Disclaimer: The beautiful boys of Gundam are not mine unfortunately.

A/N: This is a Wufei/Duo, or Wufei/Zechs story. I haven't made up my mind yet. Either way, that is one lucky dragon!

Checkmate

Chapter 1

Lady Une sat there and met the onyx glare that was aimed at her. She knew he wouldn't be happy with the assignment, but that didn't stop her from giving it to him.

"Face it Chang, you're the most qualified for the job. You have the file with all the information you'll need, you leave in two days. I suggest you get your paperwork in order before you leave or I'll be forced to turn it over to your partner. Dismissed."

The glinting narrowed eyes never flinched. She was beginning to wonder if he'd gone catatonic but in one swift, graceful move, the Preventor was up and out the door. She allowed a smirk to appear as she dialed the phone.

"Chancellor Peacecraft's office."

"Chancellor Peacecraft please. This is Lady Une."

"Yes ma'am. One moment please."

Lady Une bowed her head, reading over recently delivered paperwork, waiting for her call to be taken. When she heard the soft, almost sultry voice she didn't bother to look up.

"Lady Une. Have you managed to fulfill my request so soon?"

"Was there really any doubt Chancellor? I assumed that's why you contacted me in the first place."

"Indeed."

"I will be sending Chang Wufei in two day's time. He is more than qualified to assist you."

"Thank you Lady Une. As always I am grateful for and impressed by your abilities."

"Just try not to die before he gets there Chancellor."

"I'll do my best."

She didn't bother to look up even to say goodbye. It's not that she hated Milliardo Peacecraft. It was that he always brought an ache to her heart whenever she encountered him. So she tried to limit her exposure to him as much as possible. He loved you Zechs. He loved you over me and I can't seem to let that pain go no matter how much time passes.

Milliardo Peacecraft, formerly known as Zechs Marquis, was best friends and lovers with Trieze Kushrenada, leader of the Romefeller foundation and OZ. The two young men had met each other in the Academy and had been close ever since. Their careers took different turns, but through it all, their relationship grew stronger and the two eventually became lovers. She didn't think anyone other than herself, Zechs' protégé Noin and Zech's sister Relena actually knew of the relationship. No doubt OZ would have discarded Zechs and possibly prevented Treize from ever being the brilliant leader he proved himself to be.

In the end, they stood on opposite sides of the war, prepared to kill each other. But fate stepped in and brought an end to Treize's life, dying at the hands of one of the Gundam pilots. Chang Wufei to be precise. Surprisingly, Lady Une held no grudge against the young man. He was doing what he believed to be right and as a soldier, she respected that. Chang didn't kill Treize for something personal. They were both casualties of war.

Now two of the Gundam pilots, Chang and Duo Maxwell worked for her as members of the Preventors Organization. An organization dedicated to peace between earth and the colonies. They were the muscle of the diplomats. But they also handled matters such as terrorists and arms and drug dealers.

Zechs had gone on to reclaim his birthright and reveal his true identity; Milliardo Peacecraft. He had hidden his identity to save his family the embarrassment of having their son fighting in a war. The Peacecraft family was known for its pacifism and he would not dishonor the name. So Zechs Marquis, outstanding soldier and Gundam pilot died, and Milliardo Peacecraft was now doing his part to maintain diplomatic relations between earth and the colonies as Chancellor.

But his new persona has not made everyone forget his role in the war and so he's become a rather favorite target of terrorist groups. Three recent attempts on his life in the past eight months and one recently failed kidnapping had prompted the Chancellor to contact Lady Une and request one of her security specialists to come and train a security team for him.

Zechs stated he had been hesitant to call the Preventors and ask Lady Une's assistance because the mission would be a long one, lasting anywhere from six to twelve months. And he knew she wouldn't want to spare someone, especially a security expert, for too long. But Lady Une was confident that Chang could train a monkey to disarm a bomb in six months so training soldiers for security shouldn't take any longer.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"A year!"

Wufei took another kick at the bag while his flabbergasted friend held it steady.

"That's the worst-case scenario." Kick. "With any luck," Kick. "I can train the miscreants they've gathered…" Kick. "…in six months."

Another kick and this time Duo had to take a few steps back. He could tell that Wufei was angry about the mission. But if he accepted it, then he must have had no choice. And my whining isn't going to make it any better. Duo stood there and let his friend work out his anger and frustration on the punching bag while he silently prayed that the bag held up to the punishment.

The last time Wufei broke a bag, he forced Duo to spar with him. He was covered in bruises for a week. But I did get some extra attention from him out of guilt. Duo smiled as he remembered back to that week when Wufei took his cooking and cleaning duties and just generally made sure he was ok. Duo loved the special attention he received and took advantage of spending as much time with Wufei as possible. If only we could have….

"What are you smiling for?"

The sharp demand and lack of jostling caught Duo's attention and snapped him out of his daydream of a half-naked Wufei giving him a massage. Now he was faced with an annoyed, sweaty Wufei who was eyeing him suspiciously. Gods, he's beautiful even when he's pissed.

"Oh, uh, nothing." He saw Wufei's face and he forced a smile and an arrogant pose. "Well, ok, something. But you never want to hear about my dating exploits."

"And I have not changed my mind."

Duo inwardly relaxed. Whew! That was close. If Wufei had even the slightest idea of what I was thinking about, he'd slice me in two.

Wufei punished the bag for another half hour before finally stepping back and unceremoniously plopping himself on the floor a few feet away. Duo went over and sat with him, not sure what his friend was thinking. He was flushed, sweaty, breathing heavy and staring at Duo.

"'Fei? Did I do something wrong?" Duo leaned back a bit, worried he was still in line to be a sparring partner.

"Don't do anything stupid while I'm gone Maxwell."

Big purple eyes blinked a few times in confusion. "Huh? What are you talking about?"

"I'm talking about you showing off on missions while I'm away. Just because I'm not here to keep you in line----"

"Hold it! Keep me in line? You're not my mother 'Fei. You're my partner. So back off the dramatics. I can take care of myself."

Insulted, Duo got up and started for the door, wondering just how low his partner's opinion of him really was.

"Stop!"

Duo stopped but didn't turn around. He knew Wufei was standing right behind him. Close. He could feel the heat coming off him from his workout.

"I only meant….." Wufei took a deep breath. "I don't want to have to worry about you Maxwell. I'm asking you to be careful."

"You worry about me?"

"Of course."

Duo turned around to face his partner. He smiled at the man who was obviously uncomfortable with his admission. Wufei had always been uncomfortable with showing affection. Although, in the past few years he'd gotten much better. Especially with Duo himself.

"Thanks 'Fei. I worry about you too." He threw an arm around his sweaty partner's shoulders and led him off to get cleaned up before forcing him to go out to dinner. "And I promise that I will be careful. I'll save all my stupid behavior for you."

Wufei growled and pushed Duo away, stomping down the hallway. Duo couldn't help but chuckle as he followed the annoyed Preventor. You can't fool me Wufei. You've already admitted you care. Ha! Maybe he should go away more often.

To be continued…..