Wufei tried his best not to hyperventilate. Where had Treize gone already!?! Not half an hour before the ball, and still no sign of his licentious, incorrigible, egotistical master. Wufei started to panic. He had been just about to dash out the door and hunt down Treize himself, when he ran smack into Zechs Marquise.

"Zechs!"

The man in the exquisite white tux carried boxes wrapped in blue satin ribbons. "Hello, Wufei. You�re looking extremely pale. And call me Milliard, please."

"Milliard�" Wufei�s eyes danced between the man and the door. "Have you seen Treize� I mean, my master?"

"Why yes. He is finishing up some last minute things. He sent me to help you get ready."

Wufei grumbled and peered at the box. "But I am ready."

Zechs assessed the boy. "That old thing? Treize would kill me if I let you downstairs in those old white rags."

Wufei�s eyes turned into imperceptible slits. "I was married in these old white rags," he hissed.

"Well, I�m sure they were lovely THREE YEARS ago, but they�re out of fashion, and if I know Treize Krushrenada, and I do, it simply wouldn�t DO to have his little dragon in out-of-style attire. Now march yourself over to that mirror and be a good boy."

"Fuck," Wufei muttered under his breath. In truth, he felt really curious. What were in all those boxes? Were they all for him?

"Strip!"

Wufei turned beat red. "Anoo�"

"OH good God!"

Wufei just did as he had been told. He got used to just giving in; things went smoother that way and he could save what precious little energy he had if he did so. He carefully placed his silk tunic on the bed.

"Zechs?"

"Hm?"

"He�ll let me keep it, right?" Wufei motioned to the worn outfit.

"You heard him say as much himself. He can deny you nothing. Now, try this on." Zechs held up a black two piece tuxedo�tailored sharp at the waist, with a crisp edge along the neck and extra room to cover the ankles. It looked really, really damned expensive. Wufei caught his breath.

"That�s for me?"

Zechs nodded with a grin. "Nice, eh? Only the best!"

"But�But how did he know my size?"

"Um, it could be on your records� or it could be because staring at you has become his favorite pastime� Let�s see if he guessed right?"

Wufei�s head spun. He had been aware that the General looked at him often, but he didn�t think he had been regarded THAT closely.

He slipped into the pants, which were slightly snug at his inner thighs, but this, apparently, had been a good thing, considering the way Zechs stared at him. Zechs�s eyes raked up to his naked abdomen. "Shirt!" came the command.

Wufei tucked in the white shirt and Zechs helped him tie the string bow. "And now the final touch. Let�s hope this works�"

The ebony jacket clung to Wufei, a perfect match, becoming a second silhouette. As Wufei looked at himself in the mirror, Zechs stood behind him and buttoned up his jacket. His form looked sleek, muscular, and sexy. He simply couldn�t believe he looked at his own reflection. Zechs slipped the hair tie off and his soft, jet-black hair fell down to his shoulders, rogue wisps resting on his cheeks.

"Shoes. Spit shined by yours personally."

"Anoo. Thank you, Milliard."

"There we are. Not quite regulation yet though soldier." Zechs picked up the last box and held it before Wufei. "Would you do the honors?"

Wufei pulled the blue ribbon and the box lid fluttered off, to reveal a single, perfect pink rose bud. "A rose?"

"A corsage," Zechs corrected.

"I�m not a damned woman!" Wufei spit out.

"Don�t be so quick to sneer at this, Wufei. In Treize�s culture, flowers are like a secret language. Different flowers communicate different things. A rose is a symbol, sure as any banner. Do you know what a pink rose means?"

"No�"

"It means a young and innocent love. By wearing this, and your necklace, Treize is showing his guests that you are both his, and treasured. Wearing this will keep you protected from what you fear--"

"---What makes you think I�m afraid of anything!?"

Zechs sighed. Both of his favorite men had such a delicate sense of pride. "Are you not nervous that these people will reject you? You are, after all, a former Gundam pilot. An enemy, like myself. You probably attacked the homes and bases of many of the visitors here tonight."

