Betaed by Skippyscatt

~ * ~

Another week of care and Duo was much better. He was still weak and tired so easily that he
couldn't do much. But he insisted on taking over page duties, at least in the Master's Quarters.

He made both beds as neatly as he could, and picked up after Heero, although there wasn't much
of that to do. Heero was surprisingly neat. Duo only had to pick up a few things, and that only
because Heero purposely let them fall so Duo would have something to do besides brood over
how useless he was.

Duo, for his part, was just glad that Heero left him alone for most of the morning. He spent that
time cleaning and tidying the rooms as best he could. He also worked on getting his strength
back.

He knew exercises to do, he couldn't remember how he knew them, he just did. And he brewed
the teas and dutifully drank them. He also spent a goodly amount of time looking out the
window, the widow seat was comfortable and in the sun most of the day. The cushioned comfort
of the seat lured him for several hours each day. He only wished he had something to read. Of
course slaves weren't supposed to know how to read, but he did.

Duo knew he shouldn't touch Heero's desk, he'd made it plain, several times, that the papers and
scrolls there were sorted and he wouldn't like it if they were disarranged. But boredom had
always been Duo's bane and this time was no exception. He carefully unrolled some of the
scrolls, but he couldn't read them.

Next he tried some papers, the same script covered them.

He saw some books carefully set in a drawer open ends down, so he pulled one out to look at it.

"Duo! What are you doing? I told you not to touch my desk. And those books are extremely
valuable." Heero couldn't believe that Duo would disobey him like this.

Duo carefully put the book back in the drawer and hurried to kneel at Heero's feet. He was in
trouble and knew it. He could only hope that his punishment didn't kill him, or maybe he hoped
it would.

Heero frowned at the top of Duo's head. He hated to do what he needed to do next, but he
couldn't have Duo rummaging his desk. The books he had been handling were rare and
expensive. They were very old magical texts that he was trying to translate, unfortunately with
little success.

Heero bit at his lip, he knew that Duo was still weak and unable to withstand a severe
punishment, even if he would give him one. So he went to the door and gave the senior page
there his orders.

The page returned soon enough with a tray on which were arranged the items Heero had asked
for.

"Duo, I'm very disappointed in you. I know you understand what I say to you. I can see it in
your eyes. I don't believe that just because you are mute, you're stupid. Slaves don't read, so
what you thought you were going to do with that book I don't know. Now, unless you can prove
to me that you had a use for that book, however misguided. You will be punished as severely as
you can stand. I will not tolerate blatant disobedience."

Duo shivered but looked up at Heero with hope in his eyes. He could write, he'd show his master
that he had only wanted to read one of the books.

Heero watched as Duo made strange motions with one hand. "I don't know what you're trying to
tell me. I'm going to leave the room for a while. You are not to move from where you are. Do
you understand me?"

Duo let his shoulders slump and nodded his head. This was a disaster.

Heero went into the garden to walk and think. He was no good at guessing games, but this was
too important for him to give in to his usual impatience.

So he walked and thought. 'What could he be trying to tell me? Those motions mean something
to him.' Heero sat down on a bench near a fountain, as the soft sound of falling water soothed his
frazzled nerves he tried to figure out what his slave was telling him.

He ended up deciding to try to duplicate the motions himself to see if that gave him a hint. He
closed his eyes and brought up a mental picture of what Duo had done. The circling motions he
made left him nodding in understanding. Duo was trying to tell him that he could write.

He returned to his rooms to see Duo still kneeling in the same place he'd been in when Heero
left.

"I'm glad to see that you are taking me seriously. I want you to trust me, but you must obey me
as well. So. . . show me your writing skills."

Duo glanced up at Heero for permission, and when he nodded, Duo went to the desk. Picking up
a pen he dipped it into the ink well and, using a scrap of parchment Heero had been using to test
nibs on, wrote a line of scrawling scribbles. He brought it to Heero who eyed it in disgust.

"That isn't writing. I don't know who you think you're trying to . . . lie to. I don't like that. That
has added to your punishment. Shame on you."

Duo glared at Heero then ducked his head hoping he hadn't seen the look. Heero had but didn't
say anything. It was good that Duo had recovered himself enough to be angry at being punished.
He just hoped the boy didn't resist, that would make things much more difficult.

