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"From the Shadows"Written By: Honor Disclaimers: The boys are not mine (curses!) however all the other characters are, and the story, and the idea, and my evil muse. You can have my evil muse. Pairings: 4x5 Spoilers: Nope Warnings: AU, soooo AU, maybe a hint of OOC, violence,
lemon, language, political scheming and fantasy elements. Oh, and
unicorns. ^_^ Rating: R Archived: Gundam Wing Diaries Betas: Velvet and Caitilin *emphasized* =thought= ::mental communication: :
" From the Shadows " Chapter 9 There is the risk you cannot afford to take, and
there is the risk that you cannot afford not to take.
When he woke up he was starving, and after indulging in a large breakfast went around to the two teams that were still home and got reports from all of them. Nothing terribly exciting had been happening, just a few minor disputes here and there. That had been a welcome relief. Mid-morning he stumbled across Duo, who was attempting to eat all of the prepared food in the palace kitchens. “Good morning, Duo.” Since his mouth was full Duo just waved back and kept munching. The head cook nodded a hello to Quatre before giving Duo a look that was half exasperated and half amused. Apparently this was not his first visit. Probably wouldn’t be his last either. “Have you seen Wufei?” Quatre continued and waited patiently for him to swallow so he could answer. Duo nodded, swallowed hard and managed to say, "Yeah, he was in the library very back corner and hiding from all the ladies,” before he attempted to stuff an entire piece of toast into his mouth. Quatre blinked. “Library?” He’d expected for Wufei to head out and continue his search. “Yeah, the women are really chasing him here. Safer in the library.” Surely Wufei hadn't searched all of the capital already? He hadn't searched at all before getting permission from Chaelane, and he'd barely had time to eat and sleep before Quatre had dragged him out onto the road the next morning. Unless he hadn't slept…no, it would take more than just ten hours to search this entire city. This wasn't adding up. Anything that was strong enough to compel Wufei out of his home country to search wouldn't let him peacefully read in a library when there was an entire city to be combed. What was going on? "There you are!" Sally appeared in the doorway and looked over the scene with amusement. Turning her eyes on Duo she remarked, "Good morning, you flea-bitten imbecile." "You're looking particularly fat today, Sal," Duo replied cheekily. Sally rolled her eyes. "I'm going to have to teach you more insults." "I rather like mine. It's short and simple, kind of like you." Quatre winced. Oooh, first blood. Duo really had a mouth on him. When Sally's eyes narrowed dangerously, Quatre decided it was past time to get out of the way before he was caught in the crossfire. "If you'll excuse me…" Sally held up a hand to stop him. "Before I get completely distracted cutting this vertically challenged pipsqueak down to size, I was actually looking for you. Wyrack wants you, something about looking with a true eye? It didn't make a lot of sense, and I got more confused when he tried to explain it." It didn't make any sense to Quatre either, but he hoped that would change once he saw Wyrack. "Where is he?" "His study, last time I saw him." "Right. Thanks Sally." Glancing back at Duo he added sotto voice, "Try not to kill him." "Yes boss." Sally mock saluted before descending on a "helpless" boy still trying to stuff his face. "Now, you shrunken freak of nature, let me teach you some table manners." "I would, you decayed hag if I hadn't seen you eat before. Maybe I should teach you manners." Personally, Quatre's bet was on Duo. But that was not something he'd ever say out loud. He quickly walked out of range as a barrage of insults started up in the kitchen. + Wyrack was indeed in his study. He called out "Enter!" when Quatre knocked on the door. Pushing the thick wood aside Quatre stuck his head in. "You wanted to see me?" "Yes, yes, I have good news. An old colleague of mine has finally responded to my letter. He's on his way here, but won't be able to arrive for five days or so. I wanted to make sure that you would be here when he arrives." "Uh-huh…" Quatre scratched at his head. Was he supposed to know about this? "Why is it necessary for me to be here?" Wyrack frowned at him. "Didn't I tell you? Costoch is a unicorn." Quatre literally lost his breath. "I…thought they were merely legend." "No, no, they just don't normally live around people so they've become something of a legend. He's one of the exceptions. I met him when I was a student at the mage academy. He was a teacher there for several decades before he retired. Anyway, I wrote to him and explained about your abilities before asking if he had