Forbidden Dreams
By Natsue Arishima
Chapter Six: Bonding
Sun Shang Xiang leaned on the railing of the balcony, overlooking the Shu kingdom. She sighed as a breeze brushed her face, causing her short, brown hair to flow.
Her eyes hardened on the distant horizon, where smoke could still be seen.
The remains of Wu.
No... she mustn't think of that now...
Turning around, she blinked in surprise as she saw Liu Bei a few feet behind her, his gentle eyes examining her face. The usual combination of love and fear that she received on the battlefield faded quickly as she stared at him, swallowing.
He walked up towards her, reaching up a finger to stroke the side of her face. Tearing his eyes away from her gaze, he looked over his city. "How is it here?" he asked quietly, not daring to turn towards her face.
"It's been fine, thanks." She smiled, standing next to him, her arms crossed on the rail. Her eyes caught a curious, exploring Sun Ce down below, followed by a very harassed looking Zhou Yu. The others were probably inside, still resting. Laughing faintly, she smiled. "You haven't changed."
"Neither have you," he whispered softly, looking down at her. She shifted her eyes back onto him, grinning happily. He delicately placed an arm around her waist, playing with a strand of her hair. "I've missed you."
"Don't go mushy on me," she murmured, concealing a faint giggle.
He scoffed, tracing her cheek with a finger before trailing down to her lips. Placing his hand under her chin, he softly raised her face.
Her smile slowly faded as she bit her lip, stealing glances up at him. He lifted an eyebrow, slightly amused, and she slipped her own slender arm around him. Together, they stood quietly, the sights of Cheng Du glistening beneath them.
*~*~*
Jiang Wei sighed, looking outside the open window. The parchment in which he was supposed to be working on was blank. The quill was once again motionless in the inkbottle.
It was another bright day. The sun pierced through the scattered clouds, the rays shining golden on the grounds.
He sighed, smiling faintly as he heard faint chatter below. Birds twittered quietly, flying among the trees.
Shu had become relaxed. The previous chaos of Wei attacking had faded. Of course, everyone was still prepared, but the tension had died down a bit.
Wu was leaderless, but after finally meeting again with Sun Shang Xiang, Liu Bei didn't seem to mind the other officers that much. For all Jiang Wei knew, the officers of Wu were staying for a while.
Walking to the window, he breathed in the fresh air, closing his eyes faintly.
He suddenly perked as he heard a familiar voice down below.
Very familiar.
Opening his big, mahogany eyes, he recognized the shape of the Little Dragon. He stared at him for a while, leaning slightly on the windowsill.
Zhao Yun seemed so calm, and yet strangely alert. He was laughing faintly, talking with Sun Ce, his usual charming smile radiating throughout the grounds. The sun struck off his body, making the smallest features gleam. His handsome face shined faintly, and Jiang Wei grinned to himself.
Thoughts of Sima Yi had faded. He no longer thought endlessly of the Wei strategist. Sure, there were times, but after that night, things had changed...
He turned away from the window. Softly, he walked out of the room, heading towards his beloved Tiger General.
*~*~*
Zhao Yun felt at ease, after all of the long, sleepless nights. The would-be Wu lord grinned cockily at him, Zhou Yu chuckling quietly at his side and the Shu general smiled back.
Turning, Zhou Yu sighed. "Oh... There's Zhuge Liang." Squinting more closely, he scratched his head, the long hair flowing like a miniature waterfall from his shoulders. Zhuge Liang beckoned him with his feathered fan, and Zhou Yu waved back before he jerked harshly on Sun Ce's arm. "See you," the strategist murmured, waving towards Zhao Yun with his free hand.
Sun Ce's ponytail swung wildly as he was yanked over towards the Prime Minister. "Later then," he declared, and then walked, now back on balance, with his sworn brother.
Zhao Yun stretched, rubbing his eyes, and heard soft footsteps behind him. Turning around, he smiled warmly, raising an eyebrow. "Jiang Wei?"
The slender figure was standing among the dark trees, blending in with the shadows, and with surprised planted all over his face. He had been obviously shocked when he had been discovered. The strategist blushed, the familiar pink spreading through his face. "H-Hi..." he managed, mumbling towards his feet. His dark hair fell forward, hiding his flushed cheeks.
