Shades of Grey by Laekin and bonnejeanne

Part Sixteen-B

The flames Trowa saw there gave him the courage to bend his head, turn the hand over and lay his lips tentatively along the inner wrist, nibbling softly with his teeth as he whispered without the hint of coyness that usually accompanied the words. "What are you willing to give." The tone more.. open and guileless. There was no game being played but a true.. offering.

Wufei shuddered slightly, feeling the touches on his wrist. He stood up abruptly, ignore his body's protest of pain and stiffness and took Trowa's wrist, drawing him up to his feet. He looked into the green-eyed boy's face for a bare half second, then moved, walking down the hall to his own room and drawing Trowa behind him. He pulled the boy inside and shut the door, releasing him.

The room was bare, containing only a small trunk, a wide flat futon, and a large wicker basket. His saber was hung on one wall. He moved towards Trowa with the grace of a cat... a slightly hurt one. "I have nothing to give," he said. "Nothing. What then?"

Swallowing, Trowa looked down at Wufei, his slender muscles held in a tense, trembling posture that spoke of both flight and a driving need to *stay*. His tongue came out and stroked across his lips as he weighed his answer carefully. His hand came up and was held out towards Wufei.

"Then.. take what I offer?" Trowa whispered softly.

If only Wufei would understand how much it took out of Trowa to make that offer. To verbalize it with the knowledge that it could be mistaken for something less then what it was.

Wufei completed his advance and placed his hand on Trowa's shoulders. "I could," he said in a strained voice, "So easily. Don't you understand that? Why would you even think of trusting me? You were there... you saw what..." Wufei stopped but the memory was so clear he was sure it must be throbbing between them. "Am I not some predator? I took Yuy against his will... I've taken *your* lover while you were looking the other way... how can you even think of letting yourself trust... this..." there was a naked pain in his eyes and he turned around abruptly, his back rigid. Too rigid. A hint of pink showed on a little bit of bandage visible beneath the shirt's loose neck.

It would have been easy to turn and bolt. The Trowa of a couple years ago would have perhaps done just that, uncertain of how to handle emotional pain in a loved one. But, he was not without growth. His instincts screamed to him and he stepped forward to follow them.

"I did not, look the other way Wufei. Yes... I watched what happened between you and Heero...and I watched what happened in your eyes and your heart. I did not... make the decision to trust you with my beloved easily. But in the end...I still believe in you." He reached for the shoulder that was bleeding, his fingers brushing lightly along the bandage, wanting to ease the pain he could read in the rigid muscles but moving carefully.

"All you have done is justify my leap of faith Wufei. You didn't hurt him. You cherished him and protected him and gave him something he was thirsting for. I trusted you with that which is most precious to me."

Wufei took a breath and let it out. He turned, his eyes still a bit haunted. Reaching out, he slid his hands around Trowa's face, and then pressed his lips to the other boy's. It wasn't the gentlest of kisses... there was tenderness in it but also pain, and need and confusion. 'I can't be anything you need,' Wufei thought despairingly. 'I have nothing but my hunger and my pain. Clearly that is the last thing that you could even need.'

For a moment, beneath that kiss, Trowa felt a stab of inadequacy. How could he do this? What could he give Wufei? He was the emotional weakling in his relationship with Quatre. Quatre needed to hold and coax and encourage him every step of the way, Wufei needed something from him. But Trowa's mind flashed back to a time when he'd filled a role in Heero's life. Trowa dug around for the courage he'd wielded from that time in his life, realizing that as much as he'd protected and sheltered Quatre, Quatre had done the same to him.

Stepping up to the plate, so to speak, he took a step closer to Wufei, reaching around to lightly embrace the other boy and answering that kiss with silent support and understanding. Different from Quatre's unconditional love and acceptance, but no less open and giving.

Wufei's arms moved around him, pressing their bodies tightly together. Wufei lifted his mouth but only to place hot kisses on Trowa's cheek and neck. He kissed Trowa's skin below one ear, and his arms tightened.

