He woke up with a start. His head hurt and there were bandages all over his body. He could feel them on him, if he couldn't see them. He felt something tied across his eyes, shutting out the light. He didn't know if it was to keep him from opening them or if it was to keep him from seeing where he was. He must have made some sort of noise when he woke up because a deep soothing voice was above him, gently cupping his head and offering him something to drink. After drinking his fill, he fell back to sleep, fuzzy from whatever drug had been in that drink.
That was the pattern for the next few weeks, months, whatever. He had no concept of time, just sleeping and getting stronger. Each time that he woke up he felt better. And he stayed awake longer. He got to recognize the soothing voice and strong hands that carefully took care of him. He just didn't know who he was. There were other people that visited him. One that was a doctor that fussed over his injures. Occasionally there would be the sounds of a someone cleaning the room. Or another low voice that would take the soothing one away. But their words at times made no sense, as if they were speaking a language that he didn't understand.
One of the early times that he had woken up, he had realized that he had no idea who he was. His past was a blank. He had no idea how he got injured. Why he was injured. Or if this was normal for him. The bandages across his eyes stayed though, occasionally getting changed. He didn't know how long that this went on before he started asking questions.
"Who am I?" he mumbled hoarsely, after his dinner one night. He felt odd that he was being fed. He could take care of himself, he didn't have to be fed like a child. If this blindness was permanent, he'd have to learn to take care of himself.
"Shh...Let me take care of you. You've been hurt."
"I figure that one out. How badly?" he said dryly.
"Badly enough that I want to coddle you." was the amused reply. "Now sleep."
He obeyed the voice, tired suddenly, so suddenly he wondered if there had been something in the soup that the other had been feeding him. He was musing about this when his brain shut off.
That started the second stage of his recovery, questions that he asked would be partially answered or not at all. He never learned his name, he was only referred to by his caretaker as lover in several different languages. He got into the habit of referring to his caretaker in the same manner. Since it was never corrected, he assumed that it was acceptable. And it gave him the first bit of information about him, that he was a lover of men. He didn't know anything else about himself but that. It was slightly disturbing. That being the first bit of information about himself. He'd rather found out his name first. Or what he looked like. And he didn't even know if that information was correct. His caretaker could be fooling with him for some unknown reason. He had a suspicion that treachery was no stranger to him.
Later in his recovery, when some of the bandages came off, the man would read to him. Classical literature, Victorian novels, treaties on philosophy and poetry. In several different languages. He knew them all, but couldn't figure out which was his native tongue. What language did he think in? He mentioned this early to the voice that took care of him, but his fears were reassured. He'd had a blow to the head, been in a terrible accident. His memory would eventually return. He shouldn't worry about it, it would only delay his recovery. The low voice was reassuring and he was calmed by the certainty that he found there. But he had just one tiny nagging question in the back of his head -what if he never recovered his memory? Would the voice tell him who he was or let him continue through the rest of his life with no name?
The happy(?) day came that the doctor came and took off the bandages. His eyes were carefully unwrapped in a dark room, so that he could become accustom to the light. He was impatient to see who had been taking care of him, his nerves causing him to fidget. His caretaker laughed at him, a low warming sound that thrilled him to the bone. He knew that his caretaker, who hadn't given him his name, had long hair. It had brushed against him when he had been cleaning him or feeding him. Other than that he had no idea who had been taking care of him. The whole thing struck him as something out of a trashy spy novel. He would ask his keeper about that later, after the doctor left. That could be the reason that no names were mentioned. They were hiding, but from what? He for the millionth time it seemed cursed his lack of memory.
As the doctor threw the last of the bandages away, he slowly opened his eyes, wanting to catch a glimpse of his savior. The doctor was babbling about care that he had to take, that his memory could come back anytime. To rest. To take it easy and everything would be all right. The scars would fade in time, most of them couldn't be seen, they'd be under clothes or hair. His eyes should be back to normal in no time, don't strain them by reading too much the first month. Wear sunglasses outside. A thousand little details that he filed away to be examined later. He wanted to see what his companion looked like. He wanted to see what he looked like. The doctor eventually left, grumbling and promising to visit back in a week or so. He listened to the light tread of his companion approaching, his eyes closed so that he could see him for the first time all at once. He stopped in front of him, he could smell him-a combination of spices and vanilla. He opened his eyes and gasped.
It was a vision of loveliness that filled his newly opened eyes. Fine ,delicate, but masculine features, framed by a fall of platinum hair. Light blue eyes looked at him with desire and love. An angel was his savior, he swore. The lovely man was slightly taller then him, his body one that rivaled in perfection the old Roman and Greek statues. He felt his mouth go dry and a small thread of desire shot through him. He felt himself blushing, not knowing why he was, just that he was.
"Koi, you look wonderful."
"Thank you, but now could you tell who you are? And who I am?" he asked shyly. He had been the lover of this angelic vision? The thought was not disturbing to him, but something in the back of his mind sent of little warning signals that the inside might not match the outside. He ignored these feelings, his caretaker had nursed him with a tenderness that he'd known was rare in his life. But why wouldn't he tell him his name?
"My name is Mirialdo. You used to call me Miri at times. Your name is Treize." he said, lightly stroking his arm. It was an erotic and familiar gesture and he felt himself blushing more. Miri scooped his arm underneath Treize and helped him up, slowly walking him across the room, to where there was a small mirror. "And here's what you look like Treize."
Treize stared at himself. He was amazed at the color of his eyes and hair. He didn't think that they were that color blue or his hair was the color of ginger. For some reason he thought that they were both darker. He shrugged. He shouldn't be surprised at what he saw, should he? He knew that he hadn't undergone plastic surgery, that wouldn't leave the scars that he saw behind. They weren't bad, no longer that painful because they were healed. A number of oddly shaped burns across his chest and arms, stopping at his waist. A slender red line that traced down the left side of his face, ending on his neck abruptly at collar level. Nothing that time wouldn't fix.
"Why didn't you tell me who I was up until now?" Treize asked. Why no last names? I know that people have two names, what was mine? What is yours?
"I was hoping that your memory would come back on its own. The doctor thought that it might be best. Also there were other complications." Miri paused, thinking about his words. "There was a war. We were fighting in it."
"I take it we were not on the side of light?" Treize joked, thinking of Miri's angelic appearance.
"It had dragged on for so long, there was no right or wrong any more, just a desire for true peace to come about. It happened. But that peace is built of a few fragile untruths that will cause it to unravel if pushed." Miri sighed. "It would be best if we lived quietly. But I am happy that you are getting you wit back. It was your most attractive feature"
"Thank you." Treize said simply. What aren't you telling me?
"We are now living outside small town in Northern England. It's peaceful. You'll be able to finish healing." Miri hugged him again, a smile gracing his features. "Just get dressed."
"After a shower." Treize insisted. "I feel like I haven't washed in ages."
"It has been a couple of months since you were injured," Miri said. "While I enjoyed giving you sponge baths, it doesn't get you really clean."
Treize agreed and let Miri help him into the bathroom, but let him take his shower alone.
Mirialdo smiled as he helped Treize into the shower. He had no memory. It might gradually return, but the quack that was here couldn't tell him if or when. Mirialdo shrugged and smiled maliciously, now that Treize wasn't there to see it.
Thankfully, Howard had managed to give him the help that he needed to establish himself. Howard's little side business of smuggling was profitable and you did acquire the most interesting contacts. Mirialdo had hooked Howard up with a few people, and in return he got a new identity for himself. Money was no problem, he'd access to the Peacecraft fortune for a while and managed to skim off what he needed from there and from the Romafeller accounts that he knew about. He had a very nice nest egg. Investments, some favors for Howard and other things would keep him going for a while.
