Betaed by Skippyscatt

Wufei watched Zechs out of the corner of his eye as he sat back into the seat. He looked a little tired, slightly strained. Wufei knew that Zechs only looked like that when the strain was almost unbearable and he was exhausted.

"Would you like to put our evening off til later? I will understand if you do."

Zechs rubbed his forehead with a hand that shook slightly. "No, I really don't want to. I think I need it. I don't want to think about this just now. There's not enough Intel to even start a proper investigation. Please."

Wufei just nodded. "You're very tired. But if you're sure, I would like this very much."

"I'm sure. . ." Zechs bit at his lip. "I have a confession to make. I'm not sure whether you'll be angry or not."

Wufei raised his eye brow. "Why not just say whatever you have to say and let the . . . er . . . chips fall where they may."

"Yes, I think you're right . . . um . . ." Zechs fished in his jacket pocket and produced the cord. "I removed this. Rather hurriedly."

Wufei inspected the cord with a slight frown. "I see no reason to be angry. You couldn't afford the distraction. Perfectly understandable." Wufei noticed that Zechs seemed a little disappointed. "You think I should be angry? Why?"

"I . . . I'm not sure. I'm so tired I can't think. I'm sorry."

Wufei prodded and pulled until Zechs was on his knees on the floor with his head in Wufei's lap.

"Don't be sorry. I know you're tired. Sleep now. It's at least an hour's drive with this traffic. Don't worry about anything. Just let go. I'm here. I'll take care of you."

Wufei slipped the tie off the end of Zechs' braid and started gently unraveling the silken mass. He ran his fingers gently through the plait until it came loose, then he continued to stroke the soft strands. Zechs drifted off almost at once.

Wufei sat and relaxed himself. He thought Treize was a fool. Zechs deserved to be treated with respect no matter what his preferences were. Wufei knew that many men would take advantage of Zechs, seeing his needs as weakness. But Zechs was anything but weak. His needs were just different and Wufei saw no need to worry about them. They'd reach an understanding. Wufei smiled as Zechs made a soft snuffling noise in his sleep.

When the driver opened the door, Wufei bent over Zechs and patted him on the back.

"Come on, love. You need to wake up. We're home." Wufei never realized the deeply satisfying glow that simple sentence created in Zechs.

"Um. Let me wake up a little. Wouldn't do for me to be staggering in the door at this time of night."

Wufei let Zechs stretch and yawn himself awake then went ahead of him through the foyer and up the broad stairs. The click of Zechs' boot heels followed him down the hall and into their rooms.

Wufei turned to Zechs just inside the door. "Now about that cord."

Zechs bit his lip. "I should have asked before I took it off. I'm sorry. I'll endure any punishment you choose. Just . . ."

Wufei raised an eyebrow, he hoped Zechs wasn't going to say what he was afraid he would.

"I . . . don't be angry." Zechs sighed.

Wufei put his arms around Zechs. "I'm only angry that you think I might be. I didn't tell you you couldn't take it off. And I never will. I expect you to respect my desires unless they interfere with something like this. This was much more important and you know it."

Wufei hugged Zechs, who relaxed and hugged back.

Zechs laughed softly. "I take it that you are going to humor my excesses?"

Wufei poked him in the stomach gently. "Yes, I'll humor you. I would like to be undressed please. As to some of your other . . . requirements. I don't see the need to pretend. Unless you are into role playing of some sort. You feel you require punishment for things you've done. Sometimes the need is overwhelming. I would rather you came to me than went somewhere people don't understand you. I've heard things I don't like. And I refuse to go into it, thank you." Zechs had helped Wufei off with his coat while he'd been talking.

"I'll do whatever you like, but there will be no foolishness. We'll set up safe words and boundaries. I'm fairly sure I know all yours. Mine are simple . . ." Zechs held up Wufei's studs. "put the studs on the dresser. . . No blood. If I draw blood, it will be an accident. Whatever we are doing will stop at once. I'll dress whatever wounds there are and the scene will not continue. I refuse to bruise you. If I do, it will be a true accident. I'm well trained in these sorts of things. I know you don't understand but my clan was rather down to earth about such things. We didn't discuss them but everyone knew that certain things were done and I was trained to do them correctly. So . . . I've read your requirements, if you remember."

Zechs nodded as he put Wufei's shirt aside. He couldn't believe that Wufei was so comfortable with his perversions. Wufei smiled at Zechs.

"Finish undressing me."

Zechs knelt at Wufei's feet and leaned toward him. He started to attempt to unbutton Wufei's trousers with his teeth.

"No, with your hands. I want to feel them on my body. I don't like teeth. A little licking, yes; teeth, no."

Zechs scooted closer to Wufei and carefully opened his fly. Then he took off Wufei's shoes and socks, tucking the socks into the shoes and setting them aside. He pulled the trousers down and let Wufei put on hand on his shoulder as he stepped out of them.

Wufei obediently raised his arms and allowed Zechs to push his undershirt up. Zechs slid his hands up Wufei's ribs, stroking hard enough not to tickle. Wufei sighed contentedly. It felt so good. Zechs had large hands with long, narrow palms and slender, strong fingers. His palms were slightly calloused from weight lifting and felt wonderful sliding up his rib cage.

"I like your hands. They're warm and just calloused enough."

Zechs blinked. He hated his hands. They were skinny and white. He secretly thought they looked like spiders. He folded Wufei's shirt and set it aside, then hung the trousers on their hanger, adding the jacket.

He picked up Wufei's shirt, checked to make sure that he'd gotten all the studs out and tossed it into the hamper. He returned to Wufei and waited for further instructions.

"Kiss me."

Zechs blinked. "Excuse me? Um . . . where? I mean . . ."

Wufei smiled and pointed to his mouth. So Zechs kissed him. Their tongues slid across each other exploring. Wufei had to tip his head back uncomfortably. Zechs realizing what was happening slid to his knees, then he had to be uncomfortable. He found it erotic to have to reach up to his lover, instead of looming over the smaller man.

Wufei murmured against his lovers lips. "Mmmm, kneeling isn't necessary. Get up."

Zechs sighed. "I like it down here. Nice. You're tall."

Wufei laughed gently, pushed Zechs away and climbed on the bed. "Undress for me."

Zechs stood and gave Wufei a puzzled look. "Strip tease? I don't think . . ."

