VALENTINE
Duo paced Zechs' living room like a caged lion, running his fingers through his tawny mane before dropping his hands to his sides, fists clenched. Every muscle tense, poised as though for 'fight or flight.' So tightly wound, the slightest provocation could set him off. Zechs, Heero and Trowa watched, quietly, hurting for their friend… and completely unable to ease his pain. Finally, Trowa could take no more.
"Duo" he said into the silence. He almost could have shouted, the room was so quiet. Duo started and whirled to face Trowa, then slumped into a slouch, head bowed. "sorry Trowa. You startled me. What man?" so defeated, so lost….
Trowa stood and came to face Duo. He took Duo's shoulders in his hands, "C'mon man. You gotta take your mind off this. Let's toss some darts. You can take out some aggression and still not think so much. Or we can go out, pool or bowl-"
"no." Duo cut him off. "I don't wanna go out. Darts is fine." He turned to lead the way out to Zechs' patio.
Duo'd tried to shake it off, really. But it was so hard. So hard not to imagine the meeting taking place right now. So hard not to picture Wufei taking a beautiful woman into his arms… and from there his imagination just wanted to run rampant, self-torture dragging up visions: Wufei kissing her, touching her…..more…. He groaned and shook head, forcing all thoughts of Wufei aside, or tried to, anyway.
He abruptly turned aside into the kitchen before exiting the patio door. He opened the fridge, taking out a hard lemonade. As he closed the door however, Heero's hand covered his, taking the bottle. Heero turned Duo to face him.
"No Maxwell." He said firmly. "No. You've already had enough. I'm not gonna let you get smashed and make it worse. Wufei won't be much longer and you're gonna want a clear head when he gets here. C'mon, let's toss some darts. Focus on not letting me kick your ass." He steered Duo toward the glass door, "And, just to keep you focused, let's have a little wager."
He placed Duo at the chalk line and handed him a set of darts, "warm up. Six shots, then we get serious."
"Hmmm….. let's see" Zechs mused, "A challenge…. Ah!" he grinned hugely at Duo and turned smiling to Heero and Trowa, "I have it. Loser has to cook, not buy, not order and re-heat, but cook the Groundhog Day breakfast. And before the parade." His eyes gleamed.
Duo's eyes flew wide. "Cook?! And breakfast ?! and before the parade – are you nuts?" he squawked. "you are evil Zechs. Plain evil." He glowered at Zechs then took his stance, intent on definitely not losing. Heero's glare wasn't much better., "Hn"
Duo took his warm up shots then each man gathered his dart set and the game began in earnest. Duo focused, concentrating fiercely, actually forgetting for a moment here and there just why he was being distracted. It didn't erase the pain and frustration, but it eased it, and Duo was so grateful to have such friends….
The battle was fierce and competitive, each scoring within a few points of the other, down to the wire. Finally, on Trowa's last toss, the distraction of Duo's 'monkey dance' off to one side, combined with a miraculously timed gust of wind caused Trowa's dart to veer to the right giving him a 4, rather than the 20 he needed for the win, costing him the game. Heero's sigh of relief was drowned out by Duo's shout.
"Yes!" Duo crowed, jumping up and down, and busting out in another rendition of the monkey dance, arms waving. "Yes! I don't' have to cook, whoo hoo!"
"And even better, we don't have to eat anything you would cook" Zechs chuckled, "though, it would have almost been worth it to see you at a stove before 6 am."
"hmph!" Trowa snorted, "almost…. Maybe." He gathered his darts, "well, as much as I didn't necessarily want to lose, it has to beat getting stuck with burnt oatmeal or worse. Stupid wind though. I had you Duo, I fucking had you!"
Duo just laughed as he cleared away the Pepsi cans and chips as Zechs closed up the dart board and pulled down the patio cover.
Heero couldn't contain his relief, "Spare us from Maxwell's cooking, that's for sure. Tho mine wouldn't have been any better. A Barton breakfast though, that's worth getting up at 6am." He smiled briefly at Trowa when he spun with surprise to gape at Heero.
"A Yuy compliment? Damn, I knew I was a good cook, but now I know I'm fucking awesome." He grinned as Zechs chuckled quietly, and Heero smiled bashfully.
"Well. I am glad to see you are feeling better." A formal voice intoned from the doorway and Duo spun around to find Wufei lounging against the door frame, a warm smile, full of love on his face, shining in his eyes.
"Fei!" Duo stepped around the table toward Wufei about to embrace him, but pulled up, just short. Hurt flashed through Wufei's eyes, for a brief moment, then he reached and pulled Duo into his arms. He dropped his head to Duo's shoulder, breathing against Duo's neck "Nissho"
Duo's arms tightened around Wufei and he inhaled Wufei's hair. "Wufei" he returned, "glad you're back Babe." He leaned back and, taking a lock of hair in each hand, pulled Wufei in for a kiss. He kept it short, but filling, tasting every reachable inch of Wufei's mouth. Then he stepped back, determined to keep this evening light, upbeat, as long as he could.
"We just narrowly avoided disaster Wufei." Duo intoned seriously before flashing a grin. Tight, but a grin nonetheless. "Must have been divine intervention because my Fei loves me." Duo cheekily went on.
"oh?" Wufei asked, brows raised, "How so?" Wufei turned in Duo's arms so his back was to Duo and held on to Duo's forearms around his chest to keep his embrace firm.
Zechs smiled as Trowa growled. "we had a small wager on the outcome of this game." Zechs explained, "to keep Duo focused on the task at hand. Loser has to cook, actually cook,mind you, breakfast for Groundhog Day. And before the parade too."
Zechs laughed at Wufei's wide-eyed, expression as both brows raised into his hairline.
"As you can imagine, Duo paid attention." Heero intoned solemnly.
Wufei found himself grinning. "oh, I believe that." He laughed, "Duo cooking, and breakfast, of all meals? Right. Burnt 'Eggo's all around"
"Hey!" Duo cried, "That was only one time. And it was your fault those got burnt." He pouted, then smiled and kissed Wufei's temple. "you distracted me"
Wufei smiled and turned his head back a bit, reaching up with one arm to pull Duo down into a kiss. "that I did Nissho." He murmured, voice husky. Then he whispered against Duo's mouth, "when we get home maybe I'll remind you just how I distracted you."
He kissed Duo again, swallowing Duo's gasp at that whispered promises, then turned back to the group, pressing himself back against Duo and wriggling, just a bit under the pretense of repositioning as he turned back around, relishing the pressure of Duo's awakened hardness against his back pocket.
Duo squeezed Wufei tighter against him, breathing against the back of his neck as Wufei addressed Zechs, "So, I take it something occurred 'providentially' to divert Duo's loss?"
Zechs chuckled, "Trowa was all set up to take the win, but a 'heavenly' timed gust of wind blew through just as he tossed and he scored poorly."
Heero snorted, " Of course, the 'monkey dance' taking place off to one side didn't exactly help his aim either."
"Monkey dance?" Wufei asked, turning to look at Duo, curious.
"oh, you haven't seen the monkey dance yet!" Zechs crowed, leaning forward to snatch Duo away from Wufei. Duo was never so thankful to be wearing an oversized hoody.
"When Duo's losing, or just wants to be obnoxious to his competitors in darts, or pool, or golf, or bowling, or pretty much anything that requires paying attention or focus, he does the monkey dance." Heero explained
"yeah," Trowa put in, "His answer is that you have to be able to fire under pressure, right? So, if they can't focus on their task while he's dancing the monkey dance, then they obviously just need more practice." He scowled, "Unfortunately, the fact that he, once truly focused on a task is monumentally hard to distract, just adds fuel to his fire."
Zechs pulled Duo into the middle of the patio, "I can't believe you haven't shown Wufei the monkey dance Duo, you slacker, c'mon, let's see it"
Duo grinned. "Well, I haven't really wanted him distracted yet, when he's been focused on something." Duo leered, then softened his smile, "I haven't minded losing a round of pool or two, and we haven't played more than a few games of darts here and there. It woulda come out eventually. Wufei's very competitive too. But, he's incredibly focused when he's on task. More so than even me I think. I don't think it would distract him anyway."
Duo caught Wufei's curious gaze and held it, "Well, at least, not when performed in front of others. Alone, naked, at home maybe…"
Duo flashed a quick grin, raised both arms over his head, and began to sway seductively. Both arms waving over his head, hips rotating as he gyrated in a circle….. "hey!" Trowa shouted, "not the 'fuck me, please' Monkey dance! C'mon. show him the real one. You can practice that version later at home."
Duo laughed, winked at Wufei and answered "ok. The real one" then he began to wave both arms erratically over his head, like a tree tossed in a storm, and jump up and down, crowing, "ooh, ooh, focus, focus. You can do it, come on!" in a high pitched voice.
Wufei's eyes flew wide and his mouth dropped open, then snapped shut before he shook his head and looked to Trowa, with mock sympathy "no wonder your aim was off, what a freak." He grinned.
"Hey!" Duo mock pouted "freak?"
"yeah. But you're my freak" Wufei reached out and pulled Duo into his arms once more, kissing him quickly. "C'mon freak. Let's go home."
He turned to the guys. "Thank you. All of you. So much." He intoned solemnly as he held Duo close. Each man sobered and nodded back. "Not a problem man." Trowa answered, "ever."
"Brothers." Was Heero's slipped, but heartfelt reply.
"yeah. Remember" Zechs responded quietly, "we love him too Wufei. We'll always be here" Zechs nodded again, eyes on Wufei, then turned to head back inside with the darts.
"Take that bastard home and give him something else to think about." Trowa groused as he clasped Wufei's shoulder. Then he and Heero turned to finish pulling down the patio cover that had been abandoned on Wufei's arrival.
Wufei turned back to Duo who was watching him quietly. "come Nissho. Let's go home and you can show me the rest of that dance." He smiled warmly, and kissed Duo softly.
"yeah baby, I'll show you that, and more." Duo kissed Wufei back, passionately, deeply, lovingly, then pulled back, taking Wufei by the hand and leading him out to the car.
Zechs, Heero and Trowa watched quietly as the two got into Duo's car. "I worry guys." Zechs said quietly. "this …. This could break him. You know?"
"hn." Heero grunted as he kept his eye on the car.
"yeah Zechs, I know. But damned if I know how to fix it." Trowa turned a solemn gaze to Zechs. "he's in too deep now to walk away, and Wufei loves him. He knows that, wants to protect Wufei every bit as much as he needs protecting himself. All we can do I figure is be here to pick up the pieces if he falls. If either of them fall."
"We'll all be here. Whenever he needs us." Heero vowed.
Zechs took a deep breath. "I know…. I know. I just wish I didn't have such a premonition that the fall is coming…" he turned back to the window watching as they drove away down the street.
"And I hope, if he does break, we can put the pieces back together again. Something tells me if he breaks those pieces will be jagged and sharp. We may just end up cutting ourselves trying to piece the puzzle back together…."
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
The time they had together now was so limited. Dr. O went out of his way to overschedule Wufei. He announced another upcoming tour for Mamaru, before even telling Wufei naturally; ensuring that Wufei would be swamped with sudden details: press conferences and televised appearances to schedule, finalizing and releasing the next album; which hadn't even yet been put to print, securing travel arrangements and venues for the tour….
Compile that whirlwind mess with the enforced courtship and Wufei had precious few hours to spend with Duo; often exhausted when he finally dragged himself home. The only good part of the whole mess was it kept him from spending too much time worrying about Mei…
On top of Wufei's hectic schedule, GUNDAM had garnered quite the local and online following and had finally signed a small contract. Set up for mostly local appearances, well - east coast at any rate, the deal guaranteed a certain amount of live appearances within a given time frame over the coming months.
If everything panned out, they would be rewarded with a recorded album in the summer, complete with a short promotion tour hitting some key spots in the US. It wasn't a label on the level of L5 Music, but it was a start.
The contract specifically was written that, should a larger label offer, GUNDAM could terminate given advance notice was made and a buyout was paid, or if a good enough rapport was developed by then between the band and the small label, they could retain the smaller label and partner with or work under the guidance of the hoped for big name label….
Duo was no happier over the recent required travel for GUNDAM than Wufei was over his own fucked up schedule, but GUNDAM had worked too hard and too long for the recognition to screw it up for the rest of them just so he could stay at the apartment and moon over Wufei. A Wufei who most often wasn't there anyway lately….. And, well, as much as it hurt to be away, it kept him from brooding too much when Wufei was out with her.
Wufei had no doubt that this break for GUNDAM would lead to more recognition. The growth they'd seen recently had exploded in the six weeks since Wufei had informed Duo of the "engagement".
Seemingly unbeknownst to Duo, his stage persona and presentation over the last weeks had developed a new ….. raw edge quality. His voice, his body language; there was a yearning there, an edge, an…. angst, that hadn't existed before. Especially poignant on songs that made him think of Wufei.
"This Chance" the "Frank-esque" ballad from the night they'd met, soared in popularity, Youtube was a wonderful tool, and it seemed their fan base multiplied daily. Yes, GUNDAM was undoubtedly on their way.
All Wufei could do was watch with both pride and trepidation as Duo became more widely recognized, (that beautiful mane of hair certainly helped with that part of it). With appearances and interviews and such, well... they spent more and more time apart…..
At least Wufei's and Duo's friendship had finally become public knowledge. That was some consolation, to know they could be seen together in public with no thought given to it….. Wufei could, if he ever had the time or chance, appear at a show for GUNDAM without it causing undue attention.
Apparently, someone from Towers had leaked somehow that he and Duo were now roommates, or at least that Duo was over frequently, and Wufei went with it, before he could talk himself out of it:
He'd had to address a press conference about the "engagement" to Merian and the announced wedding date when a reporter from a music rag had asked about his friendship with the hot newly noticed singer.
Trying to make herself seem more knowledgeable than she was, the girl had mentioned what a contrast the recent months had been for the notorious loner Wufei, what a change from his prior habits.
Developing a close friendship with Duo; having him staying for extended periods, and now this public announcement of an engagement… Before Wufei quite knew what he was saying he'd said that yes, he and Duo were roommates, had been now for a few months.
He played up that they'd met during the L5 competition that had resulted in Mercury signing with L5, and after learning about some shared interests had become fast friends.
Given GUNDAM's recent success and Duo's recently announced forthcoming tour dates; well, Duo'd just elected not to renew his apartment lease and was a sometime roommate with Wufei or the other bandmates when they were in town.
