Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Victoria Base Affair Extended Edition ❯ Painful Goodbyes ( Chapter 5 )

Warning: This chapter contains some sexual content (eventually). Is it a bad thing that I like writing about guys doing it in intimate descriptive detail?

-o-o-o-

Chapter 5: Painful Goodbyes

The third day of combat ended up being easier than the second. Treize wasn't quite sure why. Perhaps they were just comfortable working together now. Or maybe it was because everyone else had just accepted the inevitable. In any event, they came through their last battle of the afternoon seemingly without effort and found themselves being lauded for the achievement of reaching the final tier. Treize still felt their opponent at this point should have been Alexa Barnard, but instead they would face Dalken Curzon.

Dalken Curzon was ranked third in their class, but he was convinced he was better than everyone. He did not accept that Treize and Alexa were both ranked above him. He was certain that his lower ranking was because Alexa and Treize were both members of the Romafeller Foundation and he was not. Treize suspected that it had more to do with Dalken's inherent arrogance and the fact that most people didn't like him. Dalken also had a tendency to always give himself the most important position in training sessions, so he always had a chance to show off his skills. He never bothered to utilize the skills of people on his team, unless he had to. He had already earned several individual honors in the games, which suited his personality. In Treize's opinion, it was probably just luck his team had made it this far.

That evening, the Review Board hosted a dinner to honor the two teams who had made it to the final tier. Among the guests, of course, were members of the Romafeller Foundation and many senior Alliance officers. Several prominent cadets from the senior class were also invited, although Treize noticed that most of these were children of prominent Romafeller families, or were members of the Foundation outright, like himself. He had to suppress an ironic smile. There was probably some truth in Dalken Curzon's complaints about nepotism. Nevertheless, Treize was still annoyed as he watched Dalken's conceited posturing as he strutted before the Review Board.

“He really is an ass, isn't he?” Alexa muttered at Treize's elbow. She sipped from her glass of champagne to shield her lips as she spoke.

“It's a pity he doesn't see it in himself,” Treize replied. He sipped his own champagne.

“I hope you're planning something really humiliating for tomorrow,” Alexa said cheerfully. “I'd love to see him brought down a few pegs.”

“Or maybe ground into the dirt?” Lady Une suggested quietly. She had braided her soft brown hair and twisted it into a bun on the back of her head. It made her lean face look rather severe.

Alexa chucked. “I wouldn't complain.” She glanced at Zechs, standing quietly next to Treize. “What do you think, Count Merquise? Have you an opinion about Dalken Curzon?”

“It's not a freshman's place to have opinions about upperclassmen, particularly if they're low opinions.”

Alexa threw her head back with a sparkling laugh. “Oh, that's lovely! Your mind is as quick as your reflexes, my dear Count, and I find that absolutely charming.” She put her champagne glass on the tray of a passing waiter. “Come and dance with me, so I can make all the fine ladies jealous.”

Zechs abandoned his glass with a waiter as well and offered Alexa his arm. They moved out onto the dance floor where a few other couples were turning slowly to the stately music.

“What are we going to do about Dalken tomorrow?” Une asked. She turned from watching Zechs and Alexa on the dance floor to gaze at Treize intently.

Treize's gaze remained fixed on the couple for a moment before flicking toward Dalken. “Alexa's suggestion isn't too far off,” he replied in a low voice. “Men like him do not make good officers. They are too ready to sacrifice others to make themselves look good and will often make poor decisions in the process. I think I want to make sure he does not receive a good posting after graduation.”

“That won't be easy.”

“I know, but I have an ace in the hole.” His eyes moved back to the dance floor. Zechs was seductively graceful when he danced.

Une followed his gaze. “But Dalken has had plenty of time to study Zechs Merquise. He will have come up with a plan to counter him.”

A slow smile crept across Treize's face, but it was chilling. “I very much doubt that, Lady Une. I do not believe that any of us have yet seen the Lightning Count truly extend himself.”

“I hope you're right.”

“Trust me.”

Une sighed. “I always do, Lord Kushranada.”

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

“I have been reviewing the recordings of Dalken's battles and I think we can beat him.” Treize looked around at his team. They regarded him with calm expectation; nine men and women who trusted his judgment and were prepared to follow him without question. Loyalty and trust were the forces which bound his team together. Skill made them great. Treize leaned forward unconsciously.

“Until now, we've worked very closely as a team and that's why we've won.” There were nods all around. “Today, we're going to make one small change. Zechs, I want you to engage Dalken in single combat.” Zechs blinked in surprise. “I know he will lead the attack against our flag and he will expect me to challenge him. He will leave the rest of his team to sink or swim on whatever defensive plan he's set up. It will probably be a good plan, but he won't have planned for me to be on the offense. So, Lady Une, I want you to defend the flag. Yuki, Jane, Nguyen and Chris will provide your perimeter. The rest of us will take offense while Zechs takes on Dalken.” Treize grinned humorlessly. “Dalken will think he can make quick work of you, Zechs. I expect you to eliminate him quickly in the most humiliating way possible and then help us take their flag.”

“He's very good, Treize,” Zechs replied.

Treize's grin widened. “Yes, he is. But frankly, I think you're better.”

“Yeah, you can take him, Zechs!” Yuki chimed in.

“Stick it up his nose!” Chris shouted.

“Or somewhere else!” Boris, another teammate, added with a harsh laugh.

This inspired several even cruder remarks about how Zechs could humiliate Dalken, most of them highly improbable in a mobile suit, and he finally smiled. “I am at your command, Lord Kushranada.”

The final battle was scheduled for noon on the fourth day of the games. By mid-morning, the viewing stands were full as everyone prepared for what was expected to be an exciting contest. Even the hills around were covered with underclassmen eager to see the fight. The two team's mobile suits were lined up beside the training field, receiving last minute attention from the mechanics.

Treize walked down the line of his team's Leos, catching the eyes of each mechanic as he went by and receiving reassuring nods. He was not about to lose this fight due to mechanical failure. He stopped when he reached Zechs' suit, the last one in the line. The mechanic, a slender young woman with incredibly strong hands, was just finishing her inspection.

“How does it look?” Treize asked casually.

“Just fine, Lord Kushranada,” she replied, equally casually. “I just tightened up the servo response time a little bit. It seemed a little sluggish. I think Count Merquise will feel more comfortable with the performance now.”

Treize smiled. “That's perfect, thank you.” He started to turn away and then glanced back over his shoulder. “You know Chief Mechanic Sumari is retiring. I'll recommend you for promotion.”

A slight smile touched the young mechanic's lips. “It's an honor working with gentlemen like you, Lord Kushranada.”

Treize walked over to where the rest of his team was waiting. Zechs spoke up immediately.

“Is there something wrong with my suit? I saw you talking to my mechanic.”

“Everything's fine, Zechs. I bribed your mechanic to make some modifications to the servos in your Leo. You should be able to get half again as much speed out of the system as you could previously.”

Zechs stared.

“Is that entirely ethical?” Une asked.

“The advantage would make no difference for you or me,” Treize replied. “But I do not see why I cannot use my weapons to their fullest capability and that means ensuring that Zechs can perform without restraint.” Treize looked directly into Zechs' eyes. “Don't hold back, Zechs. When you engage Dalken, I don't want anything slowing you down.” He held Zechs' gaze for a long moment before locking eyes with each team member in turn. “I want Dalken and his team crushed as quickly and as viciously as possible. I want everyone who sees this fight to remember our fight with Alexa Barnard's team and realize that she should have been here and not Dalken. Is that understood?”

He received a chorus of solemn “ayes” in return. Treize turned back to Zechs. “I mean that, Zechs. Crush him.”

Zechs saluted. “Yes, Sir!”

The battle was everything Treize wanted. Zechs defeated Dalken in less than a minute, sidestepping Dalken's overconfident charge and knocking him face first to the ground, where he sprayed the fallen Leo's shoulders and knees with machine gun fire, knocking out the servos so that Dalken could not turn over. That meant he would not be able to exit his suit until the mechanics came out with their big equipment to turn the Leo face up. Zechs then joined the force attacking the other team's flag and the defenders were quickly overwhelmed. In all, the contest lasted just over two minutes.

All of Dalken's honors seemed hollow now. He had been beaten badly by a first year student. Treize couldn't help smiling as he exited his suit and walked to where the team was rushing over to mob Zechs, pounding him on the back and tousling his hair. Zechs was smiling broadly, but his face simply lit up when he saw Treize. He struggled to free himself from his teammate's hands and straighten his uniform as Treize approached.

“Did I do all right, Treize?” he asked, still smiling.

“That was perfect, Zechs. Thank you.” Treize smiled back. What he wanted to do was embrace Zechs and kiss him until the rest of the world disappeared, but instead, he extended his hand so that Zechs could clasp it in a comradely shake. He looked around at the rest of the team's beaming faces. These were good people. They deserved this victory. “We'd better go get cleaned up for the awards ceremony,” he told them. “Thank you, everyone, for a job well done. I never had any doubt we would end up here.”

“It's an honor to serve with you, Lord Treize,” Lady Une spoke for all of them.

