Trowa drank down the barely palatable coffee and sighed. It was late and quiet, as the sounds of the animals had died down. Most were asleep in their cages as were their handlers. The light in Catherine's trailer had gone out hours ago, which was a relief. Trowa glanced at the equally quiet young man to his right. Both Gundam pilots understood that the night would be a long one. The battle had not gone as they had hoped.

"More?" Trowa asked, breaking the silence.

Wufei looked up, then back at the mug in his hand. He'd taken no more than three sips from it. Shaking his head, he poured the lukewarm liquid onto the ground. He saw the bowl of soup sitting there and grimaced slightly. He was drained but the idea of food of any kind made him sick.

"I should clean this bowl for that woman," he said absently.

Trowa looked from Wufei to the two bowls of cold soup. Leaning forward, he picked them both up and stood. "Unnecessary," he said, and tossed the contents of both to the ground as well. He then walked over to the hose for the animal water tanks and sprayed them clean. Walking back, he looked at the Chinese pilot again. "Come on," he said. "You're tired."

Wufei looked up at the slender boy. I should get in Nataku and go, he thought. His body and mind were exhausted and he knew that the other pilot would be feeling just as drained and weary as he. It was instinctive to run away, as if gathering together with any of the other four Gundam pilots somehow exposed them to discovery. But Wufei knew his body would not obey this time.

He stood and bowed his head, waiting to be led to a place to sleep.

Trowa turned as he saw Wufei beginning to stand. He moved towards his trailer with the dishes still in his hands. Opening the door, he moved inside without turning on lights. Moonlight bathed the small, but neat area from an open window.

Putting the bowls down on a table, he turned back. This time, he watched Wufei closely. He's a lot like me,' he thought, leaning against the wall. The lack of light matched the absence of talk between them, as Trowa's eyes moved over Wufei's face.

Wufei entered the trailer, grateful for the lack of light. He moved carefully in the small space, navigating by the moonlight. He understood that this area belonged to the green-eyed pilot, and it provided enough shelter to give a semblance of safety.

Swaying slightly as he stood, Wufei felt the emptiness that had settled in his soul wash through him. I could not defeat him. I could not beat Treize Khushrenada. I have no right to call myself a warrior. It was a litany that had been repeated in his mind for hours and it seemed to go on endlessly. Wufei felt powerless, and that feeling above all others terrified him.

Pushing himself off the wall, Trowa came to stand next to Wufei. Without thinking of the consequences, he placed a hand at the back of Wufei's neck and gently, but firmly squeezed, massaging the corded muscles. "You're tired," he repeated softly as his eyes fell to Wufei's shoulder.

The touch on his neck sent electricity through Wufei's tense body. He shivered even as his head dropped forward involuntarily. The sense of strength and calm coming from the taller boy was tangible, and somehow reached him, penetrating his inner darkness subtly.

Wufei turned and faced the other boy. "I am Wufei," he said softly. "You are a soldier, it's clear. How... how do you deal with... this?"

Trowa felt Wufei turn and looked up into dark, troubled eyes. "Call me Trowa," he said, feeling himself drawn to the closeness of the other. "If possible, draw back, regroup and fight on," he answered, as his gaze dropped to Wufei's mouth. "You need a little time."

"Time is something none of us have," Wufei replied, thinking of the other Gundam pilots. "Our arrogance is catching up with us." But even though he had countered the other boy's words, he sought direction in them. The swallowing emptyness was rising inside again and Wufei swayed once more. His eyes dropped to the dark shadows on the floor.

Trowa placed his hand at Wufei's waist to steady him. His body thrummed with excitement, even as a voice inside his head warned of danger. "The day is done," he said, then moved Wufei to the bed and sat him down.

Wufei allowed himself to be led unresisting. He closed his eyes for a moment, as flashes of the duel replayed, causing him to flush with remembered shame, then chill with emptiness. I was right, he thought, but I lost. He made one effort to escape from the pain, opening his eyes to look at the other pilot. The slender, graceful boy resonated with an inner strength, which impressed Wufei deeply. Trust did not come easily but he had already accepted the green-eyed boy as a fellow warrior, instinctively.

Trowa watched Wufei as his eyes closed. He saw Wufei's brow crease and then the dark pools, open again. He felt tired himself, but something in the dark eyes before him held his attention. Without speaking, he placed his hands on Wufei's shoulders, then guided him back against the bed. "Your body needs rest," he said. "Take care of it, first."

Wufei leaned back. "What does it matter? The spirit inside has been proven too weak."

Trowa smiled. "Things will seem different in the morning. You will find new options," he said, reaching up to brush Wufei's cheek with his hand. The gesture surprised him, but seemed right so he didn't question it.

Wufei turned unconsciously towards the slender hand. "Things may be different," he said almost to himself, "But I won't be." He closed his eyes, fighting another flush of shame and suppressed, self-directed anger.

Trowa stroked the soft skin gently, allowing his fingertips to trace the lines of Wufei's face. "Maybe not," he said, as his fingers drifted down to Wufei's mouth, outlining their fullness, "But you will adapt."

Closing his own eyes for a moment, Trowa felt the small shivers in his body. They were post-battle signals that happened so frequently in the past, he had nearly forgotten they happened at all. I need sleep, too, he thought and then reached up, and removed his form-fitting sweater.

Wufei opened his eyes, more to escape from the darkness than anything, and watched Trowa remove his sweater. Suddenly he realized he was looking too closely, gazing too fixedly at the other boy's smooth, well-made body. He felt a jolt that seemed to come from somewhere beyond his anger, and was distinctly recognizable. He wanted to get closer to this young soldier, so much like himself and yet seemingly untainted by failure. He wanted... Gritting his teeth, Wufei wrapped his arms around himself, as the thought grew into a compelling desire.

Trowa tossed the sweater at the back of a chair, then turned and slid down next to Wufei. He draped his arm around the Chinese pilot's body, thinking perhaps he was chilled. He felt his body respond immediately at the closeness and reminded himself of what he was offering. He waited a moment or two for the other boy to respond negatively, but the momment soon passed.

The touch of Trowa's arm caused Wufei to become completely still, as two conflicting impulses fought for dominance. He looked closely at the other boy's shadowed face but could discern nothing there beyond a calm compassion... or perhaps there was something else. The cold in him retreated from the warmth of the contact and his own arms moved, sliding around Trowa's bare torso to press them together. I need your strength, Wufei thought silently. He felt the warm skin through his thin tank top and leaned into it, as a detached part of his mind noted and enumerated everything that was wrong about his actions.

Trowa felt himself relax as Wufei moved against him. The contact of another human being, an ally who he didn't have to maintain so much of a facade around, was comforting. Voices in his head told him that this was probably not such a good idea, but they were lost in layers of fatigue.

Breathing deeply, Trowa could smell the delicate scent of Wufei's body. Bending his head slightly, he brushed his lips against Wufei's cheek. Moving his hand up, Trowa massaged the back Wufei's neck, feeling his body ache with growing need.

The soft touch of lips against his cheek caused another slow burn to steal through Wufei's body. He was surprised, maybe even shocked, but the more rational parts of his mind were numbed by exhaustion. He groaned softly as Trowa's strong fingers massaged the knot of tension at the base of his neck. He pushed forward even more, pressing Trowa against the thin mattress. Looking down, he swallowed, but could not organize words. Instead, he closed his eyes and bent down, covering Trowa's mouth with his own. There was more desperate urgency than gentleness in the act, his lips moving over Trowa's, and his tongue darting out to slide across the soft surfaces, then seek entrance to the other's boy's mouth.

Trowa felt his heart speed up as Wufei kissed him. He felt the urgency and parted his mouth taking Wufei's tongue hungrily. His free hand slid around Wufei's waist, then lower as his fingers stroked the soft curve of the Chinese pilot's rear. Kissing back, Trowa gave his all, yet provided a counterpoint in pace, slowing it down to reap the full benefit to them both.

Wufei did not understand how it happened, but feeling Trowa's lips and tongue respond to his, he accepted what was happening - he *wanted* it to happen. It didn't make any sense but logic had failed him already, in dire ways. He accepted the shift in pace, or seemed to, but his hands slid down to Trowa's waist and one of them began working under the waistband of those tight, worn jeans. He suppressed a groan as his own body clenched with a painful suddenness. You know about this, he thought, then lost coherency as the kiss deepened, and he ground his body against the other boy.

Trowa groaned in response to Wufei's body pressed to his. He understands, he thought, before moving both hands around Wufei's rear and squeezing the soft flesh there. His hands then traveled up between them as he unfastened his pants, allowing Wufei's hands access as they kissed.

Wufei's fingers followed Trowa's, and delved into the now-open area, seeking, and finding the other pilot's manhood. It radiated heat, and the skin was taut as the flesh became swollen, firming quickly in response to his touch.

A sprinkling of mental pictures spilled randomly from Wufei's memory, of Trowa fighting in his Gundam. He curled his fingers around the hardening organ and squeezed it, lifting his head, open-mouthed and breathless as he looked down into the other boy's face.

Trowa opened his eyes and looked up at Wufei as he felt the strong fingers enclose him. The touch permeated his senses, sending life and energy to all parts of his body. He swallowed hard as he sought and found the dark eyes and soft face bathed in moonlight. His hips moved upwards as his body sought some measure of relief from the now profound ache in his groin. Whatever happened in the future, this would be a defining moment for both of them.

Trowa licked his parched lips as he felt the weight of Wufei above him. Framed in the moonlight, he saw Wufei's features take on a new shape and dimension. As Trowa watched him, he attempted to remember each detail.

Wufei felt Trowa's hips move, and he responded by stroking the hard flesh in his hand. He wanted to see a reaction of pleasure on the other boy's handsome face. Though it was partly shielded by the sweep of dark hair, he felt as if he could see everything he needed to. His own body ached painfully, but it wasn't as important as the movement of his hand just now. Bending, Wufei brushed his lips across Trowa's chest, finding one nipple, then the other. He reached out with his tongue, leaving each nub of flesh moist to the night air. He glanced further down, watching his own hand move, covering, then revealing the special part of Trowa's body. His tongue touched his lip and he swallowed unconsciously.

Trowa's back arched as he felt Wufei's tongue against his chest. Opening his eyes wider, he felt his body move to Wufei's rhythm. His hands fell to the bedcovers as he gripped the material tightly. The cool air on his sensitive skin made him shiver, while the hand around his shaft caused him to burn with heat. Leaning his head back fully, Trowa moved his hips, feeling his need increase.

Wufei watched Trowa's reactions, and suddenly kissed the other boy, lifting his head for a moment afterwards. "I want to..." he heard his own voice saying softly. He licked his lips. Then, "Stop me."

Then he moved, angling his body to bend over Trowa's lap. He paused, watching his own hand move, breathing softly over the heated flesh. Then he opened his mouth and moved down to taste.

Trowa breathed deeply as he heard Wufei's words. He thought to move to comply, but felt his body locked into the dizzying rhythm and request. Wufei's breath against his flesh caused Trowa to gasp suddenly. His teeth clenched together tightly as he then felt Wufei's mouth move around him. "Wufei," he whispered, too quietly to make a difference.

The scent that rose to Wufei's nostrils was both familiar and yet unique. Trowa Barton was unique, and though Wufei had done something like this before, he felt as if he were discovering it, as he tasted the hot flesh, catching a bead of liquid from the tip on his tongue. He explored the taut flesh, then began to swallow it, closing his eyes. The heat and excitement had completely overcome the emptiness and shame, at least for now, and the relief added to his growing arousal. He swallowed as much of the hard flesh as he could manage, then slowly released it, licking and sucking as he moved up. The tension in Trowa's body and his reactions to each thing Wufei did incited him further. He slid one arm under Trowa's hips, lifting them and he moved down again, pumping the young soldier's cock with hand and mouth.