And this was true, except for the "other bandmates" part. Since GUNDAM had grown some, the others had branched out a bit.
Heero and Quatre, already best friends, had finally announced to their friends that it was more – not that everyone didn't already know that, but at least they'd finally admitted it. Anyway, they'd wanted to get a place, solo, for a while.
Quatre was doing pretty well, financially, with some of his web based design and such, apart from GUNDAM, and they'd moved into their own small place in October. They only signed a six month lease, in case things with GUNDAM went as Quatre hoped, but since they'd gone Duo and Trowa had elected not to renew the lease on the condo they'd shared for so long when it came due in November.
Duo'd pretty much moved in with Wufei anyway after the Masque at Halloween. And now, with the upcoming marriage, Wufei did not want anything of his to belong to Merian. Dr. O had bought the house, "for them" so Wufei transferred the deed of the apartment into Duo's name, as he'd said when this mess started. At least this way, their place would remain theirs when he finally found the way get out of the marriage. She would have no part of it. This place would remain his haven, even more so now, as in a scant few weeks he would be married.
Trowa ended up becoming roommates with Zechs for now, reluctant to sign a new lease with the way things were going, and how the guys hoped they would go. He and Zechs got along great, and this way if they did travel a lot, he didn't have to worry about things.
So, for now, Wufei and Duo being best friends / roommates meant when Duo was in town they could be seen together and Dr. O could do nothing about it. But, in the end, between Mamaru, Merian and GUNDAM, what everything boiled down to was time.
Time together grew more and more scarce. Wufei and Duo kept in contact via email, online messages, calls, texts….
Wufei did his damndest to make certain when Duo was in town they had at least one full 24 hour period together unless he himself was out of town. Of course Merian wouldn't protest them having some time together, male bonding and all, a guy needed to have some time to hang with friends, right? Right.
They talked and emailed constantly, but with Dr. O's hovering and Merian, well Wufei just couldn't take a weekend and follow GUNDAM, no matter what he would have liked. Even if his schedule could have allowed for it, and it didn't, there was Merian…..
Dr. O sputtered and grumbled but really couldn't say anything. With the new "friendship" cover the press didn't care when they were seen together, so – no scandal… if everything didn't suck as much as it did, if Mei weren't still missing, Wufei would have gloated, crowed, smirked so much his face hurt. If...
Instead, he just ignored Dr. O's mutters and concentrated on not glaring (much) or losing his cool. He had to keep it together for Mei…..had to get through this …. this nightmare, somehow.
What worried Wufei the most, more than the time apart even, was that as the details of the upcoming wedding made more news, and the day grew closer, Duo grew more ….apart - distant, quiet.
Although he'd sworn from the outset, and still did, that he would fight for, and stay with, Fei; no matter in what capacity; he still saw things now as…. tainted, marred. Wufei had to admit, it affected him too.
To know that before the vows were drafted / spoken, that he would betray Merian at any given opportunity, even as he got to know her, encouraged her to care for him... yes, it put a shadow on his soul, a poison of darkness that Duo's light was hard pressed to dispel given how it had grown dimmer under the same pall.
And Wufei feared the poison was growing, becoming more potent, more vile, spreading to infect their time together more often, and all their time apart...
They both did their best to make the time they had together now as memorable as possible, to tide them through the tough spots. Memories to sustain the light...
xxxxxxxxxxx
Duo was adamant, when GUNDAM signed the deal, about two specific dates. Those were February 15th, Wufei's birthday, and March 28th, the wedding day.
Duo got it, in writing, that GUNDAM would be off duty February 15th, and even if they were booked the 14th and the 16th they would be close by, if not in New York; and he also made damn certain that GUNDAM would NOT be in New York on the wedding day, though he didn't explain it that way to the signing label. He left the finesse of it up to Quatre.
Provided they were still in contract and the world hadn't ended, GUNDAM would be booked that whole weekend somewhere else. NO WAY was he getting roped into attending that ceremony. "Best friend" or not, his band had "prior obligations" and contractual requirements that prevented his attendance at the ceremony, sorry.
Hell, if he had his way they'd be performing some all-night marathon gig that day well into the night and he'd sleep completely through the day after…..
Last Duo'd heard Quatre was working on some battle of the bands thing down in Florida for Spring Break. Looked like GUNDAM would be there for maybe two weeks and that sounded just perfect to him.
But, today, well today was Wufei's birthday. It certainly was not going to be the blessed day they'd enjoyed together for Duo's birthday back at the beginning of their time together, not with this cloud hanging over them, but it remained special.
It just made Duo that much more determined to make this day as wonderful as he could for Wufei – damned if he was gonna let Dr. O fuck Wufei's birthday more than he already had – as he'd done for Wufei's whole damn life...
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Wufei stood in the sidelines watching Mamaru wrap up his Letterman appearance, impatiently waiting for the wrap up. He'd made certain he had only the one late morning appearance today and had scheduled the remainder of the day off.
Duo had come home very late last night (or very early this morning – perspective….) from the party GUNDAM had performed for Valentine's Day, and while the lovemaking was sweet, it was very short…
Wufei hadn't had the heart to wake Duo this morning when he left for work; he'd left Duo snuggled into the warm blankets, promising himself that by letting Duo sleep in he was only ensuring more stamina this evening…..
Wufei adjusted himself, briefly, as he imagined putting Duo's stamina to use, and growled low in his throat as the crowd pushed for, and got, one more song….
Finally, the show was wrapped, taping over, and he could hustle Mamaru out of the studio. He'd arranged Mamaru to be in the L5 recording studio the rest of today and all of tomorrow, wrapping the album.
Wufei did not have to be there for this. It was mixing and touch ups and his sound crew were perfectly able to address this without him. He put Mamaru in the car, admonished him to get the damn thing wrapped up, and turned to hail his own cab. He texted Tina he was out for the rest of the day and turned his phone off. The rest of this day was his. His and Duo's.
Wufei made his way down the hallway toward the apartment door, shaking and brushing off the cold and spatters of snow from his jacket. He'd forced himself to think of only good warm thoughts of Duo during the cab ride; determined to have a pleasant afternoon and evening.
Duo had to leave again in the morning, and would be gone for at least a week, possibly longer. Wufei was going to make as much of these hours as possible. He ran hand through his hair quickly to straighten it.
He wore it down today, Duo's preference over the sometimes stern ponytail Wufei preferred. Wufei smiled at the memory of that discussion, and the night that followed, as he entered the apartment.
He was beset by the very pleasant aroma of warm strawberries and chocolate permeating the air, and the strains of Sinatra's "When You're Smiling" floating through the room.
Just as he removed his coat, Duo came around the corner from the kitchen, a tray of something delicious in one hand and an ice bucket with champagne in the other. He stopped for a bare moment then smiled, "Hey Kitten. Happy Birthday."
He put the tray and bucket down on the coffee table and approached Wufei taking him into his arms. Duo kissed the side of Wufei's head and rubbed his cheek against Wufei's hair.
"And happy Valentine's Lover. Ready to let me spoil you?" he pulled back a bit, took a lock of hairs in his hands and pulled Wufei in for a soft, sweet, lingering kiss, which quickly grew into more; hungry, deep... Duo moaned as Wufei's hands trailed up his back and over his shoulders to entwine into his honey cinnamon locks.
Pulling Duo in closer Wufei pressed their bodies tightly together. Wufei succumbed immediately to Duo's questing tongue; melting into Duo, his own tongue caressing Duo's but not fighting for dominance, content to surrender.
Wufei exhaled softly as Duo slowly pulled back, "mmm. Yummy." Duo breathed, shuddering softly against Wufei he breathed into Wufei's neck. "I've missed you Kitten. A lot. So much."
He took a deep breath and went on, taking one of Wufei's hands into his own, "before I lose my mind, let me get your present," He led Wufei to the sofa. "Sit Fei. You're all frost-bitten. I have warm cocoa in the kitchen. Wait here." He pressed a strawberry tart into Wufei's hand and went to the kitchen.
Wufei glanced around the apartment, taking in the candles burning everywhere, as he took a bite of the warm, flaky tart. Mmmm, his favorite. He almost moaned at the delicious crust and glaze that melted into his mouth. The tart was warm, Duo'd apparently just taken it from the oven, and Wufei recognized the imprint in the crust; Duo'd gone to Wufei's favorite bakery, all the way down in Jersey to get these. Duo must have set his alarm to go off almost as soon as Wufei'd left if he'd had time to get to Carlo's and back here to set up everything.
Wufei reached over to his coat, draped over the back of the chair nearby, and he reached into the inside pocket, gently removing an envelope and setting it on the coffee table near the champagne bucket.
Duo was so determined to make this day special. Knowing how Duo hated the cold, for him to have braved the early morning slush just to drive down to Carlo's even though there was a bakery nearby that carried Strawberry tarts; to go so far out of his way just to get these specific tarts just because Wufei preferred them….
And all the candles, scented cinnamon and strawberry – it just gave the apartment a warm, home, feeling; especially with the warm baked aroma of the tarts and the softer scent of the cocoa….
Wufei was shaken from his musings as Duo returned with two steaming cups of cocoa, and a red bag dangling from one wrist. Duo sat everything on the table then held one mug up to Wufei. "here Kitten. Just the way you like it."
Wufei smiled at the bobbing mini marshmallows and took a sip. "perfect Nissho" he said, then took a small bite of his pastry.
Duo watched as Wufei sipped his cocoa and finished his tart, eyes drifting back to the gift bag several times. He knew Wufei was bursting to open the gift, a little trait Duo'd discovered about Wufei during the holidays. Denied the childhood excitement of opening presents, when the man learned a gift was for him he became almost childlike in his excitement.
But, at the same time, there was training instilled lifelong by a bastard father never, ever to ask for something he wanted. Wufei was eager to open the gift, but he would wait for Duo to proffer it, to acknowledge it, and Duo was determined to erase that trait.
He grinned a sly grin as he watched Wufei once more glance at the bag. He leaned over, pouting now "Aww, Wufei aren't you gonna open your present? Don't you wanna know what it is? You don't' seem too excited."
Wufei's eyes widened briefly before he settled on a mock glare, "Duo you brat, you know I want to open it, and you know I wouldn't ask. Hmph!" he took a short breath, glared a moment longer, then smiled.
That open, happy, childlike smile that Duo just KNEW was his alone, and snatched the bag up. "What is it Duo? What did you get me?" he asked eyes wide, sparking.
"well, Kitten, only one way to find out." Duo drawled. "guess you're gonna have to open it." He smiled a warm, loving smile, holding Wufei's eyes before deliberately letting his eyes drop to the bag in Wufei's lap. "go on, Babe, open it up so you can "Thank me", the rest of the day."
Wufei grinned, a flash of desire darkening his eyes, and dropped his gaze to the bag. He lifted out some of the tissue wrap stuffed in the top. "this is part one Kitten." Duo said as he sat back, "Birthday surprise Part two is in the kitchen."
Wufei stopped pulling out tissue, and gently sat the last few sheets back into the bag. "Wufei" Duo asked, frowning "what are you doing?"
Wufei sat the bag back on the table and smiled at Duo. "Wait Nissho, before we jump straight to celebrate my birthday, you've forgotten something."
Duo's forehead wrinkled adorably as he tilted his head, confused. "huh?" he asked, "What did I forget?"
Wufei leaned in and kissed Duo lightly, relishing the flavor of cocoa and Duo – delicious. He sat back and trailed a finger down Duo's jaw. "Happy Valentine's Day, Lover." Wufei husked and Duo's eyes widened as Wufei leaned in for another kiss, dragging Duo's bottom lip between his teeth as he finally sat back.
Wufei leaned over slightly, lifting the envelope from the table and holding it out to Duo. He let some of the anger at their situation flash in his eyes, for just a moment; some of the frustration, the pain, the sadness… it flashed through his eyes, just briefly, before he bowed his head, letting his hair fall forward to hide his face.
Wufei gazed down at the envelope between his hands, then raised his eyes back to Duo's. Love shone brightly in their depths, the timbre filling his voice as he spoke "As much as I enjoyed our call last night, and our time when you came home last night….. I missed YOU Duo, and…. I'm"
he swallowed and closed his eyes, "I'm sorry. Sorry that I couldn't travel up coast to be with you during the day yesterday, couldn't be at the party last night. Sorry that I wasn't in the audience, cheering for you, as I should have been. That I had to be with-"
He was cut off as Duo's warm fingers pressed against his lips. "Stop Wufei." Duo's quiet voice interrupted. "I know. I missed you too."
He smiled, a small, sad smile "I admit, know why I missed you made it …. worse. But, I don't want to talk about her Wufei. Not today. Well, not ever, really, but most especially - not - today. Drop it" a hard edge crept into Duo's voice, just for a second, but it was a sharp edge, razor fine, and Wufei felt the slice of it against his heart,
Wufei closed his eyes again, cleared his throat, and deliberately smiled as he sat up and held out the envelope. "well, we're together now, so… Happy Valentine's Day, Lover."
He shook the envelope at Duo, who also pulled up a smile. Forced maybe, small, but still…. a smile, so important.
After a moment, a twinkle entered his eyes "hmmm, what have you been up to, Wufei" he reached and took the envelope, then looked down to slip a finger under the edge. He opened the envelope and pulled out a folded page of paper, similar to the one he'd received on his birthday way back when.
Handmade paper, bits of rose petals and leaves embedded… He unfolded the page and across the top, painstakingly drawn out in calligraphy, was the kanji for his name and for Nissho, with the English spellings underneath, and below that:
MY DUO, MY LOVER, MY LIFE
There followed a beautifully drafted, in that same painstakingly drawn, elegant calligraphy:
MY DUO
I am yours.
Desire for you overwhelms me, in every way imaginable.
Your passion, your talents, your love, are Unique and precious.
You are beautiful in every definition of the word.
You and Only you will ever own my soul, my heart, my desire.
You brought joy into my life, and are inside my very being.
MY LOVER
You've shown me, taught me, give me so much.
I burn for you, am overtaken completely at times, with hot desire;
Lust fills me, desire and need Overwhelming my senses, flooding me with memories of you, your lessons, of being wrapped in your Velvet heat; of the delicious feeling of your hard, hot, length Entering me, filling me, branding me. Dreams of Riding you, or being ridden by you, leave me gasping, aching, needing, in ways never imagined.
