No Sound In Space
Chapter Seven

Wufei

I was working on wiping off the blood splattered on his face. He looked so tired. I guess that was within reason. Shot in the head and then the shoulder. I couldn't help but be angry with the bastard who did it. I found myself feeling that way far too often in regards to things that happened to Zechs. I guess perhaps I held him in higher regard than most. I wasn't even sure why.

"How are you feeling?" Noin pressed once again. She kept asking, as if it was going to change much.

"Not much different. And you?" He retorted smartly.

"See if I care about you anymore, Mr. Tough Guy…Ah! I think I got it." She declared holding tightly to the medical pliers. "Get ready. I'm pulling it."

I thoughtfully held my hand down on his other shoulder in case he decided to involuntarily jump. He would have if I hadn't forced him in place. Some how, despite all of the damage to him, he still managed to look at least a little graceful in taking pain. I think he was far too accustomed to it. After all, it wasn't even a whole year since he'd crashed his Classic Lexus and broke his wrist. I was more shocked that the accident wasn't his fault, than I was that we were in an accident. He had just gotten his license back again. For a man who piloted so exceptionally well, he sucked as a driver. I vowed that to be the last time I ever rode with him as the driver.

"What are you thinking about?"

I looked down at the owner of the voice and chuckled, "Your driving skills."

He scowled, "Noin! He's picking on me-Oh AHHH! Ow, damn it, ow!"

"Sorry! I figured it would hurt for a lesser amount of time if I pulled it quickly!" She explained. The bullet was dropped onto the table and she put down the instrument. Another towel was pressed into the wound and she put her palm to his face. "You're un-killable aren't you?"

He sighed, "God knows, everyone has tried, it seems." He paused for a moment as if he were contemplating something. He looked over at me discreetly. I knew something was up, but I remained silent. It wouldn't be hard to wheedle it out of him later. He cracked worse than Maxwell. "You look sick, Noin, are you okay?"

"Ah, yeah. I'll be fine. I need to dress that wound before it bleeds anymore. You think you might be able to sit up? Thankfully your blood seems to replenish itself quickly."

"I can try, but I'm not making you promises." I watched him try to ease himself up on his elbows, but that was so not going to happen. I grabbed one of his arms and pulled him up. He winced, but he seemed to be less impaired by this method than his own idea for movement.

"Hang your legs over the side. It should making it easier for you to sit." She instructed. I helped him move side ways in order to do so. He had his back facing me and I had half a mind to tape a sign that said 'walking target' on him. Because he seemed to fill out that job magnificently. He exhaled and leaned back against me without giving me any warning. I almost fell over, but luckily for him I managed to regain my posture.

"If you let me fall on purpose, I swear I will make your life miserable when I can pick myself up off the floor." He mumbled, leaning his shoulder forward a little to make it easier for Noin to clean. I figured perfection wouldn't do much good here though. He was covered in blood, so there was no true 'clean' for him at that moment.

"Heh, I've already got my work cut out for me. I'll have you and Treize to wait on hand and foot. And Treize will never let me hear the end of it."

"If he had his way, you'd be in a nurse's outfit too. Hell, if I had my way, you'd be in a nurse's outfit."

"This is why I don't indulge you people." I snorted. I carefully pulled the long strands of hair out of his face and let is cascade down the back of his shoulder. "I'm sorry for hitting you."

"It was merely a kind reminder not to piss you off."

The door opened and I turned my head to the side. I could see Sally in my peripheral vision and it was all I needed in order to relax again. She was nothing to worry about. As long as I was with Zechs, had every intention to act paranoid, or rather not act but be paranoid. As Heero might see it, protecting Zechs was my mission. Even if I didn't have personal feelings in it, I would have at least owed it to Treize. Treize was the reason I didn't wind up crunched in that car wreck. I really feel pity on that Lexus. It was such a beautiful car.

"How are things coming along?" Sally asked, wiping her forehead.

"No major fuss here." Noin replied, looking up. "Mind taking over for me for a moment?"

"Sure." Sally stepped forward and took the reigns. Noin excused herself politely. She looked pale. Actually she looked a little sick. I had to wonder.

"How's Treize?" Zechs's deep voice echoed in that small room.

"I knew you'd ask." Sally smiled closing up the final wrap around his shoulders, "He's stable now. I just passed Lady Une in the hall. She was talking to Heero and Duo. I think she was going to tell you herself. He's borderline critical, but I'm sure that they'll let you see him soon. He's a fighter. There's no doubt. All he kept talking about was you. It wasn't very coherent, but he asked how you were so many times they had to actually force him into unconsciousness." She sat back and patted down the bandage to reassure it was in place tightly.

"That sounds just like Treize." I snorted lightheartedly.

Zechs exhaled deeply. I could feel the tension in him. It bothered me. That was the beginning another round of self-loathing. His love for himself was sorely lacking. A man like Treize doesn't pick and choose his lovers on a whim. Zechs had to know that. And yet he still managed to find the brainpower to proverbially hang himself. I was torn between comforting him and beating him straight minded. Since the second option didn't really help me, I obviously went for the first one.