Wufei just shook his head. "No. Just undress as you usually would. Only move a little more slowly. Go on. I just like watching you."

Zechs shrugged and did as he was told. This wasn't exactly what he'd expected but he was quite willing to do whatever his lover wanted. He was enjoying giving up, letting go, doing what he was told instead of struggling to do things exactly right. He knew it was stupid but he had to do things just right. He still remembered the time when every mistake he made meant someone was injured or killed.

So he undressed for Wufei. First he took off his shoes and socks, tucking the shoes away in their place in the closet he dropped his socks in the same hamper with Wufei's shirt and turned to see Wufei laying on his side on the bed, his head supported on his fist. He was smiling gently and he was naked. Zechs wondered briefly why he noticed that so particularly, he knew Wufei was naked he'd undressed him.

Wufei smiled at Zechs and touched himself, just a touch. Not even anything really suggestive, just a simple touch. Zechs shuddered and bowed his head, struggling to control himself.

"Finish, please." Wufei motioned with his hand.

Zechs pulled his shirt out of his trousers and started taking out the studs. His hands shook, so he clenched his fingers, then tried again.

Wufei noticed but didn't say anything, he just enjoyed the show.

Zechs put his studs on the dresser mixing them in with Wufei's, Wufei noticed the significance, Zechs was too busy trying not to throw up.

Wufei waited as Zechs finished undressing and turned to face him. He just looked for a moment and let Zechs look back.

"Come here. Don't hurry. I like watching you walk. You move so well."

Zechs blinked. "Like a well-trained puppy."

"Stallion. Gorgeous. Bring that slipper."

Zechs shuddered slightly. "Yes, sir." Zechs bent to retrieve the slipper from under the stool, then he went to Wufei.

Wufei had now settled himself against the headboard and was sitting with his legs out stretched. He patted one thigh, signaling where he wanted Zechs.

Zechs crawled onto the bed and knelt offering Wufei the slipper. Wufei took it and patted his lap again, Zechs laid across it, positioning himself properly without prompting.
"I . . ."

"If you say what I think you are going to say, I'll double the punishment"

"I'm sorry. And yes, please. I shouldn't have . . ."

SMACK!

Wufei brought the slipper down on Zechs with a stinging blow. Zechs flinched before he realized that it stung sharply, but it only stung. There was no thud.

"You did what you should have done. No more discussion. Double the swats now. And I expect you to keep count. If you lose track, I'll be very disappointed."

Zechs grimaced, if he lost track he'd have to start again, which he hated. "I'll be good. I can keep track."

"See that you do. If you lose track, I'll stop. You'll like that even less than starting again."

Zechs was so startled that he rolled over to stare at Wufei. Stop the scene. That was really a new one. Wufei smirked at him.

"Oh, and hold still a moment. We forgot something." Wufei reached under a pillow and pulled out a new cord. He bound Zechs again making sure that he would have a great deal of difficulty coming without permission.

Zechs whimpered softly. "Mein Gott." Wufei just pushed him back into position.

Wufei smacked Zechs again then continued to spank him spreading the swats across his rounded backside carefully. He sighed, Zechs was beginning to turn very red. Perhaps too red. He stopped to touch, carefully judging his condition by the heat of his flesh.

"Gott im Himmel! Shinhao, nicht. . . I mean, don't stop now."

Wufei considered, carefully weighing Zechs's needs against the heated appearance of his ass.

"I'm not sure . . ."

"Ach, I blush quickly. Mine . . . dammit!"

Wufei smacked Zechs hard, making him moan softly, it definitely wasn't a moan of pain. "I don't care which language you speak, my German is good. Just pick one, please. How many is that?"

"Zwanzig. Twenty. I can't . . . I keep forgetting. And . . ."

Wufei rolled Zechs over and kissed him bending to his mouth to caress his lips gently stroking him at the same time. All Zechs could do was whimper and accept the kiss. Wufei ran one hand over his lover's chest stroking and pinching his nipples until he was completely mindless. Turning him into a mass of want and need and please.

"Stop that. I don't care which language you speak. Just enjoy. Stop worrying. If you don't calm down, I'll stop and you won't like that, will you?"

"Nein, nicht. . . du . . . lieber Gott. "

Zechs gave up completely and collapsed onto Wufei's lap again.

"Count out loud."

"Ja. Ja. Count."

"In English."

Zechs groaned. "Gott im Himmel!! You're killing me."

"In English, count. . . now."

Smack

"Twenty one!"

Smack.

"Twenty two. ‘Fei!"

Smack.

"Twenty three. Gott im Himmel, ‘Fei, please."

Wufei stroked Zechs again. He was getting very hot, in more ways than one.

"Ich kann nicht mehr. . . Bitte! Mausi . . .Bitte!"

Wufei smacked him three more times, commanding him to count, which he did.

Zechs struggled to contain himself but he finally couldn't help himself. He kicked, not at Wufei just a reflexive jerk of his legs.

Wufei held him down for a second until he could contain himself again.

"Now, bad. And you know it. How many?"

Zechs sobbed softly.

"Zwanzigsechs . . . twentysix. "

"Kicking isn't allowed, is it?"

"Nein es nicht . . . Verzeihung! I'm sorry!"

Zechs didn't know what to do. He wanted relief, he wanted to please Wufei. His backside burned from the spanking, but he wanted more. He sobbed again. Wufei pulled him against his chest and stroked his hair.

"Very good. Just let it out. It's good. Sehr gut. Ja?"

Zechs sighed and snuggled against Wufei. It felt so good just to be able to let go.

Wufei put him back in position and Zechs braced himself for another round of smacks, instead he got a warm slick finger pressed against him. He shuddered, this always hurt.

Wufei snarled softly. "He was always too rough with you. I can tell . . . relax. You have to relax or it will hurt. Softly . . . Gently . . . Easy." Wufei carefully inserted one finger and pushed sliding in by slow increments until Zechs managed to relax.

Wufei soothed Zechs with voice and hands until he relaxed completely. Then he continued to stroke and coax until he had three fingers in and was sure he wouldn't hurt Zechs with what he did next.

"On your back please. I want to see you."

Zechs scrambled to obey, moaning as moving reminded him of his bound condition. Wufei rewarded him with a deep kiss that left them both breathless.

Zechs bit his lip, trying to keep quiet. Wufei picked up the remote for the stereo.

"I'll turn on some music. Would you like that?"

"Ja. They. . ."

Wufei put one finger on his lips. "They probably wouldn't notice a bomb going off. But I know you're sensitive about that. Now . . ."

Wufei pressed Zechs down on his back again and kissed him gently. "You'll like this I think."

Wufei had Zechs grasp his ankles and pull his legs back, spreading himself wide. He groaned and obeyed leaving himself vulnerable, open to Wufei's gaze. Wufei looked at Zechs and stroked him for a moment, making Zechs nearly scream with need.

All he could do was babble and beg. "Bitte, Mausi, bitte. . . bitte. Do something."

Wufei positioned himself behind Zechs and groaned. He was needy too, but he was going to see to Zechs before himself.

Zechs whimpered as Wufei entered him in a slow push that opened him without any pain. It felt so good that the only thing that kept him from embarrassing himself was the cord which bound him.

Wufei stopped and leaned in to kiss him. The kiss was so intense that Zechs didn't notice busy fingers removing his bonds.

Wufei brought them both to climax with the William Tell Overture playing in the background.

Zechs sighed and wrapped his arms around Wufei.

"Ach, sehr gut."

Wufei snuggled against Zechs's chest and sighed himself. It was good. Very good.

He waited until Zechs was nearly asleep, then he got up and went into the bathroom, returning a few moments later with a wet cloth, some towels, a brush and two hair ties.

After washing Zechs carefully, he brushed out his hair, plated it in a loose braid and put a tie onto the end. Zechs barely woke up. Then he brushed and tied his own hair. He had no intention of waking up to snarls and tangles.

Zechs reached out for him so Wufei settled himself in his arms and fell asleep with Zechs's breath on his neck.

######

Heero thanked the driver and turned to see Duo opening the door. He looked as tired as Heero felt. This was bad. They both had to be in the office Monday at 8:00 A.M..

"Come on love. Let's get to bed. We'll both be worthless if we don't get some sleep."

Duo yawned, patting it back with one hand. "Yeah. But . . ." he gave Heero a cheeky grin. "Let's knock boots first. I'll manage. We're still young enough to . . ." Duo yelped as Heero dumped him over one shoulder and headed for the stairs. "I can walk! Hey! Ow!"

Heero smacked him on the butt and told him to shut up.

Duo alternately laughed and swore all the way to their rooms.

Heero kicked the door shut and tossed Duo onto the bed.

"Hey! Easy there. We'll break another bed. Zechs'll have a fit."

Heero smirked at Duo. "Yeah? Don't think so. Did you hear as we went by their room? He's going to be sitting funny tomorrow."

Duo smirked back. "Oh, yeah? And I'm not. Nope, not me."

Heero raised an eyebrow and jumped Duo.

Duo opened his arms and grabbed Heero around the waist. They wrestled back and forth across the bed, tearing the covers off and wadding them into knots.

They kissed and cuddled, wrestled and rolled. They dumped the bedspread and top sheet onto the floor, one pillow followed soon after.

Heero tucked the other under Duo's hips and wasted no time; snatching the proffered tube of slick from Duo's hand, he slathered it on and slowly, carefully worked into Duo. Duo cooperated fully, breathing easily and opening to Heero with a minimum of fuss.

Heero sighed. "Ah, that's nice. Just a second. I'm gonna blow if we don't stop."

Duo moaned softly. "Jaysus Cee on a crutch. Man, I'm gonna take over if ya dun do summat."

Heero knew that Duo was half gone, he always reverted to L2 slang when he was either angry or ready to burst.

He bent over and kissed Duo thoroughly letting his tongue lave every centimeter of the willing orifice.

Duo pushed Heero back with his chin making a ‘mmmphf' sound. "Aasy there lurv. Slow down. We'll both pop before we're ready."

Heero angled his hips just right and thrust. Duo arched his back and screamed, nearly incoherent immediately. Heero yelled and they both exploded.

"Oh, fuck. Oh hell. Wow." Duo flopped back on the bed. "That was way too fast."

Heero shrugged. "Again?"

"In a minute. What do you think about tonight?"

Heero settled on his side next to Duo. "Not much. Preventers will take care of it."

Duo snorted. "Not a chance in hell. With no international boundaries they've got their hands full. And they have all sorts of silly rules they have to obey. Civil rights and all that crap."

Heero reached over and rubbed his hand over Duo's belly. Then he started stroking him to hardness again. It didn't take long.

"Suck me?"

"Fuck you."

"Only if you can wrestle me down."

Duo snorted. "Word?"

"Word"

Heero lay back and let Duo take him into his mouth. It was wet and warm and felt so good. He let himself relax and enjoy Duo's attentions.

Duo drew back, waiting until Heero came back to himself a little. Heero gave him a muzzy glare, then realized that Duo wanted his attentions too. They changed positions and Heero returned the favor. They nibbled and licked, suckled and nuzzled. Each pleasuring the other until they both exploded again.

After a few moments spent in dazed recovery, they realized that the bed was mussed beyond comfort.

Duo groused as they remade the bed. "Yuy, you're a royal pain in my ass"

Heero smirked at Duo across the bed. "Want me to kiss it better?"

"No, thank you." Duo glanced at the bedside clock. "Fuck and I don't mean that literally. It's two in the morning. I'll be awake at six. That damn maid bangs around in the hall closet for at least ten minutes just about then. You don't wake up, you asshole."

"I'm just less paranoid than you. I know the difference between threatening noise and cleaning noise."

"Yeah? You're so normal?" Duo's sarcasm made Heero snicker.

"You're just jealous. I got therapy for that."
Duo threw Heero's pillow at him and slapped his onto the remade bed.

"Sleep . . . now . . . smart remarks after breakfast."

"Not with? You're slipping"

Duo ignored that with dignity and crawled into the bed. Heero joined him and gathered Duo into his arms joyful that he could touch Duo, hold him, sleep with him; at last.

They drifted off together.

~ * ~

"Good morning."

The maid cringed, Master Yuy didn't look too happy.

"Guten Morgen, Herr Yuy"

"Go back down stairs. Tell the housekeeper that no one. No one. Is to be in this hall until after we all wake up. There is a distinct possibility that sudden . . . banging noises could set off reactions you'd rather not participate in. Do I make myself clear?"

The look that accompanied Heero's words made the maid scurry away quickly.

Heero sauntered back to the suite satisfied that he'd taken care of Duo's problems. He was totally unaware of the stir the maid would make in the servants quarters

"He was just there. I never heard a thing. Just there, all cold threats, and naked too."

Needless to say no one was ever in that hall again before all the pilots were up, unless it was an emergency.

~ * ~

Zechs woke to something tickling his nose. He caught at it but missed, opening one eye he saw Wufei smiling down at him.

"Awake?"

Zechs sulked. "No. Go ‘way. Sleepy."

Wufei tucked the covers around Zechs and wandered into the bathroom, he still felt sticky and sweaty. His quick sponge down last night hadn't done the trick.

After fiddling around in the room for a while, Wufei decided that he really didn't want a quick shower. He shut the bathroom door so he wouldn't wake Zechs and started the tub. He'd have a good soak instead. Finding the bath oil he wanted he poured some into the running water and watched as the tub began to fill. He settled in as the tub was about half full and let the tub fill the rest of the way while he was in it. The warm water soothed him as he settled into a slight doze again.

He idly went over the events of the last evening and began organizing his thoughts into a list of facts and questions. He'd have to consult with Heero and the others later.

Wufei felt strong hands slip over his shoulders, he leaned his head back to look into still sleepy blue eyes.

"Guten Morgen, Mausi"

Wufei scooted forward in the tub. "Same to you, Mingzhen. How are you this morning?"

Zechs slipped into the tub behind Wufei. "Not too bad. A little sore."

Wufei sighed. "I'm sorry. I should have prepared you better."

"No. I've been without for . . . nearly three years now. So I'm bound to be sore. It'll fade quickly. I have a fast recovery rate."

Zechs picked up a sponge and started to wash Wufei. Wufei let him, enjoying the attention. When Zechs was done Wufei scooted around to face him. Taking the sponge from Zechs he washed his chest and shoulders, admiring the strong set of shoulder and the long column of his neck.

"I'd like to get that Connaway in a dark alley. Giraffe, my ass. You're so beautiful. How . . ."

Zechs put a finger on Wufei's lips. "Never mind him. He's a social pariah now. Forget him. You can't possibly believe I'm beautiful. I'm too white, too tall, and skinny. You . . . you're beautiful. Tight and golden and regal. You make me look like a spider, or a monkey."

Wufei shook his head with a furious look. "Stop that right now. The next time I hear you say something like that, I'll make sure you regret it. You will not denigrate yourself like that."

Zechs gave Wufei a startled look. "I just say the truth."

Wufei frowned. "You are mine. I don't have things that are ugly. Therefore, you are not ugly. I have spoken." Wufei crossed his arms over his chest and nodded firmly. It was a little less dignified that it could have been, as he was waist deep in a bathtub, but Zechs got the idea.

"As you wish." He ducked his head to hide the smile that was trying hard to turn into a delighted grin. He turned to allow Wufei to wash his back and sighed happily. It felt really good.

"Verdammt. . . mess. . .shit." Zechs swore again as he realized that his braid had fallen into the tub before either he or Wufei could catch it.

Wufei eyed the sodden mess with resignation. "Never mind. It needs washing anyway. Stop fussing. I'll help you with it."

So Zechs took his hair out of the wet plait and settled to try to wash it. He usually washed it in the shower, but if he tried to get out of the tub and into the shower, he'd drip all over the place. Wufei took him by the shoulder and stopped him from trying to throw the mess over his head to dunk it into the tub.

"Not like that, just slid down and tip your head back. I'll do the rest."

Wufei guided Zechs as he talked until he was half lying down in the tub. He tipped his head back and shook it wetting all his hair and his scalp thoroughly. The water was warm enough still that it felt good.

Wufei opened the drain and started letting the water out. He didn't want Zechs to rinse his hair in the oily water. The bathroom was warm enough that they wouldn't get chilled.

Zechs watched as Wufei searched for the bottle he wanted.

"That blue bottle is mine."

"Not anymore. That scent is totally inappropriate for you. You're not a rose sort of man. Why you . . ." Wufei gave Zechs a considering look. "Never mind. You need something not quite so sweet. And that soap is, as Duo would say, just nasty. Do you like sandalwood? Or amber. Not civet, too strong alone."

Wufei sorted through the bottles mumbling to himself, Zechs just waited for him to make up his mind. He couldn't care less what he used. He just used whatever he was handed. He'd been using the same products since the academy. If Wufei wanted him to use something different, so be it.

Wufei finally made his selections and brought the soap and shampoo to the tub.

"Sandalwood, thyme and bay. Very masculine without being strong. And you don't have any conditioner."

"I ran out. Just use whatever there is."

"Not a chance in hell. That stuff is awful. Smells like coconut. You can do without once. I'll have some made up with the same scent as the soap and shampoo. Lean back a little."

Zechs leaned and Wufei shampooed his hair for him. He wondered a little that Wufei was experienced in washing long hair. Then an image of Duo popped into his head. That mass of hair equaled his own. He relaxed again.

Wufei started the water again, carefully adjusting the temperature so it was comfortable.

Wufei soothed Zechs, and his own frazzled nerves, with simple scents and careful motions.

They finished washing out Zechs's hair and Zechs insisted on washing Wufei's hair for him.

When they were finished, the bathroom was greatly the worse for wear. They'd managed to splash and splatter water all over the floor. The tub was full of hair and towels were scattered from one side to the other.

Wufei gazed with some dismay at the mess, but when he started to pick up Zechs stopped him.

"I know you were trained to pick up after yourself and I find that admirable. But I pay my people a great deal of money to pick up after me. I haven't gotten to enjoy the fruits of my rank very much. So I've decided that I'm going to start. Leave it."

Wufei started to argue then just dropped the towel he was holding, he really didn't feel much like cleaning up all this and Zechs was right.

"All right. This once. But we shouldn't take advantage no matter how much you pay. There's no excuse for leaving this kind of mess on a regular basis . . . come here and I'll blow dry your hair. Then you do me . . ." Zechs smirked. "Ass!" Wufei got out the blow dryer and pointed it at Zechs. Zechs put his hands up as if it were a gun which made Wufei laugh. "Behave yourself. I'm hungry and want my breakfast. If we don't get going, Maxwell will eat it all and there'll be none left for us. Come on."

