Two

Why was he running away? There had been so many empty, lonely days full of pain and guilt... There had been so many times that his eyes had overflowed with tears and his heart had felt as if it were torn apart. Because of one man's death. So why... why when that one was alive was he running away? Why was that same hurt back again?

Treize's body wasn't real... it was metal and wires. There wasn't any warmth to it... just cold metal. In such a body how could a human exist? How could a soul be kept in a metal case, in such a cage? His head was aching and his heart was pounding fast. His legs were carrying him from the garden and away from the house, past the stables and on towards the creek that ran along part of the estate's boarders. He didn't really know if he would stop, and where he would. It hardly mattered to him any longer. He just wanted the pain to stop so that he could think clearly. It wasn't fair for his judgment to be clouded - wasn't fair for him, or Mareimeia, or Treize. He had to calm down and think... But, God, did it hurt.

An exposed root found its way under his feet and he tripped, tumbling down the slight hill. He came to a rest at the base of the slope and found himself staring only a few feet away from the creek. Closing his eyes, Zechs buried his head against his arm. It had been a while for such intense pain to visit him. How could just two people trigger that within him?

`I hate what you've done to me, you bastard... I really do...' A soft sob left him because even though he was isolated from anyone else he still could not allow himself to let loose and lose control. “But damn you... damn you Kushrenada... I couldn't stop...

Breakfast was already laid out on the table when Zechs entered the room. Mareimeia was happily eating her meal and talking to her father about the latest news in politics. If the conversation going on wasn't heard, she seemed just an ordinary child of her age. It was a bit amusing hearing formal speech and an adult topic coming from the girl's mouth, but he assumed that soon he would grow accustom to the situation.

He had not spoken with Treize again since the past afternoon, avoiding any and all contact with the cyborg when he could help it. Mareimeia had not made any comment on the silence between the two, but Zechs would be a fool if he thought she hadn't noticed anything. At least she was polite enough not to remark on the situation.

“Morning,” Zechs returned, taking a seat at the table. He choose a piece of toast and some scrambled eggs for his meal and had to leave the rest on his plate. Breakfast had never been a large meal to him. He made a mental note to let the cook know not to make him too much to eat.

The hug had taken him by surprise and Zechs sat frozen for a few moments before standing and casting a glance down the table to Treize. “Thank you for taking her. It would seem she is quite excited.”

“Will you play the game with me tonight? Do I have to go to bed right away? Please, can't we play?” Mareimeia clutched tightly to Zechs' left arm with one of hers while her free hand carried one of the shopping bags. Zechs carried two in his free hand.

Hope shone brightly in the child's eyes and she skipped a few times, dragging Zechs along. Once they got to the front door she let go of his arm so that Zechs could open the door to get inside. The butler came to greet them, taking Zechs' jacket and asking if they needed anything. Immediately after Mareimeia had her shoes off she dashed off looking for Treize with her bag clutched tightly in her hands. Zechs watched after her silently, hiding the smile on his face.

Mareimeia and Treize were in the library, he heard their voices, and thus he avoided the room and headed up the stairs to his bedroom. He had purchased a few things, too, and began unpacking them. A pair of jeans and a couple of casual shirts were tucked away into his dresser drawers before Zechs retrieved his other purchases.

A new book to read, some empty data disks to use on his computer, and a small box were emptied from the other bag. Zechs set aside the book and disks and then picked up the jewelry box, wondering why he had even bothered spending the money. He almost dared not to open it, and he stared at the white, cardboard casing over the actual box. After some time he slipped off the cardboard and rested his hand on the top of the case, preparing to open it.

Mareimeia appeared in the doorway right about then and she held a video game case in her hand. “Father says it would be alright if I stay up a bit later! Will you play with me, Mirialdo-san?”

Zechs quickly set the box down and turned, offering a smile to her. “Of course, you set up the system and I'll meet you there.” Once the girl had skipped off happily, Zechs turned back to replace the cardboard over the jewelry case and set it on his desk. As he left the room he switched off the light and headed down the hall to Mareimeia's playroom. She had dragged over her beanbag chair before the TV where the gaming system was connected; and she was busy with opening the new game and putting it in the game system.

