Sweetromance » 30_kisses

Kiss

admin — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 23:39:18 +0000

Table of contents for 30 Kisses

Kiss
by Michalyn
Pairing:Treize and Wufei (Treize POV)
Notes: for 30_kisses theme #30, Kiss
Rating: M

A freezing sky
The year ends.
Icy winds whirl the snowflakes.
Under the covers
My darling is hotter than midsummer night.

Anonymous (six dynasties)

We have been together for three months now and though our days have found an easy rhythm, our nights are filled with stilted moments and looks of longing. You have been staring at me since dinner, hoping that I will not notice and from the color in your cheeks both hoping that I will. How can you tell me exactly what it is you are craving, I can see you think and knowing your reticence, I pretend to be oblivious. You usually depend on me to take the lead, but I wonder if tonight you will finally overcome your shyness and tell me directly or if I will have to draw it slowly out of you, snaring each word with a caress. You open your mouth, close it, open it again but nothing emerges. By now I am not sure what is more distracting—watching your mounting frustration or the pout of your lower lip. You run a shaking hand through your hair, roughly adjust your glasses and take a deep breath:

“Treize…”

Yes, I know … yes I understand exactly, I whisper elatedly at your unexpected boldness. Behind your knees … your chest … the place beneath your ear? But of course, and gladly so. Where? What was that you just said? I’m afraid you’ll have to speak up just a little, my sweet. My voice is teasing.

It seems your bravery has reached its end. Flustered, you break away and murmur something about cleaning the kitchen, something about a bath and a book before bed. Even in your present state of discomfiture, this is more than I hoped for in weeks. Do you honestly expect me to leave it like this? I tug on your sweater just as your foot touches the step. When I kiss the soft inside of your elbow, your eyes go wide and goosebumps race over your skin. Come, leave the kitchen, forget the bath, abandon the damned book. There’ll be time enough for those in the morning. For now, lets lock the doors against this cold January evening and you can show me exactly what you need beneath the covers. Don’t worry, just touch me and nothing else needs to be said.
End

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The New Couple

admin — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 01:56:19 +0000

Table of contents for 30 Kisses

I don’t own these lovely boys though I wish I did.

The New Couple
by Michalyn
Warnings: Duo POV, 13+5, 3+4, mentions of 1+2
For 30-kisses theme #24 (Good Night)

Notes: This is something of an experiment in POV for me that I started a few months ago, so I’m not sure what I think of it. Anyway, I hope you enjoy it. It’s sort of a loose sequel to Breath Thanks for reading!

The bell tinkles outside and familiar laughter drifts down the hall. My guests are arriving. Of course it is Quatre’s bright voice I hear first; Trowa is quiet enough to startle a cat. We’re expecting some new faces tonight. It’s been so long since we’ve been joined by another couple that there’s already a kind of tension in the air, a frission of anticipation if you will. I know Quatre and Trowa wouldn’t miss this for the world.

Sometimes it’s a hassle orientating newbies, but tonight I think differently. What we do here is no exact science (Is science ever really exact? I have my doubts, though this is blasphemy to Heero) so I like to go with my gut on these things and my gut tells me I won’t be disappointed.

I run a little shindig in this old house that I get to charge couples a tidy sum for, and that, quite honestly is pretty good. It’s even better because I still can’t figure out how I got here. No, that’s not quite true. When I say it that way it makes what I do seem like a scam, which it is not. I guess the crude term would be “swingers club” and that is true in a sense, (hey, lets call a spade a spade) but i’d like to hope it’s more than that. I really do believe in this thing but I try not to take myself too seriously. I can’t solve anybody’s problems and if a couple is looking for that, then they’re going to be sorely disappointed.

I guess this … this establishment if you will, is more about celebrating the good stuff. That’s not to say the couples who come here are the Cleavers. I like to think of them instead as people who have recognized each other’s neuroses and accepted them. Quatre can be a little clingy and getting Trowa to open up is like pulling teeth, but they work at it and I know neither could see themselves with anyone else.

If perfect is out there, certainly neither I nor they have encountered it. Once, I had a couple come in here yelling at each other, and expecting me to tell them why they weren’t communicating. Sorry, not my job. Like I said, I’m no shrink. I’m here to help people who love each other get away for a bit without actually having to disrupt their jobs and their busy lives and to help them break out of the daily routine by spicing things up a bit in the bedroom.

Like much of my expertise, this is practical stuff. I’ve seen a lot of things in my life and there’s no shame now in admitting that I’ve witnessed a good portion of them through sex. I grew up on the streets and I quickly discovered that wielding knives was not the only thing I was good at. I was thirteen when the manager of the local grocery store demanded a blowjob as payment for not ratting me out for the pack of cigarettes I had stolen. I’m sure you can imagine the rest from there.

In any case, that rather rough education was tempered considerably when I met Heero. We feel like an old married couple and I mean that in the best sense, with none of the insipid familiarity that everyone seems to recognize in their parents and dreads for themselves. There’s familarity, a heck of a lot of frustration sometimes, but no contempt. Never that. At the risk of sounding cheesy, being with Heero has been a life-changing experience.

If it wasn’t for Sister Helen at the juvenile center I would never have made it to college. It wasn’t the fear of God she put in us kids but the fear of her own hellish temper. You did not disappoint Sister Helen. That was it. Period. She looked as meek as a lamb, but when someone crossed her, he discovered pretty quickly the error of his ways. The woman was a hardass, plain and simple. She was kind too. Without her I would never have believed that it was good enough to be myself and that being loved wasn’t a favor but that I deserved it, damn it.

I made it to Struthers on a full scholarship and how a grubby brat from a poor neighborhood ended up with a straight-laced military kid like Heero is another story for another time. I might forget; you must remind me to tell you over coffee some day.

Anyway, we were both a year shy of graduating when we set out to start a computer business. Heero took it and ran with it, but the computer stuff never quite grabbed me. I had these ideas. There were things I wanted to do. I was a city boy and I knew it in all of its cruel beauty. No matter how far I went, I knew I wouldn’t be satisfied with grassy lawns and quiet afternoons. I needed the noise and the concrete. It was in my blood. I needed to do something that tapped into that life force, that connection.

But what was I good at? I had always been a smooth talker—that, and a great fuck. So after leaving school for a year after graduation to help Heero, I went back to school, got my MBA and here we are today. Business and sex. Heh. I think it’s a pretty good fit for me. I can make your toes curl and that’s not pride talking, just the hard won truth. I know the practical and painful sides of human desire, its beautiful and its mean, ugly side. Regardless of whether I had ever wanted it or not, I do own that knowledge. Why not put it to good use?

I never wanted anything despicable, though. My own experiences with money and sex were enough for me to know quite intimately how disastrous that combination can be. I didn’t want to revisit those dark places; I turned to something more modest, more positive instead. Even now, I keep things pretty exclusive. I’m not interested in turning this into anything other than what it is: a place to hang out, a place to be comfortable among friends. To this day, the bulk of the money I make comes from Quatre’s well-lined pockets. (Trowa’s a veterinarian and he’s happy to let Quatre shoulder the expense.) We’re old friends; they like it here and are willing to pay to have the place to themselves.

Except today, of course. Recently they’ve been talking about inviting another couple and when I received the phone call, I knew these guys were what we were looking for. Like clockwork, May, the secretary buzzes me to let me know the new guests have arrived. I go down to meet them.

