Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Sugar & Whips ❯ Chapter 25 ( Chapter 25 )

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Sugar and Whips

Part 25

Zechs slipped into the limousine and dropped into the seat across from his master with about thirty seconds to spare. “I made it,” he panted breathlessly.

“Just barely,” the duke huffed, even as the faintest of smiles tugged at the corners of his mouth. It was the first time Zechs had seen him smile in weeks. He meticulously folded the newspaper he had been reading, put it down on the seat beside him and knocked at the glass divider that separated the passenger area from the front of the car, to let the driver know they were ready to leave.

As the limo pulled away from the club Treize looked at his pet. He reached out, raised Zechs' chin with two fingers and tilted it slightly to get a better look at the bruise his hand had left on the younger man's face.

“Why didn't you put anything on it?”

“It's nothing.” Zechs mumbled as he tried to pull away.

Shaking his head disapprovingly the duke opened the bar to his left. He pulled out one of the white linen napkins, opened it up and filled it like a little pouch with a handful of ice cubes from the champagne cooler. “Here you go,” he said as he pressed the icepack softly against Zechs' cheek. “You should have done this right away. With your fair skin even the slightest bruise becomes noticeable.”

“I can do it myself,” the younger man insisted. The master never ceased to confuse him. Sometimes he was angry at one moment, concerned at the next. Other times it seemed like he could hold a grouch for weeks.

Treize shrugged as he allowed Zechs to take the icepack from him. “So, what did you want to talk to me about? What was so important that it could not wait until my return?”

“Well for one…” the blond looked firmly at the older man, “I'd like to know what your interest is in my sister. She had never any part in the deal I made with you or Ventuno.”

Crossing his arms in front of his chest Treize leaned back in the soft leather seat and draped one leg over the other. “First off, let me assure you that my `interest', as you put it, in your sister has absolutely nothing to do with you, or the deal between the two of us. Not to mention that when I went to the clinic, I didn't go there to see her but to visit an acquaintance of mine.”

“Yeah? Who?”

“That, quite frankly, is none of your business.”

Zechs clenched his teeth. He wasn't sure what irked him more, the slightly arrogant and condescending way his master was talking to him, or the fact that he still seemed to be hiding something.

“So, when I first saw your sister it was quite by accident, you see. I didn't even know she was your sister until someone told me her name, but I do admit that afterward I put a lot of effort into meeting her again and striking up a conversation. But once again, it had absolutely nothing to do with you, my dear Zechs,” Treize smiled slightly. “I might have a lot of hobbies, but stalking my employee's relatives is not one of them.”

“Then why?”

“That…” His smile turned into a fully blown smirk. “You will find out about tomorrow. So, what else?”

“Huh?” Zechs shook his head in confusion.

“You started with: `Well for one…' which leads to assume that there is at least a `and secondly…'

“Ah…yes... Secondly, I want my job back.”

His master raised one eyebrow. “As far as I know you still have a job. You don't like working with Quatre? I thought the two of you make a great pair, and his training skills really are excellent.”

“That's not it. Quatre already has Trowa; the two of them make an even better pair.”

“What are you saying? You want someone else to train you?”

“No, I don't want anyone else.” A hint of frustration was starting to seep into Zechs' voice. “You are my master, aren't you?”

“I'm sorry, but I don't work the stage; or rather I do it only on very special occasions.”

“That's just it. I don't want to work on stage either.”

“Then what exactly do you want. You are not really making much sense, you know.”

Zechs nearly scowled. You really are going to make me say it, aren't you? Fine, have it your way. “I want my old job back. I want to work at the manor … as your personal servant.”

“I see.” The duke nodded curtly and interlaced his hands in his lap, even though he looked as satisfied as a cat who had just caught a fat canary. “I'll think about it.”

Think about it? That's it? You nearly had me down on my knees, begging; doesn't that count for anything? “Truth is you took that job away from me as punishment. But Trowa is the one stuck with all the extra work. He shouldn't be punished for something I did. Isn't that right, Master?”

“So, you are just concerned about Trowa. That's very… considerate of you, really.” His master's voice was dripping with sarcasm. “Like I said. I'll think about it.”

Zechs huffed inwardly. Fine! He stayed silent for a good five minutes, gazing out of the window, before he turned his head again. “Master?!”

“Yes?”

“Where are we going?”

“To the airport.”

The younger man had to try hard not to roll his eyes. “I know that. But last time I checked you didn't need a passport for that. So, where is the final destination?”

“Switzerland?” the master replied, but other than that he remained close lipped.

He is enjoying this way too much, Zechs thought. I'm curious though. What's he planning to do in Switzerland? He doesn't strike me like the hiking and skiing kind of guy. Or maybe there is another side to him I don't know anything about. More interesting though, when he asked Trowa to get my passport from his personal safe, he didn't even have to give him the access code. He really trusts Trowa completely, it seems. While I, on the other hand, can't even draw his bath without supervision. For some reason, that realization stung.

