"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 23

Wufei carried Duo up to their chamber. He couldn't believe how badly shaken he felt at the realization that Dermail might have harmed him. How was it that goodness never lasted, but evil seemed to linger on forever?

Slamming the door shut, he set Duo on his feet and gathered him into his arms. He felt solid and vibrant pressed up against him. He stared into his eyes for a long moment, warmed by the softness he saw there, then lowered his mouth to Duo’s.

Any thought of giving him time, of holding back, he forced from his mind. His body throbbed with the need to pillage, to take his mouth with all the depth of emotion roiling through him, but he feared he'd do Duo harm, so intense were the feelings.

Maybe the battle lust he'd felt earlier still raged through him, despite Heero 's efforts to beat it out of him. But he didn't really believe that. Dermail's attempt to take away Duo had outraged his sense of possession. And it had made him realize how much he'd nearly lost.

He savored every inch of Duo where they touched, the sweet, flowery scent of him, the reassuring sound of his breath whispering across his skin.

Someone pounded on the door. Wufei dragged his lips from Duo’s. "What?" he snarled. He felt like taking his sword to whatever fool stood outside the door, to let him experience the wrath of the Dragon.

Taking a deep breath, he stepped away from Duo and struggled for calm. He doubted Hilde would appreciate it if he murdered her servants.

"Lady Hilde said as ye'd be wantin' a bath, milord," the man said. "Can we open the door?"

Wufei tugged Duo loosely into his grasp and rested his forehead against his brow. "Fine," he called. Though he was sorry they'd been interrupted, a bath posed some interesting possibilities. He knew of no reason why he could not make love to his spouse in the tub. For make love to him he would.

As soon as they had some privacy.

He seated Duo on the edge of the bed--he could feel how he still shook from his ordeal--and opened the door. The servants carried in the tub and water in record time, spurred on by Wufei's impatient glower.

Finally they were alone.

He raised Duo from the bed and wrapped him in his arms. "How do you feel?" he asked, running his hands slowly, soothingly, up and down his back. "Are you certain he didn't harm you?"

"He never touched me, Wufei. But he frightened me. I know he intended to kill Hilde," he said, his voice quavering.

"Dermail will never harm anyone again," he reassured him. "He is finally, truly, dead—Nataku be praised."

He held Duo close, savoring the way he nestled into him. He felt so good in his arms. When he considered what might have happened to him... "I could have lost you," he said, closing his eyes against the thought.

Duo stroked his palms over Wufei’s shoulders and smiled reassuringly. "He wouldn't have harmed me, Wufei." He shuddered. "He wanted to marry me."

"That would have been difficult, since you have a husband already," Wufei said dryly. "Although Milliardo would have approved. He certainly allowed Dermail enough opportunities to wed his way into Maxwell Abby."

Wufei scanned Duo's face, not pleased by his continued pallor. He forced his lips into a bracing smile. "Come, lovely. Enough of such thoughts. We are together, our family is well, and so far as we know, Milliardo isn't lurking outside the gates." He led him toward the tub. "We'll help each other forget about the world outside this room for a time."

Duo looked into his eyes for a moment, his gaze assessing, then nodded. "I would like that, husband. What shall we do, I wonder?" He glanced down at Wufei’s hands as he worked at the laces of his gown.

"Are you still sore from our travels?" he asked. "No." A lazy smile on his lips, Duo leaned into his body like a cat begging to be stroked. "And I'll not complain if you continue what you're doing."

He led him to a chair and pushed gently until he was seated. Wufei traced his hands over the smooth column of Duo’s neck, stroking his warm skin, then feathering his fingertips along the creamy flesh. Taking up his braid, he ran his hands caressingly down its length before he unplaited it.

"What are you doing?" Duo asked, the drowsy purr of his voice streaking along Wufei's spine. His mouth suddenly dry, he swallowed and took a deep breath. Spying Duo’s brush on the table next to the bed, he reached over and snatched it up, then stood staring down at the top of his head.

A fine tremor ran through his fingers. How he wanted the boy! He felt like a youth with his first lover his reaction unchanged, it seemed, no matter how often they made love.

"Wufei?" Duo spun in the chair and gazed at him quizzically. "Is something wrong?"

"No," he said, shaking his head to rid it of the enticing thoughts racing through his mind. "I was getting this." He held up the brash.

Duo's face brightened with anticipation, and he turned so that Wufei could reach his hair. "It felt wonderful when you combed it before."

Capturing the soft chestnut strands in his hand, he drew the brush slowly through Duo’s hair. Sighing, Duo closed his eyes. He looked as if he might drift off where he sat.

"Don't go to sleep," Wufei whispered in his ear. "We cannot let this bath go to waste. Stay awake, and I'll help you wash," he promised.

Duo turned his head just far enough to see him. "Are you trying to lure me there, Dragon? If you wish to join me, all you need do is ask."

He looked intrigued by the idea. And the eagerness Wufei saw in his eyes matched that in his voice.

He came around to the front of the chair and dropped to his knees. "I'll do anything you wish, Duo." He framed his face with his hands and stared into his eyes, trying to express the things his lips feared to say. "I will give you whatever you desire, if I can."

Wufei went to the tub and trailed his fingers through the water, inhaling deeply of the herb-scented steam rising from its surface. Anticipation singing through his veins, he knelt on the hearth and stirred up the fire; this bath might take a while, if he had his way.

He rose and went to stand before Duo. "There is nowhere I'd rather be than here with you." He held out his hand.

"Stay with me, Wufei." Placing his hand in his, Duo stood and let Wufei lead him to the tub. He raised his hand to the lacing of his gown, but hesitated there. "Will you help me, milord?" he asked. "You're much better at this than I am." Duo’s eyes promised him a world of delights---a world he intended to explore completely before this night was through.

Wufei gently moved his hand aside and tugged the laces free. "You must be tired," he teased, lifting his gown over his head and tossing it aside. "You don't even have the energy to undress."

Duo's face flushed, his tongue darting out to moisten his lips. "You must be weary, too, Dragon. Here, let me help you," he whispered. Duo raised his hand to the neck of Wufei’s shirt and slowly untied it. "I'm not used to this. It could take me a while." Duo’s gaze holding his, he sent him a sultry look. "But I'm sure I'll learn."

Duo pushed open the neckline of Wufei's shirt, leaned toward him and brushed his lips along the exposed flesh, then lightly nipped at the base of his throat. Wufei tasted of sweat and the unique scent of Dragon. "You've been hard at work, I can tell," he murmured, soothing the spot with his tongue.

Wufei groaned. The sound sent a surge of heat through Duo. He laughed, deep in his throat, as Wufei redoubled his efforts to undress him. His eagerness made him feel powerful--wanton.

Was he powerful enough to control the Dragon?

"Slowly." Duo placed his hands over his as he sought to tug his undertunic up and over his head. "We've no need to hurry."

But he did want to see him--all of him--with the flickering firelight shimmering on his wet skin.

Wufei stood and permitted Duo to undress him, his gaze following his every movement as he bared him to his eager scrutiny. Duo ran his hands over Wufei from shoulders to hips, taking his time and making him shudder.

Wufei's breath hissed between his teeth. "Temptress," he growled.

Duo toyed with the hard little nubs on his chest, then drew his fingernail slowly down his stomach. But he refused to touch that part of Wufei that was standing to greet him.

Although his attention remained focused upon the fascinating musculature of Wufei's chest, Duo could feel his gaze burning through his garments. He felt stripped bare, despite the fact that he still wore his clothes.

But he could hardly wear them into the bath. Stepping past Wufei, Duo tested the herb-scented water with his finger. Perfect.

Smiling, he dragged his fingertip over Wufei's lips, wondering why he didn't burst into flames from the heat of the passion burning in his eyes. "Are you ready to bathe, milord?" he asked.

"Yes, Duo," he said. The rough timbre of his voice made his heart heat faster, if that was possible.

Slowly, Duo drew off his undertunic. He took even longer to wriggle free of his shift. Finally he stood naked before Wufei, his only covering the shifting veil of hair hanging to below his hips.

Wufei made a leisurely survey of the treasures before him, his gaze finally centering on Duo’s face.

A delicate bloom of color rode high along his cheeks--a tinge of embarrassment because of his boldness? He had enjoyed every moment of Duo’s teasing.

Duo resumed his stroking caress of Wufei’s chest and stomach, his touch sending a fine tremor through his body. Wufei knew the instant Duo felt it, his eyes darkening to a deep purple. Gliding his hands slowly over his neck and shoulders, he moved closer, until his nipples brushed against Wufei’s chest.

Closing his eyes for a moment, Wufei searched within himself for the patience to make this feeling last. His body urged him to grab Duo, carry him to the bed and drive his aching flesh into his welcoming warmth.

But he wanted to linger over the pleasure, to share with Duo all the facets of passion, not just the urge for completion. Wufei wanted to imprint himself upon Duo, to lose himself in him, to give himself to Duo--and receive the gift of Duo in return.

He could see his growing sense of power in his eyes, feel it in the sure touch of his hands on his body. It was his turn to lead the way, after their loving of the night before. He intended to savor every moment of Duo's boldness; he'd never felt so appreciated by anyone.

"Come, Dragon. Let me help you bathe," he murmured, taking his hand and stepping into the steaming tub. "It’s wonderful."

Wufei climbed in after him and tried to decide how they'd both fit. Laughing, Duo scooped water into his hand and splashed him.

"Careful," he warned. "We don't want to start a flood."

He grabbed him about the waist and pulled him into his lap, sending a surge of water over the sides of the tub.

Duo shrieked, the sound swiftly cut off when Wufei covered his mouth with his own. He offered no resistance, his tongue slipping through his lips to mate with his as he settled him more comfortably atop his lap.

Duo sank into the warm water and Wufei's embrace, until he lay draped over him, his legs about his lean waist. His kiss alone was pure seduction, his tongue thrusting and taunting, drawing Duo deeper into the dark, whirling pool of his desire. Wufei drew his hand slowly up Duo’s stomach and captured a nipple, toying with it sending a bolt of fire to his very core.

Duo was content, now, to share the power in this battle.

A low moan rising from his throat, Duo sank deeper into the water, tightening his legs around Wufei until the welcome heat of his manhood pressed against his own aching flesh. He tore his mouth from Duo’s, soothing his loss by nipping at his lower lip.

"You make me burn, lovely," he murmured. Easing back slightly, he took Duo’s hand in his and dragged it down his chest until he encountered his arousal. "Feel how I want you." He closed his fingers about his flesh, hissing through his teeth when Duo slowly caressed him.

He was like silk beneath his touch, smooth and warm, pulsating with life. The water embraced Duo, intensifying his awareness of Wufei's touch. It suddenly struck him that Wufei intended to make love to him in the tub.

He found the idea appealing, although he wasn't certain it was possible. But as Wufei continued to lavish attention on his aching nipples, stoking the flames smoldering within him, Duo became impatient. "Shouldn't we get out of here?" he asked, moaning against Wufei’s neck as he slipped his hand over Duo’s stomach to the grasp the heat between his legs. "Are you trying to drive me mad?"

"Yes." Wufei took Duo’s mouth at the same moment he slid his fingers into him, Duo’s body arching into his at the sudden onslaught of pleasure. "I want to make you forget that anything exists but me. I want to hear the sounds you make when I give you joy, see it reflected in your eyes--" he nipped at his earlobe "--feel you melt around me when we become one."

Shifting beneath Duo, Wufei grasped him about the waist and impaled him with his shaft. "Still want to leave?" he asked, his breath coming in short gasps.

Duo's aching body accepted him eagerly, squeezing around his flesh in a spasm of pleasure. His eyes opened wide, and Duo stared into his. "Never," he moaned. The possession in Wufei’s eyes sent another bolt of fire searing through him to pool in his groin. "Never leave me, Wufei."

