Gundam Wing

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

Reluctant Companion

Chapter 19

Reluctant Companion 19

betaed by Skippyscatt.

.

It took them four days to finalize the funeral arrangements. Milliardo had expected everyone to arrive more or less simultaneously but he was glad that Heero and Duo arrived earlier than expected. It gave him some time to get one group settled before the next arrived. He avoided Duo as much as he could. He just couldn't face him, it felt too strange.

On the day of the funeral, Milliardo laid out Wufei's best clothing and helped him get into the heavy stiff robes. A knock on the door was followed by Duo sticking his head in and starting to say something. Catching sight of Milliardo on his knees helping Wufei on with his embroidered slippers made him snort.

"You coming? And why isn't Milliardo dressed? He's supposed to be there too."

Milliardo glanced up at Duo then down at the floor again. "I was sure you wouldn't want me anywhere near. I was going to spend the day on some correspondence."

Duo shook his head. "Na! You're not getting out of it that easy. I have to suffer, so do you. Get dressed."

"What should I wear? I don't have any official robes, I'm not even sure I'm entitled anymore. As to anything else. All I have is a set of garments I wear to civil court. Will that do?"

Duo just gazed a Milliardo, a man he barely recognized as the arrogant, haughty prince he'd once known. "Well, I'm not sure about civil matters, but as far as I'm concerned, you're still one of the priesthood. You never broke your vows to the temple, did you?"

Milliardo shook his head, he had broken any number of vows of loyalty, but never his vows to Anchora. His mumbled, ‘no, not those.' just made Duo nod.

"Well, in light of that, I had robes brought just incase. And I want you to understand that this is not for you. It's to honor the lady and young lord. The more high ranking officials that attend the higher the honor shown. Right?"

Milliardo nodded, feeling miserable. "Yes, High General. Where are the robes, please? I need to hurry if I'm not to be late."

Duo just motioned with one hand and several acolytes entered with robes for Milliardo. Milliardo recognized them as some of his own obviously saved from his quarters at the temple. Why, he wasn't sure, but he was glad to see them. He didn't give a rat's tail about the lady or young lord. He'd never even known they existed until a month ago. He just didn't want to embarrass Wufei.

It only took the acolytes a few moments to drape the robes around his shoulders. They were white with red and gold trim and gold tassels on the shoulders. As was appropriate for a funeral, all the priests were bare footed.

The funeral was conducted in a solemn manner, appropriate to such things. The remains were blessed in the temple, transferred on catafalques to the grave yard. Heero said a few words about how the mystery of their disappearances had been solved, but the mystery of their murders would never be solved. Duo stood to sing a prayer joined by Milliardo and the other priests. Wufei performed a small spell to open the sepulcher, the bones were placed in niches with their names on them and Wufei sealed the tomb again. Milliardo sang a retreat and they formed up to travel in grand procession back to the keep. The whole ceremony didn't take more than three hours total.

Their return was greeted with trays of pies and tankards of ale, beer and goblets of imported wine. Heero took a tankard of young ale and a meat pie while Duo took some of the beer and pie. Wufei and Milliardo circulated around, making sure that all the officiants had food and drink. The men and women gradually drifted away to change clothing, rest, and prepare for the journey back to the temple or capitol.

Heero and Duo retired to their quarters in the keep and Milliardo and Wufei to theirs in the apothecary.

.

Heero turned to Duo. "Well, love, what do you think?"

"I think he's going to wallow in guilt until we do something about it. Wufei has done wonders with him. Too bad he messed up so badly. He'd be an asset to the temple now. I got the whole story from Cook. You know how she loves to gossip. And she really gave me an ear full."

"Do tell." Heero pulled Duo down onto the couch beside him and settled in for the full story.

When Duo was finished speaking, Heero made one of the few royal decisions he was ever to make in their relationship.

"Well, there's no hope for it. You'll have to punish him."

