Trowa settled into the leather wingback chair in front of the fireplace. He had borrowed a book from Wufei and was deeply immersed in it, a small frown of concentration on his face. The glow of the fire reflected flickeringly off of his face and danced in his dark eyes as he read by the firelight.

Wufei was, for once, not buried in a book. He had curled up by the window, watching the darkness outside in silence and enjoying the peace of sharing the safehouse with Trowa. It was one of the better safehouses they'd found, he thought absently, a faint smile flitting across his face. Certainly, it was one of the most comfortable.

The silence was comforting... to all but one person, at any rate. That person was the one sitting at the top of the stairs, cross-legged as his forehead leaned against the banister bars. If they had glanced up into the darkness of the stairwell, they'd have seen him, appearing like a moping prisoner. His arms rested against the bars as well, and he was watching them from his sitting spot on the second floor.

At length, Wufei stretched, rising from his spot and padding to the laptop bag he'd brought with him. He opened it, setting up the machine and turning it on. For a time, he skimmed his email, finally coming to one and raising an eyebrow. Clearing his throat, he glanced at Trowa. "Yuy and Winner are going to be busy for a week yet."

Trowa put the book aside with a small sigh and rose to his feet, stretching a kink out of his back. He headed for the kitchen. "Yes," he acknowledged. "Would you like anything, Wufei?" he asked in a low voice that didn't disturb the silence, but somehow deepened it.

Wufei shook his head, frowning at the missive. "We're to wait here for the duration."

Trowa poured himself a coffee from the pot and walked back into the living room without adding cream or sugar. "Very well." He sat back down. "I like it here," he remarked.

Duo sighed faintly, resisting the urge to bang his head against the wooden bars in frustration. Great, just GREAT... I'm stuck here for another week with the runners up for the 'Silence is Golden' award... The only reason they didn't place is because Heero aced the category. He got to his feet then, stretching and starting to pad down the stairs.

Wufei glanced behind him at the stairwell as Duo came into view, raising an eyebrow. "We're here a week yet, Maxwell, while we wait for Winner and Yuy."

Trowa glanced up briefly, raising an eyebrow at Duo in greeting, then went back to his book, holding it in one hand and his coffee in the other.

"Funnnnn... I'll try not to piss anyone off in that time." Duo grinned then, half leaning out of the kitchen door. "Note the word try in that statement?" He vanished into the kitchen then.

Wufei blinked, then frowned as he considered what Duo might possibly do while bored. "Barton... we're in trouble," he said dryly, lips thinned.

Trowa looked up and over at Wufei. "Are we?" he queried, a small smile curving his lips. "I'm sure you can handle him, Wufei."

Wufei considered the kitchen door for a moment, then shook his head. "No one can handle Maxwell, Barton. I think we all realize that by now."

Duo leaned against the counter, drinking from the milk carton as he listened to the quiet banter in the other room. Trouble? Oh boys, you don't know the meaning of the word... He got a grin on his face then, as ideas started to filter through his mind. He put the milk back and darted off towards his room.

Trowa raised an eyebrow. "Well... he doesn't bother me. If you didn't rise to his bait so much, he'd be a lot easier to deal with."

Wufei snorted quietly. "If you say so." He turned back to his email, finishing it up and shutting the computer back down before returning to his window seat.

Trowa shrugged and turned back to his book.

Duo came back down the stairs approximately half an hour later. His hair was damp where he'd just gotten out of the shower, and hung loose down his back. A towel was wrapped around his shoulders, and he wore a pair of sweat shorts that barely clung to his hips. Trouble, ne? I'll SHOW you trouble.... He headed for the kitchen again, humming softly to himself as he went.

Trowa watched Duo with his eyes over the top of his book as he crossed the room, appreciating the other pilot's display but showing no outward signs of it.

Wufei glanced over, quickly glancing back out the window as red stained his cheeks. He kept his face resolutely pointed outside.

Coming back in a few minutes later with the milk carton firmly in hand, Duo leaned against the door frame with one arm stretched over his head and toying with his hair. "Did soldier-boy say anything else in that missive, or did he just tell us to keep our asses under cover?"

"Yuy didn't send the email, Maxwell," Wufei said, putting sharp emphasis on Heero's name. He still didn't look at Duo. "Winner did."

Duo blinked, just watching him for a moment. "Sorry, didn't mean to offend you by mistakenly thinking the missive came from someone else. Fine. Did QUATRE have anything else to say?"

Trowa raised an eyebrow and ignored the sniping pilots.

"He apologized for the delay... profusely. He admonished us all to care for ourselves. I'm sure you've read one of Winner's emails by now, Maxwell. It sounded a great deal like all the others." Wufei finally looked back at Duo, keeping his eyes firmly fixed on Duo's face and willing himself not to blush as he glared at the long-haired pilot.

There's the hook... Duo nodded softly, stretching against the doorframe, the fingers of his free hand hooking over the top molding for a moment. "Yeah, I've read them. He's probably worried about whether we've got enough food and how we're handling the heat. Tell him we're running around naked, that should get him flustered." Duo grinned then, tilting his head towards Wufei. "That's the good thing about summer. Running around mostly naked isn't a problem anymore."

The sound that came from the direction of the wingback chair sounded suspiciously like an amused snort.

His fight to keep from blushing failed... drastically. Color flooding his cheeks, he glared darkly at Duo. "If you wish Winner to know about your proclivities toward exhibitionism, tell him yourself."

Duo waved one hand. "He knows. He walked up on me sunbathing one day in the nude. Cat's pretty laid back once you get him to forget about 'proper protocol', yanno?" Duo winked then, drinking the last of the milk from the carton and chucking it into the trash can.

Wufei stared for a moment longer, then turned back to the window. "I have no interest in your private life with Winner, Maxwell," he said stiffly.

Trowa looked up then and glanced at Duo, giving him an appraising look as he pictured that. Then he nodded and turned back to his book.

"I have no 'private life' with him, Fei. He's just a lot easier to deal with than you are." He paced over to Trowa's chair then, leaning over the side of it. "Interesting book?"

Trowa looked up. "Yes, it is," he said simply. As always, his face and eyes gave nothing away.

Duo smiled, his expression unreadable as he leaned closer and whispered against Trowa's ear. "You were right. He rises to the bait SO well." Duo grinned then, flicking his tongue out against the earlobe before pulling away again.

Trowa didn't react visibly, except for a slight indrawn breath. He blinked up at Duo. "Are you finished making him rise to the bait, then? I'm surprised you stopped so soon," he whispered.

Duo leaned against the chair, staying close enough that the faint hint of peppermint from his breath could be sensed. "Who says I've stopped?"