Duo realized that his master didn't read his language, in fact he probably had never seen it
written or heard it spoken. He was in real trouble, he'd thought he'd be excused when he proved
he could write. Now, not only had he disobeyed his master about the desk, it also looked like
he'd lied to escape punishment.

Duo stood up and started gesturing vehemently. He put the back of his hand against his chin and
wiggled his first two fingers, then he covered his mouth with both hands and shook his head.
Then he shook his finger in the air like a mother scolding a bad child.

Heero gazed at these antics with a jaundiced eye. What was that crazy slave trying to tell him
now?

"Ok. Slow down. I know you want to tell me something. So let's start with the desk. What about
it?"

Duo sighed. He was sorry about the desk so he knelt at Heero's feet and hung his head. He did
want to say he was sorry but he didn't know how. All he could do was put one hand on Heero's
foot and wait. Heero lifted his toe and Duo slipped his hand under it. Heero gently pressed down
then told Duo to get up.

"You're sorry. I know that. You're going to be punished so . . . " Duo glared at Heero with some
heat. He was sorry about disobeying, not sorry in an attempt to escape his punishment. "Ok, I get
the idea. No need to scorch my eyebrows off." Heero was amused, the boy was going to work
out. He had courage, all Heero had to do was bring it out again. He didn't want some cringing,
frightened shadow.

Duo acted out his mime again with some frustration. He even attempted to mouth some words
but all he wound up doing was choking.

Heero patted him on the back gently. "I'm going to find out what they did to you and reverse it. I
swear. Now . . . two fingers? That doesn't make sense."

Duo stuck out his tongue, then gave Heero a guilty look, but Heero got it.

"Two tongues. And hands over . . . ok, I get it. You don't lie. But you did. You said you could
write, but you can't. That scribbling doesn't make writing. That's an extra smack. Now come
here."

Duo came to Heero with dragging steps. Heero waited patiently, he wanted Duo to come to him.
He didn't want to have to run him down and drag him.

Heero gently took Duo by the hand and guided him to lay over his lap. He reached under Duo to
untie his breeches, he was still so thin that all he could keep up were drawstring breeches. Duo
obediently rose to let him reach more easily. Heero decided that the boy was trying to be good,
the desk was just an error in judgement.

"I hate this. I don't like hurting you, but you will obey me. There will be times that you can't not
obey. And that's as awkward a sentence as I have constructed in a long time. If you act up in
court there will be trouble I don't need over it."

Heero slid the breeches down over the curve of Duo's ass. He gently rubbed the silky skin and
drew in a deep breath. He smacked Duo's backside, first one cheek then the other counting out
loud.

"Eight. . . nine. . . ten. There. That was for lying to me. You were good and didn't try to put your
hand in my way. I'm very proud of you for that. And now for rummaging my desk.. . ."

Heero took Duo's hands and buckled heavily padded leather cuffs around his wrists. He fastened
them together with a special clip meant only for that task.

"You'll lose the use of your hands for the rest of the day. I know you'll remember where they
belong afterwards. . . now. . . you'll spend the rest of the day right here, contemplating your
misbehavior. Kneel right there. You're not to move for the rest of the day." At Duo's dismayed
expression, Heero relented somewhat. "I'll come back in two candle marks to let you go long
enough to . . . er. . . take care of necessities."

Duo heaved a heavy sigh but gave Heero a grateful look just the same. Heero helped him off his
lap, adjusted his clothing and put him on his knees. He also gave him a pillow to kneel on.

Duo decided that he was very lucky that his master seemed to be in a forgiving mood. This time.

Heero came back as he promised and found a squirming Duo who jumped up without permission
and nearly ran to the bathing chamber. Heero followed him and realized that he was in severe
need of the facilities.

He quickly unclipped the fastener and waited while Duo used the water chamber. The soft sound
of Duo's groan of relief made Heero glad he hadn't left him any longer. He meant to punish him,
not humiliate him. Humiliating the boy as well as punishing him would only make Duo hate
him. He wanted Duo to fear displeasing him, be good to avoid punishment. But he didn't want
him to live in terror of him.