MY LIFE
I need you, Duo. My Lover; need you beside me, supporting me, holding me, loving me… as my mate;
I need you Inside me: inside my soul, inside my heart, inside my body, touching me, loving me, bringing me to heights unknown…. As my lover.
I need you Nissho, the hear me, to listen to me, to care, to lift me up, to advise me and guide me…. As my Friend
I need you Duo, as my Everything
Forever yours, Wufei
Duo sat, stunned, quiet, as he read Wufei's declaration of love. His eyes widened at the graphic descriptions as Wufei described him as his lover and he felt a heat in his groin. It remained, but the warmth that filled his heart as he finished the reading overpowered it.
He looked up to see Wufei watching him, solemn, but eyes full of love. "Wufei I" Duo swallowed, "damn Wufei. This.. this is…" he took a deep breath, and reverently laid the page on the table.
He dropped the envelope to his lap, and cupped Wufei's face between both hands. "I am your mate Wufei no matter what happens with this mess, wherever this nightmare takes us, in this life and any that follow – you are mine and I am yours. I am your lover. I live for exploring you Wufei and there remains much to learn. I am your friend. I am honored that you let me be so. Always Wufei always tell me what you're thinking, feeling, wanting. And you, you are my everything, so… well, I guess it's only fair that I be yours too."
With that he leaned in for a soft, kiss, lips only, open, swopping back in for more, breath increasing, hands starting to squeeze tighter, he finally forced himself to pull back before it could escalate to more, determined to get to see Wufei open that damn gift... he'd waited forever to see him open it and was not going to be distracted until he got to see Wufei's face.
He took a deep breath, and reached down to take the envelope back into his hands. The weight of the envelope was such that he knew there was more inside, and he was curious. Wufei watched, concerned, but excited – Duo couldn't get over how excited Wufei was to give gifts.
Sometimes, watching him, it was almost like he got more joy from seeing someone open a gift he'd chosen and like it, than to open his own package.
Duo pulled out two envelopes from inside the bigger one. One letter length and a little thick, the other about 5x7 and padded, like bubble wrap. He opened the thick, long envelope first.
Ah, a "coupon book" like Wufei'd given him at Christmas. But, this one was…. slightly different. It was purple for one thing, and had "LOVE NOTES" blazoned across the cover in bright red letters, with pink and white hearts and X's and O's all over it. Duo smirked up at Wufei and was delighted with the light blush that covered his face.
Duo grinned as he imagined Wufei braving some lover's store to buy this for him, blushing for certain as he stoically paid for it…. Duo flipped through the book, just as a cursory glance before setting it aside, catching a phrase here and there "breakfast in bed" … "one free massage" …. "candlelit dinner" but then, he stopped suddenly and went back to the back of the book, what was that he'd seen?
In the back were blank notes for hand written sentiments "Cash this love note for: _" the one that caught his eye was hand drawn in bright red ink on a lavender background: "Cash this love note for: some hot…wet…hard…suction"
Duo's eyes flew open wide as they snapped up to Wufei's face. Wufei sat there, blushing furiously but eyes twinkling as he ranhis tongue over his bottom lip then took that lip between his teeth as Duo sat there, dazed, cock throbbing.
Wufei smiled, and in a sultry, deep purr told Duo, "there are more"
Duo's eyes snapped back to the book and he shuddered as he turned the page with a shaking hand. Another hand written coupon followed: "Cash this love note for: one good, hard fuck; giving or receiving, or both - your choice" Duo growled as he slammed the book closed.
"but Duo" Wufei purred, "there are two more back there."
"yeah," Duo rasped, then swallowed, "I bet there are" he took a deep, shivering breath and raised his deep, desire darkened amethyst eyes to Wufei's own smoldering deep black, half-lidded with desire.
He loved the smile of delight, almost impish, on Wufei's face. He chuckled a moment as he imagined Wufei sitting here, thinking up dirty talk, just for him. The image made his cock jump and he dropped the booklet and the remaining, unopened envelope, onto the table with one hand as he reached to cup the back of Wufei's neck with the other and pulled him in for a deep, openmouthed, tongues battling, passionate kiss..
"Wufei he moaned, deep from within "Kitten. I wanna cash one now… right now""
Wufei moaned as well and yielded completely to Duo's kiss. He ran hands up Duo's arms, around his neck and pulled himself closer. Sliding around, Wufei came to his knees in front of Duo. Wufei peeled back and looked coyly up at Duo's stunned face.
"Oh? Really Duo? Right now? Hmm… I wonder, which one? Maybe… the first one?" He traced his hand down Duo's shoulder, across his chest, over those beautiful abs, and slid his fingers behind the waistband of Duo's drawstring pants to lightly tease the head of his very full, very swollen, very sensitive cock.
Which was pointing straight up at full attention, eager for Wufei's touch.
"oh yes Duo" Wufei breathed as he leaned down to blow a hot breath across the outline of Duo's length through his sweats. Wufei pulled the drawstring and stretched the waist of the pants carefully down to let that hardness spring free and slap back against Duo's belly.
'Yes Duo" Wufei growled. Then he swiftly leaned down to engulf Duo into his mouth; plunging down to the root to inhale Duo's musky, spicy scent at the base, nuzzling the curls there. He felt Duo's fingers twist in his hair and immediately began to suck in earnest, hard, deep suction.
Wufei bobbed his head, letting saliva run down Duo's shaft, wetting his cock. Letting the slurping noises and his own moans fill the air as Duo gasped and hissed "oh fuck! Fei!" and dropped his head back against the sofa.
Wufei pushed the waistband lower and cupped Duo's sac in his palm, squeezing lightly, tumbling them in his fingers. He moaned again, deeply, deliberately, and was rewarded by Duo's whined growl, "Wufei Wufei I'm.. I'm gonna .."
Wufei sucked harder, bobbed faster, squeezed tighter, and reached his other hand to entwine with Duo's hand on the sofa cushion. He squeezed that hand in a death grip.
Then, he swallowed around Duo's cock, swirled his tongue around the head and into the slit, just like Duo liked it, just as he reached the long finger of his hand fondling Duo's sac back to press on the area behind and Duo snapped, curled inward with a strangled curse "Shit! Fei!" and exploded into Wufei's throat.
Wufei hummed around Duo and drank his eruption, swallowing quickly, suckling, swirling his tongue. He eased the pressure slowly, nuzzling into Duo's curls again until Duo uncurled, panting, and fell back, arms limp,"Damn Wufei." He panted, "That was-"
Wufei nuzzled briefly again a moment, then eased up, gently tucking Duo back into his pants, As he sat upright he breathed, "You smell so good there Duo, I love to nuzzle you, taste you"
He nuzzled for a short moment again against Duo's pants then sat back on his heels. "love you Valentine" He sat back up onto the sofa, and snuggled into Duo's arms.
They sat there for a bit as Duo calmed, then he slid his hand down from Wufei's shoulder, intending to return the favor.
Wufei's softly placed hand halted his progress, "wait Nissho. First," he stretched a bit and grabbed the padded envelope from the table, "you haven't opened this one yet."
He leaned in to pat Duo gently on one cheek, then sat upright, and leaned back against the arm of the sofa.