"So? It was war."

"You do not worry over animosity then, Wufei?"

"I expect it. It doesn�t make me nervous one bit." He lied. "I don�t care for their good opinion--"

"Why are you nervous then?" Zechs slipped the question in as if he didn�t care.

"Because Treize�" Wufei looked up.

"Ah. Because Treize."

"You tricked me."

"Yes, yes. Out with it."

"I mean my master�I�m not sure if I can�"

"I see. You don�t want to make a fool of yourself in front of Treize."

"I�ve been humiliated enough in his presence for one lifetime."

Zechs chuckled. "I know what you mean. Do not worry, Wufei, I have a feeling that if you just be yourself, it will be enough to impress Treize. It has worked so far, ne? Now, will you put this on?"

Wufei looked for a long time at the outstretched rose and then into the caring blue eyes before him. "Help me Milliard," he whispered. Zechs moved quickly and pinned the rose to Wufei�s breast lapel.

"Are you ready?" Zechs offered his arm.

"As I�ll ever be." They walked out the door, a milestone having been reched.

A soft minuet wafted over the long staircase of plush red carpet. Treize paced at the bottom of the stairs like a lion in a cage. He hoped the clothes fit. He wanted Wufei to feel as relaxed and confident as he could while at the ball. It would not be easy to win over a room full of OZ officers, but if anyone could do it, then his little dragon would. All the weeks of tutoring in academics, manners and etiquette would help. The little extra shove would come from Milliard and Treize himself. His people may not like his prize, but they best not show it. Treize became so deep in his thoughts that he had been startled by Zechs�s slight �ahem.�

Treize looked up to see a shy nymph staring down at him from the top of the staircase. The sight arrested his heart with a mixture of intense pain and exquisite pleasure. His dragon seemed a thing of true beauty.

Slowly the gorgeous creature descended the stairs, and came to rest before him. His dark child�s eyes shimmered and for a moment he became lost in their coal black depths. Then, recovering himself, he took Wufei�s hand in his and kissed the back of the boy�s palm, murmuring, "You look amazing, my dragon Fei."

Wufei blushed and drew his hand away quickly. Treize only called him dragon Fei when they were alone, and when he had been very pleased with the way Wufei had done something. He knew he should return the compliment, but he could do no more than stare at the man before him.

Treize Krushrenada wore a tuxedo of such dark blue, that in certain lights it looked purple and in others it looked black. The suit seemed to be an extension of the man, always changing its colors when appropriate, but never predictably. His sandy-brown hair trimmed delicate waves around his face, and his cape fluttered about his heels. God rested in His kingdom and all was right with the world.

Treize�s attention focused on something, and Wufei froze as he watched Treize gently finger his corsage with a fierce gleam in his eyes. "Indeed, you are amazing, Chang Wufei. Shall we go in? Our guests are waiting."

Wufei remembered to breathe and reached for Treize�s arm. Zechs caught his hands, however, and it had been Zechs who motioned him to the ballroom, behind Treize. Wufei almost shook with rage. At himself, or Treize, he felt unsure. Clearly, he had to play the part of war prize tonight and what other part could he have imagined for himself?

Baka! You are nothing to him. Nothing but a toy. Remember it. Wufei�s back stiffened and he held his head as high as any gilded horse when he entered the ballroom. When Treize spun around and offered his arm to Wufei, he merely looked away. Treize frowned and for a minute Wufei thought he would order him to accept it.

"What is wrong, my dragonling? Will you not take my arm?"

"I would not dare to offend your guests by touching their host, my master, in such a familiar manner."

Treize�s frown deepened and he whispered, "Would you prefer I left you to handle them yourself?"

Wufei looked out into a sea of swirling colors. Adult and child faces ranging from curious to angry to disgusted all stared back at him with a chilling precision. Wufei didn�t look at Treize as he took his arm and swallowed hard.

Treize�s frown melted and a warm, contented smile was quickly plastered on his face. "Here we go, little one."

"Don�t call me that." Wufei breathed as he walked out onto the floor.

"Oh General Krushrenada, what a lovely ball this is! Even better than last year�s!"

"Thank you for inviting us tonight, General."

"OH General, what a charming young man! Is this the Gundam pilot?"

As if on cue, Wufei bowed politely and waited for his introduction.

"This is Chang Wufei from L-5. He was once the pilot of the Gundam called Shenlong. Now he remains at OZ as part of a security measure to ensure long lasting peace. He is my attach�, if you will."

Of all the things Wufei expected to be called � slave, token, sacrifice, war prize--- attach� never crossed his mind. He wanted to burst out laughing his heart ached so badly. He felt like a piece of meat under inspection as all of Treize�s officers and their wives crowded around him to get a closer look at Krushrenada�s new pet. He refused to show any weakness. He bowed to everyone as politely as possible and said as little as he could.

"Wufei, you said? Whatever does that name mean?"

"It means five, madam."

"Did you really pilot Shenlong? Where is the Gundam now?"

"I do not know sir, though I assume all Gundams were destroyed before OZ could reach them."

"Weren�t you in your Gundam when OZ won the victory battle?"

"No." Wufei would not speak more on this matter and the crowd sensed this. Treize�s brows crinkled in curiosity.

"How have you enjoyed your stay here young man?"

"Very well, madam."

"But, what do you do� as an attach� I mean?"

"General Krushrenada is generous enough to allow me tutors. I study."

"Study?"

"Greek," he said with a profound sense of sarcasm. "And Latin and French. And all other academics."

"Someday, Mr. Chang will play an even more important role in keeping the peace, I am sure of it. Therefore I have undertaken his education personally," Treize explained.

Wufei felt a little surprised. He thought Treize had merely been tutoring him as a means of pricking at him, amusing himself with Wufei�s newfound trick. He never knew the General had any plans for him.

"An excellent notion, General," a leechy little man said.

"Oh?" sung Treize.

"Yes. How better to conquer an enemy, but in his mind?"

Wufei, for his part, didn�t even change his breathing pattern. He expected the conversations to take this turn and actually felt relieved that they had finally gotten around to it. One thing he hated had been the waiting. Now he could take his bereavements and then dance once or twice and run back up to the bedroom and bury himself under the covers.

"Chang Wufei is neither an enemy, nor of a mind easily subverted, I assure you, Captain Asbury." Treize�s tone had just enough ice in it to freeze the April flowers, and only the children missed the underlying meaning of his words.

It looked for a moment like Captain Asbury might press Treize further and Zechs, out of habit, came right to the General�s side, easily smoothing over the situation with diplomacy and tact. "Indeed, Captain. Your victory has ensured the peace and we are all enemies no longer." He bowed deeply. "You and your men are to be commended on the success of your skill." It had been a calculated remark, for Zechs and everyone else in the room knew it had been the faster production of super weapons, and not skill, that had won the war.

"I fear you over compliment our skill, dear Peacecraft," the man smiled and pointedly refused to use a suffix when speaking to the prince. "I think our victory had something more to do with the lack of skill of the five Gundam pilots."

THAT had Wufei�s back arching. They could insult him all the liked, but little Quatre, Trowa, Duo and Heero were off limits and Wufei had no problem �going medieval on their ass� as Duo put it.

"Wufei, may I have the honor of this dance?" a young woman asked. Wufei spun around to see Lieutenant Noin smiling sweetly at him. He almost climbed the walls. A woman a woman a woman a woman calm down!

Zechs beamed at her, adoration filling his eyes. Noin had come here to back them up. Noin would bridge the gap. God, how he loved her.

Wufei tried to speak but his voice wouldn�t work. Briefly looking at Treize, who nodded his assent, he bowed to Noin and offered her his arm.

He led Noin to the floor thinking, a waltz, great, that�s simple. One, two, three, pivot; I can do that. The song abruptly ended and the orchestra struck up a tango. FUCK! This would to just sink into misery, he thought. Oh well, might as well go at it like a true warrior.