"I'm sorry I left you so long. I intended to come back sooner, but it couldn't get away. You
done?"

Duo nodded then surprised Heero by kneeling and kissing his hand. He rubbed his cheek against
the back of Heero's hand and made a soft noise.

Heero patted his shoulder then told him to go back to his cushion.

When Duo did, he reclipped the cuffs and left, leaving Duo kneeling on the cushion to think.
~ * ~

Duo worried the ball in his tongue and shifted from one knee to the other. His knees hurt, not too
badly, but if it hadn't been for the cushion he'd have been in agony. The floors were all slate.

He was angry. At himself for disobeying his master, at Heero for not believing him. He
grumbled to himself, wishing he could speak. It wasn't fair, he didn't want much from life.

All he wanted was a good master who wouldn't abuse him. Someone he could trust with his
love, his life. This one seemed to be the one, but he was withholding his heart until he was sure.
At least Heero hadn't forced him to soil himself. That was a plus, but he had called him a liar.
That made him angry. He didn't lie, ever. He sighed and shifted again.

By the time Heero returned again, Duo was afraid his knees were never going to work. He sat
back on his heels and made a soft whimpering sound.

Heero grumbled gently. "Silly. I didn't mean for you to kneel up all afternoon. You've hurt
yourself. Here let me help you." He reached out and grasped Duo's upper arms and helped him
up.

Duo limped to the chair and settled sideways to Heero so he could reach the clip. Heero
unclipped Duo's wrists and unbuckled the cuffs. He gently rubbed away the slight marks the
padded cuffs had left. Duo couldn't help but give him a sad look.

"I know you're sorry for disappointing me. You won't lie to me again, will you?" Duo gave him
a strange look but shook his head. "Good. If you'd like to learn to read and write, I'll have you
taught. Would you like that?"

Duo nodded eagerly. He wanted to 'talk' so badly that it was an actual physical ache. He mimed
shoveling vigorously.

"You'll work . . . hard?" Duo nodded, worrying at the ball in his tongue again. It had become a
habit.

"What's that? In your tongue?"

Duo hesitantly put his tongue out so Heero could see the ball.

"Does it hurt?" Duo shook his head. "What's it for?"

Duo bit at his lip. This was going to be hard. Heero didn't want him to do things. But . . . Duo
knelt at Heero's feet and reached for the string of his breeches. Heero started to tell him to stop.
But he wanted this so badly. He finally compromised.

"Are you sure you want to do this? I won't force you. But if you insist this time, I'll assume that
you want to do this for me. Do you understand?"

Duo gave him a steady, level look and went back to what he was doing.

He carefully freed Heero from the confines of his breeches and stroked him to full hardness.
Heero found himself bracing his hands on the table behind him, his knees had gotten somewhat
shaky.

Duo took just the crown of Heero's phallus into his mouth, as he did so he rolled the ball in his
tongue over the slit. Heero nearly choked he drew in his breath so hard.

Duo waited for Heero to tell him what to do, but when no orders were given he took the initiative
and sucked gently. He slid his tongue up and down the vein in the underside of Heero's shaft and
listened to the appreciative groan that elicited.

Heero reached down and gently cupped the back of Duo's head in one hand. Duo pulled back
and Heero let him. There was no way he was going to choke the boy.

"Don't be afraid. I'm not going to grab you, just guide you a little. Is that all right?"

Duo hummed his agreement around Heero, who moaned at the added stimulation. Duo hummed
some more as he stroked the ball over and around the head again.

After sucking lightly for a while, Duo increased the suction and the strength of his circular licks.
Heero moaned again.

When Duo cupped his balls in one palm and began to massage them Heero had to lock his knees
again or windup on the floor. Duo made more circles around the head of Heero's cock, the ball
felt wonderful.

Duo couldn't quite manage to get all of Heero in his mouth without choking but he made up for
it by stroking what he couldn't suck with his hand. He realized that Heero was going to let him
set the pace so he hummed some more and continued to circle the glans with his tongue until
Heero flooded his mouth with signs of his appreciation. Duo swallowed quickly, licked his lips
and tucked the now flaccid flesh back in place.