"Then what are you doing over here?" Trowa asked.

Duo chuckled softly, moving to perch on the arm of the chair, half draped against the back of it. "I'm trying to get a different kind of rise..."

Trowa shrugged, putting the book down as Duo was almost laying on his arm. "If you're looking for a jealous rise, then by all means keep doing what you're doing."

Hearing the voices stop whispering, Wufei caught a few of the words. He frowned, keeping his face very firmly to the window.

Duo glanced between the two, seeing anger in one and indifference in another. He sighed then, pushing himself up and stalking towards the stairs. "Great. Next time, remind me to get stranded with Quatre. At least HE'S human."

Trowa frowned. "What did I say?"

"Precisely what makes us not human?" Wufei questioned stiffly.

"Forget about it, Wufei. Go back to your book." Duo disappeared around the corner of the upstairs landing, his hair trailing behind him a moment later. He wasn't about to turn around when the mask was this close to breaking.

Trowa glanced at Wufei. "I don't know what just happened," he said. "Should I go after him?"

Wufei frowned back. "Something's wrong. Maxwell's normally more observant than that," he pointed out, holding up two empty hands to show he hadn't been reading a book. He rose, not waiting for Trowa as he made his way to the stairs. "One of us should definitely go after him... or both. He seemed angry at both of us, from what I saw."

The French pilot hesitated, then rose to follow Wufei.

Wufei strode upwards once he saw Trowa following him, searching out Duo.

The door to Duo's room was open, no sound coming from it. As they turned the corner to the hall, however, the bathroom door slammed shut farther down from where they were.

Wufei exchanged a glance with Trowa, then headed toward the bathroom.

As they reached it, Trowa raised his hand and knocked politely. "Duo? Is... everything all right?" he asked uncomfortably, wondering what they had done wrong.

"Go away," came the hissed response through the door. The sound of water running came a few moments later, although there was no sign of steam coming from beneath the door.

Trowa stepped back, his own mask sliding into place with an almost audible click.

Wufei blinked, then glanced at Trowa again before reaching out. His hand closed on the handle, and he turned it, opening the door and peering inside. "Maxwell?"

The shower curtain was already pulled, a vague figure behind it, standing near the shower nozzle. "I said go away." There was still no steam in the bathroom, nor was there any indication that the water Duo was standing in had any heat to it at all.

"Temper tantrums do not become you, Maxwell," Wufei said, though his voice held concern rather than annoyance. "What is wrong?"

The shower curtain was pulled to the side then, and the Deathscythe pilot glared out from behind it. "If I were throwing a tantrum, I would have stayed down stairs, kicking and screaming about the fact that you two have the accumulated sex drive of a tomato patch. GO AWAY!"

Wufei blinked, startled by the exclamation. His eyes went wide, cheeks slowly growing red again. "What...?"

Trowa raised an eyebrow. "I'm sorry you got that impression," he said quietly. "I didn't think I was discouraging you."

"Sitting in a chair and not bothering to lift your gaze from your book isnt' exactly encouragement, Trowa. Fuck, no wonder Quatre's so damned frustrated." Duo yanked the curtain closed once more.

Wufei looked between the two as things clicked into place. "I apologize," he said, voice strangled as he made his way to the door.

Trowa blinked in confusion. "I put the book down..." he could feel his heart beginning to race and he struggled for control. "I'm sorry..."

"I don't want your apologies... either of you. I thought you'd be interested, I was wrong, my fucking mistake. I won't bother either of you again."

Wufei paused, his hand on the handle as he re-evaluated his conclusions. "Maxwell... what do you mean 'either of us'?" he finally asked slowly.

Trowa leaned against the sink, his breath coming faster. "I'm s--" he strangled the apology, closing his eyes and staying silent.

Duo pulled open the curtain and sighed as he let his gaze rake over Wufei... then Trowa. "Don't apologize Trowa. S'not your fault I'm an idiot." He glanced back to Wufei then, shrugging faintly. "Don't worry about it, Fei."

Wufei's eyes flicked downward involuntarily, then back to Duo's face. "You know... there are easier ways to determine if someone is interested," he said quietly, face still red and eyes still avoiding Duo's.

Trowa lifted his eyes slightly, meeting Duo's for an instant then immediately dropping away again. "You're... not an idiot..." he said softly.

Duo flicked his gaze to Wufei, lifting a brow. "I wasn’t holding out hope that you were interested, but I tried. You seem to get off on bitching at me..." He glanced to Trowa then. "And neither of you can even LOOK at me. That's a pretty good indicator that I'm right."

Steeling himself, Trowa looked at Duo again, holding his gaze. His shoulders hunched slightly, but he didn't look away, staring silently at the American pilot.

Wufei scowled. "Embarrassment may not mean anything to you, Maxwell," he started, then stopped himself, uttering a sharp oath.

"I rest my case." Duo stepped out of the shower then, grabbing for his towel and his shorts before turning the water off and starting out of the room.

"What do you want me to do, Duo," Trowa said, dropping his gaze again. "I don't understand what I'm doing wrong..."

Wufei moved to block the doorway, glaring at Duo though he spoke to Trowa. "Maxwell is upset, I'd wager, because when he appeared half-naked in the living room, we did not immediately leap into his bed." His voice was cold, eyes challenging as they stared into Duo's. "Though given his complaints about our personalities, I do not see why it is such an issue to him."

Duo turned, glaring at Wufei. However, his voice stayed calm... almost unnervingly so. "Forgive me for thinking that underneath the cool exteriors that you two might be able to feel something for someone else."

"Perhaps it is your experiment that is miscalculated, not your hypothesis," Wufei said, his lips twisting into a pained smile. He glanced at Trowa. "Barton? Are you all right?"

Trowa's head was down, his lips parted and breath coming rapidly. He nodded without looking up, his hands white-knuckled on the porcelain sink.

All traces of hurt or anger left Wufei's face. "Barton, what's wrong?" he asked sharply, making a move toward the other pilot. He was hesitant, face unreadable.

Duo frowned faintly, moving and resting his hand against Trowa's shoulder. "Trowa? Fuck I'm sorry, man..."

Trowa shook his head. "N-nothing. I'm fine." He took a few deep breaths, fighting the panic.

Duo grabbed Trowa's hand, pulling him out of the bathroom into the hall, where there was more room. "Easy. Calm down, there's no one here but us."

Wufei followed in worry. He let his hand rest delicately on Trowa's shoulder for a moment. "Barton, will you talk to us about it?"

Trowa followed Duo passively. "It's nothing," he said quietly, starting to calm down now. "Just.... a bit of conditioning. I'm fine, Wufei. I'm sorry for scaring you."

"What sort of conditioning?" Wufei wanted to know.