Having no memory meant that Treize would only know what he told him. Dragging him off into the wilderness of Northern England, after he had found him floating in space, ensured that he would have no contact with people that might tell him any different. The servants that were in this place were loyal to him and would obey his orders. Treize would never be told about anything that happened in the outside world, unless he wanted him to know about it. He wouldn't see anyone that hadn't been approved off by Mirialdo. And now he had his chance to mold Treize into what he wanted. They would have their relationship back, not like it was before, but how Mirialdo needed it to be.
So Treize would not know that he had walked out on him in his rage and confusion for revenge against those that had destroyed his family. Treize would not know that his death had been needed to end the war. Treize would not know that he had tried to kill him in the last battle. And most of all, Treize would not know about that little whore of a Gundam pilot that had come between them during the closing days of the war. Treize would be all his again and he would have won against Duo Maxwell.
Not that he hadn't already, the last sight that he had of the boy he'd been huddled in a stockroom on the Libra, naked, beaten and crying after the gang rape that Zechs arranged. He had been fun to play with, a pity that he hadn't had more time with him, he had just started on the damage that he was willing to and very interested in inflecting on him. If he thought of it later, he'd try and find the little kurva, just so he could see that he had lost his beloved T-chan. After he had established complete control over Treize.
He would wait until Treize felt stronger and he would start letting him 'remember' how it had been between the two of them. It would be delicious having Treize where he wanted him. And how he wanted him.
It had felt wonderful that he was clean at last. He'd spent several minutes just letting the water run over his body, enjoying the heat. He'd spent most of the shower with his eyes shut, amused that he needed to do that just to maintain his balance. The soap smelled like roses, the shampoo smelled like roses, did Miri like roses that much? Or did he? He'd have to ask, embarrassing as it seemed. He wanted his memory back, not for any other reason then he could answer all theses little questions that he had about himself. The missing fragments that would tell him about his personality, his family, who he had been.
Treize dried himself off and walked out of the bathroom with the towel wrapped around his hips, ready to fall back asleep. He was tired, he didn't realize that a shower would take so much out of him. He was glad that Miri wasn't in the room and that someone had changed the sheets and cleaned up the place while he was in the shower. He crawled into bed, resolving to ask Miri some more questions once he saw him again. He wondered if was an only child, if his parents were alive. A thousand little details that he wanted to know.
He slept most of the rest of the day away, not bothering to wake up for supper. He was awoken at dawn by a bad dream, involving himself and an opponent with an odd sword. They were fighting over something, but he easily beat him. His enemy looked young, a child really. Why would he be fighting him? He utter threats that he was going to kill him, that he wasn't going to stop no matter how many times he was beaten by the older man. Treize woke up panting, wondering what the hell he had been dreaming about. Why would a child try and kill him? What had he done that deserved such, not hatred, but being the focus for that driving need for vengeance in someone that young?
Treize stumbled out of bed and pulled on a pair of sweatpants, wandering over to the window to see his first sunrise in a while. He was sitting on the window seat, enchanted with the view when Mirialdo walked into the room.
"Good morning," he called out, noticing Treize in the window.
"I missed those," Treize said, not bothering to turn around. "Did I do this a lot?"
"Wake up at dawn?" Mirialdo asked, putting his arms around the smaller man. "No, but you did when you took your infrequent vacations. You liked sunsets too, since you got to see them more often, on the way to a party or a meeting. In space its beautiful."
Treize leaned back into the embrace, feeling comforted by the other's presence. "I have so many questions to ask you." Not about that dream though. I want to wait to talk to about that. I might be able to figure that one out on my own. There was something about that boy that was important....
Mirialdo chuckled and kissed the top of his head. "About what?" he asked lazily, wondering how much he was going to have to lie.
"Am I an only child? Are my parents alive? Do I like roses?" Treize asked curiously.
"You are an only child as far as I know. Your mother and father died five years ago. You adore roses. Your quarters always smelled like them." Mirialdo replied. "And I have know you since I was six, for the last fifteen years or so. You were about eleven. Our parents were visiting each other. We kept getting thrown together because we were the only children there."
"Ah. Thank you" Treize said, shyly twisting in his grasp so that he could place a kiss on his cheek. "I wondered about those questions last night when I was taking a shower, but were too tired to get answers after I was clean. I fell asleep as soon as I got out of the shower. I'm sorry."
"No matter," Mirialdo reassured him, grateful that he didn't have to spin a tale yet. "The doctor said that you would be sleeping a lot. And I don't expect you to jump out of bed and be as active as you were before the accident. He suggested some physical therapy, which is going to drain you too, so I don't expect you to be too much company until you get back into the shape that you were before. Swimming, because this place has a pool and fencing. You were a master class fencer, tops at Victoria Academy for the entire time that you were there."
"Thank you. I hate not knowing the little things, like the roses or how long we knew each other." Treize explained, giving him another kiss on the cheek, a little closer to the mouth.
Mirialdo smiled down at him, hiding his amusement at the fact that Treize was acting so shy, so uncertain. It was wonderful. Treize had always been the aggressor in their relationship. He had initiated the affair, when Mirialdo had been fifteen, teasing and tormenting him into submission. As Mirialdo had gotten older, he had gotten surer of himself and was willing to fight for the control that Treize seemed reluctant to give up. The last year of their affair, sex had been a constant battle between two men that did not want to relinquish control to anyone, not even in bed. An uncertain Treize was intoxicating and he just wanted to lead him back onto the bed and take him. But he could wait. Treize wasn't suddenly going to regain his balance, his need for control. He would wait until he was stronger to take his plan to its next level.
"Do you want breakfast? And then a swim. Probably a nap and then a fencing lesson. I was almost as good as you. No one could beat you in fencing." Mirialdo asked, leaning down to kiss Treize back. He would go for a slow and gentle seduction, it would be interesting.
Treize murmured a soft "Yes" and went to look for clothes. It would not do to eat breakfast in sweatpants and nothing else. He figured that he must have done it at one time or another, but here, this house felt more formal. So pants and shirt to eat. And before anything else happened he wanted to know the layout of the house. Where Mirialdo's bedroom was.... Treize halted that chain of thought. Why would he want to know that? He said they were lovers, but why didn't they share a room? Because he had been sick? Or was it something else? Treize hummed idly, searching his draws for pants and a shirt, wondering about the lack of underwear.
"I don't wear underwear?" Treize asked, frowning slightly. Mirialdo shook his head 'no' and watched as Treize shyly went into the bathroom to change. That was adorable. Was it because he was suddenly shy or that he was ashamed of his body? If Treize allowed himself to think about it, wouldn't he realize that Mirialdo had already seen him naked? And as for the underwear, Mirialdo had decided that he wasn't going to let Treize wear underwear again. It would make access to his still delicious body much easier. The scars took nothing away from his attractiveness.
Treize came out of the bathroom with a slight frown on his face. "I just realized that you must have seen me naked hundreds of times, so why am I changing in the bathroom. Was I that shy?"
"No, but you might be now. I don't mind. I'm going to enjoy helping you get to know yourself again." Mirialdo purred, reminding Treize of decadent acts and dark desires. He stirred at the thought, wondering when it would be good to be with Mirialdo again. He felt the small stirrings of something, close to desire, but not really, in him, he just wished he could hurry up and get well so that he could enjoy Mirialdo again, Treize felt that it had been a long time since he had been with him.
The days fell into a pattern for the first month of his active recovery. Treize would get up and watch the sunrise after a night that was filled with odd dreams. He mentioned a few of them to Mirialdo. The ones that he was sitting in meeting, arguing with nameless men. Watching a woman, her hair in odd braids, shooting someone out the back of an airplane. Odd glimpses of scenes that he thought were his childhood. Mirialdo would explain some of them to him, if he asked.
"Mirialdo," Treize started one morning over breakfast, "I've been having these dreams I thought that I could figure them out on my own, but I can't, could you explain them to me?"