-o-o-o-o-

Zechs stood in front of the mirror in his room, examining his reflection. His dress uniform was utterly spotless. His boots gleamed brighter than the stars at night. His face was clean shaven and his hair was brushed until it shone like liquid silver. No freshman had ever stood on the stage to receive an Academy Achievement Medal before, but that wasn't why he was staring at his reflection now. He wanted to make Treize proud. His performance, his appearance, everything about him for the rest of the evening would reflect on Treize and Zechs would do nothing to embarrass him.

A knock on his door drew him out of his contemplation and his heart skipped a beat when he opened it to find Treize waiting on the other side. Treize looked every inch the nobleman, even wearing his Academy dress uniform. His brown hair was brushed into smooth waves, but stray curls still spilled against his forehead. His dark eyes sparkled with pleasure at the sight of Zechs.

“You look very handsome, my dear Count,” he said softly.

Zechs stepped back so Treize could enter the room. Knowing full well that he shouldn't, Zechs closed the door behind him. Treize turned to face him, his eyes boring into Zechs'. He moved closer and Zechs took an instinctive step backward, but he was stopped by his back bumping into the door. Treize leaned against the door, his hands resting on either side of Zechs' head.

“I would much rather spend this evening alone with you, Zechs,” he said, “but we have a duty to perform tonight.” He leaned closer until Zechs could feel the soft rush of Treize's breath against his face. “I hate thinking about it, but I will graduate soon and then we won't see each other at all.”

Zechs stared back into Treize's dark eyes. His pulse was racing and desire made him ache all over. “Then kiss me and don't talk about it.”

If Treize was surprised by his request, he didn't show it. He leaned the rest of the way in and pressed his lips to Zechs'. Zechs opened his mouth and stroked his tongue against Treize's lips. Treize responded by opening his mouth and sliding his tongue between Zechs' lips. They kissed deeply for a long time.

“Lord Treize, Count Zechs, we're going to be late.” Lady Une's voice on the other side of the door startled them both.

Treize quickly stepped back, instinctively straightening his uniform. Zechs did the same before pulling the door open. Une's eyes narrowed slightly as she looked at them and Zechs wondered if she suspected. He wondered how long she had been standing on the other side of the door. But she said nothing. She just turned to lead the way down the hall and Treize moved out to follow her. Zechs closed his door and trailed after them, trying once again to focus on making Treize proud of him. There was still the ceremony and banquet to get through, after all.

The awards ceremony was hosted in an empty hanger, because all of the students who participated in the games were invited to attend, along with all the visiting alumni, Alliance officers, Romafeller Foundation nobles and of course the Review Board. Dozens of tables were set up on the floor of the hanger, with more important people sitting closest to the stage where the Review Board members were seated at a long table. As the winning team, Treize and his people were seated quite close to the stage. Dalken Curzon was seated farther away. Zechs wondered if his seat assignment had been changed after the battle today. Alexa Barnard and a few other seniors were seated closer to the stage than he was, even though he had made it to the final tier.

Dalken's eyes bored into Zechs as they were taking their seats. Even from a distance, the hate and fury in his glare were palpable. Lady Une noted it with a faint grimace.

“It would seem Dalken is holding a grudge from this afternoon,” she remarked.

Treize glanced at Dalken and shrugged. “It doesn't matter. He'll get exactly what he deserves.”

Zechs said nothing. He felt a little guilty for being the instrument of Dalken's downfall, even though he had only been following Treize's orders.

Dinner was served first, while the president of the Review Board made a long, boring speech. From long practice, Zechs kept the boredom off of his face and pretended to listen, even though he had heard it all before. The valuable contribution of Academy graduates to the safety and security of the Earth Sphere was a cause for pride. They should all be proud of themselves and their accomplishments. Zechs' eyes kept wandering back to Treize's face throughout the president's speech. How much better it would be if he could be alone with Treize, wrapped in his strong arms, savoring the tender sweetness of his kiss, feeling the firm muscles of his chest and stomach pressing against him. Desire uncoiled in his loins and Zechs dragged his eyes away, back to the stage. He dared not think about that now.

At last it was time to receive their achievement medals and the ten of them filed up onto the stage as they were introduced to resounding applause. Even Zechs received applause, which surprised him. Afterward, standing in front of the stage with the others, receiving congratulations and praise, Zechs wondered how long he would have to stay there before he could escape back to his room.

“I suppose you're proud of yourself, stealing another man's honor!” a harsh voice hissed in his ear.

Startled, Zechs turned, but he was not surprised to find Dalken Curzon standing behind his left shoulder.

“I only performed to the best of my ability, Cadet Curzon,” Zechs replied, keeping his voice low.