Duo glanced over to Wufei, shaking his head softly as he reached to tighten his hand on Trowa's shoulder. "You're alright... nothing's going to happen here." He glanced down then, taking in his own state of dress... or lack thereof, and quickly pulled on his shorts. "Sorry."

Trowa made a small frustrated sound in his throat. "I wa--" he choked and tried again. "I didn't mean to make you think I didn't want anything to happen, Duo."

Wufei looked away, though he nodded once to show he'd seen Duo's note to stop asking.

"It's okay. I should have thought before I tried pushing you." Duo glanced to Wufei. "Either of you." He shrugged then, moving to drape an arm over Trowa's shoulders. "Like I said... I won't do it again."

Narrowing his gaze at that, Wufei looked at the two, then asked abruptly, "Barton, do you wish to sleep with Maxwell?" His cheeks flamed as soon as he finished, but he held his ground.

Duo nearly choked, turning and looking at Wufei in undisguised shock. "WHAT??"

Trowa looked at Wufei, trembling faintly. "Y-yes..."he choked out.

Wufei turned his eyes to Duo, his blush deepening. "Maxwell? I assume you're still interested in sleeping with Barton."

Duo narrowed his eyes, deciding to just put his cards out on the table. "Of course I am. And you."

"...Excuse me?" Wufei said slowly, blinking.

Trowa turned blank green eyes on Wufei. "He said he wants both of us," he explained softly.

Duo sighed, bringing up his hands and spelling it out in sign language. "I want the both of you." He grinned then, winking at Trowa. "Thank you. It'll sink in eventually."

"Right," Wufei said, finally dropping his gaze. He glared at the floor for a moment, then said suddenly, "If Barton is willing, then I am." Stepping back, he slowly raised his eyes.

Duo stopped dead, blinking at him as if he'd just spoken Chinese. "You what?"

Trowa shrugged. "He said he wants to sleep with us," he explained, starting to feel like he was translating.

Wufei blinked at Trowa, a choked laugh breaking free of his throat. "Indeed."

Duo blinked once more, then shrugged. "Okay." He turned then, catching hold of Trowa and kissing him deeply before releasing the taller boy and doing the same to Wufei. He smiled then, walking away from the two and made his way into his room, leaving the door open behind himself.

Trowa glanced at Wufei briefly, then followed.

Wufei stared after them both for several seconds, following dazedly. What had he just gotten himself into?

By the time they had reached the room, Duo was sitting on the edge of his bed, the shorts he'd been wearing already left behind on a chair. He was rebraiding his hair, his arms stretched up and behind himself until he'd managed to make the braid long enough to fall over his shoulder so that he could continue.

Trowa walked towards him and sat down on the bed. "Allow me?" he asked, holding his hand out toward the braid.

Wufei stood in the doorway, watching the two silently. He hadn't quite realized how beautiful a sight they could be before now.

Duo paused for a moment, clutching the braid tightly and glancing down at it. He seemed hesitant, and almost nervous as he nodded softly and slowly placed his hair in Trowa's hands.

Trowa slowly began to braid the hair, his long-fingered hands twining the strands together deftly. He held out a hand for the hair-tie and finished the braid, then dropped it gently.

Hesitant to intrude, though he'd already been assured that he wasn't, really, Wufei finally stepped into the room.

Duo smiled faintly, glancing at Trowa. "Thank you." His gaze shifted as Wufei came closer, and he held out a hand towards the other boy.

Trowa slipped the turtleneck over his head, revealing a myriad of scars and even burn marks. He folded the garment carefully and put it aside, using it as a distraction so he wouldn't have to see the looks in Wufei and Duo's eyes.

Moving closer to take the hand, Wufei sucked in a breath at the sight, eyes widening. "Barton?" he whispered.

Trowa raised his eyes to meet Wufei's, and they were cold and dead. "Yes?"

Wufei swallowed back his first words before he even knew what they would have been. He reached out slender fingers, letting them hover over Trowa's skin.

Duo turned, the scars not phasing him in the slightest. He leaned forward, letting his lips trace lightly over the worst of them, his eyes slipping closed as his tongue flicked out over them.

Trowa sat passively, not moving towards or away from Wufei's fingers. The coldness in his eyes softened, however, just before they slipped closed as he responded to Duo's ministrations. "It's... all right Wufei," he said.

Wufei swallowed, finally letting his fingers delicately brush Trowa's skin, exploring the edge of a scar as he watched Duo's movements.

Trowa gasped softly and tilted his head back as both of his lovers explored his torso with kisses and touches. This felt.... right. So right.

Encouraged by the soft sound, Wufei let his full hand finally come to rest against Trowa's chest, sliding upward to explore Trowa's neck and shoulder.

Duo's hands slid around to Trowa's sides, fingertips teasing lightly over the skin even as he lowered himself to nuzzle against Trowa's chest. His mouth caught one nipple, his lips and tongue teasing at the hardening nub. One hand moved, then, leaving its ministrations and coming to rest against Wufei's side gently.

Trowa braced himself in a sitting position with both arms, his eyes closed and lips parted. He moaned as Duo's mouth sent shocks of pleasure through him.

Wufei moved slightly, giving Duo more room. He half-knelt on the bed, lips hesitantly touching Trowa's, catching them in an exploratory kiss.

Trowa responded eagerly to the kiss, opening his mouth to allow Wufei access.

Relaxing more, Wufei let his tongue slip over the lips lightly, then slide into Trowa's mouth, tasting him and wanting more with each change. His hand slid to the back of Trowa's neck, holding them steady as he continued to search the warm recesses, eyes slipping shut. He sniffed as Trowa's bangs brushed his face raising a hand to push them out of the way.

Duo glanced up, whimpering softly as he watched the two. His hands slid down, fingertips tracing over them both, down along the smooth chests to their waists.

Wufei hissed slightly, startled out of the kiss by Duo's hands. He turned, looking down at Duo for a moment before stepping away. Suddenly, he felt a rather desperate need to be free of his shirt, at least.

Trowa glanced around when Wufei broke the kiss, his green eyes slightly dazed.

Duo purred, smiling as he moved to watch Wufei, his head coming to rest against Trowa's stomach as he kissed lightly over the smooth skin.

Wufei stripped his shirt off efficiently, draping it over the back of a chair before considering. He could remove the pants now and save them all some time, or he could preserve his dignity for a bit longer. Locking eyes with both of them in turn, he finally capitulated, slipping the pants and underwear off. His face was back to the bright blush he'd worn most of the last hour, but the look in his eyes was defiant as he stared at them both, waiting for their laughter.

Trowa's eyes slid closed again. His hand came up hesitantly and rested on the back of Duo's head, stroking lightly.

Duo nuzzled against Trowa for a moment before getting to his feet and padding towards Wufei. He let both hands come to rest against the golden skin before he leaned forward and left a lingering kiss against the centre of his chest.

Trowa's eyes opened wide when Duo disappeared, but the momentary flash of confusion left his eyes when he saw where Duo was going. He got to his feet and began to strip off his jeans, his green eyes never leaving the pair.

Wufei gasped, catching Duo's shoulders in strong arms as he looked down at the violet-eyed boy. His lips parted, and he slowly smiled.

Duo smiled up at him, bringing up one hand to cup Wufei's cheek before he leaned up to kiss the other man deeply. Whimpering against his lips, he let the kiss linger until he pulled back, clasping Wufei's hand and leading him towards the bed.

Trowa sat back down on the bed, leaning back on his elbows and displaying his nakedness unashamedly. His face was expressionless as he watched the pair approach.

Wufei followed, feeling more than a little shy in the face of everything. His gaze flitted over Trowa, caught more by the expressionless mask than the nude body. He suddenly wanted desperately to see something other than the impassive expression Trowa always wore, wanted to see the emotions behind it.

Duo crawled back onto the bed beside Trowa, nuzzling at his throat and shoulder. As he moved up to nip lightly at the silent pilot's earlobe, he whispered softly. "Just remember, it's us. No one else, just us."

Duo crawled back onto the bed beside Trowa, nuzzling at his throat and shoulder. As he moved up to nip lightly at the silent pilot's earlobe, he whispered softly. "Just remember, it's us. No one else, just us." He smiled then, bringing up his fingers to brush them against Trowa's chest, tracing over the sculpted muscles lightly.

Trowa nodded, a faint smile coming to his face. 'I know.'

Wufei watched for a moment, then sat on the bed beside Trowa, pressing a soft kiss to the curve of his shoulder.

Duo purred, sliding down to leave a lingering kiss against Trowa's chest before his lips closed around one nipple and teased at it lightly.

Trowa made a soft gasp, his hand coming up for a moment to cup the back of Duo's head before dropping away again. He opened his eyes and looked at Wufei, tilting his head in an invitation to kiss.

Wufei nodded, leaning in to press a delicate kiss to Trowa's lips. His hand came up, catching Trowa's arm as he did so, steadying himself against the warmth of Trowa's skin.

Duo glanced up, smiling as he watched the two intently. His hands slid down Trowa's sides, exploring the smooth skin as his lips trailed their way down towards his waist.

Trowa waited until Wufei pulled out of the kiss, regarding the Chinese boy with blank eyes. 'What do you want from me?' he whispered.

Wufei swallowed, brows coming together at the question. "I... I want you to enjoy," he said slowly, not quite sure what the right answer could be, if there even was one.

Duo moved then, bringing himself up until he could brush his fingertips across Trowa's cheek. "Trowa... What do YOU want?"

The green-eyed pilot nodded. 'I do.' He paused, realizing that Wufei didn't understand and turned to Duo. 'I want to pleasure you. What do you want?'

Duo smiled softly, leaning forward to place a soft kiss against Trowa's lips. When he spoke, the motion could be felt as well. "I want you to think of yourself in this. Not just us."

Wufei watched, wrapping his arms around Trowa. After a moment, more than a little unsettled, he shifted, settling behind the green-eyed pilot. He held Trowa close, pressing a soft kiss to the join of neck and shoulder as worried eyes sought Duo's, looking for some hint of how to help their friend.

Trowa froze for a moment. 'R-ryokai. I'll try, Duo.'

Duo nodded, then glanced to Wufei for a moment. "Trowa and I both had some... disturbing experiences in our pasts."

Wufei nodded, lifting one hand to cup Duo's cheek. "I am not... I'm not good at knowing quite what to do here," he finally settled on, frowning at himself.

Trowa craned his neck around to look at Wufei. 'It-it's all right, Wufei,' he said. 'It's nothing to worry about. I just... need some instructions. From someone.'

Duo nodded again, nuzzling Wufei's hand and leaving a soft kiss against the palm. "It's alright. We just handle things differently." He glanced to Trowa, grinning.

Trowa frowned in confusion, not sure what Duo was referring to.

Wufei shivered, pressing a little closer to Trowa's back as his thumb traced Duo's jawline. "I will learn," he said suddenly, voice much stronger.

Duo leaned then, purring softly as he nuzzled, catlike against Trowa's cheek. "Let's show him what we can do, hmm?"

Trowa nodded. 'Yes, just tell me what you want. I'll do it.'

"I want you to do to Wufei what you know feels good." Duo kissed the brunette then, before moving back to Wufei and latching onto his throat, licking and nipping against the skin lightly.

Wufei's eyes widened, a soft cry issuing from his throat as Duo struck before he could even realize the full ramifications of Duo's idea. He caught Duo's shoulder in his hand and held it, shivering as Duo's lips seemed to find every sensitive spot he'd ever had. "Ancestors..." he gasped.

Trowa nodded again. He shifted out of Wufei's grasp and slid downwards onto his knees on the floor. He leaned forward between Wufei's knees and began to nuzzle and suck at the sensitive skin of his torso, kneading his thighs with his hands.

Duo purred, letting his eyes slit as he watched Trowa's actions but kept his own steady. He moved towards the soft lobe of one ear, nipping at the skin and let his fingers trace over Wufei's skin.

Wufei's eyes drifted shut, just feeling everything as his mind tried to cope with the sudden intensity. It seemed almost too much, washing out thought and worry. He began to speak, at first not understanding what he was saying. It took him a few moments to realize that he was saying their names, voice breathless.

Encouraged by Wufei's reaction, Trowa let his hands drift, moving to cup the globes of Wufei's ass and kneading them lightly. He kissed lower, sucking and nibbling at the skin of his inner thighs.

Duo moved until he was on his knees above Wufei, curling forward to catch him in a searing kiss as his fingers twined in the ebon hair. The tie slipped away easily, letting the silken mass slide against his hands.

Wufei wrapped his arms around Duo, needing an anchor as the pleasure overtook him. He kissed back avidly, nipping lightly at Duo's lower lip.

Trowa hesitated for a moment, then leaned forward and licked up the underside of Wufei's cock from base to tip, flickering his tongue lightly at the tip as he reached it.

Wufei cried out, his hips jerking up toward Trowa. His arms clutched at Duo, eyes flying open in drugged amazement.

Duo wound his arms around Wufei, purring as he held him close and broke the kiss to watch Trowa. "That's it, Tro... keep going."