Mirialdo took a sip of his coffee to buy time. He was worried that Treize would remember too soon and then he'd be gone again. He couldn't allow that to happen. He had to have him here with him. He needed him, he needed to dominate him. The subtle uncertain tone wouldn't be noticeable to anyone else, but he heard it and it made part of him very glad. To have Treize Khushrendra so dependent on him, so much within his power.
"What kind of dreams?" Mirialdo inquired softly.
"I'm talking to people in a room and we're all arguing about something. I've had several dreams like that, different times, and different places. I think they have something to do with fighting the war. The ones that I think are later, the others are listening to me more. Was I important?" Treize asked, finishing his description in a confused tone. We're too young to be in charge of anything. I know that. Am I to believe that we were in charge of a war at twenty-five and nineteen? Who was foolish enough to let us? Miri barely looks like he's old enough to drink and I don't look much older then that. His eyes are the only that give him away. They're tired. Mine aren't because I don't remember a damn thing. But if I did, would they look like that? Or worse?
"You were in charge. The war was being fought by fought be the young. Academy graduating classes were on the average age seventeen and they went directly into combat. It had been going on for decades." Mirialdo said calmly.
"Children? Everything was being fought by children?" Treize asked aghast.
"Soldiers. They weren't children. You saw your first battle at fifteen, Treize." Mirialdo said harshly. "My parents were killed when I was six. I stopped being a child then. I was raised by relatives and eventually went into Victoria Academy. I rose in the ranks and I was your best pilot."
"No wonder you look so tired." Treize stood up and gently drew Miri into his arms. "I'm sorry. You don't have to tell me these things if it hurts you. I just want to know who I was."
Mirialdo smiled into his hair. Treize was so easy to manipulate. A few harsh words and he crumbled. He wouldn't take him up on that offer until it got too difficult to lie to him. Not that he would have to...most things could be explained by just emphasizing the right facts, his mind hopefully would supply the rest.
"Treize, my love," Mirialdo purred into his hair, "They don't bother me. I've learned to live with the facts."
Treize shivered slightly at the sound of Miri's voice. He felt desire curl through his stomach. He must be getting better if he wanted Mirialdo. Hopefully Mirialdo wanted him the same way. His blonde perfection made Terize conscious of every scar that he had at times, especially in the pool. They swam naked, it wasn't like they had anything to hide if they had been lovers. He didn't feel that he would want him, scarred the way he was, so he controlled himself and hoped that Mirialdo didn't notice the admiring, longing looks that he sent his way. He just couldn't stop looking at him at times. May be he'd get frustrated enough that he'd dream of him instead of those other people. He'd ask his other questions tomorrow or the next day. He had time. It wasn't like he was going anywhere.
He refrained from bringing up his odd dreams except at breakfast and then only when he was too frustrated to deal with it himself. It took him several days before he asked Mirialdo again to explain what these damn dreams meant. They had to be important, he never dreamed of mundane things, aside from his childhood. So he would ask his questions and hopefully he wouldn't cause too many bad memories. But it wasn't like he could ask anyone else. He was supposed to be in hiding.
"Mirialdo?" Treize asked softly, after wrestling for several nights with his latest request. He really could not understand why someone that young would want to kill him. "I hate to hurt you, but I can't figure this dream out? Why would a young boy try to kill me? And with a sword? Aside from the fact that I was the enemy general." Treize finished drolly.
He understood that the soldiers that fought this last war were young, but this boy was not more then a child. He was tiny, but muscular. He kept challenging him to duel of some obscure matter of honor. What had he done to make someone so young be so driven to kill him?
Mirialdo looked at Treize thoughtfully. If Treize was starting to remember Chang Wufei, then he'd remember that brat that he was fucking. That would not do! That was something that he had to stop before it got too involved. Before he remembered.
"Every war has their share of fanatics. I think he was one of them I didn't know much about what was happening with during the last few months of the war. We were separated by it a lot. You were on Earth and I was in Space. Mostly stolen visits." Mirialdo lied with a straight face. "I heard of a few colonists that would try and attack you, he might have been one of them."
"Oh," Treize said stupidly, "Colonists?" Space colonies. That was what it was all about, who was in control. I think. I start to remember things and then I just run into a blank wall, like I can't go any further. And its about the oddest things....
"I wouldn't worry about it, his colony chose to self destruct in their last battle. He won't be coming around to challenge you again. Besides, he never beat you. You're still here."
Treize looked at Miri with stricken eyes. "Children. Children that fight wars. Children that kill people when they should be in school. I'm glad its over and horrified that I was part of it."
"Treize, my love. That's why we're hiding here. So that it won't start all over again." Mirialdo hugged Treize close to him, glad that he had managed to fight off that trip down memory lane. By explaining it that way, he hoped that Treize wouldn't ask anymore questions.
After a leisurely breakfast, Treize and Mirialdo would work out, either fencing or swimming. He was tired after that and usually went back to his room for a small nap before lunch. During the afternoon he was busy with reading or if the weather was good, went out for a small walk before dinner. After dinner, he and Mirialdo would talk and Treize would eventually toddle off to bed.
As the weeks went on, he spent less time sleeping and more time working out. He pressed Miri for more information, annoyed that he doled it out in dribs and drabs. He never really explained what he had been doing to receive a blow to his head that caused him to lose his memory. After a few tries, Mirialdo admitted that he didn't know what had happened, just after the last battle that ended the war, he had found Treize floating in space, half dead. Treize accepted that answer and went back to getting back into shape. It was the past and it didn't matter much now. He just had to heal and may be it would come back to him.
There had been only one problem with Treize, Mirialdo had to admit, wanting to know how his accident had happened. Treize had been perfect other than that; submissive and dependent, not his usual confident self. And very willing to believe any story that Mirialdo told him about his dreams, especially about those that touched on subjects that Treize now found uncomfortable, violence and the war. The only ticklish subject had been Lady Une, that bitch. Treize was starting to remember her in his dreams. That had been this week's question. He hadn't noticed it before, but he thought that Treize might not be as honest with him as he should be. He didn't want to bother Mirialdo with his dreams, because he felt odd asking about things that he should know. He was going to have to make him open up more, distract him. Une was still spoiling his chances with Treize.
"Mirialdo," he had started, "Did I know any women? The only ones that I dream of are in a uniform."
And Mirialdo held his breath wondering what was going to happen now. Honesty, to a certain extent was good. He would try that. "You were friendly with female officers. Just not romantic with them."
"She doesn't seem like the romantic type. She's stern and her hair is pulled back in the oddest way."
"She was your Intel Officer. Lady Une. A cruel, driven woman. She was given to act in extreme ways to get things done for you." Mirialdo said thoughtfully. She was willing to kill for you, do anything that it took to make your dream come true. That bitch was devoted to you. I have no idea what she saw in Maxwell. Why she tolerated him when she never did me, aside from our fights about power when our own spheres of influence clashed, which wasn't that often, I wasn't a threat to her. Or was it because she didn't think that I was good enough for you? But a street whore was?
"Oh?" Treize asked.
"I didn't know her that well, we didn't like each other," I know that is an understatement but he'd believe it. "She disappeared and is presumed dead during the end of that mess."
"I'm sorry," Treize apologized. "I shouldn't make you remember all these things."
"Treize, my love." Mirialdo said, drawing him into his arms, "Tell me what's bothering you. These dreams aren't something I mind talking about." That street brat is the only one that I worry about you remembering. Because you start thinking about him and you'll remember that I left.
"I don't want to bother you. I feel so helpless that I can't remember anything." Treize complained, hugging closer.
Mirialdo tilted his head back and kissed him gently, chastely on his lips. I adore your helplessness. It gives me a feeling of power that I treasure. I need to be in control.
Mirialdo had watched Treize's recovery with a glad heart. The former general was so uncertain that it was touching. He was so dependent on Mirialdo for everything, it was exciting. While Mirialdo was worried about the dreams that Treize was having, he did manage to spin them into something harmless. Telling Treize that Wufei had died with his colony wasn't too far off. If it wasn't for his mentor's pushing him and his Gundam out into space, the boy would have died. Instead he had the agony of watching his colony destroy itself in front of him. And he was not going to tell Treize that it was that little piece of waste that had tried to kill him in his Gundam, not just by sneaking into his rooms. Une was even easier, injured and then disappeared before his accident, not to be found, perfect. Most of the other dreams that he was having weren't as dangerous as those dreams. And Treize trusted and depended on him so much he would tell him if he started dreaming about that kurva Maxwell, he'd tell him too.
But if he was dreaming this much about his past, he was recovered enough for Mirialdo to go onto the next stage of his plan to control his lover, seduction. Treize had shaped up in the last few months and he had noticed Treize's desire for him. Treize was hot for him as he was for Treize. And he would put out that fire in the pool. It would be so much fun to take him in the shallow end of the pool.
He had felt it through their kiss, Treize's growing desire. He would let him be satisfied now, Mirialdo was getting a bit impatient with his own slow seduction himself. Treize was in good physical shape now, he was ready. Actually more then ready from the lump in his pants. Mirialdo igno red that as he finished his kiss.
"Finished with breakfast?" he asked quietly.
"Yes," Treize breathed. I want you so badly. I need you. But I'm afraid to ask because I don't want the rejection. You may have called me lover during my recovery, but you haven't touched me aside from a few kisses and the occasional hug or caress. Nothing that I could take as interest in me. And I don't want to make you uncomfortable. I'm afraid to have you reject me.
"Then we should take our swim." Mirialdo said, stepping back.
Treize bit back the small groan of frustration that he felt and nodded. He didn't trust his voice. He walked away, hoping that Mirialdo hadn't noticed his erection. He apparently had, which is why he was chasing him away. He didn't want him and he was giving him this chance to get himself under control.
Mirialdo watched Treize retreat from the room. He laughed to himself. Treize was so off balanced by the mixed signals that he was sending, he would be very grateful for what was going to happen to him later and not ask questions. He thought that Mirialdo didn't want him, how silly. A compliant Treize was something that had kept him awake and hard for many nights. He was just going to give into his desires now. He'd let him start his excise session alone and then, he'd show him how much he had missed him.
Treize was swimming his laps, lost in his own thoughts when he bumped into Mirialdo at the shallow end of the pool. He started to stammer an apology when Mirialdo smiled at him and his mouth just dried up. He felt his groin tighten and hoped that he couldn't see what he was doing to him. Then he didn't care because Miri had leaned over and started to kiss him roughly, hard and demanding. Treize opened his mouth under Miri's attack, groaning a little. His groans turned to whimpers when Mirialdo moved closer to him, grabbed his ass and thrust his body against Treize's, rubbing their groins together. Mirialdo was as hard as he was. Treize's knees buckled and for a second all that was supporting him was Mirialdo's arms around him. He found his feet again and returned the kiss desperately, he was so hard and want Miri so much. He blanked out for a second and when he came to his senses, Mirialdo was pressing him against the edge of the pool, using it to help support his body. Mirialdo stopped kissing him and started to bite his way down his neck, leaving a small trail of bruises and bite marks. Treize moaned and unconsciously started to thrust his hips against Miri, trying to keep up that wonderful friction.
Mirialdo moved back, not letting him get that relief, forcing him to make due with the slight pressure that the water gave, but it wasn't enough. He moved down Treize's chest licking his scars and started to gently suck on one of his nipples while twisting the other almost roughly, Treize arched his back under the attention, almost screaming from the sensations. It hurt so good. He wanted this, he needed this. He was driven over the edge when Mirialdo lifted him up onto the edge of the pool, looked up at him for a second, peering at him through his bangs and smiling evilly, not breaking eye contact as he quickly swallowed Treize in one gulp.
Treize screamed, the cry echoing through the room as his back arched and he threw back his head. He tried to fight it but he couldn't. He tensed and came in Mirialdo's mouth as soon as he felt the other man relax his throat to take him deeper. Treize felt his vision fade out for a minute and he sagged back against the tiles barely able to support himself.
"Thank you." He muttered hoarsely. "I thought that you...."
"Shh love. I didn't want to pressure you. And then I recalled that you loathed to make the first move," Mirialdo lied. "So I pressed the point this morning."
"Ohhh...that was so good." He moaned, lying back, wanting to fall asleep. His hand struck a small jar and he blushed. God he was so thoughtless, Mirialdo was still hard. "I..." his voice trailed off he didn't know what to say.
"Shh...ljubitelj" Mirialdo soothed him. "Get on your hands and knees on the cushions over there,"
"I'll try." Treize muttered, not sure if he could move. It had felt so good. Been so long since.... He couldn't remember. He chuckled to himself as he moved into position, a sound that fell into a groan when he felt Mirialdo's slick finger in him, stretching him. As the second finger enter him, he arched his back and was rewarded by a jolt of something that sent stars across his vision. Mirialdo continued to stretch him slowly until Treize was rhythmically thrust against his hand, hard again from the attention. Mirialdo slowly entered him, letting him get accustom to the feel of him, before he started to thrust roughly, causing Treize to start to moan with pleasure. It hurt, but it also felt good and Mirialdo was pumping him in time with his movements.
Mirialdo was in heaven. Treize had rolled over and submitted without a whimper or a protest. He rewarded his cooperation with extra attention in stretching, usually he didn't bother to be so gentle, but if Treize was being obedient he should get rewarded. Mirialdo lost himself in the rhythm when he felt Treize tighten around him and then spill into his hand, his second orgasm as intense as the first. Treize tightening around him was heavenly and he grabbed his hips hard enough to bruise and thrust himself up to the hilt, pouring himself into his partner before collapsing across his back.
Treize gently lowered them to the cushions, not caring if he was lying in a pool of semen and water. Mirialdo stirred in back of him and started to withdraw, stopped only by Treize's sleepy murmur of protest. They stayed that way for a few minutes before Mirialdo softened and he rolled off of Treize.
"Get up." he said. I want to spend the rest of the day in your bed, teaching you what I want you to know.
"Huh?" was Treize's confused question. He was comfortable here, puddles or not.
"We can continue this back in your room. In a bed." Mirialdo pointed out.
Treize stared at him with sleepy eyes, amazed to see that Mirialdo was hardening again. "Treize. It's been months. I want you, still. The edge isn't even off. Let's continue this in your room. That way we won't shock anyone." He coaxed.
Treize continued to blink at him until Miri kneeled down and started to stroke him. Treize hissed and arched his back, amazed that he was starting to harden again. The slick feeling from his semen and the oil on Miri's hand wasn't helping. He felt his brain haze over as his world narrowed down just to the feel of Miri's hands on him. He mewled in protest when they stopped and grabbed his upper arms instead, bruising them as he pulled him upright and helped him to his feet.
"Your room." Miri stated simply, leaning over to grab a towel and the oil. He thrust both into Treize's hands and smiled wolfishly at him before scooping him up in his arms and carrying him there. Mirialdo was going to enforce this little lesson with Treize. He was never, ever going to believe that he had ever been in control of their relationship.
Treize woke the next day, alone in bed. He blearily moved his hand around, feeling for Mirialdo. He remembered waking up several times with him in bed. Each time that he woke up, Mirialdo teased him into a frenzy and then took him. God, he was so sore. His arms, his legs, his bottom. After a while it had just hurt, the pleasure had been fleeting, but he just thought it was him. Mirialdo wouldn't hurt him, deliberately, would he? Treize didn't think that he was going to be able to sit this morning without a cushion. Treize looked at the clock and winced, from moving his head and from the time, it was almost eleven. No wonder Mirialdo wasn't here, he'd slept most of the morning away.
Treize stood up and winced as he stretched. He noted the bruises that dotted his chest, arms and legs. He didn't remember getting any of them. Staggering slightly, he made his way into the bathroom, turning on the water to take a shower, He was covered with oil, semen and sweat and needed a shower before he could face anyone. Treize stood under the hot water, letting it loosen his sore muscles. He had thought he was in shape. No wonder Mirialdo had been willing to wait. Treize felt very, very sore, but also very satiated He had missed Mirialdo on his bed, the ability to cuddle with someone during the night. That's must have been what had woken Mirialdo up, Treize would unconsciously move closer and would wake him, which had lead to their heated couplings during the night. So why did he feel so incomplete because they didn't wake up in each other's arms? Mirialdo must have retreated to get some sleep in his own bed.
Treize was drying himself off and wondering where he could get some aspirin, musing about yesterday and last night when a stray thought passed through his mind. "I hate waking up alone. At least...." Treize didn't follow that thought. He didn't know if he could. Or if he should. But why was he hazily remembering a teasing voice, not Miri's apologizing for leaving him after they had made love? That this morning felt familiar because it had happened before, maybe too often? And who would he have slept with besides Miri? H didn't remember anyone, but then he barely remembered Miri.
He wouldn't ask Miri about it. He knew that his questions made the other uneasy, he didn't have to be a genius to figure that one out. While Miri was not exactly pleased to tell him about his past, he definitely didn't want to tell him about some of the people that were in it. Lady Une. While Mirialdo said that they didn't get along, Treize sensed that there was something else there, a hatred on Miri's side that he couldn't understand. It wasn't like he had slept with her! Or had he? And the boy that haunted his dreams, the small Chinese one that tried to kill him so often. There was something about him that Miri didn't want him to know about either. Something to do with what he was. He might have been sleeping with him, but why should he have been, even separated from Mirialdo he'd be too exhausted to do anything with anyone else, if last night was any indication of their relationship. He thought that they just waged that war so that they wouldn't exhaust each other in bed.
Mirialdo had woken early, with the dawn. He was amazed that Treize had let him fuck him like that. Mirialdo was honest with himself for once, it wasn't love that he felt for his former commander now, but lust and the need to control him. He had so few things that he could control in his life, like he could Treize now. TallGeese had failed him in his fight with Heero Yuy. Epyon had controlled him, the thrice blasted machine had been corrupted by Maxwell from his fight for the Sank Kingdom. His sister had disowned him, the silly chit, for teaching that scum Maxwell to stay away from his betters.
But here he was in absolute control. The servants obeyed him and Treize was dependant on him for everything. Who he was, what he had been, any news of the outside world. Not that he asked about, Treize seemed content to just be. Which was odd. But he wasn't planning anything. Those soft, guileless blue eyes would never lie to him now. But why was he content to just live here? Mirialdo put that thought aside, he'd rather think about the other's responsiveness in bed. Treize had woken him up accidentally during the night several times. Each time Mirialdo had taken advantage of the situation and had teased Treize into a frenzy and then fucked him. No wonder he was still asleep when he had left, he must be exhausted and oh so deliciously sore this morning. He'd check in on him later.
Treize staggered down to lunch, his hour in the shower had relaxed some of his muscles, but he was still sore. He dressed in a loose, comfortable pair of pants and hoped that he was walking straight. Treize met Mirialdo in the hallway and for some unknown reason, felt a blush rising on his cheeks. He wasn't embarrassed about what he happened last night, so why was he blushing? Mirialdo noted his color and chuckled softly
"Treize love, you haven't changed a bit. Behind closed doors, insatiable. Outside you blushed like a schoolgirl when we meet in the morning." Mirialdo lied.
"Oh, so we didn't share a bed. I thought since...." Treize's voice trailed off.
"No. it's that it we didn't share one when we were sleeping together. It wouldn't have looked good. I didn't care, but you did." Actually, neither one of us cared, it was known that I rose in the ranks not because of you, but because I was good. Just outside OZ, the Romafellers didn't like the fact that we were together because that didn't fit into their image of themselves too well, so we did try to be discreet. But someone must have known because as soon as I left, Maxwell was in your bed, before it was cold and you just rolled him over and took him. Did you even miss me?
"I was ashamed of you?" Treize asked in disbelief.
"No, you were protecting me, or so you thought. Sleeping with your superior officer was frowned upon. You didn't want me to be in trouble." Mirialdo assured him.
"Oh," Treize said in a small voice, then smiled. "Then we can share a bed now? I promise I won't repeat what happened last night. At least not soon. I'm a bit, ah...tender."
"We can share a bed," Mirialdo promised with a smile. If I'm sleeping with you and exhaust you at night, you won't dream about your past, then you won't remember. And then I can still control you.
"Then I think I'll go in search of coffee and may be lunch. I don't know about anything else because...."
"I know," Mirialdo teased him. "Tender. But tonight?"
Treize smiled. "Sleep I hope. But who knows?" he walked towards the kitchen, hoping that he would feel up to his promise of tonight.
Treize woke up a week later and stretched. He liked sleeping with Miri. He didn't dream, so that he wouldn't worry about having to ask him about his past and disturb him. He snuggled further into his arms, enjoying the slowly hardening shaft against his body. Mirialdo was a morning person in more ways then one. Treize enjoyed that, in the mornings Miri was gentler. Not that he wasn't a considerate lover, just at night he was rougher, knowing that things would heal while they slept. And last night had been very active for the two of them, Treize did want to be able to sit at breakfast comfortably. It had taken a couple of days for him to be able to sit down from their first night, without wincing. He was borderline now, he didn't want to push it.
Miri sleepily thrust his hips against Treize, enjoying the feel of him. Treize turned over and started to gently fondle him, fumbling for the oil that was on the nightstand somewhere. He didn't want to hurt him. Miri moaned and leaned over to kiss him, their tongues playing tag with each other. He found the oil and managed to pour some on his hand and then started to stoke Miri, listening to the moans. Treize broke their kiss and rolled Miri onto his back, moving between his legs to lie on top of him and kiss him. Treize caught the amused look in his eye. This had been the most aggressive that he had been with Miri in bed. He usually allowed Miri to take the led. He blushed, but continued with what he was doing. He rubbed against Miri, moaning their erections rubbed together, he continued with this for a while, until he couldn't stand it and then broke contact, gently nibbling his way down Miri's neck to suck on his nipples. After a few minutes of that, Miri's hands tangled in his hear, forcing his head down further, he relented. Treize slowly started to move down his body, licking at the firm stomach and teasing his belly button, before starting to lick at Miri's cock. He tasted so good. Treize enjoyed this so much. He could lick and suck at Miri for hours. Miri writhed and groaned, before hoarsely ordering Treize "Turn around"
Treize complied and moaned himself as he felt Miri's lips tugging and nibbling at his cock. And other sound that he might have made was swallowed when he swallowed Miri and started to seriously return his attention, Treize lost track of time, his world consisted only of the pleasure that he was giving Miri and the pleasure that he received in return, his orgasm trigged by Miri tensing and filling his mouth with his seed. Treize screamed and came himself, hips helplessly jerking still as he rolled off of Miri. He kissed him, both of them still feeling the aftershocks.
"Treize?" Mirialdo asked as Treize nuzzled his shoulder and leaned up for a kiss. Their tastes mingled and Treize enjoyed the bitter sweet taste of their semen.
"Mmm?" he answered, ready to fall asleep again.
"I have to leave for London. Do you want to come with me?" Howard has a job for me, it would be good to have you there when I'm done. You wouldn't be able to- move- never mind sit.
