Due to what will be a very hectic week, this will probably be my last update for a while (unless I finish Chapter Nine by tomorrow). Enjoy this—originally this had been a part of Chapter Seven, but due to its length I decided to make it separate.
Chapter Eight: Pace Tua Part II
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It's as though the patron of the arts wants me to witness his beauty with patience. Well, I can do that too. Creed easily slid the robe off his body and stepped into the bath, the rose still in his hand.
The "bathtub" was a Jacuzzi and took up most of the room—save for the sink and other essentials, and a set of drawers. It was the best money could buy (or in Creed's case, bribe), and Creed had "bought" it for Train alone.
Creed sighed as the Jacuzzi bubbles massaged his back and shoulders. One of his foes had slammed into him in a desperate attempt to get to Train, but they failed (and died) wonderfully. Still, he had a very sore back.
Creed shook his head and focused on Train. I have more important things to worry about.
The water sloshed against him gently as he moved closer to Train. He smiled at the way Train's eyes flickered open, still drowsy. Creed, now beside him, leaned back on the marble ledge, one arm behind his head in a relaxed posture.
With his other, and reaching out, he gently brushed the rose blossom across Train's lips.
"Enjoying your bath?" Creed asked.
Train's head swiveled around to face him. "What're you doing?" He moved away.
Creed laughed. "It's more practical to bathe together, Train. We won't waste water this way."
Train rolled his eyes. "Like I'd believe that. And anyway, isn't kissing enough for you?" The way he attempted to shield himself was in Creed's opinion endearing.
"If it's enough for you," Creed said truthfully, grinning as he cupped a handful of rose petals and let them seep through his fingers tantalizingly. "I won't do anything you don't want me to do, Train."
He felt Train's eyes on him as the rose petals hit the water with soft, barely-audible plops. He turned to gaze at him. Train was staring at him with uncertainty.
Creed slid off the ledge and deeper into the water. He closed his eyes and continued speaking, making his voice as smooth and as hypnotic as he possibly could:
"Train, you have become my partner, and therefore you have to understand me. In return, I will understand you, and together we'll achieve happiness. In order to be happy, you need someone else to be happy. That's one of the commandments I live by, Train."
Creed opened his eyes to find that Train was staring at him in fascination now, his golden eyes wide and curious.
"If you want, we can test that theory."
Creed picked up a washcloth that was hung on the edge of the Jacuzzi and moved closer to Train. He dipped the washcloth into the water and rung it out slowly.
Train stiffened as Creed brushed the cloth gently over his face. Train didn't move. It was clear to Creed that Train was becoming enraptured. Creed smiled and brought the cloth down his neck, then over his shoulder…
"Raphael would kill to paint this scene, Train." Creed, daring to kiss Train's chest, said "Happiness is also art. It is beauty. Creation."
Train's breath hissed out of him sharply as Creed paid special attention to his upper body, discovering what excited him before continuing further.
He brought the cloth to Train's stomach, and much to his glee Train automatically adjusted himself so that he sat on the edge of the tub, his body fully exposed, save for a few rose petals that clung to his flushed skin. Creed gazed up at Train's glazed expression and wished he had his paints at the ready.
"Train," Creed said softly, resting the cloth on Train's hip. "Can you guess what I plan to do now?"
Train shook his head, his hands clenched.
Creed slid the cloth and grinned at the small whimper that left Train's mouth, followed by an annoyed growl.
"How does it feel?" he asked, chuckling at Train's vocal responses.
Train let out another whimper, beginning to jerk forward impatiently. "Quit playing around, you teasing bastard…"
Creed paused and stared up at him, giving him a stern look. "Now Train, you shouldn't call your partner names." To prove his point, he reached up and pinched one of Train's nipples, making him gasp. "Say your sorry, or I'll leave you like this. And I won't warm up the water, either."
Train growled out his refusal, and Creed pinched harder. Without warning Train slid back into the water with a splash, sending the rose petals floating away from him in waves.
Train looked ready to fight him. Creed didn't want that. Creed could easily overpower him, or at least put up a decent struggle. But he wanted Train to become his lover. Willingly.
Now was the best time to teach Train the rules of sleeping with one's partner. Trust was everything. Love was everything. Creed was everything, just as Train was everything.
"That hurt," Train said coldly, with a hint of sullenness.
"Sorry." Creed turned away from him, watching the petals merge into small crimson islands. "It's just that you're my equal, and…I don't want to be alone."
There was silence for a moment, and Creed waited patiently.
Finally, Train said tersely "Sorry, Creed. It's fine."
"Good." Creed smiled at him. "Now then…"
This time Creed didn't even bother with the cloth. He used his hands to guide Train forward, watching Train's face take on a delightful almost-pleading look. Creed savored the expression, prolonging the "teasing" as Train called it.
He frowned when Train turned away, his cheeks a beautiful crimson.
"Train, don't turn away from me."
Train growled and shook his head. "Not a chance."
"Oh? Do you want me to…?"
When Train didn't reply a second later, Creed took that as a yes.
"Here we go, then."
Creed closed his eyes and inwardly thanked whatever divine being there was that Train had allowed him access to him in such a way.
Sparks of passion coursed through Creed's body. When he heard Train call his name, nothing else in the world mattered.
It was over far too soon.
They sat in silence for a few moments. The fuzzy warmth of the aftermath was something Creed had never experienced before. With his previous lovers, making love had either been for stress relief or out of boredom. With Train, he had a reason for his actions.
Train Heartnet, Creed thought smugly as Train's eyes fluttered closed, you and I will be the greatest team the world has ever known…and we will be together forever.
