Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Reluctant Companion ❯ Chapter 20

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Reluctant Companion. 20,21 & ep

Chapter Twenty

"Well, don't the bunch of ya just take the rag off the bush. Look like ten miles of bad road.
Eat." Cook slapped plates on the table and motioned to one of the scullions to get the rest
of the food. The girl eased around the table like she was afraid one of them would explode.

Cook settled in her chair and watched as Wufei calmly ate an egg. Heero seemed to be
concentrating on the proper amount of cream and sugar needed to make his oats just right.
Duo and Milliardo were both miserably silent, for different reasons. Duo because he was
sure Wufei was furious with him and Milliardo because he just knew that Duo hadn't really
forgiven him.

"Devil take the lot of you. Men!" Cook threw her hands up in disgust. "One of you start
talking and do it now. I'm not having the bunch of you boys sulking around in my kitchens for
the next week. I swear!"

Wufei put his fork down, wiped his lips with a napkin then folded it. After placing the napkin
back on the table, he took a sip of his tea to clear his throat. "Duo thinks I'm angry with him.
I'm not. Milliardo is not damaged, a bruise, that's all." He gave Duo a fond look. "You're a
fool."

Duo brightened. "You're not mad?" Wufei shook his head. "Oh, thank goodness." He
smiled happily and stuffed an entire piece of toast, jelly and all, into his mouth. Cook gave a
satisfied nod.

Heero looked a Milliardo for a moment then shrugged. "I'm not sure what's wrong with
Milliardo but I think he might not believe how truly forgiving Duo can be. He's got that ...
tight look around his eyes."

Milliardo poked at an egg then just gave up. "I don't understand. How can you forgive me? It
doesn't make sense. I don't understand."

Duo shrugged slightly. "You're truly sorry. Right?" Milliardo nodded. "So? Vengeance is a
bitter pill. It poisons everything. I won't swallow it."

Milliardo looked at Duo for a moment then slid to his knees at Duo's chair side. "I'm sorry. I ...
I want to reaffirm my vows. Please? It would mean so much to me. And my vow of loyalty to
Heero. Would you accept this?"

Duo patted Milliardo on the shoulder. "Of course. But what about your vows to Wufei?"

"Never made any. Slaves don't, you know." Duo made a face. "Stop that. You know quite
well that I'm so lucky I should be singing Anchora's Praise a thousand times a day. What
happened to the last fool that pulled the trick I did?"

Cook perked up. She loved stories. This one was looking to be good.

Heero made a soft sound then announced. "Not at the table. I refuse to listen to the list of ...
punishments at the table."

Cook blinked. "You're talking about ... oh, my." She made a fussy little noise. And changed
the subject. "Well, sounds like you've all made it up. And there's going to be a banquet, yes.
You can't have a ceremony without a banquet. Not civilized. Now." She picked up a scrap of
paper and a stick of charcoal. "What kind of oaths are these. There's foods that are lucky
and I want to make sure to make all of them"

Duo started laughing, Milliardo, still at his feet had to laugh too. Heero snickered as Wufei
just howled. Trust Cook to put everything in perspective.

Wufei suddenly yelped. Milliardo raised his head from where it had been, in Duo's lap.
"What?"

"We'll have to put off your reaffirmation until Quatre and Trowa can get here."

"Why?" Milliardo looked around at the suddenly frozen men.

Heero shook his head. "Ever met Quatre?"

"I don't believe I have."

Duo chimed in. "Suffering puppy eyes of doom."

"With chin quivers. Deadly." Heero shuddered.

"Then Trowa glares like Heero." Wufei added his bit.

Cook just laughed. "Men. Cowards, the lot of you. But that gives me time to prepare.
Heard that they said they were coming regardless of being too late for the funeral. Pay their
respects and all that."

"Yes and getting to witness Milliardo renewing all his vows will be a nice recompense for
missing the funeral. And you know Quatre will be delighted."

Milliardo settled back in his chair. "What about Trowa?"

Duo snorted. "He'd set up in a hovel if Quatre wanted to. If Quatre is happy so is Trowa."

"Oh." Milliardo helped himself to some eggs, bacon, grilled tomatoes, sausages, pancakes,
toast, oats and tea. Duo eyed the plate with interest.

"At lest you're not starving him."

Wufei just snorted. "You think that's something? Wait until lunch."

Milliardo ignored them with slightly offended dignity.

After breakfast they wandered into the exercise yard. Milliardo started to head for the
apothecary but Wufei refused to allow him to, saying that the journeyman brewer was
perfectly capable of checking on the fermenting wort. Milliardo gave up when Wufei pinned
him in place with a glower.

"Fine, whatever you say. But if we wind up drinking slop, don't blame me."

Heero, having heard in excruciating detail, exactly how interested Milliardo was in beer,
fended off further brewing conversation by asking Wufei if he wanted to work out.

Wufei said that he could manage a little bit and smirked at Heero as he snorted. Their
workouts were well known for lasting a while.

They discussed domain business as they walked to the exercise yard.

Once in the yard, Wufei bowed to Heero and waited as he bowed back. Heero started an
attack. Wufei blocked it. They circled each other for several minutes. To the uninitiated, it
looked like all they were doing was staring and circling, but in the space of three minutes
Heero had started four attacks and Wufei six. It was a match of brains not brawn.
.

Duo poked Milliardo. "Hmmm?"

"Great aren't they?"

"Yes, Master Wufei is wonderful. He's so sly. He'll get Heero soon."

Duo snorted softly. "Not in love here, are we?"

"No, never. Um..."

"Don't say it. If you do I'll have Wufei blister your ass."

Milliardo just grinned. "Who knows, I might like it."

