WHAT DREAMS MAY COME
Disclaimer: They really aren't mine, I just play with them. Often.
Warnings: Rated NC-17 for violence, memories of torture, a little angst, and a lemon. And a bit of language. ^_^
Summary: This is a sequel to 'Perchance to Dream', and I suggest reading it first. Otherwise, some things won't make sense.Wufei and Duo are dealing with the effects of their last mission together, the oddity of a new relationship, and the threat that the war will separate them any minute...
To sleep! perchance to dream:--ay, there's the rub;
For in that sleep of death what dreams may come?
~ Hamlet, Act III, Scene 1
~ William Shakespeare
CHAPTER ONE: In Which Wufei Dreams
Wufei was dreaming.
Water everywhere, flashes of light, a voice screaming his name
He wanted to wake up.
Weights on his wrists and ankles, gunshots in the dark
Even in his sleep, his hands started searching for the warmth that should be next to him, the warmth that meant comfort and safety.
An older man's greedy eyes, flying leather belts, a burning in his lungs, agony in his back
The bed he lay in was empty save for him; that was what finally forced his eyes open.
He lay gasping in the dark, his arms and legs trembling, fighting back tears. He was not weak, he was not helpless, he would not cry because he was alone. He'd been alone before, and it wasn't as if he would stay that way. Duo would be back.
His lover would be back.
Distracting himself with that thought worked very nicely. He gave a shiver of pure pleasure and rolled onto his side, pulling Duo's pillow into his arms. It smelled faintly of the shampoo Duo preferred and that comforted him even further.
Duo would be back.
He let his eyes drift closed...
*
Deep, dark water, the shadow of a boat above him, concrete blocks dotting the lake floor around him, glimpsed through the drifting weeds
Wufei muttered in his sleep and hugged the pillow tighter.
Pain tearing through his wrists as he jerked them free, a hand clasped tightly over his mouth and nose, an Oz soldier leering at him as he lifted a stun gun
If the pillow had been Duo, Wufei's grip would have very nearly cracked his ribs.
Belts and fists flying through the air, a stiff leather strap around his waist, the rush of water as he was pulled under, the dizzying feeling of swaying in that harness, the room rushing before his eyes, his stomach cramping
Wufei woke up just in time to run to the bathroom and lose the small supper he'd eaten.
*
"You look tired." Quatre's voice was very concerned. He sat a plate of bacon and eggs in front of Wufei and waited.
Sleepy onyx eyes blinked up at him. "Mmm," was the only explanation Wufei offered.
That was nowhere near good enough for Quatre, even if he was used to having the Twin Kings of Silence for lovers. "Did you rest at all, last night?"
"Yes. I'm all right, Quatre."
The blond frowned, but moved to his seat. They were the only ones at breakfast; Heero and Trowa were gone on a mission, as well as Duo.
Quatre watched while Wufei picked at his breakfast. The Chinese boy could say he was fine all he wanted to - the paleness of his skin and the dark circles under his eyes told a different story.
Duo and Wufei both insisted they were completely over that disastrous mission. Neither of them believed the other, and the three remained Pilots, in turn, didn't believe either of them. They saw the way Wufei flinched when he saw a body of water bigger than a pool; they heard Duo screaming Wufei's name at night until the other boy got him awake and comforted him.
And now Quatre was positive that Wufei was having nightmares, with no one to comfort him.
He was beginning to hate solo missions.
Not only did he miss Trowa and Heero, but he could really use their advice about how to help Wufei. Being his stubborn self, though, 05 refused to admit it, but he was clearly miserable without Duo.
Who was also gone on a solo mission.
Did Quatre already mention that he hated them?
He wondered how the doctors would take it if he suggested they be sent out in twos and threes from now on? He'd have to word the request just right...
Wufei drifted out of his early-morning haze to see Quatre sitting perfectly still, staring intently down at a plate of eggs. "Something wrong?"
"Huh?" Big blue eyes blinked at him. "Oh, I'm sorry. I was just thinking about something. There's nothing wrong." Quatre hesitated a moment, studying him, then plunged ahead. "Tell me, Wufei, do you think we are more efficient on solo or team missions?"
Wufei blinked at him, too tired to worry about why Quatre was asking that question. He thought for a moment, finding it rather difficult to concentrate. "It depends on the mission, I suppose. More of us makes it much easier to accomplish our goals rapidly - but some missions have to be solo missions, Quatre, or they just won't work. Trying to use a team on those could be disastrous."
"I suppose you're right," Quatre admitted reluctantly, "but... uh, but I find team missions easier to handle." He wasn't about to say that he wanted more team missions so that Wufei and Duo could stay together. Oh, and so he could have Heero and Trowa with him. The Chinese boy would take it as a personal insult, would be sure Quatre thought he was weak. Even though Wufei had mellowed - considerably - since he and Duo had gotten together, Quatre had no desire to face him when he was angry.
At least, not while they were alone.
He didn't really think Wufei would hurt him, but he'd probably lose his hair and have his clothes shredded. He found that idea ridiculous and giggled, getting an odd look and a roll of ebony eyes from Wufei.
And an answering laugh from the doorway.
"What's so funny, Q-chan?" a vibrant voice questioned as a backpack thumped down on the floor.
Duo was back.
Wufei's expression didn't change, but something shadowy in his eyes vanished.
The braided boy definitely looked stressed, despite the usual manic grin on his face. Quatre didn't miss the way his eyes stayed firmly fixed on Wufei, even as he started chattering away to Quatre himself, answering the questions the blond asked about the mission.
Wufei only had one. "Wounded?"
Duo's eyes glowed at him. "No, 'Fei-chan, not even bruised."
Wufei nodded, and turned back to sip his tea.
Duo kicked off his boots and shoved the backpack against the wall. "I'll clean this up in a bit, Q, gotta take a quick shower. I'm filthy."
Very true, he was caked in mud and grime. Even his braid was hanging straight, only swinging a little when he whirled around. Quatre could see bits of mud falling off it from here.
"Of course, Duo. There should be plenty of hot water."
"Yes! Then heaven awaits! See you guys in a few!" He rushed out of the room - but Quatre saw the one brief touch of fingers to the back of Wufei's neck. Saw the dark eyes close at the touch, and then open to gaze at him as calmly as ever.
Quatre smirked a little. He knew it was Wufei who was uncomfortable with public displays of affection; if it had been up to Duo, he would have tackled the black-haired boy to the floor as soon as he saw him, mud and all. Ah, well, their relationship was a bit young, yet, no matter what went on behind bedroom doors. They'd work it out.
And Quatre, who happily embraced his voyeuristic tendencies, knew that he'd get to see them kissing someday.
Wufei pushed his plate back and got up, picking up Duo's boots and the battered backpack and carrying them into the laundry room. A moment later and he heard the sound of running water and a brush; Wufei was cleaning Duo's boots.
Quatre smiled as he cleared the plates from the table.
They would definitely work it out.