As he settled his eyes widened with mock horror "Oh! Duo" Wufei gasped, and Duo thrilled to the impish, playful look in Wufei's eyes, "I'm sorry" Wufei mock pouted, "I guess I didn't let you say for sure which coupon you wanted to cash in."
He huffed a breath as Duo watched, slightly bemused but happy, "oh well. Guess that was a freebie, a ….. sample. You can cash in later." Wufei smiled, and nudged Duo's arm, "go on Nissho," he whispered, "open it, be my Valentine."
Duo brought himself under control and sat up straighter. He flashed a fierce, loving grin, then looked down and eased the flap open on the envelope. He slid the contents out, then sat there, a little stunned as he took in what he held.
Wufei had given him two gift cards, one for his favorite leather shop and one for credit for his e-reader. Duo liked to have something to read when stuck at airports or on long rides, and much to his surprise had fallen in love with his e-reader Wufei had given him for Christmas…..
But, what stunned Duo was the photographs in the envelope with the gift cards. There was a five by seven picture of him and Wufei together, both laughing, taken at Zechs' at Thanksgiving in the kitchen. Wufei was laughing, leaning against a Giants jersey clad Duo, Duo's arm around his shoulder, Wufei's head back as he laughed up at Duo.
Duo was laughing too as he looked back at a Wufei with flour on his nose and in his hair, apron tied about his sweater clad form. Zechs must have snapped it without anyone knowing he was there. Both were utterly relaxed, happy. There was a wallet size printout too.
Duo's hands trembled as he lifted the smaller photo and looked up at Wufei's intense gaze. "Wufei he whispered, "It's beautiful." Duo took out his wallet and as he slid the photo into place he asked, "I haven't seen this photo before. When did you get it?"
Wufei smiled. "you know Zechs. He takes pictures constantly but never downloads the cards. I guess last week he found all his cards full and had to download. I had told himI wasn't completely happy with your V-day gifts and when he saw this he thought it was the icing on the cake." Wufei looked at Duo, smiled a soft smile and told him "I have it in my wallet too Duo."
Duo started, and would have questioned, but Wufei went on swiftly, "WE see the love there Duo, but someone who doesn't know us will only see two close friends laughing together over a kitchen mishap. And, with the cover I've laid down, I can have a friend. You."
Duo nodded slowly, "Yeah, I guess so, huh?... It's perfect Wufei beautiful. I love it, and you. My smile, My Kitten"
He leaned in, traced one side of Wufei's face and tugged on an a lock of hair, for a quick kiss. "okay Kitten. Your turn. Open that present. Now."
Wufei's eyes lit up and he smiled. He pulled the bag into his lap and began to lift the tissue wrap out.
He reached into the bag, pulling out a carved wooden box and a flat, somewhat rectangular package wrapped separately.
He sat the wrapped gift aside and lifted the wooden box. It was light wood, bamboo or something similar, and was carved/burned with the Kanji character for "PEACE" over a sunset scene; the sun sat behind a mountain overlooking a river bank where a crane stood seeming to gaze up at the sky, with orchids peeking from among the reeds lining the bank. A glittering gold fish swan near the bank, the goldleaf inlay catching the candlelight "Oh Duo." Wufei breathed. "It's beautiful Nissho"
Duo chuckled, "Open it Wufei. There's more than the box. Look inside."
Wufei lightly traced a finger along the carved letters, then lifted the latch and opened the lid. Inside was a set of pencils and pens of various gauges, a high quality gum eraser and zacto knife, and a selection of pastels and charcoals in a clear box lining one side of the box.
Wufei took in the selection and looked up again at Duo, eyes wide. "Duo…. I…."
"well, I figured you needed a way to escape, to relax, to find some peace, and NOT to bury yourself in work or wear yourself out with your katas. I know how much you love your art. It's time you took it back up. Dr. O has taken enough from you. I'm giving this back. This is something you can lose yourself in when you're stressed. Sketching is easier than painting, and it's portable. The case will fit in your briefcase, with the sketchpad. I checked."
"Oh Duo. It's perfect, wonderful. I haven't sketched in so long…. This is so wonderful." He breathed. He tore the wrap off the sketchpad, "You have to let me draw you Duo."
Duo smiled, "Anytime Kitten. I can't wait to see that book filled with whatever you can think of." He leaned forward and took the book and case from Wufei sitting them on the table. "there's a full refill set for the case in the bedroom closet.
Now," he stood and pulled Wufei up with him. "There's part two in the kitchen. Come on" Looking down into Wufei's eyes, he smiled, "I can't wait to see your face Babe. Can't wait another minute. Let's go."
He leaned in for a soft kiss, and stood back, "right now" he whispered, but didn't make any further move to walk away as Wufei followed the kiss, capturing Duo's mouth with his own.
Deep, hungry, Wufei's arousal reawakened, Wufei growled, low, deep, "I want you Duo." He pulled Duo in again for another kiss, biting into Duo's bottom lip, then trailed down his jaw and neck and growled again as he traced back up the other side of Duo's neck and nibbled an earlobe, "I want YOU as my present Duo. Give me what I want."
Wufei deliberately rubbed himself against Duo, tongue darting into Duo's ear as he traced with his tongue, Wufei breathed, moaned, breath ragged "Duo, I want you. Now."
Duo's heartbeat was pounding against Wufei's chest as they were pressed so closely together, and Duo's own breathing had grown ragged, he was trembling as he moaned, 'Yes Wufei yes. Ok – I give you me. Take me then"
'I will" Wufei growled forcefully and pulled Duo in for a fierce, hard kiss, hands tight on Duo's biceps, he leaned back. "Now Duo. I'm going to take you now. My present."
He pulled Duo's shirt off quickly and tossed it aside, "gotta unwrap you first," Wufei panted, then pulled on the drawstring on Duo's pants, loosening them. He reached in to grasp Duo's hot, hard cock and squeezed.
Duo moaned again, eyes rolling back as he let his head fall back and held onto Wufei's arms tightly. Wufei suddenly swooped down and took Duo up into his arms, "Mine" he whispered as he carried Duo to the bedroom.
He smiled at Duo's wide eyes at being picked up this way. "I want to play with my present, right now" Wufei laid Duo down on the bed, peeling his pants away as he stepped back, taking in the beautiful sight that lay before him. "There, all unwrapped."
Wufei stood there a moment taking in Duo's vision, smooth skin over hard, lithe muscle, taut over that well developed frame, long, tone legs, and that wondrous halo of cinnamon honey hair. Bright beautiful, deep amethyst eyes, and of course that perfect cock arising from the nest of auburn curls…. , Adonis, his own sun god "oh Nissho, I must draw you, capture this, your warmth, your light. You are so… incredible."
Duo watched his lover as he stood there watching him. Duo lay naked and stretched out on the bed.
Wufei leaned in over Duo and brought Duo's arms above his head, toward the headboard. Holding them there, he leaned in, "Duo" he breathed, "I …. I want to try something. Can I? Tell me I can Duo, please"
Wufei's voice was hoarse as he suddenly found his throat dry at what he wanted to ask. What he wanted to do….
"anything Wufei I'm your present, it's your birthday, you can do whatever you want with me." Duo answered, then as he caught site of something in Wufei's eyes, he stilled a moment, making certain Wufei focused on him "I trust you Wufei. I love you. I'm yours."
A shudder wracked through Wufei's body, and his hands shook as he opened the bedside table drawer. He reached, far into the back, and Duo's eyes widened as he realized what Wufei was searching for, what he had not realized Wufei knew was there….
Wufei sat back up, tracing the leather cuffs in his hands softly. He raised uncertain but lust filled eyes to Duo's own. "I won't hurt you Duo, I swear. NO pain, but…" he licked his lips and his breath hitched, "I…. I saw these Duo, one day, looking for something, and" he swallowed and shuddered again, "Duo" he growled, "I want… I want to …."
"Wufei. It's ok." Duo spoke quietly, calmly, though he felt anything but calm. For Wufei to want to take initiative in itself was a rare treat, for him to want this. Duo was panting himself, hard enough to hurt. "I trust you Wufei. Cuff me, own me."
Wufei's eyes smoldered as he reached for Duo's arm. "I will own you Duo. My Duo. I want to make you cry my name Duo, beg me to take you….. I want…."
He swallowed, then stopped talking and secured the other arm. He removed his tie and as he stood to make his way to the foot of the bed he grabbed another from the tie rack.
Wufei stepped back to again admire the vision lain out before him. Duo's hands were tied above his head in soft leather cuffs, and his legs spread and tied by the ankles to the bedposts with Wufei's neckties. Small pillows were situated under Duo's back and head to allow him a perfect view of Wufei as he stood there.
Wufei undressed slowly as he watched Duo. Duo writhed, just a bit, and his cock jumped when Wufei took his own cock into his hand as he stood there. Wufei's hand teased, slow, languid strokes as he tried to take the edge off his passion before he touched Duo.
Just the view of Wufei pleasing himself as low moans dripped from his lips, sounds Duo was sure Wufei did not realize he was making, made the blood rush to Duo's groin.
Duo wanted to lick suddenly dry lips. He wanted to taste, touch and pleasure that golden body. He wanted to cause those moans deliciously falling from soft pink lips with his hands, his lips, and his cock.
His cock twitched, hard and untouched, begging for the slightest affection. Small drops of precum oozed out Duo's slit leaving a tiny pool on his lower stomach. I'm gonna cum just from watching him. A soft whimper escaped Duo's mouth.
Duo heard a hiss issue from Wufei as he stroked and pulled, and one hand reached down to cup his tightening sac. Duo had learned from previous experiences how sensitive the soft spot just behind Wufei's balls was and how responsive Wufei could be when it was lovingly touched.
Duo's eyes widened as Wufei's hand drifted further. The other hand wrapping at the base and deftly tugging upward, increased the pace, just slightly. Duo knew the feel of those hands, soft but slightly calloused from his kendo.
Duo felt the heat building in his groin. He closed his eyes trying to will away the coiling sensation. His erection bobbed gently with every erratic breath he took.
Duo was startled out of his concentration by the sudden dip on his left but he refused to open his eyes. He felt the subtle pressure of Wufei straddling his chest, his hot skin caressing his sides. Duo felt roughened fingertips stroking his jaw and lower lip, felt soft tangy flesh brushing against his lips.
Duo immediately knew what it was. He knew Wufei's cock by smell and taste alone. He didn't have to see it to know that it was there, daring him to take in that silky head and taste his lover.
Duo slid his tongue across dry lips before quickly lapping at the hardened flesh. Eyes still closed, he heard the low growl emanating from above as his tongue glided over the dripping slit. The sheer taste of Wufei's essence was maddening. Duo dove in, trying to take Wufei in his mouth with his limited amount of freedom.
He whimpered around the meaty head when he could not get more into to his mouth. Duo slowly opened his eyes pleading into the passion filled deep black orbs of his love. Wufei leaned forward on his knees bracing his hands above Duo's head, gripping the headboard. A moan of pure pleasure escaped Wufei's lips as Duo greedily inhaled his cock down his throat.
Duo was in heaven. The taste of his lover was a delicacy that he could never tire of. Duo bobbed his head rhythmically taking in as much as their awkward position would allow. Duo wanted Wufei to cum. He wanted to drink and savor the bittersweet nectar that he had been denied these past days while away from home.
Ten days and no Wufei nearly drove Duo mad with want and desire. Last night's quick reunion had not been enough. Too short and too tired to truly enjoy each other, it had been renewal to touch each other again, but not enough. They truly had been apart for far too much lately. This…. This was… so much more than Duo'd anticipated today….
The feel of Wufei's member slowly slipping out of his mouth brought Duo back. A soft whimper escaped his throat as Wufei resettled himself sitting on Duo's chest. The hot skin of Wufei's thighs brushed against his sides as Wufei ground his hips on his stomach. Duo began to protest until deft fingers silenced him pressing against his bottom lip questioning for entrance into his mouth. Duo quickly complied.
Wufei moaned as Duo sucked his finger into his mouth. Wufei stretched his body out over Duo's and rubbed their cocks together thrusting his hips against Duo almost impatiently.
Duo released Wufei's finger, and rasped, "please Wufei" breathless.
Wufei stretched and reached into the drawer again for the lube. Wufei took his time preparing Duo, bringing him close to the edge, then backing off to gather himself, leaving Duo panting, writhing, until finally Duo could withstand no more.
"Fei!" he cried out "please Wufei no more. Inside Wufei or finish me, please" by the last Duo was pleading.
Wufei positioned himself between Duo's legs and quickly pulled at the tie holding one of his legs to the bed lifting it onto his shoulder as he slowly eased his fingers again into a tight and welcoming heat.
When the tense ring of muscle began to relax again under his ministrations and Duo arched at the need to receive, Wufei plunged his fingers into Duo's body scissoring them.
He pushed deeper until he pressed up against that soft bundle of nerves. Duo's eyes widened as he cried out. The sensation was far from unwelcomed as he rocked his hips against Wufei's fingers trying to initiate more contact with his sweet spot. He was so close!
A small groan escaped Duo's lips as Wufei's fingers slipped out of him but was soon replaced with tip of a rock hard shaft.
Wufei teased Duo's opening pressing the tip of his erection against the puckered entrance applying slight pressure but not enough to pierce the trembling flesh.
With a growl of frustration, Duo slammed his hips down stabbing his body onto Wufei. Both men cried out from the shock and heat of the sudden penetration.
Duo was the first to recover squeezing his muscles to signal Wufei that he was ready. Wufei began a rhythm that was more than familiar, almost instinctual. Duo steadily matched his thrust trying to hit the spot deep inside.
Their pace soon increased. Wufei with an almost wild abandon thrust into Duo's tight and encompassing heat. "Duo" he growled over and over, "Duo."
Wufei stretched his body, bending almost double as he reached behind him to release Duo's other ankle without leaving that tight sheath. Wufei raised Duo's legs, pressing them against his chest and lifting his hips off of the bed.
At the new angle Wufei plunged into Duo. A mangled cry rent the air as Duo abandoned all thought, "Fei!". With every stab of Wufei's cock Duo cried out as his body was overloaded with sensations.
Wufei leaned over nuzzling Duo's neck then trailed down to the juncture of where collarbone and neck met as he continued to thrust. First he nibbled at the small patch of skin sucking and licking never faltering in his pace. Duo hissed in a breath as lips turned into teeth. The sharp pain from the bite fused with the pleasure now pooling in his groin.
Wufei's tongue lapped at the small trickle of blood that now marked his lover. Duo was his body and soul. He wanted to own Duo, to bring Duo inside of himself somehow, to leave a part of himself inside Duo.
Wufei slowly pushed up, his rhythm wavering only slightly as he scraped the fingernails of one hand softly down Duo's chest leaving faint red lines from breast bone to navel. Wufei wrapped his hand around Duo's cock and began to pump vigorously in time with his own thrusts. "cum for me Duo. Give it to me"
Duo was already close to the edge after Wufei marked him with his teeth, a dominating Wufei igniting a hot, burning fire inside him, but now as those loving, familiar fingers pumped his cock he was barely teetering on the verge of overload.
Once Wufei's momentum and force were reestablished Duo's fragile hold slipped. When Wufei demanded his surrender, Duo lost all hope of control. Duo's body arched of the bed as his climax obliterated his sight. A harsh cry was pulled from him, "Fei! Ungh! Ahhh!"
Wufei's orgasm was torn from him as Duo's muscles clamped down almost painfully. He came embedded deeply within Duo.
Crying out, "Duo!" He barely registered Duo's body sinking almost boneless into the mattress. Wufei soon followed collapsing onto Duo's chest his breathing harsh trying to find a steady rhythm.
He reached up, taking two tries to release the cuff closest to him, and was pleased when he realized Duo was releasing the other. Wufei caressed every inch of skin he could reach as he told Duo, "I love you Duo, thank you. Thank you for you, for trusting me."
Duo brought his arms down to wrap around Wufei holding him tightly to him, back to chest. "I love you Wufei. You already had me. And this? Oh baby, this we are going to try again, both sides, for certain. For now, rest Kitten. A short rest, then we finish your birthday."
"yes Duo" Wufei mumbled as he succumbed to the pull of sleep. "don't let go" he whispered as he fell over the edge.
"I won't Wufei. Ever" Duo vowed as he followed Wufei into oblivion.
Sometime later Wufei stirred, rousing to the humming in his ear to the tune of "happy birthday" and the caressing touch over his neck and shoulders. He smiled and made a purring noise deep in his throat as he pressed himself back against that warm silken skin against his back.
"happy birthday Kitten." Duo husked in his ear. "ready for your other present now?"
"Oh, I don't know" Wufei hummed. "I'm enjoying this one an awful lot." He turned to smile up at Duo, a sleepy eyed, open smile that made Duo's heart flip over.
"oh me too Baby. Me too. You have NO idea." Duo whispered as he leaned down to claim Wufei's lips. "And we will definitely explore this gift some more, but for NOW,"
he leaned in for a quick peck on Wufei's nose then pulled back, "I have waited as long as I can. I wanna give you the other part of your present. I have been very patient, I've had the damn things for weeks and I can't wait ANY MORE."
He made big puppy dog eyes at Wufei until Wufei couldn't stand anymore and he conceded with a low laugh. "alright Nissho, alright."
Duo stood, pulling Wufei up with him. "First, a short, and I mean short Wufei shower. I'm done already, you jump in. I will wait here – for obvious reasons."
He pushed Wufei slightly toward the bathroom door, and adopted an "I am waiting" pose, foot tapping, arms crossed, as he grinned totally ruining the effect.
"okay okay!" Wufei laughed, "geez Duo, honestly" He turned into the bathroom leaving the door open and threw over his shoulder. "you are certainly excited, I am very curious."
"good" Duo called back, "wash faster"
Wufei exited the bathroom wrapped in his plush robe. He adopted a "put-upon" look as he mock glared, "ok Duo, lead the way"
Duo stepped up taking Wufei's hand. "Close your eyes Baby." Wufei snorted, "really Duo?"
"Yes, really. Close em."
Wufei sighed, closing his eyes he held out his hand, "Lead on Nissho, Guide me"
Duo carefully steered Wufei to the kitchen doorway, positioning him so he faced into the kitchen at the right angle, then stepped behind to hold Wufei close against him.
He leaned in, so he could see Wufei's face and lifted the blindfold. "Ok Kitten" He breathed, "open your eyes"
Wufei's first sight as he blinked in the light was the easel set near the island. A beautiful oak finish gleamed under the kitchen lights. Next to it on the counter was a full paint set and brushes.
"Duo" Wufei exclaimed, then he noticed the items arranged along the counter: The complete pastry/baking set that Wufei had recently admired at the cooking expo they'd gone to. The free standing mixer, all the molds, the dough press, the whole set up. Duo'd removed everything from the packaging, spreading it all out along the counter.
"Duo" Wufei said again, in awe. "Duo this is…. Too much!"
"No Wufei. It's Valentines and birthday, and, well…. It's gonna be the last one that I can-" he cut off abruptly. "anyway. "
he went on as Wufei stepped up to the counter, tracing a hand along the easel. "I figured, it'd be good for you to paint Kitten. Help keep your stress down. When you need to get away, well, now going in you have an excuse. You can set aside a " he stumbled, "a room.. there… for your haven."
Wufei's eyes snapped to Duo's own and he frowned, for just a moment, the nodded. "That is…. A very good idea, Nissho. Dr. O cannot deny me this, and… she will not intrude, there"
"There is one thing though Wufei." Duo went on, quietly. "The cooking set up, it stays here. Not negotiable. Besides, you're gonna give me lessons."
Wufei looked at Duo, eyebrows raised, "Lessons" he said flatly
"Well, yeah" Duo ran a hand behind his neck, "I gotta learn now. No way I can go back to Jack in the Box and frozen pizzas all the time now. Either you're gonna cook up a whole lotta food in advance whenever you're here, or you teach me. This set up shortens prep time too, but still I am gonna be somewhat jealous of the time I do get now. So, lessons"
Wufei stood there a moment, thinking that over, then stepped forward, pushing himself into Duo's embrace.
Duo's arms came around to hold him tightly. "if it stays here," Duo said quietly, "you'll have to come here to use it" his voice dropped to a rasp "This is NOT negotiable Wufei. You can only cook with this for us."
Wufei pulled back to gaze up at Duo. "I love you Nissho. And I promise. This set up will only ever be used in our kitchen."
He pushed up to gently nibble Duo's lower lip, then nuzzled into the crook of his neck. "These are wonderful gifts Duo. You are …. Amazing. Your warmth will fill me every time I draw or paint or…. Anything. The painting is a wonderful idea. I can… seclude myself from the beginning. Have an avenue for retreat when things get… too much. It's perfect, you're perfect."
He squeezed Duo tightly, then stepped back. "Enough Nissho" Wufei sighed, "I don't want to taint this wonderful gift any further. Let me indulge more in our time together. Come, I want to draw you."
He turned, leading Duo into the living room, "something to memorialize this best ever of birthdays. Come on, now it is I who can't wait" Wufei laughed a small laugh, strained, a little tight, but a laugh, as he pulled Duo along.
Duo determined in his heart to do all he could to cultivate those laughs, and to commit each one to memory to dispel the coming darkness, to keep his soul burning bright for Wufei as long as he could.
But, despite his best efforts, Duo felt that light dimming. The more he considered the coming wedding, the more he came to realize there was no way they were going to get out of this, the dimmer the light of his soul burned.
He could only hope to keep it lit long enough to find a way out,…. For both of their sakes.