"Nmm." Treize murmured, "No, I'm supposed to be dead. Besides I like it here. Just could you bring me some books on gardening? I want to fix up the rose garden. You said I like roses. I should take care of the ones here."
"That it?" Miri asked, wondering what Treize was planning. Some of his suspicions must have been evident in his tone, because Treize cracked open an eye and smiled.
"I'm not interested. I don't want to be seen. It hasn't been that long since my death has it?"
"Several months."
"They'll still remember me? I haven't faded from their memories?" Treize persisted.
"Probably not" Mirialdo admitted.
"Then I'll stay here. I haven't even left the grounds in months." I don't want to, I like it here.
"I'm leaving tomorrow, you can always change you mind."
Treize yawned and turned over, he was always a little sleepy after making love. Miri just was more energetic. "Thank you" he muttered, falling asleep.
Mirialdo stared down at him and smiled. Treize was so trusting. London would be good. He also had to check on a few things, besides his little errand for Howard. And may be pick up some items. He always wanted to see Treize tied to the bed, he'd pick up what he needed and play out that fantasy. And there were a hundred of other little, painful things he wanted to try out. Torturing Maxwell had opened up a whole new area of sexual pleasure for him. And he did want to test a few of those things out on Treize. He was a lump of clay waiting for his touch, he didn't know if what they were doing was right, wrong or what. Treize trusted his word on everything. It was so intoxicating.
He leaned over and kissed him good bye, knowing that he'd be awake in a little while. And he hated waking up alone. That was to be his punishment for being so aggressive this morning. He hadn't learned his place in this relationship. He was to be grateful that Mirialdo wanted him, so he shouldn't play the aggressor. It didn't matter if he was a little tender this morning, he shouldn't take the lead, like he just did. That was wrong. And he was telling him that by making him wake up alone.
Treize woke up a little while later, knowing the bed was empty. He bit back a curse and went to take a shower, wondering what he had done to make Miri annoyed with him. Was it his refusal to go to London? Or the fact that he started their lovemaking this morning instead of waiting for Miri to do so? He stopped soaping his body to think about that. It wasn't like he wanted to be the top. He liked being the bottom, even if Miri was a little rough. They were just getting to know each other again, sometimes things got miscommunicated. Did Miri actually think that he was going roll him over on his back and order him to spread 'em. God that was a joke. But he wouldn't be so aggressive again if it displeased Miri. He didn't want his lover upset. He shouldn't be such a baby about a little discomfort.
Treize spent the next week alone. He didn't exactly hate it, but the dreams were coming back. And they were getting stranger. The young Chinese man wasn't trying to kill him anymore, but they were talking, waiting for someone. That was strange. Why would someone that wanted to kill him suddenly become his friend? Who were they waiting for? He couldn't hear what was being said, but it was important, they were both so tense. His aide de camp was talking to him too. He couldn't understand what she was saying, but she was reassuring him about something. Or was it someone? And why didn't he dream of Miri? Why all these other people?
He spent the week wandering through the grounds, making notes about the gardens and wondering what he should tell Miri. He didn't want to upset him. And talking about his past always upset Mirialdo. And whether Mirialdo realized it or not, an upset Miri was a bit -demanding- about things in bed.
Treize was happy that Miri came back. He welcomed him with a hug and a kiss, letting someone else take the bags in. Miri looked surprised that he was there. Did he actually think that he was going to disappear as soon as he was out of his sight? "Ah Miri, how was London?" he asked, walking into the study, ignoring Miri's look of surprise. He looked like he didn't expect him to be here when he got back.
"Crowded, " came his neutral reply. "But I managed to find what you were looking for. And a few other things that I had forgotten about. And I brought back a friend, Howard. We on occasion have business together."
"Ah. I wouldn't like the crowds anymore, I think." Treize remarked lightly. "I like being out here. And it's good to meet you Howard. Did we know each other before?"
"No." Howard replied. "Mirialdo and I worked together on some odd projects." After you tried to kill him, granted it was his own fault, but TallGeese was my baby at one time and you tried to hurt it.
"Ah." Treize, "I just...."
"I know," Howard said," I was there when Mirialdo dragged you back for treatment." I didn't think you would live, but you did. And you're out here without any memories of anything. The glee in Mirialdo's voice was disturbing, that he wants to drag Maxwell out here too is scary, because I've found out that Mirialdo Peacecraft is a sadistic loon. His interrogation of that business rival showed that on the first job that I had for him. I was glad that I didn't throw up when he was done, like half my men did. I'm out here because I'm worried about you. And I wanted to meet the great general, when he wasn't drugged insensibly.
"I thought I recognized your voice, but things were very odd for a while." Treize admitted.
"You used to be the center of attention. At every ball, meeting, whatever, you managed to capture everyone's attention. I can't believe that you would give that up." Mirialdo teased Treize, drawing his attention away from Howard.
"I don't remember it." Treize said. "Stupid as it sounds, and since I don't remember it I don't think that I'm going to miss it."
"Ah..." Mirialdo murmured, intrigued. He was willing to spend his life out here? May be later he might not, so he'd enforce his control over his lover with a few new games. He could hardly wait to see the look on his face when he saw what he had brought back from London.
Treize retired to his room, after spending most of the evening listening to Miri tell him most of his adventures in London. He laughed a lot and was surprised to find out that he wasn't interested in any of the news that Mirialdo and Howard discussed. The colonies, Total Pacifism, the terraforming of Mars, those were things that didn't effect the little world that he had built for himself. He was content just to live here, not worrying about the bigger world outside this place.
He got ready for bed and was astonished when Mirialdo strode in with a wolfish grin on his face and a box in his hand.
"I bought you more then books down in London. You have forgotten about our little forays into some very interesting games. I got some toys that might interest you." Mirialdo purred at him. Actually I bought things that I wanted to use on you. Leather restraints, whips, nipple clamps, dildos, all sorts of fun toys for me to use on you. I'm not going to hurt you, much, but I will make sure that you're too tired to dream tonight. Or the rest of the time.
Treize opened large box that Miri handed him with some misgivings. I don't think I enjoyed pain. Or why would I be so squeamish about it? If I liked S & M wouldn't I like it when Miri was rough in bed?
Treize's eyes widen fractionally when he saw the wrist and ankle restraints. He could live with a little minor bondage, the whip and the nipples clamps worried him, but if he had done this before.... "I trust you Miri." he murmured, "Just, could we take it slow? For tonight, so I can get used to it again? Please?"
Miri's eyes tightened and he felt anger rush through him. Still giving orders, Treize? Haven't learned your lesson about that yet? I had been thinking the same thing, but since you asked me to, I'm not going to hold back. You have to learn your place!
"Of course my dear," he purred. "Just lie back and I'll take it slow."
"Wait," Treize asked, giving Mirialdo a hug, "just wanted to do that while I could. I can't really hug you when I'm tied to the bed."
Mirialdo laughed and shook his head. "I wouldn't worry about that. You can always hug me afterwards."
"I know, I just wanted to do it now." Treize said, lying back on the bed.
He spread his arms and legs, wincing a little when Miri snitched the leather tight to his wrists and ankles before fastening him to the bed. When he was arranged to Miri's satisfaction, he leaned over Treize and kissed him deeply. He was still kissing him when he snapped the nibble clamps on him. He swallowed Treize's pained cry with gladness, enjoying the whimpers that the pain elected from him. Miri moved down Treize's neck kissing it roughly, sucking on it to raise small bruises. He moved his mouth down his chest, moving slowly, biting and bruising it, while ignoring his aching nipples. Treize gasped, trying to decide which hurt more, the bruises or the nipple clamps. He was surprised to find himself getting hard at this treatment. He didn't think that he would enjoy this. But it was something about the pain or was it that Miri knew where to touch him to get a response? He shuddered as Miri's hair tickled him, the tickling and the pain causing him to writhe against his restraints. He groaned, disappointed, when he felt Miri get off of the bed.
