Disclaimer: see previous chapters.
This is a long one kiddies. I was just going to leave it at the standard five pages of fluff, but in the end I thought I'd tack on a little Lady Une time. Definitely nothing fluffy about that woman.
Checkmate
Chapter 12
"I can't believe I won't see you for your birthday."
"It's no big deal. It's just a birthday."
"But you should always celebrate your birthday!"
Wufei chuckled at the childlike pleading voice. "You'd think you were the one being denied a celebration, Maxwell."
"I am!"
"You're impossible."
"So….does Zechs know it's your birthday?"
"No, I didn't tell him. Why should I?"
"He's your boyfriend, 'Fei. He's supposed to get you a present and be extra special affectionate. That's his job!"
Wufei quirked an eyebrow at his friend's definition of a boyfriend's job. Funny, that's what Maxwell does for me on my birthday. "That is not Milliardo's job."
"What's not my job?"
Wufei turned to see Milliardo leaning in the doorway.
"Were you eavesdropping, Milliardo?"
"What!"
Wufei ignored the outburst from Duo as Milliardo lightly chuckled and walked over to give him a quick kiss.
"Of course not. Hello, Duo."
Duo barely managed a believable smile for the chancellor. "Hey, Zechs. Did you know 'Fei's birthday is in three days?"
"No I didn't. Thank you for the information."
Milliardo gave Wufei a knowing smile and walked away to get changed, leaving the two to their conversation.
"Damn you, Maxwell! You had no right to tell him!"
"You'll get over it. You might even thank me later." Duo winked at Wufei who was just scowling at him. But he knew better.
"Goodbye, Maxwell."
"Bye, 'Fei!"
Wufei growled as he disconnected the call and sat back in the chair. Why did he do that? I don't want Milliardo to know about my birthday. Not yet. This whole thing is too new to worry about birthdays and giving gifts.
"Hey." Wufei looked over to see Milliardo changing into a pair of workout pants, his hair already tied back. "Why didn't you want me to know about your birthday?"
"Because I don't care about my birthday. Why should you?"
Milliardo walked over and stood behind Wufei, leaning over so their faces were inches apart.
"Because I love you." He kissed Wufei, his upside down mouth pulling Wufei's bottom lip in and slowly releasing it.
Wufei let a content sigh go and leaned up slightly for another kiss. When he broke the kiss, his voice was a throaty whisper.
"So just love me. That's all I want."
Milliardo spun the chair around so Wufei was facing him and he went down on his knees, pulling Wufei to him so the Preventor's legs were straddling his body. He ran his hands up Wufei's thighs, his thumbs pressing against his crotch as he continued upwards, his hands gliding up over his chest and finally coming to rest on Wufei's cheeks. He gently pulled Wufei's lips to his own.
"Then that is what you shall have."
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Wufei glanced at the clock as he waited for Milliardo to make his move. It's almost over. Just another hour. He had been tense all day waiting for his lover to acknowledge his birthday but he hadn't uttered a single word or made any indication that today was different from any other day. I'm so glad he didn't say anything about my birthday. This is what I wanted. For this day to just pass without incident.
"Wufei?"
Wufei snapped out of his thoughts at the sound of Milliardo's voice. He looked up to see his lover smiling at him and he couldn't keep his mouth from responding in the like.
"I'm sorry."
He sat up and began to study the board.
"You seem distracted tonight. Is everything ok?"
"Everything is fine."
"Good."
Wufei didn't pay any attention to Milliardo getting up from his chair and disappearing behind him as he contemplated his move. Milliardo still hadn't returned by the time Wufei had taken his turn and he looked around the room.
"Milliardo?"
"Is it my turn? I'll be right out."
Milliardo came out and sat down, bent over the chess board.
"What were you doing for so long?"
"Nothing. There."
Wufei looked at the board, then glared at Milliardo.
"What do you think you're doing?"
"I'm playing chess."
"No you're not. You just threw the game."
"I did?"
"Milliardo."
"Just put me out of my misery, Wufei. Please."
Wufei didn't know why Milliardo was throwing the match, but he knew that whatever the reason, he wasn't going to like it. Wufei made the move to win the game and then sat back, his scowl still in place.
"What's going on, Milliardo?"
Milliardo got up and went to stand next to Wufei's chair, and bending down slightly, he lifted the seated man's hand to his lips.