`Just a child...' he thought vaguely. She seemed rather nervous, her lower lip between her teeth. Zechs was not accustomed to children - his last experience had been with Relena when she had been only two. He slowly nodded, accepting. If it was what Mareimeia wanted... he was glad enough to help keep her happy.

The look he received for his approval was bright and excited, assuring that Zechs had chosen the correct answer. Zechs situated himself on the odd chair while Mareimeia started up the game. Once he was comfortable, Mareimeia moved back and worked on getting herself into a comfortable position too. She handed Zechs a controller and took up her own.

Zechs went for a motorcycle and chose a brown-haired teen for his driver. Mareimeia had picked a player that rather looked like Haruka from Sailor Moon. Raising an eyebrow, Zechs waited for her to change to the track screen.

One the first track Mareimeia beat Zechs by a long shot, but by the second game he had gotten a hold of the game controls and just barely passed her at the last minute. The third track turned into yet another game and yet another as Zechs lost time and was as hooked on the game as Mareimeia. Eventually Mareimeia could hardly keep her eyes open and she leaned heavily against Zechs, falling asleep with the controller still in hand.

Setting the controllers aside, Zechs brushed Mareimeia's hair from her face as watched as the child breathed quietly. He didn't move from his position and continued watching her until he fell asleep, too.

Not too long after, Treize walked into the room, wondering where the two were when their rooms' doors were wide open and no one was inside. The sight greeting him made him pause and watch quietly. It was such a peaceful, unusual scene that made his breath catch. Zechs' arms were loosely about Mareimeia, holding her against him as the two slept. Silver-white hair glistened in the lamplight and mixed with the ends of the girl's auburn strands.

Sometime in the middle of the night, Zechs' eyes opened quickly as he felt something shaking against him. He blinked a few times to get accustomed to the darkness and he shifted slowly before realizing that it was Mareimeia shaking in his arms. The collar of his shirt was also growing wet with what he assumed was tears.

“Marie?” he questioned softly, one hand stroking her hair on instinct. The girl obviously began working on calming herself and masking the fact that she had been crying. “What is it? Did you have a nightmare? Marie, it's all right... tell me what's the matter.”

The small girl curled closer against Zechs and stared silently at the wall. For some time he thought that she wouldn't speak but then Mareimeia opened her mouth and things poured out in a bit of a rush. “It's about Mother... I always see her at night because that's the only time she's here. But when I used to say that they scolded me and said I shouldn't live in the past! I had to live only for the future because I had to fulfill Father's ultimate dream and take control of space and Earth so that things would remain stable. So I wouldn't say anything about it anymore. I wouldn't let anyone know I still cry for her because she keeps dying over and over in my head.”

“There was something wrong with the shuttle engines. I waited with Dekim-san in a room that watched all shuttles take off. Even before the shuttle left the colony the engines suddenly were on fire and there was an explosion. Dekim-san pulled me away in a hurry and I don't know where we went. I was crying and screaming, I think. I knew mama was there... she was in the fire and I wanted to go to her but he wouldn't let go of my arm and I had to go with him.” She buried her face against Zechs' shirt, more tears falling from her eyes. “Dekim-san kept saying that when I was older I could go see Father and help him achieve his dream. I wanted to see Father because mama talked about him... she said nice things about him. I was going to see him for her. She said he had to leave because of his duty and that she wasn't so sad because of that. But she still cried, I saw her sometimes; so I was going to see Father for her.

“But then Dekim-san announced that the leaders for White Fang and the Earth Forces were dead and so I could not see Father! I had to work on his dream alone, he said, so I did... I thought I did... But Dekim-san was just lying? Why'd he lie? Mirialdo-san, why'd he lie?”

“Shh... Marie... I do not know. But he's dead now and can't lie to you anymore... Your father...” he paused, breath catching, “Your father is alive, so you don't have to cry. You have Une, Treize, and myself always around you and I'll make sure you get to meet new friends. It's alright, Marie...”

The girl clutched onto Zechs, crying openly probably for the first time in years. Zechs just held onto her, rocking her gently as he once had his sister. The memories that were brought back suddenly hit him hard and he worked hard at pushing them away... Yet the image of his parents' deaths stuck in his mind and he bowed his head, swallowing silently to keep back any old tears.

“I did,” Zechs answered, voice still soft. He stood, lifting Mareimeia as he did so. He left the room, having a brief struggle with the closed door but he managed and he headed towards her room. He began speaking again, “Do you know where I'm from, Mareimeia? Sanq has been rebuilt twice. It still remains a symbol for total pacifism. That's why I am not associated with it any longer.”

“I might be. But I am a warrior; I am not one to stand off to the side or someone who depends on words to work things out. I've killed, Marie, I cannot go back to my family's kingdom like that. It was first destroyed by the former Alliance, they killed the top officials. Relena and I escaped by luck and with a good deal of help. Mother and Father... soldiers dragged them out to the front of the ruined palace. They were shot, right then and there in front of many people who were nearby... I saw them die...” He turned his head away, fighting with the anger that began to rise in him. He couldn't give into the darker side of himself when he needed to comfort a child. “Forgive me, I do not believe that helps anything.”

“Oh,” she said, blinking. She looked into the room they had stopped in front of and then looked back at Zechs. “Mirialdo-san... would you - could I sleep with you tonight? I don't want to see her die again. I want to know that someone's around.”

Her eyes were shining with more tears even though she fought to keep a brave face. Zechs immediately eliminated any answer of no and responded with a “yes”. He carried her back towards his room and set her at the edge of the bed while he drew back the top blankets and then closed the door. Mareimeia burrowed into the blankets and yawned while Zechs switched to a nightshirt and slipped off his socks. He slid in next to the child and let Mareimeia curl up against him again before he slung an arm over her and held her gently.

A long time seemed to pass yet Zechs knew that Mareimeia wasn't yet falling asleep. Slowly he worked his mouth to forming some of his thoughts and he spoke aloud. “This is new for me, Marie. It's hard to handle. You know that I fought against your father in the Eve War? I tried to kill him. Had Lady Une not stepped in he would be dead. As is, I killed many others that night. Are you actually all right with me being here? I don't know how you can be...”

“Mirialdo-san, mama once said that humans have so many imperfections. One of the many being emotions. I think I agree with her.” She sounded more like a middle-aged parent than a child. “If emotions are an imperfection, then when people act on them often times there will be mistakes. Won't there? I think that's what happened to me. That's why I think Aunt Une is giving me a chance now. I tried to take over the world and colonies, how is that better than you, Mirialdo-san?”

“Marie...” he whispered, trying to argue against it. But it made sense... her words made sense. “To me it seems different,” he finally admitted. “Perhaps it's because you were being used. Back then... it was the only time I acted on my own. I was making my own decisions. I was killing completely on free will. You didn't kill anyone, Marie. I'm glad of that, too.”

Zechs was silent for a long time before he spoke again. “I was used... yes...I was used by your father for his plans. Treize controlled everyone for his plans. It was as if we were all in some game...” Realizing what he had said to her, he hurriedly added, “Excuse me. I have no right to put him in a bad light for you.”

Sighing softly, Zechs returned to the conversation. “We had a different relationship, Marie, and I don't expect you to understand it. After conflicting ideas at times and some arguments things were tense and not everything turned out as planned. The point of the time was that I felt thoroughly used, whether it is true or not... I just don't know anymore.” He fell silent. Mareimeia had no reply.

For many long minutes they remained silent in the dark room. Zechs was unsure of the time, his back to his alarm clock. The calmness from earlier when he had been playing with Mareimeia had faded and he was left feeling ancient and exhausted.

“It probably is no longer my place to speak of it,” he replied quietly. “Perhaps ask your father sometime.” He paused long moments, then breathed out softly. “I'm afraid,” he whispered so silently that he believed he had only thought the phrase.

Blinking at her, Zechs realized he had spoken aloud. He turned his face into the pillow and didn't answer. `I'm scared to still love him. I can't understand why. I'm just too afraid to love him.' “Go to sleep, Marie,” he finally murmured.

“I said go to sleep!” Zechs suddenly snapped, raising himself up on one elbow and withdrawing his arm from about Mareimeia. The girl silenced and adjusted herself further under the blankets. Zechs brought a hand to his face, rubbing his temples in defeat. “I apologize Marie... I'm truly sorry.”

“I'm sorry for asking,” she said from beneath the blanket. He could hear her fighting tears and he felt a pang of guilt in his chest. “It's not for someone like you to admit to emotions, right?”

