Thrive in Catastrophe Chapter 84

"You gave me a piece of b.u.t.tered bread once....Back when I just a b-student..."

"You don't like it?" Heine grabbed the half eaten biscuit from between Xiao's fingers and put it directly in his mouth, biting gently into it.

At the crisp sound of the biscuit cracking, Xiao's sense of reality tore apart and a new image coalesced before him.

In his mind's eye, Heine used a knife to smooth b.u.t.ter over a piece of bread. His face was calm and focused as though he were performing an important task.

The image loops over and over again, branding deep into his mind.

"I didn't have red wine and steak."

At first Heine's words seems like nonsense. Unexpectedly Xiao understands the meaning.

Although you like red wine and steak, this small luxury of b.u.t.tered bread was all I had to give you.

Xiao sighed helplessly to himself. Still immersed in his past thoughts, he struggled to align his feelings with his memories. What he wants to ask is why he would prepare bread and b.u.t.ter for others? Although his attachment to this question is strange, he cannot help the subtle and complex mood that undulates through him as he took the bread from Heine.

It was different than his obsession with the curve of Lily's back or enjoying food and drink in the bar, different from the dance floor....Xiao's feelings toward Heine are difficult to define and impossible to deny. The more he mulls over the memory, the more he is certain that it is not just fear ...it is intertwined with unspeakable desires.

"Hey! I ate off of that biscuit." Xiao arched a brow at the normally germ aversive Heine.

Heine lightly answers him, "I have kissed you."

Xiao has difficulty pulling the logic from Heine's words.

None of what he has said makes sense to him, but Xiao finds that, in this moment, he feels an unparalleled sense of superiority. He recalls Heine's distance from everyone. He remembers Mark and Liv talking about his obsession with cleanliness...the phrase ' I have kissed you' echoes heavily in Xiao's mind.

He knows that there is nothing that this man won't tolerate when it comes to him. No princ.i.p.al he won't discard to accommodate him.

The sunlight eventually disappears beneath the horizon and darkness eats up the sky.

"Let's Go."

Heine abruptly stood up. Now that the light has sank, the outside world looks hollow and full of terrors.

The gate up ahead is about to fall closed. Xiao scrambles to reach Heine.

He will be cut off from him.

Seriously...This guy can't wait for me!

Without thinking he stretched his hands in front of him, reaching into the dark. The way back felt longer than when they arrived.

Then his palm touched something.

"Colonel Burton?"

Xiao Yan squinted in the dark channel, and felt the powerful muscles along Heine's back.

He fingers are clasped tightly and he felt the cold...no....hot skin press against his. The heat transfer threatens to scorch and scar his flesh. Xiao's mood rolls in unpredictable waves, fearful that the man in front of him will turn around and consume him entirely. His breath hitches, unbearably loud in the darkness and his heart begins to beats chaotically. He subconsciously tried to shrink away and pull his hand back, but Heine tightened his hold until Xiao's wrist creaked, painfully protesting his strength.

"I won't let you go." Heine's voice is soft but resolute, like an oath spoken within his soul.

There was a strange and disturbing element weaving through his tone.

... A threat... a promise... a reality...

"Colonel?"

Heine suddenly stopped walking. Xiao swallowed in antic.i.p.ation.

"You shoved me into that small reaction capsule. You have no idea how every moment stretched on into an endless h.e.l.l of fear and despair. You just went your own way and discarded everything that I had endured to keep you safe."

His voice was calm but scary, like a harbinger of death. His anguish soaked his calm words in a terrifying tone.

"I...I...remember everything that happened with you Colonel! I just need time to put the pieces together."

Xiao knows what Heine cares about. At night, in his dreams, more scenes and fragments break through and roll through his mind. When he touches himself, his feelings for Heine are clear and distinct. He remembers leaving him, he remembers his features...his profile...his back...he remembers... Heine. The memories are deep, they consume too much of his brain. So much so, that when he wakes up, he is overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of these feelings; he is at a complete loss of what do with it all or how to fit it into his reality.

"What does it matter if you connect them together? They are all there in your brain. Or if you can't connect them, does that mean you are not the same Xiao Yan?"

Xiao never thought that he would be questioned by Heine Burton. He only know this man as a commander who gives orders, care and protection, but also is very cold and distant. At this moment, that cold sh.e.l.l is cracking with deafening clarity. The crisp fracture threatened to give way completely and burst forth all that Heine suppressed.

A force suddenly covered Xiao Yan and his body slammed against the side of the pa.s.sage. As he struggled to balance, his shoulders. .h.i.t the wall.

"Colonel Burton! It..."

His lips were covered and Heine invades between them. His tongue fills his mouth and wraps around his own. The exchange of heat scorches through his fragile nerves. Xiao couldn't construct a wall fast enough to defend and he collapsed into Heine.