Momentarily startled by the force of Wufei's reaction, Trowa had sat back on his heels, waiting for feedback. At Duo's words, his face cleared of concern and he moved in again, opening his mouth to take Wufei into it, swirling his tongue around the head and suckling on it.

Wufei shuddered, burying his head in Duo's neck as he gasped. He sucked at Duo's skin, suddenly needing something to kiss, to taste.

Duo moaned harshly, his head tipping back to expose his throat as his arms wound around the Chinese pilot's shoulders. "G-god, you two are amazing... beautiful..."

Wufei smiled briefly, before sensation washed it away. Taking a chance, he licked his way to the hollow of Duo's throat, then down to the collarbone. There, he opened his mouth, teething the small bone and bearing down lightly.

Trowa didn't reply, his entire focus occupied at wringing more sounds of pleasure from Wufei. He continued to suckle and lick at the tip of Wufei's cock, his hand pumping slowly at the base, squeezing and pulling in a broken rhythm.

It quickly became too much for Wufei. Still clinging to Duo, he pulled his mouth away violently, pressing his forehead and eyes against Duo's throat. The American pilot felt his breathing turn savagely harsh. "I... I'm going to..." he moaned, seconds before he froze, seed pulsing out of him. His grip on Duo's arms was bruising, but he didn't seem to realize.

Duo clung to him, smiling as he let his fingers stroke through Wufei's hair gently. His gaze slanted to Trowa and he purred, his voice soft. "Perfect, Trowa..."

Trowa swallowed every drop and raised his eyes to Duo, a flicker of relief and happiness in his eyes. He sat back on his heels, still kneeling on the floor, waiting patiently.

Wufei's grip finally relaxed, and he nuzzled at Duo softly. "I never realized..." he whispered.

Duo leaned his head forward, brushing his cheek against Wufei's hair as he whispered. "Never realized what, lover?"

Wufei shivered at the endearment. "How good it could feel."

Duo smiled, kissing his forehead gently. "Do you think you could do to Trowa what he just did to you?"

Wufei nuzzled Duo again, and the American could feel a slow smile spread across his lips. "I can certainly try," he agreed readily, sable eyes flicking up to meet violet ones.

Duo nodded, turning towards Trowa and motioning to him. "On the bed."

Wufei lifted his head, watching Trowa silently.

Trowa rose to his feet smoothly and moved to sit on the bed, then shifted to lie passively on his back, his arms at his sides.

Wufei let his arms fall away from Duo, regarding the violet eyes for a moment before he shifted under Duo's body. "Shall we?"

Duo moved to lean forward and press a soft kiss at the curve of Trowa's hip, his hand sliding up the brunette's length. "Oh I think we shall..."

Squirming free of the American, Wufei considered his options, finally beginning with a soft kiss pressed to the top of Trowa's hip, following the line along toward his side.

Trowa shivered with pleasure, but remained otherwise motionless and silent, his eyes closed.

Duo moved to lay at Trowa's side, pressing another soft kiss to Trowa's lips. "Open your eyes, Trowa... look at what he's doing."

Trowa's eyes immediately snapped open and focused down at Wufei, watching him avidly.

Wufei's eyes flicked upward at the sound, but he didn't stop, lips now mingling with teeth as he carefully nipped the skin, scraping it tenderly.

Duo purred, trying to soothe the other man, his hand sliding across Trowa's chest to tease at one nipple lightly. "Talk to me, Trowa... tell me what you're feeling. Tell me what you want to feel..."

Wufei reached Trowa's thigh and paused only a moment before lifting free and starting all over again on the other side.

Heart pounding, Trowa struggled to obey. 'I... It feels like tingles all over my body. My hair is all standing on end. It feels good.'

He felt Wufei smile against his skin, golden fingers brushing delicately over the inside of his thighs.

"Tell me what you want him to do, Trowa. What do you want to feel him doing to you?" Duo nuzzled against Trowa's chest, teasing one nipple into hardness.

Trowa froze, his hands clenching into fists. 'I.... Duo I....' he struggled, trembling. 'P-please, I don't... I don't care what....'

Wufei's head came up at Trowa's panic. "It's all right," he soothed. "It's all right." He reached out, placing a hand over Trowa's heart. "You don't have to tell me. Just relax. We won't make you do anything you're uncomfortable with."

"Shhh... it's okay, Trowa." He moved up to kiss the other boy gently, his hand moving to slip down and cover Wufei's hand soothingly.

At his lovers' words, Trowa began to relax again, his hands unclenching and muscles unknotting. 'I'm sorry,' he whispered, squeezing his eyes shut in pain for an instant before snapping them open again to look at Wufei.

Wufei moved up, catching Trowa's lips in a gentle kiss. "Don't apologise," he advised gently. "You've done nothing wrong."

Duo moved back, letting his fingers trail over Trowa's skin lightly. "It's okay Trowa. I just want to see you enjoying yourself. That's what I want from you."

Wufei pulled back, searching Trowa's face for a moment before he blinked. "Tell me if you dislike something," he directed quietly. He resisted the urge to look at Duo for support.

Trowa kissed Wufei back ardently. 'I am, I do,' he insisted softly. 'I just.... I want to make you both happy, that's all.' He glanced at Wufei, nodding. 'There is nothing you could do, Wufei that I would dislike, but I promise to tell you if you hurt me.'

Duo moved to the edge of the bed, watching the two with a smile as he let his fingers trail down Wufei's back gently.

Wufei shivered at the touch, nodding. "Very well. But... tell me, too, if I do something that feels especially good," he directed, then tucked his face into Trowa's neck and kissing it, moving down past the French pilot's chest and further still.

Trowa nodded. 'Yes, Wufei,' he said simply, arching into the touch as he moved downwards.

Duo smiled, his fingers continuing to trace down Wufei's back, pausing just above the crease as he let his touch graze over the other boy's skin. "Told you that you both were beautiful..."

Wufei chuckled faintly, pressing a kiss just above Trowa's navel before twisting to look back at the braided pilot. "Not both," he argued calmly.

Trowa blinked. 'YOU two are beautiful,' he said softly.

Wufei twisted back, raising an eyebrow at Trowa. He glanced between the two once more, then shook his head.

Duo laughed softly, shaking his head. "I'll keep my opinions, thank you."

Wufei snorted. "The two of you do not seem to realise your own value."

Trowa frowned. 'I know my value. It's you that doesn't seem to believe you're beautiful.'

"I never said I wasn't beautiful... I just made mention that the two of you were as well." Duo smiled, leaning forward and leaving a nip along one curved side of Wufei's hip.

The French pilot nodded. 'Exactly.'

Wufei yelped, twisting to glare at Duo. "Shall we drop this and move on to more important matters?"

Duo purred softly, his gaze almost feral as he watched Wufei from where he was crouched. "Oh I intend to... after you make sure Trowa cant' think straight."

Wufei nodded, turning back to regard the French pilot. He ducked his head, lapping at Trowa's tip without warning.

Trowa gasped, his back arching again at the sudden jolt of pleasure. As he dropped back to the mattress, he blinked at Wufei. 'Was that... good, or do you want something more explicit?'

Wufei carefully concealed the disappointment he felt, smiling at Trowa. "Very good," he murmured. How controlled was Trowa? To distract himself from the worry, he skimmed his fingers over Trowa's hip, then leaned down, tasting Trowa's length again. I told him to tell me if he felt something that was especially good, he reminded himself firmly. That's what that was.

Trowa smiled at the approval in Wufei's voice and moaned again as Wufei tentatively tasted him.

At the soft sound, Wufei lapped again, bringing his hand up to grasp the base of Trowa's cock as he raised it away from Trowa's body. He explored it slowly, learning the different textures and tastes, occasionally whispering a compliment.

Trowa moaned and writhed under Wufei's touch, making soft supplicant sounds in his throat, the whispered compliments reassuring him and increasing his ardour. He kept his eyes focused on Wufei, though they threatened to close several times. Nothing he'd ever experienced prepared him for the pleasure he was feeling and he simply wanted to let go, but his desire - his need - to obey the orders he'd been given prevented him.

Duo slipped from the bed while they were occupied, returning a few moments later to kneel behind Wufei. His hand slid over the smooth skin gently as he leaned forward to nip at the Chinese boy's skin.

Wufei arched, his breath ghosting over Trowa's erection, heating it further. "You feel so good," he murmured, not clarifying which of them he was talking to.

Trowa made another whimpering sound in his throat, arching in turn. 'Please...' he whispered.

"Please what, Trowa?" Wufei asked softly.

Trowa shook his head, biting his lip. '...d-don't stop...' he said finally.

"I won't," Wufei promised. "Just relax." He smiled, flicking his tongue over Trowa's tip again before adding. "Lay back and feel."

Duo purred softly, glancing up at Trowa and smiling. "Let it go, Trowa... just react to what he's doing the way your body wants to."

Trowa nodded, laying his head back on the pillow and allowing his eyes to close, hoping he wasn't misinterpreting what they wanted.

Wufei smiled, stroking a hand out over his chest, then ducking down to swallow the tip of Trowa's cock. He sucked it gently, pausing a moment before swirling his tongue around it.

Duo rested his hands against Wufei's hips, leaning forward until his tongue flicked over the smooth skin just at the base of his spine. Having watched the two of them this long had left his own body aching, but he was determined to make certain they enjoyed themselves first.

Wufei gasped, his back bowing as he offered himself up to Duo wantonly. Even so, he continued to concentrate on the task before him.

Trowa continued to writhe under Wufei's touch, his cock hard and aching. At one particularly potent shock of pleasure, he thrust upwards before he could stop himself. 'Sorry!' he said, afraid he might have choked his inexperienced lover.

Wufei pulled back, then shook his head. "Unexpected... not unwelcome," Wufei murmured. "It's okay, Trowa." Trowa nodded, relieved.

Duo smiled then, his hands leaving Wufei's body for a few moments. When they came back, one pressed against the smooth globe of Wufei's ass, as the other brought a slickened finger against the hidden entrance to tease at it lightly.

Wufei cursed audibly, the delicate touch driving him wild. He shuddered, pressing back to firm the contact before dropping his head to Trowa's cock again.

A sharp nip against sensitive skin, a counterpoint to the sudden push as two fingers slid within the Chinese man's body. Duo could feel his own need hammering at him, but was determined to let this play out.

Wufei froze, barely breathing as he let himself grow accustomed to the intrusion. His mouth loosened on Trowa's cock, but didn't pull away.

Trowa strangled a disappointed moan as Wufei stopped moving, leaving his eyes closed and laying passively as he waited.

Finally used to the sensation, Wufei returned to his task, more eager than ever to see Trowa spiral out of control.

Duo purred softly, his eyes slipping closed as he worked to stretch his lover's body, his free hand moving to stroke Wufei's cock along with each motion he made.

Wufei's movements grew more and more erratic, the intensity climbing in direct proportion to Duo's ministrations.

Trowa felt his control beginning to slip under the incredible pleasure Wufei was giving him. He fought against himself, struggling not to lose control for fear of doing something his lovers didn't want him to do. Panting, his skin flushed and eyes glazed over, he suddenly bit his lip against a cry as he climaxed, the ecstasy overwhelming him.

Wufei choked slightly, unable to keep up with the flood of bitter salt in his mouth. He swallowed what he could, pulling back when even that became too much. One hand smoothed the liquid into Trowa's skin as he continued to spasm, prolonging the pleasure. The other hand rose long enough to wipe away a few drops from his chin.

Duo brought up his hand, leaving off the stroking against his lover's length as he smoothed his hand over Wufei's back soothingly.

Trowa collapsed to the bed, still panting, his mouth moving silently. After a few moments, it became clear to both pilots that he was apologizing repeatedly, the words tumbling from his mouth, but he was too overcome to make them audible.

Wufei pulled from Duo when he realized, moving to cradle Trowa. "Trowa... Trowa, stop apologizing," he murmured. "It's okay." He looked back at the American, raising a hand to pull him close as well.

Duo moved to lay beside them, quickly wiping his slickened hand on the blanket before he wrapped around them both. "It's okay, Trowa..."

Trowa slowly quieted, his breath beginning to slow. He opened his eyes and looked at Wufei realizing that he'd made them stop and his eyes widening. He'd been told not to apologize... and now he didn't know what to do. He reached up and nuzzled against Wufei's throat. 'You're not angry?' he asked softly.

Duo moved, kissing Trowa softly as a smile moved over his features. "It's okay. We're not angry, honest."

"He's right," Wufei affirmed. "Not angry at all." Wufei shivered, turning the tables on Trowa by nuzzling him. "Nothing to be angry for. You did just right."

Trowa relaxed. Questions swirled through his brain, but now was not the time. 'Duo,' he said. 'I made you stop. I didn't mean to. Please continue,' he said, carefully phrasing his words so there was no apology in them.

Duo rolled until he was half laying on his stomach, his own arousal pinned beneath him while his arm draped over Trowa gently. "I'm alright. I'm staying right here until I know that you are as well."

Wufei traced a hand lightly over Duo's spine apologetically, even as he murmured another agreement.

Duo bit back a whimper, his back arching, cat-like against the featherlight touch as his eyes slipped closed.

Trowa shook his head. 'I'm fine now. Please, don't let me ruin this.' He turned in Wufei's embrace and his mouth sought Duo's, his arms moving to twine around the American pilot's neck.

Wufei held back, his fingers pulling away as he admired the sight.

Duo's soft protest was muffled in the kiss as he wound his arms around Trowa and held him close into the kiss. The rope of braid had come to rest over his shoulder, teasing against Trowa's skin as the lithe pilot moved.

Trowa nibbled daringly at Duo's lower lip, his tongue then darting out to swipe against it. He simultaneously pressed backwards into Wufei's lap, grinding his ass against the other pilot.

Wufei moaned, grasping Trowa's hips and holding him firmly as he pressed forward, cradling himself in Trowa's crease.

Duo moaned against Trowa's lips, his own parting to allow entry as Trowa's tongue warred with his own. "Please... need you... both of you..."

Trowa broke the kiss gently. 'You have me,' he said softly. 'How do you want me?'

Wufei reached out, cupping Duo's cheek with one hand as the other wrapped around Trowa's waist and continued to hold him close. "Tell us."

Duo nearly yowled with frustration as his body tried to arch up against both of them, his arms winding around whoever was closest.

Wufei moved out from behind Trowa, brows drawing together once more in worry.

Duo's gaze was slitted as he watched the two of them, stretching languidly on the bed as he moved to nuzzle against first one, then the other of them.

Trowa frowned at the loss of the warm body from behind him. He allowed Duo to draw him back down to a kiss, grinding his hips forward against the other pilot's.

Seeing that, Wufei settled himself once more behind Trowa, pressing forward to keep Trowa tightly against Duo.

Duo moaned against the kiss, trying to be in contact with them both, but nearly collapsing back against the bed with a cry as Trowa's body pressed tightly against his own.

Wufei stroked a hand down Duo's side, over his hip. "How do you want us, Duo?" he asked softly, loving the sight of Duo's helpless pleasure.

Trowa pulled back from the kiss, waiting almost breathlessly for Duo's answer.

"Take me, be taken, I don't CARE just please don't leave me like this..." His voice was a strangled cry as he begged to them, his eyes flicking between the two desperately.

Trowa nodded, taking hold of Duo's braid and running it gently through his fingers. 'Take me, Duo, please.'

Wufei moved away from Trowa's body with a murmured, "Turn over," to Trowa.

Trowa rolled obediently onto his back, breaking his hold on Duo and lifting his hips in mute supplication.

Duo moved, half prowling towards them as he nuzzled against Trowa's chest, his mouth moving over the skin lightly.

Wufei held back, smoothing a hand over Duo's back as he remained silent.

Trowa opened his eyes and glanced at Wufei, raising an eyebrow.

Duo's back arched, his body pressing more tightly against Trowa with the movement as he cried out softly against the touch. He barely had the sense left to find the tube he'd dropped into the sheets earlier, one hand groping for it blindly.

Encouraged, Wufei began massaging Duo's back gently, featherlight fingertips heightening everything.

Trowa's eyes were closed, his knees parted to accommodate Duo's body, so when the finger first intruded it was a surprise that forced his eyes open and a strangled noise from his throat. 'Wh-what?' he asked, then bit his lip and resolved to stop questioning things.

"Shhh..." Duo whispered, his voice hoarse as he tried to prepare his lover as best he could. "I'm not going to hurt you. Trowa, LOOK at me."

Trowa's eyes snapped open and he focused on Duo.

Duo leaned forward, kissing him lightly as his fingers moved to stretch Trowa gently. "I want you to see me. Not them, just me and Wufei. We're here now."

The French pilot swallowed, nodding. 'Yes, Duo. Here now. You won't hurt me,' he said as though memorizing it and internalizing it deep within his soul.

"Promise..." Duo's lips came to brush against Trowa's cheek lightly. "I promise we won't hurt you. Just stay with us here and now, alright?"

'Promise...' Trowa echoed, nodding.

Wufei peered at the two of them silently for a moment, then pressed a soft kiss against the small of Duo's back.

Duo purred, his back curving as he tipped his head back with the touch. "Want you, Fei...." he whispered as a third finger moved to prepare Trowa, searching for that single spot within him that would make him lose control.

The spot found, Trowa let out a cry. 'Ah!' Which turned into a heartfelt moan as he tried to impale himself even further onto the intruding fingers.

"I'm here," Wufei murmured, letting his lips slide lower, to dance in the slight indentation preceding Duo's crease. "I'm here."

"Please..." Duo turned, catching Wufei in a kiss as his fingers pulled free, leaving emptiness in their wake. It only lasted a moment however, until he broke the kiss to position himself at Trowa's entrance.

It took Wufei a few moments, and then he realized what Duo was likely asking. He considered, then reached out, taking the tube up from where Duo had let it fall. His nose wrinkled faintly at the liquid he poured out, but he spread it over his fingers as he'd seen Duo just do, then hesitantly let one finger dance over the puckered flesh around Duo's anus, waiting for permission.

Duo's head fell back with a cry, his hips rocking back against the t ouch, then forward once more to barely begin pushing against the resistance of Trowa's body. "Please, Fei..."

Relaxing as he realized he had, indeed, understood Duo properly, Wufei smiled, sliding a finger slowly within his lover.

Trowa lifted his hips as he felt Duo begin to push into him. 'Please...' he moaned. 'Please, Duo...'

Duo's head tipped forward then, his braid falling to coil against Trowa's chest as his hips rocked forward hard enough to push past the tight ring and let his hardened length slide into the French pilot. "Oh f-fuck, Trowa..."

'Duo...' Trowa keened. It doesn't hurt, he realized in wonderment. He twined his arms around Duo's neck, his panting breath thick with unshed tears. 'God, Duo.'

He whimpered softly, bringing up one hand shakingly to brush away the hint of dampness against Trowa's lashes. "Trowa? D-did I hurt you?"

The French pilot shook his head violently. 'N-no, not at all,' he said, his voice amazed. 'S-so wonderful...'

Wufei smiled at the stunned delight in Trowa's voice, pausing for a moment to let Duo regain his bearings.

Duo purred once more, winding around Trowa and letting his hips come to rest against the other pilot's. Once he was fully seated inside the willing body, he paused, letting them stay nestled against one another.

A little hesitantly, Wufei went back to the preparations once Duo had settled against Trowa.

Despite the urgency that was beginning to uncoil in Trowa, he forced himself not to squirm impatiently, wanting Wufei to finish preparing Duo before taking pleasure for himself. His eyes were glazed over and his lips parted as he panted, his fists clenched in the covers as he fought to stay still.

Duo nuzzled against Trowa lightly, smiling as he pushed the dampened hair back from the other boy's face. "Soon..."

One finger, then two. Wufei was careful as he continued to press into Duo, not wanting to hurt either of his lovers. Gently, he spread the fingers, scissoring them to help the process. Then a third finger was introduced, a butterfly kiss dropped on Duo's shoulderblade.

A soft keening cry came from the braided pilot as he tried to press back against the touch, the movement forcing him to withdraw slightly from Trowa. "Please, Fei..."

The whine caught at Wufei, and he pulled his fingers free, glancing down at himself before coating his cock quickly. "Yes, Duo," he murmured, letting his hands rest on Duo's hips.

Trowa made a sound in his throat as Duo withdrew from him slightly. 'Duo! Wufei!' he moaned, then lost the thread of what he was going to say, simply reduced to incoherent supplicant sounds.

Duo's knees parted, the motion forcing Trowa's legs apart farther as he braced his hands to either side of the brunette's shoulders. "Now, Fei... please..." He held himself as still as possible, trembling faintly in anticipation.

Wufei positioned himself, holding his breath as he slid slowly into his lover. The feeling was beyond everything. For a moment, his entire world was made up of muscle scraping skin, enveloping him as he pressed forward. He finally let his breath out in a low, shaking hiss.

Duo waited, shaking as Wufei slid within him, his body stretching to allow his lover entrance. Once he felt adjusted enough, he jerked his hips forward hard, only to pull back a moment later and impale himself on Wufei once more.

Trowa let out a keening cry as Duo was forced deeply into him by the pressure from Wufei. He opened his eyes and looked over Duo's shoulder to the Chinese pilot, sweat sheening his skin, trembling from pleasure and anticipation.

Wufei's eyes were closed, his breath coming in harsh pants as he tried to control himself. Duo's sudden movement pulled a sharp cry from his throat, and his arms slid up, catching around Duo's chest and pressing him back so that their upper bodies were flush together. "Duo... gods, you're so..."

Duo's eyes were glazed, a momentary flash of panic going through the indigo depths until Wufei's voice broke through the fog. Reaching one arm back, he clung to Wufei, even as he continued the quickening thrusts against Trowa. "K-keep talking, Wufei... I can't see you, I need to hear you..."

Trowa focused his gaze on Duo. 'Look at me, Duo, and listen to Wufei,' he said quietly. 'We're here, it's okay. We're not them,' he continued, repeating the words that Duo had used.

"I'm here, Duo," Wufei moaned, for a moment not registering the request. When he realized, he began to talk, compliments and endearments falling from his lips, reassurances twining with affection. He dragged his eyes open, watching Trowa's face as though it might give some clue to how to help Duo.

Duo moaned harshly, his head falling back against Wufei's shoulder as their voices soothed him, bringing him to rock between them in an almost frantic pace.

Wufei continued to support his upper body, cradling him close as he nibbled along the long line of neck, each taste punctuated by another string of words.

Trowa lifted one knee and braced it against Duo, allowing his lover to drive even more deeply into him. He grasped Duo's eyes with his own and locked gazes with him, calling him into the present with his always-calm green-eyed gaze.

Duo's body arched suddenly, his hands moving to catch himself as he fell from Wufei's grasp, his hips driving up against Trowa hard and remaining locked there as his climax pulsed from him into his lover's willing body.

The sudden sensation of muscles clenching around Wufei tugged him over the edge only moments later. He arched back, barely connected to Duo anymore as he cried out.

Trowa arched his hips upwards, utterly open and receptive. The incredible sensations were enough to bring him over the edge a second time and he climaxed almost silently, his ragged gasps as he breathed the only sound.

Duo fell forward, unable to stop himself as he collapsed beside Trowa. he had just enough coherent thought to shift his landing so that he wasn't ON the other man.

Trowa curled himself around Duo even as he landed on the mattress, twining his arms around his neck and snuggling up next to him.

Wufei held himself away from them both for a long minute, just admiring. Eventually, he curled up against Trowa's other side, catching Duo's arm with his own. He held the arm tightly, wanting to reassure Duo that he hadn't abandoned him... that he hadn't abandoned either of them, really.

Duo gasped for breath softly, his eyes shuttered closed as one arm draped over Trowa to cling to him tightly. He was still shivering faintly, a soft flush on his skin.

Trowa tightened his grip on Duo, muttering reassuring nonsense into his ear, then turned to look at Wufei, still keeping a tight grip on Duo. "That...was wonderful, Wufei," he said quietly. "Both of you were wonderful. I've never experienced anything like that before." He took a breath and continued, still addressing the Chinese pilot, and still almost in a monotone. "I know you still don't fully understand me, or why I act the way I do, but thank you for trying."

Wufei nodded, frowning faintly despite the lethargic pleasure coursing through him. "We are..." he started to say 'friends', then realized that perhaps it was no longer quite so accurate a term. 'Companions' was likewise out, as was 'comrades'. "Closer," he finally finished lamely.

Trowa nodded, accepting without question Wufei's interpretation of the situation. He lowered his head to rest on the back of Duo's shoulder.

Duo didn't respond to either statement, his face turning slightly to hide between Trowa's shoulder and the pillow beneath. His hand groped blindly until it came to rest on Wufei's arm, clinging to it tightly as he nestled against Trowa as well.

"Duo?" Wufei asked softly, brows furrowing as he saw the other man hiding.

"I'm alright..." his voice whispered hoarsely from beneath the braid. "I just need to get my head to figure out where I already know I am."

"With us, you mean?" Wufei asked calmly, pushing himself up until he could look at both of them. "With people who care?"

"Yep." Duo nodded softly, the motion noted by the movement of hair against Trowa's shoulder. "That would be it. I know where I am, but there's always that little part that wants to scream and hide."

"Look at me?" Wufei asked softly.

"You're safe here, Duo," Trowa said calmly. "We won't hurt you, any more than you would hurt me." He stroked Duo's back and hair soothingly in slow even strokes.

Duo tensed for a moment, then glanced up, the indigo gaze catching first Trowa's then Wufei's. The customary smile reappeared a moment later, but for that split second it wasn't Deathscythe's pilot staring back at them... only a frightened child.

Wufei reached out, stroking Duo's cheek. "We will protect you."

Trowa nodded his agreement wordlessly.

Duo nodded as well, dropping his gaze to rest his head against the pillow once more. "I trust you. Both of you."

"Good," Wufei nodded, pressing a kiss to Trowa's shoulder as he moved a touch closer. "We will not betray that trust."

Trowa curled up onto his side, spooning with Wufei and gently guiding Duo to face him and nestle against him. He felt... replete, and safe, and a hundred different things he never would have expected to feel in a situation like this. A genuine smile curved his lips as he closed his eyes and snuggled down.