"I don't need... protecting..." he whispered. There was suppressed violence in him, as well as the pain and the need. It occurred to Trowa that he'd seen and touched a similar violence.

Was a wounded dragon so different from a wounded lion?

Though not as sensitive as Quatre to a neck attack, Trowa still shuddered softly, tilting his head and giving Wufei more access. He shivered to the softly spoken words, feeling the pain and the *fear?* A part of him responded to the wounded dragon. His hands coming up to touch the tense body with the same soothing strokes that he used with his beloved lions.

Perhaps he did not have the words, the way a small blonde did but he had touch. He let touch guide him. Stroking with gently warmth across the tightly drawn muscles of the body that pressed against his. Letting his fingers explore, seeking the spots that would give the most comfort, that would speak the most softly.

Wufei responded, calming for a moment, then his arms tightened again. His hands moved down into the back of Trowa's pants, pulling out the tucked pullover. He began pulling the skirt up and off of Trowa's body. It was Trowa's last chance to stop this before it went to an inevitable conclusion.

Trowa merely ducked neatly to help Wufei pull the shirt off his head without making Wufei reach too high with his own wounded shoulders. He shivered a little as the cool air hit his well developed frame, stepping closer to Wufei, wrapping his arms back around the other boy, seeking him. His hands once again moving in comforting patterns across abused muscles. Sliding beneath the simple shirt to touch skin.

Wufei's hands ran over Trowa's shoulders, slowly across his chest and then around his back. He leaned close and let his tongue trace the outside of an ear. The touch of Trowa's hand on his body seemed to ease a myriad of throbs, but it also started different ones. Breathing deeply, Wufei stepped back and took Trowa's hand, drawing him to the futon. He knelt on it, and began unfastening his own shirt, dropping it on the floor.

Trowa followed Wufei's leader to the futon, setting one knee against the firm mattress and reaching to help the other boy take off his shirt. Gently sliding it off wounded shoulders and arms. Letting it fall off to the side. His fingers moving with those same gentle, healing touches along Wufei's chest. With the healing there was also a heat, a need, a want. Silent only in his voice, his body and eyes spook without hesitation.

Wufei moved closer to Trowa and took him in his arms again, taking his mouth with a long, deep kiss. His arms molded their bodies together, skin again skin now, each one feeling the skin, muscles and tension in the other through direct contact.

Trowa shuddered. Making love to Quatre was like falling into a gentle pool that embraced and soothed him. This was like wrapping himself around a live wire. The heat and tension in muscles as well developed and toned as his own drove the breath from his lungs and he gasped against the kiss. Catching his breath he pressed his lips tightly back to Wufei's notching the kiss into a higher level of intensity.

It might have taken a little bit of coaxing, but there was no doubting the want and need in Trowa now. A pair of strong, deft hands moved across Trowa's body, and one found it's way down to the top front of his pants. Fingers began unfastening the buttons and without hesitation reached inside to free the masculine flesh. Wufei curled his fingers around the firming shaft and squeezed it knowingly.

There really wasn't much room for anything other then Trowa himself in those jeans. A soft moan escaped him and he pressed his body into Wufei's fingers, giving an eager little thrust as he pressed the other boy back against the futon, wanting Wufei to lay back so he could do something about those trousers and also wanting the other boy to relax those tense, injured muscles as much as possible.

Wufei wasn't ready to be babied. He leaned back, letting Trowa work on removing his loose pants but he did not release his hold on the green-eyed boy's cock Wufei continued to squeeze and stroke it with hungry, lustful intent. As he felt the bead of liquid form at the tip, he smeared it with a light touch of his thumb, licking his lips unconsciously.

It wasn't so much being babied, as it was... how best to get us both out of the remainder of these clothes. Trowa was intrigued with how their bodies were responding to each other and wanted more contact. Gently but urgently, he tugged those trousers free of Wufei's well muscled legs, tossing them aside and weaseling the rest of the way out of his own tight jeans.

Pausing then to press into the stroke of Wufei's thumb as he braced his weight on his hands on either side of Wufei's head, tangling their legs together and leaning down, drawn by the licking of those lips to kiss them once again. His tongue tracing the path Wufei's tongue took just a moment before.

