[Fic] No one else: Treize (2/2)
Title: No one else: Treize (2/2)
Author: Telari
Rating: PG, just to be sure
Warning: AU, Angst, YAOI, Treize's POV
Pairing: 13x6 (13x5 implied)
Author's notes: The third of a set of three (finally); 'No one else: Dorothy' follow-up.
Disclaimer: Bandai, the Sotsu Agency and TV Asahi do own Gundam Wing, Zechs and Treize, not me. No harm intended. No money made.
Many thanks to Marilyn, who beta-read this story. She helped me avoid a few (very) embarrassing mistakes. For that I am very grateful :) Of course, all remaining mistakes are mine.
~ * ~ * ~
The day has been long.
Lady Une has finally visited us. She came in with the former Gundam pilots 02 and 04. They politely questioned me about Milliard well-being - agent Wind, as I learned - then stood back as the Lady took my deposition, interrogating me about my detention and my keepers, and finally filling me in with the events of the past months. Duo Maxwell paced the room silently, looking tired and flashing concerned looks at Milliard from time to time. Quatre Raberba Winner, on the other hand, kept silent and still, standing in the shadows, carefully listening to me. Seeing him so patient and focused, I'm not surprised he was the Gundam pilots' leader. His calm presence draws others' attention, even when he is hidden in darkness.
They left promising to get to the bottom of this. I don't doubt their success.
Nightfall has come and the full moon shines, its faint light softening the angles and flaws of the world. I listen to the silence of the city through the open window, revelling in its peacefulness. Milliard is still deeply asleep, his hand lifeless in mine, but from time to time he moves, exhaling my name in a sleepy breath, faintly tugging at my hand, and I savour every moment of it.
But such perfect moments are not meant to last, and the air moves, the atmosphere getting cooler.
"So you're alive," the shadow in the doorway whispers.
"Disappointed?" I ask, hiding my uneasiness behind irony.
He hesitates. I trouble him, and he hates it. "No," he says.
Silence. "I'm sorry." My voice is flat, but it is a heartfelt apology.
"So am I," he answers bitterly, and I wince. "Did you tell him?"
"Not yet."
"I see." His gaze travels from me to Milliard, and he adds, "May you be happy."
And he vanishes, his lithe silhouette fading into darkness. I close my eyes. It's over. For now, at least.
~ * ~ * ~
His hand is tightly clasped around mine, crushing my fingers in an iron grasp that wakes me up. His whole body is tensed and his head jerks from side to side. Silent tears have left a shimmering path on his cheeks.
He's having a nightmare.
I get up from the chair I slept in and, pushing him over a little, I lay down next to him. Nurses removed most of the wires earlier. I gather him close and he gradually relaxes against me.
I check the clock and notice that it is almost time for the doctor's visit. A few moments later, Sally Po comes in.
"A nightmare?" she asks in a low voice.
"Yes. But he's better now."
Better indeed, for he starts to actually wake up. "Treize?" he breathes into my ear.
"I am here, love." He sighs and nuzzles closer.
Miss Po raises an eyebrow. "He's awake?"
"Yes," I reply, smiling, delighted to feel him moving against me. "Do you want me to leave?" But Milliard stiffens and she notices it.
"No." Then she turns to Milliard. "Zechs? Do you hear me?"
"Yes," he growls sleepily, burying his face in my neck.
"Do you recognize me?"
He sighs unhappily, holding me tighter before looking at Sally Po. "Yes, I recognize you, Doctor Po," he says dryly, leaning against me. Then he frowns. "I missed our last meeting, didn't I?"
"To be truthful, you missed the last three."
His eyes widen and he becomes pallid. I hold him closer in reassurance. "I am sorry, I did not intend to," he whispers. "Will you sanction me?"
"Don't worry, I won't...but I'd like to examine you, now..."
At that, he frowns again and, with some reluctance, he lets her examine him. He follows her every move with an annoyed look, frowning at the sight of the bandages covering him. And then, as the doctor finishes her examination, he suddenly sits up, startling us both. "Doctor, you must contact Relena, and the police, and tell them..."