“I'm very sorry, Marie.” He lay down again and reached a hand out to pull her against him, cradling her. “I shouldn't have snapped at you. It's a touchy subject... but that's no excuse.” He sighed, “Now let's just try and get some rest, alright?”

Treize sat upon a window ledge in the library, gazing out at the early morning sky. Upstairs he knew that the others were still sleeping. He had declined breakfast; the only reason he ate would be to keep up regular appearances - his new body did not need the energy that food gave. By choice he could eat or not, he wouldn't get hungry. He did take meals with his daughter and Mirialdo, so as not to cause anything uncomfortable. He knew it would be hard for Mirialdo to adjust to his changes - already the pale-haired man seemed on-edge with him. There needn't be any more disturbances to upset him more.

`You won't open up, Miri. I can't clear anything up without your help.' A pool of sunlight rested in his lap and Treize stared at his hand that rested lightly on his thigh. He moved the fingers experimentally, noting that no sounds or movement gave away the metal beneath the fake skin. Raising his shirtsleeve a bit revealed the silver-plated metal that covered the circuitry that let him function.

`Is that it? Is it because everything has been replaced?' He was artificial. He could feel it in nearly all his movements. Daily routines of eating and exercise weren't needed. He wondered if he even needed to sleep. Dr. Golding hadn't addressed that point, but he had the suspicion that he could go without rest too.

What of him was left human? Half a face, a brain, implanted lungs and heart... Treize rolled up his sleeves, studying the metallic material and the joints where wires showed through. The skin stopped suddenly just past his wrist before it gave way to the shiny metal. `Artificial. A replacement for a human...A soulless creature... isn't that it?'

It was eerie. The more he thought of it, the more he was like the Mobile Dolls of the war. That thought caused a faint shudder to run through him. “Artificial minds to replace human efforts... soulless things that destroyed the true meaning of battle.” He stared out the window as he pulled his sleeves back into place. `Have I become no better than those things? Ironic that I become something I so hate.'

The floorboards creaked slightly and Treize turned his head to find Mirialdo walking carefully into the room, eyeing the cyborg with tired eyes. “You look rather weary, were there problems?”

“Your daughter is remarkable,” the other commented softly, approaching the window and leaning against the wall beside it. He didn't meet Treize's gaze as he continued speaking. “It seems she has nightmares constantly. A memory that disturbs her always haunts her, although she toughs it out as she was taught. Why did you leave her mother, Treize?” The ice-blue eyes shifted to rest on the former OZ leader.

“It had not been anything big, merely a one-night stand,” Treize responded in a tone bordering on warning. “Leia knew that. At that time I had never known there would be a child. I was young, I was on the colony for one early mission.”

Snorting softly, Mirialdo glared at Treize, “Then how would Mareimeia ever know so much about you and want to meet you so badly? Why would she care about someone that was never there? Why...? Because perhaps you didn't return her mother's feelings, but that woman loved you terribly. Do you just toss away people that you don't care to play with anymore? Is that it, Treize? We merely become discards from whatever you have planned.”

“Mirialdo,” Treize broke in. His tone began straining but he calmed quickly. “I never felt any devoted love to Leia and it is unfortunate that she had to care so much about me. I didn't ask for it and nor did I attempt to lead anyone on. But it's not her you're upset about, is it Mirialdo?” The pale-haired man's face twisted in a mix of anger and pain as a stoic mask fought to work its way into place. “I never wanted to part with you, Miri, and I have no idea where you thought of that. Please listen to-”

All of the sudden Mirialdo was turning around and rushing out of the room, his walking pace fast. Treize called after him but the other wouldn't stop. As he vanished around the corner, Treize noted the slight shaking in the other's shoulders. `Miri... why won't you listen to me?' It hurt to know that the one person that was around could not stand to be near him. It seemed Mirialdo was scared of him, for what exact reasons Treize could not be sure, although he could guess. It just stung, deep within, to think of that.

That afternoon Zechs lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling with varying thoughts running through his mind. Once Mareimeia had woken up and had breakfast, she had pulled Treize into playing with her. She had also asked him to join them after lunch, but Zechs had declined saying that he had some work to do. He had returned to his room and went about checking his Preventers mail, but nothing had come in and he was left with nothing to do but think.

He wasn't sure how long he'd lain there with thoughts circling around to end up right back where he started, but then he was interrupted by a gentle knock on the door. He stood up and opened the door, looking curiously at the butler.

Zechs descended the stairs with a slight frown on his lips, wondering why in the world the ex-Gundam pilot would have come to the estate. In fact, he hadn't known that anyone besides Lady Une and those in the house knew where they were staying. He pushed open the door to the receiving room and entered, finding Duo fiddling with his long braid as he stared into space.

Jerking back to reality, the Preventer grinned at him. “Hey, how's it going? Sorry to drop in unannounced. Um... why I'm here? Well, I'm needing to stay on Earth for now since you're pretty much out of Preventer business since you're taking care of the former OZ leader and all and right now I sort of need a place to stay so I was wondering...”

Duo laughed, slightly embarrassed, and rubbed the back of his neck. “Yeah, basically. Is it a big problem? Cuz if it is I can look elsewhere, I shouldn't have problems. I was just wondering, you know...”

Blinking, Duo stared at him. “Huh? You're kidding.” Zechs shook his head, a bit of confusion beginning to appear on his face. Eyes widening, Duo jumped up and hugged the older man tightly. “Oh thank you, thank you, thank you! Whew is that a load off my back! Wow, gee that's great!” He let go of Zechs and turned around, heading back to where he had first sat. He picked up a duffel bag from the floor and winked. “All my stuff. I'm not a biggie with purchasing a ton of stuff.”

Zechs was still getting over the sudden hug when Duo grabbed his bag so the pale-haired man just nodded slightly, having no reply. “Let me see if there's a room already prepared,” he said, turning to exit the room. He found one of the maids soon and asked her about one more room before he returned to Duo.

Duo followed immediately after Zechs, making the former OZ pilot feel a bit strange. They ascended the stairs and Zechs directed the other down the hallway to a door on one side of Mareimeia's playroom. Once the younger Preventer entered, cobalt eyes widened in appreciation. “This is great. More than enough! I don't think I can give you enough thanks!” He turned back and grinned up at Zechs. “Who'd of thought you'd turn out to be so nice?”

Not sure how to take that comment, Zechs didn't reply, merely standing just outside the room while he watched Duo throw his bag down. “I'll be right back, excuse me.” Zechs entered the playroom, spying Mareimeia and Treize sitting over a jigsaw puzzle.

“I have some news, I doubt you will be bothered. Duo Maxwell is taking over my job as a Preventer on Earth and as a result he needs a place to stay.” Zechs continued, “He asked to remain here and I agreed. He's in the next room over.”

Mareimeia smiled, “I remember him! He's funny, I'm glad he'll be here too!” She jumped up. “I want to go say hi!” She took off before Treize or Zechs were able to say anything else.

“An ex-pilot here. Well, I suppose it won't be any problem.” Treize's gaze returned to the puzzle and he fit another piece in. His tone set a warning off within Zechs but he didn't heed it.

Treize continued work on the puzzle, not answering. Zechs fisted his fingers in annoyance and left the room, giving up before he tried hard enough to open Treize up. `Am I not worth it any longer, Miri?' Treize lifted his head, eyes following the last view of Zechs. `I have an instinctive feeling that I will lose you completely, Miri. Why must you tear me up this much?'

A number of weeks passed with Mareimeia enjoying the large amount of attention she received while things remained tense between Zechs and Treize. Throughout that passage of time, Treize remained distant from Duo and when interaction did occur he remained rather rigid and formal; mostly Duo would play with Mareimeia or enjoy Zechs' company. The pale-haired man had also begun loosening up more around the American ex-pilot and Treize had caught him smiling on several occasions while conversing with Duo. The smiles only served as painful stabs to Treize as he watched the development of something that he wished he could stop, yet at the same time wished that it would continue.

Zechs' lips began quirking into a smile as he watched Duo but he quickly wiped the look from his face before continuing the teasing. “I really can't tell. Is it time to be nice? Or is it time to be strict?”

“Fine, yes, of course! Go get ready.” In a quick dash, Mareimeia was out of the room and running up the stairs. Zechs stood, looking towards Duo. “I take it you'll be joining us.”

`I forgot. He wouldn't be able to swim...' Buried deep in his chest, Zechs felt an unsteady pain tug at him, but he managed to ignore it, simply nodding before leaving the room and Treize behind.

Treize watched him leave; it wasn't until he heard Zechs' feet on the stairs, however, that he placed his face in his hands and sighed with a mixture of sadness and frustration. The man that he had once been able to call his own was slipping even farther from his grasp. He couldn't fully understand why... but he knew from experience that the Gundam pilots, former or no, had such a character that intrigued the mind and drew one in. It was no surprise that Zechs was apparently falling for the braided ex-pilot of 02. `Even though it's not shocking, it still hurts. It still hurts, Miri.'

Somehow Duo and Mareimeia had teamed up and convinced him to play “Marco Polo”. Zechs shook his head, water flinging from his bangs as he did so. He couldn't believe he was actually playing along. Currently Mareimeia was doing the searching while Duo and he went about swimming from one place to another. Duo was caught when one of his snickers gave away his position. Duo began calling out and the other two responded.

Zechs tread water for a bit, watching for the time when Duo came near. As the younger man approached, Zechs hurried out of the way. His movement, however, provided enough sound to give him away and Duo lunged forward, hands outstretched while he laughed. By chance, or fate, or perhaps luck, Duo's fingers ended up brushing against Zechs' upper thigh.

`What the...' The pale-haired man swallowed, breathing slowly to calm his fast-paced heart. Although the touch had been purely by chance, it had been rather sensuous and reminded him of times past when he had shared something intimate with... `I don't want to think of him,' he told himself firmly. But Duo offered something new, something better; he'd felt it for some time now.

The game went on from there until it was decided it was time to leave the pool. Mareimeia went inside to change while Zechs and Duo headed over to the whirlpool that was set aside from the main pool. Zechs handled the on switch before dipping his feet into the warm water and sitting on the edge. Duo slid into the water immediately, finding a jet to push on his lower back.

Zechs let a slight smile fall into place, although it was false. “I'm not quite sure how that would have turned out; living in a palace.” He slipped fully into the whirlpool across from Duo, watching the other with careful eyes. “However typically there are so many rules of etiquette to learn and remember when you grow up in this class. There are a number of restrictions, but since Treize is supposed to remain dead, such rules don't apply to us here since we do not interact with many other people.”

Averting his eyes, Zechs focused on a sakura tree some feet away from the whirlpool. “Minimum company suits me just fine. Marie is a wonderful child; I've been enjoying my time with her. Having you about makes for some interesting times,” he smiled, eyes flickering to look back at Duo briefly, “and I do mean that in the nicest way.” Duo chuckled.

When Zechs didn't continue, Duo became a bit more serious. “Hey, you're leaving out that guy; the one that doesn't seem to like me at all.” Zechs pulled one knee up to his chest, tightening an arm about it. Still, he refused to meet eyes with Duo or reply. “Oh c'mon, why don't you let me in on things?”

After some time, Zechs relaxed again and was able to return his gaze to Duo. His lips twitched a bit as he studied the American's face. Duo quirked his eyebrows in confusion, asking a silent question. “I must admit that you look quite attractive right now.”

Duo's eyes widened and he gaped at Zechs. The pale-haired man smirked at him and leaned across the circular pool. His hand came out and flicked damp, brown bangs from Duo's face and then his thumb fell to stroke the ex-pilot's cheek. Duo took a shuddering breath, eyes closing as he leaned into the touch. Zechs was rather surprised with the reaction he received but he didn't stop. Slowly he moved his entire body across the warm water until he was just in front of Duo.

Cobalt eyes cracked open and a grin crossed the other's lips. “Dear God, you're not using me at all. I thought I'd be the one making the move.” He laughed lightly, but was cut off when Zechs bent his head to Duo's - their lips meeting in a heated kiss.

Zechs' hands wandered, one ended up resting on Duo's upper arm while the other trailed down the younger man's side and then drifting down to one knee before moving up again. Duo gasped softly against his mouth and moved his own hand to rest against Zechs' back, pulling himself closer. Zechs hand began to play against Duo's chest, teasing the nubs of raised flesh. His other hand moved away from the shoulder and caught the long braid, removing the hair tie and setting it on the concrete outside the pool. His lean fingers worked through the hair, freeing the golden brown locks so that they floated on the surface of the water with Zechs' platinum strands.

