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"Forsworn "Written By: Presser
Disclaimer : Gundam Wing characters aren't mine Rating : NC 17 Warnings : BDSM, toys, language, more Feedback : Yes Please.
"Forsworn"
Heero leaned back, his shoulders and head against the slick tile of the shower, his chin raised. He closed his eyes and pushed his hips forward, taking pleasure in the sharp needles of hot water against his groin. A soft sound from deep in his throat slid between his lips. After a moment, he pushed off of the wall and reached for the shower wand to wash down the walls. He took a towel as he stepped from the shower, steam thick in the air. It's been nearly a month since we saw Quatre at Rocky's. Now, all of a sudden, he tells me to invite him to dinner. He says connecting with my friends will help him get to know more about me, my past. Why? What is he thinking? He's having the meal brought in tonight. Says he wants me to be a part of the conversation. Why is he treating me like a guest? Heero carefully folded the towel and hung it on the rack, then took a hand towel and wiped down the mirror. He avoided his eyes, but noticed his hair was all askew, his skin flushed from the hot shower. He dragged fingers through his hair, attempting to tame it; picked up his brush. He's only catered a meal twice before: when I was accepted at the university, and when -- Heero's eyes widened; he drew breath quickly; he stopped brushing his hair. His surroundings faded as memory took him. * * * "I'm so glad you could come tonight, Heero. It's been a long time since this house has had a visitor." Duo pushed away from the table and crossed his legs. Heero put a linen napkin to his lips. "Thank you for inviting me. I've never had a meal as lavish as this one." "Arthur's does do a wonderful job. The chef there has won my undying admiration for his soufflés. Oh, but I'm not being a good host; your wine glass is empty." Duo leaned forward and picked up the wine bottle. "Oh, no, I really shouldn't --" "Nonsense. This is a 20-year old tawny port, and we can't let it go to waste." Duo refilled Heero's diminutive glass. "One of my favorite dessert wines. It's somewhere between toffee and crème brûlée, don't you think?" Duo watched as Heero took another sip of the port. "When we're done here, I'd like to show you something special upstairs." He smiled. "Well, even if it's only half as spectacular as what I've already seen, then I'm sure I'll be impressed." Heero put a loose fist to his lips and coughed softly. "More truffles? I'm sure that Roger is keeping the ganache warm." Heero put both hands up, palms toward Duo. "Please, no. I'm stuffed." Heero pulled the napkin from his lap and wiped his lips one last time, then loosely folded it and put it on his plate. Duo smiled into the silence, gazed into Heero's eyes. Heero looked back, then dropped his eyes, shifting a little in his seat. "Um..." "Yes?" "Well, I was wondering, about the house, that is." Heero paused. "Have you --" "Lived here long? I bought this place when I came over from Romania; it reminded me of my grandfather's house. Couldn't imagine hanging his picture in less opulent surroundings, though I must say, it is on the big side. I have a service that cleans once a week, but --" Duo looked over Heero's shoulder; his gaze softened. "But?" Heero prompted. "Oh, nothing, really. It's just that it gets a bit quiet, living by myself." Duo glanced down at his nails. His eyes are the most unusual color. Almost purple, like plums. And his hair: the braid is like a copper rope. I -- I'd almost like to touch it, but -- Heero drew breath quickly as Duo looked back at him, catching Heero in the act of observing him. Duo's eyes glittered in the light of the chandelier over the table. Heero looked away, then back as Duo stood abruptly. "Well, shall we take a little trip upstairs? I think you'll like what I have to show you." Heero stood quickly but leaned forward to brace himself with his palms on the table. "Careful," Duo said, and put out a hand to steady Heero. "I guess I've had more wine than I thought." His shoulder tingled under Duo's touch. "No harm in splurging, once in a while. Are you alright?" Duo squeezed Heero's shoulder gently. "Yes, I'm fine. I just stood too quickly, that's all." "If you're sure." Another smile directly into Heero's eyes. Heero blushed, unsure of whether it was the wine or Duo's eyes that made his face warm. He nodded, not trusting himself to speak. Duo removed his hand from Heero's shoulder and held out his other hand, palm toward the door. "This way, Heero." * * * He led me upstairs to his bedroom and took me on the floor in front of the fireplace. Heero shuddered. He put down the brush and exited the bathroom; walked to the bed. He stared down at the clothes Duo had told him to lay out for himself. He reached for the bright blue bikini panties that Duo liked so much. He rubbed the slick fabric between his thumb and two fingers, gazing past them to the floor. He told me he needed me. That I completed him. That I...that he... Heero dropped the panties, but kept his hand out as though still holding them. He looked up, seeing nothing. He wouldn't. He told me I was all he wanted. All he would ever want. He put his hand over his left breast, pressed it to his chest. Blinked. Looked down and noticed the panties at his feet. Bent down and picked them up. No. I'm being childish. It's as he said: he only wants to get to know my friends so that he can learn more about /me/. Heero took a deep breath and let it out slowly. He pulled on the panties, then began to dress in the evening attire his Master wanted him to wear. * * * "That's really wonderful. How old is it?" Quatre stood in front of the fireplace in the library, admiring the old sword mounted over the mantle. He smiled, his clear blue eyes bright as he turned toward Duo. "It was forged in the 1600s for one of my ancestors. Handed down to me by my grandfather. It's seen more than a few battles." Duo stood beside Quatre dressed in silvers and grays. His shirt was open enough at the collar to hint at the musculature beneath. His braid shone in the indirect lighting, dark honey with red-gold highlights. Quatre wore khakis, a wine-colored vest, a pale pink button-down beneath it. His pale blond hair curled over the tops of his ears and collar. Heero stood behind them in the black dress pants and blood red silk shirt that Duo had told him to wear. His hands hung by his hips, the fingers shifting back and forth against the black wool, dark chocolate hair brushed back but falling across his forehead. "Wow," Quatre said. "You have an amazing collection." Duo smiled; Heero realized he was flexing his jaw muscles. "Well, I'm not much of a collector, really; unless you consider it collecting to bring home interesting, beautiful things." Duo turned to look at Heero. Heero looked away. "Sir? The meal is ready." All three turned to the doors of the library. "Thank you, Roger. We'll be right there." Duo turned to Quatre. "Shall we?" he said, his hand palm out toward the door." Heero stood aside as Quatre led. His eyes narrowed as Duo's hand lightly touched Quatre's neck. He followed Duo. * * * "Oh, my!" Quatre paused as he entered the formal dining room. A chandelier glowed softly over a 19th century French walnut table flanked by twelve high-backed chairs. Service for three was laid at one end. Duo glided past Quatre and stood behind the chair to the right of the end. He pulled it back and smiled at Quatre. "Allow me." He bowed his head slightly. Quatre moved to take his seat. Heero stood in the doorway. Duo moved to the end of the table and seated himself. He looked toward the doorway. "Heero?" He smiled slightly, raised one eyebrow. Heero took his seat. Quatre picked up the small card on his plate and considered it, then read aloud. "Amuse-gueule. That's French for appetizer." He looked at Duo, who nodded. Quatre smiled and then carefully read the rest of the card. "Ballontine of rabbit wrapped in Serrano ham with celeriac rémoulade, Cep A La Greque, baby artichokes, creamed mustard dressing and toasted brioche. "Cours principal. Cannon of Exmoor lamb with fondant potato, buttered spinach Ratatouille, toasted pine nuts, mint pesto and rosemary jus. "La fin avec le dessert. Lemon bavarois with lemon confit, lime sorbet and lime syrup. Whew," Quatre said. "My French is a little rusty." He put the card to one side of his plate and looked up to smile at Heero. Heero returned a feeble smile, then looked away. "Not at all, Quatre," Duo said. "It's quite acceptable. Ah. Here's Roger with the first course." * * * "Let's see," Duo said as he walked Quatre through the hallway to the front of the house. "You've seen the living room, the dining room, the kitchen and butler's pantry, the sitting room and the reading nook. It's dark out, or I'd show you the greenhouse." Duo slowed as he reached the entranceway. He put his arm around Quatre and patted him lightly on the shoulder. "Let's adjourn to the library for a little after dinner drink. When we're done, I'd like to show you something special upstairs." He guided Quatre to the doors of the library, opening them outward. From behind them Heero spoke, a low edginess in his voice. "No." Duo and Quatre turned to look over their shoulders. "Excuse me? Did you say something, Heero?" "I said No." "To what? You object to a drink?" "I will not let you do this." "Whatever are you talking about? Do what, exactly?" "You know what I mean." Quatre looked from Heero to Duo, then back to Heero. His eyebrows came together. "Heero? Is something wrong?" "You've been sullen all evening, Heero. I don't have any idea about what is bothering you, but I really don't think that --" Four quick steps and Heero was between them. Quatre backed into the library. "Leave him alone." Low, ominous: "Be careful, Heero. You don't want --" "Don't tell me what I want. I won't let you have him." "Have me? What are you talking about?" Heero stared at Duo as he answered Quatre. "My 'uncle' is not what he seems, Quatre. He's a dangerous man. He hasn't been honest with you about his intentions." "Intentions?" Quatre said. "Heero, I don't think --" Duo grabbed Heero by the throat with one hand, hissing as he spoke. "You little shit!" With his other hand he pushed Heero's chin up sharply. Squeezed his throat. Heero grabbed Duo's wrists with both hands, gasping for breath. Quatre stepped closer and put his hands on Duo's arm. "Please, Mr. Maxwell! Don't hurt him!" Duo released his hold on Heero, who bent over, coughing, wheezing, hands on knees. Duo turned to Quatre; drew a deep breath and exhaled slowly. "I'm sorry you had to see that, Quatre. The fact of the matter is that Heero lives with me as a servant, not as an equal. He's been petulant lately, and I --" Heero hit him square in the back. He toppled forward into Quatre, who stumbled backward, tripping over his heels. They fell. Heero pulled Duo to his knees then pushed him down on his back. Quatre scrambled backward toward the desk. Duo hissed loudly and kicked at Heero, who fell back against the high-backed leather chair in front of the fireplace, trying to lessen the impact as Duo's foot connected with his stomach. Duo rocked forward, got his feet under him and his hands in front, on the floor. He looked up at Heero. He charged. Heero lunged to the side. Quatre picked himself up and moved to the wall of books behind the desk. Duo hit the chair, grabbed the sides of it with his hands. Heero backed away, toward the wall, knees bent, hands out. Duo's eyes were charged with anger. He breathed heavily. "What now, boy?" he said through his teeth. "What now?" Silence. "You seem to have forgotten what you are. You're my --" "Shut up!" Heero screamed. I'm through being controlled by you. You don't own me. I am not your slave!" Duo roared. "My slave? You're only a /toy/! Nothing more than an amusement. But you're no longer amusing." His voice grew quiet. His upper lip rose in a sneer. "You know what I do with broken toys, Heero? Hmm? I dispose of them." He took a step toward Heero. Heero backed up against the wall. He slid to the left as Duo approached him, one hand behind him feeling for obstacles. Quatre's eyes were wide, his mouth open. Heero stopped as his hip bumped the table in the far corner of the room. He looked down to see the Bible next to the glass case. He looked up to see Duo two steps closer to him. He pushed up one side of the case and took the silver stake from the velvet cloth. Held it up. Duo stopped. "You threaten me with that? You have no idea what you're doing. No idea what you're setting in motion. Put it down. I might decide to let you live." Heero tightened his grip on the stake. Held it up. "Stay away. I'll do it if you come nearer." Duo's eyes narrowed. "You know this is useless. I'm stronger than you, smarter than you. You'll die." "No. /You/ will!" Heero drew breath sharply. Rushed at Duo. Duo jumped back. Kicked at Heero. His foot touched Heero's hip, causing him to totter. He righted himself, turned around to face Duo again. Duo looked up and saw Quatre behind the desk. Two quick strides and he was behind Quatre, one arm across the boy's chest. "Mr. Maxwell!" Quatre's hands came up to pull at Duo's arms. Duo tightened his powerful grasp. Heero stopped, holding the stake in front of him. "Let him go." "Your friend mean anything to you? Hmm?" Duo bared his teeth in a parody of a grin. He grabbed the hair on the side of Quatre's head and yanked, then sank his teeth into the pale flesh of his neck. Quatre screamed. Heero screamed. "No!" Slow-motion: Duo sucking violently, thick red liquor spurting over his lips, running down his chin, soaking Quatre's shirt. The scent of copper. The sound of Duo's wet lips smacking against Quatre's neck. Duo's eyes enflamed, bestial. Quatre's arms jerking, knees giving way, slumping forward against Duo's arm. "Goddamn you!" Heero dropped the stake and ran at Duo. He thrust both hands at Duo's shoulder, but the vampire knocked them away. He bent over Quatre as he sagged toward the floor, greedily slurping. Heero ran at Duo again. Duo dropped Quatre and turned to his slave. Heero froze. "You fool," Duo said. "To think I actually cared for you." Duo spat blood at Heero. Heero jumped back. Duo wiped his lips on the back of his hand. Took a step toward Heero, then another. Heero looked down and saw the stake. He bent and grabbed it, but as he came up, Duo was there. He hit Heero's shoulders hard with the heels of both hands. Heero's head slammed against the floor. He looked up and threw the stake at Duo. Duo caught it easily. "You stupid, stupid prick." He advanced. Heero kicked at his legs, but missed. Duo raised the stake. "Die." Duo hissed as he toppled backward in the feeble grasp of Quatre, who had shakily gotten to his feet and stumbled toward Duo, throwing cold arms around Duo's neck. He snarled as Quatre dragged him to the floor. He dropped the stake, rolled off of Quatre. Heero scrambled backwards, got his feet under him, threw himself forward to get the stake. Both men rose, breathing heavily. Quatre lay coughing wetly on the Persian rug below them. Duo's eyes darted wildly to one side, then the other. Heero squeezed the stake, now slick with blood. Heero's eyes were wide. He trembled. Duo looked at him as if noticing him for the first time. His lips drew away from blood-stained teeth as he drew breath. Death, and rage, and unbearable pain, a sound like glass shards scraped over slate. Heero flinched but stood his ground. Duo ran to the window and kicked it with the heel of his boot. Turned and screamed again. Jagged glass slashed at his shirt as he threw himself through the window. The rustle of underbrush as he sprinted away. Heero stared at the window, breath shuddering from his chest. A feeble gasp at his feet. He dropped the stake. Knelt. "Quatre!" He pulled at his friend's shoulder. Quatre's eyes fluttered open. Heero pulled his head onto his knees. "Cold, so cold." "Quatre, listen to me. What he did to you -- he's a --" Quatre drew breath sharply, expelling tendrils of mucus as he coughed violently. Heero took him by the shoulders and pulled him into a sitting position. Quatre's head hung to his chest. "Quatre, you have to listen to me. He's a vampire. He's made you one, too. You have to feed soon, or you'll die." A faint cough. "Do you hear me?" Slowly, slowly, Quatre looked up, fear in his eyes. He looked down at his bloody shirt, then back to Heero. "I --" "Stay here." Heero dragged Quatre to the desk, propping him up there, then rose and left the library. He returned with a ceramic mixing bowl of hot water, a wash cloth, a towel over one arm. He walked to Quatre with his head down. Knelt. Set the bowl and towel down. He quietly unbuttoned Quatre's shirt and removed it. Quatre stared at the floor. One hand was palm up in his lap, thumb twitching against forefinger. Heero set the shirt to one side, then sat back on his legs. He dipped the washcloth in the steaming water and wrung it, then brought it to Quatre's neck. Quatre was calmer now. He looked at the floor as Heero cleaned him. Heero took one of his arms and pulled it forward, gently wiping blood from it. As he moved to Quatre's chest, he looked up into Quatre's eyes. Quatre's breath was hot on Heero's face. The tang of drying blood hung between them. Heero spoke quietly. "I'll take care of you. I'll show you what to do." Quatre blinked. Nodded slowly. Heero bowed his head and continued cleaning his new master. Fin ~ * ~
I didn't intend for this fic to end with Heero and Duo separating. Before I fully realized what was happening my characters had decided for me what they would do, as is common when characters are invested with life. They go their own ways, regardless of what their author has planned for them. Once I finished this chapter I was faced with a dilemma: Post, knowing that some will be disappointed with the outcome; or never post, knowing that some following this fic will be disappointed that they never got the chance to read the final chapter. In the end, posting seemed the right thing to do.
I won't be leaving the fandom, nor the 1x2ML, nor the gw-fan list. They mean too much to me. YOU mean too much to me -- all of you, whether I've ever cooed over your work or not. The energy, the love, the fun -- you people are incredible. But I'll be primarily lurking from now on, popping in whenever a fic or piece of art catches my eye. I simply have to give back what has been so generously shared with me: kind words, encouragement, a smile, a lift. I've been blessed with so much good feedback. I'm especially grateful to all who have ever critiqued my work. I've grown from it. I do have a major GW multi-parter simmering in the hindbrain. Part of it is written, but another project is pressing on me. I'll get to it when I can, and will post it. Promise. Cheers and hugs and peace and love and joy! Press ~ * ~ |