"Heero, I've already punished him. He's a slave and will be for the rest of his life. Wufei will be good to him but he's still not free."

"No, love, you don't understand. I'll send for Wufei in a moment but ... you have to punish him."

This time Duo caught the difference. "You're sure? Really?" Heero nodded sighing into Duo's ear. "I'm sure. Really sure. I know you don't like it. But do you really want to leave him to suffer? He'll never feel forgiven. That's not a good thing."

"I understand. I wondered why he was acting so strange. Wufei must have told him some shit or other. Send for him." Duo snuggled into Heero's arms with a sad sigh. "I wish Quatre and Trowa were here. They just couldn't get here in time. When we get back, can we have them for a private banquet?"

Heero chuckled in Duo's ear. "You know we will. Now calm down. It's up to you to decide on the punishment, you know."

"I know. But ... I have to do it just right. Enough that he feels punished, but not cruel and then there's Wufei. He's going to have a piss fit, no matter what."

"I don't know about that. Most of his reports mention that Milliardo goes off from time to time and comes back looking ... tear stained and sad."

Duo twisted his head to look up at Heero. "He does? We can't have that. He might decide to punish himself and that never leads to anything good."

"Exactly. So you see¼" A knock on the door cut him off. "Come in!"

Wufei stuck his head in the door. "You wanted me? Milliardo wouldn't come, he's feeling ... insecure or ... I'm not ... well, anyway, what did you want?"

"Come in, don't hover by the door. Sit down. Here's some tea and Duo wants to speak to you." Heero managed his civilities in one breath, handed Wufei some tea and settled back on the couch.

When Duo was through explaining to Wufei, with a great deal of help from Heero, Wufei just nodded and said, "I was hoping to speak to you about that very thing. He's worried that you're going to find out that he's happy here and take him away. If he feels that you've forgiven him, even if it's false, he'll be more secure. I'd like that. I don't like having to deal with him when he gets in one of his humors. He tries to hide it but he gets quiet and a bit sullen. I don't like that. Do what you need to do. A scar or two won't matter to me."

Duo opened his mouth then shut it with a decided scowl. Wufei got up, bowed and left.

.

Milliardo paced their quarters while Wufei was gone, positive that something bad was about to happen. He just knew that his stay here was over. He was well trained now and knew how to take care of a domain, they'd take him somewhere else to serve a less accomplished master. One who needed the help.

Wufei walked in to find him nearly hysterical, kneeling by the chair, rocking himself and moaning.

"Here! What is this? Are you hurt?"

"No. They're sending me away. I know they are. I'll ... please ... I don't want to go. Please."

"You're not going anywhere. I refuse to allow it. And you know that Duo and Heero aren't the sort to give a present and then take it away. Especially as they know how much I rely on you. They would never do anything to hurt me and that would hurt more than I could bear. Now, calm yourself. I do need to talk to you."

Milliardo sighed and tried. He didn't succeed, all he managed was to get himself seated without squirming.

Wufei explained that Duo was sure that Milliardo wouldn't forgive himself, Milliardo snorted, exclaiming, "What difference does it make if I forgive myself if he doesn't forgive me. He could take revenge at anytime ..." Wufei cut him off with a slash of his hand.

"Do you really believe that Duo would be petty enough to punish me just to get at you? I don't think so. But I can see that nothing I'm going to say to you will ease your mind. So ... Duo is going to punish you. I'm not sure how, nor am I going to argue. This obsession of yours is exactly that and it's very bad for you. Once you've been appropriately punished, according to Duo's desires I do not wish to hear about this again. Do you understand?"

Milliardo just gave Wufei a wide eyed look. He hadn't seen Wufei this upset in a long time. "Yes, Wufei. I do. I'm just so scared that Duo won't have forgiven me. That he'll ... I'm not sure what."

"Desist! At once! I will not tolerate you acting like a hysterical girl. You will accept Duo's punishment, be forgiven and we'll move on. Is that understood?"

