[And there are voices that want to be heard
So much to mention but you can't find the words
The scent of magic, the beauty that's been
When love was wilder than the wind]
      --- Lyrics from 'Listen To Your Heart' performed by Roxette

A Silver Lining Part 32

"Well, you're clean," Sally announced with a small smile as she lowered her hand-held scanner. "Everything is as it should be."

At that, Duo took up his black T-shirt from the metal table that he had been sitting on during his examination. Raising the shirt over his head, he admitted, "I'm not sure whether or not I should be happy with that news. It almost would have been easier on all of us if I had one of those chips inside me."

Earlier that evening, Trowa, Anna and Angie announced their findings regarding the White Out Organization's implanting data and communication chips sporadically into their prisoners. Despite the fact that finding such a prisoner was slim, Heero's concern Duo's protection was enough to see that his partner was examined immediately.

Neither Sally, nor Duo, put up an argument to his demand.

Once her small medical bag was closed, Sally announced, "Now that I can sleep well knowing that we got this out of the way and all is well, I am going to bed. Zechs, Noin, Scott and I have a long day ahead tomorrow at the office getting the lists of names of the prisoners that we've rescued."

Peering over his shoulder to the pilot leaning against the doorway as Sally stepped from the room, Duo pulled his long braid out from under his shirt and smirked, "Feel better now?"

With a small grunt, Heero pushed himself from his perch and approached the table. "Always best to air on the side of caution," he stated flatly as he sat bedside his best friend. Raising an eyebrow, he commented, "Besides, you can't tell me that you weren't a little worried about the possibility, yourself."

"Yea, yea," Duo relented, lowering his head on the other agent's shoulder with his eyes drifting closed. Heero chucked deeply and wrapped an arm around his love's shoulder, placing a tender kiss on his forehead. Biting his lip, the braided pilot opened his violet eyes to meet the cobalt gaze watching him. With a small smile, he said quietly, sincerely, "Thanks for always looking out for me."

Heero returned the warm smile and whispered, "No thanks needed." Slowly rising from the table, he took up the American's hand to pull him onto his feet as well. "It's been a long day. Come on," he urged gently, "Let's get some sleep." Allowing his partner to lead him from the room, Duo smiled to himself, closing the door behind them.

In the late hour that it was, the safe house was still as the remainder of its guests had turned in. curled in a tight ball on one of the recliners, Yuuki poked her head up to watch as her owners walked past the otherwise empty living room. Her tail wagged excitedly at the sight of them.

At the pup's small whimper, the two pilots turned back to pat her head, appeasing the ritual for a 'good night' pat before they stepped from the room to head upstairs, turning the remaining lights out in their passing.

Once in their room with the door closed after them, Heero removed his white T-shirt and blue jeans with a deep sigh of content as he approached the bed. In his movement, the silver cross around his neck shimmered against his bare chest in the lamp light.

Taking a seat at the edge of his side of the bed, he looked up to find Duo still in the doorway, watching him. The hungry looks in those violet eyes was one that brought back memories of another evening when he had seen that same, almost predatory gaze in those eyes.

Moaning deeply, the braided pilot fell back to lean against the door and frowned deeply, "Gods, Heero, I think I'm going to go out of my mind if I can't ravage that body of yours or have you ravage mine, and soon."

The side of his mouth tugging upward, Heero slowly rose from the bed, his tight muscles flexing with his movement. Stalking over to the braided pilot, he reached up to cup the side of his love's cheek.

"Do you really think that you're ready for that?" he asked quietly. It was all but agonizing for him to keep his own need at bay to keep it from influencing the smaller pilot's decision. If anything was going to happen between them, Heero was going to make sure that it was going to be the right thing for both of them.

As he leaned into his partner's touch, Duo took careful consideration. Recalling his last attempt to 'take the next step' in their relationship that had gone terribly wrong, he swallowed hard. Roughly biting his lip, he fought against the whimper that threatened to escape his clenched throat. "I don't know," he admitted in a quiet voice that nearly came out as a full moan, his head lowering.

"Okay," Heero smiled reassuringly, silently proud that the other pilot was being honest with himself. The frustration and disappointment that he found in Duo's slumped shoulders and hung head weighed heavier on the ex-Wing pilot than whatever emotions he was dealing with, himself, and he quickly thought of how he could help the situation.

"What if we tried something simple, not going for penetration right away?" Heero offered cautiously.

Quickly raising his head with wide, hope-filled eyes, Duo breathed, "We could try that." He swallowed to dampen his dry throat and nodded, "I want to try something."

His own heart beginning to race, Heero licked his lips and forced himself to remain in some control. Their eyes locked, he stated firmly, "You trust me, right?" he asked. Without hesitation, Duo nodded enthusiastically. At the gesture, smile returning, the Japanese agent cupped the other side of his partner's face to still him.

Smile fading, the ex-Wing pilot spoke clearly, his face one of fierce seriousness as he began, "Then know that if this gets at all uncomfortable, I won't be upset in any way."

"I want this to end the moment that this gets to be too much for you. Do you promise me that much? Because I would never be able to forgive myself if you forced yourself through something you're not ready for just for my sake," he concluded in little more than a whisper.

It was not just the sincere words, but the love that he found in those cobalt eyes that calmed the unease that threatened to rise in Duo once more. This was the one person whom he could bear all of himself to and be perfectly safe with. With a firm nod, he replied, "I promise."

At that, Heero smiled lovingly. With no need for further words, he wrapped his arms tightly around the other pilot's waist, pulling him tightly against him as he took his lips in a gentle kiss that progressed as their mouths opened. Moaning deeply, Duo's hands reached up around his best friend's neck until his fingers buried themselves into the thick hair at the back of his head.

Breaking moments later for only air, Heero's hands roamed to remove his love's shirt before claiming his lips once more. The gold cross around Duo's neck fell back against his chest shimmering along with the silver one that Heero wore.

Their fleshed pressed together as they clung on one another tightly, the Japanese Preventer moved them further into the room before gently easing Duo to lie back on the bed as he lowered himself atop. Hands roaming and panting heavily, Heero pulled his head up enough to take in the flush face of his partner as he tried to catch his own breath.

Slowly lowering himself atop the other pilot again, Heero begin kissing at Duo's neck, slowly moving his kisses down the length of the lithe, sweat-coated abdomen. Whimpering, the braided Preventer breathed, "Oh, Gods."

His right hand moved down to bury itself in the thick and unruly hair once more. It was overwhelming to him how the same hands that he had witnessed bend steel seemed to turn to silk as they handled and caressed him.

Careful giving every scar that he found attention with his lips and tongue and enjoying the whimpers and moans that responded, Heero slipped a hand in to work at the button and zipper of his partner's jeans. Raising his hips when he felt a gentle tug, Duo readily aiding his love in removing his pants.

Once the jeans were removed, the braided pilot had to bit his lips at the initial panic that threatened and his heart rate grew dangerously fast. Closing his eyes closed tight, he took control over the fear by reminding himself who he was with.

Heero seemed to catch the slight stiffen in his body, however, his own body tensing over him. "Duo? Look at me." he asked quietly but firmly.

When he opened his eyes to peer up to the concerned face looming over him, the American smiled reassuringly, "I'm all right, now. Promise." When Heero seemed a bit hesitant, Duo just reached up to pull him down into a searing kiss.

In finding reassurance in Duo's roaming hands and demanding, roaming lips, the ex-Wing pilot returned to his homage of the lithe body beneath him. Tentatively, his courage growing, the braided young man reached down to pull at his best friend's blue boxers.

Pushing himself up, Heero gladly pulled and kicked off the offensive fabric and lowered himself onto his side as the violet eyes watching him took everything in. His lips suddenly dry as his eyes drank in the nude form of his partner, Duo licked at them, panting heavily and unable to find the right words-or his voice- at that moment.

With a smile of understanding and gratitude for the unspoken but understood admiration, Heero asked quietly, "May I see you?" Swallowing hard, Duo nodded and allowed the other agent to pull his own red boxers away from him.

A shiver ran up the braided pilot's spine when the material fell away, exposing him. Slowly looking up, the awe that he found on his best friend's face took his breath away. When their eyes met, Heero smiled, "You're beautiful."

Duo swallowed hard and shook his head, knowing how scarred his body was after his ordeal. Shaking his head with tears in his eyes, he choked out, "No, I'm not." Looking down at his own body, he frowned deeply, "Not like this."

Catching his partner's chin between his fingers, Heero gently lifted Duo's head until their eyes met. His cobalt eyes shown with all of the sincerity and love that was in him as he replied softly, "I mean it, Duo. If only you could see yourself through my eyes. I've never known anyone as strong or breathtaking as you."

With his hand gently running over all of the scars, the Japanese Preventer whispered, "I love you, all of you."

"Love you," the American managed with a grateful smile, tears rolling down his face. Leaning in, the two pilots held each other closely to exchange another deep kiss. Moans and whimpers filled the air again as the pair fell into a rhythm of pressing and rubbing their bodies together.

Both gasping at the first contact of their lengths rubbing against each other, their need and passion overwhelmed all other senses. Spitting into his hand, Heero reached down to press their penises together, pumping them slowly at first and steadily increasing the friction as Duo panted and moaned his consent.

As the friction of their bodies increased, so did Duo's boldness as he added his own hand in assistance to Heero's, causing his head to fall back as he whimpered, "Gods, Duo. Yes." Many strokes, kisses and bites later, he could no longer restrain himself and he came, crying out his lover's name.

Duo watched his partner climax, heard the desperate shout of his name, and found his own release at last. Biting down on Heero's shoulder as he released his seed over their chests, he screamed out. Their bodies jolting at the after shocks, the two agents clung to each other with the last of their strength.

Sagging heavily with a deep sigh, Heero slowly opened his eyes, shocked to find that his cheeks were soaked by tears that he was not aware he had silently cried during their lovemaking. He had not been prepared for such an overwhelming wave of emotions that had overtaken him in their experience.

Carefully raising his head, he found his lover lying half atop him, trembling almost violently his eyes squeezed closed. Sitting up, and tightening his hold on the smaller pilot, he whispered in concern, "Duo?"

Raising his braided head, the American met the wide, worried cobalt eyes watching him with tears down his own face. With a watery smile, he spoke in a soft, shaky breath, "That... that was..."

A smile of relief spread on Heero's face as he replied, "Yea." Placing a hand at the back of his love's head, he pulled him up for a gentle kiss. When he pulled back, small tears began to well up once more as he breathed, "I love you."

Sniffling, Duo replied in kind, "Love you, too." Making a face, he looked down to their chests and made a face, "And we're messy." His head falling back, Heero laughed loudly before carefully easing himself out of their tight embrace.

When he returned from the adjoining bathroom with a wet cloth, the ex-Wing pilot took especially gentle care on cleaning off his partner before taking care of himself and discarding the rag. Easing himself back into the bed, Heero pulled Duo back into his arms with another deep kiss as he pulled the sheets back over their naked bodies.

Duo reached up to tenderly run his fingers over the teeth marks embedded in his lover's right shoulder. "I'm sorry," he frowned deeply in concern.

Chuckling deeply, Heero ran a hand over his hair and reassured him, "Don't be. I never had a passion bite before. I'm already planning on wearing a tank top tomorrow to show it off to the others."

Now his turn to laugh loudly, the braided pilot shook his head against the shoulder he lowered his head upon. "Who are you and what have you done with my Heero?" he asked, shaking with his laughter.

"You happened to me," the Japanese pilot murmured tiredly as his eyes drifted closed. With a deep sigh, his breath evened as he was pulled into a peaceful slumber.

His violet eyes widening at the softly spoken words, Duo watched his lover sleep as he considered them. Closing his own eyes with a small smile, he leaned up to kiss Heero's cheek before reaching over to turn out the lamp on the table beside the bed. His eyes drooping closed, he held onto his best friend as he joined him in a dreamless sleep.

True to his word, Heero wore a tank top the following morning to brandish the bite mark on his shoulder. The wide eyes of their friends and their discrete glances to get a better look throughout the day were priceless.

*   *   *   *   *   *

Stepping from Lady Une's office, Scott tightened his grip on his briefcase handle. Bearing the original copy of the long lists of names of those prisoners who had been rescued, he had to make sure that he got the lists back to the safe house unharmed.

"Well would you look at who finally decided to show himself," a familiar voice smiled from behind him. Turning, he found two uniformed agents approach with wide smiles. The young, blonde, woman of the pair took his hand in a firm shake as she commented, "Good to see you're back, Scott."

Returning the smile and handshake, the white-haired pilot nodded to the pair, "Good to see you as well, Coral and Jeff. Have I missed anything exciting while I was off on my last mission?"

The red-haired young man frowned deeply, "Have you heard about Gary, Samantha and Albert? They were killed in a recovery mission they had been sent on."

Scott returned the deep frown and nodded, "Lady Une just briefed me on that. It still hasn't really set in just yet."

Frowning deeply, Jeff leaned in to whisper, "Between that and a lot of other weird things that have been going on these last few months, there are rumors of a leak within the Preventers. The Gundam pilots have been missing for quite some time, too, so the rumors are saying that they're the ones being targeted."

As he rubbed his chin in consideration, the white-haired agent commented, "I would hate to think that one of our own would be working against us. If there were any truth to that, it certainly would explain a great deal of the strange things that I have been informed of."

Coral nodded, "Everyone is looking over their shoulders around this place. That last mission-gone-wrong has stirred a lot of concern when it comes to being sent on a mission. We were worried about you, what with your being away for so long."

Shrugging, Scott smirked, "Well, as you can see, I'm fine, though I appreciate the concern for me. This last mission took a lot out of me, having to go solo."

As he looked to his watch, Jeff offered, "We're heading down to the cafeteria, if you would like to join us for lunch. Then we can catch up with the others that have been asking for you these last few weeks."

"I'm certainly up for a break after all of my briefing this morning," Scott nodded. His right hand unconsciously tightening on the handle of his brown briefcase, he stated, "Then I have to get going to start work on my report. Considering how long I have been away, it's going to take me some time to get this finished."

Making his way down the hall with his friends as they continued to talk amongst themselves, Scott knocked on one of the closed doors before cracking it open and peering his head inside. The young man sitting inside looked up from his computer and blinked his shocked, widened eyes of grey.

"Well I'll be damned," the young man smiled as he rose from his seat for a firm handshake. "Long time, no see, Scott. How the hell are you? I was beginning to think you had fallen from the face of the earth."

With a deep chuckle, the white-haired agent shrugged, "I'm doing well, Tim. Will you be taking a break for lunch soon?"

His grey eyes taking in his friends, the other pilot answered, "I just have something that I need to take care of, and I'll meet the three of you down there in a few minutes." With that, Scott and his friends gave their brief salutations.

Sighing deeply as he closed the door again, Tim sagged in relief. Quickly returning to his desk, he narrowed his grey eyes on the person that was waiting there. "I told you that you should not have contacted me here," he hissed.

Isis simply shrugged, "I would have cut the connection if I heard them enter the room. This call is untraceable and will not alert anyone within the Preventers."

Her hazel eyes thinned menacingly as she spat, "You should learn to have better faith in our measures of precaution. At any rate, this call simply cannot wait. We have a dyer situation and you are the only person that we can call upon for this."

"Just let me know what I need to do," Tim replied, the edge in his voice gone and anticipation in his eyes in his hopes to redeem himself.

Taking a deep, even breath, the orange-haired young woman began, "Our organization relies heavily on the transfer of communication chips that are implanted randomly into the people that we transport. Those chips contain the information and requests from one dealer to the next. There is an immeasurable amount of information regarding White Out."

She paused as a brief glimpse of concern fell on her face. "Recently, because we have so many of those chips to sort through in our transfers, we found that one of those chips is missing," she announced quietly.

With a sharp gasp, Tim's grey eyes widened as Isis continued, "Fortunately with the tracer that is also placed on it, we have found the location of that chip. How you handle recovering this person is up to you. I am going to be sending you the list of names and contacts for a number of... assistants that you could call upon if you so wish."

Already feeling the weight of a great responsibility to the organization in carrying out this task, the young man stated, "Just give me the name and identity of who I am after. I'll see to it that we get the chip back."

Smirking, Isis sent over the image to take up half of the screen. The picture was one of a young girl, no more than six that had been taken during her time of captivity in White Out's possession. Her frightened, widened eyes and pale skin proved to explain some of the horrors she had witnessed and experienced.

"I should think that you would be able to handle recovering a child," the orange-haired woman commented smugly. "She is being cared for at an orphanage several miles from where you are currently."

On the screen, all of the data that had been known of the child and her location appeared along with the image to fill the screen. "I should not have to tell you just how vital it is that you are successful in returning that chip to us," Isis's voice warned. "Again, how you handle this is up to you. Failure in this is unacceptable."

His lips tugging into a dark smile, Tim studied the image of the small face on his screen as he replied, "And failure will not be an option in this... I'll see to that."

*   *   *   *   *   *

That evening, Scott returned to the safe house to several anxious faces. With their combined efforts, Trowa, Anna and Angie had finished recovering the identities of those who had been implanted with the communication chips, making copies of those names for the others.

Comparing that list with the names of those that had been recovered became a task that everyone shared as they sat together in the living room at the tables and couches. Few breaks were taken during their efforts as those gathered knew how time was working against them more often than not.

Noin, Zechs, Sally and Wufei worked together at one side of the room. Heero, Duo, Trowa and Anna bade a second team while Quatre, Relena, Angie and Scott made the last. With everyone working in silence, the tension in the room remained as they scanned their papers carefully, looking from one sheet and comparing the names to the other.

The hours dwindled by and those lists that had been checked and cleared were tosses aside, not one name on them matching. As those papers yet to be checked grew fewer and fewer, so did the hopes of those working begin to dwindle.

Just as the last few sheets were taken up, Relena suddenly sat up, her eyes wide in shock. "Wait a minute," she muttered to herself. All eyen snapping to her, the young politician took up the list that Trowa and the others had come up with.

Her skin paling, she announced in a distant voice, "There's a match." An explosion of excitement erupted through the room as her friends came up around to get a look at the name as they cheered and spoke anxiously when she turned to Trowa and Anna.

"What's wrong?" the tall pilot asked in concern.

Taking a deep breath, Relena bit her lip before she could find enough of her voice to answer, "Do either of you remember Rachel's last name when she was taken in?"

Anna frowned deeply but nodded, "Jamison. Why?"

Unable to reply speak, the pregnant young woman handed over the two sheets in her possession over to Trowa. Looking over the reports, it did not take long for his green eyes to widen in terror as he breathed, "My God."

Swallowing hard, Relena nodded, "She's a match."

TBC...

 

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