Don’t Talk Back

Disclaimer – I don’t even own my mind… let alone Gundam Wing…. Sheesh.

The following chapter contains sexual references and is not suitable for persons under 17 years of age.

Part Two

Relena pressed against him, burning his skin with her caress and tempting him with those enchanting eyes. Her fingers grazed across his stomach, coming to rest on the buckle of his pants. Her movements were slow, enticing, daring Heero to try and stop her. He drew a ragged breath; his senses reeled with every touch.

He blinked and lifted a hand to block the ray of sunlight that was shining in his eyes. Sunlight? At night? What the…?

He blinked again, groaning loudly as his flaxen-haired goddess vanished in the morning light, and he found himself alone. Dammit! He rolled over, burying his face in the soft, blue-flowered print on his pillow. Why did he always have to wake up at the good bit?

Blue? Flowers? The sleep-induced haze began to clear from his mind, and Heero became suspicious of his surroundings. He was most certainly not in his own bed. Rolling back over, he shot up in the bed and scrutinized the unfamiliar environment.

Okay maybe not so unfamiliar. Bemused, he lifted away the crumpled bedclothes, noting the absence of his boxer shorts (or any stitch of clothing for that matter) with a raised brow. His feet placed firmly on the floor, Heero leant forward and placed his elbows on his knees. He ran a hand through his dishevelled hair.

Holy shit, it wasn’t a dream!

Looking to his left, he watched a light breeze breathe through the open window, rustling the light gauze fabric of the curtains. The early morning sun cast shafts of light across the walls, bathing the fine brush lines in the thick white paint with a deep golden hue. It reminded him of her hair….

His gaze wandered and came to rest on his crumpled uniform - now lying across a wooden chair next to the window. Following the wall along to his right, he came to a large, wooden door. He moved towards it, his hand reaching to clasp the old brass handle. But the panel refused to budge beneath his grasp. He threw his shoulder into it, attempting to un-stick the wood, but it was locked. From the outside. He frowned.

He rubbed the back of his head, endeavouring in vain to straighten out the events of the past twenty-four hours in his head. This time yesterday, he had returned from what he had believed to be a perfectly straightforward mission. Not his mission, granted, but one that should have been. A mission that had, however, led to his subsequent arrest… for treason. Although, had he known that treason resulted in the ‘punishment’ that had followed, he would have erred and strayed a long time ago.

What was he doing here? He had only been doing his job, what he had sworn to do. He had promised to protect her and he did. He still could not understand why she had forbidden him to go on the mission in the first place. He had never failed before, and as an officer of her Special Services, it was his duty to enforce the Queen’s values. His loyalty was all he had to offer her, yet she didn’t appear to want even that. His life purpose was to serve her, and now it was going to be taken away. It didn’t make any sense.

After his arrest, he had travelled to the Royal Palace in silence, the measured scrutiny of his two guards leaving him uneasy. On arrival, he had been smuggled into the building through hidden passageways, apparently unnoticed by the news crews that were always present. Were his charges so severe that they were trying to conceal his presence until after a judgement had been made? And why had he been brought directly to the palace? Why was he not being taken to the Colonel’s office?

She was seated behind her desk, her eyes unyielding and her perfect lips set in a firm line. It had taken every fragment of willpower he had not to reveal the feeling of shock that had passed through him as he entered the room. The Queen’s Lady in Waiting sat to her right, and Heero had been perplexed by the odd grin the dark haired woman wore.

“You disappoint me Commander. Would you care to explain yourself?”

His heart had sunk at those words, desperate not to appear lacking in her eyes. But it was too late to go back.

“I cannot apologise, Your Highness. I did what I felt was necessary.”

Sighing at the memory of how she had taken offence to his reply, he noticed a small oval table on the opposite side of the bed. It was bare, save for a single glass of water and a carefully folded scrap of paper. Curiosity piqued, he moved quickly to retrieve it.

Her handwriting flowed across the page, elegant and refined.

Commander,

Congratulations. Your first examination was most satisfactory. However, in order to be sure that your abilities were tested to their full potential, another appointment has been arranged. Your full co-operation would be appreciated.

HRH

Queen Relena

Heero’s eyes widened as he read and then re-read the message. Was he imagining it, or was there a definite teasing lilt in its tone? His skin already felt hot at the thought of her return; his pulse quickened in anticipation. Another appointment? But when? It was still early…. How long did she plan to make him wait?