Heero steadied himself against the table. "That was incredible. I like the ball. If you don't mind,
I'll leave it."

Duo thought for a second. He was used to it, it didn't get in the way of eating or drinking. He
didn't know about talking, as long as he could remember he'd been mute. He wasn't sure if he
could have spoken before two years ago. He didn't remember his life before that.

He shrugged and absently ran it over his upper lip. Things were looking up, Master had allowed
Duo to give him pleasure. He'd done well, he was sure of that, but he glowed with pleasure as
Heero thanked him and praised him, gently telling him that he was very pleased.

"I'm going to get you a tutor, do you know what that is?" Duo nodded, his smile radiant in his
still too thin face. "Good. I expect you to work hard. I'll be teaching you some exercises to help
you gain strength. I expect you to work hard at that too. But I'll be having Master Chang check
you to make sure that you aren't working too hard."

Duo shuddered. He knew the examinations were necessary, but he still didn't like having to
present himself to anyone, even Heero. It was humiliating and frightening. Heero hadn't asked
him to present except to insert the medicine, which was bad enough. But the suppositories had
kept him from getting infected so he supposed he should be grateful.

Heero watched thoughts flit across Duo's face. "What are you thinking?" at Duo's expression
Heero sighed. "I know it's not possible for you to explain what you are thinking. I just wonder."

Duo made signs for 'write' and 'now' then grumbled. His master would never believe that he
could write and he wasn't going to make him angry by trying to convince him that his scribbles
really meant something.

"I'm sorry. I'll have a tutor for you day after tomorrow."

Duo shrugged and went to run a bath.

~ * ~

Heero settled at the desk and pulled one of the books out of the drawer. He opened it and set out
a few sheets of paper. He would work on his translation until Duo came for him.

He was truly disgusted, he was good at translation, but these books were driving him to
distraction. They used a lot of non standard shorthand and the writing was slanted the wrong
way. The writer had to be left-handed. But he was determined and persistent.

Even Wufei had failed to translate even one word.

Duo came back into the room and snapped his fingers. Heero put his work away and followed
him into the room. Heero wanted to jump on Duo and take him every way there was, but he
wasn't going to. He wanted Duo to want him. He didn't want to have to fight with a frightened
and unwilling man every time he wanted to 'relieve some tension'. Heero snorted to himself, he
found most of the euphemisms for love making either silly or strained, or both. He also hated the
more crude expression 'fuck' it implied little or no care for the other party.

"Duo, do you really understand what I want from you?"

Duo froze in place and shuddered. "That's what I was afraid of." Heero took Duo by one
shoulder and pulled him until he turned. "You're a gift to me from the gods themselves. I need
someone, someone . . . I'm no good at this. No good at all. You'll help me. I can't have a free
person to love. I'll only get them killed. But no one is going to think anything of me having a
love slave cum valet. You'll obey me because if you don't I'll punish you. They'll never
understand the relationship between us. You . . . I'm making such a mess of this. Perhaps I
should just shut up before I scare you white headed."

Duo eyed Heero for a moment then smiled gently. He helped Heero undress and get into the tub.
Then he joined him. Duo slid into the big tub with his master and tried to understand what was
happening. Heero was stronger than anyone Duo could remember meeting, he was very rich, no
make that insanely rich. He was stern, commanding, impatient and harsh. He was also gentle,
kind, caring and so lonely. Duo decided that this was his last chance at any sort of happiness so
he'd better do his best to make this man happy. Only he didn't know what he wanted. He was
taking things so slowly that Duo was totally confused.

Heero smiled gently at Duo, he was sure that he'd confused the poor guy but he wasn't sure
exactly how much the boy understood. He was afraid that Duo would agree to anything, whether
he understood it or not, just to avoid being punished. He didn't want that, he wanted complete
understanding and cooperation. And he'd settle for nothing less.

When Duo smiled back Heero handed him a wash cloth and a pot of soap. Duo nodded his
understanding and taking the things from Heero started washing him. He caressed Heero's chest
with the soapy cloth, then ran it over one shoulder, down that arm then back up. He made careful
gentle circles around one nipple teasing it until it peaked. Then he did the same thing to the other
side. Heero closed his eyes, sure that the intensity of his gaze would only scare Duo.

