Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Sugar & Whips ❯ Chapter 6

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Sugar and Whips

Part 6

“So, what am I going to do with you?” Duo ran his hands through Zechs long hair, studying it critically.

“Whatever you do, just don't cut off too much,” the blond warned.

Duo looked almost offended by the comment. “Do you really think I'd be capable to commit a crime like that? Don't worry,” he gave Zechs a reassuring wink. “I'll only take off as much as I have to. Maybe an inch or so at the tips, getting rid of the split ends…”

“What about those bangs?” Quatre asked. The young man was standing beside Duo, watching the stylist.

“Don't touch the bangs!” Zechs protested. “I like them just the way they are.”

“I'd have to say I agree.” Duo concurred. “I like them. Keeping his eyes partially hidden like that gives him a very mysterious and very sexy look.”

“Okay, if you say so. You are the master of this domain after all.”

“Do you wear your hair pulled together into a ponytail a lot?”

Zechs gave the braided young man a surprised look. “I did almost very day at work, how did you know?”

“Because, there is a lot of breakage in the hair at the area of your neck. Next time, if you have to tie your hair together just don't use those thin rubber bands. Well, let's get started by washing and conditioning your hair. Alexia!” Duo called for one of his assistants and asked her to take Zechs to the back to wash his hair. He gave her special instructions regarding the shampoo and conditioner she wanted him to use.

The young woman nodded in acknowledgement then turned to Zechs. “This way please.”

The young man followed her to the back of the room to a row of large marble sinks and reclining leather chairs. The beauty salon, like the rest of the mansion was build and decorated in Victorian style, but the equipment was very state-of-the-art. Whoever designed this place has managed to flawlessly combine Victorian elegance with modern comfort and technology.

Alexia asked him to take a seat and relax. She soaked his hair and slowly massaged his scalp while she shampooed and conditioned him.

By the time Zechs returned to the front of the salon Duo was in the middle of cutting Quatre's hair.

“Have a seat,” the braided young man told him. “This shouldn't take much longer. Do you want me to have somebody get you something to drink while you wait?”

“No thanks, I'm fine,” Zechs declined politely as he made himself comfortable on the chair next to them. For a while he watched quietly as the stylist continued to trim Quatre's hair.

“So,” he asked after a few minutes. “You own this place?”

“Me?” Duo laughed. “I wish. No, unfortunately I just work for Treize like everybody else here.”

Zechs frowned. “Wait a minute. You mean the duke owns this place?”

“Yep.”

“Let me get that straight. He owns an S&M club and a beauty salon? What else; an amusement part of maybe a childcare center?”

“Hey, I like the amusement park idea. Can you talk him into it, Quatre?” Duo joked.

“Seriously, that makes no sense.” Zechs continued.

“Actually, it does,” Quatre told him. “If you know the whole story.” He tried to turn his head to look at Zechs when Duo stopped him.

“Hold still, will you. Or do you want me to cut off your ears o something?” the stylist grumbled.

“Sorry,” Quatre apologized with a sheepish grin.

“Then tell me, what's the `whole story',” the older man demanded.

“Well first of all you should know that Treize never does anything on a whim,” Duo pointed out. “No matter what he does, you can be sure that he has always some kind of agenda.”

Interesting! That's definitely something worth remembering for the future.

“This place used to be a bathhouse, ever since somebody discovered an underground mineral spring a couple of hundred years ago,” Quatre explained. With Duo's warning in mind he kept his head still, looking at Zechs reflection in the mirror instead. “By the time Master Treize bought the neighboring land and rebuilt the mansion into his club this place was pretty run down. But that didn't stop some of the people who worked at the Black Rose from coming here to relax or meet their clients for a little side business, if you know what I mean. When the duke learned about it he bought this property as well and rebuilt the old bathhouse into this.”

“Ah, I see. This way not only can he make sure that his `employees spend their money at his place, but he also can keep a tap on them and their clients.”

“Bingo! Man, in spite what they say about blondes, you really are smart.”