Trowa felt the dual assault on his aching flesh and was unable to suppress a moan. The fine sheen of perspiration on his body formed and cooled in the night air as he lost himself in movement. The fear of rejection faded into the background. Thoughts of the Chinese pilot and what he was doing etched themselves in Trowa's memory. They were for later. Suddenly, Trowa's body stiffened, and he felt his essence erupt from his body.

Wufei felt the boy beneath him tense, and he drew back, then deliberately opened his mouth wider to take the thick fluid that came forth. He continued to lick and suck until he felt Trowa ease and still. Moving back, he stroked the diminishing flesh with gentle fingers and leaned on his side, watching the other boy. His own body ached and throbbed but the quiet aftermath seemed to calm his mind as well. He leaned over and kissed Trowa's lips gently. Though he didn't feel worthy of the gift of passion he had just taken, he was grateful for it. Aching or not, the emptiness that had torn him from the inside was eased, and he'd not thought it possible.

Trowa reached up and captured Wufei's mouth, turning the gentle kiss into a more substantial one. After a short while, he moved back, looking at Wufei closely. "How do you say it? Xie, Xie," he said.

Wufei blinked, then smiled. "No need, Trowa Barton," he said softly. "I am the one who should say that. I'm not sure why... you let me do this... but you've kept me from spending the night in hell."

Trowa smiled again. "I wanted it," he said, feeling the admission raise heat in his face. "And I understand about nights in hell. You've done this before?"

"This?" Wufei said, amazed to be speaking so calmly now. "Did it seem as if I was ignorant? I've had some experience," he said. At another time he might have gotten angry but the encounter with Treize had drained his pride.

Trowa shook his head. "No not at all," he said. Then, "And I apologize for the question. It's a kind of personal thing to ask." Draping his arm around Wufei's waist, Trowa leaned forward and kissed him deeply. "You are quite amazing, Wufei Chang," he said.

Wufei accepted the kiss with a sigh. Trowa's words caused his eyes to widen. His head bowed. "No," he said. "I'm weak. I accepted a duel with Treize and I... I lost. I should have died there... with honor, facing my enemy. But he... let me go." The words seemed to come from some other source, but the voice was his. He placed he face against Trowa's chest, immersed in the sense of defeat.Trowa held Wufei against his chest as he processed the information. "Then he's not as he appears to be either. It's not simple," he said and then moved to his side. "You will meet again," he added, as he moved his hand down and covered the prominent bulge in Wufei's soft pants. Leaning down, Trowa closed his mouth over the warm skin of Wufei's neck, tasting him.

Wufei stayed still and quiet for a while, shivering at the touch of Trowa's lips and tongue against his skin. He gasped as he felt a strong hand close around his aching flesh, through the loose pants. He sensed the dynamic changing and relaxed a little more, even as the sexual tension increased.

Yes, Trowa thought, taking Wufei's earlobe into his mouth and teasing the nub of flesh with his teeth. It had been awhile since he had enjoyed contact with another person and he savored every moment caught in the heated spell.

The flesh in his hand was hard and Trowa moved with slow practiced strokes. He felt his own body reawaken in reaction as he moved to kiss Wufei deeply.

Wufei's hands splayed across Trowa's chest, moving restlessly. He closed his eyes and leaned back, as his hips rocked under the pressure of Trowa's hand. Nataku... I know this is a weakness but right now I am so tired of trying to be strong.