Wufei drew the other boy against him, sliding a hand around his bare hips, pressing their bodies together, and rubbing himself against Trowa, feeling their cocks slide against each other. He continued to kiss Trowa's face, under his jawline and down to the hollow of his neck.

Trowa felt his breath hitch in his chest to the kisses and he shifted against Wufei, bracing himself on one hand and reaching down to wrap his long fingers around both their cocks, tightening the hold and increasing the friction between their two bodies.

Wufei growled softly, and his hips moved rhythmically, along with his hand matching Trowa's. The friction was delicious. Wufei let his mouth roam further down, fastening on a nipple, as the tempo of his hips slowly increased. Trowa hissed through his teeth and arched his back, pressing his body trustingly towards Wufei's lips and hand. His own hips moving restlessly against the other boy, matching the increase of the tempo.

It just felt so good.

Trowa's head dropped down and he nuzzled into the curve of Wufei's good shoulder, teeth nibbling softly at the strong muscles. Not quite the aggressive nips Quatre delivered but more like an inquisitive little tasting.

Moving from one nipple to the other, Wufei growled softly again, his skin shivering under the touch of Trowa's mouth. He continued to rock his hips, stroking the other boy and himself, feeling the other strong hand down there helping. This was how he wanted it the first time. Something about this felt good, right... His chest moved as he took in deep breaths, and he felt his own excitement building quickly.

Following Wufei's lead, Trowa felt the pieces fall into place, correctly.. the way they were supposed to. Yes, this was right. His long fingers moved just a little, shyly reaching out and loosely tangling with the hand that assisted him in increasing both their pleasure. His powerful muscles straining a bit as he both arched into those nibbles on his chest and bent over Wufei to continue to trail kisses and soft little bites along the unbandaged shoulder and arm. His breathing coming a little more ragged as the movements of his hips became more urgent.

Wufei squeezed Trowa's hard flesh, milking it, as he moved himself along side it, in the other boy's firm grasp. A tremor went through his body as he felt a sudden surge of rising pleasure overtake him. He pressed his face into the side of Trowa's neck as his body began to climax.

The quick hard jerk of Wufei beneath him and the feel of liquid heat across his fingers and against himself, caused Trowa to feel his own climax rush and overtake him. It was a wonderful feeling really and he pressed his cheek against Wufei's biceps, gasping in pleasure as his body emptied itself against his lover's powerful form.

Wufei gasped, relaxing slowly, his fingers opening, capturing the hot liquid from Trowa's climax to feel between his fingers. He lifted his hand to his mouth, tasting the fluid. Breathing hard, he moved over Trowa, pushing the boy back, and kissed him deeply and passionately. Trowa fell back, willingly, his lips parting beneath Wufei's, tasting himself as well as Wufei's unique flavor against his tongue. His hand, freed from holding his weight, lifted up to cradle Wufei's cheek, stroking long deft fingers through dark silky hair.

Wufei sigh, dropping his head as Trowa stroked his hair. "I've gone mad," he whispered softly, but there was a touch of humor in it.

Trowa laid back against the firm mattress, offering the warmth of his embrace as he continued to stroke his fingers through Wufei's hair. Once again the young dragon's fastidiously fastened hair was getting mused. Trowa chuckled deep in his chest smiling with a rare but completely open warmth up at Wufei.

Wufei raised his head to look down at Trowa. His dark eyes were clear. "I am an idiot at times," he said quietly, stroking his hand along Trowa's side.

Trowa stretched a little beneath the stoke, indicating his approval of the action. Lifting his head to look Wufei in the eyes. His own a soft green, unshielded by the natural defenses built into him. "Oh?" It was a curious little noise.

Wufei smiled. It was a sweet expression that not many people got to see. He nodded. "Tied in knots by my honor... tied in knots by my lack of it... lashing at people..." He shrugged and then shook his head. Needed to stop doing that for a while until his shoulder healed but it was such a common gesture.

