Chapter 6 – Conquest

Dorian lay on the bed with his eyes closed, his head propped up by several pillows. He wanted to sleep, but somehow he couldn't calm his heart enough to fall asleep. The pain in his chest was dulled thanks to the painkillers he had taken, but he felt uneasy…restless. Probably an aftereffect of his close brush with death. Tonight…had been a really close call.

If Klaus had not forced him to wear the vest…if he had just said indifferently, "Do what you want", he might not have worn it just to spite him…and he would be dead now. What a way to die, too. Not even over some priceless work of art. Would his death even mean anything?

He sighed wearily. For that matter, all his efforts of many years to win the Major's heart, did they mean anything? So much suffering, so many dangers, and never a kind word in return. Much as he refused to admit defeat, there were times such as now, when he wondered if it was worth it after all. If he was worth it.

However, his black mood lasted only a few moments. He shook his head violently to make the discouraging thoughts go away, making his luminous golden curls dance around in the process.

"No," he said aloud, surprised at the sound of his own voice. "He's worth it. All of it. And even if he wasn't…it wouldn't matter. Because I love him."

Dorian Red Gloria had fancied himself in love many times before Fate crossed his path with that of Iron Klaus. The objects of his affections were pretty much the type of Caesar Gabriel: sweet, youthful, innocent…and completely defenseless against his charm. The other thing they had in common was that he never seemed to build a lasting relationship with any of them. He sincerely loved them with all his heart, was always affectionate and caring with them, and never did anything to hurt their feelings; but invariably, after a short time with them, he just drifted away, until someone else caught his eye. He could catch anyone he wanted all right, but seemed unable to keep himself attached to anyone. Until he met Iron Klaus.

The Major was the complete opposite of his previous love interests. First of all, he was no boy, but a man among men, tough, unyielding, indomitable. Dorian always had the upper hand in his previous relationships, but Klaus had twisted him around his little finger without even trying. He was anything but innocent, despite his inexperience in sex matters; a shrewd, cunning, scheming man who had pulled a fast one on the one and only Eroica quite a few times, a feat no one else in the world could boast of. And he was not sweet. Cool, yes, handsome, yes, noble, yes, but most certainly not sweet.

At first Dorian had wondered what on earth possessed him to fall so desperately in love with a man so clearly different from his type, so brusque, so…unaccommodating. It took him years to realize that the Major was, in fact, exactly the type who could make him fall in love for real, that before him, what he had felt was not love, but more like…attraction. He had been attracted to these boys, the same way he had been attracted to the paintings he coveted. But his first and only true, genuine, mind-blowing, heart-wrenching love was Klaus Heinz von dem Eberbach and no one else.

And the reason for that was pretty simple after all. The Major had character. He was not just decorative eye-candy. He was a man of strong convictions, likes and dislikes, and strong passions too – Dorian was sure of it, even though his beloved German iceberg would sooner shoot himself in the foot than admit interest in 'foppish sentimentalities'. There were so many things to respect, admire and adore about him besides his looks. Too bad it was because of some of these things that he had yet to have his feelings reciprocated.

So, was this chase ever going to end? Dorian asked himself that question for the umpteenth time, and as always, he couldn't answer. On one hand, he knew, or more like, he could feel it in his bones, that the Major wasn't as indifferent towards him as he let on. It wasn't merely wishful thinking on his part, there were signs – little things, gestures, expressions – that gave him conviction that there were feelings for him deep inside the Major's heart. On the other hand, the man was possibly the worst case of self-restraint in the world. Dorian was well aware that, with his stubbornness, he was perfectly capable of living out his entire life in denial. As long as he considered something a matter of dignity or duty, he would not budge one inch. Dorian was honestly at a loss how to make him see that falling in love did not make him any less of a man.

Just as he was brooding over his darling pigheaded Major and everything he had endured because of him, a familiar pounding on his door interrupted his thoughts. Oh dear, not now, he thought dejectedly. He always rejoiced to see the Major, but wasn't really in the mood to argue with him at the moment. He didn't answer, hoping that the Major would think he was asleep and leave. But after a few seconds he heard the pounding again, this time accompanied by the Major's deep voice: "Dorian. Open up."

For a moment, the Earl stared fixedly at the wall opposite his bed. Something was wrong; something was very out of place, but he couldn't pinpoint what it was. Then realization hit him like a punch in the gut: Klaus had called him by his first name.

He stumbled out of bed as fast as he could and rushed to the door. He had barely turned the handle when it was flung open, and the Major marched straight up to him, with a ferocious glint in his eyes the likes of which Dorian had never seen before. Dorian found himself retreating unconsciously, till his back hit the wall. The Major grabbed him by both shoulders, pinning him still. He tried to struggle against it, only to find that he was completely unable to move. He was no weakling, but the Major's strength was on a completely different level. What's more, he seemed not just angry, but positively seething with fury. And I don't even know what the blazes I did this time. Did something happen while I was unconscious? At any rate, he had to at least try reasoning with Klaus. The situation right now was a lot more potentially dangerous to his health than the bullet earlier.

"M – Major? Are you angry with me?" Stupid question really, the man was literally steaming at the ears, but he had to start somewhere.

"Yes." The short terse reply frightened him even more; when Klaus did not vent his anger with volleys of verbal abuse, it usually meant he was going to vent it in considerably more painful ways. Dorian hastened to add, "Umm, I'm not really sure what I did, but whatever it was I apol – "

He never got the chance to complete his phrase. In an instant, the Major was upon him, pressing him hard with his whole body against the wall, and kissing him fiercely. It was no ordinary kiss, he felt as if his whole mouth was being devoured. His mind went blank; he could not think of anything, do anything but feel that savage invasion into his mouth with all his senses. When the Major finally pulled back, he was dazed, weak in the knees and gasping for air. He tried to speak, but no words came out; all he could do was stare at those sharp green eyes, utterly ensnared. He did not even try to make sense out of what had just happened. When he saw the Major open his mouth to speak, he held his breath; somehow, he knew with every fiber of his being that his destiny was at stake at that moment. And Klaus spoke, and what he said was,

"You won, you crazy bastard. You won."

Dorian's bright blue eyes opened wide, and he just gaped at him as if struck by lightning. Iron Klaus admitting defeat? He would sooner believe that the sun was rising from the west, or that the Queen of England was a transvestite. But before he could properly register what he had heard, he was caught again in a fiery hailstorm of kisses. Klaus had him clasped in a steely embrace and was kissing him like a starved man, his breath and lips so hot he could literally feel them scalding his skin. When the Major paused for breath and loosened his grip a little, Dorian found it necessary to grab onto him with both hands so as not to fall over. Klaus brought his face really close to Dorian's, and Dorian could now see that the glint in his eyes was not fury as he had thought, but more like…hunger? He was still hesitating on what to say, when Klaus tightened his grip around his waist again, and decreed in a firm, authoritative tone: "You're mine. Now and forever, you got it?"

It sounded more like a threat than a declaration of love, but Dorian wasn't going to sweat the details now. Klaus had come to take possession of him, that was all that mattered. He had finally come to ask for his heart, and Dorian knew what he had to do now, he had always known ever since he first set eyes on the Major. He would give him his heart, just like that. Without questions, or doubts, or teasing, or gloating. Just like that. He looked into his eyes steadily, and answered simply "I do." Then, silently thanking whatever mysterious powers had brought about this miracle, he forced his hands to move upwards. He touched Klaus' face ever so lightly with his fingertips, silky black strands of hair caressing his fingers, and Klaus did not flinch away from his touch, no, he just stood there staring into his eyes, expectantly. And Dorian slowly, deliberately, allowed himself to lean forward and kiss him very softly on the lips, thus sealing their union.

Klaus kissed him back, calmly this time, as if disarmed by Dorian's serene acquiescence. They kissed again and again, hesitantly at first, then more boldly. Klaus' tongue flickered against Dorian's lips, seeking entry, and Dorian was only too happy to invite him in. His energy and passion that had left him temporarily because of the shock, now came back with a vengeance. He hugged Klaus back and let his hands travel up and down on his firm back, enjoying the feel of those sculpted muscles. He yearned to undress him and feel his bare skin, too, but resolved not to rush things, fearing that Klaus might freak out and change his mind.

But he needn't have worried; there was no stopping Klaus now. The dam in his soul had finally come crashing down, and all his pent-up emotions and desires were gushing out, demanding to be fulfilled. With a hint of his earlier ferociousness, the Major grasped Dorian's pajama jacket and ripped it to shreds. His pants and underwear followed suit a few moments later, leaving him stark naked. Dorian was less forceful, but no less efficient. His nimble fingers disposed of buttons and zippers in a matter of seconds, and before long he could finally admire his Major in all his masculine magnificence. For a few seemingly endless moments, the two men just stood there gazing at each other, their faces flushed, their breaths ragged. Then they embraced each other tightly, and fell simultaneously on the bed.

