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"A Hidden Heart "Written By: Hemlock Inyx Disclaimer: This chick does not own any of the
Gundam Wing characters because they belong to Bandai and Sunrise.
I am borrowing them for this fict and will return them in good (if
somewhat sticky) condition.This fict is written out of love and not
for profit, don't sue. Thanks and enjoy! Rating: NC 17 Warnings: yaoi, lemon, midieval alternate universe,
some angst, violence Pairings: 5x2, 4xH, 13xS Summary: They called him Milliardo's Dragon. A warrior bold as the Chinese legend, his temper as fiery; Lord Chang Wufei was the prince's right hand. Men of power quaked at word of his arrival, for he was the sword to carry out Milliardo's judgement. 'Twas rumored he'd do any deed at the prince's bidding, avenge any slight to his master's name. Only Milliardo had the might to direct the Dragon's fury, to shape thr form of his vengeance. Or so the prince believed. But shrouded deep beneath that scaly hide, the dragon's true nature slumbered. Obscured by fire. Hidden from harm. Burried beyond reach of pain. Until he met him. The boy with the power to free the heart of the Dragon.
"A Hidden Heart "
Chapter 21 An army of servants streamed into the chamber, bringing with them a bathtub and buckets of water. Duo could almost find it within himself to be grateful for the interruption. So tired he could scarcely think, he didn't feel ready to carry on a conversation with Hilde. Especially when the topic was Wufei. Hilde gazed at Duo's face, then reached out to place a comforting hand on his arm. "Forgive me. You look about ready to drop with weariness, and yet I've done nothing but question you." "No, milady, it's all right. I know you care for Wufei. Please don't apologize for your concern." Duo dredged up a smile. "I'm sure we both have questions---and many things to discuss. But I am tired, it’s true. We've had little rest the past few days." Hilde gave Duo's arm a squeeze, then stood as the last manservant closed the door behind him. "I can imagine. From the sound of it, you haven't had a moment's peace since you left the abbey. But you needn't worry now. Maxwell Abby is an English keep--Milliardo has no power here. You and Wufei are safe within these walls. Rest here awhile, spend time with your new husband," she added with a mischievous grin. She glanced toward the fire, where the bath set up before it sent up a fragrant cloud of steam. "We'll see that you have a chance to relax, to decide what to do." Duo eased himself off the bed. "Thank you. Perhaps once I've slept, my brain won't feel so muddled." "We'll talk again when you've rested," Hilde said, kissing Duo's cheek. Her gaze never left Duo as she walked from the room and shut the door. // How different the English are from the Sank people! Their clothing seems brighter, more elaborate, of better quality--even the men's hair is different. Treize and Quatre wear their hair cropped to the nape, unlike Wufei's shoulder-length mane. They are both attractive men and masculine in appearance. But compared to Wufei they seem tame. // Perhaps it wasn't the hair, but the man, for Wufei possessed an untamed quality totally in keeping with his appearance. Duo sank back onto the bed, running his hands over the silken coverlet and allowing his gaze to caress his surroundings. Since he'd been exposed to the fine furnishings and way of life of the nobility, he'd discovered a new aspect of himself. He enjoyed the soft, colorful fabrics used so lavishly at Ashby and Maxwell Abby, savored the sweet smell of herbs scenting the air, relished the feel of soft carpets beneath his feet. After a lifetime spent within the austere confines of the church, Duo found it very easy to grow accustomed to luxury. Surely it must be a sin, to enjoy these fine surroundings so thoroughly. He'd been taught that much in life was sinful, not least the sins of the flesh. If that was the case, he had already passed beyond redemption. Duo rose from the bed and walked to the tub, absently unwinding his braid. He hadn't bathed as much in the past year as he had in the past few days--another pleasure he'd come to enjoy. But none of these luxuries meant as much to him as Wufei. Though they had spent their wedding night in a crude hut, it did not matter. That night would stand out in his memory as the richest of delights. The joy of Wufei's touch required no other embellishment. He was everything Duo could ever have wished for. Brave, determined, kind. Although he knew Wufei was capable of violence, he also knew he possessed a precise sense of justice. He did nothing without a reason. And his loyalty was beyond question. Add to that the fact that a mere glance from his velvet black eyes made his heart beat faster, that Wufei’s touch sent fire pulsing through his veins, that the sound of his voice made him shiver deep inside, and he knew he was blessed to have captured the attention of the Dragon. For however long it lasted. But at what cost to him? Duo feared Wufei would pay dearly for his gallantry in marrying him. If what he--and the rest of his family--suspected was true, Wufei was a far cry from the type of man Milliardo would have chosen to be his spouse. Clearly, even Milliardo could not control the Dragon. What if the cost of Wufei's disobedience was their lives? Only Wufei's skill as a warrior--and a measure of luck in finding Heero had prevented Duo becoming a widower already. They could not hide behind the walls of Maxwell Abby forever. Eventually they would have to leave----to go where, Duo had no idea--and Wufei's life could once again be forfeit. They could not live that way for long. Duo sank down onto the carpet before the fire and covered his face with his hands. He could not bear to lose Wufei, not now. Not after all he'd come to mean to him. But if he had to, he would give him up. // What would a broken heart matter, if it saved his life?// He heard a sound at the door and sat up, swiftly wiping away his tears on the trailing hem of his sleeve. Wufei entered the room and closed the door, then turned the key in the lock. Cursing his sore muscles, Duo struggled to his feet, drawing Wufei's attention. "Why were you sitting on the floor, when there are plenty of more comfortable places?" he asked, glancing about the room. Duo didn't want him to know he'd been crying, so he turned away to trail his fingers in the still-hot water of the tub. "The rug is comfortable. But I forgot how difficult it would be to get back up, is all." Wufei crossed the chamber to the fire. "Why aren't you in the tub?" he asked, his voice slow and deep. "Were you waiting for me to join you?" Tears forgotten, Duo spun to face him, drawn by his teasing tone. "In there?" Wufei grinned at him. "We wouldn't both fit in that tub," he scoffed. "It's impossible.'' "Don't you know by now that you should never tell me something is impossible?" Wufei sauntered closer, a devilish gleam in his eyes. "I cannot resist a dare." Duo stepped back, coming to a halt when he bumped into the rim of the tub. "It was a comment, nothing more." He held his hand out to ward Wufei off, but he ignored the paltry gesture and swept him into his arms. "You dare me every time you look at me like that," he murmured in his ear. "What do you mean? I don't look at you any differently than I do anyone else," Duo protested, fighting the insidious heat pouring through him as Wufei’s lips brushed the sensitive flesh beneath his ear. "But you do." Wufei nuzzled his neck. "You look at me as if you want me as much as I want you. Do you know what that does to me?" Duo didn't, but perhaps he'd tell him, if he asked. Feeling bold, he turned his head until he could see Wufei’s eyes. "How does it make you feel?" Wufei sat down upon the carpet and held Duo nestled in his lap. "As though we’re the only men in the world. You make my heart quake with longing and with fear." He stroked Duo’s lips with his fingertip, sending a shiver of longing down his spine. Duo struggled to find his voice. "What do you fear?" "Do I please you?" Duo raised his hand to cup Wufei’s cheek. "You know that you do." "But I don't know that, unless you tell me," he said. "Can't you tell," he lowered his gaze, uncertain how to go on "--when you've pleased me?" He rubbed his cheek against Duo’s palm. "I know when your body feels pleasure." He stroked his mouth again. "But I don't know if I've pleased you." // Does he want me to tell him what I feel when he touches me, caresses me, joins his body to mine?// Duo could not. A flood of heat washed over his face, leaving a fiery blush in its wake---his skin burned with it. He had been far too bold already; despite his inexperience, Wufei must think him wanton, the way he'd caressed him, stared at his body, welcomed him into his with such ease. Duo hid his face in the crook of Wufei's shoulder as he recalled how very daring he'd been. "Come, lovely, you cannot claim shyness now," he teased, cupping Duo’s chin in his hand and turning his face toward him. "What you and I have shared, I've never had with anyone else. I know it’s the same for you." Duo still refused to meet his gaze. "But must we talk about it?" He brushed his nose along Wufei’s jaw. "I was taught that doing those things is a sin. I cannot imagine talking about them is much better," he said dryly. "You are my lifemate, Duo. Doesn't the Church also tell you to 'cleave unto your husband' ?" He held Duo more firmly within his arms. "Besides, if you truly believed that what we've shared is a sin, I doubt you would be sitting here with me now--like this." "I know it’s not a sin, Wufei." He raised his head to watch his face, his eyes. "But I cannot say that I'm comfortable talking about it, either." Duo could not think clearly with Wufei surrounding him with his body, his presence. It was too distracting. He placed his hands upon his and slipped free of his grasp to stand beside him, then took a deep breath. "So much has happened to me, to us, so quickly. Please understand when I tell you I need time, to become accustomed to our life together, to my family," he pleaded. Wufei rose to his feet, as well, but turned his head away. "Do you wish to put me aside?" he asked, his voice flat. "No, Wufei." Duo reached over and framed his face with his hands, forcing him to look at him. His eyes were dark violet, their turbulent depths at odds with his coldness. "You are my husband. I swore an oath before God--I swore to you--that I would be your mate. I will not break that vow." Duo stroked Wufei’s cheek. "All I ask you for is time, enough time to understand everything that has happened?' "Will you leave me, then, until you're ready?" // Would it matter to him if I did? // Duo wondered. His voice sounded detached, dispassionate. But Duo refused to believe that he did not care for him a little, at least. Even the Dragon would not carry devotion to duty so far as to marry a person he didn't want. Would he? "I will never leave you, Wufei," he said, the words a vow. "Although you'd be better off if I did. Perhaps then Milliardo would forgive your disobedience." Wufei covered Duo’s hands with his and drew them from his face, weaving his fingers together with his and holding them tightly. "Are you mad? You are my mate--you are mine. No man forces me to give up what is mine." He raised Duo’s hands to his lips. "Perhaps you've forgotten the promises I made to you, milord. 'With my body, I thee worship.'" He nipped delicately at his fingers, then drew his tongue the length of them, setting Duo’s pulse to pounding, despite his efforts to remain unaffected. He leaned so close, his lips nearly touched his, and his gaze held him captive. "It’s my right--my duty--to partake of the delights you offer," he whispered. Duo closed his eyes, but he could not shut him out. "Wufei, please---" "You may have all the time you need," he told him, his voice rough with some unknown emotion. "But you may not refuse me this." // Why can’t he understand, give me the distance I need? // If he kept up this sensual assault, Duo didn't know if he could bear it if he ever pushed him away. He had fallen into loving so easily; it seemed the most natural feeling in the world to share the delights of the body with Wufei. But Duo knew they needed to share more than that. Heart pounding a frantic rhythm, he started to pull away. Wufei held him captive, his fingers pressed to the pulse at his throat. "Please, Duo. I need you." He opened his eyes at the unexpected plea. "Not only with my body, but here..." Wufei took his hand in his and laid it over his pounding heart. "Please, at least let me give you this." How could Duo refuse him, when he needed what Wufei offered, as well? Beyond speech, he nodded, then buried his face against Wufei’s shoulder as he swept him up into his arms. He carried him to the bed and placed him carefully upon the coverlet, then spread his unbound hair wide across the pillows. His touch was tender, deliberate, and he watched Duo all the while, as though gauging his reaction to each caress. He lay beside him and bent to kiss his lips. His mouth brushed against Duo’s in a butterfly touch, teasingly light, heart-stoppingly beautiful. When Duo tried to rise up and deepen the kiss, Wufei eased him back and framed his face with his hands, gently refusing his request. "Let me, lovely," he murmured. "Take this gift from me." Though Duo found it nearly impossible to simply accept Wufei’s touch without touching him in return, every time his hands crept close or he reached out to caress him; he gently pushed his hands away. But Duo could not seem to stop. Finally Wufei grasped Duo’s hands and held them, bracketing his wrists with his long fingers. Duo’s initial frustration at not being able to touch him in return gave way to a growing lassitude as he slowly deepened his kisses and pulled him farther into the web of passion Wufei wove so skillfully about him. Duo would never have thought he'd enjoy relinquishing control, but he found he didn't mind for the moment, at least. Wufei lifted him up to unlace his tunic and slipped it over his head, then tugged off his under shirt, as well. Clad only in his hose, Duo lay back and watched as Wufei quickly shed his own garments. His blood quickened at the sight of Wufei, gilded by firelight. Duo yearned to smooth his fingers over the hard, lean planes of his body, to stroke the sleek hardness of his manhood. But as soon as he joined him on the bed, he captured his hands in his once again. "You are beautiful," he whispered. He kissed Duo’s shoulder, then began to nudge at the hemline of his hose. The fabric moved so slowly, Duo thought he would scream in frustration before he bared his aching hardness. His flesh was burning for Wufei’s touch by the time he slid Duo’s hose off completely. Releasing his wrists, Wufei teased Duo’s nipples to aching hardness. Duo arched his back, trying to deepen the caress, but Wufei would not be hurried. "What do you want, Duo?" he asked, sitting back on his heels and caressing him with his gaze. "What would you like me to do?" All his inhibitions seemed to have flown away. And Duo knew that, unless he told him what he wanted, he'd