Strike Force Five Part 11
Exorcising Demons
The fateful day dawned cloudy and drizzly. While Wufei hoped that the precipitation would remain light he was not going to complain about the cooler temperatures. He woke up optimistic about his and his comrade's chances for victory. He reminded himself that OZ had fortified the compound against a large assault force and, although the enemy soldiers far outnumbered the Strike Force Five, the united quintet had the advantage of surprise on their side.
OZ was so sure of its untouchable status that the camp Commander had made many serious errors in security. Like rats invading the panty the five freedom fighters had no doubts that they could slip passed the "traps" and gnaw away at the complex until the entire enemy operation came to an explosive conclusion.
There was one order of business that Wufei wanted to complete before the hour for leaving was at hand. He was a few feet from Quatre and Trowa's east wing bedroom when Trowa stepped into the hall.
"Good morning." Wufei greeted his brother-in-arms. "How is Quatre?"
Trowa was a bit surprised to see his Chinese comrade standing in the hall. "It took him awhile to get settled last night, we had a lot to talk about." Trowa replied keeping his voice low as to not disturb his still sleeping lover. "I want to let him sleep in as long as he can. He is going to need all his strength to get through the upcoming mission."
Wufei nodded in agreement. "May I speak with you about an important matter?"
"Concerning what?"
"Did Quatre tell you what he and I talked about last night?"
"Yes and I want to thank you for encouraging him to tell me what has been bothering him. You are a good friend."
"You are welcomed." Wufei accepted Trowa's appreciation with a humble bow.
"What is it you need to discuss?"
"Quatre told me about the proof you have that Treize Khushrenada issued the order to kill his parents. I would like to assist you in reopening the search for the murdering bastard. I believe that together we can bring the Colonel to justice and free Quatre from his fears."
Trowa took a moment to consider Wufei's request. He had been frustrated in his attempts to find Khushrenada. His duties as Head of Security had limited his time to pursue the investigation. Wufei could lend a great deal of help both with his piloting skills and his varied contacts. A partnership could prove beneficial and would also provide extra support for Quatre's fragile emotions.
"I think that you and I would make a good team." he gratefully accepted Wufei proposal. "We will begin as soon as we complete the mission."
"If you don't mind I would like to get started now. Would it be possible to see your investigative files this morning." Wufei asked anxious to at least get an idea of what had already been done.
Trowa quietly reentered the bedroom, paused to watch his angel sleep, retrieved the files and joined Wufei in the hall. A quick stop in the kitchen to pour two cups of coffee then Trowa and Wufei went into Quatre's office for a private discussion.
Trowa sat down behind the desk handing Wufei the thick file folder. "Here is everything I have compiled so far." He took several sips of coffee while he waited for Wufei to review the data.
Wufei laid the folder on the desk and thumbed through the first few pages. There were lists of contacts, times and dates that the information had been received. The Colonel's personal credentials including his college and military service records, all of which Wufei was certain had been obtained illegally, proved that Trowa had been thorough in his research. A detailed physical description of Khushrenada right down to the scar on his left cheek gave Wufei a mental picture of the Son of Satan.
In an envelope Wufei found surveillance pictures that had been taken with a high-powered lens. Unfortunately most the photos were of poor quality and it was hard to make out Khushrenada's features. One picture that had been cut from a newspaper was clearer in its facial details.
Wufei intensely examined the black and white representation. Staring into Khushrenada's eyes that, even in shades of gray appeared to be icy blue, Wufei had a nagging feeling that he had seen the Colonel somewhere before. But where would he have come into contact with the ruthless son of a bitch?
Trowa took notice of Wufei's thoughtful posture, the way he was scrutinizing the newsprint image. Leaning forward in his chair he asked, "What has you so puzzled?"
Wufei shook his head causing his ebony ponytail to swish across his neck. "I am not sure. There is something familiar about his man but I can't pinpoint the familiarity."
Wufei turned toward the window hoping that even in the overcast light that he could get a better look, a hint or clue that would help him in his recalling. Then it was as if a light went on inside his brain. "The Communications Center." he mumbled under his breath. "That's it." he spoke up facing Trowa.
"The what?" Trowa asked having trouble following Wufei's fractured sentence.
"When Heero and I were carrying out our part of the compound surveillance I took a peek in the Communications Center's window. While I was watching an Officer stormed in barking out orders left and right. I couldn't hear what he was saying but he had the operators doing everything but jumping through hoops. The Officer was Colonel Khushrenada."