Milliardo nodded and kept his mouth shut. Wufei settled deeper into his chair and refused to discuss it for the rest of the afternoon. He also refused to speak of it at supper, after supper, or all evening. Milliardo kept his silence too.

Wufei went into the apothecary once, to set out the medicines and bandages he felt he'd need. And to see that all his preparations were complete, then he went to bed.

Milliardo followed him around like a child, undemanding, just needing to be close. He crawled in beside Wufei and pulled him into his arms. "I'm scared."

"Me too. Duo won't take you away, he swore, when he gave you to me that it was for good. He won't break his word. But, I'm worried about the punishment."

"Duo ... he's a good man. He won't punish me to breaking. He won't cripple me ... I hope."
They finally fell asleep.

.

Duo leaned against Heero. "I really don't want to punish him. He's suffered a lot, and learned a lot. So, why?"

"Because, now that he's got himself together, he can't forgive himself. And if he doesn't, he's going to be miserable. He deserves to be, but that would make Wufei miserable too. So, we punish him enough to convince him that he's forgiven, then we keep an eye on him for the rest of his life. We really should have executed him. Some faction could try to set him on the throne still."

Duo shook his head, rolling it back and forth on Heero's shoulder. "No, won't work. He's got the stigma of being a slave now. That country won't accept anyone who broke vows to the throne, they'll fear he'd break his royal oath as well. But I think we should keep an eye on him anyway. For everyone's peace of mind if nothing else. As to a punishment? I'm not sure."

Heero sighed. "We have to. But ... make him swear to be satisfied ... and don't be too harsh on him, for Wufei's sake, if nothing else."

Duo just pinched Heero, making him snicker. "I won't be too harsh on him. He won't learn anything if I beat him half to death, even if I wanted to. He's made his peace with himself. I'm satisfied that he's no longer a danger to the peace of the nations. There's no sense in upsetting Wufei, or myself. But I'm not sure. I need to think."

"Well think in bed. I'm tired. Come on."

.

Wufei read the note from Heero with a small frown. Milliardo had refused to eat any breakfast, saying if he didn't have anything in his stomach he couldn't throw it up.

"What? What does it say? Please, I can't stand the suspense." Milliardo was nearly wringing his hands in fear. Wufei hated to see him so upset.

"Calm yourself. It just says to come to the inner courtyard as soon as I can get you ready."

"Oh." Milliardo blinked at Wufei trying to decide how he felt. He decided that he didn't really want to know. He knew he was acting the fool but he couldn't help it. He wanted this all over in the worst way. He hated the suspense more than the punishment.

Wufei stood up. "Come on. I've been given express instructions and the first one is to tell you that Duo and Heero both swear that you'll stay here as long as I want you. Which is forever, so stop it."

Milliardo felt light headed, so light headed that he nearly fell. Wufei supported him for a moment then told him to stay right there, he'd bring down what was needed.

He came back with a set of leather cuffs and a cloak, Milliardo looked for any other sort of clothing and noticed a strip of fabric dangling from Wufei's hand. He sighed, at least Duo wasn't going to make him be naked. Somehow that made things a bit better.

Milliardo stood still as Wufei fastened the cuffs around his wrists and ankles. He snickered a bit when Wufei wrapped the cloth around his waist low on his hips and pulled the ends between his legs, the cloth had tickled his thighs. Wufei finished fastening the garment, which he called a fundoshi, and stepped back.

"You'll do. At least you're decent." Wufei draped the cloak around Milliardo's shoulders and led him out the door.

They walked across the yard into the small back garden. Everyone seemed to know what was going on and Milliardo got many sympathetic looks. He saw them and appreciated them very much, although he kept his eyes to the front.

Duo and Heero stood on the patio at the back of the lady garden and waited. Duo paced a bit, but settled when he saw Milliardo. "Time." Heero rubbed his back and then stepped away. This was for Duo to do.