This must be the guy I spoke with on the phone. He’s tall and well-built, in his early thirties, though with that aristocratic bearing it’s hard to tell. I can’t help but notice his arm around the man with him. Slender, young. How young I can’t tell because he is turned away from me, but I place him somewhere near Quatre’s and my ages. Twenty-two, twenty-three, definitely no older than twenty-five, but his eyes are very serious. His dark hair is pulled into a ponytail at the base of his neck. It is raining outside and there are droplets on his glasses. He catches me staring and takes them off, buffing them a little too briskly against his shirt. Sensible shoes, impeccably pressed shirt. He even has a pen clipped to his breast pocket. To take notes? He’s so earnest that I have to hide my chuckle. Sweet Jesus, you met all types in this line of business. I’ve seen many things since I started running this place but I don’t think anyone’s brought a pen yet. The peculiarity of it immediately puts him in my good books. Heero would shake his head and say I’m just predictable. Okay, so maybe he’s right, but I can’t help but find the shy ones endearing.

His partner on the other hand is something else. He’s carrying their duffel bag. Of course, he checks me over as well. People choose this place precisely because it does not fit the gaudy new-age stereotype, and yet, they always seem shocked when I’m not sporting a scruffy beard or not wearing a bandana and tie-dyed pants. I suppose only my braid is sterotypical, but I know I make an attractive picture standing there in dark turtleneck and jeans.

I can see it in Mr. Perfect’s eyes as he runs his hands through his impeccably groomed ginger hair. While his lover busies himself taking off his coat, he casts the same assessing look over the furniture and creamy wallpaper and I can tell he’s impressed.

I’m not surprised. It’s an elegant old Victorian mansion; the flowers are fresh and there’s a homey feel to the place. Actually, despite his cool air, I can tell Mr. Perfect’s a little nervous. He’s a little snotty, but I suppose as his type usually goes he’s not that bad. Quatre’s the only rich guy I know who doesn’t ooze it from his pores.

Trowa and Quatre are regulars so I let them wander off on their own while I take the newcomers aside.

“Chang-Khushrenada party?” I ask with a smile.

“Yes.” My spectacled friend steps forward. “I am Wufei, and this is Treize. We called sometime last week,” he finishes somewhat hesitantly. He keeps looking around like he expects bondage gear to drop out of a secret door any minute now. Then again, I might be wrong; who knows what’s in that duffel bag of theirs with its “CK” monogramed in gold curlicued letters?

“Ah.” I nod. “It’s a pleasure to have you. Please make yourself comfortable. The Barton-Winners are already here, so I’ll have May show you to your room, so you can freshen up before dinner.”

“Thank you.” It is Treize who is nodding now. As I expected, the older guy is sexy, charming and as polished as the matching bands on their fingers. He makes himself right at home, flirting lightly with May as she guides them up the stairs.

Quatre and Trowa are already snuggling by the fire when I finally return to the living room. Quatre’s hand is slowly making its way down to Trowa’s pants just as I turn on the lights. Little minx. I clear my throat, and he grins, pulling away reluctantly.

“Shame on you, guys, it’s rude to start the feast without all of the guests,” I admonish with a grin.

Trowa stretches his long legs out in front of him and apologizes but I can see neither he nor Quatre is truly contrite—and rightly so. We’re here to have fun after all. They’ve been kind enough to spread the cushions on the floor and so I only have to bring the snacks and drinks in.

I settle down with my friends and we catch up on all that we’ve missed in each other’s absence. Trowa quietly praises a new young intern, while Quatre skims over the details of a new merger. For myself, I sit and listen, sipping a little champagne, telling of my and Heero’s differing progress.

Wine and laughter have loosened our tongues and made us all pleasantly languid by the time Treize and Wufei emerge, showered and changed. Treize is barefoot in jeans and a polo shirt; Wufei is more formal once again in slacks and button down shirt. I am disappointed to find that the pen has disappeared.

“Treize, Wufei, make yourselves comfortable. There’s wine, fruit, cheese and I’ve also got some caviar for the more delicate palettes among us.”

They thank me, polite as ever and move to the table, murmuring nervously to each other. There’s always that first bout of shyness, but I’m not worried. We’ll get them to loosen up, yet. They return with some Gruyere and assorted fruit and I’m happy to see that they’re not so uncomfortable as to forego sharing a glass of sparkling wine.

That’s right, baby steps, kids. Let’s take it nice and slow. They’re a handsome couple and I can feel Trowa’s and Quatre’s appreciation from across the room.

“Usually we like to start with a little introduction,” I begin. “Why don’t we go around the room? I’d like everyone to state their names, how long you’ve been together and giving us a bit of your sexual history is always nice, as well as why you’ve come here. Quatre, why don’t we start with you?”

Quatre nods.”Hello, I’m Quatre Raberber Winner and Trowa and I have been together for a little over three years now. Regarding my sexual history, there’s not much to tell. I’ve only had four lovers, including Trowa. I think of my time with my first three lovers as really more of an experimentation period. I was not comfortable with my sexuality yet and it took a while for me grow into my skin. Inevitably, the sex was pleasurable, but never quite good.” Quatre pauses to grab a strawberry. “With Trowa it’s different—and better—in every way.”

Trowas green eyes go dark as Quatre’s soft voice continues. He laces their fingers together and takes the introduction over, repeating his name and some of what Quatre has said about their relationship.

“As CEO, Quatre’s schedule is hectic and it is hard for us to find time together,” he elaborates. “We visit Duo often because this is one of the few places where we know once we enter, we can leave the world at the door and catch up on all that we’ve missed.”

Treize and Wufei murmur pleasantries. There is a pregnant silence as we wait for either of them to continue the momentum. When neither steps up to the plate, I have no choice but to prod.

“Treize? Wufei?”

“Ah, yes.” Treize clears his throat. He leans forward. “Where shall I begin? I am Treize and Wufei and I have been married for two years, together for four. We’ve come because we’ve been wanting to try something different and this seemed the best place to do so.” He laughs a little embarrassedly. “As for my sexual history … well … let’s just say I’ve tried a little bit of everything.”

I had seen the rings but did not actually think they were married. It is a pretty brave couple who takes the plunge, even though things are getting better these days. At least, we can now legally marry whomever we choose, but in actuality, few couples are lucky enough to find a judge who will make it a fact. It’s not something I like to think about too much, except lately Heero’s become rather insistent….

Wufei is introducing himself. He is charming, if in his own gruff way. I find myself feeling a little guilty for having a soft spot, however innocent, for the second Mr. Chang-Khusrenada. He is a married man after all. He finishes up his introduction. Withdrawing a bit, he darkens under his warm complexion. “I have no real sexual history,” Wufei reports matter-of-factly. “Except with Treize.”

I cannot say I am too surprised. He is too straight-laced to have played around much.Good or bad, I certainly am not one to judge. Quatre, it seems, however, is and has. Whether it is this revelation or Wufei in general, I look across the room and see that he is all but purring. Geez, he really is on the prowl tonight. I had no idea the guy could be so ferocious. Trowa, more circumpsect, is studying both men beneath his lashes.

Wufei is perfectly oblivious, but I can see Treize struggling to maintain a veneer of rationality in the face of what appears to be an immense desire to tuck his husband under his arm and run away with him. He sends Quatre a cautionary look and the blond stares back, unabashed.

I stifle a chuckle.

I believe Treize is only now understanding what he has gotten himself into.

To ease the awkwardness a bit, I draw everyone into a haphazard circle. “Now that we know a little more about each other, our goal here is to learn how to better please ourselves and our partners by first talking about what works for each of us. What do you love most about your lover? Talk about challenges too; each person is unique. What would you like to do differently? If you have no ‘complaints’,” I shadow the quotation marks in the air, “then is there something you have always wanted to try, but haven’t been able to work up the courage for? Perhaps you are scared that your partner will disagree. Before we start anything I want us to talk these things out. Where possible I’ll try to make suggestions for what might enhance pleasure even more.”

I pat the oversized pillows. “Come on, spread out, snuggle up, whatever makes you happy. I want everyone to be comfortable. Since we went in the other direction last time, Wufei, let’s get the ball rolling.”

Wufei is quiet, pondering my words like I have presented him with a deep, philosophical riddle. Perhaps it is. Eventually he says, “I am most attracted to Treize’s hands. They remind me how competent he is.”

Competent. Somehow I do not expect something quite so … so practical, though the moment he says it, it rings true.

Quatre is mulling over Wufei’s response and Trowa seems a bit bewildered but Treize is visibly moved. He closes the distance between them and Wufei allows the older man to take him in his arms. There is nothing sexual about the embrace, just Treize’s arm about Wufei’s waist and Wufei’s head resting against Treize’s shoulder. So simple, and yet … not. Maybe that is what makes them so attractive together. I can sense but cannot put my finger on it: There is a calmness to their relationship, not a reserved quality, something more like an equilibrium, the kind of steadfastness that comes only through sorrow. I wonder what ghosts have flitted across their paths to wrench the bond between them into being.

Wufei continues to speak. He is nervous and digresses, but the group is patient. Treize is tracing the grooves between Wufei’s fingers splayed on the carpet, neither coaxing nor caressing. His expression seems to say that he has developed the habit of waiting and is unperturbed by a few more minutes, and sure enough, Wufei does return.

“Well,” he clears his throat with a harsh sound, “I have no complaints to speak of.”

I sip my wine. “None?”

“None at all.”

“Then what do you enjoy?”

Wufei’s mouth puckers as though he has just bitten into a lemon. “Everything Treize does pleases me,” he repeats firmly. “Though … I would like, just once to know what it’s like … to be on top.” This last is said much more softly than the rest.

Treize, for lack of a better word is stunned.

“Does that bother you?” Trowa asks him, stealing the words from my own lips.

“Well no … of course not. I had just not imagined….”

“But why?” Quatre’s clear voice rings out. “Surely it is not so strange?”

Wufei is quiet; he continues to hold Treize’s hand. After a moment, Treize smiles, pulling Wufei onto his lap. “No, no I guess it is not,” he answers and I can read Wufei’s immense relief in every line of his body.

As soon as Wufei settles against him, Treize begins a light stroking up and down Wufei’s arms. In fact, whenever they’re near each other, he is always subtly caressing Wufei and I can’t help but point it out.

This is the kind of guy to make your toes curl. Actually, Wufei’s toes are curling right now, though that might be due more to nervousness than anything else. I think we’ve made a small breakthrough here this evening, though. I can see it in the thoughtful expressions on both Treize and Wufei’s faces as they listen to Trowa and Quatre tell their stories.

They seem to have come to a decision. It appears that Treize, so used to protecting Wufei in the cradle of his arms had not imagined Wufei would want to do the same for him. They skip the rest of my bonding exercises and somewhat sheepishly apologize for sneaking off so early to their room. I pretend disappointment, but I could not be more pleased. These are exactly the kinds of connections that make my work so worthwhile.

And so, I let them go.

Treize promises their full participation tomorrow and Wufei agrees. They turn towards the stairs, the rest of us forgotten in an instant.

Wufei’s eyes are burning as they take each other’s hands and quietly say good night.

End

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Table No. 2

admin — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 23:31:24 +0000

Table of contents for 30 Kisses

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 beta.

Table No. 2
by Michalyn
Rating: MA
For 30-kisses themes #29 The Sound of Waves, #15, Perfect Blue and #27 Overflow

Removing his sunglasses, Wufei stared into the bright July sky. The resort was idyllic. Too bad he would be holed up in conference rooms for most of his visit and would see little of its perfect blue waters and white sand beaches while he was here. Wufei was a strong swimmer, but with a hectic schedule it was hard to find time for the simple pleasures. Those simple pleasures were even harder to resist when the conference was on the exciting topic of the effect of emerging technologies on the academe. But, Wufei mused, he was the new guy in the Philosophy Department, and new guys always got the work no one else wanted to do.

Wufei sighed and dragged his pull-along suitcase to the hotel’s front desk, where he nodded to the attendant.

“Hello there.”

The young woman behind the front desk smiled. “Checking in, sir?”

“Yes. Last name Chang … Khushrenada.” Wufei’s face warmed at the stumble, and he found himself involuntarily twisting the gold band around his finger. The ring may have already been on long enough to leave its pale imprint on Wufei’s finger, but the hyphenation of names that said so much still took a little getting used to.

Thoughts of rings and names led to thoughts of the man who had caused all of it, and Wufei could not help regretting how long the conference would keep him away from Treize. True, it was only a week, and between the workshops and presentations Wufei was sure it would pass quickly enough. However, their marriage had coincided with the attainment of his tenure, and this was the first time since the wedding that he would be traveling alone. Sleeping in an unfamiliar bed would be hard; harder still without the comfort of Treize’s arms around him.

“Sir?” The attendant’s voice was expectant.

“Ah!” Wufei quickly shook himself back to the present. “My apologies. The reservation should be under Chang-Khushrenada.”

“Let’s see here…. Ah, perfect. If you would please sign here, sir? Your room number is 241.”

“Thanks.” Wufei took the keycard and moved to gather up his things.

“Chang? Chang Wufei, is that you?”

Wufei turned, wincing at that unmistakable bellow. It seemed that contrary to his assumption, it was possible for things to get worse. “Harold Whitaker. What brings you to this corner of the world?”

And why the devil couldn’t the gods have kept you in some other? Wufei added mentally.

He and Whitaker had graduated in the same undergraduate class, and though the years had put much between them, Wufei could see very little had changed about the tall blond. Wufei spotted the same arrogance in his swagger, the same cocky smirk on Whitaker’s lips that Wufei had associated with him as an undergraduate. Harold was always good looking and had become even more so over the years as the breadth and depth of his shoulders deepened and his jaw became more defined. Wufei could only hope the inane attraction the other man had felt for him had dissolved in time’s currents.

He would not be so lucky.

“Ah, I’m here on vacation—alone,” Whitaker informed Wufei, with all his usual subtlety. “I have my own clothing business now, did you know? Been in the corporate world for quite a few years now.”

“No … no … I had not heard,” Wufei murmured, discreetly checking his watch. He stifled a sigh. Why on earth must he be subjected to this when all he wanted was a nice, long shower, a glass of wine to ease his tired muscles and a comfortable bed to collapse onto while he called Treize?

“And you? Looks like you’re checking in.”

Wufei nodded, explaining about his job and the conference.

“Ah, that means we’ll be bumping into each other throughout the week.” Harold’s grin broadened. “It’s really good to see you, Wufei … really good. You haven’t changed a bit in all these years,” he murmured, holding Wufei’s eye. “What do you say to a drink just between old friends?”

