"Move out."
Just as Heine's order fell, more zombies moved in toward them.
"Let's go."
The rope dropped and Xiao secured himself and shot up to the craft. Mark hauled Luther over his shoulder and as they rose upward, Luther watched the ground pull farther away. His heart nearly stopped at the sharp ascent. Mark rather rudely threw Luther into the cabin and pushed him into his seat. Luther was shocked at the rough treatment, but Xiao Yan merely laughed and secured his safety device for him.
Mark smiled jovially, clearly intending to scare the Colonel. Xiao Yan shot him a helpless look, remembering when he was the target of Mark's teasing.
Soon they entered the base and Shen Bing waited for them at the platform with his arms crossed.
Heine stepped out of the cabin. He walked past Shen Bing, giving a slight nod of acknowledgment.
"Thank you."
They ceremonially saluted each other.
Xiao looked over at Shen Bing. The man looked as stern as ever, but rather ragged and gaunt. Being one of the research bases that was a focus of the Surge attacks, the future doesn't look very optimistic to the base commander. Shen Bing's eyes grazed over Xiao Yan and his lips tilted in an undeniable smirk.
"Long time no see, lesser Lt." He overly emphasizes the 'lesser' in his rank.
Xiao hurried over to Shen Bing.
"Colonel you know Xiao Yan?" Luther asked.
"Hm. The last time that I saw him he was a dumb rookie who had trapped himself in his own mind."
"When was that?"
"About a year ago."
"It seems that he has grown a lot since then, no one would assume his is a rookie now." Luther expresses his deep appreciation and admiration for Xiao Yan."
Shen Bing contacted the Shire. They are sending a special task force to escort the Colonel and virus samples back to the City within three hours.
This break is very valuable to Xiao Yan. While the Colonels were in discussion, Xiao fell asleep in his chair. Shen Bing had arranged a lounge for him and the quartermaster approached to wake him up. Heine brushes him away and picks up Xiao Yan, heading toward the lounge.
Shen Bing looked at the odd scene before shaking his head in surprise. Mark and the other soldiers are playing an old fashioned card game. Liv is arranging her equipment. None seemed particularly startled at Heine's actions.
"When did Colonel Burton get so close to Xiao Yan?" Shen Bing looked at the group of Special Forces.
"Xiao Yan is our own technical soldier. The boss will not go on a mission with another tech." Mark grinned with a dull expression as though he was saying, 'really you don't know this...such old news.'
"He even personally trained Xiao Yan in combat." Another soldier threw down a card.
"Hey! I taught him too." Mark said indignantly.
Liv deflated his sails. "Winn taught him more."
"Too bad that Winn was tasked with protecting the Academy, otherwise he would have been able to see Xiao's performance in actual combat. He would have been very pleased."
"No wonder he is so different from the other technical soldiers." Luther sighed, he knew in his heart that there was no way every researcher could have achieved the level of ability that Xiao Yan displayed.
Shen Bing pressed a hand to his head. He doesn't understand why Heine so carefully carried Xiao Yan to the lounge. Not to mention this is Colonel Burton, a man who distances himself from all others.
Heine placed Xiao Yan on the bed and as soon as his head touched the pillow, he opened his eyes. Between the droopy slits, he saw Heine's hair and his gaze locked with his. This distant man seemed to fall from his great height into Xiao Yan's gaze.
"Colonel Burton." Xiao's drowsy eyes widened and he greedily took in Hien's features.
"You still have two hours to sleep." Heine's hand is on the Xiao's head and he gets ready to leave.
Xiao grabs a hold of his wrist before he can move away.
Heine paused and looked back at Xiao Yan, whose eyes were diligently watching him.
Now they are safe and Xiao Yan has gathered invaluable information on the comet virus, but deep down he knows that he is still not truly powerful.
"Colonel if you hadn't retrieved my kit back there, I would probably be dead."
Xiao Yan didn't expect Heine to respond to him. He just wanted to acknowledge what it meant to him that Heine endured such extreme cold to dive deep in those waters.
"You won't die. You will not leave my side."
His answer pressed against Xiao's heart. This is the answer that he has been so diligently pursuing.
Heine moved to get up, but Xiao still gripped him tightly. Obviously with his strength he could easily break his hold, but he chose not to.
Xiao tilted his head up and the moment his lips were about to touch Heine's, he shifted and Xiao's mouth grazed his cheek instead.