Dorian had always assumed he would have to take the lead when the Major finally gave in; he was, after all, the experienced one. Only now did he realize the extent of his mistake. The Major had not come to him with the slightest intention of 'giving in'; he had come to conquer. Moreover, much to his surprise, he realized that the Major did not seem hesitant or insecure at all; his moves were rough and unpracticed, but he seemed to know exactly what he was doing.

Indeed, Klaus had practically no real experience, but he had years of fantasizing to fall back on. Besides, like any good soldier, he had learnt to trust his instincts when in an uncertain situation. And his instincts told him that the thing to do now was to let loose and do whatever felt right. He let his hands explore Dorian's body, stroking and caressing and pinching and squeezing wherever he wanted – which was practically everywhere. At some point, the Earl felt, considerably astonished, that his bottom was being kneaded rather persistently by a pair of strong hands. He quickly got over his astonishment, however, and lost no time in returning the favour. "I always give as good as I get, darling," was his answer to the surprised look he received.

For some reason his cheeky reply riled up the Major, who pinned his arms down and started teasing him with his mouth this time. Either he was a natural, or Dorian was too easily excited, because not too long after that he was moaning helplessly. "Klaus…please…" he murmured.

"Please what?" The jade eyes glimmered provocatively.

"Please…touch me." He knows what that's supposed to mean, right?

"Nein. Not I," said the Major flatly. Abruptly, he let go of Dorian and fell on his side next to him. Dorian felt as if he'd been doused with a bucket of cold water. He wondered frantically what he had done wrong and how to restore the mood, when he noticed a slight but definitely mischievous smirk on the Major's lips. A second later, Klaus grabbed his wrist and closed his hand around both their excited members. "You get me off," he ordered.

For a few seconds, Dorian stared at him dumbfounded, his mind a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. Being bossed around by Klaus like that aroused him beyond belief; it was so very like his darling to be masterful. A meek and submissive Major would be…just plain wrong. On the other hand, the trick the Major had just played on him had rattled his pride considerably. Getting cocky, aren't we, Major dear, to make fun of a Peer of the Realm like that. I swear I'll get you back for this before the night is over! But he wasn't inclined to spoil things by arguing, so he resolved to play along for now. "As you command, Major, sir," he replied in mock submission, and started stroking in a way only an expert could.

Undoubtedly, he was an expert, because in no time the Major was all flushed and breathing hard, looking just about ready to explode. Dorian was pretty excited himself, but he wasn't about to finish things off, not that way at least. Just before reaching the point of no return, he let go and said cheerfully, "All right, that's enough."

It was now Klaus' turn to look at him dumbfounded, and Dorian wasn't entirely able to suppress a grin of satisfaction. There, how do you like that now? He had intended to tease the Major a bit more, but those green eyes were drawing him in, and he found himself unable to resist them. Oh, what the hell, I was never one for tormenting people anyway. He leaned closer, until his lips almost touched the Major's ear, and whispered, "It is our first time, my love, and I want…to feel you inside me."

Klaus certainly didn't wait to be told twice. He pounced on the Earl again with that hungry look in his eyes, spread his legs open, and positioned himself for entry. Just then Dorian realized what was about to happen, and his eyes widened in terror. Don't tell me he means to go in just like that? Panicking completely, he cried out in alarm, "No!"

Klaus pulled back immediately, and the hurt look on his face pierced right through Dorian's heart. Oh no, I didn't want to hurt his feelings like that, but what was he thinking? Then it hit him: Balls, I totally forgot. It's his first time; he doesn't know how it's done.

Dorian sat up in a flash and threw his arms passionately around the Major. "Oh, do forgive me, darling, I didn't mean it that way…but if you go in just like that, you'll break me apart! I have to get prepared first, that's all!"

To his immense relief, he saw the hurt look in Klaus' eyes go away, replaced by curiosity. "Prepared? How?"

"Here, I'll show you." Dorian reached for his nightstand drawer, pulling out a tube of lubricant. He applied some on Klaus' lower half, eliciting a moan of pleasure in the process. Then, just as he was going to put some more on his hand, an idea occurred to him. Tilting his head to the side, he asked playfully, "Unless…you'd rather do it yourself?"

"What must I do?" asked the Major, all serious. Dorian had to struggle to stifle back a laugh; his sweetheart looked every bit as if he was receiving instructions for a mission. "Give me your hand."

Klaus held out his hand obediently – his gun hand, Dorian noticed. Oh, how many times he had wished he could be that gun. To be carried around pressed close to the Major's heart; to be squeezed by his fingers, till he had emptied all his load; to be taken apart and have his every nook and cranny cleaned and oiled by those hands…Lord Gloria had never dreamed that a gun could possibly be such good material for fantasizing. Iron Klaus had certainly opened his eyes to a whole lot of hitherto unknown pleasures.

"What are you spacing out and grinning like an idiot for?" the Major's gruff voice abruptly brought him out of his reverie. It was all he could do to keep himself from laughing aloud when he answered, "Your gun."

"Liar. I know that look. You were having perverted fantasies again," grumbled the Major. This time, Dorian could not help laughing happily. "Why bother having fantasies, dearest, when I have the real thing right in front of me? Now, see here." He applied some more lubricant on Klaus' hand, then lay on his back, guiding the hand he was holding towards his rear. "First, you put one finger in. Move it around, to loosen the opening, and at the same time, try to find a sort of rough spot." The Major followed his instructions to the letter, and sure enough, after a few minutes, Dorian arched his body, crying out ecstatically, "Yes! That's it, right there!"

"So…what now?" asked Klaus, still pressing the spot with his finger, marveling at Dorian's intense reaction. Seeing his touch drive him crazy like that…he found it strangely stimulating. Struggling to speak in between his moans, the Earl gasped, "Then…you…put in…another finger…and then a third…and…when you feel…the opening…is loose enough…you may enter…aah!" Klaus did as he was told, taking his time to excite Dorian as much as possible. He found his expression right now, drowning in pleasure, downright intoxicating. Enchanted by those eyes, he almost forgot the next step, but fortunately Dorian was there to remind him, murmuring in a beseeching voice, "Klaus…I beg of you…take me now…"

Pulling himself forcefully from his dream world, the Major took position again and entered the Earl in one slow, steady move. "Ach…so schön…" The warmth and tightness he met was almost too much for him, but he persevered, determined to make this last as long as possible. After giving him a minute or two to get used to his size, he started thrusting slowly, aiming for the same spot he was teasing with his fingers. And of course, if there was one thing Iron Klaus could do really well, it was aiming. After just a few thrusts, Dorian was already shuddering uncontrollably, in the throes of an ecstasy he had never felt before. Completely enslaved to the burning pathos deep inside him, he begged again, "Please…faster…"

The Major stopped for a second and leaned above him to whisper in his ear, "Not yet. I'm going to take my time ravishing you." His hot breath made Dorian's skin tingle, and the Earl wondered if he was going to make it through the night with his sanity intact. The Major eyed him avidly from head to toe, as if he couldn't get enough of him, and he really couldn't. The sapphire eyes gazing at him pleadingly, the soft voice calling out his name, the lithe body writhing under him…all of it. He wanted it all, to be his and his alone for all time.

Klaus continued at a maddeningly slow pace, using his hands and mouth to further arouse Dorian, driving him mad with desire. Eventually, his own lust started to get the better of him, and he unconsciously sped up. Feeling he could not last much longer, he decided to finish it with a bang. He slid his hands under the thief's buttocks, heaving him to a sitting position, and whispered hoarsely, "Hold on to me."

Dorian clutched at his shoulders and lifted his head to look at him. For a few seconds, their eyes locked, brilliant blue with sparkling green, and at that moment, they both knew they were sharing the most intimate bond imaginable. Then Klaus pulled Dorian to his chest for a passionate, breathtaking kiss, and while the Earl was still distracted trying to catch his breath, he lifted him effortlessly a little, then brought him down hard, literally impaling him on his manhood. Dorian let out a cry of unbridled ecstasy, then another, and another, as the Major repeated the act, first slowly, then faster and faster until both of them lost all track of reality. Finally, Dorian reached his limit, threw his head back in wild abandon, and climaxed in full force. Klaus felt his body tense against his own, and his muscles contract tightly around him as he spilled his load onto the both of them, and it was all he needed to bring him over the edge too. A minute later, he came as well, emptying himself inside Dorian. Still entangled in each other's arms, the two men fell in a heap on the mattress, totally spent.