Milliardo walked up and knelt before Duo. Duo looked down at him and then said, "This is my revenge for what you did to me. I will give you my punishment and my forgiveness. Do you agree to this?"

Milliardo shuddered once. "Yes, High General, I submit to your judgement and agree to accept any punishment you mete out."

"And you'll be satisfied?"

Milliardo nodded, "Yes, High General, I'll be satisfied. No matter what you do. This I swear."

Duo nodded once. "Rise."

Milliardo stood up and waited as Wufei took off his cloak. Duo pointed to a strange looking arrangement of rope and a wooden rod suspended over another rod attached to a ring in the pavement.

Milliardo stepped over the ring and waited while a guard fastened the cuffs around his ankles to the ends of the pole attached to the ring. Then his wrists were fastened to the ends of the upper pole. The guardsman pulled on the rope until Milliardo's arms were stretched over his head, tied it off, saluted and faded back into the background. Milliardo bowed his head and waited.

Duo examined the arrangement and nodded his head. He went to Milliardo's side and tossed his braid over his shoulder. "Ready?"

"No."

"Man after my own heart, so to speak."

"High General?"

"Yes?"

Milliardo licked suddenly dry lips. "Please ... I ..."

Duo touched Milliardo on the back. "Don't be afraid."

Milliardo shook his head. "I'm not afraid. I just ... I have to work, you know."

"Don't worry. I'll have my revenge and that's all. I've already forgiven you. You just don't believe it. Stand firm."

Duo returned to where Heero and Wufei were standing and picked up his whip. He snapped it several times to get his distance.

Heero nudged Wufei. "Great back."

"It is, isn't it? Hate to see him scarred but he needs this.

Heero gave Wufei a disgusted look. "You think Duo would be that careless? Or that you can't heal it?"

Wufei relaxed. "Wondered if I would be allowed is all."

Duo ignored the byplay and laid a lash across Milliardo's back. He flinched slightly but stilled himself immediately. Duo lashed Milliardo again then coiled his whip.

"I'm satisfied. It is done."

Wufei started for Milliardo at once. Milliardo nearly collapsed, his knees buckled and he had to pull himself back to his feet by the strength of his still bound arms. Wufei put one arm around Milliardo and reached for the cuffs with the other, Duo told him, "Hold him up, I'll untie the rope." Heero moved to help Wufei. Between them they got Milliardo unshackled and into a chair.

Wufei touched his shoulder and they were all surprised when Milliardo burst into tears. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry. Please."

Duo touched him on the other shoulder. "I know. I forgive you. Please stop, you'll make yourself ill."

Milliardo tried but couldn't stop the racking sobs that tortured his body. Wufei, Duo and Heero surrounded his shuddering body with a warm wall of flesh, hugging him while he wept. Wufei finally picked up a sealed bottle from the table nearby. He broke the seal and pulled the cork, using the little string he'd attached to the cork to do so.

"Here, drink this. It'll help you calm down. You are going to be sick soon."

Milliardo obediently took the bottle and gulped it in two swallows. He made a small sound of distaste. It was very bitter.

"I'm sorry. I ..." he stopped speaking as his breath hitched unpleasantly in his chest.

"Don't worry. Come on." Duo pulled at Milliardo's arm gently. "Wufei will take you home, salve your back and whatever else is needed." he passed Milliardo off to Wufei, who tugged him into motion. He followed, still silently weeping.

It didn't take long for Wufei to get Milliardo back home and on their bed. He fussed and salved, hugged and cuddled. Milliardo finally cried himself out and fell asleep. Wufei lay awake for a while longer, thinking about everything.

German beer brewing laws.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reinheitsgebot
Description of rope pump
http://www.demotech.org/d-design/designA.html?d=43
Flash video of pump in use
http://www.demotech.org/d-index.php
Thanks to Demotech for the links