Trowa's hands moved immediately to begin to rub gently at the strained muscles. The touches firm, encouraging blood circulation through the damaged tissue without being so hard as to aggravate the soreness. "Perhaps, a little. But it doesn't change that we care about you Wufei."

Wufei bowed his head into the touch. "Yes... though why... but I'm running out of excuses to fight, aren't I." He looked up. His expression was serious. "Trowa... you've some deep scars... I don't want to... make them worse with my blundering."

The taller boy lay quietly for a long time, content it seemed just to stroke and give comfort with his hands. When he spook his voice was low, but tender. "I know... that you think I baby Quatre a lot and... I guess I do. He, in return, babies me. I ... you're not wrong Wufei... but I can't hide from it forever. Quatre would let me, he'd shelter me from it until I left the wounds to fester and weaken the whole. I can't let that happen... I won't let that happen... to me.. or to any of us."

He looked up, to Wufei, his expression as naked as the Chinese boy had ever seen. His voice very soft. "So... I guess you could say I need you also."

Wufei shook his head, but in wondering, not denial. "Trowa..." he began, but could not find words to finish.

Trowa just smiled softly, reaching up to stroke Wufei's face with the tips of his fingers. Leaning forward a little he pressed his lips gently against Wufei's, letting the shy kiss speak for him. Actions louder then words.

Wufei returned the kiss, this time just as passionately, but less rough. The sharing had smoothed out a few of the edges in his soul.

Trowa soaked up the kiss for a long moment before he lay back on the futon with a very content sigh, his hands moving comfortingly along Wufei's body as he watched the patterns on the ceilings for a moment. Then.. almost to himself...

"Wait a minute... Wufei.. what is today?"

"August... tenth.." Wufei said, trying to remember. He watched the other boy closely.

Trowa's eyes narrowed a little and then he began to laugh. A full hearty sound. "That little.... concert my ass."

Wufei looked inquiringly. His hand continued to stroke Trowa's skin. "Here is a mystery: how is it they all keep an appointment book in their heads?" he said as if to the walls.

Trowa shook his head, arching with a soft little purr into the stroke of Wufei's fingers. "Believe me my friend, after 3 years of learning how to dodge those "concerts" I've got the dates memorized so I can start running early. Concert season doesn't begin until September."

Wufei tilted his head. "He... set us up?"

Trowa chuckled softly, turning to kiss the side of Wufei's mouth, whispering. "More likely.. removed himself from the equation for the moment to let us find ourselves."

Wufei shook his head. "I've been out maneuvered by both of you, how many times now? I guess it's no point to trying to fight it."

Trowa snorted softly. "He's rather adept at it. Care to help me hold him upside down and dunk him head first in the toilet?"

Wufei smiled. "That would not be my first choice, no," he said calmly.

An auburn eyebrow lifted and a twinkle entered those solemn green eyes. "Oh?"

"No." Wufei said. "I would rather..." a picture formed in his mind. "...outmaneuver him... though the idea of both of us doing it together has merit..."

An intrigued expression came over Trowa's face and he shifted a little, leaning on an elbow so he could look into Wufei's face, tracing the fine bone structure with his fingers. "Do extrapolate by all means."

Wufei smiled, and shook his head. The picture in his mind was too clear. It consisted of Quatre on all fours, with Wufei behind and Trowa in front... the smiled curved a little more, but his lips remained closed.

Trowa just watched Wufei's face closely, but was finding it hard to read. Laying back with a low chuckle. "Let me know if you feel like implementing the plan. I accept the mission."

Wufei laughed. "I will let you know... or I might. You also have done some maneuvering... perhaps I should simply make my plans and execute them... and let you... both... fall where you... may."

"So if the little Winner is not at a concert... where is he?" Wufei wondered aloud, taking Trowa's hand and beginning to lick the fingers.

If it weren't for the fact that, the laugh sounded so good, Trowa would have protested his innocence as it was he just lay back and enjoyed Wufei's relaxed state. Trowa watched the active tongue for a moment, having to swallow a couple of times before he could focus on the question.

