Disclaimer: see previous chapters.
Checkmate
Chapter 9
When Tuesday came around Wufei wasn't ready to deal with Milliardo on a one-on-one basis yet. Their confrontation in the gym led to uncomfortable silences between them. Their schedules dictated that they see each other practically everyday, and each successive time seemed to get worse and worse until finally, Wufei couldn't look Milliardo in the eye.
Since their confrontation in the gym, Wufei's dreams had been haunted by Milliardo and his words. "I told him I never wanted to let you go."
Why would he say such a thing? If he had been joking, he would have made it clear. He stared up at the blank ceiling, knowing he would once again get very little sleep. I can't believe I almost kissed him! Would he have let me? He wasn't making a move to stop me. Why!
Wufei growled as he turned over in his bed, suddenly aware of how big it was and how alone he felt in it. Where is all this coming from? He punched the bed and turned over yet again. Yes, I like spending time with Milliardo. But that's no reason to kiss the man. What was I thinking?
Suddenly an image of the platinum blonde invaded Wufei's mind and he saw the pale blue eyes, the pale skin, the slightly parted lips…. He felt that telltale jolt to his chest again and he squeezed his eyes shut as his fist clenched the bed sheets.
"Milliardo….."
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Milliardo sat in the dark, drink in hand, staring at the chessboard. He had been sitting there for a few hours now, thinking of nothing but a certain ebony haired commander that had captured his interest. No, not just my interest. That's the problem, isn't it?
He let his eyes drift over to the empty seat across the table, picturing Wufei seated there, drinking his green tea and smirking at him, knowing he'd already won the game with Milliardo powerless to stop him. And for some reason, he didn't mind losing to Wufei. All his life, he'd hated losing, in anything, to anyone. But it was ok with Wufei, because the more time he spent with the commander, the more he felt he'd actually won.
But could he actually feel the same way? He was going to kiss me, but backed off. Why? Did I do something that made him think I didn't want him to kiss me? Or is he just resisting his feelings? I am his superior after all, and it's not the most ideal of situations.
Milliardo drank the last of his scotch and closed his eyes, letting images of Wufei haunt him during the waking hours now as well as when he slept. I don't know how much more of this I can take. I have to know. Does he want me as much as I want him? But….is it worth the risk? He has more to risk right now than I do. Milliardo sighed and sank further into the chair, preferring to try and sleep in the chair as opposed to the bed which just reminded him of how alone he was.
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Milliardo watched the training session on the monitor and as his eyes followed every movement of the instructor, he knew that if he wanted things to go back to normal, he would have to be the one to make the first move.
He'd patiently waited on pins and needles for the past week for Wufei to say or do something to let him know one way or another where things stood between them. Instead, the commander avoided him at all costs and cancelled their Tuesday night chess match. The times they were to meet privately and discuss the status of the security team, he'd brought a subordinate with him, saying he should be a part of the meetings since he would be taking over the team once Wufei was gone. And even then Wufei had barely looked at him and only spoke to him in short, concise comments.
Milliardo saw the training session come to an end and he got up, heading for Wufei's quarters, knowing that's where the commander would be headed.
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"Commander Chang. May I have a word with you please?"
Wufei froze at the sound of the voice behind him. I ended practice early today. How did he know I would be here now? Is he watching me? Wufei turned to face the chancellor, immediately regretting meeting the pale blue eyes.
"Yes, Chancellor. How may I help you?"
Milliardo frowned at the formality from Wufei, but kept his voice steady.
"I would like to discuss some upcoming events with you that I am concerned about. Do you have a few moments?"
"I was actually looking to take a shower. May I call you when I'm finished?"
Milliardo desperately tried to banish all images of Wufei in the shower, bringing his fingers up and pinching the bridge of his nose as a distraction.
"Actually, why don't you stop by my office in two hours?"
"Fine."
Wufei nodded and turned his back on Milliardo, taking the last few steps to his quarters and walking in, leaving Milliardo behind.
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"Come in. Please have a seat, Commander."
Wufei sat down and looked Milliardo in the eye, but quickly diverted his gaze to the large picture window behind the chancellor. "You wanted to discuss some upcoming events?"
"Actually, I lied. I wanted to talk to you about what happened in the gym last week. Specifically, what was said."
"It's not necessary."
"Sit down, Commander Chang." Wufei started to get up but Milliardo's commanding voice made him slowly sit back down. "Thank you. I wanted to apologize."
"Apologize?"
"Yes. I allowed my personal feelings to interfere with my professionalism and dragged you into it in the process. I do not like Representative Alexander and when he inquired about you I let my dislike of the man show through with my snide comment. I'm afraid it implies a certain type of relationship between us that obviously doesn't exist and if this causes you some discomfort, I am more than willing to clear up the misunderstanding with Representative Alexander."