Duo choked on his own spit, making Milliardo snicker.

They turned back to the combat just in time to see Heero flatten Wufei with a simple cross
chop that put him on his ass. Duo whooped in excitement and Milliardo groaned. They both
picked up sacking towels and jugs of water to carry to their respective companions.

"Here." Milliardo draped the towel over Wufei's shoulders. "And don't drip on me. Yuck!"

Duo laughed. "He should take that tunic off, but he'll never do it. It's got to be hot. And, as
for taking off those sticky socks, never."

Heero hushed Duo, who gave him a wide eyed look then shrugged.

Milliardo gave Wufei a stern look. "You promised you wouldn't be stupid."

Wufei managed to look sheepish, yet dignified. "I forgot. I swear. But if anyone says
anything, all bets, as Duo would say, are off."

Milliardo knelt down to help Wufei off with his embroidered slippers. He set the shoes aside
then peeled the offending socks down his legs. While he was doing that Wufei was
unbuttoning the neck of his tunic. When Milliardo was done with his footwear, he pulled the
tunic off over his head.

Duo gasped softly but didn't say anything. Heero just examined him, nodded and turned
away to pick up his jug of water. After drinking some, he smacked his lips and announced that
he wanted to fight Milliardo, with Wufei's permission, of course.

Wufei stood gazing at Duo then Heero, confusion plain on his face.

Milliardo wrapped his arms around Wufei's shoulders. "See, I told you those scars don't
make any difference."

Wufei snorted and said a bit snidely. "See, I told you Duo forgave you."

Milliardo bit him on the ear, earning himself a swat. "Well, I thought about it all last night, at
least until I fell asleep. Relena sentenced me to slavery. Duo never ... er ... got his, so to speak.
Now that he's had his retribution, I can relax." Duo, over hearing this, made a rude noise.
"Very well, I'm an idiot. Enough said. Master's command." Milliardo nodded his head, firmly
changing the subject. "If you want to match me, I'd like that. Wufei?"

"If you like. I'd like to see how Heero does against a long John like you."

Milliardo eyed Heero, decided that he could stand the humiliation and stepped into the
arena.

Heero followed him, sizing him up for the slaughter'. And slaughter it was. Milliardo wound
up on his face in about three moves. Heero poked him in the back.

"You're not trying."

"Am too. Get off."

Heero got off and helped MIlliardo up. "What happened then?"

Milliardo flicked his braid over his shoulder and grumbled. "I have never seen that particular
move before. You caught me by surprise."

"Go again?"

Milliardo glanced at Wufei who nodded. "If you like."

"Well, set yourself."

Milliardo did and Heero attacked him. This time Milliardo did a bit better, he managed to
keep away from Heero long enough to get in several blows. Heero shook them off like gnats,
stepped into Milliardo's hip, kicked him behind the knee with a back sweep kick and swivelled
his pelvis. He pushed against Milliardo's shoulders. Milliardo yelped and landed flat on his
back. He lay there for a moment then jumped up.

"Teach me that. Please. That's a perfect move."

Heero gave Milliardo an assessing look. "It's not for the faint of heart. It's an all or nothing
move. Either it works or you're fucked. You really want to learn it?"

Milliardo nodded. "Yes, I realize it's a last resort but sometimes that's all you've got and I
want a move that can't fail."

"Well, this is it. But don't say I didn't warn you."

They worked on the throw for a while with Duo and Wufei watching and offering advice,
comments and just plain silliness. After working on the throw until Milliardo could do it fairly
easily, Heero announced it was time to introduce a weapon. Milliardo just wiped at his face
with a piece of sacking and got a drink of water. He started to say something then bit at his
lip.

"What is it?" Heero knew enough to ask and insist on an answer. Milliardo eyed Wufei who
just shrugged and said, "Up to you."

"I want to thank you for saving my life. Not that it was worth much, back then. I like to think
that I have learned something since then."

Heero just bowed slightly. "Relena was in despair, even though you ... I'm not sure exactly
how to put this."

"I was an arrogant, ignorant jack ass, with a superiority complex and no understanding of
human nature or politics. I should have been put down for the good of the two kingdoms and
buried in an unmarked grave. I'm very grateful that I wasn't. Being whipped, blinded, hanged,
drawn, quartered and ... I forget what else, doesn't sound like anything I want to experience."

Duo sighed. "I never did figure out how you can be hanged then the rest of it."

Milliardo just gave him a slow blink. "Only hanged, not dropped. Just half strangled, enough
to crush the larynx a bit. Then cut down and proceed."

Duo gave a slight whimper and Heero rushed to comfort him. Wufei swatted Milliardo in the
head. "Idiot, he has nightmares about being strangled unconscious."

Milliardo started on a round of apologies that Heero cut off. "Get us some tea, will you? It's
alright, Wufei, how was he to know?"

Milliardo hurried off for the tea, Heero hushed Duo, rocking him until he was calm again.
Wufei just sat and stewed.

Milliardo returned with enough tea for all of them and handed around cups. Duo peeked at
him from over Heero's arm and grumbled, "Well, shit." Heero snorted into his hair.

"So, you have a break down once in a while. It's to be expected. Relax."

Milliardo looked up from his cup. "I'm afraid of the dark." Wufei covered his eyes with one
hand. "It's not your fault. It's mine." Milliardo took Wufei's hand away. "So, you see, ..."
Milliardo turned to Duo. "You have nothing to be ashamed of."

Duo rubbed his cheek against Heero's. "I know. Besides, it gets me great cuddles."

Heero nuzzled into Duo's bangs then looked at Wufei. "Want to tell me why he's afraid of
the dark?"

Wufei shook his head. "No. If he wants to, fine."

