Chapter 2: Uncomfortable Encounters

Darien waited silently for his bed partner to fall into his peaceful slumber. The chest he led his head upon rose and fell with every even breath. The hand that was stroking his unbound hair was now resting on his bare shoulder.

Darien tilted his head upwards to glance at his lover's face. His red hair was tousled and his face serene, those blue eyes that darkened with passion just a few minutes ago were now closed; hiding the intelligence and brilliance. He looked innocent, a young man of twenty four years of age with no care in the world. Nothing like the General of Oz.

/But looks can be deceiving, can't it/

Heaving a soft sigh of relief he moved away from the warm body occupying the bed with him. Laying on his back he watched the as the shadows flickered from the candles that illuminated the room.

He gently sat up and moved from the bed. He held his breath when Trieze shifted in his sleep before stilling again. He waited a couple of more second before he quietly started gathering his discarded clothes of the soft maroon carpet.

He quickly moved towards the general's bathroom to dress. Not wasting any time admiring the elegant marble interior of the bathing area, he began putting on his uniform. After tying off the end of his braid he made to leave the bathroom when he glance in the mirror adove the sink. He scowled when he observed the faint flush that still remained on his cheeks. His lips were full and slightly bruised from the force of the general's amorous attention. After further inspection he cursed when he saw the dark bruise on his neck just above the collar of his uniform.

/Damn it Trieze! The bastard knew how much I hated such displays. How the hell am I going to cover this/

Darien recalled the many times that he protested to Treize to be discreet where he placed such evident of their encounters. /He might as well piss on me! Sure sign for anyone not to touch the general's property. FUCK/

He closed his eyes as he tried to calm his raising anger. Realizing that he had no choice he squared his shoulders and open his eyes to gaze back at his reflection. His calm façade was clashing with the fury that burned in his eyes. He turned and exited the bathroom and without glancing at the sleeping form on the bed moved towards the office. He grabbed his hat off Trieze's desk before moving to leave the general's quarters.

He paid no attention to the two guards outside as made his way towards the hangars on the other side of the compound. Hopefully Noin would be there.

The first thing he saw when he entered the hanger made him curse at his bad run of luck. He wanted to speak to Noin, but it seemed that their 'Colonel' got to her first. He turned to exit when Noin saw him, "Duo! Over here!"

Duo stiffened at the loud call. /Damn./

He calmly schooled his features before he moved towards the two officers. He kept his gaze on Noin even when he saluted Zechs. Being the professional that he was Zechs did not make him suffer and acknowledged his greeting.

Regaining his balance, he strategically turned so that Zechs could not see the bruise that stained his pale throat. Focusing his attention on Noin, he saw the surprise and quiet humor when she caught sight of the love bite. Not giving her time to comment he spoke, "I have data that you need to see before we leave tomorrow. When you are both done, could you meet me in my quarters?"

Before Noin could reply Zechs cleared his throat. Darien inclined his head to looked at then taller man. His eyes questioned the interruption, but he clenched his jaw showing his displeasure. If Zechs realized it, he gave no outward acknowledgement of it. Completely serene, he held Darien gaze.

"I have reports to go through with you both Lieutanant Mayser, your social interaction will have to wait until later….much later."

Unlike Zechs, Darien was not always gentleman, he will not restrain from holding back his distain if you push him. Noin could just imagine the things that Darien was about to say. So before he could open his mouth, Noin jumped in.

"Why don't we look at those reports now? I do have an appointment with the doctor afterwards that can't wait long."

Zechs raised a blonde eyebrow at Noin when he heard the nervous tone in her voice. He frown at her when she grabbed Mayser arm and dragged him towards the hangar office. His blue eyes moved from her to the protesting man she was moving along.

From the moment they met a year ago, Zechs had found Darien Mayser a thorn in his side. He was rude, loud, and most of all fake. There was something about him that Zechs could not look past to befriend or at least be civil towards. He refused to think that he was jealous of a fifteen year old, but he sometimes found himself wanting to rip that condescending smirk of his face.

Because they share mutual friends, Zechs had tried to keep things civil, but sometimes Darien brought out the worst in him. Noin had commented on his increasing verbal abuse towards Mayser and Trieze had only two hours ago reprimanded them on their continued hostility.

/Friends indeed/

He knew that Trieze and Mayser were lovers, something of which he had kept to himself. He was an officer, and whatever his superior did behind closed doors wasn't any of his business. But as Trieze's friend, he was furious. He had known Trieze since they were mere boys. Getting involved with Mayser irked him to no end. Why in all hell did Trieze have to fall for Mayser. He did not fault Trieze on his taste, at least in physical appearance.

Darien Mayser was a very attractive male. He was of an average stature, but had long legs. He had a defined muscular build and yet still slender in appearance. His long chestnut braid swayed against his thighs as he walked. Bringing attention to the highlights of gold and red that glittered in the sun. His heart-shaped face soft and pale, calling notice to high cheekbone, small slender nose, and full ruby lips. His slender eyebrows that raised in questioned over long lashes that surrounded the amethyst eyes. He reminded Zechs of a magical water sprite, with those elven features he could be. Zechs grudging gave credit where it was due, but Mayser's mere attitude made him hideous to the colonel.