“I appreciate the offer, Harold, but unfortunately I have some papers to review, in addition to being quite tired from the flight. If I mean to get any work done this evening, it is probably best that I turn in a little earlier than usual.”

“Still prim and proper,” Harold laughed. “Still hot as hell. I always wanted to get under that prissy little exterior of yours and see what was underneath.”

“Yes, well…” Wufei buffed his glasses, “I believe that’s my cue to take my leave.”

“Come on, Wufei, it’s not like I’m asking you to party the night away. What harm can one or two drinks do?”

Wufei sighed. If there was one thing about Whitaker, he was persistent to the point of tenacity. While they were speaking, he had effectively moved to block Wufei’s view of the exit and was now standing between Wufei’s luggage and the elevator. Escaping him now would involve more effort than Wufei had the energy for at the moment. Besides, if he didn’t give in now, Whitaker would no doubt hound him for the entire week. This way, Wufei could appease Whitaker’s need to reminisce and have no qualms about refusing him for the duration of his stay.

“All right, but only one drink,” Wufei warned. “Could you give me a moment to get myself settled in my room? I’ll meet you in the lobby in about an hour.”

“Sure thing.” Harold smiled and Wufei inwardly groaned as the other man began walking with him towards the elevator. “I was thinking of grabbing a shower myself. What floor are you on?”

Wufei hesitated, unable to think of anything more disastrous than Harold knowing his precise whereabouts. Given that the man seemed hell-bent on accompanying him, however, he could see no way around revealing something of his room’s location. Leaning against the metal bar on the elevator’s far wall, Wufei closed his eyes. “I’m on two.”

“Oh yeah?” Harold’s voice vibrated with pleasure. “So am I.”

Damn it, damn it, damn it. Wufei scowled as the doors dinged open and they were deposited on the second floor. “All right then, Harold, I’m heading off in this direction. I’ll see you downstairs in a bit.” Wufei heard Harold’s muffled footsteps on the carpet as the other man trailed behind him.

“I’m actually this way, too…”

Wufei picked up his pace, eager to escape to the solitude of his own room. He slid the card through the slot, and it was with some shock that Wufei looked up to find Harold mirroring his action—on the door right next to his. He could only stare dumbly as the blond grinned.

“Well, what do you know? This must be fate! Looks like we’ll be neighbors, Wufei.”

—————————————————

The bar was more crowded than expected for a mid-Saturday afternoon. Much to Wufei’s disappointment, instead of being able to perch on the barstools near the door, they were led to a table near the terrace. The view from where they sat was breathtaking. Just outside the railing, a bower of purple bougainvillea was spreading its papery blossoms. The scent of salt was sharp in the air; they were so close to the sea that they could hear the sound of waves crashing against the shore.

Under any other circumstances, Wufei would have relished having one of the best seats in the house. As it was, he feared the romantic backdrop would only serve to encourage ideas in Harold that Wufei did not wish him to entertain. It was impossible, though, to be completely impervious to the view, and Wufei made a note to recommend the resort to Treize. Perhaps they could take a short vacation when things settled down somewhat.

Wufei sipped his margarita, listening while Harold rambled on about his various exploits. The blond was obviously not prepared to let Wufei get a word in edgewise, and Wufei was equally as uninterested in engaging him beyond the usual polite requisites. All in all it was quite pleasant. The breeze was cool against his skin and for all of Harold’s monopoly of the conversation, the other man was relaxed and had not done anything untoward. Wufei cast a wary eye at Harold’s second glass of whiskey. Hopefully he would have no cause for concern.

“So, what about you? What’s been going on in your life?”

Wufei shook his head. “Nothing exciting to report. Like I mentioned, I’m with the Philosophy Department at Milbourne U. now. I’m still settling in there, so it’s hard to have any concrete impressions of the job yet, but I think I will enjoy it.”

“Hmm,” Harold purred. “Still buried in your books, I see.”

Wufei smiled. “Yes.”

“Beautiful.” Harold’s hand moved to cover Wufei’s. His gray eyes were intense as he leaned forward. “You’re beautiful when you smile, Wufei.”

Wufei quickly drew back. This was exactly what he had wanted to avoid. Leaving his drink unfinished, he rose from the table. “I’m sorry Harold, but I think it’s best that I take my exit here if we want to part on good terms.”

Harold’s hand shot out to snare Wufei’s wrist. “What is it? Is there someone else?”

Wufei shook him off with deceptive ease. “Yes … yes, you could say just that.”

Harold’s face twisted. “Who is he? Whatever he’s offering, I can more than match it. If you’re still this skittish after all these years, clearly you haven’t had a real man in your bed. You’ve been running from me since our college days. Well, I won’t let you go this time. One night, Wufei, that’s all I ask for.”

The larger man stood. Caught in the act of leaving, Wufei found himself wedged between the chair and the wall, so that it was impossible to move away when Harold leaned in to whisper to him.

“Don’t worry, I know you’re the shy type, but I promise to take good care of you, Baby. I’ll fuck you so sweetly, you’ll never want to return to him.”

Wufei grimaced, not sure what to be more disgusted by—Harold’s crude proposition or the fact that he was totally oblivious to his own repulsiveness.
“Forgive me, Harold, but as … honorable … as your intentions are, I believe I will pass. Now, if you’ll excuse me…” Wufei deftly reversed their positions. Dropping a few dollars on the table for his drink, he proceeded to make his way to the elevator.

“Damn it, Wufei—” Harold began moving forward to intercept Wufei again.

“Drink from the gentleman at table two, sir.”

“What?”

The waiter nodded at Harold. “He was quite insistent that I give this to the blond gentleman seated near the terrace.”

“My god, the ineptitude of you people! Can’t you see this is a mistake? There’s no one sitting over there!” Harold’s curse was followed by the waiter’s confused tones.

“Ah, that is … but he was sitting right there only a moment ago…”

Wufei did not bother to stay for the rest of the squabble. The diversion was just what he needed to make his escape, and he was not about to look a gift horse in the mouth. It would be quite unfortunate if the faculty at his University were to find out that their new professor was involved in a brawl—and there would have been violence if Harold had persisted in the same repellant vein.

Once in his room, Wufei undressed and finally treated himself to the hot shower he had been craving. Afterward, he tried calling Treize, intending to let his husband know he had arrived safely, but he got Treize’s voice mail instead. After leaving a short message that asked Treize to call him back on his cell-phone, Wufei stretched out on the bed for a nap.

It seemed that less than an hour had passed, however, when he was roused by the sound of someone knocking on his door. Exhausted and irritated, Wufei tightened his robe about him, prepared to let Harold know just what he thought of his boorish insistence. He flung the door open, scathing words ready on his lips.

“I have tried to be patient, but it appears that I will have no choice but to be blunt. If you…” Wufei’s tirade caught in his throat. “Treize?”

Treize, looking dapper in slacks and a button-down shirt, raised a bottle of champagne. He stepped through the door, his voice becoming husky as he took in Wufei’s rumpled appearance.

“Room service.”

—————————————————

Wufei watched as Treize set the champagne in a bucket of ice on the table. “What on earth are you doing here?”

Treize shrugged, pulling Wufei into his arms. “You were only gone for a few hours before I realized how lonely the house was without you, so I thought I would come to visit. And not a moment too soon, it appears.” Treize raised an eyebrow. “Who is your new friend?”

Wufei groaned, letting his head fall against Treize’s chest. “You saw that?”

“Indeed I did,” Treize murmured, stroking Wufei’s back. “You should be thanking me for being such a faithful husband and protecting you so valiantly, you know.”

Wufei frowned. “You mean you…?”

“Gentleman at table number two, at your service. I know you can take care of yourself, but a little intervention seemed timely just then.” Treize lifted Wufei onto the bed. “And that ogre was who, again?”

“Harold Whitaker. We went to the same university. Even though he was a business major, we ended up in a lot of the same classes together. It was one of those situations where circumstances dictated that we hang out with each other, but we never became friends in any true sense. At least, I never perceived us as such.

I ran into him while I was checking in earlier. He had a thing for me back in the old days, and I was hoping to avoid him altogether, but he was so insistent that I agreed. Plus,” Wufei continued, “it turns out he’s in the room next door, so there really was no chance of slipping off unnoticed. For a while there, though, he was actually pleasant until I realized his feelings for me were not buried as deeply in the past as I’d hoped.”

“Clearly.” Treize tugged at the belt of Wufei’s robe. “What the devil did he want?”

Wufei’s lips twisted. “What do you think? He was just expounding the virtues of his technique when you interrupted. Apparently he was not convinced you were up to the task of being my mate.”

“Hmph.” Treize nuzzled Wufei’s neck, even as he parted the soft robe to bare Wufei to his gaze. His eyes darkened and he made a pleased sound. “He is rather attractive, though.”

Wufei sighed, hearing the unspoken question in Treize’s voice. It still startled him sometimes, these flashes of insecurity in the normally proud man. How could Treize even doubt he was the one Wufei needed? Cupping Treize’s face, Wufei pulled him down to his level.

“Yes, he is attractive, but he is not you.”

Treize turned his head to place a kiss at the center of Wufei’s palm. “Hmm, is that so? What part of me?”

Wufei colored. “I was thinking of the whole man, not the sum of his parts.”

Treize made a breathy sound against Wufei’s neck. “Ah, I’m disappointed. I should have thought at least certain parts would have made a better impression than that on you.” His thumb circled Wufei’s left nipple. “Perhaps dear old Harold is onto something.”

“Idiot,” Wufei gasped. “Don’t be deliberately obtuse.”

Treize captured Wufei’s mouth, suckling gently on Wufei’s bottom lip before letting him go. “Would you like to know which parts of you I like best?” he husked, hot breath fanning against Wufei’s lips.

“Why do I get the feeling you’re going to tell me anyway?” Wufei panted.

Treize laughed—a rich, mellow sound—as his fingers tangled in Wufei’s hair. “Half right, my darling. I mean to show you as well.”

Treize trailed slow kisses from Wufei’s throat to his chest. Hovering above Wufei’s left nipple, his tongue stole out to circle the tightened peak. Treize held himself poised above Wufei’s chest, blowing on the wet flesh until Wufei made a protesting sound and moved restlessly against him, demanding that Treize take him deeper into his mouth.

When Treize obliged him, Wufei groaned. The more he made love with Treize, the more helpless he was to master his desire. Treize had barely touched him, and already the edges of his control were unraveling. Yet, if he was going to be undone, Wufei mused, pushing at Treize’s shoulders, the very least he could do was even the playing field.

“You’re a terrible tease, you know that?” Wufei murmured against Treize’s lips.

He found Treize’s shirt buttons and one by one undid them, even as he lavished kisses on Treize’s face and throat. A ghost of aftershave lingered on the underside of Treize’s jaw, and Wufei buried his face in that warm hollow and sighed.

He knew Treize’s body by scent, from the soapy fragrance that clung to Treize’s chest, to the wilder sweetness nestled in the hollows of his armpits, to the musky aroma between his thighs. Each was branded into his memory, and Wufei had come to associate them with Treize’s tender embraces and the simple security of married life. It embarrassed him to the think he could be so sentimental, but Wufei found he was helpless to stop it just the same.

Lifting his head long enough to slip the shirt off of Treize’s shoulders, Wufei kissed Treize’s chest and abdomen. When he lingered at Treize’s navel, it pleased him to hear the older man’s sharp intake of breath and to feel the quivering of the muscles beneath his lips. Treize so often brought him to ecstasy, but more than that, Wufei treasured when they were like this, with Treize stroking his hair and whispering words meant only for Wufei’s ears. Most of all, he coveted the hot, secret movements of Treize’s body—the unmistakable evidence of Treize’s desire—that told Wufei he was not alone in his need.

Wufei fondled Treize through his pants. When he finally slipped Treize’s slacks off, he found the flushed tip of his arousal already peeking above the waistband of his briefs. The sight alone nearly unmanned him and Wufei moaned, trembling.

“Do you like what you see, my love?”

“I like this part of you very much,” Wufei whispered, leaning forward to taste that delicate flesh. Treize groaned, his hips rocking a slow rhythm and his fingers tightening in Wufei’s hair.

“Wufei … Wufei … allow me to return the favor.”

Wufei shook his head, not yet ready to relinquish his treat. He chose that particular moment to engulf Treize’s erection, and any protest the older man might have made ended in an abortive shout.

Eventually though, Treize was able to rally his wits long enough to coax them into a position more to his liking. The new arrangement put Wufei’s face directly in line with Treize’s hips. On the one hand, Wufei was free to enjoy the delights before him without hindrance; on the other, the position put him in the same predicament as his husband. Treize now had complete access to his most violently sensitive parts. Wufei frowned, suddenly having second thoughts about the situation’s merits.

“Treize?” he ventured shakily. “Perhaps … not … not this. You know how it ended last time.”

“Yes, yes, I remember it quite gloriously,” Treize rumbled, pleasure clear in his voice, and Wufei flushed more hotly.

They had done this before, but to Wufei’s mortification, he had found it impossible to keep his end of the bargain when Treize was lavishing him with caresses. He had ended up sprawled and sated against Treize while his husband had remained unsatisfied … at least temporarily so.

As pleasurable as that had been, Wufei preferred to avoid a repeat incident. He glanced over his shoulder just in time to see Treize eying the curve of his spine with a look that was nothing short of ravenous. Wufei swallowed.

“All right … but just enough so I can keep up, okay?” he tried to reason with Treize.

“Hmm.”

Treize’s response was accompanied by the feel of his lips sliding up Wufei’s leg. He mouthed Wufei’s erection but his caresses remained deft and light so that Wufei, intent on his own seduction, never felt overwhelmed by the pleasure. His confidence made him bolder and he suckled Treize’s balls and moved up his shaft, tongue swirling round the sensitive head of Treize’s erection.

The effect on his husband was immediately audible. Encouraged by Treize’s sounds of pleasure, wanting the experience to be as intense as possible for him, Wufei increased his attentions, wringing another moan from Treize. Feeling devilish, he probed the delicate opening there, and the wildness of Treize’s response was so intoxicating that Wufei was just lowering his lips again when he felt the hazy, but continuous, pleasure Treize had been lavishing upon Wufei’s own erection abruptly intensify. The teasing mouth against his shaft was replaced by a strong, stroking hand and Wufei had little warning before Treize parted his cheeks and his tongue flicked over Wufei’s entrance.

Wufei choked back a cry, his entire body jerking as pleasure curled along his spine. He slumped forward, fingers clenching in the sheets. “Tr…Treize … you promised!”

Treize released him with a soft, wet sound that made Wufei all too aware of how his lips had been employed. “I’m sorry, my love, but there is nothing more pleasurable to me than seeing you like this, and when you’re clearly having your own fun … well…” Treize’s mouth moved to suckle high up on Wufei’s inner thigh. “You can hardly expect me not to have mine. Move your knees a little further apart, darling.”

“I really … don’t … think…” Wufei groaned as Treize found him again, this time probing deeply.

“Does it feel good?”

“Yes … but I can’t … this way…” Wufei shook his head, giving up any attempts at speech.

“You’ve done quite enough, I think,” Treize rumbled. “Just let me enjoy myself now.” His tongue probed delicately at Wufei, and Wufei shuddered. By the time Treize was done, Wufei could only cling to his husband as he was lifted and turned, and Treize’s fingers slipped into him, preparing him for what was to come.

Yet even with this, Treize would not be rushed; his fingers dipped in and withdrew, prolonging each movement into a caress. Wufei could not help the rocking of his hips, nor the way his nails bit into Treize’s shoulders. But then he had learned to hide nothing from Treize, from his pain to the endless overflow of emotion that sprung within him when their bodies were joined like this. Wufei pulled Treize to him and kissed him fiercely.

“Ready?” Treize panted as his hips slowly pressed forward.

“Always,” Wufei murmured, rising up to meet him.

—————————————————

Someone was knocking on the door.

Treize squinted against the morning sunlight and eased Wufei out of his arms, careful not to wake him. There were still a few hours before the younger man had to begin getting ready for the conference and considering the night they had spent, Treize saw no need to wake Wufei any earlier than was strictly necessary. Tugging on his pants, he padded groggily to the door and opened it to find Whitaker on the other side, gripping a bunch of roses and wearing a smile that faltered when he saw Treize.

“Good morn…oh,” Whitaker’s lips twisted, “you must be lover-boy.”

“Can I help you?” Treize asked, not bothering to conceal his displeasure. He extended his hand to the other man. “Treize Chang-Khushrenada. I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure.”

Harold’s eyes widened. “Chang-Khush…”

“Treize?” Wufei called sleepily from the bed. “What are you doing? Come back to bed.”

Whitaker froze. Perhaps it was the timeliness of Wufei’s interruption, or perhaps it was the particular huskiness of his voice that spoke of more than just grogginess which finally drove it home to the blond, but in that moment he finally seemed to see Treize.

His gaze tracked from Treize’s tousled hair to his bare feet, to his hastily-fastened trousers and back up again. Whitaker was staring at Treize’s right shoulder with such intensity that, puzzled, Treize raised his fingers to the point in question, only to wince as he discovered the throbbing ring of teeth marks there.

He had not noticed the bruise, but now a number of little aches and pains made themselves known as Treize became aware of other bites and scratches Wufei had left across his shoulders and back. He could only imagine the picture he must make, and as Whitaker’s eyes met his, Treize knew Wufei could not have elected a more effective way to illustrate which man he had chosen.

Faced with the unmistakable evidence before him, Whitaker seemed torn between anger and perverse desire. Behind them, Wufei could be heard stirring. Whitaker moved forward, craning to see over Treize’s shoulder.

Treize raised a hand to the door frame, firmly blocking Whitaker’s view. “Was there anything else?” he asked with a raised eyebrow.

The blond’s eyes hardened for a moment, but then he shook his head. “No … I guess not,” he ground out, turning to go. A janitor’s cart was parked halfway down the hall, and as he whirled, Whitaker tossed the bouquet of roses into it. Satisfied, Treize returned to the bed and pulled Wufei into his arms again.

“Who was it?” Wufei asked, snuggling against Treize’s side.

“Just someone with the wrong room number. I let him know he was quite mistaken, and though he seemed a little doubtful at first,” Treize replied, placing a kiss against Wufei’s forehead, “I think he finally got the message.”

End

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The Road Home

admin — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 23:01:51 +0000

Table of contents for 30 Kisses

I don’t own the Gundam Wing boys and I’ll be sure to put them back when I’m done playing with them.

The Road Home
by Michalyn
Warnings: Angst, Deathfic?

Notes: For 30_kisses theme #20, The Road Home.

So many years have passed, Wufei thinks as he turns his head on the pillow. A soft breeze blows in from the window and stirs his hair, thin and almost as white as the pillowcase it is fanned against. Can it really have been so long since those turbulent days of war? It seems like only yesterday he was that fiery young man, so tortured and longing desperately for love. How quickly everything fades: joy, laughter, even pain.

They have all gone from him: Meiran, his parents and his dear dear friends. First Trowa, then Duo and Heero quickly afterwards. In the last two years, Wufei and Quatre had grown closer than he would have ever imagined. When they were young it seemed like a world of differences separated them, yet how suprised they both were to discover an immeasurable affinity between them. When so much else had vanished, Wufei treasured their time together more than anything. They visted each other often to reminisce, to laugh and to grieve—two flickering remanants of five meteors that had once blazed across the universe.

And just this last year Quatre too said good bye. The wind stirs again and Wufei turns his face toward it. There is wetness on his cheek but he no longer feels ashamed to express what he once viewed as weakness. He misses them. There is no way around it, no way to deny it and in his own way he has become wise enough to not want to. Life is a strange and mysterious thing. Who would have guessed that he who most wished for oblivion would be the only one left? He remembers them all so vividly, they might as well be sitting next to him: Quatre with his kind eyes, Trowa with his soft knowing words, Heero with his determined frown and Duo, intelligent and irreverent.

There is of course one more whom he has never forgotten. Even now, the memory of him shakes Wufei heart. Enemy, lover and friend. This world could not contain their love but Wufei knows he is waiting. It has been a long time but their time apart is swiftly coming to an end.

Wufei sighs. The breathing tubes are uncomfortable and he feels very tired. He has not slept well for five nights despite Sally’s daughter’s best efforts. She is a good doctor like her mother before her but Wufei wants to tell her that there are some things worth fighting for and others that must be surrendered to with gratitude and with grace. This is one of them.

Morning is breaking over the trees and Wufei raises his hand to shade his eyes from the sun. Such a simple movement, but his gnarled hand trembles nonetheless. The dawn is brighter than he remembers and its warmth envelops Wufei as if in an embrace. How peaceful, how wonderful it is. After a night spent tossing and turning he suddenly feels quite rested though his eyes never close.

The summer sun rises higher and higher and Wufei never takes his gaze from it. He stares into its burning center and smiles. There .. they are all waiting for him. He can see Heero’s smirk … Trowa’s nod … Duo’s grin as he beckons. Quatre is calling out to him and in front of the gentle blond is a figure Wufei would recognize anywhere. He knows that burning blue gaze, knows the pleased smile playing about lips he has waited a lifetime to kiss. Wufei raises his hand to his eyes and this time it doesn’t tremble. The movement is sure and quick and his fingers are supple again. He rises from the bed and the wind catches his hair and makes the black strands tickle his forehead and his cheeks. Wufei runs forward, sprinting closer and closer. He can hear Duo’s laughter now and Trowa is teasing him about how long it’s taken him to get here.

They are here with him and when Wufei takes that final step, he is caught up not in the warmth of the sun, but lifted into gentle arms and pressed against a warm chest

Treize grins and tightens his arms about him and Wufei smiles, his heart overflowing with joy as at last … at last, he gazes into the eyes of his beloved.