At that instant, Xiao Yan could clearly feel Heine's body shiver.
Something crazy twisted in the depths of his mind, fighting to be released.
"Sleep."
Heine voice fell over him and the barricade around Xiao's emotions dissolved as Heine pulled his hand away to leave.
When Heine stood up, Xiao Yan said, "Colonel, can you stay?"
Heine did not answer.
Xiao Yan's heart beat ferociously; he had never felt this way before. He remembered the terror of seeing Hein pierced through the chest. His feared that his wounds would be unable to heal at such a low temperature. He was afraid of being a burden to Heine Burton.
"You don't need to go so far to protect me. I'm not that important." Xiao smiled at Heine and then continued speaking very seriously. "You are an irreplaceable legend among the Special Task Force."
The Special Forces, who live life by the edge of their blade, need indomitable souls like Colonel Heine Burton.
"I have never been irreplaceable. All legends are destined to become nothing more than history and dust. You are far more important than me." Heine sat on the bed and turned his back to Xiao Yan.
"What is so special about me? Because I have a fast terminal interface rate? Because I performed the last field study on the comet virus?" Xiao Yan never knew he could speak so bluntly to Heine
"Because you are irreplaceable to me."
The world stopped and fell into an encapsulated softness.
Xiao's hand's fiercely clasped the sheets. He sat up, feeling as though he completely dominated Heine's world. It was as Maya said, this man had no bottom line when it came to him. His tolerance for Xiao Yan was unending.
"Colonel...I want to look at you. It's a very difficult for me to just look at your back."
Heine finally shifted his body slightly toward Xiao Yan. His eyes are still indifferent, but Xiao can feel a veiled heat simmering behind them.
"When I think about it, from the very first time I saw you, I couldn't help but look at you. Even when threatened to have my eyes dug out, I couldn't stop."
Xiao's voice is calm and he recalls his first sight of Heine Burton, his powerful form and lethal blade slicing through the zombies. He remembers the sun catching the gold of his hair, the flash of his eyes...the image was burned into his nerves. This memory and emotion is branded deeply within him. The more he tries to erase it, the further it burrows.
"Go to sleep." Heine's tone was low, but there is no coldness present.
"I don't know why, but my heart is bursting apart with these feelings. Whether it is a kiss or a hug, every time I look at you, I know... it is not because of the x-virus."
Perhaps in ten or twenty years, Xiao Yan will feel embarrassed at his clumsy confession.
But in his mind there is an almost arrogant illusion that this man will spare no effort to protect him.
Heine remains silent, but this does not discourage Xiao Yan. The fact he was not leaving meant that Heine was listening to him... accepting him.
Xiao Yan opened his medicine box and loaded the last bottle of x-2 into the injection gun.
"What are you doing?" Heine finally turned around.
"This is the last dose of X-2. I may be out for a few days after I take it, but I want to use it to do what I want to do."
After he is done speaking, Xiao Yan slams the agent into his muscle.
The world sharpened into focus, every detail clear and distinct. He has never taken the agent under such calm circumstances. There was no crisis, or mission to accomplish. Every other disturbance was ripped away until only the truth in front of him remained. He looked up at Burton and spoke very earnestly.
"Colonel, I want these few minutes with you."
Xiao watched as Heine pupils shakily constricted, and then the calm inside them shattered apart.
Heine's lips slammed against his, his mouth moved over him in wild desperation. He pressed Xiao Yan tightly against him, his grip so oppressive that he couldn't even move.
Heine grabbed his wrists and lifted them up over his head. Every thought fell out of his mind, and Xiao Yan's world consisted of only one person. Heine's mouth claimed Xiao's completely. His tongue pushed in and tangled with his own.
Not satisfied with the contact, Heine's hand gipped the back of Xiao's head, forcing him up and closer to him. Xiao realized that Heine felt the same as he did. They just wanted to feel each other with no distance between. Even the air between them takes up too much space.
Xiao Yan was straddling Heine's waist, his arms stretched around his shoulders as the tip of his tongue explored his mouth. Heine felt like he was being yanked from the clouds. His hold on Xiao tightened. His restraint broke into yearning fragments.
Gradually the mad passion dissipates, and their kisses become slower and sweeter. Xiao Yan closed his eyes as he felt Heine's touch move across him. Everything about this man attracted Xiao Yan. The mood penetrating the air, his breath on his skin and his tongue pushing into his mouth, it all collided and shook Xiao's nerves.
