Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Dating Services ❯ Chapter 12

Disclaimers and warnings in first part


On the way to the small restaurant, Duo almost turned around and went back home three separate times. He couldn’t understand why he had agreed to this after deciding to tell Trowa the truth, but went because he couldn’t imagine how it would feel to be stood up.

Entering the restaurant, he waved at the hostess to get her attention. He and Trowa had been there often enough that the staff knew who he was, something he was grateful for when the woman smiled at him, “You eating alone tonight, Duo?”

“Actually, I’m meeting someone. I’m supposed to wait in the back room.”

“The corner table, right? Rosie told me to make sure the back room was left empty. Come with me.”

Following the hostess into the deserted back room, he had to say something, “I didn’t know you could reserve tables here.”

“This is the first I’ve heard of it and I’ve worked here for six years. Have a seat. Do you want to order now or wait?”

“I’ll wait,” Duo smiled, baffled at the strange request from his date. Why would anyone go to so much trouble?

Left alone, he glanced at his watch and realized he was early. With nothing to do but wait, he stared out the large window, eyes focused on the rapidly setting sun, trying to sort out what he would say to Trowa when they finally had a chance to talk. He knew it was something he would have to do face to face, though it would be easier to confess without looking at Trowa, choosing to do it in person because anything else would be cowardly.

He was well into his thoughts and imagined scenarios when a glass appeared at his elbow. Startled, he blinked at the glass of wine, “I didn’t order this,” he stated with a frown.

“I ordered it for you.”

The familiar voice had him looking up with wide eyes as Trowa slid into the seat across from him with a smile. “What are you doing here? I thought Quatre had a late meeting.”

“Heero agreed to stay with him when I realized who I was being matched with.” The tall man sipped his wine, green eyes watching Duo closely, “I decided it was time to talk and I’m tired of waiting for you to catch up.”

“You knew you were meeting me?”

Trowa smiled slightly, setting the glass down. Long fingers played with the glass stem as he spoke, “I wasn’t positive, but there can’t be many men our age that are from the colonies with a background in the war, not in this city, at least. You didn’t consider it had to be me from the description you were given?”

Recalling how he had thought the description would be someone perfect for him if not for the feelings he had for Trowa, Duo snorted as he shook his head, “I might have if Zechs hadn’t said you were going to be busy tonight.” Shifting in his chair, he ducked his head to look at the other man through his bangs, “Now that you know it’s me do you want to call the whole thing off? You have to be a little disappointed.”

“On the contrary, I can’t think of anyone I’d rather spend an evening with…or a morning, or a day, or a night, or a whole damn weekend.” Seeing the befuddled expression, Trowa gave a slow smile, “Duo, I knew that at some point we would be matched by the dating service, considering our backgrounds, likes, dislikes, and preferences. I’ve been waiting for it to happen.”

Heart pounding, Duo shook his head, “Why?”

“Didn’t you ever wonder why I wasn’t mad at you for kissing me that night? I could have moved away at any time, but I didn’t. You never wondered why I kissed you back? You never really thought about how comfortable I am touching you or how easily I’ll allow you to touch me? I’m not known for making physical contact, not even with my closest friends, but I enjoy touching you.”

Duo was wide-eyed as Trowa stood and moved around the table, crouching beside the braided man’s chair and putting a hand on Duo’s thigh, caressing lightly. The simple touch had Duo’s heart skipping several beats. “I could have easily upgraded my computer at any time, though I wouldn’t have the new programs. Why would I ask you to do it for me?”

After swallowing hard, Duo asked, “Why did you?”

“At the time, it was the only way I could think of to get you inside my apartment. I wanted to know you.”

“You already knew me.”

“I knew the person you show everyone else, but I was only beginning to see the real you, the person you are when you’re completely at ease. I needed to know who you really were.”

“Why didn’t…why didn’t you try to kiss me or anything else that weekend? There were plenty of times when you could have.”

“You were trying to figure out how you felt. I could see you arguing with yourself about what you wanted. I was willing to wait until you figured it out, but it was taking you too long, so when I got the match from the dating service today, I planned this.” Trowa winced and looked away for a moment before meeting Duo’s eyes again, “Are you angry that I tricked you?”

Beginning to realize what was happening, Duo smiled, “You didn’t trick me. You surprised me with this, but you didn’t trick me. Just so you know…I was going to call you tomorrow.”

“What were you planning to say to me?”

“I haven’t figured that out yet. I was obsessing about it when you appeared out of nowhere.”

“I was in the kitchen, waiting for you to get here.”

“In the kitchen?” Duo snickered when the tall man blushed.

“I was helping cook the food, so you aren’t allowed to complain if it tastes horrible.”

“I promise nothing on that.” Sobering, he lightly touched Trowa’s cheek, heart melting as the other man closed his eyes with a sigh at the touch. “Trowa, I need to tell you that I’ve figured out some things that are very important.”

Green eyes opened slowly, fixing on Duo instantly, “Like what?”

“I don’t want to date anyone else. I haven’t wanted to for a while, but I was afraid to admit it.”

“I’m glad you finally figured that out. Now, I’ll tell you something. If you go out with anyone else, I’ll make sure they disappear. If you have a bad date, it damn well better be with me.”

Duo began to laugh, understanding the declaration of feelings for what it was. He wasn’t surprised that Trowa hadn’t said something more; it was the way the tall man was made. It was amazing that Trowa had been as openly affectionate as he had so far. “What are we eating?” he asked lightly, gesturing with his chin at Trowa’s chair and smiling when the other man stood.

Instead of sitting across the table, however, Trowa took the seat closest to Duo, a hand on the braided man’s thigh under the surface of the table where it wouldn’t be seen. “Steak, potatoes, rolls, and a salad…your favorite meal. I’ve never seen you eat it at a restaurant, though. Why is that?”

“To me, it’s a meal that requires personal attention, not one that should be cooked by a nameless and faceless cook.”

“If it makes you feel better, I cooked most of it, but Rosie is fixing the steak. She said I’d probably give you food poisoning somehow.”

Amused, Duo put his hand over Trowa’s, smiling when the other man’s hand turned to twine their fingers together, “A few more lessons and you’ll be a damn good cook.”

“As long as you’re willing to teach me, I’m willing to learn.”