"Ah... I'm not really certain."

Wufei smiled to himself and began moving one of Trowa's long fingers in and out of his mouth, sucking and nibbling it. He paused long enough to say, "And when might he return?"

Trowa's finger automatically curled within the warm moist confines of Wufei's mouth, gently running along sharp teeth. "If I know his little nibs he'll return when he's figured we've worn each other out and curl up with a happy little smirk somewhere."

Wufei nodded, placing an additional finger in his mouth. He removed them both for a moment, again, to speak. "The truth is I am tired. I want to be rested before I carry out my... campaign. Would you like to stay here? Or return to your room?"

Trowa inwardly chastised himself. Wufei needed his sleep not jumped twice in three hours. Chuckling inwardly at himself he gently extracted his fingers from the seductive suckling, shifting them shifting them both about on the futon till they lay comfortably together."I'd like to stay."

Wufei nodded, pleased. He reach beside the futon and pulled a neatly folded cover up, throwing it across them. Then he settled Trowa a little better and relaxed, giving the boy a brief, sweet kiss before closing his eyes.

Trowa closed his eyes, stroking his hands along Wufei's shoulders, coaxing the other boy to relax and drift into sleep. To himself he quietly wondered where the little blonde was and tipped his hat to Quatre for circumventing a sticky situation and helping to secure a more positive one for them all, all in one graceful fait acompli.

EPILOGUE

It was about 3 in the morning when Quatre had the limo return. He'd mainly just been out hitting a few different social functions and walking around in between. The balmy summer night had filled his lungs with it's sweet scent and he was feeling rather awake and alive despite the later hour.

Moving about, quiet as a mouse, he took off his coat hanging it neatly in the closet. Kicking off his shoes so he wouldn't tiptap along the wood floors, he crept on silent feet through the house. Ducking through the kitchen for a quick raid of the leftovers. The functions never never had good food and he was famished!

His hunger satisfied he decided to face the music as it were. He'd been wrestling with himself most of the day. He'd known that come night fall he'd have to choose where to stay and his heart couldn't bear it. He'd been, perhaps a little saddened by his ultimate decision. Just a split second twinge really before his better nature got ahold of him. Now he crept along the hall, working his cravat free from about his neck as he peeked into the room he and Trowa shared.

Nope... no body sleeping in this bed. Quatre's smile just grew and he crept back down the hall towards Wufei's room. Trying to peek around a keyhole without actually opening the door, but he couldn't see straight enough.. was that one set of legs or two? Quatre took the doorknob and carefully eased it open, sneaking the barest little peek.

Ahhh yes!! Mission accomplished!!

Wufei woke instantly... no one could enter his room without waking him. He looked and saw a blond head peaking around the edge of the door. Smiling, he silently lifted a corner of the blanket.

Quatre winced as he was spotted. He hadn't meant to horn in on Trowa and Wufei's time. He chewed on his lower lip because he wanted the other two boys to have the same bonding time that he and Wufei had, had.

Wufei saw the hesitation and simply waited, with the blanket held up. He wouldn't speak so as not to wake Trowa but he knew the blond needed to be there. Patiently, he waited for Quatre to make up his mind.

Quatre wrestled with his demons a little longer but in the end Wufei's words and gentle chastisement about running away from his friends, together with the sweet invitation and his own yearning to be there, got the better of him. Slipping like a small wraith into the room, he quietly set about getting himself out of the formal dress, hanging and folding the clothes neatly, surprisingly unabashed about getting naked as a jaybird right in front of Wufei.

He tiptoed across the room and crept carefully onto the futon, checking on both Wufei and Trowa. Wufei simply pulled him close, kissed the top of his head and settled Quatre between himself and Trowa. Once he had Quatre settled, Wufei relaxed almost immediately and slept.

Quatre snuggled into place, wrapping his arms around Trowa and cuddling back against Wufei. A soft little sigh escaping him as he closed his eyes and let the sense of contentment wash over him, cradling him gently to sleep.

The End

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Laekin and bonnejeanne

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