, trying to swat Treize away.

Treize laughed at Wufei’s grumpy expression. He never did know what to do with compliments. “All right, sweetheart I won’t say another word in that regard. But tell me just one thing. You can be honest. Does at least a tiny part of why you’re enjoying this so much have to do with watching all those sweaty muscular bodies in nothing but spandex?”

Bright color flared in Wufei’s cheeks. “Of course not!” he spluttered.

“Completely about the sport then huh?” Treize feigned disappointment. He was just about to suggest some after-game festivities of their own when the doorbell rang.

“That must be Duo,” Wufei said, turning back to the meal. “Can you get it?”

“Sure.” Treize ambled to the door and greeted Duo who was wearing a navy blue and white football jersery with a stallion emblazoned in silver across the front . He was also carrying a shopping bag and a six-pack of beer. “Duo, come in.”

Duo smiled. “Thanks for having me. Will you be watching the game with us?”

“Yes. I’m not having my usual meeting so I thought I’d join you two, learn a little bit more about the sport that’s taken Wufei’s fancy. I hope that’s all right.” It occurred to Treize that he had inserted himself into the evening and he didn’t want to impose.

“Great! Football isn’t football without a nice group to get rowdy with,” Duo reassurred him. He showed Treize the beer. “Now where can I put these babies?”

“Ah, let me get you some ice for that.” Treize nodded, leading the brunet to the kitchen. “Wufei is preparing dinner.”

“Mmm … smells like chili burgers,” Duo rumbled appreciatively. “Hey Wu-man! Ready for a rocking game?”

“Duo! I’m almost done here…” Wufei turned off the stove and wiped his hands on a towel. He frowned as he spotted his friend’s football jersey. “L6 Stallions? What happened to the Comets? I thought they were invincible, unrivaled even,” he demanded, pointing to his own shirt.

“They suck. We’re switching teams.”

“But….”

“No to worry, Fei, I’ve got you covered.” Duo whipped out a matching football jersey from the shopping bag he was carrying.

Treize chuckled. He couldn’t help being amused by the boys’ antics. “Sweetheart, why don’t you get changed. I’ll finish up here with the burgers,” he offered.

“All right.”

Treize watched as the two men disappeared around the corner with Duo explaining why the Stallions were a worthier team than the Comets. Treize grabbed some plates and began doling out the chili onto the hamburger buns. To finish up, he added some nachos and cheese dip then he was ready to join the boys for the game. Duo had already brought in the beers so he didn’t have to worry about coming back for the drinks.

When Treize walked into the living room, Wufei was showing his support for the Stallions with his new jersey and Duo was leaning excitedly towards the television. Treize set the food on the coffee table and grabbing a plate of his own he took a seat next to Wufei on the couch. “Here you go. I hope I didn’t miss anything exciting.”

“Nope, perfect timing. The Stallions are about to make a play,” Duo told him, his eyes glued to the screen.

“Ah, I see.” Treize watched as one of the players suddenly broke away from the throng and dashed towards the end zone. He was only a few feet away when he was tackled and dragged under a pile of struggling players.

“Woo hoo!” Duo shot to his feet and cheered wildly.

Treize frowned, puzzled. He coughed. “Ah … I’m a complete novice at this but wasn’t he from your team?”

“Who cares? ” Duo crowed. Next to him, Wufei fidgeted and Treize could see a blush slowly working its way up his husband’s cheeks. “Nobody actually pays attention to the rules. Wufei and I only watch it to ogle the sweaty writhing bodies anyway.”

End

Table of contents for 30 Kisses

1. Game Night
2. The TV Installation Guy
3. The Coffee Shop
4. Say Ahh
5. Breath
6. Red
7. Handy Italian Phrases
8. Moment
9. Scandal
10. Yellow Daisies
11. Golden
12. The Road to Hell
13. The Road Home
14. Table No. 2
15. The New Couple
16. Kiss

Golden
by Michalyn
Fandom: Gundam Wing
For 30_kisses theme #26, if I could only make you mine
Rating: T


The phone rang just as Wufei was tidying up after dinner. Though he was by no means looking forward to it, he was expecting Duo to call, so when his best friend’s number flashed on the caller id, Wufei went to the phone with a sense of resignation.

“Hello, Duo.”

“Good, you’re at least answering my calls.” Duo’s easy voice came over the other end. Wufei wasn’t the least bit fooled by the harmless act. He sighed, cradling the cordless receiver in the crook of his neck.

“Yes, I am answering your calls, Maxwell. I’m assuming you have something you want to say to me?” Wufei asked.

“Good, we’re cutting right to the chase. What happened with Treize? I thought things were going well between you. I know it was only the second date, but I was sure he was your type.”