"What's all the embarrassment for?" Zhao Yun walked forward towards Jiang Wei. He bent over, trying to look at the younger man's face. He suddenly dropped the smile. "Did... did last night... Did it offend you in... any way?"
The genius bit his lip, though through his hair, Zhao Yun wasn't able see it. He didn't answer, not knowing how to express his feelings.
"Jiang Wei?" the Tiger General asked. He frowned slightly, leaning his back casually against a nearby tree, and then more tentatively, "Boyue?"
At this, Jiang Wei looked up. His eyes widened as he shivered slightly, two big orbs on his innocent face. It was the way Zhao Yun had said it, soft and yet dark, rolling so musically off his tongue.
Looking up at him, Jiang Wei smiled faintly to himself. He shifted his gaze past the trees, towards the distant, chattering officers, as if making sure no one else was looking...
... And then blushing furiously, he leaned up and kissed Zhao Yun on the lips, twisting his fingers into the smooth, dark hair.
The fierce Shu officer blinked in surprise, though he didn't pull away. The shock wearing off, he slid his arms around Jiang Wei's waist and deepened the kiss, pulling the strategist closer.
His lips were ever so soft... Zhao Yun could feel the warmth of Jiang Wei against his body, the silky brush of his hair.
The Little Dragon gently persuaded the other to open his lips, brushing the interior of Jiang Wei's mouth with his tongue.
Jiang Wei gasped in surprise, the sound muffled by the other's mouth, as pleasant, tingling sensations spread throughout his body.
They broke apart, Jiang Wei's face still extremely pink. A faint, red blush was also slowly creeping up Zhao Yun's face. He coughed, clearing his throat as he realized suddenly how close they were.
Jiang Wei laughed softly, breaking the silence. Looking up with sparkling eyes at the man before him, he whispered softly, "Last night didn't bother me at all. On the contrary, I think... I think I'm falling in love with you..."
Zhao Yun swallowed, and then a dazzling smile dawned on his face. "And I you." His green eyes blazing with happiness, he kissed Jiang Wei gently on the cheek. Together, they headed back out of the trees.
*~*~*
Sima Yi sighed, closing his narrow eyes and fanning himself, his lips pulled back in a dark, satisfied smile.
Zhang He stood in the doorway behind him, his hands clenched and shadows covering his face. His dark hair flowed out behind him, framing his slender body. Other soldiers were in the room, quiet and motionless.
Sima Yi slowly turned towards his parchment. "You are sure of this?" he asked in a low, dangerous voice.
One of the soldiers cleared his throat. "Yes. Shu is very well aware that we will attack, sooner or later."
The strategist raised his eyebrows. "Which idiot has ruined my plan?" His voice was even softer now, his eyes hooded.
"He is Jia Kuo, Prime Minister. He was seen during a search of the territory."
"I believe he is under Cao Cao?"
"Yes."
Sima Yi played with his fan, brushing the feathers over his face seductively. His eyes flicked faintly onto Zhang He, who gritted his teeth but didn't move, and then focused back to his conversation.
Zhang He stared quietly into the darkness of his hair. His teeth hurt from clenching them so hard, and his fists gave off the painful expression that he had cut through the skin with his nails. He knew what Sima Yi was trying to get him to do... And though he had fallen for it many times before, he wouldn't be tricked for it now, especially after he had been turned down, yet again.
He knew the strategist was trying to use him, to seduce for his own pleasures until his beloved Jiang Wei was back. Unshed tears pricked faintly at his eyes. So that was it. He was nothing to Sima Yi, only a disposable item. No matter the amount of his beauty...
"Kill him. It is only what the fool deserves." Sima Yi's dark voice rang through the room. He twirled a strand of hair around his finger.
The chief soldier shifted uneasily, and then nodded. "Very well." Several men dispatched themselves from the group and left soundlessly.
"What about your plans for Shu?" the man questioned cautiously.
Sima Yi stared at the man for a long time, his eyes narrowed, and then smiled faintly. "We shall continue to attack."
Faint murmurs of confusion greeted these words.
"Enough!" the clever man hissed. The chatter died down immediately. "We go when the time is ready. Now, leave. I have no more use for you."
