Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Beautiful Dawn ❯ Chapter 07 ( Chapter 7 )

Beautiful Dawn

Part Seven

Maybe it was the vibrant throb of pain lacing his jaw, the stinging of the bruises on his arms and elbows, or perhaps it was the glimpses of vulnerability in Heero's luminous eyes, but Zechs was suddenly appalled by his behavior. He'd behaved no better than a belligerent colt, and now, his obstinate pursuit of Heero was crowned by this shameful terrorism of the boy in the parking lot of his own workplace. Zechs realized that he hadn't let his emotions so rule his judgment since the death of his parents. No wonder Treize had been worried about him.

He saw the defensive hunch of Heero's retreating shoulders and he cursed violently under his breath. God, he deserved to be shot. "Wait," Zechs called, desperate to make amends with the boy who had so deeply affected him. "Don't go…please."

Heero hesitated, but didn't turn around.

Thoroughly chagrined, he tried again: "I'm sorry. I've shouldn't have done that. For some reason I seem destined to prove my skill at being a complete jackass when I'm around you."

Heero didn't leave, but neither did he acknowledge Zechs' excuse. The eyes he turned to Zechs were shadowed and deeply wary."What do you want?"

Zechs supposed that he couldn't blame him. While he enjoyed pricking Heero's emotions to life, he knew if he ever truly intended to have the boy in his arms , he would have to devote more time to wooing him than fighting him.Besides, there was more strength in that slender frame than one would guess: Heero packed one hell of a right hook. If things continued this way, Zechs thought, rubbing his jaw ruefully, he wouldn't be able to speak much less kiss him.

Yet,he had to try. Heero stirred something in him too deep to ignore. It was that same instinct that insisted he not let Heero escape. Somehow, he sensed the boy needed him. In what way, Zechs could not say. It was ridiculous really, especially after his recent behavior. If anyone looked in need of help it was him. He certainly had done nothing to further his cause. In fact he had only succeeded in pushing Heero away. In his bumbling, he had probably only added to Heero's inner turmoil. And that Zechs truly regretted.

Still, the feeling persisted and Zechs was damned if he was going to ignore it."I assure you, that despite evidence to the contrary, I do not make a habit of accosting young men in parking lots,"he plodded forward.

He desired Heero, and despite his inexcusable behavior Zechs did want to get to know him as well. He wanted to cherish Heero's strength, as well as salve the wounds he just knew were there, beneath the surface. Zechs wanted to break into that cold little shell Heero had wrapped himself so tightly in that he feared the fires of his own passion.That the fires were there, Zechs was certain. And he had no doubt that he could draw them out. It would take some patience, but he would prove to his skittish beauty that there was safety as well as burning in another's arms.

Heero was only half-turned towards him, blue eyes glittering with suspicion. Sighing, Zechs moved to stand close to the tense figure. This time, he was careful to not violate the boy's space. But even then, he couldn't miss the change in Heero's posture. Though still not facing him, Heero raised his chin and stubbornly held his ground and as if prove he would not be intimidated again.

Zechs decided to call his bluff -- if in a somewhat gentler manner.

Cradling the weight of Heero's wrist in his palm, Zechs grimaced at the angry bruises he found blooming under the delicate skin. Bruises put there by his own cruel fingers. Another wave of regret washed through him. He had been such a fool.

Heero's face was blank as Zechs ruefully fingered the angry lines, and his hand lay limply in his embrace. But when he massaged his pulse-point soothingly, a tiny shiver raced along the length of Heero's arm and he quickly turned away from him. In embarrassment or pleasure? Zechs studied Heero's pinkened cheeks, the stubborn line of his lush mouth, and the shock of hair shielding his eyes.... Perhaps all three?

"I am truly sorry," Zechs pressed a kiss to Heero's wrist. He traced the delicate, blue-veined skin with his tongue and Heero gasped. So softly, it was but a whisper of sound. But Zechs caught it, held the tiny passionate admission and savored it. Delighted, he repeated the kiss even as he met Heero's gaze."Will you forgive me?"

*

For Heero, looking into Zechs' eyes was like being caught in the glare of too bright headlights. The heat smoldering in there was too intense and he opened his mouth to demand the blonde release him. But no sound would come out. Heero could only mutely, his consent lured out of him before he could evev think.

He could feel the ticke of Zechs' lips against his skin. The sensation was … not …unpleasant.

*

Zechs smiled, relieved that Heero finally seemed to be softening towards him. "Please, let me make it up to you. If I'm not mistaken you were in the process of leaving when I so ignobly interrupted you." He indicated his car. Come on. I'll take you home."

Heero seemed about to protest, but Zechs would have none of it. He stepped back, raising his hands in a peaceful gesture."I assure you that I'll be nothing but a perfect gentleman."

The brunette wrangled with the decision for a moment. After glancing at his watch however, he curtly nodded his aseent. Zechs supposed it was the late hour that had decided him. Either way it was much more than he'd expected -- or deserved after tonight. Hurriedly, he ushered Heero over to the car. "Shall we?"

*

Heero did not know what to make of this night or even his own reactions. He would not even think about the way his body had trembled, how he had seemed powerless to control his limbs, or the other … peculiar … sensations the kiss had evoked in him. He glanced over at the blonde behind the steering wheel. Hn.

He had kissed him. Had even seemed to enjoy it.... Why?

His confusion must have shown because the blonde smiled and nodded towards him. "Zechs,"

Heero stared uncomprehendingly.

"My name is Zechs," he clarified. His smile widened mischievously,"but I'm Milliardo to friends -- and lovers," he added huskily, brushing a pale lock behind his ear. He turned towards Heero."So that means "Milliardo" to you as well." He paused, leaving Heero to decide which category he had been fit into.

Heero's eyes widened then narrowed."Hn." The blonde was unsettling, annoying… and impossible to ignore.Again he was plagued by the unanswerable question: Why?

When Zechs left him on his darkened doorstep, however,Heero was still no closer to finding the answers he was looking for.

Part Eight