End

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The Road to Hell

admin — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 22:34:09 +0000

Table of contents for 30 Kisses

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

The Road to Hell
by Michalyn
Warnings: lime
Rating: M
For 30_kisses theme #13, excessive chain.

Wufei’s gasp exploded between them as Treize pressed him against the shower wall. Through the steam, the older man could see the tightening of his husband’s back muscles as Wufei rose on tip toe.

“Ungh … Treize, why are you doing this?”

“Oh no you don’t. Stay right here,” Treize purred tugging Wufei back down.

His fingers moved inside of the tight heat of Wufei’s body. He could feel the quivering of those muscles as Wufei hovered on the verge of orgasm and ruthlessly Treize began massaging his prostate, pressing and rubbing that sweet spot until a ragged cry burst from Wufei’s lips.

The younger man’s knees buckled so that Treize’s arm about him was the only thing preventing him from sliding to the floor. Not that Treize had any plans of releasing him anytime soon. Quite the opposite in fact, as Wufei had found out during the last hour or so. He wondered how much more his husband could take, but then some lessons were too important not to impart. Treize delicately bit down on the soft lobe of Wufei’s ear . “Are you going to come?” he whispered. His fingers delved deeper bewteen Wufei’s cheeks. All the while the shower beat down upon them obscuring their world with steam.

“Treize, please… please.” Wufei’s head lolled against Treize’s shoulder and his body shuddered. He was flushed, dark hair plastered to his cheeks and forehead. Little droplets clung to his eyelashes and Treize lapped those up too even as his fingers never stopped moving inside of Wufei. He heard Wufei’s cry, saw the way his husband’s chest rose and fell rapidly as he struggled to maintain control and Treize almost had pity on him. Almost…

He withdrew his fingers from Wufei and let them drift around to grasp the younger man’s cock. Treize began stroking him, ending each sweep of his hand with a caress to the sensitive head. Wufei writhed.

“Sorry … sorry … I said I was sorry….”

“Oh?” Treize rumbled idly, tongue stealing out to capture a bead of moisture from Wufei’s skin.

“Yesss…”

“And why should that mean anything to me?” This time, Treize’s thumb captured another type of moisture—hotter, slicker—from the tip of Wufei’s cock.

“Because … this is excessive!” Wufei trembled as Treize moved his hand faster. “Please, Treize I can’t take another chain of orgasms, I … oh god.”

“What time should you have been home tonight?”

“Eight but—”

“Do you think it’s acceptable to forget one’s own anniversary, Wufei?” Treize was relentless as he shifted Wufei’s legs farther apart.

“Treize, I’m sorry. I planned to arrive early but I got caught up in work and lost track of the time. I know you’re disappointed but—”

“Wufei, do you know how much it cost me to get everything arranged? The limousine was custom fitted; the wine the best vintage Arnoud could offer. Still, the reservations I made at St. Pierre’s were even more special. They flew in a chef from Italy and another from Hong Kong just for tonight. And I had to cancel. Not because you arrived a half hour late, or an hour—not even two. You came home a full three hours late, made all the worse because you saw not one of my calls on your cell phone as it was off. Don’t you think that behavior deserves some form of punishment, darling?” Treize’s smile was feral as he guided his erection to Wufei’s entrance. He thrust forward so that just the tip of him was inside of Wufei.

“Treize!”

“Hmm?” Treize’s arm locked about Wufei’s waist as he pressed in more deeply. “I think this is a fitting lesson, don’t you? One I’m sure you’ll not soon forget. I’m going to make you come tonight until you don’t have the breath to cry out anymore. Let’s see… How many times will be just right?” Treize’s smile broadened. “Eight is a nice even number isn’t it?”

“What?! That’s…” Whatever Wufei had been about to say was cut off, however, as Treize began thrusting into him. In a few moments, Wufei’s passionate moans filled the air. He moved against Treize, his hand gripping him in one last desperate plea for mercy. “Please … please, Treize, I didn’t mean to…”

“I know, my love, I know.” Treize tenderly kissed Wufei as he lifted him and carried him out of the shower towards the bedroom. “Unfortunately, the road to hell has always been paved with good intentions….”
End

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Golden

admin — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 22:08:11 +0000

Table of contents for 30 Kisses

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

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Yellow Daisies

admin — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 21:59:10 +0000

Table of contents for 30 Kisses

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. A huge thanks to Diane for the beta.

Yellow Daises
by Michalyn
Notes: Written for Valentines Day and 30-kisses theme #8

Summary: Treize reflects on love, Valentine’s day and the simple things in life.

Treize awoke to find the pillow next to him empty. That he was alone was not remarkable in itself, since Wufei was an early-riser and his husband could no more be caught lingering abed than Treize could be persuaded to leave its comforts before the sun was high overhead. What was odd was that he should rise alone on this day. Treize rolled over to check the calendar. No, no, he was not mistaken. Unless cupid’s aim had wavered, today was a day for lovers and more importantly, for him and Wufei. There would be no business calls, no half-eaten breafasts and most joyous of all, no accusing looks from a Wufei made late by an early bout of lovemaking.

Not that he was always to blame. Treize could recall quite vivdly a number of “delinquencies” instigated by Wufei. Of course, Treize would gently remind his husband, they should not have to worry about such things at all. Through a combination of Treize’s inheritance and a few strategic investments on his part, neither he nor Wufei needed to work. Aside from some necessary book-keeping (which he accomplished from home, in any case) Treize had no desire to shuffle papers under the watchful eye of a manager; likewise, he did not relish constantly directing others as Quatre did everyday. At twenty-nine, he had saved and wasted, hoarded and invested and it meant nothing till he knew what it was to hold Wufei in his arms. How much more satisfying it was to know that he was not merely speculating but providing for the one he loved.

The mansion where he had executed a campaign of empty conquests was the first thing he sold. Wufei preferred intimate spaces. He was shy, introverted and blossomed under the close corners of love on a surfeit of Treize’s kisses. They found a modest home and in the intimate spaces between them, every action was imbued with significance.

So why, Treize would ask Wufei, should they stumble about on mornings when they could have a world of their own, large enough to include anyone they wanted or cozy enough just for two?

He was a jealous man. Should he be ashamed to admit it? Wufei would think so. Wufei believed in justice and equanimity and tried very hard to be fair in everything, but Treize knew his would always be a biased love. He followed one constant: to cherish Wufei, and if that required him to grow used to the quiet on mornings, then he would hold that dear too. Wufei was not content to live on shared fortune. “I have to find my own footing,” he explained as he lay against Treize’s chest. So Treize caressed him, murmuring that he understood, even as the ground beneath his own heels shifted.

He would submit. Submit and savor days like today when the world stood still.

Padding to the bathroom, Treize scrubbed the sleep from his face. As he brushed his teeth, the lingering steam on the mirror and the ghost of Wufei’s fragrance told him his husband had not been long from the shower. Were those blueberry muffins he smelled cooking? Treize smiled. Wufei was waiting for him. He had the day planned out, from Wufei’s favorite restaurant at three, to an expensive hotel and a bed of crushed rose petals as the moon sunk low. Would Wufei be surprised? Would he tremble in Treize’s arms as they rediscovered each other? Treize could not wait to find out.