“I never said he was not my type….”

That was the problem in and of itself. Treize had turned out to be far more compelling than Wufei bargained for and he was angry with himself for falling so quickly for the businessman. They had met on a blind date orchestrated by Duo, and Wufei had every intention of meeting the man and politely but firmly discouraging his attentions. He was a solitary creature and Wufei had no illusions about his attractiveness, or lack thereof.

In truth, Wufei had always preferred a quiet apartment, the comfort of his thoughts and the freedom to do as he wished, over the minefield that was relationships. He was neither social nor sociable and that was magnified tenfold when it came to romance. Wufei simply did not have the knack for it. He was too dour, too brusque and just too introverted to charm anyone into bed. For all Duo’s matchmaking efforts, Wufei neither understood nor had the skill for making small talk and his dates inevitably were punctuated by awkard silences, unbearable both to himself and his date.

As a painter, most people expected him to be somewhat eccentric and Wufei gratefully took refuge in that expectation. In theory, sex was a fine and natural thing. In practice, Wufei hated the vulnerability it demanded. It was not his way to allow anyone to have him in their power and no matter how he looked at it, letting someone into his bed was doing just that. Luckily for Wufei, most of his dates never progressed to even the chastest of kisses. That is, before Treize….

“So?” Duo prompted Wufei when he still had not answered. “What went wrong?”

“Nothing went wrong per say. I simply do not think this will work out.”

“Based on what exactly?”

“Based on the fact that with this new commission I simply do not have time for a relationship.”

“Bullshit,” Duo skoffed. “How many times have I heard that excuse? If it’s not this commission it’ll be the next one. You may find this hard to believe, but most professional artists actually do have love lives.”

“And I wish them the best of luck.” Wufei’s tone was droll. Duo, however, was evidently not amused.

“Okay what happened? Was he obnoxious? Did he have bad breath? Or is it that you just didn’t find him attractive, because I know you’re stubborn, but this is bad even for you. Usually you at least have a legitimate excuse. Even with the worst of them, you never wrote anyone off without some valid reason. And since you’re not denying that everything went well, why won’t you give the guy a fair chance?” Duo was just amending his tirade on Wufei’s hard-headedness and all around unsociability when he paused. “Wait, fuck, that’s not what this is about is it?” he murmured.

Wufei rubbed his forehead. “I do not know what—”

“You like him, don’t you? That’s why you’re running away.”

“I am not running away from anything.”

“Wufei, I’m your best friend. Don’t pull that shit with me. Either you tell me it’s none of my damn business or have the balls to be honest. You always do this whenever anyone starts getting even a little close to you. Okay, I understand you’re wary after Zechs, but that was years ago. I don’t want to be harsh but it’s time to get over him. He was a prick for cheating on you but you can’t avoid every man you’re attracted to because of it. ”

Wufei flinched at the mention of Zechs. “This has nothing to do with Zechs and I would appreciate it if you did not bring him into this conversation,” he said tightly.

Zechs had been his first love and his first lover. The blond had swept him off his feet just as he was coming to terms with his homosexuality and from the beginning, their romance had a desperate quality to it. Wufei was still trying to escape his traditional upbringing and looking back upon it now, he realized how very little he knew of himself then. It was inevitable that they would have drifted apart, but Zechs’ infidelity had made him cautious, and three years later, Wufei still had not found love. He refused to think his old lover had anything to do with the impoverished state of his love life for he hated to think of himself as still broken-hearted after all these years.

“All right, I won’t say anything about him,” Duo allowed, “but will you promise me you’ll see Treize again?”

“Duo….”

“Come on, Wufei.”

“I really don’t think…”

“Wufei!”

“Duo, I have to go.”

“Fine. But don’t think we’re finished here. I’ll call you again in the morning. Good luck with that piece you’re painting.”

Wufei sighed, thanking his best friend and promising him he would reconsider his decision to avoid Treize. In reality he planned on doing no such thing. After hanging up with Duo, Wufei went to his studio to continue working on the piece he had begun earlier that afternoon. It was a fairly simple landscape requested by one of his patrons. While he would have preferred to work on something of his own choosing, it was these quick “popular” pieces that provided him with a steady income in between major projects.

He had been working steadily for more than an hour, his smock speckled with paint, when the doorbell rang. Wufei stepped around his easel and wiped his hands on a nearby towel with a frown. He wasn’t expecting anyone. Rubbing at his forehead with the back of his hand, he peered through the spyhole … and cursed. It was Treize. What the devil was he doing here? Wufei made it more than clear that they should go their separate ways. Apparently Treize hadn’t gotten the message.

