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"Regained "Written By: Artemis Disclaimer: Gundam Wing and its characters are
copyright to Sunrise, Bandai, Sotsu Agency, and associated parties.
I make no money with this fic. Rating: NC 17 Warnings: yaoi lemon, masturbation, angst, violence,
language Pairings: 6x2, 3x4, mention of 13+11, R+1 Summary: Sequel to Interfacing: Lost. GAIA, the
new alliance, fights its first battle in Antarctica; Duo and Zechs
begin to rebuild their relationship "Regained" 36) [He's so quiet,] Noin thought as she followed Zechs through the long corridors. Normally she would be walking beside him, conversing on military matters or the occasional personal chit-chat. Tonight his quiet and almost cold mood made her drop back, giving him a wide berth. [He could be unhappy with me for not supporting him in his decision.] She shook her head at the thought. Even best of friends disagreed now and then... though she could not remember another time when she had disagreed with Zechs. She watched the sway of his elegant blond hair as he moved swiftly down the hall, finally arriving at his base command office. She followed him in, closing the door behind her. He stood just to the side of his desk. He seemed hesitant to act. "If you're unhappy about something I wish you'd just tell me," she finally blurted out, and then covered her mouth with her hand, surprised at her own bluntness. "Um, Noin?" Zechs asked, looking up with a surprised look. He belatedly became aware that he'd barely noticed her, much less said anything to her as they left the dining room to return to his office. His mind had been on Duo - not an unusual thing - and the meeting just past. "I'm sorry, do I seem unhappy? Forgive my preoccupation. That was some... meeting. I'm so relieved it's all turned out so well, aren't you?" He met her eyes, wondering. "Yes, you're a very lucky man, Zechs Merquise," she said with a little snort. There had been moments in that meeting when Noin felt certain their alliance was doomed to failure. "I should've supported you..." "No, it's all right," Zechs murmured, remembering the feeling of panic. [Well, maybe she could have a little...] She sighed and stepped toward him. "I was just so surprised. I mean, His Excellency is your friend, but I never thought he could be trusted with something like this." She rested her hand on his forearm and tilted her head to look into his eyes. "I'm glad you think he can help us, because he is a very powerful man." Zechs nodded solemnly, looking down into the indigo depths of her eyes. "If he hadn't offered... Noin, I would never have taken the first step to include him. It was too dangerous. But he wanted to... and I don't think he would use me to get at the Gundam pilots. No, he respects them as I do." He gestured toward his computer. "I thought to call him, let him know how our meeting went." "And to thank him," she said, smiling. "Only His Excellency could make an entire fleet disappear in an ice storm!" "True," Zechs replied, matching her smile, relieved that she indeed seemed to be supporting GAIA's "Romefeller connection" now. "Do you mind if I call him now? Was there... something you needed to talk to me about?" She crossed her arms in front of her and smiled. "Yes, as a matter-of-fact, I wanted to tell you that your little man, Duo Maxwell, is quite the fighter. He's a treasure in so many ways..." She let her arms drop and then leaned against the desk. She was pleased with Zechs's new love interest, more pleased than she'd ever been with any of the others... the ones she knew never really mattered anyway. "It must've been very exciting for you to fight alongside him today." Zechs chuckled, folding his arms over his chest as he leaned his weight back on a heel. "It was... revealing... in a good way, Noin," he replied easily. "I never thought I'd get this involved with another pilot, but I'm actually enjoying that aspect of it now. We have a lot in common in that respect." He peered at her through the fall of platinum strands veiling his face. "So... you approve of Duo, I take it?" "Oh, Zechs, I most certainly do," she sighed happily. "I couldn't have found a better partner for you if I'd created him myself." She was smiling avidly at him now, thrilled that her friend had finally found true love. Now if she only could... "And even though he's young, it's obvious he loves you... is quite smitten with you actually. It was amazing listening to him go on and on about you." "He loves to talk..." Zechs murmured, a bit embarrassed by his friend's gushing. "Thanks, I'm glad you approve. Well. I should be calling Treize now. I had Duo listen in the last time. Though he was uncomfortable, he managed to stay for the whole thing. I guess I feel it helps if I have witnesses... though I'm very glad now that I made those recordings. I had a funny feeling they'd come in handy some day. Will you stay?" Noin gave him a slightly puzzled look. "You want me to listen in on your conversation? We all know Treize is involved now." [Maybe he's still worried what the others think.] "All right, Zechs, if you want me to... I'll stay." "If it bothers you, I can handle him on my own," Zechs murmured, turning to go behind his desk. "I just thought -hearing him for yourself - it would ease your conscience. It's not necessary." He sat gracefully, activating the computer. "It's up to you." "It doesn't bother me... I just thought you'd want some privacy." Noin turned to watch him sit. "I was impressed by the recordings I heard tonight. Surprised... and impressed." Her friend was keying in something into the computer... placing the call already? "I'm fine with staying," she said and pulled a chair up to the desk. "Ready when you are." "Thanks," Zechs murmured, and fit his security device on the computer, then placed the call. After dinner with Duke Dermail and a few of the other members of the "inner circle", Treize returned to his private quarters accompanied by a couple officers of his own secret faction. Conversation at dinner, as predicted, had centered on the plans for mobile doll production on the Moon and in the colonies themselves, and minorly on the unfortunate storm at the South Pole. "Good night," Treize murmured to his subordinates when he reached his accommodations within the massive Foundation complex in Bremen. The officers saluted, getting the message that his Excellency wished privacy, then headed off to their own quarters. Within, Treize closed and locked the ornate double doors, then removed his formal cape, laying it carefully on a settee before crossing to his massive oak desk. He'd sat down only a couple minutes, poking at the mail deposited by Lance on his desk, when the idle computer began a soft beeping in a particular sequence. [Finally!] he thought, and hastily opened the secure connection. "Milliardo, good evening," Treize greeted him politely, wondering what his friend must be thinking after the morning's battle. "Lance tells me you've been informed of the efforts on our end... the containment." Zechs looked at the image of his friend closely. Treize seemed a little stressed, but nothing out of the ordinary. "Good evening, Treize," he began, nodding. "Yes, we got the news. Let me, on behalf of our alliance, thank you and congratulate you on some very fine... containment. The relief on this end was immeasurable." Treize was staring. Something had changed. The General paused, studying him for a moment. "Thank you, Milliardo," he murmured, his mind trying to put it all together. [What's different?] "Is everything all right?" Now Zechs glanced beyond his computer to exchange a glance with Noin, giving the "Rose Knight" a first clue that he wasn't alone in the room. "Everything is fine now, Treize. But I've had to tell my team here - Federi, Noin... the Gundam pilots." Treize fought a moment of panic, but managed to answer coolly, "And?" [Is he nervous?] Noin wondered. She had become so accustomed to Treize's composed and ever confident attitude that the hesitation in his voice now sent a shudder through her. [He's treading on new ground here...] "I recorded our earlier conversations, Treize," Zechs replied smoothly, then added a little more warmly, "They came in handy, as it turned out. The group is all right with your involvement now... and it was very good that you came through on your promise to give us time. It was... tense for a while." "I can well imagine," Treize murmured, watching his friend closely. "So... they all know about me. The Gundam pilots." "Yes," Zechs answered, his ice-blue eyes glinting a little. "Treize, they haven't forgotten." "Of course not," Treize replied, sighing. "Is... is one of them with you now? I know you're not alone in the room, Zechs." Noin started at that. [He doesn't miss a thing!] She looked with wide, nervous eyes at her friend, not knowing what he would reveal. Zechs gave his former boss a little half-smile. "Noin is with me at the moment." Treize relaxed at this. He wasn't quite ready to talk to an actual Gundam pilot quite yet. "Ah, Lucrezia... tell her I'm glad she's down there with you. I'm sure the friendly face is welcome." The young woman sighed. [Thank goodness he doesn't mind that I'm here,] she thought and nodded to Zechs, relief evident in the small smile she shared with him. Now Zechs smiled more genuinely. "Actually, my friend, I get along fairly well with three out of the four Gundam pilots." "Really!" Treize looked substantially more interested. "And with whom are you still at odds? That one that self-detonated?" Chuckling, Zechs shook his head. "No, actually that one is a kindred spirit, though extremely focused. I expect we'll be good friends. They're all so different from one another, Treize! I haven't as yet made a personal connection with the pilot of 03. He's reticent and rather protective of their independence. All of them are very capable and independent, for all of their youth. And all fiercely determined to fight for the colonies." Zechs wasn't ready to tell his friend the rest - about Duo being his lover, about the Winner heir's involvement, Heero's amazing physical constitution. He had no doubt Trowa Barton had secrets as well. [Why am I holding back? Shouldn't I be able to trust him now?] Treize peered at his friend, reading clearly that Zechs was holding back. [It's to be expected, though I'd thought... since we came through with protecting what they'd done already against Romefeller... hmmm...] "Milliardo, are they all that young? My little dragon... I'd estimate he's no more than sixteen." [Treize, do you have any idea how sweet it is that you refer to the pilot of 05 like that? You were more than a little taken with him,] Zechs thought, suppressing a smirk. He didn't have to glance at Noin to feel her sudden iciness. [Treize, you dog! What would your Lady think?] Aloud he replied smoothly, "They're all fifteen, I believe, that is, fifteen going on at least thirty. Aside from a sweet purity they all seem to possess, they're nevertheless fierce fighters and highly competent pilots with high intelligence. I do not know how they were chosen or acquired their roles as Gundam pilots, but they are head and shoulders above any other pilots I've seen..." "Save yourself, Zechs," Noin couldn't help interjecting, loud enough for Treize to hear. "Indeed," Treize spoke up quickly before Zechs could refute her. "You easily match their competence, or exceed it, Milliardo. Noin is correct. When I first saw Tallgeese, I knew you were the only pilot we had capable of flying it. You're uncommon... those superhuman reflexes of yours, I suppose. So, you've met your matches, have you?" He chuckled, especially at the look of consternation on his friend's face. "I would so love to see you with them. Seeing the video of the battle was enough of a rush, but even so..." Zechs took a deep breath. "Enough, Treize. Allow me a little modesty!" Treize nodded, smiling, but looked thoughtful after a few moments. "I note that you have not named a single one of them to me, except that one who self-detonated - Heero Yuy. And of course, that is a code name, I'm sure. My dear Milliardo, I am now your servant... and theirs. But if I do not have information, I cannot help you more fully." [Zechs, be careful,] Noin thought. As much as she was now on board with Treize's involvement, she still felt it was best to proceed with caution... especially where the Gundam pilots were concerned. "I know," Zechs replied quietly. "And what do you need that information for?" The commander-in-chief of OZ looked at his former subordinate... his closest friend... with surprise and a bit of shock. [So, you've totally broken free of me. I cannot command you anymore. Our roles have indeed reversed! Oh, Milliardo... I think I must have let you fly free a long time ago... and I'm just now aware of that...] "I might be able to locate their contacts in the colonies, possibly coordinate with whatever support they might have there... if any." Zechs's ice-blue eyes flashed briefly. "You have men personally loyal to you in space as well, Treize?" Treize had only spoken with Lady Une since she left for the colonies and OZ took over the Space Fortress Barge from the Alliance. "No, but I could send someone as my personal envoy to Lady Une. It could be one of yours, even." Impressed, Zechs nodded. "That might be a good thing to do. I will have to consult with the rest of the team." He studied Treize's expression. [I know you are aching for my trust, Treize,] he thought impassively. [What will you think when you learn one of them shares my bed?] [He's being so protective of those little pilots,] Noin thought as she considered the not-so subtle way Zechs was dodging Treize's best efforts to gain information. [I think they might find that amusing... But I wonder if they'd really be willing to share their identities with Treize... Hmm...] "Very well," Treize murmured, giving in for now. "Please, Milliardo, do ask them if I may know their names, too. I believe it will help." "I'll do that, Treize." Zechs nodded, then glanced over at Noin. [Am I wrong to be so protective of them?] he wondered, but her expression gave him no answers. "We have a lot to settle yet in this new alliance," he added finally. "When we're ready to be more forthcoming, I will certainly share it with you." [Including telling you about Duo... my remarkable little man...] "I look forward to that, Milliardo," Treize replied gently. He smiled, hoping it would relax the other man a little. "Very much so." Zechs felt a twinge at that. [He just wants to help... for the sake of our friendship? Because he feels trapped? Because he admires the little pilots? What is it?] "Is it true that there's really not a lot of interest in the fate of the fleet that went down in the 'ice storm'? Your man indicated as much." Treize nodded firmly. "Someone brought up a mention of a memorial service, seeing as they did not perish under the auspices of war, but the notion was quickly put down, I was glad to see, though the reasoning was that of embarrassment that forces under the banner of Romefeller were so incompetent as to be unable to fend against severe weather. My own thinking is different. While some of OZ's more aggressive soldiers might have been diverted toward seeing action with that fleet, it was largely ex-Alliance soldiers seeking an opportunistic chance to impress Romefeller. Which, in my estimation, is one of the lowest motives for fighting altogether." His lips thinned with tension, his eyes narrowing. "I have been behind this desk too long. While many laud fighting for my 'ideals' such as they are, few truly understand my spirit." He stared at the image of his friend suddenly. "You do, Milliardo." Treize's calm mention of "OZ's more aggressive soldiers" brought thoughts of Alex and Mueller sharply to mind. Had the Duke actually identified others in that same unfortunate mold? Or had he merely left the offer of supposed glory attract those of that ilk without further intervention? The latter was more likely. [Brilliant...] "I would like to think so, Treize," Zechs replied mildly. "So, now... you'll take time to prepare to go to space?" Treize hurried on. [He's still not going to open up to me. These little ones have impressed him that much! I have to admire such loyalty, truly...] "Yes, among other things. And thanks again for affording us this time, Treize," Zechs responded. He let his expression warm up a little. "It is exciting, working with them," he admitted with a little smile. "I hope you get to meet them soon." Noin re-crossed her legs to get a bit more comfortable. [Now that would be interesting to see... His Excellency meeting the Gundam pilots. What an historic event!] She smiled at the thought, somehow managing not to giggle at the image of the refined Treize Khushrenada decked out in full uniform meeting the somewhat informal gang of freedom fighters Zechs had allied with. [And I wonder Zechs... would you reveal your little secret? Would you tell Treize about Duo?] Treize smiled as well, relieved. [You're throwing me another little bone, Zechs,] he thought, hiding his frustration. [Damn, you're good... they better appreciate you...] "I can't wait. Any plans to contact the last pilot?" he added, tossing the ball back in his friend's court. The blue topaz eyes narrowed only slightly as Zechs immediately saw through the innocent question. [I suppose you must keep trying, old friend,] he thought wryly. "Certainly. He has a right to be included, if he is so inclined. You wouldn't know where he is, now, would you?" One white eyebrow arched up, tossing back the challenge. Treize laughed, enjoying the mild sparring. "I wish I did, Milliardo! But you can be sure that if I discover anything about him, I will pass that along. Anything else, old friend?" "That's it for tonight." "Then I bid you adieu, Milliardo," Treize murmured. [I'll find a way to get you to trust me, Zechs,] he thought decisively. [Maybe I'll find that last pilot, my little dragon pilot. And convince him to join you. Just maybe...] "And you. Good night, Treize." When the call had been terminated, the security device removed, Zechs sat back and glanced over at the patient Lucrezia Noin. "Well? Do you think I should have opened up to him more? Am I right to hold back on telling him more about our Gundam pilots? I'd welcome your opinion right now, Noin." [And I'm damn glad I have you to check in with this, rather than our little pilots...] "Well, His Excellency did seem a little put-out by not getting the information he wanted from you," she said, smiling sympathetically at her friend. "But I think you're right to want to protect them... they're the hope for the future and I believe you're key in getting them to that future." She got up then from her chair to lean against the desk... tired from sitting. "I'd be surprised if those boys want Treize to know who they are... just yet. But who knows? They're so unpredictable!" He looked up at her, wondering. "I imagine the Winner boy has the most to lose if it was known he was a Gundam pilot. I don't imagine his avocation has won him much support with his pacifist father in the colonies. Barton... the name is vaguely familiar. As for Heero, that's probably not his original name, and Duo also doesn't have any family connections. For Quatre's sake, then... given the prominence of his family, he could be taken advantage of." He sighed heavily. "You're right, they're critical to the future." She reached her hand out to touch her friend's forearm. "You're doing right by them, Zechs," she said, smiling. [He's changed since Victoria base,] she thought, reflecting on the man's recent actions. He seemed more alive than he'd ever been... even more so than when he was fighting Wing Gundam on the plains of Siberia. [He's found love and a new purpose in life.] "You're their Guardian angel," Noin added softly, squeezing his arm. "Whether you care to admit that or not... you really are." Standing up, Zechs patted her hand, chuckling. "I don't think the God of Death needs help from any angel," he retorted good-naturedly. "But it's a fact they've lost contact with their support in the colonies. No one can fight all alone forever. If things had been left as they were, eventually Romefeller would hunt them down and kill them, probably by overwheming them with the mobile dolls. Or, worse, capture them." A note of fierceness came into his voice, a gloved hand unconsciously closing into a fist. "That can never happen." Noin shivered at Zechs's horrific description. "God, Zechs, don't even think that! No one's going to harm any of those boys!" she said, stomping her foot, feeling just as protective as Zechs when it came to those sweet, independent little pilots. [I never imagined I'd be working with them... for them!] "No more thoughts of mobile dolls tonight," she said, sounding very much like a mother hen and patting his arm to further her point. "Everyone's gone off to celebrate and you're still here chatting with me. You should be with Duo. He must be searching for you by now." She smiled sweetly at him, still relishing the thought of his new relationship. "He went off to talk to Heero, I believe," Zechs replied, emerging from behind his desk, resisting the impulse to roll his eyes at her friendly smothering. "And you're right, it's time I found him." He gestured gracefully at the door as she nodded in agreement. "After you!" "Thanks," she said, pleased with their conversation and for having the opportunity to hear Treize's words first hand. "Have a great evening," she told him as she opened the door and exited into the hallway. Just then she heard someone approaching from behind... someone who was humming and whistling. She turned around and wasn't surprised in the least. "Duo." "Hi, Lucrezia!" he called to her, stopping his tune, but not his stride. "You're lookin' chipper this evening," he said to her. She stepped further into the hall to move out of his path and watched with some fascination at how he was not paying attention to where he was going. "Uh... Duo..." she said, trying to interrupt him, but he was in good form tonight... talking up a storm. "Zechs and I were just saying this afternoon about what a shame it is there isn't a town in this...." Thump. "What the...?" Duo had slammed against something large, taut and practically immovable. "I think this is mine," Zechs murmured, trying not to laugh, immediately claiming the long braid in his grasp, his other arm effectively collecting up the little man's body against his. "Are you mine, too?" he asked as Duo turned wide cobalt eyes up to meet his, shocked to abruptly be in his lover's arms. "Oh, wow!" Duo exclaimed, his look of shock quickly turning to one of joy. "You bet I'm yours!" His arms went around the larger man's waist, giving him a fierce hug, despite the audience. Noin chuckled and tried to avert her eyes, but failed. They were just too adorable together. "I think I've got something to do... elsewhere," she said, sounding amused. "Yes, I think you do," Zechs replied, giving her a little wink. "Good night, Noin." "Mmm, goodnight, Lucrezia," Duo said, as he rubbed his cheek against the soft fabric of Zechs's gray coat. She swallowed at the boy's openly wanton behavior. [Oh, my!] Somehow she managed to say "goodnight" and turned to head down the hall to her room... slowly averting her eyes to give the lovers the privacy they needed. [I think tonight I start reading that romance novel Relena gave me...]
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