Gundam Wing

Disclaimer: I don’t own Gundam Wing;. I just borrowed some of the characters. Rated: NC-17

Reluctant Companion

Chapter 15

Milliardo straightened up with a grunt, he eased his back by bending backwards as far as he could without falling off the stool. Wufei set the jar of unidentifiable stuff down with a decided thump.

"That's it for the day. I have no idea what this is and I want my lunch. Let's wash our hands and see if Cook will feed us."

Milliardo rubbed the back of his neck, smearing ink as he went. "Good. I'm tired, my back hurts, and ... damn, I've got ink everywhere. Have I gotten it in my hair?"

Wufei looked over at Milliardo. "No, but it's all across the back of your neck. Let me hold your hair out of it. Hold still."

Milliardo froze, getting ink out of his nearly white hair was almost impossible. "Blast! I'll have ink everywhere."

"No, you won't." Wufei stretched to reach a damp cloth he'd been using to keep his hands from getting sticky. "I'll just wipe your neck. You can wash your hands and do a better job at the sink." Wufei suited actions to word and got the worst of the ink off Milliardo.

.

After both of them washed their hands at the sink, they headed for the kitchen where Cook greeted them with, "Well, it's about time. I wondered if you two were on some sort of fast or something. Come sit down."

Milliardo sighed dramatically. "No fast, just a cruel task master. I'm fading away from hunger."

Wufei snorted, swatting Milliardo in the ribs. Milliardo cringed, "See? See what I have to bear?"

Cook raised her spoon and Milliardo hid behind Wufei. "Help. Wicked woman! Master, protect me." The sight of the much larger man hiding behind Wufei put the whole kitchen in whoops.

Cook crossed her arms over her chest. "If you want to eat, that's enough."

Wufei grabbed Milliardo by the arm. "Sit down, and be good. I want my lunch. Breakfast was too little too early."

Milliardo settled into a chair without protest. He realized that Wufei was right. His breakfast hadn't stuck with him very well.

Cook brought them a roasted chicken each and bread, cheese, peaches and apples. She set out milk, small beer, and tea to drink.

Milliardo picked up a plate only to have Cook clear her throat sharply. He ignored Cook only raising one eyebrow at her. He filled the plate while Wufei looked on then set it in front of him with a slight bow. He then nodded to Cook and began filling his own. Cook just grunted and brought another chicken.

They ate in companionable silence passing things back and forth almost by instinct. Wufei was fond of a sauce that Cook brought so Milliardo made sure it was by his hand. Wufei was well aware that Milliardo liked the white goat cheese, which he considered smelly so he moved it closer to his hand.

They both agreed that the beer was nearly undrinkable and shifted to tea.

Cook, seeing this, came to sit at the table. Crossing her arms over her breast she leaned her elbows on the table and grumbled, "I'm having real trouble with the beer. It's turned on me somehow. Thin, sour stuff, not fit to drink." She turned a hopeful look on Wufei. "Master Chang, could you look at it? Maybe you can figure out what's wrong. Please?"

Wufei nodded. "I'll be glad to try. But I'm no brew master, so don't get your hopes up."

She just shrugged. "Well, you can't be any more in the dark than I am. And take that long drink of water with you. His feet are in the aisle. Someone's going to trip over him."

Milliardo just gave her a blank look. "Me? Now whatever gave you the idea that I'd trip someone."

Cook just eyed Milliardo's feet with an amused expression. "Someday I'll tell you what people around here say about big feet. When you're a lot older." She snickered at this and went to break up a cat fight between two of the maids.

Milliardo looked at Wufei, puzzled and waiting for explanation. "Don't look at me. I have no idea what she's talking about."

"Well, then, we better go take a look at that beer. You know anything about brewing?"

Wufei shook his head. "My people aren't much for beer. Tea and wine."

Milliardo glanced at Wufei, who was following him into the brewery. "Wine? I didn't think grapes grew well in Chin, not wine grapes at any rate."

"Our wine is made from plums. Or rice." Wufei took a deep breath and gagged. The sour smell of the beer was overwhelming in the close room. He made a very undignified ‘ick' sound and waved his hand in front of his face. "That's awful."

Milliardo just went to the tun and looked in. It was bubbling but the smell was sour and the appearance was foul.

"Well, that's just disgusting. The yeast is off. This whole batch should be thrown out. The tun needs to be either scalded, scrubbed with vinegar and soaked with pure water for a week, or better, replaced."

Wufei looked at Milliardo skeptically. "You know about beer?"

Milliardo looked sheepish. "I used to hide from my tutors in the brew house. I picked up a lot. And what I don't know, we can find out by writing to the Guild of Brewers. Now ... how do you want to do this. And, this brew house is way too hot, that's the root of all the problems."

Wufei considered for a moment then announced that Milliardo was responsible for finding a new brew house and getting everything cleaned, moved and set up again. Milliardo just grinned. This was going to be fun. He'd always secretly fancied that he could be a good brew master, if it was only allowed. Wufei gazed at him for a moment then smiled to himself. It seemed that he'd found Milliardo's secret love.