"It is already done, Milliard. Lady Une took care of it five days ago." I slip my fingers through the golden strands. He relaxes and lies down, his eyelids growing obviously heavier, and he yawns out loud, a slight blush reddening his pale cheeks as I laugh a little. "You should rest, now. We'll talk later," I suggest, smiling down at him.
"All right." And, leaning heavily against me, he closes his eyes, falling asleep with his arms around me.
"You should rest, too, General," the doctor tells me after awhile.
"Don't worry, Miss Po. I'm quite comfortable as I am." I glance at the now sleeping man in my arms. "He will want to get up next time he wakes up."
"I know. He's a... challenging... patient. He is still weak, and needs much rest, but I'll allow a shower and a few steps around the room. But nothing more than that." I nod and she smiles, standing up. "All right, then. I'd like to see you tomorrow, though. Privately."
"Why?"
"First, for a complete and final check up. You are almost completely healed, and monthly visits should be enough from now on. And second, because I'd like to discuss a few things with you regarding Zechs."
I frown, suspicious. She's far too serious. "I'll be there."
"I'll see you tomorrow, then." She bows gracefully and leaves without looking back.
~ * ~ * ~
A feather. The light touch of a bird's wing caressing my face, tickling my nose. I try to escape it - I want to sleep! - but a soft laugh stills me and I open my eyes.
Propped up on one elbow, his head tilted and resting on his hand, he lies beside me, staring at me with those unique eyes of his, a smile on his lips. He is still wrapped up in the bed sheets, but I see his bare shoulders and his graceful neck, their skin creamy and soft, waiting to be touched and kissed and licked...
He looks so alive... and so delicious. I lean over and kiss him, slowly, thoroughly, exploring and remembering, only letting him go when the need for air becomes unbearable. "Hmmm... delicious indeed," I whisper as I take him into my arms.
"Could say the same," he murmurs. "I missed you."
"So did I. But we are together now. And soon we'll be home."
"Yes..."
His voice is calm, yet it lacks the sparkling joy I saw in his eyes minutes ago. "Milliard? What is bothering you? Please, tell me."
"Your home... the estate..."
"Our home."
"Yes... it belongs to Dorothy. For now, at least."
I stare at him, silent for a few seconds. "To Dorothy?"
"Yes. I passed it over to her at the reading of your will. I mean, we thought you were dead, Treize... even though we never found your body... We thought that the explosion..." He breathes in. "I couldn't picture myself living there without you."
"I understand," I tell him, rocking him lightly. "Where did you live, over the past few months?"
"I bought a small house... and 'small' is the key word here. You wouldn't like it much..."
"Why do you say that? I'm sure it's cosy and comfortable. And if it won't do... well, I guess I made a good move when I invited Dorothy to stay with us. She might welcome us to the estate."
"You what?" He lifts his head to look at me, searching my face for a clue. "You're serious."
"I am. Are you disappointed?"
He stares at me mutely for a moment. "No," he finally says. "I am glad. She is... she's..."
"Oddly comforting?"
He nods with a slight smile. Then he shudders. "Treize, I'd like to get up."
"Only if it's for a shower."
"That sounds good. Can I?"
"Yes. Doctor Po allowed it. But nothing more."
He snorts and we sit. I help him to stand up and, after getting him some clothes out of his bag, I lead him to the bathroom, holding him close.
~ * ~ * ~
"Hi there!" a cheerful voice greets us from the doorway.
Looking up, we see Dorothy waving at us, smiling broadly. Milliard, comfortably leaning back against his pillows, smiles in response and welcomes her in. "Hi, Dorothy. Please, join us." Sitting by Milliard's side on the edge of the bed, I nod my assent, smiling too, and she comes in, sitting near us.
Then she looks directly at Milliard, a mischievous gleam in her eyes. "Tell me, how's my favourite prince this morning?" she asks him, and he frowns, just like she intended him to.
"I am no prince, Dorothy," he answers sternly, straightening up.
