Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Tune Up ❯ Chapter 3

Disclaimer: Not mine. Somebody else’s. There, I said it.

Warnings: Look in the first part. They’re all there.


The ride home with Heero was as close as Trowa had ever come to being interrogated. Heero asked him one question after another, apparently trying to learn all he could about the mechanic in a short amount of time. Trowa was nearing the end of his patience as they turned onto his road, finally uttering, “Why don’t you come and meet him yourself?” in an attempt to get his normally reserved friend to shut up.

“That’s a good idea. I can see if he’s good enough for you.”

“Why does everyone assume I can’t take care of myself?” Trowa asked, slamming the car door as he got out and glaring at his best friend over the top of it. “You and Catherine seem to think I’m going to fall at Duo’s feet and offer him my life as a sacrifice or something.”

With a stunned expression on his face, Heero came to stand beside him, “You aren’t planning to, are you?”

“Heero…”

“I was there after Mark. I helped you move your things out. I was there at night in the next room, listening as you cried yourself to sleep. I don’t want to see you hurt again.”

The declaration had Trowa biting back the angry words on the tip of his tongue. “You knew Mark and I wouldn’t last, Heero. You tried to warn me, but I didn't listen. This isn’t the same thing.”

“Why not? I’ve never seen you this fixated on someone, not even Mark. How is this any different?”

“Duo is not Mark and I’m not the same wide-eyed innocent I was then. I’ve had other relationships since then and have come out of all of them intact.”

After a moment, Heero gave a short nod, “I would still like to meet this Duo of yours.”

Cutting across the yard, Trowa angled toward the back of his neighbor’s house. “He’s not my Duo,” he muttered as the garage came into view.

“The look in your eyes when you talk about him says otherwise.”

Frowning at the enigmatic phrase, Trowa tried to ignore the way his pulse sped up as he searched the area for a familiar figure. He wouldn’t admit to Catherine or Heero that the long-haired mechanic had been in his mind all day. He knew his situation was more serious than he had first assumed and was trying to figure out a way to ensure another date after the ball, each idea discarded almost as soon as he thought of it.

His thoughts screeched to an abrupt halt as Zechs came around the side of the garage, barreling straight for them, feet pounding the gravel while long legs ate distance. There was only an instant to wonder why the blonde was soaked before Trowa heard the passing warning, “If I were you, I’d get out of the line of fire.”

Seconds later, Duo flew around the garage, even wetter than the other man had been. Trowa lifted an eyebrow as the nozzle was suddenly jerked away from them, the spray missing them by scant inches. When Trowa tilted his head, Duo turned bright red, “Sorry. I was after Zechs.”

Momentarily forgetting about the man that had demanded a meeting with Duo, Trowa crossed the parking area, shaking his head as he saw Duo’s coveralls were drenched and plastered to him like a second skin, “What did he do and where is my car?”

“We were supposed to be washing your car and that ass got the hose. I got it from him and he ran like the hounds of hell were nipping at his heels. Coward,” Duo raised his voice to deliver the insult.

It wasn’t surprising when Zechs reappeared, holding his hands over his head. When Duo shifted his stance to conceal the water hose, Trowa tensed, foreseeing the inevitable outcome. Zechs couldn’t see the hose as he pleaded, “Truce. You win. I give up…you look like a drowned rat, darling.”

The slightest movement from Duo was all it took to have Trowa grabbing Heero out of the way, aware Duo wouldn’t be concerned about soaking an innocent bystander at the moment. Helping his friend remain steady on his feet, Trowa grinned at the high-pitched yelp that came from Zechs’ mouth as he was doused thoroughly. Once the water was turned off, Zechs glared at his roommate, “Damnit, that’s cold! I’ll be lucky if my balls ever decide to come out of hiding again!”

Hands on hips, Duo stuck his chin out, “You have more on, asshole. This is all I’m wearing,” he yanked the sodden material away from his body, grimacing as it sucked back onto his skin.

“Look at it this way,” Zechs stated abruptly, “At least you aren’t dirty.”

Trowa’s eyes widened as Duo lunged, able to catch the furious man around the waist by instinct alone. He wished he hadn’t as he realized he could feel every contour and curve of Duo’s body through the thin cotton, proving the braided man really wasn’t wearing his usual shorts and tank top underneath. “Let me go so I can kill him, Tro. He deserves it.”