“Good evening, Treize. What can I do for you?” Wufei kept his voice cold, but his heart was thumping madly in his chest. It had only been a week, but Treize seemed more handsome than ever, his golden-brown hair touseld and his eyes bright. Treize stepped forward, subtly forcing Wufei to step backwards and before Wufei could object, one of the older man’s well-polished shoes was over the threshold and Wufei had no choice but to let him in.

“I’ll have you know that I am working at the moment and I don’t appreciate you stopping by unannounced, especially since we have nothing more to say to each other,” he said primly.

“Why are you running from me? I was certain we shared something special,” Treize demanded, following Wufei into his studio.

“Well you were mistaken.” Wufei growled, pointedly turning to his easel. He dipped the large paintbrush into some yellow paint and began applying it to the canvas with sure strokes, hastily painting in the first layer of a blazing sun. Behind him Treize was silent, so silent the scratching of the brush against the canvas seemed abnormally loud in the stillness. Wufei trembled, willing him to leave.

“Then tell me how I was wrong,” Treize murmured after a moment, “because everything felt quite right to me.”

“It just will not—” Wufei began, his voice rising in exasperation …fear …. frustrated desire … even he could not say.

“You forget we made love.” Treize’s voice was low. “I won’t be turned aside so easily after the way you responded in my arms.”

Wufei stiffened. That had been his biggest mistake of all. He should never have allowed Treize to get so close. How could it not be a recipe for disaster? Life had taught him long ago that love was nothing but an elaborate ruse. “I don’t know what you think you know but I made it quite clear where we stand.”

“Duo says you haven’t let another man touch you in three years.” Wufei heard the soft fall of Treize’s footstep moving closer and his heart threatened to leap out of his chest. His hand on the brush was so unsteady that little globs of paint shook free of its bristles and rolled down the vivid green mountains he had painted.

“Duo doesn’t—”

“Duo says that you’ve been running ever since the last man you loved hurt you. He says I’m not mistaken. He says I’m the first man you’ve invited into your bed after all these years and that it can only mean one thing thing; that—”

“Get out.” Wufei ground out before Treize could finish. He couldn’t bear to hear those words spoken, was afraid to acknowledge them even to himself.

“Then turn around and tell me to my face, if you’re so determined to have me leave.”

Wufei wanted to turn around. His pride demanded it; common sense dictated it, yet his feet were like lead when he tried to move. He knew this was hopeless so why couldn’t he turn Treize away? Wufei shivered as Treize’s footfalls grew louder. The older man’s body heat was intoxicating, his scent a sensual lure. When Treize touched his shoulder Wufei knew all was lost.

“You don’t have to be afraid.” Treize whispered. “I know you’re wary of love but if you let me, I’ll show you I’m different. After you ran away from me I realized this was the only way. I thought if I could only make you mine, then you would see how much I feel for you—how much this passion is no mistake.”

The feel of Treize’s tongue wetly playing Wufei’s ear was like a jolt down his spine. He shuddered and the paintbrush tumbled from his hand, spattering the tiles in a violent splash of yellow. It speckled Wufei’s shoes and the hem of his smock and when he turned and allowed Treize to pull him into his arms, he saw that those bright sparks of color had ignited even Treize’s dark trousers. Yes, ignited for how else could Wufei account for the fire in Treize’s look, on his lips, in his touch as their bodies lowered to the floor? Treize kissed Wufei’s hip and the easel shook; he buried his face between Wufei’s thighs and the painting crashed to the ground. By then there was no escaping that bright burning yellow for it was smeared against their skin, rubbed into Treize’s crumpled collar and tangled in Wufei’s hair.

Strange how Wufei had always associated yellow with Zechs’ sunlit beauty but today it was being transformed into something else. Like magic, wherever Treize’s fingers touched him, his skin was left with a golden glimmer until he was glowing, shimmering, healed with new love.
End

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“No. Not until we talk.”

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

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

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

“Why?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

“It’s enough, Treize. It’s enough.”

End

Table of contents for 30 Kisses

1. Game Night
2. The TV Installation Guy
3. The Coffee Shop
4. Say Ahh
5. Breath
6. Red
7. Handy Italian Phrases
8. Moment
9. Scandal
10. Yellow Daisies
11. Golden
12. The Road to Hell
13. The Road Home
14. Table No. 2
15. The New Couple
16. Kiss

I don’t own Treize or Wufei, though I sorely wish I did.

Handy Italian Phrases
by Michalyn
Warnings: 13×5, sap, naughty Treize
Rating: M
For 30_kisses theme #14, radio cassette player

Summary: Sunny days, beautiful nights and a gorgeous Italian villa…what more could Wufei ask for? Now if only Treize would leave him alone long enough for him to pick up a bit of Italian.