“Duo!” Quatre reprimanded. “That was rude.”

“What?” the braided young man asked innocently. “I was only giving him a compliment. You weren't offended, were you?”

“Not really,” Zechs assured him.

A few minutes later Quatre's haircut was done and the young man vacated the chair for Zechs.

“A much better already,” Duo nodded in satisfaction as he ran his fingers through the long blond hair. “Can you see the difference? It's softer and shinier because all that build-up is gone.”

“Okay then, I'll leave you two. Zechs when you are done, I'll be upstairs.” Quatre waved at the two men before he turned and walked away. At the door he stopped and turned his head. “And Duo, remember we have lunch reservations for 2 o'clock.”

“Alright, I won't forget,” his friend nodded.

True to his word Duo only trimmed off the ends of Zechs hair. He thinned out and layered the bangs a little to make them look less heavy and even wispier. Zechs had to admit that the young man really knew what he was doing. After brushing the hair thoroughly Duo finished the style with a little hair-spray and the blow-dryer.

###

After Duo was finished with him Zechs went to find Quatre upstairs. As he walked through the lobby toward the stairs his gaze wandered to the entrance door, and for a moment he wondered what, if anything, would happen if he would just walk out of that door right now.

I wonder where Heero is. I haven't seen him since we arrived. But that doesn't mean that he isn't around, right? How did Quatre put it? `Heero is the best in what he is doing…' so I wouldn't be surprised if he has been watching me without me being aware of it.
No, walking out of here on a whim without thinking it through and knowing what to do next would be a stupid move. But just like Duo pointed out, I might be blond, but I'm not stupid.

He crossed the lobby and headed up the stairs. Quatre had told him to meet him upstairs, but he didn't actually tell him where exactly. Luckily Zechs run into Paolo who pointed him in the right direction. He found his companion in a small room at the end of the hall on a massage table, wearing nothing but a smile and a tiny towel over his buttocks, while the masseur, a cute little red-head in his mid-twenties, worked the muscles of his upper back.

Quatre raised his head as the older man entered. “You look good,” he remarked. “Duo really knows his job, doesn't he? Would you like a massage too? I can have somebody bring in another table.”

“If you don't mind, I'd rather pass.”

“Suit yourself.” Quatre shrugged. “Patrick, could you do me a favor and fetch some magazines or something else to read for my friend here?”

“Sure thing,” The redhead confirmed.

He smiled at Zechs and winked at him as he passed him on the way out. A few minutes later he was back with a stack of magazine. “Will this do?”

“Yes, thanks.”

“Any time, dear,” He flashed Zechs another smile. “And if you ever change your mind and want a massage don't hesitate to ask for me. I'd be more than happy to give you some special attention.”

Zechs somehow managed to return the smile. “Thanks, I'll try to remember that.”

“Hey, hey,” Quatre protested. “What about me? Am I suddenly chopped liver or something?”

“Silly!” The red-head made a dismissive gesture. “No matter what, you will always be my favorite customer.”

Quatre laughed. “Isn't that what you tell all of you clients?”

“Not all of them.” Patrick smirked.

As he continued his massage, Zechs made himself comfortable in the sitting area and started to flip through one of the magazines. About ten or fifteen minutes had passed when the door was opened, very slowly and very quietly. Zechs looked up, surprised to see Trowa.

The young man laid his finger over his lips indicating for Zechs to keep silent as he quietly tiptoed toward the massage table. Trowa gestured for Patrick to step aside and took his place instead. Quatre, who was keeping his eyes closed and his head turned away from the door, never even noticed the switch.

“A little deeper please,” he requested, “and not quite as strong.”

The other man smirked as he complied. “How is that?”

Quatre's head snapped around. “Trowa?” he exclaimed in pleasant surprise. “What are you doing here?”

“If I remember correctly we have a lunch date.”

“What time is it?”

“Almost 1:30.”

“Darn, I didn't even realize it was that late.” Quatre reached for a towel to cover himself as he sat up. “Zechs, could you tell Duo to get ready. We will be leaving in about ten minutes, with him or without him.”