Heine delved deeper into his mouth, his passionate kisses are still heavy and rough; he was wholly dedicated to this time as though it were the last seconds of his life.
The effects of the serum gradually wore off and Xiao's capacity to withstand Heine's strength was waning. His bones creaked under the force of Heine's embrace. Heine's tongue pulls away from his mouth and his kisses become impossibly soft and gentle. The only thing that existed for Heine was Xiao Yan's warmth.
Heine reluctantly releases Xiao Yan and his hands move to the side of his face. He lowers his head, his breathing heavy. Heine kissed his cheeks and his forehead, his palms move over his body as if to confirm his presence.
"Ok......"
For Xiao Yan, the contrast of the man's cold professional demeanor and the warmth and softness of his lips against his skin is intoxicating. He relishes the feeling of Heine's kiss. He raised his knees up against each side of Heine's waist. This intimacy was indescribable; he knew that he was the only person in the world to enjoy the embrace of Colonel Heine Burton. He finds a deep satisfaction and pride in that knowledge.
His exhaustion eventually claims him. In the security of Heine's arms, his breathing evened and he fell asleep. Heine presence was like the sea's waves crashing against the shore, washing over Xiao Yan again and again.
Heine buries his face in Xiao's neck and carefully brushes his hair behind his ears.
"You fool, don't do something so dangerous again. I almost killed you."
The sleeping Xiao did not respond and Heine shifted to the side, and wrapped his arms around his shoulders, letting him sleep in his arms.
Two hours passed quickly and the Special Task Force from the Shire arrived at the base.
The cabin door opens and the long legs of Jane Wallace step out of the craft. There is not the faintest hint of a smile on his face.
Heine approached the cabin, and Mark followed with a sleeping Xiao Yan on his back.
"What happened?" Jane's gaze fall on Xiao's still form and his brows knit together.
Heine doesn't answer, he coldly sweeps past him to enter the cabin and sits down.
As Mark passed by Jane, he feels an ominous pressure in the air; the animosity of a cold war was brewing. He quickly moved into the craft and set Xiao Yan down into a seat as Heine personally secured his safety device for him.
Jane did not pilot the aircraft, instead he sat across from Colonel Burton.
The left the base and headed toward the Shire.
"The mission was supposed to go to Casey. Why was Xiao Yan brought instead?"
In the tight air of the cabin, Jane's voice is quiet, but his venom is clear.
"I will not stand in the way of what he wants to do, nor will I stop him from seeking the answers he is looking for." Heine's voice is calm but carries a distinct edge to it.
Jae closes his eyes and sighed, "This answer will put him in more danger than ever."
The aircraft safely landed in the Shire and they returned to the Special Task Force headquarters.
Maya waited anxiously on the platform.
When Mark stepped out of the cabin with a limp Xiao Yan, he became instantly nervous.
"Mark! What happened to Xiao Yan? Why is he not conscious at all? Did he get caught by a blocker?"
Mark barked impatiently. "Good grief. It's not so serious. He was tired! He is sleeping! ASLEEP!"
Maya moved close and heard Xiao's breath whistle lightly through his nose.
"Maya, send Xiao Yan back to rest."
After Heine issued his order, he headed to Gordon's office.
Major General sat at his desk, his mouth curled into a bright smile.
"Even though I know there is nothing that you cannot accomplish, I must admit I broke into a cold sweat upon hearing Luther's craft had gone down."
Heine's eyes settle heavily onto General Gordon.
"Is Xiao Yan still asleep? The academy had a lot to say about us replacing Casey with Xiao Yan." Gordon carefully watched Heine's expression.
There were no unsteady waves interrupting his gaze.
"Fortunately Colonel Luther was greatly impressed with Xiao Yan's performance and made that explicitly known to General Ervel. So at least he approved of our choice." Gordon paused, "Heine...Xiao Yan is no longer a student nor just a simple tech. Soon there will be more people trying to pry into his brain and understand how he thinks. On that day, not just you, even our entire task force may be unable to protect him."
"By then he will have learned how to protect himself."
General Gordon laughed helplessly. "You have such blind faith in him."
"Is there anything else, Major General?"
"Notify Xiao Yan that he is not allowed to enter any unsecured terminals. Without direct instruction from General Ervel he is prohibited from sharing his research with anyone. As his supervisor, Colonel Burton your responsibility is much heavier than before the mission."