#

It wasn't until they reached the freeway that Zechs realized they weren't heading for the large international airport near the industrial part of town, but rather a much smaller, private airfield just outside the city limits.

Okay, I didn't exactly expect the master to travel business class, but I didn't go as far as thinking private jet either.

Coincidentally, just about the same time when the limo arrived at the airport, Trowa pulled up too. The young man was driving Quatre's silver Maserati, and from the smile on his face Zechs guessed that he had been taking full advantage of the empty midnight streets. He unloaded a mid-size duffel bag and handed Zechs' passport to the duke. The two of them exchanged a few words and then Trowa drove off again.

Unlike any other flights Zechs had ever taken there was no waiting here, no long lines, no luggage check in. After a short security check they were allowed to drive the limousine right onto the tarmac. Zechs' yaw nearly dropped when they pulled up next to a heavy Gulfstream Jet. The plane looked large enough to hold more than a dozen passengers comfortably.

A young woman with short black hair came walking down the short gangway just was they climbed out of the car.

“Duke Khushrenada, Sir!” The way she clicked her heel together as she greeted them with a sharp nod, indicated a military history.

“Miss Noin, are we ready for takeoff?”

“Of course, Sir. You just give the word when.”

“Excellent,” Treize gave a satisfied nod. “Zechs will help you with the luggage.”

“So, you are flying this thing?” the blond asked as he followed her to the back of the limousine to unload the bags.

“Actually,” she smirked. “It flies by itself, the engineers made sure of that. I'm just the pilot.”

“Right,” Zechs laughed. There was something about her he liked already. “By the way. I'm Zechs, Zechs Merquise.”

“Lucrezia Noin.” They shook hands. “But only those who harbor a death wish call me by my first name.”

“Miss Noin it is then.”

“Better, but drop the Miss. Only the boss gets away with calling me that.”

“It's okay I got it.” Zechs stopped her as she was about to pick up one of Treize's suitcases.

“Alright,” she shrugged. “Let me show you where to put them.”

“Pretty big plane for just a couple of people, isn't it?”

“True, but most of the time we transport a lot of medical equipment.”

“Medical equipment?” he echoed. “So, then this jet doesn't actually belong to Duke Khushrenada?”

“Oh no, it does,” she told him. “But when the boss isn't using it he loans the plane out to the Wiesenheimer Clinic, crew included.”

Wiesenheimer Clinic? Zechs frowned but before he could ask about it someone called out from the gangway.

“Hey, Noin?!”

“What is it?” She turned to face the tall, curly-haired young man, who was dressed in the same blue and white flight uniform she was wearing.

“The tower wants to know if our flight plan has changed or if we are still taking off tonight.”

“Tell them to keep their pants on. We will be leaving within the next fifteen minutes.”

#

The flight as well as the arrival, at a small-town airport somewhere near the Swiss German border, went smooth and without any problems. Outside the airport a man past his sixties with gray hair and a matching mustache was waiting with a black Mercedes.

“Welcome Master Treize; it's so nice to see you again.” He greeted the duke with a friendly smile.

“Thank you Max, it's a pleasure to see you too.” Treize seemed genuine delighted. “This,” he gestured at his companion, “is Zechs Merquise. My apologies, for bringing him along on such a short notice.”

“But it's not a problem at all. It's a pleasure to meet you, Mister Merquise. How was your flight?”

“Quite relaxing actually, thank you,” Zechs nodded. He once again helped taking care of the luggage, then settled into the back of the car, next to his Master.

“How is the house,” the duke asked as the Mercedes pulled out of the parking lot. “I was a little worried about water damage after the heavy rainfall last spring.”

“There was some,” the old man told him. “But it's already been taken care off. I still check the gardens ever so often, especially at this time of the year they need a lot of care. But other than that I really don't spent much time up there anymore.”

“That's too bad, really.” Treize replied. “You should just live there. After all, the house stays empty most of the year.”

“I would, Master Treize, I really would. But Lilly doesn't want to. The mountain air doesn't become her, she insists. But I think it's the memories at that place that are really weighing on her chest.”

The duke turned serious. “Ah, yes Lilly. How is she?”

“She is doing well. Still makes the best dumplings you'll find anywhere. I told you we are getting married in fall?”

“No, you didn't; congratulations. So you finally popped the question.”

The old man laughed. “Took me long enough, didn't it?”

“Indeed,” Treize chuckled.

Somehow Zechs got a feeling that the two men went back a looong way.

“I reserved a table for you at the `Bauern Stubli' and I ordered the flowers you requested, Master Treize. They'll be ready to be picked up by me while you have breakfast.”

“Thank you, Max. What would I be doing without you?”

After a about thirty minute ride Max dropped the duke and his companion off in front of a very small and very cozy looking restaurant, in a sleepy, little tourist town that looked like it had just come out of some old Heidi movie.

The waitress greeted them with a friendly `Gruetzi' and led the two men to a table in the front of the restaurant.