Notes: I tried my best to make Wufei’s and Treize’s Italian as accurate as possible but I don’t speak the language so please excuse any wonky spelling or phrases.

—————————————–

“Buon Giorno.”

“Grazie.”

“Quelle scarpe sono veramente stupende.”

Wufei pressed the stop button on the cassette player and he repeated the lesson’s phrases after the instructor, letting the broad Italian syllables roll off his tongue. His brow furrowed as he scribbled in his notebook for a moment, then clicked ‘play’ again.

“Per favore.”

“Per favore, amore mio, fai l’amore con me sotto gli splendidi raggi del sole.” A deep voice purred huskily in his ear.

Wufei folded his arms as Treize joined him on the villa’s sun-spattered balcony. “Show off.”

“Of course.” Treize winked, pressing a kiss to Wufei’s forehead. “Still studying? If I knew you’d have your head buried in books even here, I would have made sure to hide each and every one of them. That damned cassette player too. Aren’t you supposed to be on vacation?”

“I am,” Wufei protested, flipping through his phrasebook. “This is fun for me.”

Treize and Wufei had bought a villa on Marettimo, one of the beautiful Egadi islands off Sicily, and they were now on their first holiday since the construction ended. Treize had visited Italy too many times to count but this was only Wufei’s second trip; on his first visit, he’d been in transit on business and glimpsed little more than the airport lobby. Now that they were finally here, though Wufei was planning to enjoy it to the fullest. He wanted to see and do so much, both on Marettimo and on the mainland. There was the local fesitval of San Guiseppe, which was supposed to be quite the celebration and of course he had to see Florence, Venice and Rome.

Wufei wanted the full experience. It was why he was determined to pick up some Italian in the month they were here. Already fluent in French and Spanish, he expected to be a quick study; he even had a smattering of Latin. The lessons, however were going slowly. Mainly because Treize had mapped out a daily agenda of wining, dining, dancing and making love for them and Wufei could barely open his books before he was being swept up in his husband’s arms.

“I don’t see why I can’t teach you Italian,” Treize pointed out.

“That’s because you only want to teach me words related to sex.” Wufei glared. “How many times have you spoken to me in Italian outside of the bedroom?”

“What? You didn’t like my lesson on ‘thrusting and parrying’? And here I thought I’d given you some wonderful vocabulary for that Renaissance sword exhibit, you’re so eager to see,” Treize teased him.

“Very funny.”

“Then how about an anatomy lesson, hmm?” Treize leaned over Wufei. “I say something in Italian and you give me its English equivalent. Of course, I’ll provide a few clues.”

“Why do I think this will lead to me being even less productive today?”

Treize only grinned. “Palpebre?” he asked, kissing Wufei’s eyelids.

“Eyelids.”

“Labbra.” His husband’s soft lips descended to brush Wufei’s.

“Lips,” Wufei sighed.

“And of course, here–il mio tesoro più prezioso,” he finished, tugging Wufei onto his lap. He cupped him between his legs and rubbed him gently through his shorts.

“Il mio te…?” Wufei stuttered, trying to make sense of the phrase with Treize’s hand moving like that.

“Tut tut, a good teacher never tells his student the answers. Find it in the phrasebook, young man.” Treize dropped the book into Wufei’s hands while he continued to cup and squeeze him.

Wufei’s fingers were trembling as he flipped through his phrasebook. When Treize began stroking him, he almost dropped the little tome. “My most precious treasure?” Wufei translated. He flushed. “Treize, that is not funny!”

“But it’s only true, my love. I worship it well enough, don’t I?” As if to prove his point, Treize tightened his arms about him and Wufei moaned as his underwear slipped down his legs. He pressed his mouth to Treize’s.

“This is why I can never get any work done. Whenever I’m studying you make it your mission to distract me,” he growled against his husband’s lips. When Treize lifted him, Wufei locked his calves behind the older man’s back. “You better make this worth my while.”

“Oh, I’ll do more than that,” Treize reassured him. He caressed Wufei as they slowly began making their way back to the bedroom.

Shielded by the bed’s gauzy canopy, they tumbled onto the sheets, undressing each other between whispered breaths and even softer kisses. The sea breeze blew in from the open windows. It parted the curtains and brushed Wufei’s heated skin. Like a lover, it licked over his belly and thighs, kissed the soles of his feet and teased his pebbled nipples.