The soldiers nodded and then one by one left the room. Zhang He turned also, but Sima Yi called him back.
"Zhang He. Wait." His voice, though soft, was clearly heard.
It was an order. The elegant man stood rooted to the spot, and then slowly turned around. "Yes?" His voice was cold.
Sima Yi beckoned him closer with his fan, a faint, seductive grin sliding to his face. Zhang He sighed, and then walked forward.
"What orders do you wish to give?" His voice was dull, far loosing its usual charm and grace.
The strategist stared at him for a while. "You are angry. Jealous, perhaps?" A smile curled around his lips.
The other remained silent.
Sima Yi examined him for a second, and then abruptly stood up, jerking the elegant man towards him. Zhang He made a cry of protest, the sudden movement snapping his head backwards.
Hot lips nipped his neck, trailing slowly up to his bottom lip. He breathed sharply as fluttering longing ran through his body. Zhang He closed his fists, the blood once again seeping down his wrists. No... He wasn't going to give in this easily...
He could feel wetness lapping along his jawline, declining to flick his earlobe. Fingers tangled into his long, ebony hair, pulling slightly and sending faint stabs of pain. And though he tried to stop it, a faint gasp escaped his throat.
Sima Yi smirked, pulling away. "Oh?" He stared with faint satisfaction at the red bite marks on Zhang He's pale skin. "You barely have any reaction."
The other man breathed slowly, averting his eyes. "I don't planned to be used again."
The strategist laughed, the sound ringing mercilessly throughout the room. His eyes still sparkling with amusement, he turned back to his work. "I have an order for you."
Zhang He nodded, rubbing his neck, his eyes dark and downcast.
"Before the finally battle begins, I want my treasure back. I'm trusting you to get him for me." His eyes flashed, once again glowing with lust.
The Wei officer swallowed. Shadows hiding his face again, he paused before he quickly turned towards the door. "Very well."
**********
A/N: *sigh* How was it? I've never really done these things before... Was it cheesy? Ah well... and as for the next chapter, it's not going to be posted up for a while (SORRY!) since I've got to go some where... >.>... Anyhoo, as usually, please R&R!
--Natsue Arishima
By Natsue Arishima
Chapter Six: Bonding
Sun Shang Xiang leaned on the railing of the balcony, overlooking the Shu kingdom. She sighed as a breeze brushed her face, causing her short, brown hair to flow.
Her eyes hardened on the distant horizon, where smoke could still be seen.
The remains of Wu.
No... she mustn't think of that now...
Turning around, she blinked in surprise as she saw Liu Bei a few feet behind her, his gentle eyes examining her face. The usual combination of love and fear that she received on the battlefield faded quickly as she stared at him, swallowing.
He walked up towards her, reaching up a finger to stroke the side of her face. Tearing his eyes away from her gaze, he looked over his city. "How is it here?" he asked quietly, not daring to turn towards her face.
"It's been fine, thanks." She smiled, standing next to him, her arms crossed on the rail. Her eyes caught a curious, exploring Sun Ce down below, followed by a very harassed looking Zhou Yu. The others were probably inside, still resting. Laughing faintly, she smiled. "You haven't changed."
"Neither have you," he whispered softly, looking down at her. She shifted her eyes back onto him, grinning happily. He delicately placed an arm around her waist, playing with a strand of her hair. "I've missed you."
"Don't go mushy on me," she murmured, concealing a faint giggle.
He scoffed, tracing her cheek with a finger before trailing down to her lips. Placing his hand under her chin, he softly raised her face.
Her smile slowly faded as she bit her lip, stealing glances up at him. He lifted an eyebrow, slightly amused, and she slipped her own slender arm around him. Together, they stood quietly, the sights of Cheng Du glistening beneath them.
Jiang Wei sighed, looking outside the open window. The parchment in which he was supposed to be working on was blank. The quill was once again motionless in the inkbottle.
It was another bright day. The sun pierced through the scattered clouds, the rays shining golden on the grounds.
He sighed, smiling faintly as he heard faint chatter below. Birds twittered quietly, flying among the trees.
Shu had become relaxed. The previous chaos of Wei attacking had faded. Of course, everyone was still prepared, but the tension had died down a bit.
Wu was leaderless, but after finally meeting again with Sun Shang Xiang, Liu Bei didn't seem to mind the other officers that much. For all Jiang Wei knew, the officers of Wu were staying for a while.
Walking to the window, he breathed in the fresh air, closing his eyes faintly.
He suddenly perked as he heard a familiar voice down below.
Very familiar.
Opening his big, mahogany eyes, he recognized the shape of the Little Dragon. He stared at him for a while, leaning slightly on the windowsill.
Zhao Yun seemed so calm, and yet strangely alert. He was laughing faintly, talking with Sun Ce, his usual charming smile radiating throughout the grounds. The sun struck off his body, making the smallest features gleam. His handsome face shined faintly, and Jiang Wei grinned to himself.
Thoughts of Sima Yi had faded. He no longer thought endlessly of the Wei strategist. Sure, there were times, but after that night, things had changed...
He turned away from the window. Softly, he walked out of the room, heading towards his beloved Tiger General.
Zhao Yun felt at ease, after all of the long, sleepless nights. The would-be Wu lord grinned cockily at him, Zhou Yu chuckling quietly at his side and the Shu general smiled back.
Turning, Zhou Yu sighed. "Oh... There's Zhuge Liang." Squinting more closely, he scratched his head, the long hair flowing like a miniature waterfall from his shoulders. Zhuge Liang beckoned him with his feathered fan, and Zhou Yu waved back before he jerked harshly on Sun Ce's arm. "See you," the strategist murmured, waving towards Zhao Yun with his free hand.
Sun Ce's ponytail swung wildly as he was yanked over towards the Prime Minister. "Later then," he declared, and then walked, now back on balance, with his sworn brother.
Zhao Yun stretched, rubbing his eyes, and heard soft footsteps behind him. Turning around, he smiled warmly, raising an eyebrow. "Jiang Wei?"
The slender figure was standing among the dark trees, blending in with the shadows, and with surprised planted all over his face. He had been obviously shocked when he had been discovered. The strategist blushed, the familiar pink spreading through his face. "H-Hi..." he managed, mumbling towards his feet. His dark hair fell forward, hiding his flushed cheeks.
"What's all the embarrassment for?" Zhao Yun walked forward towards Jiang Wei. He bent over, trying to look at the younger man's face. He suddenly dropped the smile. "Did... did last night... Did it offend you in... any way?"
The genius bit his lip, though through his hair, Zhao Yun wasn't able see it. He didn't answer, not knowing how to express his feelings.
"Jiang Wei?" the Tiger General asked. He frowned slightly, leaning his back casually against a nearby tree, and then more tentatively, "Boyue?"
At this, Jiang Wei looked up. His eyes widened as he shivered slightly, two big orbs on his innocent face. It was the way Zhao Yun had said it, soft and yet dark, rolling so musically off his tongue.
Looking up at him, Jiang Wei smiled faintly to himself. He shifted his gaze past the trees, towards the distant, chattering officers, as if making sure no one else was looking...
... And then blushing furiously, he leaned up and kissed Zhao Yun on the lips, twisting his fingers into the smooth, dark hair.
The fierce Shu officer blinked in surprise, though he didn't pull away. The shock wearing off, he slid his arms around Jiang Wei's waist and deepened the kiss, pulling the strategist closer.
His lips were ever so soft... Zhao Yun could feel the warmth of Jiang Wei against his body, the silky brush of his hair.
The Little Dragon gently persuaded the other to open his lips, brushing the interior of Jiang Wei's mouth with his tongue.
Jiang Wei gasped in surprise, the sound muffled by the other's mouth, as pleasant, tingling sensations spread throughout his body.
They broke apart, Jiang Wei's face still extremely pink. A faint, red blush was also slowly creeping up Zhao Yun's face. He coughed, clearing his throat as he realized suddenly how close they were.
Jiang Wei laughed softly, breaking the silence. Looking up with sparkling eyes at the man before him, he whispered softly, "Last night didn't bother me at all. On the contrary, I think... I think I'm falling in love with you..."
Zhao Yun swallowed, and then a dazzling smile dawned on his face. "And I you." His green eyes blazing with happiness, he kissed Jiang Wei gently on the cheek. Together, they headed back out of the trees.