probably leave him lying there, aching. Duo reached for his hands and placed them on his stomach. "I want to feel your hands on my skin." he swallowed, then slid Wufei’s hands down to his groin. "Here." Wufei stroked his way along Duo’s skin until he settled his callused hands where Duo ached the most. "Is this what you wanted?" Wufei asked as he shaped Duo’s flesh with his fingers. Swallowing a moan, Duo nodded. "Your skin is as soft as a rose." Wufei nuzzled along his collarbone, then moved his head so he could take a nipple into his mouth. By the time Wufei released him, Duo felt as though his heart would bound from his chest, it pounded so hard. "You taste sweeter than mead, more fiery than sake." He sat back and met Duo's gaze. "Am I pleasing you, milord?" "Yes," Duo whispered. "Will you let me please you?" "You are. Watching your pleasure pleases me, lovely. Seeing your beauty makes my heart thunder and my body ache for you." The fabric of the quilt felt cool beneath him, a stark contrast to the heat of Wufei's gaze as it roamed over his body. Since it was the only way he could touch him, Duo indulged himself with the pleasure of watching Wufei--his body, his face--as closely as he watched him. A dark flush rode high along Wufei’s cheekbones, and his eyes looked as avid as a hawk's. "What would you have me do?" he asked. "How shall I touch you next?" Duo shook his head slowly. It was beyond him to think, to decide anything. "However you wish, Dragon." Wufei climbed off the bed and stood next to it, then slid Duo along the smooth silk to the edge of the mattress. His hair lay spread all about him, brushing against his skin in a subtle caress. Duo watched Wufei, curious. He could not imagine where this might lead. He draped Duo’s legs over the side of the high mattress, then gently moved his thighs apart and stood between them. Placing his hands beneath his knees, he began to inch his thumbs up along the sensitive flesh of Duo’s inner thighs, not stopping until he reached the root of his desire. Duo felt a flush rise from his neck to his face. The way Wufei looked at him, watching, waiting for his reaction, made his blood flow hot through his veins. "I wish to taste your desire, love." He moved his fingers up, until he cradled Duo’s most sensitive flesh within them. "May I?" Beyond speech, Duo reached up to Wufei and drew him down towards him. Wufei dropped to his knees beside the bed and gently caressed Duo. He slid his hands back up Duo’s body to cover his hands, watching him all the while. "Show me where to touch you," he murmured against Duo’s skin, his voice rough. Duo moved Wufei’s hands to his aching nipples, pressing, them there with his own. Soon Duo was aware only of Wufei's touch, his low-voiced words of praise, the warm moist heat, as he climbed toward the precipice. Wufei’s attentions intensified, hurtling Duo over the edge, into a maelstrom of fire. He reached for Wufei. "Look at me," he said. Duo forced his eyes open as Wufei stood and grasped his legs, drawing them about his waist. He pressed into Duo’s relaxed flesh slowly, his eyes possessing his even as his body did. Duo cried out as passion consumed him again. But this time he rode the crest with Wufei, his voice joining his as Wufei slumped over his body. ~~~ (***) ~~~
Wufei banked the fire for the night, casting a rueful glance at the tub of cold water beside the hearth. He considered climbing in, hoping to chill his still-fiery blood, but he decided against it. He didn't want to wash away the scent of Duo. He snuffed all but one of the candles and climbed into bed with his lover. Duo nestled close when he took him in his arms, cuddling against him with a sweetness that warmed Wufei’s heart. But Wufei could not rest. Duo's words haunted him. He gave himself to him completely in passion; he could not doubt Duo wanted him--and the pleasure he brought him. However, it seemed to Wufei that he was unsure about the other parts of their life together. // Does he mistrust me, or himself? // If Duo wanted him to leave him, to step away from their marriage, he would be sorely disappointed. Wufei had no intention of that. He only wished he knew how Duo felt about him when they weren't lost in the throes of passion. Despite the short time they'd known each other, he must have some idea what he felt for him. It had been time enough. Wufei had no doubt about his feelings toward Duo. Although Wufei was not ready to give him the words for what he felt, he knew them. Indeed, they were burned across his very soul. He hoped Duo never tried to leave him, for he did not know if he could ever give him up. Wufei had heard it said that the Dragon had no heart, that he could carry out Milliardo's vengeance because he felt nothing. Once, Wufei might have believed that, too. But no longer. Duo had found the Dragon's heart, and taught it to feel again. Joy, love, hurt, pain. So many emotions, so vivid, so real, after being locked away for years. Duo could not teach him to feel again, and then leave him to experience those feelings alone. ~ * ~ |
