Disclaimer: The beautiful boys of Gundam are not mine unfortunately.

Let the games begin!

Checkmate

Chapter 5

Zechs heard the light knock at his door and he opened it to see Wufei standing there, practically at attention. "Chang. Please, come in."

He gestured towards the table and chairs where he already had the chess board set up.

"Can I get you something to drink?"

"Hot tea?"

"Black, Earl Grey or Green?"

"Green please."

Wufei sat down and looked around Zechs' quarters. The main room was a sitting area where he had a desk, the chairs and table and a few bookcases. He saw a doorway tucked in the corner on the opposite side of the room and assumed it to be his bedroom and bathroom.

He watched the platinum blonde as he prepared the steaming cup of tea. He was glad he had guessed right and worn casual clothes instead of his uniform. Zechs was always in some kind of formal attire, but he had said this wasn't business. Currently he was dressed in a pair of beige pants and a powder blue button down shirt. But the shirt was untucked and the first two buttons were undone. He even had his hair tied back. He looks so different.

Wufei tore his eyes from Zechs before he was caught staring and the man jumped to the wrong conclusion. I am not checking him out. I'm just studying my commanding officer in a social setting. I'm sizing up my opponent. I am not checking him out. He let his eyes continue to roam around the room, admiring the simple décor. He expected something more…. Zechs was royalty of sorts.

"So. Did I speak the truth? The décor isn't offending in any way is it?"

"No. Not at all." Wufei took the offered cup of tea. "But then again, I never doubted your word."

Zechs sat down across from Wufei and smiled. "I'm glad to hear it. I'm also glad you agreed to join me."

Wufei's onyx eyes met the cerulean ones across from him as he sipped his tea. He silently placed the cup down and nodded.

"Shall we?"

"Guests first."

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Seven hours, five cups of tea, three scotches, two sandwiches and several dozen glaring matches later, Zechs and Wufei were still playing chess.

"Check."

Zechs snorted and leaned down to study the board.

"How many years did you say it's been since you played chess?"

"I didn't."

Zechs lifted his eyes and smiled that wicked smile that made Wufei's chest tighten. There was something behind that smile and he wasn't sure he wanted to know what that something was. Zechs turned his eyes back down to the game at hand, lightly drumming his fingers on the marble squares.

"I thought you were an honorable man Chang."

"Excuse me?"

They had been walking a fine line all night, teetering between harmony and animosity. And it was such comments by Zechs that usually started them towards animosity.

"How can someone who hasn't played in years, however many that may be, have this skill level?"

Wufei smirked at the veiled compliment.

"Are you implying that I lied to you Zechs?"

His heart stopped and his fingers froze mid drum. The soft, silky, playful tone of Wufei's voice, the comment itself, and the use of his alter ego's name thrust Zechs back in time where he was sitting with Treize playing chess. He was happy. He was content. He was in love.

Wufei noticed the change in Zechs immediately and wondered if he took him seriously. He was semi serious, but nothing to go ballistic over.

"Zechs?"

The daydreaming man snapped out of his flashback when he caught movement across from him. He blinked his eyes a few times and swallowed hard, resuming his drumming and studying the board.

"When did you stop playing?" A distraction. I need a distraction.

Wufei sat back and exhaled slowly. His immediate response was 'none of your damn business', but the evening was going well enough and he found he didn't mind sharing the bit of information about himself.

"Three years ago."

"Why?"

"Shouldn't you be concentrating on your next move?"

"This is helping. Tell me why you stopped Chang."

Wufei doubted he was telling the truth. Probably stalling trying to figure out how to get out of my trap. He let his head fall back and stared up at the ceiling.

"The person I played with….he….died."

Zechs' head shot up and when he saw Wufei staring up at the ceiling, he felt a little guilty for asking. But he didn't have to tell me either. He doesn't do anything he doesn't want to.

"I'm sorry Chang."

Wufei heard the sincerity in the deep voice and he looked up to see sad eyes on him.

"Me too."

"Who…no, never mind. It's none of my business."

Zechs shook his head and looked back down at the board. He wasn't going to push Wufei. He was a private man and he'd already revealed a lot.

Wufei was surprised, but relieved Zechs didn't push the issue further. He wouldn't have told him anything more. It was none of his business. He and Heero had enjoyed a relationship based on their mutual need to keep to themselves but still feel like a part of something. They weren't in love, but they did care for each other. They gave each other physical comfort and a silent promise to always be there when needed, and to disappear when there wasn't a need.

One of the things they did together on a regular basis was play chess. It was a rare occasion that Wufei beat Heero, but he had learned so much playing him that he'd become a master in his own right. But even a master wasn't enough to beat 'the perfect soldier'.

Zechs knew that Wufei was thinking of whoever had died three years ago. He really wanted to know who could affect Wufei so much that he'd quit playing a game he obviously loved and excelled in. For that matter, why did he suddenly agree to play again?

Zechs made his move and sat back, knowing the game was lost in four moves and that there was nothing he could do about it. But he didn't care. What he did care about was getting answers to his questions. I'm intrigued Wufei, and that hasn't happened in a very long time.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

By 3a.m. Wufei had won the game. Zechs had drawn out the final moves just to antagonize his opponent. He could tell Wufei was growing impatient and when it was time to leave, he quickly made his way to the door. He was about to say goodnight and let himself out when Zechs stopped him by placing a hand over his on the doorknob.

"Chang."

He looked into the black abyss that were Wufei's eyes, felt the cool, smooth hand under his, and saw the slight flush to the pale cheeks. He was speechless.

"Zechs?"

"I….I wanted to thank you for playing with me tonight. I've never been so happy to be defeated by anyone."

The cheeks were now a rosy hue and Zechs had to fight to keep from reaching out and touching them to feel the heat he knew was there. Oh gods, this isn't good. I shouldn't be thinking like this. Why am I thinking like this?

"And I was hoping….that you would agree to make this a regular event. Perhaps every Tuesday?"

Wufei studied the man before him, wondering if he was a little drunk. But his eyes were clear and his playing showed no signs of suffering either. He was being sincere. Zechs wanted to spend time with him. And he hated to admit it, but the prospect of spending time with Zechs, playing chess, was appealing.

"I would like that."

Wufei felt the slightest of pressure on his hand and his heartbeat quickened. I have to get out of here. Wufei inclined his head slightly.

"Goodnight Zechs."

"Goodnight Chang."

Zechs let his hand slide off of Wufei's and he stepped back, letting the man leave. As he stood there, staring at the closed door, Zechs knew his mission was in trouble. How can I be attracted to Wufei? I just wanted him to open up a bit and stop being so miserable. When did he become so….beautiful?

To be continued….

I know this chapter was a little shorter than most, but that's the way the story goes. Sorry!