"Yes, yes, you say so. But we all have our own opinions, haven't we?" she winks at him. "Oh, pout all you want, you won't change my mind. So, how are you?"
"Fine. Until you came in, that is."
"Always so kind to me. I love you, too, you know?" She said it without emphasis, casually, giving to these words a truthfulness that even the nonchalant tone can't hide. I wonder if Milliard noticed it.
"Treize told me you'd stay with us."
"I'm afraid I will. I'm not easy to get rid of, as you should know."
"I do," he hisses darkly, but the joyful gleam in his eyes betrays his words, and he looks suddenly very young.
And very tempting. I turn toward Dorothy, trying to forget the image of his body pressed against mine, my hands exploring him as I trail kisses along the line of his neck and shoulder, licking the creamy skin... No, not now. Later, surely, but not now. "But won't you feel a little uneasy?" I ask, relieved to hear my voice steady and unstrained. "Trapped with the two of us? Milliard told me his house isn't very spacious."
"No, it isn't. At least, not by *your* standards," she says haughtily. "That's why I've arranged for your former estate to be readied. It should be settled by the time you're allowed to leave the hospital."
I narrow my eyes. That's perfect timing. Still... "What makes you think we want to live there?"
"I assumed so, that's all. Was I wrong?"
"Not at all. But I would have appreciated being consulted first."
"Well, well, well," she smirks, apparently pleased. "You speak as if you were still the World's leader. We have a democratically elected President now. Autocracy is past, you must realize."
"Unfortunately, I do," I reply somewhat mournfully, thinking about Lady Une's newfound stubbornness.
"Don't sound so sad! See it this way: you are on vacation."
Vacation? That's interesting. I haven't have one of these in... well, in years. And spending days with Milliard without being bothered with protocol and formalities would be very pleasant. Yes, indeed... I would have plenty of time to make my fantasies come true...
We keep talking casually for awhile, Milliard sitting back, comfortably resting in the bed with a little smile. He doesn't listen to us, simply enjoying our presence, and to see him so relaxed is comforting. But as our discussion goes on, I notice that Dorothy grows serious, her replies less spontaneous. "You are reluctant to talk, all of sudden. Do you have news for us?"
She briefly looks at Milliard, then back to me to answer in a low voice. "Yes. Alaroff wasn't working alone, and he is not the one who decided to keep your survival a secret. Truth be told, from what I've heard, he would rather have finished you himself."
"Then I should be grateful that someone thought better of it."
"I'm not so sure."
"What do you mean?" I ask, staring at her, frowning.
She glances at Milliard again, concerned. "You said they were about to deliver you to someone else, that you were about to be moved when the Preventers found you. Well, I shouldn't tell you this - I shouldn't know about it myself - but that someone else could be Relena Peacecraft."
Lord. No wonder she didn't want to talk about it. If that's the case, Milliard will be devastated. "Could it be?"
"It's only an hypothesis for now. But there are circumstances... and the letter said 'Ready for QR'. Ready for Queen Relena, perhaps."
Cyd's letter, yes. "I see."
Relena. A strange young woman. As idealistic as her brother... but then, idealism seems to have grown into a gene in the Peacecraft family. Relena and Milliard. Very similar and yet completely different. The first will stand up for her beliefs, but the second will take actual steps to achieve those beliefs. 'QR' for 'Queen Relena'? The more I think about it, the more it seems impossible... without being stupid, the girl lacks the reckless mind to do something as tortuous as to capture me, and Milliard, in order to insure peace. She is too blunt and too straightforward to do such a devious thing. Unless I misjudged her.
Relena can't be 'QR'. Someone else must be involved. Someone very determined - or desperate.
A nurse quickly enters the room with a plate, putting it down next to me before leaving, and I push away these musings. I will analyse this later. I take the pill and the glass of water from the plate and hand them over to Milliard. He sighs softly and take them without any question.
Dorothy jumps to her feet, clenched fists on her hips. "Now, I don't know if I should be insulted or grateful," she growls with a smile. "How come you obey with so much docility? It use to be so difficult to give you those damn pills. You can be so stupidly stubborn at times!"
Milliard's cheeks redden, and a small chuckle escapes me. He tenses immediately and glares at Dorothy. "Don't look at me like that, Milliard. You know I am right." She talks to him in a mother-like tone and his eyes narrow. He's furious.
But he apparently was oblivious to our discussion and I am grateful for that. "This is not over, then?" I ask her, not wanting to be more explicit.
"No. It seems that it is more elaborate than we all first imagined. The Preventers are on it, though, so you don't have to worry. They are surprisingly efficient."
I smirk. "Should I pass on to Lady Une this vote of confidence of yours?"
She grimaces. Her face gets a laugh out of Milliard and she smiles unexpectedly at him, relief and love visible on her face for a second.
She really does care about him.
~ * ~ * ~
Dorothy has left now and Sally Po awaits me. Milliard stares thoughtfully outside. "Do you want to sit near the window?" I ask.
He flinches, startled, and I notice that fear is back in his eyes. I lean forward and gather him close, stroking his hair. It is getting silky again.
"Tell me this is no dream," he whispers softly. "I spent so many nights dreaming about this... Tell me this is real, please."
"It is real, love. I am real." I help him to stand up, leading him to the chair. I kneel before him once he's seated. "I am real." I smile up to him. "And I intend to prove it to you very soon." I cup his chin, caressing his jaw line with a finger. "But I have to meet Sally Po first. You understand, don't you?"
"Yes, I do. Go. I'll wait here."
"I'll be back soon." I get up, kissing him lightly on the lips before leaving. I hope the meeting won't take too much time.
~ * ~ * ~
I can't believe it.
She is talking. I see her lips move and I hear her soothing, yet stern, voice. But I can't quite make out the words, for her earlier words still ring in my ears.
"How dare you imply I could hurt Milliard?" I finally say. The cold words don't begin to show the anger rising inside, but she winces.
"I never said such a thing, General."
"Then please explain it to me again, Doctor, for I obviously misunderstood."
"I know you would never hurt him *intentionally*," she sighs. "But... as you must know, Zechs has suffered from a deep depression."
"Yes, I know."
"Then consider this, General. Over the past few months, he lost himself. When I first saw him, he was in pieces. He now needs to reconstruct himself, to put the pieces back together and make them fit. But he has to do it on his own."
"That's very pretty and I agree with you. But where do I become a threat to him?"
"You're not a threat!" she spits, losing patience. "I said that there was a danger, not that you were a threat to him. You are a powerful man, General, with a powerful personality. And although Dorothy helped him a lot, Zechs is still fragile. I want you to be careful with him. To be aware that he needs support and not control. He needs to regain his independence. You, most of all, should know how much he needs it. In his current state, crushing him and getting him to depend on you is easier than you imagine, and I don't want that."
"I don't either." My voice is strained, but my anger has abated. "I will be careful."
"I know you will." She smiles tiredly. "That was all I had to discuss with you. From the check up I made earlier, you are healing steadily. I will sign your release form this afternoon. Of course, you're free to stay with Zechs."
"When will he be able to leave?"
"In a few days, I think."
We set a meeting for the next month, so she can follow my progress, and I leave her office, making my way to Milliard's room.
~ * ~ * ~
"I will stay with Treize, Relena. I don't know where it will be, but I doubt it will be in Sank."
He looks up at his sister, his expression unreadable, and Relena keeps silent for awhile, probably thinking about ways to change his mind. From the look in his eyes, I know it is useless, but she doesn't. She knows so little about him.
"I understand," she replies at last. "If you change your mind, you will always be welcomed, brother. Take care." She bends over and kisses him on the forehead. Then she turns around, stopping in her tracks when she sees me in the doorway.
"Princess Relena," I greet her, bowing slightly.
"Treize Kushrenada," she says dryly. "It seems that brother trusts you. I hope you will be worthy of his trust."
I smile. Her manners have not improved in the least. The Queen of Sank would benefit from learning some subtlety. "I will do my best, rest assured, princess."
She leaves silently, without looking back. I close the door behind her and go to Milliard. He stares ahead in mild shock, his lips parted in outraged surprise. Then he feels me next to him and looks up at me. "What she said..." he begins.
"I know." I lean forward and claim that beautiful mouth with mine. My morning fantasy comes back to me and I pull him up, holding him tight against me. Then I leave the mouth and its now swollen lips and go down to the neck, kissing and licking the soft skin, while slowly moving us toward the bed. He becomes breathless under my ministrations. "I love you," I whisper.
"Love you, too," he says, holding me, pulling me even closer.
"I was so afraid... during the war, and after, that you hated me... what I did..."
"I could never hate you, Treize... It's just... I couldn't..." he murmurs, trying to find his words. But he doesn't know...
I open his shirt as I lay him down on the bed, kissing my way up to his ear, sucking at the lobe, and I feel him shiver in my arms. "I know. Everything will be fine, love. As long as we are together."
"You won't leave me?"
"No one will ever separate us again, love, I promise," I swear.
And as the sun shines brightly outside, bathing our room, I know this a promise I will keep till the day I die.
~ * ~ * ~
Home, at last. The front of the estate is slowly revealed before us, the faded bricks of the façade green with ivy. The turrets and the balconies bring back many memories of happier times. Milliard, leaning back in his seat, stares at it thoughtfully. I can't read his expression.
"Milliard?"
"Hmmm?"
"Is something bothering you? You're very silent."
"I was just thinking."
"About what, love?"
"It is unimportant." He looks at me with a faint smile. "Don't worry. I'm fine."
I'd like to press the issue a little more, but that would upset him. So I drop it, holding back my concerned curiosity. He will talk when he feels like it. I smirk to myself. Support and not control... guess I'm doing fine so far.
The car finally stops. The shadows of centenarian trees protect us from the sun as we step out of it, making our way to the door while the driver takes care of our luggage.
"Welcome home, you two!"
Dorothy stands on the porch, waiting for us, and the sight of her seems to calm Milliard. "Thank you for your hospitality, Dorothy," he says.
"My pleasure, really. I don't like to be alone here. This place is so big I could get lost for days..."
He chuckles softly. "You spent many summers..."
"... and didn't set a foot here in years," she finishes. "The servant crew will be here next week. I only have a chef and Mister Diehl for now, and I managed to not see them for the last two days... Anyway, come inside. The sun's high and I don't want you to have sunstroke."
"I'm not that weak," Milliard snorts.
"No, you're not. Not if Sally Po consented to let you go," she winks. "But let's not take any chances. Come."
She slides her arm under his and leads him inside, forgetting me on the doorway. I follow them with a wry smile. As I step inside I see the lean form of an old man clad in a black suit. He bows slightly when he sees me and mutely disappears to go about his business. I sigh. At least I'll have Diehl's invisible presence to remind me that this place is mine.
"Would you like a drink?" Dorothy asks as we enter the drawing room. "I have here some very good liquor," she adds with a small smile, looking at me.
"No doubt," I mumble, sitting on the couch, where Milliard joins me moments later. I take his hand, idly caressing the slender fingers before entangling them with mine.
Dorothy goes to the liquor cabinet and pours us each a glass. And we sit there together, chatting lightly, while the afternoon goes by peacefully. At some point, Diehl makes a discrete appearance to announce dinner, and we have a light meal as the sun slowly sets. And when the night has settled in, we finally go to bed and I hold him tight against me, falling asleep with his head resting on my shoulder.
~ * ~ * ~
He's still deeply asleep. The sun's rays play on his hair, making the silky strands shine like gold in fusion, and his features are relaxed, his lips parted as he breathes calmly. He's so beautiful... I run a hand over his chest, along his arm, glad to feel the well-defined muscles under the warm skin. I sigh. I'd like to wake him, but he needs his rest. I lift myself up, careful to not disturb him. I brush a light kiss over his cheek and get out of bed.
"Good morning, Treize," Dorothy greets me when I enter the dinning room. She sits at the table, dressed, the newspaper spread out before her. She holds a cup of coffee in one hand and turns the pages with the other.
"Good morning to you," I answer and sit next to her. "I didn't remember you were an early riser."
"That's because I wasn't. But the past few weeks have taught me differently," she replies with a wry smile without taking her eyes off the paper. Then she sighs and shakes herself, as if she is chasing away a bad memory. "And what about you? I always thought you were *the* hedonist, never out of bed before noon... even more if Milliard was in it with you."
"Although Milliard *is* a great motivation to lay in bed late, the rest of it is a myth, dear cousin. You obviously never went to military academy."
"No, and I hope I never do." She gives me a sideways look, then smiles slightly. "You know, if you're waiting for your breakfast to be served, you'll wait a long time. As I said yesterday, the servant crew will arrive next week. We're alone with the chef and the butler, and today's their day off."
"I see." I get up and head for the kitchen. I pour myself a cup of coffee and manage to get a decent meal. As I sit again next to Dorothy with my hand-made breakfast, I remember the greyish porridge I ate for days during my captivity, and the food on this little plate suddenly looks quite delicious.
"We'll have to tell Milliard," Dorothy suddenly says as I take my first mouthful.
"I know." I put my fork down. I look at her. "Who told you Relena might be involved?"
She hesitates. "Quatre told me."
"The pilot of Gundam 04?"
"Yes. He helped me during Milliard disappearance; he stayed with me. I trust him."
She does, indeed. The young man I met seems to be a serious and genuine lad, not one to spread unconfirmed information. But... Relena behind all this? No, it can't be. And Alaroff's trial coming... if only the man would talk. This mystery would then be solved.
The doorbell interrupts my musings. Dorothy gets up, a frown on her face. "I'll get it," she says. "If it's Noin..." but she trails off and leaves the table.
"Noin?"
"Never mind," she sighs and leaves the room.
I put down my cup of coffee and follow her. I arrive as she opens the door, and I stay where I am, observing from the shadows.
"Quatre!" Dorothy exclaims, a wide smile stretching her lips as she discovers the man standing on the porch. "What are you doing here?"
"Only wanted to know how you were doing," he answers with a soothing, young voice and a shy smile. "I hope you don't mind?" He blushes a little, and I hide a smirk. He is impeccably dressed, looking like a business man with his dark suit. The look on his face is almost formal, far too serious in fact, and it acutely reminds me of Milliard.
"Not at all," Dorothy replies. She seems quite pleased. "Do you want to come inside?"
"I wouldn't want..."
I step out of the shadows and he starts at the sight of me. "Please, do come," I insist.
He doesn't answer at first, and a frown briefly darkens his angelic features as he assesses me. Then he nods slightly, as if a decision had been made, and he holds out his hand. "Nice to see you well, Treize," he says politely.
"Thank you," I answer, shaking his hand. "Dorothy told me you helped her during difficult times."
A small smile curves his lips, but his eyes remains serious as he looks at me. "It was nothing; she's a friend."
After exchanging a few words, Dorothy leads him to the drawing room and I go back to my breakfast, smiling slightly. The way he examined me from the doorway and his reserve in front of me... It will take some time for him to accept me as an ally. But I can't blame him, can I? I sip at my coffee, still smiling. So young, and yet already so suspicious. He really is quite like Milliard.
Then I stop still as a thought crosses my mind.
How quite like him is he, exactly?
He did lose his father to the war.
And he did betray his father's ideals in order to accomplish what he believed to be right.
I wonder...
"You seem quite thoughtful," a hoarse voice whispers in my ear before soft lips kiss it, and my little schemes fade into a blur. "Something on your mind I can help you with?"
"I think so..." I murmur as I turn to face the angel at my side, and then I pull him down for a sweet, lingering kiss.
A perfect moment...
"Well, that's very interesting." Dorothy's piercing voice suddenly cuts through the warm haze surrounding us, and we part, breathless. Dorothy stands in the doorway, grinning at us, with a flushed and quite embarrassed Quatre beside her. "Oh, are we interrupting? I'm so sorry!"
With an unrepentantly mischievous gleam in her eyes, she joins us at the table, closely followed by Quatre. Milliard sits next to me, a faint blush reddening his cheeks, but his eyes are sparkling. I can't help but smile at him. He is so lively, so young this morning. The sight and the taste of him is like the sweetest of addictions. Amazing how thoroughly, and deeply, fond of him I am.
"Quatre will be staying with us," Dorothy announces without any warning.
"Dorothy!" he says, turning an interesting shade of red. "I don't want to..."
"Bother us? But you are no bother, Quatre! I assure you. Don't you agree, Treize? Milliard?"
"Of course you can stay," I manage to say politely. The insolence of this girl is simply unbelievable.
Milliard smiles reassuringly at the young man sitting across the table. The poor lad looks like he'd rather bury himself in the ground. I am certain he hadn't planned for any of this when he decided to visit us.
"Well, thank you," he mumbles, still uncertain. "It won't be for long, rest assured. I'll leave for L4 tomorrow."
"Is there any trouble there?" Milliard asks.
Quatre smiles to him, slightly more comfortable. "No Preventers business, don't you worry. Since Alaroff's arrest, things have been really calm."
"Speaking of which," Milliard continues, "do you have any news?"
"Don't you think," Dorothy intervenes, "that you should worry about that *after* eating breakfast?"
He frowns, looking at her with annoyance. "I am not hungry."
"Now, why does that sounds familiar?"
"Dorothy!"
"Eat first."
His eyes narrow as he leans over, looking at her intently. "What is it?"
"Eat."
"No until you tell me what you know."
"What makes you think I know anything?"
"I know you do."
"Eat."
"No."
"Treize?"
Two pairs of eyes turn to me, one as violet as a stormy sky, stern and confident, and the other of the loveliest blue I've ever seen, staring at me sharply. Staying safely out of this, Quatre looks at them with a small smile, amused. I wish I were in his boots, and not forced to decide between these two stubborn children.
Two stubborn children. The thought crosses my mind and I almost laugh out loud, but the murderous look in their eyes stops me. I clear my throat. "I have to agree with Dorothy, Milliard."
He flinches at that, as if I had slapped him physically, and I almost regret it. But then he straightens up and his eyes become icy. He tilts his head, considering my answer, and I have a hard time not to brush away the golden strands coming over his eyes. A child? No. But a very young man who had to act older than his years for most of his life. I think this is why Dorothy's presence is so comforting to him. She allows him to be a child again. This childish argument is a nothing but a harmless game; I can tell by the way a smile hides right under their glares.
Milliard finally nods silently, accepting my decision, and gracefully raises from his chair, heading for the kitchen. I watch him as he disappears in the other room, amazed as always at how the most trivial moves become sheer elegance with him.
He comes back minutes later with two slices of buttered toast and a glass of orange juice. He eats the toast without a word and drinks his juice just as mutely; then he puts the glass down and says to Quatre, "Speak."
Two pieces of toast, buttered or not, don't make much of a breakfast in my opinion, but I suppose this is better than nothing. So Quatre does as asked and tells him everything. Milliard's features darken as he speaks, but he doesn't interrupt him. He listens to all of it and, when he's finished, he simply says, "Relena can't be involved. There must be another explication."
Beside me, Dorothy sighs. "Milliard, you're not objective on this..."
"I am."
"It's not official yet..." Quatre says softly, trying to ease the atmosphere.
Milliard looks at him in silence, an unreadable expression on his face, and seconds turns into heavy minutes. Quatre stays still though, squarely returning Milliard's gaze. As I glance at him, I see a shadow briefly hovering in the clear blue eyes, but it disappears before I can name it. Then he nods to Quatre, smiling slightly at him as he stands up, and whatever was hanging over us vanishes.
"I will go for a little walk, if you don't mind," he says calmly. "Sorry for this little display of temper, Quatre," he adds with a vague gesture toward Dorothy. "I hope you will have a good time here."
"I'm sure I will."
And he leaves the dinning room in swift, long strides without another word.
~ * ~ * ~
The sun is about to set, and Milliard is still out there.
He didn't come back for lunch. And his morning toast seems quite ridiculous now.
"He's fine. I'm sure he is," Dorothy tells me. But her voice speaks a different truth.
We sit in the drawing room. I have a book in my lap, but I could hardly tell you its title. Dorothy is curled up on the couch, her whole body tensed. She is quite pale. Quatre sits by her side, glancing at her with worried eyes.
"Maybe..." I start, but then the front door slams opened and Milliard joins us seconds later.
"Milliard!" Dorothy cries out, relief and anger tangible in her voice, and he stops in his tracks.
"What?" he asks.
"You scared us!" She jumps on her feet, two red marks on her pale cheeks, her eyes flashing. "You stupid fool! What were you thinking? I thought you..." But she suddenly trails off and she slumps back into the couch, as if she had no energy left.
"I am sorry, Dorothy. I didn't realise..."
"Obviously," she mutters.
"I am sorry," he repeats. He looks baffled and somewhat surprised. He comes and sits next to me. "I didn't mean to frighten you. I simply... got lost in my thoughts."
"All afternoon?" Dorothy spits. "Quite absorbing those thoughts were."
"Yes, they were." He turns his gaze to Quatre, and an icy silence settles in the room.
And a cold calm fills me as I finally understand. I remember the silent, unknown guest I saw while I was imprisoned and still tied to my bed. The dark silhouette who visited me isn't faceless anymore.
"Quatre?" Dorothy says hesitantly, but the young man doesn't answer, staring at Milliard.
"Why?" Milliard asks in a low voice.
"I thought that you, of all people, would understand," he replies without acknowledging anything. He looks as innocent as ever, his voice steady and even.
"Treize wasn't killed."
"No, he wasn't." He tilts his head, as if he was reflecting over a little mystery. "Maybe he was of greater value alive."
"Relena isn't involved."
"Who knows?" He smiles softly. "You know the saying... There's no smoke without fire." He stands up. "It's getting late. I know you invited me to stay, but I think I will decline. I must leave early tomorrow morning, and I wouldn't want to disturb you." He bows slightly, a gentle smile curving his lips. "I was pleased to see you all well. Have a nice evening."
I stand up too, followed by Milliard. Dorothy doesn't move, though. She stares at Quatre with wide eyes, her pursed lips forming a thin, pale line. "A nice evening to you, too," I reply.
"Thank you for everything. Please don't bother, I know the way." And he gracefully leaves without a look back. Seconds later, the front door slams closed.
"I'll call the Preventers," I say as we hear a car getting away.
"They won't find anything against him."
"He's clever."
"He is."
~ * ~ * ~
Dorothy has been very quiet these days. She spends a lot of time in the library, but I doubt she reads anything. She looks very tired, almost heartbroken, but Milliard always manages to get a little smile from her. They don't speak much together; still, his presence at her side keeps her from retreating completely into her shell.
As Milliard predicted, the Preventers didn't find anything pointing toward Quatre. I wonder if they even believed us. Lady Une looked so disbelieving... But I am not surprised. The truth is rarely praised.
Thus, the true reason to all that has happened is still unknown, and probably will always be. My only comfort is that Alaroff has been found guilty.
I will keep an eye on both Quatre and Relena, though.
Outside, the sun is rising, its rays adorning the clear sky with bright reds, oranges and purples. Milliard stands on the porch, his arms crossed over his chest, watching the natural display of colors. I approach him from behind, wrapping my arms around him, bringing him close against me.
"Beautiful," I breathe in his ear.
He smiles and closes his eyes. "I love you," he says softly.
"I love you too," I whisper, kissing his temple. "Forever."
~ * ~ * ~
Fin. 2004.