His hands still firm about Duo, he helped him move in a languid rhythm, while continuing to stare into his eyes. The water lapped about his chest, its delicate caress intensifying everything Duo felt until his entire body became a pleasure point, every brush of sensation adding to his desire.

Wufei slowed the rhythm of his thrusts, moving within Duo with a maddening languor. "Take me, Duo," he whispered, his breath against his ear weakening his grasp on reality.

"I am."

"No. Not just my body. Take me. Everything I want to give you." He maintained his leisurely movements. "I’ll give you happiness, if you let me. A home, a family" he thrust harder "---if it’s what you desire."

His words pushed Duo closer to the edge of the peak. Fire searing his veins, he gazed into Wufei’s face, still reluctant to believe.

"But you must give me yourself. All of you." He leaned closer and brushed his lips against Duo’s. "Please," he whispered, "give me my heart's desire."

Duo had no strength to resist the sincerity in his eyes. Wufei lured him into the unknown depths with the promise of trust, of excitement---of love. How could he defy such a challenge? Throwing caution to the winds, he let his body welcome everything Wufei offered.

"Yes." Duo’s lips curled into a shaky smile. "Yes," he moaned as his body soared free.

The awareness that Wufei watched his face as the spasms shook him sent Duo into a deeper realm of pleasure. And Wufei waited until Duo’s eyes were fixed upon him before giving in to his own.

The intimacy of the gesture sent renewed heat shimmering through Duo. Gasping, they slumped together in the water.

As the blinding pleasure faded, Wufei became aware of Duo draped limply over him, his hair floating in the now cool water.

"I cannot move," Duo mumbled against his cheek.

"What?" Had Duo come to harm from their lovemaking? Gathering himself, Wufei pushed up against the side of the tub and lifted Duo so that he could see his face. "Is something wrong?"

Duo’s eyes opened slowly. "Not a thing," he said, his voice a raspy purr. His lips curled into a smile that was pure seduction. "It’s just that you turned all my bones to mush."

He had the look of a thoroughly satisfied man. Wufei had never realized how arousing it could be, to know he'd put that look on Duo’s face, that hum of pleasure in his voice. His manhood began to stir. Impossible! He thought. But he couldn't deny that he wanted Duo again.

However, he'd been exhausted when he came into the room. He was greedy for Duo, it was true, but surely he could restrain himself long enough to allow Duo some well-earned rest.

And they needed to talk. Wufei would never have believed he'd think such a thing. Discussing feelings and emotions was a woman's province. But they had gone deeply into something important, though they'd said barely a word about where they were headed.

He wanted to know what his mate felt for him.

The best thing would be to get out of the tub and get dressed. Perhaps that would lessen the temptation to drag Duo beneath him and have his way with him. He looked at him again, keeping his gaze above his neck, but it didn't matter. He still wanted him.

Seeing the circles of weariness beneath his eyes, Wufei knew he wouldn't try to take him.

Wufei picked Duo up and climbed from the tub, then set him back in the water.

"What are you doing?" Duo’s hand trailed lingeringly along his arm.

"You should finish your bath and rest now," he said. Picking up a clump of sweet-scented soap and a wash-rag, Wufei knelt beside the tub.

"Wufei...I thought you wished to bathe, too." Duo looked at him in confusion.

"If I get into that tub, there will be precious little bathing going on," he said shortly. Reaching into the water for his hand, he lifted Duo’s arm and began to rub the soapy cloth vigorously over his arm, then moved up to scrub at his upper chest and the column of his neck.

"But--"

Letting the rag fall into the water, Wufei took Duo by the shoulders. "I want you again--now--but you need to rest. See what you do to me?" He glanced down at his manhood, jutting out from his thighs. "I'm becoming a rutting beast, Duo," he said with disgust.

Duo's face colored slightly, but he continued to gaze at him. His own body reacted accordingly, swelling his arousal. Duo reached out and cupped Wufei in his palm. "I'm not that tired," he said, meeting Wufei’s eyes with a searing look.