MIlliardo shook his head. "I'm foolish. Never mind." He turned to Heero. "You were going to
introduce a weapon?"

Heero nodded. "I was. Shall we start?"

So they worked on the form again. Milliardo was getting very good at it when Heero got
very lucky and dumped Milliardo flat again. But this time he swore, Milliardo's whole side was
divided by a dark blue slash. The practice dagger was coated with blue chalk so that they
could see when Heero made a hit.

"Milliardo, what the hell? You would die from such a wound."

Milliardo just shrugged. "Flesh trap. You never heard of it?"

Heero's mouth dropped open. "You ... Anchora! You can't just throw your life away like
that."

Milliardo pinned Heero with a look so fierce that he nearly cringed. "For Wufei? A hundred
times over, praising Anchora each time."

Duo made a soft choking sound but Wufei just snorted.

"As if I wouldn't heal him before he bled to death." He turned to Milliardo. "You're not to
waste your life like that. Do you understand me?"

Milliardo gave Wufei a slightly sullen look. "And if I say no?"

"We'll discuss it, over my knee. And if that doesn't work, I still have a switch."

Milliardo smirked at Wufei. "Yes, Master. As you wish, Master. I obey, Master."

Wufei snorted in a most inelegant way and smacked him on the shoulder.

Heero grinned at Duo who just smiled back happily.

.

They spent a week just idling around the keep enjoying some peace and quiet. And waiting
for Trowa and Quatre to arrive.

When they did, it was with a contingent so small that Heero spent several minutes dressing
the captain down. Quatre just stood grinning and holding his gloves. Trowa spent that time
rolling his eyes and snickering.

"Well, don't just stand there, come in."

Both men tossed their reins to waiting stable boys and entered the hall.

Duo fell on Quatre with a yelp of joy. "Quatre! You're here! I'm so glad to see you. Wait
until you see ... you won't believe it. And he's so tall, I don't remember him being that tall and
his hair is ... well, you won't believe it. Come on." Duo dragged a laughing Quatre out of the
room chattering all the way.

Heero greeted Trowa with a smile, a mug of ale and an offer of a seat. He nodded gravely
and accepted them all.

"Well, I'm glad to see you. How was the trip?"

Trowa sipped at the ale, gave Heero a surprised look and gulped half of it.

"This is great. I don't believe that I've had better in the capital. The trip was a trip, like any
other. No surprises. Duo seems well. At least his voice is."

Heero smiled. "Yes. And I never get tired of hearing it. He sings to me every night. And he
sings at the temple as well."

"Are you happy?"

Heero nodded. "As happy as you two. In our own way."

Trowa took another mouthful of ale. "This is excellent. I'd like to meet your new brew master.
But first, Wufei. Quatre is worried about him. How's he doing with our spoiled prince? Any
progress?"

Heero snickered. "I'm sure Quatre is asking Duo the same questions. And you'll both get
the same answer. Wait and see. And don't pout." Trowa gave him an indignant glower. "Ah,
yes. You don't pout. That's Quatre."

Trowa pouted, as much as he ever did, but he agreed to wait. He knew Duo had a surprise
for them and he wouldn't spoil it, no matter how curious he was.

.

Duo led Quatre into the small sitting room behind the great hall and settled him in a
comfortable chair with a tankard of small beer. Quatre looked at the smile Duo was sporting
and grinned back.

"It worked?"

"Sure did. You'll never believe what he's doing right now."

"What? Tell, tell."

Duo waited a moment to allow Quatre to stew a bit, then said, with a rather smug air.
"Brewing beer."

"No!" Quatre drew the syllable out a bit.

"Swear. He's crazy for it. Wufei says that he'll talk about it for hours. He nearly bored me
asleep with it."

"Is he any good?"

"You're drinking some of his stuff right now."

Quatre took an appreciative sip and smiled. "So it did work. I'm so glad. Wufei was so
lonely."

"I know. " Duo nodded smiling softly at the thought of his old friend and his new companion.
"And they're so good together. Finish that. I what to kind of hurry, before Milliardo is
finished in the brew house. I want you and Trowa to see them before they see you and get all
... um ... companified."

Quatre snorted into his beer. "That's not a word. At least I don't think it is."

Quatre finished his beer and followed Duo back through the hall, looking a bit wistfully up
the stairs to their accustomed rooms and the attendant bath. Duo caught the look. "I'll let
you get your bath and what all as soon as we check in on Wufei and Milliardo. I promise. I'll
even rub your feet for you."

Quatre smiled happily, there was nothing he liked more that a good foot rub, except for sex
with Trowa of course.

After picking Heero and Trowa up on their way through the hall Duo led his group of
friends into the lower levels of the apothecary cautioning them to watch the stairs.

They eased down the stairs and into the cistern room. Milliardo was shoveling malted barley
from one of the bins directly into a mash boiler. He was covered with sweat and had grains of
barley sticking to his chest and arms. Wufei was standing nearby with a hygrometer in his
hand checking the sugar level of some cooled mash.

Duo grinned at the look on Quatre's face when he saw the one time prince shoveling grain.
Heero's face was a study in conflict, he wanted to laugh but he didn't want to offend either
Wufei or Milliardo. It was a relief when Milliardo called, "In or out, laugh or don't, I really don't
care but one or the other or you'll burst." He hopped out of the bin and went to a strange
looking arrangement of gears and a trough. He pushed the trough over the boiler and the
started to turn the crank. They heard the gurgle of water and Quatre exclaimed, "A rope
pump! Very clever. But where's the water?"

This lead to Wufei settling on a keg, offering the rest of them similar seating and telling them
about the cistern. He also told them about how they found the skeletons and cleaning out
the cistern. By the time he was done with his stories, Milliardo was done with his pumping and
was starting the fire.

"I'll leave the journeyman to take care of this. I want a bath. And I'm sure that Quatre and
Trowa are more than ready to wash away the dirt of the road." Duo had the grace to look a
little shamefaced, but Quatre just smiled at him, letting him know that he understood his
reasoning.

"We're fine. Now. But I will admit that I really want a wash. Trowa?"

Trowa just grunted and rose from his seat. He had to admit that while he really wanted his
bath, the wait was worth it. If for nothing else, to see the affection the once cold and distant
Chang Wufei had shown for the traitorous prince. A prince who seemed to have turned into
a very good brewmaster, among other things. He smiled to himself, trust Duo and Quatre to
handle something like this.

.

Quatre sank down in the huge tub until his chin touched the water. The tub was full of warm
water, one of Wufei's herbal oils and men. Trowa had invited Duo and Heero to bathe with
them, not that unusual. In fact it was usually fun, in this case it was soothing.

Duo was humming softly and rubbing Quatre's left foot. The promised massage was making
Quatre sleepy. Trowa smiled at Heero who was smirking at Duo. He'd bet Duo that
Quatre was going to fall asleep in the tub, Duo and said that Quatre would be too wound
up. Heero enjoyed being right very much.

Heero eased himself around to speak to Trowa. He felt too relaxed to do more. "We'll have
the renewal of Milliardo's vows tomorrow. You missed the funeral so I thought we'd let you sit
in on that. What do ..."

Quatre sat up so abruptly that a small wave slopped over the side of the tub. "Renewal?
You'll do no such thing! Why the very idea! What's wrong with you?"

Duo yelped and let go of Quatre's foot to avoid pulling his head under at the sudden move.
"What?! Why? Quatre, Milliardo needs to reaffirm his vows. It's very important to him. Why
shouldn't we take them?"

Quatre shook his head violently, sending drops of water showering over the other three.
"No! ... I mean ... yes, but not tomorrow. We have to have a ... banquet and a celebration... and
Relena should be here."

Duo sighed. "Didn't think she'd want to be here for anything like that. And we can't put it
off. Cook would kill us. She's made plans and been cooking and baking for two days."

Quatre pouted a bit, saying that he was sure that Relena would have wanted to be present
for something like this. He brightened when Heero reminded him that Milliardo was
technically his subject now and he would be taking his vow of loyalty. Duo would be taking his
reaffirmation of his vows to Anchora and Wufei would be taking a vow of fealty to himself as
Milliardo's master and commander. Quatre grumbled a little but announced that they'd just
have to make do with sending Relena a full account. Everyone just laughed. Quatre was an
inveterate letter writer and sent reams to everyone about everything.

.

Quatre invaded the kitchens the next day and he and Cook had a nice talk. He had to smile
when he saw that she had made every lucky dish she could think of. He complimented her on
her preparations and went in search of Trowa.

When he found his lover, he announced in no uncertain terms that they had to have a present
for Milliardo. Something that Wufei would never think of getting him. Trowa plucked at his
lower lip and considered this for a moment.

"I don't know. If Wufei knew that Milliardo wanted something, he'd get it for him. What do
you think?"

Quatre shook his head. "Not a clue. Maybe Duo or Heero would have an idea."

So they wandered around looking for Duo and/or Heero. They finally found them in the
garden also trying to come up with a present for Milliardo.

"But, what could he possibly need? You know damn good and well that Wufei wouldn't let
him go without." Duo ran a hand through his bangs and then thumped it down on Heero's
thigh. Heero took it in his own hand and threaded his fingers through Duo's.

"I think he'd be happy with almost anything."

Trowa braced himself for Quatre's reaction to that particular stupidity. "Heero, we have to
get him something nice. It would be an insult to Wufei. I don't intend to insult my friend. We
just have to be ... inventive." Trowa didn't even wince. Quatre did tend to get a bit shrill from
time to time.

Heero eyed Quatre for a moment then shrugged. "Well, what's traditional in Chin. We
could give something like that to Milliardo, Wufei wouldn't think of it and it would make
Milliardo proud that we thought of it and Wufei couldn't claim insult, not that he would. So
..." Heero gave Quatre a meaningful look. Quatre just grinned back at him.

"Leave it all to me then."

.

Milliardo had to admit that he was as nervous as a virgin in a whore house as Duo had said.
He was to make three submissions today, not that he wouldn't have been just as nervous
making any one of them, let alone all three. One was to Duo, a reaffirmation of his vows to
Anchora, which he hadn't actually broken. Another to Wufei as his master and overlord.
The third, to Heero, legally changed his loyalties to Heero as his acknowledged king.
Relena had already been contacted about this and had approved it only writing that, since
Milliardo was exiled she had no objections and that it was good of Heero to accept his vows.
She had also asked when the ceremony was to be.

Milliardo ignored the sound of galloping horses, someone was always charging in or out of
the keep during things like this, sometimes on the flimsiest excuses. The young squires liked
to show off for the girls, someone from the lower village forgot something vital and sent a
servant rushing off for it, that sort of thing. He wiped at his hair with the back of his hand, he
now hated it down. It got into everything.

Wufei looked in on Milliardo and smiled, "Well, you're dressed at least." Milliardo gave
Wufei a disgusted look as he gave way to mirth.

"That's right. Laugh. Just remember. I'm going to be making my submission in front of a hall
full of people. About a hundred of them. Now laugh."

Wufei snorted. "Do you actually think that Heero would let you be totally naked in front of a
bunch of commoners and noble women?"

"The law says naked."