"Would you care to join me in the bedroom?"
"You threw a game to have sex?"
Milliardo just chuckled as he gently pulled Wufei from the chair and into his arms for a deep kiss.
"No."
Milliardo led Wufei back into the bedroom which was illuminated by several candles. The bed had been turned down and there was a small black box sitting on Wufei's pillow.
"You didn't really think I'd let your birthday go by, did you?"
"Milliardo, I told you---"
"You don't care about your birthday, yes I know. But I care about you so just enjoy it."
Milliardo led Wufei over to the bed and slowly undressed him, kissing here, caressing there, enjoying the sight of Wufei trying to stand up under the attention.
"The only thing you're allowed to wear is this."
Wufei accepted the small black box, opening it to reveal a small gold pendant on a thin gold chain. The charm was a Chinese dragon.
"Milliardo…"
He took the necklace from Wufei and tuned him around to fasten the chain in place, and then he wrapped his arms around Wufei's waist with his chin resting on the man's shoulder.
"You're my dragon, Wufei. You're fierce, strong, graceful and you are my protector. I want you to always be my dragon."
Wufei turned around in Milliardo's arms, searching the pale blue eyes, trying to see the truth behind the declaration just made.
"Always?"
"Yes. I don't ever want to be without you."
"But….that's not possible." Sadness crept into his voice as he realized the truth of their situation. He would have to leave someday soon. His mission was coming to an end. Then what?
"Sure it is."
Milliardo kissed Wufei and turned them around, backing towards the bed. He and Wufei made quick work of his own clothes and soon they were lying there naked, indulging in each other's warm flesh. Milliardo could tell they had both reached their limits of foreplay, both painfully needing release by this point. He rolled over and pulled Wufei on top of him.
Wufei whimpered as he kissed Milliardo's neck and he tried to pull off of him, indicating he was ready for Milliardo to take him. Wanting Milliardo to take him. But Milliardo held firm and whispered in his ear.
"I want you to take me, Wufei. I want you to become a part of me."
Wufei leaned up and gazed down at his lover in awe. When they had become lovers, they naturally gravitated to their positions, Milliardo was top and Wufei had willingly let him take that position. He liked feeling Milliardo inside him, being buried underneath him. He'd never felt dominated. He'd felt desired.
But he'd never considered what Milliardo just said. I guess he is a part of me in that sense. And now he wants the same from me.
Milliardo looked up at his lover, the dark black hair cascading around his face, his onyx eyes sparking with desire and love for him, and a small golden dragon dangling just an inch from his neck. It was a beautiful sight, one he wanted to remember forever.
Wufei lowered himself and kissed Milliardo with all the love and passion he had for the man. "I love you, Milliardo."
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Milliardo heard the telltale high-pitched page coming from the intercom next to the bed. He groaned as he slowly reached over to hit the button, trying not to disturb the sleeping dragon next to him.
"Yes?"
He hoped the person on the other end could hear him. His voice was a hoarse whisper at best.
"Lady Une requesting to speak with you, sir."
Milliardo checked the clock and groaned for the second time. 9:17am. How did we manage to sleep so late? Wufei is always awake by 8am. Then again, we did 'celebrate' into the wee hours of the morning. Milliardo couldn't hold back the smile.
"Tell her I'll be right there."
"Very good sir."
Milliardo skillfully detached himself from Wufei and reached for his robe. As he ran his fingers through his hair and pulled it back into a ponytail, he let his eyes come to rest on the man in the bed and he smiled. We're a part of each other now, Wufei.
We walked over and placed a tender kiss on Wufei's head, then headed out into the main room to speak with Lady Une, knowing her reason for calling was the same reason he had a smile on his face. He sat down and took a moment to remove the smile from his face and replace it with his impassive, diplomatic façade.
"Lady Une. I'm sorry to have kept you waiting."
"I'm becoming used to it chancellor. After all, I've been waiting for Chang to finish his mission and report back for eight months now. Is there a problem? His status reports indicate that things should be wrapped up by now."
"He hasn't mentioned any problems to me. Perhaps you should ask him directly."
Lady Une narrowed her eyes and studied the image before her. He looks like he just rolled out of bed. And the background is different. Not an office. His quarters perhaps?