Noin seemed a little shocked when Wufei�s arm snaked around her waist and roughly pulled her to him. His arms locked her into a tight frame with just enough pressure for her to spring off his every cue. They danced, and every head in the room snapped to see them. Wufei, for his part, felt extremely grateful to have something to concentrate on, something to immerse himself in other than painful memories and cold-blooded accusations. And Noin seemed gentle and unassuming. Not like the others. She didn�t scare him really. He dared to look into her eyes.

"Treize has taught you well, Chang-san," she whispered.

"Thank you. But it was Milliard who taught me to tango."

"Milliard? You mean Zechs? Yes, Zechs is a fantastic dancer."

Wufei looked sharply at her. "You love him."

Noin could not hide her shock, but she didn�t have time to answer as Wufei dipped her and then swung her around about face for the next five count.

"In a way. We were children together."

"He is a wonderful man."

Now came Noin�s turn to look hard at Wufei. "And what about our great General? What sort of man do you think he is?"

"Hmph. I don�t wish to repeat it in a lady�s presence," came his curt reply.

"You love him."

Wufei nearly fell on his face. "Onna!"

Noin smirked. "Turn about is fair play, nee?"

"Onna." This time the word had been softly whispered.

"You do. You just don�t know it yet."

"Woman, I assure you, I will fall in love with General Treize Krushrenada the day this collar comes off my neck. I expect that to be the day after hell freezes over."

"I see." Zechs had been right. It�s only a matter of time. Clearly the boy fell smitten, or else his cheeks wouldn�t be as flushed as they are now. But what about Treize?

She looked over to see the General standing against the wall, with an entourage of guests clucking away at him, but his eyes were glued to the Chinese boy, soaking in the sight and blazing it on his memory. Yes, the two were clearly going to fall in love.

"May I cut in?" came a soft, sultry voice. Wufei stopped dancing and looked behind him to see Zechs looking at Noin with something far beyond admiration in his eyes. He peered at Noin, who blushed deeply, trying to hide her smile. Geez, did they have to be so obvious about it?

"Um, sure. Thank you, Noin. You were a wonderful dance partner."

"You�re welcome Wufei. You�re not so bad yourself."

Wufei bowed and began to head back towards the wall where his master rooted himself, when he tripped over a small little figure on the floor.

"Oh forgive me! Did I hurt you, child?"

A little girl with bright blue eyes and blonde hair looked up at him. "No," she replied simply.

"Aren�t you scared of me?"

"No."

"Why not?"

"Cause you�re my daddy�s new pet."

Wufei looked hard at the child. She looked about three or four, but he sensed her mind was much older. "Um, what?"

"I said you are my daddy�s new pet."

"Your� daddy�s???"

"The General�s my dad. You can call me Marie. And I can call you dragon. I�m here with my nanny and I get to dance the last dance with daddy!"

"Your Treize�s� daughter!?! Where have you been all this time?"

"Don�t be rude! I was with my nanny. I missed daddy very much, but now that the war is over I can seem him lots."

Wufei felt faint. It had been just too much. A small tug at his pants leg brought him back to the present. "What, Marie kosan?"

"I want to dance. Dance with me?"

Wufei wanted to refuse her, kick her away from him and run back upstairs, but then even the thought of going into the bedroom that belonged to Treize made his stomach turn. Why did this news so upset him? Well, he had never once even raised his voice to a child, and he could not bring himself to hurt this one now. He bowed reverently and picked Marie up, resting her on his hip with a natural ease.

Treize noticed this ease, this apparent knowledge and confidence around children and shifted it away in the back of his mind. He wanted to ask Wufei about it later, and also why he hadn�t been in his Gundam during the final battle? Treize watched his daughter laugh and sing as Wufei twirled her around the floor, his hands resting lightly on her little back, his eyes smiling and happy, even though he clearly felt uncomfortable at the ball. Wufei had a single-mindedness and an innocent charm that alluded Treize.

"How does your new prize suit you my lord?" Une asked over the murmuring of the crowd.

"I could not be more satisfied, Lady Une." Well, maybe after I bed him, Treize thought.