"Well, let's get that labeling done. Then I would really like a good workout. I only get one when Heero is here. The guardsmen are all afraid that I'll ... I'm not sure whether they think I'll break or they're afraid that I'll do something bad if they win."

Milliardo snorted. "Stupid. It's not like you'll turn them into toads or something. Right?"

Milliardo's sudden frozen expression made Wufei laugh. "No. Conservation of mass and energy prohibit that. I might be able to turn them into pigs or something like that."
Milliardo blinked at Wufei. "Conservation? Of what? Explain."

Wufei was startled by Milliardo's sudden intense expression. "Sure. Transformation follows certain rules. You can't change lead into gold. No matter what anyone says. You can change one form of lead into another. Like turning a bar of lead into pellets. Or a small bar of iron into a ring in the floor." Wufei snickered at Milliardo's arrested expression. "And you can't turn a full-grown man into a toad. A toad weighs about ... um ... well, the same as a hen's egg. All right so far?" Milliardo nodded. "Where's the extra weight and flesh to go? Just away. Nature abhors a vacuum. I might be able to change a man into a pig, or a horse. Something about the same size as the person in question. But why? What for? If you want a horse, buy a horse. Most of the things people accuse sorcerers of doing are just stupid." Wufei opened the apothecary door and stepped into the cool, dim room.

Milliardo followed him in and started lighting a small lamp. "It's getting dark earlier and earlier. Winter will be here soon. Shall I put a kettle near the fire for tea later?"

Wufei nodded. "Please." He reached out to pick up a container putting them back on track to finish their chore.

.

This time it was Wufei who stretched and groaned. "I'm done. We've finished at last. I swear my back feels like it's broken."

Milliardo capped the ink well and then rubbed his fingers. "I'll see the broken back and up you a massive case of writers' cramp. As well as permanently ink stained fingers. This isn't going to come off for a while."

Wufei took Milliardo's right hand in his and began to massage the palm. Milliardo nearly fell off the stool. "Oh, Anchora, that feels so good."

"Thank you. It's called shiatsu. There are pressure points in the hands and feet that connect to all the various parts of the body. Pressing on the right part can feel very good and relax the body."
Milliardo groaned as Wufei hit the right spot then remarked. "Feet? Could you show me?"

"Yes, feet. That's why bastinado is so painful. It makes the feet swell and press on the nerves. And I could show you if you like."

Milliardo hummed softly enjoying the massage "I like. I could do you."

Wufei bit his lip for a second then dissolved into laughter. "Do me ... don't think so. You're much too big and I'm never the bottom."

Milliardo stared at Wufei for a second then realized what he'd said. He laughed so hard he had to hold onto the table.

"Stop, stop. I can't stand it. You're killing me." Milliardo waved a hand at Wufei, who snorted a bit but managed to calm himself.

"Make tea, will you? I found a book that looks interesting. We could read a chapter a night until it's done."

Milliardo nodded from his crouch by the hearth, where he was pouring water over the tea. "Sounds good. You said you wanted a good workout. Tomorrow?" Wufei nodded from his perch on a small stool. He was standing on it to reach the book shelf where he'd put the book they were going to read.

"Yes, tomorrow. Don't eat breakfast. We'll eat after the workout."

"Sounds good. Would you like me to get that?"

Wufei thought about it then shook his head. "I can get it."

Milliardo stood up and sighed. "Don't be stubborn. I can reach it easily, if you fall you'll hurt yourself."

Wufei started to say something but Milliardo reached over his shoulder and plucked the book off the tips of his reaching fingers. Wufei huffed indignantly.

Milliardo just handed him the book remarking somewhat sourly. "Don't do that. I'm no nurse. Do you really want me trying to nurse you?" Wufei made a face at him. "Didn't think so. Now. What's this book about? And do you want to take turns on the chapters? You could read one night and I the next."

"That would be good. I enjoy being read to. Now. Is the tea ready?"

Milliardo didn't bother to reply, he just handed Wufei his cup and settled at the other side of the table with his own.

Wufei put his book down on the table and opened it. After taking a sip of his tea he began to read. Milliardo sipped his own tea appreciatively and settled down to listen.

.

Milliardo groaned. Wufei had just stuck his head in the door of the bath room and told him to get going if they wanted to get in a good workout before breakfast. He wasn't looking forward to this. He hated training and working out. He got hot and sweaty and his hair was always allover. But he'd promised Wufei a good work out, so that was what he'd get.

"Even if it kills me. Ugh"

Wufei called up the stairs. "Are you coming? Hurry! Lazybones."

Milliardo came down the stairs, trying to tie the end of his braid at the same time. "I'm coming, oh, impatient one."

Wufei looked at his reluctant companion and realized that he'd been at the keep for nearly four months now. He hadn't realized that it would take so little time to correct most of Milliardo's personality problems. Milliardo was basically a good person, he'd just fallen in with a bad crowd, as Cook would say, and had allowed his personal frustration and boredom to color his decisions on their proddings.

"Yes, I'm impatient. I want to see how good you are. You're so long legged, and you've got the reach of a gorilla. If you have skills ... well, I'll keep my opinions to myself."

Milliardo shrugged negligently. "I was always avoiding training. I don't like getting sweaty. You've seen what it does to my hair. So, I have skills, but I wouldn't say they're very good. I won't get killed in a bar room brawl but you've kicked my ass three times now. Care to make it four, or more?"

Wufei shook his head. "If I think you've lost on purpose I'll give you the beating you're trying to avoid. Do you understand me?"

Milliardo straightened his shoulders. "If I let you win, I deserve a beating. I still have some pride you know. Now, where are we going to work out?"

Wufei led the way into the main hall. "Here. It's getting colder and the wind is sharp. I don't want either of us to catch cold from a chill."

.

Wufei set Milliardo across the measured off square in the middle of the great hall. There were a few spectators but most people weren't interested in a sparing match between a slave and Master Chang. One of the interested people was the captain of the guard and the other the old sword master. Wufei smiled at him and nodded to the captain. Milliardo did the same then turned his attention back to Wufei.

Wufei eased to one side, sliding his feet carefully, hoping to catch Milliardo off guard. It didn't happen. Milliardo kept his attention carefully on Wufei, easing around himself to keep facing him squarely.

Wufei started an attack but backed off as Milliardo was set perfectly to counter in a flash. Milliardo moved carefully to set up an attack but Wufei saw it coming and countered with a vicious kick that stopped just short of Milliardo's chin. He grinned. He was dead. "First score, Master Chang."

Wufei bowed slightly keeping his eyes on Milliardo. Milliardo bowed back doing the same.

Milliardo decided to try to use his long reach and surprising quickness to his advantage. He dipped one shoulder telegraphing one move but twisted away from the dipped shoulder and fired off a side high kick that would have decapitated Wufei if it had connected. Wufei ducked it by such a narrow margin that Milliardo was tricked into letting down his guard. Wufei dropped to the floor in a squat and performed a perfect sweep kick that caught Milliardo behind the ankles, taking his feet out from under him very neatly. He landed on his back, saving himself with a slap out fall.

Milliardo lay on his back, counting stars, until Wufei leaned over him to see if he was all right.

"You still conscious?"

Milliardo grunted. "Maybe. You going to beat me up some more?"

Wufei laughed and offered his hand. "Yes. You underestimated me, like everyone else does. But you're going to learn to work out with me or I'm going to keep beating on you until you do."

Milliardo scrambled to his feet. Wufei was serious about this. "As you wish. I won't cut you any more slack."

"Please don't."

Wufei found that his request was being honored when Milliardo pounced on him. He just overwhelmed Wufei's guard by taking the blows on the thick muscles of his thighs and the boney part of his forearms. As he twisted and turned Wufei found that there were openings but no real targets. He was wasting his force on parts of Milliardo's body that were capable of absorbing the force of his blows with minimal damage.

Wufei even tried an over head attack, jumping into the air and trying to kick Milliardo in the head. It failed rather spectacularly. Milliardo used his longer reach to grab Wufei by the ankle and jerk him out of the air and into his arms.

Wufei, instead of being angry, was delighted. He settled in Milliardo's arms with a soft crow of delight.

"Ha! I thought you said you hated to workout. That you avoided it when it was possible ... put me down now."

Milliardo laughed and spun around until he was dizzy and Wufei was protesting loudly. He flopped down on the floor, panting.

"I thought you said you skipped training."

Milliardo laughed. "I said, ‘I skipped training when I could.' Most of the Masters were well aware of my dislike of exercise, so they tended to keep a rather strict eye on me. I'm out of shape from sitting around."

Wufei sat up from his prone position and announced. "You'll be back in shape soon. And you'll not skip on me, because I'll be right behind you all the way. Lazy bones."

Milliardo gave Wufei a pitiful face and whined. "Cruel. Mean Master. I'm just a poor slave ..."

Wufei swatted him on the back of the head. "Poor, my ass. Get up."

Milliardo laughed and got up. He faced Wufei and set himself. Wufei braced in a full horse stance and waited. This time the match was serious. Wufei made a motion, Milliardo countered. To uninitiated observers it looked like they were just staring, to the captain of the guard and a few others it was deadly combat.

Finally Milliardo slipped, he started a high attack and left his throat open. Wufei stopped the two fingered stab just short of shattering his larynx. He held up both hands in surrender.

"Last to you." Wufei dropped his hand and stepped back. Milliardo started to leave the ‘ring' but Wufei cleared his throat softly. Milliardo turned to look back at Wufei.

"In my country, we bow to show respect to each other. Before and after a match. We'll remember to bow before tomorrow's match."

Milliardo turned and gave Wufei a full court bow. Wufei bowed back in the style of Chin.