Heine's palm moves across his body. Because there is no light to visualize anything, all of his senses are acutely focused on the temperature of Heine's hand.

So very hot.

He can't think. His mind shuts down and he struggles desperately. He attempts various break out attacks, using his elbows and knees, but all are blocked by Heine Burton.

As he struggles, he sees flashes of memories that tell him Heine was the one that taught him these combat skills.

Why?

Why would Heine Burton expend such effort to teach him such things...Spare no effort to ensure he learned everything he could teach him?

In order to protect him.

Why does this man dominate him so severely to the point of total possession?

Because he is afraid.

What does he fear?

Because Heine Burton is obsessed with that he wants...and what he wants is him.

The answer to everything is obvious, and Xiao knows he cannot escape that reality.

The strength of Heine's kiss gains force as he becomes more frantic. Xiao head moved with his in an attempt to increase the contact between them. All reason was defeated with the feel of Heine's mouth and Xiao's military pants were rapidly removed. He continued to tilt his head up, avoiding parting his mouth from Heine's, as his pants. .h.i.t the floor. Xiao looked up at Heine, and his kiss fell to his chin before roughly biting and sucking at his neck. His legs were opened and his right knee was lifted and bent.

"Try to enjoy all of this, Major."

Like a cold flame burning his ear, the commanding sound of Heine Burton's voice wafted through.

Heine's fingers moved inside his body, his muscles squeezed spasmodically around him and Xiao clenched his teeth at the intrusion.

"No... Colonel Burton... you must..."

This can't be Heine Burton! He would never do such a thing!

Heine's fingers move in a twisting motion, forcing his muscles to release and soften.

Xiao couldn't drag a full breath into his lungs. He attempted to resist, but was pressed back against the wall each time he struggled. The pressure on his back threatened to shatter his spine.

Without warning, Heine suddenly thrust into him, his body shuddered and Xiao was frightened, frantically beating at Heine's shoulder.

"Hey...Hey...I am inside you."

That cold and dull voice was alight with a silken warmth that spoke of anguished longing, the sound of it held Xiao tightly.

"Break my neck or hold me tight."

This choice was no choice at all. Xiao held on to his arms, resting his chin on Heine's shoulder.

"Feel me, then remember me."

Heine moves up into Xiao's body roughly as though he could grind their marrow together and meld their flesh into one.

Heine, groaned in pleasure and Xiao could sense nothing in the dark except the feeling of Heine Burton. He felt his shape, his obsessive and desperate collisions into his body sent shock waves up into him, exciting Xiao's nerves and brain.

His legs were released and he found he couldn't stand at all. He sagged and slid against the wall as his legs were lifted onto Heine's shoulders. He did not stop or show any patience, the power of his thrusts lifts his body from the ground and he can only support himself by tightly gripping Heine's arms.

"Don't... don't do this..."
Xiao can't seem to bring the words together. He doesn't know what he is even begging for.

Heine stopped and gently kissed Xiao's closed eyes, his nose and leaned in closer.
The other party stopped and kissed Xiao Yan's closed eyes, touched his nose and gently squatted.

He can feel Heine's lashes brush the side of his face and his lips moved over his, carefully soothing his fear. Xiao would never imagine such tenderness from Heine Burton. His gentle gestures from a gap between the brilliance of his talent and Xiao felt himself sinking into his arms.

At that moment, his body was roughly turned over, Heine almost making a complete rotation inside his body. Xiao let out a strangled yell. He was kneeling on the ground, the darkness obscured his shame. He felt as Heine's strong hands lifted his waist and he desperately pushed into him. His movements were becoming increasingly maddened and crazed.

His body rocked back and forth and he attempted to support his upper body while trying to crawl away. Heine continually grabbed him closer. His legs began to tremble as the pleasure swept through him and his knees threatened to give out. His mind was a mess of stimulation and Xiao shuddered as his climax overtook him. His head fell to his hands, but Heine was not spent and continued to move behind him.

His nerves are too raw and his thoughts scattered, he cannot even speak.

Eventually he pa.s.sed out.

When he regained consciousness, he was lying in a soft bed tightly encircled in strong arms.

A calm even breath swept through the air and Xiao turned to see an attractive face on the pillow.

Heine's expression was serene and quietly intimate. The feeling of seeing him in such a state tightened Xiao's heart and slowed his thoughts.

He sharply inhaled as he remembered everything that had happened in that dark pa.s.sage. His body suddenly tensed and he moved his upper body off the bed as he scrambled out of the covers at a break neck speed.

His whole body went cold. Heine slowly opened his eyes, and propped his head on his hand.

"It's still early."

Heine's eyes are heavy and elegant... and adoring. Xiao swallows thickly, his mind unable to keep pace with his feelings.

