Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Sugar & Whips ❯ Chapter 13 ( Chapter 13 )

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Sugar and Whips

Part 13

“What in the world are you two doing?” Trowa was scowling as he walked, no stormed, into the room. “Zechs was supposed to be ready by 7:30. The limo has already pulled up and Master Treize is waiting downstairs.

Quatre, who was supposed to help Zechs get ready for the party, threw is hands up at his lover's questioning look. “Don't look at me.” He gestured at Zechs. “He is the one acting like a stubborn ox. You try talking sense into him.”

“What's the problem?” Towa's gaze wandered from Quatre to the older man.

Zechs was standing by the window, propped against the sill, with his arms crossed in front of his chest; the personification of stubbornness. “I don't see what I can't at least wear something like a thong or a g-string under these damn pants.”

The blond was wearing leather of course, a white pair of very tight and very low pants and a short, open jacket over a black, sleeveless, net shirt.

Quatre sighed. “See, that's what I mean. I have been trying to tell him that he can't wear anything, because not only would any kind of garment show under those pants, but it would also be quite uncomfortable.”

“Oh yeah,” Zechs snapped back. “And you think this is comfortable?”

“Why do I even…”

“Enough of that,” Trowa raised his voice to stop the quarrel. “Stop it, or I swear I'm going to punish both of you. Zechs, unless you would like the master to personally come and get you, I'd suggest you get ready, now.”

“Fine,” the older man huffed. Treize had promised to let him visit his sister this weekend, if things went well tonight, and he did not want to jeopardize that. “I'm ready.”

“Not quite,” Quatre held up some kind of leather strap. “You still need your collar.”

“My what?” Zechs eyes narrowed. What am I, a dog?

“Your collar, the other man repeated. “All pets wear them when they accompany their master in public. It's for your own good, trust me. People will keep their hands off you when they know that you are someone's personal pet.”

The tall blond grumbled something under his breath, but didn't resist when Quatre stepped closer to put the collar around his neck. It was made in the same color as the rest of his outfit and embossed with the black rose that was Treize's mark. The smooth leather felt cold against his skin, and a little tight.

“Does it have to be so tight?” he asked.

“I made it as loose as it gets. The leather is still a little stiff because it is brand new, but it will give somewhat.” Quatre assured him.

“If you say so.”

###

“What kept you?” The duke looked everything but pleased as his pets finally walked downstairs.

“I'm sorry, Master,” Trowa apologized. “We had some problems with his outfit. Zechs might have gained a pound or two since the measurements were taken.”

“Is that so?” Treize eyed the blond critically. “It looks fine to me. Oh well, lets go. We are late enough as it is.”

“Enjoy yourself, Sir.”

“Thank you.” The master nodded. “Trowa, if there are any problems, call me.”

“Yes, Master.”

The limousine was already waiting in front of the manor. The driver exited and opened the door for the duke and his pet. Treize thanked the man with a curt nod as he slipped into the soft leather seat.

Zechs settled down across from his master. For the longest time neither of the two men spoke. The blond looked out of the window, watching the passing scenery as they headed toward the club called `Dark Pleasures'. He wasn't exactly sure what to expect and he would have been lying if he said that he wasn't nervous, but at the same time he could not deny the slight hint of curiosity he was feeling.

The young man cleared his throat for the dozen's time and fingered the leather band around his neck.

The duke looked up from the paper he had been reading. “What's wrong? You have been fiddling with your collar ever since we left.”

“It feels tight.” Zechs complained. “It makes it hard to breath.”

“Let me see.” Treize leaned forward and reached out. He frowned when he was barely able to fit his fingers between the collar and Zech's neck. “It really is tight. I'm surprised that Quatre didn't notice it when he put it on.”

“He said that was because it is new and the leather was going to give.”

“Would that be before or after you fainted?” The duke's frown turned into a scowl. “Quatre knows better than that. He will have some explaining to do when we get home.”

“It wasn't his fault.”

“Oh?!”

“It was late already… I should not have dawdled while getting dressed.”

“Very well. Then let me take the collar off for now. Lean forward.” Treize smiled inwardly as he opened the clasp on the back of the leather band. The fact that Zechs felt the need to defend the younger man showed how close they had become. He could not have been any more pleased with the way things were developing.