Sima Yi sighed, closing his narrow eyes and fanning himself, his lips pulled back in a dark, satisfied smile.
Zhang He stood in the doorway behind him, his hands clenched and shadows covering his face. His dark hair flowed out behind him, framing his slender body. Other soldiers were in the room, quiet and motionless.
Sima Yi slowly turned towards his parchment. "You are sure of this?" he asked in a low, dangerous voice.
One of the soldiers cleared his throat. "Yes. Shu is very well aware that we will attack, sooner or later."
The strategist raised his eyebrows. "Which idiot has ruined my plan?" His voice was even softer now, his eyes hooded.
"He is Jia Kuo, Prime Minister. He was seen during a search of the territory."
"I believe he is under Cao Cao?"
"Yes."
Sima Yi played with his fan, brushing the feathers over his face seductively. His eyes flicked faintly onto Zhang He, who gritted his teeth but didn't move, and then focused back to his conversation.
Zhang He stared quietly into the darkness of his hair. His teeth hurt from clenching them so hard, and his fists gave off the painful expression that he had cut through the skin with his nails. He knew what Sima Yi was trying to get him to do... And though he had fallen for it many times before, he wouldn't be tricked for it now, especially after he had been turned down, yet again.
He knew the strategist was trying to use him, to seduce for his own pleasures until his beloved Jiang Wei was back. Unshed tears pricked faintly at his eyes. So that was it. He was nothing to Sima Yi, only a disposable item. No matter the amount of his beauty...
"Kill him. It is only what the fool deserves." Sima Yi's dark voice rang through the room. He twirled a strand of hair around his finger.
The chief soldier shifted uneasily, and then nodded. "Very well." Several men dispatched themselves from the group and left soundlessly.
"What about your plans for Shu?" the man questioned cautiously.
Sima Yi stared at the man for a long time, his eyes narrowed, and then smiled faintly. "We shall continue to attack."
Faint murmurs of confusion greeted these words.
"Enough!" the clever man hissed. The chatter died down immediately. "We go when the time is ready. Now, leave. I have no more use for you."
The soldiers nodded and then one by one left the room. Zhang He turned also, but Sima Yi called him back.
"Zhang He. Wait." His voice, though soft, was clearly heard.
It was an order. The elegant man stood rooted to the spot, and then slowly turned around. "Yes?" His voice was cold.
Sima Yi beckoned him closer with his fan, a faint, seductive grin sliding to his face. Zhang He sighed, and then walked forward.
"What orders do you wish to give?" His voice was dull, far loosing its usual charm and grace.
The strategist stared at him for a while. "You are angry. Jealous, perhaps?" A smile curled around his lips.
The other remained silent.
Sima Yi examined him for a second, and then abruptly stood up, jerking the elegant man towards him. Zhang He made a cry of protest, the sudden movement snapping his head backwards.
Hot lips nipped his neck, trailing slowly up to his bottom lip. He breathed sharply as fluttering longing ran through his body. Zhang He closed his fists, the blood once again seeping down his wrists. No... He wasn't going to give in this easily...
He could feel wetness lapping along his jawline, declining to flick his earlobe. Fingers tangled into his long, ebony hair, pulling slightly and sending faint stabs of pain. And though he tried to stop it, a faint gasp escaped his throat.
Sima Yi smirked, pulling away. "Oh?" He stared with faint satisfaction at the red bite marks on Zhang He's pale skin. "You barely have any reaction."
The other man breathed slowly, averting his eyes. "I don't planned to be used again."
The strategist laughed, the sound ringing mercilessly throughout the room. His eyes still sparkling with amusement, he turned back to his work. "I have an order for you."
Zhang He nodded, rubbing his neck, his eyes dark and downcast.
"Before the finally battle begins, I want my treasure back. I'm trusting you to get him for me." His eyes flashed, once again glowing with lust.
The Wei officer swallowed. Shadows hiding his face again, he paused before he quickly turned towards the door. "Very well."
**********
A/N: *sigh* How was it? I've never really done these things before... Was it cheesy? Ah well... and as for the next chapter, it's not going to be posted up for a while (SORRY!) since I've got to go some where... >.>... Anyhoo, as usually, please R&R!
--Natsue Arishima