"I tried calling him this morning but he couldn't be reached. So I thought I'd try you."
"I'm sorry to disappoint you Lady Une, but Commander Chang is not here."
Milliardo heard sounds of Wufei getting up and getting in the shower and he looked up over the vid screen to make sure he wasn't coming out to find him.
Lady Une noticed Zechs' distracted stated and began to wonder if he was alone. Is it possible he has someone in his quarters right now? A lover perhaps? Who could Zechs have found as a worthy replacement of Treize?
"I'm sorry to cut this conversation short Lady Une, but I was in the middle of something. So if you'll excuse me? I will make sure to tell Commander Chang you wish to speak with him."
"Thank you. And I apologize if I've interrupted anything. Good day, Chancellor."
Milliardo had already forgotten Lady Une even before he pressed the disconnect button. His mind was completely focused on the man showering just beyond the doorway. I wonder Wufei. Will you stay with me if I ask?
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"Commander Chang."
Wufei got up and went over to the intercom. He'd managed to earn himself a few quiet hours of reading and he'd just sat down in his quarters.
"Chang here."
"Sir. Lady Une is on the line for you."
"I'll take it, thank you."
He sat down at the desk and turned on the vid phone, Lady Une's severe image appearing before him.
"Commander Chang. How nice of you to take my call."
"Lady Une." Wufei saluted the image.
"When should I send the transport ship for you? Or will Chancellor Peacecraft be sending you back to earth in his own transport?"
Oh shit. I knew this was coming. Wufei cleared his throat before speaking.
"There's no need to send a transport. The chancellor will provide one for me."
"And when can we expect you? Your reports are very encouraging. I imagine you could leave any day now."
"I am very pleased with the team's progress. I've been working with Commander Fujimiya and gradually turning over leadership to him."
Lady Une resisted the urge to accuse Wufei of spending too much time with Zechs for giving her such a politician's response. He's good. He addressed the issue without making any firm statement one way or another as to when he would be leaving. Time for the direct approach.
"So can I tell Maxwell to expect you back within the month? He misses you terribly you know."
Wufei practically jumped through the screen to throttle his superior. How dare she bring Maxwell into this! Sly witch!
"There's no need to speak with Maxwell Lady Une. If you speak to him frequently enough, I'm sure he's told you we speak on quite a regular basis. As to when I will be returning, I will prepare and conduct a final training exercise for the security team. As long as they or the chancellor do not die, I see no reason not to return to earth."
"How long do you think it will take for you to conduct this final test of yours?"
Wufei just stared at the woman, his countenance as unreadable as ever. "Three months. Give or take. I will be able to give you a better estimation in a few weeks."
"I expect a firm leave date in ten days, commander."
"Yes ma'am."
Lady Une sat back and steepled her fingers as she looked at Wufei over her glasses. "You surprise me Chang. I expected you to have those soldiers trained and you back here on earth in six months. What happened?"
This time Wufei did not hide his anger. He let a low growl free as he answered.
"As my reports indicated the soldiers were poorly qualified at best and needed to be trained in basic knowledge before I could begin their security training. Do you have a problem with my performance?"
Lady Une let the smirk show. "Chang, you are one of the few people whose professionalism and skills I never question. It was merely professional curiosity."
"Hmph. If you'll excuse me, I was trying to enjoy a few hours peace and quiet."
"I apologize. I look forward to your next report commander. Good day."
Wufei saluted as the screen went black, and then he slammed his fist into the table.
"Gods cursed woman!"
Wufei got up and started towards the gym, looking to work off his anger and frustration. As he entered the gym and strode towards the bag, he thought of Lady Une and everything she'd said to make him angry.
"What the hell was she trying to pull?"
Kick. Punch. Punch.
"Did she honestly think bringing Maxwell into this was going to make me hop on the next transport home?"
Kick. Kick.
Wufei continued to punish the bag when he heard someone clear their throat behind him. He didn't stop what he was doing, but merely acknowledged the person's presence.
"Speak."
Punch. Punch. Punch.
"I'm not a dog, Wufei."
Kick. Punch. Kick.
"Hmph. And yet you answered."
Wufei brought his leg up for another kick and found himself suddenly on the floor, pinned to the ground on his stomach by his lover.
"In that case, I think I'll take you right here, right now, just like this. Does 'doggy style' work for you, Wufei?"