At the sound of a throat being cleared noisily, Duo stopped trying to get his hands around Zechs’ neck and Zechs stopped taunting the irate man, both of them staring blankly at Heero. Assuming it was safe to let go, Trowa stepped away from Duo, feeling his face redden as the blonde looked him up and down and smirked, obviously noticing the bulge in his pants… a side effect of a lean, wet body rubbing against him. He wasn’t surprised to see the roommates move to stand united against a stranger that was looking at them as if they were insane, argument momentarily forgotten. “Zechs, Duo, this is Heero Yuy. Heero, these are the neighbors I was telling you about, Duo and Zechs.”

The blonde offered a hand before laughing and pulling it back when Heero stared at the water dripping from it. “Heero Yuy. It’s a pleasure. I’ve heard a lot about you. It’s nice to see what I heard was true; you really are gorgeous.”

Heero flicked his eyes to Trowa and got a low laugh from Zechs in response, “Trowa didn’t tell me, Relena did. Many times. I assumed she was exaggerating about how delicious you are, but I have to say you are exactly how she described.”

Elbowing the blonde in the ribs, Duo muttered, “Behave.” In a normal tone, he inclined his head at Heero, “It’s nice to finally meet you. I’d offer to shake your hand, but as you can see, it wouldn’t be a good idea.”

“Do we want to know what happened?” Trowa asked before Heero could speak.

Duo’s face reddened again and Trowa forced himself not to dwell on the fact that only a thin layer of clothing stood in his way of seeing the other man naked. “It was a rough day and hot. After closing up the shop, we decided to wash your car, which is fixed, by the way. Zechs sprayed me, I got the water hose from him and then you two showed up. We didn’t expect anyone else,” Duo added, his eyes flicking to Heero for an instant. Cobalt eyes fell on Trowa, growing wide with alarm, “I got you soaked, Tro! I’m so sorry. Why don’t you guys come inside and I’ll dry your clothes for you?”

The offer was very, very tempting, but Trowa had to decline. “I’ll dry them at home, Duo, but thanks.” He frowned as Duo muttered something he couldn’t hear, looking dejected as he turned and walked away. “Duo?”

“He thinks it’s because of the dirt thing, Trowa,” Zechs hissed, making Trowa want to slap his forehead. “Go talk to him and I’ll…entertain Heero.”

It only took an instant for Trowa to leave Heero in Zechs’ dubious care as he ran across the gravel lot and into the waiting area where Duo had disappeared. Seeing the mechanic’s eyes, now a light blue, Trowa rushed to stop Duo before the other man could toss car keys on the counter, as Trowa knew he wanted to do. “Duo, listen to me.”

“It’s okay, I understand.”

Desperate to make the other man listen, Trowa grabbed Duo around the waist and refused to let go. “You don’t understand. I can’t let you dry my clothes because I don’t have anything else to wear. I’d be running around your house naked.” The idea was appealing, but this was not the time. “I don’t think you or Zechs have anything that will fit me. You’re too small and Zechs is too tall.”

Duo blushed again, “Oh.” As if realizing Trowa was holding him closely, he began to struggle, “Bloody hell, Tro, let me go. I’m getting you all wet and I probably have grease all over me.”

“I’ve never seen someone look so striking, grease or not,” he replied honestly, smiling when Duo froze. “I really don’t mind dirt, or grease, or anything else. I’m actually hoping you’ll give me some lessons on cars when we have time.”

“I…you…how to…really?”

Since the long-haired man didn’t seem to mind Trowa holding him, Trowa held on for a moment longer before letting go, turning his body to hide his erection. “Really. It’s one of the most interesting things I’ve done in a long time. Also, if I learn how to fix cars I won’t have to ask you next time something goes wrong.”

“I didn’t mind fixing your car. Anytime you need help, just ask,” Duo leaned on the counter, smiling easily.

Though he didn’t think there was a misunderstanding between them any longer, Trowa still had to make sure of one thing, “Do you still want me? To go on Saturday?” he amended, ears turning pink with embarrassment.

“Yeah.” The other man frowned, biting his bottom lip. “Unless you don’t want to. I imagine Heero thinks I’m a complete moron. Of all the days for Zechs to act like a frat boy, he had to choose today.”

“Doesn’t Zechs always act like a frat boy?”

The wry query had Duo laughing as he came around the counter, keys in his hand. “How could I forget? Let’s go save Heero and start your car. I’ll explain what I did and then you can go home and get out of those wet clothes.”

Agreeing, Trowa walked out in front of Duo, turning once he got outside and nearly swallowing his own tongue as he saw Duo unzip the coveralls. “What are you doing?”

“When these things dry they get stiff as a board. It’s almost impossible to get them off,” the other man replied absently as he slipped his arms out of the sleeves, tying the loose sleeves around his waist and using the top half to keep the lower half from sliding off the slender waist. “On hot days I work like this if there are no customers in the waiting area. It’s perfectly safe.”

It may have been safe for Duo, but Trowa was terrified he was going to drool. Duo’s skin was pale and smooth, with hardly any hair on his chest at all. The work he did kept Duo in great shape and washboard abs were another testament to how muscular the man was in spite of his smaller stature. The amount of toned muscle hidden under the clothing was a pleasant surprise.

Reminding himself not to stare, Trowa kept pace with Duo, letting out a small noise when they discovered Zechs virtually had Heero pinned to the side of the garage, the dark-haired man’s eyes wide. “Zechs, can’t we leave you alone with an attractive man for five minutes without you trying to seduce him?” Duo demanded, casually walking behind the blonde and pulling him away by his hair. “In case you forgot, your sister has a prior claim.”

The tall man was reaching behind him in an attempt to get Duo to let loose of his hair, feet tripping over each other as he hurried to keep up with his roommate. “Ouch, Duo, let go!”

Duo’s feet never stopped, “Not until you learn how to behave and are fit for socializing. How many times am I going to have to stop you from doing something stupid? If Relena found out about this and told your mother, you’d never hear the end of it.”

Following the two men at a safe distance, Trowa chuckled at the lecture, even as his eyes focused on the rhythmic sway of Duo’s hair against his pale back. “Are they always like this?” Heero asked suddenly.

“From what I’ve seen, yes,” Trowa wondered how his friend saw the two roommates and felt the need to defend them. “It doesn’t seem like it, but they really do care for each other. Zechs is older than Duo by a couple of years, but Duo acts like Zechs’ big brother… or Zechs’ conscious. They get along well. I think Zechs embarrassed Duo. He usually isn’t so harsh.”

“You’ve gotten to know them well in a short time.”

“I guess I have.” Trowa shook his head as Duo finally released his grip on Zechs hair, “I can be myself around them and not worry about how they feel. Whatever they think, they’ll tell you.”

“Do they tell the truth?”

The inquiry had Trowa looking over at his friend, who was watching the other men closely as Duo stuck his head in the engine of Trowa’s car, shaking his head in response to something Zechs said. “I trust them,” he said simply, aware it was a leap for him to trust anyone. “Neither one of them has lied to me or tried to hide things.”

“Are you going to ask Duo the details of his life before you become seriously involved with him?”

“Heero, we’re friends. I don’t think he’s attracted to other men. He’s lived with Zechs for years and never shown any interest.”

“You want him to be attracted to you. You want to know him better.”

When Duo turned, eyes meeting Trowa’s with a soft smile on his face, Trowa knew there was no reason to deny it. “I want to know him better. I want to know Zechs better. They’re nice people.”

Hearing a snort, he glanced over to find Heero lifting an eyebrow at him, telling him Heero was aware he wanted to know the two men in different ways. Nothing was said about it and as they neared the car, Heero surprised him, “I like them. It’s easy to see they both enjoy life. Neither of us is very good at doing that.”

Within speaking distance, Zechs immediately got Heero’s attention, “You going to the ball on Saturday?”

“Odin has informed me I am to attend, as requested by Relena.”

“Odin is Heero’s father. He refers to his parents by their first names,” Trowa explained when Duo gave him a confused expression, receiving a grateful look at the explanation.

“We have to be there early to help make sure things are in order. You want to ride with us?” Zechs nodded at Trowa, “You’re included in that, by the way…or the two of you can come later and make a grand entrance.”

“By going with us you’ll be able to avoid entering with an announcement,” Duo supplied with a grin. “Also, since we’ll be there at the very beginning, we can sneak away early, like usual.”

Lifting his eyebrows at Heero, Trowa shrugged, “I think going with them is the best idea. You’re always complaining about how you have to stay late.”

“If you want, we can help you avoid Relena,” Zechs offered with a smug expression.

This got Heero’s attention, “How?”

“She has a routine she follows for every ball, certain areas she goes to at a specified time,” Zechs offered. “Duo and I both know the routine and can keep you away from the areas she’ll be in. She’ll be baffled how she keeps missing you, but finding one particular person at these things is almost impossible.”

“Unless their arrival is announced to the whole crowd,” added Duo.

“She does find me minutes after I arrive,” mumbled Heero with a frown. “Are you sure you can keep her from finding me?”

Zechs blue eyes were twinkling in a way that caused Trowa to worry, “I won’t leave your side the entire night.”

“Zechs, did you forget you already have a date?” Duo sighed. “Then again, I haven’t heard from Wufei since I called and left him a message.”

Already seeing where this was going, Trowa helpfully held his cellphone out to Duo, growling when Duo glanced at his hands. “Grease doesn’t bother me. Call your friend and see if he’s going or not. If he is, you and I will keep Heero and Relena apart, okay?”

Leaning on the car with his arms crossed over his chest, the blonde smiled at Heero. “What do you say, Heero? Would you rather spend an evening in my company, or Relena’s?”

Trowa hid a smile when his friend’s eyes widened abruptly, “Make the call.”



Parking his car in his own driveway, Trowa turned off the engine and just sat for a moment, unsurprised to find his vehicle working better than it had when he had purchased it. Finally, he gave his best friend a smile, “You went to see if Duo met your requirements and ended up with a date for the ball, a male date.” He shook his head as he got out of the car, “If Relena finds out about this, she’s going to kill Zechs.”

“I was never interested in her that way. I’ve tried to tell her, but she doesn’t listen. I’ve never been interested in any woman that way,” Heero admitted softly as Trowa unlocked the front door.

“You think you’re gay?”

“Why so surprised? You are.”

Waving a hand, Trowa tried to explain, “Why didn’t you say anything sooner? Afraid I’d try something?”

The baffled expression on Heero’s face proved he hadn’t thought of it. “I didn’t say anything because I wasn’t sure.”

“But you’re sure now?” Trowa had a pretty good idea of what had peaked Heero’s curiosity and wondered if he should warn his friend of Zechs’ reputation.

“He, Zechs, said some things that made me…” the other man blushed, prussian eyes focusing on the wall.

“What you heard excited you,” supplied Trowa helpfully. When Heero nodded, the tall man retrieved two beers from the fridge, not surprised that the other man had followed him into the kitchen. “So you were excited by what you heard in a way you never have been with a woman. I understand you wanting to experiment, Heero, but Zechs is an accomplished lover. From what Duo’s said, he’s never been turned down by anyone he wants,” except Duo, but Trowa didn’t say that since it wasn’t significant.

“It seems like the best way to make sure, Trowa. I want to feel what other people feel. Do you believe it would be better to try with someone that knows what they are doing or wait until I find someone as inexperienced as I am so we both learn at the same time?” Heero winced. “I may not know much, but that sounds like it could be painful.”

Even to Trowa, the reasoning made sense. Recalling his own first time with a man that had no idea what he was doing, Trowa admitted Heero had a good point, yet still offered a warning, “I ask you that make sure it’s what you want and that you realize ahead of time there may not be anything else from Zechs. He doesn’t have a reputation for staying with anyone for long.”

The other man stunned him by laughing, “I already knew that. Relena is always saying he needs to find someone and settle down. I’m well aware of his reputation, Trowa. You never know, I might decide I’m done with him first.” Finishing his beer quickly, Heero rose to leave. “I see why you like Duo. I hope everything works out the way you want.”

After his friend left, Trowa stared out the window at the house next door. Thinking of Heero’s willingness to be seduced, he began to laugh, “I hope we have separate ways to get home,” he mused as he went up the stairs to take a shower and get out of his wet clothes. “I have a feeling riding home with those two is going to be interesting.”