Zechs laughed back and stood as Wufei dried his hair for him. It was something he was going to get used to very quickly. This having someone to do his hair.

After his hair was dried and braided, Zechs took the dryer and did Wufei's hair for him.

"Stop skinning your hair back so tightly. You've got traction alopecia something fierce. You're pulling the hair out by the roots. I'm going to put on the tie and you don't pull it so tightly. You hear me?"

Wufei nodded, causing Zechs to swat his shoulder and tell him to quit squirming. "Stand still. I can't work on a galloping goose."

After getting dressed in jeans and T-shirts they both headed downstairs barefooted to see if there was any breakfast left.

~ * ~
Heero watched Duo sleep until he knew he had to wake him. If he slept too long, he got up groggy and cranky and a cranky Duo was no fun. It was easy to forget that Duo was a street rat, that his happy personality hid a pure ruthlessness that was the only reason he'd survived two stretches on the mean streets of L2, Gundam training and a war.

"Wake up, Duo. Open your pretty eyes and smile for me. Hey?"

Duo's eyes popped open and he grumbled.

"‘M awake. Swear. Go way. No wait, what time is it?"

"Nearly nine. Better get up. You'll be in a pissy mood if you don't . . . and we might not get breakfast. Zechs and Wufei will be up and eat it all."

Duo grumbled some more and crawled out of the bed. "I don't understand why we have to worry about eating in a house like this. What? . . . the kitchen is closed between some when and some when else?"

Heero shrugged. "It's a buffet mostly. I think they take it down before it spoils . . . or dries out . . . or something. Cook didn't really like us in the kitchen so . . . whatever. Just get up ok?"

"I'm up. I'm up. I swear. Just gonna catch a shower." Duo wrinkled his nose and nearly wailed. "I'm all sticky and . . . why didn't we shower before we went to sleep?"

Heero sighed. It was going to be one of those days. Duo, in this mood couldn't be satisfied. It didn't happen often, in the month they'd been back together it had only happened once. And before that only twice. But it was enough to make even him cringe. In this mood Duo would and had charged a stalking Aries barehanded.

"Duo, please, don't get in one of your moods. You've got to go to the office tomorrow and you won't rest today if you get all . . ."

"All what!? Pissy? Dammit, Heero. I just. . . fuck." Duo threw up his hands and headed for the bathroom. Heero started to follow. "Don't. I want to cool off in a shower before I get in one of my . . . moods." Duo slammed the bathroom door.

Heero gathered up their dirty clothing and pulled the sheets off the bed. He tossed everything into the hamper in the closet and pulled out clothing for both of them. He decided on jeans, T-shirts and, after some consideration, left the choice of foot wear up to Duo. Heero wriggled his toes in the carpet and decided against shoes.

~ * ~

Duo slammed around in the bathroom, turning on the shower and rummaging for shampoo and conditioner, soap and towels. He knew he was in a mood, but he couldn't help it. He was sticky, sweaty and his hair was greasy. He wanted a long hot shower but, if he didn't want to miss breakfast, he was going to have to hurry. All his young life he'd had to hurry in bathing, now that there was plenty of hot water he wanted to enjoy it, and he resented being rushed.

Duo stepped into the shower and snarled his way through washing; he knew he was being unreasonable but . . . the water was too hot, then it was too cold. The shampoo smelled funny and the conditioner was slimy. The soap wasn't and the towels were. In other words he was in a mood.

Heero walked in, grabbed Duo and just hugged him until he gave up.

"Now, talk. What the hell is your malfunction?"

Duo shuddered. "I dunno. I just . . . it . . . shit. Heero just go away until I get a handle on this. I don't wanna get into a fight with you. I'm not fit company."

Heero refused to let go. "Duo . . . we were apart so long. I don't want to be away from you. Not even long enough for you . . ."

Duo put a hand over Heero's mouth. "I know not even long enough for me to take a shit." Heero blushed, that had been embarrassing. He'd missed Duo in the middle of the night and walked in on him. Duo had laughed but Heero was so embarrassed he'd gone back to bed and pulled the sheet over his head until Duo got into the bed. Then he'd spent half an hour trying to apologize. Duo'd blown it off as nothing and still teased him about it.

Duo took the towel from Heero and wrapped it around his wet hair. "I don't know what it is. Just. . ."

"I know. Relena. Someone's after her. Or after blondes. Several of the other victims were blond. Why not just relax until we have more data. Then we can . . ."

"Get told to fuck off by Une the Iron Maiden. That's what."

"No, Zechs isn't going to let it go and you know it. We'll have to be careful not to . . . flash our hand. But we'll take care of business. Zechs is her brother after all."

Duo brightened. "Yeah, got one there. She can't tell him to piss off, especially if Relena wants him to look into this. We need to talk to him . . . come on. Let's get going."

Suddenly Duo's day was looking considerable brighter, and so was Heero's.

~ * ~

Breakfast was still out on the side board when Duo and Heero got down. In fact Wufei and Zechs met them in the downstairs hall.

"We need to talk." Zechs blinked. The same sentence had come out of four mouths at almost the same instant.

Wufei deferred to Zechs with Duo and Heero just glaring. "I was going to wait until after breakfast but . . . load your plates and we'll put our heads together over the food."

Heero carried Duo's extra plate to the table and watched in amusement as he dithered between blintzes and fruit cup, finally he went back to Duo and simply dumped the fruit cup on the blintzes and bopped him on the head.

"Dummy. You're going to be sick if you eat all that. What the hell are you thinking?"

Duo froze a second and so did Heero, had he misjudged Duo's mind set?

Duo growled. "You eat like a fuckin' bird when you're worried. So . . . look at that plate. Stupid shit."

Heero glanced at his own plate and flushed. He'd taken a piece of toast and a small spoon of eggs. They looked lonely on the plate sitting next to his half full cup of unsweetened green tea.

Duo snarled his way back to his seat and smacked the plate on the table. He was in one of his moods and getting him out of it was going to be a job. Heero sighed, he'd thought he'd eased Duo past his pissy fit, but evidently not. He wondered what thoughts had pushed Shinigami so close to the surface.

Zechs settled in his chair and started eating. He was distracted thinking about the reports he was going to have to pry out of Une's clutches

"Dammit, Heero eat the mother fucker, don't just poke at it." Duo slammed his fork down on the table and glowered at Heero. Heero glowered back

Wufei flinched and nearly cowered in his chair. Zechs came back to the present with a start.

"What? Duo?"

Duo jumped up and snarled. "Don't wait for me. I'm not in any mood to fuck with Une and her . . ." he made a ‘don't touch me' gesture, throwing his hands up, when Heero reached for him. "I'm going to the gym. You . . . eat." He pointed at Heero and then stormed out the door.

Zechs carefully put his fork down. "What the hell just happened. Mausi, I never saw you . . . cower like that before. Not from anyone. What is it?"

Wufei rubbed his face with one hand and reached for his tea with the other. Heero just looked somewhere between sad and mad.

Heero started talking and, with interjections from Wufei. Explained to Zechs that Duo was the most even tempered of all six of them but when he was in one of his moods. Things got blown up.

Wufei sighed. "I've only seen him like this . . . twice?" Wufei looked at Heero for confirmation. Heero nodded. "The last time he was this bad was the Zowallie Refinery, we were only supposed to destroy the cracker"

"But I got captured, they tortured me some and Wufei rescued me."

Wufei took up the story. "He was unconscious from some drug and a really nasty crack on the head. And covered with blood, some mine. Duo took one look and got that look on his face."

"Wufei couldn't stop him, he had me on his hands. Duo went in, in Deathscythe and flattened the whole place. It's still just a smoking hole in Africa."

Zechs looked disgusted. "I told Commander Abasi not to touch you. It was my fault entirely." He buried his face in his hands. "Gott is meir. Is there no end to the apologies?"

Heero shrugged. "Duo stepped on him. And I know it was against your orders. Not your fault. Forget it."

Zechs gave Heero an anguished look. "I'm sorry. Wufei . . ."

"Don't worry about it. We did what we had to. You kept your people under control and didn't allow atrocities. But you can't be everywhere all the time." Wufei went to stand behind Zechs and place a hand on his shoulder in comfort.

Zechs shuddered once, put his own grief and confusion aside and demanded to know what they could do for Duo.

Heero shrugged. "Stuff him in a straight jacket, except he'd chew his way through the straps and blow up the house."

Zechs blinked for a second then noticed Wufei's smile. "If you two don't get serious, I'll . . ."

Heero smirked. "Let him alone. He'll go to the gym and work it off, or he'll go running until he drops in exhaustion. Wufei and I will make sure he only blows up what needs it. But he can scare even me when he gets like this. So step carefully until he's back to himself."

Wufei returned to his breakfast and Heero settled again too. Zechs poked at his food for a while and finally gave up.

"If you are done, we could retire to the study and try to get some information out of Une."

~ * ~

Duo went to the gym and worked on the heavy bag until his hands, ankles and knees were sore. He wrapped his arms around it and stood panting trying to get himself under control, but the thought of having to work with Une had him completely off balance. Objectively he knew that she was just doing her job. Subjectively, he couldn't decide whether he hated her or was scared of her or both or what.

Duo shook his head, if he got any more confused his head was going to explode.

He flopped down on the floor and sprawled out to cool off, he wished for a towel but he'd forgotten one so he'd have to do without. He knew Heero and the others were going to avoid him until he went to them.

"Well, shit."

Duo rolled over and started to stand up, but he heard a funny scrabbling sound in the hall, so he flopped back and waited. Sure enough, Binky came bouncing through the door. She looked well, she was gaining weight and the sores were healing well.

She scrabbled across the slick floor and hopped on Duo's stomach. Duo hugged her gently and then held her at arms length while she did her doggy best to lick him from two feet away.

"Well, little girl, you look good." Duo tickled her ribs, checking to see how much weight she'd gained. "Getting a nice weight on you." Duo tucked her under his chin. "Good girl."

Binky licked Duo's chin and cheeks and anything else she could reach. Duo let her lick for a moment then pulled her down onto his lap. He surged into a sitting position and petted her for a while.

"Where's your keeper? You slipped your leash, you little stinker."

Binky barked happily and struggled to be put down. Duo plopped her onto the floor and waited for whatever was next. Next was Binky showing off the tricks she'd been taught.

A Maltese is a bit of a stubborn dog. They don't like to be bossed around, but Binky, like her brethren wanted to please, so she sat up, rolled over, spoke and offered to shake hands. Duo was delighted, clapping his hands and giving her lavish praise.

The footman in charge of her showed up, skidding in the door panting and a little wild eyed. Duo flinched, Binky yelped and the footman groaned.

"Sir, I'm so sorry. I turned my back for a second and she was out before I could get her. She just wants to be with you. I'll take her back to my rooms."

Duo just hugged the little dog in apology for scaring her and said. "It's ok. I need to spend more time with her. You've been teaching her tricks. That's good. You have to show me how to get her to show them. Come on. I got some feather smoothing to do and she's . . . stop! I give . . . Licking the shit outta me."

The foot man relaxed and smiled, Duo obviously liked Binky very much. He followed discreetly so he could take Binky back to her quarters as soon as Duo was through playing with her. He realized that the young man was in a better mood now than he'd been just seconds ago. He'd heard the swearing and had gone to see if Binky was the cause. Happily, she wasn't.

~ * ~

Duo stood in the study doorway, rubbing the back of his neck, with Binky at his feet.

"Um . . . guys? How pissed are you?"

Heero came up to Duo carefully. He looked into his eyes and relaxed. "You're all sweaty. You ok?"

Duo sighed, snuggled up to Heero and grumbled. "Better, I just can't stand the thought of working with the Bitch of the West."

Zechs eased up to Duo careful not to step on Binky. "You don't have to. Une can't risk letting us work on this. I'll be able to get most of the reports, one way or another, but she won't know anything about whatever we decide to do. Ok?"

Duo leaned down and scooped Binky up, he found cuddling the warm little body made him feel better. Heero snickered slightly as Binky managed to lick his chin.

"Why don't we have . . . what is your name? . . . get Binky a treat?"

The footman replied, "Ralph, sir. I'll be right back with some food . . . you might want to watch her. She hasn't gone walkies yet."

Duo blinked, puzzled and mouthed ‘walkies' at Wufei. Wufei snickered, "she hasn't pottied yet."

Duo brightened. "Ok, she hasn't shit yet. I get it. And when did you get so damn mealy mouthed."

Relena spoke up. "Since I'm here. Not that I care. I'm so tired of being . . . cosseted. Sit down and talk to me."

Duo turned red, stammered and elbowed Heero in the belly.

~ * ~
Relena managed to put everyone at ease. Teasing Duo about ‘pottie mouth' and telling Heero that he was too tense. Wufei had settled himself next to Zechs and Relena raised her eyebrow gently.

"Well, first, the doctor told me I'm fine. I have a headache but not nearly as bad as the time I had too much wine. They poked and prodded me and took blood again. I'm waiting on the results."

Duo snarled, Heero flinched as did Wufei Relena looked at Zechs who shook his head. Now was not the time for her to ask questions.

Heero realized that they were probably feeding Duo's mood so he just told Relena the truth, Duo was in a bad mood and they were trying to work him out of it. He left the nastier details out.

Duo grinned at Relena and then cuddled Binky again. The little dog whined softly and wriggled.

"I think she wants out." Relena absently reached for a bell that wasn't there.

Duo put Binky down on the floor and she scuttled to the French doors that led to the patio. He followed her and, much to everyone's amusement, turned his back when she squatted. She whuffled softly and returned to scratch at the door to be let back in. Duo followed with a soft expression on his face, his demon quieted for now.

Heero settled on the couch and let Duo lean against him. Wufei settled at Zechs's feet. They all turned to Relena who sighed and started her story.

"I can't get Lady Une to cooperate. She doesn't want you mucking about in her investigation, her words, not mine. She seems to have taken umbrage to Duo's attitude." Relena held up her hand when Duo started to say something. "I personally would probably have trouble working with someone who tried to have me killed too. So . . . please don't take this the wrong way. Just let it go. Please. I am going on tour starting day . . . ooops. No tomorrow. We moved it up a day. I'll be all over the place. It'll be very hard for anyone to . . . pull any more stunts. I'm looking forward to this so . . . don't frown at me like that brother."

Zechs had the grace to look a little shame faced. "I'm sorry. I never heard you chatter like this before. I think I like it."

Relena turned up her nose. "I don't chatter. It's not lady like. And I don't slurp my tea and I don't wear comfortable clothing. And I don't . . . and I don't . . . do anything fun. And I hate this suit. It's too tight in the waist and too loose in the bottom and the jacket binds me under the arms. Oh, dear." Relena dabbed at her eyes with a tiny scrap of lace that was just about useless.

Heero poked Duo. Duo grinned, produced a bandana the size of a small flag and handed it to Relena. She took it with a sniffled ‘Thank you.'

"Zechs would you please call Lady Une and pull strings. ‘Fei, stay with him will you?"

Wufei nodded. Zechs would need his help if Une decided to let them have files, she was notorious for sending files so fast that they didn't down load properly. Easier to say yes and then corrupt the files, than argue.

~ * ~

Duo picked up Binky and headed for their rooms with Heero chivying Relena along behind. Relena wasn't arguing in the least she trusted both Heero and Duo and wanted to see what the ‘braided menace' was up to.

Duo went straight to the closet. "Heero, where's that pair of jeans that I bought that was way too loose in the butt." He poked his head out of the door. "Not that you've got a big butt, just that it's bigger than mine." Relena gave him a wide-eyed look. "Oh hell. Heero I'm talking and I can't shut up." Relena clamped a hand over her mouth and giggled.

Duo grinned and dove back into the closet. Relena and Heero could hear him rummaging, opening and closing drawers and rattling hangers. Relena picked up Binky, who obligingly settled in her lap with a huff.

Finally Duo came out with a pair of jeans and a t-shirt, he had also found a large button up shirt.

"Here, go in the bathroom and change into this. Take off the hose, stockings, what ever you call them. I'll find you some comfortable socks. And if I was you, I'd go shopping and get some decent jeans and shirts. Get something girly but comfortable. Sneeks, loafers, a nice pair of sandals and a really good pair of hiking boots. Don't let them sell you popular stuff, get good quality. Go to a camping goods store. Go . . . go . . . Scat."

Relena set Binky down and went where Duo pointed. She came back out in short order with the suit over her arm. She looked completely different. She looked like ‘the girl next door' and her smile lit up to room like a flare.

"Oh I do like this. The jeans are a little tight in the . . . er . . . backside. But they're long enough and the shirts are so nice. And nothing is pinching, or too tight. Duo. . ." Relena looked embarrassed. "Can I have a hug?"

Duo grabbed her and hugged her tight. "Sure thing sweetie." Duo pushed her away gently. "Look, I'm sorry I was such a butt earlier."

Relena shrugged. "I don't care. I know what your problem is. Une . . . don't worry. I'm not going to pressure you to work with her. I know you're working for WEI. Do you know what Quatre is up to?"

Duo shrugged, looked at Heero, who shrugged. "Not a clue. Didn't you ask once before? Answer is the same."

Relena laughed. "Well, you can't blame a gal for trying. I do like these jeans. Is it all right for me to sit on the floor?"

Duo snorted and flopped down on his belly. "Pull up a piece of floor and take a load off."

Relent tried to flop but couldn't quite manage. Heero settled cross-legged next to Duo and waited.

"Ok, what's up?"

Relena picked at a thread on the jeans. "I'd like to know who started calling me ‘the pink panic' and why."

Heero grunted. "Trowa. Because every time I saw pink, I panicked. It was a little unnerving. How you could find me when Oz couldn't."

Relena blinked. "Oh, that was easy. I just used the private school underground network. A guy like you shows up and every girl in the school will be calling all her friends to find out anything she can. And I know everyone . . . what?!"

Duo rolled over onto his back and roared with laughter, Binky eyed him for a second then jumped on him. Heero turned so scarlet he looked like he was going to combust.

Binky barked happily and flounced from person to person collecting hugs and pats and returning licks.

When he finally quit laughing, Duo explained that they had gone crazy trying to figure it out. Relena looked embarrassed and muttered ‘Sorry.' Binky distracted them by showing off her beg. Heero reached into his pocket and produced a piece of bacon which he gave to Binky, who groveled happily at his feet until he gave it to her.

Relena shook her finger at Heero. "You shouldn't feed her off the table, she'll quit eating her regular food. If you want to give her treats, you should give her commercial goodies. They're better for her."

