Title: Playing the Blame Game
Author: Karina
Rating: PG
Pairing: Duo + Milliardo
Notes: Challenge 194. Baby Series 4 #38. Takes place a few minutes after The Beautiful Things.
Spoilers: None
Warnings:
Many thanks to ShenLong Deb for her work betaing this set of fics.
Disclaimer: I don't own Gundam Wing or the Characters from the series but the baby is mine.
Title: Playing the Blame Game
Milliardo brushed an errant strand of pale hair from his eyes. Much as he was enjoying himself he would have to call a halt to the nights activities. For the first time in months he felt as though he could sleep for hours, though he knew by the time he reached his suite he would be less inclined toward sleeping. It was unfortunate, but he would at least get some sleep before his aides rousted him out to begin another full day.
It would be an important day too. Chang's people would be formally welcomed to Sanc. What would the reaction there be to the aftermath of the war and the quirk of fate that brought them to Sanc to settle? He had been Oz and he was no fool, he knew where many of the survivors laid blame for the destruction of the colony. His not being a part of Oz at that time during the war would have little measure in their eyes. He was, after all, the notorious leader of the White Fang.
He would, somehow, make it work. For Chang, for his people… but mostly for Stephen's generation.
Following so wide ranging and dynamic a war, it was hard to restore faith in one's fellow man. Opposing sides eyed each other with distrust, playing the blame game, pointing fingers. He had gone through that so many times it should not have bothered him; but it did. He was not so thick skinned that he could allow insults to roll off him without bruising.
"Zechs? You okay?"
But this was not fair to Duo who would, come the morning, return to Chang's side. He needed rest to face the trials of the day ahead of them and they could return here another night.
"I believe I am actually tired, my friend. For once I think I might actually sleep more than a couple of hours."
That flashing smile warmed him and a dirty, dust laden hand rose to leave a dusty smear across his cheek as Duo stretched, swiping a wisp of hair aside that had escaped his braid.
"Yeah, I know what you mean. I sometimes get relaxed enough to sleep when I come here. I've been tempted to see if Pagan would let me bring a bed up. No insult intended to the palace, Zechs, but it's so big I wake up by the time I get to my room, shower and get to bed."
"Mmmm, I was afraid of that happening, but for tonight at least we have no recourse other than to go back to our rooms."
Duo stared curiously at him. "For tonight?"
"I might declare war if the old man does not set up a bedroom and bathroom closer to the access stairs. I could get used to this."
Duo chortled softly. "Why didn't I bring you up here before? A few creature comforts would be nice."
End
Karina Robertson 2012