The angry young man lay limp under his lover, catching his breath and bringing his anger under control.
"I'm sorry. I'm just incredibly angry right now. I got a phone call from Une. She wants me back on earth ASAP."
"I see." Milliardo stood up and pulled Wufei with him. "She phoned me as well."
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"Because like you, I've chosen to ignore the situation hoping that if I don't acknowledge it, neither will anyone else and then I can keep you all to myself."
"Brilliant reasoning, chancellor."
Wufei turned back to the helpless punching bag, ignoring the glare from his lover. He knew he hated being called by his former title and honestly, it's why he did it. To get a rise out of the normally calm and composed man. At least I didn't call him Chancellor Peacecraft. That would have probably earned me a bloody nose.
Milliardo watched Wufei take most of his anger out on the punching bag. He had chosen to ignore the derisive use of his title, knowing Wufei was just spoiling for a fight. I won't let him pull me into his anger. Besides, he'd kick my ass. I'll just let him---
Before Milliardo could finish his thought, Wufei's leg went crashing into the bag which gave way under the intense beating and ripped open, pooling its sandy insides on the floor.
Wufei stood staring down at the pile of sand, fists clenched at his sides, and chest heaving. "There's nothing else I can do, Milliardo!"
"Wufei…." Milliardo reached out and placed a reassuring hand on his lover's shoulder. Then he threw all propriety to the wind and wrapped his arms around Wufei's waist, burying his face in the man's neck. "We'll figure something out, ok? I'm not going to lose you."
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Milliardo had been staring at the same document for the past half an hour and he had yet to read past the first few sentences. His mind was completely occupied with a certain ebony haired man that he was becoming desperate to keep by his side. Wufei had submitted to Lady Une a timetable that would have him home in six week's time. That was as much time as they could give themselves without raising suspicions. And that time was quickly approaching.
They still hadn't figured out how their relationship was going to work. What they did agree on, at least what Milliardo agreed to do for his lover's sake, was keep the relationship quiet. According to Wufei, it still wasn't the right time to make their relationship public. Milliardo growled and slammed his fist into the desk. We shouldn't have to hide! Screw the bureaucrats and the military and anyone else with an outdated sense of propriety.
Milliardo gave up trying to get any work done and turned around in his chair to stare out at the star-speckled blackness of space. He had been debating whether or not to ask Wufei to quit the Preventors and come work for him. Then they could be together and they wouldn't have to hide. But he was worried that Wufei would get angry that he even suggested such a thing. He knew he would be asking Wufei to give up his former life to be with him. And he was scared of facing the reality of Wufei rejecting him. Will be do it? Will he stay with me? I can't lose him. I'll ask him tonight.
Just as Milliardo's resolve strengthened and he turned back to his desk to call the kitchen and order up a special dinner as part of a romantic evening, the vid screen chimed and displayed the source of the incoming call. Lady Une.
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Lady Une had decided to call Chancellor Peacecraft one more time to ensure Wufei's departure was still on schedule. She thought it best to send a Preventor transport to pick up her wayward commander instead of relying on the chancellor. The conversation had gone as expected, with polite empty conversation between the two. But finally, Lady Une got to the heart of the matter.
"I will be sending a transport ship to bring Commander Chang back to earth. It will be arriving in one week's time. I presume Commander Chang is still on schedule to leave at that time?"
Milliardo sighed and bowed his head. "I'm afraid we've grown quite fond of each other, Lady Une and his departure is not that simple anymore."
Lady Une blinked a few times, processing what the Chancellor's statement implied. Is he serious? "Am I to believe that you and Chang have developed a….relationship?
"Yes, we have." Milliardo looked up faced Lady Une, his face the trademark unreadable mask of a politician. "And I am going to ask him to quit the Preventors and work for me."
Lady Une sat there, stunned. Am I dreaming? Did I fall asleep at my desk again? Did Zechs just admit that he and Chang are lovers?
"Lady Une? Are you still there?"
Lady Une blinked a few times, still not certain she was awake. Milliardo was surprised by the shocked look on her face as she returned to the video screen.
"Are you telling me that you're in love with the man that killed Treize?"
To be continued….
The next chapter is a big shocker so brace yourselves. You're either going to like it, or hate it. Or hate me. I guess we'll all find out when I post the next chapter, huh?