Ambling down the stairs, he followed the aroma of the muffins until at last, he spotted a familiar, neat ponytail. Wufei was bent over the kitchen table, arranging a bunch of daisies in an old china vase. He was wearing jeans and a sunny yellow fleece, bright as the daisies between his fingers. It was still nippy enough for one to need bundling up, and the wind outside had brought color to Wufei’s cheeks. When he saw Treize he smiled.

“Good morning; Happy Valentines Day.”

Surrounded by the yeasty-warmth from the oven and Wufei’s freshness, Treize, who had been contemplating the intricacies of limousines and hotel reservations was suddenly scolded. His gaze fell to the bunch of daisies and he was reminded that what was simple was most true — what was familiar, dearest.

“Treize?” Wufei peered at him.

“Happy Valentine’s Day, my love.” Treize leaned forward and kissed Wufei’s temple. Plucking a daisy from the vase he stuck it behind Wufei’s ear. His husband made a questioning sound but Treize only smiled. He folded Wufei in his arms and buried his face against his neck, memorizing Wufei’s scent, the vital heat of him and the weight of his body as he leaned into Treize’s embrace.

Treize tightened his arms.

The fleecy vest burned between them: daisy-bright, true—and more brilliant than the sun on any of those mornings when Wufei was away.

End

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Scandal

admin — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 21:52:42 +0000

Table of contents for 30 Kisses

I make no claim to any of the Gundam Wing characters. This story is written for my, and hopefully others’ enjoyment and not for monetary profit. This ficlet is unbetaed so please excuse any mistakes!

Scandal
by Michalyn
For 30kisses themes:#21, plunder; extortion and #28, Wada Calcium CD3
Rating: T

Summary: When top executive,Treize Khushrenada becomes embroiled in a corporate scandal, he turns to the one man he can trust.

In other news this evening, Mayor Alexi Brenner is under investigation for charges of extortion and fraud, after being accused by Treize Khushrenada, President and CEO of KCorps Vitalis of using his position to demand funds for his upcoming campaign beginning in July of next year. KCorps Vitalis is the manufacturer of dietary supplements, including Calciforte, the popular calcium pill that has now replaced Wada Calcium CD3 as the highest grossing dietary supplement on the market. In response to the allegations, a spokesperson from the Mayor’s office today said that not only were Khushrenada’s accusations groundless, but that the KCorps executive’s suit is a case of sexual harassment in retaliation against Mayor Brenner, who rebuffed the advances of Khushrenada, a well-known homosexual. Mayor Brenner is counter-suing on the grounds of sexual harassment and defamation of character.

Treize buried his face in his hands as his lawyer quietly turned off the television. “I’m assuming I don’t have to tell you how bad this is, do I?” Mr. Chang asked.

“Gods, believe me I know what a mess this is, but I won’t let that bastard push me around.” Treize raised his eyes to the younger man with a sigh.

As usual, Wufei was impeccably dressed in a three-piece charcoal suit, his hair pulled back into a severe queue. Behind his glasses, his eyes were inscrutable. In the five years Treize had known Chang Wufei, that efficient exterior had never wavered. The man was brilliant—frighteningly so—at what he did and that was precisely why Treize had chosen him. Wufei had a strong sense of justice and his understanding of the law was so subtle as to be unrivaled. From the first day Treize had met Wufei, the man fascinated him—a fascination that grew quickly into admiration and then respect as Wufei demonstrated the extent of his competency and dedication. As the years passed, those feelings transformed into something much deeper. They were fueled by the tantalizing glimpses Treize had received of the man behind the suit—once when Treize had stopped by unexpectedly to discuss a contract and Wufei had answered the door barefoot and with his hair falling in a soft cloud about his face; the second time when Treize walked in on Wufei’s martial arts training in the company gym. There was fire beneath that impeccable exterior and Treize wanted it all for himself. In fact, that was what made these charges of Brenner’s so ridiculous. Not only was it simply beneath Treize to do something so dishonorable, why the hell would he waste his time propositioning Brenner when he was in love with Wufei?

Even though Wufei had never so much as smiled at him, Treize had never given up hope. Though he didn’t think Wufei was seeing anyone at the moment he had found out that both of his previous relationships had been with beautiful, high-power men with old money; the first, with the oil mogul, Quatre Winner of Winner Enterprises, and his most recent with the heir to the Sanq Kindgom, Milliardo Peacecraft. The knowledge of Wufei’s past lovers both renewed Treize’s desire and frustrated him to no end. By all appearances, he fit the profile of Wufei’s type, so why the devil wouldn’t the younger man spare him more than a passing glance? Maybe he had a thing for blonds, or maybe Treize wondered in his darkest moments, he wasn’t rich enough. But no … Treize knew both of those to be far too superficial to fit Wufei. Wufei had been neither of those men’s lawyers and it was far more likely, that true to his prudent nature, Wufei never crossed the line between business and pleasure. Equally as important was the fact that though both Winner and Peacecraft were wealthy, both kept very low profiles—and one thing Treize had learned about his lawyer was that he valued discretion and propriety above all else. Even had Wufei been attracted to him, Treize who, while not excessive, never made secret of his proclivities, would seem too much of a liability to Wufei. Treize realized that if his chances with Wufei had been slim before, this scandal would nullify them effectively.

“We have enough evidence to make the extortion case clear-cut,” Wufei was murmuring, “but it’s this sexual harassment charge that makes things murky.” It needn’t be said that as a result of the charge, Treize’s entire lifestyle and the lives of those closest to him would come into question and be taken apart under the public eye. It needn’t be said that Wufei, by virtue of his sexual orientation and his position as Treize’s personal lawyer, would be one of the first targeted. It need not be said that this intensely private man’s life would be exposed in ways that were unforgivable. That Wufei would be exposed in ways for which he could never forgive Treize.

Treize closed his eyes. It suddenly mattered to him with ever fiber of his being that Wufei know he was innocent–not because the evidence was clear-cut, but because Wufei heard Treize swear it, from his own mouth— from his own heart.

“Wufei … I … I swear to you that I am innocent and it was never my intention to have you dragged into this. This will get ugly and fast and it’ll only be a matter of time before they try to take apart your career as well. I won’t pretend that I don’t need you, but if you would like to relinquish your position at this moment I completely understand. You will be paid for—”

“Hush.”

Treize looked up in shock as Wufei squeezed his hand. The younger man’s dark eyes were fierce and Wufei’s tender look meant more to Treize then than all his tortured longings, more than all the imagined kisses and caresses he craved with Wufei.

“Hush,” Wufei repeated gruffly. “There is no need for that kind of talk. It does not matter what happens to me; I am your lawyer and I will do my best by you.”

Treize rose on unsteady feet, his hand still firmly clasped in Wufei’s. When Wufei did not pull away, Treize moved to stand close to the other man—so close that Treize swore Wufei could hear the thumping of his heart. Slowly he drew Wufei to him, his eyes closing at the feel of Wufei’s hand on his arm, his senses drunk on the heat and resilience of Wufei’s body as Treize’s arms closed about him. Treize looked down and found Wufei watching him. On his face was an expression Treize had thought to only see in his dreams. His breath caught.

“Wufei?” he asked hoarsely.

“Yes,” Wufei murmured and drew Treize down to him.

End

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Moment

admin — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 21:44:10 +0000

Table of contents for 30 Kisses

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.

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Handy Italian Phrases

admin — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 21:20:04 +0000

Table of contents for 30 Kisses

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

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