"By Nataku, Duo. You'll drive me mad." Closing his eyes, Wufei savored his touch. His fingers cherished him, smoothing over his heated flesh until he was aware of little save the driving need to join with Duo again.

"Are you sure?" he asked, bending to rinse the soap from his glistening skin, then scooping Duo into his arms. He nodded, looping his arms about Wufei’s neck and nuzzling at his throat.

There would be time for bathing--and talking--later. Three strides took him to the bed. Capturing Duo’s lips, he fell across the mattress and made him his once again.

~~~ (***) ~~~

They dozed for a while, but eventually neither could pretend to be asleep any longer. Wufei rolled onto his side and looked down at Duo's beautiful face.

Their lovemaking had been amazing, each time more incredible than before. He had never imagined himself capable of the depth of feeling Duo could evoke with the simplest of caresses.

But life, once again, had intruded upon them. Although Dermail could not harm anyone now, Wufei knew it was a matter of time before he--or they--were attacked again.

He could not bear it if Duo was harmed, but to have it happen when they were after him...

He would rather die than allow that to occur.

He kissed Duo’s lips gently, the only way he dared show Duo how he felt. The words to express his feelings were foreign to him, although perhaps he'd be able to say them, in time.

But time was something they might not have.

"I've been thinking," he whispered. "Trying to decide what to do." Duo stroked his fingers over Wufei’s lips, making his blood begin to simmer once more. He captured his hand and laid it on his chest, over his heart. "And what have you decided?"

"You realize we cannot go on like this, lovely?"

"Like what?" Duo asked, looking confused. Perhaps he needed to go back to the beginning; he'd been turning ideas over in his mind for so long, he'd forgotten that Duo might not know what he was talking about.

"I have a home, a modest estate not so very far from here. Now that Milliardo has branded me outlaw, my lands are likely forfeit. I need to find a way out of this situation, Duo, so that I can give you a home, and a life. We cannot run forever."

"Is there no place else we can go?"

He shook his head. "No. Most of my power, such as it was, came from my position as Milliardo's enforcer, not from lands or hereditary rights. So now I have nothing to offer you. Not even a roof over your head."

"That doesn't matter to me, Wufei. So long as I have you, I need nothing more."

"But you will." He placed his hand over his. "The only way I can provide for you now is to hire out my sword. While I don't doubt I could do well at it, I don't believe you'd enjoy the mercenary's life."

Duo’s eyes were soft when they gazed into his. "Such trifles do not matter, Wufei," he said.

"I'm afraid you would find that they did, love. After living your life in a church, a mercenary's lot would seem to you as hell on earth. Ask Treize, if you don't believe me."

"How could he know?"

"His father was a mercenary, and so was he, briefly, before he inherited the honors of Ashby. His king never allows him to forget where he came from, and I'm certain he's not the only one. It’s a harsh life, with no hope of salvation. I refuse to subject you to it, if I can avoid it."

"But what can we do?"

"There's only one thing I can do. Go to Milliardo and see what I can salvage of my life."

He hated the way Duo’s face turned pale and shadows clouded his eyes. "I don't know if he even knows the truth of anything that has happened."

"If you go to him, he'll kill you, or lock you away in those vaults!" Duo cried, burying his face against Wufei’s chest. He could feel the warmth of his tears as they seeped from his eyes and ran over his flesh. They burned him, seared him with a sense of hopefulness, despite their situation.

Duo wouldn't cry unless he cared for him. Knowing that he cared, Wufei was willing to try anything to give him all that he deserved--a life, a home, a family, whatever he wanted.

"I think I know a way, a bargain I can strike with Milliardo to get back what I have lost. I want to take you back to Raven’s Crest with me, show you the Dragon's lair. If my idea works, I can give you the life you deserve, Duo."

// And if it doesn't, I pray our family can protect you. //

No doubt Milliardo's vengeance would know no bounds.


 

 

~ * ~

Chapter 24

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