Table of contents for A Matter of Good Sense

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

This story is dedicated to Lili for her kindness and her wonderful support. Thanks so much, my dear!

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

Please excuse any mistakes. This chapter is not yet betaed.

A Matter of Good Sense

by Michalyn

Chapter Fifteen of Seventeen: Ambush

Warnings for this chapter: violence, gore

oooooooooooo

Wufei’s eyes were closed as he kicked, rolled to the ground and bounced to his feet again. He was exhausted but he was aware of only two things: the dark tide of power flowing through him and Grandmother Long’s gravelly voice alternately coaxing and berating him into calling it forth with the unique divination techniques she had taught him. Wufei’s hand shot out, and power exploded from his palm.

The small crowd of onlookers gasped as shadows pooled and swirled around them. Wufei opened his eyes and saw the darkened sky and the shadows surging at his feet. He was both repulsed and fascinated by the black writhing mass and he could only imagine what Meiran’s clan members thought. Even the little girl, ever the spitfire looked spooked. No matter what anyone thought though, they were sworn to secrecy by Grandmother Long and her word was law. Wufei’s secret was safe.

Wufei had been coming to the Dragon Clan’s camp after his training sessions with Meiran. Every day his control over his powers grew. Yet, Wufei was all too aware of how much further he still had to go. His power no longer completely overwhelmed him as it had the first time, but its potential for destruction was still far too great for Wufei’s comfort. It was a continual struggle to manage the dark tentacles and even the smallest break in his concentration could mean the difference between a safe practice session and someone being seriously hurt, something Duo knew all too well. He accompanied Wufei to the camp but always hung well back once Wufei started training.

Today, Wufei was not going to let his concentration waver. Despite the exhaustion weakening his limbs, he manipulated the shadows, testing their reach and speed then carefully drew them back to him. The wind stilled and the gloom lifted. All was normal again.

“That was amazing, Prince Wufei. No matter how many times I see it I can’t believe it,” Duo whistled, sauntering over. He handed Wufei a waterskin.

“Thanks.” Wufei threw his head back and took a long swig. When he was done he poured a little water on his neck and chest. The cool trickle soothed him and Wufei sighed. His muscles ached. All he needed now was a nice long bath and if he was lucky a massage from Treize. Wufei surprised himself as soon as the thought escaped him. Had he grown so used to Treize’s touch already? Only a few moons ago he dreaded it, now it seemed that after night after night in Treize’s bed he had come to expect it, and yes, Wufei admitted to himself, to welcome it as well.

While Wufei was contemplating this, Grandmother Long grasped his elbow. “Prince Wufei, I need a word with you. Will you join me in my tent?”

“Ah, of course.” Wufei pulled on his tunic and followed the woman he had come to see as his teacher as much as Shinsen O. He ducked into the tent, leaving Duo waiting outside. The four Shenlong warriors who followed Wufei from Eires were prowling the camp, making sure the area was secure.

“Please, have a seat, Prince Wufei.” Grandmother Long waved a gnarled hand at the cushions piled on the floor. The old woman was brusque and Wufei knew many in both Eires and Rossetti would find her manner to him disrespectful but Wufei understood that her lack of reverence was not rudeness. The Dragon Clan were a proud people and as nomads they stood firmly by their stance that they owed allegiance to no Lord. Wufei had no problem with a clan with a strong spirit.

“Your concentration is much better,” Grandmother long observed. “You are not of our people but truly you have the gift. I have also noticed a change in Meiran. She is more focused because of your training. I’ve seen the biggest improvement in her temper which can only be a good thing. Our people thank you.” The old woman bowed.

“I am humbled,” Wufei murmured. “I do not know what I would have done without your guidance and as for Meiran, I have enjoyed teaching her. She will be a force to be reckoned with one day.”

“If she is not now,” Grandmother Long laughed.

“Indeed.” Wufei chuckled.

The old woman was quiet and Wufei sensed she was holding something back. It was odd for her not be forthcoming and Wufei grew uneasy. “Forgive me for asking this, but is everything all right? Meiran is not in danger is she?”

“You are perceptive as always, Prince Wufei. No, Meiran is not in danger but there is another matter I wish to speak with you of.”

“I would like to think that you consider me a friend of the Dragon Clan. If there is some way I may be of assistance please tell me.”

Grandmother Long approached Wufei. Her eyes pierced him. “There is something you can do. Our clan is leaving Rossetti in nine days and I would like to invite you to come with us.”

“What?” Wufei felt like the breath had been knocked out of his lungs. They were leaving? What of Meiran’s training? What of his? Once again he was losing his footing just when he thought he had found it. Wufei clenched his fists. Why, why, why? Why was it always like this?

How would he ever master his power with the Dragon Clan gone? He had also grown attached to Meiran and was busy laying out plans for the first Shenlong school in Rossetti with the feisty princess as his best student. He would revive the old ways-reinvigorate the teachings of the Lotus Manual. Now it would never happen. Most of all, here among others who looked like him and shared similar powers to him, Wufei did not feel like the alien thing he grew up believing he was. He did fit somewhere and there were others like him. Now it was all coming crashing down and Wufei did not understand why.

Wufei knew Meiran and her clan would have to leave eventually, but after speaking with the matriarchs he had found out that they usually stayed in one place for one to two years and then moved on. It was not nearly enough time for Wufei’s dreams to become reality but it was certainly much more time than this. Wufei could only shake his head in confusion.

“Why? I don’t understand. You have only been in Rossetti for a short time. Why must you leave now?”

“Our most important moon cycle is beginning and we must be closer to the tides before it reaches its height. If you accompanied us, it would be a wonderful time for you to test your powers as well.”

“Accompanied you? That’s impossible. I…”

“Is it? We can give you a home. We understand your powers and Meiran adores you. You would only grow stronger among our people and if in time you chose a mate among us, we would welcome it. You asked me to train you because you were unhappy here. You told me you were stifled in a marriage with a man who only saw you as an instrument. Has that changed?”

Had Treize truly changed? Wufei looked away. “Yes … no … it’s different now,” he muttered.

Grandmother Long stared at him. “I see.”

“I’m sorry. I just cannot-”

“No,” Grandmother Long interrupted him. “Do not give me your answer now. Our caravans will be waiting at the South Gate in nine days. We will leave at first light. If you are not there, that will be my answer.”

ooooooooooooo

Treize had another headache. Groaning, he rubbed his temples. It seemed he suffered one of these almost daily. He could not figure out why and he was considering summoning the healer. He had never been sickly so it was unusual for him to have such a persistent pain.

“Emperor Rossetti, is everything all right? Are the plans for the new marketplace to your liking?” The worried voice of Rossetti’s top engineer broke through Treize’s thoughts.

Treize blinked and smoothed the parchment out in front of him. Perhaps he needed some rest. “Yes. I like the layout and the positioning of the stalls but I want a bridge built here so our neighbors in Carnaby may easily come to trade their pottery.” Treize traced his finger over the parchment, indicating the areas he meant.

The engineer nodded and together he and Treize finished detailing the plans for the marketplace and settled on a cost for labor and materials. Once they were finished, the engineer excused himself and Treize retired to the royal suite. Shrugging out of his clothes, he reclined on the bed and closed his eyes but his head was throbbing so badly he could not sleep. Even the slightest movement seemed to trigger an intense stabbing pain in his skull. A wave of nausea roiled through Treize and his stomach lurched. He hobbled to the bathing chamber, barely making it to the latrine before vomiting.

“Fuck.” Treize panted as he leaned against the cool marble seat. Something was very wrong. For long minutes Treize could not move, but the headache gradually eased enough for him to not feel like he was about to lose the contents of his stomach at any moment. Treize rinsed out his mouth and dragged himself back to the bed, too weak to even call for a servant. He lay absolutely still under the covers, wishing for a cool dark place to disappear into. At last, he fell into a fitful sleep.

Treize did not know how long he had slept when he was awakened by the sound of Wufei entering the room.

“Treize? Why are you in bed?” His husband came over and peered at him.

“My head feels like it’s about to explode,” Treize groaned.

“Another headache?” Wufei frowned. “Have you called the healer?”

“No, I didn’t have the energy. Just thinking hurt.” Treize turned on his side to look at Wufei. Seeing his husband always brightened his day but Treize was amazed at how much better he seemed to feel as soon as Wufei entered the room. Maybe these headaches were caused by stress after all. Perhaps he needed a break.

“Well, do you want me to call the healer or make you something?”

“Make something?”

“Yes some tea may help. It’s an Eirean recipe Trowa taught me.”

“If you think it will work, by all means. I’d much rather be tended to by you than by the healer.”

“I’m not surprised but he will do you more good than I.”

“I doubt it.”

“Hmph.” Wufei rose and gathered the ingredients for the tea. Occasionally, he would glance back at the bed to see how Treize was doing. The older man was swathed in the bedclothes and looked rather ptiful with them drawn up to his chin. It was so unusual that Wufei could not help chuckling to himself. As Wufei cradled Treize’s head and brought the steaming cup to his lips he was thinking Treize looked rather adorable like this. Wufei did not even realize he was smiling until Treize shot him a curious look.

“Why didn’t you tell me this was all I had to do to get you to be nice to me?” he joked.

“Hush,” Wufei scolded him, color rising in his cheeks.

Treize grinned then winced. Then it was Wufei’s turn to laugh.

“Serves you right. Now here, drink this.” Wufei cradled Treize’s head and held the cup to his husband’s lips.

“Mm.”

“It will take a little while for that to take effect, so you’d better stay put.”

“I wouldn’t think of going anywhere,” Treize murmured, bringing Wufei’s hand to his lips. “Thank you for tending to me.”

“It is nothing.”

“Will you stay with me?”

“For a little while, yes.”

“No. Forever.” Treize looked up at Wufei in all seriousness. His expression was completely open, vulnerable.

Wufei’s heart skipped a beat.”Treize…”

“I know. You don’t have to say anything. I understand that with everything that’s happened it takes time.” Treize looked away. “I hope to Gods I still have time to earn your affection, Wufei.”

Wufei opened his mouth; closed it again. How could he express what was within him? His feelings for Treize were so complicated. Too complicated. Yet, for the first time Wufei thought that maybe, just maybe he wanted to stay. In just a few days his father’s messenger would be waiting for Wufei’s command. Wufei did not want war with Rossetti. He would tell his father to send the troops back. Rossetti was not his home but he would try to make it so. As for the Dragon Clan … staying would be painful but Wufei was starting to believe it was the right thing to do.

Wufei turned Treize’s face toward him. He leaned forward and captured his husband’s lips. This imperfect, stubborn man was not what he wished for but perhaps he could make it so as well.

ooooooooooooo

Treize awoke with Wufei in his arms. They were naked but had not made love. After bathing together they had tumbled into bed. Treize looked at Wufei’s relaxed face and wondered if his husband was finally softening toward him. He wanted to think so but was afraid to even hope t might be true.

Wufei mumbled and smiling, Treize stroked his hair. He would be happy to wake like this every morning. On top of that his headache was gone. Already he could tell the day was off to a better start.

Sunlight streamed in through the curtains and Wufei awoke. He rubbed his eyes. “Mm?”

“Good morning, Kala.”

“Good morning.”

Treize was delighted when Wufei did not pull away and instead shifted to a more comfortable position against him. “Did you sleep well?”

“Yes. What time is it?” Wufei eyed the sun through the window. “I must have been more tired than I thought.”

“You have been working hard. The treaty with Carnaby has taken a great deal of your time.”

“I guess that’s true.” Wufei yawned.

“I don’t know if I have said it before but I really appreciate your work on the treaty. The text was meticulous. Truthfully, Rossetti’s negotiators have a lot to learn from you.”

“I am just doing my job,” Wufei said gruffly.

“And you do it magnificently.”

Wufei made a noncomittal sound, uncomfortable as ever with praise and Treize was once again amazed at the tangle of contradictions the younger man was. Wufei was headstrong and proud and yet curiously humble about his most significant accomplishments. It reminded Treize of how much he still had to learn about his husband. And he wanted to learn everything-the bitter and the sweet-for Wufei would not be who he was without them.

Treize caressed Wufei’s back. He is so lovely, he thought. Everything I wanted and even more. And then, with sudden clarity: I’m falling in love with him. No, I Iove him.

The realization was so startling that Treize felt like the wind had been knocked out of him but once he thought it he could not deny his feelings. He had been with many men and they were all special in different ways but not once had Treize ever felt anything close to love for any of those men. Lust, yes; companionship, occasionally-but never love. All this time Treize was convinced it did not exist, just like the magic that surrounded everything in Eires. It did exist and Treize knew now without a doubt that he loved Wufei.

When Treize lifted his head he discovered that Wufei was looking at him with a very odd expression. His cheeks were flushed and his eyes were round.

“What is it, Wufei?”

“You…you said you loved me.” The words were almost gasped out.

“I…” Had he said that aloud? Treize flushed. Well there was no going back now. “Yes, I do. I never thought I would say these words to anyone but I love you, Wufei.”

Wufei struggled visibly to respond. Treize understood.

“Kala, I know this is a shock. I’m shocked myself,” Treize laughed. “You don’t need to respond. I would be the happiest man in the world if you loved me but that takes time and with the mistakes I have made it may never happen at all. For now accept my love, Wufei. I won’t ask for a thing in exchange. Just know that I love you and I’m here for you if you need me and even if you don’t. Is that all right?”

Wufei ducked his head. He nodded.

“Thank you.” Treize was relieved. He did not know what he would have done if Wufei had immediately shut him down, or worse, shut him out again.

Treize caught the end of Wufei’s braid and brushed it across the back of his hand. He tugged off the bit of twine holding it in place and the entire mass of hair unraveled in his hands, falling in dark silken waves over Wufei’s shoulders.

Wufei made an irritated sound between his teeth. “Treize, it’s going to get all tangled like that.”

“I’ll comb it for you.” Treize reached for the wooden comb. He pulled Wufei into a sitting position and began dragging the comb through the younger man’s hair. He pulled it through carefully, loosening any tangles. Wufei sighed as Treize worked from his scalp down to the hair pooled at his waist and back again and the older man could not help smirking to himself. Wufei was sensitive to even these simplest pleasures.

“What are you smiling at?” Wufei was looking at Treize in the mirror on the opposite wall.

“Oh nothing.” Treize grinned.

“Hmph.” Wufei let it drop as Treize’s fingers brushed the nape of his neck. A breathy sound escaped him and he shivered.

Treize kept moving the comb even after Wufei’s hair was perfectly smooth. He was as mesmerized by the hypnotic motion of the comb as Wufei was by his touch. Goosebumps had broken out over the younger man’s skin and he was making a soft sound of pleasure. Treize did not stop. He admired the dark sheen of Wufei’s hair, amazed at the play of light on the silken strands. The shadows seemed almost alive and Treize had to blink once or twice to shake the impression that they were moving. He wished he could reach for the brush but Wufei was so relaxed against him that he did not want to disturb him or the quiet rhythm of the comb in his hands.

“It’s closer to me. I’ll get it.”

Treize jumped. “Pardon?”

“The brush. Didn’t you want it?”

Treize froze. He knew he had not said that aloud. “I did but how did you know?”

“What do you mean how did I know? You said it just now.”

“No I didn’t.”

“Treize are you trying to be funny?” Wufei looked at Treize over his shoulder.

“I’m not joking. Somehow you knew what I was thinking before I said it. In fact, I think the same thing happened when I realized I loved you. I was positive I had not confessed to it but you said I did. Now I do not think so.”

Even to Treize’s ears what he was saying sounded ridiculous. He struggled to come up with a rational explanation but could not. Was he going crazy? Maybe this was some bizarre side effect of the headaches he kept having. Treize frowned. Come to think of it, those started not long after Wufei moved to Rossetti. Treize stared at Wufei in a mixture of fascination and revulsion. “Is this somehow related to … your magic?

“My magic? I can’t read minds Treize.”

“Then how do you explain it?”

“I’m not trying to explain it. You’re the one convinced I can hear your thoughts.”

“I know how it sounds but there isn’t any other explanation.”

“Why would I want to read your thoughts? I have enough trouble with my own. Trust me, I would know if I was telepathic.”

“How?”

“Because my power isn’t… ” Wufei began and then stopped. “Because I just know.”

Treize’s eyes narrowed in suspicion. “What exactly is your power, Wufei? Quatre tried to explain it but I didn’t understand it then and I surely don’t understand it now.”

“Look, Treize you had some really bad headaches in the last few days. We should call the healer.”

“I don’t have a headache now. I’m thinking more clearly than I have in weeks.”

“You call this thinking clearly?”

“Yes.”

Wufei made a frustrated sound. “It’s absolutely pointless to argue about this.”

“Then just tell me what your power is.”

“It’s not-”

“Why?”

“I am not telepathic, Treize. Just leave it at that.”

“Wufei…”

“I said no!” Wufei’s voice was agitated, panicked.

“You can’t hide something as important as this from me, Wufei. It’s not right. I love you but we can’t keep on like this. We need to start communicating better. We need to start trusting each other.”

Wufei opened his mouth to say something but he turned away, pressing his lips into a grim line. “I’m not telepathic,” was all he could say dejectedly.

Treize touched Wufei’s shoulder. “Then tell me what you are.”

Treize watched the rigid line of Wufei’s back. Wufei’s head turned slowly toward him and Treize gasped.

“What the fuck?”

Wufei’s eyes were glowing silver and the soft silky strands Treize had been brushing just a moment ago were alive, writhing around Wufei’s head like a thousand serpents. While they had been talking, the room had darkened. Treize looked at the foot of the bed and recoiled in horror. Streams of shadows were scurrying across the floor, all heading unerringly toward the bed. They licked up the bed post to gather around Wufei so that he was surrounded by a wriggling writhing mass.

Treize slammed back against the headboard. “Wh…what the hell is this?”

“You want to see my power?” Wufei hissed.

“I-”

“You want to see my power?” Wufei repeated. His voice was thin, unearthly. He lifted his hand.

Then the world went black.

ooooooooooooo

“What by the gods was that?” Treize panted. He was flattened against the pillows, his arms raised defensively.

Wufei raised his palm again. The shadows stilled. There was a moment of resistance before they retreated and Wufei withdrew the black cocoon around them. “You asked what my power was. That’s it.” Wufei did not bother to wait for Treize to push him away. He rose from the bed.

Treize grabbed his arm. “Wait, where are you going?”

“Treize, I know what you’re going to say: it’s frightening, disgusting, freakish even. Don’t bother. I already know.”

“Wufei, I’m shocked … and yes, alarmed but I’m not going to say any of those things. Why did you tell me nothing about this before? Have you had this … ability … since Eires?”

Wufei shook his head.

“Then when?”

“It started not long after we arrived in Rossetti. I could not control it but I have been training. It’s easier now.”

“Training? With whom?”

“Meiran’s clan. There are many similarities between me and her people. They are water diviners and have developed some techniques that are surprisingly effective at controlling the shadows. When I first met Grandmother Long, their clan leader she offered to train me in exchange for my teaching Meiran the Shenlong techniques,” Wufei explained. He was careful not to mention that they were leaving Rossetti soon and wanted him to come with them. Wufei still needed more time to think that over himself.

“The Dragon Clan,” Treize murmured thoughtfully. “So this is where you have been spending most of your evenings?”

“Yes.”

“And you think their techniques are helping?”

“Immensely. I don’t know what I would have done, otherwise.”

“Then I am grateful to them.” Treize covered Wufei’s hand with his own. “Does anyone else know about this?”

“Yes, Duo and my Shenlong Guard. Duo … I almost hurt him when I first discovered my power.” Wufei’s voice was full of regret as he told Treize about that chaotic afternoon. “I don’t know what I would have done if he had been seriously injured but thankfully he is all right. He always accompanies me to the Dragon Clan’s camp. ” Wufei looked up at Treize. “Treize, I am sorry I kept this from you but I did not know how to explain it when I could barely understand it myself. Most of this also happened while we were … estranged.”

“Thank you for telling me. I suppose this is as scary for you as it is for me. Scarier since it’s happening to you.”

Wufei nodded.

“Did Quatre know this is what your power would be?”

“No, his visions are not that specific. I think he had a general sense but I doubt he could have guessed this.”

“Hmm. And you’re sure telepathy has no link to your ability to manipulate shadows?”

“Treize!” Wufei made an exasperated sound. “You need to stop with this telepathy thing. I am not reading your mind or anyone else’s, okay?”

“All right, all right,” Treize laughed, though he still did not appear quite convinced. He became serious.

“No more secrets?” Treize opened his arms to Wufei.

Wufei slipped into Treize’s arms and closed his eyes as his husband folded him against his chest. He thought of Grandmother Long’s invitation and of his father’s messenger waiting for summons of war. Just two more little secrets, Wufei thought to himself as he burrowed closer to Treize. Then everything would be all right.

ooooooooooooo

Treize was going crazy.

He had to be if Wufei was right and his shadow abilities had nothing to do with reading minds. They were in the imperial dining room and Wufei was slightly turned away from him as he reached for one of dishes. Treize watched in fascination as he focused his thoughts on asking Wufei to pass him the roast and his husband turned and offered him the tray with a smile.

“Thank you, Kala,” Treize murmured.

He could not count how many times it had happened in the past two days. Treize was as baffled by it as by the sudden disappearance of his headaches. Whenever he tried to mention it to Wufei, the younger man grew irritated but Treize was starting to think it was because he was going about this the wrong way. Maybe this ability had nothing to do with Wufei and everything to do with him. Treize kept remembering a conversation with Trowa long forgotten until now.

What kind of gifted are you?”

“Me?”

“You must be,” Trowa insisted, “to be Wufei’s mate.”

“Every land has its gifted, though they might be called by something else. Sometimes they have no name at all but they live nonetheless.” Trowa’s gaze pinned Treize in place. “Perhaps Wufei is not the only one guilty of denying his gifts.”

Somehow Treize’s connection with Wufei must have awakened something in him. He always had an uncanny ability to communicate with others. He was known for his charisma. Perhaps this was an extension of something he only thought of as a talent before. Now he realized there might be more to it than that. The one thing he was sure of was that all of this was linked to Wufei. No matter how hard he tried to send his thoughts to others it did not work. The only one he shared the connection with was his husband. It had to be another facet of their bond. There was no other way Treize could explain what was happening to him.

Now he just had to get Wufei to see it too.

When they finished eating Treize took Wufei’s hand. “Kala, I’d like to talk.”

Wufei looked up in surprise. “Oh? About what?”

Treize glanced at the servants who were silently clearing the dishes away. “Not here. Shall we go up?”

“All right,” Wufei agreed.

“Don’t worry, Kala, it’s nothing terrible. At least I don’t think it is.”

“You really know how to reassure a man don’t you?”

“I try,” Treize chuckled.

Once they got to the royal suite Wufei sat on one of the large pillows at the foot of the bed . He pulled his legs under him. “So? What do you want to talk about?”

“Now before you dismiss it hear me out. I’ve been accusing you of reading my mind. Well I was wrong. I’ve been communicating with you.”

“Communicating with me how?” Wufei already sounded wary. “Is this about an argument we had in the past?”

“No, not like that. Here, I’ll show you.” Treize placed his hands on Wufei’s shoulders. “Now watch to see if my lips move.”

Can you hear me?

“Yes, ” Wufei gasped. “How … how did you do that?” A look of panic crossed his features. “Can you read my thoughts?”

“No, I can’t. I can only send my thoughts to you. I knew I wasn’t imagining you could hear me but it took me some time to figure out what was happening and why.”

“But how? Were you keeping this hidden all this time? Why did you not say something before?” Wufei demanded.

“I did not say anything because I couldn’t. This only started a few days ago but since we returned from Eires I kept getting these terrible headaches and I could not understand why. I never guessed they were linked to you.”

“I thought you just said this had nothing to do with me.”

“It has everything to do with you, Wufei. You awakened this in me. Your brother and Trowa mentioned it long ago in Eires but I did not understand it then. I doubted anything related to magick. I doubted our bond, but not anymore.”

“Treize, are you sure about this? I know it’s crazy for me of all people to be questioning this but … you’re not from Eires. I’ve seen all kinds of abilities among Eireans but not here.”

“Wufei, Trowa told me that you were gifted and to be your mate, I must be gifted too. At the time I thought his words were laughable. How could I believe him when I’d never noticed anything special about myself? Besides, you were ill at the time and Quatre was convinced I was to blame for awakening your powers. The last thing on my mind was figuring out some cryptic message about my ‘gift’.” Treize grapsed Wufei’s hand. “Your brother was sure my gift would reveal itself in time and so it has.”

Wufei was quiet as he mulled this over. He did not speak for so long that Treize grew worried. “Kala?”

“Do it again.”

“What?”

“Do it again. I need to make sure it wasn’t a fluke.”

“All right.” Treize pulled Wufei into his lap and held him close.

I love you, Wufei.

Wufei closed his eyes and rested his head against Treize’s chest. So much for things getting less complicated between them.

ooooooooooooo

“We should go out.”

“We should? Where?”

“How about a picnic?” Treize suggested over the sheaf of papers he was rifling through. He and Wufei were in the library, reviewing some legal documents.

Wufei removed his glasses and rubbed the bridge of his nose. After four hours of reading he was ready for a break but today especially he did not want to stray too far from the palace. He was anxious about meeting his father’s spy, and afraid Treize would find out. Wufei knew it was wrong to keep this from his husband but things were so peaceful between them that he did not want to upset Treize by revealing the depth of his father’s anger. He would meet Magreth and turn him away with Treize none the wiser. Then they could focus on building a future together.

“Kala?”

“Hmm? All right, but I need to be back at the palace no later than 3 o’ clock. I received word that an old colleague from Eires will be passing through Rossetti on his way to Lysath.” It was a lie, but it was as close to the truth as Wufei could get.

“Oh? Then we should invite him to dinner.”

“No, no that won’t be necessary,” Wufei said quickly. “He’s not a close friend and will just be stopping briefly to restock his caravan in Rossetti.”

“If that is what you wish,” Treize said, sounding confused by Wufei’s sudden lack of hospitality, especially to a fellow Eirean.

Wufei prayed he would letter the matter drop. He did not want anymore lies between them and inwardly breathed a sigh of relief when Treize nodded.

“Then we shall have you back by three. I’ll tell the kitchen to prepare us something special.”

“Okay, I’ll tell Duo and prepare my Shenlong Guard. Is Heero still busy with his investigation?”

“I’m sure he is but even if he were not I’d not have him accompany us.”

“What? Why?”

“Don’t you tire of constantly being followed? We’ll be gone a mere hour, a bit longer at most. We’ll be back before anyone misses us.”

“Treize, I’m not sure that’s a good idea. We should be cautious, especially with this situation with the Northern Kingdom.”

“Forget Duo. Leave the Shenlong guard. We’ll be fine. Think of it as an adventure.” Treize kissed Wufei’s fingers. “Do you really want an audience while we’re making love under the sun?”

“I didn’t realize I’d promised any lovemaking.” Wufei’s voice was wry.

“I’d hoped you could be persuaded.”

“Hmph.” An uneasy feeling settled in the pit of Wufei’s stomach but he squelched it. “I suppose it will be fine.”

“Of course it will.” Treize captured Wufei’s lips. “I’ll go prepare the horses.”

ooooooooooooo

“You have jam on your chin.”

“Where?” Wufei rubbed his face. He and Treize had just finished their picnic and now, thoroughly satisfied, they lazed in the sun. The glen they had chosen was cool, green and secluded enough for lovers wishing to remain out of sight.

“Here, let me.” Treize leaned over to wipe off the offending smudge. He licked his fingers then captured Wufei’s lips, which to him were far sweeter.

His husband returned the kiss, shyly at first then with increasing pressure. Treize groaned in encouragement, his arms tightening around Wufei. How much more precious Wufei’s passion was when it flowed from him freely. Even a few weeks ago Treize could never have hoped for something like this. Knowing that Wufei wanted him without fear or anger made Treize desire the extraordinary man in his arms even more.

Wufei moaned as Treize trailed kisses along his jawline and down his throat. Treize pressed the younger man closer and he could feel the unmistakeable ridge of Wufei’s desire. Treize could not believe his husband was so aroused after just a few kisses.

“Gods, Wufei, you’re burning me alive.”

Treize cradled Wufei’s head and began lowering him to the blanket. All he could think about was caressing every inch of Wufei’s body and making the younger man call out his name. But before he could even get to his mission, Wufei pushed firmly at his shoulders.

“No,” he gasped.

“But I thought-” Treize was stunned when Wufei wriggled from his grasp and pushed him down instead. The younger man straddled him, his cock pressing against Treize’s. It took all of Treize’s willpower not to thrust upward. “Kala?” he croaked.

“Let me,” Wufei murmured, his hands skimming along Treize’s sides. He kissed Treize’s chest, then began moving down his body.

“Wufei, what are you doing?” Treize could barely get the words out as Wufei’s dark head moved ever closer to his groin. Every muscle in his body thrummed with tension. Wufei wasn’t… His shy husband couldn’t be contemplating what Treize thought he was.

Wufei looked up, his expression a mix of desire and uncertainty. “You don’t want me to?” he asked, sounding deflated.

Didn’t want him to? Treize stifled a groan. There were no words to describe the depths of his want. “Wufei, I want. Oh gods how I want., but only if it’s what you truly desire. Don’t feel pressured to do anything you’re not ready for.”

“No, I want to do this for you. You always pay so much attention to me that I hardly know what you like.” Wufei’s voice was husky. As he spoke, he undid Treize’s breeches and slipped his hand inside.

Treize’s hips rose from the blanket as Wufei’s fingers closed around his engorged cock. “Fuck!”

Wufei had released him and was eying his cock like it was a wondrous new toy. Treize could see that his breath was coming fast and he was flushed. “You… you’re very hard.”

“Yes. Do you like that?”

“Mm.” Wufei nodded. His pink tongue stole out to lick the very tip of Treize.

Treize’s entire body shuddered. “Ungh … Kala, where did you learn this?”

“From you.” Wufei smiled and returned to Treize’s cock.

Treize could not think anymore when Wufei started bobbing his head. Certainly, Wufei had not learned that devilish flick of his tongue from him. Wufei was cupping and massaging Treize’s balls, caressing him with an instinct that made Treize shout his name. To Treize, it seemed that Wufei only had to touch and his body gave up all its secrets one by one. He could not catch his breath. Not with the way Wufei was expertly working him over, suckling the very tip of him then moving down to trace the thick vein on the underside of his cock. Treize buried his fingers in Wufei’s hair. They clenched before he forced himself to relax. He did not want to startle Wufei by pumping into his mouth. He was large and he knew the wrong move could turn Wufei off.

Well, he need not have worried. When Wufei took the entire length of him in, it was over. Treize shouted and spurted into his lover’s waiting mouth.

Surprised, Wufei choked a little but he quickly recovered. He swallowed then catlike, licked his lips and his fingers. Just watching him was almost enough to make Treize hard again.

“Gods,” he groaned.

“Did you like that?” Wufei asked huskily.

“I did. That was amazing, Kala. Thank you.”

“Treize, I…”

Treize saw the hunger in Wufei’s expression and fire raced through him. “Do you want me, sweet Wufei?”

“Yes,” Wufei whispered.

Treize was so happy he could shout. “Oh, Kala. You are so beautiful. I want to make love to you but not here. Not after what you just did. I don’t want to rush this. Let’s go back to the castle, you can see your friend off and then I’ll make love to you all afternoon and into the night. I’ll give you so much pleasure you’ll never want to leave the bed. Unless of course, you absolutely can’t wait, in which case I’d be more than happy to satisy you right now.” Treize grinned.

“No, I think I can manage,” Wufei chuckled.

“Good.” Treize tilted Wufei’s face up and kissed him tenderly. “I love you. Should we head back?”

“Well isn’t this cozy.”

“Treize!” Wufei said sharply. Seven men were approaching the grove. All were armed.

Treize spun, instinctively shielding Wufei behind him. His husband was no delicate flower of course, and hidden by the folds of their cloaks, Wufei stuck his dagger into Treize’s belt. The smaller man was armed but Treize’s sword lay discarded on the blanket. Treize inwardly cursed his foolishness. He was grateful for Wufei’s quick thinking but it was a meager defense against the men confronting them now.

“What do you want?” Treize demanded.

“Oh, I think you know, Emperor. Your brother would like a word.” A warrior with midnight black armor sneered at them. He was flanked on either side by the three other men but it was his sword which made Treize’s blood run cold. It was as black as his armor and both seemed to gleam in cruel contrast to his pale hair. There was only one man who carried that sword and his depravity was legend.

Alexei the killer.

The warrior’s torture methods were so sick that it was rumored he was not human. Even Treize could not have guessed his brother’s hatred ran this deep.

Behind him, Treize, Wufei was tense and the older man knew he too had recognized Alexei.

Wufei, we’re going to have to fight. Do you think you can reach my sword? Treize was never more grateful for his new ability as he communicated silently with his husband.

Wufei squeezed his hand once, indicating his agreement. He was so brave and Treize’s heart was breaking. They would be lucky to get out of this alive and it was all his fault.

On my count, okay?

One.

Two.

Three!

The world seemed to contract as Treize ripped the dagger from his belt. From the corner of his eye, he saw Wufei duck and roll toward the blanket. Faster than Treize could think, Wufei had tossed him his sword and was bouncing to his feet. He remembered being amazed at Wufei’s speed, and feeling such pride at the fierceness of his spirit.

Then, chaos fell.

ooooooooooooo

Wufei plunged his sword into the warrior’s neck and blood sprayed, splattering him in the face. The man gurgled and slumped to the ground, but Wufei barely looked back as he stepped over him. All he could think of was helping Treize. The remaining warriors were all circling his husband. Six to one? What kind of curs were they? Was Mueller really that desperate to kill his brother?

Alexei was bearing down on Treize and the Emperor would normally have held his own if not for the other men on his periphery. None had yet attacked, but it was enough. With Treize unable to give his full attention to the dark knight, Wufei knew it was only a matter of time before Treize faltered. He could not let that happen.

“Come here, you cowards!” Wufei vaulted into the air and took down two of the soldiers with a powerful kick. While they struggled to find their bearings, Wufei quickly dispatched another warrior. To his left, he could see the other two were already struggling to rise.

Wufei lifted his sword and confronted the men who were on their feet again. The larger of the two swung viciously at Wufei but there were advantages to being smaller. Wufei was fast and his low center of gravity made him light on his feet. He easily dodged the brute, spun and jabbed him between the ribs. The warrior crumpled to the ground and his partner’s features twisted in shock and rage.

“You little freak!” He lunged but Wufei sidestepped him. The man’s anger gave him a beserker’s strength but he was still no match for Wufei. Soon, he met the same fate as his comrade.

“Fuck.” Wufei was panting. He was covered in gore and the smell of blood was sharp in his nostrils. He had evened the battlefield somewhat but he was also tiring. He was alert but moving more slowly now that his initial burst of adrenaline was beginning to fade.

Across the glen, the air vibrated with the clanging of metal as Treize and Alexei dueled. They were both sweating and each was covered in nicks and cuts but neither had been able to land a definitive blow. And still there was one man zealously tracking them, hovering near Treize as though meaning to join at any second .

Wait, one? Wufei looked around frantically. He counted the bodies in the grass. One … two … four… Wufei swore.

One of the men had disappeared.

Just as Wufei tried to locate the missing warrior, the man who had been hovering near Treize jabbed at him. Treize managed to dodge and turn, but that split second was all Alexei needed to wrest the upper hand. He kicked Treize squarely in the abdomen, knocking him to the ground. The Emperor’s sword sword flew out of his hand and landed at the enemy warrior’s feet.

Alexei’s lips curled. “Oh, I’m going to have fun playing with you.” He spat on Treize. “I wonder how your little prince will feel about all that lovemaking you promised when you’re only half a man.” Alexei lifted his sword high, black blade glinting in the sunlight.

“No!” Wufei screamed. He was running but it was like moving through molasses. He knew he would never make it in time.

Nononono! Fear clawed at Wufei’s throat, releasing something inside of him. The shadows shot from Wufei’s palms, dagger sharp and deadly. Alexei did not even have time to blink before his head was ripped from his neck and thumped to the ground. His underling was speared right through the heart.

Wufei was as stunned as he was sick with relief. He hurried to Treize who was soaked in blood. Suddenly, another kind of fear gripped Wufei as he thought the shadows might have hurt Treize too due to his inability to control them. Wufei patted along Treize’s body. “Are you all right? I didn’t hurt you did I?”

“No, I’m not hurt,” Treize gasped. “A little amazed and a little unnerved by what just happened, but I’m fine. Kala, you saved my life.”

“Thank the gods.” Wufei flung his arms around Treize. “For a moment I thought-”

“Wufei, look out!”

“What-?”

Treize pushed Wufei to the side, covering him with his body. Too late, Wufei saw the missing warrior. He ran toward them and with a scream lunged forward. The blade connected, lodging in Treize’s side. Already the warmth of blood was seeping through Wufei’s own tunic.

“No,” he whispered, horrified. “No!”

Wufei’s cry was one of utter desperation as he sprang to his feet. The sound was so primal that even the warrior seemed stunned. He tried to flee but Wufei was upon him faster than he could draw breath. He cried out as Wufei’s sword plunged into him over and over and over again. But it could not undo what had been done.

Tears clouded Wufei’s vision as he returned to Treize, but he forced them back, reminding himself that he was their strength now. He needed to stay focused. His husband had managed to turn over and was clutching his side. Pain was stamped into every line of his body. “Treize … can you speak?” Wufei croaked.

“Yes…” Treize hissed. He coughed, and his lips shone wet with blood.

Wufei trembled. He began ripping large swaths from his tunic. “I have to pull out the sword, Treize. It would be better to leave it in until a healer gets to you but we don’t have time. We need to get out of here now. ”

Wufei grasped the hilt of the sword. “Are you ready?”

Treize nodded.

“All right.” Wufei paused to kiss Treize. Then, he yanked the sword out.

The older man’s scream of agony rent the air. Treize was wan and panting as Wufei tightly bound his side, but to the older man’s credit, he did not pass out.

“I’m sorry … I’m sorry,” Wufei whispered.

The ground beneath them was vibrating, faintly at first and then more strongly with each passing second.

Wufei could hear it, he knew Treize could hear it and they both knew what it meant:

Mueller’s army was coming.

“Can you ride?” Wufei could barely get the words out.

“You know I can’t,” Treize coughed.

The tears Wufei had been fighting so hard to suppress broke free and rolled down his cheeks. Treize’s large thumb traced and captured them.

“I never thought I’d see you cry over me. Should have thought of this a long time ago,” he joked feebly.

“We have to get you out of here,” Wufei insisted stubbornly.

“How?”

“If we can just get to Nataku…”

“Kala, you know that won’t work.”

“I refuse to just leave you here! We have to try. Put your arm around my neck.” Wufei bent and wrapped his arm around Treize’s chest.

Grimacing, Treize leaned on Wufei and allowed himself to be hoisted up. Torturous minutes passed as Wufei dragged Treize across the glen but the older man was heavy and his weight threatened to topple them both. Worse, no matter how Wufei tried to summon the shadows in the hopes of using them to assist him, they would not come forth. He could have screamed his frustration. Why didn’t he know how to control them yet?

On the horizon, tiny dots of men were speckling the hill. If they left now they could make it back to Rossetti before the army reached the plain but Wufei had only managed to drag Treize a few paces forward.

“Kala, leave me. You must go on ahead.”

“You are Rossetti! He has won if he has you!”

“Do you think it would do Rossetti any good to get us both captured?” Treize demanded. “I know Mueller. He won’t kill me. Not until he’s extracted whatever he wants from Rossetti and what he wants most of all is power. He can’t have that without you.”

“I don’t understand.”

“In a way we’ve alrady won. My brother doesn’t want me. He wants you and the power that comes with Eires. That is why those men all targeted me. They were ordered to kill me and bring you back alive.”

“But you’ll be killed!”

Treize forced a wry grin “Don’t worry, I won’t be defeated that easily.” He sobered. “Besides, we have time. I know my brother. He is too twisted to give me a quick death.”

Wufei was horrified. “Treize…”

“I trust you Wufei. if anyone can get us out of this, you can.”

Wufei clenched his fists. He hesitated.

“Kala, go!”

Damn it! Why did this have to happen? “Don’t you dare die on me,” Wufei choked. “I’m coming back for you, no matter what.”

Treize’s smile was tender. “I’m counting on it.”

Beneath them, the ground rumbled with the portent of war. Wufei lingered to give his husband one last look before he turned and sprinted through the glade. He vaulted onto Nataku and rode as if his life depended on it.

And it did.

Table of contents for The Broken Seal

1. Chapter One
2. Chapter Two
3. Chapter Three
4. Chapter Four

Long overdue but not too late for Valentine’s Day I hope! This has only been very quickly proofed so please excuse any mistakes.

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.

The Broken Seal
Chapter 4/5
by Michalyn
Rating: MA

Author’s Note: Only one more chapter to go! I will try to make it not too long of a wait.

——————————

“Now don’t forget what I told you. The food is in the pantry and I’ve already milked Betsy so all you should do is lift the trapdoor to get the milk out. I keep it underground so it stays cool but I’ve also cast a winter spell that keeps everything in the cellar chilled. That means the butter will keep as well. Nataku is coming with me so you don’t have to worry about feeding her.” Wufei looked at the two guardians. “Questions? Concerns? Protests?”

Treize cleared his throat.

“Yes?”

“Can we get a kiss before you leave?”

“No!” Wufei glared. “Be serious. I don’t want the two of you getting into any trouble while I’m gone. Just stay put and don’t let anyone see you.”

“All right, all right,” Treize agreed. “We will be here waiting for your return.”

Zechs inclined his head. “If you are in trouble, call on us and we will be at your side immediately.”

“Call on you?” Wufei repeated, confused.

Zechs flicked his hand and the runes in Wufei’s pocket vibrated.

“Oh.” Wufei gulped. He still did not quite believe that Treize and Zechs were connected to him. Truthfully both men made him nervous and not just because of their powers.

It was only a few days since the storm freed the two guardians from their seals but already they had turned Wufei’s life upside down. He was prepared for conflict; he had not anticipated Treize and Zechs’ desire for him. Wufei could deal with bruises and battles but he was completely out of his depth when it came to lust. The General and Lieutenant had made their intentions toward Wufei very clear and Wufei was not sure what to do about it. He was aware of his attraction to both men but also frightened by the intensity of arousal they inspired in him. Maybe this trip to the village was a good thing. He needed some time alone to clear his head.

Wufei grabbed his bag and headed to the door. “Wish me luck. If I ride hard I can get to the village before dark. If everything goes as planned, I can present you to the elders at the Fire Festival as visiting scholars.”

Treize nodded. “Be careful, Elf. We shall see to things here while you are away.”

Wufei tried not to imagine all the ways their “seeing to things” could go horribly wrong. Instead he forced himself to be optimistic though his hands were cold and his stomach was doing flip flops. He hoped he could pull this off. Otherwise, they would all be in trouble.

Dawn was just breaking over the horizon as Wufei left his cottage and tied his roll to his mount. He climbed into the saddle and Nataku settled on his shoulder with a flutter of her wings. Wufei cast one final glance at Treize and Zechs. In the pale morning light they looked beautiful and unearthly. The wind caught Zechs’ hair and stirred it about his cheeks. The blond was looking at him in that calm focused way that Wufei always found disconcerting. At least Treize hid his sharp edges behind a charm and a teasing sense of humor. Wufei could never tell what Zechs was thinking.

Shaking his head, Wufei touched his heels to the horse’s flanks. “All right then, I’m off.”

Wufei waved and unfamiliar with the gesture, Treize and Zechs pressed their fists to their hearts in the ancient way of greeting. It was also a sign of fealty. Wufei was oddly touched. He turned and spurred his horse on, afraid that Treize and Zechs would see the uncommon tenderness in his expression.

————————————————

The village had changed subtly since Wufei visited a year ago. There were new houses along the main street and the market had been extended. When he saw that Trowa had opened a new dragon-spell supply store, something inside of Wufei twisted. It was a neat two-storied building with the upper floor clearly serving as living quarters for the young couple. Wufei looked up and thought he saw the outline of two figures embracing against the gauzy curtains. He once felt guilty about not contacting his old friend. Now he knew it was for the better. Wufei quickly moved on.

The Fire Festival was the biggest event of the year in Dragon Glen and one could sense the anticipation in the air. The local inn already had banners up and its walls gleamed with a fresh coat of paint. Children eager to earn pocket money were selling dragon fruit they had picked from their disgruntled neighbors’ trees. Many of the boys had fashioned rough wood carvings to peddle to tourists.

Wufei smiled as he watched a young girl sell the last of her fruit and then skip off excitedly to tell her friends. He remembered those days, although it had been different for him. Even as early as then, he was preparing to be the next guardian. Yet, he had always looked forward to end of the ceremonies when he could run off and play just like all the other children. How uncomplicated life had been then. As hard as his studies were Wufei had never doubted his purpose. The elders had told him his talent was a gift from the gods; a gift meant to protect his people. Wufei always believed them. Now he did not know what to think.

Never one to like attention, Wufei tried to keep to the lesser-used paths as much as possible, but once a few people caught sight of him, word quickly spread.

“Guardian Chang! Guardian Chang, what brings you to the village?”

“Is everything all right?”

“Chang-tzu [1], will you come to see my poor ailing son?”

“Where are you staying? Do us the honor of sleeping at our inn tonight!”

The cacophony of voices rose around Wufei and the crowd jostled closer. Wufei raised his hand.

“Thank you for your well wishes. Everything is fine. I am merely here to speak with the Elders about preparations for the Fire Festival. Mr. Chen, thank you but the elders have already made arrangements for me in the sacred hall. Mrs. Lin, I will come to see young Bao as soon as I am finished meeting with the elders. I have a salve that may help him….” And so Wufei continued until all the requests had been answered and the villagers finally dispersed. Wufei sighed. He was not very good with people and knew he often seemed gruff but he liked knowing he could help his people even in these small ways.

The excitement of the villagers had distracted Wufei for a moment but now that he approached the sacred hall, his queasiness returned. Wufei squared his shoulders and tried to tell himself that everything would be all right.

At the gate, the guards bowed deeply as they let him in. Two servants immediately ran up to take his horse and carry his things to his room.

Wufei thanked them and entered the Council Hall. It was second in importance only to the Temple. In the Hall, the five men and five women who made up the Council of Elders decided on Dragon Glen’s most important matters. The elders were nominated by the villagers and theirs was a lifelong tenure. Temple guardians who lived long enough but were too old to protect the village occasionally were relieved of their duties and nominated to the council. It was the only hope Wufei had of returning to the village and living a normal life. Of course by then it probably did not matter anyway.

A young girl with thickly coiled hair and wearing the white robes of the temple students led Wufei to his room. When she was gone, he changed out of his traveling clothes. Sitting at the desk in front of the window, Wufei ate the modest dinner of beef stew, crusty bread and wine which had been prepared for him.

Through the window, Wufei could see the lush slopes of the mountain, though his cottage was not visible from here. He wondered what Treize and Zechs were doing. His room seemed so quiet and Wufei realized that in the short time the guardians had been with him, he had already grown used to their constant banter. It was not that he missed them (of course not, Wufei reminded himself) but for the first time he had a glimpse of his own loneliness. Even with Nataku snuggled in his lap Wufei did not feel the contentment he expected at being in a sacred place and surrounded by other devotees. Inside of him was a nameless hunger that Wufei did not know how to assuage.

The wind stirred and it seemed to hold a whiff of magic. Wufei turned his face to it, eyes fixed on the mountain and worried thoughts filling his head.

————————————————

The elders summoned Wufei a little after dusk. Once the greetings were dispensed with, Wufei pulled out his bag. In it was the letter from Treize and Zechs. The night after Jared had left they composed the note on which this entire ruse depended.

Since the elders would recognize Wufei’s script, Zechs took on the task of writing the letter. The blond had a fine hand for one so brusque although Wufei was careful not to point that out. After much discussion, they decided it would be best to claim that Treize and Zechs were historical scholars from Oz, a small kingdom near Zechs’ homeland. The kingdom was obscure enough and both men familiar enough with its customs (at least as they had been then) to make their story convincing. Since they were the demons in question they would claim they were scholars of what was now referred to as the Reign of Blood (much to Treize and Zechs’ chagrin. Given Dragon Glen’s important role in the history, no one would question Treize and Zechs’ motivations for visiting.

At least, that was what they hoped.

When they finished the letter, Wufei had planned to pry the seal off one of the missives Jared had delivered, but to his surprise Treize produced a seal of his own. The stamp was of a lion and scorpion entwined. Wufei found out that the lion was Treize’s family emblem and the scorpion Zechs’. If he possessed any doubts about Treize and Zechs’ relationship, they were silenced there and then.

Officially, the melding of family crests indicated a lifelong oath between a Lord and his Second but in practice it was the closest thing to a declaration of marriage that two men could achieve in a time when such things were still frowned upon. Wufei felt a little uncomfortable after that when he thought of Treize and Zechs being connected to him. If they were sworn to each other and they were now bonded to Wufei, did that mean Wufei was somehow … married … to them as well?

Wufei’s cheeks warmed and he immediately shook his head of that thought.

“And so, they have requested to observe the temple and the Fire Festival,” Wufei finished. He looked around the room. The elders were nodding.

“This seems like an excellent opportunity to gain some exposure for Dragon Glen,” Master O was saying. “We would do well to welcome these esteemed scholars.”

A murmur of agreement went around the room and Wufei nearly sagged with relief.

“Of course, we would like to have dinner with them. Oz is such a distant kingdom we must show our appreciation of their coming such a long way.”

Shit. Wufei had been hoping to avoid that but it would be too suspicious if he refused. He was going to have to talk with Treize and Zechs about what to expect from the elders. Wufei inclined his head.

“I am sure they would be honored. Do you have any more questions for me, Sages? No? Then may we speak about the budget? Since the scholars will be here for a week, I would like to provide for them comfortably….”

The rest of the meeting was spent hammering out the details of the budget. Wufei was shocked by the generosity of the elders. He felt so guilty that he tried to dissuade them from the amount they proposed but no matter how much he protested, they viewed the “scholars’” comfort as a matter of pride to Dragon Glen. Wufei was forced to accept. He left with a purse heavy with gold coins and an even heavier heart at his deception.

Wufei had planned to spend three days in the village: one to visit the elders, another to help the villagers and a third just for himself. Yet, he found himself looking forward to returning home. For the first time there was someone–no, two someones– waiting there for him. His feelings about the guardians were so conflicted. On the one hand he did not trust them and he resented them for complicating his life. On the other hand, he felt young and alive now, like the world was full of possibilities. Every morning he felt a quiver of excitement at what the day might bring and it was all due to Zechs and Treize.

It was a long time before Wufei fell asleep that night. He was troubled by a mix of doubt, guilt, hope and million other things Wufei could not name. Most of all he found himself wondering what it would be like to follow a different path and what it truly meant to come home.

————————————————

All was quiet when Wufei rode up to the cottage. There was no one outside to greet him; barely a leaf stirred. Wufei felt a pang of disappointment and beneath that, a little hurt. Of course no one was here to greet him, he roughly chided himself. Treize and Zechs were not fond of their captivity any more than Wufei was. They were not his friends. As soon as Wufei figured out how to release them, they would be gone without a second glance.

Wufei knew that and yet what a fool he was! Like a little boy he had been excited to tell the two men about his trip to the village and to show them the new clothes he had bought them. He had already imagined their silly banter as they tried on the new cloaks, tunics and leggings. It was all quite pathetic and Wufei told himself he was grateful for the stark reminder of what they really were to each other. He needed to stop daydreaming and focus on returning to his normal life as guardian.

Wufei slid down his horse with a sigh. Nataku fluttered anxiously around him as he began unburdening Shenlong of the many packages tied to her saddle.

“I’m fine,” he told the little dragon. “I have you, don’t I?” Wufei extended his arm so Nataku could perch on his shoulder. He stroked her iridescent scales. “Ah well, enough of that. Let’s get these things inside, shall we?”

Wufei led Shenlong to the stable where he brushed her down and replenished her water and oats before returning to the front of the cottage. He was reaching for the packages he had left there when the door opened and Treize and Zechs whisked them away.

“Huh?” Caught off balance, Wufei stumbled.

“Welcome, home, Elf.” Treize beamed. He gestured for Wufei to enter.

Wufei made it just past the threshold where he stopped, stunned.

Treize and Zechs had scrubbed the cottage so clean it almost sparkled. The stone floors were spotless and they had lain down new sweet-smelling rushes. Someone had gathered bundles of dried lavender and a fragrant bunch crackled in the fireplace, filling the cottage with its sharp clean fragrance.

The old rocky table with its one bench had been replaced by a larger sturdier table of beautifully knotted pine. On either side were two long benches which could seat up to six guests. Wufei did not know how they managed it, but Zechs and Treize had patched up the leaks in the roof that had been too high for him to reach. Wufei spun around. He was so preoccupied he had not noticed, but they had even replaced the charred door.

What struck Wufei most though was the wine, rabbit stew and crumbled cheese waiting for him on the table. At the fireplace, a pot of water was bubbling, ready for his bath.

“This …,” Wufei croaked, horrified to find a lump rising in his throat. No one had ever done something like this for him and he had to quickly turn away before Zechs and Treize could see his expression.

“Elf?”

Treize and Zechs came up behind Wufei, their voices uncertain. “Did we do too much?” Zechs asked gruffly. “We did not mean to be presumptuous.”

“No it is wonderful.” Wufei turned to the guardians once he finally mastered his emotions. “Thank you. Everything is beautiful.”

Treize frowned. “You do not seem very happy.”

“No … I’m just not to used to things like this.” Wufei was glowering; he blinked rapidly trying to force back the tears that seemed determined to make a fool of him. Maybe it was exhaustion from the trip or the cumulative effect of the emotional turmoil of the past few days but Wufei felt exposed and fragile in a way he had not in years. To his horror, a sob escaped him.

“Excuse me; I forgot something outside,” he croaked as he barreled past Treize and Zechs out of the cottage.

Even then he could not escape the irony of the situation. Once outside, Wufei did not know where to go. He had never needed to get away from anyone before since he was always alone. Wufei finally headed to a small clearing not far from the temple. He sank onto the grass. What was happening to him? When had he become so emotional?

Of course, Wufei should have known there was no escaping beings like Treize and Zechs–not ordinarily and certainly not with the connection they now shared. Sure enough, the two guardians materialized beside him within a matter of seconds.

“If we did something to offend you, we prefer if you let us know,” Zechs said quietly.

Treize nodded. “If you don’t tell us, how can we fix it?”

“It’s not you. Everything is fine: the food … the table … the door….” Wufei buried his face in his hands. “Gods, it was so much easier being alone. Why couldn’t things stay that way? Then I’d never know….”

“Never know what, Elf?” Treize knelt in front of Wufei.

“How lonely I was.”

Wufei wrapped his arms around himself. He wished he could go away from this place, wished this burden of duty was no longer his to bear. How could he go back to his old life once he figured out how to free Treize and Zechs? How was he ever going to pretend to be happy when all he could see in front of him was a lifetime of emptiness?

“Oh, Wufei.” Treize pulled Wufei into his arms. “Whatever happens in the future, we are here for you now. We are guardians and we are yours. We will protect you no matter what, even if that protection is from your own loneliness.”

Treize kissed the top of Wufei’s head and Wufei did not protest. The warmth of Treize’s body seemed to be the only thing that could ease the knot of pain inside of him. When Zechs captured his palm and kissed the pulse at his wrist, Wufei could only shiver. He had fought this for so long but he was tired of denying the yearning inside of him.

Wufei moaned as Zechs’ kisses moved up his arm to the silky skin of his bicep. Was it so wrong to give into what Treize and Zechs were clearly offering? They belonged to him if only for a moment and they wanted him. Was it so wrong to want them too? If he was going to be alone he might as well have some memories to look back on. One day when he was old and his duty on this mountain had ended, he would think on this and remember that his sacrifice meant something. He would be able to say he had protected his people and that once a long long time ago he had been desired. Not for his power, or his heritage or his knowledge, but for himself.

Wufei reached for each of the guardians. He squeezed Treize’s and Zechs’ hands.

“Please,” he said hoarsely. “Make love to me now.”

————————————————

Once Wufei uttered those words there was no taking them back–not with the intensity of the two guardians’ desire for him. Wufei could practically feel the heat of their combined gazes upon him.

Zechs was the first to speak: “Are you sure this is what you want? If you come to us we want you to have no regrets.”

Treize nodded. “There will be no going back to separate beds after this. We want you too badly to let you keep running away from us. If you are positive you want us then we will take good care of you. Zechs and I will give you more pleasure than you ever imagined.”

Wufei thought for a moment. He did not doubt the seriousness of Treize’s and Zechs’ words. They meant everything they said, but was he ready for this? Would not becoming their lover only make their separation all the more painful when it finally came? Wufei bit his lip. He knew it would. Yet for all of that it was worth it. Everything in his life had been laid out for him from the day he was born. He had never had to take a risk on anything and it had brought him comfort and security, but was he happy? For the first time in his life Wufei was ready to take that risk and he was going to make it count. If there were pain afterwards … well, he would deal with that then.

Wufei turned to the two men who would be his lovers. “Yes, I am sure,” he insisted.

Wufei let Zechs and Treize pull him to his feet. He thought they would use their powers and whisk him back to the cottage. Instead he walked between them through the clearing, his hands joined with theirs. Wufei’s heart pounded as he looked up at the two men. He was a tumult of nerves and excitement. He had an idea of what would happen, but he was inexperienced enough to be a little scared. Would it really feel good and would he get to touch Treize and Zechs too?

The two men were so attractive … so masculine. Wufei trained hard and was proud of his body but he was suddenly filled with doubt. He was not nearly as desirable as Treize and Zechs. They were probably being kind when they called him beautiful. Wufei’s thoughts raced until he worked himself up into a ball of tension. He did not realize he was crushing Treize’s and Zechs’ fingers until both men stopped walking. Wufei was so lost in his thoughts he tripped over his feet.

“Elf,” Treize said quietly.

“Yes? Is something wrong?”

“Nothing is wrong except for the fact that your hands are like ice and you’ve been squeezing my fingers so tightly they’re about to turn blue,” Zechs remarked but his voice was gentle. “Don’t be anxious, sweetheart. We will treat you well.”

It was the first time the brusque lieutenant had used an endearment with him and Wufei flushed with heat. He felt oddly cherished, moreso than even when Zechs had confessed his desire for him. It made Wufei both eager and shy at the same time. He released his bruising grip on the other men’s hands. “Sorry,” he mumbled.

“Don’t apologize. It is our duty and our pleasure to take care of you,” Treize murmured.

They were at the cottage door and Wufei’s heart was beating so fast he thought it would burst out of his chest. Yet unlike him, Treize and Zechs were the picture of calm. Zechs held the door open and before Wufei could protest, Treize picked him up and carried him inside. The older man laid him on the thick white furs near the fire. At some point Zechs had also returned.

Wufei bit his lips as he looked from one man to the other. He gave a soft cry as both men began undressing.

“Wait! I’ve never done this before, you know,” he blurted, immediately reddening.

“We know. We’re looking forward to making you ours and ours alone,” Treize replied with a smile.

Zechs was looking at Wufei with the same mixture of fierceness and tenderness as Treize and Wufei realized how serious they were. While he shied away from contemplating their bond and its meaning it seemed Treize and Zechs had not only contemplated it but were eager to make it permanent.

Wufei was breathless as he looked at both men. They stood before him, glorious in their nakedness. How could they want him? And Treize and Zechs clearly wanted him. Wufei’s gaze dropped to their impressive erections. He shivered.

Zechs extended his hand. “Are you just going to watch or are you going to join us?”

“I…” Wufei’s thoughts were so scattered he did not think he could even command his body to move, but his feet propelled him forward and he stumbled into Zechs’ arms.

Zechs enveloped him in his embrace, holding Wufei for a moment before tilting the younger man’s face up and slanting his mouth over his. Zechs’ kiss was slow yet playful. He traced the peaks of Wufei’s upper lip, swept over his bottom lip then dipped inside, causing Wufei to whimper and cling to the older man. Zechs tightened his arms around him, molding their modies together so that Wufei could feel the hard insistence of Zechs’ erection against his belly. When Wufei responded shyly, his tongue stealing out to touch Zechs,’ a shudder went through the older man’s powerful arms.

Wufei’s shock was followed swiftly by pride. That he could affect Zechs so strongly caused heat to bloom inside of him. It made him bold. He ran his hands along Zechs’ arms, feeling taut muscle and the power lying quiescent there. Zechs’ chest was broad, heavy, honed from years of wielding a sword. The skin of his shoulders and back was stippled and ridged with scars Wufei had never noticed before and he touched each one now with wonder. One scar slashed diagonally across Zechs’ chest, starting at his left shoulder and ending just above his right nipple. Wufei murmured sypmathetically as he traced the puckered skin. Compared to the rugged masculinity of the rest of his body Zechs’ pale nipples seemed delicate–surprising points of vulnerability on such an imposing frame. Wufei bent his head and captured one tender nubbin. He suckled gently and Zechs groaned, throwing his head back.

Wufei pulled away. “You like that?”

“Hmm? Yes.” Zechs looked at Wufei with heavy-lidded eyes. “And if I remember correctly so do you.”

“Oh … ah….” Wufei was pinned in place by Zechs’ gaze and the husky timbre of his voice.

Zechs smiled. He glanced at a spot somewhere above Wufei’s head and Wufei did not have to turn around to know that Treize was standing behind him. He could feel the heat of the other man’s body at his elbow and smell his scent. Though Treize did not speak or touch him, that living presence behind Wufei heightened his senses in anticipation. The moment stretched out until the very air seemed to quiver, mirroring the tension in his body. A helpless tremor seized Wufei and he made a small sound, half excitement, half questioning what the men would do next.

“I think it’s time to undress you,” Treize said as though he had been waiting for that subtle plea to touch Wufei. He kissed Wufei’s neck, hot tongue tracing his pulse. Wufei gasped and Treize’s mouth widened, suckling delicate flesh. He was devouring him and Wufei strained in Treize’s embrace. Wherever Treize touched him a vibration thrummed through his body. Wufei had never felt anything like it.

“Tr…Treize?” he asked, confused.

It was Zechs who responded, molding his body to Wufei’s back. “You feel it? His power entering you?”

“P–power?” Wufei croaked, struggling to pay attention as Treize sucked his index finger into his mouth.

“Mm hmm, just a little. Shall I let you feel mine?”

“I’m not sure I underst–ah!” Wufei shouted. He rose on tiptoe, teetering between the two men. Power swelled in him. Where Treize’s energy was thick and concentrated like slow-moving honey, Zechs’ power zinged through him–white-hot, piercing and electric. The two opposing sensations left Wufei off balance and it was only the beginning as the two men began pumping more energy into him.

Wufei did not think anything could be more intense than the physical pleasure Zechs and Treize had shown him but now he realized how wrong he was. Just as their bodies caressed, Treize’s and Zechs’ power reached deep inside of Wufei to touch the naked molten core of energy inside of him. Wufei shouted and his knees buckled as pleasure flooded his body in a single pure wave. He would have fallen if Treize was not there to catch him.

“I’ve got you,” Treize was murmuring but Wufei barely heard him. The guardians’ power was still flowing into him, melding with his until Wufei could not tell where his power began and where theirs ended. All he knew was ecstasy bordering on pain. It kept expanding, twanging inside of Wufei until it built to a crescendo. It was more than Wufei could bear. His eyes flew wide and his throat worked soundlessly as he orgasmed. Every spurt of his cock was echoed by another deeper hidden pulse inside of him. Overwhelmed, Wufei shook in Treize’s arms. He did not even have the breath to cry out. He could only ride the intense waves of sensation until they subsided.

Wufei lay stunned, twitching from the aftershocks of pleasure. His whole body felt as if it were crackling with energy. When Treize brushed a hand over his cheek, Wufei whimpered. The tiniest sensations were now magnified so that even the brush of a fingertip caused electricity to curl through him. When Wufei thought of what that meant for the night ahead something very close to panic rose in him. He clutched at Treize’s tunic.

“I … I don’t know if I’ll be able to handle this.”

“Handle what, Elf?”

“Tonight … the rest.” Wufei gestured helplessly. “If it’s already this much…” he trailed off.

“Ah,” Treize murmured. “Your problem is you are thinking about this as something you have to manage but all you need to do is enjoy the pleasure we will give you.”

Zechs nodded. “To be wary of pain is natural but you’re the only man I know who is suspicious of pleasure,” the blond teased Wufei. “We enjoy touching you and you enjoy it when we touch you. Nothing can be simpler than that.”

Their words made sense and Wufei’s body knew the truth of them best, but Wufei had sealed off this part of his life for so long that he was nervous. He was not scared of the pleasure but of what his own passion might reveal about himself. Already all his long-held notions were crumbling, shattered just like the seal that had imprisoned Zechs and Treize. Who was he now, and who would he be after tonight? Wufei searched himself and found that as much as he was afraid of losing his old self, he was more frightened of not knowing who he could be. Wufei took a deep breath and nodded.

“All right,” he told the two men.

“Good,” Treize rumbled. He drew Wufei’s fingers to his lips, then he reached for his tunic.

Perhaps it was years of companionship or the power flowing between them, but Zechs and Treize undressed Wufei without a jarring movement or an utterred word. In pefect coordination, Treize slipped Wufei’s robes off his shoulders, while Zechs pulled his tunic over his head. Zechs kneeled at Wufei’s feet, removing his shoes so that Treize could peel away Wufei’s scarlet leggings. The older men pulled back and then there was nothing left between them except heat and the expectation of pleasure.

Wufei’s heart was thumping. He looked down and noticed his belly was smeared with his seed. He wiped hastily at it.

Zechs tugged his hand away. “Don’t do that.”

“What? Why?”

“Because we like seeing the evidence of your passion. Now it’s completely gone to waste. I guess we’ll just have to replace it,” Zechs said mischievously.

Wufei moaned. If they kept this up he was going to go crazy before the night was over.

“Come, we’ve tarried too long already,” Treize said. “It’s time to complete our bond.”

“Yes,” Zechs agreed.

Wufei took a deep breath as they lowered themselves to the furs. “I want this. I don’t know what it will mean for my life here or even how long you will be with me, but for now, I want to be bonded with you.”

“Not just for now. Forever,” Treize insisted. “A bond with us is forever. You have to be very sure of this, Elf.”

“I know,” Wufei said, and he meant it.

Treize and Zechs enclosed Wufei in their embrace. Treize sat against the wall and pulled Wufei against his chest. He kissed his neck then moved up to capture the soft lobe of Wufei’s ear.

Wufei shivered as Treize’s kisses continued, hot, slow and sweet. The older man found his nipples and he tweaked the tiny sensitive buds. Sensation shot to Wufei’s groin. He arched, moaning deeply.

“So lovely,” Treize murmured, his fingers pinching and pulling, circling and rubbing. Wufei’s husky cries were fevered and they only intensified as Zechs kissed down his stomach. His golden head burrowed between Wufei’s legs; a skillful mouth surrounded the tip of Wufei’s cock and began a gentle suction. Wufei shouted and almost rose out of Treize’s lap but the older man brought him down to earth with soothing words and even softer kisses. He massaged Wufei’s tense thighs then spread them wider, giving Zechs better access to his delights.

“Hah … ah.” Wufei panted. His entire body shook as Zechs teased his foreskin. Zechs’ mouth widened to envelop more of his cock, until his nose tickled Wufei’s pubic hair.

“Gods …. ” Wufei clutched at Zechs’ hair. His eyes rolled into the back of his head as the blond bobbed his head. Wufei was overcome as pleasure seized him. The powerful suction of Zechs’ mouth combined with the devilish flick of the older man’s tongue. Zechs was licking along the thick vein of Wufei’s shaft and worming against his slit. Underneath it all was the tingle of magick and a tenderness that made Wufei’s heart turn over. He had denied himself pleasure but now he realized he was missing something else:

Simple affection. Now, each caress from Treize and Zechs was a reminder and a redemption.

“Are you ready for us, Wufei?”

“Yes.” How could he not be after all they had shared tonight?

Zechs and Treize shifted so that Wufei found himself between Zechs’ legs and Treize behind him. Zechs tugged Wufei forward.

“Treize, hand him the oil.”

Wufei flushed. He looked from Zechs to Treize and back again. “You mean me…in Zechs?” he stammered.

“Yes, unless you don’t want to?” Zechs reclined on the furs. Languidly, he spread his legs, baring the rosy entrance to his body.

Gods … gods. Wufei stared. Zechs was amazing, so sensual. To think that he was offering himself to him! Just imagining being inside of Zechs made Wufei’s cock so hard he ached. He did not even know how he was going to get inside the other man without losing it. Wufei tried to say something but only a strangled noise emerged.

“I’ll take that as a yes,” Zechs chuckled. He poured some oil into his palm and smeared it onto Wufei’s cock.

Wufei’s entire body jerked. He brushed Zechs’ hand away. “No, I’ll do it. I’ll come if you touch me any more.”

“Very well.”

“I have to stretch you first, right?”

“That would be nice.”

Wufei nodded and pursed his lips. His brow furrowed as he slipped one finger into Zechs. He wiggled that digit, working the tight seal of Zechs’ muscles until bit by bit he eased into the older man. Zechs made a sound of encouragement, while Wufei watched, fascinated as his finger was swallowed into tight heat. If Zechs was this snug around a finger, what would he feel like around his cock? Wufei moaned but he forced himself to focus on Zechs’s pleasure. He thrust his finger in and out, attentive to every move of the blond’s body.

When Zechs began groaning, Wufei slipped another finger in, reaching deep inside of him. He touched something and Zechs shouted, rising off the furs. Wufei looked up to find the blond’s face contorted with pleasure.

“Does it hurt?” Wufei croaked. He was perspiring. Seeing Zechs unraveling right before his eyes, all Wufei wanted to do was pull back and sink his cock into the delicious heat of Zechs’ body but he had to be sure. The last thing he wanted to do was hurt Zechs after all the care the blond had shown him.

No it doesn’t hurt.” Zechs’ voice was husky. “It feels good.”

“Okay.” Relieved, Wufei thrust his fingers faster, this time aiming for that special spot deep inside.

Zechs came alive beneath him. “Ah! Yes! Right there!” he shouted. He grasped his cock and started stroking it. Zechs was large and his cock jutted long and proud from a nest of golden curls. The tip of him glistened with precum and as he pumped his erection he spread it along the shaft.

It was too much. Wufei could not hold back anymore. “Zechs, I need you.”

“Yes, now,” Zechs urged him, spreading his legs wider.

Wufei did not have to be told twice. He positioned himself between Zechs’ legs and sank into the blond’s welcoming body. The sensation took Wufei’s breath away. And when he moved–pleasure and more pleasure than Wufei had ever experienced.consuming him. No, not pleasure, ecstasy. Zechs was tight and he wascaressing every inch of Wufei’s cock. Instinct took over and Wufei started thrusting hard and deep, aiming for that node which had this powerful man crying out in his arms. Zechs was moaning, moving with Wufei, hips rolling up to meet his thrusts. Still Wufei wanted to get closer. He hooked Zechs’ legs over his forearms, leaning forward until the blond’s knees were almost pressed against his chest.

Zechs was hot, tight and so perfect Wufei forgot about Treize until he felt large hands cupping him and then the older man licking between his cheeks.

Wufei’s entire body went rigid with shock and he clutched at Zechs. Somehow in spite of all of Treize’s teasing, Wufei never believed the older man would actually do something so intimate and to do it now of all times–!

“What?” Zechs gasped.

“Z-Zechs … he’s….” Wufei’s voice rose.

Zechs shifted to look over Wufei’s shoulder. “Yes. He’s very good at that don’t you think?”

“Ah! But….” Wufei’s voice fragmented. He squirmed as Treize teased around his pucker then plunged inside of him. His tongue, hot and slick, mimicked the very movements of Wufei’s cock inside of Zechs.Wufei shivered and cried out. He lost his grip on Zechs but the blond locked his legs around Wufei, preventing him from pulling away.

“You’re not going to leave me hanging are you?” Zechs emphasized his words by squeezing around Wufei’s cock.

“Nn…no….”

“I didn’t think so. Now why don’t you finish where you left off? You feel so good inside of me.”

“But Treize–”

“Knows exactly what he’s doing. Don’t you, Treize?”

“Mmhmm.” Treize’s tongue darted into Wufei again.

Wufei reddened. How could something so embarrassing feel so good? Wufei did not know how he could please Zechs with Treize doing that to him. Yet, from the eager noises Treize was making, the older man was clearly not interested in stopping. Wufei had no choice. Despite the riot of sensation coursing through him, he drew a shaky breath and slowly thrust into Zechs again. The blond rocked his hips up to meet him.

“You’re doing wonderfully, Elf,” Zechs told Wufei with a smile.

Wufei kissed him, sinking into his warmth. Never in Wufei’s wildest dreams had he imagined making love to a man like Zechs.

Behind them, Treize pulled back and circled Wufei’s hole with fingers. The touch was just as foreign to Wufei as Treize’s earlier caress. He could not help tightening up but Treize massaged his tight sphincter, coaxing Wufei to open up to him. Gradually Wufei relaxed. When Treize returned, a finger dipped into him, testing him–deepening his pleasure. Wufei moaned. Was this what Zechs felt when Wufei touched him?

“I’m going to enter you now, Wufei.” Treize leaned forward. The head of his cock nudging Wufei’s entrance felt impossibly large.

“I don’t think that will fit,” Wufei groaned.

“Of course it will fit.” Zechs teased. “I took you, didn’t I?”

Wufei could not deny that. He shuddered as Treize’s cock eased into him, stretching him inch by slow inch, . Wufei’s body accommodated him but just. Treize was so large to Wufei it didn’t feel like he could move at all.

“Am I hurting you, Elf?”

Wufei immediately wanted to say yes but once he got over his initial panic, he realized that Treize’s cock inside of him was not painful, merely strange. “No,” he said shakily.

“Then relax. You’re so tense.” Treize’s voice was strained.

“I’m trying,” Wufei whimpered.

Zechs cupped Wufei’s face. “Kiss me, Wufei.”

Wufei swallowed and nodded. He brushed his mouth against Zechs’ and the other man immediately deepened the kiss. Their tongues tangled together while Zechs’ hands stroked over Wufei’s body. He stoked the fire of Wufei’s arousal until Wufei moaned and forgot all his inhibitions and opened up to Treize. The older man was caressing Wufei with the same light touches as Zechs. He whispered words of encouragement, praising Wufei for everything from his darky silky hair to the tight embracing heat of his body. Wufei felt the initial resistance of his muscles then Treize was sliding home. He was buried deep, filling Wufei so completely that the younger man could only cry out in wonder.

Treize had started a gentle thrusting inside of him. It nudged Wufei forward, pressing him deeper into Zechs, causing pleasure to reverberate from Treize to Wufei to Zechs and back again. Between the two guardians, Wufei was buffeted by pleasure on all sides. He was caught between two fires and Wufei did not want to escape. He flushed from head to toe as he imagined the picture they made but it only aroused him further.

They found a rhythm together and when power began flowing through them again, Wufei lost all sense of time and place. He knew only that he was in Treize’s and Zechs’ arms and that it was good.

“You’re both beautiful … so beautiful…” Treize growled, nipping Wufei’s ear. He bent low over him as his thrusts grew heavier and faster, each one striking Wufei’s prostate. Treize’s fingers dug into Wufei’s hips, pushing him further and further toward the brink and even as Wufei shouted and begged, he was driving into Zechs with the same intensity. The blond’s skin was flushed, his hair a tangled nest around his face, his mouth slack in ecstasy. He never stopped moving or caressing Wufei’s cock with every squeeze of his inner muscles.

Wufei flung his head back as their passion built to a frenzied pace. He was rocking back and forth from the cradle of Treize’s arms to the welcoming tightness of Zechs’ body. Their groans rose and mingled as the smell of sex and sweat filled the air. Wufei felt a familiar tightness building in his loins and his power gathering in him like a storm.

Going to fill you up,” Treize growled, pumping into Wufei in hard short jabs. He bit into Wufei’s shoulder and Wufei’s eyes went wide.

“Ungh … I’m coming!” He cried out. He shuddered and his cock spurted into Zechs.

“Yes!” Zechs’ shouted, his hand a blur over his cock. He exploded, shooting semen in thick white pulses all over his belly.

Treize held out until the very end, driving into them both until neither Wufei nor Zechs could catch their breaths but finally all their squirming and moaning set Treize off too. He tensed, filling Wufei with warmth. He listed forward and they all collapsed on the furs in one sticky pile.

Long moments passed before anyone could speak. Treize’s weight on top of Wufei was oppressive but he could not bring himself to ask him to move. Wufei felt more than satisfaction. He felt fulfilled.

“Gods, that was amazing,” Treize breathed, rolling away from Wufei. His seed was dripping down Wufei’s thighs but the younger man was too tired to care. Wufei slumped against Zechs who curled his arms around him. He did not ask Wufei to pull out.

“Are you all right, Elf?” Treize had stretched out next to Zechs on the furs. He reached over to stroke Wufei’s cheek.

“Mm,” Wufei purred. He was so full of energy he almost expected to see his power haloed around them. Now he understood why most mages used sex to gain energy. Everthing else paled in comparison.

Zechs shifted Wufei and gently disengaged their bodies. “You felt so good inside of me, Wufei. Next time, I will return the favor.” As he spoke, Zechs cupped and kneaded Wufei’s buttocks. Wufei made a small sound and shivered. Zechs was even larger than Treize. After what he just experienced, Wufei anticipated a very …. challenging time with Zechs.

The fire had burned down to a few crackling embers and in the fading light the sigils on Treize’s and Zechs’ bodies glowed–proof of their newly forged bond. Lethargy seeped into Wufei’s bones but even as his eyelids drooped , his thoughts were awhirl. Tomorrow they would begin preparing for the Fire Festival and Wufei’s plan would finally be put to the test.

These past few days had been like a dream with the cottage their own little world. In the guardians’ arms Wufei had almost forgotten the magnitude of the challenges ahead of them. There was getting past the Fire Festival, yes, but what about afterward? Wufei had not dared to think beyond that. They were bonded but he could not in good conscience ask Zechs and Treize to stay with him on this mountain after being imprisoned there for so long. There was so much of the world Wufei had never seen, himself. He wanted so badly to run away and leave this life behind him but how could he explain to the Elders that countless of generations of tradition were for naught? How could he tell them that the very foundation of everything they believed was an illusion? No matter how hard he thought about it there was no clear solution. Wufei sighed heavily.

“Elf? Are you all right?” Treize asked.

“I’m fine.”

“Then why the big sigh?”

“I’m just tired,” Wufei lied.

“Then rest. Tomorrow will come soon enough.”

And all his troubles with it, Wufei thought. He closed his eyes and for tonight at least tried to forget.

—————————

Notes: 1. The suffix “tzu” means “master” or “teacher”

Table of contents for A Matter of Good Sense

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

This story is dedicated to Lili for her kindness and her wonderful support. Thanks so much, my dear!

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

This chapter is unbetaed so please excuse any mistakes

A Matter of Good Sense
by Michalyn
Chapter Fourteen: Passion

Notes: I’m sorry this chapter took so long. The past few months have been some of the hardest I’ve had in a long time. I’ve been quite sick and I just couldn’t find the energy or inspiration to write.  Still, I have been looking forward to this chapter for a long while so I hope you’ll forgive me if it’s a little indulgent.

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Though they were more than halfway through autumn, the day was unseasonably warm. Treize wiped the sweat inching down his forehead with the corner of his sleeve.  The cloak he’d worn earlier this morning was rolled into a tight bundle in front of him, rendered useless by the heat. Treize had just returned from his daily rounds and a sparring session with Heero. Tired, with the afternoon sun beating down on him and a half hour ride still between him and the palace, Treize was not eager to spend more time in the blistering heat. He was not the only one suffering; a lather of sweat foamed Porphyro’s flanks.

Treize veered off the path towards the shaded watering hole he knew was nearby to give the horse a drink. He dismounted, and as he moved to tether Porphyro to a tree, Treize suddenly realized he was not alone. There, on the eastern bank was Wufei’s own horse and beside it, the small familiar figure of Treize’s husband. Wufei had tossed his tunic onto the grass and he was bare-chested. He was left in  loose trousers belted at the waist with a thick band of cloth. Just like Treize, it seemed Wufei had sought refuge from the heat and had abandoned the scorching palace courtyard where he usually practiced for the shade of the trees. He moved now in a series of lightning fast moves, which took Treize’s breath away.

Wufei struck out viciously at his invisible opponent. In the same fluid motion he spun off the ground in a roundhouse kick before landing and rapidly repeating a number of specialized jabs. Sweat poured down his back, forehead and chest, making his skin gleam with moisture  but  Wufei persisted, driving his body to the very limits of endurance and beyond. His braid slapped against his skin with each movement and dark silky wisps escaped his hair tie, clinging to his face in wet tendrils.

Treize’s only experience with Wufei’s training had not been a pleasant one and apart from the knowledge that it made his husband a dangerous man to contend with, he did not know much about the discipline the younger man so revered. He was not sure what he thought Wufei’s exercises entailed, but he had not anticipated such an exquisite display of skill and grace. Wufei’s movements were intricate and as rhythmic as a dancer’s. Treize found them beautiful. He watched transfixed, retreating to the shadows, lest he interrupt the choreography, or worse, chase his husband away.

Treize did not know how long he stood there, straining to catch every movement but Wufei finally stilled. The younger man was breathing heavily and he paused to take a drink from the water skin hanging from his saddle. Treize had hung back to avoid disturbing Wufei, but now that his husband was done, he was wary of giving him any more reason to mistrust him and he stepped forward to announce his presence.

He did not get very far.

On his side of the lake, completely unaware of Treize, Wufei was loosening his hair. He took off his shoes then his hands went to his belt.

Treize gasped as Wufei’s pants dropped around his ankles.  His mouth went dry as Wufei unwound his loincloth and set it aside.  All of Treize’s pent up desire from the past few weeks flared to life and he was instantly hard. He trembled, seized by a sudden fever. He knew he should turn away and leave but after being unable to even touch Wufei, seeing him like this was too much.

Wufei was even more beautiful than he remembered. His muscles were sleek and taut, his buttocks perfectly round and tight. The dark fall of his hair stirred in the sluggish breeze, caressing Wufei’s body just as Treize wished he could. When Wufei entered the lake, the water brushing up to his thighs, Treize couldn’t help looking there, following the ascent of the water to Wufei’s genitals.

Stifling a groan, Treize stepped out into the clearing. He was only a man, a man with human desires and his need for Wufei was a fire burning in his veins. It was not so much lust as a primal hunger to be with the man who filled his every waking thought and haunted his dreams. Was it so wrong to want to hold him? Treize did not think. He simply removed his own clothes and entered the lake.

For a moment, everything was still as Wufei bathed himself, leaning back to dip his hair in the water, but Treize’s splashing alerted him and he spun around.

“Treize! What are you doing here?” he growled.

” The same thing as you, I’d wager. It was hot so I stopped to give Porphyro a drink. I didn’t expect to find you here.”

Wufei flushed, crossing his arms in front of himself. He was obviously self-conscious and had put a marked distance between himself and Treize. He also sank lower in the water. “I’ll be out of here shortly,” he insisted, yet made no move to leave.

Treize guessed his dilemma and for the first time he was grateful for his husband’s shyness. Wufei would not willingly bathe with him, but getting out would mean exposing himself to Treize, which was even more intolerable from Wufei’s perspective. From Treize’s perspective, it meant a little more time with his husband, even though he might not be able to touch him. Treize swam closer.

“Don’t leave on my account. It’s  beautiful out here and the lake is big enough for both of us, don’t you think?”

Wufei nodded stiffly and Treize sighed, his passion fading as he was confronted with the extent of his husband’s distaste for him.

“Relax, Kala. I won’t do anything you don’t want me to.”

Wufei swallowed; his jaw clenched for a moment. Finally, he said: “Where were you coming from when you stopped here? Have there been any new leads on the attack that occurred a few weeks ago?”

Treize was speechless for a moment. Wufei was actually making idle conversation with him? A warm feeling spread inside of him, inspired by the spark of hope burning in his breast.

“Ah,” he stammered, “I was training with Heero. As for the attack, unfortunately we’ve made no progress. We know it’s Mueller, but we’ve got nothing concrete we can use against him. That means all we can do is strengthen our defense. Right now, Heero and Lord Maxwell have been working with the soldiers to accomplish that. I visited the armory today and I can already see the improvements in the men’s techniques. Truth be told, I’m surprised at how well Yuy and Maxwell work together. An unlikely pair if I ever saw one, but they seem to have become friends.”

“Well, they are both fighting men and Duo was not born into the nobility. He has always preferred the company of soldiers to the court. They’re different but they may have more in common than meets the eye.”

“Yes, I suppose you’re quite right.” Treize cupped a handful of water and let it spill through his fingers. The droplets plopped into the water, creating a wave of intersecting ripples. “You seem to know Lord Maxwell very well,” he murmured, without looking up.

Wufei nodded, twisting the hank of his hair over his shoulder and squeezing the water from it. “I guess you could say we grew up together though we were never close as children. For a long time he was just one of the many orphans sold to the army, but he was skilled and quickly caught the attention of the captains. The courtiers noticed him too, but for a different reason altogether.” Wufei looked up. “Duo had stuck mostly to the soldiers quarters before that, but afterwards he became a familiar face around the palace as he was involved in one affair after another. I … I never thought of it until now but I don’t know how many of those were willing,” Wufei murmured, a frown darkening his brow.

Treize could just imagine. An orphaned boy did not have any power against a nobleman who set his eyes upon him, especially not when that nobleman could make or break his career at a single word.  He turned to Wufei.  “And now? Are you and he good friends?”

A rare smile played about Wufei’s lips. “Yes … yes  I think we have become that,” he said softly.

“Is that so?” Something twisted inside of Treize. That smile said it all. He had guessed but had not wanted to believe that Wufei’s affections might belong to another.  Was it already too late for them? Treize remembered the yearning he’d seen in Wufei’s face after they’d eaten dinner. That was not a look of a man in love with his rival, he told himself fiercely. He did not care how many noblemen Maxwell had bedded. Treize was not going to allow him to steal Wufei away from him. He would do whatever it took to make sure of that.

While Treize was lost in his musings, Wufei squeezed the excess water from his hair. “Well, I better go. I still need to review the minutes of this week’s council meeting,” he said.

“All right.” Treize was disappointed but he did not let it show. He turned away, allowing Wufei to exit without any awkwardness. Treize heard the younger man pause. Wufei murmured a soft “thank you” and then there was the splashing of the water as he headed towards the bank. Treize waited until he thought his husband was dressed before turning around once more so he could also leave the lake.

Wufei was already climbing onto his mount by the time Treize pulled on his clothes and the older man was surprised when Wufei did not ride away but instead waited for Treize to untether Porphyro.

“Should we ride back together?” he asked gruffly.

Treize’s eyebrows shot to his hairline. He leapt onto Porphyro in one smooth movement, his heart bursting with emotion. He wanted to tell Wufei that he would follow him to Eires and back if he asked him to but he didn’t. Instead, Treize rode up to Wufei with a smile. “Lead the way.”

Wufei nodded. He touched his heels to Nataku’s flank and led them out into the sunlight together.

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Later that evening, Treize found Wufei in the garden. In the weeks since their dinner together, it seemed his husband had begun spending more time outside, frequently taking his evening meals there as well. Sometimes Maxwell would join him, but most times Wufei was alone. He never visted during the day. It was only when night had fallen that he could be seen sitting amongst the flowers. Treize often watched him from the study window and though they were apart, the sight of Wufei wandering beneath his window gave Treize a sense of quiet companionship that was missing from their daily interactions.

Treize was still surprised at how much Wufei enjoyed Rossettian evenings. Even with all of Quatre’s talk about Wufei’s affinity for night, Treize could not imagine that anyone raised under Eires’ twin suns would be comfortable in darkness, and yet, Wufei sought it out like a long lost friend. Sometimes, when Treize looked up from his papers, he would find that he’d completely lost sight of him, for Wufei lingered where the shadows were deepest and he took shelter under the darkest eaves. It gave Treize pause. He didn’t trust magick but he had already accepted that he could not ignore it. If Wufei was indeed a child of darkness, what must it have been like to be born in a place that automatically denied such an essential part of himself? His husband was still a mystery to him, but every night Wufei spent in the garden gave Treize a little more insight into at least one part of his lover’s pain.

Tonight, though, Treize wasn’t content to watch. Something in the air called to him; or maybe it was just the memory of the lake which pushed him forward. Whatever it was, Treize found himself abandoning his papers (he could not concentrate anyway) and going downstairs. A little twilight gray still lingered in the sky so Wufei had not ventured far. He was sitting on one of the marble benches that dotted the well-manicured lawns. Treize was always hesitant to approach since he could not count on being welcomed. Right then Wufei looked so deep in thought that he began questioning whether he’d been too rash in deciding to disturb him. Treize was still hovering on the verge of indecision when Wufei turned his way.

“Treize?” He didn’t appear annoyed, merely puzzled.

Treize stepped forward. “Ah … well … my apologies for interrupting. I just thought… I saw you outside and it occurred to me how beautiful it was out here. I thought I would come to enjoy it a bit.”  Treize cleared his throat and stammered. His last sentence was left hanging like a question. To his own ears he sounded  foolish and uncertain. Had he really been reduced to such clumsiness? He could charm any man it seemed except the one who mattered. Treize was still berating himself and had already prepared himself for a rebuff when Wufei blinked and shrugged.

“Oh,” he murmured.

He didn’t make room for Treize on the bench beside him but he did not turn him away either. Treize decided to take his chances. “May I sit?” he asked quietly.

Wufei scooted over. Now that he was close, Treize could see that despite his cloak Wufei was shivering. It had cooled down since the afternoon but not nearly enough to be chilly. At least Treize did not think so. Whatever he felt though, he did not want Wufei to be uncomfortable.

“Kala, you are cold. Why don’t you go in? I’ll order some tea.”

Wufei waved him off. “No, it’ll pass.”

“But surely there is no point in freezing. I’ll have a blanket brought out at least. You can…”

“Treize, I’m not cold. It happens every night and every night it passes. I don’t want to go inside. Being out here helps.”

Treize’s lips parted in confusion, but then he noticed Wufei’s hands gripping the edge of the bench. They were white-knuckled with strain. Treize finally understood. He touched Wufei’s forehead and cursed. The younger man was burning up.

“Oh, Wufei,” he sighed. Why do you do this to yourself? Treize wanted to ask, but they’d traveled that road too many times before. He knew it would do no good. Instead he murmured, “You said every night. You mean you’ve gone through this every night since we … since we took separate beds?”

Wufei hesitated. Finally, he shrugged again.

Treize closed his eyes. “And you come here because…? I’ve seen you many times through the library window.”

Wufei seemed surprised at that. Treize hadn’t meant to spy and he hoped his husband was not angry.

Wufei was staring across the lawn. His face was hard to read in the shadows but there was an unmistakable weariness about him that spoke of how much the daily cycle of these episodes had taken out of him. “I come here because I have to. Because the darkness is the only thing that seems to help.”

“To help?”

“The pain,” Wufei said dully. He stood. “I should go.”

“No, wait!” Treize grabbed Wufei’s wrist and the smaller man visibly flinched. Treize dropped him as he had been burned.

“I’m sorry, does my touch also cause you pain?” Treize ground out, devastated. What hope was there for reconciliation when he could not even hold Wufei in his arms?

Wufei’s fists were clenched, his shoulders hunched as though shielding himself for a blow.

“Your touch … does not pain me,” he gritted. “But it makes it much more difficult afterwards so please, just don’t…. I have been trained all my life to deal with pain but every technique requires consistency. I cannot keep swinging from one extreme to the other. And with this it is not only the contrast that makes it difficult, the pain itself worsens after we cross paths—even through the most careless touch—only to break apart again.” Wufei shuddered. “I can’t anymore. I just can’t.”

Treize frowned, trying to make sense of this. “Contrast? But I….” he trailed off.

Treize didn’t need to finish. He suddenly got it. He understood with such clarity that it took his breath away. Heat burned through him and Treize was the one trembling.

“Are you saying…” he began hoarsely, “Are you saying that being apart from me causes you pain … and that even the smallest touch from me brings you pleasure?” Treize stood. “Is that the contrast you’re talking about? Is that why it is so painful for you when we run away from each other? Why you suffer like this every night?”

Treize thought of all the times he’d cornered Wufei, and tried to woo him with little touches and the simple nearness of his body. No wonder Wufei had bolted. Every mistrustful encounter between them magnified his suffering. Treize stared at Wufei, looking for the truth of his words. His husband’s eyes were wide with exposure and panic. Everything in his body language said he was ready to bolt yet again.

“No! Don’t run, Wufei please. I won’t do anything to hurt you again. I swear my life on it. You don’t believe me? I will get on my knees if that’s what it takes.” Treize’s knees sank into the soft earth, muddying the fine velvet and silk of his trousers.

“Stop.” Wufei’s voice was tortured. “I don’t want your shame or your anger. I’m tired of fighting, Treize. I just want peace.”

“Then come to me, Kala. You say you don’t want my shame but I hope you will accept my remorse. I am desperate because I have made mistakes and the only way to make it better is through your forgiveness. I don’t want to fight you anymore either, Wufei. We have had enough pain between us. I don’t know if it is the gods’ will or by magick but in my hands I hold something that I don’t even deserve. Let me start to earn it now, Wufei. Let me put an end to this suffering. Let me bring you not only pleasure, but friendship. I won’t embrace you and thrust you back into the cold.” Rising, Treize opened his arms. “Please, Wufei.”

Wufei’s throat worked. He took one faltering step towards Treize, then another. He stopped a handbreadth away, his yearning and fear and exhaustion etched into every line of his body. Treize made good on his promise. He closed that last space between them and enclosed Wufei in his arms.

The simple meeting of their bodies was like the brush of tinder suddenly ignited. A pulse so powerful surged between them that even Treize gasped. Wufei’s trembling intensified, shaking them both. He cried out softly and collapsed against Treize’s chest.

Treize picked him up and carried him up the stairs, all too aware of the most precious cargo he held in his arms.

“Come, Kala,” he whispered. “It’s time.”

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Treize strode past Wufei’s rooms and took them straight to the royal suite—their suite. Finally they were both back where they belonged. Once inside he locked the door. No one was to disturb them tonight; he didn’t care if all of Rossetti was burning. Treize set Wufei on his feet. He rubbed his back soothingly.

“Can you stand, Kala?”

“Yes,” Wufei answered, recovering a bit from the dazed trance he’d fallen into. He blinked and his gaze sharpened. Would he back out now? Treize wondered. In another time he would have swept Wufei up in his passion before he even had a moment to question anything. Now Treize searched Wufei’s features, making sure that what he saw there was what they both wanted.

“Kala, are you certain about this? We don’t have to do this tonight. If you want to leave, I will not stop you. If you just want to sleep in my arms until the pain subsides, I am here for that as well. It is your choice.”

Wufei shook his head. “No. I … I want this,” he said slowly.

Treize had to close his eyes to control the effect those words had on him. He grasped Wufei’s hand and brought it to his lips.

“Thank you, Wufei.”

Treize moved about the room, getting the things they needed. All the while he made light conversation and told teasing jokes to Wufei to help him relax. He’d heard the conviction in the younger man’s voice but Treize did not think his husband had changed so much as to have completely overcome his usual shyness. Wufei had not moved from where he stood and Treize was aware of his eyes following him about the room. He could almost hear his unspoken questions between them. No doubt he was wondering what Treize had in store for them this night.

Treize thought about the last and only time they’d been together. On the one hand the memory was as vivid as a brand. He remembered everything from Wufei’s scent to the light touch of his fingers upon his skin. On the other hand, it seemed so distant, like another life. Had Wufei enjoyed it? There had been hesitation, resistance and reluctant surrender. Treize had wanted to slowly cherish Wufei but what happened instead was something much more rushed. Tonight he would make up for not only that night, but all the empty nights, afternoons and mornings in between.

Treize sat on the nearby chair and pulled off his shoes. Piece by piece he shed his clothing until he was naked before Wufei. He could feel his husband’s hot eyes upon him, but when Treize met Wufei’s gaze, the younger man quickly looked away. Two spots of red colored his cheeks and Treize smiled.

“You can look all you want, Kala. This belongs to nobody but you. It doesn’t bother me; in fact it pleases me a great deal that you like what you see.” Treize brushed his hand over his chest, his stomach, the rising member between his legs.

Wufei’s gaze rested there. His lips were parted and his breath quickened. “I…” he began hoarsely. He trailed off, licking his lips.

“Yes,” Treize purred as though he understood Wufei’s unfinished sentence. He approached until he was standing close enough for Wufei to feel his body heat. “But it’s not fair for me to be the only one unclothed is it?” His gaze swept Wufei’s body. “I like looking too.”

Wufei’s eyes widened and his fingers instinctively tightened on his cloak, but he shook himself and began fumbling with the clasp. Treize stopped him.

“Let me.”

Color rose in Wufei’s cheeks but he nodded.

Treize parted the cloak and spread it on the bed. Its deep red lining gleamed in the candlelight and all Treize could think of was that he wanted to see Wufei against it in nothing but his bare skin. The idea inspired a tremor in him and Treize reminded himself that he had to go slowly.

He rubbed Wufei’s shoulders then pulled the heavy robes he wore over his head. Wufei was left in thin cotton trousers and the shoes on his feet. The latter were easily removed, but Treize did not take off Wufei’s pants just yet. He pulled his husband to him and kissed him. Wufei drew a sharp breath through his nose, then his lips parted and he let Treize inside.

Treize’s mouth was hot and seeking over Wufei’s but always gentle. He touched his tongue to Wufei’s and when the younger man shyly responded Treize groaned. Gods, he wanted so much tonight. Cupping the back of Wufei’s head, he pressed the younger man to him. Then his hands began roaming Wufei’s body.

Wufei was supple and smooth beneath his touch. He was small, almost delicately formed, but the corded  power in his arms, chest and back told a story of strength as well as beauty. Treize mouthed the tender place beneath his ear and Wufei gasped.  He followed the graceful curve of Wufei’s neck down to his chest. When  Treize brushed his lips over one velvet nipple, Wufei jerked in his arms.

“Treize!”

“Hmm?” Treize mouthed the dusky peak, savoring the tiny cries that burst from Wufei. He circled the nipple with his tongue, wetting it and feeling it stiffen beneath his touch. Treize moaned. Wufei’s erection was pressed against his belly and Treize couldn’t help thinking of even more tantalizing flesh stiffening and responding to his caresses. Treize gathered Wufei up and brought him to the bed where he lay him on the cloak. He shook his head as his husband made a questioning sound.

“It’s all right, Kala. I’m here,” he murmured, stretching out next to Wufei. Treize’s erection was pressed against Wufei’s hip and he knew his husband was aware of it. He distracted Wufei by rubbing over his belly, hips and thighs. He dipped between Wufei’s legs and Wufei started.

“Shh, I’ll take care of it,” Treize cooed, soothing him with a kiss. Wufei’s thighs were tense and Treize kept rubbing and caressing him to relax him. He captured his lips again. “Undo your hair for me, Kala.”

While Wufei reached behind him to unwind the long silky braid, Treize molded his palm to the growing bulge between Wufei’s legs. Slowly he began stroking him.

Wufei arched up with a hoarse cry. His fists were clenched and his body was trembling with strain. Treize’s hand moved once more and Wufei shuddered and moaned like a man in torment. His hair tangled about his face as he turned his head away. He tried to roll onto his side but Treize prevented him. All the while the older man kept touching Wufei, caressing those sensitive places to bring his lover even more pleasure.

“Treize … don’t…” Wufei pleaded, writhing against the cloak.

Treize pulled his hand away with a frown. “What? Talk to me, Kala.”

“I … it’s been too long,” Wufei explained in a small voice. “I’m going to….” he trailed off, reddening with embarrassment.

Relief washed through Treize. So that’s what this was all about. He laughed, brushing the hair away from Wufei’s face. “You silly, sweet boy. Do you think I care that you’re about to come?” Treize spooned behind Wufei and tightened his arms around him. “I’ll tell you the truth,” he whispered in Wufei’s ear. “It makes me hotter to know that I’ve barely touched you and you’re already like this.” His hand slipped between Wufei’s legs again. “That you’re so close so soon means that you want me … that your body has missed me just that much.”

Treize nudged Wufei’s thighs wider and increased the pace of his strokes. He kissed his lover’s neck and murmured scorching praises in his ear about how beautiful he was and how long he had waited to hold him like this. Treize told Wufei that he had dreamt of him and then he whispered what he had fantasized doing to him. By the time he was done Wufei was pleading and writhing in his arms. Treize relished those hungry sounds. The delicious feel of Wufei’s body pressed against his only made him want to fan the flames of his husband’s passion even higher.

So Treize did.

He’d kept his strokes even before but now he circled the head of Wufei’s cock, focusing all of his attention there. It was over before Wufei’s moan was even past his lips. The telltale shudders and growing dampness beneath his hand told Treize that Wufei had orgasmed. He purred.

“Lovely; now lets see what you’ve gifted us with.”

Treize tugged down Wufei’s trousers and the clinging cotton drawers beneath until finally his husband was as he’d imagined him, naked against the crimson cloak and his dark hair wild around him. Wufei’s belly was spattered with come and before his husband could protest, Treize was leaning over to capture every drop. Wufei made a surprised noise and moved hotly in Treize’s arms. He was trying to close his legs but Treize only held him open and lavished more attention on his sensitive inner thighs until Wufei was twisting and shivering in his grasp. When Treize moved higher up, his name broke on Wufei’s lips.

“Ah! Treize! What are you—?”

“I’m kissing your sweet cock,” Treize said baldly.

He dipped lower to nuzzle Wufei’s balls, inhaling the delicate musk of his arousal. Wufei smelled of soap and heat and the elusive hint of something much wilder. It set Treize aflame. His mouth widened to take in the sensitive sac. He worshipped Wufei, bathing the velvety flesh with his tongue. Every time Wufei cried out, he unerringly followed him, suckling and laving until Wufei began to come apart in his hands. His husband’s small body bucked and strained, but Treize held him in place, never letting him escape the sweet onslaught. Just when it seemed Wufei might come again, he lifted his head, leaving the younger man reeling.

Wufei moaned. He clutched at Treize’s head. The older man could feel the tension running through his husband’s body. Wufei seemed caught on the edge of desire, lured by the call of pleasure but not sure what to do with it now that he was here. Treize looked up and saw the uncertainty in Wufei’s eyes for what it was.

“There’s no going back after this, Wufei. For either of us. Let yourself go. I’m here to catch you.”

Wufei nodded. Trembling, he lay back and let Treize pleasure him. His legs twitched then squeezed around Treize.

Treize barely felt it. He was a man at a feast except there was no way he could ever have enough of this particular indulgence. He took the weeping tip of Wufei’s cock between his lips and worked the blind opening there. The shout Wufei gave was so raw, so wild that Treize had to do it again.

Wufei started to reach for him but Treize stopped him. While he was still hovering on the brink of another wave of pleasure  Treize reached for the richly scented balm he’d placed nearby.  He dipped between Wufei’s cheeks and his fingers brushed over the entrance to his body.

Wufei gasped.

Treize smiled as he gently began rubbing around the little bud. He chuckled as he felt the helpless tightening of his husband’s body whenever he tried to press in. “Does it feel good or are you trying to keep me out?” he teased.

Wufei was shaking his head. His eyes were glazed over with pleasure. “What’s … Tr…Treize … I don’t understand… It wasn’t like this before.”

“Before?” Treize croaked, his own gaze trained hungrily to Wufei’s face. The look of need he saw there nearly undid him.

“Yes … the first time.” Wufei was panting.

A low sound rumbled from Treize’s throat. ” That no longer exists. Forget the past, forget yesterday. The only thing that matters is now,” he murmured as his finger pushed into Wufei.

Wufei stiffened at that first invasion but Treize was patient. After all, he had waited weeks for this. And no matter what battles raged in Wufei’s head, his body clearly hungered. Wufei’s slender cock was deeply flushed and as Treize’s fingers probed, finding the source of his pleasure, a pearly drop quickly beaded at the tip.

A raw cry of defeat burst from Wufei’s lips. His limbs softened. His hips lifted off the bed and began a sinuous rhythm.

Treize watched, transfixed. His throat was parched as his gaze was drawn to Wufei’s smooth belly, the silken line of his hips, the play of muscle as he responded to each caress. Treize had never seen him like this, not even in his dreams.

Wufei must have felt his gaze for his eyes fluttered open. They locked with Treize’s. A wave of heat seemed to pass between them. Wufei’s legs parted, baring himself completely to Treize’s gaze and his touch.  His own boldness shocked him and Wufei whimpered. He didn’t seem to understand this sudden fire any more than Treize did and he tried to tell him so.

Treize only shook his head and smiled. His hands were shaking as he pressed a finger to Wufei’s lips. “You’re beautiful, Wufei. Let me make love to you.”

Treize held Wufei to him. Propping a pillow beneath his husband’s hips, he slid into him. Wufei’s tight little body surrounded him, the sweetest most sensuous vise he had ever felt. It was deeper than completion. Treize was finally home.

They made love many times that night and Wufei’s passion bloomed with every caress. Right before Treize’s eyes the knot of fear and resistance unfurled leaving only heat and a passion so scorching it left him weak. Wufei didn’t just match him, he consumed Treize.

When it was all over they collapsed against the mattress. The candles had burned out. There was nothing between them except their own labored breaths and the velvet cover of night. Treize was still breathless. He shakily reached across the bed to grasp Wufei’s hand but his husband wouldn’t let him.

Instead, Wufei closed the distance between them and wrapped his arms around Treize’s chest.

————————————————

The next few days passed by like a dream for Wufei. He had never expected it but he was happy.

The nights spent with Treize had led to the start of a tentative friendship. Of course there were still awkward moments and some lingering mistrust between them but when Wufei allowed himself to relax, he found that he genuinely enjoyed the older man’s company. Treize was charming and funny (though his humor tended to the ribald side) and Wufei discovered Treize had as voracious an appetite for knowledge as he did.

To Wufei, they came together best in a meeting of the minds. Treize, on the other hand, thought differently. He loved their heated debates and was eager to bring Wufei this rare text or the other, but his most lavish praise was reserved for when they were behind closed doors. It was embarrassing and thrilling at the same time. The things Treize said to him….

Wufei flushed and brought a hand up to the high silk collar of his tunic.  It hid a purplish love bite. The memory of this morning’s lovemaking rose unbidden and Wufei took a shaky breath. If he continued like this, he was never going to finish his paperwork before dinner.

Re-wetting the nib of his pen, he forced himself to focus on the rolls of parchment, but even so his mind wandered. Wufei found his gaze being drawn to the window and outside where evening was swiftly approaching. He was just cursing himself for transcribing a sentence twice when Treize entered the study.

“I take it things are not progressing smoothly?” The older man chuckled.

“No. I can’t seem to concentrate,” Wufei huffed. Of course he was careful to keep the source of his distraction to himself.

“Oh? Anything I can help with?”

“I doubt it.” Wufei sighed.

“Try me.”

Treize moved around the desk and came to stand behind Wufei. His fingers grazed beneath Wufei’s collar. “Maybe you just need a break.”

Wufei shivered at the light stroking of Treize’s fingers across his skin. “No… I shouldn’t. I really need to get this done.”

“You’re so tense,” Treize murmured as if Wufei had not spoken. His hands moved down and  began kneading Wufei’s shoulders. “Take a break; take a break. You know this isn’t going to go to the archives this evening and the pages have been dismissed for the day.” Treize’s fingers skilfully unknotted a particularly tense muscle and Wufei groaned.

“Feel good?”

Wufei hesitated but there was no use denying it when his body was already melting into the chair. He slumped forward. “Yes,” he admitted on a gust of breath.

Treize groaned too. “I came to invite you to go to the night market with me but maybe we should go upstairs instead.”

“Night market?”

“Mm hmm. I realized I never took the time to show you the city myself and it is most beautiful at night.” Treize kissed Wufei softly. “Just like you.”

Wufei’s cheeks warmed. “I’d like to go.” He had only seen the city that one time with Duo when he first arrived. He had been too busy to go out since.

“Good. I’ll ask Yuy and Maxwell to accompany us. We’ll need to change into something a little less conspicuous though.”

“Of course.”

“Shall we go then?”

Wufei nodded and rose. As soon as he was out of his seat, Treize bent and deftly scooped him up.

“What are you doing?” Wufei growled.

“It’s not dark outside yet. We still have time for a little play don’t we?” Treize’s lips found the pulse at Wufei’s throat.

“No we don’t. I’m bathing before we leave.”

“No problem. I can help with that too,” Treize purred, moving briskly down the hall and taking the stairs two at a time. He bent to brush his mouth against Wufei’s. The kiss deepened and Wufei moaned in Treize’s arms.

“Are you sure we won’t miss anything?”

“We won’t miss anything,” Treize assured him as he closed the bedroom door behind them. “The city never sleeps.”

“All right but you can put me down, you know,” Wufei pointed out.

“I can, but I prefer not to. Besides, I know you enjoy it despite your protests.” Treize grinned as Wufei squawked a denial. The color in his cheeks told the real story, though. Treize cradled him even more closely to his chest. “It’s nice to be pampered sometimes, isn’t it?”

Wufei was not sure how to answer that. “I’m not used to being pampered,” he murmured.

“Then we’ll have to remedy that immediately.”

Unlike the room in which Wufei had previously slept, the royal suite had an adjoining bathing chamber. They headed there now. Once inside, Treize finally set Wufei on his feet.

One of Rossetti’s many technological marvels was its sophisticated plumbing system. Wufei had never  seen anything like it. For those who could afford it, baths could be outfitted with hot and cold running water. The royal bath was no exception. Hidden jets pulsed beneath the vast pool, keeping it pleasantly warm. A fine mist of steam rose from the water, warming the mosaic tile beneath their feet.

While Wufei admired the vast chamber, Treize had begun undressing. Wufei jumped a little when the older man’s body pressed against his back. He could feel the heat of his husband’s body even through his robes and Wufei shivered a little. He was still shocked by the desire that coursed through him every time he and Treize touched.

If Treize felt Wufei’s tremor, he didn’t say anything. Instead he rubbed his hands up and down Wufei’s arms in a slow mesmerizing movement. His breath ghosted over the sensitive shell of Wufei’s ear.

“Why don’t we take these robes off, hmm?”

Wufei swallowed but nodded and as had become a ritual between them, as soon as he started unclasping the robe, Treize took over the task himself. In the older man’s hands, even this was transformed into a caress. Treize’s fingers followed in the wake of the parted cloth until the robes were pooled about Wufei’s ankles and Wufei was trembling from his husband’s gentle but focused touch.

“Treize?”

“Hmm?” Treize had smoothed his hands over Wufei’s hair and was now undoing his braid.

Wufei shifted from one foot to the other. He still was not quite used to being naked with his husband and between that and the way Treize’s slightest touch seemed to set his body humming Wufei was left  feeling a little overwhelmed.

“I’m … can we go into the water?”

“I’m sorry, my love. Are you cold?”

Wufei bit his lip and shook his head.

Somehow, Treize understood.

“Are you self-conscious because we’re together like this?” he murmured huskily.

Wufei hesitated then nodded.

“You have no reason to be self-conscious. I’ve told you how beautiful you are, haven’t I? Every part of you.” Treize mouthed the tender skin at the nape of Wufei’s neck, causing him to shiver again. He didn’t stop there, but traced the groove of Wufei’s spine all the way down to the dimple above his buttocks.

“Yes, but…” Wufei gasped and rose on tiptoe, his back involuntarily arching. When he said Treize’s name this time, it was a plea.

Treize only kept moving downwards, licking, nipping and kissing the salt from Wufei’s skin.

Wufei remembered the same caress from the first night he and Treize shared a tent, but he had been so fevered, so caught up in the moment then that the evening had seemed little more than a blur of pleasure, acute but indistinct.  Now however, Wufei was fully awake and in complete possession of his senses. The decadence of what Treize was doing to him … the fact that it felt good….

