Chapter 12
Quatre was warm, so very warm, and extremely happy. Not wanting to open his eyes against the delicious floating feeling, he tightened his arms about the moldable flesh of his partner. Resting in his arms, Trowa sighed in contentment.
He squeezed his eyes shut, wanting to hold this moment in place for as long as he could. It'd been so long since he and Trowa had been able to feel so free together. Their time in the Holy Lands had tested them greatly, but Quatre had made up his mind, and together they'd left Mohammed's home with but a parting kiss to Aisha.
She'd been so sad to see them go, but she'd known just as he had, Islam held no place for him but death. So he'd bid fair well to the wife of the Prophet and packed his belongings and wealth into a small band of pack animals and five men before leaving the desert behind.
But what a journey that had been. Nearly two years long, his party had made their way out of the lands of Islam and into ones considered friendly by his fellow comrades. Trowa had held his tongue about their destination, and Quatre knew that Trowa would follow wherever he led. His partner was like that, easy going until someone crossed him, or worse, tried to harm his lover.
Now, as he lay on a bed of pillows, comfortably wrapped in silks, Trowa's head pillowed on his chest, the gentle breath of his love against his bare chest, he knew the place didn't matter as long as Trowa was with him.
Elegant and pale fingers wound their way through Trowa's auburn hair, and Quatre closed his eyes against the delicious pleasure of it all. Their lust and love for each other had been a secret for nearly three years before the Prophet's death. In that time they'd been ever fearful of discovery, both of their lives hanging in the balance of their discretion. But with Mohammed's death also came the death of Quatre's promise of servitude, and with much regret towards Aisha, Quatre and the others had left.
Trowa must have sensed his thoughts because his partner sighed softly before flexing his fingers and sitting up. Trowa was most beautiful after having just awoken from a night of loving. His hair was an awkward jumble of tousled half curls, while his face was just beginning to show signs of stubble. He was rugged and dangerous to behold, but quiet simply the most beautiful man Quatre had ever known.
With a smile that was only for him, Trowa leaned down to welcome the morning with a long and passionate kiss. Quatre felt his body stir to life at the intimate gesture and he quickly moved to make this morning as memorable as the night had been.
His hands found Trowa's chest and softly kneaded the muscles encased in tanned and oiled skin. He listened with growing desire as Trowa's breathing quickened, his body pressing more firmly down upon Quatre's. Long fingers ran across Quatre's belly, to nestle in the downy hair at the roof of his sex. Without reservation or shyness, Quatre lifted his hips to the waiting touch of his love. The contact was wonderful, every one of his senses lighting up, every fiber of his body firing sensation after sensation. He let out a breath he didn't know he was holding as his hands found their way to the firm globes of Trowa's seat.
Pulling his lips from Trowa's, Quatre angled his head downwards, his tongue snaking out to taste the salty flesh of Trowa's neck. He heard his lover moan above him, and with gentle, firm teeth, Quatre nibbled at the juncture between neck and shoulder. He understood Trowa's immediate love of the game as he hardened instantly against Quatre's side. He moaned, showing Trowa with sound how much he loved their morning play; Trowa returned the call in kind.
Wanting this to last, but knowing it must be finished soon for the rest of the day to start, Quatre shifted, rising up and gently pushing Trowa into the warmth of the silks he's just vacated. There wasn't enough time to join their bodies completely, but as Quatre shifted down--his hands purposefully dragging down Trowa's chest, nails biting into flesh--and blew a whispered pray of thanks against Trowa's sex, he knew it would be enough for now.
With practice and love on his side, Quatre slowly surrounded Trowa. His hands, now down by Trowa's hips, alternated between holding his lover down and playfully arousing him more by kneading the lengthy man's inner thighs.
And the sounds, the glorious sounds Trowa made in the heat of his passion. Slow, soothing sounds, rough, almost painful whimpers, all music Trowa made only for Quatre's ears. Throat relaxed and completely filled, Quatre began to move, slowly at first, wanting more than anything to continue this slow torture but knowing their time was almost up.
A deep and silent breath through his nose and he began again, the soft sounds of Trowa's native language spoken by the tall man as if a prayer. Carefully, so as not to end the game quiet yet, Quatre shifted upward, running his tongue over the delicious opening that issued life with its weeping. He felt insistent hands wind into his hair, and Quatre would have chuckled at Trowa's impatience if he hadn't suddenly felt the same need overcome him as well.
With increased urgency, he took Trowa deep into his throat once again, this time letting the hum of a soft lullaby vibrate through him and then through Trowa. His love's reaction was immediate. Hips spasmed wildly up, searching for the release they both craved. Holding firm, Quatre increased his tempo, urging Trowa with his song to come, to complete the piece.
When it finally came, the moment was beautiful. With a cry of completion, Trowa rose up, his greater strength lifting Quatre along with his hips as Trowa's seed burst forth, sending warm and desired fluid into Quatre's accepting body.
Softly, Quatre caressed Trowa's hip as his lover slowly returned to him. He sighed as Trowa's fingers began to play through his hair, the gesture always pleasant when Trowa did it. Feeling Trowa's gentle tug, Quatre shifted, draping his still aroused body over Trowa's as he moved up his partner.
He watched Trowa become aware of his body's state. There was no embarrassment--their roles had been reversed many a time. There were no first or seconds, only turns that ended with satisfaction.
In a show of strength, Trowa flipped them, his long body once again pressing Quatre into the pillows. He loved this part of Trowa. Deceptively thin, Trowa's body was a powerhouse of strength as every muscle in his body was well toned and ready. Quatre's hands moved of their own accord, latching onto the muscles of Trowa's biceps. He had always been small and it fascinated him that his lover could be so strong and capable. He looked up into bright green eyes, and it was only in this moment of quiet appreciation, that Trowa blushed. Quatre smiled, Trowa never gave himself enough credit.
In a soft voice, Quatre whispered what he needed. "Trowa, touch me."
With a soft smile and a nod of understanding, Trowa shifted to Quatre's side, one long leg draped over both of Quatre's, and one strong hand moving slowly down his stomach. Trowa propped his body up to watch his lover's face, as he allowed his hand to surround Quatre's length.
He was so close already, but Trowa always had him like this. From the moment Quatre had first laid eyes on Trowa, he'd known it would be like this every time. With every firm stroke of Trowa's slave hardened palm, Quatre felt his world narrow more and more into emerald green. Trowa's eyes were intent upon him, their color magnificent and inspiring. Quatre felt his breathing hitch, his hips desperately rise and fall in a rhythm that only he and Trowa understood.
A sudden wave of unbearable pleasure shook him and Quatre gasped in delight.
It was then that Trowa shifted closer, adding the length of his body to the stimulus Quatre was already receiving. There was another gasp of air and then a flash of light, before Quatre felt the passion-laced emotions from Trowa filter into his consciousness through their link. Love and devotion outweighing all the sands of the deserts crossed into his thoughts and pushed him over the final edge to paradise.
When he felt Trowa's emotions ease from his thoughts, he slowly opened his eyes and lazily smiled at his most precious lover. Trowa returned the smile. Their lips met somewhere in the middle, breaths mingling as they shared that special moment together.
With regret, Trowa pulled away and smiled down at his beloved. "Good morning, Quatre."
Quatre could only laugh as he pulled Trowa back for another kiss.
At the touch of their lips, the spell was broken.
Eyes wide with fear and confusion, Quatre pushed the other Recruit away, scrambling back from the boy. He saw Trowa move away as well, his eyes wide as they surveyed the changed scenery. The room they'd been in was now gone. The silks and pillows now replaced by an eerie blackness that surrounded them. It was as if there was a light shining directly on them but nothing more, and in the wide space of nothingness they were the only things they could see.
Breath coming in gasps, Quatre scurried to bring his legs closer to his body, doing his best to hide his naked state from the other. Trowa on the other hand was still surveying the space they now occupied, his eyes struggling to believe what his mind was telling him.
By some act of random movement, they found their eyes locked into place with each other's. Quatre was scared, terrified. He could remember the feelings he'd had as Trowa had touched him, remembered the joy he'd felt at bring this Recruit pleasure. It was as if he'd known Trowa, as if they'd known each other for years--longer! Only seconds ago he'd felt so comfortable with him, but now it was as if he were looking at a total stranger.
Surprisingly, Trowa spoke first. "What happened?"
Dumbly, Quatre shook his head. Taking that as an answer, Trowa seemed to nod to himself before standing.
And in that moment, that single second of life, Quatre realized why he never passed the reprogrammer's tests.
Trowa was breathtaking.
Long lean arms and legs, wide shoulders that would only enhance his body more as he aged, and a firm chest that Quatre distinctly remembered tasting. His breath caught in his throat as he tried and failed to force his eyes away. Before him was the image of a dream he'd never dared to have.
But Trowa must have sensed being stared at because he turned, catching Quatre literally with his mouth hanging open. There was a sudden and dark look that fell over Trowa's face, hardening his body and making him look at once dangerous and frightening.
Ashamed of his weakness, Quatre dropped his eyes, hanging his head in shame. But for some reason, a reason he couldn't understand, he found himself speaking.
"I-I'm sorry I stared. It's just…I've never seen anyone as…beautiful as you." His voice was a distant whisper, but something compelled him to look up.
He was surprised to see a startled look on Trowa's face, as if the other boy had not anticipated that kind of reaction. Then, as Quatre watched in awe, a bright pink blush fell across the other's face, traveling down his neck to brighten his upper chest.
The words were so quiet Quatre barely heard them. "Thank you."
With a smile Quatre had never given so freely, he nodded, standing himself to take a look around. He was supremely conscious of his nakedness and quickly turned his back on the other boy. The place they were in was like his satellite during the dark months, save for the fact that he could see himself and Trowa clear as day.
Closing his eyes, Quatre tried to remember the last thing he could before this place but couldn't, only the memory of his and Trowa's early morning encounter. Blushing, he turned his head to look over his shoulder at the other boy.
"Do-do you remember…did we…" He couldn't say it, didn't know how.
From behind him came his answer. "I think so."
Quatre shivered involuntarily. He didn't know what to do. He was in a strange place, with a strange boy he'd only met twice, and had just had…what? Sex? Something more? It had been so wonderful, peaceful and loving; Quatre could still remember the glow of warmth that had pervaded his senses. But he didn't know where he was and he was scared, the only thing coming to his mind was to find Rashid.
"My Teacher, Rashid, he must be worried." He turned in time to see Trowa nod.
"My Teacher, Ralph, as well."
Suddenly the awkwardness returned and Quatre had to turn away from the intense feelings that fluttered through his system. He felt at ease with Trowa, but had no basis to understand what had just happened.
Taking a deep breath, he decided to find out. With a quick nod to himself and fast turn he was facing Trowa once again, only this time, he was back in the pillow and silk filled room.
Trowa, for his part, seemed just as startled as Quatre.
"W-what's happening?"
Trowa shook his head, he had no answers.
Then, in an odd feeling of peace, Quatre felt the situation come into focus. His manner changed. Shoulders squaring, the air about him filled with confidence as he uninhibitedly took a step towards Trowa. The change seemed to have some effect on Trowa as well because the taller boy turned then and opened his arms to the blond, enveloping him when Quatre got into range.
They were silent for a long time. Finally Trowa pulled away, and Quatre spoke.
"It's begun."
"But will it be enough? We won't remember once we awaken, only a memory of a dream will follow us back."
Quatre nodded, a quiet smile gracing his lips. "It is more than we had the first time. Trust in Him, we'll find our way."
Trowa looked less convinced but dropped his head, resting it instead against Quatre's, while the blond leaned his own head against Trowa's chest, listening to the beating of the heart he'd so longed to hear. Trowa's voice was quite as he spoke. "It was good to touch you again, my love."
"And you as well. We have been given a little of our pasts, it will be enough to begin things."
Trowa sighed. "But it will take so long. We both have so far to go before we can be together."
Quatre closed his eyes against the pain of that realization. "The only consolation I can offer is that, as the time approaches we'll become more and more aware of each other. I know this is hard, beloved, but it will all be worth it once it is finished." Soft lips found the sensitive skin at the side of Trowa's neck, and he moaned softly.
"Try hard not to forget me, Little One. I'll try as well. Perhaps if we try hard enough we'll remember more."
Quatre chuckled at Trowa's desire. "Beloved, we can only remember what He wills us to; but I will try my hardest to remember one thing about our time together."
Trowa tried to smile. "What's that?"
Gently Quatre lifted his hand to cover Trowa's chest. "The beating of your heart."
With tears in their eyes, their lips met and with their contact came a flash of bright white light.
* * *
"I CAN'T GET HIS HEART STARTED!"
With panicked desperation in his voice, Duo continued to compress Quatre's chest while Rashid supplied his Recruit with oxygen. Trowa had been gone for nearly three minutes, and Quatre had followed close behind. He didn't want to lose them, and he vowed to Allah that if Quatre made it through this, he'd be his best friend for the rest of Blonde's life!
Heero's voice was grim as he continued to pump the bulb of the respirator attached to Trowa. "Wufei, this isn't working."
Duo turned, his tear rimmed eyes catching sight of his two lovers as they worked to save one of their own. Wufei and Heero always tried to be so strong, only he knew their inner fears, their self-hatred and suicidal thoughts. They were both more delicate than they looked, and Duo knew the loss of these two would have a profound effect on both of them.
Finishing his last compression he signaled Rashid to give two breaths. He watched the blank face of his general lower, his lips opening to deliver a breath that would hopefully save Quatre's life. Rashid was so strong. Howard had once told him that Rashid had always been strong, even from the time he'd entered the camps. But where Duo considered that a great accomplishment, Howard had seemed extremely saddened by the statement of fact. Curious, he'd questioned his Teacher.
"Rashid came in a man, the way he's always been, and he stayed that way. He was ten when he entered, a man even then. He never had a chance to be a child, never in his life. That strength you think is so incredible, it came with a great sacrifice. Heero's found a way to get around it thanks to you and Wufei, but Rashid never had the chance. He's a soldier, he'll always be a soldier."
A sudden and dramatic beeping broke Duo from his memories, and with a hopeful expression he lifted his head to look above Quatre's bed to the cardiac monitor. There it was bright, green and the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen, Quatre's heartbeat. With a turn of his head, he saw that just as Quatre's monitor was now registering a heartbeat, so was Trowa's.
With a whoop of joy, Duo slid off the bed he'd been kneeling on for stability and leverage. In a rush, he ran to Master Habsaba and hugged him, then turned to offer comfort to his friend Abdule. But the older man was staring much the same way that Duo noticed everyone else was, back towards the two bedridden Recruits.
Disgruntled at the serious expressions on everyone's face, Duo jumped up and started waving his arms around. "Hey! What's the long faces for?! Look, they made it! They're going to be OK!" But the room was still silent, and in complete aggravation he turned to get an answer from his lovers.
"Guys what's the deal? The beeping is a good sound, right?"
For a moment Wufei was silent, but finally, his oldest lover turned to answer him, his face white as snow. "Duo, look at the monitors."
Exacerbated, Duo turned and looked from one monitor to the other. Both were registering cardiac signals. "They're alive, Wufei! Why do you guys all look like you've just seen a ghost?"
Oddly, it was Rashid that answer him, and in such a way that Duo too was forced to do nothing but stare at the monitors in fear, wonder, and confusion.
"Their hearts are beating in exactly the same rhythm."