Treize watched him with hungry eyes. His powerful back muscles rippled as he slid down Wufei’s body. Treize was always so gentle with him that it was easy to forget how strong his husband was, how much larger and heavier than Wufei. So that when he slid his hands beneath Wufei’s hips, effortlessly lifting and spreading him, Wufei gasped. “Jesus … Treize…”

His husband grinned and raised him even higher, almost directly in line with his mouth. “Something wrong?” Treize’s hot breath bathed over Wufei’s cock as he spoke.

Wufei whimpered. “Don’t be a tease.” He rolled his hips, begging Treize to take him in.

Treize’s strong hands held him in place. There was a devilish gleam in his eye. “Tell me what you want in Italian and I’ll listen. Otherwise, I’ll have no choice but to do as I please.”

“No fair. You know I don’t know enough Italian for that. Just—Oh god.” Wufei cried out as Treize kissed just the wet tip of him. His tongue gently massaged his slit and shudders wracked Wufei’s body. “Please, Treize,” he moaned.

“Italiano, Italiano,” Treize insisted wickedly. He parted Wufei’s cheeks, exposing him to the air. “Do you know how to say this in Italian?” Warm lips brushed the point in question.

“Ah! Nn—no…”

“Oh? Then I’ll tell you.” Treize whispered against Wufei’s entrance. He laved and kissed him. Slicking two fingers, he pressed in, stroking Wufei in a deep, slow rhythm. By the time he was done, Wufei was biting his lip and his fingers were gripping the sheets as he fought not to lose control.

Treize purred, his gaze heavy-lidded as he studied Wufei’s flushed skin, his trembling thighs. “I think you’re a very apt pupil, my love. Come, let me show you more. What? No more anatomy lessons? Then how about we return to fencing?” Treize’s body slid over Wufei’s. He positioned himself against the cradle of Wufei’s hips. “I believe this is a perfect example of bersaglio … and this, I like to call botta segrete…”

Wufei’s hoarse cries were heard well into the afternoon. When they were both sated, he had acquired a whole new cache of Italian verbs and phrases and they were either unfit for public use, or by the time Wufei encountered them at various exhibits and museums, he would be blushing too hard to even think clearly. Wufei sighed.

Treize nuzzled his neck. They were nursing a bottle of Bordeaux and he brought a glass of the sweet white wine to Wufei’s lips. “Feeling good?”

Wufei nodded as he snuggled against Treize. “Yes, but at this rate I’m never going to pick up any Italian. You could be helping me but you’re of no help whatsoever.”

“I’m sorry, I don’t do it deliberately. It’s just when I see you bent over those books, looking so lovely and earnest I can’t help wanting you.”

“You’re a bad influence,” Wufei huffed.

“Tell you what,” Treize rumbled, putting down the glass and guiding Wufei so that he was straddling his lap. “I’ll make you a promise. We’ll do your lessons in the morning and I’ll be perfectly serious, but the afternoons and evenings are mine. It’s you sneaking away at the most inopportune moments that I can’t stand.”

Wufei’s breath hitched as Treize’s erection nudged between his cheeks. Instinctively, he rocked back to rub against him. “How come I only get mornings while you get afternoons and evenings? That hardly seems fair.”

“It’s because my lessons are far more intense and much more fun. But if you really insist, we could use that cassette player of yours to record all those noises you make when I’m buried inside of you.”

“Idiot!” Blushing, Wufei punched Treize in the arm.

“Hmm, then why don’t you instruct me in the proper behavior, maestro? It’s afternoon isn’t it? I think I could use a little lesson right now…”

Wufei wrapped his arms around Treize’s neck. “You’re incorrigible, you know that?”

“Completely.” Treize grinned.

Wufei smiled. Somehow he had a feeling this deal of theirs wasn’t going to last. As he leaned in to kiss Treize though, it didn’t seem like such a bad thing. Why worry about studying when they could spend such gorgeous days in bed? He was bound to pick up some Italian interacting with the locals and talking to Treize. Until then, Wufei thought, looking into his husband’s molten gaze, maybe all he needed was a few handy Italian phrases after all.

End

Glossary

Buon Giorno: Good morning

Grazie: Thank you

Quelle scarpe sono veramente stupende: Those shoes are really beautiful

Per favore, amore mio, fai l’amore con me sotto gli splendidi raggi del sole: Please, my darling, let me make love to you under the sun’s splendid rays.

Bersaglio: An opening

Botta segrete: The secret attack

Heart-Shaped Balloon
by Michalyn
Rating: G

Summary: A Valentine’s Day flufflet. Poor Wufei just can’t seem to get into the spirit.

?I don’t see what all the fuss is about.?

Frowning, Wufei watched as Duo handed Heero a gaudy, heart-shaped balloon and the normally stoic youth flushed shyly.

?Pathetic.?

Duo shot him a sharp look. ?Come on, Wu, don’t be such a spoilsport. It’s Valentine’s Day for Christ’s sake. Spirit of celebration, happiness love?? He raised an eyebrow.

?Hmph!? If one only remembers to celebrate his love when he is told to, what is the point??

Duo shrugged. ?I guess I just don’t see it that way. I like Valentine’s Day and it has nothing to do with ?doing what I’m told’. It’s fun having another excuse to show they guy I love why I always want to be with him.?

Heero nodded. ?I used to think as you did, Chang.? He struggled to find an explanation and failed. Heero’s eyes were warm and bright as he looked to Duo,?Perhaps it is only something you can understand, when ? when you know ? love?? He smiled tremulously at his lover and Duo squeezed his hand, eyes burning.

?Exactly.?

Wufei snorted, pricked by the reminder of his loneliness. ?Whatever. I’ll leave you two to love. I’m heading back to my apartment.?

The night was around him, dark and welcoming and Wufei wanted nothing more than to lose himself in it. The large, pale moon, slid behind a scudding mass of cloud and a chill seemed to find its way through his clothes. He shivered. There was an ache in his chest and Wufei did not know why. He only knew that he felt tired, like he had not laid his head against a soft place in a very long time. When he blinked, there was a strange stinging behind his eyes.

A gust of wind whipped under his collar, and bending his head against the breeze, Wufei pulled his coat tighter about him. Ahead, a lonely balloon, rather like Heero’s bobbed across the street. Separated from whomever it had been gifted to, it wandered searchingly through the night. Directionless, partner-less?.

Wufei hunched his shoulders and lengthened his stride. It was past time he got home.

?Whoa ?easy there…? A hand on his shoulder steadied him and for a moment Wufei found himself pressed against a broad chest and his ear pressed against a strong, sure, heartbeat. The scent of aftershave tickled his nose, fresh and clean and faintly spiced with the warmth of man. He flushed.

?Sorry, I didn’t mean to run you over like that.?

?Not at all,? The man smiled and the corners of his eyes crinkled becomingly. His mouth was wide and full, and his short hair was luminous in the moonlight. ?Where are you in such a hurry to, on a beautiful night like this??

Wufei’s smile was rueful, ?Nowhere ? home.?

?Where a lover awaits??

?No,? He laughed almost bitterly. ?I’ve never been one much for Valentine’s Day.?

?A shame,? a long-fingered palm was extended to him. ?I’m Treize.?

There was something soft and inexplicable in the stranger’s blue eyes that made Wufei’s heart race. He trembled.?Wufei.?

?Are you cold?? Treize’s arm was suddenly about him, pulling him closer, huddling them together beneath the older man’s short jacket. Wufei would have objected to his boldness, but the movement was too tender — the look in Treize’s eyes too bright.

He pressed a little closer. ?No,? Wufei murmured, ?not anymore.?

?Good.? Treize smiled down at him and the arm about his waist tightened. ?You said you were heading home??

?Yes,? Wufei watched as their strides fell in step. ?It’s just nearby…?

End

Table of contents for 30 Kisses

1. Game Night
2. The TV Installation Guy
3. The Coffee Shop
4. Say Ahh
5. Breath
6. Red
7. Handy Italian Phrases
8. Moment
9. Scandal
10. Yellow Daisies
11. Golden
12. The Road to Hell
13. The Road Home
14. Table No. 2
15. The New Couple
16. Kiss

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

Moment
by Michalyn
Written for 30kisses themes, #1″look over here”, #2, “letter” and #7, “superstar”

Summary: A single moment is worth a thousand words and as a photographer, Treize wants to make sure he captures each one with Wufei.

A frigid wind was blowing off the mountain as they made their way to the front of their log home. The trees were stark shapes in the growing darkness, their branches bowed with snow. Even the lake that Treize and Wufei loved to bathe in during the summer was encrusted with ice.

Wufei shivered as he waited for Treize to open the door, his arms wrapped tightly around himself.

Seeing the movement, Treize fished the keys quickly out of his pocket. “There we go,” he said, opening the door. “Let me grab some blankets and get the furnace going.”

Wufei merely made a shivery sound as he rested their bags near the door and headed to the kitchen.  Once there, he promptly put on the kettle.

Treize knew just how frozen his husband was when after pouring some coffee for Treize, Wufei forewent his usual tea and grabbed some hot chocolate. Treize clucked sympathetically. Wufei enjoyed the winter, but dropping off last-minute Christmas presents at the Barton-Winner and Maxwell-Yuy homes in the cold while battling the lingering effects of the flu had taken its toll on him. By the time the furnace was humming away and Treize had returned with the blankets, Wufei was snuggled on the couch, the throw tossed hastily around his shoulders. He had started a fire, and the popping of the logs in the fireplace was a gentle counterpoint to the howling wind outside.

The contrast heightened the sense of intimacy between them and Treize slid next to Wufei on the couch, careful not to disturb the mug Wufei was cradling between his palms. Treize spread the blanket around them.

“Still cold?”

Wufei shook his head, letting Treize pull him closer. When he had drained his cup, he sighed. “Slowly thawing.”

“Good, good,” Treize murmured, massaging Wufei’s shoulders. “I can run a hot bath if you like?”

“Thanks. In a minute, though. I’ve finally gotten warm enough and I’d rather not move just yet.”

Treize nodded, placing a kiss on the crown of Wufei’s head. In the flickering light, the photographs above the mantel seemed to take on an extra life, and the black and white landscapes appeared as wild and forbidding as the mountains outside.

Treize had shot all the pictures. He’d always held an appreciation for the art and five years ago he had started experimenting with different cameras and techniques. Soon, not only was his camera collection enviable, but Treize was pleased to discover he had a knack for photography. He had an instinctive understanding of light and its sensual relationship to color, and the framing of his subjects was distinct, often startling.

At first, most of his photographs were color landscapes—glowing sunsets, the pale November sky—but it was not long before he abandoned color film for black and white. It favored his high-contrast style, and there was also something more subtle, more captivating about the medium to Treize’s mind.

Now, telling which were his earlier pieces was easy and not merely because of color. Though Treize still did landscapes and still-lifes occasionally, he had found his one true muse in Wufei and most of his current photos were of him. The pictures made Treize smile because each usually required an incredible amount of persuasion as Wufei, hating to be the center of attention, was always reluctant to be photographed.

The camera, however, loved him. Perhaps it was because Treize’s preferred medium itself was so subtle. Wufei was not expressive in the usual sense. He was not given to extravagant displays of emotion, yet in strokes of black, white and muted gray, Treize was able to capture all the myriad changes in his husband’s moods that were perceptible only to him.

Under Treize’s loving gaze, the simplest gesture—the lowering of Wufei’s eyelids, the curve of his back as he bent to pick an orange—were transformed into significance. This was another reason Wufei shied away from the photos. They showed him through Treize’s eyes, and in exposing those sides of him usually kept veiled, Wufei complained to Treize that his photographs left him all too vulnerable.

Still, it was Treize’s art and Wufei allowed it. Because of his own calligraphy, he understood the lure of the pure stroke against the paper. At least that was the official reason he gave; neither of them needed to acknowledge that it was really Wufei’s way of saying he allowed it simply because Treize wanted it.

And so they continued. Among their friends, it was a running joke that Wufei had become something of a superstar despite himself, for whenever Treize sold the odd piece or made a gift of another, the letters came in thanking Treize. All were followed by the inevitable, ‘would the photographer mind them asking who the intense young man in the photo was?’ Treize took particular delight in showing Wufei these notes and watching him blush.

Treize never told Wufei, but his goal was to capture each of Wufei’s moods even as he was comforted by the fact that he would never achieve it. Neither of them was the same today as he was yesterday, just like the bond between them was continually transformed. It was a good lifelong goal for something that would span a lifetime and hopefully beyond, Treize reasoned. He was as eager to capture Wufei’s unblemished smile today as the thought of the lines that would appear at the corners of Wufei’s eyes in twenty years left him trembling with anticipation. It was no exaggeration to say he took his self-appointed mission with all the joy and seriousness that he took his marriage.

Treize left Wufei to prepare the bath as he had promised, and after good-naturedly serving as his husband’s valet, he wandered into their bedroom to wait for Wufei to re-emerge. It was certainly as warm upstairs as it was in the living room, and Treize saw no reason to lounge about on the couch by himself when here he had the added benefit of being able to watch Wufei dress. Grinning, Treize spread out on the large bed and contemplated the ceiling. He was rather looking forward to that.

Treize allowed himself a guilty sigh as he sank deeper into the mattress. If there was one area of the house they’d spared no expense on, it was the bedroom. To make it even more sinfully decadent, a friend had gifted them with a large beaver-fur blanket. At first, both he and Wufei had balked at the spread, for neither of them were fond of the fur industry, but knowing their reservations, Otto assured them that it was used, recycled from unfashionable women’s coats from the eighties. They still weren’t quite comfortable with the whole thing, but after one night sleeping on the blanket, they were sold. Treize was just contemplating the evening ahead when the door to the adjoining bathroom opened and Wufei walked in. He rose to meet him.

“Ah, you’re done, my love.”