Trowa straightened in his seat, "Are you certain?"
Wufei took second look at the newspaper photo. Every aspect of the picture matched the man he had seen through the window. "I am certain." he proclaimed without a doubt in his mind. "The man was Colonel Khushrenada."
"No wonder so many leads ran into dead ends." Trowa stated settling back in his chair with a heavy sigh. "I was looking everywhere but right under my nose. Of course it makes sense now. Who better than Treize Khushrenada to supervise setting up the compound and be in charge of the daily operations?
Wufei I believe you have given me a specific mission target on which to set my sights. Yes the victory will be sweeter when favored with revenge." Trowa declared as a wide smile spread across his face.
The smile faded when Trowa realized how close Khushrenada had been to Quatre all this time. A somber expression reflected his concern. "We cannot let Quatre know that Khushrenada is in the compound." Trowa walked around the desk sitting his hip on the corner. "I know that I cannot convince Quatre to stay behind so we will have to be very vigilant once we begin the mission. Wufei, will you promise me something?"
"Anything."
"If we do managed to find Khushrenada promise me that you will keep Quatre safe while I deal with the devil. And if something should happen to me that you will stay here with Quatre. I know that is a lot to ask but I have to be certain that Quatre will be all right so I can direct my full attention to avenging his loss."
Wufei stood offering Trowa his hand, "I pledge by my ancestors, my Clan and my sword that I will not allow any harm to come to Quatre. I also pledge myself in your service in whatever battle you undertake."
Trowa shook Wufei's hand then they both bowed in humble respect as warriors and friends. "We will not fail." Trowa declared now certain about the path he had to take.
Wufei nodded in agreement. "Now let us begin the ruin of OZ and all those who have made their beds in hell."
*********
Duo paced in his room. His abbreviated trek across the plush carpet was spurred by nervous energy, a rush that he always experienced before an assignment. As he went over the mission details, putting together a mental map, he found that last night's encounter with Heero was interfering with his focus.
"Damn!" he swore pulling up in mid-stride. "I have to talk to Heero, to make him understand or I will endanger the entire operation."
Duo checked in the kitchen then the dining room where the maps and sketches had been spread out again. It was obvious that someone had wanted a last look as the zero hour was quickly approaching. He glance out several windows and even stepped out onto the patio but Heero was nowhere to be found. Finally he inquired of a servant if he had seen Mr. Yuy."
"I think he is in the exercise room." the servant politely answered, relieved that the young man with the braid had settled down since his overly enthusiastic arrival.
Duo made no attempt to creep down the stairs as he had no wish to spy. He didn't intend to sneak a peek but walk in with the attitude that neither Heero's glaring nor growling would keep him from his self-imposed mission.
He found Heero dressed only in a pair of loose-fitting silky pants. Heero's tousled hair framed his face hiding those bewitching blue eyes. His bare feet were cushioned as he used the padded area for "shadow boxing". As Heero fists aimed jabs and uppercuts at his invisible opponent the overhead lights glinted over his muscular arms and golden torso that were damp from his exertive exercise.
This time the scars on Heero's back that were accentuated by beads of sweat held no horror for Duo. He was not awestruck or repulsed but accepted them as part of his brother-in-arms. They were physical evidence of dreadful cruelty but they did not define who Heero Yuy was or change his dedication to duty.
Duo walked nearer clearing his throat so Heero would realized that he was not alone. True Duo stood outside the Japanese man's attack range but he knew from pervious experience just how fast he could move and Duo did not want to find himself on the flat of his back again.
Heero straightened up from his dropped-shoulder defensive posture then turned to find Duo standing a calculated distance from the padded area. He pick up a towel and moped his face before draping the terry-cotton cloth around his neck.
Heero fought to suppress a smile as he remembered Duo being betrayed by his braid the first time he had ventured downstairs but the amusement was quickly overcome by tension as he recalled the scene in his bedroom. A bittersweet aftertaste still lingered on his lips but he would be damned if he would give into the temptation.
"What do you want?" he glared putting as much intimidating menace as he could into the question.
Duo moved closer apparently not intimidated at all. "We need to talk." There was no doubt from his firm tone that there would be a conversation.
Heero stepped off the mats keeping his own measured distance from the braid boy with the bedroom eyes. "Get to the point, I have mission to prepare for."
"It's about last night." Duo began suddenly seeming not as self-confident.