“Alright, we are almost there. Now, once we get to the club I want you to stay at my side unless I tell you otherwise. Don't…”

“…walk off, don't talk, don't breath unless I'm told to. I know, I know.” Zechs tried hard not to roll his eyes. “Trowa told me all of it already.”

Instantly the duke's eyes darkened. “Apparently he missed something.” His voice was sharp as a razor's edge, and the temperature in the limousine seemed to drop by a few degrees. “Don't get cheeky. Let me tell you, Zechs. I'm not above punishing you in front of everyone in the club, so don't try me.”

The young man swallowed. “I'm sorry, I wasn't trying to…”

“Good. Just remember your place and we will be fine.”

“Yes, Master.”

###

Zech's yaw almost dropped as he followed the duke into the club. He hadn't expected it to be…Well, he wasn't really sure what he had expected. `Dark Pleasures' was stylish and large. Soft music, dim lighting and candles on every table provided a somewhat intimate atmosphere. The place was filled with masters in elegant, black-tie attires and pets, of all colors and skin tones, in various stages of undress. His eyes followed a short, stocky man who was accompanied by a pair of dark, slender and gorgeous twins.
But Zechs also noticed that he and his master were turning quite a few heads themselves. He was getting curious looks and even a wink from another pet.

A tall, bearded man with graying hair approached the duke. “Ah, Treize. It's been a while since I have seen you outside the `Black Rose'. In fact we were wondering if you would show tonight.”

“Yes, Treize agreed. “I've been quite busy of late.”

“I can only imagine,” the other man nodded understandingly. “Between managing your club and training a new pet there is probably little tine to spare.” He turned his attention to Zechs. “And this must be him; your newest acquisition. He is quite an eye catcher.”

“Yes, that he is. Zechs, say hello to my uncle.”

Uncle? Zechs inclined his head. “Sir, It's a pleasure to meet you.”

The other man returned the greeting with a curt nod.

“How is the family?” Treize asked politely, although it sounded like he couldn't care less. “Anything new?”

“Not much really. I'll see you at your cousin's wedding?”

“I can't make any promises.” The duke replied evasively. “Now, if you'd excuse us?”

“Of course. I'll see you later, I suppose.”

It was no sooner than Treize's uncle had walked away that another man, short, dark-haired, with a receding hairline and a thin neatly trimmed mustache, approached them. There was something about the man; Zechs wasn't sure if it was the eyes or the oily smile, that seemed quite creepy.

“Duke Khushrenada, what a pleasant surprise.”

“Mister Septm, thank you for inviting me.”

“I'm glad you could make it. And that,” He gazed at Zechs, “must be your new pet. One of my patrons told me how beautiful he was, after seeing him at your spa a few weeks ago. And I can see that he wasn't exaggerating. You know, we will be having a little charity auction later on. Some of the guests graciously offered their pets to be auctioned off for the night. Would you consider putting his name on that list? I'm sure he would fetch a good price.” The man was basically drooling as he undressed Zechs with his beady, little eyes.

“I think not. I grew up an only child, you see. I'm not very good when it comes to sharing my toys,” Treize replied with a smile. “I'm more than happy to open my pocketbook to make a donation, though.”

“I was afraid that you would say something like that.” Septm shrugged in regret. “But you can't blame me for trying, can you? Will you at least do me the honor and join me at my private table tonight?”

“That we can do,” the duke nodded.

Septm's private table was located directly by the stage. Treize and his pet followed the man. Zechs waited for his master to sit down and gesture for him to do the same before settling down next to him on the L-shaped leather seat.

“Can I get you something to drink?”

“Thank you.” Treize shook his head. “I'm fine for the moment, maybe later.”

“Very well. Alex…” Septm gestured for a young man with shoulder-long, blond hair to come closer. From the way he was dressed Zechs assumed that he was either working at the club or that he was somebody's pet. “Come here, I want to introduce you to Mister Khushrenada's new slave. His name is Zechs.”

Alex never even acknowledged the duke's presence as he walked to the table. Perhaps it was that show of disrespect toward his master or the condescending look in the man's eyes that instantly irked Zechs.

“Isn't he gorgeous?”

Alex looked the fair-haired young man over and huffed. “Perhaps, but a pretty face isn't everything.”