Duo smiled to himself. Master Heero was pleased. He was sure of it, or else he was so frustrated
that any touch would bring him to full hardness. Duo continued to wash Heero, finally getting to
the point that he needed to get to what was under the water.

Heero was pushed and prodded until He understood that he was to stand up. Then Heero had and
idea.

"You know the whistles that we use to control war horses?" Duo nodded. "There are several that
might help. The one for . . ." Duo whistled the command for 'get up' that was used when a horse
was laying down to be mounted by a wounded man. "Yes. We'll have to work out exactly what
they mean between us but they'll help a lot. Um . . . I . . . don't . . . oh, goddess that feels so
good. You don't have to. You know that?

Duo just licked Heero once and finished washing him. Heero moaned at the loss of that warm
mouth, but if Duo wasn't willing.

It seemed that Duo was willing or at least cooperative. Heero gently cupped his chin. "I'm
strong, but not that strong nor that cruel. You're trembling like a new born foal. Come. Let's go
back to the bedroom."

Heero picked Duo up and headed for the bedroom, Duo struggled to be put down but Heero
hugged him hard enough to make him squeak. Duo tried to get Heero to put him down, gesturing
and kicking.

"Hold still or I'll smack your bottom. We're going to bed and play a bit."

Duo gave up, crossing his arms and sulking.

"Don't do that little Pacchiri. It makes you look all of six years old."

Duo stuck his tongue out at Heero, then he paled as he realized what he'd done. Heero just
laughed at him and tossed him onto the bed.

Duo bounced a few times, then settled onto the bed still sulking.

Heero clambered on the bed and settled beside Duo. "I just want to touch you. Please you in
some way. Is that all right. I don't want you to be afraid of what I want to do. I'll show you it
won't hurt. Ok?"

Duo sulked some more and glared at Heero. Heero pulled him into the curve of his body and
started touching him. Duo didn't struggle, but he didn't react well either. He just lay there,
waiting to see what Heero was going to do.

Heero gently caressed Duo's cheek then leaned in for a soft kiss. Duo sighed softly and relaxed a
little. Heero took this as a good sign and kissed Duo again. Duo let his jaw drop a little expecting
Heero to thrust his tongue inside. Heero didn't do that all he did was run his tongue across Duo's
lower lip.

Duo relaxed more.

Heero ran his hand over Duo's chest circling his nipple just like Duo had done to him. Duo made
a soft sound. Not sure whether Duo was interested or distressed Heero glanced at him from
under his lashes. Duo was biting his lip and trying hard not to wriggle. It felt good, but he was
afraid that any movement would make Heero angry so he tried hard not to. He failed.

Heero smiled and blew over Duo's now sensitive nipple. Duo made a choked strangling sound.
How he wished he could talk. He'd tell Heero a thing or two. But for now, all he wanted was for
Heero to continue doing what he was doing. He wrapped his arms around Heero's head and
guided him to the other nipple. Heero smirked to himself and changed sides.

Heero continued to torment Duo's nipples and watch as he tried to be good and stay still.

"You can move if you want. Even push me away if you don't like it. Please, don't be afraid to let
me know what you want. I want you to like my attentions, not just endure them. And I can't
believe I'm explaining things to a pleasure slave." Heero smiled into Duo's glazed eyes. "But
there you are. And here I am."

Heero kissed and caressed Duo until he was limp and complaisant. Then he dipped his finger
into a small jar on the bedside table. He'd kept it there since Wufei had given it to him.

"I'm going to do something to you. I don't want you to be frightened. Just take a deep breath and
relax. If it hurts, you pat my shoulder. But don't resist me or try to stop me." Duo was suddenly
stiff and unresponsive, where he'd been nearly limp. Heero cursed himself. In his eagerness to
make sure Duo knew what was going on, he'd frightened him. "Relax, I said. Or this will hurt."

Duo tried to relax. His master was going to want him sooner or later, he'd always known that.
But he'd hoped to enjoy a few more days before 'that' started again.