Wufei sat there in stunned silence. So…Milliardo isn't attracted to me and this is all some misunderstanding? I almost kissed him! He would have slugged me and sent me packing back to earth and I'd be a laughingstock!
"Commander Chang?"
Wufei shook his head and frowned at Milliardo. "A-apology accepted."
"Thank you. Do you wish me to speak with Representative Alexander?"
"No. I think our relationship speaks for itself."
Milliardo wasn't so sure about that. He was still attracted to the commander and he was pretty sure Wufei held some sort of interest in him or he wouldn't have almost kissed him. But ever since that day, Wufei had avoided him and their relationship was more strained than when Wufei first came aboard. So have you squashed those feelings, Wufei? Were they ever there? Could I have imagined the whole thing? I guess I have no choice but to keep my feelings to myself. But will I get to keep my friend?
"I'm glad we've settled the matter. And I'm sure you have more important things to do right now than sit here with me so I'll let you go after you answer one question for me. Can I expect you this Tuesday?"
"Hmph. It's your funeral."
Milliardo chuckled along with Wufei as the commander made his way to the door.
"Indeed. In that case, make sure to bring flowers. I prefer roses."
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Wufei had felt much better after having talked with Milliardo. He still hadn't figured out what to do when the chancellor brought him in and apologized. One thing was certain at least: Milliardo was most certainly not interested in Wufei. And even though Wufei had grudgingly admitted to himself that he was in fact attracted to Milliardo, knowing that the other man didn't harbor the same attraction for him would make it much easier to deal with and eventually get over. Right?
They had resumed their Tuesday night get-togethers and that first Tuesday night Wufei had brought Milliardo a half dozen light pink roses with a card that read, 'With deepest sympathy for your loss'. They both had a good laugh and that night was like nothing had happened between them. Things seemed to be back to normal.
As a matter of fact, Wufei was now as comfortable with Milliardo as he was with Duo. Not that Milliardo was his new best friend, but he had been added to a very short list of people Wufei spoke openly with. He's definitely made this mission bearable. And he's very easy on the eyes too. Damn it! I have got to stop thinking like that!
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Milliardo was trying to concentrate on what the diplomat from L4 was saying, but he found his eyes kept roaming over to the scowling face of Wufei. Does he ever not look attractive? He knew his Security Commander was getting annoyed with him by the hard look in those onyx eyes. Wow. If looks could kill….
But Milliardo just smiled at him and delighted in getting the man to blush slightly. Ah, victory! He enjoyed the sight a moment longer before tuning back into the conference.
The meeting didn't last much longer and as Milliardo talked with a few people before leaving, he noticed Wufei bolt from the room and he couldn't suppress a smile. He really does hate these things.
As Milliardo made his way out of the conference hall and out into the corridor, he looked around for Wufei. When he found him, he felt his stomach tie in knots. He was speaking with the representative from L6. They were talking, smiling, and they were standing suspiciously close. That man has no shame!
Milliardo maintained his calm, friendly exterior as he approached the pair, reminding himself over and over that Wufei was not his to control and that the commander surely had better taste in men.
"Hello gentlemen. Commander Chang, shall we?"
"Of course. Representative Alexander, it's been a pleasure. Good day."
"Commander Chang, Chancellor Peacecraft. I'm sure we'll be seeing each other again real soon?"
Wufei nodded before turning and walking away. He didn't hear Milliardo's parting comments or see the deadly look he gave the L6 representative.
"Don't you ever come near him again. Good day, Representative Alexander."
As Milliardo and Wufei were shuttled back to their home base on the ship Argonaut, Milliardo came to the conclusion that he had to tell Wufei how he felt. I just threatened Representative Alexander. This has to stop. One way or another Wufei, I've got to tell you how I feel.
"So what were you and Representative Alexander talking about? You seemed rather entertained."
Wufei raised an eyebrow and couldn't stop the smirk from showing. He lasted longer than I thought he would in asking. "We were discussing the representatives' need to feel important by getting their own bodyguards. It seems you are the envy of the diplomatic community."
"Idiots."
"I agree. But I found it amusing that Representative Alexander would be the one berating his fellow diplomats for wanting bodyguards after what you told me about him. I despise hypocrites usually, but I found this instance rather…entertaining."
Milliardo smiled at Wufei, and as he leaned forward to begin his confessional, the loudspeaker sounded indicating they would be landing in five minutes. The Chancellor sighed and sat back in his chair to stare out the window. You've been saved this time Wufei, but next time I don't care if we're under attack. I will tell you how I feel. And hopefully you won't kill me.
To be continued….