A Quarrel Over Nothing

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Inside his tent, they fought. She was breathing a little more heavily that he, yet neither seemed to tire. Finally, their blades locked. They glared at each other, then Wufei said reluctantly, Well, I guess it's a draw.

Vingte said. It isn't. I messed up. She gave a little laugh. I'm out of practice. I've spent too much time in a mobile suit. You have won. She took his sword, and pressed it to her heart. Go ahead and kill me.

He pressed it into her skin, but suddenly flung the blade away. I can't.

Why not?

I can't hate you. I can't convince myself that you should die. I like you.

You think that because I am a woman, I must be weak.

Of course.

What a stupid idea. Civilians are weak, not women. Her voice gentled. Don't worry. You'll grow out of it.

He slapped her. Faugh! My wife—

You're married?

I was. She died four years ago. She was the best of the female warriors. But any man could tame her — like this! He grabbed her chin and kissed her fiercely.
He expected her to give in and submit to him, but she did not. She rubbed her bosom against his chest. He raised his head and stared at her.

Four years without a woman. That's a long time. Aren't you interested?

Of course not. You're the one who's interested. But his hands pulled down the front of her tunic, and cupped her breasts.

She arched her back presenting her self more fully. Then why are you staring?

He ignored her. I'll show you just how weak you are, she said, and bent to kiss her breasts.

The duel of provocation and passion continued until they had undressed each other and themselves, caressed and fondled every bit of their bodies, and he was poised on the brink of possession. He thrust in, and she hissed in pain. He froze. The duel was over.

I'm sorry, he said, and pulled out.

Now I know why, she panted, they told us never to do that. It hurts.

He looked down and saw that she was bleeding. His eyes widened. Your virginity, he whispered.

She propped herself up on her elbows, still panting.

Is this your first time?

Yes. They said that we weren't built to have children, or have sex. They said that our purpose was to fight. Our genes would be passed on if we were good enough. We should be happy with that, they said.

The first time always hurts for a woman, because they bleed.

She looked down at herself. she said in an odd voice. Have you ever noticed how many people hate blood? Life begins and ends with blood. It is always there. She shook her head to clear it. I should warn you. You've killed me after all.

What do you mean?

I have hemophilia. The warrior class is so in-bred, a lot of us do. She looked up at him. I'm going to bleed to death unless you end it for me now.

Wufei turned away and sat down on the edge of the bed with a thump. I hate these decisions. Do I kill my friend, or watch them die in pain?

She sat up, put her arms around his waist, and rested her chin on his shoulder. I'm glad to know that you're my friend.

You mean more to me than that, but now's not the time.

She started to shiver, and he pulled a blanket around her, then pulled on his trousers. I'm going to get D'arcy.

D'arcy? What does she have to do with this?

He looked pointedly at the slowly spreading pool of blood. She has a great whacking store of medicinals. She kneed me in the groin once, then gave me something that took the pain away in a quarter the time I'd expect for that sort of blow. I'm sure she has something for you. He knelt beside her and kissed her cheek. Don't die on me yet, Vingte.

What D'arcy had was something that clotted the blood. In anyone else, I'd expect this to cause a stroke and maybe paralyse them. But your blood lacks the right stuff, so we'll have to give you extra. Drink it. Vingte did so, then fainted.

Wufei cried.

It's all right, Wufei, she's just lost consciousness. But she's lost too much blood. She'll need a transfusion. She opened up her laptop, and started typing, searching through her stored information. Type O, she muttered. Who here has Type O blood?

I do.

So you do. Both HIV negative too, and She grinned. Well, that explains that.



Oh, nothing. You just have very similar DNA, that's all. Your blood will work just fine. She got out a needle. May I?

Of course.

~~~

When Vingte woke up later, she found Wufei sleeping next to her, his arms around her. She noticed a small prick in his elbow, and touched it tentatively. He stirred and opened his eyes.

You're awake, he said.

How long has it been?

A couple of days. He followed the direction of her glance. You had to have a transfusion.

She paused. Akilah and Quatre are making plans to return together to where she came from.



I'm from the same place, and I have to go back too.

Can I come with you?

That's what I was going to ask.

I hoped so.

That's settled then, quiaff?