any explanation. He's coming here." Wyrack rubbed his hands gleefully. "This is going to be quite the explanation, if he's coming in person. It's hard to get him out of his house much less his country. Anyway, be sure to be here!" Quatre nodded faintly. He was going to meet a unicorn? This wasn't something to miss, no matter what the reason was. "I will." "Good, that's all I wanted to tell you." Taking that as a dismissal Quatre went back out and walked toward the gardens. He needed a quiet place to think about this. + Wufei had a problem. Several of them actually. They were all clustered around his bedroom door too. Some of them were redheads, some of them brunettes, all of them dressed in fancy silks and velvets and breathlessly waiting for him to show up so they could descend on him en masse. The sheer amount of bosom heaving and giggling was nauseating even from a distance. Ye little gods… He'd read most of the day in the library, trying to catch up on this country's history and do a little research on magic. He'd thought it prudent, since he was likely to wind up living here eventually. Now his eyes were tired, a headache was brewing between his eyes, and he wanted nothing more than eight hours of solid sleep. He wasn't going to get it though, not with that gaggle of annoying females hovering outside his door. "Hey 'Fei-fei, whatcha doin'?" Wufei turned sharply. Duo! Perfect. "Duo, I need you to run interference for me." Duo blinked up at him in minor shock. The great and perfect Wufei was actually asking for help without getting his arm twisted first? Whoa. This must be serious. "Uh-huh…why?" Wufei silently gestured around the corner. Duo, too curious to pass this up, poked his head around the corner and saw a flock of women hovering around Wufei's bedroom door. His mouth formed a silent 'ah' of understanding. "Do something with them?" It was more of a plea than a question. Duo scratched the back of his head. There was a little voice in the back of his head that said he could have a lot of fun with this, but he didn't want to take advantage of the situation, not when Wufei actually asked for help. Not that he'd used the word, but still… "I'll try, Wuffers." "And please don't mangle my name?" Wufei requested wearily. Duo winked at him, straightened his shoulders, and walked off with a casualness that was completely feigned. Once he was within a foot of them he gave a low whistle. "Wow, ya'll look gorgeous. What's the occasion?" The women turned and saw a very cute boy standing there, spouting compliments. Most of them warmed up to him instantly, and turned to give him their attention. "Oh, we're waiting for Lon Chang," a rather pretty brunette explained brightly. "Ahhh." Duo pretended to think about this for a second. "So I guess no one told you? He's not here right now." "Oh no, he came back last night," the redhead corrected with slightly pinched lips. "Yeah, he did. But he's Sanguine, you know, he can't afford to sit around and not search when he's not following the Hearken." Duo was rather proud of that response; he wasn't even lying saying it. Several of the ladies slumped. "So he's not here anymore?" Duo almost felt bad about misleading them…or he would have been, if he weren't sure they were after Wufei's title and money. "Sorry." From the far end of the hall, where Wufei was still peering around the corner, another lady was approaching. She was not of delicate stature—or of delicate manners for that matter. Once she recognized who was standing not five feet away from her she bounced a little and clapped her hands in delight. "Lon Chang! What a pleasant surprise." Wufei winced. Damn, how had the girl snuck up on him like that? The other group of girls looked around sharply when that loud voice echoed down the hallway. Wufei looked right into their surprised faces and knew that he was doomed. Without hesitation he took off in a dead run. At that moment several ladies realized that the boy among them either hadn't known the full truth, or was purposefully misleading them and turned suspicious glares onto him. Duo, realizing his perilous situation, broke and ran for it. "Wufei! Wait for me!" "Get him!" the redhead ordered. Duo cast a quick glance over his shoulder, saw the angry mob at his heels, and put on a burst of speed that quickly outstripped his companion. Wufei cursed silently and did his best to keep up. When they hit the main hallway Duo split off and hit the gardens. Wufei was denied that luxury because of his slower speed. Just as he was reaching for the door the girls turned the corner and spotted him. Swearing softly he abandoned that refuge and kept running. But where could he be safe? Even as he analyzed it, he kept running and his feet led him straight to Quatre's door. His head said that was a bad idea even as his hands were pushing the door open. He quickly slipped inside and closed it behind him, locking it for good measure. Quatre was in loose pajama pants, one leg on the bed as he prepared to climb in. At this abrupt entrance he quirked an eyebrow. "Need something, Wufei?" Wufei was a little winded, and absolutely mortified to be caught in this situation, but not enough to stay silent. "Hide me." It took effort, but Quatre managed to subdue the urge to laugh, or even smile. "Let me guess—several ladies of high birth are chasing you." "Literally," Wufei confirmed somewhat plaintively. "Ah." Don't laugh, don't laugh…seeing a general run from 'harmless' women isn't funny… "Quatre," Wufei growled. "This isn't funny." "Sorry," Quatre choked out in between spurts of laughter. With effort he smoothed his face, although his lips still twitched. "Ahem. Do you mind sharing the bed?" Wufei was still a little miffed about being laughed at, but not miffed enough to attempt sleeping on the hard floor or braving the hallway. "No." "Good, there's plenty of room. Just make yourself comfortable." + Wufei woke up more comfortable and content than he had in a long time. Half-asleep still, he wasn't certain why, just that he was warm and in no mood to move. Of course, once he had his eyes open he couldn’t stop himself from completely waking up. And once he was fully alert, it became rather obvious why he was feeling so lethargic. Somehow, during the course of the night, he'd spooned up behind Quatre, snuggling the blond into the curve of his body. Quatre was apparently a cuddler (something Wufei was rather glad of, on a primitive level) because not only was he perfectly comfortable with being snuggled, but was smiling about it faintly. Most of Wufei really wanted to just lay there and enjoy the position, but part of him told him in no uncertain terms that was a Bad Idea and would lead to all sorts of complications. Better get up than answer some very pointed questions. Sometimes Wufei hated being logical. Very, very grudgingly he eased back. Once his body was no longer touching Quatre's he breathed a little easier and started climbing out of the bed altogether. Staying in bed, near that absolutely gorgeous man and not touching was simply beyond his will power. It was better to just get up before he gave into temptation. He froze when he heard Quatre shift and glanced back—straight into blue eyes. Uh-oh, he'd been awake? For how long? Wufei slammed a mental heel on his rising panic and ordered himself to stay calm. Clearing his throat quietly he offered, "Good morning." "Good morning," Quatre returned softly. "Did you know that your soul is blue right now?" Wufei tensed up, only partly in confusion and mostly in panic. There was something in Quatre's eyes, something in his voice that said plainly the blond knew something. Not knowing what that something was made Wufei's nerves jangle. "What color is it normally?" "The first time I looked it was red. Bright, pulsing red. Of course, it was right after that mudslide, and I think it was red from anger." Quatre sat up, pushing the sheets aside so he could kneel comfortably and face Wufei head on. "After that, I've kept an eye on you. Most of the time it glows white, with only a hint of blue—never this dark of a blue, though." Wufei swallowed hard. Well, of course, there was a good reason for that. Spending the night with Quatre had fulfilled part of his need, making him more content. Quatre kept going, in that steady tone. "It's odd, now that I think back on it, that no matter where we went or what we were doing, you were always right next to me. You never ventured away to search the cities we traveled through. You haven't even searched the capital. I know you're Sanguine—I can see the evidence of strong magic winding around your soul. I know you aren't lying to me about that, but there's still something about this picture that isn't right." When there was no response, Quatre leaned slightly forward. "Wufei, what's going on?" There was no choice. He had to tell the full truth now. Quatre knew that something was going on, and Wufei just couldn't pretend any longer. Taking a deep breath he prayed that this turned out alright. "I don't need to search." Quatre's eyes narrowed slightly. He'd half-expected that answer, even though it raised a whole new batch of questions. If he'd already found her, then why was he still here? "Who is she?" Wufei made himself look directly into Quatre's face. "He. You." The blond just froze, eyes flaring wide. Surely he hadn't heard that right. "…me?" "Aa." When Quatre didn't offer up any other response, Wufei kept talking. The silence was so unnatural and tense that he felt he must break it before it broke him. "Wyrack knew from the beginning, and told me that I couldn't just barge in and announce that you were my mate. I've discovered how right he is over the past three weeks. You hate being pushed into anything. You don't like the idea of fate or destiny. I tried to give you the time to see me as a friend at the very least…" Wufei shifted forward, one hand rising to touch Quatre's cheek gently. The blond was barely breathing, hanging on every word coming from Wufei's mouth. "I’m at my limit," Wufei continued hoarsely. "I can't give you much more time to get used to this. Quatre, I'm asking you—please don't push me away." Quatre felt like he'd been smacked in the back of the head. He was dazed and unsure of how to respond to this. He'd never expected anything like this; he'd just known that his friend's behavior wasn't adding up. But there was raw need in Wufei's eyes and voice, and that wasn't something he could see and ignore. Catching those gentle fingers, Quatre leaned back, pulling Wufei down with him. When the Chahiran was lying down again, Quatre curled back up into his arms and held on to him tightly. Wufei was the one surprised now and unsure how to react. "Quatre?" "I need a couple of minutes to absorb this, and you need to hold me," Quatre explained simply. "…okay," Wufei whispered. He wrapped both arms around a trim waist and back and just held on, absorbing the feel and warmth of the man in his arms with something like acute relief. There wasn't a secret to hide anymore, and that was a weight off his back he was glad to drop. If Quatre needed time to think about this, then he'd give him time. At least a little of it. Thoughts were swarming madly in Quatre's head, creating a hopeless tangle. He admired Wufei—respected him, enjoyed his company, even thought him very attractive. He hadn't tried to get too close, knowing that he would lose the Chahiran eventually once he found his mate. But now, that wasn't the case was it? Now he would have Wufei forever. Did he want that? Wufei's arms abruptly tightened. "I know this disturbs you," he whispered against blond hair. "Talk to me? I’m not sure if I can handle your silence right now." Quatre immediately felt like a jerk. Wufei had done everything in his powers to make Quatre comfortable, sacrificing time and sanity, and here Quatre was completely absorbed in himself with no regard for that. "Don’t," Wufei pleaded softly. "Don't feel guilty. If I were in your place, I'd feel the same." Quatre let out a low breath. "Damn. You really can feel me, can't you?" "Yes." If nothing else, Quatre owed him an explanation. "When…when I was born, it was something of a minor miracle. I have twelve sisters, Wufei, and then there was me—the only son and heir to a very large and lucrative business. From the moment that I was born I was put under some kind of pressure to be the best and brightest at everything. No matter what I did, it didn't seem to be enough. I was good with people, but it was quickly apparent that I wasn't really that talented with the business end of things. It was just as apparent that some of my sisters were—they excelled at it. I couldn't understand why my father was so insistent that I inherit the company when he had daughters so much more capable at it. I started to hate it—the company, the pressure, the whole idea of fate and destiny, all of it. They were just words for manipulating people to do what they didn't want to do." Some of the worst arguments between father and son flashed through his mind and he shook his head a little, clearing it. "There was so much dissension in the family because of it…I hated that too. I loved them, but I couldn’t seem to stay in the same room with them for more than an hour before we would blow up at each other." "It's why you hate being forced into anything," Wufei murmured in understanding. "Yes. And then I was kidnapped, and brought here…" Quatre smirked mirthlessly when Wufei jerked in surprise and twisted to look down at him. "I haven't told you about that, have I? Hm. Well, I'll fill you in on that story later. Let me stay on this train of thought. After I escaped my captors here, I realized that I had a blank slate. I could do whatever I wanted with my life, and no one could nay say me. It was very liberating. I started forming a plan—I'd find something that I wanted to do, that I excelled at doing, and I'd stick with it. And then, in a few years, I'd find some gorgeous and intelligent woman, convince her to marry me and have ten girls." Despite himself Wufei was rather amused. "Only girls?" "That's right." Quatre caught the twinkle of amusement and huffed in irritation. "Yes, I realize that it was just to spite my father. I wanted my daughters to do whatever they wanted, be it marrying or going into business or whatever—as long as it wasn't illegal of course. When I met Wyrack and Chaelane trapped me into starting the Hearken, the plan changed a little, maybe delayed another ten years but it didn't really disappear." "And then I appear and blow it to smithereens." Wufei wasn't entirely comfortable with the struggle he could feel in Quatre's heart, even if he was beginning to understand the source of it. "Fate has come into my life again. Wufei…" Quatre cradled his face with both hands, trying to impart his sincerity. "It's not you. You're not what I'm upset about; you're the only good thing about the whole deal!" "I know," Wufei managed around a constricting throat. "I didn't like this either, Quatre—didn't like that I wouldn't have any choice in who I would spend the rest of my life with. I know what you're feeling. But for me, it disappeared when I met you. Whatever rancor I might have felt has dissipated completely, bit by bit, with every moment that I have spent in your company. I have come to realize that even if it had been completely my choice, I could only have chosen you." Quatre felt tears prick the back of his eyes at that sweet sentiment. A part of him still wanted to rebel, to dig in his heels—but what would be the point? Wufei wasn't at fault for this. No one was, really. There was no one to get decently mad at, no one to prove a point with. This just simply was. Trying to deny or escape it would only hurt them both, in the end. Besides, would he really have chosen anyone else? The conflict in Quatre's heart died and vanished as he realized that Wufei was the only one he'd ever really wanted. The irony of the situation struck him and he started chuckling almost helplessly. “I must be mad—here I am, being offered an absolutely gorgeous man that is my guaranteed match, and I’m throwing a temper tantrum.” “I’m not gorgeous,” Wufei denied uncomfortably. “You’re the gorgeous one.” “And modest too,” Quatre teased in wicked delight. Wufei just gave him an exasperated look. Quatre stroked the bare skin under his fingers almost absently as he thought it through once more. Wufei had told him the consequence of a Sanguine not finding its mate—Quatre couldn’t imagine that the consequences were much different with being denied by his mate. He didn’t want to drive his friend crazy. And…well, actually he didn’t want to deny him period. Wufei had told him that there had never been a case where a Sanguine couple was unhappy with their spouse. Quatre had dreamed often of having that kind of bliss with a partner—and here he was being offered it on a silver platter (or by a gorgeous man in his bed, same difference.) Really, what was there to think about? Shifting one hand, he laid it directly over Wufei's heart. Wufei went still, barely daring to breathe as he felt Quatre touch the bond. It was still weak, still incomplete. Quatre's gentle touch against it made him shiver slightly. "Sorry," Quatre muttered anxiously as he pulled back. "Did that hurt?" "No," Wufei managed in a choked voice. "Just the opposite." The blond blinked. "Oh. Good, I didn't want to hurt you." Reaching out again, he felt the bond carefully and examined every aspect of it. Once he thought he had a good grasp of how it worked, he took a part of his own soul and slipped it into place. Wufei breathed in sharply as the bond suddenly locked into place. He stared, stunned into those beautifully determined blue eyes. "Why? You aren't ready—” "I want you," Quatre stated firmly. "I’m not going to hurt us both by fighting this." Sheer relief poured into Wufei. He hadn't been sure how long he could stand to be with Quatre and not touch him, make love to him. He wasn't entirely sure why Quatre had shelved all of his hesitation and leapt like this, but he just couldn't bring himself to question it right then either. Slowly he rolled them both so that Quatre was prone underneath him. “Thank you,” he breathed in heartfelt gratitude. Quatre reached up, tangling his hands in fine black hair and coaxing Wufei down into a tentative, sweet kiss. Their lips brushed softly, almost hesitantly. Wufei shifted slightly, making the contact firmer, asking for more. Quatre tilted his head, groaning low as a tongue slipped inside his mouth. With the bond between them completed, they could both feel the other, how much pleasure they were both experiencing. It served to enhance every touch, every caress. With a low growl Quatre flipped them so that he was the one on top, nibbling hungrily on the tender skin of a neck. Wufei arched his head back to give more access, thoroughly enjoying the slight scrape of teeth on his skin and the hands stroking down along his bare ribs. The only thing marring the whole experience in his opinion was the pants he and Quatre were wearing. Dredging up enough concentration, he slanted open one eye and reached down, tugging at the waistline of pants on the amorous blond. Quatre was busy nibbling, but he sought to be more helpful by wriggling a little to get the pants off. The motion was particularly distracting to Wufei and his hands got a little sidetracked in exploring the newly exposed skin. Quatre was just as distracted by a firm nipple, that he was having a hay day playing with. Just from sound alone he was discovering what Wufei liked—lashing at it with his tongue got a low, guttural moan, tugging slightly with his teeth was rewarded with a slight hiss. But was he this sensitive on both sides? Only one way to find out. As much as Wufei was enjoying all of this attention, he was definitely getting massively hot and bothered by it as well. A little attention in a lower location would be appreciated. He managed to lift his hips enough to get the pants at least down to mid thigh. Quatre moved before Wufei could give any hints, lifting himself off briefly to get both sets of pants out of the way. They were tossed to some obscure corner of the room, never to be seen again. Wufei let out a sigh of relief with the clothing gone. With a mischievous grin Quatre bent and took one ball into his mouth, sucking on it lightly. Wufei sprawled boneless as that warm suction pulled every ounce of blood in his body south. He wanted to arch into it, ask for more, and most importantly he wanted to touch in return. But Quatre was all the way over there, and Wufei couldn’t reach without sitting up, which might dislodge him and that very stimulating mouth—the dilemma made him mutter with inarticulate protest. “Hmm?” Quatre hummed in question. That hum went right through Wufei’s system and he shuddered. Despite how good that had felt, he did remember what the original protest was. Licking dry lips he rasped “Shift…your hips…” Quatre either read minds, or he felt what his mate wanted through the bond. Removing his mouth for a moment he shifted until his hips were straddling Wufei’s face, then he went right back to his self-appointed task. Wufei was delighted with the fact that everything lined up so nicely. Most of his height was in his legs, but apparently they were the same length in the trunk. It made his idea so much easier to complete. Holding both thighs, he licked the very red erection in front of his nose from tip to base and back again. There was a low groan in response, which Wufei both heard and felt from the mouth on his own cock. Actually, what Quatre was doing felt very good, maybe he should return the favor… In easy stages he pulled the organ into his mouth, sucking lightly and releasing, repeating the rhythm. Quatre picked it up, bobbing his head in time with Wufei. The dual stimulation, physical and otherwise, quickly caught up with them and overloaded their bodies with pleasure too intense to be withstood for long. They came almost simultaneously, releasing into the other’s mouth, their cries muffled around skin. Quatre flopped to his side, head pillowed on the top of Wufei’s thigh. He just focused on breathing; that was as much as his brain could cope with at the moment. Wufei was panting as well, flat on his back. When he felt recovered enough he bent down and tugged Quatre up so they could lay side by side, one arm comfortably draped over Quatre’s abdomen. “If I had known just how good it would be with you,” Quatre observed a little breathlessly, “I would have jumped you the minute I laid eyes on you.” “Same here,” Wufei murmured in contentment. They lay there in comfortable silence for several moments before a thought occurred to Quatre. He propped himself up on his elbow a little, not wanting to dislodge the arm on his abdomen. “Wufei? Is Wyrack the only one that knows?” Darn, apparently he had to start thinking again. Wufei slanted open an eye. “Yes, why?” “Chaelane isn’t going to be happy about this…” The full ramifications were starting to sink in and Quatre frowned. “I suppose the Hearken can really run itself but she’s not going to be happy losing me.” “She won’t.” Quatre blinked. “Ah…I thought I would go back to live in your country?” “Normally, but…” Wufei shifted onto his side so he could look at Quatre without craning his neck. “I’m not sure how much you know about Chahir. Do you know that all magic is outlawed there?” That was news to Quatre. “No, I hadn’t heard that. All magic? Even healing magic?” “All magic,” Wufei confirmed darkly. “It’s a death sentence even if you’re suspected of practicing it. It would be a death sentence for us as well, if we tried to live in that country.” Quatre slowly nodded in understanding. The solution to his mind was obvious. “Then we must live here.” “Frankly, yes.” Wufei relaxed back into the bed, plans beginning to formulate in his mind. “I will have to resign my commission, and notify my family and my king. Unless he makes a special exception in your case, we don’t have any other choice.” Quatre wasn’t slow on the uptake, and he was quickly putting all the pieces together. The conclusion he was coming to wasn’t a comfortable one. “You knew all of this from the beginning, didn’t you?” Wufei didn’t see a reason to lie about it and simply nodded. He simply couldn’t believe this. Knowing that he would never be able to return home, or resume his position in the army, Wufei had willingly pursued Quatre anyway? Granted, a Sanguine didn’t have a lot of choice, but in his place Quatre wouldn’t have been taking all of this calmly! “And you still…?” “I believe that being with you will compensate for everything I must sacrifice.” A little amused at the dumbfounded look on his mate’s face, Wufei lifted a hand and gently caressed the blond’s cheek. “I believe that now more than ever,” he murmured. Quatre lifted a shaking hand to hold the one on his face. “By the stars, Wufei, your faith in this confounds me.” “My faith is in you,” Wufei corrected softly. That didn’t exactly ease Quatre’s concerns. “I pray I never disappoint you.” “I’m not worried. So far, my life has become very interesting with you; much more so than before.” Quatre rolled his eyes. “Wufei, where I come from the phrase ‘may your life be interesting’ is a curse.” Dark eyes sparkled with silent laughter. “At least I don’t have to worry about suffering from boredom.” Without any compunction Quatre whipped out a pillow and hit his rascal of the mate in the head. Wufei laughed and blocked, then rolled to get out of range. Quatre wasn't about to give up that easily and gave chase, pillow swinging as he came. Wufei was one of the finest generals in Chahiran history—he knew when to retreat, and he knew when it was wiser to execute a quick counter attack. He charged the blond, knocking them both to the bed and tossing the pillow far out of range. Quatre protested the loss of his ammunition then quickly switched plans to see if Wufei were ticklish. As it turned out, Wufei was extremely ticklish. He also possessed better reflexes than Quatre, and used them to quick advantage by grabbing both of those hands and pinning them safely to the mattress. Quatre didn't take defeat easily and kept tugging on his wrists. When that didn't work, he lifted his head and nibbled on a collarbone, hoping to distract Wufei so he could get his hands back. Wufei studied him under hooded eyelids—the soft skin, fair hair that curled so haphazardly, smooth muscles that curved and dipped in all the right places… He swallowed hard. Damn, wonder if he was up for another round? The door banged open. "Hey Q, you—whoa!" The occupants on the bed immediately scrambled for bedcovers even while Duo spun around and put both hands over his eyes, screeching "Virgin eyes! Virgin eyes!" When the sheets were modestly up past their waists, Quatre turned a glare on the youngest Hearken. "Stop that racket and tell me why you're in my room without knocking." Duo took a cautious peek over his shoulder, but they were decent enough (even if Wufei were still rather close to Quatre) so he turned all the way around. "Chaelane wants to talk to you, and why the heck are you guys making the mattress dance?" "I am always entertained by how he can combine two subjects into one sentence," Quatre noted aloud to no one in particular. "To answer in order, I'll go talk to our young queen and why shouldn't we be 'making the mattress dance' as you put it? I'm the one he was looking for." Duo considered that for a long, drawn out moment. There was at least a couple of week’s time lag that wasn’t computing for him. "Uh-huh. Wuffers, I thought you said that you would know the person on sight? And I thought it had to be a girl?" Wufei sighed. He didn't want to answer Duo he wanted to continue wrestling around with his mate which would hopefully lead to other, more pleasant activities. The fastest way to get rid of the boy was to answer, unfortunately. "I did know him on sight. And it's usually a girl, but there have been cases where it was a man instead." "How many cases?" Duo questioned shrewdly. "Two, to be precise. Now will you go away?" "One last question. Can I tell people about this?" Quatre waved a negligent hand. "Go ahead." Duo figured that he had enough information—for now. "Right. I'm going away now just keep in mind that Chaelane really wants to talk to you." As Duo walked away he muttered to himself, "She doesn't even realize how much she needs to talk to you." The door closed with a decided thump. Quatre sighed, but recognized that as much as he wished otherwise they'd have to get up and deal with the rest of the world. Leaning over, he pressed a quick kiss to Wufei's mouth before climbing out of the bed. "Come on, let's get this over with so we can come back here and pick up where we left off." ~*~*~*~ Honor: I know, long chapter, there just wasn't a good breaking point.
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