He shook himself, attempting to reclaim some semblance of self-control. He ran an agitated hand through his hair and, glancing to his right, saw another door in the adjacent corner. This one was of the same impressive style and cut as the first, but did not appear to have endured the same years of service. Upon opening it, Heero saw that it lead to a small but elegant bathroom.

The shower cubicle in the corner tempted him; it made him more conscious of his dishevelled state. He needed a shower, although he could still feel her on his skin, and it made him loath to wash her away. Sighing, he wandered into the small bathroom, coming to a halt before the large vanity mirror. He grinned at his reflection; the mirror displaying the scratches and marks that she had left on his chest.

So one real question remained. How had a disobeyed order, subsequent arrest, and supposed confinement, led to this? He thought back to how he had watched her flip through her paper work, apparently deep in thought, as he struggled with the tension created from just being in the same room. Alone. It was his luck that the one woman in existence that he had fallen for also happened to be the Queen of the Universe. Typical. He always had to do things the hard way.

He shivered at the thought of her bare skin, the curve of her calves and the arch of her delicate feet. It seemed sacrilegious that the formal gowns she was forced to wear in public, should hide such glorious legs. Mentally shaking himself again, he remembered how she had held his gaze in hers, as she had unbuttoned his shirt, her eyes flashing with a sensual passion unparalleled by anything his dreams had ever invented.

Drawing an uneven breath, Heero glanced around the bathroom, noticing the freshly laid out towels and box fresh toiletries. His expression soured, however, and he glared at the products arranged on the counter. Shaving cream, after shave, men’s deodorant and shampoo. Searching the room, he realised that there was not a solitary item that could be considered hers. The facility had obviously been carefully laid out for him alone, a possibility that left him suspicious. How much time would she have had to plan for this? Not long, surely. It made him wonder. Was it possible that she had done this before?

A sickening feeling stirred in the pit of his stomach. A solitary seed of doubt was sewn. Images of other men in this same room, before him, taunted his mind, even though the thoughts belittled the chaste perception he had of her. His jaw clenched, and he ground his teeth, as he recalled the knowing looks he had received from the two agents that had escorted him here, and he could not help but wonder if they, too, had been favoured with the Queen's "punishment". His suspicion lingered on Agent Barton and once-whispered rumours of just how close the personal guards’ duties required him to be.

He turned away from the mirror, and adjusted the taps. Ducking beneath the warm water, he leant his forehead against the smooth tiles, squeezing his eyes shut as he let the stream beat on his neck and shoulders. He berated himself, angry that he should let his jealousy allow him to lose perspective. She was the Queen. She owed him nothing.

He reached for the bottle of shampoo, his mind recalling the first time he had seen her face to face. It had not been long after her coronation, and he was fresh from the Academy himself. He was travelling as part of her detail, while she toured each sector of her realm. It was during this time he had witnessed her kindness and selflessness. It was beyond admirable, and something he felt was lacking in himself.

But it took a near disaster to get close enough to see through the mask of sovereignty, and glimpse the woman beneath.

Every person in a position of power has enemies. Queen Relena was no exception. That was why she needed protection, after all. But he would never have imagined evil going to such lengths as bombing a social gathering at which her highness was speaking… The explosion claimed the lives of dozens.

They had received warning, but not enough. What surprised him was the way she struggled to get people out before her, as if her life was somehow worth less than theirs. He had hung back, watching her, trying to guard her – he had wanted to be the one to protect her, and it was because of this that he was with her when the world around them seemed to stop.

He woke beneath what had seemed like a mountain of rubble, a precious bundle sheltered beneath him. She did not stir, but her soft and even breathing reassured him that she was indeed alive. Her skin was cold, and he drew her closer in hopes of warming her, and waited. He could hear the movement of rescue crews above them and was able to attract their attention with a clear shout. It took less time than he had expected for the crew to work them free.

He had held her in his arms, so soft, so fragile, so perfect. And he knew he was lost. Neither his heart nor soul had been his since. The medics had taken her from him, and he knew that she would have no recollection of his presence once she awoke, but he also knew that the moment would remain etched in his memory forever.

Heero shut off the steady stream of water, still affected by the memory of that fateful day. He loved her. At least he could admit it to himself, if no one else. He felt like a fool, wanting to win her affection, but not knowing how. She had bared her body to him, but what he really wanted was her heart. He frowned. He had no idea if he was the first she had brought to her bed, but he planned to do everything in his power to make sure he was the last.

He stepped out of the shower, grabbing a thick towel to vigorously rub the water from his hair. Drops of water clung to him as he wrapped the towel loosely around his hips, and then reached for the clean toothbrush. Slathering it with toothpaste, he scrubbed at his teeth. His mind worked through the situation, becoming more resolute on his decided course of action.

He heard the faint click of a door and froze. Pulling the toothbrush from his mouth, he spat the toothpaste into the sink, before wiping his lips with the back of his hand. Straightening, he glanced quickly around the bathroom, a hand firmly gripping the top of the towel that was still wrapped tightly around his waist. He knew his clothes were still on the chair outside, but desperation leant itself to wishful thinking.

It can’t be her. Can it? Not already... His hand moved to the doorknob, and the traitorous hinges creaked ominously as Heero stepped out of the small room. He scowled at his ‘visitors’.

“Don’t you know how to knock?”

Trowa merely raised an eyebrow at him.

“You’re a prisoner, Yuy. We don’t have to knock if we don’t want to.”

Duo, however, was more forthcoming.

“Nice outfit, Heero. But then, anything else could be considered overdressed, huh?” The idiot had the gall to snicker, apparently unfazed by the murderous look Heero shot in his direction.

Duo just shrugged and grinned.

“Hey man, you need to chill. You’re looking pretty glum for someone that just spent the night with the most unattainable woman around.”

Heero’s eyes narrowed, and his words came out low and dangerous.

“Unattainable? Really? Or is that just for men who don’t serve her?”

The grin on Duo’s face froze, and then darkened into a lethal glare. The click of Trowa’s handgun caught Heero’s attention. He turned and found it aimed directly at his chest.

“I dare you to say that again, you ungrateful bastard.”

Duo chuckled.

“You know, Tro, I think our friend’s suffering from some self-esteem issues. How about we just leave him to stew for a while.” He pointed towards the small table. “Food. Fresh clothes. We even brought you something to read. And now we’re going to leave you. To get over yourself. Idiot.”

Heero watched as the two men started towards the door, disconcerted by the exchange. A solitary question troubled him, begging to be asked.

“Trowa.”

The taller man paused mid-stride.

“Why me?”

There was a pause, as Trowa seemed to ponder the question.

“I think, perhaps, that’s a question you need to ask her.”

******

Heero leaned against the window frame, watching as artificial lights flickered to life in the waning evening sky. He glanced at his watch, glaring at the stubborn display that had inched only ten minutes since he had last checked it. His dinner tray remained untouched on the small table, its contents unappealing. The once-steaming meal now sat cold and congealing, unappreciated by one whose appetite now craved only one thing.

Growling, Heero began to prowl the room, his patience reaching its breaking point. He tugged his shirt over his head, balling the garment in his hands before hurling it into the corner. With a heartfelt sigh, he sank down onto the bed, his elbows resting on his knees and his face in his hands. He glanced to his left, his thoughts briefly settling on his earlier lucky find, now safely concealed beneath the feather pillows. Who would have thought she could be so careless?

What's taking so long? Where is she? His stomach lurched at the idea of not seeing her tonight, that she could change her mind and stay away. He needed to see her. He needed to show her…

He heard the distinct click of a lock, and leapt to his feet just seconds before the door swung open. His rigid shoulders slumped and he glowered at Relena’s personal guard entering the room. Trowa arched an eyebrow. Heero crossed his arms against his chest, and opened his mouth, about to impart some scathing remark, when her soft footfall caught his attention.

She was dressed in a gown of deep blue, looking every bit the image of the sovereign that she was. His eyes came to rest on her soft lips, and his mind wandered to thoughts of her warm breath against his…

“My apologies for keeping you waiting, Commander. I trust that you have not been too inconvenienced by the delay?”

Heero swallowed, hoping he was capable of his normal controlled tone.

“No, Your Highness, I understand that you have more pressing engagements.”

Her posture was poised, almost extremely so, with her hands folded neatly in front of her. She watched him closely, and he sensed a slight apprehension. He frowned, sure that she appeared less confident than she had been during their previous meeting. Does she regret what happened? No sooner had this thought run through his mind, however, than she seemed to shake the air of indecision, and the seductress from the previous evening once again stood before him.

His gaze followed the gentle sway of her full skirts as she moved towards him. The embroidered bodice was conservative, with its’ high collar and long, flowing sleeves revealing no hint of skin. It accomplished little in cooling his ardour, however, as it merely reminded him of the forbidden pleasure that lay hidden beneath the concealing fabric. It made him want her even more.

He watched silently; she came to a halt mere inches away. Avoiding his eyes, Relena lifted a hand, brushing her fingers across his bare torso, her touch cool and appraising. Without interrupting the sensuous progression of her caress, she spoke clearly to the silent guard who still waited at the door.

“Thank you Agent Barton. That will be all.”

He nodded, the gesture lost on her, then turned his glare on Heero. The look spoke volumes, and the warning was unyielding. Heero returned the stare with equal strength, warning the other man away. The corner of Trowa's lips turned up, and he backed out of the room, pulling the door shut firmly behind him.

“I take it…” Her words were even, almost lost on him as he was mesmerised by the patterns her fingertips traced on his skin. “that your stay has, so far, been to your satisfaction?”

He ran the tip of his tongue along his lower lip, his mouth dry and his mind reeling. He had to stop this. He was rapidly losing control, and any opportunity to gain the upper hand would be lost. How could such a simple caress steal his very will power away?

He had no way of knowing how long his Queen planned on playing this game, but he had no intention of being cast aside once she had had her fill of him.

She may have done so with her previous ‘toys’, but she had underestimated him if she thought he would surrender so easily.

He cupped his hand at her throat, allowing his fingers to brush the nape of her neck. Her eyes flickered, and he was certain she had trembled at his touch. He smirked to himself, already excited by the anticipation of feeling her writhe in his embrace. Two can play your game, Highness.

He tugged at her hair, tipping her head back until she gazed up at him through her lashes. Her lips parted, as if anticipating his kiss. His mouth pressed to the crook of her neck instead, and he heard her soft sigh, as he grazed his teeth against her throat.

His hand dropped to her breast, touching her lightly, while his other palm cradled the small of her back. His fingers progressed slowly down the front of her bodice, loosening the garment as he went until it was open to the waist. Smoothing back the elegant fabric, his eyes widened as he exposed her bare breasts.

He glanced up at her, and she returned his look with a level stare - challenging him. He let out a sharp breath, as he raised his palm to one of her taut nipples, rolling the dark bud between his fingers. Relena whimpered softly; he bent his head and took it into his mouth.

He tongued her slowly, as his thumb circled her other nipple, causing her to arch against him. His mind clouded, as he was overcome with an almost violent wave of desire. Without warning, he brought his mouth to hers, his tongue diving between her lips. He felt her breathless sigh as the kiss deepened, lengthened. He thrust his pelvis forward against the curve of her stomach, letting her feel the stirrings of his arousal. His hands fumbled a little as he finished removing her bodice, leaving her upper body bare.

With one quick movement, he swept her backwards into his arms and lay her down on the soft bed. She blinked, her chest heaving. She reached for him, and he lowered himself to her, quickly capturing her wrists and stretching her arms behind her head, towards the ornate bed head. Pressing his lips to her throat, he could feel her racing pulse, and he ran his tongue along the exposed line of her jugular before he dropped his mouth to her ear.

“Not this time, Highness. It’s my turn.”

She moved against him in protest, but any argument was silenced as he claimed her again for another searing kiss. Keeping her suitably distracted, Heero reached beneath the pillows for his prize, moving abruptly to set them in place before she could respond.

He felt her hiss of protest as the cuffs were fastened firmly around her wrists. She wrenched her lips from his as she gave a futile tug at the heavy bindings, her blue eyes darkening with indignation and, he was sure, excitement.

“What are you doing?”

Her voice was low, breathless as she glared at him.

He grinned as he again lowered his lips to her ear.

“What’s the matter, Highness? I thought you liked to play games.”

He straddled her, holding her still as she attempted to writhe beneath him. He admired her flushed complexion, her skin already glistening with a fine sheen of sweat. He held her firmly, as he rolled to her side, leaving one of his legs trapping her thighs. Her expression was mutinous, and he smirked at her as she continued to twist against her bonds.

“What are you do….”

Her words died on her lips, replaced by a soft moan, as he attacked her breasts with his tongue. His hands travelled lower, until they brushed against the clasp of the long and cumbersome skirt. Loosening it from her waist, his deft fingers pulled it quickly from her, exposing her shapely form.

His touch was slow, reverent, as he satisfied his own desire to know her completely. She shivered as his lips brushed the underside of her breasts, and sighed as he gently stroked her belly. Leaning up, he pressed his mouth to hers, drinking from her lips, as she surrendered to his desire.

His need for her pounded though his veins, his body reacting intensely to hers. He forced himself to steady, however, determined to hear her beg for him. She would never desire another when this was over. His Queen was completely at his mercy, and he intended to take full advantage of the situation.

Snatching his lips from hers, he moved lower, tasting her burning skin as his fingers brushed the edge of her panties. She let out a low moan, and arched towards him. Hooking his thumb under the delicate lace briefs, he tugged them away, leaving her exposed. Glancing up, he saw that her eyes had slid shut and her lips quivered with each trembling breath she took.

He traced his fingers along the length of her legs, testing the sensitive skin behind her knees before stroking the softness of her inner thigh. She whimpered softly as she moved beneath him, coaxing him higher. He took his time, however, teasing her and she growled her displeasure. He kissed her navel, letting his tongue survey the small groove. He smiled to himself as her stomach trembled beneath his lips at the tender assault.

Unable to hold back any longer, he allowed his hand to brush against her centre, revelling in her damp heat. She arched against him, crying out as he stroked his thumb along her delicate folds. Moving lower, he kissed her hip before pressing his mouth to her, tasting her. Driven on by his own desire and her soft, keening pleas, his actions quickened, and he brought her to completion.

Moving against her again, he struggled to appear calm, in control, as he tugged at the zipper of his pants, swiftly removing his last remnants of clothing. Leaning over, he watched her face, as she took uneven, gasping breaths. His body shook, his need unrelenting. But he waited. Her eyes were still squeezed shut, and he longed for her to look at him, to let him drown in those blue depths. He shifted, his knee resting between her thighs; his length ached for its release.

Finally, she gazed up through her lashes, the look seductive and enticing.

“What are you waiting for?" Her voice was a whisper. "I need you.”

He paused, and looked at her restraints before reaching up to release them. He wanted her to touch him. He needed her to touch him.

Her eyes widened as he loosened the bindings. Relena squirmed beneath his weight, her every movement begging him to take her. No sooner had the cuffs slipped from her wrists, than her arms wrapped around his shoulders, pulling him closer as she arched against him.

His arousal brushed against her warm centre, inviting him in, and he struggled against the urge to plunge forcefully inside. He pressed his lips to hers in a heated embrace as he slowly entered her. He moaned against her mouth; the sensation overwhelming him. Breaking their kiss, he took panting breaths, looking deep into her dazed eyes and seeing a need that mirrored his own.

He felt her lift her legs to his waist, and groaned as she thrust up to meet him.

“Please Heero, you’re driving me insane.”

Unable to deny her anything, he began to move against her, his thrusts slow at first but increasing in speed. The sound of his name on her lips ignited his lust as much as the feel of her… Tightening around him, her breasts crushed against his chest, her fingers curled tightly in his hair.

He could feel it building, and he knew there was no stopping. He struggled to prolong the feeling, not wanting this experience to end, but as he felt her cry out, his body surrendered.

The breath left Relena's body in a soft sigh, and he rested his head in the crook of her neck. He listened to her racing heartbeat as it slowly returned to a more leisurely tempo. He trailed his fingers across her skin, savouring a situation he could easily become accustomed to. He froze, however, when her whispered words reached his ears.

“I love you.”

He struggled up from his comfortable position, blinking his eyes to chase away sleep. It couldn't be real; it had to be a dream. Her admission…. He looked to her for answers.

She finally cracked open her eyes and stared at him. Her face flushed and she glanced quickly away. The bed moved, throwing him back, as she pushed him hard and leapt from the bed, frantically gathering her clothes as she went. He jumped when the bathroom door slammed shut with a loud bang.

Heero ran trembling fingers through his hair, puzzled by her sudden flight. Reaching for his pants, he tugged them on as he moved towards the door. He could hear a faint rustling of fabric as she moved around. The door swung open, and he darted towards the door to bar her path.

“Excuse me.” She ducked her head and tried to step passed him.

His fingers grasped her arm, preventing her escape. He stared at her. His mind was chaos, as he struggled to think of something to say, something that would make her stay. But the words eluded him, as he was still shaken by the declaration he had hoped for but not expected.

“Let me go.”

Her words were indignant, and he sensed the increasing panic in her posture. He frowned at her, silently cursing his own ineptitude.

“No.”

The loud smack of her hand against his cheek shocked him more than the sting of the slap itself. He dropped her wrist. His fingers rose to the reddening skin, and he stared at her, dumbfounded.

“Don’t forget your place…. Commander! How DARE you take such liberties!”

There was no mistaking the choked sob in her voice, and she glared at him with animosity sparking in her eyes. Relena marched around him, moving towards the door unhindered. She knocked, and it was immediately answered with a click of the lock. She left the room in a whirl of skirts, and didn't look back.

He stood frozen for a moment, before gravity pulled him down to the edge of the bed with a thump. He cradled his head in his hands, the previous feeling of contentment long departed. Things had gone completely to plan.

So when did it all go wrong?