Wufei shook his head. "I checked an older version, it says naked of adornment. In other
words, no lace, no silk, no jewelry. I'm going to assign a copyist to go to the Capitol and get
true copies directly from the royal library. Now ... you better hurry. Here's the clothing
Heero wants you to wear."

Milliardo sighed his relief, he really hadn't wanted to appear naked in front of a hundred or
so people but he would have if he'd had to.

He picked up the clothing that Wufei had dropped on the bed. The trousers were of fine
linen cloth and tailored to fit perfectly, the simple button fly made the fronts lie flat. The
tunic was plain, lacing up the front with simple laced cuffs. He stroked the material for a
moment then scrambled to don his smalls and get dressed. There were no shoes or boots, not
even a pair of sandals or slippers. He shrugged and headed for the door.

He was met by the captain of the guard and a squire he didn't recognize. They would escort
him into the hall and help him with several aspects of the ceremony.

.

Milliardo stepped in the open door and gasped. Relena was there. She was dressed in riding
clothing and covered with road dust. He nearly collapsed but then remembered that Wufei
had promised and what would Relena do with him anyway? He steadied himself and stepped
forward.

He felt something soft beneath his bare foot and looked down. Since he'd had his eyes fixed
on Relena he hadn't noticed the soft wool runner, nearly the color of the stone floor, that ran
from the door to the dais. Relena smiled slightly at him and nodded. Encouraged he stepped
forward.

Half way to the dais, Wufei stood right in his path. There was a kneeling bench at his feet.
Milliardo knelt on the bench, grateful for it's thin padding. To Wufei he swore and oath of
total submission, an oath of obedience beyond the mundane. Wufei accepted it gravely,
swearing in his part to protect and provide for Milliardo as if he was himself.

They walked side by side to the dais where Duo and Heero were seated side by side.
Milliardo, as a slave, was technically incapable of making an oath of any kind but Heero had
no intention of insulting Wufei, Milliardo, or Relena by refusing.

First Milliardo knelt to Duo clasping his hands before him, just as he had done for Wufei,
and extending them. Duo took the clasped hands in his own and nodded.

"I, Milliardo, do swear to uphold the honor of Anchora and her temple, her priests, high and
low, and to protect the weak and innocent. I will [there should be more here, but my brain went
Bleah!]

Duo gave his return oath and just stood up, making room for Heero to take Milliardo's
hands. Milliardo gave Duo an indecipherable look then turned to Heero, swiveling on his
knees a bit to face him better.

He repeated his vow of allegiance in a clear, firm voice, projecting the words as only a trained
singer could.

"I promise on my faith that I will in the future be faithful to His Majesty King Heero Yuy and
his vassal, My Lord Chang Wufei, never cause him harm and will observe my homage to him
completely against all persons in good faith and without deceit. To this I do swear, in all
honor, upon my very life and soul."

Heero repeated his oath of protection and then raised Milliardo to his feet. Wufei stepped
forward with a pair of socks and very fine boots in his hands. He knelt and slipped the socks
onto Milliardo's feet followed by the boots. He stood and announced, "I give this footwear in
symbol of my oath to provide for him in all things." He stepped back to stand by Relena.

Duo stepped up next and flipped a tabard over Milliardo's head. He eased it into position
and belted it with a wide leather belt, empty sheaths attached to it flapped against Milliardo's
thighs. "I give this tabard and belt in symbol of my acceptance of Milliardo's reaffirmation of
his vows as a warrior-priest of Anchora."

Heero was last and took both a dagger and sword from the smiling squire, sheathing the
weapons at Milliardo's sides he announced, "I give these weapons in symbol of my
acceptance of Milliardo's oath to protect my lands and people. May they serve him well."

"And I have a present as well." Milliardo nearly fell over. He flicked a startled, pleading look
at Wufei, standing by Relena and got a gentle nod in return. He turned to face his sister and
blinked. She was holding a shield. "I give this shield to my brother because he is much
beloved by me. It symbolizes my wish for him, that he be protected." She didn't specify how
or by who, she just handed Milliardo the armsless shield.

Milliardo eased his arm into the loops on the back of the shield and turned to face the
people. They all cheered him, calling out, "Huzzah! Huzzah! Milliardo!"

Heero gave them a bit of time to cheer and for Milliardo to enjoy the attention, then he held
up a hand to quiet everyone.

"Thank you for coming, and for your congratulations. There will be food and drink set up in
the back court yard. Please eat, drink, and make merry."

There was another, much louder cheer for this and the people began to file out to the yard.
Milliardo laughed softly. "Well, I guess that shows me." He handed off the shield and sword
to the squire who bowed slightly and left to put them next to Milliardo's old weapons by the
door of his and Wufei's bedroom.

Milliardo turned to Relena biting his lip. "Relena?" Relena just sighed. "Please?"

"Brother, I rode all day yesterday and part of the night just to be here for this. Come, we'll
talk."

She led him into the small room at the back of the hall that was used for private interviews
with petitioners. They were in there for a long time. No one was ever to know what was said
but they emerged tear stained but smiling.

Relena grinned at Heero. "I'm starving. Feed me before I fall over."

They headed for the yard and the overflowing tables that Cook had set up. There was no
fear that the food would be gone before they got any. Cook's idea of a banquet was enough
food to founder two battalions. Milliardo insisted that Relena seat herself, he would bring
her a plate.

It turned out that none of them had to go get a plate, smiling squires attended them, bringing
platters of meats, vegetables, stewed fruits and whole fowls. They also brought beer, wine,
ale and hard cider in pitchers and jugs.

Everyone ate too much, and drank a little too much. There were songs and dancing,
conversation and laughter. Relena teased Duo and Heero mercilessly while Wufei chatted
with Quatre and Trowa. They'd had no part in the ceremony as neither one was in any
position of authority over Milliardo. They had just been there as moral support and official
witnesses.

Milliardo just sat and listened to the conversations swirling around him. Wufei reached over
and touched him on the shoulder once, asking if he was alright. He smiled as said that he was,
he was just thinking and enjoying the fun.

As the day drew to a close with evening blooming on the horizon, Quatre leaned across Duo
and Wufei to hand Milliardo a small package wrapped in red parchment. "Don't open it until
you're home. Have a nice evening." He smirked at Wufei, took Trowa by the hand and led
him away.

Relena stretched and burped, and not a lady like one either. "Opps! Scuse me. I'm for my
chambers. I'm tired. And still standing around in all my dirt. Bath! Now!" Heero laughed and
kissed her lightly on the cheek. Duo kissed the other one and she headed for her quarters
and her bath.

That left Duo, Heero, Wufei and Milliardo at the high table alone. Heero pushed away
from the table and grabbed Duo. "Come on. I've got a snake that I want you to see to."

"One eyed? Oh, my." Duo laughed and eeled out of Heero's grip. He ran for the keep with
Heero in hot pursuit.

Wufei snorted. "Well, come on. I want to see what Quatre has given you."

Milliardo laughed. "You'll see soon enough. Come on." So the party broke up at last as the
last of the celebrants gave in and headed off for their beds.

Chapter Twenty-one

Milliardo led the way carrying a small bull's eye lantern but it was very small and quite dim.
Wufei managed to slip in the dark. He stumbled slightly and bumped into Milliardo. Milliardo
turned quickly and caught Wufei by the elbow. Wufei pulled away gently and said, "I'm all
right. You don't have to do that, I'm no woman."

Milliardo laughed and scooped Wufei up in his arms. "No? And I suppose you don't like
this." He whirled around with Wufei clinging to his shoulders.

"Aiy-Yah! Crazy man. Put me down." Wufei had to laugh too. He felt wonderful. Heero had
accepted Milliardo's vow and given him a sword. Duo had given Milliardo presents as well.
And Relena had obviously forgiven him. Life was good.

Milliardo tossed Wufei over one broad shoulder and headed for the apothecary at a smooth
jog. Wufei couldn't help it, he reached down and grabbed Milliardo's ass. He yelped and ran.

They were both laughing like maniacs when they got to the bedchamber. Milliardo dropped
Wufei on the bed, where he bounced a few times they lay back with a sly expression on his
face.

Milliardo climbed into the bed with him and leaned over to kiss Wufei gently on the neck.

"I think it all went well. Relena has forgiven me, don't you think?"

Wufei sighed and wriggled to get more comfortable. "Yes, I do think she's forgiven you. But
you know..."

Milliardo silenced Wufei with a kiss that stole both their breaths away. They lay back
panting.

When he caught his breath again, Milliardo continued their conversation, "I know several
things. One, Relena has forgiven me, a thing I find amazing and wonderful. Two, Heero has
accepted my oath, that means he trusts me and that Duo has forgiven me. Another wonder
and a miracle from Anchora herself. Three, I'll never be a free man. It's just not possible.
There's too much chance of someone trying to use me and the people of Sanque would
never conscious it."

Wufei rolled Milliardo over onto his back. "Do you mind so very much?" He straddled
Milliardo's chest and looked down at him.

"You have way too many clothes on. And, no, I don't mind. I'm happy here, I have a
responsible position but one that doesn't put me in authority over any people who might take
that as a sign that I want another shot at a throne. I really don't know what I was thinking.
There!"

Milliardo had been pulling Wufei's clothing off as he spoke and his exclamation of
satisfaction made Wufei snicker. "And you don't? Strip, now!" his commanding tone of voice
made Milliardo shiver.

He knelt up and started to pull his tunic off but had to stop and snicker and Wufei's busy
fingers tugged at the buttons on his fly, it tickled. He controlled himself and got the tunic off.
He tossed it on the floor to join Wufei's robes and trousers. Wufei pushed Milliardo over
onto his back and grabbed the trousers by the hems of the legs. He pulled them off, tossing
them into the air to land where they might.

Wufei looked down and realized that he had Milliardo flat on his back with both long legs in
the air. As he had hold of Milliardo's ankles, he just pushed gently to force his knees to his
chest. Milliardo obediently bent his legs for Wufei.

Wufei just took a moment to gazed at his treasure, spread so trustingly before him. Milliardo
was hard and leaking a bit already, his scrotum was tight against his groin, proving his need.

Milliardo smiled up at Wufei, allowing him to manipulate his body any way he wished. He
calmly spread his knees and stretched his arms over his head, grasping the headboard to
brace himself he waited.

He didn't have long to wait, Wufei stroked his chest teasing at his nipples as he did so.
Milliardo gripped the headboard in order not to writhe like a fool. It didn't help much. Wufei
was attacking his nipples alternately sucking one and pinching the other. The sensations of
Wufei's agile fingers plucking at a saliva slick nipple had them peaking into hard points of
sensation in moments.

Wufei stopped what he was doing for a moment as Milliardo started to let his legs drop to
the bed. "No, stay exactly like that."

Milliardo moaned but obeyed. Wufei kissed him, spending enough time that Milliardo felt
thoroughly plundered. Not that he minded, the soft sounds he made were all of
encouragement. Wufei settled on Milliardo's chest and nibbled on his ear, Milliardo gave up
all sense and just moaned and writhed, begging softly, "please, Wufei, something ... do
something."

Wufei slowly rubbed their groins together making Milliardo whimper. Wufei did some
whimpering of his own.

Milliardo raised his head to gain Wufei's lips again. He nipped at the pouting lower lip and
nuzzled under Wufei's chin. Wufei caught Milliardo behind the head to help him keep the
delicious contact. Milliardo finally fell back with a sigh.

"Oh, that's nice. More? Please?"

Wufei tipped his head back to allow Milliardo better access. Milliardo pulled him down onto
the bed and rolled so that they were side by side.

"It's your Oath Day so you can have anything you want."

Milliardo sighed, "thank you. Ride me."

"Don't I always?"

Milliardo just laughed softly. "You're always so careful of me. I'm tough. I won't break. Make
me feel it for a week. Please?"

Wufei nipped his way from Milliardo's navel to his chin. "Very well. But if you're sore
tomorrow don't blame me."

"I'm begging you for it. Don't make me grovel too."

"Ok, I won't. But you do look so good on your knees."

Wufei slid down a bit so that he could suckle one of Milliardo's nipples. He sucked and
nibbled on the pouting flesh until it hardened and peaked. When he turned his attentions to
the other, Milliardo whimpered a protest at the switch until Wufei latched onto the neglected
mate and sucked hard. Milliardo yelped, arching his back in surprise and pleasure.

Wufei smirked into Milliardo's chest, he'd been begging Wufei to take him hard for weeks.
Wufei decided that this was the right night to do it. They wouldn't be expected to do
anything tomorrow, so Wufei was going to give Milliardo exactly what he wanted. He just
hoped it was.

"Lay on your side." Milliardo settled on his side pulling his top leg up to his chest. "I love
you."

Milliardo stiffened then relaxed to near bonelessness. "I love you too." He felt like he'd been
pole axed, Wufei loved him. He sighed.

Wufei dipped his fingers into a small jar of salve he'd wedged between the pillows. He
pushed at Milliardo's thigh to make him move it closer to his chest. "There, good. Are you
sure you want me to do this? Really sure? I won't abuse you, you know. If you're doing this
just because you think I want it, don't."

Milliardo snarled softly, "If you don't take me soon, you'll have to chain me in the mad house."
He wriggled his hips attempting to entice Wufei into doing whatever he was going to do more
quickly.

Wufei smacked him on the hip, making him groan deep in his chest. That groan tipped Wufei
over the edge. All he could think of was how much he wanted to ravish Milliardo, leaving him in
a sweating heap.

Wufei started by stroking Milliardo's back, that powerful, smoothly muscled back that he
loved to touch. Milliardo hissed his approval softly.

Wufei slipped a finger into Milliardo's body and eased him, requesting he open to the
intrusion. Milliardo moaned softly and muttered, "I won't break you know. Harder."

"In a moment, my impatient one. Unless you want a good figging instead."

Milliardo whimpered a little at the thought of the burn but realized that he was hardening.
"Later. If you like."

Wufei trailed a combination of nips and licks across Milliardo's back and shoulders that left
him shivering, completely forgetting the finger in him. That clever finger suddenly thrust,
stabbing unerringly into his jewel', he yelped then shuddered as sparks danced up his spine.
Wufei stroked his finger in and out a few times, watching Milliardo try very hard not to
wriggle. His moaning got louder and more demanding. Wufei was sure he would have been
begging if he wasn't already beyond coherent speech

With one hand already busy Wufei decided that he should find something to do with the
other which was to toy with Milliardo's nipple. A quick pinch elicited another yelp and he
used the sting of the pinch to distract Milliardo long enough to add more salve to his fingers,
before stabbing three fingers into him in one thrust. Milliardo thrust his hips down on Wufei's
fingers as hard as he could. Wufei smacked him again for this and opened his fingers a bit
then pulled his fingers out most of the way as he gave Milliardo's nipple a pinch and a twist.
Assaulted by sensation all Milliardo could do was cry out his pleasure.

"Like that?"

Milliardo scrambled to find enough active brain cells to groan, "Oh, yes. More please. More,
more!"

"Pushy slave."

"Yes, master. Pushy, you should punish me by doing that some more."

Wufei bit at the heavy muscle in the bend of Milliardo's neck, then licked the sting away. "I'll
warn you one more time, beautiful. You'll be sore tomorrow."

Milliardo shrugged, a rather amusing thing since he was laying on his side, one leg pulled up to
his chest the other bent enough to brace him from rolling. "Don't care. I'm not fragile, not
glass. Please. I need to feel it. Really feel it. All day tomorrow and the day after too."

Wufei thrust his fingers against that bundle of nerves again, and again. "Very well. No mercy
then."

And Wufei swarmed all over Milliardo like a blanket. He kissed, licked, nipped and sucked.
Milliardo writhed, moaned and begged shamelessly.

After Wufei had driven Milliardo to total incoherency, he nudged him over onto his back.

Easing him into position with his rump on a pillow and his elegant legs splayed wide, Wufei
slicked himself and eased into Milliardo's willing, accepting body and started moving. He set
a pace that he could keep for quite a while, making sure to hit Milliardo's sweet spot with
every stroke. He had to admit that it felt wonderful. Milliardo's tight, wet heat nearly sent him
over the edge. He controlled himself ruthlessly. This night was for Milliardo, a celebration of
his vows. Wufei stifled his moan by pressing his face into Millardo's neck.

Wufei moved faster stabbing into Milliardo with a ruthless rythem that had them both crying
out in unison. They screamed out their completion together. Although the next day Wufei
would deny screaming with great indignation.

"Oh, Anchora. That was ..." Milliardo struggled to complete the sentence. "I think I'm dead."

"Can't be. You're talking. Lay back." Milliardo thought he should get up and clean off then
he thought forget it. I'll just be sticky.' Wufei thought different. He got out of bed, but didn't
have far to go. He'd set up a basin and pitcher with wash cloths and towels earlier. All he had
to do was take a step. He cleaned them both up and crawled in bed beside Milliardo who
was nearly asleep.

"How do you feel?"

"Sleepy. If some noisy bastard would shut up, I'd go to sleep."

"I still have that gag." Wufei's amused tone made Milliardo smile.

"Maybe later. Sleep now." He snuggled down in the covers and pulled Wufei close.

"Fine, sleep now."

Cook sighed, the screaming had awakened her so she'd gotten up to make some tea. She
just shook her head, "Those boys. They'll be dead in the morning." She smiled as she went
back to bed.

~ * ~

The next morning they wished Relena a good journey and then adjourned to meet in the
kitchen. No one thought anything about it, even though it was unusual, to say the least, that
nobles would eat in a kitchen. Cook just overlooked their meal with a benign expression on
her face.

Wufei and Milliardo looked ravaged. Wufei had a sloe-eyed look and Milliardo a silly smile.

Quatre and Trowa didn't look much better, and Duo and Heero were nearly falling asleep
in their food. Cook made sure that they had wake up' tea and left them to their own devices.

Duo gazed at Milliardo for a moment then asked in a laughing tone of voice. "Having trouble
sitting?"

MIlliardo smirked at him. "I'm just a poor, well-fucked slave. How about you?"

Duo shoveled eggs onto a piece of toast, shoved it into his mouth then mumbled around it.
"Me? Sleep? What's that?" he snickered and glanced at Trowa. "And you, my lanky friend?"

Trowa gave him a wide-eyed look then grinned. "Rode hard and put away very wet. Tea?
Please? I'm parched."

The tea was dutifully passed and Cook replenished their plates. She couldn't help but
smile. The three couples looked so happy together. She knew that they were going to have
to go their separate ways. But she also knew that they were friends for life and would be
together, apart, and together again for the rest of their lives.

Cook sighed, it was too bad that Milliardo could never have his freedom, he had grown and
learned. He deserved it but she knew why he couldn't have it. The hopes of some greedy
men would, sooner or later, involve him in a revolt. Whether he wanted to be in one or not.
She was just glad that he could still be in the priesthood. She'd enjoyed his presiding over
the last rites in the temple Wufei had had repaired. And she had to admit that his beer was
much better than hers. Who would have suspected that the man had a passion for beer and
ale. Or that he would be able to do more than just talk about it. She shook her head and
dished out cereal.

The six men ate the cereal without complaint. Cook didn't make oatmeal, or rather her
oatmeal was special, filled with dried fruit, nuts and honey, it was a treat.

Heero spoke around a mouth full of cream laden oatmeal. "Milliardo, I'm sorry I can't do more
for you. You're still a priest and welcome to manage the religious needs of Anchorites in the
domain. You're also Wufei's confidant, and that's good. But you can never be free to be
used ..."

Milliardo just held up a hand, toast and all. "Never mind. I deserve my punishment. If I hadn't
been such a jealous fool, I could have convinced Relena to make me more than a figurehead
sooner or later. I'm content. I have my brewing, which I find very satisfying. I can bear arms in
Master Wufei's defense. Our workouts are a pleasure. I don't mind submitting to him."
Milliardo gave Wufei a languishing look. "He makes it so very pleasurable. Don't pity me. I
don't need it. Will you be coming back later this year?" Heero accepted the obvious change
of subject with good grace. He poked Duo under the table and got a small nod in return.

Quatre gave Trowa a significant look which Trowa returned. "Well, I'm glad. I don't have to
worry about Wufei anymore. Or you. Jelly?" Quatre passed the jar to Milliardo who
slathered some on his toast, only to yelp in indignation as Wufei plucked it out of his hand.

"That's enough of that! I'll not have a food fight in my kitchens." Cook smacked Wufei on the
shoulder with a spoon, making him roll his eyes at her. "And don't you roll your eyes at me,
young man. Now, here's more toast and some cream. Fresh tea too." She placed the food on
the table and went back to her preparations for lunch.

Wufei took more tea and sighed with pleasure. "I'm glad, Milliardo, that you've ... not given up
but ... matured? Yes, matured. I was truly worried that you'd never get a clue."

Milliardo smiled back. "Hard headed? Me? No!" he clutched at his chest dramatically.
Quatre snorted into his tea and Trowa handed him a napkin.

That broke the group up and they all went to their various duties laughter trailing in their
wake.

Heero and Duo didn't take long to go over the business of the domain with Wufei, Milliardo
in attendance. Quatre and Trowa just took a ride around the domain.

They met again at lunch and spent the rest of the afternoon together playing chess and
giving each other bad advice on the next play. They went to bed early as Duo, Heero,
Quatre and Trowa were leaving early the next morning to return to the Capitol.

.

Milliardo handed up the stirrup cup, smiling at Heero. Heero took it with a nod, drained half
of it and handed the cup onto Duo. Wufei handed up a similar cup to Trowa who also drank
half and handed his cup to Quatre. Quatre finished off his draft at the same time Duo
finished his.

"Well, we'll be leaving now. See you in four months. Milliardo, I'm glad you decided to be
smart. Wufei didn't need a reluctant companion. I hope you have a good life. We'll never
mention this again." Heero smiled again and, jerking his head to Duo to follow, he spurred his
horse and rode out the gate. Duo followed and Quatre and Trowa offered quick words of
farewell and followed.

Milliardo just smiled and started singing the prayer for travelers, Wufei joined in. Their duet
ringing out joyously.



~ * ~

Osuwari - sort of. There's two side stories, one for each of the other couples. They'll be
written as the inspiration strikes me.


See below for some interesting links.


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