Heero smirked. "But she likes this better. And not every thing good for you is good for you. Too much of a good thing is a bad thing."

Duo nearly died laughing and Relena gave Heero a blank look.

Heero surged to his feet with Binky under his arm. "We better get back down stairs before Wufei has to sit on Zechs to keep him from going after Une."

Duo nodded, saying, "Yeah and I'll give Binky back to Ralph. She's worn herself out jumping on us." Duo rubbed Binky behind the ears. "Tired yourself out, didn't you girl?" No one was surprised to find Ralph waiting at the bottom of the stairs. Duo handed Binky to Ralph who she immediately started licking. Ralph gently discouraged her as he took her away for a well-deserved nap.

~ * ~

When they got back to the study, Relena went straight to Zechs. He had a thoroughly disgusted look on his face. Wufei looked sour.

"Well, she told you to . . ."

Wufei muttered something in Mandarin that made Heero blink. Zechs grumbled, "She told us that Preventers had everything under control. They couldn't control their bladders without help." Zechs jumped up and stormed around the room yanking at his braid and swearing in German.

Relena sighed, "Brother . . . brother . . . BROTHER, SIT DOWN!!!!"

Zechs jumped a foot. "Relena? . . . look, I'm sorry, I'm being a . . ."

"Prick. Sit down so I can explain something." Zechs threw himself into a chair so violently that he tipped it slightly. Relena gave the others pointed looks until they sat too. "I moved up the date of my tour so that I'd be a moving target. I also got in touch with Quatre. He'll be in touch with you so, I'm not getting into that. I don't want to know what you get up to. Whatever it is I'm sure it's justified. Now . . . I'm going shopping."

Zechs gave Relena a speaking look and then smiled. Wufei looked like the cat that got the cream and Duo and Heero were grinning fit to split their faces. Relena had just given them carte blanc to do whatever they needed to find out exactly what was going on.

Just then there was a tap at the door. When Zechs called ‘Come in." a footman stuck his head into the room, then entered. Binky darted between his feet, running straight to Relena who scooped her up.

"My lord, I'm sorry to disturb you . . . but there's been some vandalism in the gym." Zechs looked a little startled. "The heavy bag . . . sir, I'm sorry to report that someone has hit it with something . . . something that split the main seam. It's leaking sand all over the floor. We've started a search for . . ."

Zechs bowed his head and covered his eyes with his hand. Duo looked rather pink in the face, while Heero and Wufei both snickered softly.

"Um . . . sorry . . . really . . . that was me. I got a little steamed and sort of took it out on the bag." Duo turned to Zechs. "Sorry man. Really . . . I'll replace it."

Zechs shook his head, his shoulders heaved a little and Wufei shot a sharp look at his face.
Whatever he saw made him smile.

Zechs straightened up with a smile on his face. "That's all right, Duo. I'm glad you worked out your ire on the bag instead of on my furniture. Don't worry about it." Zechs turned to address the goggling footman. "It's fine. Just Master Maxwell, working off some temper. Inform whoever needs it that they are to replace the heavy bag as often as necessary. It's not a vandal, just bad temper . . . or youthful enthusiasm."

The footman left to spread the word that ‘that little, long-haired guy' had been the one who popped the bag.

~ * ~

After some fussing and fuming, Relena convinced Zechs that he was entirely too recognizable and couldn't possibly go shopping with her. He gave in with obvious reluctance griming, "I just want to go shopping with my sister. Is that so bad? I've never been shopping with you."

Relena went to Zechs and hugged him. Then she handed Binky to him. "She needs to go walkies again. Take her and quit sulking. I promise we'll go shopping soon." She hugged him, careful not to squash the dog.

Duo snickered. "I don't get to go either, do I?"

Relena shook her head. "Braid, eyes. Not a chance. We'll be mobbed in a minute."

Wufei took that precise second to remember he had to make a vid call that couldn't wait. His rather wild eyed look made Heero, and Duo laugh out loud and Relena give one of her little sniffs.

Heero groaned dramatically as he realized that this left him as the only one who could go with Relena. The idea of her going alone was very bad at best and going with a full complement of staff would defeat the whole purpose of the trip. Relena smacked Heero on the shoulder.

"Ow!" Heero grabbed his shoulder and rubbed it.

Relena gave him a disgusted look. "Oh, like I really hurt you. Come on."

Heero gave Duo a pathetic look which Duo just ignored.

"Relena, go call for the car. I need to speak to Duo for just a second. Please?"

Relena nodded, her high ponytail swinging merrily. "Sure thing. I'll be waiting for you in the hall. Do take your time." Relena smiled at Duo. "Thanks for loaning me your boyfriend. See ya."

Heero went to Duo who wrapped his arms around Heero's rib cage and put his head on his shoulder.

Heero hugged Duo gently. "Duo, I want you to call Dr. Terry. Ok? Please?"

Duo snuggled into Heero's shoulder and nodded against his shoulder. Heero's breath stirred the soft hair at his temple as he breathed in the smell of Duo's shampoo.

"Yeah, I'll call him the second you leave. Take Relena to that camping goods store at the mall. The one on the lower level. She'll find some nice stuff there. Just promise me one thing."

Heero cuddled Duo, rocking him gently, doing what he'd heard called the ‘baby dance'. "Sure thing, lover. What ever you want."

"Do. Not. Let. Her. Buy. Pink. Please!!"

Heero nodded, rubbing his cheek against the top of Duo's bowed head. "Ok. No pink. I don't think she'll want pink anyway. But I'll make sure. Just . . . erm . . . what colors should she wear?"

Duo snuffled and hugged Heero harder, Heero realized that Duo was laughing at him. "Laugh at me, will you? Remember, I wore spandex and tank tops all the time when I was training. And then prison slops. I have no idea. Besides, she's a girl. So . . ."

Duo stretched his neck up to kiss Heero. "No bike shorts. Tanks in pastels, other than pink. Jewel tones in blue and green. No black, no dark colors like purple or moss green. She's old enough that too many pastels make her look like she's afraid of getting old. Go on . . . git. I'm calling Dr Terry. It's kind of unnerving that I know stuff like that. Scat! Princess is waiting for you."

Heero turned with one last kiss and left the room confident that Duo would make his call.

~ * ~

Due to complaints by more than one German speeking person. I have edited this chapter. Thank you to Horuseye and Stephanie Meyer for their kind help.