Dalken's face darkened. “I won't forget this, Count Merquise!” he growled. He made Zechs' title sound like an insult. “Count on it!” Dalken shouldered his way through the crowd and stalked away. Zechs watched him go with a slight frown.

“Ignore him, Count,” Une spoke from beside him. “He hasn't much other than his bitterness left. I heard they are withdrawing two of the honors he received earlier because of his defeat today.”

“Won't that affect his posting?”

“Very likely.” Une didn't sound particularly concerned. “But as Treize said, a man like that should not be in charge of other men. He'll still get a decent posting because of his class rank, but he won't be put in charge of a unit.” She studied his face briefly. “You look as if you're ready to leave.”

“I wouldn't mind.”

Une smiled. “Always so polite! Well, Lord Treize said I should tell you that you can leave now if you like. Since you have nothing to gain at this time by further politicking, you may as well go. The juniors are all leaving.”

Zechs had to stifle a sigh of relief. “Thank you, Lady Une. Good luck tonight.”

“Thank you, my lord Count.”

Zechs left without looking back, although he desperately wanted to see Treize's face one more time. Graduation was only a week away and after that, they would likely not see each other again.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

Graduation was simultaneously the proudest and the saddest moment of Treize's life. He had worked hard to get to this point. He had earned his position as first in his class and he accepted the award with appropriate modesty. But graduation meant being posted away from the Victoria Base and he did not know when he would be able to see Zechs again. Even suffering with unfulfilled desire seemed better than not seeing Zechs at all.

But Treize was not going to leave without saying goodbye. The graduation ceremony was held during the day. The Romafeller Foundation would be hosting a graduation dinner in the evening at which Treize would be the guest of honor, so he had to attend, but until then, he was free. He was determined to spend at least some of that time with Zechs.

The lower classes were also holding promotion ceremonies, which would be followed by appropriate celebrations. It was an Academy tradition for the cadets to dress in their very finest street clothes for the post-promotion parties. Students were known to spend hours in their rooms getting ready, in between the promotion ceremony and the party. Hoping that Zechs would adhere to tradition, Treize went to his room. To alleviate suspicion as much as possible, he carried a small box in one hand.

Zechs was completely surprised when he opened his door to Treize's knock. Treize held up the box.

“I brought you a promotion gift, Count Merquise,” he said lightly. There were a few students in the hall watching him curiously.

Zechs opened the door wider and stepped back. “Come in, Lord Kushranada.” Treize stepped in and Zechs closed the door. He eyed the box curiously. “Is that really a gift?”

“No.” Treize put the box on the dresser. “I just needed an excuse to come to your room.”

Zechs' eyes widened. “It's probably not a good idea for us to be alone together.”

Treize stepped close and put his arms around Zechs' waist. “If I have to spend the next several years apart from you, I'll be damned if I'm going to just walk away without holding you again.” He drew Zechs close and kissed him. Zechs kissed back with deep passion. He put one arm around Treize's neck and his other hand slipped down to rub the front of Treize's pants. Treize moaned and pulled his mouth away. “Zechs…” he whispered.

Zechs looked into his eyes. “Let me,” he whispered back. He dropped down to his knees and unbuckled and unzipped Treize's pants. Treize leaned back against the dresser with a groan, his cock engorging painfully as Zechs pulled it out through the flap in his underwear. Zechs slipped his mouth over it and began to suck, sliding up and down slowly at first and stroking with his tongue. Treize closed his eyes with a gasp of pleasure. Zechs began to move faster, driving Treize relentlessly toward climax. Treize had to clamp his lips closed to keep his cries of pleasure from filling the room and possibly echoing into the corridor outside. His orgasm sent shuddering waves of joy through him. Zechs held him until the last powerful spurts of ejaculation ended.

Treize opened his eyes and looked down at Zechs. “How can I ever stand to leave you?”

Zechs tucked Treize away and fastened his trousers. Then he stood up and looked into Treize's eyes. “I love you, Treize, and I would give anything to make love with you right now. But I'm still a student at the Academy and you are now an officer in the Alliance Military. Fraternization would destroy your career.”

Treize pulled Zechs into his arms and buried his face in his hair. “I love you more than anything in this world, Zechs Merquise,” he whispered. “Never forget that. I will find a way for us to be together, I promise you.” He held Zechs tightly, afraid to let go because he didn't know what would happen if he did. Zechs held him just as tightly, the soft whisper of his breath tickling Treize's ear.

“I will always be yours, Treize Kushranada, whether we are together or not.”

Treize didn't kiss him again. At this moment, to kiss him any more would be the first step into lovemaking. He released Zechs and moved to the door. “I will come back for you, Lightning Count.” He left without looking back.