"A Christmas Story" Chapter 8

Wufei stood against the wall waiting for his date at the restaurant they had chosen over the phone. Crossing his arms he brushed off the cold winter air of the evening. It looking like it just might snow but nothing had fallen yet. Looking down the street he wondered what was keeping the blonde man. Finally he spots the long hair in the approaching crowd. Pushing himself from the wall he took step beside the taller man. They entered the restaurant and were seated immediately at a quiet table for two near the back.

"I'm sorry I was late," Milliardo said before opening his menu.

"Problems?" Wufei asked a hint of concern in his voice.

"You could say that," he replied looking over the menu at Wufei.

"Want to talk about it?"

"After we order," Milliardo replied as a waiter approached their table. The man took their order; bring back their drinks moments later.

Soft Christmas music wafted through the quiet establishment reaching their table in the back. Wufei took a sip of his tea looking at the blonde man across from him. "So?" He prompted quietly.

"I happen to work with a man who can't take no for an answer. So today my fist told him for me," Milliardo told him outright.

"Are you all right? I mean your hand," Wufei said reaching toward the one Milliardo had gestured with.

"Fine, but thank you for your concern. I'll see tomorrow if he finally got the message," Milliardo replied allowing Wufei to check his hand anyway.

"From the sound of it, it might take more then that," Wufei replied meeting Milliardo's eyes.

"What do you mean?"

"He doesn't sound like the type to give up even if someone was standing before him kissing you," the young man answered finally releasing Milliardo's hand.

"Why does it sound like you say that from experience?"

"Because it took my father's bodyguards to deal with someone very similar."

"I assume he left you alone after that."

"He moved clean out of the state," Wufei answered his eyes serious.

The meal arrived ending their conversation on that single thought. Wufei felt a strange pull at his heart knowing the blonde was being harassed. He wanted to do something about it. Nobody touched what was his. Wufei's mind snapped back at that thought. Since when had the older man become his, this was only their first date, even if Wufei didn't want it to be their last.

Upon finishing their meal they decided to skip the movie and just go for a stroll. It gave them both an opportunity to learn more about each other.

"Do you like your job?" Wufei asked slipping his hand into the pocket of his jacket.

"Not really, it is the same thing day in and day out," Milliardo answered. "Do you work?"

"Nope, not allowed."

"Is your father really a crime boss?"

"He runs these streets with an iron hand, people pay him for his protection," Wufei answered. "What about your family?"

"They died while I was in school," Milliardo answered his voice dropping.

"I'm sorry, my mother died when I was just a toddler. Do you miss them?"

"Terribly, sometimes I just become overwhelmed and only wish I had someone to share my life with," Milliardo said looking toward the lake they walked slowly around.

"Milliardo," Wufei said drawing his focus.

"Yes Wufei?"

"Tell me the next time he touches you."

"What?" Milliardo stopped shocked.

Wufei turned to face the blonde his hand coming to rest against the older man's cheek. He wasn't sure what was coming over him but he couldn't stop the words. "I want to know the next time he harasses you, because I won't allow anyone to hurt you ever again."

"Wufei... I can take care of myself," Milliardo answered getting past his speechlessness.

"Can you?"

"Yes," he snapped becoming angry by the accusation. "I'm going to leave now, I think this date just ended."

With that the blonde turned and walked away leaving the young man standing there. Why did I say that? Wufei demanded of himself. It is not like we are in some kind of relationship. Why would he want to be in a relationship with me anyway? I'm so possessive... and foolish to think such a man would let a teen protect him. Trudging back to his new flat he hadn't a clue what was happening to him.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

Wufei sat in his flat, glad his father was starting to let him be. He knew the man would still have a hand in his life but this was his first step toward freedom. Looking toward the phone he saw the number neatly scrolled on a napkin. Just call him and apologize already, Wufei told himself but didn't move. Only suddenly the phone rang startling him. Only a few people had his number here. He decided to let his machine get it as he picked up his mug of warm tea.

A beep followed his brief not here message, when Duo's voice came out of the speaker. "I know you're there. What did you do? Milliardo showed up at the diner today. He looked stressed not to mention battered. Wufei pick up! I'm serious... fine don't. I'll just tell this damn machine. If you call him he won't answer, we took him to the hospital."

The line went dead before Wufei had time to grab the phone from its cradle. Holy shit what happened since our date? He dialed several numbers almost in a panic. After three rings he was ready to scream, and then on the fourth the phone was answered.

"That is what you get for not picking up," Duo's voice said agitated.

"What happened?" Wufei demanded.

"Huh?"

"Don't play dumb! Tell me now!"

"Here I'll let someone else tell you," Duo said before voices could be heard in the background.

"No, I don't want to talk to him." Wufei recognized it immediately as Milliardo's only it didn't sound right.

"Just talk to him!"

"Duo, no! I'm not touching it."

"Fine," Duo said his voice becoming loud again to Wufei. "Wufei get your butt to the hospital, I'll be waiting at the front door."

"On my way," Wufei replied before hanging up the phone. Grabbing his jacket and keys he was out of his flat before thinking to call for a cab.

Reaching the street he yanked out his cell phone and called for a cab. Several moments later he was on his way to the hospital. He met Duo at the front doors about to blast him with twenty questions when he realized why Duo had told him to come. He followed his braided friend to the elevator and up to the second floor.

Turning down a hall Wufei noticed Trowa standing outside a closed door. He hurried inside his eyes instantly falling on the room's occupant. Blonde hair was pulled back from a bruised face. While an arm lay resting in a wrap on the bed. Approaching he drew the other man's attention that had been focused outside the open curtains.

"I told him not to call you," a raspy voice said softly.

"What happened?" Wufei asked coming to stand beside the bed.

"Nothing," Milliardo answered turning his head away.

"Excuse me, you expect me to believe that? Now tell me what happened! Were you attacked by some thugs?"

Milliardo shook his head no. Wufei rested his hand over the blonde's silently prompting him to speak. "Just a jealous co-worker," Milliardo finally whispered.

"Damn it!" Wufei swore. "His ass is so gonna wish he was dead."

Milliardo turned to stare at Wufei a mix of shock and surprise on his face.

Wufei gently ran his hand over the blonde's trembling one, a slight smile on his face. "I told you no one was gonna hurt you again."