"Just wait, there was something that I forgot to show you," Miri promised, "Something fun."
Treize lay there, aching, wondering what had dragged Miri away. Was that usually part of their games? Leaving him to lay there, unforefilled? Waiting? Gods he was hot, he just wanted Miri to take him, not play with him. Miri came back with a small smirk on his face. "You should just see yourself now, you look so delicious there. All trussed up and no one to fuck you."
Treize shivered, wondering why it sounded so dirty to hear Miri talk like that. It was a turn on, but it sounded wrong. He put his mind on hold when he saw Miri grab the riding crop that had been in the box earlier and swish it though the air a few times.
"When I undo you from the bed, I want you to kneel on it and not move, no matter what I do to you. Do you understand?"
"Yes Miri," Treize whispered, shivering. He had a pretty good idea what Miri wanted to do, but he didn't know if he could stop it. He trusted him to remember his limits, God knows that he couldn't now. He didn't even know if they used a safe word. Or was this something that they didn't need. He kneeled in the middle of the bed, shivering, waiting for Miri to start. He realized that this was what Miri wanted. To draw out the moment, to show Treize that he was in total control. Treize forced himself to take a deep breath. Miri wasn't going to hurt him, really, he just wanted to show Treize who was in control.
Treize couldn't understand why this was so important, but he was willing to let Miri have this feeling. Treize waited and let out a little cry of surprise when he felt the crop hit his back. It was numb for a moment and then he felt the stinging. He caught his breath and bit back a cry when the second and third stroke of the crop hit him. By the tenth stroke he was making little cries of pain and was having a hard time not moving. He didn't like this at all! He shifted to support his weight better and started to sob as he thought that Miri wasn't going to stop. He was happy that he heard the dull thump of the whip hitting the floor, followed by Miri, taking him in his arms and letting him sob into his shoulder.
"Sh...sh...shh" Miri comforted him, "all over. I know it's been a while, but it'll feel better soon." Miri leaned down to kiss Treize, muffling his sobs. Treize quieted down, when Miri started to softly stoke his ribs and trail his fingers down to bottom, and stroke him with slick fingers. Treize gasped as he was being stretched and wiggled with pleasure as Miri stoked the special spot inside of him.
"Relax," Miri murmured to him, positioning him on his lap, slowly sliding him down his shaft. Treize groaned as he was being entered and shifted to be able to ride Miri better. Treize concentrated on just moving up and down hitting that spot, trying to forgot the pain of his back, the discomfort this position and the ache of his nipples from the clamps. He moaned and whimpered as he was about to orgasm, uncontrollable tremors shaking his body as he went over the edge with a pained scream, because Miri chose that moment to rip off the clamps. It hurt, but it was so good, the pleasure of his orgasm was drowning out everything else. He barely heard Miri's shout as he tried to jam himself deeper into Treize's body.
Miri leaned back on the bed, withdrawing from Treize and cuddling him to his chest. God that had been so good. Treize had taken everything that he had done to him without a complaint or an argument. Miri thought that he could do anything to him and the other wouldn't protest. Treize's tears were so good, so gratifying. It was just getting better and better between the two of them.
Treize laying in Miri's arms, wondering why he agreed to this. The helplessness he didn't mind, but the pain was terrible. He didn't like this. They had done these things before? He didn't remember and he wasn't sure if he wanted to. It hurt. He wasn't happy about what just happened, but he would try it again, The fault was probably within himself if he wasn't enjoying this fully. Treize fell into a restless sleep wondering what was wrong with him.
Mirialdo awoke the next morning and smiled. Treize looked so delicious, just lying there, covered with bruises and welts. He had been so good last night. The perfect ending to the perfect week. Mirialdo had spent most of his time in London, meeting with Howard and taking care of any business that they had. Since his control on Treize was almost absolute, he decided to see if he could track down that little kurva that had crawled into his bed at the end of the war. The look on Maxwell's face would be priceless when he realized that his lover didn't remember him and preferred Mirialdo to his pathetic little self. He was also curious to see if he survived the treatment that he received at his hands. He had injured the little bastard severely on the Libra. Maxwell had fought in the last battle, destroying his ship and saving the Earth from the fate that he planned for it, but after that he had disappeared.
Mirialdo thought that it would be interesting to track him down. Howard was willing also, what had been his comment? "A sweet ride, Maxwell was, even drugged out of his mind."
It had been an interesting conversation with Howard. Mirialdo still couldn't believe how callous the other man could be.
"He might be a little damaged from his stay on the Libra," Mirialdo said. "I cut him up a lot and a few other things."
"Did you touch his face?" Howard asked, all business. Mirialdo looked at him, a little disturbed that Howard could calmly talk about Maxwell, like he was a piece of cargo. May be he was to the other man. Howard believed in business more then anything. Howard probably thought his own priorities were a bit off with what he was doing to Treize.
"No, I didn't touch his face or hair. I ran out of time," Mirialdo said dryly, "Someone rammed my ship."
Howard laughed at that comment. "You were acting a bit off. I can't make money if you destroy my best customer base, the Earth. But a beat up body and the face of an angel, I can find someone that would want him. And the scars will show that he can stand a lot of pain."
"Then you're willing to find him. I haven't heard anything about him from my sources. He hasn't contacted any of the other pilots. At least not Winner. He is easy to keep track of."
"So long as it isn't a rush job...." Howard said.
"Not really, Treize isn't going any place." Mirialdo said with a smile. He's content to stay where he is. How odd.
"You're a sick and twisted person." Howard commented.
"May be, but so long as I get things done and make a profit for you, what do you care about my living arrangements?"
"I don't but, I'm also heading back with you. Just to see how things are working out there."
Treize stirred the next morning, wondering why he was so sore. He nuzzled Miri a little, happy that he was still in bed with him. It must have been good for Miri last night, he stayed in bed with him. Treize wondered why such a small thing would make him so happy. And what he was willing to do to make sure that it continued. Miri had been a little harsh last night, but it did feel good in the end. He'd learn to like it. They had played such games before, Miri wouldn't lie about that would he? Treize put the thought aside, not wanting to finish it. Miri loved him, he had cared for him while he was sick and was still taking care of him now. Treize wished that his memory would return and he could truly enjoy being with his lover, he felt that something was missing at times.
"Good morning, ljubitelj," Miri purred at him. Treize was relieved. Miri was truly happy with him, he had stayed in bed this morning and was talking in the dialect of the Sank Kingdom. It was worth the discomfort of the welts on his back.
"Good morning, Miri" Treize said, kissing him hesitantly. He hoped that Miri wouldn't think that he was overstepping his bounds, it was hard to tell at times. Sex had added an odd minefield of signals to their relationship. Treize never knew if what he was doing was something that would irritate Miri or not. And he didn't want to irritate the other man. He was so dependent on him, as much as that worried him.
Miri smiled, thrilled that Treize was at last realizing how much he was in his power. It was odd that it took so long and so little to throw the other off balance. Miri wouldn't abuse this too much, he didn't want to hurt Treize, just mold him into what he wanted. It would be better for the other man. It would be what he needed, and it would be good for Treize.
A year ago, Treize wouldn't have been so pathetically happy to have someone wake up beside he, would he have? Exactly what kind of relationship did he have with that little kuja Maxwell. Had it progressed beyond simple sex for Treize into something that actually mattered? It had been love with Maxwell, but he had probably been grateful for whatever attention Treize was willing to show him, he would have thought it was love. But sometimes in the middle of the night or odd hours during the day he would hear Maxwell's whispered comment of 'So long as he's around not to want me, I could live with it' and wonder what exactly had been going on between the two of them. Miri mentally shrugged, he'd find out once Howard managed to get a hold of the little kurva. By the time he was through with him, he would be very willing to tell him anything that had been going on with his precious T-chan.
But for now, he'd roll Treize on his stomach and reward him some more for knowing his place. Rolling him on his back would just be too cruel even for him with the welts that he had put on it last night.
Howard sighed. He hadn't been too successful at finding Maxwell, but the kid had been a terrorist, what he did know was how to hide. And he probably did want to hide after getting worked over by that sicko, Mirialdo. He had gone off the deep end after playing with that damn Gundam once to often. Nothing major, he could still function and was one of the better people that Howard had working for him, just twisted about his personal relationships.
Howard was staying with him and Treize Khushrenda again, in their estate in Northern England. He had helped Mirialdo find it. It was a good place to hide things. Estate was a grand word for a few scrubby miles of rock and heather, with an old sprawling house. Fixed up the place wasn't bad, Mirialdo was comfortable here. Treize had started redoing the gardens, a few more years, this place would be home for them. Treize seemed content just to be here, wandering over the countryside for exercise. Howard could see the changes that the younger man had done, the care that went into them, that had taken place over the last few months that he had been visiting here on and off.
Howard was drinking his morning coffee, going over reports when he saw Treize limp into the room. After getting his own coffee and something to eat, he gingerly sat down next to Howard. Howard frowned it wasn't the first time that he had seen this with the other man, on occasion Mirialdo could be very rough on his lover. Usually after a job for him or when he was staying with the two of them, he had gotten into the habit during Treize's recovery and after Mirialdo started the search for Maxwell.
"Treize," Howard said softly, making sure that they were alone, he did not trust the servants. "You need someplace to stay, you want to get away, tell me. No questions. I'll help you."
Treize looked startled and then ashamed. "It not that bad, just once in a while, he.... Not often and it is consensual."
"I don't care...and on occasion I know that relationships aren't perfect. Just, if you want some space tell me. He isn't the entire world." Howard persisted.
"But..." Treize fell silent.
"That you're a wanted criminal? Treize, you're talking to a guy that runs drugs and other illegal items to make a profit. I was in salvage during the war, doing the occasional nasty thing against the government, which had been you. But I am not going to turn you in and you can do something for me if you want to pay me back. You got a brain, even if you don't want to use it."
"Its just...sometimes...I want to know why." Treize fell silent as he heard Mirialdo's approaching footsteps. Howard grinned at Treize and said loudly, "I don't care, the characterization is all wrong."
Treize picked up the clue, signaling that he was grateful to Howard's covering him with his eyes, "But it is a logical extension of what was implied by the man's writings..."
"Are you still arguing about that?" Mirialdo asked in amusement.
He was happy that Howard came back with him, sometimes. The older man was good company for Treize. A treat, he might say. Most of the time it was just the two of them and the silent couple that did the housekeeping and some of the heavy work. They didn't bother him. They knew their place. It left Treize a little alone while he was gone, but his return usually made up for his absence. He had been a little harsh on Treize last night, but he couldn't resist watching him squirm. Tied to the bed, a vibrator up his ass, Mirialdo had spent hours torturing him with a riding crop and hot wax. It was a miracle that he was able to sit down. The tears and sobs had been exquisite. Treize had sucked him off three or four times before he had pounded into him, when he was just a limp pile of quivering flesh from the pain/pleasure overload.
"Anything to distract me from this crap. Was it this bad in the military?" Howard asked, waving his printouts around. He noticed the aura of satisfaction that Mirialdo had. He must have really done a number on Treize if he was that happy. And Treize took it, whether it was from fear, love or ignorance Howard didn't know. But Howard wasn't happy about it, because as odd as it seemed he liked the other man. And he didn't deserved to be punished for something that he couldn't remember and wasn't his fault. So he fell in love once Mirialdo left him. It happens. And Duo Maxwell was very lovable. Unfortunately the bastard wanted him again and was keeping Treize here, tormenting him, for Mirialdo's past mistake of abandoning him.
Treize shrugged and smiled. "You know my answer to that question." I wish I could remember. I wish that I knew, that I had my childhood back. My memories of my family. That... what Miri was telling me was true.
"The military runs on paperwork, has done so since the dawn of time," Mirialdo remarked sarcastically, kissing Treize good morning before getting his own breakfast.
"And no one will ever think that you're in the military with that outfit." Treize said still smiling. He was grateful for Howard covering for him. He didn't want to leave Mirialdo. He felt safe here. So, on occasion, Miri stepped over the line. Last night was an example of that. He just wanted to know if it was something in him or what he was doing or biorhythms, that made Mirialdo do the things that he did. And it wasn't like he didn't enjoy any of it. Just not all of it.
"Go shopping with me sometime," Howard said. "I like beat up pants and loud shirts. They're comfortable."
"I'll give you a list. You should dress better, you may not be a respectable businessman, but you should dress the part." Treize scolded him. He felt guilty that he was relieved that if things got too bad, he did have someone to run to. It was nice to know that he had that option, event though he was never going to leave his lover. And what could he do for Howard? It wasn't like he remembered anything important. " I don't think that it would be good to be seen with me."
"You should come out of this place and see if that's true." Howard said. "I bet you haven't even tried the pub that's in the village a klick or two from here."
"Nor does he have to." Miri interrupted.
Treize shrugged ignoring the argument, Miri didn't like him to leave the grounds, except for his walks. And only after he found out that he didn't go anyplace, that he just wandered. So long as he was here when Mirialdo wanted him, he was allowed to wander around. And he was not going to give up that bit of freedom without a fight. So he lived his life the way that Miri wanted him too. It wasn't like he had much of a choice and quite frankly, he didn't mind it. He was happy here, protected by his lover from the authorities. What more did he need?
Miri smiled contentedly at Treize's submission, he willingness to differ to him. God, he would have never have left the other man the first time if he had been like this. And the only thing to make it more perfect was if he managed to get his hands on that little kuja Maxwell. The bastard was still hiding from him, he must be dead, he wasn't that good, according to what G had told him. Howard wasn't saying anything, but his sources weren't much better.
One of Howard's flunkies entered the dining room. Treize and Mirialdo ignored him, Howard usually had someone with him to take care of the messages that he got.
"Sorry Howard," he apologized, "Something's come up and you should get back to London."
"Nothing important?" Mirialdo asked lazily, disappointed that they had to return so soon. The flunky looked at Treize who smiled and left, after glancing at Mirialdo for permission. He knew that most of Howard's people were nervous around him and Miri, mostly Miri for some reason. And no one liked to discuss business in front of him. Once in a while he'd have them asking him about flowers for their girls or books, but nothing more then that. Nothing serious. So he learned to clear out when they had to talk business because they didn't like it if he was there. He laughed softly to himself, they were treating him like he was Miri's wife and this was some sort of crime family. Treize shook his head. It most likely the reason was because no one mentioned anything to him and he was quite certain that a low level criminal couldn't have bought the protection that Howard had given Miri and him.
So Treize was not too surprised to find that Miri announced that he and Howard had to leave when he went in for dinner. And that Miri, when he went to his room that night, teased him until he screamed and then repeated it several times, until Treize was too sore to move and passed out on his lover. He wasn't surprised that he woke up the next day after sleeping through Miri's leaving him, alone and sore. He was used to it, just wished that for once his lover would love him and not just use him, for whatever whim he was indulging in.
Treize puttered around, tending his garden and swimming until Miri returned to him, thankful that he hadn't been abandoned and irrationally guilty that he felt that way. Miri smiled at him and promised him a treat when Howard came back, they had wrapped up business early and a project had unexpectedly hit pay dirt, he'd see the results later, but for now....
End Part 14
Christine
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