Wufei nodded and smiled. “Yes, thank you. That was just what I needed.”

“Here, let me.”

“Treize?”

“I’ve got everything in hand,” Treize murmured, slipping Wufei’s robe off his shoulders and patting the excess moisture from his hair with a towel. Wufei looked so lovely with his dark eyes shining and his round face turned sweetly up to Treize as the older man dried his hair that, overcome with tenderness, Treize scooped Wufei up in his arms and placed him on the bed. It had been his intention to make love with Wufei, but as Treize pulled back to caress Wufei’s cheek, he saw for the first time the picture Wufei made against the burnished fur. Treize’s heart thudded in his chest, seized as he was by sudden inspiration. He sprang from the bed, much to Wufei’s disgruntlement.

“Where the hell are you going?” Wufei growled, clearly put-out.

“Don’t move a muscle,” Treize warned as he sprinted out of the room to get his camera. When Wufei saw what he returned with, his eyes widened.

“You can’t be serious!” he hissed, already moving to roll off the bed. Treize swore, hurrying to his husband’s side.

“Please, my darling, allow me this just once. You know I would never share these with anyone. They would be beautiful and just for us. Don’t you trust me?” he coaxed when he saw the mulish set of Wufei’s chin.

“This has nothing to do with that and you know it,” Wufei accused. “If I didn’t trust you, I would never have allowed any of the other pictures, but this…” Wufei’s throat worked. “This is entirely something else. I won’t do it.” Wufei’s cheeks were fiery, and even as he uttered this final edict he could not look at Treize. Treize smiled, having anticipated his reserve.

“Are you saying,” he husked, murmuring to Wufei between kisses on his reluctant husband’s cheek and throat, “that you trust me enough to undress you … love you … bathe you … but not enough to let me show you just how enchanting I find you like this?” Treize’s hand trailed down Wufei’s stomach; his fingers lingered against the silky patch of Wufei’s pubic hair and despite himself the younger man made a pleading sound. The stirring of his flesh was as unmistakable to Wufei as it was to Treize. Treize’s eyes deliberately dropped to Wufei’s burgeoning erection. “And you’re even lovelier when you respond to my touch.”

“Hurry up and take your damned pictures!” Wufei barked, laying back once more against the fur. For all his brusqueness, though, he was still blushing quite furiously.

Treize knew better than to waste his precious reprieve. Before the phantoms of Wufei’s shyness could return, Treize quickly took up his camera. All the while, he spoke to his husband in a low, soothing voice, slowly teasing the tension away from Wufei’s limbs with his soft words. Bit by bit, Wufei relaxed and it was then that Treize began shooting in earnest.

For the first time in years, he almost bemoaned his preference for black and white film. Wufei’s skin gleamed against the mahogany fur, warmed as it was by a hint of flush. Though he certainly had his choice of the latest digital cameras, whenever Treize photographed Wufei, he only used a 1957 Leica [1]. Classic, elegant and unobtrusive, nothing seemed more fitting for his subject in that moment, as under the movement of the whisper-quiet shutter, Wufei’s flush of embarrassment was transformed into one of arousal. When Treize asked him to raise one knee, Wufei hesitated at first, but he slowly lifted his leg, curling it back until his foot was planted firmly against the fur.

“Look over here, my Love,” Treize instructed. His breath was coming fast. He was a man at a feast, so overwhelmed by the sumptuousness before him that he had no clue where to start. He wanted to capture the sensuous line of Wufei’s body … the way his fingers subtly stroked the furs … the tantalizing glimpse of the dark rose of Wufei’s scrotum between his parted thighs … the way the furs brushed against that delicate flesh likeTreize longed to with his hands and mouth. So many many options—such beauty before him that his finger trembled on the release.

Eventually, however, Treize settled on Wufei’s face, for he would worship Wufei’s body with his touch, but that expression there—the yearning, naked look on Wufei’s face as he was held in the crucible of the expectation of pleasure—Treize wanted to preserve that forever, and like all of his pictures of his husband, it needed no color or gaudy lights.

It was only a moment, but the one thing Treize had never told Wufei about his pictures was that not only did they portray Wufei as Treize saw him, but that every tender look, every subtle gesture he immortalized was without fail—in that moment—a reflection of the love Treize felt in himself.

End

1. Notes:
Treize is referring to the Barnack Leica IIIg, still one of the most sought-after models by professional photographers. Leica are particularly known for their quiet shutters. Today, a Leica IIIg in pristine condition, like I imagine Treize has in this fic, would go easily for a few thousand dollars. To see a picture of the Leica, visit http://www.pacificrimcamera.com/pp/leica/sm/iiig.htm. I think they’re quite beautiful.