I wrapped my arms around his neck gently and carefully, "Hey, relax. He's doing better."

"I know…I'm worried… Everything I ever do…some how manages to hurt him."

"That is not true." I argued, but I knew it was too late, because he was already started.

"It is true. He lost to you, because I did not accept his challenge…"

"And you could have both died, and nothing would have come of it. Had that happened, who would have saved our asses when Mariemaia was tricked? Who would have some how managed to help bring us all together? You know, you're half to blame for everything falling into place. Quatre even said so. Who would Trowa have to harass? Who else could defeat Heero Yuy in Tennis and Basketball! What would I do without my main entertainment in you and Treize? It may have injured Treize, but if you hadn't crashed the car, then we'd have probably been on the main drag when the explosions blew up those three sectionals when the terrorists decided to play." I proposed to him. You know, I may never ride in a moving vehicle that he's driving, but I do credit him for some how managing to save us from a fiery death or just plain out miserable experience.

"You make it sound like I'm a decent person." He muttered.

"You kick your self under the bus too much." I sighed, "Treize would have a fit if he heard you talking like this."

"He's right, Zechs." Sally smiled in agreement. "Cut yourself some slack."

"Easy for you to say," he hmphed, "you don't have to be me. You know, I have a meeting with the colony representatives as Milliardo in a week and I have a feeling I'm going to have to cancel that."

I leaned forward to look at him more directly. I wanted him to know that I was questioning his thought process when I replied, "I'm surprised that bothers you."

Sally pulled the stool back and began to gather all of the equipment, "Doesn't that ever feel weird to you? Talking about yourself in third person when you address each name?"

"I don't think I follow…" Zechs replied.

"I think she means: Doesn't it feel weird to say 'Milliardo' as if it's not you." I offered and she nodded. I knew what she was talking about. Only Zechs himself didn't find it weird that he referred to 'Milliardo' as if it were a completely different person.

"I don't find it weird at all…And I'm not bothered by canceling…but that messes with my schedule to meet with Earth's representatives as Zechs!"

"It must be a pain for you…having to switch back and forth so often." Sally carried the items to the small sink in the equally small bathroom. She didn't bother to take care, or to clean them. Merely dumping the load in the running water, she turned around. "How come you don't come forward and let the colonies and earth know you're the same?"

Zechs sighed, leaning back against me, "Because the colonies despise everything Zechs stands for and the Earth considers Milliardo a threat and probably a war criminal too. If I came forward now, not even Treize would be able to pull forth enough influence to keep me from being imprisoned. And while I probably deserve it…I can't help anyone if I'm imprisoned. At least as Milliardo, I can communicate with the colonies as a Peacecraft, with my father's ideals in mind. As Merquise, I have that Ex-OZ war hero thing going for me. People remember what we did in the New Year's War. As long as I keep my face hidden…"

"What crazy fool would want to hide your beautiful face?" I teased. "Besides, Treize could always keep upkeep the political standings with earth. I say you drop the farce and stick with 'Milliardo'."

"…One day…" He paused and I could feel the tension in his shoulders. That was odd. "I'll kill off the 'Zechs' part of me. But I don't think I have the courage to do that yet."

"Maybe then, you won't mind it when I called you Milliardo, neh?" I chuckled.

"Maybe…"

The old styled door creaked open behind us and the light footsteps could be heard. I didn't bother to turn around. I knew who it was by the sound of his movements. Only two people that I know could possible walk around together, yet only sound like one person walking. Heero was quiet, but Duo was silent. Stealth was that Baka's natural still. The blonde mess of a person in front of me yawned. Inadvertently he started the chain. I yawned in response and glared at him over his shoulder.

"Sorry, that was my bad." He apologized.

"Yes it was." I scowled.

Duo came up beside me and Heero walked around in front of Zechs. It was only natural that Heero would inspect the injured to make sure absolutely nothing was out of place. I believed he had OCD for that sort of thing. He had been the one to check endlessly on Baka when he took a graceful plunge down the stairs and right into poor Quatre. He learned quickly that Duo picked up sleepwalking in the times of peace.

"Do I meet your standards, Nurse Yuy?"

"Sarcasm only looks good on you're when you're not mentally panicking."

"I'm not panicking."

"Then you look good." He smirked.

"I thought so."

"They're bringing in a transporter." Heero said monotonously.

"Why?" The blonde mess asked.

"We're taking you to L5. Quatre, Duo and Wufei will go with you and Trowa and I will bring Treize when he can be moved. You're not safe here. Since you're the target, you need to get to safety."

I could feel the tension in Zechs's body. I knew he didn't like that plan the moment Heero made the indication that the intent was to separate Zechs and Treize. That was probably the worst idea for Zechs mentally, but the best for his safety. It was really a terrible split.

"No. I'm not leaving Treize behind."

"Zechs, you don't have a say in this. It's already arranged and don't think I won't knock your ass out to accomplish it. Treize will be fine."

"You don't know that!"

"You're right, I don't. But I do know that he has a better chance if you're elsewhere and the threat toward both of you is taken elsewhere!"

"Well," Zechs started, looking more serious than I'd seen him in a long time, "what would you do if it were Duo in this position?"

"You know very well what I would do. Because I'm making you take the same action. If you get sniped, Treize will never forgive me. Honestly, I'd rather be haunted by him for a reason other than letting you get killed."

Zechs sighed. I don't think he could argue with that logic. I don't think I would want to be haunted by Treize. It's not like he would be mean, but I think his ability to guilt people to death would be the painfully haunting aspect. In truth, the man could annoy you straight to insanity if he wanted to. Imagine that in a tireless, immortal and unkillable form...I could understand Heero's sentiments. Actually I think anyone could. So when Zechs rolled his eyes and conceded defeat, I wasn't surprised.

"I know you're worried, but this is the best option. You being near him is probably going to be more dangerous to him than you being away from him. You get me?"

"Yeah, yeah, I get it." He said. "I'll go with it. But don't expect me not to complain and bitch until I can't think straight."

"...You already can't think straight." Heero smartly replied. He was getting quick on the response.

"You're not as funny as you think you are."

"Oh yes I am." He crossed his arms smugly. "Now come on. We've got a place for you to go. You won't be alone. You'll have these two to protect you. And Quatre can do that girl talking thing that you two always seem to do."

"You're pawning me off?" Duo blinked, giving Heero a sideways glance.

"Actually...yes. You'll be safer in space. Trowa and I are a bit tougher than you ladies."

"Excuse?" I frowned and coughed.

"Well, not you. You're going with them because we need someone capable of handling Blondie here."

Zechs snorted out a dark chuckle. He didn't sound anymore pleased than he did before. "What are you talking about?" He took in a breath. "I'm the biggest fucking push over here! You're capable of making decisions on your own. But I'm nothing without someone telling me what to do."

"You are not. You commanded an army for god's sake!" Heero's voice dropped low. He sounded dangerously close to getting into an argument.

"Is that so? And a grand job I did of that! I was just Barton's puppet. Following a plan that wasn't even mine to begin with. Let's face it Heero. I'm not a strong person like you are. I don't ever want to leave Treize again, but if you tell me to, I will do it. Don't ask me, just tell me." Zechs finished.

Heero was silent for a moment. I think he was as taken back as I was. I was contemplating on whether I should say anything or not. I couldn't argue against that really. Zechs was a strong person by front alone. But underneath that disguise he really was just another soldier. No much different than the rest of us used to be. I knew that the only possible way for him to accept leaving Treize was if someone were to order him to leave. Make it a command. That's the only way Zechs knew how to respond. He was trying to sort out his personal conflicts in his own way, it seemed. It had been a long time since we'd had to see that side of him again.

"Fine. It's in order." Heero complied. He knew all about Zechs' Soldier complex. He'd suffered the same thing for a long time. "You will go to L5. And you will leave within the next hour. It'll take about ten hours to get there. And you'll be in contact with us in that time, so there should be nothing to worry about. We'll make sure your stalker isn't in sight when you take off." The brunette assured.

"Can I see Treize before we leave?"

"I think that's probably a good idea." Heero nodded. He was thinking it was a good idea for assurance. As long as Treize was proven alive, then Zechs couldn't shut down again. "Duo, can you help wrap up his wound? Quatre's on his way with a change of clothes so Blondie isn't running around in blood soaked clothes. Wufei, can I talk to you in the hall for a sec?"

I sent him a questioning look and from the corner of my eyes I saw Zechs scowl. I know he didn't like being left out of anything. I wouldn't either. But I was sure enough that Heero had it figured out, that I was okay with leaving for a moment.

"When we come back, we'll take you to Treize. Okay?" Heero asked and the blonde man nodded silently. I was personally surprised he hadn't passed out yet.

I detached myself from Zechs grip. I hadn't even been aware that his hand had clung to my shirt sleeve until I had to pull away. I turned to Duo, "don't let him cause you any trouble. He's real troublesome."

"Jackass," Zechs kicked me gently in the leg as I walked toward the door with Heero.

I stepped out of the room and Heero gently closed the door. "What's up Heero?"

"Are you going to be okay with going back home since it's been rebuilt?"

I was a little surprised. Heero actually was concerned about my personal feelings about that place. "I think I'll be fine Heero. I still can't believe they rebuilt it, but it's not going to be the same as it was. As far as I'm concerned, it's not even L5 anymore."

"As long as you're okay with it…I mean, Trowa offered to go if you didn't want to…"

"And you really think and ass grabbing clown is going to make Zechs feel better?"

"Hey, I don't know what Blondie's fetishes are. You never know. But I think he's most comfortable with you. So while the rest of us are preparing to ship him out, would you take him to see Treize? He's not doing that well, but he is stable."

"Yeah, I'll take him." Great…give me the hardest task of all.

Watching my best friend's heart break. Perfect.

To be Continued...