That night, Heero lay in his bed listening to the steady breathing of the boy on the floor beside his bed and thinking of all the things he had learned today.  It was no surprise to him that his mind was in such a whirl that he couldn’t sleep, but he welcomed the time to think rather than loathe the fact of lost sleep.

Duo mumbled something in his sleep, shifted on the mattress laid on the floor for him and sighed before settling again.  Of course, Heero had offered him the bed, but he had insisted that it didn’t really matter where he slept because he was used to sleeping in a tree anyway, which had hardly surprised Heero.  Although the boy was not rude, he was clearly not used to being around people or in a house.  He clearly had no respect for the master of the house, which had become apparent to Heero when Duo had told his father that he did not wish to speak with him, only with Heero himself.  Living with Heero as his only son had made his father rather immune to these types of comments anyway, but manners were still something Duo would have to learn.

“Hee-chan?” Heero heard Duo whisper tentatively, “are you awake?”

“Yes, I am, what is it?” Heero was sure the boy had been asleep, what had woken him?

“Why did you rescue me?” Duo’s tone was soft and unobtrusive, as if he didn’t expect to get an answer but didn’t really mind.

“I couldn’t just let those men take your pelt, even though I didn’t know that’s what they were after at the time, I don’t know, it felt right,” Heero couldn’t really explain it, he usually wouldn’t have helped a stranger, “and your eyes, they reminded me of someone.”

“They reminded you of me, or Russet,” Duo chuckled, “but I didn’t mean that, I meant when you saved me when I was a cougar, why do it?  It didn’t bring you any happiness as you had to release me again, or so you thought,” he chuckled again, the sound like a pleasant stream running down over pebbles.

“It was the right thing to do, I couldn’t have just left you there,” he turned his head on the pillow to face Duo even though he couldn’t see him, “besides, I have always gotten on with animals far better than any human, and it brought me happiness to know that I had helped such a beautiful creature.”

“Why, thank you Hee-chan,” Heero heard him shift on the mattress, “I don’t think anyone has ever called me that before, pain, brat and nuisance, yes, but not beautiful.”

“Well it’s true, I wouldn’t say it if I didn’t mean it,” he pressed his eyes shut, the image of Russet shining on the back of his lids, “I don’t think that I’ve ever seen a more beautiful animal in my life, and probably never will again.”

He felt the bed dip, a weight lie across his waist, far too heavy to be Duo, and he started, sitting bolt up-right and putting up his arms in defence.  There was a purring rumble, and when he looked down, Russet – Duo- was lying across his waist, his powerful legs curled under him, his sharp eyes watching as Heero reached out and stroked his head.

“I wouldn’t bet on that,” the cat purred at him, the voice not unlike Duo’s, but a little deeper with a soft rumble, “I can be whatever animal you would like, if that’s what you prefer.”

“So you could talk,” Heero stroked the cat lovingly as he remembered the curves and tones of the animal, “I knew your eyes were too intelligent to be a normal cougar.”

“I can sing if you’d like,” Duo purred and placed his head against Heero’s leg, “just ask.”

“You can change back now,” Heero was more worried in case his father decided to check on him and found a cougar in his bed.

He watched as Duo changed back to a person, his fur not disappearing but becoming one long chestnut braid, his wide violet eyes shining from under his bangs.  It took a few minutes for Heero to realise that Duo had changed and come back naked.  The boy was sat in his lap wearing absolutely nothing, and he had reacted to it.  He shifted one leg, trying to hide the proof of his arousal from Duo.

The fey chuckled again, and leant forward, as if to whisper a secret to Heero, but no words left his lips.  He brushed his lips swiftly against Heero’s.  The other gasped, the kiss feeling like a brush of lace, so light had the contact been.  He put his hand up to Duo’s cheek, the satin-soft skin there making him want to touch more.  Heero ran his hand round the back of Duo’s neck and into his hair, each strand felt like silk and shimmered like fire and he wanted to see it loose.