"Yes, Major General."
As Heine exited the office, Jessica couldn't help but look over at him. This wasn't the first time she had seen Heine outside of Gordon's office. The Colonel had a unique temperament. He was cold and isolated from the rest of the world. She knew that his temper was absolute and conversely so was his indifference.
However, this time, as he lowered his eyes there was a warmth about him that had never been there before.
As Xiao's supervisor, Heine can access Xiao's room with his fingerprints. He walks into the darkened room and listened to the sound of Xiao Yan's even breaths. He sat sideways on the bed, looking down at Xiao. He reached his hand over his forehead and let the strands of hair fall onto his fingertips.
"Hm.." Xiao inhaled sharply through his nose, a jumbled sound breaking through the quiet.
Heine lowered his head and lightly brushed his mouth over his parted lips.
Xiao's brows twitches and his fingers reached out instinctively. He turned to his side and curled his legs up until his knees rested against Hein's legs. Heine froze, waiting until Xiao's restless movements stilled.
He sat quietly watching as Xiao Yan shifted in his sleep. He finally lay flat on his back, with the quilt pushed off. Only the corner of blanket rested on his stomach. Heine pulled it back over him.
Xiao Yan's eyelids flutter and then slowly opened. He looked around drowsy and confused until his eyes adapted to the dark room. Then he realized that someone was seated next to him.
He instantly recognized the powerful line of Heine's back, and his stern and refined profile. His presence is distinctively familiar to him even in the darkness. Xiao's body instantly tightens in excitement and his blood pushed rapidly through his veins.
He still remembers Heine's kiss at base number two and the feel of his full strength and desire.
Xiao's breath caught in his throat. He didn't know how long he had been asleep. Nor did he know how long Heine had sat quietly watching him. But he knew that Heine had kissed him with no restraint earlier. He knew that was real. He looked carefully at Heine, his features so imprinted in his mind the light need not illuminate them.
After a while, Heine started to get up. Xiao Yan grabbed at him back.
"I want you to stay." Xiao pursed his lips. He felt guilty holding Heine back, because knew that he would comply and whatever he asks of him he will satisfy.
Sure enough Heine settled back down and leaned close enough so that Xiao can clearly see his forehead and nose in the dark.
Xiao scooted closer to him and very earnestly voiced his second request. "I want you to sleep next to me."
When Heine lay down, still wearing his combat uniform, Xiao stretched an arm across him. Heine's soft hair pressed against his ears, each brush of those soft strands tightening Xiao's heart.
"I want to kiss you."
When Xiao asked this, Heine arms tightened around him. Xiao Yan carefully leaned over and touched his lips to Heine's nose. He closed his eyes, having never kissed someone this way. Heine picked Xiao up and rested him on top of his body. His gaze is heavy and long reaching, pulling at his soul. Xiao bends down and pressed his mouth to Heine's.
He doesn't push his tongue into his mouth, knowing that Heine didn't want his reaction to be related to the x-virus. Xiao enjoyed the feeling of touching this man. He cherished the intimacy of it, even over the arousal of his senses.
Xiao's lips linger on Heine's and then drift to his nose and speckle over his face. Heine begins to respond to Xiao's kiss. He uses one arm to support himself, and the other hand is pressed against Xiao's back as he leans his body closer. Xiao straddles his waist and continues grazing his lips across Hein's face. Whenever their control is about to break, they back away. After they calm, they can't help but come back together and kiss again.
They repeat this over and over, not tiring of the ritual. Everything is overflowing, and a mutual restlessness grasps their heart as they crave the other's closeness.
Then Xiao Yan's wrist com flickered and Mark's voice boomed out. "Xiao!" You are still asleep?! It's been two days! Eat!"
At Mark's loud voice, Xiao Yan who had forgotten everything that wasn't Heine, suddenly felt hungry.
His forehead bumped against Heine's and he laughed. "Mark... that guy can be really annoying."
"You have been asleep for two days. You really should get something to eat." Heine pushed Xiao up and stretched over to turn on the bedside light.
Light instantly spread through the room and Xiao walked toward the door. Suddenly thinking of something he turned back around.
"Colonel."
"Hm."
"We will have a lot of time later."
"I know."
*****I love this chapter so much. Ahhh.....Their first kiss with Heine's full strength! **********