His thoughts wander and he remembers two days and nights of complete uncontrolled madness that Heine had unleased in that liaison officer's office. He suddenly felt awkward and embarra.s.sed.

Eventually Heine got up. Xiao frantically reached down and covered his groin area. He knew his actions were utterly ridiculous but he couldn't help himself. Heine stretched out and clasped his wrist, moving his hand away.

Xiao looked down and was completely stunned at what he saw.

I had that inside me?! Yours is so much f.u.c.king bigger than mine!

Heine didn't see Xiao's reaction, he gaze was fixed on his groin. Under Heine's heavy stare, Xiao's mouth went dry.

The look and chaotic breath coming from Heine appeared deeply meaningful.

"This... it is the morning..."

And..Colonel... you shouldn't do such things to me at all! You shouldn't be in my room in the first place! Most importantly...

Xiao is faced with the knowledge and memory that this is not their first time together.

Wait, yesterday in the channel...

"I... How did I get back yesterday?"

"I carried you back."

Xiao shook in humiliation.

He is immediately applying for the Arctic Base! He can't stay here! He can't stay in the s.h.i.+re!

"Do you hate me?" Heine looked up at Xiao from the bed. His normally cold eyes were impossibly gentle and soft. The liquid blue was pulling him in.

Hai Yin looked up, his eyes were too soft, it was the beginning of a complete fall.

"Do not hate..." Xiao spoke without thinking.

At that moment he understood why Heine had forced him to face such intimacy.

Heine wanted Xiao to realize that no matter what he would always accept Heine.

For most men, being embraced by another man would be unforgivable. If it had been Maya that had done such a thing to him, forget embarra.s.sed, he would beat him.

Xiao let out the air that was hung in his lungs and his finger entangled in Heine's hair. It seems no matter how hard and cold this man is, there is always a softness to be found.

f.u.c.k! Xiao felt something warm and wet wrap around his member and when he lowered his head he thought his heart would burst apart. Heine had taken him in his mouth and was gently sucking. He could clearly feel his tongue move across his erected flesh.

G.o.d! G.o.d!

Xiao lowered his head but couldn't tear his eyes from the impossible sight. Of all people...Heine Burton...

Just as his alarm clock sounded, Xiao climaxed.

Thick viscous fluid gushed along Heine's cheeks. Xiao's head is tilted back and his eyes closed as unparalleled pleasure rushes through his body.

"Your new a.s.sistant is waiting for you in the research room."

Xiao looked down to see his body fluids all over Heine's face.

Oh G.o.d, he had...all over the legendary Heine Burton?!

His whole body stiffened in shock as Heine calmly stood and walked into the bathroom.

"Colonel! Colonel Burton - Why..."
Xiao followed him into the bathroom as Heine washed his face at the sink.

"What do you mean why?" Heine grabbed Xiao's towel and dried his face.

"Why did you...with your mouth..." He found he couldn't even say the words aloud.

"Is that what you want to ask?"

Heine was already out in the hall. Xiao stood in the bathroom stunned. For Heine, such an intimate action seemed was as natural as eating or sleeping.
Xiao found that his heart was calming with Heine's words.

"Or do you want to ask me about yesterday in the tower?"

Hai Yin put Xiao Yan's towel back in place.

"It's different for me...Talking about it..."

This time, Xiao Yan was no longer timid and greeted Hai Yin's eyes.

"So believe the answer I give you."

Heine walked out of the bathroom. He swept at the air and his military uniform pulled from the wall. He lowered his head into the s.h.i.+rt and shrugged his jacket over his shoulders. No other word described this man better than discipline ...yet...

" I believe."

"I am your man. No one will please you except for me." Heine placed his hand over Xiao's chest.

"Ask yourself who you trust the most. No matter the danger, who are you trying to get back to? After I as a man did those things to you, did it feel wrong, do you want to kill me?"

Xiao Yan shudders slightly.
Now that he thinks about it...he didn't hate Heine for even a moment.

Heine's hand moved to cup his cheek. "No matter the details you cannot remember, one thing has not changed."

"What?"

"You belong to me...you chose me..." Heine's lips brush over Xiao's brow.

Yes. He trusts Heine. He remembers when the zombies overran the base and he was trapped in one of the rooms.

The only thing he thought of was Heine Burton.

"You are going to be late, major."

Xiao was lost to his memories, when he woke from his stupor, Heine was b.u.t.toning his collar.

From the moment Xiao entered the Central Academy of Sciences, he found the people around him looking at him with strange eyes.

"Hey, major!" Ritz grabbed Xiao Yan's shoulder. "I didn't expect you to be late! Of course seeing as you are the head of the research department, being late is not a big deal!"

"Oh..." Xiao Yan was grateful to the x-virus in the body. After what happened last night he would be dead as opposed to just being tardy.

"I suggest that you see a psychiatrist. The field is quite advanced." Xiao jumped startled. Major Loch suddenly appeared behind Xiao Yan, his steps silent.

A psychologist?

"Ah, we heard about what happened in the flight path yesterday! It's great to see you are alright!" A captain left after bowing to Xiao Yan.

Xiao Yan's face instantly turned red.

Sure enough, the news had spread throughout the academy that Heine had carried him home.

Probably the entire s.h.i.+re was aware by now.

G.o.d! What will they think? What rumors will spread knowing he was rendered unconscious by Colonel Burton?

"Fortunately, your lab is very brightly lit." Ritz ruffled the back of his head.

The other researchers pa.s.sing by looked over at Xiao Yan with sympathetic expressions. Two females whispered in a a low voice to eachother. They clearly thought that Xiao would be unable to hear them, but thanks to the x-virus is hearing is abnormally acute.

"I guess even a genius has a weakness"

"It's so cute, he fainted!"

"Yeah he had no strength at all. Colonel Burton had to carry him back!"

Xiao Yan's mind is taut and ready to snap. He wants to rip out his hair and scream at everyone to shut up!

"Who has claustrophobia from the dark...isn't it too much?"

"General Xia said that he was willing to counsel you," Ritz walked in to his lab smirking. Xiao Yan grabbed him by the collar.

"What?"
Ritz's face immediately went pale. "Hey! Major! Careful! Not everyone has the x-virus!"

"What... claustrophobic?" Xiao Yan sighed as he glared severely at Ritz.

"uh...Didn't you go to the flight platform with Colonel Burton yesterday? Then you pa.s.sed out in the pa.s.sage and he carried you back. The officer at the tower asked what happened and Colonel said that you don't like dark confined s.p.a.ces. Isn't that claustrophobia?"

Xiao sighed in relief and then laughed nervously, "Ah...its like that.."

He released Ritz who slumped down the wall dramatically. "Ah! My spine is broken. I can't walk...I can't work...I should apply for a sick day"

Although he hasn't known him long, Xiao has a deep understanding of this guy's overall character. He lifted his leg and stepped on his shoulder. Lowering his head his mouth tilted in a decidedly villainous grin. "Your spine seems fine...but if you want I can break it for you."

"No... no need..." Ritz grabbed at Xiao's leg and pulled it away. He walked with his back pressed against the wall and scooted out of the room. " Though...your legs are really s.e.xy!"

Before Xiao could reach him he scrambled out of the room, the door slid closed just in time.

He shook his head bemused. At least the claustrophobia story is better than Heine making him faint.

At the end of the hall, a young guy was leaning leisurely against the door.

"Hey! Major! You are late!"

Xiao Yan's lips rise, "Hey, are you reporting for duty?"

Lauren didn't look away, instead he leveled his gaze directly toward Xiao Yan. "Yes and I have already lost face. My supervisor fainted because of a little claustrophobia."

"If you are so embarra.s.sed that you can go back to being a student."

The sliding door senses Xiao's presence and opens. Xiao stuck his hands in his pocket and sauntered into the lab as Lauren scuttled in behind him.

Xiao Yan started the main system and numerous displays pop up computing and scrolling data at high speeds. Lauren looked at the magnificent equipment with mouth agape,

"Oh my G.o.d--"

"Not quite. It is G.o.d that manipulates it." Xiao Yan snapped his fingers at Lauren. "Kid! Don't stand there like a gasping fish. Come and enter your vitals. This will serve as your verification code."

"What? You mean I can use this system too?"

"Yeah, or do you not want to?"

Xiao Yan grabbed Lauren's wrist and pressed his palm to the screen. Instantly the system collected his finger and palm prints, even a genetic sample and report were instantly generated.

Lauren excitedly connected to a terminal and entered cla.s.sic algorithms and complex puzzles into the terminal. The advanced system generated a response within seconds. "Wow. This is G.o.d like speed.

________________________

Sorry it took so long...you know the deal...

I know that some of you are probably conflicted on the s.e.xual scenes. Trust that this is just character development intimacy, it will get more...connected? And it will do so in just the way (most) you want. In fact I was surprised that a couple of you seemed to predict our next smexy scene to the finest detail.

Also, if you are interested, I am uploading some short stories for Halloween. I will send a post out when I publish them. So if you follow me, you will get a notification or two. I needed to clean my brain a bit and it is quicker to write these little stories than translate. Plus, I can write them on paper and need less computer time.

You will probably notice by reading them that 'Thrive' is a little too embedded in my brain.

Anyway, they are just some little pieces...nothing special, just some sci-fi and general creepiness for the Halloween season.

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