As if reading his thoughts Duo brought up his hand, undoing the tie at the base of the braid and let it fall free, his hand dropping back to the bed, unnoticed by either boy.  Duo could feel every light touch Heero gave him, every one sending sparks flying and skittering across his skin, teasing the end of each nerve.  This was what he had wanted since he had first met the dark-haired, mysterious youth.

He uncurled his legs and tipped himself backwards onto the bed, against Heero’s legs.  Heero took in a breath sharply at the vision of this lovely creature, he could tell that action meant he was surrendering himself into his hands and his breath came a little quicker with the knowledge.  He pulled his legs from under Duo and scooted up the youth until he was hovering above his face.

Duo looked up, his lust filled eyes making the world look hazy and strange.  Lifting his head to meet Heero’s he parted his lips to give Heero’s searching tongue access and immediately gave up the battle, leaving Heero to explore the soft skin on the inside of his mouth.  They pulled apart after what seemed like an eternity, and Duo could feel Heero’s fingers gently stroking his ribs and sides sending shockwaves of pleasure up and down his body.  He reached up, grabbing Heero’s shoulders and digging his fingers into the muscle he found there.  His back arched off the bed so their chests touched, heated skin slick with sweat, electric stars at the touch, making both boys gasp.

Duo grabbed at the waistband of Heero’s boxers, it was all he had been sleeping in, and Duo wanted to see all of him.  It was Heero who eventually lifted himself up enough to slide the offending garment off over his hips because Duo’s fingers didn’t seem to work anymore.  In fact, he had noticed that his whole body seemed to have stopped responding to him.

Heero slid his fingers underneath the boys back, stroking down his spine and thighs, ringing sharp gasps and shudders from the elfin creature.  With his other hand he took hold of Duo’s length, slowly stroking the heated flesh, then looked up to see if Duo had any objections.  Duo didn’t seem to mind at all however, his head was thrown back, his eyes closed and his lips slightly parted.  He was panting and his lithe fingers were clutching at the duvet. 

Heero took hold of the violet-eyed boys hips, firm enough to hold him still, but not so firm as to hurt him.  His lips turned up in a slight smile as his eyes rose to watch Duo’s reaction.  Slowly he lowered his head, taking Duo’s length in his mouth.  The other boy gasped and bucked his hips, his back arching off the bed once more, forcing Heero to take a firmer hold on his hips to keep him still.  Duo’s mind vaguely registered that that would probably leave bruises come morning, but he didn’t care.  He felt like waves of fire were passing up his body, singeing his nerves as they went.  He had never felt such ecstasy in his life and he felt as if he was about to burst.  He felt Heero’s fingers shift on his hips, holding him steady, but all that felt hazy and far away compared to the feelings coursing through his body, the feelings Heero was creating.

Heero lifted his head to watch Duo thrash on the pillows, he wasn’t sure how to proceed now, he knew the natural progression of things well enough, but what if Duo didn’t want that?  And he wasn’t sure he could stand rejection at this point.  This little elven boy had stolen his heart like no one ever had before and if he lost him now because of a stupid slip of boundaries he would surely never forgive himself.

His questioning eyes sort out Duo’s until the fey looked down at him in confusion.  He was silently asking why Heero had stopped and the brunette understood the question well.  He set his own question in his eyes, his voice had long since evaded him, and hoped Duo understood.  Apparently, they had a greater connection than Heero had hoped for.  Duo nodded mutely and shifted his hips against the bed, then bumped one knee against Heero’s thigh.

Heero grunted and reached round the back of the chestnut-haired boy.  Lifting his hips to get better access he slowly slid one finger into Duo.  He watched as Duo’s features twitched a little then settled back into pleasure, his breath still coming short and hurried.  Heero then slipped in a second finger, applying a little pressure to stretch the passage.  Duo grimaced but didn’t protest, he laid his head against the pillow and waited for the uncomfortable feeling to pass.  He felt Heero’s fingers suddenly withdraw, and hissed as he was entered.