Zechs nodded as he closed the magazine he had been reading. “Sure.”

“Great. We will catch up with you downstairs.”

###

“I'm looking for Duo. Do you know where I can find him?”

“He said h was going to get something from the storage cellar.” One of the assistants in the salon pointed toward the back of the room where Zechs could see an open door.

“Thanks.”

Behind the door lay a flight of stairs leading down into a dusky basement. Zechs called the stylists name but when he didn't receive an answer he headed down the stairs. He had gotten about half way when he heard some voices.

“…a little impatient, aren't we?” He could hear a husky chuckle that sounded like Duo.

A second voice replied: “I haven't seen you since yesterday.”

“Is it my fault you worked all night? If I was the jealous type I'd…” The rest of the sentence turned into a low sound somewhere between a purr and a growl.

By now Zechs had reached the foot of the stairs and in the dim light he could see a couple of figures several yards away. He recognized Duo in the person standing with his back against a storage shelf, and leaning over him was no other than Heero. The two men were so distracted that they didn't even notice him.

Duo's shirt was pushed up, exposing his flat stomach and chest. Heero's lips where pressed against the other man's mouth in a deep kiss. His right hand was playing with one of Duo's nipples while the other one was fumbling with the buttons of his pants. Duo gave another moan as he raised his hand to cup the back of Heero's head while he pushed one of his legs between his lover's thighs.

Zechs eyes went wide. His first reaction was to turn around and leave. But somehow, even as he could feel himself blush, he could not stop himself from looking.

Heero had finally managed to open the first two buttons of Duo's fly and slipped his hand beneath the waistband of his pants. Duo dipped his head and started to suckle at the soft flesh of his lover's neck.

Zechs swallowed, mouth suddenly gone dry. His eyes never left the scene as he slowly started to retreat up the stairs. Suddenly Heero tensed.

“What's wrong?”

“I think I just heard something.”

Zechs quickly turned. He kept his burning face down as he hurried upstairs and through the salon into the lobby where he almost collided with Trowa and Quatre.

“Zechs!” The blond young man exclaimed in surprise. “Where is Duo? Is he coming?”

“I'm not sure…I…I didn't get a chance to ask him.” Zechs stammered. “He is kind of … in the middle of something…together with Heero.”

Quatre exchanged a surprised look with his lover, then it finally clicked and he burst out into laughter.

Zechs frowned. “You knew about this, didn't you? You sent me down there on purpose?” His voice was clearly laced with irritation.

“No, no…,” Quatre shook his head, still laughing. “I swear I didn't. I'm sorry. I had no idea that the two of them are this `desperate'.”

“I'll go get them.” Trowa volunteered.

###

In the back of the limousine on the way to the restaurant Zechs couldn't even look at Duo. Luckily it was only a short ride. Heero dropped them off in front of a small but elegant Greek restaurant and went to park the car. By the way the maître d' greeted them Zechs could tell that his companions frequented this place.

“It's a pleasure to see you again, gentlemen. Would you like your usual table?”

“No actually,” Trowa told the man, “We called to reserve a table for five today.”

“I see,” he checked the reservations book. “My mistake. If you'd follow me please.”

He let the small group to a table near the window, and by the time they had taken their seats Heero had arrived as well. Their waitress came a few minutes later and they ordered a bottle of wine and a large appetizer platter.

“Excuse me,” Zechs addressed the young woman before she could leave. “Where can I find the restroom?”

“Right around the corner over there.” She pointed across the room.

“Thank you,” Zechs nodded. He then turned to his companions as he rose. “Excuse me, I'll be right back.”

As he rounded the corner the blond noticed two doors; one leading to the men's room, the other to the lady's room. On the wall between them hung something that instantly drew the young man's attention; a pay phone. Zechs stopped in his track. Of course he didn't have a dime on him, but that wasn't a problem, because his sister had given him one of those prepaid phone cards after he had used the excuse of not calling her because he didn't have any change on him one too many times. Luckily he remembered the card number by heart.