Heero pinched Duo's nipple sharply and slid his finger into Duo's anus at the same time. Duo
blinked. It didn't hurt. It was a bit uncomfortable, the stretch burning instead of agony. Duo
grunted and rubbed Heero's back.

"See. It won't hurt if I just take it easy and prepare you. No one bothered with that, did they?"

Duo rolled his head back and forth. He was beginning to think that this might not be such a bad
thing after all.

Heero slid his finger in and out a few times, then found Duo's prostate and very gently ran the
pad of his finger over it. Duo nearly shot off the bed. His eyes rolled up in his head and he
clenched his fingers in the sheet. Heero smiled and continued to stroke his finger in and out of
Duo's warm body.

He knew that Duo was still much too weak to do much of anything, but Heero watched his face
as Duo relaxed and responded. He continued to stroke, but he altered the speed and intensity of
his motions until Duo was squirming and panting. Then he carefully removed his finger.

Duo blinked at Heero. What had just happened? It was feeling so nice, then he'd stopped. Duo
whimpered in frustration, then choked. He wasn't allowed to make sounds. Although he
managed a few now and then.

"Do you like that? Was it nice?"

Duo nodded eagerly. It was nice and he did like it. He wanted more, although his body didn't
seem to want to cooperate.

You're still too weak and sick to do much. But I want you to be ready when we can do more."

Duo grumbled under his breath and then clutched at his throat as it closed up on him.

"Duo! What just happened? You made a sound then . . . try to explain. Please."

Duo nodded, then eyed Heero for a second while he worked up his nerve. This could get him in a
lot of trouble. His hesitation made Heero give him a little shake.

Duo reached up with trembling hands and laid them on either side of Heero's neck. Heero's
level gaze encouraged him.

"What . . ." Duo clamped down on Heero's neck, choking him slightly. "Oh. . . every time you
try to talk, you choke? But . . ." Duo's vigorous nod made Heero grind his teeth. "Dammit!. Not
even a sound?" Duo hung his head.

Heero took Duo in his arms and sighed. "It's all right. I know you want to talk. I can see it in
your eyes. Lay back. We'll sleep now and I'll call Chang in the morning. Come. Lay down."

But Duo wasn't having any of that, he pushed Heero away, gave him a dirty look, and went to
his own bed. He settled down with much rustling and bouncing. Heero sighed *Dammit, I seem
to be doing a lot of that lately.* and settled into his sheets.

Then he sat up with a disgusted grunt. The sheets were damp and clammy. Now he realized what
Duo had been trying to tell him earlier. He hadn't given Duo a chance to dry them off. They'd
both been wet when he'd carried Duo to the bed. Now his sheets were wet and uncomfortable.

"You little worm!" Heero's amusement showed in his voice. "I'll have you know I can change a
bed. But . . . not very well." Duo lifted his blanket enough to show one laughing amethyst eye.
"Very well . . . please change my bed. I'll help."

Duo got out of his bed and got sheets out of the chest at the foot of Heero's bed. Heero pulled the
damp sheets off his bed and tossed them into the corner. Duo could do something with them in
the morning. Heero tossed the bottom sheet over the bed and watched as Duo mitered the
corners. That was a military corner, Heero was sure of that. He'd made many of them himself,
on every campaign cot he'd ever slept on. Another hint as to who Duo really was.

Heero helped as best he could, he'd never made a bed this large before and was surprised at how
hard it really was. All that walking. He tossed the top sheet over for Duo and eyed a neatly
turned bottom as Duo bent to miter a corner.

Heero gently pulled Duo to his chest. "Thank you. I'm sorry I didn't understand what you were
trying to tell me earlier. I'll make it up to you somehow. Do you want to sleep with me?" At
Duo's horrified look, Heero shook his head. "Didn't think so . . . well, into bed with you then.
Good night."

Duo took his nerve in both hands and, leaning into Heero, gave him a quick peck on the cheek.
Then he scampered quickly into his small bed and pulled the covers over his head. He didn't see
Heero touch his cheek, then smile gently.

Heero clambered into his high, lonely; and still slightly damp, bed. He pulled the covers up to
his chin and settled down to sleep. He reminded himself to be sure to find a tutor for Duo.
Perhaps Chang would do it.

Duo peeked at Heero from under his covers.