Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Beautiful Dawn ❯ Chapter 26 ( Chapter 26 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: Michalyn 
The story continues and Treize and Quatre concoct a plan ^_^. More soon, hopefully.
Anime/Manga: Gundam Wing Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Hentai / Drama / Romance | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 12.06.2002 | Updated On: 12.07.2002 | Pages: 4 | Words: 3.5K | Visits: 923 | Status: Work In Progress
The story continues and Treize and Quatre concoct a plan ^_^. More soon, hopefully.
Anime/Manga: Gundam Wing Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Hentai / Drama / Romance | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 12.06.2002 | Updated On: 12.07.2002 | Pages: 4 | Words: 3.5K | Visits: 923 | Status: Work In Progress
I know it's been a while, but here it is: Chapter 26, hopefully for your reading pleasure!
Many many thanks, to all those wonderfully kind people who reveiwed the last and previous chapters. I hope you enjoy this one. And don't worry, the chapters will be getting longer!
Standard disclaimers apply: I don't own Gundam Wing or its bishounen, nor am I making any monetary profit from this fic whatsoever.
Author: Michalyn (darling_162002@yahoo.com)
Pairings: 6x1, 13+5 ( possible 13x5 later), 3+4
General Warnings: AU ( the pilots are 18, Zechs and Treize are 23) yaoi, angst, sap, lemon
Archive: http://angelfire.com/gundam/asanctuary, http://raygunworks.net, http://www.gundam-wing-universe.net/
Rating: NC 17
Warnings for this chapter: some angst.
Feedback: craved ^_^
Beautiful Dawn 26/?
by: Michalyn
Treize blinked at Zechs. "Duo?" he asked for the umpteenth time. "Duo Maxwell is here?"
It was a beautiful Wednesday morning and yet, for Zechs, it was simply another day in his dark cycle of hurt and loss.
It was another day without Heero.
Glumly sitting opposite his best friend, Zechs envied the ginger-haired man his security and the happiness that seemed to glow off the very walls of the Khushrenada and Chang home.
Treize was a vibrant presence next to him, and particularly radiant this morning with the mellowness of a man thoroughly sated. The taller blonde sighed, part frustration - part desperation.
"Really Treize," he grumbled irritably. "The Dragon must have truly addled your wits this morning, because it is most unlike you to be so dense. Perhaps you've encountered a number of Duo Maxwells in your lifetime--" Zechs continued airily as Treize raised an indignant brow. "But I've only met the one."
The shorthaired man shot his friend a reprimanding look. "No need to get catty Milliardo dear--" he replied just as archly. Calmly Treize sipped at his tea. "I was merely surprised you know..." The china cup clinked softly as he set it down on the table and gave the blonde the full seriousness of his regard. "Does this affect your feelings for Heero?" he asked quietly.
Zechs released a weary breath. "Seeing Duo…" he paused, searching for the right words. "It brought back a lot of the old memories," the blonde finally said softly. He looked up at Treize.
"And some of the old feelings too."
Honeyed brows knitted together as Treize turned concerned eyes on the other man. "Mil, does that mean--"
"No!" Zechs interrupted hastily. "I know I still care about Duo--" his gaze dropped to his hands clasped in his lap, "and I don't know if that will ever change," he said honestly. "But Heero--" Zechs' expression tightened painfully. "What we had-what we *have *," he stressed resolutely; refusing to believe that all was lost. "Goes much deeper."
"Hmm," Treize nodded thoughtfully. He couldn't help but feel a twinge of sympathy for Duo. Especially, when it was clear that the younger man had returned for only one reason. The aristocrat marveled at the intricacies of fate. Had it been only a few months earlier, he mused, Duo's arrival would have received a much different reception.
But that could not be helped, Treize reasoned. Heero was very much a part of Milliardo's life now and it would be an injustice - as his Wufei would no doubt say - to ignore the bond that had grown between the two men. Besides, he admired the brunette's determination and he thought that both Heero and Zechs deserved a chance at true happiness. The only thing left now was to hope that Milliardo hadn't fouled up too badly to ever be forgiven. Treize frowned, biting back the reproachful words about the plan he had warned against. Now was not the time for recriminations.
He turned once more to the downcast blonde. "And you're sure that your feelings have not changed?" he repeated.
Zechs raised pained eyes. "Khush, if anything has changed it's that my feelings have grown stronger…" He floundered, fighting the desperation that clawed at him. "I love him," he said finally.
Treize nodded approvingly. "Then it's time to get him back," he said, in a voice edged with determination as he poured another cup of tea and handed it to Zechs. "Now, let's go over this," he said seriously. Treize reclined thoughtfully in his chair. "Tell me what happened again…"
~~~
Carefully balancing his books one arm, Wufei bent over the water fountain, angling his body away from the machine to keep from wetting the front of his shirt. Triumphantly, he pressed the button. A chilly stream spurted and he brought his lips to the delicious rush. His eyes closed-Ahh liquid ambrosia… He'd been dying for a drink for the past few hours - and nothing appeased a truly parched throat as water could.
A whistle trilled through the air, followed by a teasing call. " Nice view Wu-man! Damn, I 'd forgotten what a great ass you have!"
Wufei choked. He sputtered, eyes tearing as water went the wrong way. His books fell as a fit of coughing seized him. H e struggled to catch his breath even as he tried to turn around, hardly believing what his ears were telling him. No one else would dare-- Wufei shook his head slowly. But that was impossible, he reasoned. Yet that swagger was unmistakable -- The long hair - those devilish eyes… The figure approached and bent to pick up his books. An impish grin spread over the perfect features.
"Jeez Wu, do you always have to be so dramatic?"
The Chinese youth would have glared if he'd been able to catch his breath. He turned to the other man with a look of disbelief. "Duo?" he gasped.
The grin broadened. "In the flesh!" He patted the dazed and watery-eyed Chinese on the back as he steered them towards a nearby bench. "Why don't you have a seat Fei-fei," he drawled merrily. "You look like you need it."
Wufei sat, snarling at the nickname and Duo burst into full-fledged laughter. Before the fiery scholar could protest he gave him a quick hug. "Man it's good to be home!"
Wufei pierced his old friend with another glare for good measure, and then his eyes softened. He was *genuinely * glad to see the prankster - no matter how incorrigible he was. The exotic beauty allowed himself a small smile.
"It's good to see you again, Maxwell."
A feeling of relief swept through the longhaired boy. He let his mask fall, replacing the grin with a genuine smile. After Zechs' reception, he had feared that he'd managed to lose all of his friends. And Wu had been his closest friend of all. True he'd had Zechs, but Wufei would always be Wufei - gruff, dependable and loyal - a true friend. It meant a lot to know he hadn't been forgotten.
Wufei was patiently quiet next to him. Ever proper, Duo knew that the solemn Chinese would never ask about his unexpected appearance unless he offered it. Languidly he draped one knee across the other as he turned to Wufei. He raised a silky brow.
"So…?" he prompted.
"So what, Maxwell?" Wufei asked calmly.
"Aren't you going to ask me what I'm doing here?" Duo demanded, a hint of incredulity creeping into his voice.
Wufei sighed. "It's not my place to ask," he replied solemnly. "If you are here I assume that you have your reasons. Nothing I do or say can possibly change that." Wufei fixed the chestnut-haired beauty with a serious look. "We are friends," the Chinese said simply. "If you need me I will be here."
Duo sobered. Gratefully he nodded. "Thanks Wu," he said quietly.
Wufei inclined his head in acknowledgement. "Think nothing of it," he said seriously. The scholar raised a slender palm. "The only thing I ask in return is that you please remember that my given name is * Wufei* and *not * Wu, or Fei - or any other abbreviation or variation thereof." The black eyes twinkled with hidden amusement.
Duo stared, surprised and touched that Wufei remembered their old bantering. His shock did not last long however. Those few words were all he needed to fall back into their old routine. He leaned in close to the other man, placing a companionable arm over Wufei's shoulders.
"Sooo, Fei-kun, " he drawled lazily. "What have you been up to lately?" The violet-eyed youth waggled his eyebrows suggestively. "Any luck in loove?" he crooned.
Wufei glared. He felt his cheeks grow hot. "Ah…"
Duo's eyes widened in surprise. He had always enjoyed teasing Wufei about his love life - or lack thereof. And in turn, the scholar had scoffed at the idea, claiming that he preferred his solitude and the company of his books to anything as "unmanly" as a relationship. So, needless to say, the tint of blush slowly coloring his friend's cheeks was a deliciously unexpected discovery -that Duo fully intended to exploit. The fair beauty grinned. This was just too wonderful, he thought gleefully as he watched the other boy squirm. --Wu, in love? Duo mused incredulously. Which lucky - and incredibly brave - man had managed to catch* that * dragon by the tail he wondered.
Duo poked Wufei in the ribs. "C'mon," he prodded. "Spill."
"I don't know what you're talking about Maxwell." Wufei growled threateningly, willing his friend to shut up.
Duo just scooted closer. "Ohhh, no," the brunette admonished. "You're not getting away from this, "Mr. All I Need are My Studies". Finally found out that "heat between the sheets" had nothing to do with those books of yours huh?" Duo asked. The impish youth winked and licked his lips teasingly for extra effect.
"Maxwell…" Wufei growled warningly.
"Is that a hickey?" Duo abruptly asked, leaning forward to better examine his friend's neck.
Wufei froze. Half of him was convinced that Duo was faking. It was just the sort of thing the cheeky bastard would do to put him on the spot. And the exotic beauty was almost certain that his neck bore no mark. Otherwise he was sure he would have seen it when he was getting dressed. Yet…Treize * had* been particularly * ardent* this morning, Wufei recalled with a flush. Even he had to admit that he had been somewhat distracted afterwards. Was it possible that he had simply missed it? Wufei wondered. Involuntarily, his hand flew to his throat.
"Aha!!" Duo pounced. "Gotcha!!" He crowed happily. "So there * is * someone!"
Wufei relented, knowing it was useless to deny it any longer. "Yes," he said quietly.
"Is it serious? Somebody I know?"
The solemn Chinese sighed, knowing that the barrage of questions wouldn't stop until Duo was satisfied. "Yes, it's serious," he answered honestly. "-And yes, it is someone you know."
"Hmm…" Duo's lips pursed thoughtfully. "Well, Zechs is out," he theorized. "…Definitely not Quatre or Trowa…" he mused. He frowned. "Then who--" Amethyst eyes goggled. "Treize!" he said triumphantly. "It's Treize isn't it?" Duo asked and Wufei nodded.
"Wow," the braided man breathed. "You and Treize." He cocked his head to the side as if considering. "You know," Duo said slowly. "I guess it's not all that surprising when I think of it. I always knew you were too pretty to stay single for long," he announced, eliciting an indignant sound from the black-haired youth. "And who else * but * Treize would have the balls to even approach you?" Duo asked with a chuckle. He nodded again. "Yup, makes perfect sense now." He nudged Wufei conspiratorially. "Treize is a hottie isn't he?'
Wufei rubbed at his temples. He suddenly felt a headache coming on. He had forgotten just how * persistent* the other man could be when the mood suited him. And it was usually at his expense, Wufei thought darkly. "Duo…" he trailed off, not knowing what to say.
Duo rolled his eyes as his fingers absently toyed with the frayed end of his braid. "So, you won't admit it," he said teasingly. The singer shot Wufei a knowing look. "But you can't fool me." Duo smiled. "I know a contented dragon when I see one."
Wufei shook his head in amazement. Duo hadn't changed a bit. He couldn't help laughing softly at his friend's comment. "If you must know, Maxwell," he finally said wryly "I am very happy with Treize. Are you satisfied now?"
Duo nodded. "Just one last question though," he added with a grin.
Wufei buried his head in his hands and groaned.
"So uh, who's on top?"
The Chinese choked for a second time that afternoon. His face blossomed a bright crimson. "Maxwell!!!"
~~~
Heero frowned over a particularly murky equation as he took a bite of his sandwich. He was alone and his books were scattered around him on the lunch table. Since J's death, he was determined to throw himself into his work. He filled his days with studying and working extra hours at the diner. And by the time he returned home to the empty house, he was too tired to even feel. For once in his lifetime he slept long and deeply. Mercifully, his nights were dreamless.
Already, those days spent with Zechs seemed another lifetime. Heero tried to think of them as little as possible, but the pain remained, like a dull ache in his heart… Still, he could not regret his decision. It was time to leave it all behind. He was not sure what the future held for him now that J was dead, but he thought that perhaps all was not lost. He had his education to finish - and maybe he could still make Jeremiah proud after all…
The brunette heard before he saw the chair opposite him move. Lost in his calculations, he didn't even bother to look up until the visitor was seated. A soft, familiar scent teased his nostrils -masculine perfume and seductive body heat. He knew it instantly and he tensed, his head snapping up. Zechs…
Briefly, panic flared, but Heero viciously squelched it. His relationship with Zechs had come at too great a price. He was done with being overwhelmed by his own emotions. Instead, he met the blonde's gaze levelly. "What do you want Peacecraft?" he asked without inflection.
Not exactly the welcome he wanted, Zechs thought wryly, but anything short of Heero walking away - or bodily removing him from his seat was a good sign in his books. "I know I'm the last person you want to see right now," he said softly and Heero grunted derisively. The beauty's expression more than conveyed his distaste for his new lunch companion at the moment.
But Zechs was not ready to give up. A new determination burned within him to match Heero's. After talking to Treize, he had thought long and hard about his and Heero's relationship. He was convinced that his fault lay not only in the deception of his plan, but also in his entire treatment of Heero. The petite beauty was deeply passionate and he had become lost in that. But more importantly, Zechs realized that he had overwhelmed the slender youth as well. Always, he had sought to burn down Heero's resistance with lust - almost ruthlessly so, he thought with remorse. It had only made Heero more vulnerable to the pain of J's death. Yet he had failed to see it. He would make it right, he vowed. Even if it took him a lifetime…
Looking back on the night before J's death he almost winced. He had thought he was making love to the brunette, but the first half of the evening had been about domination - not love. This time Heero would come to him, he vowed. He would woo Heero. --Tenderly fan the fires of his passion until the somber beauty eagerly sought what he was offering. Zechs turned once more to the impatient brunette. He tried a different tack.
"How have you been doing?" the blonde asked searchingly. When Heero didn't answer Zechs sighed. He tried again. "I've missed you--" Milliardo's fingers clenched. "I've missed your company and holding you in my arms."
Something flared in Heero's eyes. He gripped the pencil between his fingers with bruising force. "Is that all you ever wanted from me?" he asked with amazing calm. "You--" Heero faltered. His expression hardened, his lips thinning to a displeased line. He stopped, not trusting himself to speak.
"What?" Zechs asked with a pained expression. "Do you mean sex?"
Heero's eyes glittered with hurt and anger.
"I wasn't referring to anything of the sort just now," The large blonde answered honestly. "But I admit that my previous actions could make you think little else." Zechs leaned earnestly forward. " I was wrong Heero. I thought--" The older man ran a frustrated hand through his hair. " I messed up," Zechs simply. "But it was never just about getting you in my bed. I never wanted to hurt you." He met Heero's stony gaze. "And that is the truth."
The half-Japanese gazed impassively at his ex-lover. "I find that hard to believe."
Zechs made an exasperated sound. How could he convince him? "Heero," he said slowly. " I wanted you - I still want you." Zechs paused. " When I touch you-" he broke off, searching for the right words. "You tell yourself that you're cold, but when I touched you, you burned hotter than all my dreams," Zechs said hoarsely. "I've never felt the kind of passion I've felt with you. But it was more than that - and I was more the fool for not showing you," the taller man lamented sorrowfully.
" I * am * truly sorry Heero." The blonde stood. "And I intend to prove that to you. I won't force you, " Zechs vowed, "But I love you and I would be a liar if I said that I'm not going to do everything in my power to get you back." The elegant man made a short bow. "Forgive me for disturbing your lunch."
Heero stared speechlessly ahead of him as Zechs made his exit, the impossibility of the other man's words ringing in his ears. He lowered trembling hands to the table.
Zechs loved him?
~~~
Quatre buried his face in his hands and groaned. "Oh no, this is terrible" he said softly. He looked back up at Treize. "Poor Heero-- And Zechs. I know how badly he wanted this to work out."
The older man nodded. "Yes," he agreed. " It couldn't have happened at a worse time. And I can hardly see Duo's arrival helping matters either," Treize added.
Quatre shook his head in amazement. "After all these years…" he sighed. "I can't wait to see him again. I only wish it were under better circumstances." The tiny blonde rubbed a weary hand across his eyes. " I can't help but feel responsible for what happened between Heero and Zechs," he said sorrowfully. " I should have known better."
Treize reached over for one of the rolls in the basket in the middle of the table. "Quatre, you know as well as I do, that this can hardly be blamed on you. If you had refused, Milliardo would have simply gone to someone else for help."
The pale beauty's expression grew wistful. " I know, Treize. It's just…" he trailed off, staring thoughtfully at the cars whizzing past the restaurant's patio area where they were seated. " I want to do something to help," he said finally. "It must be so lonely for both of them right now. How is Zechs keeping up?"
It was the ginger-haired man's turn to sigh. " Truthfully," he admitted, "not very well. But I think better since I spoke to him this morning."
Quatre looked hopeful at that. "Well, at least that's some good news. Mil is lucky to have you." Quatre's small fingers worried the edge of his napkin. "But Heero has no one." He shuddered. "It must be terrible living in that house all alone." The young blonde pondered for a moment. "Trowa and I are going over to Sweet Fern for the mid-term break next week," he said, coloring a little at Treize's knowing look. " I wonder if Heero would want to join us."
Treize frowned pensively. "Perhaps…" he said somewhat doubtfully. "But I'm not sure that being alone with you and Trowa, will be any less depressing for a lovesick young man," he teased his small companion fondly.
Quatre made a face, but he conceded the other man's point. "You may be right," he replied dejectedly. Suddenly the blonde brightened. " I've got it! Why don't we all go - * together *?" he asked excitedly. " I know Tro won't mind and the manor's surely large enough for all of us."
Quatre nodded contentedly. " I think it would be a lot of fun - and we could all use a little getaway," he said, becoming more convinced of the soundness of his plan by the minute. " If you can convince Wufei and Zechs to join us, Trowa and I'll contact Heero and Duo. It will give me a chance to talk to our fugitive singer- and I'm hoping we can arrange for Heero and Zechs to 'accidentally' run into each other." The blonde smiled as he turned to Treize. "So what do you think?" he asked uncertainly. " Do you think we can pull it off?"
Treize stroked his chin absently. Finally he met Quatre's smile with one of his own. " Monsieur Winner," he said piquantly " I think you may just have a plan."
Many many thanks, to all those wonderfully kind people who reveiwed the last and previous chapters. I hope you enjoy this one. And don't worry, the chapters will be getting longer!
Standard disclaimers apply: I don't own Gundam Wing or its bishounen, nor am I making any monetary profit from this fic whatsoever.
Author: Michalyn (darling_162002@yahoo.com)
Pairings: 6x1, 13+5 ( possible 13x5 later), 3+4
General Warnings: AU ( the pilots are 18, Zechs and Treize are 23) yaoi, angst, sap, lemon
Archive: http://angelfire.com/gundam/asanctuary, http://raygunworks.net, http://www.gundam-wing-universe.net/
Rating: NC 17
Warnings for this chapter: some angst.
Feedback: craved ^_^
Beautiful Dawn 26/?
by: Michalyn
Treize blinked at Zechs. "Duo?" he asked for the umpteenth time. "Duo Maxwell is here?"
It was a beautiful Wednesday morning and yet, for Zechs, it was simply another day in his dark cycle of hurt and loss.
It was another day without Heero.
Glumly sitting opposite his best friend, Zechs envied the ginger-haired man his security and the happiness that seemed to glow off the very walls of the Khushrenada and Chang home.
Treize was a vibrant presence next to him, and particularly radiant this morning with the mellowness of a man thoroughly sated. The taller blonde sighed, part frustration - part desperation.
"Really Treize," he grumbled irritably. "The Dragon must have truly addled your wits this morning, because it is most unlike you to be so dense. Perhaps you've encountered a number of Duo Maxwells in your lifetime--" Zechs continued airily as Treize raised an indignant brow. "But I've only met the one."
The shorthaired man shot his friend a reprimanding look. "No need to get catty Milliardo dear--" he replied just as archly. Calmly Treize sipped at his tea. "I was merely surprised you know..." The china cup clinked softly as he set it down on the table and gave the blonde the full seriousness of his regard. "Does this affect your feelings for Heero?" he asked quietly.
Zechs released a weary breath. "Seeing Duo…" he paused, searching for the right words. "It brought back a lot of the old memories," the blonde finally said softly. He looked up at Treize.
"And some of the old feelings too."
Honeyed brows knitted together as Treize turned concerned eyes on the other man. "Mil, does that mean--"
"No!" Zechs interrupted hastily. "I know I still care about Duo--" his gaze dropped to his hands clasped in his lap, "and I don't know if that will ever change," he said honestly. "But Heero--" Zechs' expression tightened painfully. "What we had-what we *have *," he stressed resolutely; refusing to believe that all was lost. "Goes much deeper."
"Hmm," Treize nodded thoughtfully. He couldn't help but feel a twinge of sympathy for Duo. Especially, when it was clear that the younger man had returned for only one reason. The aristocrat marveled at the intricacies of fate. Had it been only a few months earlier, he mused, Duo's arrival would have received a much different reception.
But that could not be helped, Treize reasoned. Heero was very much a part of Milliardo's life now and it would be an injustice - as his Wufei would no doubt say - to ignore the bond that had grown between the two men. Besides, he admired the brunette's determination and he thought that both Heero and Zechs deserved a chance at true happiness. The only thing left now was to hope that Milliardo hadn't fouled up too badly to ever be forgiven. Treize frowned, biting back the reproachful words about the plan he had warned against. Now was not the time for recriminations.
He turned once more to the downcast blonde. "And you're sure that your feelings have not changed?" he repeated.
Zechs raised pained eyes. "Khush, if anything has changed it's that my feelings have grown stronger…" He floundered, fighting the desperation that clawed at him. "I love him," he said finally.
Treize nodded approvingly. "Then it's time to get him back," he said, in a voice edged with determination as he poured another cup of tea and handed it to Zechs. "Now, let's go over this," he said seriously. Treize reclined thoughtfully in his chair. "Tell me what happened again…"
~~~
Carefully balancing his books one arm, Wufei bent over the water fountain, angling his body away from the machine to keep from wetting the front of his shirt. Triumphantly, he pressed the button. A chilly stream spurted and he brought his lips to the delicious rush. His eyes closed-Ahh liquid ambrosia… He'd been dying for a drink for the past few hours - and nothing appeased a truly parched throat as water could.
A whistle trilled through the air, followed by a teasing call. " Nice view Wu-man! Damn, I 'd forgotten what a great ass you have!"
Wufei choked. He sputtered, eyes tearing as water went the wrong way. His books fell as a fit of coughing seized him. H e struggled to catch his breath even as he tried to turn around, hardly believing what his ears were telling him. No one else would dare-- Wufei shook his head slowly. But that was impossible, he reasoned. Yet that swagger was unmistakable -- The long hair - those devilish eyes… The figure approached and bent to pick up his books. An impish grin spread over the perfect features.
"Jeez Wu, do you always have to be so dramatic?"
The Chinese youth would have glared if he'd been able to catch his breath. He turned to the other man with a look of disbelief. "Duo?" he gasped.
The grin broadened. "In the flesh!" He patted the dazed and watery-eyed Chinese on the back as he steered them towards a nearby bench. "Why don't you have a seat Fei-fei," he drawled merrily. "You look like you need it."
Wufei sat, snarling at the nickname and Duo burst into full-fledged laughter. Before the fiery scholar could protest he gave him a quick hug. "Man it's good to be home!"
Wufei pierced his old friend with another glare for good measure, and then his eyes softened. He was *genuinely * glad to see the prankster - no matter how incorrigible he was. The exotic beauty allowed himself a small smile.
"It's good to see you again, Maxwell."
A feeling of relief swept through the longhaired boy. He let his mask fall, replacing the grin with a genuine smile. After Zechs' reception, he had feared that he'd managed to lose all of his friends. And Wu had been his closest friend of all. True he'd had Zechs, but Wufei would always be Wufei - gruff, dependable and loyal - a true friend. It meant a lot to know he hadn't been forgotten.
Wufei was patiently quiet next to him. Ever proper, Duo knew that the solemn Chinese would never ask about his unexpected appearance unless he offered it. Languidly he draped one knee across the other as he turned to Wufei. He raised a silky brow.
"So…?" he prompted.
"So what, Maxwell?" Wufei asked calmly.
"Aren't you going to ask me what I'm doing here?" Duo demanded, a hint of incredulity creeping into his voice.
Wufei sighed. "It's not my place to ask," he replied solemnly. "If you are here I assume that you have your reasons. Nothing I do or say can possibly change that." Wufei fixed the chestnut-haired beauty with a serious look. "We are friends," the Chinese said simply. "If you need me I will be here."
Duo sobered. Gratefully he nodded. "Thanks Wu," he said quietly.
Wufei inclined his head in acknowledgement. "Think nothing of it," he said seriously. The scholar raised a slender palm. "The only thing I ask in return is that you please remember that my given name is * Wufei* and *not * Wu, or Fei - or any other abbreviation or variation thereof." The black eyes twinkled with hidden amusement.
Duo stared, surprised and touched that Wufei remembered their old bantering. His shock did not last long however. Those few words were all he needed to fall back into their old routine. He leaned in close to the other man, placing a companionable arm over Wufei's shoulders.
"Sooo, Fei-kun, " he drawled lazily. "What have you been up to lately?" The violet-eyed youth waggled his eyebrows suggestively. "Any luck in loove?" he crooned.
Wufei glared. He felt his cheeks grow hot. "Ah…"
Duo's eyes widened in surprise. He had always enjoyed teasing Wufei about his love life - or lack thereof. And in turn, the scholar had scoffed at the idea, claiming that he preferred his solitude and the company of his books to anything as "unmanly" as a relationship. So, needless to say, the tint of blush slowly coloring his friend's cheeks was a deliciously unexpected discovery -that Duo fully intended to exploit. The fair beauty grinned. This was just too wonderful, he thought gleefully as he watched the other boy squirm. --Wu, in love? Duo mused incredulously. Which lucky - and incredibly brave - man had managed to catch* that * dragon by the tail he wondered.
Duo poked Wufei in the ribs. "C'mon," he prodded. "Spill."
"I don't know what you're talking about Maxwell." Wufei growled threateningly, willing his friend to shut up.
Duo just scooted closer. "Ohhh, no," the brunette admonished. "You're not getting away from this, "Mr. All I Need are My Studies". Finally found out that "heat between the sheets" had nothing to do with those books of yours huh?" Duo asked. The impish youth winked and licked his lips teasingly for extra effect.
"Maxwell…" Wufei growled warningly.
"Is that a hickey?" Duo abruptly asked, leaning forward to better examine his friend's neck.
Wufei froze. Half of him was convinced that Duo was faking. It was just the sort of thing the cheeky bastard would do to put him on the spot. And the exotic beauty was almost certain that his neck bore no mark. Otherwise he was sure he would have seen it when he was getting dressed. Yet…Treize * had* been particularly * ardent* this morning, Wufei recalled with a flush. Even he had to admit that he had been somewhat distracted afterwards. Was it possible that he had simply missed it? Wufei wondered. Involuntarily, his hand flew to his throat.
"Aha!!" Duo pounced. "Gotcha!!" He crowed happily. "So there * is * someone!"
Wufei relented, knowing it was useless to deny it any longer. "Yes," he said quietly.
"Is it serious? Somebody I know?"
The solemn Chinese sighed, knowing that the barrage of questions wouldn't stop until Duo was satisfied. "Yes, it's serious," he answered honestly. "-And yes, it is someone you know."
"Hmm…" Duo's lips pursed thoughtfully. "Well, Zechs is out," he theorized. "…Definitely not Quatre or Trowa…" he mused. He frowned. "Then who--" Amethyst eyes goggled. "Treize!" he said triumphantly. "It's Treize isn't it?" Duo asked and Wufei nodded.
"Wow," the braided man breathed. "You and Treize." He cocked his head to the side as if considering. "You know," Duo said slowly. "I guess it's not all that surprising when I think of it. I always knew you were too pretty to stay single for long," he announced, eliciting an indignant sound from the black-haired youth. "And who else * but * Treize would have the balls to even approach you?" Duo asked with a chuckle. He nodded again. "Yup, makes perfect sense now." He nudged Wufei conspiratorially. "Treize is a hottie isn't he?'
Wufei rubbed at his temples. He suddenly felt a headache coming on. He had forgotten just how * persistent* the other man could be when the mood suited him. And it was usually at his expense, Wufei thought darkly. "Duo…" he trailed off, not knowing what to say.
Duo rolled his eyes as his fingers absently toyed with the frayed end of his braid. "So, you won't admit it," he said teasingly. The singer shot Wufei a knowing look. "But you can't fool me." Duo smiled. "I know a contented dragon when I see one."
Wufei shook his head in amazement. Duo hadn't changed a bit. He couldn't help laughing softly at his friend's comment. "If you must know, Maxwell," he finally said wryly "I am very happy with Treize. Are you satisfied now?"
Duo nodded. "Just one last question though," he added with a grin.
Wufei buried his head in his hands and groaned.
"So uh, who's on top?"
The Chinese choked for a second time that afternoon. His face blossomed a bright crimson. "Maxwell!!!"
~~~
Heero frowned over a particularly murky equation as he took a bite of his sandwich. He was alone and his books were scattered around him on the lunch table. Since J's death, he was determined to throw himself into his work. He filled his days with studying and working extra hours at the diner. And by the time he returned home to the empty house, he was too tired to even feel. For once in his lifetime he slept long and deeply. Mercifully, his nights were dreamless.
Already, those days spent with Zechs seemed another lifetime. Heero tried to think of them as little as possible, but the pain remained, like a dull ache in his heart… Still, he could not regret his decision. It was time to leave it all behind. He was not sure what the future held for him now that J was dead, but he thought that perhaps all was not lost. He had his education to finish - and maybe he could still make Jeremiah proud after all…
The brunette heard before he saw the chair opposite him move. Lost in his calculations, he didn't even bother to look up until the visitor was seated. A soft, familiar scent teased his nostrils -masculine perfume and seductive body heat. He knew it instantly and he tensed, his head snapping up. Zechs…
Briefly, panic flared, but Heero viciously squelched it. His relationship with Zechs had come at too great a price. He was done with being overwhelmed by his own emotions. Instead, he met the blonde's gaze levelly. "What do you want Peacecraft?" he asked without inflection.
Not exactly the welcome he wanted, Zechs thought wryly, but anything short of Heero walking away - or bodily removing him from his seat was a good sign in his books. "I know I'm the last person you want to see right now," he said softly and Heero grunted derisively. The beauty's expression more than conveyed his distaste for his new lunch companion at the moment.
But Zechs was not ready to give up. A new determination burned within him to match Heero's. After talking to Treize, he had thought long and hard about his and Heero's relationship. He was convinced that his fault lay not only in the deception of his plan, but also in his entire treatment of Heero. The petite beauty was deeply passionate and he had become lost in that. But more importantly, Zechs realized that he had overwhelmed the slender youth as well. Always, he had sought to burn down Heero's resistance with lust - almost ruthlessly so, he thought with remorse. It had only made Heero more vulnerable to the pain of J's death. Yet he had failed to see it. He would make it right, he vowed. Even if it took him a lifetime…
Looking back on the night before J's death he almost winced. He had thought he was making love to the brunette, but the first half of the evening had been about domination - not love. This time Heero would come to him, he vowed. He would woo Heero. --Tenderly fan the fires of his passion until the somber beauty eagerly sought what he was offering. Zechs turned once more to the impatient brunette. He tried a different tack.
"How have you been doing?" the blonde asked searchingly. When Heero didn't answer Zechs sighed. He tried again. "I've missed you--" Milliardo's fingers clenched. "I've missed your company and holding you in my arms."
Something flared in Heero's eyes. He gripped the pencil between his fingers with bruising force. "Is that all you ever wanted from me?" he asked with amazing calm. "You--" Heero faltered. His expression hardened, his lips thinning to a displeased line. He stopped, not trusting himself to speak.
"What?" Zechs asked with a pained expression. "Do you mean sex?"
Heero's eyes glittered with hurt and anger.
"I wasn't referring to anything of the sort just now," The large blonde answered honestly. "But I admit that my previous actions could make you think little else." Zechs leaned earnestly forward. " I was wrong Heero. I thought--" The older man ran a frustrated hand through his hair. " I messed up," Zechs simply. "But it was never just about getting you in my bed. I never wanted to hurt you." He met Heero's stony gaze. "And that is the truth."
The half-Japanese gazed impassively at his ex-lover. "I find that hard to believe."
Zechs made an exasperated sound. How could he convince him? "Heero," he said slowly. " I wanted you - I still want you." Zechs paused. " When I touch you-" he broke off, searching for the right words. "You tell yourself that you're cold, but when I touched you, you burned hotter than all my dreams," Zechs said hoarsely. "I've never felt the kind of passion I've felt with you. But it was more than that - and I was more the fool for not showing you," the taller man lamented sorrowfully.
" I * am * truly sorry Heero." The blonde stood. "And I intend to prove that to you. I won't force you, " Zechs vowed, "But I love you and I would be a liar if I said that I'm not going to do everything in my power to get you back." The elegant man made a short bow. "Forgive me for disturbing your lunch."
Heero stared speechlessly ahead of him as Zechs made his exit, the impossibility of the other man's words ringing in his ears. He lowered trembling hands to the table.
Zechs loved him?
~~~
Quatre buried his face in his hands and groaned. "Oh no, this is terrible" he said softly. He looked back up at Treize. "Poor Heero-- And Zechs. I know how badly he wanted this to work out."
The older man nodded. "Yes," he agreed. " It couldn't have happened at a worse time. And I can hardly see Duo's arrival helping matters either," Treize added.
Quatre shook his head in amazement. "After all these years…" he sighed. "I can't wait to see him again. I only wish it were under better circumstances." The tiny blonde rubbed a weary hand across his eyes. " I can't help but feel responsible for what happened between Heero and Zechs," he said sorrowfully. " I should have known better."
Treize reached over for one of the rolls in the basket in the middle of the table. "Quatre, you know as well as I do, that this can hardly be blamed on you. If you had refused, Milliardo would have simply gone to someone else for help."
The pale beauty's expression grew wistful. " I know, Treize. It's just…" he trailed off, staring thoughtfully at the cars whizzing past the restaurant's patio area where they were seated. " I want to do something to help," he said finally. "It must be so lonely for both of them right now. How is Zechs keeping up?"
It was the ginger-haired man's turn to sigh. " Truthfully," he admitted, "not very well. But I think better since I spoke to him this morning."
Quatre looked hopeful at that. "Well, at least that's some good news. Mil is lucky to have you." Quatre's small fingers worried the edge of his napkin. "But Heero has no one." He shuddered. "It must be terrible living in that house all alone." The young blonde pondered for a moment. "Trowa and I are going over to Sweet Fern for the mid-term break next week," he said, coloring a little at Treize's knowing look. " I wonder if Heero would want to join us."
Treize frowned pensively. "Perhaps…" he said somewhat doubtfully. "But I'm not sure that being alone with you and Trowa, will be any less depressing for a lovesick young man," he teased his small companion fondly.
Quatre made a face, but he conceded the other man's point. "You may be right," he replied dejectedly. Suddenly the blonde brightened. " I've got it! Why don't we all go - * together *?" he asked excitedly. " I know Tro won't mind and the manor's surely large enough for all of us."
Quatre nodded contentedly. " I think it would be a lot of fun - and we could all use a little getaway," he said, becoming more convinced of the soundness of his plan by the minute. " If you can convince Wufei and Zechs to join us, Trowa and I'll contact Heero and Duo. It will give me a chance to talk to our fugitive singer- and I'm hoping we can arrange for Heero and Zechs to 'accidentally' run into each other." The blonde smiled as he turned to Treize. "So what do you think?" he asked uncertainly. " Do you think we can pull it off?"
Treize stroked his chin absently. Finally he met Quatre's smile with one of his own. " Monsieur Winner," he said piquantly " I think you may just have a plan."