Wufei gave a startled cry and froze in Treize’s grasp. Treize’s tongue was—-Wufei gave another helpless cry.

“What are you doing?”

“Something I’ve wanted to do all day,” Treize rumbled happily.

He was kneeling behind Wufei with the younger man’s cheeks cupped in his hands. Treize kneaded and spread the firm globes while his tongue licked along the crease, pausing only to find the furled entrance to Wufei’s body. He probed the tight sphincter, savoring Wufei’s squirming and even wilder cries.

“Oh gods … the bath… I haven’t washed….” Wufei tried to wriggle away but Treize’s large hands held him in place.

“I’ll help you wash later. Now I want to taste you  just like I have in my dreams.” Treize’s hot breath and silken lips teased over delicate flesh as he spoke. He probed Wufei again.

“Mm. I dreamed you came from this alone and that when I was done, I licked your sweet seed from your thighs. Do you think you could do that, Kala? Could you come from just my tongue against your tight little hole?”

The sensations swirling through Wufei were already enough to set him ablaze. Treize’s scorching words added to them  sent him reeling. Wufei’s knees buckled and he would have fallen if not for Treize’s strength behind him.

Treize laughed and effortlessly supported him. He didn’t pause when Wufei cried out nor did he stop when shudders wracked his frame. Wufei felt a familiar tension building in him and before he could even think, he orgasmed, his semen splattering against the tile. Mortified at having come so quickly, he tried to pull away.

Treize  wouldn’t let him. “Where do you think you’re going?” The older man’s voice fairly vibrated with pleasure. “You just wonderfully fulfilled my fantasy. You can’t run away before I complete it.”

“Complete it?” Wufei groaned.

“Oh yes.” Treize shimmied down Wufei’s body and as promised he began licking the splatters from his stomach and thighs.

As Treize stood and enclosed Wufei in his arms, the hard insistence of his erection pressed against Wufei’s belly. That Treize wanted him that badly….  Wufei still found it impossible to believe.

Gods, how was he ever going to get used to this?

Treize extended his palm and Wufei had no choice but to take it. They entered the water together and it was safe to say not much washing was done until well afterwards.

————————————————

By the time Treize and Wufei met Duo and Heero at the stables, Wufei was feeling a little weak-kneed and rather dazed. The things Treize had done…. He could barely look at his husband without his cheeks warming.  At least it was too dark for anyone to notice. Wufei frowned and forced himself to focus. He had to get a hold of himself.

“My Lords, the horses are ready,” Duo told them. Next to him, Heero nodded. The men had tethered four horses: their own, Porphryo and Shenlong, but Treize turned to Wufei.

“Will you ride with me?” he asked. “It will be easier to show you the city that way.”

Treize gazed at Wufei. Even in the faint glow of the lanterns the unspoken sentiment between them was clear.  Treize also wanted to ride double so he could hold him.

Wufei knew he shouldn’t. He was a skilled rider and it was the proper thing to do. The old Wufei would have never allowed it, yet he found himself agreeing anyway.

Wufei was self-conscious as Treize mounted Poryphro and gave him a boost, but neither Duo nor Heero batted an eyelash.  Heero merely took Shenlong back to the stable hand with instructions to return her to her stall. The two soldiers mounted, flanking Wufei and Treize as they ambled out of the courtyard. They were leaving through a secret passageway used only by Treize and they emerged at a cobbled alley just behind the fish market. Wufei wrinkled his nose. Well that would certainly clear anyone’s head.

Once in the market, Duo and Heero left their protective formation around Wufei and Treize and dismounted. They led their horses away and it was a testament to their skill that in no time they’d blended with the crowd. Of course, Wufei and Treize were both armed but it was reassuring to know that they had backup should they need it.  However, with their inconspicuous clothes, and unhurried manner, they didn’t draw any undue attention. Wufei was even surprised to find that they were not the only lovers riding double. In fact the practice seemed quite commonplace. Such a thing would have been rare in Eires.

As they moved deeper into the market Wufei began to relax. The entire place was alive with scents, sounds and colors he had never experienced before. Fragrant smoke wafted up from the tightly packed stalls. One man was making golden pastries stuffed with meat, peas and spices. The rich aroma was so tempting that Wufei asked Treize to stop so he could buy some.

“Thank you, sir!” The young man beamed as he wrapped two of the pastries in brown paper and handed them to Wufei. “Can I offer you a drink?”

Wufei was about to refuse but Treize reached around the saddle and offered the man their water skin.

“Please,” he requested.

The vendor returned the flask brimming with spiced wine. Treize took a swig and offered some to Wufei. The younger man hesitated then took a sip. When he tried to return it Treize shook his head.

“Drink a little more.”

“Treize, I don’t have a good head for this,” Wufei protested.

“Just a bit. To warm your insides.”

Wufei sighed but he drank more of the wine. He rested against Treize as its warmth pooled in his belly. The air had finally turned a little sharp and Treize drew his cloak about them.

“Perfect,” Treize rumbled.

“Hmm?” Wufei murmured, mesmerized by a twirling dancer just a few steps ahead of them. Her skin was dusted with gold and it caught the glow of the lanterns, making her seem like an extension of the fire itself. The heartbeat of the drums vibrated in the air, deep, powerful and as sensual as the woman who flowed to the beat. Wufei found himself moved in a way he could not describe.

“Marvelous isn’t she?” Treize settled Wufei more comfortably against him. Beneath the cloak, his hands smoothed up and down Wufei’s arms.

Wufei strained to look at Treize over his shoulder but in the dark, his husband’s expression was unreadable. “Treize … what?”

Treize made a soft sound against Wufei’s neck. He was nuzzling the skin there causing a shiver to race through Wufei.

Treize’s hand had slipped under his tunic. Beneath the concealing folds of the cloak his callused fingers continued to stroke up and down Wufei’s arms.

“I have done many things I am not proud of since you came to Rossetti,” Treize confessed. “I want you to know those days are over. I can be a better man. I will be a better man for you. I don’t want you to resent me, or feel apprehensive about sharing your body with me.”

Treize bent closer to whisper hotly in Wufei’s ear, telling him how precious he was to him and how much he wanted him. “But I will wait. I will go as slowly as you need me to.”

Wufei shuddered delicately.  He was breathless from excitement and unexpected pleasure. Suddenly the entire market had narrowed to the warmth of Treize’s body against his and the words being murmured in his ear.

“I am so lucky to have you,” Treize whispered. “I will prove to you that I’m worthy of your trust, however long it takes.”

Treize’s words roused a storm of conflicting feelings in Wufei. Part of him was still wary; another part questioned whether Treize cared enough for him to even want to earn his trust, while yet another part of him, the part that responded so easily to Treize’s touch remembered Treize’s gentleness and the reverence with which he’d caressed Wufei’s body only hours ago. Surely that counted for something? Wufei didn’t know what would happen tomorrow or even the day after but when looked into Treize’s eyes for the first time he felt something he had not felt since he left Eires:

Hope.

They moved forward in a charged but companionable silence and Treize only broke it when they passed by a weaver’s stall. His eyes were fixed on a cloth of incredibly fine weave. Treize leaned closer to rub it between his fingers. The wool was light and strong. It was just the sort of thing to wear now that summer’s warmth was fleeing. But that was not what caught Treize’s attention. He bought a generous length of the material and placed it in Wufei’s hands.

It was a familiar symbolic red.

Treize had not forgotten.

Wufei closed his eyes. The ceremony was never far from his mind but tonight especially it was not difficult to imagine what it involved. Yet, the prospect no longer seemed so unpleasant. Beneath the cloak, Wufei squeezed Treize’s hand.

Treize grasped Wufei’s hand and brought it to his lips. “Kala,” he murmured and the endearment held such weight, such meaning that Wufei couldn’t speak.

The world stilled and in that moment something changed between them. The old wounds and the bitter pain of the past seemed to fade. Wufei felt it flowing out of him like a balm. He twisted to look at Treize. He had meant to say something but instead he found himself reaching for his husband and drawing him down to him. Their lips met and then Wufei knew nothing else.

————————

A few feet away, Duo nudged Heero. “Think we should give the lovers some privacy?” he mused.

Heero grunted.  “Here.”

“Huh?”

Duo looked over and was surprised to find Heero holding a jeweled-toned cloth of his own. There was a stubborn set to his features and a fierce look in his eyes that said he would not be outdone even by an Emperor.

Duo’s eyes widened. Then he flushed with pleasure.

Heero’s cloth was of a rougher hew and weft but its bold pattern—purple and sapphire threads intertwined—had a beauty and roughness that was more to his taste. He’d received a lot of gifts in his lifetime, many expensive, but in one breath Heero showed him how meaningless they were compared to this one simple gift. They had no special ceremony to perform and no magical mandate from the gods but that was just as well.  They were going to forge their own destiny anyway.

Duo reached over and linked his hand in Heero’s.

They stayed joined for a space of a breath, then they were back to being soldiers. Up ahead, Prince Wufei and Emperor Rossetti were moving again and once again Heero and Duo blended with the shadows. They followed the lovers deeper into the crowd and the sounds of the market embraced them as the whole of Rossetti seemed to come alive in a celebration of laughter, love and life.

Table of contents for The Broken Seal

1. Chapter One
2. Chapter Two
3. Chapter Three
4. Chapter Four

The Broken Seal
by Michalyn
Rating: MA

When Wufei woke the next morning, the rain had disappeared as though it had never been. A slice of brilliant blue sky peeked through the tiny window above his desk and sunlight poured onto his bed. For a moment, Wufei basked in the warmth, his mind pleasantly blank in the fuzzy aftermath of sleep. Yet, all too soon he remembered the previous night’s catastrophe. Wufei’s cheeks burned. What was he going to do? After … that … had happened, he’d left the two warriors downstairs and had hidden in his room for the rest of the night. Wufei had been afraid that Treize and Zechs would follow him, but luckily even their presumption did not extend that far. Soon after Wufei retired, they had fallen asleep on the makeshift bedding he’d given them. Now, twenty-four hours later, Wufei still did not know what to do about the two intruders in his living room.

That is, the two intruders who were supposed to be in his living room… Wufei frowned as he descended from the loft to the main room below. He looked about the room, but the only evidence of his guests was the neatly folded blankets stacked in the corner near the fireplace. Could they have gone to the village? Wufei fought down a surge of panic. They were guardians not demons right? If they went to the village there should be no problem, he tried to tell himself. People would wonder about their outdated dress but Dragon Glen was no stranger to travelers. As long as they suppressed their powers and did not breathe a word about being on the mountain everything should be fine.

Too bad he didn’t believe it.

Wufei ran to the door. A million scenarios ran through his head and none of them were good. As he passed the kitchen, he spotted his rune stones on the table. Wufei hesitated. Should he … or shouldn’t he? Hadn’t last night proven the stones were as good as useless? On a whim Wufei hurried to the table and stuffed the runes into his pocket. They might be useless but it was the only thing he had. He would need a miracle if Treize and Zechs were not what they claimed to be but he could only hope the gods were with him. Heart pounding, Wufei was just lifting the door latch when he was stopped by a string of blistering curses.

“God damn it, you insufferable beast! Come back here!”

There was the sound of footsteps followed by an incredible crash. Betsy bleated loudly and her bell clanged in a way that could only mean she was galloping about the yard.

Wufei blinked. What in the heavens was going on?

Whatever he had been expecting, nothing prepared Wufei for the sight that greeted him when he dashed outside.

At one corner of Betsy’s corral, a flustered-looking Treize was clutching an empty pail. Not ten feet away, Zechs was sprawled in the mud, his pristine robes soiled and his scarlet cloak twisted in the muck. Betsy, on the other side of the corral, eyed the two guardians warily.

“What’s all this rukus about so early in the morning? Can’t you two act civilized for once? What are you doing to Betsy and why is Zechs in the mud?” Wufei demanded.

“Damned ingrate,” Zechs growled, spitting out mud as he rose to his feet. “He’s just as bad as the goat.”

“What!?” Wufei was indignant. He glared at Zechs.

“I’m going inside, Treize,” Zechs said, igorning Wufei. “I’ve had enough of making a jackass of myself trying to milk that she-demon of a goat. And I refuse to add insult to injury by listening to this mageling’s tirade when we were only trying to help him. Maybe you’ll have better luck than I did.” The blond stalked off. His cloak slapped wetly against his legs, leaving unsightly smears against his pale skin.

Wufei turned to Treize. “What was that about?”

Treize sighed. “We woke up and thought we’d help with breakfast by getting the milk.” Treize nodded toward Betsy. “Obviously we did not succeed. I tried to milk her while Zechs held her but she would have none of it. Needless to say, in that kind of situation it does not help one’s pride to have the goat’s owner come out shouting imprecations. ”

“I was not shouting imprecations,” Wufei hissed. “I come downstairs and the first thing I hear is the two of you shouting and Betsy running about the yard as though her life depended on it. What was I supposed to think? If you’d only asked I would have told you that Betsy is extremely skittish. She’s very particular about who she will let milk her. The two of you as strangers would have never succeeded. You should have just left it to me.”

Wufei took the pail from Treize and went over to Betsy. Murmuring soothingly to the nanny goat, he patted her on the flank then placed the bucket under her. Before long, the morning quiet was filled with the rhythmic drumming of her milk hitting the pail. When Wufei was done, he rose with the pail now filled with thick frothy milk. He raised an eyebrow as he walked past Treize.

“Now we can have breakfast,” he said.

————————————–

Wufei carried the milk inside with Treize follwing quietly behind him. He almost dropped the pail, however, when he entered the cottage and found Zech bathing in front of the fire. The blond’s wet hair clung to his neck in a gleaming swath. His large muscular body was ridiculously cramped in the wooden tub meant for Wufei’s smaller proportions. Yet, what should have been a comical sight was anything but as Wufei got quite the view of Zechs’ broad back and slick golden skin. Heat pooled in his belly. Wufei swallowed and hurried to the table, determined not to look at Zechs.

Treize of course had no such qualms. While Wufei was setting the milk down and fishing out an iron pot and some spices with which to make some porridge, he heard the General amble over to Zechs and begin murmuring to him. The gentle splashing sounds of Zechs washing himself as well as the men’s talking stopped for a moment and then resumed. Wufei did not allow himself to think about what might account for that significant pause. Instead he opened the kitchen window, grateful for the crisp air on his hot cheeks.

Wufei whistled for Nataku. The little dragon quickly answered, flapping over to Wufei and resting on his shoulder. She rubbed against his neck.

“There you are, girl. Have you eaten?” Wufei asked, petting Nataku’s scales.

The dragon made a contented sound and settled more comfortably against Wufei.

Wufei laughed. “I’ll take that as a yes then. Unless I can entice you with some of these?” He held out some of the prickly dragon fruit that had earned its name because dragons loved it so much.

Nataku gobbled the pieces up from Wufei, but not without butting her head worriedly against the bandages on his arms. The pain had eased so much from the wounds that Wufei had all but forgotten them. When he remembered that this was due to Zechs’ medicinal salve, Wufei felt a little guilty for having been so short with the blond earlier.

When Nataku was finished eating, she flew up to her favorite perch in the rafters above Wufei’s bedroom and promptly dozed off. Wufei returned to the ingredients he had been preparing for the porridge, hoping that Zechs would be done with his bath so he could use the fire. Deciding to wait a few minutes, just in case… Wufei headed towards the fireplace with his ingredients in hand.

Zechs and Treize were sitting together on the floor cushions. Zechs had wrapped himself in a blanket and since Wufei saw nothing of the blond’s soiled clothes, he guessed they had been washed and hung out to dry. It reminded him that the two guardians really only had the clothes on their backs; if their robes happened to get soiled, like in Zechs’ case, they were not left with many options.

Wufei frowned. Even his weekly laundry rounds would literally leave the two men naked. Wufei didn’t have much to spend, but it was probably wise to get Treize and Zechs some new clothes when Jared stopped by later in the day. Besides, more normal clothes would make the guardians a lot less conspicuous. Dressed as they were now, Wufei could not pass them off as simple travellers even if he wanted to.

Wufei placed the pot on the fire and poured some milk into it, followed by the oats and the spices he had taken from the pantry. He stirred the mixture as the aromas of cinnamon, brown sugar and nutmeg hovered deliciously in the air.

Treize sniffed. “What are you making?” he asked. Next to him, Zechs nodded. Both men seemed to have recovered from their foul moods.Wufei tried not to look at the way their bodies leaned into each other.

“Just some porridge for us.”

“Hmm, smells good. I didn’t know you had a talent for cooking, Elf,” Zechs rumbled.

“Elf?” Wufei raised an eyebrow.

“What?”

“What do you mean ‘what’?” Wufei growled and Treize laughed.

“I think he’s trying to tell us that he objects to being called tiny, Zechs.”

“Oh?” Zechs chuckled. “And why not? He doesn’t even come up to my chin.”

Wufei set his ladle down with a clang. “Keep that up and at least one of us will not be getting a meal. And that does not include me.”

Zechs made a placating gesture. “Beg pardon,” he murmured, but a smile hovered about his lips.

Wufei ignored him. Despite his threatening words, he set three bowls on a large wooden tray and ladled some porridge into each. Treize and Zechs accepted their portions gratefully and taking his own bowl, Wufei started to eat. He sat opposite the two men, occasionally glancing up to answer some odd question about the meal … or to sneak a glance at their continued touching. Zechs’ hand was resting casually upon Treize’s thigh and when a few strands of the blond’s hair fell into his face, Treize brushed them away without a thought.

Wufei didn’t want to stare but it was impossible not to. So rarely did he have the opportunity to observe visitors of any kind, much less two as different as these. He had read much about the … ways of men … but it was another thing entirely to observe a couple first hand, nevermind they were not really human. Besides, even he had to admit they were somewhat attractive. Not that it had any effect on him of course… Wufei quickly looked away when Treize glanced in his direction. They ate in a charged silence, though Wufei couldn’t fathom why it would be that way. He thought he felt the other men’s eyes on him, but when he looked up, they were focused on their own meals.

When they were finished, Wufei rose to gather up the bowls. “I’ll go wash up,” he began, but Treize stopped him. He reached out and encircled Wufei’s wrist.

“Don’t go. You’ve satisfied our hunger, now let us repay our debt. We haven’t forgotten the way you responded to us,” Treize husked. He bent his head to mouth the throbbing pulse point at Wufei’s wrist.

Wufei’s breath lodged in his throat. “That’s … that’s quite all right. It was just a simple meal,” he stammered. His heart was pounding so hard he could hear the blood rushing in his ears.

“You know, with that prickly attitude and all the protesting you do, a man might never guess how hotly you burn. This morning, in my anger, I almost forgot it, too. But I remember it very clearly now,” Zechs purred. He took Wufei’s free hand and in unison, he and Treize tugged on their captured limbs until Wufei toppled forward and landed between them on the cushions.

“What the—Wait a god damned minute!” Wufei struggled to get up. “We are not going through that again,” he said shakily. His eyes darted from Treize to Zechs.

“Why not? There’s no question of your desire for us,” Treize asked. Already, he was leaning close.

“Indeed.” Zechs’ hot breath bathed Wufei’s ear. “Stop fighting us, Elf. Yesterday, we barely had a chance to hold you. Now we have all the time in the world. Let us take you upstairs to that little bed of yours. Treize and I will undress you and show you what it really means to be bonded to us.”

—————————————————–

“What? Th…there’s no way that is going to happen!”

Wufei tried to rise but with Zechs’ lips brushing the sensitive rim of his ear, he just couldn’t seem to get his feet under him. The moment of hesitation was all Treize needed to close the distance between them.

“I really would like to know why you’re so afraid of this,” the older man whispered. “More than that, I want to know what we can do to ease your fears. Will you do that for us, Lovely? Will you tell us how to soothe you?”

Treize’s voice held a note of promise that sent heat spiralling through Wufei. He raised his hand to push Treize away but somehow his fingers ended up tangled in the other man’s tunic. Then, Treize was cupping the back of his head and kissing him soundly.

Wufei’s eyes fluttered closed. Warmth spread through his veins as Treize’s mouth latched onto the skin of his throat. Why couldn’t he resist this? It had to be magic … a sinister spell of some sort. How else could he explain the way his resolve melted beneath Zechs’ and Treize’s kisses like snow on a summer’s day? It had to be something powerful and arcane. Wufei was sure of it.

While Wufei’s thoughts jumbled together, Zechs’ large hand had settled on his knee. Slowly, slowly it slid upwards, and Wufei moaned as Zechs’ hand worked its way beneath his tunic. His cry was transformed to a desperate shout when Zechs fondled his burgeoning erection. The sensation was so unexpected, so electric that Wufei’s eyes flew wide open.

“Zechs…I…”

“Mmm….” Treize’s mouth covered Wufei’s and the older man drank in his cry, his lips brushing Wufei’s in gentle sweeps. “Such pretty sounds you make. I’d like to hear more.”

Wufei shivered, caught between Treize’s teasing mouth and Zechs’ stroking hand. The blond was rubbing over the crown of his erection in a hot circular motion that made Wufei’s entire body clench in ecstasy. He heard his ragged moans and the wild sound he made when Zechs embraced him even more tightly but he might as well have been listening to a stranger for all he could do to stop them. Wufei’s tunic was tugged over his head and he barely had a chance to catch his breath before he was lowered to the cushions and Treize and Zechs stretched out, forming a living wall on either side of him.

Their large bodies pressed against along Wufei’s sides, hot and demanding. Zechs and Treize were looking down at him with such expressions of hunger that Wufei couldn’t help feeling like a lamb thrown to the wolves.

Yet, for all their insistence, Treize’s hands smoothing over his belly were gentle, and the warm kiss Zechs placed on Wufei’s shoulder was meant more to soothe than to excite. Such ferocity and tenderness melded together ignited Wufei as never before. He was trembling, aflame with a desire he couldn’t suppress. Wufei stared at the rune mark over Treize’s heart. He wanted them, he realized with startling clarity. And if that sigil spoke true, Zechs and Treize were his. Would it be so terrible to give in?

Wufei reached out and twined his fingers with Zechs’. With his other hand, he grasped Treize and pulled him closer. “Please,” he groaned, unaware of the delicate arching of his body or the way his hips pressed against Zechs’s palm.

Zechs’ eyebrows shot to his hairline, the planes of his face sharpened by lust. A rough sound burst from him as he watched Wufei. On Wufei’s other side, Treize leaned in to kiss Wufei’s cheek.

“Oh my darling, you are not going to regret giving yourself to us,” he murmured huskily.

“No, ” Zechs agreed, hot breath washing over Wufei. His mouth hovered over one berry-dark nipple. The tiny bud puckered up, demanding attention. Zechs soothed Wufei, shaping his nipple upright with the changing textures of lips, teeth and tongue. Wufei cried out, his fingers tangling in Zechs’ hair. The blond braced a hand between Wufei’s shoulder blades, holding him arched while he feasted.

Wufei writhed and moaned. The pleasure only doubled as Treize bent to his other nipple and worried it between his teeth. Never lifting his head, Treize eased off Wufei’s leggings and Wufei’s swollen cock sprang free. The pink cap of him shone with wetness that spoke more of Wufei’s desire than any words could have.

“What a delicious little thing you are,” Treize moaned, touching a finger to that enticing slickness.

Wufei made an embarassed sound. “I…”

“You are. Delicious … delectable ….” Wufei sucked in his breath as Treize slid down his body. The General’s mouth hovered over his erection.

“Treize, wait. You shouldn’t….”

“Hush, hush. You’re sweeter than the finest honey.” Treize caressed Wufei’s hips; lifted him, spread him.

An uncontrollable shiver seized Wufei. He could only gasp as Zechs moved behind him and cradled him to his chest, easily supporting Wufei’s weight in his arms. Below, Treize held Wufei open. His thumb whispered between his cheeks, circling the furled entrance to his body.

“I was going to suck your pretty cock but I promised to kiss you here didn’t I?”

A rumbling sound bubbled from Zechs’ chest at Treize’s announcement. Wufei felt its vibrations all the way to his toes.

Treize began lowering his head. Wufei moaned. His body prickled with heat and he squeezed his eyes shut in anticipation of that forbidden caress. Surely Treize wouldn’t. That sort of thing was … he had to be teasing.

Yet, even as Wufei tried to tell himself that, the warmth of Treize’s breath fanned over him. Wufei cried out and twisted in Zechs’ arms, his emotions racing wildly between shock, desire and dread. If Treize noticed his distress, however he gave no sign of it. He only turned his head and licked Wufei just below the curve of one cheek, right where his ass met his leg. Wufei jerked.

“Please,” he moaned.

“Soon, soon, Elf,” Zechs purred. “Treize is going to make you feel—”

Whatever Zechs had been about to say was interrupted by a sudden loud rapping at the door. An urgent voice echoed beyond the wood: “Master Wufei? Master Wufei are you there?”

———————————

“Oh god!” Wufei bolted to his feet. He straightened his tunic and scrambled into his leggings. What in heaven’s name was he doing? What if it were one of the village elders? The window on the opposite wall was open and wide enough to offer a clear view of the mountain road. Wufei had always used it to keep an eye on anyone who might be coming up the path. Now the sight alone turned his knees to water. What if they had been seen? It was bad enough to have to explain how two strangers had materialized in his home; but to be caught doing … that with them— Wufei made a choked sound. His life would be over.

“Elf?” Treize began.

“Don’t say anything! Just hide yourselves somewhere!” Wufei hissed, scurrying to the door as the knocking became even louder. He took one last deep breath and smoothed a hand over his hair. Then, he slowly opened the door. He found the village merchant waiting on the other side.

“Jared! Ah … good day. You’re a bit early aren’t you?”

“Oh you’re here, Master Wufei. I thought you might have gone up to the temple. Folks in the village thought they saw an explosion of some kind up here last night during the storm. The elders thought I should come earlier to make sure you were okay. Seems like the mountain got the brunt of that bad weather. Is everything all right?”

“Yes, yes of course,” Wufei stammered. “Please thank everyone for their concern, though.” He stared at Jared, searching his expression for anything that might indicate he’d seen them on his way to the cottage. When Jared’s smile remained eager and open, Wufei inwardly let out a sigh of relief. He didn’t know what he would have done if Jared had seen him with Zechs and Treize.

“And the explosion?” Jared probed, searching Wufei’s features.

“Ah … lightning struck the temple,” Wufei replied. “There was some damage, but nothing I couldn’t fix with a spell or two, myself,” he quickly amended.

The merchant smiled shyly. “I’m relieved. I … we were worried that you might have been hurt all alone up here.”

Wufei flushed. “Oh no. I’m quite fine, thank you. Please let the village know that there is nothing to worry about.”

“I’ll do that. Well, now that I know everything’s fine, I’ve brought you some mail and I have some new candles that I think you might like. They’re real beeswax not tallow, so they burn nice and clean. I got a good deal on them from an Arcadian merchant and since you’re the only one here learned enough to need good light for reading, I thought I’d show them to you first.” Jared ducked his head. “If you’re interested I can give you a nice discount.”

“Real beeswax?” Wufei repeated. The candles probably cost more than they were worth, but he had to admit he was tempted. He often read late into the evening and his spectacles could only help him so much in the weak light of the tallow candles he owned.

“Yup. They’re the real thing, honest.”

“Well…” Wufei bit his lip. “Let me get my regular supplies first and I’ll see how much I have left over.”

Jared nodded and pulled out another satchel. He looked meaningfully at Wufei as he waited for him to open the door. He needed to use the table to measure out the goods. Normally, it would not have been a problem. Normally, though Wufei did not have two powerful guardians for roommates. If Jared had not seen Zechs and Treize before, there was no way he could miss them once he was inside. Wufei stalled, blocking the entryway with his body. What now?

“Master Wufei?” Jared was still balancing the heavy satchel between his palms.

“Ah … yes … please come in.” Wufei took a deep breath and inched the door open. A thousand excuses raced through his head to explain Treize’s and Zechs’ presence to Jared but he couldn’t think of anything that would make sense. All he could be certain of was that as soon as the merchant stepped inside, his life as he knew it would be over. Wufei’s heart was in his throat as the door swung open to reveal his living room.

It was empty.

Wufei’s knees fairly buckled with relief. He didn’t know where the guardians had gone or how they’d managed it, but he could kiss them both for being so prudent. “Why don’t we go into the kitchen?” he quickly suggested to Jared and guided him to the table.

“All right.” Jared spread his supplies out, waiting for Wufei to make his selections.

Wufei cleared his throat. “I’d like to buy a little more flour and rice than I usually do. And do you have any of that salted meat you brought last time?”

“Sure thing. How much more of each would you like?”

“Well I was thinking…”

“Ah! Wait, I almost forgot!” Jared interrupted before Wufei could finish. He handed him a small bundle. “I have some letters for you.”

“Is that so? Thanks.” Wufei didn’t get many visitors but he maintained regular contact with a number of scholars in the outside world. They kept him up-to-date on the latest developments in the world of magick and Wufei in turn shared the fruits of his own studies with them. He published occasional articles, mostly about Dragon Glen’s tradition of magick and the pieces were an additional source of income that he was quite grateful for.

In fact, a few of his articles had been so well received that he’d gotten a number of requests from other mages who wanted to come to Dragon Glen to learn more from him. Wufei always turned them down. Not because the elders would forbid it; quite the contrary. They welcomed the prestige such guests afforded. It was impractical for Wufei to ever leave the mountain because of his role as guardian but they had no objection to a visitor who would be an aid to his duties. No, Wufei simply wasn’t interested in spending the time or energy necessary preparing for a visiting scholar. There was the matter of requesting permission from the elders … finding lodging … transportation … suitable clothing for the temple rituals….

Wufei froze. Wait a minute. Food … clothing … shelter … and the fire festival was coming up…. It was a gamble. Should he risk it? Wufei turned to Jared.

“Jared, I think I’ll be buying some tunics and leggings from you. I need good quality items but nothing too expensive. Oh and they need to be in a large size.” Wufei bit his lip. A plan was slowly forming in his head and with a little luck, he thought it just might work.
—————————————————

“Here, try these on.” Wufei put the bundle of clothes on the table.

Treize and Milliardo walked over and examined the tunics, leggings and folded cloaks. “What are these?” Zechs asked.

“Clothes. Contemporary clothes,” Wufei told him. “If this is going to work, we need to start by making the two of look like the rest of us. Right now you stick out like sore thumbs in those old military outfits.”

“Old? These were cutting edge when we were sealed away,” Treize murmured, fingering the soft wool of his cloak.

“Unfortunately, the only thing they’re on the edge of right now, is history. No one is going to believe you and Zechs are visiting scholars if you come dressed in battle armor from 1000 years ago. Go on, try on the outfits. I think I bought the right size but I’m not sure. If they don’t fit, I’ll need to send for Jared to replace them.”

“All right.” Treize’s cloak dropped to the floor. Beside him, Zechs was already pulling his tunic over his head. Wufei quickly turned around.

“Are you done?” he ground out after a moment.

“Yes, I think so,” Treize mumured slowly. “Wait, Zechs, can you help me with this belt? You seem to have done a marvelous job with yours.”

Zechs grunted and Wufei heard the soft rustling of cloth as the blond helped his partner put himself to rights.

“All right, what do you think?” Treize asked.

Wufei turned around and his breath deserted him. Treize and Zechs looked… Wufei swallowed, unable to speak. The clothes were a perfect fit.

He had bought the typical outfit worn by learned men for Trezie and Zechs: soft belted tunics, leggings and supple ankle boots. Long cloaks completed the ensemble. Treize was wearing a royal blue tunic with contrasting black leggings. His cloak echoed the color of his tunic but in a rich navy that made his eyes appear startlingly blue against the warmth of his complexion. For Zechs’ part, he had abandoned his scarlet uniform for something much more subtle: cloak, tunic and leggings were of the deepest black. With his golden hair and pale skin the effect was breathtaking. Both men looked intelligent, elegant, and painfully attractive. If Wufei had thought them beautiful before, seeing them in modern clothing brought the point home now with heart-stopping force.

“Is something wrong? Did we not put them on correctly?” Zechs asked frowning.

“No … no… they fit perfectly,” Wufei murmured, sitting heavily at the table. Now all he had to do was figure out how to convince everyone that Zechs and Treize were scholars visiting for the fire festival. But that wasn’t Wufei’s only problem. There were other things he had to worry about. Like how long could he stay in close quarters with these very masculine, very attractive men and still keep his wits—and his virtue—about him.

Table of contents for The Broken Seal

1. Chapter One
2. Chapter Two
3. Chapter Three
4. Chapter Four

The Broken Seal
by Michalyn
Notes: Many thanks to Devil Chick for the quick beta.

————————–

Wufei’s blood boiled. Not demons? Obviously they took him for a fool. If they were not evil, why the hell was his life dedicated to guarding them and preventing exactly the kind of situation they were in right now?

“You expect me to fall for that?” Wufei spat, raising his hands to strike.

“Actually, Zechs is speaking the truth.” Khushrenada stepped forward, making a placating gesture.

As angry as he was, the movement did give Wufei pause since the demon had no reason to pander to Wufei, given his strength. Then again …the deception and cunning of demons was also legend. This reasonable facade was no doubt part of an elaborate scheme to lure him into their cruel clutches. Wufei shook his head.

“Don’t waste your breath with these lies. I’ll say it again. Fight me or leave.”

“My fiery little mage, as inspiring as that passion of yours is, you need to stop and think for a moment. In all the time we’ve been here have you once felt a stirring of black energy?”

“Of course I ha…” Wufei paused, frowning. It was true. Though the cottage all but vibrated with power, not a whiff of it resonated of anything sinister. How did he not notice it before? No… it couldn’t be. He was succumbing to their lies again. Maybe they had found a way to conceal their negative energy. If any demons could do it, these two could. “No. You were responsible for hurting so many of our clan long ago. I know your misdeeds and even a thousand years could not erase them,” Wufei ground out.

Khushrenada looked stricken, and beside him, Merquise turned his face toward the fire, his fists clenching at his sides. When neither spoke, it seemed that Wufei’s words had disarmed them where all his previous attacks had failed. Finally Khushrenada met his eyes.

“It is true. Zechs and I did ravage your people once. That memory is agonizing to us even now, but I swear to you we are no longer the demons who entered Dragon Glen on that day. You have already tested the proof for yourself. Our power is untainted.” The General raised his hand again when Wufei began to interrupt him. “Stop; think back on the legend. You are the temple guardian; I know you cannot have forgotten it. Tell me, how does it end?”

Wufei swallowed. “Just as the demons were about to attack, Luo Huan exorcised—”

“Yes, exactly right,” Khushrenada interrupted. “The Loki were exorcised from our souls and after your clansman defeated us, he entombed us in stone, but it was not because we were evil was it?”

“But…” The power, which had been glowing steadily around Wufei’s hand faded until it was extinguished. For some reason his heart was beating faster than ever before and he was frightened—more frightened than he had been when he discovered the demons in his cottage and imagined his own death. Something was slowly dawning on him and if what he suspected was true… Wufei gasped.

“You see, don’t you? At that time, Zechs and I weren’t banished because we were demons. The Loki had long been freed from our souls. But what do you do with two immortals more powerful than anyone else in the kingdom? You seal them up nice and tight of course. Not because they are evil, but because they are different.” Treize reached over to caress one of Merquise’s clenched fists. “Little mage, do you know what it is like to be completely isolated from society? To not be able to touch the one you love in a thousand years?”

“I … I…” Wufei saw the naked pain in both Khushrenada’s and Merquise’s eyes and something stirred within him in spite of himself. Whatever the truth of the past was, he could understand that pain. He may have never loved, but he did know something about loneliness.

Treize sighed. “And there you have it. All we could do was make the best of it and try to atone for the suffering we’d caused. It wasn’t always easy, but as the years went by, we discovered that even if we could not break the seals we could exert some influence on the world around us. We began first by inducing a heavier rainfall and then ensuring a bountiful harvest. It was our penance, and the gratitude and sheer wonder we sensed from the village were enough to confirm we were doing the right thing.”

“Eventually the seal began to weaken and our little “miracles” increased. Soon they became so common that they were taken for granted. When the folktales grew around us about a blessed land and the Dragon Clan being a chosen people, we were happy. Unable to do much else, we saw watching over Dragon Glen as our duty. We so grew to love this place that the chain of temple guardians who appeared in every generation to “contain” us not only seemed excessive, but the practice itself also struck us as wrong-headed. We already knew the price of banishment. Why should anyone be forced into a life of solitude for our sakes?”

That struck Wufei right to the core. He tried to give voice to the feeling in his breast but was unable to. Treize’s words affected him too deeply. Merquise, however, must have taken Wufei’s silence for antagonism and he made a derisive sound.

“Don’t waste your breath, Treize. He thinks it’s all lies.”

“That’s not true!” Wufei hotly retorted. He tamped his temper down with an act of will. “I’m listening and I’m trying to give you the benefit of the doubt,” he said carefully. “But surely you cannot expect me to throw away everything I’ve been taught in a single night. If you can influence the elements how do I know that this entire storm wasn’t orchestrated by you as part of some sinister plan?”

Treize’s look was earnest. “What can we say to convince you? Did we want to escape? Of course we did, but we still weren’t strong enough to break the seals on our own. Think of it. If we could, why we would have waited one thousand years to do so? No, we didn’t start that lightning storm but we were weren’t fools enough to let the chance pass us by. It’s as simple as that. I can understand your suspicion after everything you were led to believe but we’re not here to hurt Dragon Glen. Truly.”

Wufei’s doubt must have been written across his features because Treize sighed. Yet, how could he not be doubtful when everything he knew about his vocation and himself had changed in an instant? What was the purpose of his existence? Were the last four winters of his life now meaningless? No, not just the last four winters but his entire youth, for Wufei had been groomed for the temple from the instant he could wield magic. And what of the hundreds of temple guardians before him? Had they lived in isolation for an empty dream? If Khushrenada and Merquise were speaking the truth then the weight of that truth seemed too much to bear. Increasingly, though, Wufei feared it was a burden he would have to shoulder. As much as he didn’t want to trust Khushrenada and Merquise, certain things Treize had said were alarmingly consistent with what Wufei had noticed himself.

Dragon Glen was known first and foremost for its tradition of dragon-rearing but right on the heels of that, people far and wide spoke of the land of emerald fields. It had not always been so, however, and Wufei was one of the few people who could appreciate that fact. Because of his studies, he knew that before Khushrenada and Merquise were sealed, none of the histories ever referred to such a thing and when they did mention Dragon Glen, the area was described as a semi-arid region. At one point, a great scholar had even projected that Dragon Glen would no longer be inhabitable in two centuries and the clan would be forced to return to the ancient nomadic ways.

Eleven centuries later, his prophesy had never come to pass. Instead, Dragon Glen had seen an incremental increase in harvest yields. The river which was once little more than a trickle swelled its banks and new springs burst from the ground. In fact, the first harvest had been so momentous that its date was recorded in more than fifty sources—Day One of the Fifth Dragon Cycle and exactly one hundred years to the date the demons had been sealed.

Gods. Wufei shook his head.

“You’ve felt our power, have acknowledged yourself the uncommon prosperity of Dragon Glen and yet you still doubt us?” Treize demanded.

“He’s just a stubborn brat that’s all.” Merquise’s’ lip curled.

Why the hell was the blond so determined to antagonize him? Wufei bristled, struggling to control his temper. “Well forgive me for not running to you with open arms. You may be telling the truth but your behavior here hasn’t exactly inspired trust. Your average guardian spirit doesn’t go about breaking into people’s homes and peeping at them in the bath!”

“Actually,” Zechs offered, “If they watch over you all the time, it’s safe to assume that they do.”

Wufei’s jaw ticked. The vein in his temple throbbed.

“Ah … Zechs, this may not be the best time for that particular observation,” Treize murmured, patting Zechs on the shoulder and carefully steering him away from Wufei.

“But it’s only logical—”

“I know, Zechs, I know, but look at him. His face is almost as red as your tunic. I would venture that is perhaps a small indication of his displeasure with us.”

“How do you know what we’re seeing isn’t the flush of desire? He is naked after all.”

“What!?” Wufei flushed. Making a choked sound, he darted behind the table, shielding himself.

“See?” Zechs smirked.

“Get out!”

“Huh?”

“I said get out!” Wufei shouted, so flustered, that the hand he flung out to point to the blackened door was trembling. “I don’t care if you’re demons, guardian spirits or the Dragon God himself. I refuse to listen to you perverts anymore!”

“But…” Zechs began, actually looking a bit contrite.

“Out! Out! Out!” Wufei called his power around him in what he hoped was a threatening display. Truth or no truth he wouldn’t stand for this anymore. When neither demon moved though, his temper exploded. “What the hell are you still doing here? I’m counting to ten and if by then you’re not out of here I’ll—”

“Ah,” Treize coughed. “Sorry to interrupt but as much as we’d like to leave there’s one small problem.”

“And what,” Wufei ground out, “might that be?”

“We can’t.”

——————————————————-

“What do you mean you can’t?” Wufei demanded. He was tired of these games. Why did these two persist in tormenting him so?

“I’ll show you,” Treize said and Wufei stared as the General unclasped his cape and let it fall to the floor. He removed his armor and eased his tunic off his shoulders. He secured it about his waist to prevent it from sliding past his hips. When he was shirtless, muscles gleaming in the faint light, he beckoned to Wufei.

Wufei immediately balked. No way he was falling for that lame ploy. “I thought I told you—”

“It’s not what you think. Come; you must see this.”

Wufei inched forward. “What is it?” he demanded testily.

“This.” Treize indicated a spot on his left breast just above his heart (or whatever equivalent beings like Khushrenada and Merquise possessed).

Wufei peered at the point in question, at first, seeing nothing extraordinary about the small tattoo-like mark inscribed there. It was no bigger than a silver coin and in the shifting firelight it was barely visible. Annoyed, Wufei was just about to turn away when he noticed how disturbingly familiar the marking seemed. He squinted, leaning closer. It almost looked like a rune inscription. In fact, now that he thought about it, the tattoo looked a hell of a lot like the markings on the fifth rune he’d lost. But that was impossible. Mages’ rune stones were unique. There was no way the inscriptions could be reproduced, except by the mage himself and even then it was an incredibly laborious process. Wufei was already dreading replacing the one he’d lost for that very reason. If it wasn’t so important he’d avoid it entirely. So how by the gods had Treize even guessed the marking much less made a tattoo of it? The whole thing was even more bizarre since the General should have never seen it. When the lightning storm broke the seals, it had scattered Wufei’s runes as well. A weight of dread settled in the pit of Wufei’s stomach. Unless…

“No, that can’t be.”

“This is yours, is it not?” Treize demanded.

“I don’t know how you achieved this forgery, or what you intend by it, but I’m not amused.”

Merquise rolled his eyes. “Here we go again. What did I tell you, Treize?”

Wufei ignored him. “That cannot be mine. There is no such thing as a living rune.” Even as he said it, however, Wufei was filled with doubt. Normally, he knew that would be true but Khushrenada and Merquise weren’t ‘living’ in the usual sense were they?

“Then what would you call this? You and I both know I could not do this myself. What’s more, though we can sense high magical energy in you, your attacks have been weak. Which means either you are ailing or you have lost a rune stone,” Treize said matter-of-factly.

“But…”

“Since you seem to be in perfect health, I can only assume it’s the latter. And I wouldn’t be surprised in the least if you lost that rune when we were freed. Am I wrong?”

Wufei shook his head glumly.

“Somehow, when the seal broke, it must have caused some reaction between our power and your stone. There was certainly enough magic in the air to make it possible.”

That was not what Wufei wanted to hear. What he wanted was his rune stone back and for these two … guardians to leave him alone and he told them so. “Look, that’s all very interesting, but frankly I don’t give a damn. I want you to leave now. Since you’re not the demons you’re purported to be, there should be no problem right? The two of you seem resourceful enough. Find someone else to bother.”

“If it were that easy do you think we’d still be here?” Merquise snarled. “It’s because of your damn stone we have no choice but to stay here.”

Wufei slammed his palms down on the table. “Look, you pompous bastard, nobody’s keeping you here against your will. Believe me I want nothing more than to see you disappearing over that mountain so why don’t you do us both a favor and get out?”

Merquise made a disgusted sound. “Haven’t you been listening to a thing Treize has been saying or are you just too dense to figure it out? Runes can only be directed by the mage they belong to and your rune has imprinted itself on our bodies. That means your power is now connected to ours. That means we can’t leave until you make us leave by getting rid of this mark. How do you think we were drawn here in the first place? It was your own damn power that called us.”

“But I didn’t do anything,” Wufei spluttered. “How am I supposed to release you when I don’t even know how my mark got there in the first place?”

“It’s your rune. How the hell can you not know?” Merquise growled.

“Gentlemen!” Treize made a placating gesture. “I know this is a frustrating situation but let us not descend to squabbling.” He turned to Wufei. “Mageling—”

“Wufei,” Wufei hissed.

“Wufei, why don’t you get dressed and bring your materials down? The only way we’ll be free of each other is if you can reconstruct that missing stone.”

——————————————————-

Wufei placed his four stones on the table then set the petalyfe, the magical stone from which he would reconstruct the fifth rune at the center. He called his power to him, biting his lip as the stones began vibrating. The process required a bi-directional exchange of power between himself and the stone and sweat broke out on Wufei’s brow under the force of the magic. It required an immense amount of energy and the entire room glowed a luminous phosphorescent blue with every pulse of power streaming from Wufei. Finally, the fifth rune began to take shape, its edges softening and becoming rounded. It shimmered, solidifying by slow degrees while Khushrenada and Merquise looked on with anxious faces. Wufei panted, pain burning his arms and back as energy was drawn from him at an incredible rate. Now came the hardest part.

Wufei chanted the summoning spell, repeating the enchanted words until the sinuous line of the inscription began to coalesce. He held on, willing the sigil to become permanent but the lines kept shifting and dissolving, his own power fighting him every step of the way. Wufei stumbled. The room spun and he shook his head, bracing his legs far apart and gripping the table for balance. By now, the rune should have been complete and it was agony trying to maintain the summoning spell but Wufei fought on, forcing every ounce of power he could muster into stabilizing the rune. One dark line appeared and then another. For a moment, it seemed it would hold.

“Yes … yes!” Merquise urged, leaning forward excitedly.

Almost … almost… If he could keep up the flow for just a little longer… Wufei summoned all of his strength but he’d already spent double the amount of energy normally required for the task and he could hold out no more. “Nngh … ungh … I can’t.…” Wufei barely had time to cry out before the petalyfe exploded and he was flung backwards. He landed hard on the stone floor, the wind knocked out of his lungs. He lay there, stunned. Every bone in his body screamed with pain and his head was pounding from the shock of the fall. “Ugh…” he groaned.

“Wufei! Are you all right?” Treize was shouting. Even Merquise was hurrying towards him with agitated strides. Wufei really didn’t see what all the commotion was about. He had only taken a little tumble. Nothing to get worked up over.

“I … I’m fine,” Wufei protested, sitting up to prove his point. He brushed off his robes, stumbled to his feet, took one step forward … and Khushrenada’s and Merquise’s distressed faces were the last things he saw before the world went dark.

——————————————————-

Wufei awoke to find himself cradled in Treize’s arms, while Merquise held a compress to his forehead. There were bandages on his forearms and he could only assume the blond had also put them there. He groaned, pushing Treize’s hands away to sit up—and was immediately forced back down by Merquise.

“Be still,” Merquise barked. “You’re in no condition to be going anywhere.”

“But…” Wufei was about to protest, but in truth he was light-headed from energy loss and the pain in his arms was an even greater deterrent to movement. He looked around to notice for the first time the herbs from his garden on the table and the pot simmering over the fireplace. A pungent medicinal aroma rose from the pot and Wufei watched as Merquise went to the fireplace and ladled some of the hot mixture into a mug. So the blond had a gift for healing? How surprising.

“Here, drink this; it’ll ease the pain,” Merquise ordered, bringing the potent broth to Wufei’s lips.

Wufei grimaced but did as he was told. When Merquise was satisfied with the amount he’d drunk, the blond set the cup aside and Wufei sagged back against Treize. He raised his arm to examine the bandages and winced at the pain that immediately shot up the limb. “What happened?” he groaned.

“You overdid it,” Merquise said, pressing his lips together. “The pressure was too much for your hands and the skin broke. A few of the cuts are quite deep, but with my salve there should be no scarring.”

“Thanks,” Wufei murmured, abashed at the blond’s care of him after all his earlier hostility. Then: “Did … did it work?” he croaked, almost afraid to ask.

“I’m afraid not.” Treize said, speaking for the first time. He shook his head when a frustrated oath burst from Wufei’s lips. “It is all right. For now, the most important thing is that you heal. Otherwise, we’ll really be in trouble.” He must have been reading Wufei’s thoughts for he quickly added: “For that reason we must insist that you do not attempt any spells for the next few days until your arms are healed.”

“No, I’m fine, really. I just need—”

“That’s enough!” Merquise cut Wufei off with a stern look. “I didn’t spend all this time nursing a brat like you back into shape so you could undo all my hard work. The reconstruction of the rune failed and you are simply going to have to face the fact that we will be here for a few days at best. At worst it’ll be much longer if what we all suspect is true—and that is the stone cannot be reconstructed as long as the markings are imprinted on my and Treize’s bodies. Your current injuries seem to be evidence enough of that.”

Wufei had been thinking the same thing but hearing his fears spoken aloud seemed to make their fate all the more ominous. “Maybe … maybe you’re wrong. Maybe there’s a way for this to work. As soon as I am recovered I will find away to free us from this imposed companionship. In fact, I…” He paused, turning to look curiously at Zechs. “Wait a minute. You’ve been complaining all this time yet I haven’t seen a single mark on you. I see why Khushrenada must stay, but what’s keeping you here? Do you just refuse to leave his side?”

Merquise muttered something under his breath but Treize coaxed him into listening to Wufei. “He won’t believe you until he sees it for himself, Zechs. Show it to him”

Zechs shrugged. He removed his armor and belt and pulled his tunic over his head.

Wufei’s eyes bugged. Merquise was … was…. He made a choked sound as the blond was left standing in nothing but a skimpy loincloth fastened at the side. An arrow of golden hair trailed from his navel to disappear beneath the scant underwear, which sat low on his hips. When Merquise began untying the knot at his hip, Wufei shot to his feet, almost knocking Treize over in the process.

“Stop!”

Merquise shot him a puzzled look.

“You don’t have to show me. Just tell me where it is!”

“All right.” Merquise’s hands stilled on the loincloth. “It’s on my inner thigh.”

“Amazing really,” Treize purred, rising to join his Lieutenant. Wufei stared in disbelief as he knelt before Merquise and slid his hand up the blond’s thighs as though it were the most natural thing in the world. What’s more, Merquise immediately shifted, allowing Treize greater access. Treize leaned closer, casually rubbing a spot where the loincloth met the crease of Merquise’s leg. “Unbelievable.”

Merquise sighed, brushing a hand through Treize’s hair as the General continued to caress him. “If you’re surprised, imagine how I must feel. I always knew the gods had a sense of humor.”

Those two were—! Wufei tottered to the table and slumped in his chair. His cheeks were on fire. This situation was moving from bad to worse. What next? If anybody dropped one more article of clothing he was going to kill them.

Khushrenada and Merquise were murmuring to each other, their host seemingly completely forgotten. Wufei could ignore the men’s husky laughter; he could even ignore the heated looks shared between them, but Treize’s fingers going to the knot at Merquise’s hip was the last straw.

“General Khushrenada, would you kindly step away from your Lieutenant?”

The warriors’ laughter abruptly ceased. Merquise was clearly irritated by the interruption but Wufei didn’t care. This was his cottage and they were intruders. He had a right to set limits on what did and did not go on in here. As for Treize, he frowned but he did as Wufei requested.

“I do not see why…” the General began.

“No.” Wufei did not allow him to continue. “I’m sorry but I won’t hear any objections. If we’re going to be living together, it’s about time I laid down some ground rules.”

——————————————————-

Wufei called Khushrenada and Merquise to the table. They sat, staring at each other across the scarred wood. Nataku was curled about Wufei’s shoulders, the little dragon clearly distressed at his injuries and at finding two powerful strangers in the cottage. Wufei tried to reassure her by petting her scales. “It’s all right, girl,” he murmured, though he wasn’t so sure himself.

Merquise glanced curiously at Nataku. “Is that a pet?”

“Sort of…” Wufei frowned. “Dragons are very intelligent beings so it’s not quite right to call them pets. I couldn’t keep Nataku here if she didn’t want to. She’s more like a companion than anything else.” Wufei rubbed his fingers along Nataku’s head, earning him a deep purring sound from the little dragon.

“Hm. Must get pretty lonely then.” There was nothing mocking in Merquise’s voice, but the clear-eyed gaze he cast upon Wufei seemed to expose some deep vulnerability in him and Wufei flushed.

“No … no … not really,” Wufei stammered eager to let the topic drop but Treize turned to him with a thoughtful look.

“So you really do live here all alone?”

“Yes of course.”

“A shame indeed. No friends … lovers?”

Wufei’s few friends all lived in the village—or had lived there when he left for the temple. He supposed Heero and Duo had both gone on to much more exciting things now. Those two always had a knack for adventure. As for lovers … well… Before he’d become temple guardian he’d fooled around a bit with Trowa, the son of the local dragonmaster. Last Wufei heard, though, Trowa had bonded with a blond empath from the Alhaza desert. Even now the knowledge filled him with a wistful longing. What he and Trowa shared hadn’t been love exactly. It had been more like love’s first tender beginnings—friendship, affection and desire tumbled together all at once. In other circumstances Wufei felt sure things would have been different, but the fates had different plans for them and there was no use holding onto what might have been now.

“I’ve always been a bit of a loner anyway.” Wufei’s shrug was intended to show a certain cultivated indifference but Treize’s eyes softened with something akin to pity.

“Is that so?”

“Anyway, I thought we would discuss living arrangements while you’re here.”

“Of course.”

Wufei flattened his palms against the table. “First of all, you two will need to help me out in the garden if there is to be enough food for the three of us. There’s also Betsy to consider. I don’t want to have to get another goat since you’re staying here temporarily but I don’t know if she can produce enough milk for us all. Which leads me to the next matter. I hate to be crude, but do you have anything in the way of money?”

“Well, let’s see…” Wufei waited as Merquise and Khushrenada fished about their uniforms. Finally, Merquise pushed a battered gold coin across the table.

“I’m afraid this is all I have,” he apologized.

Wufei held the coin up to the light. It was actually a rather large denomination, worth roughly 5 pentgrams in its day—enough to supply them with provisions for a month. The only problem was it hadn’t been in circulation for almost a thousand years! The best he would get for it now was the value of the gold itself, maybe a little more if Jared thought he could sell it to an antiques collector. Wufei pressed a hand to his forehead. “It’s not much but I’ll see what I can do,” he said with a sigh.

Maybe he could pretend Khushrenada and Merquise were travelers seeking work and petition the village to hire them as his assistants. The temple had grown significantly since it was built and in recent years, the council had begun discussing hiring more help for the guardians. The talks always stalled though since they could never find any workers willing to live on the mountain. It might be one way to pay for their expenses.

The other option was abandoning the temple altogether, but how could Wufei explain to the village that the demons had escaped? Not only that, but that they weren’t demons anymore and were actually responsible for Dragon Glen’s wealth? Even if they did believe Wufei, what would he do now that he was free? Where would he go? He had few other marketable skills he could live by. It was also near impossible for a mage of his power to be taken in by a guild without having served an apprenticeship under a guild master. He wouldn’t mind an apprenticeship—he was certainly still young enough to not raise any eyebrows. The only problem was with his power, there was little any master could teach him. At the same time, he couldn’t take on an apprentice of his own without belonging to a guild. Wufei buried his head in his arms. This was a terrible, terrible mess.

“Is something wrong?” Treize asked him.

“No, somehow I’ll figure this all out. For now let’s just try to get along. I only have one bed so you’ll have to spread some furs down here. Unfortunately I will have to buy those from Jared when he comes by tomorrow. For tonight at least, you will have to make do with some blankets. Luckily it hasn’t been too cold, so if you sleep near the fireplace you should be toasty enough. Also … I don’t care what kind of relationship you have but just keep your … activities … where I can’t see them. I’m not doing any extra laundry because of you!” Wufei flushed.

Merquise chuckled. “About that … There’s one more thing we haven’t discussed. It has to do with our ‘dietary requirements’ if you will.”

“What is it?” Wufei didn’t even try to be optimistic. He simply braced himself for the bad news.

“Treize and I absorb a portion of the energy around us. For the most part, this isn’t a problem since there is an abundance of energy in all of nature itself. Even so, we must always be careful not to absorb too much life force from our surroundings. When we were imprisoned, our “appetites” were smaller, because the seals were made to restrict our powers. We could slowly retrieve the energy we needed without having to worry that we would drain too much from the living things around us. Now that we are free, though, we’ll need to take in power at our original levels. Treize and I usually get the majority of our energy through a direct exchange that leaves us sated enough to absorb the rest of our needs at a much slower pace. This way, we cause no harm to our surroundings.”

“Direct exchange?” Wufei echoed. “You mean…?”

There were three main ways magical beings, including mages gained new energy: through food, through absorption from the environment as Merquise had described and … through sex. This last produced the greatest and most direct form of energy. It was quick, requiring no internal conversion before power could be called upon and of the three, it was also the only method that was … well … fun. Needless to say, it was the preferred choice of most mages. As for Wufei, he preferred to think of himself as much more discriminating.

Merquise nodded. “Since we’re already lovers it makes the most practical sense.”

“Yeah, but what does that have to do with me?”

“Nothing if your rune hadn’t interfered with things. With your power now connected to ours, the old methods are no longer enough. What did you think being drawn to your power meant? Runes always draw upon the energy of their masters. With your rune imprinted on us, we crave your power too.”

Wufei swallowed. He jerked to his feet and began edging away from the two warriors. “I don’t know what you’re implying but I won’t be involved in a direct exchange of anything between you and Khushrenada. You can forget it!”

“Oh dear,” Treize murmured as he and Merquise began moving toward Wufei. “Somehow I knew this would happen. Won’t you let us convince you otherwise?”

————————————————–

“Stay where you are!” Wufei warned, skittering backward.

Khushrenada and Merquise shared puzzled looks. “Don’t you think you’re exaggerating?” Khushrenada demanded. “After all, it’s not as if the situation were not mutually beneficial.”

“Mutually beneficial? Only for you and Merquise!”

“The exchange of energy would increase your power as well. With the link between us, we all stand to gain equally from this process. In fact, I would go so far as to venture that you stand to benefit even more than Zechs and I,” Khushrenada finished.

“Me? That’s absurd! You’re the ones imposing yourselves here. There’s absolutely nothing in this for me.”

Khushrenada shook his head. “Pardon me for making this observation but, you appear to harbor a great deal of … frustrated energy. Perfectly understandable of course, given the life you have been forced to lead. Luckily, Zechs and I are well equipped to take care of your metaphysical and physical needs”

“What?” Wufei squawked. Did the bastard just say what he thought he said?

Merquise stepped forward. “If it’s technique you’re worried about then let me reassure you, we are both attentive lovers. I don’t kiss and tell but I have never received a complaint from any of my lovers, even the most skittish of virgins like yourself. Quite the opposite, in fact. Treize can unequivocally say the same. Do not worry. We will be very solicitous about your pleasure.”

Wufei’s throat worked soundlessly at this pronouncement. Next to Merquise, Khushrenada was nodding sagely. Skit …skittish virgin? Wufei’s face flamed.

Merquise and Khushrenada suddenly materialized next to Wufei, one on either side of him. The two warriors were alarmingly close. “Khush…Khushrenada … Merquise…” Wufei stammered, looking from one man to the other. “What the hell do you bastards think you’re doing? I’m warning you….” Wufei gasped as someone released his hair. His hair-tie fluttered to the ground. “Hey! Who—”

“So this is what you’ve been hiding from us,” Merquise rumbled, tilting Wufei’s face upward to gently comb through his hair. “Such a pretty, pretty mage.” His thumb found the nape of Wufei’s neck and rubbed there in slow circles, so that Wufei was possessed by a hot shiver and goose bumps broke over his skin. “Isn’t he pretty, Treize?”

“Magnificent,” Khushrenada purred from behind Wufei.

Behind him? When had he got there? Wufei’s mind was racing and he could barely catch his breath. This situation was getting out of hand. He needed to do something and it would be a hell of a lot easier if his body would listen to him. As it was, Merquise was bending closer and Wufei could do no more to stop him than he could still the pounding of his heart. The older man’s gaze fell to his mouth.

“What a sweet little bud.” Merquise traced the rim of Wufei’s mouth. “Soft, full, sensuous….” He brushed his bottom lip. “I think I’ll have a taste.”

Wufei’s eyes widened. “Merquise…”

Hot and soft, Merquise’s mouth descended to claim Wufei’s. The blond pulled Wufei to him, the strong bar of his arm tight about his waist. Wufei was nudged almost on tiptoe and he had to clutch the older man’s shoulders to keep his balance. Merquise took the opportunity to deepen the kiss, his tongue stealing into Wufei’s mouth and playing wetly against his.

Wufei clung to him. His heart was thudding. This was … this was… He gasped as he was swept along in a torrent of sensation. The fine strands of Merquise’s hair tickled Wufei’s cheek and dazedly he realized that the curtain of black and gold he could see from corner of his eye was Merquise’s sunlit hair and his own dark locks mingled together. Something about that knowledge made desire burst through Wufei and he closed his eyes. He was adrift … lost … branded by the incredible heat of Merquise’s body pressed against his from chest to belly to thigh.

Merquise found the pulse at Wufei’s throat and the concerted way he kissed and suckled that throbbing spot made Wufei feel he was sipping of his life force itself. This might not be so bad after all he thought dazedly, his head lolling backwards. Wait … what was he saying?! Wufei shook his head. He tried to pull away, but Merquise would have none of it. Instead, he pulled Wufei even closer, slanting his mouth over his. He was all soft lips, hot breath and teasing, nipping teeth, which surprised Wufei when they tugged on his bottom lip.

“Oh!” Wufei didn’t realize he was moaning until he heard Khushrenada chuckle.

“Good isn’t he? See? We’ll take good care of you, lovely.”

Being taken care of was sounding better and better with each moment and Wufei struggled to remember just why he needed to oppose this. It had all seemed clear a while ago, so why did he feel so fuzzy now? Maybe it had something to do with the way Merquise was circling his nipple through his tunic … or Khushrenada’s breath tickling the back of his neck … or the delicious tingling of magic underneath it all as their bodies rubbed together. Wufei blinked drunkenly. That … that … must be it… He should be resisting this, so why did it feel so good?

Heat rushed down Wufei’s thighs. His knees were trembling and if not for Merquise’s arms about him he surely would have fallen. His erection rubbed against the wool of his leggings and Wufei was never more thankful that he did not wear the shorter, more fashionable tunics. Even so, it was becoming harder and harder to conceal the proof of his desire.

“Merquise,” Wufei moaned. He wasn’t quite sure what he needed, or even what he was asking for, but he would burst if he did not somehow give voice to the yearning within him.

“Hmm,” Khushrenada rumbled in Wufei’s ear even as Merquise’s arms tightened about him. “Please call Zechs and me by our given names. We are your lovers now are we not?” Khushrenada lifted the hem of Wufei’s tunic. He insinuated his hand between his legs, cupping him through his leggings.

“Wait … wait! Oh god, what are you doing?” Wufei tried to jerk away but that only pressed him further against Merquise.

The blond brushed the sweaty strands away from Wufei’s forehead. “Don’t fight it. Treize touching you like this is pleasurable isn’t it? Let us make you feel good,” he was saying, then Khushrenada’s hand was moving and all Wufei’s thoughts fragmented.

The older man fondled Wufei’s balls. He even teased between his cheeks, making him gasp and squirm. Devilish fingers pressed just behind Wufei’s scrotum, rubbing and caressing the sensitive skin there. Before Wufei could think what they were searching for, pleasure flared bright and hot. He cried out, slumping against Merquise.

“Khush…Khushrenada…”

“Ah, how delicious. I think we’ve found your sweet spot, little one. Such a passionate response and I’m only massaging you from the outside.” The satisfaction in Khushrenada’s voice was palpable. “It appears though, that you’re still having a bit of difficulty with our names.” Khushrenada’s other hand slipped around Wufei and found the erection he had been praying would go unnoticed.

Wufei’s entire body shuddered. “Treize!”

“Much better.”

Zechs laughed. “Shall we make ourselves a bit more comfortable, then?” he asked, leading Wufei over to one of the chairs around the table. Wufei stumbled behind him, having long given up trying to make sense of things. It seemed wisest to figure it all out later when the blood wasn’t rushing away from his head.

“Excellent idea, Zechs.” Treize stalked them. There was a hungry gleam in his eye that could only mean very bad or very good things for Wufei depending on one’s perspective. Wufei could not decide which as Treize embraced him. The older man took his hand and gently kissed his fingers. He turned Wufei’s hand over and brought it to his lips, a hot tongue tracing the lines in his hand from the center of his palm to the base of his wrist. He bent and suckled the soft crease of Wufei’s elbow. Treize stared at Wufei from beneath his lashes.

“You’ll let me hold you, won’t you?”

Wufei’s breath lodged in his throat. He nodded dumbly.

“Good … good.” The older man cupped the back of his head, and with surprising tenderness held Wufei to him. While Treize rubbed his back in soothing circles, Wufei felt Zechs’ hands on his waist … his hips … the backs of his thighs … and too late, he realized what was happening.

“W…Wait!”

Zechs tugged off Wufei’s leggings, caressing the arch of each foot before releasing him. “Mmm?”

Naked now but for his tunic, Wufei groaned. Gods why him? He had always followed the rules; always respected his elders. What had he done to deserve this?

Treize was groaning too, but for a different reason as his hands settled on the curve of Wufei’s ass. He cupped and squeezed him. “Oh Wufei, how can no one have ever held you like this? I want to kiss and caress you all over.” A finger ghosted over Wufei’s cleft. “Even here. No, especially here,” Treize whispered. He nuzzled Wufei’s throat, then wandered up to mouth the soft round of his earlobe. “I want that very much. I want to see you bent over Zechs’ lap with that saucy little behind of yours in the air. And then I’d spread you and kiss you right here.” Wufei jumped as Treize’s finger pressed deeper, circling the entrance to his body.

“That’s…” Wufei was shocked … tingling with excitement … mortified. He stumbled backwards and Zechs caught him. The blond sank into one of the chairs and Wufei was pulled with him, his bare bottom brushing against Zechs’ lap. While Treize watched, Zechs hooked Wufei’s legs over his own, then very slowly spread his legs. Wufei gave a cry as he felt his tunic riding up. He tugged the hem down; embarrassed by the way his erection tented the cloth.

Treize was staring at him with a soft smile. He knelt before Wufei, rubbing the delicate skin on the inside of his knee. “Why are you hiding? Don’t be shy. Your cock is just as pretty as the rest of you. Won’t you let me see?”

“Shut up!” Wufei’s face was hot. “Don’t say those kinds of things! It’s … it’s … inappropriate.”

Treize’s smile broadened. “Inappropriate? How so? On the contrary, it can only be appropriate when it’s the truth. Why should I pretend otherwise?”

Behind Wufei, Zechs rumbled his agreement. He trailed his fingers up and down Wufei’s arms. Carefully, carefully, he began tugging Wufei’s hands away from their grip on the tunic.

“No!” Wufei fought, but Zechs was stronger. He easily pried the cloth away from Wufei’s fingers and raised the tunic up to his waist. His strong arm curled about Wufei’s middle held Wufei in place while bunching the cloth up so that he was bared to Treize.

“Oh gods.” Wufei squeezed his eyes shut as his nakedness was revealed. He prayed for the ground to open up and swallow him whole. Better yet, for it to open up and consume Treize and Zechs since they were responsible for his current humiliation.

“Gods indeed. I was right. You are beautiful. I could look at you like this all day,” Treize husked. He kissed the tops of Wufei’s thighs, leaning—to the younger man’s frenzied mind—far too close for comfort.

“Don’t torture him, Treize. Look at how the poor thing is trembling,” Zechs chided. “I think he deserves a reward after all we’ve put him through.”

“Ah, you’re right.” Treize wedged his body between their thighs and began kissing Wufei. Little butterfly kisses right to the sensitive tip of his cock.

Wufei’s eyes flew open. He was moaning even as he tried to twist away. With Treize at his front and Zechs behind him, however, his efforts were quickly proven useless. He could only cry out as Treize’s mouth enveloped him. The older man bobbed his head, caressing Wufei with the back of his throat. When his tongue pressed the vein on the underside of Wufei’s shaft, color burst behind his eyelids. Treize’s mouth was hot, wet, tight and the things his tongue was doing…. Wufei’s head lolled against Zechs’ shoulder. His fingers dug into the blond’s arms as he tried to absorb the pleasure coursing through him. He hadn’t known it would be like this—that he could feel so good.

Throughout it all, Treize’s eyes never left his. That smoky, hooded gaze bore into Wufei as the older man suckled him … worked the slit at the head of his cock … deliberately teased his foreskin. Wufei prickled with embarrassment. Yet, no matter how hard he tried, he could not turn away. He felt branded, utterly possessed by Treize’s gaze and the hot bands of his hands around his thighs. Wufei was spread and lifted, kissed and caressed and it took him some time to realize that the hoarse, wild cries he heard were coming from his lips. Of their own volition his hips rose and fell. The movement was sinuous, wanton, but Wufei was helpless to stop it. He knew only the urgency of his body and a need for release that bordered on pain.

“That’s it … that’s it. Don’t hold anything back.” Zechs urged, nipping Wufei’s ear.

Hold back? He couldn’t if he tried. Wufei gave one last desperate cry and spurted into Treize’s mouth. The older man made a hungry approving sound, eagerly swallowing Wufei’s come. Treize continued to suckle him even after he was soft and Wufei whimpered.

“Stop … stop … please.” His fingers tangled in Treize’s hair.

Treize let Wufei slip out of his mouth. He kissed his hip lovingly then rocked back on his heels. “Had enough, sweetheart? I promise that’s only a fraction of the pleasure Zechs and I can give you.”

“A fraction?” Wufei stammered, unable to process what such a thing could mean after the intensity of what he’d just experienced. For there to be more than this…. “Gods.”

“Treize, I think you’ve scandalized him,” Zechs laughed. “Don’t worry, love,” he told Wufei. “We won’t do anything you can’t handle.”

Treize beamed. “Well! Now that we’ve gotten to know each other, I think this will be a very pleasant arrangement.”

Wufei couldn’t find the voice to answer. Dazed, sated and all but glowing with new energy, he couldn’t shake the feeling that in the battle of wills between himself, Zechs and Treize, he’d just suffered a complete defeat.

Table of contents for The Broken Seal

1. Chapter One
2. Chapter Two
3. Chapter Three
4. Chapter Four

The Broken Seal
by Michalyn
Rating: MA

Author’s Note: I started writing this last month, hoping to finish it in time for May 13th (13×6x5 day) but the damned thing got so long that I just couldn’t finish it in time. It’s supposed to be a oneshot but because this part is already pretty long I decided to break the entire thing into two parts. These are my three favorite GW guys so this is a total piece of indulgence. I hope you enjoy my silliness.

———————-

From the temple mount, Blackmoor forest extended like a lush carpet far beyond the eye could reach. Wufei was so high up that even the tallest trees seemed like children’s toys. A frigid wind rippled through the trees, making them sway and turning their leaves silver-green. The gust caught Wufei’s crimson cloak with it, revealing the pale magist’s robes beneath the heavy material. On his shoulder, his pet dragon, Nataku shifted restlessly, making a hissing noise. Wufei ran a soothing hand over her iridescent scales.

“You feel it too, don’t you, little one?” he murmured as thunder clattered overhead and the air became sharp with the scent of imminent rain. For the past six nights Wufei had been unable to sleep, kept awake by an unnamable sense of unease. At best, it was a prickling of the senses, at worst, a heavy foreboding—a premonition of danger that had Wufei jostling the runes in his pocket for comfort. He had become temple guardian in his fifteenth winter and in the four winters since, Wufei had never felt anything like this. Should he send a warning to the village? No … that would be pointless. What would he say? That they should lock up their houses because he had a bad feeling? They would think he had gone soft in the head from all the years spent up on the mountain.

Wufei sighed, stopping again between the two statues into which the ancient seals were carved. These stone sentinels were the reason for his peculiar existence; the reason that in every generation since his people could remember, the most gifted of their youth was sent to the mountain to watch over the statues and make sure the demons who were sealed inside never escaped again. Wufei had long ago accepted his duty, and with Nataku for company along with the occasional traveler or villager come to the mountain to bring him provisions, he didn’t mind his solitary days much. In fact, he was even grateful for them at times. Only occasionally did he feel a twinge as he wondered what life might have been like had he been born a baker’s son or a black-smith’s apprentice, free to live and love as he chose. During those times, Wufei could not help yearning for a life more ordinary. Being the protector of his people came at a considerable price.

Wufei gazed into the sinister faces of the statues. Their lips were curled back in feral snarls and their stone fingers were sharpened claws. They were almost identical save for the armor each wore. A cape rested on the arm of the statue to the right in many-layered folds while in his other hand, the demon brandished a terrifying sword. Unlike his companion, the statue on the left, however, wore no cape. His tunic was short and he leaned forward on one bent leg, a sandaled foot propped on a large shield.

They were General Khushrenada and his Lieutenant. Legend had it that the demons were once powerful magist-warriors in the service of a great king. They were invincible, vanquishing the king’s enemies and ensuring a reign of peace. Those gentle days were not to last forever, though. One winter, the two warriors were drawn into a trap by Septm, a dark lord who sought the throne. General Khushrenada and Lieutenant Merquise were cursed. Possessed, they turned against the very people they once protected, unleashing a bloody rampage on the countryside, the kind of which had never been seen before. For months they were unstoppable, laying waste every village they passed through. They arrived in Dragon Glen and Wufei’s people also fell under their sword.

All seemed lost until finally after a desperate battle, a powerful young mage confronted them. Already injured from the fighting, he knew he could not completely defeat them. Their strength was much too great. Knowing, that their destructive power came from Loki, evil spirits, which had bound themselves to the General’s and Lieutenant’s souls, the mage cast a potent purification spell over the warriors, hoping to lure the evil spirits out and weaken the warriors’ powers for a moment. In that shimmering instant when the Loki hovered above the warriors’ souls, the young man scorched them with mage fire. The Loki were exorcised, but it was too late for the warriors. The evil spirits had been entwined with them for so long, that their souls were irrevocably affected. The mage knew that General Khushrenada and Lieutenant Merquise were no longer human. With the last of his energy, he sealed the demons in stone and had them carried far away from the village. From that moment on, he lived on the mountain, devoting his life to ensuring they would never break free again.

Thus, Wufei found himself, one in a line of hundreds of other guardians and he had no reason to doubt that another hundred guardians would follow him as well. A soft rain began to fall and lightning rent the clouds. Nataku fluttered her wings, and released a keening cry to the wind.

“Guess we better head back,” Wufei said. He pulled on his hood and started to make his way back to his cottage. The rain beat down with increasing force and Wufei hurried, eager to get inside where it was warm and dry. With the usual temple spring cleaning for the fire festival just around the corner, he could not afford to catch cold.

Thunder clattered overhead and the rain pelted Wufei without mercy. He had just reached the temple gate when a powerful flash of lightning burned through the heavens. It was so bright, the sky turned white, blinding Wufei. In that instant, an incredible explosion rocked the ground, sending him tumbling down the temple stairs. Wufei gasped as his shoulder slammed against a column and the rune stones flew from his pocket. Nataku shrieked and flapped around him in alarm, her head gently butting Wufei as she tried to get him to stand up. Damn it! Wufei groaned. His shoulder throbbed with hot pain. What the hell was that?

Steadying himself, Wufei tried to locate the source of the disturbance, but even as he limped to his feet, he could sense something was terribly wrong. The air vibrated with energy and rubble was scattered in every direction. Wufei’s heart pounded as he bent to examine the crumbled stone.

“Ouch!” he hissed, dropping the fragment like a hot potato—and it was indeed that hot, its edges scorched and blackened. Wufei didn’t want to believe it, but with every minute his dread grew worse. A lightning storm could do a lot of damage but lightning alone could not render magistically tempered stone into these lumps of coal. Worse, the heavy, almost stifling weight of the air was unmistakable: Magic. An incredible power had been released and Wufei knew of only thing for a thousand miles that could generate this kind of energy. And if what he was thinking was true…

Wufei whirled toward the statues and what he saw made his blood run cold. Lightning had blasted both of the seals and now power poured from the breached stone like water from a spring. The seal on the Lieutenant was partially intact but the General’s seal was completely blown away. Wufei cursed and dropped to his knees, scrambling amongst the rubble for his rune stones. The General was the more powerful of the two. It would have been much better if the Lieutenant’s seal had been broken and the General’s stayed intact. If he escaped… No, Wufei did not want to think about that. He had to do something, and quickly.

Wufei burrowed beneath the dust and plaster and found one rune stone after another until he was missing just one. He searched and searched until his robes were heavy with mud and his fingers were bruised and tender but no matter how hard he looked, the final rune would not be found. Wufei rocked back on his heels, cursing in frustration. With the full set of stones he could concentrate his power to its greatest intensity. Without all five, he would only be operating at about 70. Normally, that would be more than enough to defeat any enemy, but this was no ordinary foe. Knowing he couldn’t afford to waste another moment, Wufei had no choice but to abandon his search and try to repair the seal with whatever power he had before the demon was fully released.

Wufei braced himself and began summoning his strength to restore the seal. It was like pushing against a wall. The air shimmered and distorted as Wufei tried to staunch the deluge of power. He stumbled, perspiration dotting his brow and his shoulder burning as the demon power, eager to be completely released, resisted him. For a moment Wufei wondered if he could really control this himself. Should he call for help? But no, the village was five-days ride by horseback. By then it wouldn’t matter what help he had rallied; the demon would have escaped and with no Loki to exorcise, who knew if the General could be sealed again. Besides, if Wufei could not restore the seals, no one could. It was the very reason he was temple guardian. Panting, Wufei chanted the words of an arcane binding spell as he focused all of his power on reconstructing the seal. He hoped to use the ancient spell to compensate for his weakened power and after a long struggle it seemed that he finally succeeded. The broken fragments of the statues rose and reassembled in their proper places, the myriad fissures in the stone glowing before fusing together again. The tension in the air diminished and winked out.

Wufei slumped to the ground, relieved and utterly drained from the effort it had taken to put things to rights again. As Nataku alighted on his shoulder, he petted her slender tail.

“I don’t know about you, girl, but I’m more than ready to go home and see this day end.”

Nataku’s contented cry seemed to say she agreed.

————————————–

Wufei’s cottage was nestled in a lush arbor not far from the mountain top. When he got inside, he lit the fire and set a pot over the flames to heat his bathwater. Before coming in, he had carried in water from the well and now a large wooden tub rested before the fireplace. He normally had dinner before his bath, but the muck encrusted onto the hems of his robes was too unpleasant to ignore. Wufei loosened his hair and stripping before the fire, he rolled his robes and cloak into a neat bundle to be washed on the morrow.

Wufei took the pot off the fire and set the bathwater to a comfortable temperature. He slipped into the tub, making a deep sound of satisfaction as the warm water enveloped him. Such a simple pleasure, but it felt wonderful after the day he’d spent. Wufei settled deeper into the tub, wincing a bit as the water stung his bruised shoulder and the little cuts across his knuckles from where he had scraped them searching for his rune stones. He had opened the window to let Nataku out to hunt her dinner and while Wufei surveyed the room, a gentle breeze blew in from outside, fragrant with the scent of rain and the night-blooming flowers.

The walls glowed in the firelight and Wufei’s eyes traveled from the rough kitchen table with its sturdy chairs to the fresh rushes on the stone floor. The cottage consisted of three rooms. The front room and largest room served as kitchen and living room while overhead, connected by a short ladder, the alcove housed his bedroom and his study. All in all, it was a small space, but a cozy one. Everything he needed was right here. He had a herb garden for both recipes and spells, and behind the cottage was a small corral where he kept a temperamental she-goat named Betsy for milk and cheese. What more could he want? Wufei mused. Companions, a little voice in his head was quick to point out, but Wufei silenced it. He was perfectly happy as he was.

The scent of lavender and chamomile rose from the tub as Wufei washed himself. Humming a faint tune, he soaped his calves then lifted one leg to rub the rag between his toes. When he was done, Wufei rose from the tub and wrung the excess water from his hair. He was just reaching for his wiping cloth when the air next to him crackled with electricity. There was an incredible rushing sound, a gust of wind blasted into the room and before Wufei knew what was happening, something landed at his feet with enough force to cause the stone floor to reverberate.

Not something but someone… Wufei gasped as a large figure materialized in front of the tub.

The man standing before him was easily three heads taller than Wufei and twice as heavy. His broad shoulders were weighted by armor and a navy blue cloak which swept the floor. Wufei was startled to discover his golden breastplate inscribed with Old Verse, a form of writing that had not been used in Dragon Glen for hundreds of years. In fact, only mages and scholars knew it through their studies and even then, only very few were proficient. The words were a common protection charm, more symbolic than magical in their wish for their wearer’s safe-keeping. If the power Wufei sensed emanating from the mysterious warrior was any indication though, then the intruder had no need of such a charm anyway.

It also meant that Wufei would be no match for him.

The knowledge was like a fist to the gut but denying it was pointless. Better to know the limits of his power than to have a deluded sense of his abilities. As it stood, he would most likely be hurt, but the latter would surely get him killed before he could warn his people. Wufei’s thoughts raced as he struggled to devise some means of defending himself. The world seemed to contract to the pounding of his heart and the leaden weight of his body, unable to move from shock and fear. And all the while Wufei could not shake the feeling that he had seen the warrior’s armor somewhere before.

The intruder’s tunic, of the same deep blue as his cloak, ended just above his knee to bare strong tanned legs and sandaled feet. The golden thongs of his sandals glittered and the reddish hairs on his powerful calves caught the firelight as he dropped to one knee. The sudden movement startled Wufei; he braced himself for the worst, knowing that running would be useless. The fluttering of the intruder’s tunic alone as he lowered himself to the floor had caused the air to shimmer. No, there would be no getting far enough away from this opponent. He would be upon Wufei before he even reached the door. He might as well save all his energy for the inevitable bloody confrontation, Wufei thought, steeling himself. He could only watch, every muscle taut with dread as the warrior leaned closer and closer until his lips were almost brushing Wufei’s pubic hair. Wufei clenched his fists, wondering what this strange first move meant.

Lazy blue eyes perused Wufei’s form and the intruder’s nostrils flared delicately as if taking in his scent. “Well, that is certainly a pleasant sight to wake up to after a thousand years,” he rumbled.

At first Wufei didn’t think he’d heard correctly. Then blood rushed to his cheeks. Of all the depraved … perverted—! If Wufei had doubted before, now he was sure he had some kind of evil presence before him. Scrambling out of the tub, he pulled the wiping cloth about his hips. Wufei’s hands were trembling as he grabbed his runes from the table and braced himself in a fighting stance.

“Name yourself, Bastard!”

The man ran a lazy hand through his hair. “General Khushrenada,” he drawled, advancing on Wufei. “And you must be the pretty little mageling who tried to seal me away.”

———————————-

The words were like an icy hand around Wufei’s heart. His his limbs were shaking and blood was pounding in his ears as he tried to process what the warrior was saying. There was no way. It wasn’t … couldn’t be true.

“But … but … that’s impossible,” Wufei protested. “I just… sealed…”

But had he really? Wufei’s voice died in his throat as he remembered how eagerly the flow of energy had pulsed from the broken seal and worse, how long it had taken him to find his rune stones before he could repair it. Even then he had only been able to use a portion of his power. When both were considered, it was more than possible—nay inevitable—that a being as powerful as the General would have escaped. It would explain the magic shifting around them even now in carefully controlled currents; it would also explain why the General’s uniform looked so familiar. Wufei realized with a gasp that it was indeed identical to the one on the statue. Gods, it did not matter that he would be killed but he would die before warning his people about the bloody fate that awaited them and that was unforgivable. He had failed as their guardian.

“I see you are beginning to understand,” Khushrenada said as he studied Wufei’s expression. “Actually the seal has been weakening for years, but you could say it was literally a stroke of luck that the storm hit when it did. Otherwise, I would be stuck in that damn stone coffin for ten more winters at least. It’s been a long time since I’ve been in the human world and I must say I’m famished.” The demon’s laugh was husky as he continued to advance upon Wufei.

Wufei took the demon’s mention of hunger to mean that now that the General had awakened, he was once again craving blood . “I may not be able to defeat you, but as guardian of this temple neither can I allow you to prey on the people of Dragon Glen. I will stake my life on it! I will do anything you ask if you promise not to harm them,” Wufei ground out, even as it galled him to be pleading with this demon. Still, it was all that he had left. He did not expect any deal he struck with Khushrenada to be honored but he hoped it could buy him some time. For what, Wufei couldn’t say; he only knew he had to try for his people’s sake. “What is it that you want?” he asked. Perhaps we may reach some sort of agreement…”

“You wish to strike a bargain?” Khushrenada raised an eyebrow. He licked his lips, all but grinning now.

“Yes.” Wufei squared his shoulders. He stood his ground, forcing himself to show as little of his panic as possible.

“And what would you have to barter with?”

Wufei took a deep breath. What he was about to offer was dangerous; so dangerous that the risk of it was outweighed only by the potential cost in human life if he did not try to persuade the demon. “I can offer you a Pyrgion talisman.”

Though demons were fearsome, because they drew so much negative power from their surroundings, their bodies tended to be somewhat unstable as they lacked little balancing positive energy. It meant that once a demon became very powerful, if it expended beyond a certain threshold of energy it risked destroying its internal equilibrium and annihilating both itself and everything around it. Pyrgion talismans were used to stabilize that excess negative energy and allow the demon to focus its powers without risking destruction in much the same way that Wufei used his own rune stones to direct his powers. That was where the danger lay. Giving the talisman to the General would make him even stronger but because the Pyrgion stone absorbed some of the demon power in order to be effective, there was a small chance of binding the demon by destroying the talisman itself. Wufei held his breath, hoping that the General would take the bait.

Khushrenada made a dismissive gesture. “Come now, surely you don’t expect me to be charmed by such baubles? No, you have something else that I am far more interested in.”

“Wh…What?” Wufei gasped as Khushrenada’s hand closed about his wrist. Even suppressed, the General’s power was like a jolt of electricity over his skin. For a commoner, the sensation would have been painful, but for a mage whose very lifeblood was infused with magic it was like being licked by a thousand pleasurable flames. Wufei stumbled backward but the General’s arm quickly encircled his waist, preventing him from falling. He moaned as more power flowed into him from that simple point of contact and his knees sagged. Wufei’s head was spinning and he looked up to see Khushrenada gazing at him with molten eyes. The General touched a hand to Wufei’s waist and the drying cloth he had secured about his hips disintegrated as if it had never been.

“Yes, you do have something much more valuable to offer,” Khushrenada purred, lifting Wufei into his arms.

Every instinct of Wufei’s screamed for escape as he was hoisted into the air but with the net of the General’s power cast about him, he was having difficulty breathing, much less moving. He was impossibly trapped and Wufei once again cursed the loss of his fifth rune. Determined, however, to put up whatever fight he could, he tried casting a repulsion spell but all that came out of his mouth was a helpless groan. The sound drew Khushrenada’s attention and the demon bent forward, his face drawing closer and closer to Wufei’s. Convinced that these moments were his last, Wufei made a final desperate attempt at escape. He closed his eyes and tried chanting the repulsion spell once more:

“Dragons of the west wind and spirits of the—”

“Damn it, Treize, I thought I told you not to start without me.”

Wufei jerked as the husky, almost sulky voice sounded right next to his ear. If he had panicked before, now his heart was filled with terror. Th…that voice … that power meant there were two of them. And if there were two of them it could only be because Merquise had also escaped his seal and both General and Lieutenant were now standing in his living room. Wufei stopped chanting. Why waste his breath? It was over.

Khushrenada sighed, turning them towards the origin of the complaint. “And was I supposed to wait while you dawdled, Zechs? You certainly took your time getting here.”

“Not all of us are lucky enough to have lightning bolts come down from the heavens and free us in an instant. I had to work to get out of that damned statue, you know,” the other demon grumbled, folding his arms across his muscular chest. His golden hair tumbled over his shoulders and as he spoke, he flicked the swath behind him, smoothing it with his fingers. His pale eyes fixed on Wufei and though the blond had not touched him, Wufei felt seared. Where the General was grace and power, the newcomer was raw intensity barely leashed. There was something wild about him; from the sensuous bow of his mouth to the lazy thrust of his hip as he studied Wufei. He was also somewhat taller than Khushrenada and broader of shoulder. He came to lean over Wufei, his scarlet tunic rustling against his powerful thighs.

“What a lovely catch we’ve made this time, haven’t we, Treize?”

“Indeed, and it appears he wishes to strike a bargain with us.”

“Is that so?” The blond made a rumbling sound deep in his throat. “By the way, don’t you think you should tone down your power a bit? You’re going to make him drunk like that.”

“Hmm, you might be right.” Treize peered at Wufei, perhaps seeing just how dazed he was feeling. Even Wufei was not sure how much of that was from the demon’s magic and how much from panic. Nevertheless, he was startled to feel the power around him drop by slow degrees until it was little more than his own energy level. Wufei’s eyes darted from one demon to the other, his body instinctively tensing for flight. Perhaps escape was possible after all.

“What is this bargain, you want to make?” Merquise asked him. “And does it involve that sweet body of yours?”

Wufei spluttered, his face growing hot as the blond perused his form. Even to his inexperienced eyes and ears, Merquise’s look and his words were openly sexual. He heard the rumbles of agreement shared between the intruders and it was only then Wufei realized that contrary to the blood and destruction he had imagined, the kind of bargain Merquise was suggesting was also what Khushrenada had intended all along. Wufei was aghast. He needed no further confirmation of their depravity. Now more than ever he could not allow himself or his people to fall into their clutches, Wufei vowed. Visions of rapine tormented him as he imagined the demons descending on the village.

Ignoring Merquise’s lascivious gaze, Wufei twisted out of Khushrenada’s arms. Adrenaline was pumping through his veins as he hit the ground to hurl mage fire at them. Bluish light exploded from his palms and the cottage shook, shuddering so violently on its foundations that Wufei feared the windows would shatter. The heat alone from the blast was enough to scorch the door to a cinder. Smoke billowed, thick black plumes obscuring Wufei’s vision so that he could no longer see his own hand braced for attack, much less the two demons.

Wufei waited. For a moment, he could not detect any demon magic and when it did return it was severely weakened. Could it be? Had he somehow managed to inflict serious damage to Khushrenada and Merquise? It was not completely unfathomable. Even missing his fifth rune, he’d put all the energy he could muster into the shot, and by normal standards his power was formidable. Hope swelled in Wufei’s breast. It seemed he’d underestimated himself after all. Wufei sprang forward. He must finish them off while they were vulnerable.

“God damn it! What was that for?” Merquise coughed and wiped the soot off his shoulders.

Or maybe not…

The blond waved his hand and the shield-like barrier he’d erected in front of himself and Treize disappeared. It was obviously made to repel magic and Wufei’s heart sank when it dawned on him that this was the reason the demon’s powers had initially seemed muted. Even as Khushrenada emerged from the fog of smoke, Wufei could feel the power in the room rapidly returning to its previous levels.

“Treize, are you all right?” Merquise asked, still coughing.

“Nothing to worry about at all, Zechs, though this soot will be the devil to get out of my cloak.”

“Ghastly stuff. I think you’ve got some in your hair too, Treize.”

“Really? Where?”

“In the back. Come, let me help you with that…”

What had been fear within Wufei boiled to disbelief and then outrage as he watched the two demons pat and groom each other, setting their elaborate uniforms to rights. He lunged forward, an animal cry torn from his throat. He drew on his power and energy pulsed around his hands.

“Bastards! I will not stand for this game any more! I don’t care if you’re the most powerful demons in the universe. Fight me or get the hell out of my village!”

“Demons?” Merquise frowned. He seemed so puzzled, so truly offended that Wufei stopped dead in his tracks. “Treize didn’t you explain it to him?”

“Ah … I’m afraid I got somewhat distracted,” the General offered, looking somewhat sheepish.

“Explain what to me? Stop fucking around!” Wufei shouted.

“Oh,” Zechs waved his hand. “We’re not demons.”

Table of contents for A Matter of Good Sense

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

A Matter of Good Sense
by Michalyn
Chapter Thirteen

Heero rubbed the soft strands of Duo’s hair between his fingers. His lover was asleep and in a rare moment of vulnerability, he appeared completely relaxed. Duo’s hair was tangled about him and Heero brushed the silky lock draped over the other man’s hip. It slipped away to reveal a pale scar, one of many on Duo’s leanly muscled body. He had as many as Heero did and Heero thought them beautiful silent testaments to his lover’s resilience and strength.

Everything about Duo was beautiful though, Heero thought with a smirk. His eyes lingered over Duo’s features. He had been surprised when Duo first stumbled in on him that day by the river but Heero had taken in those molten purple eyes and the even more telling bulge in Duo’s breeches and after that … well … never let it be said that Heero was one to let an opportunity slip by him. The sex was good, amazing, mind-blowing, but they were both pleasantly surprised to find they were compatible in other ways as well. Duo didn’t seem bothered by Heero’s gruffness or his quietness and Heero understood the shadows behind Duo’s smile.

Heero could not ask for more. He worried though. How long could they stay together? Lately, Emperor Rossetti had been troubled and the cause was obvious. It seemed the closer Heero and Duo became, the more Emperor Rossetti and Prince Wufei drifted apart. If things should not work out, Heero’s and Duo’s loyalties would be divided. Heero was not religious. In fact, the only thing he had ever believed in was his own sword arm. Until Duo that is. Now he blindly sent up a plea to the gods, the ancestors, the forces of nature—whatever power that might exist—to allow them the sliver of happiness they’d found in an otherwise dark world.

As he pondered, Duo stirred. He blinked drowsily and yawned. “Hey, lover,” he greeted, his voice husky with sleep.

“Hey, yourself,” Heero said gruffly. He kept stroking Duo’s hair.

Duo smiled. “Why the long face so early in the morning? His face darkened a little. “I had some not-so-fun dreams. Did … did I attack you again?”

“Idiot,” Heero growled, seeing Duo’s expression. He rolled on top of the other man, pinning him to the mattress. “You did but…” Heero quickly interrupted before Duo could apologize, “that’s nothing. Just a little occupational hazard.” Heero cracked a smile. “I was just thinking. Probably too much.”

“Thinking? About what?” You looked pretty intense just now.”

“About this…” Heero smoothed his hand down Duo’s torso. As always he marveled at the frission of electricity that seemed to flow between them whenever they touched. Heero kept moving lower until he found what he really wanted. He stroked Duo, even as he bent to capture his lover’s lips.

“Liar,” Duo groaned, already arching hungrily into Heero’s caress.

“Mmm. What are you going to do about it?”

Duo wrestled Heero until he’d reversed their positions. He grinned. “How about this?”

“Hmph. I think I like the sound of that,” Heero purred, already pulling Duo closer. If he had any lingering worries, he let them rest for now. Besides, with their future so uncertain they might as well enjoy every moment to the full.

———————

Wufei propped his chin on his hand as he scribbled onto the parchment. Five more rolls rested beside him and those were only the ones he had completed. A box of many more papers awaited his attention. Now that he was part of the council, he was back to his usual volume of work. There was still so much to learn but Wufei was grateful for the work. It was interesting and it kept him busy. Usually by the time he left his office, practiced with Meiran and finished his own exercises, the day had slipped through his fingers.

For the past few nights, Wufei had eaten a quiet dinner alone and had gone to bed early. Occasionally Duo kept him company but after the trauma his friend had suffered because of the shadows, Wufei had granted Duo the evening off. He was used to being alone, but even in Eires Wufei spent most of his free time at the temple. It meant that even when he was not actively socializing, he was at least surrounded by the voices of the students.

No matter how difficult things were, whenever he was at the temple he had a sense of belonging to something bigger than himself. It was hard to recreate that in a new place. Of course, if Wufei wanted company there was always the main dining room but that was where Treize ate and Wufei did not feel any more inclined to suffer through the awkward silence that punctuated their meals any more than he was sure Treize did. The less they saw of each other the better really. If they could not love passionately then the least they could do was stay out of each other’s way.

The niggling problem of the robes and the mating ceremony was always at the back of Wufei’s mind, especially since his symptoms continued to persist, though with much less intensity than before. Wufei did not know if this was because living with Treize, he was always near the older man and Treize’s balancing energy helped him despite the fact that they did not get along or because of his discovery of his true power and his attempts to control it. Three days after the shadows had attacked Duo, Wufei could no longer deny that the dangerous appendages belonged to him. That didn’t mean he had any more insight into how to deal with it just yet, however.

Wufei sighed, setting aside his pen and ink. Sunlight spilled onto the desk from the window and he could see the verdant green of the gardens. What a beautiful day. It reminded him of the late summer days he spent reading in the palace gardens as a boy. He’d fallen asleep on the warm stone benches more times than he could count. The maids always scolded him claiming that he’d get sunburned but Wufei never listened. Besides, Quatre was the one who blistered easily, not him. No matter how many times he was reprimanded he always went back to his favorite place. Wufei sighed once more as a wave of nostalgia washed over him. He was just picking up his pen again when someone knocked softly on the door.

“Come in,” Wufei called, thinking it was one of the pages bringing the ledger he had requested. When the person did not enter, Wufei repeated his request, this time more loudly. Still, no one stepped forward. The soft knocking only came again after a moment. Wufei made an exasperated sound and moved towards the door. He pulled it open. “Yes?” he barked.

“Kala.” Treize stepped forward, staring down at Wufei. He was carrying a large parcel.

Wufei immediately stiffened. “Excuse me. I did not realize this room was in use. I’ll get my things.” Wufei turned on his heel and began gathering up his papers.

“Kala, wait, please. I don’t need the room and I’m not here to disturb your work. Please don’t leave. A moment of your time is all I ask.”

Wufei hesitated; he remained facing the desk. “For what?” he ground out.

“An apology.” Treize’s footsteps moved closer. “I … I’ve spent a long time thinking and it’s made me realize some things about myself that aren’t easy to swallow, but are true all the same. I’ve been manipulative and selfish and have abused whatever little trust you had in me as your husband. You are right: my behavior has been despicable and I have no excuse for it except to say that I would like the chance to try again–to be the kind of man you would want to spend the rest of your life with. I…” Treize trailed off. “Please, Wufei, let me try again. Let us try again. I know we can make this work.”

Wufei’s throat worked soundlessly. He finally spun around. “Why? You’re not the only one who has been thinking. You’ve always been good with words, Treize but it’s the actions that don’t follow up.” Wufei rubbed his eyes, suddenly feeling very weary. “No … that’s not entirely fair. I know I’ve also contributed to this but I don’t know how to be different and maybe we should stop deluding ourselves and accept that we’re just not compatible. Forget robes, forget fate, forget whatever age-old prophecy all the seers in the world spout. There are times to fight and there are times to just … let go.”

“No, Kala I refuse to believe that,” Treize insisted, his eyes burning into Wufei’s. “Despite everything that’s happened I still think there is something between us. Even before I knew of any prophecy, I thought you were the most beautiful man in the world.”

Wufei’s eyes widened. He shook his head. “Treize…”

Treize reached for Wufei, then pulled his hand back with visible effort. “I won’t push you but just think about it, please. I’ll be waiting, however long it takes.”

Wufei started to say something but Treize quickly interrupted him.

“Please, Wufei.”

Wufei finally relented. He nodded.

“Thank you. You don’t know how much this means to me, Wufei. I know it might be presumptuous, but I brought something for you.” Treize extended the parcel he had been holding up until this point. It was carefully wrapped in gilded paper.

Wufei balked. “I said I would think about it; there’s no need to buy me off with expensive gifts. Those things mean nothing to me,” he said sharply.

“I’m not trying to buy you off, Kala. I just want to show you how important you are to me. You said yourself that actions matter, not words. Then allow me to prove my sincerity with this gift. ”

Wufei pressed his lips together. He still wasn’t sure if he wanted to accept anything from Treize at this point. The pleading look in the older man’s eyes though was hard to ignore. Wufei took the gift but he made no move to open it. Treize seemed to understand.

“It’s all right, Kala. You can open it whenever you feel comfortable. I promised I wouldn’t overstay my welcome so I’ll take my leave now.” Treize paused as he turned to go. “Thank you for listening to me, Wufei.”

Wufei did not say anything. When Treize left he brought the gift to his desk and rested it next to his papers. Slumping into his seat, Wufei buried his face in his hands.

———————

Wufei did not move for a long time after Treize left. The gift lay before him, but he could not bring himself to open it. He had a sense that opening it would mean he had accepted it, that he was somehow indebted to Treize, and that was the last thing Wufei wanted. Yet … he couldn’t help feeling there was something different this time about Treize’s words. Oh, he was extravagant as ever with his flattery but that was something Wufei was both used to and consistently ignored. Claims about his supposed beauty did nothing to move him, but the look in Treize’s eyes had, if only a little. For the first time Wufei had sensed true sincerity in the other man and that made Wufei feel … something. It was neither hope nor affection, but whatever he felt was enough to make Wufei uncertain.

Wufei gingerly slid the gift across the desk, his hands hesitating over the fine wrapping. Was it worth it? He was so afraid of allowing himself to feel anything for Treize, only to be disappointed all over again.

Taking a deep breath, Wufei carefully unwrapped the present, which was quite heavy. He was half expecting some extravagant outfit or worse, jewelry, so when Wufei peeled back the paper to reveal the worn leather binding, his heart stopped. In one glance he had recognized the age-old insignia of the Shenlong and the book’s title. Wufei lifted the volume with trembling hands. He flipped it over to the rear end paper and there, in fading script was the secret Shenlong verse that proved its authenticity. How could it be? The best Shenlong scholars had searched for years to find the Lotus Manual. How could it now be in his hands?

There were six canons of the Shenlong discipline, each dealing with a different aspect of the philosophy and practice. Expanding upon the canons were fifteen lesser texts. The most important and radical of these was the Lotus Manual. Written just 100 cycles before Wufei’s birth, it was also the most recent of the philosophies. Claiming to have the vision for the future of the Shenlong, not only did the Lotus Manual introduce complex new techniques, but it called for a fundamental rethinking of the foundational philosophies. It had been lost, however, during King Quinze’s rule in a war with one of the tribal kingdoms.

At that moment, to say Wufei was stunned could not even begin to describe what he was feeling. Where by the gods had Treize found it? How had he even known what it was? Did he even realize what he had given Wufei? But of course he had, Wufei chided himself. This was Treize after all. The man was anything if not deliberate and given the tension between them it was clear he had gone to much trouble to get the book. Wufei did not even want to think of what it might have cost.

His instinctive reaction was to return it. He could not accept something of this value from Treize. Yet, even as Wufei thought so, he rebelled against it. He had one of the most valuable pieces of Shenlong history in his possession. He would be a fool not to treasure it with his life. If he accepted it, however, what would that mean for his relationship with Treize? Wufei did not want to give the older man the wrong impression.

When he was honest with himself, Wufei admitted that perhaps he did feel something for Treize but he didn’t know if it was enough to save their marriage and the last thing he needed was for Treize to think he somehow had him in his power. Experience had taught Wufei that that only led to misery. But what was he supposed to do now? How should he handle this?

Wufei stared at the book. Finally, he pulled out a fresh sheet of parchment and began composing a letter to Shinsen O.

———————

Treize’s heart was pounding as he left the study. Once he was out of earshot, he released a tremulous cheer. That had gone much better than he expected. True, Wufei had not opened the gift, but he had accepted it and with the younger man, even the smallest blessings counted.

For the first time in a long time, Treize was filled with hope. So often he was frustrated or exasperated with Wufei that had forgotten the few tender moments they’d had together. The memories of those bright times returned to Treize now and he was filled with yearning. He remembered the first evening they’d spent in Rossetti and how they had read together in bed. Wufei had not fought or closed himself off from him then, even through the racier passages. No, he’d surprised Treize with a biting humor and wit and an endearing shyness. It brought home to Treize the depth of what he had lost.

Where would they be now if he had been honest with Wufei? Certainly they would not be sleeping in separate beds. Treize sighed. Determined, he shook himself out of his dark thoughts. Looking to the past was useless. The future was all that mattered. And not just any future, Treize reminded himself, but one with Wufei in it. Yes, that was the only outcome which was acceptable. Treize hurried down the stairs to summon the steward. This was no time to be entertaining thoughts of defeat. He had a dinner to plan and a husband to woo. With any luck, he’d be one step closer to winning Wufei before the night was over.

———————

“All right, one more kata and then we’re done for the day,” Wufei announced, nodding at Meiran.

“Aww, already? Can’t we do a few more exercises, Master Wufei?”

“No, that’s enough.” Wufei shook his head, though he understood Meiran’s eagerness. The girl was truly gifted. In just a few short days she had mastered techniques that others took months to perfect. When he thought how good she might become, a quiver of excitement ran through Wufei. He had finally found a student whom he believed could surpass him. She was a prodigy and he too was tempted to push her further, to see how high she could fly, but Wufei knew it was better not to do too much too soon, especially in these initial stages.

Though it might not seem that way to Meiran, they were progressing quite rapidly. However, the katas were stressful on the joints and muscles, even more so as the techniques became more complex. Wufei, ever mindful of Meiran’s young age, was careful not to overburden her childish limbs. That meant shorter exercises and interweaving a lot more strength training than Meiran would have liked. She was hotheaded and proud and initially complained loudly about things going too slowly but after being forced into yet more strength training as a form of discipline, she now quietly, if not meekly deferred to Wufei’s better judgment.

Wufei never showed it, but he greatly enjoyed those flares of temper. Meiran was spirited and strong willed and those were important qualities in a warrior. He wanted to teach her enough control so that she was not impulsive, but not so much that it quenched the fire within her. Besides, it reminded Wufei of his own hot tempered ways when he first started training. Reflecting on it now Wufei saw that he had focused too much on suppressing his temper instead of channeling it and he hoped to help Meiran avoid that mistake. He went up to the little girl who was very reluctantly putting away the wooden staff she had been practicing with.

“Come on, hurry put the staff and weights away. I have something for you.”

“For me?” Meiran tossed the training materials in a haphazard pile and hurried back to Wufei. She was practically vibrating with excitement.

Wufei didn’t have to say anything. He merely folded his arms and Meiran slinked back to tidy up the pile. “Good, now this is what I wanted to give you,” he told her when she was done. “If you’re to master the Sheelokata, you’ll need to start understanding more of the philosophy behind it. I would like to teach you the Eirean language as well as the specific old forms that appear in Shenlong texts. Here is the first list of characters that I want you to memorize,” Wufei said gruffly, as he handed Meiran the roll of parchment.

“That means I’m officially your student now, doesn’t it? I knew I could convince you!” Meiran whooped, eagerly grabbing the paper. She grinned, not deterred in the least by Wufei’s formidable expression.

Wufei cleared his throat. “In any case, you’ll have a new schedule starting tomorrow: We’ll spend the first hour with the language lessons, and the remaining time will be for your usual training. Is that clear?”

“Yes, Master Wufei.”

“Good. Then you’re dismissed for today.”

“Thanks, Master Wufei.” Meiran bowed and gathered up her things.

As usual, Wufei saw her off, then he headed back to the palace, his good mood fading the closer he got to the entrance. With Meiran’s training completed and Duo gone for the evening, it seemed he would find little joy here tonight. Wufei slowly ascended the staircase to his bedroom. The letter he’d written Shinsen O was on his mind as he undressed and entered the bath which was waiting for him. Unlike the room he had shared with Treize, this one did not have an adjacent bathing chamber so a tub had to be brought in on mornings and evenings.

In the end, Wufei had decided to keep the book. At the same time, he felt compelled to return it to its rightful place in Eires. It did not seem right to keep something so important to himself. That was why he’d written Shinsen O. He hoped to read the manual and send it off to the temple shortly afterwards where all Shenlong students could benefit from its wisdom.

Wufei left the tub and dressed. When he was almost done, he was startled by the sound of a servant knocking on his door to beg an audience. Wufei smoothed his clothes and his hair, then went to find out why he was needed.

“Yes?” Wufei inquired as he opened the door. The servant bowed deeply.

“Prince Wufei, I come with a dinner invitation from Emperor Rossetti.”

“Dinner invitation?”

“Yes, my lord. Emperor Rossetti would like to know if you would do him the pleasure of joining him this evening.”

Wufei instinctively began to refuse when he remembered the Lotus Manual. No matter how suspicious he was of Treize’s intentions, the older man had given him something precious and he was honor bound to at least thank him. Pressing his lips together, Wufei nodded. “Tell Emperor Rossetti I shall be there shortly.”

“Yes, my lord.” The servant bowed once more and left.

Wufei squared his shoulders. Taking a deep breath, he headed to the dining room.

Treize was seated at the dining table when Wufei arrived, but there was no food prepared. Wufei sighed. He was such a fool. For a moment, he’d actually begun to give Treize the benefit of the doubt. He should have known better than to take anything the older man said at face value. As Wufei warily approached, Treize looked up. He must have seen something in Wufei’s expression, for he stood quickly.

“Kala, I’m so glad you could join me. Come, dinner is waiting in the garden.”

In the garden? Wufei raised an eyebrow as he was led outside. A small table had been placed beneath the rose trellis and even in the glow of the candle lanterns the pink and white blooms were gorgeous. Wufei was used to the extravagances of the ruling class but the plates and goblets crafted from stained hand-blown glass took even his breath away. The silverware was also of a delicate filigree. It was all so lavish, so intimate that Wufei did not know how to react. And that was not even speaking of the food itself. Clearly Treize wanted to make an impression.

“Kala? Won’t you join me?” Treize asked Wufei who was still poised on the patio step.

“Ah … pardon me,” Wufei murmured, gingerly taking his seat at the table.

“Here, let me pour you some wine.” Treize filled his own goblet then reached over to begin filling Wufei’s. “Shall I propose a small toast?”

“Look, Treize. I don’t want to give you the wrong idea—” Wufei blurted, interrupting him.

Treize set his goblet back down. “Oh?” he asked softly.

“Yes … I only came to thank you for the book. It … it means a lot to be able to restore such an important part of history to the Shenlong.”

Treize smiled. “I’m happy I could find it for you. And as to getting the wrong impression, it does not matter to me why you decided to come, only that you did. I meant what I said this morning, Kala.”

“Please don’t call me that,” Wufei, said exasperatedly, looking away from Treize’s warm gaze.

“You mean ‘Kala’? Why?”

‘Because I’m not your lover’ Wufei wanted to scream. Instead he shook his head and murmured, “There was a time when it might have been appropriate, but we are far from that point right now. These endearments … they are empty.”

“Only if we let them.”

“Treize—”

“I have missed you, Wufei.” Treize’s eyes reflected the candlelight. His expression was filled with such naked yearning that Wufei would have pulled away if not for Treize’s hand sliding over his. Wufei’s fingers jerked, then stilled. “I’ve missed you, Kala,” Treize repeated, bringing Wufei’s hand to his lips. His kissed his trembling fingers and the pulse throbbing in Wufei’s wrist before gently releasing him.

Wufei stared at Treize in the flickering light, unable to speak. His throat was dry and his heart was pounding so hard that he could not catch his breath. He closed his eyes. Why, after all that happened did he still respond to this man?

“Because we are meant for each other,” Treize insisted huskily.

Wufei started; he flushed. Had he said that out loud? He was sure he hadn’t. Wufei rose. “I … I should go…”

Treize shot to his feet. “Please, Wufei, don’t leave. Is this really so terrible? I promised that I would not force you or hurt you and I meant that. Something made you come here tonight and I refuse to believe it was just a sense of obligation about an old book. I don’t think you believe it either. Give us a chance, Wufei. I know we can make this work.”

Wufei was half turned away, his fists clenched at his sides. Slowly he returned to the table and Treize made a sound of gratitude.

They ate the rest of the meal in silence with the sound of the crickets filling the air and the roses spilling their lingering perfume into the night.

———————

After all the plates were cleared away, Treize walked Wufei back to the foyer. It was late and all was quiet except for the faint sounds of the remaining servants moving about the kitchen. They stopped beneath the large candle-lit chandelier and Wufei took a deep breath.

“Thank you … for the book … and the dinner,” he murmured, giving a small bow. The dinner had been awkward. Too much had passed between them and they’d drifted so far apart that neither had known what to say to each other. Every word was a potential weapon and so they both retreated to the safety of silence. Yet, for all of that it had not been a complete failure. The food was delicious, the garden even more beautiful and whatever else could be said, Treize had clearly put a lot of effort into the entire thing. Wufei could appreciate that at least.

Treize stepped closer with a smile. “Again, thank you for joining me. I hope you’ll consider spending time with me again.”

Wufei started to say something but Treize pressed a finger to his lips.

“Shh … don’t say yes or no right now. Just think about it, Kala.”

Wufei’s lashes lowered; he nodded.

Treize searched his features. He lifted his hand and when Wufei did not pull away, he gently tilted his face upwards. “Kala … forgive me for asking this but how are you feeling? You moved away and I worry…” the older man trailed off.

There was no mistaking what Treize was asking and Wufei flushed at having the matter of the fever spells brought up so openly. “I’m fine,” he muttered.

“All right … all right. That wasn’t a challenge. I only wanted to make sure that you were well,” Treize cooed when Wufei began to pull away. He hesitated. “I know the idea may seem repulsive to you right now, but if you should need me in that way, I am here.”

“Thank you but no. That won’t be necessary. I … I’m sure I’ll think of something.”

“I’m sure you will but it doesn’t have to be that way, Wufei. I can ensure both your comfort and your pleasure if you’ll let me.”

Wufei was supremely uncomfortable with his conversation. He didn’t like the fluttery feeling in his stomach and at that moment he only wanted to leave the husky promises in Treize’s voice and return to the safety of his room. This time, when he stepped away, Treize did not stop him.

“Sorry, I … I have to go,” Wufei blurted, bowing again and turning on his heel.

“Good night, Kala,” Treize called as Wufei took the stairs two at a time.

Wufei barely heard him. He rushed to his bedroom and locked the door behind him, his heart pounding in his chest.

Table of contents for A Matter of Good Sense

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

A Matter of Good Sense
by Michalyn
Chapter Twelve

Wufei stumbled and Duo rushed to his side. “Prince Wufei? Are you okay? What the fuck was that?”

Wufei rubbed his eyes, shielding them from the piercing sun. His head was pounding and he felt like he had just been pummeled by a ton of bricks. What the devil just happened? Wufei frowned, struggling to remember.

He had been fighting those ghastly black limbs when they rushed towards Duo. Wufei had felt such rage, such helplessness as the shadows curled around Duo’s neck and lifted him off the grass. At that moment, all he could think of was that he couldn’t allow Duo to die. Not when they’d finally become friends. A searing pain had burned through Wufei’s chest then, like something inside of him had broken free. He’d shouted something. The next thing he knew he was free of the tentacles coiled around him. Everything that occurred afterwards happened in a blur. He didn’t have time to think. It was as if he was being guided by some natural instinct, some unseen power. Even though all of his attacks had failed before, he suddenly knew that he could stop the shadows. In fact, as he moved towards Duo it was almost as if … as if they were listening to him. Oh gods. Wufei stared at his hands in horror. “No, it can’t be,” he whispered.

But what if it was? Last night, he’d felt something happen when he’d used Grandmother Long’s technique. Whatever it was had been strong enough to make him collapse, so much so that even Treize had been alarmed. Wufei thought he had failed because felt no connection to water, but what if that was not his ability at all? No matter how much he might resemble her people, he was not of Meiran’s clan. There was no reason his power should manifest itself in the same way as theirs. What did he know about himself? What was the one thing that was the source of all his pain? He was a child of midnight. Those tentacles had coalesced from the shadows. Didn’t that mean they belonged to him?

Wufei’s thoughts raced. He wanted to deny it, but the more he thought about, it the more the evidence seemed to stare him in the face. He suddenly remembered something. Last night, when he’d thought about blowing out the candles they’d abruptly gutted. Later, he could have sworn he’d felt something cool brushing his cheek. It had felt exactly like the touch of those things that had attacked them today. Or attacked Duo… They had twined around Wufei, but had never really hurt him. When he called out to them, they had obeyed him. Wufei made a pained sound. He had hoped to become strong with Grandmother Long’s training. Now he seemed doomed to become weaker.

“Prince Wufei! Prince Wufei! Are you listening to me?” Duo who had been trying to get Wufei’s attention up to this point became more agitated. His voice was frantic as he grabbed Wufei by the shoulders and shook him.

Wufei turned dazedly to his friend. “Duo … you saw what happened didn’t you?”

Duo didn’t answer but leaned to peer into Wufei’s eyes. He waved his hand in front of them.

“What are you doing?” Wufei growled.

“Oh man, you’re all right.” Duo let out a relieved breath. “I thought those things had taken over you or something.”

“Taken over me?”

“Yeah, I was convinced I was done for and then suddenly I could breathe again. I looked up and your eyes had gone blank. It was pretty scary. You were sucking those things into your hand. I couldn’t believe it. How did you do that?”

“I … I don’t know,” Wufei stammered. That was what he needed to find out and immediately. If he did not learn how to control this soon, who knew the destruction it could wreak.

“How can you not know? You mentioned that you thought it was a spell. Are you saying that thing was controlling you? If that’s the case then we need to get you to a mage right away. Who knows what effects it is having even now?”

“No!”

“No? Prince Wufei…”

“I’m not being controlled.” Wufei swallowed. “That thing, it’s not some kind of spell or external power. I think … I think it belongs to me.”

“What?” If not for the angry bruises around Duo’s throat from where the shadows had gripped him and the hoarseness of his voice even now, the expression on his face would have been funny. As it was, Wufei could find little humor in the situation.

Wufei nodded slowly. Taking a deep breath he described to Duo what Quatre had told him and everything that had happened since he’d arrived in Rossetti. Wufei explained Grandmother Long’s technique and how he thought the shadows might be the latent power Quatre had spoken of. The only thing he left out was his argument with Treize and the more … sexual … aspects of his “gift”. That was too embarrassing to even speak of. “I was not sure at first but if you think about it, you were the only one they attacked.” Wufei finished.

“Hmm, it does seem to be the only thing that makes sense,” Duo agreed, though he seemed equally as worried as Wufei.

“Yes.”

“You know, I’d always wondered,” Duo murmured. He shook his head. “Don’t take this the wrong way but I have always had this … thing … for feeling out people. Like I get a vibe from them or I can sense their energy. It makes no sense but it’s saved my ass a thousand times on the battlefield. Call it instinct or a sixth sense or whatever. From the first time I met you, though I thought there was something a little weird about you.”

Wufei frowned. “Weird? In what way?”

“Well, you were always intense but I always got the feeling that you were out-of-step somehow. I could never put my finger on it but it seemed like you were hiding in some way. That and…” Duo abruptly laughed.

“What?” Wufei demanded.

“Ah … it’s nothing.” Duo coughed and Wufei grew suspicious.

“Lord Maxwell, I just saved your life and shared with you information that I’ve entrusted with no one else. Surely whatever it is you’re so reluctant to reveal cannot be worse than that,” he barked.

“Sorry, you’re right. It’s just this is not exactly the sort of thing a man tells his superior.”

Wufei raised an eyebrow.

“Okay … okay. You know how this instinct of mine has saved me in combat? Well, it’s also helped me off the battlefield. I can usually tell if someone is … ah… fun and even though you were always so dour I always thought you’d be hot in bed.” Duo had the grace to look sheepish.

Wufei choked. Heat suffused his face and traveled down to his neck. “Next time you’re hemming and hawing, remind me to leave well enough alone,” he gritted.

“Sorry.”

Wufei sighed.

“So what do we do now?”

“I don’t know. I need more time to think about this and come up with a coherent plan. If I’m right about this being my power then I have to find an effective way of channeling it,” Wufei answered.

“All right.” Duo nodded. “You know where to find me if you need my help.”

“Thanks. Oh and Duo? Just one more thing. No matter what happens you can’t tell Treize about any of this. Not until I figure it out.”

Duo looked skeptical. “I don’t know, Wufei. I’m not sure what the connection is between what Quatre told you and the thing that attacked us but this stuff only started happening since you met Emperor Rossetti right?” Duo frowned. “I’m not going to lie. There have been a few rumors that things aren’t going so well between the two of you and the last thing I want is to get in the middle of a lovers’ quarrel but maybe this is something you should include Emperor Rossetti on.” Something in Wufei’s look must have shown how much he didn’t like that idea because Duo raised his hand defensively. “Of course I could be totally wrong, but I think it’s worth a try.”

“No!” Wufei shouted, panicked. He took a deep breath and tried again more calmly. “No. This is no business of Treize’s. This conversation is never to reach his ears, understand?”

Duo looked like he was about to argue but he pressed his lips together. He nodded. “Yeah, I completely understand.”

————————

Treize roughly splashed water on his face and stared at himself in the mirror. His eyes were red from lack of sleep. He also had a headache he’d been unable to shake since morning. Maybe Wufei’s attack had shaken something loose, he tried to joke with himself but failed. Treize grimaced. There was nothing to laugh about when every day his husband was drifting farther and farther away from him. He had spent all night thinking about his relationship with Wufei and no matter how he looked at it, things were going terribly wrong. He had to figure out what to do. And there was something else niggling at the back of Treize’s mind. He didn’t want to think about it but the image kept replaying itself in his head: Wufei and Duo, together in the courtyard, Duo smoothing his hands over Wufei’s silken black hair. The most painful part though was Wufei’s expression. He had been smiling, his expression warm and open. Smiling, when all Treize had been ever been able to squeeze out of him was a grimace.

Treize walked back to his chamber and began changing into his clothes. Beneath his pain and the confusion of his thoughts was a dark thread of jealously but also determination. He’d messed up; there was no other way to put it, but he wasn’t about to let Maxwell steal his husband from right under his nose. Treize didn’t care if they were the best of friends or that Duo was the finest soldier in Eires. He would do whatever it took to win Wufei over and this time he wouldn’t overwhelm Wufei or force him into a corner. That approach had obviously had disastrous consequences. Treize rapidly paced the room, his boots ringing on the stone floor. What must he do to win Wufei’s love? How could he prove to the younger man that he was worthy of his trust? Treize still did not have the answer but he was beginning to form a plan. First, though, he needed to get a few things. Treize grabbed his cloak and hurried down the hall.

The doors had been flung open as the maids aired and cleaned the rooms and as he approached, he caught faint snatches of the women’s conversation as they bustled on with their chores. He thought he heard mention of ‘Prince Wufei’ and he slowed down to listen.

“…was empty,” a soft voice finished.

“Eh? You mean they’re sleeping in separate beds?”

“Hush, Eloise! You’re too damn loud. What if someone hears us?. But yes, I clean the master’s room every day and the prince is no longer in there. Syphus told me he helped move Prince Wufei’s boxes to the red room with the terrace.” The maid’s voice dropped another few decibels. “Far as I can tell, they haven’t been together in that way either. At least not since they came back from Eires.”

“Breneth, them’s dangerous words…” A gruffer older female voice warned.

“But I’m only saying!”

“You already said more than enough. Better stop that talk immediately. You and I both know there ain’t no marriage without a consummation and if there ain’t no marriage … well I won’t be the one to say what folk out there will talk about the emperor. You’d be wise to close your eyes and your ears—and that big mouth of yours too.”

“It’s only natural for people to wonder, Alice,” Breneth grumbled. “He gave us the vote. Don’t we have a right to say as we please? I got two young’uns to feed and I’ve got to make sure I have my faith in the right person. How can I trust anyone to feed my family that can’t get a little thing like Prince Wufei into his bed?”

“Breneth!” There was the sound of someone being soundly boxed, followed by indignant cries, but by then Treize had already moved on. His hands were shaking. He had to win Wufei over. Too much was at stake.

————————

Wufei was still deeply troubled by the incident in the garden and his conversation with Duo, but he was forced to put both aside as he hurried to Senate Hall, the center of Rossetti’s political activity. He’d only had a moment to change after leaving his friend. Wufei served on Treize’s foreign advisory council and he attended the daily meetings where everything from Rossetti’s trade agreements to its border security was discussed. It was one of the few aspects of Rossettian life Wufei found invigorating. He was comfortable among the diplomats and learned men, and for now at least, as a newcomer, he was one step removed from the political machinations and court rivalries that were so common in Eires. It would be impossible to avoid them but Wufei was doing his best to not become enmeshed with the most obvious sycophants.

Wufei smoothed his robes as he entered the hall, which was a cacophony of voices. At his entrance, they immediately hushed to a murmur and Wufei nodded curtly to the group before taking his seat. The only unpleasant part was that despite his protestations that he would prefer to sit among the rest of the men like any other civil servant, his chair had been placed on the dais right next to Treize’s.

To Wufei, Rossettian government was a curious mix of old and new. Treize’s innovation and vision were visible in every aspect, and it was exciting watching the new forms of organization and procedures at work. At the same time, the old and new often conflicted with or contradicted each other and Wufei wasn’t sure how much of that was due to the inevitable growing pains associated with any new venture and how much was irreconcilable.

Rossetti’s government was organized in three concentric circles, with power becoming more concentrated the closer one got to the center. The outer and largest “ring” was the representative chamber made up of officials from each of Rossetti’s twenty-five provinces. Each of the provinces was allowed to elect two officials to the chamber. The second “ring” was the council of twenty five elders, each nominated from the provinces. Finally there was the “Circle of Ten” of which Wufei was a part. This was the Emperor’s hand-picked set of advisors who often held Rossetti’s most important offices. Of course, at the very top of it all stood the Emperor who had veto power over any decisions made at the lower levels.

In uneasy relation to the whole structure was the court. Unlike in Eires, where the king and his court were the center of political activity, in Rossetti, it was an apolitical structure—at least in theory. In actuality, it was the marketplace for peddling influence, and access to the lower chamber and council was next to impossible without influence in the court. The council of elders was minimally affected by the ebb and flow of court intrigues but it was much more important for the chamber of representatives. For the ambitious young politicians who sought its seats, Treize’s implicit approval greatly increased one’s chances of being elected. Wufei knew Rossetti’s practices were no worse than those of Eires; far from it in fact. Rossetti was more open, more efficient, more egalitarian than Eirean society in almost every way. After Treize’s rough treatment of him, however, a sulky voice in Wufei’s head couldn’t help pointing out that it was just typical of the older man to claim to be sharing power while doing everything to make sure it was concentrated in himself.

Wufei waited as the page dispensed with the regular formalities and minor “housekeeping” announcements. These rarely pertained to Treize so he usually came in after the introductions were made. When over a half hour had passed, and Treize still did not appear, however, the room became restless. Wufei frowned. Treize was never late. No one said anything but the looks on everyone’s faces showed they all feared the same thing: that King Mueller and his Northern Army were up to no good again. Assuming that if Rossetti’s forces had tangled with the northern army, wherever Treize was, his captain would be with him, Wufei was just about to summon Duo to seek out the emperor and Heero, when Treize scurried in, his cloak flying behind him. He was flushed and he looked like he had just returned from a vigorous horse ride.

“My apologies, my apologies to all!” Treize called, taking his seat. “There’s no cause for alarm. I was unexpectedly detained with a personal matter.”

A palpable sigh of relief went through the hall. Once the excitement died down, the advisor from Pernath stood and the proceedings began as usual. Treize had barely glanced at him when he entered, but throughout the entire session, Wufei felt the weight of the older man’s eyes on him, burning into him with uncommon intensity.

Wufei’s expression darkened.

What was Treize up to now?

————————

When Wufei returned to his rooms, he found a letter from Eires waiting for him. Already troubled by the day’s events, confused by Treize’s behavior and just plain exhausted, he approached the roll of parchment warily. Wufei unrolled the missive and sat at his desk. His heart clenched when he saw his father’s familiar writing. “My Dearest, Son…” it began and for a moment that greeting alone caused pain to flitter through Wufei. If King Zechs had written though, he knew it was important. There was no avoiding what was inside. “My Dearest Son,” Wufei began again:

I hope you will forgive me for taking Trowa’s place but when he told me you had written to him asking about the mage-fire project, I wanted to respond to you personally as your king, and as your father.

Wufei, our second sun has climbed in its orbit since you left for Rossetti and yet I receive no word from you except polite greetings and official announcements. You say that you are well and enjoying your new home, yet there are rumors even here in Eires that there is little love lost between you and your husband. I know you are angry at me and your brother but I remain convinced that you do not belong in the cloister. Yet, even my conviction is not enough to condone Rossetti’s mistreatment of you. You are my most precious son and Eires always protects its own. Tell me the truth of this matter and I will abide by your word. If Rossetti has insulted you, then he has insulted Eires and the price will be his life. Entrust your response to no one but my personal spy, Magreth, who will contact you through Lord Maxwell in about three Rossettian weeks. I will believe your word only. If I do not receive a response from you, I will assume that Magreth has been intercepted and Eires will march on Rossetti.

Regarding the mage-fire weapons, our scientists have perfected the technology. I have answered your questions about the specifications below, but I am hesitant to send such powerful weapons to Rossetti unless I am sure of your happiness there. I eagerly await your word…

His father then went on to describe the weapons in more detail and the fact that a single mage-fire gun had the equivalent power of ten traditional fire bombs. Currently a single Eirean military unit specialized in the use of the weapons, but they were being integrated into all of Eires’ forces. Wufei continued reading, but by then, the technical descriptions barely registered over the frantic noise of his thoughts. The fact was he wasn’t happy. He did not want a war but what if he could explain things to his father in a way that could avoid needless destruction?

What if, after all this madness, he could finally come home?

————————

The gift had been almost impossible to find but Treize finally unearthed it at a tiny market far from Rossetti’s capital. The bent old woman who sold the book to him had seemed as old as the tome itself. What was more, in her voice he could still detect the soft Eirean syllables he heard in Wufei’s own dignified tones. That had been Treize’s first clue that he had stumbled onto a real treasure.

Treize had never taken much interest in Wufei’s martial arts training but he did know it was very important to Wufei and having been on the receiving end of that training, he also understood its effectiveness. Thus, when Treize heard that someone had spotted what appeared to be one of the missing canons of Eirean martial arts, he was determined to find it. What better gift to begin his courtship of Wufei with? Considering how strained things were between them, Treize knew he needed something that would be impossible for Wufei to reject. If he could get Wufei to soften just a little, maybe there was a chance for him to prove to his husband that he could change. If Wufei shut him out, no amount of wooing would make a difference.

It was a gamble but the stakes were too high to ignore. Treize had been late to the advisory council because it had taken time to contact the empire’s leading historical scholar and have him verify the authenticity of the piece. And it was real all right. The old scholar had almost wept when he discovered what he held in his hands. The sight had filled Treize with tremulous hope. If the old man was so moved and he was a Rossettian, what would Wufei’s reaction be?

Treize carefully unwrapped the book from its paper. Its worn leather binding was smooth to the touch. Treize sent up a prayer to the gods. If this did not work, he did not know what else would. Beside him were other more conventional gifts: perfumed oils, silken robes and exotic sweets. These would come next as slowly, slowly he tried to find a place in Wufei’s heart.

Treize sighed, rubbing his temples. Even though he’d taken the white willow bark recommended by the physician, the headache which had plagued him all day only seemed to have intensified. Treize rose with the gift, thinking to bring it to Wufei immediately, but the sudden sharp pain lancing through his head forced him to reconsider. He set the book aside and staggered to the bed. When he leaned forward, two bright drops of blood spattered the pristine sheets. Bringing his hand to his face, he discovered the warm trickle of blood down his nose. Treize frowned. What in Rossetti…? He hadn’t had a nosebleed since he was a boy. The stress of the past few days must be getting to him.

Puzzled, and still murmuring to himself, Treize went to the bathroom to wash his hands and make a wet compress. He supposed the gift could wait one more night. He would get some rest, then he would see to this matter of courtship.

————————

Down the hall, Wufei slept fitfully. His eyes tracked feverishly behind their closed lids and he mumbled under his breath. A soft breeze stirred the curtains, revealing the golden moon. The wind tickled his face, cooling the sweat on his brow. From out of the darkness something moved. The shadows swayed and coalesced. Rushing towards the bed, they circled Wufei, soothing him. He gave a shuddery sigh and the furrow on his brow eased.

He slept.

Table of contents for A Matter of Good Sense

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

A Matter of Good Sense
by Michalyn
Chapter Eleven

Treize heard Wufei’s cry and bolted down the hall. What could have happened? Treize banged on the door to his husband’s new room. “Wufei? Wufei, are you all right? Answer me!”

Knowing how they had parted that afternoon, the last thing Treize wanted was to barge in unwelcome. Wufei would only see it as another example of his overbearing insistence. Yet, what if the younger man was in trouble? Treize remembered the last spell Wufei had suffered and how vulnerable he had been. Even then Wufei had not cried out in such distress. What if this were something worse? His husband might despise him but Treize could not stand around doing nothing when he needed help.

“Wufei!” Treize banged on the door again. When Wufei still did not answer, his alarm grew. This was serious. He could not afford to waste any more time. Bracing his shoulder against the oak, Treize rammed the door open. He stumbled into darkness and for a moment was completely disoriented. Slowly though, his eyes adjusted, tracking feverishly about the room. Moonlight spilled onto the bed, and he saw that the covers were pulled back but there was no sign of Wufei. Treize’s gut clenched as something horrible occurred to him. Had someone managed to breach the palace defenses? Mueller had visited hadn’t he? What if meeting Wufei had been the precursor to something even more sinister? Was not his aim to rob Treize of everything most precious to him?

Please god no! Wufei was strong but there was no telling what would happen to him if he fell into Mueller’s clutches. A wounded cry tore from Treize’s throat. He spun, ready to don his armor and rouse his best men, when he spotted a lump near the window. Just at the foot of the bed was a crumpled form. Was it…? Treize froze, torn between hope and fear. Over the blood pounding in his ears, he finally heard the soft moans coming from the corner of the room—soft moans that were unmistakably Wufei’s. Treize’s knees went weak with relief. Wufei was alive and safe. Whatever happened, he had made it in time. Treize scrambled around the bed and lifted Wufei, cradling him in his arms. He placed him gently on the mattress, his hands roaming Wufei’s body as he checked for injuries. In the moonlight, Treize could see the younger man’s tangled hair and his strained features. He looked stunned, though Treize could not locate the source of his pain.

“Kala, are you hurt? I heard your cry. What is it? Is it another spell?” Treize hovered over Wufei. While the younger man struggled to catch his breath, Treize lit the sconces nearest to the bed. He returned to Wufei’s side and pressed a hand to his forehead. He wasn’t fevered, neither did he display any of the tell-tale symptoms Treize had seen when Quatre first explained Wufei’s gift to him. Though Wufei was clearly shaken, his breathing was not shallow, but regular, and in the light of the candles, Treize saw that his husband was pale rather than flushed. He held Wufei close, brushing his hair back from his forehead.

“Kala, how did you fall? Are you ill?”

Wufei was still disoriented, and for an agonizing second, he was without all his usual defenses. He relaxed into Treize’s touch, his small body molding naturally to Treize’s side. Wufei’s warmth, his weight, the cool silk of his hair brushing Treize’s arm sent a yearning through him as sharp as pain. Their bodies were made for each other, so why were their hearts so misaligned? He just wanted to hold Wufei; not make love to him or even kiss him. He just wanted to press Wufei close without the younger man fighting him. He just wanted to prove that he deserved his husband’s trust.

Treize’s hands trembled. He hadn’t even begun to reach out to Wufei before the walls were back up again and Wufei was pushing away from him. His folded arms and his hardened expression said that even though they were inches away, the gulf between them could not be greater. Treize closed his eyes. When he opened them again, he had erased all evidence of his pain from his expression.

“Should I call the physician?” he asked Wufei without inflection, though inside, he wanted to grab the younger man and shake him for giving him such a scare. Not to mention he was still worried since he didn’t yet know what had caused Wufei’s fall.

“No… I’m just a little dizzy,” Wufei answered.

Treize pressed his lips together. “Is that why you collapsed?”

“Yes. Maybe something I ate at dinner didn’t agree with me. I was in bed when I started feeling nauseous and stood too quickly.”

Wufei stared at Treize defiantly, daring him to challenge what they both knew was a lie. Wufei was one of the most stubborn men Treize knew. Would a little nausea leave the younger man so shaken? Would a little nausea cause the cry that had made Treize’s blood run cold? Wufei was hiding something from him and there wasn’t a damn thing Treize could do about it. Even though his heart was still gripped with fear, even though his every instinct screamed that this was something important, Treize knew pushing Wufei would only make things worse between them. He clenched his fists.

“All right, then. If there’s nothing you need I’ll return to my room. You know where to find me if you need help,” Treize forced himself to say slowly.

“Don’t worry,” Wufei said, already turning away from Treize as though he’d never existed. “I won’t.”

——————

Wufei collapsed against the pillows as soon as Treize left. It had taken everything in him to act so indifferently. Now he struggled to catch his breath as a wave of intense dizziness broke over him. Wufei groaned. He’d been fine all day, so why had he fallen? If he didn’t know better he would swear something had rushed into him while he was staring at the moon. Wufei flexed his fingers. Grandmother Long claimed moonlight would be key to unlocking his power, but he had nothing to show for it except a bruise on his leg and this damnable light-headedness. And what had he seen moving in the darkness? He felt sure something had been there, though the more he thought about it, the less certain he became. Perhaps it had only been Treize all along. In his dizziness he must have gotten confused. Yes, that had to be it. Nothing else made sense.

There was still a faint tingling in Wufei’s limbs, a residue of the pain that had seared through him as he fell. Even now, his hands felt strange, he noticed as he flexed his fingers again. Maybe he would call on the palace physician tomorrow, before his practice with Meiran, just to be on the safe side. It would be his first session with the Dragon Clan heiress and Wufei was looking forward to it. As an introductory lesson, the exercises would hardly be strenuous, but he still wanted to be in top shape. If the strange numbness in his hands persisted, it would be difficult to show Meiran the subtler hand movements. Wufei sighed. He would just have to hope for the best.

Wufei’s eyes drooped. Now that he was in bed, he realized the toll that trying to access his powers had taken on him. He was exhausted. The candles Treize had lit flickered, and Wufei tried to summon the energy to get up so he could blow them out. If only he could turn them off without getting up. Ah well, there was no helping it.

Wufei was just about to sit up when the lamps abruptly gutted. He frowned. Strange, he hadn’t noticed a breeze. He turned towards the window and just as he thought, the curtains were still. The wicks must be defective. Snuggling back under the covers, Wufei made a mental note to have them replaced tomorrow. For now they’d saved him the trouble of getting up and that was just what he needed.

As Wufei closed his eyes he thought he felt the faintest of caresses on his cheek—soft, cool and as gentle as the breeze that had eluded him. By then though, he was too tired to give it much thought. He fell asleep, thoughts of tomorrow’s training with Meiran lulling him into sweet dreams.

——————

“Keep your chin up. Don’t lose your stance. Ready? One … two … three!” Wufei nodded as he surveyed Meiran’s footwork. They had only been practicing in the courtyard for a little over three hours, but Meiran was progressing quickly. Usually the introductory katas took students at least a day. Already, they had moved from the warm-up exercises to the basic foot patterns. Meiran was still having a bit of difficulty coordinating the balancing hand movements with her footwork, but even so she was clearly one of the most gifted students Wufei had taught in years. Now he saw what a fool he would have been to refuse her.

Wufei walked over to Meiran and repositioned her arms. “Shoulders back,” he said gruffly. “Now try pivoting. Step, two, three … excellent!? He watched as the girl turned and perfectly finished the move. When she was done, her black loafers were scuffed with dirt, but Wufei could see the pride burning in her eyes. It had taken her all of an hour but she’d gotten it right.

“Awesome! ” Mimicking a fighting stance, Meiran punched the air. “When will I get to do some more complicated moves? I want to try one of those roundhouse kicks I saw you doing the other day. Hyup! Hyup! Take that … and that … and that!” The little girl executed a flurry of kicks that actually weren’t that bad.

Wufei couldn’t help chuckling. “There’ll be time enough for that later. Those kicks take years to learn,” he said when Meiran pouted. “It may seem hard to believe, but the pivot you learned today is the foundation of that and many other techniques. You must master it first before you can move on to something more difficult. Eires wasn’t built in a day.”

“Huh?”

Wufei shook his head. “Never mind. No kicking. Now, or any time soon. The only things you should be doing are one, listening to me; two, being disciplined and practicing these katas for two hours every day; and three, listening to me,” Wufei finished off the list with a smirk. “In fact, let us take it from the top again.”

“What? But I just spent the whole afternoon doing that!” Meiran whined.

“Make that five extra repetitions for insubordination!”

“But…”

“What is your top responsibility?” Wufei barked.

“Listening to you,” Meiran grumbled.

“To whom?”

“To you, Master Wufei.”

“I can’t hear you!”

“My top responsibility is listening to you, Master Wufei!”

“Good. Now let us begin with the stretches.” Meiran took her position on the grass again, and Wufei stepped back, feeling more invigorated than he had in years. “From the top!” he called. “Chin up; shoulders back! One … two … three…”

——————

Wufei was still smiling as he finished his own exercises and packed up for the day. The cook had prepared Meiran a meal and when the little girl had eaten, Wufei saw to it that she was escorted home by three of the palace’s best female guards. Now it was his turn to unwind. Wufei made his way across the courtyard. On a whim, he decided to take a shortcut through the nearby orchard instead of following the usual gravel path back to his rooms. The sun shone gently overhead and a fresh breeze was blowing. The day was so beautiful that he couldn’t resist stretching out in the grass under one of the apple trees.

As Wufei stared up through the canopy of leaves, his thoughts turned to the previous evening… and Treize. He remembered the older man’s panicked expression and wondered how someone who seemed to care so little for his feelings could hold him with such tenderness. Wufei sighed. It was all so confusing. To top it off, while he was adjusting to life in Rossetti, he still missed home very much. It went without saying that his difficulties with Treize contributed significantly to that. No matter how hard Wufei tried, he just couldn’t seem to find his footing.

Wufei wanted to be more active, wanted to be more involved in Rossetti’s political affairs, but it was tough. The marriage had shaken his self-confidence. As Eires’ ambassador, he never doubted his abilities, but now he wondered if he had not been as capable as he believed. Besides, no matter how much King Zechs urged him to keep up his duties, realistically, they both knew it was impossible. How could he objectively represent his father’s interests in his husband’s empire? His loyalties would always be divided. He might be at odds with Treize, but honor would not allow him to betray his new home. Wufei could only assume that for whatever reason, his father had no need of him anymore. A painful truth, but he could no longer deny it.

Wufei rubbed a hand over his eyes. All this, for some unique gift he supposedly possessed. Gift indeed… He hadn’t had a serious spell since they arrived in Eires, and despite what Quatre said, he refused to believe it had anything to do with Treize. How could being near a man he despised be anything but bad for him? If he improved his meditation techniques and could convince Grandmother Long he was worthy of instruction, before long he wouldn’t need Treize at all. Wufei was sure it would be a relief for both of them.

Wufei closed his eyes, enjoying the breeze while his mind wandered. His thoughts were interrupted, however, by the sudden darkening of the sky above him. Wufei blinked. Odd; he hadn’t thought it would rain today. Even more strangely, the shadows seemed to be concentrated only around his tree. In fact, beyond his darkened circle, the sunlight seemed to shine with almost preternatural brightness.

Something was very, very wrong here. Wufei’s senses prickled and his fighter’s instincts whispered he was not alone. He sprang to a crouch. Yet, he could see no one and nothing—nothing except shadows and swiftly multiplying darkness. Wufei twisted. It was almost as if the shadows were closing in on him… but that was impossible. Wufei felt something crawling over his hand and irritated, he began to swat the insect away when he gasped. Gods… gods… gods… Back-pedalling, Wufei slammed into the tree.

That was no insect.

Shadows swirled about Wufei’s arms and crawled up his legs. He rose and they rose with him. He punched at them and they coalesced about his fingers in a cool velvet gauntlet. He chanted a warding spell and they surrounded him in a midnight shield.

Wufei shuddered. Gods, what kind of magick was this? Had he been cursed? Perhaps an enemy of Eires sought his demise, or was this linked to Mueller? He didn’t think there were mages in this area, but Mueller could have hired a foreigner to do the job. How was he supposed to fight this? Wufei grew more agitated yet instead of attacking him, the shadows rubbed against his legs, slipping under his clothes and brushing against his skin in cool gentle touches. If Wufei didn’t know better, he would almost say they were soothing him. He frowned. What was this and what possible purpose could someone hope to achieve by it?

“Prince Wufei, there you are. I have a message from—What the fuck…?”

Wufei spun at the sound of Duo’s voice. As soon as he heard it, the shadows seethed around him, twisting and churning violently at his feet. “Maxwell! Stay back!”

Duo slowly raised his sword. “What … what … is that thing?”

“I don’t know.” Wufei swallowed. “I think it’s some kind of spell. It hasn’t done anything to hurt me yet, but that doesn’t mean it’s not dangerous.”

“I can’t just leave you like this. There’s no telling what that thing will do!”

Wufei grimaced. “It doesn’t matter. You forget, Rossetti is not a place of magick. Who would you call? The only thing we can do is send for a mage and hope for the best. I’ve already tried a warding spell of my own. It’s not powerful enough.”

“There has to be someone. We don’t have time to write to Eires.” Duo growled.

“Who?” Wufei asked simply.

Duo cursed. He stared in horror at the shadows around Wufei, which had solidified even further. About half of the thick coiled tentacles waved menacingly toward the Eirean nobleman while the others crept closer to Wufei.

Wufei fought down a surge of panic as one of the limbs—slick, black and inhuman—slithered toward him. It reached for his arm, and he couldn’t help crying out.

“God damn it, get away from him!” Duo immediately surged into action. He lunged at the creature, sword raised high.

Wufei felt the sudden change of energy in the writhing mass around him and his eyes widened.

“Duo, no!”

The shout was barely out of his lips before the entire mass of shadows merged into a single body and turned, aiming straight for Duo’s chest.

——————

Duo saw the shadows rushing toward him and knew he didn’t have a chance, but fuck if he was going to give up without a fight. He slashed at the writhing monster, and it broke away from the single body it had formed and split once more into countless tentacles. They circled him and Duo ducked and jumped, sidestepping the murderous black limbs. A razor-thin tentacle aimed for his stomach and he rolled to the side at the last minute, barely avoiding what would have been a fatal gut wound. With a cry, Duo vaulted forward, hacking at the monster again. Yet, for every arm he slashed, it seemed like four more sprang up in its place. Out of the corner of his eye, Duo could see Wufei trying to make his way over to him, but the prince was having some trouble of his own as the sinuous limbs tried to hold him back. That did not mean good things for either of them.

Duo panted as he surveyed his handiwork. His lungs were burning and his sword hand trembled. He knew he couldn’t hold out much longer. When he was forced to dodge yet another attack, he faltered. The moment of weakness was all his enemy needed to close in on him. A tentacle coiled around his neck, lifting him off the ground. Slowly, slowly it tightened. Duo choked, struggling as his air supply was cut off. He heard Wufei shouting, heard the other man’s footsteps running toward him but the world was already going dark. Shit … shit … shit. Of all the ways to die why’d he have to choose something so damned stupid? He wouldn’t even get to tell Heero goodbye.

“No! Stop it!” Wufei was yelling but his voice seemed farther and farther away. Duo’s eyelids fluttered shut. It seemed his luck had run out. If there was any kind of god up there he was going to have a serious talk with him about this when he woke up on the other side.

Luckily, he never got his chance.

One minute Duo was fighting for his breath, the next, he was flung to the ground. A keening sound filled his ears as a powerful gust of wind blasted through the trees. Heavy, mottled clouds were racing across the sky, and the world became shrouded in shadow. Yet, though the wind howled and the thunder moaned, it did not rain. There was only darkness, deep as the blackest night. The sun winked out and a luminous moon, larger than anything Duo had ever seen, rose in its place. Nature had reversed itself. It was so dark that Duo could barely make out the tentacles that only a minute ago had been his biggest threat. Now he could not tell whether the danger had been eliminated or doubled. Nothing, however, could prepare him for what he saw next.

In the midst of it all was Wufei, hands raised in a fighting stance. His body was limned in silver and his dark hair streamed around him so that Duo could not tell where the shadows began and where the dark locks ended. But it was Wufei’s eyes that sent a chill through Duo. They were completely blank. Gone were the dark irises. In the swirling shadow, the orbs of Wufei’s eyes gleamed as silver as the moon overhead.

“Gods … gods…” Duo croaked, scrambling backwards. What the hell was going on?

Wufei’s head slowly swivelled towards him and that preternatural gaze held him in place. It was only then that Duo realized what was happening. The keening sound he could hear was not the wind at all but the howling of the tentacles themselves as they were sucked toward Wufei at incredible speed. Duo could hardly credit what his eyes were telling him, but Wufei seemed to be absorbing the shadows through his raised hands. Transfixed, he watched as the last of the tentacles wriggled violently and disappeared into Wufei’s waiting palm.

There was a moment of utter stillness and then, just as abruptly as it had appeared, the darkness dissipated. Every cloud in the sky dissolved into a radiant azure. The sun shone gently overhead and even the birds resumed their trilling songs.

Duo clutched at his throat. He looked at Wufei, who was staring at his hands in shock.

“I … I… don’t think that was a spell,” he said.

Table of contents for A Matter of Good Sense

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

A Matter of Good Sense
by Michalyn
Chapter Ten

Wufei hurried toward the throne room, lips pressed tightly together. The news of King Mueller’s arrival had shocked him, but he quickly recovered, determined to face the situation with all of his skill. It did not need saying how delicate the ground they were walking on was. One misstep could break the tenuous peace Rossetti shared with the Northern Kingdom. Plus, he was too new here, his inner voice reminded him, but Wufei firmly shook off his doubts. He could not speak for Trey, nor had he been here long enough to know the people’s wishes, but he had a lifetime of experience in diplomatic relations. True, it was not his ideal situation for he was still learning about his new home but he would maintain the peace. He could not allow himself to doubt that; not with their men still recovering from the recent attacks and certainly not without the mage-fire weapons. Wufei thought of the letter newly-penned on his desk. If they got through this unscathed, he would send it to his father by the fastest courier in the city.

As he hurried through the corridors, one by one, his personal guard, the four Shenlong warriors who had accompanied him to Rossetti, materialized at his side. Wufei gave each a curt nod. He had fought with these men, even taught one of them. There was no need for words. Should a situation arise they would act as a perfect unit, their Shenlong training guiding them unerringly.

Outside the throne room, Wufei found Duo waiting, pale fingers lazily caressing the jewelled hilt of his sword. Here as with his own warriors, nothing needed to be said. The hard look in Duo’s eyes said enough: he was prepared.Wufei would have expected nothing less from the Eirean nobleman and he squared his shoulders, reassured. Between the six of them, nothing short of Mueller’s own army knocking at the city gates could stop them.

Taking one last deep breath, Wufei pushed the doors open and entered. The page who had summoned him was white-faced as he announced their entrance and directed Wufei to the throne, his throat bobbing violently as he swallowed. It was no doubt how the whole palace felt. Wufei had seen the nervous shifting of the noblemen and the stricken looks of the women as they strode past. A heavy sense of trepidation was in the air. Wufei only hoped nothing would happen to warrant it.

“King Mueller.” Wufei rose to greet the foreigner. “What has Rossetti done to earn the pleasure of such an honored guest?”

Mueller was tall and broad shouldered but it was the cold glint in his eye that actually made him appear imposing. He was attractive in a rough kind of way, with pale blue eyes and short crop of blond hair, but the almost petulant thrust of his lower lip invited others to be wary of him. Mueller’s eyes flickered over to the guards flanking Wufei on either side, and he smiled, a slow curving of the lips.

“So you must be the Eirean prince I’ve had the delight to hear so much about. What a most fitting time for my visit, then. After all, we hold our relationship with Rossetti quite dear.” Mueller’s smile spread. “You could almost say we are sister cities … no … brothers if you will. It is an honor, Prince Wufei.”

“As I am honored to receive you.” Wufei extended his hand, wary of Mueller’s tone.

“Indeed.” Mueller glance lazily perused Wufei’s body. “If Your Highness would permit it, it is my wish that you receive me very often.”

It was an old joke and a trite one. Clearly Mueller was looking to instigate something as a pretext to engage Rossetti. Wufei shook his head. If that was the best he could do then they truly had nothing to fear.

“Thank you, King Mueller. My only wish is to strengthen the goodwill between our lands, and I shall personally do my best to ensure that this wonderful amity between Rossetti and the Northern Kingdom continues. You must, however, forgive me if I am somewhat … unfamiliar … with the customs of your region and should I offend, I ask your pardon, for it is merely proof of my cultural ignorance.”

Wufei returned to his seat. “I am a foreigner here and at the moment I often rely on Emperor Trey’s wisdom to help me navigate these delicate waters so it is unfortunate he could not be with us today, but he has asked me to give you our warmest regards. So rarely do we have such an esteemed guest drop by unannounced.” Wufei met Mueller’s look head on and it was his turn to smile. “But of course, such formalities are not needed among friends, are they, Your Highness?”

Wufei was satisfied to see Mueller’s smug demeanor waver as the other man pressed his lips together, a flash of anger burning in his gaze before it was quickly concealed. Good. Whatever happened, Wufei wanted it to be clear that though they would play this little game of friendly banter, he understood Mueller’s intentions quite clearly. Mueller recovered quickly, but that tiny lapse in his composure was a chink in his otherwise innocuous armor. The knowledge was palpable between them and Wufei could tell it had roused the other man’s ire.

“Thank you, Prince Wufei for your kind words, and of course, there is no need to ask for pardon, since above all, as you say, we are friends. I am sure Emperor Rossetti would no doubt agree if he was with us,” Mueller said with a dazzling smile. “Emperor Rossetti…” he repeated. “My dear friend, Trey… I’ve always found that abbreviation rather charming.”

Wufei raised an eyebrow. “What abbreviation are you speaking of, King Mueller?”

“Why, to Emperor Rossetti’s name, of course. Ingenious really, but then they say the best lies never stray far from the truth.”

“I’m afraid I don’t know what…”

“Don’t tell me he forgot to share such … intimate … information with his beloved. No? Ah you jest, Prince Wufei. Surely you must know something as simple as your husband’s real name?”

Wufei smiled thinly, refusing to give any ground to Mueller. Something dangerous was in the air and he did not like it one bit.

“Oh dear,” Mueller drawled, “Brother Treize has been quite neglectful but it’s so easy to forget the practical details in the whirlwind of romance. Of course, given the circumstances it had to be a love match. I’m sure King Zechs would not have tolerated a man of such birth for his prized son otherwise.”

“Brother Treize?” Wufei asked slowly, his thoughts racing.

“Yes.” Mueller’s teeth flashed. “Our Dear Emperor Trey is none other than Treize Khushrenada, son of Lady Khushrenada, my father’s favorite mistress and therefore my own bastard half-brother.”

Wufei’s world froze and in that second even his heart seemed to stop. Actually, Mueller never stopped speaking, for Wufei could see the rhythmic movements of his lips and the damnable smile that would not disappear from his face. He wanted to believe that Mueller was lying but the blond was entirely too smug for him to be telling anything but the truth. The look in his eyes dared Wufei to challenge him …dared Wufei to give him a chance to aggravate the wound he had already opened. It was too late now to pretend nonchalance but at the very least, Wufei would not allow Mueller to draw him any further into his game.

Wufei’s thoughts raced even as he managed to summon up a smile. The only question left was who had been deceived: King Zechs or Wufei? Had Trey willfully withheld the truth of his birth, knowing that King Zechs would never agree to engage his son to a bastard? Or had his father been so eager to get Wufei off his hands that he agreed to the engagement, even knowing of Trey’s smirched heritage? Wufei found little reassurance in either option. The first at least incensed him, and that left him with a kind of strength, if only in his indignation, but the second, however, was too painful to even contemplate. The truth, no doubt fell somewhere in between. Perhaps Trey had never said anything because he simply was never asked. After all, was not such a critical detail something any father who truly sought his son’s happiness would look to himself? Who was most to blame Wufei could not say. Most pathetic however … surely that title would fall to him for having no choice of his own, for being tossed about in these other men’s games.

“I appreciate your frankness, King Mueller but I’m afraid such news inspires no terror in us here,” Wufei drawled with a conviction he did not feel. “Though in other lands lineage determines one’s fate, in Rossetti such things are of little consequence. Skill is the word, King Mueller—and character. Look carefully at all the people of our court and you will find that our emperor surrounds himself with noble men in the truest sense. There are places,” Wufei murmured, meeting Mueller’s eyes, “where neither King nor countryman can lay claim to that title. In those places, the circumstances of Emperor Trey’s birth would be a curse. Here it is a boon, for it is symbolic of the values that Rossetti holds dearest: virtue in one’s own loyalty and good work. Values indeed which comfort me since in my own way, I too as a second son must make my own fortune. To us, therefore, there is no such thing as bastardy.”

Wufei swallowed past the pain in his chest. “No doubt when you learned I was from Eires, where traditions are similar to the Northern Kingdom’s, your own noble heart prompted you to caution me, but I can assure you that neither I nor my father have any such concern. I thank you, however, for your kindness, both to myself and your brother. I know you were thinking only of our best interests.”

“Hmm. Did you know that my Father gave Treize the very land that Rossetti now sits on? Land that under normal circumstances he would never inherit.” Mueller’ pale eyes flicked over to Wufei. “Land that would have been part of the Northern Kingdom if not for the dear old man’s generosity. I quite understand your sentiments about birthright, Prince Wufei for I too am part of a tradition of democratic familial relations. My father made no distinction between me and Treize.We were equal in his eyes, never mind Treize was the product of an illicit affair. Actually, he showed a great deal of affection to my brother. More so than even I received it seemed at times.” Mueller’s tone was bright. “In any case it made us all quite … close.” The smile he bestowed on Wufei was equally brilliant.

“In fact, all things considered, you could almost say that there’s no real difference between Rossetti and the Northern Kingdom. What is mine is my brother’s and of course what is his is mine. ”

————————

It was just about mid-afternoon when Trey returned to the palace. He was tired from spending the day on horseback without anything to show for his pains. The report of the attack had been a false alarm, worse, Trey couldn’t shake the feeling that the reports had all been a deliberate ruse orchestrated by Mueller. The Northern king was up to something; that much Trey was sure of. What he could possibly gain from this most recent hoax, however, Trey could not guess. The palace was buzzing with energy as he and Heero ambled toward the stables but since nothing in particular seemed to be wrong, Trey could only assume everyone was somewhat on edge after the rumor of the attacks. As soon as his advisors saw them ride up, they rushed forward, crowding about Porphyro’s flanks.

“My Lord—”

Trey made a weary sound. “Not now, gentlemen. Let us connect again after dinner.I will be sure to entertain your questions then.”

“But my Lord…”

“I’ll be down in the next hour or two.” Trey shook his head and began leading Porphyro toward her stall. He shook off the stablehand who had come to take the horse from him, informing the boy that he would brush down Porphyro and feed her himself. The truth was even as worried as he was for Rossetti’s safety, Trey had done nothing all day but long for Wufei. The younger man had been so charming last night that Trey was eager to return to him and spend the greater part of the evening together. Tonight there would be no titillating reading; he was hoping to do the titillating himself.

Trey was smiling as he pushed the door to their bedroom open. When Wufei did not answer his playful greeting, he frowned, but decided that the younger man had probably not heard him. He did seem rather preoccupied with his own thoughts at the moment, Trey thought as he watched Wufei brush his hair with brisk strokes. The dark mass was loose over his shoulders and visibly damp from what must have been a recent bath. Trey felt a surge of disappointment as he realized that Wufei was probably on his way out. So much for that evening in bed together … unless…

“Did you miss me, Kala?” Trey murmured, nuzzling the fragrant skin of Wufei’s neck. He was expecting Wufei to melt—albeit reluctantly—into his arms. He was not expecting the younger man to pull roughly away from him. He expected Wufei’s voice, clipped with anger even less.

“Don’t touch me, you charlatan.”

Trey was so taken aback that for a moment he could not speak. “What?”

“You heard me correctly, Treize.”

Trey’s breath lodged in his throat. His thoughts were racing. How…? Who?

“What?” he found himself repeating dumbly.

“You’re pathetic, a coward and a liar and I’ll be damned if I ever sleep in the same bed with you again. Especially since I don’t even know who the hell you really are!”

“But how…”

“Your darling brother paid me a visit.” Wufei sneered. He whirled on Treize. “I’ll admit that I’m not comfortable with the fact that you’re illegitmate but I could have overlooked that. It’s the fact that you have never once been honest with me from the moment we met. All this time you pretended you did not know why Mueller was so intent on attacking us and fool that I am, I offered to help you. Who knows what lies you told my father to get me here.”

Mueller had been here? Treize remembered the agitated faces of his advisors and cursed. They had no doubt been trying to update him on Mueller’s unexpected visit and if the relative calm of the city was any indication, Wufei had handled him perfectly. His advisors had been eager but not anxious. That Wufei had done so in the face of Muellers revelation made Treize cringe. He did not think it was possible to feel any more despicable than he did at the moment. He was indebted to Wufei in ways that belied description.

Treize saw Wufei’s pained expression and his own vitals twisted. What he wanted to do was start this exchange all over again; to apologize, to tell Wufei that it was not so much deception that had motivated him but uncertainty. He needed this alliance between Eires and Rossetti, but he had always intended to be honest with Wufei. It was just so soon after they had arrived and formed the first fragile beginnings of friendship, that he had hoped to put things off a little longer, not wanting to shatter the tremulous happiness between them. He wanted to say that and more, but instead he heard himself laugh derisively.

“Don’t flatter yourself, little prince. Your dear Daddy didn’t even bother to ask. The deal has already been made. You can’t run home claiming damaged goods now.” Treize watched as Wufei’s head jerked and his face became pinched and white.

“You’re right. Both my father and I were fools for thinking you an honorable man. I’m going out. Could you kindly not interrupt the servants as they move my belongings to my new room?”

“What?”

For some reason, more than Wufei’s barbed words and his painful rejection, hearing that particular proclamation inflamed Treize to the point of rage. It seemed all the tentative progress they’d made was suddenly reverted to mistrust. More than that, his was a rage tinged with desperation. He wanted so badly to have Wufei believe in him. He had seen another side of his young husband last night and the thought of being shut out forever from Wufei’s life left him aching. To come so close and have fate snatch it away was too cruel.

Treize looked about the room and noticed for the first time that all Wufei’s trunks were already packed. Just as Wufei said, they only awaited moving by the servants. Wufei had even stacked off to the side the extra floor pillows he’d lounged on during dinner last night. Clearly, he intended to erase all traces of his presence. He might as well be preparing to return to Eires. At that thought, something within Treize snapped.

“Damn you,” he shouted, advancing on Wufei. He grasped the younger man by the upper arms and yanked him towards him. “What’s wrong with you? How can you be so unfeeling after everything we’ve shared? Why must you always be so intractable? You never give us a chance to discuss things in a way that would allow us to arrive at a viable solution. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think you were deliberately sabotaging this marriage!”

“What marriage?” Wufei struggled within Treize’s grasp. “This is nothing but a farce. I have accepted my duty and will do it, but even a marriage of duty cannot be held together by lies. I don’t have to sabotage it. You did that yourself when you chose to keep something as basic as your identity from me. How can you blame me now?”

Treize’s jaw tightened. “Every time something happens, you shut yourself off or run away. I was wrong for not telling you. I’m sorry! But how am I supposed to guess when you’ll listen to me and when you’ll shut me out? I try, Wufei, but you’re not an easy man to deal with. How am I supposed to figure out when it’s safe to approach you, when you’ll hear me out and when you’ll turn me away? I don’t know any magick; I can’t see into that head of yours. The only way I can do right by you is if I can actually talk to you. Right now, every day is a guessing game. Sometimes, you want nothing to have to do with me…” Treize’s fingers loosened; he took a shuddering breath.

“Sometimes, all I have to do is look at you and you melt in my arms.”

Wufei was staring at him in shock, his dark eyes wide and his lips soft and parted. A few mussed strands of his hair had fallen into his face as a result of Treize’s rough handling and he looked so stunned, so vulnerable, so god damn beautiful that Treize groaned. He knew Wufei cared nothing for him, knew that even if desire prevailed now, if they could not sit down for once and speak honestly with each other, it would make no difference. He shouldn’t but gods knew he could not help himself. Pulling Wufei closer, Treize dipped his head, eager to touch those tender lips with his own.

He never felt them.

A sudden pain hit Treize squarely in the chest and one minute he was bending to kiss Wufei, the next he was flung half-way across the room, his back slamming against the side of the bed. He lay dazed, the wind knocked out of his lungs. Across the carpet, Wufei lowered his hands, recovering from a fighting stance. His gaze was hard as he came to stand over Treize, who remained where he had fallen, unable to move.

“You’ve made a fine habit of laying hands on me at will, Emperor Treize, but consider this a warning that you would do well to heed. You seem to be under the mistaken impression that I am a doll you can use and abuse to your content.”

“That’s not true,” Treize gasped out, “I have never—”

Wufei made a chopping motion with his hand, quickly overriding him.

“How dare you talk to me about rational discussion and agreeableness when all you have ever done is try to force me to your will by manipulating my lack of experience? I suppose you thought that if you kept me in the bedroom long enough, I would just let you have your way. You know that I have lived a devotee’s life, with little experience of sex and instead of guiding me as one would a partner or a friend, you continually use your greater experience as a weapon against me to suit your own selfish needs. You touched my body and realized it was the one area in which you could have me in your power and you have been exploiting it ever since. You dare talk to me about trust?” Wufei sneered.

His words hit Treize like blows. He had made mistakes but did Wufei truly believe him to be so despicable? Yet, even as Treize argued with himself, he began to fear Wufei’s accusations held a ring of truth.

“Wufei, you have to believe I never intended to hurt you,” he whispered. “I … I … care for you and only wanted to show you that it was all right to lean on someone else.” As soon as he said them, Treize winced at the irony of his own words. He made a helpless gesture. “You were unhappy in Eires and even if we did not love each other I hoped I could make a better life you. Forgive me for saying this, Wufei but your family did a poor job by you. I wanted to show you how different things were in Rossetti.” His voice rose with conviction. “If you were my son—heir or not—you’d never have to worry about anyone gambling on your future.”

Treize looked up, willing Wufei to believe in him, but it was clear his words had fallen on deaf ears. If anything, Wufei seemed more incensed and his features were twisted in pain.

“You with your council and court and your rhetoric of hard work and a land with no class distinctions, you make me laugh at your own hypocrisy,” Wufei ground out between clenched teeth. “Ask yourself, Treize, why, if you’re such a noble man who cares for the feelings and rights of others, why, out of all the titles you could have chosen for yourself in this new land did you decide on Emperor? You may laugh at our magick and our old-fashioned ways, but at least in Eires we are honest about our intentions.

Yes, this body of mine can be weak, can be helpless, can be vulnerable to your touch, but I realize now that in my confusion, I let you believe that you could impose yourself on me and I would somehow be enamored. Listen carefully to what I have to say for I won’t say it again. You wanted to know all the secrets of this body? Tell me, how do you like a taste of the first one of them? Don’t underestimate me, Treize, for I can assure you, I will quickly show you the error of your ways.” Wufei made a disgusted sound as he looked at Treize.

“I don’t know who to despise more, you or myself.” He spun on his heel, abandoning the room with its stacked trunks.

Behind him, Treize was stunned. He lay panting, unable to utter a word.

————————

Wufei almost barreled into Duo as he rounded the corner to the stables. He began to apologize, but Duo was already springing gracefully away. He gave Wufei a half-bow. “Sorry, Prince Wufei, I didn’t see you coming.”

Wufei shook his head. “No, it’s my fault. I was not paying attention. Are you ready to go?”

Today they were going to visit Meiran’s clan. Wufei had followed up his initial encounter with the little girl with a formal letter to the head of her clan announcing his visit and he received a favorable reply immediately. It seemed Meiran’s clan was as eager to meet him as he was to meet them.

“Have a lot on your mind?” Duo asked as he followed Wufei inside to the horses’ stalls. Sunlight was spilling in from the open door and the sweetness of freshly turned hay mingled with the earthier aroma of horses. The stable hands had already saddled the mares and they brought them over to Duo and Wufei as they approached. Wufei looked up to find Duo’s expression pleasantly neutral. Since Duo was also nobility, his rooms were actually not that far from his and Treize’s and Wufei wondered if the other man knew how bitterly he and Treize had just parted ways. When nothing in Duo’s look betrayed that he had overheard them, Wufei shrugged.

“I suppose you could say that,” he murmured as they walked out together, leading the horses across the courtyard. When Duo did not answer he turned to find the other man staring at him and this time there was no mistaking the odd expression on his face.

“Is something wrong?” Wufei asked.

“Ah … no.” Duo’s smile was sheepish. “Forgive me, it’s just this is the first time I’ve seen you without your hair pulled back in some way.”

Wufei cursed. In his anger, he had completely forgotten about his hair. Treize had so infuriated him that he had not trusted himself to leave the older man unharmed. He had run to meet Duo, focused on putting a safe distance between them. Now though, he felt his hair tickling his face and he knew how troublesome it would be to have it loose through the windy ride to the clan site. He would also look a mess by the time he got there. Sighing, Wufei smoothed his hair as best as he could and began to plait it, but with Nataku’s bridle draped over his arm, he only succeeded in making his hair a different type of mess.

Duo chuckled. Tethering his black mare to a nearby post, he patted Wufei’s shoulder. “Need some help with that?”

Wufei made a grateful sound. “Please.”

Duo grinned and stepped behind him, combing his fingers through Wufei’s hair, then braiding it tightly. When he was done he tugged playfully on the dark rope. “There.”

Wufei raised a hand to his head in surprise. Not a hair was out of place. He could not have done a better job if he was sitting in front of a dressing table with comb and brush in hand.

“Thank you,” he told Duo. “Where in Eires did you learn that?”

Duo led his horse away from the post. “Well you could say I got a lot of practice over the years. Being able to get dressed in less than five minutes is especially helpful when you wake up in the morning and can’t remember a thing about the man sleeping next to you, or when you need to slip back into a meeting without anyone guessing exactly what you were doing on your lunch break.” Duo’s violet eyes twinkled with mirth.

Wufei stared and then he couldn’t help it; he burst into laughter. Duo was just too outrageous. “I think I am grateful I did not have that particular education.”

Duo laughed. “You’d be surprised at some of the lessons I’ve picked up along the way…”

————————

Treize undressed but it felt like someone else was performing the motions. Wufei’s accusing words still rang in his ears and with each moment they became more painful. Was Wufei right? Was he the biggest hypocrite of them all? Had he been cruel and controlling? Treize stared at his hands and as if in a dream, all his encounters with Wufei rose in his mind.

He remembered their very first meeting and the way he had compelled Wufei to accompany him outside, the way he’d embraced him in the garden … how at their engagement party he’d callously stolen caresses from Wufei when King Zechs was sitting close enough that if he’d only turned he would have seen Treize’s hand beneath the table… and just now, hadn’t he been about to use desire to bend him to his will again? When they first met, it all seemed a delightful game to him, part of the chase. Now Treize could find nothing funny about his behavior. He had never stopped to think how he was hurting Wufei. Treize sank onto the bed.

Did he even know himself?

The man facing him was a bully, a tyrant—despicable no matter how he looked at him. Instead of gently wooing Wufei, Treize had only made him more skittish with his inconsistency. One minute he played the thoughtful lover, the next he sought to overwhelm him. No wonder Wufei was so reluctant to come to his bed. How could he trust Treize after all that had happened? It was a wonder they had made love at all. And was it lovemaking if Wufei did not trust him?

Pain squeezed Treize’s vitals. He was so focused on Wufei’s shortcomings that he never stopped to think that the difficulties in their marriage might also stem from him. How foolish, how arrogant he had been and now with his most recent betrayal, how could he ever hope that Wufei would listen to him much less forgive him? Growing up in his father’s house, Treize had been taunted because of his birth, and yet not till that moment did he know shame. It was one thing to know that he had no control over the circumstances of his birth, another thing entirely to realize that he had failed the one most precious to him through his own lies.

Treize pulled his robe about him and moved toward the bathing chamber. As he passed the balcony, he saw Wufei and Lord Maxwell leading their horses toward the west gate. The sight of Wufei alone was enough to cause fresh pain to well in him. The two men were talking and Wufei looked pensive. Suddenly they stopped and Treize watched as Wufei tried to braid his hair, only to have Lord Maxwell take the job in hand himself. He trailed his fingers through Wufei’s hair, plaiting the dark silky mass with deft movements. When he was done he tugged affectionately on Wufei’s braid.

By then, Treize’s heart was beating fast. He was gripping the railing so hard, the metal dug into his flesh. How easily Wufei gave into the other man’s ministrations, how comfortable he seemed with Duo’s hand brushing his shoulder and smoothing over his hair. The pain in Treize’s chest expanded. When Duo turned to face Wufei again, his husband’s face lit up and he laughed in a way Treize had never seen before. Even from where he stood Treize could tell that Wufei’s expression was warm and open as he gazed up at Duo. If he remembered their argument, he did not show it.

In fact, as he strolled along with Duo he didn’t seem to remember Treize at all.

————————

Meiran’s clan was camped near the fertile banks of a river some two hours ride away from the city gates and by the time Wufei and Duo rode up to the rows of tents the sun was sitting low in the sky. Looking up, Wufei couldn’t help a shiver of wonder at the knowledge that the rosy color behind the clouds would slowly fade into true night. The camp was alive with movement and as they drew closer they could hear the chattering of voices and the sumptuous aroma of cooking rose from amidst the tents. A feast was being prepared.

A lump caught in Wufei’s throat as children peeked out from behind their mother’s skirts and everywhere, dark-haired men and women turned to look at Duo and Wufei, intrigued by their regal dress. A young girl in rough linen trousers cast him a shy smile and Wufei felt tears burn behind his eyelids. Everyone here looked like him. He wanted to say something to Duo to hide his nervousness but he could not speak, too overcome with emotion.

How many times in his lonely boyhood had he imagined a place just like this? Wufei remembered hiding in the library while Quatre searched the halls, calling him to play. Curled up among his books he would dream of fitting in and of having playmates who looked like him and never thought him too odd or shy to be their friend. As he grew older, that dream crystallized into a painful knot in his chest. With time, it faded to a dull but persistent ache so that Wufei no longer even noticed it. It was a part of him, and he assumed it was just a natural condition of his existence, like the food that gave him nourishment or the air he needed to breathe. Even as Wufei was shaken by having that pain become fresh again, as he looked at Meiran’s clan, for the first time in his life he was faced with the possibilty of it being forever muted. More than anything else, it was the prospect of that freedom that suddenly made Wufei realize the extent of the burden he had been carrying all these years. He wanted to weep. Was this what it felt like to come home?

Duo presented their letter of invitation to one of the guards and the man let them pass through to a large tent at the center of the site. Warriors lurked around it, armed with bows and spears. As they dismounted, Meiran ran forward, flanked by a noblewoman with cropped hair and an old woman dressed in gray silk who was carrying a roll of parchment which Wufei recognized as his own letter from the seal.

“Prince Wufei, you came!” Meiran called, jerking to a stop in front of him.

Wufei smiled. “Yes, I did. Thank you for inviting me.”

“Welcome, Your Highness,” the woman with the cropped hair told him. I am Lady Zhen Long, Meiran’s mother and this is Grandmother Long, who leads our clan,” she finished indicating the older woman at her side.

Wufei bowed. “It is an honor. May I also introduce Lord Maxwell of Eires who is here both as a warrior and a friend?”

When they finished the introductions, Wufei was led to the main tent, while Duo stayed outside to wait for him. Once inside, Meiran looked excitedly from Wufei to her mother. “See, Mama? I told you Prince Wufei was like us!”

Lady Zhen patted Meiran on the shoulder, shaking her head in gentle disapproval. “Hush, child. You are much too forward.” She turned to Wufei with a laugh. “That is why even if the arrangement may be somewhat unconventional, we would welcome some form of disciplined path for her. As you can tell, she is a strong girl and outspoken, but it takes much more than courage to lead a clan.”

Wufei nodded as he gratefully accepted the steaming cup of tea a servant placed before him. “Yes, but it is admirable that she has sought this opportunity out herself. I also saw it as something quite radical when she first proposed it, but the more I thought about it, the less I could think of any good reason to not allow it. Besides … I am eager to learn more about your clan as well.”

Lady Zhen smiled. “I hope you don’t mind my saying so, Prince Wufei but we are curious about you too. Meiran tells us that you are from Eires, yet I would almost certainly have thought you belonged to our people. Even your name is similar to those we normally choose.”

“Before I met your daughter, I thought there were no others like me,” Wufei admitted, explaining the cicumstances of his birth. “As for my name…” he laughed. “I think the priests made a lucky guess. Meiran tells me you too observe special astrological rituals?”

“Yes. All of our people are born during the fifth moon cycle. It’s a tradition that goes back hundreds of years.”

“But why?” Wufei asked.

For the first time, the old woman spoke. “Zhen, Meiran, leave us. I would like to speak with this young man alone.”

Wufei was so startled that he did not even have a chance to speak as Lady Zhen and Meiran rose. When he began to protest, Grandmother Long roughly interrupted him.

“Let them go. You have come searching for answers have you not?”

“I … yes,” Wufei stammered.

“Then let us begin.”
———————-

It took them a long time to get back home, or so it seemed to Duo as he watched Rossetti’s lights grow closer. Perhaps it was because Wufei was so quiet. Though not talkative, on their way to the clan, he had been pleasant, laughing quietly at Duo’s jokes, at times even offering his own. Now though, it seemed nothing could rouse him from his thoughts.

Once Duo had seen Meiran’s clan he knew there would be no turning back. He had to suppress a moment of shock at seeing so many dark-haired people like the Prince. How was it possible? He always thought Wufei was unique and if he was surprised he could only imagine what the prince must be feeling. Was he scared? More than likely he felt comforted after the treatment he had received in Eires. The way most Eireans shunned Wufei had always pissed Duo off. He wondered what they would have to say now.

In the darkness, Duo’s smile broadened as he snuck a glance at Wufei. In another time and another place, he wouldn’t have minded courting Eires’ surly prince. There was something about the brooding types that had always appealed to him. Well … there was no helping that now. Wufei was married and Duo thought he just might have stumbled onto the one man who could keep his attention for good. Still, there was no denying today had been a day of big discoveries. There were many things Duo wanted to ask, but he was not sure Wufei would welcome his questions. They had developed a rapport since arriving in Rossetti, but he could not say for sure that they were friends. For now he would have to wait until Wufei felt comfortable enough to talk to him. Not that he didn’t have enough on his mind already, Duo mused with a sigh.

As they pulled up to the gate, Duo thanked the gods. While Wufei had lingered with the clan leaders, he feared he would not make it in time for dinner, but luckily they had made it back earlier than expected. It would have been a shame indeed to squander the evening. Staying long enough to see Wufei safely back to the palace, Duo said his goodbyes, then turned around, urging Shinigami down the cobbled streets at a gallop.

When he got to the inn, he had a hearty dinner and trudged upstairs to his room. Truth be told, he had been staying at the inn since the first night they’d arrived in Rossetti. No matter how many titles they bestowed on him, somehow Duo never really felt comfortable in the lushness of palaces. This was modest but comfortable and they served a damn fine ale. Besides, he was close enough to the palace to respond at a moment’s notice and he had the added advantage of being able to talk to the local people to get a real sense of what was happening in the city and not the watered-down version that so often passed in the courts.

Duo opened the door and felt around in the darkness for the oil lamp. Moonlight was streaming from the window onto his bed, leaving the room in shadow but giving him just enough light to fish out his matches and guide the flame to the wick. The lamp sputtered to life and Duo was just stepping backwards to remove his boots when he bumped into something warm, solid and very muscular. His breath caught. Damn it, the bastard was as quiet as a cat. He had been here all this time and Duo had not noticed him.

“So you made it,” Heero rumbled, his arm snaking about Duo’s waist and pulling him to his chest.

Duo shivered at huskiness of the other man’s voice and immediately, he felt heat flare in his veins. Laughing softly, he turned in Heero’s arms. In the same movement, he tugged the other man’s shirt out of his pants, his feet tangling in Heero’s as they stumbled toward the bed.

“Of course. Did you think I would stand you up?”

“Hn,” Heero grunted, pressing him into the mattress and then Duo couldn’t think anymore as Heero’s weight covered him, his blue eyes dark, his skin fevered as his mouth descended.

—————————

Wufei was both moved and disappointed as he pulled back the covers and climbed into his new bed. The visit to Meiran’s clan had not gone quite as he imagined. Did he know any more than he did before? Wufei could not say. Still, whenever he recalled Grandmother Long’s husky voice and her piercing gaze, it was as if a cold wind suddenly blew into the room. Wufei shivered, pulling the covers up to his neck.

“You are unhappy, aren’t you, child?”

She had known without him saying a word. All this time, Wufei thought he was presenting a brave face to the world, yet Grandmother Long had lain his pain bare with a glance. In a single moment, his entire life story tumbled out of him, from his childhood, to the engagement to his present misery. Wufei’s face warmed. He had even spoken to her of the terrible spells that left him helpless to Treize’s touch. Wufei still could not understand it. He had not wanted to speak of these personal matters; it was merely that the words were compelled from him. He was as helpless to stop them as he was the turning of the tides.

“You say you suffer from fever—an uncontrollable longing for this man?”

“Yes … do you know of anything like this?” Wufei’s voice was urgent even as he lowered his head in shame. “Please … can you help me?”

The candlelight reflected in Grandmother Long’s eyes made them seem as though they glowed from within. “Perhaps… But why should it matter if you love him? Would it not be better to let him embrace you instead?”

“Love him?” Wufei choked. “No! There is nothing between us but a bed of lies. I would rather die than be held by him again,” he whispered.

Grandmother Long stared at him. “Very well, but I cannot make any promises. No matter how closely you resemble us, you are a foreigner and our techniques may have no effect on you. Listen closely, but do not expect any miracles. I can only tell you of our people and what has been unique to us for many generations. Do you understand?”

Wufei nodded.

“We are water diviners. As nomads it is essential that we are able to quickly find the most fertile areas for our encampments. For generations our people have been led by powerful diviners, and this is what has made us so successful when other nomadic clans have been forced to settle or end up scattered to the winds. You can therefore see why it is of the utmost importance that the gift be kept within our clan. We try our best to ensure that all our people are born on or around the fifth moon cycle just as the first clan leader was. It means of course that we can never venture into lands like Eires where there is no regular moon cycle. We have no need to worry, however, for there are many fertile lands ahead of us, most we will never see even if we should travel for two generations.”

Wufei listened, holding his breath. He was trembling, but he could not say why. He only knew that he must listen to this old woman as though his life depended on it.

“All our people have an aptitude for sensing water but the symptoms you describe are almost identical to those experienced by our most gifted diviners just before they come into their full power. I watched as my own daughter, Zhen trembled with fever.” Grandmother Long shook her head as she heard Wufei’s hopeful gasp. “The sensual longing you have spoken of, however, that was absent. Nevertheless, I shall do my best to help you. In exchange for your teaching Meiran your fighting techniques, I will help you uncover your powers and hone them.”

“But how do I know? How do I begin?”

“You are fortunate in that tonight there is a full moon, for then is the seat of our power most accessible. Tonight, when the moon is brightest, stand in its circle and focus all your energies inward as you do with your most rigorous meditation techniques. You must open yourself fully to its call, reaching a state of utter stillness. When your spirit is quiet, call up the image of the silver light falling upon you and transform it to water in your mind. If you are a diviner, you will know the instant the pathway to your power has been opened. I cannot describe it except to say that is unlike anything else you will feel in your life. There is no mistaking it.”

“If you succeed in this first step, return to see me in two weeks, practicing every night until you can call up the power with relative ease. Then, I shall take you to the next step,” Grandmother Long finished.

As she spoke, rain began to fall softly against the tent and a high wind howled through the trees. Wufei could hear the scurrying of people outside trying to find shelter and the delighted shrieks of children as the unexpected shower drenched them. In the tent the candlelight flickered, casting long shadows against the walls. When Wufei moved to shield the taper nearest him with his palm, a sudden fierce gust of wind raised the flap of the tent. In a moment, all the candles were gutted.

They were left in darkness.

Even now Wufei could not shake the unsettling feeling that had come over him. He thought of Grandmother Long’s words and remembered how the previous evening he had stumbled onto the balcony and was brought to his knees under the moon’s clear light. Was that the feeling Grandmother Long was referring to? Had he somehow accessed it without realizing?

Throwing off the covers, Wufei moved to the window. Last night the moon had been a modest circle; tonight it was large, almost monstrous. Wufei had never seen anything like it. His breath came fast as he gripped the window sill. This was no good. If connecting to his powers depended on meditation, he had to stay calm. Breathing deeply, Wufei closed his eyes and tried to focus his thoughts as Grandmother Long had instructed him.

At first, he felt nothing. Then, somewhere inside him, he felt a faint echo, like a tiny ripple caused by the silvery dropping of water. Wufei honed in on that small stirring, trying to grasp it with his mind and little by little it began to intensify, building to an incredible crescendo. Wufei shook as the sensation filled him and every nerve became hyper-sensitive, so that even the smallest stimulus bordered on pain. The sound of the crickets beneath his window was like a piercing whistle, the gentle breeze like sandpaper against his skin and most of all, the burning bright light of the moon seemed to singe his pupils. Yet, when Wufei tried to tear his eyes away he found that he could not. He could only stare as the tremulous vibration within him burst into a roar.

“What—” Wufei gasped and slumped to the carpet. Sweat was streaming from his forehead and a burning pain shot through his side and through his limbs. He clutched his arms around himself, crying out to the night, to the gods—to the moon itself for mercy.

And just as abruptly as it began, the pain stopped.

Wufei lay on the carpet for a long time, first simply trying to catch his breath and then trying to comprehend what had just happened to him. He could not move and his hair was plastered to his forehead with sweat. Wufei shuddered. Now what? What was he supposed to feel? If he followed Grandmother Long’s advice he had expected to be sense the living presence of water just as she had said, but Wufei felt nothing. He sensed nothing different within him. Being different from Meiran’s people, perhaps he had somehow failed, had been unable to complete the process. Grandmother Long had cautioned him against expecting miracles.

Groaning, Wufei sat up. “Well, I guess I have failed,” he murmured to the empty room. “What do I do now? I…”

He froze as something prickled the hairs on the back of his neck. Wufei turned slowly toward the darkened entrance to his room and this time a different type of sweat broke over his skin.

There, near the door, something was moving in the shadows.