Title: Report

Author: Karina

Rating: PG

Pairing: Pagan Milliardo Stephan

Notes: Challenge 31. Baby Series 2 #54. Takes place three hours after A Blue Moon.

Spoilers: None

Warnings:

Disclaimer: I don't own Gundam Wing or the characters from the series but the baby is mine.

Many thanks to Dulin for her work as beta.

Report

"Sir."

Milliardo sighed softly and settled Stephen on his knee. The old man stood over them and he could feel the weight of his eyes. He nodded to acknowledge Pagan's presence and continued to strip off the ski suit from the squirming tired bundle he claimed as his son.

"Shall I report now, Sir?"

He could not help smirking as he glanced up at the old man. "Pagan, one of these days you will actually come out and say something instead of keeping to deferential protocols. Any developments in the relationship between Relena and Heero?"

"Following the outburst in the wing I deemed it time to permit Mr. Yuy to have a moment alone with the Princess. I am pleased to say progress has been made."

Milliardo glanced up from the baby. "In what manner?"

"I believe the couple have exchanged their first kiss, Sir."

"Mmm. Progress indeed. Did she seem pleased?"

"Immensely, Sir."

"Good. Maxwell and Chang had a snowball fight today, so I suppose that is progress. I'm sure Chang was putting a little more strength behind the throws than was absolutely necessary."

Pagan frowned. "Sir, I am not certain you are reading that relationship correctly."

"Maxwell is in love with him, Pagan."

"Master Chang does not return that regard." The retainer's tone was gentle. "It is not Master Maxwell he has his eyes on."

Milliardo sighed softly. "I know but love can grow. Will grow, if I have anything to say about it."

"Sir , he …"

Milliardo waved Pagan to silence. "I had the opportunity to love two very rare people, my friend. That is more than most people ever enjoy. I try not to be a greedy man." Long fingers stroked the pale hair of the head resting against his shoulder. "Maxwell deserves the chance to interest Chang."

"If you are under the impression you may not again find love because you have been fortunate enough to find it twice, then I dare say you are a fool."

"Not a fool, Pagan, merely practical. I know what is expected of me and I know the agreement I made with the Council expressly forbade pressure on me to marry. I am not stupid enough to believe they will adhere to it. I will be steered toward their choices for Queen and they will guilt trip me into a marriage. It is the rarest of rare days that a King marries for love. I would prefer not to face it at all, but they will be relentless."

"Then permit Mr. Chang to make known his courtship."

"What courtship? Chang was reared to a different system, but the basics are the same. He knows the constraints and expectations that lie ahead. I don't blame him for steering clear."

Pagan sighed softly and lifted a gun like device. "Time will tell, Sir. Hold still."

Milliardo eyed the device and grimaced. "I don't suppose you'd take no for an answer?"

"When hell freezes over, Sir."

End

Karina Robertson 2006