"That is excellent to hear, sir."

When the little fox trot was over, Wufei set Marie down and sent her off to play with the other children on the floor. Then he made a beeline for the balcony and quickly disappeared behind the red velvet curtains. Treize followed, breaking the conversation surrounding him without so much as a second thought.

Wufei walked out onto the terrace, the familiar terrace that he had not set foot on since the day he had been attacked. The night air blew chilly and he could see his breath. He looked up at the stars. "Minna." What the hell is wrong with me?

"Wufei?"

Wufei felt startled to hear his name from Treize�s lips. He stopped leaning against the railing and let his hands fall to his sides. "That�s a beautiful daughter you have, Treize."

Treize smiled. "Thank you. She was a child born of love, but I had no where to keep her during the war."

"Yes," Wufei said, not really wanting to hear anymore.

"I was going to tell you about her, dragon, but there wasn�t time."

"Of course. I�ve only been here for three months. I understand."

"Dragon, you�re very beautiful when you bitch at me, do you know that?"

"Be serious."

"Have you ever known me to tell a joke?"

"Treize."

"Wufei?"

"I can�t keep this up much longer. I� I don�t have the energy anymore."

"What do you mean?"

"Please. I have to know now. Where are my boundaries? What is expected of me? WHY am I here? Will I ever go home? What is to become of me? Are you my master or my friend or� What AM I to you?" Wufei felt like he would sob. He always felt so tired! He felt utterly exhausted, like his limbs were made of wet sand. His mouth felt like it was full of cotton and his heart beat like the wings of a little bird in a cage.

"Dragon," Treize whispered. He came up behind Wufei and encircled his arms around the trembling boy. "I brought you here because� you have no home. No family. Nothing to return to. I brought you here because I want you safe� I want you near me."

"Why?"

"Because�" His lips brushed against Wufei�s ear. "I love you."

Wufei turned around and spat in Treize�s face. Then he smacked him hard across the jaw and hissed "Usotuki!" He stomped off into the ballroom, leaving Treize standing in shock on the balcony.

Treize snapped out of it quickly though and strode after Wufei. He didn�t have to go very far. Wufei stood frozen in the middle of the ballroom floor, staring agape at Lady Une.

Lady Une had little Marie in her hands and she looked at Wufei with a smug expression.

"Well, well Chang. We meet again. Your master tells me you please him. I am overjoyed."

Wufei, out of reflex, fell to the floor, his palms hitting the marble with a cold smack, his head lowered. His entire body shook with fear. Not again not again this isn�t happening to me because Treize is here and he�ll make it okay and oh fuck I just hit him and now Une will kill me!

"You needn�t bow to me, Wufei. Only to your master, as we agreed, remember?"

Wufei stayed on the floor, his eyes brimming with tears. The humiliation had been nothing compared to the fear that gripped him.

"Lady!" Treize boomed. "What is the meaning of this nonsense!"

"Why, my lord. Just as you say. Stand up Wufei," Une commanded.

Wufei did it so fast Treize had to wonder if he even saw the movement. He searched Une�s face but found nothing but cold amusement. "I�m going to ask again, one more time, what does this mean?"

"Mr. Chang and I are old acquaintances. When you summoned for Chang Wufei, you sent me to bring him and asked me to make sure he was properly prepared. After what you told me tonight, I assumed I had fulfilled my duties."

"Exactly how did you prepare him, Lady?"

Une looked down at Marie and the crowd and then away and Treize�s face burned in anger and shame. "This was not what I asked!"

Wufei�s head reeled. He couldn�t breathe at all, and standing there in the presence of Une and all the other guests, who were just starring at him, he felt suddenly very small and very cold. Blood trickled out of his nose and he fought for consciousness but he knew he wouldn�t win. His little body sunk to the floor almost silently, and he had never been aware of Treize�s warm hands as they rushed forward to steady him and ease him gently back up. Chang Wufei�s heartbeat became remarkably fragile, and he slipped deeper into the darkness than he had ever been before� ~*~

Treize asked Noin to watch Marie and make some excuse and then begged Zechs to follow him upstairs. "Une!" he barked. "Follow me!"