Zechs cautiously gazed around the corner. The four young men at his table seemed to be absorbed in conversation. He was almost sure that they couldn't see him or the phone from where they were sitting. After a short moment of hesitation he picked up the phone and selected the phone card option and pushed in his PIN before dialing 937 5863. After what seemed like forever, a woman picked up on the other end of the line. “St. Michael's Medical Center, rehabilitation wing, how can I direct your call.”

“I'd like to talk to Relena Peacecraft, room 342 please.”

“Just a moment.”

There was a beep and then his sister's voice. “Hello?”

“Hi Lena, how are you.” He tried to sound as calm as possible.

“Milliardo, where are you? Is something wrong?”

“Of course not, what makes you think that?”

“I didn't hear for you so I called home but nobody picked up and when I called your job they told me you had quit. Why didn't you tell me?”

“Well, something better came up, rather sudden,” he lied. “Listen, I don't have time to explain everything right now. I'm really busy and things have been a little crazy. I just wanted to make sure everything is alright with you.”

“Yeah, I'm fine.”

“That's good to hear. I have to go now, Lena. I'll call you again, and I'll come to visit you as soon as I can.”

“Milliardo?!”

“Relena, I love you.” He hung up before she could say anything else, and momentarily closed his eyes. After taking a few deep breaths to calm himself he stepped into the men's room.

A few minutes later Zechs walked back to the table, hoping that he hadn't taken too long and roused suspicion.

“Ah, there you are.” Duo greeted him cheerfully. “I hope you don't mind, but we started already.”

“You mean, YOU started already.” Trowa pointed out.

“So what,” the braided young man shrugged. “I'm still a growing boy and I was starving.”

###

“Excellent,” Treize nodded in satisfaction as he circled his newest `pet', studying him with a critical eye. “Duo did a wonderful job. Now all we need is a little change of wardrobe and I won't have to worry that people might think I picked you up at some street corner, when I show myself in public with you.”

Picked up on some street corner? Zechs shot the tawny haired man an icy glare, but bit his tongue and swallowed a sharp reply. Trowa had `dragged' him to the Duke's study as soon as they got back home.

“So,” Treize stopped in front of the blond. “Did you enjoy yourself?”

Zechs, reminding himself that the Duke was the one who had paid for everything, nodded. “Yes, thank you…Master.”

“I'm glad to hear that. But you don't need to thank me, because you earned it. Around here,” Treize told him. “Good behavior is rewarded, while bad behavior is punished. I'd like you to keep that in mind.”

He nodded. “I will.”

“Good!' The duke turned toward Trowa. “You may take him back downstairs now. Tomorrow morning I want the two of you to start working together. Eventually Zechs will be taking over some of your duties as my personal servant. That shall give you some more freedom too.”

“Thank you, Sir. Is that all for now?”

“Yes, you may leave.”

Trowa inclined his head in acknowledgement and reached for Zech's arm. “Let's go.”

As the two men left Treize walked over to the window and gazed onto the rose garden below. He was expecting another visitor any minute now. The duke didn't have to wait long. A knock at the door indicated that his `guest' had arrived.

“Come in please.” He turned as the door opened and Heero entered the room.

“Sir!”

“Have a seat.” Treize gestured at one of the leather chairs while he himself settled down in the other. So?” he asked.

“We did as you instructed and gave him as much freedom as possible.”

“He didn't try to run away? I'm impressed, but also a little surprised. I was almost sure that he would take the first chance he could get. Perhaps he was serious when he said he wanted to work off his dept as soon as possible.”

“Or he might just be playing it smart.” Heero replied.

“Oh?”

“He made a phone call from the restaurant where we had lunch.”

“To whom?”

Heero didn't answer. Instead he pulled a piece of paper from his pocket and handed it to the duke. Treize slowly unfolded the paper, read it and raised one eyebrow. “That's interesting. Excellent work, Heero,” he praised.

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T.B.C.

 

Author's Note: