5/1/14 edited/updated
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Forever?
The months that followed after Duo said yes were possibly the happiest of Wufei's life. Even with Mei still sleeping, even with Dr. O's issues….Wufei was truly happy. Happy in a way he'd never been. In a way he'd never imagined he could be.
The first event following Duo's acceptance was Thanksgiving. A holiday that had been less than pleasant since Mei's injury. Cold, lonely, quiet.
Not this one. Surrounded by Duo and GUNDAM; a loud, boisterous, yelling, excited fandom as they watched hours of football. The friendly rivalry of Duo's and Jails Giants vs. Zechs' and Quatre's Jets was put aside for mutual mourning as those Jets were demolished by the universally hated Cowboys…. Heero being the only happy football fan that day as his beloved Colts won the day.
Trowa's and Zechs' combined incredible skills at cooking had fascinated Wufei. He spent an extremely pleasant afternoon after the two of them had fled the living room, in too much pain to endure the beating being handed down on the big screen.
Exchanging cooking tips and learning more of Duo's preferences, sharing recipes he'd brought back from London, excited to share a pastime that he truly enjoyed with other men who understood that of which he spoke, and who responded with no sneer evident, no derision, but honest interest and enjoyment.
Surrounded by warmth, regard, love as Duo too fled to the kitchen to beg for comfort food after being so thoroughly depressed by the game, begging for scraps and tasting every dish….
Watching that cinnamon fall of beautiful hair shining in the light from the windows, those amazing violet eyes alit with love and happiness... twinkling at him...
Yes, Wufei was very thankful that Thanksgiving, in a way he never had been before….
Then, of course, Christmas.
Christmas. A holiday that even before Mei's injury, had been a dark time for Wufei. Following his mother's death, Christmas had never been a period of joy. Only surly, put upon, irritation from Dr. O as he was forced to keep up appearances for the public.
Presenting gifts to children Mei and Wufei at "company parties" only to reclaim them later, sneering that they knew their place and what behavior was expected of them. How toys and such were a complete waste of time and money, how lucky they were they had a home and food, etc. etc….
Dr. O's anger at the requirement of giving the help the day off, distaste for holiday music or décor…. The list went on.
Wufei had hated Christmas after his mother's death until Mei grew old enough to not cry at every turn, not understanding the lost toy "props" Dr. O always took back, hurt so badly by her excuse of a parent.
As they grew, the siblings had made it more enjoyable for each other. Gifting each other first with handmade creations, then favors or special events coupons such as those one would see around Mother's Day: a promise to play a favored board game, or a turn at the other's chores without complaint.
This little tradition Wufei had explained and shared with Duo. Duo was ... very creative . Wufei was very… appreciative of that creativity, and studied his impromptu lessons well, practicing often, making his Sensei very proud.
Finally, as Wufei had moved up to having an income, he'd lavished Mei with gifts of every imaginable venue, making up for lost innocence, spoiling her as much as he could.
Since Mei's injury Wufei continued to buy her gifts he hoped she'd enjoy, at Christmas, her birthday, any excuse for a holiday, just as before, only now they remained wrapped, gathering dust, in the empty closet of his spare room….
But, this Christmas…. this Christmas he'd truly enjoyed everything in a way he'd never imagined possible.
Shopping with Duo, buying gifts for friends. Definitely a new experience. And shopping for Duo. That had maybe been the best part. To buy as many gifts as he could think of, of every sort….. celebrating the 12 days of Christmas as he'd done before with Mei. And Duo not able to say a damn thing about him being too extravagant.
Zechs and Trowa had proved inspiring allies in the gift hunt. Spilling Duo's secrets about his favorite flavors, smells, colors, …. everything. Happy for their friend, brother, to have found such love.
And, being able to buy gifts for Duo's friends too. Things that Duo would not have been able to do. Seeing the wistful look in Duo's eyes when he'd spot something he wanted to gift to someone and being able to make it possible….
Of course, being on the receiving end of Duo's gift giving had also had its rewards….. Duo's inventiveness was unmatched. Finding hidden gifts of every sort in the most unlikely places in the apartment…. inside the strangest places: wrapped chocolates nestled in the coffee tin, a basket stuffed with massage oils sitting in the bathtub (oh he'd really enjoyed that gift. Wufei was definitely a massage whore… he'd do almost anything for a deep body massage. And Duo knew it. And exploited it. Repeatedly.)
Then, the look on Duo's face when he opened the braided bracelet from London. And the look in Duo's eyes when Wufei'd opened his gift... Duo'd bought Wufei a ring of his own.
A platinum band of a basket-weave design, with thin gold along bands around the edges and a beautiful radiant cut violet stone, bracketed by small onyx... just incredible, beautiful. And his own inscription, "You give song to my soul. Forever yours, Duo."
Yes, overall, Christmas had truly been enjoyable. Wufei had laughed more these short months than he had his entire life.
In retrospect, Wufei should have known it couldn't last….
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Wufei received the memo on his desk Monday afternoon just before leaving, informing him of the scheduled breakfast meeting for Wednesday.
The summons had gnawed at him through his brief visit with Mei Monday evening before heading home for the New Year's Eve celebrations with Duo and GUNDAM, through the hours spent with Duo and GUNDAM yesterday, watching the Bowl games and making resolutions….
Wufei had deliberately pushed it as far back in his mind as he could, and had not dared let anything of it show. Not allowed it to dampen the holiday for Duo.
If anything, Wufei had forced himself to be more open, distracting Duo as much as he could, so Duo had no idea of worry.
Wufei made his way to his father's garden, each step heavier than the last. Dread clogged his throat. He knew, knew this had something to do with he and Duo.
He'd allowed himself to drift from purpose. He'd let his heart dare to hope, to glimpse happiness, to….. live. He shored up his walls as he approached the table set out on the veranda. Tried to thicken the ice.