“They make the best Beefsteak Tatar you will find anywhere,” Treize told his pet. “I suppose it must have something to do with the way they raise their cattle.”

The duke ordered for both of them, and since he was the one paying Zechs was in no position to complain, especially since everything he ordered tasted absolutely delicious.

By the time they left the `Stubli' Max was already waiting for them in the parking lot in front of the restaurant. The flowers he had picked up, the largest bouquet of snow-white roses Zechs had ever seen, were lying on the back seat.

“They are gorgeous,” Treize remarked as he picked them up and held them to his nose. “And such a wonderful, smell.”

“Who are the roses for?” Zechs asked as the two men climbed into the car.

“The first woman I've ever loved.” The duke replied very solemnly, but then with a gaze at Zechs he smirked. “My mother.”

“Your mother?”

“Yes, it's her birthday today.”

The younger man swallowed. A visit with his family; is that what he came here for? He is not planning on introducing me, is he? Come to think of, I really don't know anything about him, or his family. He never speaks of them and I can't recall seeing any pictures around the manor either.

“Hold those for me, would you?” The master carefully passed the bouquet on to Zechs. “Max, would you mind if I borrow your newspaper for a while?”

“Not at all, Master Treize.” The old man reached for the folded up paper on the passenger seat and handed it off to the duke. “It's just the local page, thought. Won't find much exciting news here.”

Treize didn't reply. For the next fifteen minutes or so, while the Mercedes left town and followed a long, winding county roads into the hills, he was hiding behind the business section, while Zechs looked out of the window, pondering why the duke had brought him along on his trip. I wonder if his family knows what he does for a living; or about his lifestyle, period.

When they reached a fork in the road Max took to the left, past a sign that warned people from trespassing onto private property. A few minutes later Treize folded up his paper and looked up. “You can let me out here, Max,” he told the driver. “I'll walk the rest of the way. Take Zechs up to the house and show him around. I'll catch up later.”

“Of course, Sir,” Max nodded as he pulled over and stopped the Mercedes.

“It's alright, I can do it myself,” Treize stopped the old man as he was about to climb out of the car to open the door for him. He slipped out of the seat, walked around the back of the car and opened the door on Zechs' side. “My flowers, please.”

“Oh, right.” The blond had almost forgotten that he was still holding the huge bouquet in his lap. As he handed it to his master, the duke pulled one of the long-stemmed roses from the bunch and offered it back to him. “This one is for you. Be good.” He leaned in and pressed his lips against Zechs' in a brief but affectionate kiss that caught the younger man completely by surprise.

What is he doing? Kissing me so open and in front of…

Zechs, his face slightly flushed, threw a quick look at the old man behind the wheel. If the duke's action surprised or shocked him he certainly was hiding it well.

“Try not to get yourself into trouble while I'm gone.” With that warning, Treize gesture for Max to drive off.

“How much further is it?” Zechs wanted to know.

“Only a couple more miles over that hill,” the old man told him “In fact, if you look ahead you should be able to see the main house already.”

Sure enough, in the distance he noticed the top of a dark red or brownish roof. And once they cleared the hill he could see the house itself, nestled in small valley and surrounded by lovely, colorful gardens. A paved driveway snaked its way past a couple of smaller buildings that might have been stables or barns in the past and ended directly at the main entrance.

Zechs stifled a yawn as he and Max removed the luggage from the back of the car.

“Tired?” the other man asked with a smile.

“A little,” the blond admitted. “I don't even know why. I have been sleeping through most of the flight.”

“Well, why don't I show you to your room first, so that you can lie down and rest? I came up here this morning already to open the windows and blinds, so the house should be nice and cool by now. “

“Thank you; I can see why Master Treize considers you indispensable.”

“I do what I can,” Max laughed. “Are you sure you can carry all those bags by yourself, young man?”

“If I can't I'll go twice,” Zechs assured him.

“Very well, then let me show you the way.”

Zechs followed the old man through the entrance and up a flight of stairs.

“This is the master bedroom.” Max opened the wide double door for Zechs to bring in the duke's luggage. Then they moved on to the adjacent room. “And over here we have your guest suite.”

Once again the old man opened the door and Zechs thanked him with a nod as he stepped into the room. Setting down his bag at the foot of the bed, the let his gaze wander. Even though the house was empty according to the duke, someone must have cleaned it just recently, because there was not as much as a speckle of dust anywhere. The pristine white sheets smelled like they had been just laundered.

“Your bathroom is right through that door, if you would like to freshen up. Is there anything else I can do for you right now?”

“No, not that I can think of. Thank you.”

“Then I shall leave you for now. I'll see you later.”

“Um…, Max…”

The old man held his step and turned his head. “Yes?!”

“I was just wondering…. Duke Khushrenada's mother, she lives close by?”

“Well, I suppose that depends on what you mean by `lives'. Her gravesite is not far from where we dropped the young master off.”

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T.B.C.

 

Author's Note: