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"Duo's Salvation "Written By: Jewel of Hell Disclaimer: Don't own nothin' but these words Rating: NC 17 Warnings: Gratuitous violence, abuse, torture, language, yaoi, lemon, angels, demons, bigotry, hypocrisy, blasphemy, heresy, sacrilege, and general religion-bashing. THIS IS NOT A STORY FOR THE CLOSE-MINDED. Pairings: 1x2, others Summary: When the Prince of Hell is captured and taken to Heaven, it is up to the Prince of Heaven to save him. But what if he believes Duo is already being saved? "Duo's Salvation " Zealots and Fanatics "Evil is abundant, my faithful children," the fat bishop said, the strange overhead lighting gleaming off his gold lapels. "It has many guises, and it will attempt to seduce you into complacence . . ." Barely managing not to roll his eyes, Duo tuned the fool out. God, but he was sick to death of this ridiculous 'evil demons!' shit. Beside him, Wufei stirred and inconspicuously squeezed his hand. He sent a wordless pulse of reassurance through the bond, one that also happened to be very soothing and calming. As though worried Duo might do something to jeopardize them. Which served to further piss him off. He glared around the church. It was full of its own importance, gleaming with opulence. No doubt charitable donations from the brainwashed populace. Exquisite stained-glass windows, statuettes and figurines of gold and silver, candelabras studded with precious stones, chairs gilded with gold, floors of marble . . . Duo sincerely wondered if the royal palace was even this luxurious. ". . . nonbelievers out there," the bishop blathered, finally managing to recapture Duo's attention. "They hide out among the common people, trying to sow the seeds of doubt, quietly spreading their messages of hate, trying to whittle away at our faith, trying to discredit the Way. As you well know my children, a single bad apple can rot an entire barrel. We must be extra vigilant for these despicable worms, bring them to the attention of the Army of Light. Only our Bright Lady can save these damned souls." "Why would anyone not follow the Way?" some zealot cried out in the group. "Are they so evil they cannot see this path leads toward ultimate salvation?" another added. Rejoined by, "They are completely evil, who could save them!" "Demon-worshipers!" "Filth!" "Hell-spawn!" "We should execute them when we find them!" Anger began to film Duo's vision a peculiar shade of red when he realized he could hear someone humming. It was a soft melody, one both oddly soothing and captivating. The rage of the gathered simmered, and soon all were looking around for the source. Duo didn't bother-he knew it was Zechs. The siren looked quite blase about his interjection, and when he was the center of attention he offered a calm smile. "I know I am the newcomer here," he said in a thoughtful voice, "but I think riling ourselves is a bit counterproductive, don't you?" His melody lingered even after he stopped humming. "I have traveled extensively and have seen many strange and wonderful things, things I would not have thought possible. Miracles, perhaps. We should not focus on the ugliness hiding in the cracks of this world. Rather, why not instead fixate on the many, many beautiful things? Does the Way not teach salvation for all? Therefore, even the most depraved individual may have his chance at redemption. Is that not God's merciful teaching?" Everyone gathered looked at him in open astonishment, some awe and respect. Each and every one of them looked utterly dazzled. "This young man speaks the absolute truth," the fat bishop said, nodding, clasping his hands. "We gently convert straying souls, show them the error of their ways through love and devotion. It is not our place to condemn anyone." "But what about those who would harm us in their evil ways?" someone inquired. Duo got the feeling the questions was as much for Zechs as the bishop. "The Bright Lady was once a warrior," the bishop said, "and she would never condone allowing someone to harm yourself. But remember. It takes only a single action to start someone down the path of darkness." For some reason, the words made Duo want to grin like a maniac. Like fucking a demon, Heero? he thought at his lover. The angel's lips twitched, looking like a grin begging to happen. I suppose I am damned, Heero replied without taking his eyes off the bishop. Duo swallowed his snort of laughter. Fine attitude for the Prince of Heaven. What would that bishop think? After the long and utterly useless meeting of more self-righteous blathering, the bishop invited the faithful to stay for an open prayer session. Duo slowly rose, going to the head of the room and kneeling in front of one of the altars. The