But Duo's warmth had infused his soul, and the ice was melting. He came now to face Dr. O for the first time in an eternity without those ice walls solid around his heart, and he felt fear. Not cold indifference, not apathy or disdain for whatever garbage Dr. O would spew at him, but fear. Worry gnawed at his insides, at his heart, until he felt shredded at the core. Open, vulnerable, and no way to reinforce those shields…..
"ah, Wufei." Dr. O called, as Wufei passed through the French doors out onto the patio. "come. Join me. Breakfast is just recently lain."
Wufei felt the ice thicken, just a bit, his heart going just a little numb, at those words. His belly had gone cold at the tone. Dr. O never took such a tone of cheer with Wufei. This was bad. What had happened? What would happen?
Wufei sat carefully at the second place setting. He saw the fruit, the bagels, and such. He smelled the coffee, heard the music piped in through the artfully hidden speakers, but had eyes only for Dr. O. That smug, chilling smile as he wiped his mouth and sat back, watching Wufei.
"Wufei." He oozed, "so stiff. Whatever is troubling you? Have some fruit, relax. Eat."
"what do you want Father? Why am I here?" Wufei asked quietly, ignoring the food, the coffee, everything but Dr. O.
Dr. O sighed and set down his coffee. "surely the messenger told you I wanted you to join me for breakfast. I made sure we had your favorites. Even that horrid vanilla you put in your coffee."
"Father. We have never exchanged pleasantries over breakfast. Not as a child, and certainly not since I was old enough to prepare anything for myself. Our last parting was decidedly unpleasant. Subsequent communication has been conveyed through memos, secretaries, and emails. What. Do. You. Want?"
"Fine Wufei." Dr. O spat. All pleasantness erased as if it had never existed. "I was willing to do this in a way that could be pleasant. Civilized. At least bearable. But no. you have to make everything difficult. Always.
Very well. I have been in negotiation with Romfeller Music. As we expand internationally in the music industry, it is necessary to garner support for our label. To secure alliances and holdings.
You may recall Elder Li of the Romfeller Label from your childhood. He and his daughter, Merian, of an age with you, visited from Tokyo on more than one occasion. He worked for L5 before the expansion into the US. Grew widely known in Japan and split to develop his own label.
He focused on Europe while L5 focused on the US. After establishing our London offices it has become apparent that, in order to be more cost effective, as we expand into the European market, for L5 to merge with Romfeller there rather than wage war for territory and genres.
Elder Li has agreed to such a partnership, with him to oversee the European branch for the most part, grooming his replacement. This facilitated agreement came with a stipulation. His daughter, Merian, arrives at the end of the month. You will be married in late March."
Dr. O said this so matter of factly, as he sipped his coffee, as though he'd announced the parking garages would now be divided or something, that it took Wufei a moment to comprehend.
The words tumbled over and over, resounding a few times in Wufei's head as he sat there watching Dr. O address something on his laptop.
"you will be married in late March" Wufei blinked as the words repeated again in his head. "what?" he murmured, and shook his head. "no I won't. What?"
Dr. O cut him off. "yes you will Wufei. You will marry Merian at the end of March. She arrives on the 20th of this month. That gives you two months to get acquainted, to court, whatever. More than enough time. The wedding's planned, I'll memo you by Fri-"
"No! I won't!" Wufei shouted as he stood, shoving his seat back. "No. I won't father" he snarled. "I will not marry some unknown woman to benefit L5. I'm not your whore to-"
"Boy!" Dr. O barked. "you are whatever the fuck I say you are. You're a whore all right. It's about time you come to heel. I told you Wufei that I'd lance that boil. I have had enough. I've watched your little charade with that Maxwell. Dancing, playing house. Pathetic. I thought maybe you'd come to your senses after the masque. It seemed he'd had enough. Was done with you. But no. you had to patch things."
Wufei's eyes widened as he realized Dr. O had been watching that closely.
Closely enough to know of a private disagreement at the masque. To know of them dancing. They'd only danced together once, and…. quite a while ago…
Dr. O went on. "you will marry Merian. As I've told you. Remember boy, I own you. And just so you don't get too full of yourself and think to defy me, know this. Your precious Mei is gone."
Wufei's knees gave out as the blood drained from his heart and mind. He couldn't breathe as he heard that phrase, repeated with glee as Dr. O watched him turn sheet white and drop to his knees practically at Dr. O's feet.
"That's right boy. Gone. She's gone from that hospital. Relocated with privacy rules in effect. As her only living parent, her guardian, I make all decisions. For now, she is out of your reach. I will tell you where she is after the wedding. After you come to heel."
Wufei's heart started again, a random, staccato beat, as he began to understand she was moved not gone. Out of his reach perhaps, but… safe. Or at least as safe as one could be in the possession of a mad man. He raised his eyes to Dr. O as his sneering smirk widened. All fight torn from him. Humble, numb.
"Yes." Dr. O gloated. " ready to obey now? You will go back to your little geisha whore boy toy and tell him you are my property, my tool, and you will do as you are told. Or you will never see her again. I have made certain she will be well cared for while away. I am not so dense as to throw away my hold on you. But you will not see her until the wedding has been consummated.
You play with that whore all you want boy. You just make sure he never comes out into the light. The press gets no whiff of him, Merian never finds out and her father stays happy. After the so called honeymoon the contracts will be recorded and Romfeller will become part of L5. At that point I will tell you where sleeping beauty is. Remember your place you little shit. You live only to obey."
Dr. O paused for a drink of his juice and sighed. "I have purchased a small home for you two. A wedding gift. She will reside there until the wedding and you will move in after. I will have Merian's schedule sent to your office by the end of the week.
Now," he growled and turned away, "get out of my sight. I don't want to have to look at you anymore."
He turned to his computer then back, quickly, "But Wufei. Make sure you are back in your office, working, by Monday." He then ignored Wufei completely, kneeling there, trembling.
He seemed not to see as Wufei stumbled to his feet, knocking the dishes from the table as he groped for purchase. He never raised his head as Wufei made his way across the patio, stumbling, through the French doors.
Somehow Wufei found himself out to the car waiting out front, directing the driver to return to Towers. Wufei, for his part, never noticed the bowed head, pressed against the wall in the hallway leading off the veranda….
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Duo hummed quietly along with good ol' Frank as he danced around the apartment, his "HAPPY 2008!" hat perched at a jaunty angle on his head. He cleared away the remainder of the "Bowl" party from yesterday. Sweeping up the missed popcorn under the edges of coffee table and sofa, and confetti bits pretty much all over, that he'd missed last night as he'd helped Wufei straighten up before bed.
The guys had stayed through both bowl games and had finished off the yummy pasties Wufei had spent so much time on, not to mention the chocolate fudge pound cake.
Duo grinned. Wufei had had as much fun cooking as the guys had yelling at the TV. The late night departure had led to a cursory cleaning, making things just presentable enough that Wufei would consent to go to bed.
Duo knew Wufei had an early morning meeting today, set for the wholly unpleasant hour of 7:30 am, and Duo had insisted on leaving the rest for him to finish off this morning. He'd pulled out all the stops in persuading Wufei to leave it.
After seeing Wufei off he'd enjoyed a nice leisurely bubble bath and a coffee and got down to work.
Duo's humming trailed off a bit as he relived Wufei's surrender last night. That moment he'd melted into Duo's arms in the hallway as Duo had mercilessly plundered that special spot behind Wufei's ear and down the side of his neck…that deep moan of "yes Duo" as his legs had given way and he'd let Duo sweep him up into his arms…..
Duo took a deep breath and let a shiver run through him. He shook himself and stood up, making his way to the kitchen to dump the dustbuster out into the garbage bin.
As he plugged the dustbuster back into the socket he heard the front door open and close, quietly.
"I thought you were gonna be in the office all day Kitten," Duo called out as he made his way to the front room. "That musta been a short-"
Duo cut off his commentary abruptly as he took in the vision before him. Frozen in place at the sight of Wufei standing there with a wild eyed stare that saw nothing, and a look that Duo never imagined he'd see on Wufei's face.
Wufei didn't move. He just stood there, barely inside the door, staring at Duo with utter panic in his eyes, fists clenched, shaking .
Duo took this in in an instant, then he found himself at Wufei's side. "Fei! What's wrong?! What happened?" Duo Wufei his hands over Wufei searching for an injury, something, anything to explain this….. shock. Wufei stared, blank.
"Fei!" Duo barked. "What – happened?"
Wufei shuddered and squeezed his eyes closed. "Duo" he whispered , brokenly. "I" he swallowed, and Duo's grip tightened on Wufei's arms.
God. He'd never heard such a lost, broken tone in Wufei's voice. He pulled Wufei into his arms, knocking his hat off in the process. Desperate to reassure, to hold onto Wufei. "Wufei he whispered. "I'm here. I've got you. Tell me what's wrong."
"Duo" Wufei almost sobbed Duo's name, and that heart wrenching cry almost brought Duo to his knees right there.
He squeezed Wufei tighter, then pulled back just enough to direct Wufei toward the sofa.
They fell more than sat down on the sofa, and Wufei clutched at the back of Duo's shirt. Wufei was shaking, not trembling, shaking in his arms, repeating Duo's name. "Duo. Duo"
Duo held on tight, rubbing his arms up and down Wufei's back, soothing, trying to calm Wufei. "Kitten. Come on. You have to tell me what is going on. I'm here, I have you. Talk to me. Please Wufei."
Wufei took a shuddering breath. Squeezed tighter just for a moment, then pushed back a little. He cleared his throat, then sat upright, rubbed his hands over his face and cleared his throat again. "Duo. I'm…. I'm sorry" he whispered. "So sorry"
"sorry. For what? Wufei What. Is. Wrong?" Duo took Wufei's face between his hands, staring firmly into Wufei's eyes as he held him in place. "Tell me Wufei. Now. What the hell happened?"
Wufei briefly struggled to look away, then clenched his eyes shit at the same time clamping his hands onto Duo's shoulders. Tightly, very tight. Duo knew he'd have finger mark bruises…
"Duo" Wufei rasped, "I'm…I have to…. God." Wufei shuddered, a full body movement, swallowed and then, "I'm getting married Duo." He breathed out.
Then his eyes opened and Duo flinched back at the deadness there. That deadness he'd hoped to never see again. Wufei slumped in a bit, in what only could be taken as defeat, curling around himself as if to hold his stomach inside his body when Duo jerked back, releasing his hold. Wufei's head dropped to his knees.
"What?" Duo whispered. "what did you say?"
"Please Duo." Wufei whispered, "please…. Dr. O has arranged….. a marriage. I'm…. I will be married in… in March" Wufei's voice morphed from lost, asking for Duo to fix it, somehow, to flat, dead, all fear and panic melting away from his voice, leaving it flat, cold. Deadly quiet.
"Well tell him to fuck off Fei!" Duo said, anger creeping into his tone as he reached for Wufei's shoulder, to make him look up.
Before he could grasp Wufei's shoulder, Wufei sighed and sat up to stare straight ahead, obviously unseeing. "I can't Duo . He's won. I will marry her."
"no Wufei. Bullshit he's won! Why?! Why just give in like this. This is too much! Fight. You have to fight back." By the end, his voice had dropped to an anguished whisper.
"I can't fight him Duo." Again that deadness. Wufei turned to look at Duo. "he's taken Mei Duo. I…. she can't…. she can't fight for herself. I must… I have to..." another sigh. "I will marry. I'm... sorry."
"what?" Duo asked, shocked. He sat back as though slapped. "what do you mean, taken her?"
Of course. It would have to be something to do with Mei. The one thing Duo could never, ever compare with, Wufei's devotion to her. Naturally that bastard would use her to coerce Wufei. And he wouldn't fight, not with her in danger. He'd let Dr. O do anything, if it would keep her from harm. Anything. Obviously.
"She's gone Duo. He's taken her, from the hospital, moved her…I don't know where. Says he's made it so I won't find her and I won't see her until after the…. the marriage is…." He sighed, "until after the wedding."
He dropped his head into his hands. "I'm sorry Duo, so sorry." Cracks were appearing now in the tight hold Wufei had on himself, showed in the anguish palpable in his voice. "I… I never…. It shouldn't have…" he stood, abruptly, taking a deep breath, fists clenched, he stalked toward the window, "my… bride…." He closed his eyes, "Arrives on the 20th."
Wufei strode to the window,his arms tightly about himself. He rested his forehead against the window pane and gazed out over the cityscape, Brooklyn Bridge and all the cars fading from view as he lost focus.
"I didn't mean for..." he whispered, tired now, cold, unable to think anymore. His walls rapidly freezing over again with the certainty that he'd lost Duo "Duo... Duo. Truly, I never imagined this. Though with Dr. O's threat at the beginning, I guess I should've seen this coming ... or something like it." He sighed "I'm so sorry, Duo. I shouldn't have let it go this far"
Wufei closed his eyes when there was no answer from Duo
"Dr. O has bought a home for Merian and I... I would rather not just discard this apartment. I... I would like it if... maybe... Duo maybe you keep it. I'll transfer the deed into your name tomorrow. I will move into a hotel this afternoon, I-"
Wufei was cut off by a sharp "hotel? Why?" as he was swung around to face Duo.
A Duo that Wufei had never imagined seeing. Thunderous rage warring with pain as those depths of violet held a look of terror ... and loss, such loss, on that face. "You said March Wufei. Why? Why are you going to a hotel now?"
"Duo…." Wufei trailed off confused completely at a loss how to go on from here.
"No Wufei." Duo's expression settled into a kind of hurt anger "you are not leaving me.
"No Wufei." Duo went on as Wufei seemed about to speak "that bitch doesn't arrive until the 20th you said.
"You don't marry her until March. You are mine Wufei. Mine. Mind, body, and soul. That bastard may have taken Mei, he has a hold on you and there may not be a way to really fight this, but I am fighting anyway. I am not giving you up Wufei. Not without a fight."
Duo drew Wufei into his embrace. A trembling Wufei obviously in shock.
Duo was shaking himself as he went on, "look. We'll get Quatre and the guys on it. He can do a search. And... Well... Even if he can't find her. Even if you have to do this, and marry this, this woman. I'm staying. You Are Mine Wufei. Even if I have to share you.
You belong to me. I'm fighting Kitten. The bastard knows. He knows we love each other. Obviously, he's wallowing in hurting you this way. But someday Wufei his time will come."
He clenched his eyes shut a moment, then went on, "Anyway. You said she doesn't, arrive until the 20th. Even though after then you'll..."
He choked, took a deep breath and squeezed lightly "you'll have to" his eyes clenched shut "spend time with her. Until then you are only mine. And I intend to brand your very soul Wufei." Duo locked gazes, violet eyes darkened and blazing "even if you marry her. Your soul will know, Wufei. You belong to me." Duo abruptly pulled Wufei into a fierce embrace and a passionate, all-consuming kiss.
The kiss seemed to finally break through Wufei's stoic calm and he returned it with equal passion, clinging to Duo fiercely.
Sobbing deep inside as he wrapped his arms around Duo and yielded completely "I love you Duo - I do - I do - so much. I need you. Please Duo, please"
The sobs escaped and grew, such that Wufei could not speak now as Duo swept him up and carried into the bedroom "Mine Wufei. Mine."
Duo was silently crying now as well, tears streaming down his face. His own shaking threatening to cause him to drop Wufei.
He managed to get them onto the bed, each wrapped tightly about the other, hands petting, caressing as both men finally calmed enough to breathe normally.
"Kitten" Duo breathed "I meant it. I'm not giving you up and I'm not giving in. If I have to be the kept mistress, the secret, fine. Whatever capacity. I will not give you up. Don't give up on me Wufei. Don't let this break us"
"Duo" Wufei whispered. Obviously exhausted. "I love you. I do –It's not right. It's not right to make you a hidden secret something to be kept in the dark. It's not right for you or Merian"
Duo stiffened at the mention of Merian's name and Wufei sighed "it's not her fault Duo. She's innocent in this. She's being used by Dr. O just as we are. She's young and innocent with the misfortune to have a bastard of a father with a business connection to Dr. O. She was kind to me, when we were children. We weren't friends, never that, but she was nice in her own shy way. She-"
"shut up Wufei." Duo growled. And Wufei quieted in utter shock. Duo had never spoken to him in such a way, in that tone.
"I don't give a fuck if she's your best friend or your worst tormentor. I don't want to talk about her. Especially not in our bed." Duo rolled down so he hovered over Wufei "you belong to me. To think you may have to marry this bitch. Touch her. Let her touch you. Fuck her."
Duo clenched his teeth. Slammed his eyes shut, and shook and barely suppressed rage and pain. "Wufei" he choked out as a tear rolled down his face.
Wufei caressed Duo's jaw. "Oh Duo" he whispered "I swear," he pulled Duo down, claiming his lips in a soft kiss "I swear. I won't ever speak of her in our bed again."
Wufei grabbed Duo in his arms kissing the side of his neck the side of his jaw "I love you Duo. Only you Duo. Ever. Brand me Duo."
Their lovemaking was fierce, passionate, almost violent as each tried to leave his mark on the other.
Take me," Wufei begged urgently, his voice carried in soft mews. "Brand me… mark me." He wrapped his arms loosely over Duo's shoulders and gazed into his eyes. "…please..."
Duo was caught. Wufei was right here, still here…. hot, hard and aching for his touch.
Wufei's hand slid down Duo's chest, to his shorts where he fumbled to undo the button. His hand brushed against Duo's groin once, twice and then it became impossible for Duo to think, to reason, to do anything.
All he wanted to do was take Wufei, mark Wufei, fuck Wufei like there was no tomorrow, and maybe like there was no yesterday, either.
"Dammit," Duo grunted, and shoved Wufei down onto the bed as he rose up onto his knees before him, the muscles in his arms flexing as he clenched his fists and gritted his teeth, an expression of pain and borderline anger etched onto his face, making him look worried and scared while at the same time powerful and intimidating. "I'm sorry," he uttered gruffly before bending down and grabbing Wufei's shirt by the collar, ripping it in half.
Wufei cried out as Duo took hold of the top of his pants and, in a similar fashion, ripped them in half down one leg seam. Wufei's briefs met the same fate as the articles of clothing before them; like the effect of adrenaline, so it was with Duo's passion, giving him strength and a driving need that was both painful and thrilling.
Duo took Wufei by the legs and jerked him forward across the comforter, and Wufei felt his flesh burn from the friction. Strong arms shoved his legs wide apart, exposing all of Wufei's golden flesh in the dim yellow light of the bedside lamp.
Duo stared down at the prize before him, at the yielding beauty that was His dammit!, his to touch, his to taste, only his to partake of, and lowered his head to Wufei's groin, opening his mouth and taking in his Kitten's almost fully erect length.
Wufei's cock was warm and firm in Duo's mouth, and it tasted the way Wufei smelled, a pleasant smell like that of faint spice and fresh air.
Duo swallowed it down to the root, pressing his face between Wufei's legs until his lips brushed against coarse hair and hot skin; he flexed the muscles in his throat as he sucked hard but carefully.
Wufei clasped a hand to Duo's head and moaned, chest rising and falling heavily as he heaved labored breaths for air. "Unhh… oh, Duo …" he panted raggedly, his hands finding their way into Duo's hair where they clamped down into the thick mane. Wufei closed his eyes and submitted totally to Duo's desire.
Duo sat up and released Wufei's length, catching his breath and looking quickly about for something, anything, close by that could be used as a lubricant. He was quite constricted in the shorts he was wearing, so he crawled to his knees, unbuttoned his fly and pulled his boxers down around his thighs, sighing in relief.
Wufei leaned up a little and caught a glance of Duo's swollen, hard erection that was already leaking pearlescent pre-cum... "hurry Duo, I need you, inside me Duo, ... hurry."
"I'm workin' on it," Duo muttered, as he reached across Wufei's body, groping for the bedside table. He clumsily rummaged in the drawer as Wufei kissed and caressed his chest, hands wandering everywhere, and grabbed the bottle, muttering, "I will take you Wufei... you are still mine, I will show you Fei."
He returned to Wufei with the oil, popped the cap and emptied a fair amount into the palm of his hand. He worked hurriedly, slopping the oil haphazardly between Wufei's legs, clumsy in his haste to get inside Wufei before the pain and fear hit again, or before Wufei could think too much either.
Duo doubted that he would be able to stop now, he needed Wufei in a way he could not believe.
Duo's hands slipped easily over Wufei's shiny, golden oiled flesh; Wufei made satisfied mews in his throat as he enjoyed the sensation of Duo's sturdy, strong hands gliding over his cock.
Duo paused to unscrew the bottle and shake the last bit of oil from it before tossing it aside; he had just enough to slick over his hardened length, making it gleam. Dripping, slippery hands delved once again between Wufei's legs, this time in quest of softness.
"Aah! Nnnh!" Wufei groaned deeply when he felt one of Duo's questing fingers penetrate his body. He bucked once and closed his eyes, gasping, "Nnhh… deep. Deeper, Duo ."
Duo obeyed, forcing his way into Wufei and feeling the body relax and tighten responsively. He watched the expressions on Wufei's face and wanted to smile through the pain; here was his Kitten, sprawled out on the bed with his legs spread and head tossing back and forth in unbridled lust and need, moaning and begging.
His Wufei, fierce, sometimes naïve, somehow still innocent, sweet Wufei who was going to get his senses and sensibility fucked right out of him, right now. Duo was going to leave part of himself so deeply embedded into Wufei's soul, no matter what happened, Wufei would never, ever, erase it.
Duo withdrew and pried back in with two fingers, harshly, deep, forceful. Wufei cried out and bit his fist, grabbed the comforter beneath him and clutched it desperately. The fingers moved in and out, deeper, faster, with each thrust, and Duo took hold of Wufei's erection, hand sliding up and down its length.
"Ah! Nnh! Hhaaahhh…" Wufei sobbed, tears filling his eyes and running down the sides of his head. "Oh, God… Duo… Duo-!"
Duo felt dizzy with desire as he listened to the cries, his cock throbbing painfully and his balls aching for release; already thick drops of precum were drooling from him, and it was becoming hard to think of anything else but slamming himself into Wufei with a violence born of desire, pain, fear….
Finally, after one last thrust of his hand, Duo let go of Wufei's cock and retreated from the oiled heat of his body, grabbing Wufei's thighs and lifting them up onto his shoulders. He nudged his hips forward, allowing his need to rub against Wufei's balls as he tried to find the place he needed to be.
He found it shortly and pressed forward, Wufei's body spreading slowly to hug his shaft and closing around it once it had entered.
Wufei began to mewl in the back of his throat, but it was not sounds of pain. Duo could barely make out the words: 'Duo', 'yes Duo' and 'more Duo'.
Duo plunged forward, sliding halfway in, then easing back out only to press in deeper in the next movement. Tight, pulsing, velvety heat, untouched, unexplored, by any but him, ever. HIS.
Wufei was tight and hot all around him, heavy, clenching and slippery. Duo thrust forward until he pressed close to Wufei's flesh; Wufei shouted and leaned upward, wrapping his arms around Duo's neck and bringing him back down.
Duo rocked forward and back, pumping in and out with ease as Wufei moaned in pleasure beneath him. Each time he pushed into the heat, he felt Wufei's body part and then clasp around him in a lover's embrace, willing, receiving, and needful.
"Feels… s-so good," Wufei gasped in Duo's ear, chin resting upon his sturdy shoulder as their bodies rocked in unison. "Feels so good, Duo, so… so… good…"
Sweat beaded on Duo's brow-he felt it running down his bare chest as it met with Wufei's, just like he felt Wufei's cock press into his stomach each time he thrust inside.
He reached underneath him and cupped his hands around Wufei's shoulders, holding him close. Wufei's black silky hair brushed against Duo's fingers, and Duo pulled away slightly to gaze down into deep onyx, passion-filled eyes.
Duo closed his eyes and kissed Wufei completely as he pulsed and throbbed deep inside him.
They rolled, tumbled, clawed at each other's flesh as if they were on their last moment of life, thrusting with a passion guaranteed to leave bruising, marks to keep this moment foremost in their minds for some time to come.
Wufei tore his lips away and gasped for breath, feeling his skin bead with sweat. Duo sucked on Wufei's throat as his hips gyrated into Wufei's, grinding rock hard flesh brutally in and out of the yielding body beneath him.
With each entry Wufei called out, and clamped tighter to his lover. "Unh, give… give it to me Duo, own me," he panted heavily, almost wising for his body to be broken in pieces, to match his heart. And Duo was giving it to him, giving it as hard as he could.
Moments passed in heated whispers, wordless involuntary grunts, incoherent moans then finally, an orgasm hit Wufei like a hammer, and he lurched up from the bed, back arched and eyes shut tight, with a scream-like moan pouring from deep inside.
He grabbed Duo's shoulders and fairly smothered him against his body, shaking and trembling and writhing as if in agony of pleasure. He buried a hand in Duo's cinnamon gold locks, pulling them in feverish distress, and cried out without words as creamy warmth spurted from his straining cock.
"Oh…! Ohhh, Gah! Ohhhhhaaaa…!" Wufei raved as he felt Duo's swollen length slide into him again and again; he arched his hips off the bed to receive the pleasure while sucking in gasps through his open mouth as if he were suffocating.
He wrapped his legs around Duo's waist and attached himself firmly onto the steel rod from which so much of his pleasure was derived, seated himself deep upon it like he never wanted it to leave him.
The two lovers couldn't be pried apart, so tightly were they wrapped around each other. Duo growled and groaned like a raging beast as his vision became clouded by white light, and he felt the pain and ache of his fear and desires suddenly rush from his throbbing length and into the warm tightness that embraced him.
It was the best feeling in the world, that rush of force, whose absence left him shaking and shuddering weakly.
Wufei moaned and writhed as he felt Duo's heat flow into him, nudging his hips against his lover's appreciatively while his limbs went slowly limp, loosening from around Duo.
"…never felt so good," he murmured sleepily. "Want you Duo … inside me, only you… forever…" Then he began to whine softly as Duo withdrew his softening cock from out of him.
Duo sat back on his legs then stood and steadied himself against the edge of the bed while Wufei lay outstretched on the crumpled comforter, staring at the ceiling as if he were in a trance, dazed and satisfied.
He grabbed Wufei's ripped shirt and crawled up onto the bed. He cleaned them both up, then lay and pulled Wufei into his arms. "mine Wufei" he growled. "mine." Then he let himself fall into a sated but uneasy sleep, holding Wufei tightly to his chest.
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The rest of that week was spent holed up in the apartment. Neither was far from the other for any length of time, as though each feared if out of sight for very long the other would be lost...
Quatre did all the magic he could think of, but no hint was found. Rather, it was as though Mei'd vanished.
Wufei barely slept, plagued by nightmares. Visions of Mei found, but dead; or Dr. O revealing, gleefully, after the wedding, that she was dead; or telling Wufei after the wedding that he was being transferred overseas with Merian; or of getting a call from Zechs or Trowa that Duo was dead by his own hand or by Dr. O's orders; or of Duo leaving him... on and on.
Wufei grew more and more distant over the weeks that followed. Duo could feel Wufei slipping away.
Oh, he was still there. He could still touch him, kiss him, make love to him, and he did, as often as he could, branding him, filling Wufei's soul with his love, his touch, but ... still, Wufei was distant.
Though he gave himself to Duo, though he begged Duo to take him, touch him, still...
Wufei began to build his walls again, steeling himself for the coming nightmare. And that was what the walls were made of this time. Notice, that could melt or crack. But cold, hard, lifeless steel.
Every interaction with Dr. O tempered the steel harder. Wufei grew colder, harder. Not really meaning to, not ever, nonetheless he withdrew from Duo.
Bit by bit, Wufei walled himself off to prevent the wound of his heart from spreading. It felt like a great festering wound, gaping in his chest. Like his heart has been ripped out; roasted, whipped, shredded, and placed back inside his body.
It was like a burning acid, eating away at his heart, and he feared it would spread, destroying him. He couldn't think for more than a moment on the pain Duo was in, caused by him. Him and his selfish desires-daring to let this happen, falling in love...
Nor could he think for long about Mei. On the danger she was in, where she was, if she was cared for, if anyone read to her, was she cold, in pain, did she know she'd been taken away, that he was not there...
Instead, more and more he occupied his mind with mindless monotony: work contracts, the offices in Europe, Mamaru's tours, kendo, his katas... anything that would keep him from actual thought.
Even time spent with Duo grew to be painful, as Wufei contemplated the coming separation, and he reacted in the only way he knew how... if you don't let yourself need something, if you don't let yourself feel, it can't hurt when it's taken away...
As the 20th grew closer, he closed off tighter and tighter, trying to forestall the dread. Duo tried to hold on, to keep Wufei close to him, but as Wufei closed off deeper and deeper, burying himself in his work, his kendo, whatever, Duo was left to his own devices.
Much more often than he would've liked.
He still had GUNDAM, and the guys supported him. They helped him hold it together. Just as they had done when he had lost Hilde.
Duo did have that one small advantage in dealing with this. Duo had endured loss before. He'd had to watch Hilde withdraw from him, just as Wufei was doing now. GUNDAM had helped him keep it together then, given him a purpose, and they held him together now.
He leaned on Zechs, and Trowa, a lot. Definitely more than he should, and it was those two who supported him, occupied him, kept him sane on the evening that Wufei had to meet Merian...
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Wufei's dread had grown so all-encompassing that he did not see the toll the approaching date was taking on Duo.
He prepared for the office that morning, knowing in the back of his mind that Merian would arrive late that morning. He would have to meet her that very evening.
He'd determined that first meeting would be on neutral ground, at his office, after she'd rested. He would have to face her, Dr. O, her father... and he was so determined to feel nothing this day, to delay it, that when he woke, he did not speak to or make any response to Duo. He simply slid from his bed and began to shower getting ready to face this day.
But. Duo also woke that morning knowing that this night, this night Wufei would meet his wife. The woman he would be expected to touch... to hold... to marry.
And Duo could not, absolutely could not, pretended it was just like any other morning. He woke to the sound of Wufei starting the shower.
Hurt, angry, scared; Duo couldn't contain his grief on this morning of all days. To know he was about to lose Wufei; that all their time from this point on would be... Tainted... Marred.
Duo rolled over to one side, wrapping himself around Wufei's pillow, unable to hold back the grief, the pain. The anger now on the back burner, in the back of his mind, the grief had come fully to the fore. He lay there wracked by pain, crying as quietly as he could.
This was the scene that Wufei took in as he stepped out from the bathroom to get dressed.
Duo, brokenhearted, stifling his pain into a pillow, oblivious to Wufei's entrance.
It broke Wufei, Duo's pain. Without thought, he found Duo in his arms. Holding him tightly as Duo released his pain.
Duo, the one who always held him, soothed him, helped him to endure his pain, now lost and broken in his arms.
"Nissho, Duo, I'm so sorry, so so sorry." Wufei could think of nothing else to say, only over and over, "I'm sorry Duo. I love you Duo. Only you always" Wufei rocked Duo, holding him as tightly as he could, until Duo calmed, finally going limp against him.
All the tension, fear, anguish, he'd kept bottled up this last three weeks, finally released. After a bit, Wufei looked down to find Duo in an exhausted slumber against his chest.
Wufei took a deep breath, carefully so as not to disturb Duo, and shook himself mentally. He been so enmeshed in his own nightmare, he discounted Duo's own. He had relied so on Duo's strength, that though he knew Duo felt this too, he had not truly processed.
Wufei determined he would be stronger, for Duo. Though he exposed himself to more pain by admitting his feelings, he would not wall himself off completely again. He would consciously see Duo. Be there for him too...
There was no way to get out of this evening. He would have to meet Merian tonight. But at least he was not expected to meet her at the airport. Wufei leaned back, pulling Duo closer. A vulnerable, Duo that nestled into his arms, squeezing him and mumbling "Wufei."
Wufei determined that although he may have to endure tonight, he did not have to be at the office today. No, today, today with belonged to Duo. Completely. Holding him, talking, making love... helping Duo, and himself, to build their reserves up for what was to come.
Duo could walk away, leave Wufei to suffer this alone, go off to mourn and lick his wounds, and search for another – one who didn't have the baggage Wufei did, someone who could devote themselves totally to him... and he deserved to, he should, but – he loved Wufei.
And he wouldn't leave, he'd sworn, he wouldn't walk away. ...he could still hear Duo's declaration: "I've told you, Wufei I'm not going anywhere anytime soon... "Wufei , I promise you, as long as you want me... Forever Wufei. I'm yours, you're mine... always."
Wufei gently reached for his cell on the bedside table. With as little movement as possible he texted Tina, telling her he was out today. Then shut the damn thing off.
He slowly, carefully, eased down until he lay with Duo close against him. Encased in his arms. Safe, loved. "I love you Duo" he murmured into Duo's hair.
Wufei lay there, arms full of Duo, and felt his heart melting. He would endure any pain, whatever it took to see Duo through this too. To make sure Duo knew how much it meant that he wasn't giving up...
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Wufei stood there, in front of his desk, outwardly calm, stoic. But inside, he was seething, raging. And desperately trying to think of something, anything, to keep the memory of his day with Duo from his mind.
Of their frantic, frenzied lovemaking; of Duo's brave front for Wufei's benefit, after he'd awoken, trying so hard not to let his fear and pain show through.
Wufei had to find something else to focus on, or he was going to slip, to allow his anger, his hatred, to show. And as angry as he was, as loathsome as he found Dr. O on this day of all days, he could not allow this wrath to be directed toward the innocent, shy, beautiful woman approaching.
And she was beautiful. Demure, eyes downcast, a shy smile on her lips. Petite in stature, but with a lush figure: lightly rounded hips, breasts just short of generous, delicate hands, shapely legs.
She had silken, raven hair, lightly curled, bouncing around her head in cut layers and falling just passed her shoulder blades. Finally, as she raised her eyes to Wufei's own, he noted that they were a deep, chocolate brown. Not the flat, mouse brown, as so many brown eyes were, but warm dark chocolate. Like frosting or syrup, with flecks of gold and amethyst, and they were large doe like, innocent.
Filled with an obviously fearful desire for acceptance. And this wish to be wanted made Wufei as sad as anything else this day. To know how he was going to hurt this woman...
Because, no matter what he did, no matter how well he played his role, he could not love her. He may come to care for her in some way, to at least feel protective of her. He may act well enough to convince her of his love, but someday, somehow, it would come out, and she would be hurt, as he and Duo were hurting now... and he could find no way to prevent it...
"Wufei the young woman murmured quietly, her voice musical and sweet, like a Disney Princess. "I am... pleased... to see you again." Her voice, warm with appreciation, and attraction, but was pitched quietly enough for Wufei's ears alone.
"I was... terribly sorry, to hear of your tragedy, of Mei's injury." She dropped her eyes to the floor at that last statement, preventing her from catching the flash of pain-anger-fear in Wufei's eyes at the mention of Mei. "I'm sorry that she has to be in isolation for now" (ahh, so that's how Dr. O would play this for now. Wufei had wondered how Dr. O would keep Merian's curiosity contained.) "I do hope she'll be able to receive visitors soon."
Thankfully, Merian dropped this line of questioning and then went quiet. Wufei sighed, then cleared his throat, and lifted his eyes as he took Merian's hand in his, lightly kissing the palm.
"Thank you Merian, for your concern. It is-" he couldn't say pleasant, agreeable,... He swallowed. "You've grown into a beautiful young woman Merian, since last we met." He continued quietly.
She smiled and blushed lightly. "Shall we sit?" Wufei indicated the sofa in the small table in the corner of his office.
Ignoring Dr. O's presence completely in an attempt to contain his hatred, Wufei guided her over. This young woman was innocent, undeserving of his fury. "You've rested well, since your flight arrived this morning? The..." A quick breath, "the house is... Acceptable?"
Merian nodded and raised excited eyes to his "oh yes Wufei!" She gushed, "the house is adorable. Thank you - I... I'm sure this is... awkward. For you also" she said quietly.
Wufei determined even harder then, to contain all of his ire, and to keep it from her. He placed a hand softly over her own - fortified himself, and looked up at Dr. O standing there, by her father, near the door.
"You will excuse us." He spoke coldly despite his best efforts. "I will speak with my... with Merian alone. You may leave the door open for propriety, but you will leave us."
Wufei was done cowering. Dr. O needed this alliance and therefore, at least in this, he would accommodate Wufei. Wufei was done groveling, bowing for Dr. O. He had given up his life, his very soul, to this man. He could lose nothing else.
This, he would control - to the best of his ability. He would protect this innocent girl, as he had been unable to protect Duo.
Would shelter her from Dr. O, as he had always guarded Mei, until she was taken beyond his control. Merian would not be the victim to Dr. O's ire, if it could at all be avoided. She would never know, how she had been whored out for Dr. O's gain, for his spiteful glee at hurting Wufei.
Beyond the obvious arranged marriage, she would not know how their fathers had made her into nothing more than a whore. Arranged marriages happened, still somewhat often, among the older families of his culture.
She knew this was part of forging an alliance between Romfeller and L5. But she did not know of his... reluctance, of Dr. O's holding Mei hostage against his participation, of Wufei's ... dread, dismay, and ... complete lack of desire for her...
Wufei kept his gaze locked on Dr. O's. Cold, unwavering, until Dr. O gave an imperceptible nod and turned to guide the Elder Li from the room.
Once they left, Wufei turned his gaze to Merian. She flinched briefly as his steel, hard eyes met hers. She looked down, afraid, uncertain.
Wufei softened his gaze, sighed, and lifted her hand into his own "Merian" he said. Firm, but not cold, not angry, "look at me"
She raised her eyes, and whispered "yes Wufei?" She asked.
He tried to smile. Tried and failed. But she seemed to understand the effort "Our fathers have... established this. You know that." He said quietly.
She nodded, meek, and sad.
"But" he went on. She raised her eyes, hopeful now "if this must happen, at least we... knew each other, before. At least we... have that, to build on. We weren't friends, not really, but we were... kind to each other. You showed me a kindness, and a kind of friendship to Mei, that none of the children of Dr. O's other associates did. Better this, than total strangers"
Wufei took a deep breath. He ran his hands over his hair, pulled back tightly into his rigid ponytail, giving him some feeling of control, and then touched her cheek to raise her eyes.
He looked at her for a long moment, until she took her lip between her teeth, the uncertainty back in her expression. "Merian" he went on, "I don't love you. I'm sorry. And you can't possibly love me. Despite our... history, we don't know each other, not really. But this... this marriage, will happen regardless. We can... Make the best of it. We have two months, to get to know each other. To prepare. I would... keep this apart. Apart from our fathers, from L5, from Romfeller. This should be, between only us."
He sat back a bit, sipped from his water. "Tell me, Merian, something about yourself. Your hobbies, your ... interests..."
The evening wore on. Despite the simmering anger in the back of his mind, Wufei found conversation with Merian... agreeable. She was sweet, innocent, kind.
Arrangements were made, for the courtship. And Merian and her father left. Wufei turned and left without giving Dr. O any opportunity to speak, anxious to spend time with Duo ...as much time as he had left...