An hour later, they still lay on the bed, Klaus flat on his back, and Dorian cuddled close to him, his long golden curls sprawled across the Major's chest. During that hour, they had done little besides wiping themselves off; they just lay there, basking in the afterglow of their passion. Neither of them felt inclined to break the comfortable silence, or rather they were both afraid of ruining the nice atmosphere by speaking. It was not often they could share such a purely peaceful moment as this. Eventually, it was Dorian who broke the silence, nuzzling like a cat against the Major's neck. "Darling…that was absolutely wonderful."

"Danke. Für mich auch." Iron Klaus was nowhere near being poetic, but for Dorian, these simple words spoke volumes. For a while, he just gazed at his beloved in adoration, afraid to believe in his own happiness. All of a sudden, he was gripped by a fear that all of this was nothing but a dream. He was being paranoid, he knew it, but there it was. In an effort to let reality sink in, he propped himself up on his elbow and asked, "Not that I'm complaining, mind you, but I just have to know: after all these years, why now?"

Klaus shifted uncomfortably. He had been dreading this question for some time now. What would Dorian think of him when he heard his reasoning? He might take offence, or be disgusted with him altogether. And yet, he had to answer truthfully; he had promised himself he would not hide any more. Neither Dorian nor he deserved that.

"I…wanted to…for a long time." He turned on his side to face his lover, who stared at him wide-eyed, expecting a lot of reasons, apparently, but not this frank statement. Dorian blinked in astonishment, and stammered, "B- but then – why? If you wanted this – if you wanted me – why did you avoid me like the plague all this time?"

"Because…I was afraid, I suppose." It took all of Klaus' willpower to continue looking into Dorian's eyes unwaveringly. Admitting his innermost fears to another human being was probably one of the most difficult things he had ever done in his anything but easy life. But he knew he had to do it, and he never shrank away from what he had to do.

Dorian looked at him incredulously, and let out a small nervous giggle. "Afraid? You? Don't be daft, dear; you're not afraid of anything!"

"Well, I was." I still am, he thought, but chose not to say that out loud. "I feared that…once you got what you wanted…you would move on, leaving me behind…and I couldn't take that. But after what happened tonight…I realized that there were even worse things than that."

Dorian nodded, understanding what he meant, and his hand stole unconsciously towards the bruise on his left chest. It had started to throb a little again, which was to be expected after all this activity. Then the full meaning of Klaus' words sank in, and he lifted his head abruptly in protest. "But why…why would you think that, after all those years I've been telling you I love you…" He stopped short, his words fading on his lips, and his face turned pale. "Oh, dear Lord. It's my fault, isn't it? Always teasing you, playing the fool, acting as if this – us – was some big game…when in reality it is the single most important thing in the world to me. No wonder I could not convince you to take me seriously. How could I not see that?"

"You couldn't help being who you are," pointed out the Major reasonably. "It is my fault as well, for not putting any faith in you. All my life I've learnt not to trust people, and we certainly weren't very successful in earning each other's trust, the two of us. But I've also learnt there are times when one must not be afraid to take a calculated risk." He smiled faintly. "I guess this is one of them."

Dorian's face lit up with joy, and he threw himself forcefully into Klaus' arms. "Klaus! Do you really mean it? You're giving me a chance? Oh, my love, I swear you'll never have cause to regret this. I know all too well I didn't exactly behave myself in the past, but please, please believe me when I say that ever since I fell in love with you I've never once thought of another man. You are the only one for me," he declared passionately, squeezing the Major's hands so tightly that Klaus winced in pain. Dorian loosened his grip a little, without letting go, stared deep into Klaus' eyes and asked as if his very life depended on it: "Do you believe me?"

"I don't have much of a choice but to believe you," Klaus answered calmly, facing him with a steadfast gaze. "I thought I didn't need anyone in my life…but I just can't imagine a life without you." He smiled sheepishly. "There, you even got me saying mushy nonsense like that, what more do you want?"

"Nothing, my beloved, absolutely nothing. Right now I do think I'm the most blessed man on earth." He nestled against Klaus again, looking away with a dreamy look in his eyes. "Oh, Klaus…to think we wasted all those years playing stupid war games when we could be like this. Such a pity…" he sighed and shook his head regretfully.

Klaus draped his arm around Dorian's shoulders and pulled him close. With his free hand, he turned his chin towards his face, forcing him to look at the most tender and serious gaze he had ever seen in those green eyes. "Better late than never, meine Liebe," he whispered affectionately, "We have the rest of our lives to make up for them," and silenced him with a kiss.

THE END