Heero looked up, slightly concerned and didn’t move.  Duo had his teeth gritted together, his hands balling in the duvet.  His eyes were squeezed tightly shut and Heero could tell he was trying to relax against the pain.  Heero reached his hand up and gently stroked down Duo’s side, willing him to relax and the pain to go away.

“It’s okay,” his voice was quiet but Duo heard him.  His lips twitching upwards slightly and his muscles relaxing a little.

“I know, carry on,” Duo lifted his hips into Heero, moving himself down onto him a little.

Heero shifted himself slowly, watching for Duo’s reaction.  The last thing he wanted to do was to hurt the lovely lithe creature underneath him.  Duo’s eyes closed again and his head tipped back, his breath came quicker and a small moan escaped his lips.  Heero, pleased that he wasn’t going to hurt his koi, began to move slowly, deliberately, each stroke accurately hitting Duo’s pleasure spot until he was moaning uncontrollably along with Heero.

Duo’s breath suddenly whooshed out, and he cried out, spilling his seed against his lover’s chest, his vision exploding in an array of colours.  At the same moment his muscles clamped down around Heero, bringing him to his climax along with Duo, his vision also exploding, but with flashes of orange and red, the colours of his passion.

The two boys then collapsed, Heero not even having the strength or will to move, and lay in a tangled heap on the bed.  He noticed a strange rumbling noise, but it took a while for him to realise that it was actually coming from Duo.  The little faire was lying under him, his head turned slightly sideways, his eyes half-lidded, his chest was rising and falling calmly and with each movement there was a low rumbling purr.  Duo noticed Heero’s scrutiny and smiled up at him lazily; he reached up and stroked the side of Heero’s cheek, his fingers warm and gentle.

“Okay?” Duo asked, his voice quiet and soft.

“Just perfect,” Heero rolled to the side and pulled Duo against him, his body warm against his, and rested his head down.

Duo started to purr more loudly and snuggled into Heero feeling safe and protected for the first time in years.  He drifted off to sleep without having to worry about whether he was going to be safe whilst he slept.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

When he woke Duo was lying in the bed on his own.  His heart leapt for a second at the thought that it had all been a wonderful dream.  Then he noticed Heero stood in front of his mirror running a comb through his dark brown hair.  He let his eyes follow Heero around the room lazily, finally getting up and going to wrap his arms around his koi’s waist.

Heero started then smiled, “Morning koi,” his voice pleasant, and the use of the new pet name made Duo begin to purr again.

“It’s lovely to hear you say that, but really, how long can this last,” Duo dropped his head to Heero’s shoulder, tipping it in contemplation, “I’m an faire and your parents, well, they wouldn’t like it.”

“Are you kidding?” Heero chuckled, the first time Duo had heard him laugh, “My parents won’t care so long as I’m associating with someone.  They have been on at me since I got here to be more sociable, and they won’t care who with, or what doing, so long as I am associating with someone.”

“Well, I can come back often, I couldn’t stay away for long,” he wrapped his arms more tightly around Heero’s waist possessively.

“You won’t stop here?” Heero turned in his grasp to look down on Duo.

“I can?  No I couldn’t, I couldn’t except that, it’s too much,” Duo looked back sadly, his eyes large pools of violet.

“Yes you can, my parents would love another child and if I got along with you, which I obviously do,” Heero smiled slyly and stroked down Duo’s back, making him shiver, “they would jump at the chance.”

Heero disentangled himself and scooted off out of the room before Duo had the chance to protest.  He came back a minute later, a small smile on his face.

“I told you they wouldn’t mind,” his smile grew even wider, “they practically said yes before I asked!”

Duo’s face broke out into a grin that was almost splitting his face, “You mean they didn’t mind?”

“Not at all, in fact they even agreed to you stopping in my room.”

“You told them we’re involved then?”

“Not yet, they were talking about getting another bed, but there’s always time for that later,” he slipped his arm around Duo’s waist and lifted him from the floor, carrying him over to the bed and placing him down.

Falling on top of him he began to kiss at the fey’s neck, and they soon fell back into the routine of the night before.

XXX Fini XXX