Heero raised a hand cutting off Duo before he could continue. "I don't want to talk about that. There is nothing to discuss." he stated moving passed Duo on a straightway path to the door.
Duo stood dumbfounded at Heero's rude dismissal but the shock lasted but a moment. He was not going to give up as easily as he had the night before. "I don't give a damn what you want." he declared starting off after the exiting soldier.
Employing several long strides Duo quickly caught with Heero. "Hey don't walk away from me!" he exclaimed reaching out to grab Heero's arm.
Heero saw the blur of motion in his side vision. Acting on his instinctive training Heero whirled around throwing up an arm block, knocking Duo's hand aside. But Duo had anticipated Heero's reaction to the grab. He countered the block with his forearm followed by a knife hand chop.
The look of surprise on Heero's face was worth risking his anger. Duo let a sly grin flicker across his lips as he slid into a defensive stance raising his hands to intercept his comrade's next strike.
Heero tilted his head studying his stubborn challenger who was determined to be defiant. "As I said before I do not have time for this...this nonsense." he stated even though he saw the confrontation as a way to measure the man who would not take "no" for an answer.
"All right I will make you a deal." Heero stated to see just how far Duo was willing to go to have his way.
Duo nodded and the grin expanded into a cocky smile. "A deal, how interesting."
Heero ignored the goading, "We will (1) kumite right now. If I win you leave me alone until the mission begins then I will tolerate you but only for the other's sake."
"And if I win?"
"Then I will listen to what you have to say." Heero promised as he stepped back onto the padded area, flowed into a back stance and waited.
Duo toed off his shoes, removed his socks and faced his rival with a steely stare of determination. He was not going to lose, he couldn't. There was a possibility that they might not survive the upcoming mission and Duo could not go into the next realm without making things right between he and Heero.
"Take your best shot." Duo issued the challenge.
Both men took a moment to size up the other, to fix a plan of attack and counterattack in their minds. Sparring was like a chess game. Not only your first move but subsequent strikes had to be considered in advance. Add second-guessing and one could find themselves in a threefold contest of body, mind and spirit.
Heero began the game with a swift front snap kick. Duo sidestepped the well-aimed foot answering with a horizontal side kick and a loud (2) kiai to put Heero on notice that the contest would not be easy.
Back and forth, blow for blow, each man traded tags and some stronger hits. Once Heero connected with a center punch that sent Duo reeling backwards but he managed to keep his feet under him.
Duo got in his own solid blow when he caught Heero with an elbow jab. Chest heaving and skin glistening golden Heero temporarily retreated from the fray. "We seem to be well-matched." he announced using the brief reprieve to catch his breath. Neither Heero nor Duo was about to admit defeat even though the match had gone on for thirty minutes.
Duo was doing some winded panting of his own. "Do you want to call a draw?" he replied bracing his hands on his knees while still keeping a watchful eye on his sexy opponent.
Heero nodded "no" and with a guttural growl charged forward. Duo decided that he had played fair long enough, that bending the rules was acceptable to end this farce of a fight. He stood his ground waiting until Heero's roundhouse kick almost made contact then with a upward sweep he caught hold of Heero's ankle, twist his grip and return the favor of throwing him flat on the mats.
With a grunt and a wheeze Heero went down hard. Now it was his turn to gaze up through floating dots at Duo's dizzy image swimming before his eyes. Duo wasted no time in pinning Heero's wrists over his head while he kept his straddled weight centered on his chest. Whether Heero wanted it or not Duo was declaring a draw.
"You are going to listen." he ordered as Heero struggled to get free.
Standing upright, toe to toe, Duo and Heero were evenly matched but now Duo had the upper hand, controlled the situation and called the shots. Heero gritted his teeth forcing a hiss of air from deep in his throat. At least Duo didn't have a hand clamped about Heero's windpipe as a deterrent to keep his struggling in check. Gradually Heero's muscles began to weaken from the strain of the lengthy fight and his fruitless struggle. Slowly exhaustion overruled his resolve.
Duo, sensing that his Japanese opponent had about reached his limits, cautiously lessened the pressure but stayed alert in case his comrade decided to try to reverse the circumstances. "Will you listen?" Duo pleaded loosening his grip on Heero's wrists. "Please." he added not at all ashamed to beg.
Heero looked up through chocolate bangs plastered to his forehead and found his sight captured by Duo's soulful violet eyes. There was an alluring attraction in the odd-colored orbs that Heero could not dismiss. "I will listen." he sighed finally giving into his fading determination.