Treize then rushed up the stairs, leaving the other two in his wake as he burst into his bedroom and quickly placed Wufei upon the soft mattress. He undid the boy�s tie and the first few buttons of his shirt. Wufei had a fever, a very severe fever, and he trembled slightly. Treize didn�t look up as he heard the other two come into the room. He reached for the phone and dialed 77 and said, "I need a doctor up here. Now." He slammed the phone down and turned, expression utterly feral. "Une. What have you done?"

"My Lord, as you asked. I simply prepared the boy for life as your slave."

"Quickly, what did that entail?"

"Um, various things, sir. How to treat you, how to kneel and how to address you, how to please you, how to serve various meals--"

"Stop! Go back! What do you mean how to please me?" Treize�s voice betrayed very little feeling. But Zechs knew him well enough. He would kill Une in cold blood if she didn�t watch her step. Zechs, for his credit, said nothing to warn the lady and merely moved closer to the bed to check on the boy.

"I had him trained, my Lord. To please you sexually. In case you were ever so inclined--"

"You had him raped?"

"He resisted at first sir, but after the implant�"

"IMPLANT!" Zechs and Treize screamed.

"Yes, the implant. A small device put in the boy�s left arm; it releases a depressant every couple of hours, to keep him from fighting too much� I� I thought you said you found him agreeable sir�"

Treize stood up and spun around to face Une. He had never struck a woman before in his life. He struck one now. Une�s eyes filled with tears; she looked utterly heartbroken.

"Never. Never in my life has anyone ever caused me to loose my self-control, as you have just now. I don�t know whether to throttle you here or save it for the firing squad."

"Treize." Zechs voice sounded very quiet. "You need to calm down. Wufei. He needs you right now. You have to be calm to help Wufei."

"Yes, Milliard. Except I don�t know how I can ever make up for�" His shoulders shook.

"Let�s just start with the doctors removing the implant."

"Une. Tell me we can remove the implant without hurting the boy!"

"Of course, my Lord. I left that option open," her haunted voice whispered, "in case you wanted him to resist� I only thought to please you�"

"�You�re disgusting. Get out of my sight. You are no longer welcomed at OZ and if you ever come near my daughter--"

"General Krushrenada! We�re here!" Two young men in white lab coats rushed into the room out of breath. They looked at the boy on the bed and started towards him.

"Leave," Treize said to Une. "This is my way of rewarding you for years of loyal service. If I ever see you again, you�re dead, Une." Treize then turned and looked at the doctor�s fussing over Wufei.

Une looked at Zechs, appealing for his support, but all she got from him had been a cold frown and arms folded across a very tight chest. Defeated, she ran out of the room sobbing.

"The boy had an implant of some sort in his left arm. I should have noticed it sooner. It�s been affecting him all along� You must remove it as soon as possible."

Even as Treize spoke, one doctor ran his fingers over the small incision as the other doctor took Wufei�s vitals. The doctors looked at each other and then at Treize. The one checking Wufei�s pulse said, "He is very weak sir. His fever is at a dangerous pitch and I�m loath to operate on someone with such a weak pulse. However, it might be the implant that�s affecting him and therefore we need to operate as soon as possible."

The other doctor looked up. "It�s a coin toss, either way, sir. We�ll do whatever you say, but, the chances aren�t very good."

"Do whatever you have to. Get it out of him. If he�s going to die, he can at least do so as himself� and not as... some damned puppet�"

Zechs placed a firm grip on Treize�s arm; the older man�s anguish cut him to the quick. "Treize. Have faith. Wufei won�t be beaten by a silly little fever. The boy�s been orphaned, widowed, conquered, raped, and sold to the enemy� and still managed to be a pain in your ass. I think he can survive this. Ne?" Zechs attempted to be light hearted, but he could not disguise the fear in his voice.

"Ah. If anyone can survive this, my little Fei can. Quickly, Milliard. The infirmary!"