figure of a lovely, golden-haired angel gazed benevolently down on him as he folded his hands and bowed his head. I refuse to pray to you, Oraia, he thought viciously. You work tirelessly to save the evil from themselves my ass. If you want to see evil, look in a fucking mirror, you bitch. Such strong language in a church, Heero's thought brushed over his mind. Duo fought back a wicked little grin. So this is to you, God, wherever you are. Mother says you were kind and loving, so maybe you can straighten this stupid world out. These idiot humans have no business worshiping an angel. She's just using them, though I still don't know exactly what for. I promise I will find out and let you know and keep you posted. Lingering until all the others were gone, Duo knew Heero was lurking toward the back of the church, waiting for him. When they were the only two left, Duo slowly rose from the altar and turned to give Heero a look. One heavy with lust and desire. "Remember when I asked you if you wanted to commit a terrible sin?" Heero, who was slowly walking toward the demon, tilted his head slightly as though trying to recall. "Hn . . . vaguely." In moments they were pressed together, fingers slowly interlocking, eyes burning into each other's. Duo licked his lips, watched Heero track the movement. "I can't think of anything more blasphemous than an angel fucking a demon in a church." Heero untangled their fingers to run his hands down Duo's back, cupping his ass and lifting up. Duo wrapped his legs around Heero's waist to keep his balance, arms going around the angel's neck. He licked his lips again, wondering what Heero would do now. The angel carried him back to one of the altars and set him down on it, gently pushing him back until Duo lay down. Sliding his hands under Duo's hips, he slowly pulled off the demon's full-leg breeches, dropping them carelessly to the floor. Gripping Duo's knees, he pushed them up until Duo's feet were braced on the edge of the altar, spread open wide. Warm hands stroked the insides of his thighs. "Look at that angel, Duo," Heero's voice slithered over his senses. Soft, seductive, sensual. "Isn't she beautiful? Her white marble gown, her gold hair, those gemstone-blue eyes . . ." Duo's eyes squeezed shut when skilled fingers teased over the half-hard length between his thighs. That was all it took to fully arouse him. Perhaps it was where they were, the danger of knowing what would happen if that bishop were to walk back in . . . Heero's hand closed around him, dragging up his flesh in a tantalizing motion. "Don't take your eyes off her, Duo," Heero whispered. "She's praying for you . . ." Duo bit back a cry when a sinful mouth surrounded him, hot and wet. The marble angel's slim hands were clasped together as if she earnestly prayed for all who knelt under her sheltering embrace. Loving and kind-spirited. Her eyes seemed to portray an endless kindness toward man, as though she believed in the goodness of all, the basic desire to do right. A slick finger pushed inside him without warning, making him bite his lip at the heated intrusion. The marble angel's lips were curved up into the softest of smiles. She held a tenderness for all upon whom she gazed, ready to take the hand of any and lead them toward salvation. She was beautiful- "Ahh, Heero!" he choked out when his lover finally plunged into him. -but not the most beautiful angel he'd ever seen. "She can save you . . ." "Nngh . . . don't want her to," Duo gasped at the punishing rhythm Heero established without pause. "I w-want you to save me, Hee-ro . . ." Warm, soft lips captured his in a kiss that by contrast was quite gentle. A low chuckle. "We're defiling a house of God. I think we're beyond redemption, lover." Finally lowering his eyes from the marble angel, Duo looked into the darker blue eyes of his lover. Heero had a mischievous expression on his face. Not a particularly common one, and it made his eyes much warmer than the color normally allowed. He gave his love an equally devious grin. "Then I guess we will rule Hell together, ne?" Heero snorted. "Fine," he said, driving his hips forward sharply, "but I get to be King." Even through the pleasure that was numbing his mind, Duo managed to cackle in glee. "I . . . already m-might as . . . well be Queen-unngh!" Their lips met, tongues clashed. Heero delved deeply into Duo's mouth as though trying to sample down to his soul. Made weak and compliant as usual by his powerful lover's passion, Duo merely rode out waves and waves of sensation. Soft words reached his ears, and he realized faintly Heero was praying. ". . . Your benevolent gaze to watch over us. This moment, never take it from me, God. I am in love, and I wish my love to remain in my arms forever. Bless us, and bless this union. I swear never to stray from my love, I will always shelter him and protect him. He will be my first, last, and only all the days of my life. I swear to love him to my last breath." Tears stung Duo's eyes. He knew that prayer. It was a marriage prayer, offered by the husband on the night he married his bride. A tradition as old as Candora itself, it was a plea to God to always smile on the union and keep it strong throughout the years. His arms tightened around Heero's neck, and he sealed their lips back together. "This moment," he gasped, "never take it from me, God. I am in love, and I wish my love to remain in my arms forever. Bless us, bless this union. I swear never to stray from my love, I will always support him and honor him. He will be my first, last, and only all the days of my life. I swear to love him to my last breath." Heero's lips devoured his, stealing every last drop of air from his lungs until his sight darkened. Why could he not stop himself from giving everything over to this angel? No one, not even his beloved mother, had ever had this much power over him. He would not die for her. But Heero? He would throw himself in front of Oraia and an army of Unsummoning arrows if it meant protecting Heero. And he somehow knew his lover felt the same way. It was a feeling that made him feel weak, strong, helpless, and so, so powerful. Knowing that as surely as he belonged body and soul to this angel, Heero belonged body and soul to him. Heero still had not released his lips as one more particularly forceful thrust against his prostate sent him flying down into release. Dark spots danced across his vision, tears prickling his skin as he came and came. He could feel a rush of heat deep inside him as he dragged Heero along with him. He clung tightly to his lover, Heero's weight and strength keeping him from simply breaking apart. He actually blacked out for a time. When his senses returned, his whole body felt blissfully numb. He felt like he was floating in a pool of golden warmth. Heero still lay over him, his elbows supporting his weight so he didn't crush Duo. When he saw Duo looking up at him he pressed soft kisses across his forehead and the bridge of his nose. "Welcome back," he murmured. Not a hint of teasing in his voice. "Do you know how beautiful you look when you release?" Duo felt heat flush his face. He knew his face was attractive, of course. But he had never really thought of himself as beautiful. When he was with Heero he felt beautiful, and that was a new feeling. One he liked a great deal. Reaching up, he wrapped his arms around Heero and embraced him tightly. "Why do you love me?" he whispered, the words more wondering than insecure. He heard Heero let out a soft chuckle. "I defy anyone not to. You're amazing." Duo closed his eyes and smiled. "That's not much of an answer." Gently disentangling himself, Heero slipped free of his lover's body. Duo felt a moment's regret when he felt Heero's heat trickle down the backs of his thighs. He pulled Duo to his feet, and they both dressed. Heero erased all evidence of their transgression, and the pair walked out of the church. "I'm not sure I could tell you why," Heero said presently. "The list goes on and on, and I find new reasons every day. But I do love your strength. Even in the face of adversity, from the first moment I met you I was struck by that-you never lose sight of who you are, and you never make excuses." Duo blushed. When they reached the inn, Heero sat on the bed and pulled Duo down beside him. "Why do you love me?" he asked, nuzzling Duo's ear. Though he'd posed the same question not that long ago, it still caught Duo off-guard. And shit, he suddenly realized what Heero meant when he said it was hard to say. He just did, there were too many things to say. "Uh . . ." he began intelligently when Heero nibbled on his ear. That was making it hard to concentrate. Still, he felt Heero deserved an answer. "I-I love that you . . . do things like that so easily, even though I'm a demon and you're an angel. Shit, Hee-ro, I love everything about you." He pulled out of reach with a wicked little grin. "I love that you love me, and I love that you saved my life twice. Maybe I have a hero complex." Heero snorted. "That was a terrible pun." He kissed Duo's impudent mouth. "We should conference with Wufei and Zechs. Figure out what we learned." "That can wait awhile," Duo said at once, climbing onto Heero's lap. "How about another round?" At this, Heero broke into warm laughter. "Insatiable as always." This time, he didn't deny his lover. Zechs drummed his fingers against the windowsill. He was irritated that Treize still had not contacted them, and the fact that it irritated him only irritated him further. Why should he care what the fool human did? Why was he thinking about him so much? "Zechs," Wufei said softly. Startled, Zechs realized he'd been humming a dark melody and stopped. "We should talk to Duo and Heero," he said, rising. "Find out if we learned anything useful from that idiotic meeting." Wufei's lips twisted into a funny smile. "I believe it can wait a bit. They seem . . . indisposed." Frowning, Zechs tested along the telepathic web to find the pair tightly shielded from any contact. What could they be doing? Of course, they were divine beings. There was a lot about them he didn't know. "They certainly seem to get along well for beings that should be enemies," he said at length. Speaking the words aloud made him wonder. How many times had he seen Duo touch Heero, or Heero touch Duo? Gentle, almost tender brushes that some might consider caresses. Wufei offered a liquid shrug. "As they told you, they are bonded by common purpose. Sometimes working toward a goal can create strong ties. Duo is not the kind of person to turn down friendly overtures from any source, and Heero is very gentle-hearted." "Yes, but it's more than that," Zechs mused. They spent a great deal of time alone together. They spent a lot of energy comforting each other, and he'd seen Duo acting more like a jealous, protective lover than a concerned friend. Zechs' eyes widened. Shit. Shit. It all clicked into place. That was what he'd seen in their eyes when they stole covert glances. Both were good at hiding it. No wonder Duo had gently turned down his advances! He was in love with an angel! He sat down hard, legs feeling too weak and wobbly to support him any longer. An angel and a demon. Never in a million eons would he ever have considered such a union possible. They were the bitterest of enemies! And the Princes of Heaven and Hell? It seemed too absurd to consider! But all the evidence was right in front of him. Duo not liking it when Treize touched Heero. Duo turning Zechs down, who had never failed to seduce those he found desirable. The touches and smiles, the time they spent alone together, their furtive responses when pressed about their relationship. "Shit," he finally said aloud. "Why didn't you tell me they were lovers?" Wufei didn't insult him by denying it. "It was not my place to tell," he said simply. "It is the business of none but them. I will hold you to the vow I made. You will not divulge this information to anyone. Do you understand me, Zechs?" Suddenly and keenly struck by the dragon's powerful presence even in this form, Zechs nodded. Feeling too shocked to do much more. Regret and bitter disappointment lodged in his heart. Then I truly have no hope with him. How could I possibly compete with an angel for Duo's affections? Thinking about it, he found it hard to wrap his mind around the concept of Heero being intimate. The angel seemed so pure. How had Duo convinced him to have sex? Shaking his head, Zechs tried to force his mind away from those images. But as soon as he tried to picture it, he couldn't stop. The two of them, how beautiful they must look together. Duo's pale skin, Heero's golden skin. Two perfect young bodies, writhing against one another in ecstasy. Who would take whom? He couldn't imagine Duo taking Heero, but he couldn't imagine Heero initiating a sexual encounter. The way Duo acted, he finally settled on Heero as in control. How would Duo look, beneath Heero's powerful frame, lips parted and whispering Heero's name? And he could see Heero's muscles shifting and rippling as he moved, focused on Duo's pleasure. Would Duo beg? Would he cry out? He heard Wufei softly chuckle, and a hand squeezed his shoulder. "Maybe you should be careful to shield those thoughts around them, Zechs. Heero is far more possessive than Duo, though both are in their own way." Incensed, Zechs forced himself to think about something else. Nothing came immediately to mind. "Why didn't they tell me?" At the question, Wufei actually looked annoyed, but he never got the chance to answer. Someone knocked on the door, and unlike Duo their visitor didn't wait for an invitation to enter. Quatre simply walked in. "How goes your investigation?" he asked without so much as a 'by your leave'. "We got the short end of the stick," Zechs answered sourly. Quatre snorted. "Treize introduced me and Trowa to Oraia, Wufei. She's quite the complicated individual. So holy-seeming. The entire country is completely taken with her. She was thrilled to have a gryphon and an elf recruited into her crusade. We are both officers already, scouts and spies for her. Apparently, her army is going to march into the neighboring country and impose the Way of Light on them. Can you believe the audacity of this woman?" Zechs studied Quatre, wondering if the gryphon knew about Heero and Duo. Those bright, fierce aqua eyes settled on him. "Yes," the gryphon said. Startling the siren. "But Treize does not," the gryphon went on, "so you should keep thoughts like those to yourself." Chagrined, Zechs hmphed. "Of course I will. But . . . I don't think he would mind. He is not . . . narrow-minded." The words made Quatre grin faintly. "No. He is interesting. He's been hiding something from me and Trowa for the last few days. No matter how we press, he won't give it up. All I managed to glean thanks to this web of yours, Wufei, is that he received some kind of order or mission from the queen." Curiosity piqued, Zechs focused on Quatre. Then he looked at Wufei. "I could talk to him. He has never tried to keep anything from me when I directly asked him." After a moment, Wufei nodded. "Of us all, you are closest to him. Send him a request to meet somewhere private, away from prying eyes. It may not be important. But if it is, and we need to know . . ." Zechs nodded. "Agreed." It was with some trepidation that Treize met with Zechs at a huge, noisy tavern on the poorer side of town. There would be fewer people here who might recognize the General and call him out. It was also quite late, so most of the people gathered would already be drunk enough not to care even if they did spot him. Humans were not as nosy as immortals and mystics. The siren was waiting for him when he arrived, dressed simply in a stormy blue tunic and dark gray cloak. His breeches were tucked into his gray leather boots, and his beautiful hair was pulled into a low ponytail. It gleamed in the dull light. Treize slid into a chair opposite him at the table, removing his own plain cloak. No uniform tonight. He wanted to attract as little attention as possible. Zechs gave him a surprisingly welcome smile, pushing a tall tumbler of some amber liquid across to him. Treize took a long drink before speaking. It tasted like spicy ale and burned like lamp oil. Obviously cheap for the folk who could not afford fine beer. "I apologize for not contacting you and Wufei earlier," he began on a neutral note. Zechs waved a hand. "You have been busy. After all, you are the General. You have an entire army to look after. It would be selfish of me to assume you have the time to give me a point-by-point update on your doings." Huh. He'd not been expecting such a magnanimous response. He didn't trust it. "Thank you," he said by way of reply. "I had been away long enough there was a great deal of catching up to do, most of which you would have found tedious and boring." "No doubt," Zechs agreed. "The doings of humans do not interest me." Well, that was more typical of the siren. "Have the four of you learned anything we might find useful?" he asked, taking another drink of the not-quite-bad-enough-to-be-nasty ale. Zechs gave a graceful shrug. "Perhaps. The zealots who follow the Way are devoted enough to eradicating evil there is great potential for violence. That should never be discounted." Treize nodded thoughtfully. "Often with humans, mob mentality rules. Fanatics are often the most dangerous mobs." "They are also completely devoted to Oraia," Zechs went on, "not God. I don't know if they consider her a deity, but as far as they're concerned she is the only way to Heaven." "Which puts her in a tremendous position of power," Treize muttered. "She was delighted when I brought a gryphon and an elf into her army." "So Quatre told us," Zechs said in a mild tone. Something about those words put Treize on edge. Innocuous by themselves, perhaps it was the tone. As if there was something hidden in them, something extremely sharp and dangerous. Treize watched Zechs take a sip of his drink. Carefully probing along the web, he tried to determine what Zechs was thinking, but the siren was tightly shielded. That only made him more guarded. Because he knew for a fact Quatre was suspicious. Ever since his conversation with the Queen, Quatre had been giving Treize hard, appraising looks as though he knew the General was hiding something. Had he told Zechs as much? "We all have our secrets," Zechs said abruptly. "I won't begrudge you yours, unless they in some way pertain to us. We're playing a dangerous game right now, Treize. And I don't see how we can win if we don't all know where the pieces are on the board." About as direct as he could make it. But not a typical spoiled demand. That was more like a polite request followed by logic. More Wufei's tactics than Zechs'. It threw Treize off, making him feel unbalanced. Zechs dropped a few coins on the table and rose, beckoning Treize to follow. The look in his eye left no room for argument, so Treize went without resistance. Zechs led him out into the empty streets, walking slowly. The moon softly illuminated him, and not for the first time Treize was struck by the siren's almost ethereal beauty. He was so graceful, so lithe. He fell into step beside the man, waiting for him to speak. "Quatre said you had a meeting with the Queen," he said at length, "and that you have refused to say what about." Treize nodded. "That's true." Zechs didn't look at him. "Why is that?" Taking a deep breath, not wishing to anger the siren, "She swore me to secrecy." Now the siren cast him a sideways glance. "Did it have something to do with us?" "Indirectly." Finally Zechs stopped, slowly turning so he was facing Treize. "During these last several days, I have been given cause to reevaluate my initial judgments about you," he said. "You are not like a typical human. You are strong and intelligent and wise, and I have grown to respect you. I am not quick to change my opinions, Treize. I would not like secrets to destroy them." For a moment, Treize was floored. How long had he toiled for the siren's respect? And now that he was suddenly given just that, he floundered for several disconcerting moments. "I can't tell you how much that means to me," he said. "Then don't ruin it by lying to me," Zechs said, the soft warning clear in his tone. Treize heaved a faint sigh. "I will tell you, but only if you give me your word you will not speak of this to anyone else. Not Wufei, not Heero, not Duo, not Quatre or Trowa." A slight hesitation, then Zechs nodded. "If it is important, I give you my word." "It is important," Treize confirmed, "but I cannot tell you why. Not just yet. I have my reasons, and please believe they are good ones." Another nod. "I believe you." Then, "I trust you." "It may shock you," Treize warned. "I understand." It was Treize's turn to nod. "The Queen informed me she's been made aware there's a demon in Endina. She has ordered me to hunt him down and slay him. She even had an Unsummoning arrow, which she gave to me." Zechs did look surprised. After a long, long silence he nodded. "I don't understand why you wouldn't tell Heero and Duo, but I said I trust you and I do." He gazed hard into Treize's eyes. "You will not make me regret this trust, will you?" For some reason, the moon falling softly down on Zechs, the slight vulnerability in the words conspired against Treize. Reaching out he lightly cupped Zechs' cheek. "You really are amazing, Zechs. All this time that I have been with you, you continue to amaze me." Zechs' eyes were dark. "You didn't answer me." Smiling faintly, he shook his head. "No, I won't." To his surprise, Zechs reached up and covered Treize's hand with his own. "Good." Then he looked down as if embarrassed. Imagine that. "I don't give kind regard to humans lightly, Treize." "I know," Treize said. Moving his hand to cup Zechs' chin, he gently lifted and leaned down to press a soft, chaste kiss against his lips. They were surprisingly cool. "I'm worthy of your respect." Zechs snorted. "Always so cocky. Arrogant human." Smiling, Treize kissed him again. Zechs didn't resist; indeed, his lips parted to reciprocate. It wasn't an eager kiss, but rather slow and exploratory. Zechs didn't respond with passion, but it was sweet. Somewhere in the back of Treize's mind he wondered if he'd fixted on Heero because he believed he would never win over the siren. Maybe. Probably. He wasn't sure he had, yet, but this seemed like a step in the right direction. Zechs broke the kiss first, but it was to step forward, arms sliding around Treize's waist. He laid his head against the human's shoulder, just the right height to manage without it being awkward. Treize pressed his cheek against smooth platinum hair, momentarily distracted by a scent not unlike deep water. Cool, mysterious, dark. "I don't love you," Zechs said in a strange voice. Almost . . . wondering. "I don't even like you. Why am I so drawn to you?" Treize almost laughed, but he didn't think the siren would appreciate it since he sounded quite serious. "I couldn't say," he said, "but I understand. After all, I feel the same way." Zechs gave him a look he could best describe as sullen. "You don't love me?" Now Treize chuckled. "I don't know. But I've been following you around for months. At the very least I'm devoted." Then, because he felt Zechs deserved more than that, "I very probably am in love. Does it bother you?" Storm-blue eyes regarded him for a time. Then Zechs laid his head against Treize's shoulder again. "No, I suppose not." "Good." Then, "You're so beautiful, Zechs. You were made for the moonlight." He caught the edges of a light blush. "Stupid,
sentimental human." Definitely
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