“Really?” Zechs shot back. “And would you know that?”

The other man glared at him. “Beauty fades, you know.”

“Yeah, but stupid lasts forever.”

“Now, now kids, play nicely.” Septm gave a somewhat uncomfortable chuckle. “Alex, why don't you go and check if everything is prepared for the show?”

“Yes, Master.” Alex walked away but not without shooting another glare at Zechs, and his master turned toward the duke. “There is something I'd like to talk to you about.”

“Yes?!”

“Privately, if possible.”

“Oh, yes of course,” Treize nodded. “Zechs, go have a drink at the bar.”

“Yes, Master.” The young man rose. His master's eyes, and those of a half dozen other guests, followed him as he crossed the room toward the bar.

“So, what is it that you wanted to talk to me about?” Treize finally turned his attention toward his host.

“I have a business proposal for you.”

“I really didn't come here to talk shop.”

“I realize that.” Septm replied. “But you should at least hear me out. You might find my idea interesting, and not to mention lucrative.”

“Very well, it won't hurt, I suppose.”

#

“What can get you?” The barkeeper reminded Zechs a little of Trowa. Maybe it was the hair, or his composed demeanor.

“You got champagne, I assume? Just give m a glass of your most popular brand.”

The other man nodded. “Coming right up.”

A few moments later he was back with the requested drink. “Anything else?” he asked.

“No thanks,” Zechs shook his head. “That's it for now.”

The young man sat, watching the bubbles rise up in his champagne flute, when somebody suddenly put an arm around his shoulder.

“They sent you out of earshot? You know what that mean, don't you? They are talking about you.” Alex voice was dripping with derision.

Zechs shrugged the arm off and glared at the other man. “Don't touch me again, unless you want me to break your arm.”

Alex snorted. “You'd better lose that attitude, Princess. You might end up working at this place some day. I'll be looking forward to teaching you some manners.”

“We will see about that.”

Another snort. “Your master is a businessman first, you know. For the right price he will sell even you.”

#

Treize was only listening with one ear to Septm's so called `business proposal', while he watched the scene at the bar. He couldn't hear what Alex and his pet were talking about, but it didn't look like just a friendly conversation. For a moment he considered intervening, but Zechs seemed to be holding his own, and finally the other man walked away.

“So, what do you think?” Septm asked. “I know from experience that the thrill of training a pet is the most exciting part of owning one. So, if you decide to get rid of Zechs once his training is completed I'd be more than happy to pay off whatever dept he has left. I'm not trying to rush you. In fact I'm willing to wait however long it takes, as long as I have your word that I'll get to buy him once you are through with him.”

“I'm afraid you are wasting your time. I have no plans to resell any of my pets, especially not Zechs.”

“Well, if you should ever change your mind, please let me know.”

#

“Are you alright?”

Zechs turned his head. The man standing behind him smiled softly. He had neatly trimmed, wavy, brunet hair, and was about his age or maybe a year or two older. Zechs was certain that he had never met him before.

“I'm fine,” he replied slightly puzzled.

“I couldn't help but notice the little `confrontation' between you and your friend.”

Zechs huffed. “Friend is hardly the correct term?”

“Would you mind if I join you? Perhaps that will stop him from returning.”

“Be my guest.” The blond gestured at the seat beside him.

“By the way, my name is Otto,” the man introduced himself as he slipped onto the high barstool.

“I'm Zechs.”

“Nice to meet you, Zechs. Can I get you another drink?”

“Um…yeah, sure.”

Otto waved for the barkeeper and ordered another glass of champagne for the blond and a Scotch neat for himself.

“This is a nice place,” he remarked as they waited for the drinks. “It's the first time I'm here.”

“Yeah? Me too.”

“Really? I would have never guessed.”

“You just moved here or …?” Zechs asked.

“No, no. I'm only here on business for a few weeks.”

“Oh I see,” the blond nodded. “What kind of business; if you don't mind me asking?”

“I'm a broker. My clients buy run down, failing companies, bring them back on their feet and resell them. I find them the potential companies and check them out.”

“That sounds rather…”

“Boring?” the other man laughed.

Zechs chuckled. “That wasn't the word I was looking for, but if you say so.”

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T.B.C.

 

Author's Note: