Genre: AU, Fantasy
Pairings: 1x2, 3x4, 6x5
Disclaimer: Don't own nothin' but these words
Special Note: Dedicated to darkneko666 and Demonskid, this was a request to me. Hope you both like it!
Warnings: Yaoi, lemon, language, angst-ish, MPreg (sort of, probably not what you're expecting), demons
Author's Note: I'm trying not to drag out the build-up, because then we can get into the actual plot. Yayy. And I've been apologizing a lot for not being better about updating. I'm sorry to say, I will probably have even less time now, because I just became a literacy tutor. I'm going to be teaching an adult how to read and write, which is a very exciting job for me I must admit. ^_^
I haven't gotten any e-goodies in awhile. Send me your love.
The Beginning of a Journey Always Takes the Longest
Heero drew in a slow, deep breath and expelled in in a slow, quiet sigh. Since leaving the Grove, they'd accomplished the first major task. They'd found the Champion of Light. Now, as Duo would say, what were they supposed to do with him?
Zechs Marquise, it turned out, wasn't the biological son of the farmers. He was found abandoned by the side of an old, unused road when only an infant. As Wufei had scathingly pointed out, he was far too intelligent, well-spoken, and good-looking to be a simple farmer. But he was a human, which present its own unique challenges.
The first and most important, he acted vaguely uncomfortable in the presence of demons and fey. Specifically one particular fey. It annoyed Heero immensely to catch the covert glances Zechs slid him, the way he edged to the side when Heero approached, and the faint scent of fear that clung around him. As if I'd even be interested in feeding on you, he thought with disdain. Have you even looked at Duo? Zechs had agreed quickly and easily to accompanying the five immortals, but plain and simple he didn't fit in with them.
Wincing when Wufei shifted on his shoulder and those talons pricked his skin, Heero pulled himself out of his musings and looked around. In a few days they would be traveling out of Etharod and heading into the eastern kingdoms.
"So, the prophecy clearly states that we six must find each other," Zechs said abruptly (startling Duo, who sat behind Heero on Crimson, as usual), "but does it say what we must do then? If not, we should form some sort of plan."
Zechs had the irritating habit of trying to take charge.
"We do have a plan," Duo said, sounding more subdued than usual. "We have a good place to start, at least."
To their left, Quatre stirred. "You're talking about Azrong, right?"
"Yeah," Duo confirmed.
Heero stared at the distant horizon.
"It's dangerous to make assumptions," Zechs said.
"It's a good place to start," Heero said. "There's no reason not to at least check the seal."
"Do you know where the seal is?" Trowa asked.
"Yes," Heero replied. "It will take us two, perhaps three weeks to reach it from here if we push hard."
"Is it wise to drive the horses at such a pace?" Zechs asked.
Heero didn't have to see Duo's glare to feel its heat. "Yes, that occurred to us. No, we wouldn't ride them into the ground. Yes, we have a solution. No, it won't hurt them. Does that answer all your questions?"
Zechs had the decency to look chastised.
Duo tugged on Heero's arm. "It's almost dark," he said, tone short and borderline hostile. "Let's stop for the night."
"We could travel another hour -" Zechs began.
"We'll stop," Heero cut him off. He reached up and stroked a single finger down Wufei's breast feathers. "Scout ahead and find a good place to make camp." The large black hawk launched into the air. "Quatre, can you sense any of those demon hunters?"
Quatre closed his eyes. "No. The nearest people are quite some way off to the east, not including the village behind us. When we make camp, shall I set up some wards?"
"Yes," Heero said. "Trowa can help you."
Wufei let out a cry and spiraled back down to Heero's shoulder. 'The forest up ahead would provide good cover. It will only take you a few minutes to get there, and I found a decent-sized clearing where we could make a fire. I'll go hunt. Maybe I can find a fat hare or two. We'll make the human prepare it for us.'
Duo snickered.
Heero swallowed a grin. 'Thanks. We'll meet back up there.'
'Sure. And I'm a much better hunter than that dumb bird sitting on Zechs' shoulder.'
'Of course you are!' Duo said, sounding ridiculously affronted. 'That's just an animal.'
Wufei preened a little before taking flight again and vanishing.
"Does he ever take a human form?" Zechs asked abruptly, and that seemed to be longing in his eyes.
Heero raised an eyebrow. "Yes, and don't ever make the mistake of thinking he's an animal, Zechs. You'll find yourself waking without certain parts of your anatomy you'd rather not do without."
Zechs gave him an indignant look. "I wouldn't make that mistake. He's just quite magnificent, that's all."
Duo made an incredibly rude sound.
In about twenty minutes they had a cozy camp set up. Trowa took over building a fire while Quatre set wards, Heero tended the horses. Crimson, Honey, and Ash all gathered around him, nosing him and snorting softly. Zechs' horse, a sturdy gelding he'd named Peaceful, nearly came unglued when Wufei ghosted into camp in his wolf form, carrying a small deer.
'Lucky,' Wufei said, casting a glare toward the gelding. 'Good hunting in this forest.'
'Thank you, Wufei. You can eat first, if you want.'
'That's all right. I'd prefer a cooked meal, for a change.' And with that, he transformed into his full human form. He cast Zechs a challenging look. "Do you know what to do? If so, help me prepare the carcass."
When Zechs moved to obey, Duo abruptly let out a sound of disgust and rose. "I'll be back in awhile," he said, tone unfriendly, and stalked out of the camp.
Mystified and a little alarmed, Heero watched him go. Give him a minute. He lasted about ten seconds before standing. "You four wait here. I'll go see what's troubling him."
Was that a knowing sort of smile Quatre sent him?
Duo put his nymph blood to good use - he disappeared. It took Heero quite some time to find him, and eventually he had to resort to allowing his sylvan senses to take over. He literally sniffed Duo out, following the telltale signs of his passing and the red-hot smell of his blood. The closer he got to the nymph the more strangled his senses became, until he was no longer entirely certain he could control himself. He'd never allowed himself to do this before.
Finally, he found the other immortal youth. And reeled for all different reasons. Duo was gloriously naked, moonlight streaming down on his alabaster skin. Making his hair gleam. He'd found a pool in which to bathe, and little drops of water caught the light and winked invitingly. Heero took several steps forward, answering the call, before he caught himself and drew up short.
"Duo?" he queried softly, hoping not to startle the other.
Duo twitched, turning with slightly wide eyes. Then he blinked and looked calm again. "Nani?"
Good question, Heero thought, approaching again and feeling more in control now. "Are you all right? You've seemed . . . bothered by something all day."
"Not something," Duo said. Short and cool. "Someone. Specifically, that human."
Well, that didn't quite surprise him, he supposed. Duo had been standoffish toward Zechs since they left the village. Pausing by the water's edge, he toed off his leather boots and grasped the hem of his shirt. "Do you mind if I join you?"
Duo stared at him for a second, seeming thoroughly flummoxed. Then he shook his head. "I don't mind."
Stripping off his clothing and dropping it carelessly on the ground, he stepped into the water. It was cool but not icy. It had been a warm spring day, so it felt refreshing. He had a feeling Duo wouldn't talk about Zechs, so he opted to change the subject. He strode right into Duo's personal space, holding out his hands palm up.
"Care to purify the water with me?" As a Creator, purification was an easy task. It would be even easier since Water was Duo's element.
Those indigo eyes, made almost black by the darkness, locked on Heero's. Cool, slim fingers interlaced with his. "Sure," Duo murmured.
As they had done many times in the past, the pair reached out with their magic, power met and merged. Heero didn't miss the shiver that ran up Duo's spine as they began, and he swiftly and easily took control of the merging. The pool was surprisingly clean, but by the time they were done the water was pure enough to drink. Duo let his own magic trickle away, but Heero did not.
Duo gasped when ribbons of water began climbing up his body. "He-Heero?"
Uncertain, breathy, shy, wanting, anxious. So many things mixed up and bundled together. Just like Duo. Just like those amazing colors that made up his essence at his very core. Confusing and arousing as hell. "The water makes your skin glow," he offered.
"W-water's my element!" Duo almost whimpered.
"Yes," Heero agreed. "Do you know how incredible you'd look, wearing a gown of pure water?"
He couldn't really see it - too dark. But he could feel the heat rise in Duo's face. "It would be see-through," he whispered.
"Then you'd just have to wear it only for me," Heero replied just as low, leaning forward. The breath of each word ghosted over Duo's lips. "What do you want, Duo? Right now? Tell me." Before I devour you.
"Ahh . . . Heero," Duo whimpered, hands coming up to cling to Heero's shoulders. "Please . . . please, kiss me."
The world shivered into stillness. Kiss him. If I kiss him, would I be able to control myself? There were other concerns. Sylvan had needle-sharp fangs. What if he nicked Duo's lip, or his tongue deep enough to make him bleed? If he tasted the demon-hybrid's blood, would he be able to stop himself from drinking more? What if I hurt him? What if I damaged him? What if I made him hate me?
The world started moving again, and Heero realized his brain and body weren't communicating any longer. He was a hairsbreadth from Duo's lips, and Duo's eyes fluttered shut, his whole body arching forward. For the first time, their lips met. Instantly heat and light and color seeped into Heero's mouth, the sweet and strange and intoxicating flavor of Duo. He jerked back, eyes blurring into the pure energy state of all life at its essence. The world around him appeared muted and hazed, but Duo stood out red and indigo and gold and vibrant and beautiful and strong and sweet Vashti he wanted so much . . .
"Heero?" Duo breathed. "What's wrong?"
Control, Heero thought distantly, was for people who were not in love. Seizing Duo's arms, he dragged him close and fused their mouths together. It was spinning away. Fading out of existence. The reason he'd not done this before. Duo wanted this. So what else was there? I won't hurt him. I won't hurt him. I won't hurt him. He would just devour him.
He wrenched his mouth away, aware finally that he was sucking on Duo's tongue. Duo collapsed against him, panting and quivering.
"Sh-shit!" the nymph swore. "Damn you know how to kiss, 'Ro!"
Heero couldn't help it and grinned. Touching Duo felt like juggling huge, razor-sharp knives. Walking on a tightrope. Teetering on the brink of a pool of white-hot lava that would incinerate him if he touched it. Dangerous. So dangerous. So good. He let his lips fall softly on Duo's neck, forcing himself not to part them. The temptation to sink his fangs into that ivory skin would be too great. So he merely kissed, gently. Lightly. Little more than touches.
Duo shivered. "Heero . . ." Soft and low and pleading.
A plea for more.
"Duo," he hissed against the delicate arch of a white throat, "I want you." I'm losing my mind. "I want more." I'm losing control. "Let me taste you." I'm losing myself. "Let me hold you."
Duo moaned, his entire body pressed against Heero's. The sylvan could feel every tremor. "I want you too," he panted. "Shit, I want that too. Hurry, 'Ro. Wanted you for so long . . ."
Heero felt his body temperature rising, he was panting now. His hands slid down Duo's slender back, over the enticing curve of his spine and lower, cupping two perfect globes of soft, firm flesh and grinding forward hard, one knee pushing with ease between Duo's thighs and shifting upward. Duo arched up beautifully, a keening whine escaping his throat, which kept Heero's mouth occupied so deliciously . . .
Squeezing gently, Heero lifted until he unbalanced Duo. The nymph let out a little yelp, throwing his arms around Heero's neck. Without any further encouragement, he also wrapped his legs around Heero's waist. It caused the arousal he wasn't even aware of to slide right up against the soft warmth of the nymph's body, and Heero thought he might black out. His lips parted without any permission, and his brain caught up when he felt the tension of fang pressing against skin.
Shit, shit. Stop, don't, control . . . Apparently arousal was killing his higher brain function, reducing him to a creature of need and pure instinct, acting only on his desires. And what he wanted more than anything was to taste Duo, to do so much more than absorb his life energy. To drink his blood, to feel it flow over his tongue, to succumb to the siren-sweet call. He panted against Duo's skin, teetering on the edge of a chasm with no bottom. He knew if he fell, he would never climb out again.
"'s okay, 'Ro," Duo whispered, fingers carding through Heero's hair. "You can drink my blood."
Heero swallowed thickly, the world shifting beneath his feet. So close. "Duo," he panted. "Duo . . . don't offer . . ." How will I control myself - ?
"I don't mind," Duo breathed, lips falling lightly on Heero's ear. "I want you to be addicted to me. I want you to see only me."
The earth crumbled into dust and Heero fell. With something that might have been a groan, might have been a growl, he firmed his jaw and his fangs sank into the smooth ivory skin. The resistance felt no more than paper.
Everything blanked out. Everything vanished into the red, indigo, gold, violet of Duo. Those colors swirled in a chaotic jumble as blood broke over Heero's tongue for the first time in his life. There were no words to describe it, there was no thought to try. It was coppery bright, metallic and slightly bitter. It was hotter than flame, it was brighter than the sun, it was darker than shadow, it was sweeter than sugar, it was smoother than wine, it was softer than silk, it was wetter than water, it was thick and hot and wet and smooth and it slid down his throat like a bolt of potency and desire and passion and -
Blink. The sensation of his mouth on skin vanished. The colors swirled madly and he struggled, aware of something holding him back. Blink.
"God damn it, Yuy, stop!"
His vision cleared in an instant, and Heero's whole body jerked. Wufei held him back, away from Duo. The nymph lay in the shallow water of one end of the pond, looking dazed. Even though his senses had returned somewhat, Heero could still feel his whole body straining subtly toward Duo. Wanting him. Needing him.
Duo sat up, and his eyes oriented on Wufei and focused. "Damn it Wufei, why'd you make him stop?"
Wufei frowned. "What do you mean why? What the hell is wrong with you, Maxwell? He was drinking your blood."
"I know," Duo snapped. "I said he could."
"What?" Wufei exclaimed. "Are you crazy, you idiot? Don't you know why sylvan don't drink blood?"
"Yes," Duo growled, "and I don't care. I want him to be addicted to me. I want him to want me. I love him!"
Annoyed, Heero twisted and broke free of the acarci's grip. "We'll be back to the camp in a bit," he said, voice steely and cold. Not a suggestion to leave.
Wufei hesitated. "All right. If you're both sure you're okay."
"We are," Heero said.
When he'd gone, Heero rose and moved to Duo's side, sinking down next to him. "You shouldn't have said that last part."
Duo blinked. "Why not? I don't care if he knows." He paused. "Does it . . . bother you?"
"Yes." Heero smiled. "But only because I wanted to hear those words for the first time directed at me."
The anxiety disappeared in the wake of a sunny smile. Duo threw his arms around Heero's neck. "I love you, 'Ro. Have for a long time now."
Heero nuzzled Duo's neck, pressing a soft kiss to the small puncture wounds. "I love you, too." The maddening need had abated. For now.
He knew he was only a matter of time before it reared its ugly head again. And next time, he doubted very much he'd be able to wait for Duo's permission.