Momentarily Zechs wished to decline, not approving of his actions, but he ignored the voice, not knowing why it was there when he knew he did feel strongly for the one in front of him. He would give what Duo would take, he wanted that. `So why is part of me undecided?' It was not the time to figure that out, however, so Zechs stood, offering a hand to Duo.

They stepped out of the water and Zechs grabbed a towel from a nearby chair. He ran it over Duo's chest and arms, causing a shiver to come from the other. Smirking slightly, Zechs ran the towel lower, causing him to kneel so that he could run the towel over Duo's legs. He lifted his head, staring up into wide cobalt eyes. However there was something to attend to right before him. Zechs raised one eyebrow, requesting permission before he went ahead.

With Duo's startled nod, Zechs dropped the towel and rested one hand on the back of Duo's right knee and lifted his other hand to trail down the small of the other's back before working his way under the swimming trunks. Duo moaned in pleasure and pressed forward as Zechs worked down the wet shorts. Without hesitation, he took the erection before him into his mouth, moving his tongue slowly around the tip.

The ex-pilot snorted faintly and dipped one hand into the front of the wet shorts and stroked a finger along Zechs' length. The pale-haired man exhaled in a rush, reacting immediately to the attention that Duo gave. Duo tugged off Zechs' trunks and leaned into the next kiss that the other provided.

Long, platinum strands of hair fell forward in a curtain that sheltered the kiss away from the rest of their surroundings. Zechs began leading Duo to the ground, his hands working blindly on spreading the towel open to allow the younger man some cushion from the cement. Duo's hands kneaded into Zechs' pale locks of hair as he was lowered onto his back with the other's body laying over his. One of the older man's hands began to trail over Duo's chest again and then both hands were there, crossing like feathers over his pectoral muscles.

“Few times... Heero and I were together... for a year or so,” Duo murmured between breaths. Zechs' hands were still playing over his chest, making it hard to think. “Damn, hurry up!”

Chuckling, Zechs trailed his lips down Duo's neck while one hand left its work and moved down lower. While he prepared Duo, Zechs continued exploring the other's upper chest with lips and tongue, causing the brown-haired young man to squirm in anticipation. A soft laugh escaped Zechs as he slipped another finger in.

When the pale-haired man was sure that Duo was ready, he withdrew his fingers and folded one of Duo's legs up against his chest. He leaned in to provide another kiss and warned softly, “There isn't much of an option for lubricant...”

Zechs did his best by covering himself with water from the whirlpool, although he knew it would be painful for Duo in the beginning. Once more he leaned forward, pausing before Duo's entrance while he kissed the younger man. “Tell me if I need to stop...” Duo nodded and carefully Zechs pushed forward.

Mareimeia had run upstairs once she entered the house to take a bath and to change. She had told Treize that Duo and Zechs were still outside, having headed for the whirlpool. Treize felt uncomfortable with the knowledge that the two were alone together, but he knew he should not disturb their privacy. However, he could not refocus on the book in his lap after finding out the piece of information and he continually looked at the clock, waiting for the door to open and close, marking that they had come inside.

The minutes began adding up and an uneasy feeling began rising in Treize. He set his book aside and stood, making his way towards the door leading out to the pool area. As he moved, pace quickened with long strides, he knew that he would regret ever going to find the two. But he had to know. He had to know if there was any chance left.

`I shouldn't...' He passed through the glass-paneled door and walked outside. He passed the main pool and headed towards the whirlpool area that was surrounded by various bushes and trees. His pace began slowing when he heard softened noises that he knew all too well. Still Treize continued forward, one metal-covered foot in front of the other.

The bushes broke where the stairs were and he froze just before the concrete steps, staring with an unreadable expression upon his face. His eyes took in the sight of his former lover on top of the ex-Gundam pilot. Sweat was trickling down either body and breaths came in ragged pants, Treize knew that if he stayed long enough he would witness the climax of their love-making but he didn't want to see them like that. He turned and walked straight back towards the house, mind completely blank except for the image burned in his mind's eye of Zechs and Duo. He suddenly felt very, very empty.