Trowa moved back slowly. With great care, he removed Wufei's pants and blue tank top. Emerald eyes moved over the pale skin in the moonlight as Trowa slid his hands up the length of Wufei's thighs and over his stomach. The Chinese pilot was a beautiful man and Trowa found himself smiling a little as he curled his fingers around the proud, firm flesh once again. Leaning over Wufei, he kissed the expanse of his thigh, then moved to capture some of the clear liquid which spilled onto his hand, with his tongue.

Trowa momentarily closed his eyes savoring the taste of Wufei. He then slid his hand down, capturing the soft sac of Wufei's body in his hand, feeling the twin globes move as he massaged them gently. Moving lower still, Trowa slid his wet fingers along the small puckered opening at Wufei's rear, probing it gently but persistently.

Wufei tensed at the insistent touch. He took a deep breath and then set his teeth, moving his legs apart more to give Trowa better access. He leaned his head back and closed his eyes, concentrating on trying to relax the tight ring of muscle that was resisting intrusion. Slowly the muscle began to relax.

With great care, Trowa slid his finger past the tight entrance and deeper into Wufei's body. He could feel Wufei slowly settle as he looked up at the beautiful Chinese pilot with a tender smile. "How are you?" he asked softly. "I don't want to hurt you."

Wufei opened his eyes at the gentle voice. His breathing was a bit more rapid than usual, and he saw his own chest move, as if he were in the midst of some exertion. His eyes moved up, fastening on the face leaning over him. He blinked, realizing suddenly what the shock of brown hair that fell over the boy's face was intended to conceal.

He was beautiful. Quietly, startlingly beautiful.

Without answering the question, Wufei swallowed around the breath caught in his throat and said, "Do you want me?"

At the question, the sound of his voice, Trowa inhaled deeply, feeling his body flare with heat. His eyes closed momentarily as he swallowed hard. Leaning down, he kissed Wufei deeply as he allowed his tightly held control to relax and the kiss to suffice for an initial answer. After a short while, he moved back. "Yes," he whispered urgently, leaving no doubt.

Wufei's arms slid around Trowa's body as they kissed. He felt the answer before he heard it. And felt an answer of his own come from somewhere inside. I failed once tonight, something whispered from that internal darkness. Not again.

"Then do it," he said, voice low and throbbing with a combination of excitement and fear. "Do it and don't stop."

Trowa's answer was a simple nod. He kissed Wufei again, then reached down with one hand and grasped a small bottle of oil he kept hidden beside his bed. He removed the cap with one hand and tipped a generous amount into the palm of his hand, before letting it drop back to the floor. Removing his finger from Wufei's body, he coated himself with the oil and spread some over Wufei's entrance as well. Licking his lips, he looked down at Wufei as he touched the head of his shaft against the small puckered area. Very, slowly he entered Wufei's body, feeling perspiration bead on his brow as he moved inside.

Wufei closed his eyes again, reflexively, as he experienced something he'd never felt before. His body protested, and the discomfort was intense. He panted, adjusting to the pain, and then to the other sensation, of being invaded and filled. It was the most intimate, most powerless, most raw sensation he had ever felt. His body felt like it was going to split, and his spirit was transfixed by Trowa's hard flesh as if by the blade of a sword. It was a little death and Wufei gave himself to the dying. Then, in surrender, something seemed to change, something shifted, his body stretched, his muscles began to relax their tension. Still panting, he opened his eyes and fastened on Trowa's face above him. He felt a flood of trust for the green-eyed boy that went beyond anything he'd known. The little death was over. The next pain he felt was the pain of rebirth. He reached around Trowa's waist and with a sudden grip, pulled him closer... and deeper, gasping as he did so, but the expression on his smooth face hinted at ecstasy to come.

Trowa's eyes widened in surprise as he felt himself drawn further inside. He looked down at Wufei's face, bathed in moonlight, feeling things that could not be expressed in words. I will try to be worthy of him, he thought. Sliding his arms around and under Wufei's shoulders, Trowa drew back inches, then pushed forward shuddering as he felt the impact of their bodies moving together. He did this twice more, feeling the slippery union raise his temperature further. Opening his mouth, he drew in a deep breath and felt his body begin to dictate rhythm and timing.

Bending his head to Wufei's shoulder, he pressed his mouth to the bend in the Chinese pilot's neck and licked and tasted the warm, moist skin.

It felt indescribable... there had never been a moment in his life that Wufei could remember, when he had been so in someone else's power, until the moment on the ship with Treize. But this was so much... more. The physical invasion became easier, and as it did it also became more exciting, tuning his body to a fever pitch. The soft lips and tongue against his skin sent a shiver through him. He shifted his hips slightly, unconsciously, and suddenly felt an unexpected sensation as Trowa's invading flesh brushed against something inside. Wufei gasped, his eyes opening wide in shock. His fingers tightened on Trowa's skin and he shifted again, moving instinctively into the sensation. With the next impact, he shuddered, as his body was flooded in a wave of pleasure.

Trowa heard and felt Wufei gasp and smiled against his neck. He fell into sync with the slight change as he felt a flash of pleasure and need sweep through his body. His hips moved of their own accord moving faster and harder inside Wufei. He had never felt as protective of another as he did at that moment. Having no illusions that the closeness and the feelings would last, Trowa reached for and grasped each second as a treasure to remember when he finally met his end in the war.

His hands tightened around Wufei's shoulders as the felt his stomach slide along Wufei's and the hardened shaft of the Chinese pilot's body.

Wufei heard a soft moan and then belatedly realized it had come from his own lips. He was lost in a rhythm that pushed him further with each movement, and he could not stay poised on the edge of it for long. His cock was straining and aching, stroked by the friction of their bodies, and the blossoms of spreading pleasure from each impact took him to a place somewhere above his body, as if he could look down upon two boys rocking together tightly clasped in each other's arms. Then suddenly everything burst and he bit his lip, muffling the cry of joy as his body shuddered hard, releasing warm liquid to smear both their stomachs.

Trowa clenched his teeth together as he was driven over the edge seconds later. He felt his body pump warm seed inside Wufei as he held on tightly. Panting, he found Wufei's mouth and pressed his own against it, invading the warm cavern with his tongue as they both shivered in the declining moonlight.

Wufei did not know how much time passed as he lay there, spent, floating, and eventually resting, in arms that cradled him securely. He only knew that the night, which could have been the longest one ever spent in hell, had instead ended in trust, warmth, passion and finally peace.

He reached up and gently brushed his fingers through the soft sweep of hair that shielded Trowa's face. Your secret is safe with me, beautiful soldier, he promised silently.

All his conflicts had not been washed away in that peace. The morning light would bring them back, and he would wrestle with them until he found answers. But for now, he had been given enough strength to face the task. Lifting one narrow hand to his lips, he kissed the back of it, them Trowa's palm. He kissed the honorable calluses, earned in battle. Closing his eyes, he felt the smooth shoulder under his cheek. Sleep was finally coming, all of its own, called by peace.

Trowa watched as Wufei kissed his hand tenderly. Reaching down, he pulled the blanket cover they had knocked off the bed back over them. Turning his head as he settled against Wufei, he whispered, "Thank you, Chang Wufei, for accepting my touch, my body and my bed. I have never experienced anyone that I was certain wanted me back before. It's a good feeling."

Wufei opened his eyes, looking at Trowa even as drowsiness crept up on him. "Incredible," he murmured. Could it possibly be true? If so, it was a great injustice. But Wufei was warmed by the thought that he'd given something to the green-eyed boy. It didn't equal what he had received, but it was something he could remember without shame. "Fools," he murmured, only half-coherently as he slid into the warm darkness. "You will again," he finished, not sure if he'd said enough words to be clear, but he could not keep awake. Sighing, he leaned into the other boy's body and the last bit of tension left him.

Trowa sighed himself as he settled down to sleep. A small smile etched itself over his features as the room darkened with the last rays of the moon disappearing from the night sky.