Duo rolled off shifting into a cross-leg seated position. Stringy stands of damp hair clung to his flushed cheeks and his braid hung over his shoulder like a frayed rope. He, too, was drawing in hard gulps of air and there was visible trembling in his arms.
Heero sat up opposite his Strike Force partner doing his best to lessen his own panting puffs. "Perhaps I was too hard on you last night," he admitted, "but I did not like having my personal space invaded." he finished the explanation for his actions.
Duo let out a steadying sigh. "I had no right to touch you." he expressed his regret taking full responsibility for starting the ugly incidence. "Will you accepted my humble apology?"
Heero leaned nearer brushing back hair from Duo's expressive eyes. "Yes and I apologize for my attack, I should have practiced more restraint."
"Then let's forget anything ever happened." Duo replied offering his hand.
Heero took Duo's hand giving it a firm shake then allowed his fingers to linger as he savored the enjoyable touch. It had been a long time since he had allowed anyone to get too close. As hard as he tried he could not open himself up for fear that he would be hurt.
This fear was not for his physical protection as even the brutal whipping he had suffered in the South American prison had not defeated his willpower. It was his heart that Heero was guarding for it had been broken before and he knew that if it was shattered again the pieces could not be put back together.
*********
After Heero's rescue from his imprisonment, while he was recovering at the Winner estate, Heero came to think of Quatre as more than an acquaintance. Heero had foolishly allowed his feelings to cross the line. He found himself in love with the gentle angel who had willingly given his kindness to a callous soldier who did not care about anyone or anything.
Each day Heero grew more attracted to Quatre but he could not voice his feelings partly because of pride but mostly from fear of rejection. Then one evening when Heero had healed enough to share dinner downstairs Quatre sat beside Trowa Barton and with his face beaming announced that he and Trowa had become lovers. Quatre was so happy and for the first time since his parents died seemed to be at peace.
Heero swallowed the lump in his throat, put on a false smile and lied as he congratulated the happy couple. After that he excused himself stating that he had done too much that day and needed to rest. When he was alone in his bedroom with the door locked against any intrusion Heero Yuy, the soldier whose loyalty could be brought for the right price, collapsed and grieved as if Quatre had also been lost in the plane crash.
That night Heero promised himself that he would never again expose his heart to the pain of lost love. He also vowed that Quatre would never know that he was the cause of that pain for as hurt as Heero was, for once in his life, he would put someone else's feelings before his own.
*********
Duo repositioned his grip until his fingers laced through Heero's quivering fingers. Then without warning he planted a soft kiss on the hand's upturned palm.
Heero's immediate response was to pull back but his mind and his body did not seem inclined to cooperate. His mind was warning him to withdraw, retreat back into the fortress that he had built around his heart but his soul ached for the contact.
Maybe if he settled for lust and not for love he could ease the dull pain there always lingered just below the surface. If he felt with his body and not his mind perhaps lessening the loneliness would be worth the risk. Heero closed his eyes sucking in a ragged breath as the wet warmth from Duo's lips spread up his arm and across his bare chest.
Duo, too, was experiencing a rise in his temperature level. The quivering of Heero's hand against his lips triggered an unexpected response. Like the previous evening Duo wanted to comfort Heero but he suddenly realized that he was repeating the very mistake that he had just apologized for.
"I'm sorry." he begged Heero's pardon. Letting go and sitting back he fully expected to have Heero lash out either verbally or physically. Duo braced for the reproach that he admittedly deserved.
Heero sat still staring at Duo with an odd expression that had him wondering what was going on in Heero's mind. The trembling had increased encompassing Heero's entire body. Without a word as hard breaths rattled in his chest Heero leaned forward until his face was inches from the his puzzled comrade.
"Duo I'm hurting." Heero whispered, the breathy words tickling over Duo's chin.
"Where? Were you injured while we were sparring?"
"I hurt in my heart." Heero confessed reaching to caress Duo's cheek, "Please Duo make my heart stop hurting?" he asked as his lips deliver a brushing kiss.
Now Duo considered drawing away. Even though he had initiated the prior kiss he was not certain that he could follow through. Before the kiss was an act of solace but now Heero wanted, no needed, more. "Heero I...." he began but Heero's anxiousness cut off the words.
"Please save me." Heero implored sliding his hand to cup it behind Duo's head.
"Are you sure?" Was Heero asking for comfort or merely physical release?
If Heero heard the question he chose not to answer. The kiss deepened with an urgency that was completely opposite of Heero's insistence that no one touch him.
Heero broke the kiss but his lips continued their quest to make Duo comply his passionate overtures. He moaned against Duo's neck as his tongue lapped at the salty moisture left behind from their sparring.
Duo hands moved to Heero's strong shoulders, kneading the taunt muscles. Sliding further over Heero's back his fingertips traced the raised welts that marred the golden flesh. Heero tensed at the touch afraid that Duo would find the scars disgusting. "Its all right." Duo reassured using feathery strokes to sooth the tension. "These scars are the proof of your strength." he declared flattening his palms and tightening his hold. "They are beautiful."
Heero paused locking his cobalt sight with Duo's shimmering eyes. "How could they be beautiful?"
"Because they are a part of you." Duo proclaimed easing Heero over until he laid back on the mat. "Let me show you how beautiful you are."
Heero closed his eyes surrendering the last of his heart's protection. Whether it was pity or lust or love all he wanted right then was for Duo to take control. He was so drained from his battle to constantly keep up his guard. His longed for a time that his numbed senses would be awakened, just one moment when he didn't feel so empty.
Duo took over letting his tongue tease over Heero's nipples. Sucking and licking he soon had his comrade writhing not in pain but in pure ecstasy. When both nipples were at full attention Duo redirected his lavishing on Heero's stomach as his tongue slithered like a snake over washboard abs and the cutest navel he had ever seen.
Heero groaned then whimpered proving that he was indeed human after all. He mumbled something that sounded like Duo's name but the word was slurred as he struggled to catch his breath.
Snagging his fingers in the silky pant's waistband Duo tugged both pants and underwear over Heero's wigging hips until the constricting material freed his willing partner's erect manhood.
"Beautiful." Duo repeated his praise eyeing the rigid arousal with a renewed appreciation of the male anatomy.
Without warning Duo's hot mouth engulfed the throbbing member. All Heero could do was claw up fistfuls of the mat to steady his shaking. Heero spread his legs granting Duo better access to the center of his sexuality. Duo wasted no time in his oral stimulation. Base to tip and back again, over and over, Duo worked his magic. Every third trip he would flick the tip of his tongue over the swollen head then return to his rhythmic routine.
Despite his body's trembling Heero planted his elbows and bowed at the waist into a partly upright posture to gaze at the heavenly vision kneeling between his legs. Duo's braid had slipped over one shoulder allowing the end to tease over Heero's thigh. The overhead lights danced along the chestnut hair highlighting the reddish hues.
Realizing that Heero was watching Duo paused in his masterful manipulations to wink at his erotic colleague. "Are you ready?" Duo asked then lapped over the penis's tip to trigger Heero's climax.
All Heero could do was nod "yes" as a hot sensation gathered in his groin. Gritting his teeth he threw back his head and hissed as a sturdy shudder coursed through his body. Weakened arms gave out as he flopped back on the mat. Aftershocks tingled like a thousand tiny needles pricking his damp skin as his softening member pumped out the last of its seed.
Duo braced his hands leaning over the sated soldier. "Is the hurt gone?" he whispered.
Bathing in the afterglow Heero looked up at the gentle man that was nothing like his nickname. Shinigami might be the God of Death but Duo was a savior of hearts and spirits. Heero knew that the pain had not been exorcised completely but in the future whenever his heart ached Heero would remember the time when someone looked passed his fleshy scars and saw an unblemished soul. And maybe, just maybe, he could believe in love once more.
Heero sat up lifting his hand to caress Duo's creamy cheek that was blushed from his excitement. As he prepared to thank Duo for helping break down the wall around his heart Heero noticed the prominent bulge straining against Duo's frontal region. "Now let me help you." he stated stroking his hand across the tight material.
Duo eyelids fluttered as Heero's fingers fumbled with the button on his pants. He reined in his scattered senses long enough to make a suggestion. "We don't have much time until we leave so why don't we finish this in the shower."
A steamy cloud enfolded around two bodies locked in a passionate embrace. Spraying water muted the moans. Both men knew that war was fate's cold-hearted bitch who made no promises concerning their safe return. The only thing that Heero Yuy and Duo Maxwell were certain of was that as comrades against OZ, whether the mission ended in victory or defeat, they would not face the future alone.
TBC...
(1) kumite is the Japanese word that defines a sparring session where the contestants adhere to rules of tag and retreat.
(2) kiai is the term for a loud shout that is added to a strike to startle your opponent and add power to the punch.
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