/Enough! Fine, Trieze knows what his doing. Besides, you have work to do. Show that upstart that you are better for the job than he will ever be./

He scowled in irritation, but refused to admit how childish his thoughts seem to be. With those foul thoughts running around in his head, Zechs followed the two officers into the office.

His mood changed when he remembered the discomfort that Darien had when he appeared. His slight movement failed to keep Zechs from seeing the bruise on his pale neck. Clearly the younger man was embarrassed by the display. He could work with that. If he could make Mayser as uncomfortable as possible, then that was a job well done for the day.

He chuckled quietly//I guess we'll see./

Somewhere deep within the forests of western Europe:

The sun was rising slowly over the mountains in the distance. Within the trees birds start singing, greeting the new day. Silently, a figure moves down below the tree canopies with practiced stealth. He already knew that he wasn't being followed, but caution never hurt anyone. He kept to the shadows of the trees, and kept walking west.

He walked for a few more minutes before the outline of the house appeared. It was orginally white in color, but years have molded the color into a dirt brown with covering of vines. It was the perfect safehouse.

He stopped for a brief moment to glance behind him. He watched beyond the trees, seeing in his mind the camouflaged hangar that kept their gundams safe. He shook his head before turning and walking towards the house. He was about to enter when he heard a slight noise from the side of the house.

He slowly turned the corner of the house to see one of his fellow gundam pilots practicing silently with his katanas. On in each hand he moved slowly in a graceful sequence. The pilot's eyes were closed as he quietly stepped in a tight but controlled circle.

He studied the pilot for a second before he turned to proceed back to the house. Before he turned the corner again, he was address by the other pilot.

"How did your mission go Yuy?"

He did not stop, but he nodded his head slightly knowing that the pilot saw it.

Chang Wufei did not think too much on the short exchange before he closed his eyes and concentrated on his meditations. Heero Yuy's silence was familiar now to the other three gundam pilots. No one questioned his routine or his lack of social skills. Although Quatre did try on some occasions to lure the perfect soldier into conversing with them.

After a few more minutes he carefully put away his treasured swords and moved towards the screen door that led to the kitchen. He was not surprised to see Quatre Winner already cooking breakfast. Seating at the counter with his face behind a newspaper was Trowa Barton. Heero was no where in sight.

At the sound of the screen door shutting behind him, Quatre turned from the stove to smile at him. "Morning Wufei. I'm making french toast. It's almost ready, so seat down." Wufei blinked at the cheerfulness of that simple statement. It was still early and even under Wufei's stare, the cheer in the blonde's voice was unwavering.

He sat down two seats away from Trowa and glanced out the window. The sun that was slowly streaming in was soft against the blonde hair atop Quatre's head. Sometimes when he looked at Quatre he would wonder how a sweet tempered boy like him got mixed up in this war. But then he would remember the things that Quatre would do as pilot 04. Sweet but dangerous by his own right. Looks can be deceiving.

"Here you go Wufei."

The Chinese teen nodded his head in thanks before turning to the food that was placed in front of him. He watched from the corner of his eye as Quatre placed a plate in front of Trowa before eating himself. The quiet thanks was bestowed upon the blonde by the soft caress on his hand. Quatre smile softly before turning towards his food. Silence fell upon them for a while.

The peaceful moment was broken when Quatre looked up and softly spoke.

"How was your mission Heero?"

The three occupance of the kitchen watched as Heero move into the room and take the plate that Quatre held out to him. He nodded thanks and seated quietly down to eat. But before he brought the food to his mouth he replied.

"Mission completed."

Everyone turned towards their own food, but this time no one ate. Just stared quietly into space.

Wufei pushed his plate away and grunted in irritation. "Well…I have tried to be patient. But it's running low today for some reason. What did Dr. J tell you, Yuy?"

Quatre raised his head and glanced at Trowa before moving his blue eyes towards the man in question. Trowa was more serene as he raised his eyebrow at the Japanese teen. They all waited and watched as Heero place his fork in his plate but did not raise his head.

"J had inform me that Dr.G refuses to hand over the gundam Deathsythe to either of us. It already has a pilot. He is just waiting for the right moment to introduce him."

Wufei scowled, "We're in the middle of a war! Not a pageant! We need that Gundam."

"The others agree that they should give G and pilot 02 more time. While that happens, they won't give us any mission that will require all five gundams or the gundam's specific skills."

Quatre bit his bottom lip in thought, he raised his eyes to see Heero looking at him questioningly. Taking a deep breathe he directed his question, "How long do we have to wait for pilot 02?"

"Not long. J states that G is almost through with pilot 02's briefing."

"Briefing? On what?"

When there was no answer to that, they all knew that the doctors gave no answer to Heero that he found useful.

"To quote the doctors, 'you'll know in time.'…… Time."

Wufei gritted his teeth. "Time we don't have you mean. That had better be some briefing, because if pilot 02 doesn't measure up, I'll rip-"

He cut himself off when realized that everyone was looking at him in shock. Even Yuy and Trowa were surprised at his outburst. He calm his temper and inclined his head in apology.

"Honor dictates my actions, but not all the time."

Quatre smiled warmly at him. "We're all a little impatient Wufei, it's understandable. And trully…pilot 02 should live up to the hype."…………..